Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2021 09:38:10 -0400
From: Eric Murphey <ericmurphey1971@gmail.com>
Subject: Transitions Joeys Journey Section 4 Gay adult youth

I want to thank the people who sent me emails on the last
section.  Emails are what keep an author on nifty motivated to write.
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I wish you all peace, love and good happiness.
Eric

Joeys Journey

Section four


Eric wakes to the phone beeping at him at six am. Which he used to be
used to. But, with all the travel lately his internal clock is a bit
wonky.

"Come on guys we got to get up. We dont have time to dawdle. We have to
get to the airport by 8. It takes a while to get there. So we need to get
a move on.

"Dad cant we sleep a little longer?" Joey covers his face with the
pillow.

"You said you would rather pack in the morning then last night. So um
no." Eric says jerking the pillow from his face.

Joey smirks at him.

"Yeah well, I should have done it the other way."
"You will know for next time. Which will be pretty soon. Now get to
moving." The boys do as they are asked and get their things packed up.
They set it all by the door and as is customary. Eric and the boys double
check to make sure htey didnt forget anything. Nothing like being a
million miles from somehwere and you left your phone charger. They get
everything down and they get in the nondecript SUV and head to the
airport. Once they arrive the crew grabs their luggage and they board the
plane. Then take what is becoing their regular seats. Odd to most to have
a regular seat on a private plane. But, they atually have their things in
sections and leave some of it behind when tehy go to the hotel. The
flight crew assured them it was fine. Once they board the flight
attendants changed Eric figures they rotate. He hasnt asked. The head
attendant anounces in a heavy French accent that for breakfast once they
are airborne will be served and they will be having crepe suzettes or
eggs benidict.

Eric cant decide so he has both. He has the crepes with strawberries. The
boys all went with crepes with Nutella and sliced strawberries. After
they had their breakfast they decided to watch a movie as the plane has
several to choose from or they can stream it off the internet. Once they
watch it Joey asks Eric.

"Dad what time will it be when we get to London?"
"Where?"
"In London silly."
"OH well London is five hours ahead of us. We left at nine am so it would
be 2 in the afternoon there. It takes seven hours give or take to fly so
around 9 at night."
"What time in is it we are used to?"
"Four in the afternoon."
"Dad thats confusing."
"Worlds is a big place. Cant all be on teh same time. Then it would be
confusing."
They sit and play a few games then the flight attendant makes them a nice
lunch. They eat and doze off and on for a while. Eric sits in his little
area he has claimed of the plane and is reading. Alejadnro walks over in
a half sleep daze and climbs up next to Eric and leans into him. Eric
puts his arm around him and Alejandro snuggles in and is back to sleep in
seconds. Before they know it they are approaching Heathrow for landing.
It only took twenty eight years. Joey said as they landed. When they land
they step off the plane and its drizzling. Eric thinks sure never been
here before may as well live up to the reputation. They disembark and are
loaded into a waiting limosine and are whisked to the hotel. When they
get there the throng of tweens is there again. Joey just is amazed at how
people think he is great. I mean lots of peopel are great and dont get
recognized for it. He is just Joey nothing really speacial about him he
thinks. As they are entering the hotel a girl of about 10 breaks through
the line and races up to Joey. She puts a red nose inhis hand and kisses
his cheek.

"Happy Red Nose Day tomorrow."
Someone grabs her and pulls her away.

"Wait. Whats red nose day?" He asks after the girl being taken away from
him.

He looks at the nose in his hand with curiosity.
"How silly." He thinks and puts it in his pocket when he walks into the
lobby. They are taken to their suite and they get settled in.

"Guys Im pretty hungry its about 5 at home. You hungry?"
Tran as is expected says.

"Im starved."
Eric smiles thinking how sick he once was to the regular garbage disposal
teen boy he has become. The others say yes they would like something as
well.

"I say since we are in England we do as the English. FIsh and chips."
Eric suggests.

"Sounds good Ba."
So thats what he does. He calls room service and they say they are closed
for the evening.

"Well, crap we cant go out now can we?" Eric says looking down and seeing
a still large group of tweens below that wouldnt mean to but, would tear
Joey apart.

"Why dont you call the surge?" Alejadnro suggests.

"The what?" Eric asks.

"You know the surge. Like when we was in New York and wanted to go to the
Empire State building you called the surge and he fixed it."
"Oh concierge."
"Sure thats him." Alejandor say ssmiling.

"Good idea buddy." Eric says rubbing his head and using the hosue phone.

So Eric calls the "surge" and orders some fish and chips to be delivered.
They understood the need and he said he would have someone on it
immediatly. Tran watched out the window and saw a hotel employee walk to
the fish shop on the other side of the road and walk back with a couple
big bags in his hands. Tran says.

"Hes coming."
Eric grabs his wallet grabs out some Brittish Pounds he had gotten for
things like this. He also got cash for every conutry they will visit. Its
wasnt hard he had the bank do it for him. Actually his assistant had the
bank do it for him. When the young man of about 20 knocks Eric ushers him
in.

"Your a real life saver. We apprecaite you." Eric say and hands the young
man two fifty pound notes.

"Sir thats too much."
"Nonsense. You saw those tweens down there. No way could any of us had
dreamed of getting some dinner. We are starving too."
The young man takes it.

"Thanks." He says with a smile. He sees Joey playing with the nose.

"Ah so your ready for red nose day. I got mine too." He says taing it
from his pocket and putting it on, with a big goofy grin making the boys
and Eric laugh.

"Um sorry Im kinda new here. But, what is red nose day."
He gets a serious look on his face.

"Ah red nose day then. Its a charity started by comic relief. It raises
money to help impoverished children all over the UK and in other parts of
the world. So once a year we all wear red noses in support of helping the
children and raise money and awareness."
"Cool." Joey says and puts on the nose.

"You think you can get me one?" Alejadnro asks.

"Yeah we are always for helping children." Eric says.

"Think you can get some for all of us?" Eric says smiling.

"It'd be my pleasure. I will be back in a jiff." He says and leaves the
room. Eric and the boys starved as they think they are tear into the fish
and chips.

"Wow poppi this is great."
"Yeah Ba its terrific.'
"Mphh." Joey says through a mouthfull of fish.

"Its pretty tasty indeed." Eric says as he enjoys it. Once they are done
they clean their mess up. Eric starts to put the leftovers in the fridge.
It was one piece of fish. He shrugs and eats it. As he is chewing he
hears a knock at the door. He peeps through the hole and sees its the
young amn from earlier. Eric opens the door and lets him in.

"I got three more for you."
"Gee thanks." Alejadnro says and hugs the young man. Who has no idea how
to react. So he just puts his hand on his back and pats him lightly.

The boys get the noses and Eric hands the young man another 100 pounds.

"I really cant sir."
"How about this. You take it put it in your pocket and then donate it for
us later. Hows that?"
"Sure I would be delighted." He says smiling.

"Thank you again."
"If you need anything else sir just let me know."
"Sure thing."
They let him out and the boys and Eric take long hot showers to relax
from the flight and release any tension they had built up. Once they are
done Eric gives each boy a rub down to help them relax more. Seeing as
how its still kind of early for them in their minds they need to get to
sleep soon to start their day on the London schedule.

Eric makes some sleepy time tea and they all have some and head to bed.
They all sleep pretty well. Just it took them a while to get there. When
they wake up they have to get ready as Joey has an appearance on a BBC
morning program to promote the show. So they wake and get ready.
Alejandro starts giggling.

"Whats funny buddy?" Eric asks.

I was just thinking what I would sound like with an accent like people
here."
"You would sound like your from here." Tran says.

Aleajdnro starts speaking spanish with an English accent. Eric is rolling
from it. Once he composes himself he tells them they need to get going.
Alejandro still speaking Spanish with an English accent to Eric. Who is
chuckling at him and answering back in regular english. They get to the
lobby and step off the elevator and are walkign by a boy reading a
graphic novel. He starts chuckling and answers Alejadnro in his normal
English accented English.

"Thats rather clever you." The boy says to Alejadnro.

"Thanks." The groups stops to talk a minute to the boy.

