Date: Sun, 16 Jul 2006 15:42:21 EDT
From: Jetjt@aol.com
Subject: Super Jeff, Chapter 26

The following story is a work of gay fiction. If the subject matter is
offensive to you or you are too young, please exit now. This work is the
property of the author and may not be reproduced without permission. John
Tucker, JETjt@aol.com


					SUPER JEFF

			      	      Chapter Twenty-six

DR. JEFF RICHARD II'S POV

"Isn't Hepatitis C the one that's incurable?" Osama Bin Laden asked in
English.

I was surprised, not realizing that Bin Laden spoke the
language. Nevertheless, I hesitated only momentarily before answering.

"Yes," I answered, "but it's controllable and if not too advanced and
treated, it may not be deadly, at least in the short term."

"What are my chances for survival?" he asked.

"It's difficult to assess at the moment," I replied. "We'll have to do some
more testing before we know for sure. Hep C is a viral disease that
directly attacks the liver. A & B do that also but they're curable and
there are vaccinations for A & B that we'll need to give you to avoid the
complications of you contracting either of those strains."

"How do you know that I have C instead of A or B," he asked.

"When I ordered your blood tests, I ordered a virus detection test which
revealed the virus. I also ordered, as a matter of routine, a liver
function test which looks for chemicals in the body which are produced when
the liver does it's job. On top of that I ordered a complete blood count
which can be an indicator of liver damage. Those tests are not quite enough
though to determine the progression of the disease. For that we need to do
a liver biopsy, where I will insert a needle and extract a small sample of
your liver for examination. It is a minor enough procedure that it's
difficult to even call it surgery though not without some risk. When we
have that information we'll be able to determine how far the disease has
progressed and whether it's chronic or not."

"I'm still going to die though, is that not correct?"

"Mr. Bin Laden," I said, "We're all going to die sooner or later. We'd all
prefer it to be later. There is at least a good possibility that with
proper treatment, you'll not die of this disease. On the other hand, if
this disease is left untreated, and barring other risk factors, this virus
is fatal. The reason I say `barring other risk factors' is that it's well
known that you're in a high-risk occupation."

Bin Laden laughed.

"Yes," he commented with a smile still on his face which barely showed
through his mustache and beard, "I guess we could agree on that. What is
the treatment?"

"First we have to determine how far the disease has progressed. Once we
know that, we'll progress on to the treatment. There are four stages of the
disease. In the first stage the liver is inflamed but scarring has not
occurred. In the second stage minor scarring has occurred. In the third
stage groups of scar tissue unite. In the advanced stage, cirrhosis or
advanced scarring has occurred and large portions of the liver may cease to
function. We need to determine which stage your condition is in. As for the
treatment, there are two drugs available that have been remarkably
effective in halting or slowing this disease, and may even reverse some of
the damage to the liver that has already occurred. In the meantime, while
we're carrying out our evaluation, there are a number of things we need to
do to minimize the effects of the disease."

"You're the doctor," Bin Laden said stoically.

"First, avoid alcohol."

Bin Laden laughed again.

"No problem," he said, wondering if I had forgotten that he was Islamic.

"I didn't think it was," I said, reading his thoughts.

"Second, you need to watch your diet and eat healthy foods. Because of your
lost appetite, it's easy to not get the nutrients your body needs to
function properly. Third, drink plenty of water. Water acts to remove
toxins from your body and is essential particularly if your liver is not
functioning to capacity. Drinking extra water will also reduce the side
effects of the therapy when we get to that stage. Third, cut down on
salt. Salt acts as a sponge, causing fluid to build up in the body. A
low-salt diet can help reduce that fluid buildup. Finally, as mentioned
before, we need to get you vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B. That
will prevent the complications of having more than one variety of the
disease simultaneously."

"Is the treatment for this condition difficult?" he asked.

"No, it's relatively simple, but you will have numerous side effects during
treatment that temporarily will make you feel worse than you currently
do. They include nausea, fever, lack of appetite etc. We'll go over those
again before we begin treatment."

