Date: Sat, 7 Mar 2020 11:44:38 -0800
From: Backwoods Boy . <backwoodsnatureboy@gmail.com>
Subject: The Ranch Boy Next Door - Part 32

Providing Support

Before Rusty and I left the next morning, Dad, Mom, Rusty, and I had a
discussion over breakfast.  I agreed to get counseling, but only if I had
another nightmare.  I would talk more with Rusty about what Nate had told
both of us.  And Rusty was going to stay with me again for a couple of
nights.

Rusty and I rode together on his four-wheeler.  We met Jason, who had
walked over from his home.

"The dads said to thank you for looking after me yesterday.  They'll be
here after a while, and I'll be goin' with them to look at the exhibits."

I put my arm around Jason.  "Sometimes we do things without thinking them
through.  Yer body just sort of takes over for yer brain.  Cooter is hotter
than hell.  I would have been tempted to have a go with him, too.  Just be
a little more careful from now on."

"Yeah, that's a good description of what happened.  I'll be more careful."

"Jace, after ya left yesterday, the rest of us had a talk.  We gotta look
out for Nate.  He's havin' a particularly hard time right now.  We just
gotta be available for him."

Jason looked at me with sadness in his eyes.  "I know about hard times.
Shago and the dads were there for me.  I hope I can help Nate, too."

I gave Jason a hug.  "Yer a big help to us all.  So often you say things
that make us all think about things the way we oughta."

We wandered into the large animal barn to check in with Nate and Aiden.
They were both there, cleaning out the stall, adding more hay, providing
more water, all the things that animal exhibitors have to do.

"Do you guys need a break?"

Aiden stopped and thought for a moment.  "Could you guys stay here while we
go have breakfast.  We'll be back soon."

"No problem."

While they were gone, Mom and Dad showed up, and I walked off with them to
look at the rest of the livestock.  Dad was doing ranch planning.  "I
thought your mom and I should come by to learn more about cattle if we're
going to raise them.  I've been talking with several people here, getting
ideas about what to buy.  I spent a little time with Nate and Aiden.  They
seem to be getting along well."

I smiled at him.  "I see it, too.  I think it's good for both of them."

Dad gave me a sly grin.  "You haven't been doing any matchmaking, have you?"

I grinned back.  "I think yer company-sponsored group-therapy project is
responsible for the matchmaking."

Dad smiled thoughtfully.  "I suspect other influences.  We'll see how it
turns out in the long run, but I agree that its good for them."

Austin and Andy had arrived.  Mom and Dad went off to look at the rest of
the fair.  The five of us stood talking until Nate and Aiden came back.

Nate needed a longer break.  "I gotta hit the restroom before I do my
showing.  I'll be right back."

Jason was in the same condition.  "I gotta do that, too.  I'll go with you."

Still not wanting to let either of them out of our sight, the rest of the
ranch boy club followed at a distance while Nate and Jason used two of the
several portable outhouses nearby.

As Nate stepped out of the portable outhouse, Terry, the tuba player from
the Fourth of July celebration, stepped out of the adjacent one.  His
attention focused immediately on Nate, and his expression was one of pure
evil.  He pushed Nate against the porta-potty door.

"Hey, faggot.  I hear ya like it rough.  Want me to give you a good
fuckin'?  We can..."

I'd never seen anyone move so fast.  Austin and Andy had Terry pinned to
the next porta-potty wall before he knew what had happened.  Unable to
move, Nate stood watching.  Rusty and I grabbed him and pulled him aside.
I was waiting for the impending violence when Aiden appeared out of
nowhere.  He gently but firmly pushed Austin and Andy to the side as Terry
slumped to the ground.  I feared for Terry's life.

Kneeling down in front of Terry, Aiden asked, "Did he abuse you, too?"  The
anger and aggression.  Aiden knew.

Coach and James were now standing beside me, waiting for the answer and to
intervene if necessary.

Terry burst into tears and nodded up and down.

"Have you reported it?"

Terry's head moved side to side.

"Why not?"

Terry was sobbing.  "Because my dad wouldn't let me.  He doesn't want
people to know I'm gay."

"Is it time to end the pain?"

Terry's head moved up and down again.