"Im Alejadnro." He says holding out his hand to shake."
"I know. Im Liam."
"Pleased to meet ya."
"My brother met you all last night?" He says.

"Oh?"
"Yeah he brought you fish and noses."
"Cool he is nice." Alejadnro says.

"Sorry Liam. But, we must be going. If you like come by the room later.
You and the boys can talk then."
"I might do just that." He says smiling at Eric.

"Good. The boys need some friends around the world."


They go once again through a throng of tweens and head to the BBC. Once
they arrive there it is more of the same. Its just the price Joey has to
pay for being him.

Once they get in they are all ushered to makup and are told they see how
it always works they all end up on camera somehow. So they are just
having them all come out after Joey sings a song. Eric is informed they
will all be compensted properly for their appearance.

Eric shrugs and doesnt think much of it. Tran is thinking of a new train
set. He saw the coolest Z scale and is thinking he can put it on a little
track above his bed. Like Ba has the HO scale at the McDonalds. Alejandro
is thinking he will get Cindy a present with it. He likes getting her
presents and this could be a really good one. Like a necklace or
something. Eric is thinking still about the Spanish and English accent.
Joey is escorted to the stage and he performs his song. He walks over and
the host shakes his hand. He laughs and says.

"We have seen how your family works. So we just are bringing them all
out."
The guys all walk out and sit down with Joey. They all reach in their
pockets and pull out the noses and put them on.

"Ah I see you know about Red Nose Day." The host says smiling.

"It sounds like a great thing to be a part of. So the boys all decided we
would join in helping raise funds as well."
"We apprecaite that."
Eric smiles.

"Yeah I am donating all my profits from merhcandise sales tonight to it."
Joey says. "We think it will raise a million umm. What is it dad?"
"Pounds Joey."
"Yeah a million pounds dad says thats like a million and a half dollars.
So it will help a lot of boys and girls we think."
"Thats very generous of you." The host says.

"It ain't nothing. I already got more money then most peoplpe make in
their lives. So like dad says. The only reason to make lots of money is
to help other people. Besides if I go broke Dads got loads of money too."
"I suppose thats one way to look at it."
"Its the only way. Before I met dad it might be days before I ate
anything. I know what its like to be hungry. It sucks big time. You ever
been hungry and not have nothing to eat?"
"I cant say as I have no."
"Maybe try skipping a couple meals or something to feel what its like. I
bet if everybody did that and knew what it was like for these boys and
girls trying to fill up their bellies with water to fight off the hunger
pains so they can get to sleep they would come off a few more dollars. Or
pounds i guess."
"Yeah its sucks being hungry. Before poppi a lot of the time Joey was the
only one that would feed me. And he had to share what little bit he had.
So yeah people help out the boys and girls. In our world there is no
reason any child should ever be hungry. We got enough food. Its just
getting it to them." Alejadnro adds.

"Yeah when we go to the store in America there are shelves stuffed with
food. We know its the same here. Seems utterly ridiculous for a child to
be hungry when we got all that." Tran says.

"I couldnt agree more." The host says. "So lets raise some money to help
these children. Joey has donated a days work I believe I will do the
same. I will donate a days salary to end child poverty. I challenge each
and every one of you to do the same. So Joey do you and your family have
any plans to see anything while in London?
"Oh yes we want to see a lot of things. But, I cant say what becasue
people will show up and wont let us in. Its kind of hard being famous and
doing stuff."
"I can imagine."
"Your famous."
"Yes but, not to your magnitude. Usually I just get. Hey shite for brains
you got the weather wrong." The host smiles.

"Shouldnt be too hard it only has rained since I have been here."
The host laughs at this.

"Yes it has been a bit dreary of late. Well, Joey and your family. I have
enjoyed our interview very much. Whenever you are back in London please
feel free to stop by. Have fun at your show tonight."
"I will and thanks."
With the interview over the car took them to Buckingham palace. Eric had
always wanted to see the changing of the guards. The boys and Eric were
all impressed at the precision of the guards movements. It was truly
enjoyable to watch. Eric heard a few whispers of. Isnt that Joey
Murphey?" And decided to get out before it got to be overwhelming. Which
it can gert very quickly in the day of cell phones. Joey and the boys all
signed a few autographs before they headed back to the hotel. Eric found
it amusing one little girl wanted his. It was his first time being asked
and he said. "But, sweetie Im just a no body. Joey is the famous one."
"Yeah but, your his dad and your famous too. I see you everywhere."
He smiled and signed for her.

They got back to the hotel and Alejandro saw the boy still sitting there
reading a manga book.

"Must be pretty interesting if your still reading it?"
"Yeah its really cool. Its called Attack On Titan. Its about this group
of young adults who are fighting Titans. They keep trying to break in to
where humans live and eat them. Its really exciting and the art is really
good too. There are 32 books in the seires so far and I have read them
all."
"Sounds cool."
"Want to read one?"
"Sure."
The boy takes out book one and hands it to Alejadnro. I know you guys
will leave soon so you dont have to give it back."
"Oh no that wouldnt be right. I will get it back to you." Alejadnro says
smiling.

"Alejadnro why dont you invite your friend up to the room. We are just
going to watch some TV or something before Joey has to get ready for the
show tonight."
"Yeah why dont you come up."
"If your sure its alright?" He looks to Eric.

"Sure its OK. Just let your brother know where you are. We dont want him
worrying."
"Cool." He says and goes to find his brother. They wait for him as the
security at the elevator wouldnt let him up without them. He is back a
minute later and grabs his book bag and they head to the room. When they
enter the Liam looks around and gasps.

"Wow this is super cool. Look at the view from up here." He says going to
the window.

"Yeah its pretty cool." Alejandro says. Him not really caring about the
view anymore as he is now a world traveler and has seen it all. Ha.

"So tell me a bit about yourself young man." Eric says.

"Well, my names Liam. Im 11 years old. I am about to graduate as you
yanks call high school and go to college in the fall. Im kind of smart."
"Sounds to me like you are more then kind of smart." Eric states.

"See Joey what can be done. You hate school if you focused like Liam here
you could be done in a couple years."
"Yeah right." Joey says and rolls his eyes at Eric.

"So what do you want to study?"
"I like maths a lot. So I think I am going to study quantum physics."
"Wow thats a heavy subject. I cant even begin to comprehend it." Eric
says impressed.

"Oh its really easy." Liam says and proceeds to show them some equations
he is working on. Confusing the shit out of all of them.

"See its easy." He say swhen he is done.

"Uhuh. I think I will stick with the graphic novels." Alejadnro says
smiling.

"Well its easy for me I guess."
They all sit around and chat a bit while the boys get to know each other.
The boys all head to one of the bedrooms to play and Eric is left alone
to watch TV by himself. He doesnt mind it at all. He is watching an
episode of Downton Abbey he loves and falls asleep in front of the TV.
Later to be awakend by someone shaking him awake.

"Dad were hungry. Can we go out to eat?"
Eric sleepily says.

"No we cant because of the crowds. But we can order in. What are you boys
feeling like?"
"Fried chicken." Alejadnro says.

"Buddy Im not sure we can get that here."
"Sure you can. KFC is one of the biggest chains in England." Liam states.

"Really I had no idea."
"Yep sure is. I can order it on my app if you want."
"No thats OK I think I can handle it."
"OK." Liam says looking down.

"I suppose I could have you do it."
"Cool it wil give me enough points for a free meal next time." He says
smiling.

"Exceleent." Eric says and orders the meal and puts it on his card. He
adds a genrous tip as well on top of it. Eric is busy trying to wake up
and the boys are sitting around him. Alejandro on his lap of course.
Playing with Erics fingers. The boys are chatting about something new
Eric has no idea what they are tralking about. Some game he thinks. He
isnt exactlly sure.
"Buddy get me a water." Eric asks Alejandro. Who races to the mini fridge
and grabs one for him and is back in a flash, and a smile on his face.

"Thank you." Eric says and kisses his cheek.