"One last question about Hepatitis C," Bin Laden queried. "How is Hepatitis
contracted?"

"Hep A can be easily contracted, such as by eating with utensils that are
not clean. It's fairly common and not too difficult to recover from if
discovered early. Don't get me wrong though, if it's advanced or untreated,
it can also be fatal. B & C are both blood-borne. They can be contracted
just like HIV or any other of a variety of blood-borne illnesses. For
example, it could be contracted by a non-sterile needle, or by one person's
blood being exposed directly to another person's, such as in treating
wounds, etc."

"Hepatitis C can be very elusive though," I concluded. "Like HIV it may
exist in the body for a long time before any symptoms show themselves. You
might have contracted this virus five or more years ago, yet the symptoms
are just now surfacing. Do not be deluded just because it started slow, it
may be moving fast now. There is no way to tell with a single series of
tests. Left untreated, you could die four months from now or four years."

"What about my other condition, the cancer in my stomach?"

"I'm not certain that it's cancer," I stated. "When we're doing the liver
biopsy, we'll also do a similar biopsy of your stomach. We should know
quickly whether the condition there is malignant or benign. Hopefully if
it's malignant we'll find pre-cancer cells instead of fully developed
ones. If they are pre-cancerous, the likelihood of their spread is
significantly smaller than if they're fully developed. How soon would you
be available for the biopsies?" I asked.

"This afternoon would be convenient," he answered.

"You'll need to have an operating room scheduled with a surgical technician
and a surgical nurse assisting. I'll need to check out the facilities and
equipment too before we fully commit to a time. I'll also need a lab to
examine the tissue samples. I'd suggest too that you skip lunch."

"I will assign my translator here to assist you with your needs," he said
making sure the man heard and understood. "He will report back to you in an
hour about the availability of a surgical suite, the lab facilities, and
will arrange for your inspection of the operating room and equipment."

"If the nurse and technician are not fluent in English, I'll need him in
surgery for the procedure too."

"Do you need an anesthesiologist?" Bin Laden asked.

"Not for this procedure," I answered. "We'll use local anesthesia which I
can administer. I'll check on availability when I examine the
room. Afterward we'll schedule a specific time for the procedure."

"I'm grateful for your expertise," Bin Laden said. "I'm surprised that you
know so much about Hepatitis C."

"The study of immunology and virology, which includes their affects in
cancer, hepatitis, and HIV, as well as on numerous other diseases, shows
that these disorders are closely related. For example, failure to treat
Hepatitis C may lead to liver cancer. I try to keep up-to-date on the
latest treatments and findings. Now, unless you have any other questions, I
think we're finished for the time being."

"Thank you Doctor Richards," Osama said as he stood up to exit. "My men
will escort you to your room, then Achmed here will see you in an hour or
so."

"I'll be waiting," I replied as the tall man and his translator left the
room. A moment later the door again swung open and the guards indicated
that I should follow them. I complied.

		* * *

TYLER'S POV

I stood there watching the expression on their faces as I repeated to them
what we'd been told by our friends at University Medical Center. I answered
their questions as best I could, which were for the most part the same
questions I had when the news came in. After we talked about the diagnosis
Jeff got right to the point.

"What does this news do to our options?" he asked.

"We're really not sure," I admitted. "I suspect that it means we're running
out of time. On the other hand it at least gives us some kind of timetable
which we didn't have before. If surgery is involved with the possible
cancer, it could happen quickly, but I'm sure there would be a recovery
period where they'd be reluctant to do anything harmful to your parents. As
far as the Hepatitis C, I'm not sure. It's the big question mark."

"That's not our dad's specialty," Jeff declared.

"We're aware of that," I said. "My office is checking with his office in
California to ascertain whether he has enough knowledge to treat the
disease."

"I think you'll find that he's more than qualified," Amanda offered. "I
know that he prefers surgery and oncology in his practice, but he gave a
talk at my high school three years ago about health risks for young people,
and of course the subject centered on HIV and other STD's, but included was
some discussion of Hepatitis. It seems that everyone had heard of
Hepatitis, but most of the kids were unaware of what it really is. `C' is
quite deadly though, and can be incurable. It was kind of a scary
realization for most of us."

