Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2006 16:37:14 -0700 (PDT)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: New Horizons  Chapter Seventeen

All rights reserved.  Other than downloading one copy for personal
enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted by any
means, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author.
As in real life, the sexual themes unfold gradually and are kept to a
realistic level.  Comments on the story are appreciated and may be
addressed to the author, Dwight Wilson, at adm2780@yahoo.com

This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between
males, adult and minor.  As such it is homoerotic, designed for the
entertainment of mature adults.  If you are not of legal age to read such
material, or if the subject matter would create irresolvable personal moral
dilemmas, please exit now


Chapter Seventeen: New Horizons


Daniel was sitting in his office enjoying a rare moment of solitude when
Michael and Barry walked in.  Barry brought a cup of coffee for himself and
one for Daniel.  The three men are shooting the breeze when Roger and two
other members of the review board knock on the door.

"Mr. Dan'l, can we speak with you for a minute?"

"Sure, fellas, come on in."  Why should Daniel expect to get more than a
moment of solitude?

"Sir, it's about Evan.  Last week when we did his review we gave him a
choice of giving him his proper name back or removing the collar.  As a
reward for how well he did in Tallahassee, he got a pass on his regular
swats for last week and this week.  Well, after last week's review we had
asked about how he was doin' with the psychologist.  We thought if he was
doin' good we could stop the swats and close his file.  We think the
question we have now may also have to do with his talkin' to the
psychologist."

"What's the question?"  Daniel is trying to find out exactly what it is the
boys are after.

"Sir, we talked about it and wondered if by leavin' the collar on Evan, he
might be using that as a crutch.  You know ^Å maybe he's doin' what he
supposed to 'cause the board said he had to and the collar is a reminder ^Å
I'm not sure how to say it ^Å like, a reminder that someone else has
control over him and he must do what they say.  That's the way it was with
him.  We're tryin' to help him take control of himself and don't want him
usin' us as a crutch.  If we wanted to punish him, we know a lot better way
than the swats and collar."

"Oh, and what kind of punishment would that be?"  The boys have Daniel
curious.

"Tell him he can't go near TJ."

Daniel and Michael almost choked on their coffee.  All three men were
laughing so hard they couldn't talk.  Barry didn't choke on his coffee, but
he spilled some down the front of his clothes.

"Mr Barry, dress like us and you don't have to worry about messin' up
clothes.  Just make sure you don't burn anything."

Roger's comment to Barry did nothing to calm things down.  Michael motioned
for the boys to stop, he wanted to ask them something as soon as he got a
breath.

"Boys, we heard the rumors about Evan and TJ.  We have a question: who's
doin' who?"

The boys look at one another and grin before answering.  "Well, sir, both
are doin' both from what we hear.  You'd think it was TJ toppin' Evan, but
we hear it's about equal.  Funny thing, Evan was always there for somebody
else's pleasure and TJ never volunteered to bottom, except of course for
the television thing yesterday.  TJ's been fucked plenty of times, but that
was 'cause he had to for food.  We hear he'll just roll right on over for
Evan though.  That's why we think takin' TJ away is good punishment for
Evan."

Daniel laughed so hard he had tears flowing, but seeing the boys enlarge
couldn't help but pick on them.  "Boys, don't look now but all this talk
must be getting' to you too.  All three of you seem to have grown some in
the past couple minutes."

Finally, Michael recovered enough to show some sympathy to the boys.

"Guys, Evan is with the psychologist now.  When they finish I'll pass on
your concerns and let you know what he says."

"Thank you, Dr. Mike."

The boys left Daniel's office.  As soon as they were out the door the men,
watching through a window, saw them break out into laughter themselves and
start a little grab assing.  Each pointing to the enlarging dick of the
other.

Daniel sat back in his chair feeling more relaxed than he had in two or
three days.  They all had a good laugh.  What TJ and Evan were doing was
not the concern.  The big concern was realizing how close Kyle is to TJ,
Daniel wants to be sure the young boy doesn't get hurt.