Eric opens the bottle and drinks nearly all of it in one pull. He is so
thirsty he thinks. All the air conditioning from the plane he thinks. He
finishes the water in the next drink. He tosses the bottle in the garbage
can next to the couch. In short order the food arrives and they all tear
into it. Liam isnt shy about it either. Good a typical boy. Eric thinks.
Its what the boys need is normal people around them. Not all the star
fuckers. Not meaing they want to fuck them. Though some do he is sure.
Just they are around becasue they are famous. Liam isnt that interested
in them being famous. He is interseted it seems in just having some
buddies. When they get done eating Eric anounces its time they all get
ready for the concert.

"I guess I better be going then."" Liam says.

"Why? Arent you coming with us?" Alejadnro asks.

"I dont know if I can."
"You better ask I guess." Eric says.

Liam calls his brother to ask. It takes a few minutes of talking but, he
is good to go too. Erics boys have all gone to change and Liam sees them
when they walk out.

"Wow you guys look sexy." He says.

"Thank you." Alejadnro says twirling and making the tails on his tux
flare out.

Eric walks back out dresssed as well and sees Alejadnro in the tux.
"You arent singing to me again are you?"
"No poppi we told you we had something else planned."
"Does it involve me being embarassed?"
"No silly." Alejandro says giggling.

"Then what is it?"
"Brothers secret." He says acting like he is locking his lips with an
imaginary key.

Eric rolls his eyes.

"Fine."
"You will like it poppi. I promise."
"I believe I will. I liked the other even though a billion people saw me
crying."
"Yeah but they were happy tears."
"That they were."
"Hey Liam I bet you and Tran are about the same size. Go and see if he
has a suit you might fit into."
"Are you sure. I mean I might spill something on it."
"If you dont it will be the first time it hasnt had something spilled on
it."
Liam goes in and Tran comes out a few minutes later.

"Ba hes too little for my things. But, I bet he might fit into one of
Joeys."
"You think?"
"Yeah he is little. Not like Alejandro little but, little."
"Im not little."
"You aint't big."
"Hrumph." Alejadnro says crossing hsi arms. Becasue he knows he is little
and will never win the battle. He is the smallest in his class and the
smallest at the house. Well, now with Mathew he isnt. But, the smallest
Murphey boy anyway. But, being the littlest has its advantages. he
thinks. Poppi never says to slip off his lap Im too heavy like he does
with the other two. Besides I like me any size I am.

Liam comes back out a few minutes later wearing one of Joeys suits they
got for him in case he grew. He did just not that much. But, it fits Liam
like it was custom made for him. He looks spiffy. His shaggy brown hair
and green eyes.

"You think I look OK?"

"Why dont you judge for yourself." Eric says pointing to a long wall
mirror.

Liam walks over to it and looks and turns half way then the other way.

"I look pretty nice I think."
"You look amazing is what you look. I would have never imagined such a
handsome boy was higing under all those baggy clothes." Eric says making
Liam smile.

"You think Im handsome."
"Absolutely." Eric says making Liam blush. "Alejadnro do your magic on
his hair."
They have found out that Alejadnro has a talent for making anyones hair
look the best it can look. He has Liam sit in a chair and goes and gets
some product from the bathroom. The boy has more product then most girls.
Eric doesnt mind. He encourages the boys to take pride in themselves.
Becasue they had never been allowed to in their past lives. He combs out
his hair and he uses a bit of product and the transformation between
handome and breathtaking happens.

Liam looks in the mirror when Alejadnro is done and just smiles at what
he sees.

"It dont even look like me."
"Its you buddy. Just needed my boys to spruce you up a bit. Now come on
we got to get going."

They all head to the elevator and down to the waiting limo to take them
to the stadium. On the way out one of the girls notices Liam.

"Liam what are you doing?" She screams so she can be heard.

"Going to the concert with my friends." He says grinning.

When they get into the car and it takes off slowly as not to run over
anyone Tran asks.

"Whose the girl?"
"Shes my neighbor. She thinks im a nerd. I dont care though. She said she
would never kiss anyone like me. I told her I didnt want any girls
kissing me anyway." He says very matter of fact.

"Me niether." Tran adds in smiling knowing he has found another boy thats
gay. Not like his brothers who do it becasue it feels good. But, an
honest to goodness gay boy. He is sure he has met some before. But, at
his age people dont talk about that. If you do you might get beat up. No
one wants that. Once they arrive at the venue they race inside. Once they
get in Liam is kind of staggering.

"You alright Liam?" Alejandro asks.

"Yeah its just gosh with all the flashes. How can you guys see?"
"You get used to it. Just takes a while." He answers and Tran takes his
hand.

"Here I will help you get around." Tran says smiling.

Liam blushes. Eric is thinking. Tran has a boyfrined. Tran has a bofriend
in a sing song elementry voice. Outwardly he smiles and rubs Trans head.
They are lead to the backstage area and then to the dressing room. They
all go in and Eric isnt the least bit surprised that all four of the boys
go straight to the food. He just shakes his head and thinks. It hasnt
even been half an hour and they filled themselves. He walks over and
grabs a slice of cheese cake. He thinks screw it. Im not perfect. After a
short while Joey is led to the side of the stage. Eric and the boys
follow to enjoy watching from the side of the stage as Joey performs.
After Joey is introduced and has sang a few songs He sees Alejandro
speaking to one of the stage people. They have a laptop and are doing
something. It looks like a video call or something. A boom on stage takes
Erics attention and he realizes its supposed to be there. When Joey sings
his last song he steps off stage and waits a good minute before he goes
back out. The crowd goes wild as he walks back out.

"Gosh thanks London. Its pretty neat you like me so much. I just want to
say thank you for that." To that the crowd goes wild again.

He holds up his hand to silence them. He is getting the hang of this
famous stuff nowadys.

"So anyway. You all know in New York we sang my dad a song right?"
Cheers and mad crazy cheeering.

"Well, we promised dad we wouldnt do that again."
Boos. followed.

"No its all good. We love him and we wanted all of you to know why. We
did that. Now I wont be singing the last song again. Well. a litele bit
of it. Welcome my brother Alejandro to the stage."
Aleajnadro walks out and the crowd goes crazy wild. Alejandro just waves
and smiles as he walks out. Joey hands him the microphone.

"Hello London its really cool being here in your country. Thanks for
having us."
The crowd eats it up.

"Anyway as you guys probally know Im a Mexiacn American. Not sure how
never been to Mexico. But, my family is from there. Well, not this
family. Not my real family. Oh shoot. Anyway the reason I needed to say
this is becasue of the song we chose is La Bamba. Its a fun song to sing
and I hope that if you know it you will sing along with me. Also we have
a very special guest joining us all the way from Argentina via satelite
our very good friend Danny." Alejadnro lifts his hand and the huge screen
behind him lights up with Danny holding a guitar.

"Hey Danny How ya doing?" Alejaadnro asks in Spanish.

"I doing real good." He says in English. I learning English from Eric. I
no good yet. But, I get there soon." He says smiling.

"You sound pretty good." Aleajdnro replies.

"Thanks."
"You ready?"
"Si."
"Uno. Dos. TRES!!!!" Alejadnro screams and Danny begins the notes we all
know so well.

Alejadnro starts to sing when its time and he is moving around the stage
and really having a lot of fun with it. His voice is so high and perfect.
Then he gets to the part.

I am not a sailor Im the captian. He growls out the words in a gruffy
voice Eric is surprised to hear. It sounds really good. Alejadnro for
that matter sounds really good. Once they finish Joey asks Danny to play
a song for the crowd.

He chooses Boom Boom an old John Lee Hooker song.

The crowd loves it and is dancing around with each other. When it ends
Joey says to the crowd.

"Good Night everyone. I hope you enjoyed the show. But, I got to get to
bed Im going to Berlin tomorrow."
He recieves cheers and laughter.

They left the stadium quickly and were whisked back to the hotel. There
was no time wasted to allow people to gain access to them. They get up to
their suite and settle on the couch.

Liam speaks first.

"I have never had so much fun in my life."
"Yeah its fun. But, I dont like it enough to do it all the time. I like
how dad set it up to only do a few concerts per album. I wouldnt want to
do this for like all year. It would get boring. This way ts fun."
They all chat a few minutes and Eric hears a knock at the door. He
wonders who it could be and in walks Liams brother.