"From what I've learned in talking to our doctors," I responded, "Hepatitis
C, like HIV and many of the more serious forms of cancer is not an
automatic death sentence like it used to be. If those diseases are treated
early they can be arrested even if not completely cured. If your dad is
treating the condition, it might even buy us more time. In any case, I
think we need to get ready to move in for a rescue."

"I agree with that," Jeff said.

"Me too," Mandy seconded.

"My guess is that they're reasonably safe, at least for the next two to
three weeks," I assessed. "Since we started the rescue planning early, we
should be able to put it into action within that time period. We'll still
wait for the Israelis though. I'm sure we'll get an answer from them in the
next two or three days."

"I hope you'll keep Rick and I informed after we leave," Amanda requested.

"Of course Amanda," I answered. "We'll have to be careful what we say on
the phone though. I'm sure the Feds have tapped your phones and perhaps
even ours. It's even possible the `terrorist side' has done like-wise or
bugged the house in California. Also I am continuing the security on you
until this whole thing is resolved."

"Just make sure the security guards are cute," Mandy said with a wink.

"Hey!" Rick exclaimed.

"Don't worry Sweetie," she said, giving Rick a peck on the cheek, "You have
no competition."

Rick blushed as he grinned.

"What time are Frank and Paul coming in tomorrow," Jeff asked.

"One of our planes is picking them up at 7:00 AM, so we'll meet them at the
McCarran airport at 9:00," Tyler reported.

"Darn," Jeff said with a woeful look. "Chris and I are playing golf in the
morning at 7:00AM and we should be back here before noon. I wanted to be
with you when he's picked up."

"Mandy and I could pick them up," Rick said, "We'd need a car though"

"You can take the SUV," I offered, "then pick Jeff and Chris up at the golf
course after you get back from the airport. The trip to the airport is
easy, but I'll leave you a map since the Executive Jet terminal is not near
the main commercial terminals. That will give me uninterrupted time to make
sure that everything for the Richards' rescue is progressing properly."

 "Sure Tyler," Rick agreed. "We'll meet you in the breakfast room at 6:00
AM to get the keys and map."

"I'll drop Jeff and Chris off at the course on my way in to the
office. It's right on my timetable," I said. "I'm sure that Leonard Johnson
will want to interview Ben and Jon tomorrow too, but I can have Sterling
take them there in the jeep."

"We'd be happy to do that too," Rick offered, "as long as it's in the
afternoon."

"Or Chris and I could take them," Jeff interjected. "That way Rick and
Mandy would have more time to visit with Frank and Paul."

"That would be very nice of you Jeff," I said. "I'll call you on your cell
when I know what time the appointment will be."

"Good then we have a plan," Jeff said smiling. "What time will you know
about the appointment?"

"I'm sure that Leonard won't be there that early, so it will probably be
after 8 o'clock or so."

"I'll wear my phone while we're playing," Jeff offered.

"If there is any further news about your parents, I'll be in touch too. If
it's nothing of pressing importance I'll fill you all in tonight," I
concluded turning to Dan. "I've about had it for the day Babe. Are you
ready to call it a night?"

"Sure Ty," Dan replied with a smile. "Good night guys."

After exchanging good nights, I took the hand of my handsome man, hoping
that we could do a little `sharing' before we fell asleep. From the twinkle
in his eyes I was pretty sure of the answer.

		* * *

JEFF'S POV

We entered the parking lot at the Thornton Center for the boys' 2:00
appointment.  The golf game was fun but we were both glad that we'd teed
off early since the Weather Channel had predicted that the temperature
would reach 110 degrees by mid afternoon. I'm sure that it was close to
that now but the Escalade was a cool 76 degrees. Paul and Frank arrived on
schedule and Amanda and Rick had picked them up. Chris and I made it back
to Tyler's in time for a nice long visit and lunch with them before it was
time to take Ben and Jon to Thornton.