"Michael, I'll have to talk to TJ to be sure Kyle doesn't get hurt through
all this, but there is another concern.  Have you been able to determine
what will happen with TJ's injured kidney?"

"Daniel, there's little we can do about the kidney.  Nature will allow it
to heal either in part or fully, or it won't.  He can still have a normal
life with one kidney.  I do still run a urinalysis on him periodically to
be sure the kidneys are filtering the way they should.  Right now, I think
he has some function with the damaged kidney, time will tell us the rest."

"Are you checking Evan's leg after his talk session today?"

"Sure am, probably just before supper.  Hopefully, we can remove the hard
cast and give him a removable support unit.  After a couple of weeks with
that he should be fine."

"Good, how about sending TJ in to see me while you have Evan."

"Barry, I'm assuming someone is taking food to Greg.  I'm pissed off with
him. But I don't want him feeling unwanted by not feeding him."

"He's covered; at lunch I sent food over before the boys on kp ate.  We'll
pick up the plate when supper goes over."

***

"Mr. Dan'l? ^Å Dr. Mike said you wanted to see me?"

"TJ ^Å come on in and sit down.  Don't look so worried, you haven't done
anything wrong, at least that I know of.  There's just a couple of matters
I want to discuss with you to get a comfort level."

TJ looked at Daniel with a 'what are you talking about' expression.

"TJ, there's a couple of things happening and I need to know that the boys
involved are alright.  I'm talking to you because you are involved in both
things.  I'm talking about Evan and Kyle."

"Oh, okay.  But, Mr. Dan'l, what's going on?  I don't understand."

"Rumor has it that you and Evan are getting kind of close, some even say
the two of you are becoming 'an item'.  Now, when you boys came to New
Horizon I said I wasn't going to be naive and tell all of you not to have
sex.  Most of you had already tasted the fruit, and usually after the first
taste it's hard to tell somebody that can't have another taste.  The
problem I'm having here is that Evan isn't like you."

"Evan grew up in a world where everything was done both for him and to him.
Whatever someone told him to do he did with a blind faith.  He pretty much
looked at having sex as an expression of love.  Are you with me so far?"

"Yes, sir."

" Well, if you and Evan want to be close friends and sex is part of that,
we regard that as your business.  That's something between you and him.
However, the key is that you are good friends.  There is concern that Evan
may regard the two of you as lovers and if the day comes that you want to
be good friends with someone else, Evan could be hurt and a lot of problems
develop around here.  Your friends would defend you, and his friends would
defend him.  Understand?"

"Yes, sir.  Mr. Dan'l, I won't deny that Evan and me have been foolin'
around, we have.  We're two teenagers with two sets of ragin' hormones; he
likes it and I do, too.  This is the first time he's been able to decide
when he wanted to have sex.  He told me it's a lot better when he makes the
choice and nobody tells him he has to do it."

"Bein' on the streets, of course, I was no virgin when you found us.  But
now, I'm doin' it 'cause I like it, not 'cause I have to so I could buy
food.  Fuckin' for fun is a lot better than fuckin' for money. ^Å.. I'm
sorry, Mr. Dan'l, I shouldn't a said that; but it's true.  I'll talk to
Evan and make sure he knows I just want to be good friends; I'm not
interested in havin' a lover."

"TJ, you guys never cease to amaze me by the maturity you can show
sometimes.  Of course, usually right after you do that, one of you turns
around and pulls some dumb kid' stunt."

"That's cause we are just kids, Mr. Dan'l.  Just because we had to be on
the streets, that doesn't mean we forgot how to have fun."

"Okay, let's talk about Kyle.  You know that little boy worships the ground
you walk on.  You should have seen how lost he was when you were in the
infirmary.  If you remember, he got in the bed with you and you just
tolerated any discomfort he caused.  What you couldn't know is that when
you fell asleep you moaned from the discomfort caused by him moving.  He
knew it, and got out of bed rather than hurt you.  Too bad we couldn't have
gotten that episode with the urinal cup taped; that was his job and he
wasn't about to let any one else help."

