Written by Charles Well <charles.well@yandex.com> and Sarge AKA Aldric <pietar_the_fearless@yahoo.com> and Nick <newnick1@yahoo.com>
(C) 2020)
The original Kids of Indian Spring (KOIS) story by Jonas Henley can be found here: https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/young-friends/kids-of-indian-spring/
and if you wish to read Jonas Henley's account of the 1968 Mackey Choosing Ceremony, look here: https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/young-friends/mackey-tails/
Also see map.pdf and Springer Families.pdf in the Sandy Jacobs folder on Nifty. There is also an extensive family tree of the Mackey family available in this folder as well.
This story is about sex between boys and is therefore a total fantasy. It was written by an adult for the entertainment of other adults. No children or animals were either involved or harmed in the writing of this story. Please leave now if you are not supposed to be here.
Writing the continuing saga of the Kids of Indian Spring has become a real community effort. My original intention was to conclude the Sandy Jacobs Story after Chapter 10. But my primary co-author and invaluable assistant, Pietar, convinced me that the many loose ends left open by the original author, Jonas Henley, needed to be resolved. As a result, he became the principal author of Chapters 11, 12, and 13. Thank you Pietar for your original ideas, brilliant writing and your continued dedication and commitment to this project. Now a third author, Nick, has volunteered to take on the role of crafting the future long-term direction of the story. You may recall that Nick was first involved in Chapter 12C. Please ensure you make Nick welcome by dropping him a line.
Comments or suggestions may be directed to any of the authors mentioned above. We welcome feedback from readers. It's the only payment we receive for many hours of hard work.
Please consider a donation to Nifty for allowing us to have this resource to share our stories. To donate go here: http://donate.nifty.org/donate.html
Chase had just finished stuffing the last of his peanut butter and jelly sandwich in his mouth when there was a knock at the door. When he answered it, he was greeted by Ethan Tucker.
"Hi Chase. Is Stevie here?"
Chase stared at him for a moment and then opened his mouth to expose the half chewed PB & J and uttered a long, "EHHHHHH."
Ethan cracked up laughing and said, "You are totally gross!"
Chase held up a finger as a sign to wait a minute and then replied with a smile, "I just wanted to show you why I couldn't answer."
"You're still gross. Where's Stevie?"
"Cole and him went over to see Henry. They been visiting him a lot lately."
"Yeah, I know. It sucks for me. Since they got their privileges, I get left out a lot," muttered Ethan.
"Why don't you come with me. I'm going out to Rory's for a swim and then we'll probably play some video games."
"Okay," said Ethan. "I might as well since my best friend ditched me."
"Come on Ethan. He didn't ditch you. He just can't turn down a chance to fuck whenever he wants."
"I guess you're right, but it still sucks being left out so much."
Chase had originally planned to stop by Gordon's place for a quick visit before heading to Rory's, but he could tell Ethan was really hurt about being left out of things right now so he decided he would skip Gordon today. "Let's go then. I'm ready to swim," said Chase following his friend out the door.
Stevie, Cole and Henry sat on the front porch recovering from a mutually enjoyed fucking session. Henry actually looked forward to the Jacob's boys coming over. They were different from the guys who stopped in just because he was a bottom. Sure, they wanted to fuck, but they were also friends. Travis and Jagger were becoming regulars too, and they were real nice. Jagger's non-stop talking, even when he was fucking away, made Henry laugh. But, when they were done they just said Thanks and went on their way. Stevie and Cole always hung out and talked about things. He felt like they liked him and not just his ass.
As they were sitting around today Henry noticed a familiar figure heading his way. It was Carl. As usual he was carrying his fishing pole and tackle box. He waved as he approached. Carl had never used Henry as a bottom and he was the one boy that Henry really wanted. Maybe today would be the day.
"Hey everybody," Carl called as he approached. They exchanged greetings and Carl sat down next to Henry. "What have you been up to, as if I didn't know," he said with a smile.
"You're wrong," said Stevie very seriously. "We didn't do anything today because Colt Mackey and his cousin Mouse were here before us and Mouse put that 8-inch dick of his in Henry and the poor boy's too sore to play with us."
"Really?" asked Carl very concerned.
Henry nodded and rubbed his butt with one hand. He tried to keep a straight face, but the worried look on Carl's face made him crack a smile.