Stepping out of the car was like stepping into a blast furnace. It made you
appreciate the hardiness of the pioneers and early settlers who braved the
heat without the aid of modern refrigeration. From what I'd seen on the
History Channel, the workers who constructed Hoover Dam faced the same
hardships, only worse, since the temperatures at the river were usually at
least 5 degrees hotter than in Las Vegas, sometimes more. Then they had to
work with the heat radiating off the rock as well. At night some of the
workers who were lucky lived in Boulder City which the government had
constructed for them. Many more who were late hires or were out of work,
hoping to get hired, lived in a tent city nearby. It's amazing that more
people didn't die.

The four of us rushed inside the administration building to get out of the
heat. There we were greeted by a receptionist who directed us to
Mr. Johnson's office. As we approached his secretary's desk she smiled and
asked us to be seated, while she announced our arrival over the
phone. Mr. Johnson soon opened the door.

"Good morning men," he said with a smile. "It's good to see you again."

We stood up and exchanged handshakes.

"Jeff, we'll be awhile with Ben and Jon, probably an hour. If you'd like,
you and Chris could go over to the rec. building and entertain
yourselves. Feel free to use any of the equipment or video games you
like. The place should be pretty deserted because the boys that live here
are mostly at school or are working."

Ben and Jon looked a little nervous since I'm sure they thought that Chris
and I would be with them. Mr. Johnson noticed and smiled at them.

"I think you'll enjoy our little chat this morning," he told the boys,
trying to minimize their angst. "We're pretty informal here. You'll get to
know some of the staff and particularly the house parents where you'll
live, if you decide you really want to stay."

"I guess we'll be over at the recreation building then," I said.

"I'll send Ben and Jon over there when we're done," the director promised.

"Great. We'll be there," I said.

"Come on in boys," Mr. Johnson said to Ben and Jon. "We'll get you a soft
drink first and then introduce you around."

He opened the door to his office, beckoning the boys to enter. As they
disappeared into the large office, Chris and I said "See ya later" and
stepped back out into the hallway where we'd entered. Making our way to the
recreation building, we found the place deserted as predicted.

"What would you like to do?" I asked Chris as we looked at the large main
room which was set up for basketball.

"Let's look at the video game room before we decide," Chris suggested. "I'm
still a little bushed from our round of golf. Besides, I suck at
basketball."

"We can fix that," I said, "but I agree with you. Maybe something less
energetic would be better for now."

Chris smiled. I could see his mind working.

"I really would like to get better at basketball," he said. "I don't want
to embarrass you around your friends if we are invited to play."

"Babe, you never embarrass me," I countered. "I'm always proud to be with
you."

"You know what I mean," he said.

"I know Babe," I said accepting his statement. "Let's check out the video
games first, then if we want we can work on your basketball skills
later. Besides, we'll get pretty sweaty playing round-ball, so lets do that
last anyway."

Chris followed as I took off for the hallway leading to the video game
room. On entering I saw something I hadn't seen before.

"Hey, it's a Golden Tee golf machine," I said. "Man! It's the new one
too. I've only played it a few times because most of the time they're in
bars, where we're too young to go."

"More golf?" Chris laughed. "I think you breathe that game."

"Hey, you're no slouch yourself now," I replied. "I can't believe how
you've picked up that game. You're hovering round 80 now. There are lots of
guys who would kill to play that well. I knew I shouldn't believe you when
you said that you were not athletic."

"I never had such a good teacher before," Chris explained.

"Yeah, the guys at the club are good."

"I mean you, silly," he laughed. "You have the patience of Job."

"For you I'd do anything," I said, only half joking. "I just want you to
get on the golf team with me this coming year. You're close to good enough
already, and we'll have the fall to work on your game before the real
competition starts. I think we can both get golf scholarships to college,
if we try."

"Heck, you could get one right now," Chris challenged.

"Maybe," I said, "but I'm a ways from being a Tiger Woods. Anyway, let's
play Golden Tee. It's kinda hard at first until you get the hang of it, but
then it's tons of fun. Maybe if we like it, I can convince my dad, when
they get back, to buy us one for the game room at home."