"Kyle's quite a little kid, Mr. Dan'l; he's also number one with me.  Evan
and me don't fool around when Kyle is around, he shouldn't be watchin' or
involved.  When Evan and me sleep together I don't go over or he doesn't
come over until we know that Kyle is asleep.  Sometimes, when Evan wants to
^Å uhhhh ^Å. play around(?) I may have Kyle spooned up to me and I let him
stay; Evan has to wait 'til the next day."

"Okay,TJ, I feel better now knowing you have your priorities set and in a
good order.  Right now, you probably need to go find the other set of
ragin' hormones and Kyle, it's about time for supper^Å^Å.  And, TJ ^Å
thanks."

***


Daniel woke up feeling more refreshed than normal.  A quick look said it
was almost day break which meant Barry would soon be brewing a fresh pot of
coffee.  Daniel couldn't say why, but he had this deep down feeling this
would be a good day to fool around with the kids and relax; except for
Greg, of course.  He walked over to the dining hall and noticed four or
five boys walking through the yard with what looked like garden tools, it
was almost too dark to tell.

"Hey, boys, what's up?"  The boys stopped for a moment and looked in
Daniel's direction.

"Startin' the new garden this morning, Mr. Dan'l.  Better to do it before
the sun gets too hot."  Then the boys continued on.

"Garden?"  Daniel thought to himself.  "Surely Rick would have said
something about this starting.  There was talk about expanding the garden
during a staff meeting, but now?"

Daniel was right, the smell of fresh brewed coffee greeted him as he walked
into the dining hall.  Five boys on kp duty were scooting about helping
prepare breakfast.  One of the boys saw Daniel and brought him a cup of
coffee.  Daniel sat and relaxed while watching the boys help get the meal
ready.  He's satisfied the boys had fallen into a schedule so that they
knew what to do and when; this made it easier on everyone.

Michael walked in a few minutes later and joined Daniel.  Before he could
sit one of the boys was headed his way with a cup of coffee.

"Daniel, you're up early.  Couldn't sleep?"

"Michael, it's more like didn't need to sleep.  Woke up early feeling good
and decided not to waste a nice morning.  It's been a long time since I sat
around and watched the sun come up" .  "I had planned on spending time
interacting with the boys, you know, maybe a soccer game or something.  On
the way over here I spotted a group headed out to the garden.  They told me
they were starting the new section this morning; wanted to get going before
the sun got too hot.  Thing that bothers me is I don't remember us saying
we were doing that now."

"Well, if it will help I recall we discussed it and decided to do it
whenever Rick had the equipment and materials available.  Evidently, he's
there and arranged it with the boys."

"I've been working too hard or getting a case of premature senility.
Michael, if anyone is looking for me I'm going to head over to the garden
area and see if I can help.  A little physical work would feel good right
now."

Daniel walked over to the garden area with coffee cup in hand.  He looked
more like a supervisor than a worker, unless carrying a coffee cup can be
considered exercise.  He stood watching the boys work.  They hadn't been
out here more than thirty minutes and all were glistening with sweat.  One
of the older boys was operating the tiller, two others were double checking
measurements.  Daniel stripped out of his shirt and joined the work crew.

"Hey, Mr. Dan'l, it's more comfortable if you just shuck 'em all.  Don't
worry, we won't attack ya."  The boys began to laugh.

"All right, why is it we always get a wise ass in every group?  It's not
that I don't trust you, I figure I can whip anyone one of ya here; so I'll
give it a try."

"Hey, somebody give us some music.  Mr. Dan'l's gonna do a strip tease for
us."

Daniel just looked at the boys and went along with the joke.  Rather than
just stripping down he did a little dance.  The pants were unfastened
slowly, one button at a time and began an ever so slow descent.  When the
pants cleared his butt, the cat calls began again.