"Man, you guys had me worried for a minute," exclaimed Carl as his friends all laughed.
"I was just playing," said Stevie apologetically. "If Mouse really had an 8-inch dick you would have heard about it already."
"Yeah, I guess." said Carl.
"So did you get any fish today?" asked Cole
"Nothing worth keeping and it's too hot now, but I'll be back around sunset."
"We should all go together some night," suggested Stevie. "You got a pole Henry?"
"Yes. I think that would be fun."
"Anytime you wanna go I'm ready," said Carl excited at the prospect of some company.
"How about tomorrow night?" said Stevie. "That will give me time to clear it with my mom."
They all agreed it would be fun. Carl said he'd provide the bait and they would meet at Henry's place. They would fish until dark if everybody was allowed.
With the plans agreed upon, Stevie stood up and announced that he had to be getting home. Cole followed.
"I guess I should be heading home too," said Carl.
"You don't want to come in for a little?" Henry asked.
"I kind of have chores to do if I want to come back this evening." The truth was Carl did want to stay and he really wanted to fuck, but he just didn't feel right asking his best friend to do that. He planned on stopping by Carter's on the way home. "Maybe I'll see you tonight if you're out," he added as he started off.
Rory was waiting by the pool when Chase and Ethan arrived. Much to Chase's delight, Rory was wearing a white speedo that not only highlighted his backside but also outlined his package in front quite nicely. Since it was a hot day, they hit the water as soon as the new arrivals could kick off their sneakers.
For the next 2 hours they raced, dunked one another, played tag and attempted to pull down each other's shorts. They were having a great time and did not even notice Rory's mom come out of the house until she yelled to them.
"Boys!" she called loudly. "It's time to take a break." She pointed to the tray she had brought out. Everyone climbed out of the pool and dug into the strawberries and apple slices Suzanne had prepared for them. She believed in healthy snacks.
As the boys settled into chairs and gobbled the fresh fruit down Rory asked, "What are you guys doing Saturday?"
"Nothing that I know of," answered Chase.
"I'm stuck at home," said Ethan. "There's a new family moving in down the street and my Dad invited them over for a cookout. They have a kid my age so I'm supposed to be there."
"Oh, sorry," said Rory. "I was hoping you could sleepover."
"I bet I can," said Chase.
"What if we have 2 sleepovers. One this week when Chase can come and one next week with all of us?" said Rory.
"Will your mom let you?" asked Ethan
"I'll go ask," he said excitedly as he jumped out of his chair and headed for the house.
Suzanne Mackey had been watching the boys out the window and what she saw made her feel good. Instead of the troubled little boy who had nightmares back in L.A., Rory was now a happy, energetic 11-year-old again. This trip had been good for him.
Rory came into the kitchen and immediately started begging. "Mom, I gotta ask you something and please, please, please say yes." Suzanne laughed out loud.
"You have to tell me what it is before I can say yes honey."
"Can Chase sleep over on Saturday?"
"Well I'd have to talk to his mom, but I think it would be all right."
"Good, and can Ethan and Chase stay over next Saturday?"
"Whoa tiger," said Suzanne. "You want to have 2 sleepovers?" she asked.
"Yes, Ethan can't come this week because he has company but Chase can and Ethan thinks he can come next week so I want to have 2 sleepovers."
Suzanne paused for a minute to take in all the information her son had just thrown at her. She liked both boys and it was summer so she really had no objection. As she thought about it Rory quickly added, "I'll clean my room."
"Okay, you can have 2 sleepovers, but I need to talk to both their moms. Tell the boys to have them call me and we'll be all set."
"Thanks Mom. I love you," yelled Rory as he headed out the door to tell the guys the good news.
Sandy and Cal Brewer were sitting at the kitchen table when Chase came barreling through.
"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" asked Sandy.
"The dryer," answered Chase. "I got a sleepover tonight and Mom said I need clean underwear."
Cal and Sandy laughed as Chase went off to the laundry room. When he returned with and armful of clean underwear he stopped and asked the boys what they were working on.
"We making plans for an end of summer party for the bottoms," Sandy answered.
"Cool," said Chase. "Are you having a cookout like last year?"
"Yes. I think so. Everybody had a good time. The only change is we might have it at Cal's place so we can swim."
"Excellent," said Chase. "Is Gordon gonna be there?"