"How much are they?" Chris asked, trying to take my mind off my missing
parents.

"I heard you could buy a reconditioned older version for about $5000, but I
really like the new version better. The graphics are much better."

"Can you even get a new version?" Chris asked.

"Anything is possible if you want it bad enough," I replied. "I got you
didn't I?"

I smiled as Chris blushed.

			* * *

An hour later, Ben and Jon burst into the game room where we were still
playing video golf.

"How'd it go?" I asked with interest.

"Man it was great! Ben said, "We get to move in tomorrow. Me and Jon are
gonna be roomies, too"

I was surprised that they'd decided so quickly, but glad they were so
excited.

"Good on ya!" I said as Chris and I offered some `high fives' and
hugs. "I'm really glad for you. We'll have to have a party tonight."

"Yeah, great! Jon said.

"We'll ship the rest of your stuff over when we get home," Chris said.

"Do you know when you're leaving to go back to L.A.?" Ben asked.

"No, probably after the weekend though. I don't want to wear out our
welcome," I replied.

"I'll hate to see you go," Ben admitted. "I'd feel a lot better if you were
just across town."

"If you need us you can call," I said. "We could probably be here in a
couple or three hours if we fly, just over 5 hours if we drive, but you
know that you can depend on Tyler and Dan too, or Ron and Matt if Tyler and
Dan aren't around."

"Yeah, I know. I don't think I've ever had so many guys that cared about
me. I know I didn't when I was living at home," Ben said.

"Well, let's go then," Chris said with a smile, "We have a party to plan."

		* * *

After we got back to Tyler and Dan's, I called Tyler at the office to make
sure that a party would be okay. He thought it was a great idea and talked
to Sterling after he told me to coordinate it with him. I waited until
after Sterling hung up the phone and then stepped over to him.

"I hope we're not causing you too much trouble," I said apologetically.

"Heck no!" Sterling exclaimed. "I was thinking of a little celebration
tonight anyway since Miss Amanda and Mr. Rick will be leaving tomorrow."

"I can make a run to the store if you need some help. I'm sure that Chris
would be glad to pitch in too."

"No need unless you want something special or personal," Sterling
replied. "We have enough food and party stuff already to host a cast of
thousands^Å.. well hundreds, anyway."

"That's an idea," I said. "I'd like to get some gifts. Do you think that
Tyler would mind if Chris and I borrowed the Escalade again?"

"Not at all," Sterling said smiling. "The keys are where they always are,
on the board by the garage door."

"Thanks Sterling. We'll be leaving in a little while."

"No problem Jeff," Sterling said. "I'll take care of the party
preparations. If I need any help I'll yell."

"Great, and thanks again," I said as I left the family room and headed
upstairs where Chris was showering.

When I got there, Chris was just entering the bedroom with only a towel
around his waist.

"Darn, I'm too slow," I pouted.

Chris grinned.

"It depends on what you want," Chris said with a taunting leer.

I walked over to where Chris was and took him in my arms. Kissing him, I
simply said, "You."

"I'm happy to grant that wish," Chris said in a soft but alluring voice.

"Should I shower first?" I asked.

"No," he said. "We're probably going to want to shower afterward anyway."

"Yeah," I said with an evil grin. "I can get my other wish then."

"Pervert!" Chris kidded with a big smile.

"You love it," I countered.

"I live for it," he agreed.

			* * *

Dinner that night included all the Turners, as well as the eight of
us. While it was informal, it was still held in the dining room where there
was a table big enough for us all. Sterling had cooked three pot roasts
with potatoes, onions, and carrots. It was all in serving dishes as we
gathered around the table.

"I'm glad we could all be together again before Amanda, Rick, Ben and Jon
leave," Tyler said, standing at the head of the table. "Before I turn the
duties of giving thanks over to Ron, I'd like to say to those of you
leaving tomorrow, how much we've enjoyed your visit. You are always welcome
in our home."

The four named guests all smiled and expressed their gratitude to the
Turners for their hospitality.