"Hey, Mr. Dan'l, nice pair of tighty whities.  Where'd ya find those,
antique shop?"

Rick joined the boys, moving to the front to join the fun when he's spotted
by Daniel.

"Rick, how come you're the only one dressed out here.  If me and the boys
can work like this, why can't you; think you're too good for us?"

Of course, Rick knew that was a challenge and a suggestion.  If working
naked was good enough for the boys, he'd have to do the same as Daniel or
possibly risk alienating some of them.  Rick didn't wait for the music, but
did a straight strip on the spot.

"Rick, what do you do about feeding the boys when they start this early?"

"No sweat, Daniel, Barry makes up a bunch of egg and bacon sandwiches and
sends them out with water and juice.  They'll be here in a few minutes.
Uhhh, Daniel, don't look now but rather than blending in we stick out like
sore thumbs, here.  No one else has any tan lines."

The two men laugh and then join the labor gang.  Within a few minutes both
men are glistening with sweat, just like their charges.  Sure enough, in a
few minutes two of the kp boys come out with a large platter of sandwiches,
juice and water.  They stand watching Rick and Daniel, and joking with a
couple of the work crew, then head back.

It doesn't take long for five hungry teenage boys to consume the
sandwiches; Rick and Daniel consumed their share, also.  Then, it's back to
work.  Shortly, they heard wolf whistles and cat calls; and they weren't
directed at the boys.  Most of the rest of the boys have come out to join
in on the fun of taunting Rick and Daniel.  Danny walked up to Daniel,
looked the man up and down and broke out into hilarious laughter, pointing
to his white stripe.  There was no doubt who was the center of
entertainment.

Daniel dropped his work tools and grabbed the boy, turning him upside down.
Danny screamed and giggled as only a five-year^Öold could.  After swinging
him around and bouncing him up and down a few times, Danny was covered in
Daniel's sweat, at least most of him was.  Daniel put the boy on the ground
head first and let him plop on his back.  Danny was now one very dirty
five-year-old.  Danny grabbed two fist fulls of dirt, ran over to Daniel,
and smeared the dirt over any portion of his body the boy could reach.
This started the melee.

It was a wrestling free-for-all.  Someone was reminding Daniel he claimed
he could whip any of them, but he didn't consider all at once.  When Daniel
was taken down he always took one or two boys with him.  Somewhere during
all this Michael, Mark, Paul and Jeff got into the mix.  Whether they
stripped voluntarily or the boys gave them assistance wasn't known;
everybody was wrestling and playing au natural.  After a while everyone was
either sitting or lying on the ground in a happy state of exhaustion.
Daniel looked around him.

"Boys, I think we made a royal mess out of the new garden."

"Yes, sir, we made a mess of us too."

Daniel looked around at the boys.  Everyone looked like they had been
rolling in a mud bath.  There was no way to hit the showers or pool without
risking clogging something up.  Daniel just began to laugh; joined by the
rest of the guys.

"Okay, guys, think we better find some water hoses and get cleaned off.
Good thing we don't have company coming this morning, I'd have a helluva
time explaining this one."

"No you wouldn't Mr. Dan'l, just tell 'em we're boys being boys."


Daniel's upbeat demeanor was broken when he was told it was almost ten; the
time for the review board to meet for Greg.  As he thought about this he
remembered the boys had asked Michael to talk to Evan's psychologist.

"Michael, did you have the chance to speak with Evan's psychologist?"

"Yeah, Daniel.  He said he was inclined to agree with the boys, although
he's not one hundred percent sure Evan is ready.  He suggested the boys
might try taking the collar away with the understanding that if Evan
back-slides, the collar returns.  The boys have already been told.  What do
you think they should do?"

"I don't know.  Me, I think I would try to push the issue and make Evan
assume responsibility for himself.  If there's a problem, like the doctor
said, we can bring the collar back."

"Roger, Frank, do you know where the rest of the board is?"

"Yes, sir, we're all out here.  Here comes Kevin now."