Knowing what his brother was thinking, Sandy snapped at him. "Forget it Chase. All the bottoms are off duty for the party."
"But I have unlimited rights."
"Listen. I said forget it. If you want to push it, I'll talk to Dad and you'll be restricted to your room all day."
Chase glared at his big brother. He knew if his dad got involved he would lose so he stamped out of the room and yelled, "FINE. Be that way."
Sandy looked at Cal and shook his head. "Little brothers."
"Tell me about it," Cal agreed.
As Karla Jacobs pulled into the drive she was giving her youngest son a final warning about minding his manners at his friend's house.
"I know, I know Mom," said Chase as he grabbed his backpack from the backseat and headed for the door. "Come on. I'll introduce you."
Karla arrived at the door as Suzanne Mackey answered it and invited them both inside. Rory came in from the yard and joined them. Chase made good on his promise and introduced everyone. Then the boys took their leave and headed out to the pool.
"May I offer you a glass of wine?" Suzanne offered.
"That would be great," said Karla.
"Have a seat and I'll be right back."
Karla sat down and looked around at the living room. The vaulted ceiling and open beams were very impressive. This was a lot different from the average Indian Spring home.
"I didn't ask if you preferred red or white so I brought a rose'. I hope that's all right."
"That's just fine," replied Karla as Suzanne poured 2 glasses.
"Welcome to Indian Spring," said Karla as she held up her glass.
"Thanks, I'm really enjoying it here and hate to think about going home."
"Going home? You mean you're not going to be living here?"
"No, this is just our summer getaway."
"I'm sorry to hear that. I like seeing our little town grow."
"Well even if we're not permanent residents, I think we'll be visiting frequently. Like I said before I really like it here."
The ladies talked for over an hour before Karla had to head for home. Suzanne enjoyed their chat and agreed to have a get-together before they returned to California.
Rory and Chase played outside until dark and then retreated to the bedroom and video games for the evening. Chase liked having Rory all to himself and their friendship grew a little deeper that night. They shared some deep secrets that night and both agreed they couldn't wait until next week when Ethan could join them.
Ethan was finishing his cereal at the kitchen table when a familiar voice greeted him through the screen door.
"Morning Ethan."
"Hey Chase. Where have you been all week? I came over to your place a couple of times but you were always out."
As Chase let himself in he answered, "I went out to Gordon's a couple of times and I went fishing with Stevie and Cole and now I'm here."
"Cool, tell me more about the sleepover. You said on the phone that you had a good time."
"Actually, I had a great time," Chase said as he took a seat next to his friend and lowered his voice a bit. "Is anybody else home?" he asked.
"Just Ashton and he's watching TV."
"I found out that Rory does fool around and likes sex stuff as much as we do," said Chase.
"Really!" said Ethan with surprise. "Did you fuck him?"
"No, nothing like that, but we jerked each other off and took a shower together. I liked rubbing soap all over him," said Chase as he moved his hands in circular motions in front of him.
"How did you ask him. I mean, who's idea was it?"
"Well, it started with a bet. He bet me he could beat me in a game. Winner got to give the loser 10 smacks on his bare ass and he lost. He has a real sweet looking ass and I got to smack it and rub it. Then I lost the next game and he got to do me. We both had boners so I asked if he jerked off and pretty soon we were playing with each other."
"Wow," said Ethan. "You think he'll do it again when I sleep over?"
"Don't be mad, but I told him you and I did stuff and he wants to join us."
"I'm not mad. If you trust him it's okay with me. I can't wait till Saturday. I always like to meet a new penis," giggled Ethan.
"What are you doing today?" asked Chase.
"I'm going over to Scooter's as soon as I finish breakfast. You should come along and meet him. He's a nice guy.
"That's the new kid. Yeah, I'll come along. I want to meet him."
"Okay," said Ethan as he put his bowl in the sink and wiped his mouth with his hand. "Let's go."
Ethan, Scooter and Chase were finishing their tour of the park and getting ready to head home for lunch. Chase thought Scooter was a really cool guy and was excited about having him move into the neighborhood. He learned his real name was Stuart but nobody called him that. Even his parents called him Scooter. His dad was a mechanic and had a garage in Cool Spring. His mom was a nurse. The best part about having Scooter for a neighbor was that he had a four-wheeler. He was only allowed to ride it when his dad was around, but the boys were already making plans for the weekend.
