Date: Sun, 27 Nov 2022 23:01:16 +0000 (UTC) From: Knight Timothy Subject: Young Innocence Chapter 8 Darren waited for an explanation when his mom began. "Sue and I thought it would be a great idea not to tell Carter and Mattie that due to the redistricting of our house, they'd now be going to the same school" "We thought it would be a really nice surprise for them when they crossed paths" "We never thought about the, what ifs" "Then because of a situation out of our control, Connor ended up staying with us" "Those two, very rapidly ended up becoming boyfriends" "Then according to Connor, Mattie was going to tell us" "But Connor asked Mattie if he knew what coming out was and he said no" "Or did he know what being gay was" "He also answered no" "So Connor explained everything to him about what being gay meant and what coming out is" "He also explained the bad part of being rejected by your parents and the possibility of being sent away" "After listening to what he had said, Mattie sent Connor downstairs to get some sandwiches for them" " But that was only a distraction so Mattie could leave a note for Connor" " He told him, that he needed some alone time to think" "When Mattie didn't come home by curfew or an hour later, we knew that something had to of happen to him. "So we started searching for him" "You know everything else" Mattie was mad after hearing all of what his mommy had just said. Mattie was also sad. He liked Connor but really really liked Carter. Mattie started crying but managed to say "Why mommy" "Why didn't you tell me" A shocked expression appeared on Mary's face at the realization that Mattie had heard everything that she had said. "Oh sweetheart" "Mommy is so sorry" Mattie was very upset and even though it was very painful, he turned and rolled away of his mommy. "Mary, let me talk to Mattie alone for a moment" "If you think that's best Bob" "Darren go with her" "Sure thing dad" Bob pulled up a chair next to his sons bed. "Mattie, can I get you anything"? "I'm awfully thirsty daddy" Bob got up and poured Mattie a cup of ice water from the pitcher. He put a straw in it and helped Mattie to take a few sips of water. Then he put the cup down on the table next to them. "Mattie, we are all so happy that you're going to be okay" "We were all so worried about you" "I'm really sorry that you had to go through what you did these past 2 days" "I blame myself for never sitting down with you to have a father and son talk" "I should have known that you were old enough to understand the facts of life" "But I was to blind to see it" "We all love you with all of our hearts" "All we want is for you to be with someone that will love you as much as you love them" "Whether it be a girl or even a boy" "Our main concern is that you're happy" "You mean it doesn't bother you that I like boys" ? "Mattie, mommy and I have known that you liked boys more than girls ever since you were little" "Daddy, I'm still little" "Yes, in size" "But your growing up right before our eyes" "You mean that you're not going to send me away" "Mattie we would never ever do anything to hurt you" "So you wouldn't send me away"? "No honey, we would never send you away" "Oh daddy, I was so scared" "After Connor talked to me, I was scared that I would end up like his friend" "If I had only known, I would have never left" "I'm really sorry that you had to go through all of that, that you did, Mattie" "Where were you going to go to think when you left the house"? "I was heading to the fort that Darren and I had built" "But I took a wrong turn and fell off the edge of the quarry" "I landed in the water and tried to swim to the shore side" "But my backpack filled up with water really fast" "It dragged me down under the water and I couldn't get to the surface" "I was really scraed but finally made it to the surface to get some air" "Only to go right back under" "i was struggling really hard to get out of my backpack" "That's when my arm bent straight back and I thought that I had broke it" "But with my arm bent like that, I was able to pull my arm out of the backpacks shoulder strap" "The backpack sank to the bottom of the quarry" "I was very tired at that point but somehow managed to swim to the surface" "I dont know how I made it to the opposite side but I did" "I was able to crawl out of the water and go about ten feet before I collapsed and fell asleep" "I don't know how long I slept but awoke when I heard that weird crying noise that I heard when I crossed paths with the big cat" "All I could think of, was to get up and run" "I didn't know where I