Kevin appeared with the other two boys.  Daniel signaled for them to join
him.  After a quick discussion about the doctor's advice the boys tell him
what they would like to do; Daniel concurs.  Paul was asked to retrieve a
paddle and collar keys from Daniel's office.  Mark went for Greg.

"Fellas, given our state of uncleanliness at the moment, we're going to
conduct the review board session out here.  Now.  So, if you will step back
a little and let the board line up, we'll get under way as soon as Greg
gets here."

When Greg arrived, Kevin looked around to be sure Evan was also there.  The
session began.

"Greg, can you tell the board and the rest of the boys gathered here why
you are in trouble right now?"

''Cause, I hurt Jamie.  But, I didn't mean to, honest, I swear."

"Is there any other reason that you can think of."

"No sir, not really."

Members of the board, Daniel and several other boys look exasperated.

"Yesterday we told you we hoped you would trust us to do what we believed
to be in your bests interests.  Today, we repeat that wish; we hope you
trust us enough to do what is in your best interest.  The answer you have
given is not satisfactory.  The punishment read out yesterday is that you
would appear before the board every day where we hoped you would give us
the correct answer to our question, and you would receive three swats with
the medium paddle. The board would like to point out the punishment said
answer and swats, not answer or swats.  Greg, bend over and grasp your legs
behind the knees."

Greg, looked to Daniel hoping for intervention.  Daniel nodded for the boy
to do as he's told.  As Greg grasped his legs, Jamie ran up to Daniel.  The
boy had tears flowing, he put his hands on Daniels stomach, and looked up
to him with pleading eyes.

"Please, Mr. Dan'l.  Don't let 'em hurt Greg.  Pleeeaase?"

"Jamie, you don't need to be here, son.  I can't interfere with this.  The
review board set the punishment, and we have to go along with it."

Daniel picked the boy up and looked back to the board.  Kevin saw Daniel
look to them and responded.

"Normally, we draw a name out of the bowl to pick who will administer the
swats.  Given the unusual circumstances of this meeting we can't do that;
Roger has volunteered to administer the three swats today."

Roger walked up behind Greg to administer to the swats.  Daniel tried
talking to Jamie to distract him.  Daniel told Jamie Greg would not get as
many swats as yesterday, but as the swats landed, Jamie cringed and grasped
Daniel's neck.

WHACK!!  "oooohhhh!"

WHACK!!  "ummmmppph"

"Noooooo, Mr. Dan'l, ^Å.. pleeeeease?"

WHACK!!  "oooww!!"

Jamie's pleading and tears only made Daniel more upset with Greg.  Daniel
approached Greg, who had tears flowing down his cheeks.

"Greg, look at Jamie.  I trust you understand how bad this makes all of us
feel?"

Daniel had given the boy another hint where the answer lies; Greg didn't
listen.

"Boys, don't leave here yet.  We have one more item on the agenda.  Evan,
front and center, you have business with the board."

Evan stepped forward, not understanding why he was called before the board.
While Evan stepped up, Daniel asked Rick how much damage they did to the
new garden.  Rick advised the job could be completed in about two hours
with maybe ten boys.  The board was ready to address Evan.

"Evan, the board recently met with Mr. Daniel and other staff members.  On
our request, they spoke with your doctor who has agreed with our
suggestion.  We believe it would not serve any further purpose to
administer additional swats nor for you to continue wearing the collar.
Therefore, this board directs that the collar be removed, the punishment of
swats related to the event are cancelled and your case review is closed.
You are an equal member of the New Horizon project and will be expected to
assume responsibilities for yourself and the success of New Horizon like
the rest of us."

"But ^Å but ^Å I'm not sure that ^Å I mean ^Å maybe we should ^Å."

"Evan, we took these steps because we were concerned you may use that
collar as a crutch or excuse.  You have friends here to help and support
you when needed.  There is staff here to help and support you when needed.
How can that slave collar, the symbol of someone who is not responsible for
himself, be better?"

