This story is complete fiction. Any resemblances to persons or events in real-life are purely coincidental. Please leave now if you are underage or don't like stories of a homosexual nature. Otherwise, please enjoy the story. Please consider making donation to Nifty as they are needed to provide these wonderful stories.
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A new start coming out of pain: Chapter 6:
A preamble: This chapter was a bit overwhelming emotionally for me because I allowed myself to get wrapped up inside of the story. It can be a tear jerker if you do the same. I encourage all readers to finish reading all the way to the end because it does have a happy ending. This story is a lead in to Frank's next series, "Devon". Be on the lookout for it. -- Samual Blake, proofreader / editor
(Kurt's POV)
Devon just collapsed on the ground and I yelled for help. I dropped down and held him. I was crying and yelling just as everyone in the whole house came running out to the patio in our back yard to see what was happing at 2 in the morning. Dad asked, "Kurt, what the hell has happened." I said, "Dad I don't know. The last words he spoke to me were, "I am sorry. Please forgive me". Dad please help. Do something!!" Dad and Ryan scooped up Devon and rushed him to dad's SUV. They were off with lights and sirens blazing. Mom ordered Riley and me to get into her car and we were off.
When we got to the hospital we went straight to the emergency area waiting room. I just could not sit still. I paced back and forth, back and forth. At 9 am the doctor came out to see us. He could easily tell that I was very upset and asked if I was okay. I said, "Doc, I will be okay. I just need to know right away about my boyfriend. Is Devon going to be okay?" The doctor took a deep breath and said, "Devon is stable at the moment. He did not try to kill himself. It was simply his mind and body's way to deal with an enormous amount of stress. He is in a kind of catatonic state. We are going to move him to the psychiatric ward for treatment." I asked the doctor if I could see him now. He directed me to his room and told me that I could stay with Devon until they moved him.
When I walked into the treatment cubical he just was laying there with his eyes wide open. So I leaned over and kissed him. He didn't even blink his eyes or move. It was like he was asleep while his eyes were open. I started to cry. I told him that I loved him and wanted to be with him and for him to come back to me. I sat on his bed and held his hand and talked to him for what seemed like hours. I must have fallen asleep in the bed with him because a nice nurse came in and shook me on my shoulder to wake me up. She said, "Kurt, we have Devon's room and bed ready in the psychiatric ward. We are going to move him now." I softly whispered to Devon that I loved him and that I would be back soon. We went every day to visit Devon at the hospital. About a week into this nightmare he started to respond to the medications and started to react to our visits. But the doctor said Devon needed to stay at the hospital for a little while longer.
It was hell for me to not have Devon around. I cried myself to sleep every night after I got home from visiting him. I was feeling lost and alone. School was not the place I wanted to be at all. But by the end of the 3rd week it was like a complete 180 degree turn. When I arrived for my daily visit Devon was sitting in a chair that was in his room and reading!!! As I walked in he jumped up and ran to me. We embraced and kissed. I cried happy tears because I had my boy back!!! While I was there my mom stopped in to visit Devon. She was also very happy to discover that Devon was going to fully recover or at least it appeared so. The doctor came in and brought all of us up to speed. He informed us that if Devon continued to improve then he would be released to go home at the end of the week. But sometime before then he wanted to meet with the family to go over some instructions. So we set up at appointment on the doctor's calendar to meet on Thursday.
During the family meeting the doctor informed us that Devon had fully recovered except for some emotional healing that would take place over time. While all of us listened the doctor explained to Devon that what happened to his body and mind was not his fault and that it was completely out of his control. By the end of the week Devon was back home with me!! It was so good to have him home. That night in bed as we talked he cuddled up to me and told me how much he missed me and that he was thankful for me and that he dearly loved me. He started kissing me with passion. I missed that part of our relationship. At that moment his kisses were even better than sex.
As life returned to normal for us, Riley and his mom were back at his house down the street and Ryan was back on the army base. My sister was doing very well. The school year started out with trials and tribulations but my relationship with Devon was stronger than ever. After Devon's dad was convicted and the truth came out about everything, his Brother Scott reconciled with him. Scott became civil and more understanding towards Devon.