was at or going" "I felt my arms and legs getting scratched up as I ran" "Then all of sudden the ground gave out" "I fell and fell and fell" "I hit the sides and ever so often I would stop before falling again" "Finally I stopped and my body hurt really bad" "The pain made me go to sleep again" "Then sometime later I woke up when I heard doggies barking" "Next thing I know, this cable with a light on it comes down" "Then I hear your voice daddy" "Daddy, I was so scared" Mary and Darren had slipped back into the room while Mattie was telling his daddy about his ordeal. "Daddy I'm sorry" "You have nothing to be sorry about" "Mommy" Mattie cried out. "Mommy I need you" Mary rushed over to come to Matties side and they hugged and cried. "I'm sorry mommy" "Please don't be mad at me" "Oh my sweet boy" "Mommy could never be mad at you" "You had us all so scared" "But your safe now" Now with his mind settled, Mattie became quiet and Mary realized that he had fallen back to sleep. Carters house. It had been a long couple of days and everyone was sitting around the dinner table. They had picked up 3 large pizzas on their way home to eat for supper. "Daddy, did you know that Mattie would be going to my school after summer break"? "Yes I did" "Then why wasn't I told that my best friend in the whole world was going to be at my school" "I think that mommy can explain that better to you son" Dale said with a slight smirk on his face. "Mommy" "You see sweetie" "When Mary told me that her house was redistrict into your school zone, we thought that it would be sweet if you two accidentally bumped into each other" "Well we didn't and now Connors his boyfriend" "When it should of been me" "What did you say sweetheart" Carter, suddenly realized what he had jusr said to his parents. "Oh nothing" "Ìts alright son" 'We know how you feel about Mattie" Dale said. "Well it doesn't matter now" "Mattie thinks Dylans my boyfriend" "Then you need to have Dylan tell Mattie the truth" Matties hospital room. "Mom" "Dad" "Why don't the two of you go home and shower and change" "Get some sleep" "I'll stay here with Mattie" "That sounds like a good idea" "We'll see you in the morning" "Thanks son" Hugs were exchanged with one another and then they left. A few hours later A knock on the door alerted Darren that someone was coming in. "How's Mattie doing"? "Sandy" "How did you know I was here"? "Wesley, called me when you were at the airport" "I'm going to need to have a talk with him" "You'll do no such thing mister" "How dare you think that you can sneak into town and then sneak out without telling me about it" "Sandy" "Is that you"? "Yes Mattie" "It's me" "How is my little guy doing"? "I'm sore and my head is fuzzy" "I know" "You'll be as good as new real soon" "Is Darren still here" "Yes buddy, I'm right here" "Where's mommy and daddy "I told them to go home and get some rest" "Don't you worry any, they will be back to pick you up tomorrow" "I'm hungry Darren" "Well then, it's a good thing that I bought some of my homemade chicken noodle soup and a baked sweet potato for you" "With cinnamon and butter, Sandy" "Of course" "Just the way you like it" As soon as Sandy put thr food down in front of Mattie, he dug in "Slow down, Mattie" Darren said. "Mmmm, this is good stuff" "Thanks Sandy" "Your welcome little guy" "When I get tired of this one, you'll be my boyfriend" "Oh, I can't do that Sandy " "Why sugar" "Can you keep a secret" "You bet I can" "Well, there's a certain someone that I'm sweet on" "Also another one that I need to let go" "My my my, aren't you the busy ladies man" Mattie lowered his we eyes as he blushed. "Sandy, it's not a girl" Darren added. "Oh, lm sorry sweetie" "I didn't mean to embrass you" "That boy is awfully lucky to get such a good looking boy like you Mattie" "I suppose your brother will have to do" Mattie finished eating and was soon back asleep. Parade Ice Garden Today was the start of the 12U Hockey Season tryouts. Approximately 150 to 200, 10 through 12 year old boys would be trying out. Everyone gets picked. The last two years championship team, The Crushers team members had all returned for another season except for two players who have advanced to the 16U Hockey League. They had 2 spots open up on their team. The teams would consist of between 13 to 15 players each. This includes 2 goalies per team. Adjustments to the number of players can be made depending on the number trying out. The parking lot was starting to fill up as parents arrived with their kids who were trying out for tge league. This year there was expected