Evan stood there looking at the board, then to the other boys.  His gaze
stoped on TJ who answered with a smile, and finally to Daniel, who nodded
with a smile.

"Thank you, sir, I'll do my best to do what I'm supposed to."

After removing the collar from Evan, Daniel announces that Rick says the
garden can be repaired and completed after the mornings round of fun in
about two hours with ten workers.  He asked for volunteers and most all the
boys head back to the garden.  He also proposed that after the garden was
finished and everyone had lunch, they organize some sports activities like
soccer and volleyball.

Daniel looked around, feeling very proud of the group, and spotted TJ
giving Evan a hug.  They are holding one another very close and very tight.
Daniel can't help but notice that with the affection they share, each has
something else growing between them.  Daniel turned to join the boys at the
garden.

So many boys volunteered to help with the garden that not only was the
expansion completed quickly, the size was doubled.  When finished the boys
were both sweaty and dirty, including little Danny and Ian.  Daniel stood
looking over the work and felt proud at how the boys jumped in to help
without anyone coercing them.  Again, it was time for the water hoses to
rinse off the sweat and dirt.  As the boys cleaned up Danny walked up to
Daniel and looked up to him with that smile and head cocked over; Daniel
reached down and picked the boy up, cradling him on his hip.  Daniel
cleaned himself and Danny.

Everyone worked hard that morning and as they waited outside the dining
hall, letting themselves drip dry, everyone began to feel the fatigue of
the morning work.  Danny wrapped his arms around Daniel's neck, lay his
head on his shoulder and was almost asleep when Barry sent out the call for
lunch.  The group of teenagers found instant energy when told food was
waiting.

Danny stayed with Daniel during lunch.  He sat in the man's lap with one
arm around Daniel and leaning against him.  Daniel thought it wouldn't take
much to put the boy down for a nap.  As he sat sharing a plate with the
boy, Daniel began to smile and chuckle to himself.  Michael looked over to
him.

"What's so funny, Daniel"

"Us ^Å..  I never thought about putting my clothes back on.  Maybe the boys
have something here.  Running free feels pretty good right now."

All the men were laughing when they realized no one had bothered to get
dressed.  Maybe the boys were right.  The phone rang.  Paul answered and
then handed the phone to Daniel, telling him it was Jon Caruthers.

"Jon, how are you?"

"Just fine, Daniel, and we think you will be too when you our news.  Wait a
moment, I have Betty with me and I'd like to put you on the speaker."

"Sure"

"Daniel, can you here us?"

"I can hear you just fine.  How are you Betty?'

"Great, Daniel, and we have news for you.  Jon will explain."

"Daniel, after you were here we received a huge number of calls about New
Horizon and also about Sean.  Management has told us to give top priority
to assisting you in locating Sean's brother.  Betty and I would like to
come out to see you tomorrow if that's convenient to discuss the details."

"That'd be great.  Why don't you come out a little before noon and you can
join us for lunch?  You'll also have a chance to see what the boys do here.
OH! Uhhh, Jon, there is one thing I think we should let you know up front;
the boys run free here."

"Daniel, this is Betty.  I have nine year old twin boys.  They love to run
free, in fact they prefer it, and I usually let them do it around home and
the neighborhood.  Would you mind if I brought them with me, I think they'd
love it and fit right in?"

"Daniel, Jon, I have a ten year old son that likes running free.  If you
don't mind I'll bring him, too."

"No problem, the boys would enjoy a little extra company.  Usually after
lunch they are spread between the game fields and the pool.  Bring the kids
with you, we look forward to the visit."

"Great, Daniel, we'll see you then tomorrow morning between say 11:00 and
11:30."

Daniel ends the call and tells the staff the news.  They suggest Daniel let
the boys know a lady is coming here tomorrow so they aren't surprised or
embarrassed.  Hopefully, they have been living this way long enough to be
comfortable with themselves.  Daniel decides he should let the boys know.