"Did you have a good time?"
"The best ever." He starts to tell him.

"Tell me when we get going. Now go get changed back to your clothes we
need to get going."
"He can have the suit. I got tons. That one dont even fit me anyway. So
it wont do me no good. That and he looks real good in it."
"We couldnt it cost you guys a fortune Im sure."
"No the record company bought it. So really Liam if you want it. Please
take it. Joey will probablly never wear it if you dont. So its better it
gets some use then none at all."
"True, and thanks." He says beeming. He goes and gathers his things and
he and his brother head to their home. Liam beaming as they leave. Such a
change from the quiet young lad Eric met at first. His boys tend to do
that to people. Draw them out of thier shells and have fun.

They all shower and head to bed. Becasue they have to get up early and
head to Berlin in the morning.

What a journey this is turning out to be.

Alejandro wakes up first in the morning and he goes to pee. Once he is
done he goes to the kitchen area and grabs a poptart. He heads over to
the full length windows and is looking out at the morning sun shining
down on London. He is munching his poptart and just thinking how much fun
they have been having. Eric walks out and sees him.

"You shouldnt stand naked in the window. Some of Joeys fans have
probablly figured out which window to look into and with you being naked.
It may make a lot of little girls happy."
Alejandro looks at Eric with fear on his face.

"Probablly not. But, its things we have to think about now."
Alejandro races into the bedroom he puts the half eaten pop tart on the
coffee table as he goes. He is back in a flash wearing some boxer breifs
They are yellow with a black strap. Eric thinks the color looks amazing
against his brown skin.

Eric makes himself a cup of coffe in the coffee machine the hotel
provides. He sits down and Alejandro sits on his lap and begins eating
his poptart anew.

"Are you having fun buddy?"
"Yeah its real fun. Kind of scary though when everyone is screaming
trying to get your attention though."
"Yeah it is a little scary."
"Poppi what are we going to do in Berlin?"
"Its a secret you will find out soon enough." Eric says teasing him.

They sit for a little biut enjoying the feeling of each others company
unfortunatley, Eric has to break it up so they can get ready to fly to
Berlin. He goes and wakes the other two boys much to their dislike. Its
the craziest thing Eric thinks. You have to fight to get a boy to go to
sleep. Then fight to wake him up. Once Eric wins the battle they all have
a quick breakfast and Eric walks through and makes certain they have
everything. Once he is certain they head to the basement garage and get
driven to the airport. Once they arrive the crew gets their things loaded
on, and they take their seats. Tran is wiped out still and is asleep
before they even take off. Joey is sitting in his own thoughts and
playing a game on his new phone. Alejandro is usually pretty close by
Eric. But, this morning he is being a little more clingy then usual. Eric
doesnt mind as he enjoys his boys being close to him. The flight crew
makes them all crepes. Which Tran wakes up to eat then is right back to
sleep. The flight is fairly short compared to their trans Atlantic flight
at a bit more then an hour and a half. Once they land in berlin Tran is
wide awake and full of energy. Joey is still not saying much as he is
deep in thought about something. Eric thinks I will have to talk to him
to make sure my little guy is alright. They get out and head to the hotel
and as usual their is a throng of girls and some boys at the hotel
screaming as they go in. As they are walking in Joey sees a little girl
about six standing still holding some flowers mezmerized at seeing Joey
in the flesh. He walks away from the others and straight to her. She is
shocked and smiles when he walks up to her.

"Hello Im Joey and who are you he half shouts at her. Because the crowd
is so loud.

"Im Isabel I really like your music." She says in accented English.

"Thank you. I really like your flowers."
"I got them for you. My mummy grows them and I think they are pretty like
you." She says and blushes. She holds them up and he smiles at her and
takes the flowers. He sniffs them, and smiles at her. Eric has noticed
Joey went to her and is waiting for him to rejoin the group. He looks
over to Eric with a smile. Eric knows what he wants and reaches in his
carry on bag and pulls out a little bag of Joey items. He walks over and
hands them to Joey.

"I want you to have this for the kindness of giving me the flowers. The
flowers are almost as pretty as you are."
Isabel blushes when he says it. He hands her the bag and he reaches in
and takes out a photo he has already signed. He looks to Eric and he
pulls a sharpie from his breast pocket and he personlizes it.

To the Isabel the prettiest girl in Germany. She looksa at it and grins.
He bends down to kiss her cheek then off they go into the hotel. He hears
her scream somethign after him. He doesnt have a clue waht she says as
its in German.

"Ich liebe dich Joey!!!!"
Once they walk into the lobby Joey looks at Eric.

"What did she say to me?"
"She said Ich liebe dich. Its German for I love you. So you will be
hearing that alot."
Joey smiles and they check in and go to the room. They look around and
its so much like all their other suites. Its very nice and posh. But, its
just a hotel room and they are getting pretty used to those. So their is
little exploring just a quick gander around to find out where things are.

"OK boys get ready we are going on a history adventure." Erics says.

"You mean like the Magic School Bus?" Joey asks.

"Yes just like that. Except without the annoying red headed school bus
driver thats the teacher."
They get changed as they were dressed very casual for the flight. The
boys are all wearing basketball shorts and t-shirts.

"I want you boys to dress in suits. I want you ready to go in ten minutes
as thats when we are to meet our car."
The boys race off and are coming back in five minutes later. Alejadnro
and Joey walk out dressed except Eric has to tie their ties.

Tran comes out and looks spectacular.

They head down and get into a waitng Mercedes limo that takes them to the
airport and they are quickly put on a helicopter for a forty minute
flight.

"Dad where are we going somewhere posh?" Joey asks learning the word in
London.

"No we are going somewhere I want to see and think you boys need to see
as well. I think you are all old enough to understand the gravity of
where I am taking you."

They land outside of a small town and are escorted to another Mercedes
limo and a few minutes later pull up in front of Buchenwald Prison camp.

"Now boys I expect nothing but respect from you. This is the Buchenwald
prison camp. Severl thousand people went through this camp before and
during world war two when the Nazis were in power. A lot of people lost
thier lives here so make sure you show the respect that they deserve."
"Sure dad."
"Of course Ba."
Aleajdnro grabs Erics hand as they step out of the car. They see some
tourist groups getting off of busses. A woman about 25 or 30 races over
to them. In heavily accented English she says to Eric.

"I am so pleased to meet you and your family. We can begin the tour now.
I am Freda Cohen."
Eric holds out his hand.

"I am Eric Murphey and these are my boys. Tran, Joey and Alejandro."
She shakes each of tehir hands.

"I know you already it seems. My neice loves your boys."
"How old is she?" Joey asks.

"She is aged nine years."
"Is she as pretty as you?" Joey asks always being the charmer.

"Oh no. She is much prettier." She says smiling.

"Then she must be a model." Joey adds.

They start walking from the car to the gates.

"This is Buchenwald prison camp musuem. The camp was started in 1937 and
was the largest camp on German soil. More then 250,000 people entered
through these gates and sadly over 50,000 never exited alive." She says.

"Boys that is more people then live in our town. Now as we walk through
the gates I want you to imagine what it must have been like for boys your
age to walk through these gates at that time. Imagine the fear they must
have felt. The uncertainlty of what will happen to them next."
They walk through the gates and the boys not saying a word stop under the
arch as they enter and look around at the remains of the camp.

Eric allows a single tear to escape his eye and wipes it away. They
continue on and see the bunks houses where people were crammed in like
sardines. Except sardines are treated better. As they are walking through
they come to a large plexi glass box that is about ten feet cubed. Inside
are toys from the days the camp was in operation.

"These are toys that were taken from the children when they enetered the
camp." Freda says.

Alejadnro walks up to the glass and puts his little brwon hand on it. He
looks in and as he looks at the toys he otherwise would have thought were
pretty neat becasue they are so old. He starts to cry. (I feel it
neccesary to say this is actually at Auschwitz but, I used creative
liscense here to put it in Buchenwald. I have never seen it in person.
But, when i saw a photo of it I cried very hard. Its a very disturbing
picture.)

Eric bends down on his knees next to him and Alejadnro wraps his arms
around Erics neck and holds him tight. He is sobbing now and Eric rubs
his back. It takes a good five minutes for him to calm down. But, he is
still crying.