James was on his cell phone.

Coach moved up and put his hand on Aiden's shoulder.  "James and I will
take it from here, Aiden."

Aiden stood up and looked around for Nate.  Their eyes met.  I could see
the love in Aiden's eyes, and I could physically feel the strength flowing
into Nate.

Aiden put his arm around Nate's shoulder.  "Come with me, buddy.  We've got
a heifer to show."

As Aiden and Nate walked away, Jason stepped out of a nearby porta-potty.

"What happened?"

Now kneeling beside Terry, Coach looked up at me.  "Toby, will you take
Jason with you, please?  The police will be around later for your
statements, but right now none of you need to be here."

I put my arm around Jason and led him away.  The other three followed.

************

Five ranch boy club members watched as Nate showed his heifer.  Aiden stood
nearby with Nate's parents, arms crossed, looking as proud as they did.  My
parents were standing behind me, watching, too.  When Nate was finished, we
all applauded as he walked back into the barn with his animal.

Mom and Dad pulled the five of us aside.  "We saw what happened from a
distance.  We couldn't be prouder of all of you, and Aiden, too.  Where is
he, by the way?"

Aiden was gone.  We all knew where he was.

Nate's parents, Brian and Betty, were standing with my parents.  Brian
spoke for them.  "We didn't see what happened, but Don filled us in.
Thanks so much for looking after Nate, not just today but for the last
several weeks.  He's told us pretty much everything now.  You're a fine
group of young men."

We expressed our thanks, and the adults walked away.  The five of us looked
at each other.

Rusty said what we were all thinking.  "We need to go sit down somewhere
and chill for a while."

************

At one o'clock Saturday afternoon, the county fair animal auction took
place inside an octagonal building near the animal barns.  Wood bleachers
around the outer walls accommodated the spectators.  A fenced arena in the
center held each animal as it was sold.  There were entrances on two
opposite sides.  Each large-animal exhibitor brought their animal in on one
side and led it around the arena while the auctioneer called for bids.
After the final bid, the exhibitor led their animal out the other side and
back to its stall in the barn.

The six of us, including Aiden, had settled on a strategy for support.
Aiden would stay with Nate up to the entrance, and would sit on that side
with Austin and Andy.  The rest of us sat  near the exit.

Several animals were auctioned before Nate finally came in with his
heifer.  He had a determined expression on his face as he led the heifer
around the ring, its awards hanging on the audience side.  This was the way
things were done at the fair, and he would do it, too.

The bids started at market price, and then increased.  We watched as the
auctioneer acknowledged higher and higher bids.  I couldn't understand the
auctioneer, but he spoke clearly when the bidding was finished.

"Sold, to number 56, Perkins, Hawthorne, Jackson and Collins, Attorneys at
Law."

I looked at Rusty and Jason, then across the arena at the others.  No one
but me got it, and although I appreciated Dad's law firm supporting the
community, I decided immediately to become a vegetarian at home.

As planned, Rusty, Jason and I stood just outside the exit.  Nate was now
leaving the arena, to the applause of the crowd.  He had been courageous as
long as he could.  Tears were in his eyes as he came through the exit door.

Dad was following close behind him.  "Nate, could I speak with you for a
moment?"

Nate stopped and turned.  "Sure, Mr. Collins."

"I wondered if I could negotiate with you to take care of your heifer until
my barn is finished."

Nate looked confused.  "I don't understand, Mr. Collins.  Someone purchased
my heifer for steaks and hamburgers."  Tears streamed down his face.

Dad smiled at him.  "I should be more clear.  My law firm purchased your
heifer.  I decided to buy her to start my small cattle operation.  She may
be a market animal, but she'll make a good breeding animal, too, or so Pete
tells me."

Nate looked stunned, but was still trying to be proper.  "That sounds
great, Mr. Collins.  Thanks for buyin' my heifer, and I hope it works out
for you.  Yes, next year she would make a good breeding animal."

Dad held out his hand.  "It's my pleasure, Nate.  Does your heifer have a
name?"

Rusty opened his mouth, but promptly shut it when I elbowed him in the ribs.

Tears running down his cheeks, Nate confessed.  "Her name is Oreo."

