This story is a work of FICTION. The events described are my own invention. Any similarities to actual events or persons are strictly coincidental. The author retains the copyright, and any other rights, to this original story. You may not publish it or any part of it without my explicit authorization.
This story contains depictions of consensual sexual acts between teenage males. It is intended for mature audiences only. If you find this type of material offensive or if you are under the legal age to read said material; please proceed no further.
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A Light in Dark Places Chapter 14
Two weeks later, my life had changed yet again. I felt a welcoming sense of calm, I knew I was ok and that the future was something to look forward to, not to dread. I was sitting in Dr. Newman's office and I was actually smiling.
"So Peter, I have to say, I've noticed a marked change in your demeanor in the last couple of weeks, how do you feel?" asked Dr. Newman.
"I don't know, serene, calm, I feel good," I explained.
"And what's brought this about?" asked Dr. Newman.
"My nightmares have stopped, I've been reading Connor's journal and I've got someone waiting for me at home," I smiled.
"Connor's journal, that hasn't been difficult to deal with?"
"I thought it would be but it's actually brought back a lot of happy memories, sure I miss him, I'm always going to feel like there is a void in my heart, a place he should fill," I explained, "but it doesn't feel like this all consuming black hole. Connor is at peace and I'm at peace with my memories of him."
"Excellent, and this person waiting for you at home?" he asked.
"Someone you know pretty well, Tyler," I smiled.
"I'm not surprised," smiled Dr. Newman, "I can't tell you what he said during his sessions; that would breach doctor patient confidentiality, but he spoke of you often."
"He's pretty wonderful, I can't wait to see him," I grinned.
"Well, you won't have to wait long," said Dr. Newman, "I'm satisfied with your progress Peter, I don't believe you're a danger to yourself, I think it's time you went home."
"Really, you mean it?" I smiled.
"I do, you've come a long way from where you were four months ago, it's time for you to be back with your family and friends," he smiled.
I hugged Doctor Newman, he'd done a lot for me, sure he pissed me off at times with his constant questions, but I don't know if I'd have reached this point without his help. When my session ended, I told Agent Martinez, who was waiting outside the door, she would have to make my travel arrangements. Then I went to find Wendy.
"Wendy, guess what?" I exclaimed, finding her in the music room.
"You're going home," she smiled, "I can see it on your face."
"Isn't it great," I beamed.
"You bet, I'm happy for you preppy," said Wendy, hugging me.
"You'll be going home soon, I know it," I replied.
"I know, I'm feeling a lot better," said Wendy, "my mom and I need each other, and besides, it's going to be boring around here without you and THUMPER."
"You live in the DC burbs, when you get out, it'll be just like old times," I smiled.
"I hope it's better than that, this is a freakin mental institution," Wendy laughed.
I just rolled my eyes and hugged her. She's been my best friend these last few months, leaving her was going to be hard but it was time. A few days later, I found myself on the porch, saying goodbye to Wendy, then climbing into the back of an SUV. We pulled out and I waved to Wendy, until she was a dot on the horizon.
"All posts, FOX is on the move, departing SHERLOCK HOMESTEAD, for the last time," said Agent Martinez, speaking into her radio mic. She turned in her seat and gave me a wink.
At Pittsfield, I boarded an Air Force VC20, the military designation for a Gulfstream business jet. It was painted in the same color scheme as Air Force One and was part of the 89th Airlift Wing, that operated in support of the president. It was a short flight and I entertained myself with Connor's journal. At one point, I was laughing so hard that Agent Martinez just looked at me and shook her head.
When we landed, I was put into the back of a Secret Service Chrysler, which was followed by an SUV and preceded by a pair of police motorcycles. It was just after lunch and the traffic was light, made lighter still by the wailing sirens and flashing lights that forced motorists out of the way. In no time, we pulled onto the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory.
The U.S. Naval Observatory is just off Massachusetts Avenue, on the same hill as the National Cathedral. The grounds are a park-like setting in the midst of the urban jungle. The Victorian style mansion that serves as the official residence of the Vice President of the United States is located at One Observatory Circle. Just like at the White House, the Secret Service seemed more relaxed here, and when we pulled through the gate and up to the house, I hopped out of the car, without having to wait for an all clear from Agent Martinez. I'd never been here before, but this place was home now and I was happy to see it.