As they walked a voice behind them called, "Wait up guys."
Koby Mackey was running to catch up to them. When he joined the group Ethan introduced him to Scooter and the usually bubbly Koby got quiet. He did shake Scooter's hand but he looked uncomfortable. Then he asked if he could talk to Chase alone for a minute. Chase was really curious what he wanted and followed him about 20 feet away from the others.
"Listen. I'm only telling you this cause I like you guys. Scooter seems like a nice kid, but I heard some bad things about that family," Koby said very seriously.
"What do you mean," asked Chase.
"I don't know the whole story but I heard some older guys talking and they said that family was trouble. I just want you guys to know that you need to be careful. I gotta go now," said Koby as he headed back toward the woods.
"What did he want?" asked Ethan when his friend rejoined them.
"I'm not sure," said Chase. "You know Koby. He's a little goofy sometimes. Fun, but goofy." He didn't want to talk about it in front of Scooter. He decided he'd ask Sandy about it later.
Sandy was feeling stressed out. He and James had presented their Choosing improvement ideas at the Council meeting on Wednesday and Jason had liked them both. He said he was going to present them to the Senior Council along with Paul and Hank's surrender option. Since all three ideas were his, Sandy felt proud. He was patting himself on the back until this morning when Jason called. The Council wanted to hear the ideas in less than a week and Jason needed some additional information for his presentation. First, he wanted to have the paddle they planned on using. Not just something similar, but the exact paddle they would use. Next, he had to list the criteria they would use to award Community Credit points. Thinking of examples of the sort of things a kid might do to earn these negative points was harder than he thought it would be.
He thought the paddle would be the hardest part, but it turned out to be rather easy. The only person he knew who had a carpentry shop was Matthew Corbin's dad so he called him. Mr. Corbin laughed loudly when Sandy told him what he needed, but he agreed to make it. He would bring it over to him on Monday.
Now all he had to do was come up with a list of things kids could do to earn negative points and he was getting rather frustrated. He was actually relieved when Chase came in the room and interrupted him.
"Hey Sandy, can I ask you something?"
"You just did," replied Sandy with a smile.
"C'mon. I'm serious."
"Okay, go ahead."
"Is there anything wrong with the new family down the street? I mean should we be careful around them or anything?"
The question surprised the older boy but he could tell that Chase was serious. "There's nothing that I know about and Mr. Tucker seems to think they're all right. Why do you ask?"
Chase then told his big brother about what Koby had said. Sandy guessed it was probably just some story being spread by deep Mackey's who didn't like new folks moving into Indian Spring. At Koby's age you believe what older kids say and the boy was probably sincere in his concern. Still, Sandy decided he would ask some people that might know if there was a problem.
"I'm gonna guess it's just some crazy story Chase, but I will ask around just to be sure. I'll talk to Mr. Tucker and James. If there is anything we should know about it they'll tell me."
"Cool. Scooter is a nice kid and I'd hate to find out I can't play with him. He's got a 4-wheeler too."
"Ohhh," laughed Sandy. "Now I see why you want to be friends with him."
"No," said Chase defensively. "That's not the reason. He really is nice and I think he'll be fun to have around."
"I'm just teasing, little brother. I don't think you need to worry, but I will check."
"Thanks," said Chase and he left the room. Sandy made himself a note to see Mr. Tucker over the weekend and then returned to his work.
Rory had been watching for his guests to arrive and when the car pulled into the drive he let out a loud shout, "THEY'RE HERE!"
"For heavens sake Rory you don't have to yell," scolded his mom. The boy ran outside to greet his friends.
Suzanne Mackey greeted the boys at the door and directed them up the stairs to dump their backpacks.
Silvie Tucker introduced herself and thanked Suzanne for having the boys over. She had to decline the offer to come in for a drink as they had guests coming for dinner and she had to get home. She took a moment to say good bye to Ethan and then left.
The boys headed to the pool as soon as they were out of the house Rory asked Chase," Are we gonna do stuff tonight?"
Chase gave him a big smile and replied." We sure are."