Then Nate gave up all pretense of composure.  Dropping Oreo's halter, he
wrapped his arms around Dad, who enveloped him in a bear hug.  As Nate
cried with happiness and relief, Dad gently rubbed his back.

By this time, Aiden, Austin and Andy had joined us and were trying to catch
up with what was happening.

Dad smiled.  "That's a nice name, Nate.  We won't change it.  So will you
look after Oreo until I can give her a home in my pasture?"

Nate had pulled himself together and stepped back, wiping away his tears.

"I'll be happy to do that, Mr. Collins.  For as long as you need me to."

In spite of the dropped halter, Oreo hadn't moved from Nate's side, and now
Nate once again grimaced as she treated him to a lick on the cheek with her
rough tongue.

Dad had more to say.  "I know the animals are supposed to stay here until
Sunday morning, but I convinced the fair board to let Oreo go home now.
Pete is waiting outside the barn with his cattle trailer.  You and Pete can
take Oreo home.  The rest of you should go to Nate's parents' ranch where a
celebration is planned.  If any of you need a ride,  Ellen and I have room
in our car.  Aiden, do you need a ride?"

I smiled to myself.  Good job, Dad, making sure Aiden knew he was welcome.

"Thanks, Mr. Collins.  I have my own truck here, and I'll meet you there."

************

The picnic at Nate's home rivaled the Fourth of July celebration for fun.
The only thing missing was fireworks.  All of the ranch boy club members
and their parents were there, as well as Pete and his girlfriend Heather,
and Aiden and his father Bob.

All of our parents had brought food for the potluck picnic.  Folding tables
and chairs had similarly been provided.  Dad had arrived with several
coolers filled with beverages.

Oreo was penned in a nearby corral.  Pete was managing the charcoal grill,
and in deference to the guest of honor, the offerings consisted of hot
dogs, pork chops and vegetarian burgers.

As we gathered together, Nate's dad sent him to bring something from the
house, and then spoke to the remaining six members of the younger
generation.

"Before we get started, I want to thank all of you for your friendship with
Nate.  You're all very important to him, and that makes you important to
Betty and me, too.  Enjoy the picnic."

Coach took me aside and handed me a cardboard box.  "These are the
volleyball shorts you wanted.  You'll find a few extra pairs for future
expansion of your team.  And they've been paid for by an anonymous donor."

I grinned happily.  "Thanks a lot, Coach.  And please thank the anonymous
donor.  I'll pass these out later."

I cornered Dad to satisfy my curiosity.  "Dad, you set all of this up in
advance.  How did you know you would be the successful bidder?"

Dad grinned.  "Let's put it this way.  Brian had shared his concern about
Nate's attachment to Oreo and how the loss could be devastating.  I had a
number of side conversations before the auction with other bidders.  They
knew what I wanted to do, and that I wanted the bid to be high enough to
make a year of work on Nate's part worthwhile.  That may not be exactly
proper, but it's a win-win for everyone."

I gave him a big hug.  "Thanks, Dad.  I think yer much more to these guys
than a lawyer."

During the afternoon, I talked with each ranch boy club member
individually, and the decision was unanimous.  We wanted Aiden to become a
part of our group.  Austin took a quick trip over to his parents' nearby
ranch, and came back with what I needed.

A volleyball net had been set up, and after dinner there was some interest
in making use of it.  The seven of us younger guys were sitting together.
I had planned to take Aiden aside and ask him about joining the group, but
I decided on a different approach.  Peer pressure can be useful.

"Aiden, the rest of us here are planning to field a team for the winter
community volleyball league.  We wondered if you would like to join our
team, and our informal support group, too."

Aiden smiled.  "I would like that very much, thank you."

I put the box on the table.  "Coach just delivered the volleyball shorts,
so everyone pick one in yer size."

The shorts had a smaller version of the shirt logo on the front of the left
leg.  Aiden looked at the logo.  "Does this include construction boys, too?"

I grinned at him.  "Just as much as it includes city boys like me and
teacher's kids like Jason."  I handed him the shirt that Austin had brought
from home.  "Here's yer official team shirt."

Aiden checked out the shirt, front and back.  "'Bringing Out the Best in
Each Other'.  I like your motto.  Thanks for inviting me to join."