"Boys, let me have your attention, please."  Daniel waits a moment or two
for it to quiet down.  "We just spoke with Jon Caruthers from the
television station.  The station is giving top priority to setting up
special segments to help us and they want to meet to discuss details.  We
invited Jon and Betty Risler to join us for lunch here tomorrow.  They will
be bringing with them their sons.  Jon's son is ten and Betty has nine year
old twins."

"Uhhhh ^Å Mr Dan'l?  Do they know how we dress or, I guess, don't dress?"

"Yes, they know.  We made sure to tell them and they told us their kids
prefer to run free and would love the chance of spending the afternoon with
you boys.  Fellas, I think you'll find Betty won't even pay attention,
particularly when you consider she lets her boys run free a good bit.  We
didn't think it was fair for you to be surprised tomorrow, so we wanted to
let you know now.  We hoped you boys have been with us long enough that you
are secure enough with yourselves not to worry about whether you're dressed
or not."

"No sweat, Mr. Dan'l.  Some of us didn't get to go to the station.  Is this
Ms Risler good lookin'?"

"Gentlemen, and I stress the term, you will learn that beauty is in the eye
of the beholder.  You tell me if she's good lookin' after they leave
tomorrow, okay?"

***

After supper, Daniel sat on the steps of the dorm with Danny in his lap.
All the efforts to put the boy down for a nap were futile.  There was no
way he was going down when all the other boys were laughing and having a
good time.  Daniel watched him during supper and expected to see his head
fall face first onto his plate.  As the boys ate it was apparent most of
them were worn out, but it was a good worn out.  They had formed teams and
played games or swam after lunch and exhausted themselves with play.

Mark and Michael sat beside Daniel.  No one was saying anything, the men
were relaxing while enjoying the quiet of the moment.  They had all
exchanged jokes and conjectures about how the boys would react when Betty
showed up in the morning.  Her boys may be with her, and they be running
free, but there would still be a woman in their presence.  Tomorrow should
be interesting.

TJ and Evan walked towards the men.  Mark thought he saw the two boys
holding hands, or maybe they weren't.  It was almost dark and getting hard
to see.  The men could see both boys appeared a little flushed.  It was
that special kind o flush that comes when you have recently experienced a
personal euphoria; and, their personal gear didn't seem to be in the most
flacid state possible.  TJ reached out for Danny, but Daniel stopped him.

"That's okay TJ, I'll keep him for now.  He wouldn't take a nap this
afternoon and he's exhausted.  When I set him in my lap he didn't fall
asleep, he passed out.  Where's Sean and Kyle?"

"They're over by the pool, Mr. Dan'l.  Kyle wasn't quite ready to get out
and since Sean was in the pool too, he said he'd watch him for me for a few
minutes.  We offered to get Danny.  He is kinda dirty, Mr. Dan'l.  We need
to bathe him."

'That's all right, I'll take care of Danny tonight.  You know if you'd like
a little private time, now might be about right while Sean has Kyle and I
have Danny.  I'll see that he gets to bed tonight."

"Thanks, Mr. Dan'l.  We'll let Sean know."

The two boys turned and walked off.  There was a lot more bounce in their
step as they left, the boys forced themselves to walk instead of running.
Watching the boys leave the three men look at one another and smile,
forcing themselves to suppress their laugher.  All three men knew that no
one has been near that pool in over a half hour.  TJ and Evan need to learn
to keep better track of their fun time or develop better cover stories.

When they head to bed all three feel they will be out before their heads
hit the pillow.  Daniel takes Danny with him and gently lays him on the
bed.  Daniel laughs when he again realizes they had not bothered to dress
after lunch; they spent the entire day au natural in the sun.  There should
be some interesting sun burn pains in the morning.  Daniel slipped into
bed, spooning the boy against him.

***

Daniel was in a deep sleep when he felt someone shaking him.

"Daniel, wake up ^Å.  Shhh ^Å don't wake Danny.  There's something you've
got to see."

"Mark, what are you doing in here.  Do you know its after midnight?"