The boys had been swimming for about an hour when Mrs. Mackey came out and announced that she was heading out to pick up some pizzas and would be gone about an hour. Rory walked her out to the car to put in his requests for toppings and say good-bye. When he returned to the backyard he stood at the edge of the pool and announced, "Mom's gone. It's skinny dipping time." Then he dropped his shorts and dove in. Chase and Ethan quickly joined him tossing their shorts up on the deck. Chase had to laugh as he remembered how shy Rory was just over a week ago when they swam naked at Cal's. Now he was the one suggesting it.
The next hour was filled with more horseplay and roughhousing than sex, but they did enjoy some humping and grabbing whenever the opportunity presented itself. When they realized an hour had passed the 3 boys pulled their shorts back on and sat on the deck talking and waiting for food. They didn't have to wait long before Rory's mom appeared carrying 2 pizzas. The next 15 minutes were pretty quiet as the hungry 11-year-olds dug in. Suzanne passed out napkins and drinks and then joined the boys to review their plans for the night.
The first thing she said made the boys smile. "There is no set bedtime tonight, I don't care if you stay up all night, but remember Ethan's mother will be here to pick you up at 2 o'clock. You have to be out of bed by then," she said with a smile. She knew they wouldn't be able to stay awake all night and she didn't really care if they were up till midnight. She viewed tonight as special. Her son was making new friends and he was happy. This was important to her.
"Rory has picked a special treat for tonight that I'll bring up later but first I want you all to take a shower. You've been in the pool for hours and you need to wash the chlorine off your grubby little bodies," she said as she grabbed a pinch of her son's belly making him squeal and the others laugh.
When they finished eating they headed up to the bedroom. The visitors laid out there sleeping bags and dug dry shorts out of their backpacks. Rory was turning on the video game system and looking through his library of games. Once he made his selection he also grabbed dry clothes and then sat on the bed next to his friends. "Okay, who wants to shower first?" he asked.
"Why don't we all go together?" said Chase. "Your shower's big enough."
Without any hesitation they all agreed and one minute later there were 3 naked boys smiling at each other as Rory adjusted the shower.
"Rory is the dirtiest. I say we wash him first," said Ethan.
"I think so too," agreed Chase as he took the nervous looking boy by the shoulders and guided him into the shower. "Come on dirty boy. We are gonna clean you up." Chase stood behind him and started rubbing soap on his shoulders and back. Ethan took the front and rubbed his chest and belly paying special attention to his nipples. When Chase moved down to his butt, Ethan slid a soapy hand under their hosts balls and then gripped his penis. Rory couldn't help himself. He was not used to strange hands touching him there so he batted Ethan's hand away.
"Hey!" cried Ethan playfully. "We have to get you clean." He took Rory's hands and placed them on top of his head. "Now keep them there until we're done," he commanded.
With Chase running fingers through his butt crack and Ethan slowly stroking his dick and balls Rory moaned out loud. He bent his knees and wiggled his hips but he did keep his hand on top of his head. After several minutes he fell back into Chase's arms as Ethan brought him to the most powerful climax he had ever experienced. The soap and water prevented Ethan from seeing if anything came out of the dick he had been stroking but it didn't matter. Chase held onto Rory as he recovered and slowly slid his hard dick up and down the soapy butt crack that was pressed against him. All Rory said was, "Man, that was great!"
The boys then switched positions and put Chase in the middle to be washed and then finished with Ethan. Each boy enjoyed a sweet orgasm. When they finished they dried off and put shorts on. Rory ran downstairs to tell his mom they were ready for their desert. Five minutes later he returned with his mother and both of them were carrying large trays. They set the goodies down on a table in the corner and the guests scurried over to see what they were having. There were 3 bowls that each had 3 scoops of ice cream in them. There was whipped cream, several types of flavored toppings, peanuts, bananas and M&M's. They were going to make their own sundaes. They dug into the treats and spent the next 30 minutes eating until they couldn't hold anymore. Everyone helped to carry the dirty dishes and leftovers back to the kitchen and then it was time for video games.
Being a good host, Rory suggested Chase and Ethan play first. He had selected a motorcycle racing game and he felt good when both his friends liked it. After they played a few games, he asked if he could challenge the winner of the next race and they agreed.
Chase won so Ethan handed the controller to Rory and they traded places. "Want to make the same bet as last week?" Chase asked.
"Sure," said Rory with a smile. "How many licks?"
"Five."
"What are you betting?" asked Ethan, although he already had a pretty good idea.
"The winner gets to give the loser 5 smacks on his bare butt," answered Rory.