"We're glad to have you with us.  I talked to Coach, and we're gonna get
some team practice today by playing against our parents.  He's organizing
their team.  The rest of us don't have our shirts with us today, but how
about if we wear these awesome shorts that Coach got for us?  By the way,
he said an anonymous donor has paid for them."

We spent an hour or so playing several games.  Our team won all of them.
Youth has its advantages.

After the volleyball games, dessert was served - five apple pie variations,
of course.  Even James had made one, and Jason had the best observation.

"Apple pie is really great, but is it the only dessert people know how to
make here?"

************

As the picnic was winding down, a car came into the ranch, raising dust as
it rapidly drove up the quarter-mile driveway to the Gifford home, and
stirring up even more dust as it skidded to a stop.  The driver, the single
occupant of the car, quickly got out, and it was clear he was angry.
Although I'd never seen him before, the clerical collar suggested we were
looking at Terry's father, the Reverend Amos Dabney.

I quickly glanced around to see where the rest of the guys were.  Austin,
Andy, and Rusty had their phones out, recording the scene.

The Reverend Dabney strode up to Brian Gifford.  "How dare you file an
assault complaint against my son?  He's a good boy, and he wouldn't hurt
anyone, even your faggot bastard.  You have no right..."

"I didn't file a complaint, Amos.  The police filed charges based on more
than a dozen witness statements.  Furthermore, we declined to press
charges."

But Amos Dabney wasn't listening.  "You have no right to persecute my boy
for protecting himself against those queers, and that's all he was doing.
There were a whole bunch of them over there, including those two faggot
teachers, and they had him trapped in one of them outhouses..."

It was clear that history was being rewritten.  By this time, Dad and Pete
were standing behind Brian to provide backup if necessary.  Aiden and I
were standing beside Nate, our arms around him.  Nate was perfectly calm.

"My wife and I have been praying for Terry for months, ever since he
admitted that he has that faggot disease.  He was supposed to leave
tomorrow for conversion therapy, and now he can't go because they put him
in a safe house in another town.  And it's the fault of you and those
sodomites standing over there.  I tried to file assault complaints against
three of them, but the authorities wouldn't listen to me.  You all are
deliberately persecuting my family..."

Brian had heard enough.  "Amos, you need to leave immediately.  This
property is posted for no trespassing, including two signs at the entrance,
and you have no right to be here."

"The clergy has the right to go anywhere.  We are exempt from the
trespassing law..."

Dad stepped forward.  "Mr. Dabney, you are trespassing and you have been
instructed to leave.  It would be in your best interest to do so
immediately."

"It's Reverend Dabney to you, whoever you are, and I'm not going anywhere.
I have a right..."

Pete stepped forward, presenting his badge in his hand.  "Amos Dabney, I am
Deputy Sheriff Peter O'Neill.  You are under arrest for trespass..."

Amos Dabney took a wild swing at Pete, striking a glancing blow to his
chest.  Within seconds, the Reverend was face down in the grass with his
hands behind his back.

Pete was now in charge.  "Don, will you call for backup, please.  Rusty,
will you please fetch my handcuffs from the pickup.  Amos Dabney, you are
under arrest for assault upon a law enforcement officer and for criminal
trespass on private property.  You have the right to remain silent..."

When Pete was finished, Dad addressed him.  "The sheriff is on the way.  He
wants to handle this himself."

The Reverend Dabney was not remaining silent, and besides continuing to
incriminate himself, the profanities he was now uttering were somewhat
unbecoming of a minister.

Rusty arrived with the handcuffs, and Pete calmly put them on Amos Dabney's
wrists.  With Brian's guidance, Pete led him around the house, away from
the rest of us, to await the arrival of the sheriff.

Although it put a chill on the end of the picnic, we at least knew that
Terry was safe and being treated with the respect he hadn't received at
home.

************

Sunday morning, we had a family breakfast for a change.  In this case,
family included Rusty, who had stayed overnight again.  Dad had a few
things to relate.