to be 11 to 12 teams. That would be up from 8 the previous year. All the levels of experience were present. From barely being able to skate to being able to stick handle and shoot. It didn't matter your level of experience as everyone would get to play. Registration was under way and the kids trying out were issued numbers to put on there shirts and jerseys. They started by having them going on the ice in groups. They were tested in all skills of skating around cones, stick handling, stopping, shooting, speed and backwards skating. They also got to play against one another and shoot at the goalies that were trying out. The numbers were crunched and it seemed that they had enough for 12 full teams. They also had an extra 12 players but no goalie. Tryouts were composed of two weekends and next weekend was for the 16U Hockey League. Spencer's house. All the boys were up and getting ready to head over to Inner-city tennis courts. Today was the 12 and under singles tournament. It was a single elimination in the winners bracket. Then the losers had a round Robin bracket to play in for third and fourth place. Connor was entered in the 8 and 9 year old group, since he wouldn't turn 10 until next week. Carter and Carl were entered in the 10 through 12 years old group. The boys were just finishing eating breakfast when Mr and Mrs Spencer pulled up outside to take the boys to the competition. Paradise Ice Garden "Boys, I'm afraid that I have bad and good news" "Whats the bad news", a boy named Gary asked. "We don't have a goalie" "For us to be able to be a team, we must have at least one goalie" "Coach, coach , coach" a very excited Cory called out. "Yes, Cory" "My friend Mattie plays goalie and was supposed to be trying out today but I didn't see him. "Whats his last name" "I'll check the registry" "O'Brian, Mattie O'Brian" "He wouldn't be related to Darren O'Brian would he" "Yes, that's his older brother" "Is he ten years old" "No but he will be this Wednesday" "Does he have gear" "Yes, he has gear that he got from a friend of his brother's" "How good is he" "I think he's very good" "He stopped all of my shots but we were using roller hockey ball pucks" "Do you have his number so I can give him a call"? "No, he doesn't have a cell phone" "He's in my class though" "Coach, are you about finished here"? "We need the ice" "Yes we are" "Tell him to have his parents call this number on my business card, asap" "Okay coach" "What was the good news, coach" the same boy asked. "If we can't get a goalie, then we will be divided up among the other 12 teams" "Ugh, you call that good news" "We all want to stay together" "Cory just get that card to his parents" "I'll drop it by on my way home" Matties room 717 A male nurse came in to change Matties diaper. As he was doing so, Mattie woke up. He saw this man in green scrubs above him that he didn't know. Mattie started to panic. "Stay away from" "Don't touch me" "It's okay little boy" "I'm your nurse from yesterday" Darren had awaken when he heard his little brother in distress. He went to his side. "Calm down Mattie" "Your in the hospital" "You were hurt pretty bad yesterday" "So it wasn't a dream"? "No Mattie" "It all happened. Darren turned to the nurse and suggested to him to just leave the supplies and he'll change his brother. "There go Mattie, all changed and into a nice soft and dry diaper" "Darren I've missed you" he said as he reached out his arms for a hug. Darren had missed his baby brother also. The brothers were tenderly hugging each other when Mary, Bob and the doctor entered. Darren separated to let the doctor check Mattie out. Twenty minutes later the doctor was done. Your boy is all set to go home. He is fine to go back to school on Monday. But here's a note so he doesn't have to participate in gym class. His stitches should dissolve in about a week. The doctor turned to speak to Mattie. "Son, you must take it easy this week until your stitches dissolve or you'll have to come back and get real stitches put in" "But I got my goalie tryouts to do by next Saturday at the latest" "Goalie tryouts" Darren said shocked. "Yes Darren" "Turns out our little boy here could be a natural" "Yes, that reminds me" "The x-rays showed that Mattie is hypermobile on the extreme side of the scale" "His flexibility to make his body move in ways that are just impossible for 98% of the population" "It's not dangerous or bad for him" "He'll just be able move in ways that most of us will think impossible" "We bought you some clothes from home sweetheart since yours were all bloody and had to be