"Cool," replied Ethan.
Chase won the race. He smiled at Rory and said," Time to pay up. Drop those shorts."
Rory didn't hesitate. He stood up and pushed his shorts down to his knees and laid himself across the bed. Although Ethan had seen his friend naked before and had even washed his private parts he found it exciting to see the boy presenting his butt like this.
Chase stood next to his victim and delivered 5 quick slaps to the waiting rear. They were just hard enough to make the boy yelp playfully. When Rory jumped up and rubbed his behind Ethan noted that he had a nice sized boner.
The boys played a couple of more games for spanks until they all had red, tingly rears. After Chase lost to Ethan and he was bent over and bare, Ethan took a moment and spread his cheeks apart exposing his pink little hole.
"Hey. What are you doing back there?" Chase giggled.
"Just admiring the view," answered Ethan. "It's really nice." He watched Rory as he exposed his friend and saw that he was staring at the pink hole also. He decided it was time to up the wager.
After delivering the required slaps Ethan made a suggestion. "I say we make this tougher. How about if the loser gives the winner a blow job?"
Chase agreed right away. "I'll do it."
Rory froze. "Are you serious. You mean put your mouth on it?"
"Yes. Have you ever done it?" Ethan asked.
"Uhm, no. I heard of it but I never did it." said Rory.
"Maybe we should start off by showing you what you're playing for. How about if I give you your first blow job," Ethan offered.
Chase had a big smile on his face as he encouraged the newcomer to accept the offer. "You're gonna love this Rory. It's better than jerking off."
Rory really wanted to do this, but he was scared. If he accepted the offer than he would probably be expected to return the favor. This was something he had only ever heard talked about and now he had a chance to try it. He gave in to his urges. "Okay," was all he managed to say.
"Cool," said Ethan. "Take those shorts of and lay down on the bed."
He dropped his shorts and got onto the bed as ordered. They had been swimming naked together and showered together, but he suddenly felt very self-conscious. His dick, however, stood straight and tall as he lay down.
Ethan took off his shorts also and got on the bed next to his friend. "Now just relax and enjoy," he said as he closed his mouth over the waiting penis. He had wanted to do this since he first laid eyes on the cute looking red head and he wanted to make his first time special. In less than a minute he had the boy moaning and bucking his hips. Ethan used every trick he knew. His tongue swirled and danced, He sucked hard and slid his pursed lips up and down the slippery dick. Very soon he felt Rory's hands on his head and he knew he was close.
"Oh God, Oh man. It's happening," Rory murmured as he raised his hips and pressed himself against the lips that were giving him so much pleasure.
Ethan wasn't sure but he thought he tasted something as the boy climaxed. Then the hands that had been holding his head relaxed and in a gasping voice Rory begged, "Stop, that's enough."
Chase, who had been watching the boys, commented, "I think he liked it."
Rory managed a laugh, then, after a minute of recovery time he sat up and said, "That was amazing. I never felt anything like that before."
"You guys got me horny as hell. Let's show him how 2 guys can do it at once," Chase suggested as he rubbed the front of his shorts and glanced at Ethan who was also visibly excited. Ethan agreed and the friends got down on the floor and happily showed their host how to sixty-nine. Rory couldn't take his eyes off Ethan's butt as it bounced up and down while he pumped his boner in and out of Chase's mouth.
Back home in California kids only whispered about stuff like this. Rory couldn't believe he was not only watching it but taking part in it. He was in heaven.
With all 3 boys spent they lost interest in games and put a movie on. All 3 boys easily fit in the queen-sized bed so the sleeping bags were forgotten. They all enjoyed snuggling together naked and it wasn't long before they dropped off to sleep.
The next morning Suzanne Mackey decided to call the boys to let them know she was preparing breakfast. She tapped on the door but got no response so she opened it a crack and looked in. She was greeted by a bare bottom sticking out from the sheets on the bed and decided to go no further.
"Breakfast in 30 minutes," she called.
"Okay Mom, we'll be down," Rory answered sleepily.
As she closed the door she was smiling remembering how much fun sleepovers could be.
After breakfast the boys played outside and Rory showed them around the trails he had discovered on the property. They had a cookout lunch and Mrs. Tucker showed up at 2 PM to take the boys home.