"Most of this will be publicly available soon, so I don't mind sharing a
few developments with you.  First of all, Cory's father has plead guilty to
eight counts of sexual abuse of a child younger than age sixteen.  Each
charge carries a twenty-five year sentence, and the sentences will be
served consecutively.  That's two hundred years, so I don't think we'll be
seeing him around any time soon."

"That development means that Toby will not have to testify and that the
evidence he found will not be part of a court case.  However, Toby, I'm
sorry but you still need to be silent about what you found because of the
possible impact on the victims themselves."

"Second, as you heard from the lips of Amos Dabney, Terry is in a safe
house.  Given what we all saw yesterday, it doesn't take a law degree to
figure out that Terry will not return to his home.  If he ends up back in
this community, I know we all will treat him with the love and care he
deserves."

"Third, Amos Dabney has been charged with the crimes that Pete outlined to
him yesterday.  Mr. Dabney has also been admitted to an unidentified
psychiatric hospital in the Boise area."

Rusty looked thoughtful.  "Terry has always been an outspoken gay-basher,
and as a result, we haven't always been very kind to him either.  It's sad
when people can't be who they really are.  I hope we all have an
opportunity to get to know him as he really is."

Mom took Rusty's hand.  "I'm glad you see this as an opportunity to learn.
That's something I hope you and Toby can share with your friends.  It may
help all of you to look at others differently."

Rusty stood up.  "I gotta go home now.  I promised Pete I'd help him with
some things today.  Thanks a lot for breakfast."

Mom smiled at him.  "You're always welcome here, Rusty."

************

It was late in the afternoon when a car bearing the State of Idaho
Department of Health and Welfare insignia pulled up in the driveway, an
event I observed from my bedroom window.  Terry, wearing dark sunglasses,
stepped out of the car along with two adults.  Dad met them at the front
door, and escorted them to his office.  About a half-hour later, Mom
knocked on my door.

"There's someone who would like to speak with you.  Can I bring Terry down
here?"

"Sure.  That will be fine."

Mom brought Terry down, and pulled the door partially closed as she left.

Terry wanted privacy.  "Do you mind if I close the door?"

"Go for it."

I offered Terry my computer chair and sat on the bed.  The ball was in
Terry's court, so I waited.

Terry cleared his throat.  "The court appointed your dad as my guardian ad
litem.  I asked to see him today because there are some things I want to
get started on right away.  There is no way I can go home again.  I'm
seventeen, and I don't want to be put into the foster care system.  So I've
asked to be declared an emancipated minor.  There are understanding
relatives on my mother's side who will help me move forward."

There were tears in Terry's eyes now.  "I wanted an opportunity to
apologize for what I did to Nate last week.  I won't get that opportunity
in person right away, so would you please pass on to all of your friends
that I'm very sorry about that day and the way I've been treating all of
you.  I hope I can make it up in the future."

Terry stood up, feeling that his mission had been accomplished.  But I had
things to say, too.  I wrapped my arms around him and gave him a big hug.
He hugged me back, and cried on my shoulder for a couple of minutes.  When
he'd settled down, I invited him to sit down again.

"Some of us haven't always treated you so well either, and there are
apologies we need to make, too.  I'll make them right now for the group,
and report that when I share what you've told me.  Will you end up back
here in town?"

"I don't think so.  I'll probably end up in Moscow.  It will keep me out of
the big cities, and will give me an opportunity to get into the Idaho Early
College Program at the University of Idaho.  I want to study music.  That's
one reason I wanted to see you today.  It may be my last day in town."

We stood and I hugged him again.  "I wish you the best, whatever you do.
You deserve it."

I took Terry up to the living room where his escorts were waiting, and
waved goodbye from the front porch as he left.  I stood there thinking
about how I'd really never met Terry before, but we were kindred spirits.
He had been brave to approach me, and I was glad that he'd done so.

Dad came out and put his hand on my shoulder.  "Everything okay?"

I put my arm around him.  "It's been one hell of a week.  I'm tired of this
character-building shit."

Dad chuckled.  "I understand.  I think this particular character-building
experience is coming to an end.  But there will be more, and you'll handle
them as well as you have this one.  Did you have a good conversation with
Terry?"

"Yes, I did.  And now I gotta have a conversation with my friends soon.  I
wish I could have the opportunity to get to know Terry better."


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