cut off your body" "Here Mattie, let me help you put these on" "Ok mommy" Soon the small group was heading out to the parking deck. When they exited out the front doors, WCCO News was waiting outside for them. The news man, with his cameraman approached. Bob saw them before they saw Mattie. He took his jacket off and covered up his sons head and upper body. "Don't panic Mattie" "Daddy just doesn't want these men filming you" "Okay daddy" Bob stepped in front of the newsman and told him that he wasn't subjecting his son to any interviews. He asked him to kindly respect his wishes and not to approach his son anywhere in the future. The newsman accepted his wishes and joinef his cameraman who had already gotten into the van. Darren handed his dad his coat back upon arriving at their vehicle. Then he picked up Mattie and put him into his seat and buckled him in. Everyone else got in and they headed for home. Darren called his coach to ask him if he could meet the team at the Golden Gophers Arena. They were scheduled to play them on Monday at 6pm and Thursday at noon. He said that he wanted to ask him a favor but would call him later. "How's your brother doing"? "The local news station here picked up on the story cause someone leaked the boy was your younger brother" "He's cut up pretty bad but no broken bones or major head trauma besides having a concussion" "That's great news Darren" "Your going to bring your family to the game" "Oh yes coach" That's what I wanted to talk to you about" Darren took a quick look over at Mattie, who was fast asleep. "Coach, Wednesday is Matties 10th birthday and I was wondering" "Say no more" "Thanks coach" Bob pulled into the garage and got out. Darren picked Mattie up after unbuckling his seatbelt and carried him inside and upstairs to his bedroom. Inner-city Tennis Courts All three boys had been registered and their first matches set. The format was set up so you only needed to win two sets of 3 games in order to win the match. Only the semi-finals and finals game would play 4 game sets. Carter drew last years winner who was already counting the match as a victory. Last year when they met, Carter had lost every game he played against him. Carl drew a fellow team mate and Connor drew a semi-finalist from last year. Carters match was over in less then 30 minutes. 3-0, 3-0. A stunned Carter walked off the court after shaking hands with his opponent. He went over to his section and sat down. He drank some water and put a towel over his head and rested. He felt people patting him on his back and telling him good game. The loud speaker came to life. Team Stanley has filed a protest against Team Carter. Illegal equipment and tempering. Will Carter Spencer please bring his racket and bag to the referees tent. Sue Spencer had been signing autographs when she heard the announcement over the PA system. She excused herself and immediately went to join her son. Connor was elated at winning his 3 set match, 3-2, 1-3 and 3-2. Carl unfortunately had to withdraw. He reached for a wide shot, that caused him to lose his balance and he broke his right pinkie and ring fingers. He was up 3-1, 2-1 and serving on 40 - love for the match when it happened. He cried out in pain as the on-site doctor came over to assist him. He was immediately taken over to the medical tent. Dale Spencer was watching his game when he got injured. He grabbed Carl's gear and went with him. Referees tent. They inspected Carters racket for any defections or added materials. They weighed his racket as well. Searching his bag they found baby powder and hand cream. Then they found diaper rash cream, baby oil and diapers. "See right there" "He probably put that cream on his racket which transferred to the tennis balls" "Explained why this is in your bag and what do you do with the diaper and oil"? An embrassed Carter pushed down his shorts to reveal he was wearing a diaper. The three referees voted 2 - 1 that no violations have occurred and Carter had won the match fairly. "That's enough" "I'm reporting this protest to the USTA and especially you Palmer" "You've tampered in your last tournament" Sue said. Matties bedroom. Darren had propped up Mattie with several pillows behind him and on each of his sides. He went downstairs and bought him back up a tray with snacks and juice on it. He sat down with his brother a played Mario Cart with him until Sandy came by and dragged him off to her house to discuss what was being planned for Matties birthday. Ring ring ring "Well hello there, I see that we meet again" "Cory isn't it" "Yes Mr O'Brian" "I