Rory had not run that morning so he decided to walk some more and invited his Mom to join him. The two walked almost the entire property and stopped to take a break at a spot along the creek. There was a large fallen tree that made a perfect bench to sit on and the creek was wide and clear.
"I could swim here," Rory commented.
"It looks clean enough to me," Suzanne answered.
"I really like it here Mom. Why don't we stay here?"
The request surprised her, but she had been really enjoying the country life herself.
"I haven't had a single nightmare since we've been here," Rory added.
She looked at the happy kid sitting next to her and remembered the troubled boy he was back in L.A. She had noticed the transformation.
"I'll think about it," she said. It would require a lot of juggling but it might be possible. The real estate market was hot so they could unload the house easily. She could work from home and travel when necessary. There was still time to get school records and that sort of thing. "I'll think about it real hard."
"Thanks Mom," he replied and gave her a hug.
Chase was watching as Scooter and his brother Stevie rode the 4-wheeler around the perimeter of the field. That little thing could fly and Scooter knew how to make it slide in the corners. He couldn't wait for his turn.
"Is that the new kid?" a voice behind him asked.
Turning around he saw his buddy Oak Mackey. "Hey Oak! Yeah, that's Scooter. Wanna meet him?" Chase offered.
"Not me. I'm steering clear of that boy."
"Why?" asked a confused Chase.
"That family is trouble. Don't you know his daddy is an ex-con?"
"Get out of here. You're pulling my leg. I met his daddy and he's real nice."
"He might seem nice but he's an ex-con and he killed somebody. If you're smart you'll stay away from them."
"You're full of crap Oak. Scooter is a nice kid and he's my friend," said Chase starting to get angry at the wild accusations.
"Suit yourself, but I know what I'm talking about. I'm leaving cause they're coming over here," said Oak as he turned and walked away. When he was about 30 feet away he turned and yelled, "Don't blame me if something happens. I warned you."
Chase was now pissed off at his friend. "Fuck you Oak," he yelled just as the others pulled up.
"What are you mad at Oak about?" asked Stevie as he took off his helmet. "You guys are friends."
"Oh he's just making up bullshit stories," said Chase angrily.
"Was it about my Dad?" asked Scooter quietly.
"Uhm, sort of," stammered Chase. He didn't really want to repeat what Oak had said.
"It's all right Chase. I've been through this before. I bet he told you my Dad was an ex-con."
"Yeah, he did. Is it true?" Chase asked.
"Yes. It's true. He was in prison for 3 years before I was born."
"Did, uh, did he kill someone?" asked Chase nervously.
"There was a car accident and a girl was killed. My daddy was the driver so he got in trouble," answered Scooter sadly.
Stevie sensing that their new friend was deeply saddened by this discussion spoke up. "Don't worry about it Scooter. That's ancient history. We can't change bad stuff that happened in the past, but it doesn't have anything to do with us. We're still gonna be friends, right?"
"I sure hope so," said Scooter brightening up a bit. "Some kids don't want to play with me when they find out, or they're not allowed. I really like you guys and I hope we can stay friends."
"You can count on it," said Chase as he held up his fist to Scooter and they bumped.
"Me too," said Stevie as he joined them. "You're too sexy to stop being friends with."
"Thanks, I think," laughed Scooter. "Come on Chase. It's your turn. Put your helmet on and let's ride."
Stevie watched as they rode around and thought about what he had just learned. It was serious stuff, but he didn't see how it would affect being friends with Scooter. It had nothing to do with him. He'd talk to his dad or Sandy later.
Cooper looked over at Reeve's house as he walked home. His buddy was still not speaking to him and he had to resist the temptation to go knock on the door. He really wanted to settle this thing that was keeping them apart. His parents had told him he had to be patient and wait till Reeve was ready to talk and he was really trying, but it was hard. As he passed below his friend's bedroom window, he noticed something laying on the ground. The colors stood out in the green grass so he walked over and picked it up. It was the rock he had made for the boy's birthday. It said Friends Forever. Judging by where it lay it appeared that it was thrown out of the bedroom window. Cooper couldn't decide if he was more mad or hurt. He meant those words on the rock and Reeve had thrown it away.
He took the rock and set it up on the front porch near the top step. It was out of the way so it wouldn't get kicked and you couldn't miss seeing it. Maybe if he saw it, Reeve would change his mind and take it back inside. Cooper then headed for home.