"I know, but there's something you've got to see^Å. Shhhh."

Daniel slipped out of the bed, making sure Danny wasn't disturbed. The two
men then walked over to the meeting hall.  On the way over Mark explains he
normally gets up during the night to check on the boys and the area.
Tonight he found something different.

They walked into the meeting hall and then towards the latrine.  As they
entered Daniel saw on the tile floor Greg, with Jamie spooned against him.
Both boys looked sound asleep and content.  Daniel left motioning for Mark
to follow.

"How long has he been there?"

"I don't know but I didn't remember seeing him out playing with the other
boys this afternoon.  Wouldn't surprise me if he's been there since lunch,
except for supper."

Daniel and Mark walked back to the dorm and retrieved two blankets and a
sheet.  Daniel thanked Mark for letting him know and headed back to the
meeting hall.  When he entered the latrine he gently shook Greg awake.  The
boy awoke with a start.

"Mr. Dan'l, sir ^Å please, don't be mad with Jamie.  He didn't mean no
harm, he was sad and just wanted to be held.  That's what I usually do when
he feels sad."

Daniel puts a finger to his lips for Greg to be quiet.  He then signaled
Greg to lift the boy so he could slip a blanket under him.  When Jamie was
again laying down and sound asleep, Daniel slipped a blanket under Greg,
and then covered both boys with the sheet.  Greg lay there looking up at
Daniel with that pleading look in his eyes. Daniel motioned for Greg to
slide over away from Jamie so Daniel could talk with the boy.

"Greg, I'm not mad with Jamie or with you for him being here.  You are
doing exactly what I hoped the boy's mentor would do for him.  Do you think
you can tell me now why I was so upset with you?"

"Mr. Dan'l, all I can think of is because I hurt Jamie.  The other boys say
that was what happened because I did something wrong, but I can't figure it
out."

"Greg, you are not stupid, and I know it.  If you were wrong in hurting
Jamie, and you broke a rule before that, think of the rule you had to
break; there's really only one."

The boy is really thinking and Daniel can see him shake his head.
Eventually, tears begin to form in the boy's eyes.  Daniel knows the boy is
trying too hard and missing what he thinks should be the obvious.

"Greg, think back to when all of you were at the detention center.  When we
started the Little Brother/Big Brother program I told all of you that if a
little one chose you, it meant something special.  Tell me what that
special thing is and you can get the answer from there.  If you need a
little back up for your conclusion think in terms of what it meant when we
didn't say no to the little guy's request.  Do you understand now?"

Greg lay there thinking.  He'd think a little and then look at Daniel, then
at Jamie.  After a few minutes he looked at Daniel with a gleam in his eye
and Daniel thought the boy may have worked it out.

"Mr. Dan'l, I think I have it.  I need to think on it a little more, but I
think I have the big part.  I'll give a different answer tomorrow,
promise."

Daniel just looked at the boy and gave one of those approving smiles that
can say more than any words.

"When you wake in the morning be sure he gets cleaned up.  He'll see the
blanket and want to know where it came from.  Don't lie to him, Greg; also,
tell him I'm not upset with him.  Right now, I think he's where he belongs
^Å.. with you.  Good night"

The next morning Daniel was awakened by the feel of small fingers running
over the side of his face and ears.  When he opened his eyes he saw a wide
eyed and smiling Danny looking at him.  Danny turned his head and pressed
it against Daniel's chest while wrapping his arms around Daniel as best he
could, squeezing hard.

"Hi, Danny.  Boy, that's a big hug, can I hug you back?"

Danny relished the attention from Daniel.

"Little man, you are one dirty kid.  If that dirt is a measure how much fun
you had yesterday, then you had quite a day.  Come on, I'm hauling you into
the shower right now."

Danny wrapped his arms around Daniel's neck and was one happy little boy.


End Chapter Seventeen

To Be Continued: comments welcome; contact Dwight Wilson at
adm2780@yahoo.com