suppose your here to see Mattie" "Actually sir, I wanted to give you our coaches business card" "He wants you to call him about Mattie playing on our team" "We can't play unless we have a goalie" "Okay son, run upstairs and say hello to Mattie" Inner-city Tennis Courts Connor was up against a boy whose been bullying him at school and has since joined the tennis team just to be able to bully him even more. The two boys met at the net and shook hands "You beat me and I'll kick your ass" Connor was quickly down 2 - 0 but won the next game and broke serve to tie it 2 - 2. When he looked up at his opponent, he was hitting his fist into his palm, Connor let him break his serve to win the set 3 - 2. They switched sides and took a quick break to get some water. Someone patted him on his back. "You can beat him, Connor" "He's just bully" "Don't let him intimidate you" "Charlie and I will take care of him" Connor looked up to see that you it was Dustin. He jumped up from his chair and gave him a quick hug before jogging back on to the court. You could tell that he now had a spring in his step. Connor broke his opponents serve twice and won the set 3 - 0. It was now tied. 3rd and final set. His opponent quickly had Connor down 1 - 0. "Come on Connor, you got this" Dustin yelled from the stands. Connor came back and won the next two games. Then his opponent tied it up 2 - 2. His opponent was at match point, 3 different times but couldn't put Connor away. Connor evened it up and then got the advantage. The last volley was going back and forth when Connor lobbed one to the back corner. His opponent got to the ball but hit a soft return. Connor rushed the net and smashed the ball over the net just inside the line and put it out of reach of his opponent. Game set match goes to Team Connor and you advance to our first semi-finalist spot. Dustin was waiting for Connor by his chair to congratulate him. When Stan his opponent approached. "I warned you" "Monday after lunch, I'm going to rearrange your face" Stan felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around. There stood Charlie. "You lay one finger on Connor and I'll break your hands so bad that you'll need someone to feed you for the rest of your life" "Do you understand me Stanley" He hated to be called that but shook his head up and down before he quickly left. Meanwhile in Matties bedroom. Cory told him all about the tryouts and their teams situation. Knocking "Mattie" "A coach Kingston (coach K for short) wanted to know if you'd be interested in being their starting goalie for the 12U Hockey League" "Oh yes daddy" "Please daddy, please let me play" "So what do you think coach" "Does that sound like a Yes to you" "When's our first practice" "I have reserved some ice time for next week after the 16U tryouts" "We'll be there" "How are you feeling son" "I'm sore" "Here, take these two pills" "They are for pain but will put you to sleep as well" "I better be heading home" "Bye Mattie" Cory said. Innet-city tennis courts Carter again swept his next two opponents. Winning 3-0 and 3-0 in both matches. He was in the semi-finals going up against their schools top rival and player, Regis. Regis won the first set 4-2 but lost the second set 4-1. He was up 2-0 but Carter broke his serve and never looked back. He won the set 4-2 and match. He was in the finals and would go on to win the tournament. Connor also made it to the finals but ended up against a boy who had a 50 mile an hour serve at the age of 8. Final score was 4-2, 1-4 and 4-3. The young boy was really good but Connor knew that they would meet again. And next time he promised himself that he'd be ready for him. The trophies were awarded and pictures were taken. After a very long day, everyone loaded up and headed back to their homes. When Carter, Carl and Connor arrived back at the Spencer's house, Lisa and Paul were waiting for them. Dale had picked up 5 extra large pizza's and invited Paul, Lisa, Carl and Connor to join them for dinner, which they accepted. Because of the type of break Carl's fingers had, the doctor felt it best put his hand and fingers in a cast. Saturday turned into Sunday which turned into Monday and back to school. Elementary School Connor saw Mattie getting off of the bus and walked up to him. "Hi Mattie" "Hi Connor" "uhm we need to talk" "Yes, I know and I'm dreading it" Mattie said back. At the same time Connor and Mattie said "I like someone else" They stared at each other and started laughing. "Who" they both said. "Carter" "Dustin" "Take me to him, Connor" So Connor took Matties hand