The rest of the school year was going way better than it started. But it seemed like May was a Godsend. The last week of May was when we focused on finals. The hallways were almost empty because the senior class had left for its trip to DC. On Monday when I was in my 3rd period class, for some unknow reason a got this feeling of danger. It was the same feeling I got at the mall just before all hell broke loose. I texted both Devon and Riley asking if all was okay and to meet me in the 2nd floor restroom. I got replies back that all was okay and that they would meet me as I had requested. I asked for a hall pass. As I was on my way I called my dad and told him about my feeling of danger. He told me to try and relax and that he was on his way to the school anyway. Just as I hit the 2nd floor stairway landing and before I hung up with dad there was a loud explosion at the front of the building and an emergency announcement came over the speakers, "Lock down. Lock down". I hear my dad yelling into the phone asking where I was at on campus. I told him that I was on the 2nd floor on my way the restroom to meet Riley and Devon. Dad said, "As soon as you are with them you are to get inside the nearest class room and lock the door."
I said okay and started to run towards the restroom. Just then Devon called to inform me that he and Riley would not be able to meet me because they were locked down in their class room. I took off to find a way to get to them. When I got to the first floor I heard gun shots coming from the administration wing which was the only to get to the classrooms. I looked down the main hall and saw Sean shooting into closed doors of a classroom. Just as he reached for the door knob to enter the classroom I yelled, "Hey asshole!!" He looked at me and said, "Just the little fag I am looking for." He pointed the gun at me and I took off running. I was able to make it into the stairwell and started to go up the stairs. I heard Sean come around the end of the hall and into the stairwell. He pointed the gun at me again. I took off up the steps 2 at a time and made it the 2nd floor. I yelled at him to egg him on. He started running up the steps and I took off running towards the end of the hall. As he came out of the stairwell into the hall he took a shot at me but missed. I kept edging him on to try and keep him off balance and full of rage so he could not think clearly.
I had a plan but needed to slow him down a little. So I pulled a fire extinguisher off the wall and set it off making a smoke screen. That bought me enough time to make it all the way to the end of the hall and make 2 calls. The 1st call I made was to Devon to tell him that I love him and to instruct him to stay right where he was and that I would come and get him soon. I hung up on Devon before he had a chance to say anything and called my dad. I quietly told dad that Sean was the shooter and that I was having him chase me towards the swimming pool at the far end of the school. Before I could share more of my plan with dad I heard Sean coming down the hallway so I hung up on dad to end the call. Sean was creeping down the hall rubbing his eyes. I ran into the open to get his attention by calling him an asshole again. He took off running towards me but I was able to keep a good distance ahead of him. I made it to the swimming pool viewing deck and jammed a fire extinguisher into the door handles and then hid just above the doorway.
Sean tried to open the door but soon learned that that was futile. So then he started to shoot into the door. Just as I hoped he hit the extinguisher. It exploded and emptied its contents into the air creating another smoke screen. As he came running on to the viewing deck I jumped him and we fell over the railing and into the pool. As soon as we hit the water he lost his grip on the gun and it dropped to the bottom of the pool. I managed to keep him off balance and under the water where we wrestled with one another. He managed to pull a knife on me that he had hidden away. He cut my arm but I continued to hold him tight until he stopped struggling. Out of the corner of my eye I saw my rescue team arrive so I let go of him and pushed him away. I went to over to the edge of the pool where I saw my dad, brother and 3 guys from the SWAT team.
I looked around and saw that the entire pool was surrounded by SWAT team members. Ryan came running over to me. He helped me get out of the pool. All of a sudden Sean stood up in the pool and pulled a gun and fired off what sounded like a dozen shots one right after the other. The next thing I recall is felling numb and light headed. Ryan pulled me close to him. I felt excruciating pain in my right side. Ryan laid me down, ripped open my shirt and put great pressure on my side. He was yelling something but I could not make out what it was. I don't remember anything after that.
(Devon's POV)
Riley and I were together in class with about 10 other students. A few of them were from the football team. We both received a text from Kurt, "Meet me in the 2nd floor restroom NOW!!!" We went up to the teacher who was in the process of helping one of our fellow students. Just as they were finishing up we heard a very loud explosion. Immediately after that a lock down announcement came over the speaker system. The teacher jumped up, locked the door, shut off all the lights and then had us put desks in front of the door as a barricade. About a minute or two later Kurt called asking where we were. I told him we never made it out of the classroom. I asked where he was and he told me on the 2nd floor. I told Kurt to lock himself in a classroom and stay put. Then all of a sudden someone started shooting through the door into the classroom. Riley got hit by what I think was a bullet and he dropped to the floor holding his arm. The door was being pulled on when we heard what sounded like Kurt yelling something. Then we heard more gun shots and the sound of someone running.