"Why Poppi. Why did they do these things? Why were they so mean?"
"Buddy it was how the Nazis took power. By spreading fear and telling
people that the Jews and others were why they were in such terrible
shape. After world war 1 Germay was ravaged by a depression and the times
were very hard. People seem to need someone to blame for their troubles.
So Hitler and the Nazis took advantage of peoples fears and ignorance and
that is what can happen when you dont know or dont care. Things started
getting a lot better for Germany after Hitler took over so people
accepted it as truth. Sadly so many people died becasue of it."
"Poppi im scared your Jewish can it happen again?"
"Yes it could. Thats why I donate money to the Anti Defamation league,
and seeveral other groups. They help promote the truth and help people to
remeber the bad things that happned here. Never again is their motto."
"I want to give them some of my allowance poppi. I think its important."
"I think it is too."
Eric picks up Alejadnro and they continue their tour. Once they are done
they head back to the car and Eric gives Miss Freda a check for the camp.
She smiles when she sees how much its for.

"Thank you sir. You dont know how far this will go."
"If you need more feel free to call or email me. I think its vitally
important to have places like this still open to show the horrors of what
can happen when humanity runs amock."
They get back into the car and return to Berlin the same way they came.
All of them are feeling rather stoic on teh return trip thinking of waht
they had seen.

When they get back to the hotel Eric and the boys get into a little more
comfortable clothes. They order room service and enjoy a nice lunch.

"Joey you should try to take a nap. You have a performance tonight." Eric
says.

"Yeah I think I want a nap too." Tran says.

"Buddy are you feeling OK? You sleep a lot but, today it seems a lot more
then usual."
"I feel fine Ba just tired from all the excitement is all."
"Alright. But, you tell me if you start feeling any different. We need to
be cautious the cancer can come back and we need to make sure if it does
we are on top of it."
"I know Ba. I love you." He says and wraps his arms around Eric. They all
decide to take a nap except Eric who starts watching some TV. As he is
watching he gets an odd text from the shows producer.

Let Joey know it is done. Is the entirety of the message.

Eric texts back.

What is done?

Mr Murphey it is a "brothers" secret. I cant tell you.

Eric rolls his eyes. This brothers secret is frustrating him. He
responds.

So long as it doesnt hurt my boys Im OK with secrets.

No harm will happen becasue of this. Its sweet. He follows with a smiling
emoji.

These boys with their secrets are going to drive me mad. Eric thinks.

He dozes off and is awakened by a knock on their door. He groggily walks
to the door to see Joeys manager at the door.

"We need to get going in about an hour sir."
"Sure I will wake the boys and get them ready."
They all get dressed back in their suits and Joey has them all put a
flower that Isabell haad given him in their lapel. It looks really nice
actually. As they are walking out Joey sees her in the crowd again.

He walks over to her and kisses her cheek making her blush.

"You are wearing my flower." She says smiling.

"Yeah I thought they were really pretty and me and my family are wearing
them to show how beautiful people can be. That you gave me such pretty
flowers from your heart. Are you going to the concert?"
"No my mom cant afford it. But, I can watch it at a friends house. We are
having a big party with like 6 girls. We are going to have so much fun."
She says smiling.

"You want to be a hero?"
"Sure how?"
Joey waves Eric over to him. Its very loud and He has to half scream in
Erics ear what he wants. Eric smiles and nods. He gets the managers
attention and tells him what Joey wants. Joey and the boys all get into
the car as the manager talks to Isabelle. They head to the stadium that
is going to be filled to capacity. Over 60,000 people. Joey is ushered in
and he takes off his jacket and tie and goes to the stage for the sound
checks and things they must do before the show. After he is done with
that they have him change into his performace outfit. He looks rather
dapper in it. They are eating some sanwiches that they made from the
buffet when in come 6 little girls led by Isabell. Joey sees her and
smiles instantly putting his sandwich aside. He walks over to her and
hugs her.

"Im so happy you could make it. Who are all your friends?"
She introduces Joey to her friends and the two parents that are
accomanying them.

"I am so happy to meet all of you. Please if you are hungry or thirsty
there is plenty for all of us."
The little girls are all talking to Joey asking a ton of questions. Which
isnt exactlly the easiest thing becasue they hardly speak any English and
the dad that is with them is having to translate. But, all the girls seem
satisfied with the answers Joey gives. After about half an hour Joey has
to get ready to go on stage and he has the girls escorted to their seats
so they can enjoy the show.

Eric and the boys as always now are on the edge of the stage watching as
he is intriduced and he races out on the stage and is greeted by
thundering applause. Eric is glad they all have in ear plugs as its very
loud. Its better to be safe then sorry. How many performers have lost
their hearing after years of loud music. About half way through the
concert Joey starts talking to the crowd. He has one of the men translate
for him.

"Today I met the prettiest girl in all of Germany. She gave me some
flowers that her mom grows and they are almsot as beautiful as her. Her
name is Isabell and her friends and her are right over there. He says and
points to them. I just want to say that its been a lot of fun meeting
people here and I love Germany. Its a lot of fun, and you have tons of
pretty girls."

He goes back to singing after the cameras show the girls on the screen
and they are cheering wildly and waving for the crowd. Joey sings about
six more songs then he gets to the end of the show and the crowd goes
wild. He steps off of the stage and waits about two minutes before
heading back out. He drank nearly a whole bottle of water while he
waited.

"You guys want another song?"
Cheers greet his question.

"Well, as you know after every show I like to do something special.
Tonight is no different. My brother Alejadnro and Tran will join me for
this last song."
Tran and ALejadnro walk out and are handed wireless microphones.

"Hi everybody." Alejadnro says waving at the crowd.

Tran just waves.

"As many of you know. I met my dad when I was stealing. You also know it
was becasue I was hungry and I was jsut stealing enough for something to
eat. Well today is the nine month anniversay of that day. So much has
happned since then. My brother had cancer and is over it now. We are very
happy about that. I have a good family and a great dad who always
encourage and support me. I also always have enough to eat. But, in honor
of my dad I talked to McDonalds Europe and we joined forces to stop
hunger in Germany. So tonight when you all leave you will be able to get
a gift card for 10 Euros. Now you can use it to feed yourself if you
like. But, what I would really like for you to do is if you see someone
on the street that is homeless or someone that looks like they could use
a meal I want you to use it for them. Because it will pass along the love
that my dad has shown to me. So now my brothers and I will sing a song
for you."

Alejandro starts out.

"What the world needs now is love sweet love." Then the music starts
softly behind him. The other boys start singing with him. Its absolutely
beutiful the way their voices mix into one angelic sound. Eric is as
always amazed at his boys show of compassion to others.

"Dad get out here." Joey says to Eric.

Eric strolls out on stage and the crowd goes wild.

When the song is over Joey says to Eric.

"Dad thanks so much for always loving me. Even when Im a jerk."
Eric is so moved he is crying and hugs his boys. The band starts playing
again and the audience is now singing the song. Eric and the boys walk
off stage holding each others hands as they do.

The boys things have aleady been put in t he car by someone and they head
back to the hotel.

"You boys never cease to amaze me. That was a truly buetiful thing you
boys did back there. I am so proud of you boys."
"Yeah I was trying to do it on my own but, I cant spend that much money
without your permission. So I caleld the McDonalds and they donated it
all for us. I think it was really cool of them."
"Yes it was. So you were going to pay for all of it. That would have been
around 600,000 Euros or close to a million dollars."
"So its just money dad. I would rather have no money and peoples bellies
be full. I know what its like to be hungry."
"I know you do buddy. You are a good boy." Eric says hugging him.

The managet is in the car with them.

"You know Alejadnro is a pretty good singer. He could be a star too if he
wanted."
Without a seconds hesitation Alejadnro says.

"Oh no not me. Its fun singing with Joey. But, I dont want to be famous."
"Buddy you already are famous."
"Kind of. But, its different. I just dont want to do all the stuff Joey
has to do. Im happy just being me."
"Its up to you. If you ever change your mind let me know."
"Will do. But, I wont."
"Boys when we get back we are going straight to the airport and going to
Moscow. Seeing as how Joey performs there tomorrow we figured it would be
best if we slept there."
"Poppi how long is the flight this time?"
"Just two and a half hours buddy."
"I think Im tired of planes." Tran says.