I walked into the foyer, accompanied by Agents Martinez and Stark, and ran into my mom with her principal agent, Roy Hellerman.
"Oh, Peter, you're home," mom gushed, hugging me tightly and kissing my cheeks.
"I missed you too mom," I smiled.
"We're so happy to have you here, I think you're really going to like living here and all the opportunities it presents," said mom.
"One step at a time mom, for now, I'm just glad to be home," I stated.
"Of course sweetheart," she smiled, "I'm just on my way to meet your father, he's speaking at the Red Cross, would you like to come?"
"If it's ok with you, I'd kind of like to settle in and check the place out," I replied.
"Of course, I expected you'd say that," she smiled, "daddy and I, will be home for dinner, we'll get all caught up then. In the mean time, you're room as at the top of the stairs, third door on the right and I almost forgot, there's someone waiting for you."
"Waiting for me, who?" I asked.
"You'll just have to go see," she smiled.
I hugged my mom one more time, then left my Secret Service detail in the living room. I went upstairs and found my door half open, when I walked in, I found a familiar face lying on my bed.
"Satchel," I exclaimed, as my dog padded over to have her ears scratched, "hey girl, what are you doing here, were you waiting for me?"
"Who's my good girl, huh, who's my good puppy? Have you been waiting for me to come home for a long time?" I asked, as my dog rolled over and I scratched her belly.
"Not that long," said a voice behind me.
I turned and found Tyler leaning against the door frame.
"I was waiting in the wrong room," Tyler grinned.
I walked over and hugged him tightly, then kissed him on the cheek.
"You have no idea how much I've missed you," I smiled.
"Wanna bet?" he asked, "I've missed you too."
"How did you get in?" I asked.
"I talked to Agent Martinez before I left the clinic, she put me on something called the `approved list,' all I had to do was walk over and show my ID at the front gate," he explained.
We went over to my bed and lie down together, well, as together as we could with 60 pounds of Chocolate Lab between us. Tyler and I were both beaming at each other.
"How have you been?" I asked, "what's it been like, you know, adjusting."
"It takes a little getting used to, being able to go where you want and do what you want, oh yeah, and being able to wear a belt," Tyler smiled, "I almost lost my pants once because I didn't think to put one on."
"I hope you weren't wearing your pink undies," I giggled.
Tyler blushed a deep crimson.
"Oh my god, you were?" I asked.
"They're just undies, what's it matter if they're pink?" Tyler smiled.
"Nothing, I bet they're cute on you," I smiled.
"You think so?" Tyler asked, pulling his t-shirt up a bit, his pink briefs sticking up just above his waistline.
"Very cute," I stated, poking him in the belly and leaning in for a quick kiss.
"So, you're the Washington native, what's there to do around here?" I asked.
"Well, we have a month before school starts, we could go to the zoo, the Smithsonian, the Kennedy Center, the..." Tyler went on and on.
I interrupted him with another kiss. He kissed back and slipped his tongue into my mouth. It was a sweet kiss, our tongues caressed each other and then we pulled apart to breathe. Tyler is so much like Connor but so unique and special in his own way. I never thought I could love someone as much as I loved Connor but Tyler disproved that with every gentle kiss.
"How about if we start with a walk around the grounds?" I asked.
"Sure, that sounds good," Tyler smiled.
I grabbed a football from my closet and then we took Satchel out to the front yard. We explored the grounds, then settled into a wide open space between the house and the observatory. Tyler and I tossed the football, with Satchel running back and forth between us. Occasionally she got the ball and we had to chase her to get it back. Agent's Martinez and Stark watched from the cover of a nearby shade tree.
After an hour of play, Tyler and I sprawled out on the grass, looking up at the clouds, Satchel curled up at our feet. I held Tyler's hand and felt the same sense of calm reassurance I used to feel from Connor. Tyler is also a light in dark places, so are Wendy and mom and dad. I think of each of them as a light house along life's rocky shores. With their love and support to guide me, I'll never go astray again.
Life is beautiful, Connor taught me that, with his carefree attitude and happy outlook. When he died, I didn't think I'd ever know love and happiness again, but living proof of how wrong I was, was lying next to me. Life is beautiful, Connor challenged me to live my life to its fullest, and you know what? I think I will.