"Now for the joke you've all been waiting for," Ron said to a chorus of
groans and remarks. He ignored the taunts and just grinned.

"A Koala bear went into a diner and ordered dinner," he began.  After he
had eaten, he pulled out a gun and started shooting the place up, then
stood up and walked out.  The following night, the same thing happened. He
came in, had his meal, then shot off his gun and departed. The third night
he came in and sat down. The manager recognized him immediately and came
over to his table."

"'I don't know what you're doing here, but I want to make sure we don't
have any trouble,' the man said."

"`I'm just being myself,' the Koala bear said."

"`I guess I don't understand," the Manager said, `Explain."

"`Well, you know what I am, don't you?' The small animal asked.

"`Sure, You're a Koala bear,' the manager replied."

"`Then that explains it," the Koala bear declared.

"`Now I'm really confused,' the manager stated. "What does being a Koala
bear have to do with your actions here the last two nights."

"The Koala bear pulled a dictionary out of his pocket and handed it to the
manager."

"`Look up the definition of a Koala bear,' the `bear' ordered."

"The manager opened the book to the appropriate heading and began to
read. `Koala Bear: a brownish grey furry marsupial that lives in trees and
is native to Australia and New Zealand.  Eats shoots and leaves.'"  !  A
loud groan arose from the table as well as more than a few giggles.

"Now let us pray," Ron invited when the hubbub had died down.

"Lord, we thank You for our many blessings, for the blessings of family and
the blessings of friendship. It is the gift of love that binds us
together. It is the love for our families, our partners and our friends
that is a true reflection of Your divinity. It is the same love, the same
giving, that You have demonstrated as the highest expression of your
grace. We ask that You fill our hearts with that love so that we may do
Your will here on Earth. Finally we ask that You watch over our friends,
Amanda, Rick, Ben and Jon. Let Your hand guide them as they venture through
life. Now we thank you for the food that has been given and for the hands
that have prepared it for our use in Your service. This we pray in Your
Holy Name. Amen."

		* * *

The party afterward was fun. We all, including the older guys, all swam and
played with the younger guys in the pool. After about an hour of horsing
around, the older guys joined Frank and Paul in the hot tub since Frank had
to avoid the strenuous activity due to his condition. . Finally tiring we
all dried off and went inside where we gathered in the family room as
directed by Sterling. He wheeled in a large cake and a huge bowl of
homemade ice cream. On the cake was lettered, "Our home is your home."  I
don't know how the rest of our guys felt, but I was more than grateful to
our new friends."

"I'd like to say something," Ron said, followed by a chorus of "No!" by
every one else. Then everyone broke up laughing.

Ron pretended to be hurt, but the twinkle in his eyes revealed how much he
liked it, as he finally broke out in laughter.

"I was only gonna say, `Dig in'," he explained.

He didn't have to ask twice. The dessert was wonderful and was quickly
consumed by the crowd until there was not a morsel left of the cake, nor a
drop left of the ice cream. The party moved into the game room where
everyone chose teams for cards, pool, or video games.

Chris and I asked Amanda, Rick, Ben and Jon, to forego the first round of
competition and to join us in the family room for a moment.

"What's up?" Amanda asked as we sat down in a grouping of sofas and chairs.

"Chris and I wanted to express our appreciation for you all," I began. "We
chose some gifts for you."

"First Amanda," I said as Chris handed her the small gift. She held it as I
continued. "I know we have not always gotten along, and for that I'm
sorry. I never imagined that it might take the trauma of our folks'
disappearance to bring us together. If that's the case, then at least some
good has come of it. I've come to appreciate you more than I ever dreamed
possible. We hope you'll like your gift from both Chris and me."

She opened the gift of a beautiful but plain cross on a chain and smiled at
the two of us, as she showed it to the others.

"Thanks brothers," she said. "Jeff, I'm as happy as you about our new
relationship. I too regret the many years that we've been estranged. I can
only promise, on my part, that I'll do my best to make it up to you in the
coming years. I love you both."