who interlocked his fingers and was lead over to a small group of boys and girls. They said hello to Connor but said nothing to me. Dustin was smiling until he saw us holding hands. "Hi Dustin. I'm Mattie" "Hi" he said "I need you to promise me something" I said as I took Connors hand and put it into Dustin's hand. "That you'll not break Connors heart" I was unsure how Dustin felt about Connor at the time. Dustin looked up at me and smiled. "I promise" I leaned in and kissed Dustin on the cheek before saying that I had to get to class and that I'd let Mrs Preston know that your back in Mr Suns classroom. As I turned to leave, Dustin grabbed me and gave me a big hug. "Thanks Mattie" I smiled at them and walked away. Class was uneventful except that everyone wanted to know what had happened to me. After explaining it about hundred times, they finally stopped. Lunch period came and I saw a girl I remembered from when I went skating with Carter. As I approached her she sourly asked. "What do you want"? "I need to know where Carter is at next period"? "Why should I tell you" "You already got your boyfriend" "We broke up with each other cause we both like someone else" "So are you going to tell me where he'll be or do I need to find him myself" "He'll be in the library for free period" "What class color is he in" "It's the blue class" "How do I get in that class"? "I think you just need to take a test and score really high on it" I went directly to the office and spoke to the really nice secretary lady who has always been so helpful to me. I asked her if I could be tested to see if I scored high enough to be in the blue classroom. She gave me the test and I took it sitting in front of her. I couldn't believe how really easy it seemed to be. When I was done, I already knew that I did well on the test. I sat there waiting as she graded my answers. When she finished with that, she smiled as she got up from her desk and went into principals office. He came out with her and stood in front of me. "Hi Mattie, first off, I'd like to say that I'm happy that you're okay" "Thank you sir" "Mrs Presley graded your test and I'm not sure how to react" "I did that bad sir" "On the contrary son, you scored the highest score evey given" "So I can be a blue student now"? "You'll still be a yellow cause you must wear diapers" "But you'll also be a blue cause your just to darn smart" "Go to the library cause that's where they are now" "Then just follow them back to their classroom" "I'll let Mrs Preston and Mrs Victoria know about the changes" "Thank you sir" "Mattie skipped off picking up his new blue backpack his daddy had bought him and went to change his wet diaper. He passed a couple of boys in the hall who asked him how he was. He gave them the okay hand sign and went to the diaper changing restroom. He was by himself and quickly changed. Then he headed off to the library but it was closed. Upset that noone was there, he looked down and followed the blue line to the classroom. He knocked on the door and this nice older lady answered the door. "Ah, you must be Mattie" " Carters going to be upset to fine out that he's not the top boy anymore" "Your score bested him by 4 points" "Oh, please don't tell him" "If you don't want me to Mattie, I won't" "Where is everyone"? "Everyone's over at the middle school today getting acquainted with the classes that they'll be taking next year" "Don't you worry none" "Next time you'll go with them" "Also Mattie, there are 4 more yellows besides you in the blue classroom. I can't tell you their names but I'm sure that you will figure it out" "Well let's get you a seat" "The only spot open is the chair at Carters table" "He'll be so happy he's not sitting alone anymore" "Okay, now let's get you caught up" "Sit down and we'll do some oral tests so I know which homework to give you" For the next hour Mattie got quizzed on every subject they teach in the 5th grade. By the end of the period, Mrs. Victoria knew that Mattie was up to where everyone else was at. He would only be required to do the homework assignments that they've already done this year. "Here Mattie" "Only 5 weeks worth of homework assignments for you to do to catch up with everyone" Matties jaw about hit the tables desk. "I'll expect it all to be handed in by next week" Last bell rung and school was let out. I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far. I know that there's not a lot of sex but it will start to pick up some in the coming chapters. Mattie. Please don't forget to donate what you can. Next chapter. Mattie and Carter.