"Yeah it will be nice when we get home and can go back to normal." Joey
says.

"It is a lot of fun though." Alejadnro chirps.

"Yes it has been fun hasnt it?"
When they get back they grab their bags and head back down to the car and
go to the airport. They get on the same jet and are quickly in the air.
The flight crew makes some popcorn and they start a movie for the boys.
They show the original Space Jam to the boys. Since they had never seen
it they are very into it. Eric dozes off as he has seen it before. He
feels Joey climbing onto hsi lap as he is dozing and puts his and on his
belly.

"Your a good boy." He mumbles half asleep and kisses hte top of Joeys
head. Then back to sleep in seconds.

Eric wakes up as they are touching down in Moscow. The get off the plane
and head to the hotel here. Once again tehy check in and theire is some
fanfare. But, not nearly as much becasue its so late. Once they get to
tehir room Eric and the boys strip to nothing and are asleep in seconds
as they are all exhausted. The next morning Eric wakes to see the sun
coming up over Moscow. What an amazing site he thinks as he sips his
coffee looking out the window. He is lost in thought when He feels Tran
wrap his arm around his waist.

"What are you thinking about Ba?"
"You see that over there?" Eric says pointing.

"Yeah."
"When I was a boy about your age I saw a military parade from what was
then the Soviet Union. We were enemies then. It was truly frightening as
a boy to see all that military power and think they could use that
against us. It was a scary time in the world. Its not a lot better now.
But, at least we kind of get a long with Russia now."
"I bet it was scary."
"I wish that the world could just get together and realize its OK to be
different. To have different religions and different ideas. Just relax
and let people be people. The thing is that most of the people in the
world just want to have enough to eat, a nice lace to sleep, and could
really care less how someone around the world prays to their god. Or,
that there idea of government is different then theirs. They just want
their family happy and healthy. Its just a few men I suppose and women in
power that make all the tension. I think you boys were right singing we
need love sweet love. Then maybe we can put all the silliness behind us
and stop killing each other for ideals. Just have respect for one
another."
"Yeah Ba. It would be nice. But, I think you look at the world through
rose colored glasses."
"Maybe I do. But, if I do its prettier that way."
"I like your view." Tran says and hugs him tighter.

Once they all get dressed and have some breakfast they are sitting and
just talking about things they are liking and not liking on the tour.
Someone knocks on teh door. Eric is puzzled who it could be as everyone
knows he wanted to spend some alone time with the boys. He answers the
door and a lovely woman is at the door.

In accented English she says to Eric.
"Hello I am Masha Petrov. I am working for President Putin in his office
and he is desiring to meet you and your family. Now if it is convenient
for you." She says smiling.

"Please come in." Eric says with a hand gesture. She enters the room.

"Boys we need to put on our best clothes. We have been invited to meet
the president of Russia. I think it would be rude to say no."
"Wow really thats so cool." Joey says.

"Yeah it is. Go get dressed boys."
It doesnt take them all five minutes to put on their Sunday best and are
ushered out to a government limo and taken to the Kremlin. Once they
arrive they are all in awe of the interior of the building. It is
beautiful. They cone to the office of the presidenta and are escoreted
right in. President Putin is stiing behind a desk and looks up as they
walk in. In nearly flawless English though with an accent he says.

"It is good to finally meet the Murphey family." He says walking from
around his desk and shakes Erics hand.

"Its an honor to meet you sir." Eric says.

Holy crap I am meeting with the president of Russia Eric is thinking.

"I have an ulterior motive for meeting you though. As you know or may not
I keep my private life just that. Private. I dont share details of my
family with the world. As it is not their business and I want my family
to be treated normally. However, today I am going to open up to you a
little and you must keep it secret." He says putting his finger to his
lip the universal sign fof shh.

"Of course sir." Joey says.

He looks to a man standing by a door and nods. The man opens the door and
a pretty little girl walks thorugh the door.

"This is my grand daughter. Iilya she is a big fan of yours and asked me
to see if I can have you meet her. I can not deny my grand daughter
anything and she knows this." He says smiling at her.

She walks over and is in a pretty sun dress her hair is braided in a
lovely pattern and she has babys breath braided in her hair as well.

In her hands is a little red book. She walks over to Joey and says to
him.

"Please May I have your autograph?" She asks holding out the book to him.

He grins.

"Sure Iilya."
He signs his name and puts a littel note how pretty she is. She reads it
and blushes.

"I want to thank you for your time. I know you must be very busy."
President Putin says to them. Eseentially dismissing them.

"Actaully we are just going to swim in the hotel pool this afternoon for
a while before I have to go to the concert. If Illya wants she can join
us and have some lunch with us as well." Joey says. The girls faces
radiates joy at the thought of spending time with her boy crush.

She looks hopefully.

"Please Grandfather."
He smiles at her.

"I cant deny you anything that wont hurt you. But, a detail must go with
you."
"Of course grandfather thank you." She says and runs over to hug him. He
grins as she does. Eric can see the absolute love the man has for her. It
takes a few mnutes to get a security detail togethter But, they are soon
off to the hotel with Illya in tow. She is gleaming and the boys are
asking her all kinds of questions about living in Russia. She is
answering them and they seem to really enjoy the chat they are having.
They get to the hotel and the securtiy detail is in a car in front and
behind. They roll to a stop and Eric sees about 20 people jump out of the
vehicles and form a wall for them to walk through. Pretty nifty he
thinks. Would be nice to have it always like that. They rush them iside
and up to their room. Once the are there she says in shock.

"I dont have a swim suit."
"Im sure the hotel has a gift shop and can send one up." Eric says
assuring her nothing is amiss.

She smiles and hugs him. He is shocked and not that she does.

Eric sees a security person walk out the door. He is back in a few
minutes with a choice of swimsuits for her to choose from. She chooses
one that is a g string and very revealing of her young tight ass. The
boys cant take their eyes off of her 10 year old body as she is lovely.
Even Tran who says he is gay is sporting some wood Eric notices.

They head to the pool area after the security detail clears it for them.
Once they get in Iilya does a few laps and shows skill and grace in the
water. Not to be outdone the boys and Eric start swimming laps next to
her. After about ten laps she stops at the edge of the pool and puts her
hand on the edge. She uses her other to wipe the water from her face
thats dripping off.

"You are all in pretty good shape." She says smiling.

"Yes we swim all the time. Dad was getting fat so we started swimming for
excercise."
She giggles at this.

"So what do you do for fun?"
"I like to volunteer at the orphanage. I meet lots of really intersting
children there. I try to raise money to help them becasue some of them
need new shoes and clothes. Things like that. I tell Grand father of
their needs. He tells me that he is doing the best he can. There just
isnt enough money for everything."
"So what do you do to raise money?"
"Me and my freinds we all have bake sales where we ccok nice treats and
we sell them on the street. Grand father has a fit when I do it. But, he
knows its important to me. So he lets me."
"He seems nice."
"He is if he likes you." She says smiling.

"Yeah I understand that."
They all play and have fun and then the security detail brings them
lunch. They all sit around the table and enjoy the lunch and chat with
each other about just every day things. About their friends. She thinks
its neat tha Alejandro is telling her that he is already got his wife
picked out. That he loves her and they will be married when they graduate
college."
"I hope I find someone as special as your Cindy."
"With as nice as you are I bet you have lots of choices."
"Not because Im pretty?"
"You are pretty thats for sure. But, your really nice too. Thats more
important." Joey says.

"Yeah." Alejadnro agrees.

"If you were as pretty as you are and nasty. Not may people would like
you. So yes kindness is importnat." Tran says to her.

"Yes you are the whole package." Eric says to her making her blush.

Once they are done eating Joeys manager says they need to get ready to
get going to prepare for this evenings show.

They all head back the the room to shower and change back to regular
clothes. Iilya strips in front of the boys. He thinks it may be just
becasue its Russia or becasue she wants to show off her body to them. He
isnt sure. But, he sure notices the boys take notice of her. She walks
into the bathroom and takes a quick shower. The boys go the the other
shower and they get done and get dressed. Iilya is back dressed and
sitting on the couch.