"Now Rick," I addressed him as Chris handed out the second gift. "From
Chris and I is a small token of our admiration for your foolhardiness.
Yikes!" I kidded. "You sure know how to pick `em! I bet when you agreed to
come home with Mandy you never expected what you got: bedlam and chaos!
You're a brave man and we love ya, bud."

Rick laughed as he opened his gift.  Inside the wrapping we had placed a
small case with a very nice watch we'd selected for him. After admiring it,
thanking us and showing it around, he said. "Guys, I'm really touched. When
I decided to come with Mandy to your home, I was filled with worry and
trepidation. I knew how difficult it must be for you all with your parents'
fate in doubt. What I found though, was more than I ever hoped. I found two
brave young men who while facing adversity, had taken in two more who had
family problems in spite of their own. I also found hearts filled with love
and caring and a brother and sister who had, at long last reunited. In
spite of the attacks and the problems with your parents' abduction, I found
two guys who are facing the challenges united in their love for each other.
In all honesty, I never really believed that two guys could have that kind
of devotion to each other. Once I found it with you, we came here to the
Turners and I've seen it again and again. It has changed my whole
perspective about gays. Thank you for having me and accepting me into your
family. I hope that Mandy will someday be mine permanently, but be that as
it may, I want you to know how much I love and respect you all."

"Thanks Rick," I said gratefully. "Now we come to Ben and Jon. Our gifts to
you," I went on as Chris handed them two identical boxes," are a small
expression of our love for you and our caring. You can open your gifts
now."

The boys dug into the wrappings finding inside two identical cellular
phones.

Their eyes lit up and they thanked us profusely.

"We wanted you to have those," I explained so that you can keep in touch,
not only with each other, but also with us. We'd like to hear from you now
and then and we'll come and visit you too. We've prepaid for the first two
years of calls, then afterward they are yours to do with as you'd like.
Please realize that they are not toys though. If you lose them they are
gone. We hope you won't though since it will make it easy for you to keep
in touch. We love you both."

"Thanks Jeff and Chris," Ben said. "We should be the ones givin' you
presents. You've taken us in and made us feel welcome. We `preciate it more
than we can say. We hope ya don' think that `cause we decided to live at
that Thornton place that we don' love ya and respect ya. It's jes' that,
for us, it's comf'table to be around a bunch of guys like us. We hope ya
don' think bad of us for doin' it. Anyways, thanks for the phones. We'll be
takin' real good care of `em, and will be callin' now and ag'in to let ya
know how we' doin'. We love ya too and hope we'll always be your little
brothers."

"You will," I assured them. "Now let's join the others and kick some butt."

They laughed as we got up and went to join the Turners in the game room.

			* * *

It was sad to see Rick and Amanda leave. For the first time that I
remember, I really missed her, almost before their plane left the ground.
We made plans to talk to each other daily at least until the situation
regarding mom and dad is resolved. We all hoped that it would be over soon,
but were prepared to wait patiently rather than push for a hasty
ill-conceived rescue plan. I was surprised too that not only did Tyler and
Dan accompany us to the airport where their jet awaited, but Ron and Matt
did too. I'm sure Rick and Mandy appreciated it.

Unlike in the regular terminal, we were able to stay with the couple until
they were ready to board, then watch as the plane was towed out from the
hangar onto the asphalt, where its engines were started. We waved one last
time as the plane began to move, finally taking my sister and her boyfriend
out of sight. As we watched the white plane move down the taxiway, we
turned and headed for our cars. Ben and Jon had accompanied us, but you
could tell that their minds were on Thornton, not on Mandy and Rick.  After
a trip back to Tyler's we'd all have lunch then take Ben and Jon to
Thornton. As much as I loved those guys, I was happy for them that they had
found a place where they could be happy together and grow up without the
pressure that their former poverty would have deterred them from their
future. To be honest, I was a bit relieved too. Even though I would have
done it, taking care of two younger guys was a responsibility I wasn't
really ready for yet. I'm sure Chris felt the same way. Now I just had one
person to take care of and that was no problem since I loved him so. Now I
could give all my personal attention to my lover, my Chris.

		*	*	*	*	*	*