"I wanted to say I had a really nice time with you all today. I hope one
day we can meet again." She say as she stands to hug and kiss each boy.

"It was sure fun meeting you today too. I hope that you keep up your
charity work its really cool."
After that the little girl was gone in a flash.

"Well, that was interesting. I wonder if when we get back they will
debreif us about meeting them?" Eric asks the boys.

"Whats that?" Alejadnro asks.

"Its where they just ask you what you talked about and things like that.
At least I suppose thats what they do. I have never had it happen. I
guess all my information comes from movies. Which may or may not be
accurate." Eric says to them.

"Well, whats to tell. We met the president of Russia. We played with his
grand daughter." Tran says.

"And she is nice." Joey tosses in.

"You just think shes pretty." "Alejandro teased.

"Well, didnt you?"
"Well, yeah."

"Enough about Iilya. Joey you need to get ready."
"Sure dad." He says bouncig out of the room singing the tigger song.

Eric thinks. As grown up as they act. They are still little boys.

Tran and Alejadnro go to change as well. Eric does the same and soon they
are on their way to yet another stadium. Eric is glad this is almost
over. Its a lot of damm work thats for sure. Entertainers earn their
money thats for sure. They long hours are terrible. They get there and
have their dinner together as always. Eric isnt letting that change.
Certain things must remain the same for the boys. It gives them a feeling
of stability. Once they eat he gets a delivery of roses. He reads the
card and smiles.

Thanks for being friends with my special somone.

Your Secret Friend

V.P.

"Who are they from?"
"Our secret friend." Joey says.

"Really? Let me see." Alejandro says reaching for the card.

"Too cool." He says smiling handing it to Tran who reads it then hands it
to Eric.

"Looks like you have more powerful friends then the old man now." Eric
says laughing.

'Dont you forget it next time Im bad." He says laughing.

"Whatever." Eric says laughing back at him.

A knock on the door lets Joey know they are ready. He heads out to the
stage and he gives his usaul amazing performance. Involving the crowd a
lot. Eric asked him why he did that and he said its great fun for
everyone. So there ya have it. When Joey is done he doesnt bother leaving
the stage. He just sits and basks in the glory of fame. Eric can tell he
likes it. But, he doesnt need it. He knows at first it really bothered
him. But, now he realizes he yields a bit of power to persuade people to
help others. He loves that most of all.

The crowd is still cheering and and holds the microphone up to his mouth
and the crowd calms quickly. He motions for a translater to come out to
help him.

"I just want to talk with all of you for a minute. I know that I am a
very lucky boy. I know that I have wealth already that adults will not
make in their lifetimes. Im not bragging I am stating facts. I am not
lucky becasue of my talent. Im not gifted because of all that money. I am
gifted because I am adopted and have a loving home. I have the best dad
in the world. Sorry all you other dads you just will have to try harder
to be as great as mine. I have two great brothers. We all love each other
so much it hurts when we are apart for very long. I spent my day with a
very nice, and very pretty girl here in Moscow. She told me how there is
a need in the orphanges here in Russia for funds. Little boys and girls
need shoes and clothes and toys to play with. So before I invite my
family out. I am going to play my dads favortie song Claude DeBussys
Claire De Lune. While I am playing it I want you to reach down in your
pockets and pull out a little money to help those children. I want you to
know that for every ruble you donate I will match it. So you know Im not
just talking crap up here." He got some laughs after it was interperted.
"So I am going to have the staff come around and collect it as I play.
Thank you I could easily have been one of those children. I am a very
lucky boy."
Joey goes to the piano and starts playing.

"I didnt know he was going to do this. Did you know he was doing this?"
Alejandro asked Tran.

"Not a clue." But, its good."
"Yes it is. Just like you boys." Eric says and pulls them in to him
huggng them sideways. He didnt know but, the cameras cought it and put it
up on the screen. Erics eyes closed as he listens to Joey play. Then
swaying back and forth in unison. The crowd loved it and could truly see
and feel the love Joey was talking about. Becasue they obviouslly didnt
know they were being watched. A lot of tears were shed watching that
moment. Once Joey was done Eric released the boys and Joey shouted into
the mic on the piano.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. My brothers Alejandro and Tran and of course my
dad Mr Eric Murphey."
Eric walks out and he picks Joey up and hugs him.

"Daaad im in a show."
"I know."
"Please put me down dad." Joey pleads.

Eric does and kisses his cheek as he puts him down. Joeys mic is hot and
neither of them know it.

"Dad I got to finnish."
"I know but, Im the dad and I am talking."
Joey buttons his lip and listens.

"I jsut want to tell you how proud I am of you. How you are one of the
most loving and compasionate peopple I have ever met. I am so proud to
call you my son. You are an amazing boy. Thats why you are so adored.
Sure your voice is great. But, its you that people love the most. Do good
with it."

"I will dad." Joey says and grins and hugs Eric. The audience goes insane
at this. As most of them speak some English.

"So what have you boys got cooked up for tonight. I know we are all
waiting with anticipation." Eric says waving his arm at the crowd.

"You guys will love this one. You ready Danny?"
The moitor pops up and its Danny with Eric, in Argentina.

"Hola mi amigos." Danny shouts out.

"Hola." Alejandro shouts back.

Whats was funny is the entire crowd nearly said Hola in return. It was
amazing a Russain crowd speaking Spanish. Both Erics chuckle.

"Good day Eric. I see Joey is doing very well on his tour. We have been
keeping updated here at the farm on the computer. That and he keeps
inviting Danny to perform. Danny is loving it. He thinks its great fun.
So tonight Joey has talked us into doing dueling Banjos. He says that
bluegrass started in Indiana where you are from and he wouldnt hear any
arguement about it. He said then if it isnt from Indiana why do they have
the Blue grass festival in Nashville every year? I couldnt argue with a
former pupil so here we go."
Danny starts out on the guitar. Eric responds back on the banjo. They
play it and the crowd seems to eat it up and are clapping loud and
screaming as they finish.

Alejadnro picks up a microphone and he asks Eric and Danny.

"Did you get the video I sent you?"
"Sure did and I think we got it down pretty good. Thanks for the two days
warning buddy." Eric says laughing.

"Ah your good. I could have sent it this morning."
Witth this Joey is walking back to the piano on stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen Im Alejandro...." He is stopped by cheers.

"I chose this song becasue its special to me. My dad sings it all the
time when he is walking around the house. I honestly dont think he knows
he is doing it half the time. But its called Blue Moon of Kentucky. I
found a version I really like by a man named Earl Scruggs on Youtube. We
are going to try to do it as he did it. Joey you ready?"
Joey nods and starts playing. He is joined in by Alejandro slowly singing
softly and amazingly with a twang. Eric smiles his little Mexican boy
that has a Spanish accent singing with a twang. He loves it though. After
the first chorus Argentine Eric and Danny join in with the guitar and
banjo. The pace is going more quickly and then slows back down again.
Alejadnro working the stage. He is all over it during the fast parts.
Then the slow parts he stops and gazes out at the audience. When the
finale of the song hits they really work it. When the song is over
Aleajndro bows at the applause and races off stage. Eric looks at him and
wonders whats up with that and follows. He chases him into the dressing
room and into the bathroom there.
"Are you OK?"
Alejadnro peeing looks over his shoulder at Eric.

"Sure poppi. I just had to pee really bad."
"Oh my goodness I thought something was wrong."

"All good Poppi. Are we flying out tonight or tomorrow?"
"Tonight Im afraid. But, just think in a few more days we will be at the
farm with your old teacher and all our friends and there will be new ones
to be made too."
"Yeah I cant wait." He says grinning.

"I better head back and get Joey. He will sing all night if I let him."
"Yeah he will."
Eric goes and Joey is on the edge of the stage behind the curtain.

"Dad should I sing another song?"
"No buddy. You have worked hard enough tonight. Besides we have to get to
the airport in a few hours. I want you teo get a shower and cleaned up.
Its a long flight to Tokyo and I dont want to share it with a stinky
boy."
Joey laughs.

They get ushered back to the hotel and they all take a shower and get
their things together.

Joey is looking out the window.

"Dad can we come back here one day. I really would have liked to have
seen more of it. I like when you tell me stories about when you were a
boy. Its nice." Joey says.

"I dont see why not. Seems you have friends in high places so our visa
should zip right through."

""Yeah. We have seen lots of neat places. But, only got to see a glimpse
of things. I want to see more."
"Well, how about next summer we take a vacation and see all the things
you want to see?"
"Before or after the tour?"
"Probablly before. That way you can talk about things you saw on the tv
programs that are always begging you to come on."
"Yeah." He says kind of glum.

"Do you not like going on the shows?"
"Its OK I guess. Dad would you be mad if after i do what I said I would
you know the two more records and concerts and stuff If I didnt want to
do it anymore."
"Of course not buddy. I always wanted this to be your choice. If you want
I will try to get you out of what we already agreed to."
"No that wouldnt be right. I will finish what I said I would. But, I dont
think I want to do it after that."
"Thats just fine with me. Whatever you decide I will be behind you 100
percent. Besides maybe you will change your mind. Manybe not. We have
time."
"Yeah i may. But dad its just really hard. I mean everywhere I go people
want to be near me. I dont know how to explain it. I just want to be
alone sometimes outside. But, I dont think I can do that anymore."
"I think things will calm down some when the tour is over. Not to mention
when we get home. Because most of the peoplet there already know you."
"True. It is easier at home. I mean people come up to me. But, tis
different. Its our neighbors in a way. Not people from far away that I
will never meet again probablly."
"You know I was really very proud of you tonight. I was thinking when you
were talking you had to have helped thousands if not tens of thousands of
children tonight. I remember how excited you were when we did the coat
drive at Christmas and we helped a few hundred children. You are making a
global impact. Its pretty cool really."
He smiles.

"Yeah thats the only resason I think I may keep doing it. I can help lots
more people this way."
"Yes. Lots more then even me."

"You think so?" Joey asks if Eric is beig honest.

"Yes really. You my son have a global impact. I have just a small impact
to what oyu have done. I wonder how many millions of dollars you have
raised for charity this tour. How many people in Germany you fed. My
goodness people listen to you becasue they know its honest and from your
heart. If you dont keep singing you need to focus on becoming a global
fundraiser for charities."
"Maybe. But there are so many good ones. How would I choose?"
"I think you already have."
"Really? What one?"
"Obviously Saint Judes Childrens Research Hospital."Joey smiles.

"Yeah I guess so."
Tran and Alejadnro are done getting washed up and ready to go and pop out
to the living room area.

"So poppi how long are we going to be flying for this time?"
"I dont know. I just know we have to stop once. But, I do know it will be
a long flight."
"Ah boy." Alejadnro sighs. "You now the being here is fun. Its the
getting here that sucks."
"I couldnt agree more." Eric responds.

"Ba can we get some ice cream before we have to go?"
"That does sound pretty good. I will call room service and ask."
Eric goes and asks and they are sending up four servings of ice cream.
When they asked what kind. Eric said whatever is the best and left it at
that.

A few minutes later a knock at their door let them know room service was
there. In comes a handsome young man about 20 pushing a cart.

"I was told to let you know there was a huge arguement in the kitchen
about which ice cream flavor is the best. So we narrowed it down to
three. I know you will really enjoy my favorite the plombir. But, the
chef said you would prefer the creme brulee more. But, the servers said
you are American you will like the chocolate more. So please enjoy."
Eric hands him some rubles.

"Which is your favorite?" Tran asks.

"The plombir. Its this one here."
Tran picks up a spoon and tries it. His eyes light up.

"Its vanilla flavored. Not regular like in America but, like real
flavor."

He tries the chocolate.

"Its nice but, I can get that anytime. He tries the creme Brulee."
"Thats really good too. But, I agree the plombir you called it is the
best."
"Well, I got to see myself."
Eric and the boys all grab a spoon and try them all quickly.

"I like the creme brulee one best." Joey says.

"I like this mans choice." Eric says not remebering the name of it.

"I think your right poppi. It is the best. The others are good. But, this
one is really good." He says taking another bite.

"So you tell them in the kitchen three out of four of us agreed with you.
Thanks for the great choice." Eric says taking another bite and smiling
around his spoon.

"Your welcome sir." He kind of does a quick little bow and exits the
room.

"This is really good. I wish they had like strawberries on it." Alejandro
says. Little does he now thats exactlly what the Soviets used to do. Is
top it with fruit or other toppings.

Once they finish their ice cream. Of course they had to eat it all. Cant
let things go to waste you know. Well except the boys think its OK to
waste lima beans. Eric is not so keen on that idea.

They get their things and head to the airport.

They board the private plane and take tehir seats they have kind of laid
clain to. After so many hours with teh same flight crew tehy are starting
to get to know each other a bit. The crew knows what Eric and the boys
prefer and have extra of it on this flight. For example a shit ton of
Diet Coke for Eric. He seems to be really dry from all teh flying and is
drinking about ten of them a day now. They are in flight in minutes.
Flying private has its privelages. Eric isnt sure how he or the boys will
react when they go back to flying commerical. Because he knows how much
it costs and he isnt gong to pay that kind of money. They all watch part
of the movie the crew put on and are asleep in a few minutes as they are
all bushed from the long day.

Eric wakes when they touch down on their first stop. He looks out the
window ansd its looks beautiful. Even though its storming. Shame they
cant get out and explore. They take back off within an hour and the boys
never woke up. Eric gets another soda and drinks most of it. He sits back
down and turns on his laptop and goes through some emails and thigns from
work he has been neglecting. He sees all the KFC buys have gone smoothly
and the changeover was simple enough. They did have to get rid of a few
managers that for some reason didnt want to work for more money and
better benifits. Or they were just not really cut out for the job in the
first place. But, it was just a few. He reads an email from Eric saying
how much fun they had playing and how they look forward to spending more
time together very soon.

Eric replies he is looking forward of being away from all the noise. Just
to be able to hear nothing will be wonderful. He sends it off and he
dozes back off.

A little while later Eric wakes up and the boys are starting to finally
stir. He isnt complaining about it. They needed a lot of rest.

He is looking out the window and its storming outside. The flight
attendant brings around some juice for them. Then takes their orders for
their breakfast. They have their breakfast.

"We still have a long way to go. Why dont we play some Monopoly to ease
the boredom." Eric suggests.

"Yeah!!" He hears from three very bored boys.

So They all sit at the table and start to play. They are playing and
having a good time when Eric sees a flash outside. He sees the lightening
strike the engine. Its blazing now. The plane falls quickly at least a
thousand feet. The masks fall from the ceiling.

The flight attendant obviouslly terrified but, doing what he was trained
to do helping hte boys put the masks on. Eric got his then helped
Alejadnro.

"Poppi is everything going to be OK?"
Eric not knowing wha tto say says.

"I hope so buddy. I really hope so."
He hears the pilot sending out a mayday message.

Oh this is not good. Eric thinks. He can feel they are still losing
altitude at a fast rate. He looks out the window again and sees the ocean
coing up pretty fast.

The boys all have on their life vests and they are warned to brace for
impact. As the plane slams into the water just before it breaks in two
Eric says.

"Let my boys be OK. Its all I want. Let them be OK."


Now I am not killing them off. I had plans for another story called Swiss
Family Murphey where they are on an island and make the best of what they
have. Then are of course rescued and head to Argentina for that story
line. But, the interst I get from emails has nearly stopped. So I dont
know if you are reading or not. I have another idea for a project called
Just Juan Time. Its a foster boy that turns 18 and he works a job in fast
food. McDonalds Im sure. But, he turns 18 and the state says well.
congrats your 18 get out. SO he gets an apartment and meets his new
neighbor Juan. Juan is 10 and they become fast friends. I will leave it
up to you which story I go with next. Do you want new a new story or
continue with Eric and the Boys. As a writer on nifty it is our drive to
write from emails. As they wane I figure you arent reading. That may or
may not be the case.

Eric

ericmurphey1971@gmail.com