Kurt called me and told me that he deeply loves me and not to worry, that everything will be fine. I ripped off Riley's shirt and used it to help stop the bleeding from his arm. And then the waiting started. It seemed like hours before my phone finally rang. I took a deep breath and looked at the phone and saw it was Sheriff Potter, Kurt's dad. My heart sank. I was scared and did not want to answer it because of my fear. But I knew that I had to answer the call. The sheriff asked, "Devon, where are you." I told him where we were and that Riley had been hit by a bullet but that I was able to stop the bleeding. After saying bye to the sheriff I tried to call Kurt but it went right to his voice mail. So then I tried to send a text message but also received no response.
Someone else shouted that they just received a text message that a fight was going on at the swimming pool. And then someone tossed out the question, "How come it is ending up at the pool? That is on the far side of the school and no one has class there now. It will be completely empty." It made no sense for Sean to stop trying to get in where we were at and head towards the pool. Something or someone had to make him change his mind. Once I put 2 + 2 together I looked at Riley and shouted, "It was Kurt! Kurt drew Sean away from this classroom!" We all took a deep breath and then there was a loud banging on the door with an authoritative voice yelling to unlock the door. Riley and I recognized the voice of Sheriff Potter. We quickly moved the desks away from the door and unlocked it. The SWAT team rushed in followed by Sheriff Potter. He had a medic with him. As they worked on tending to Riley, Mr. Potter started to explain to us what happened. We asked about Kurt. Mr. Potter's voice cracked as he spoke. He looked at me with sadness and tears welled up in his eyes. He cried as he said, "Kurt was shot by Sean in the pool. He got Sean to chase him there because it is isolated from the rest of the school. Kurt fought with him and they both fell into the pool from the viewing deck. As the SWAT team breached the back door to the pool deck Kurt was climbing up out of the pool when Sean came up out of the water and drew a hand gun. He was able to fire off some shots before SWAT shot him. Kurt was hit on the right side and in his leg. EMS and the paramedics working on him took him out to the ambulance and then to the hospital. Because of my son's actions no other students were killed. We have good reason to be proud of him." When Sheriff Potter finished I asked with a whimper in my voice and crying, "What of Kurt?" He looked at me and then over at the others close by. Before he could answer he fell back, put his hands to his face and started to sob uncontrollably.
It has now been a long 3 weeks since the shooting at the school. Riley ended up with some stiches and will have a nice scar to show off to all the girls. I have been beside myself trying to put things into perspective and talking to a shrink. Riley and I have also been spending all of our free time at the hospital at Kurt's bedside. He was hit in the back and the bullet punctured his lung and nicked his aorta and was in surgery for damn near 10 hours. The shot to his leg shattered his knee and so he will most likely never play sports again. The doctors have told us that he should recover but because of the damage to his lung and aorta he will not have a fully active life and can't put stress on his heart or lungs with the rigors of sports.
When the time came for Kurt to be released from the hospital and come home we had a big celebration. As we were heading out of the hospital the front was packed with news crews and other press. The whole school and football team was there just outside the hospital doors to greet and shout for us and once again play the role of protectors as we left the hospital. It was overwhelming and brought tears of joy to my eyes. We did not answer any questions from the press and the only statement they received was from the Sherriff and all it said was that there would be a press conference on Friday at the school.
With that being said we went home. Kurt had trouble going up the steps and was short winded, so Riley and I helped him up to bed and he took a nap. I got into bed with him and cuddled up to him and stayed near to him. I cried softly not out of sadness but happiness because I still had him. God I love him so much it hurt and the thought of losing him was painful. We worked with Kurt to help with his recovery. Friday we went to school and it was a zoo. Press, news crews and politicians. Everyone made speeches and praised the law enforcement community for their fast response and to Kurt for his selfless act that helped to prevent loss of life.
It was like a mob scene and as it ended the press tried to swoop in on Kurt. But as they came towards us the whole school blocked their way and the football team escorted us out and we went home. Kurt and I only spoke briefly about his actions that day and I knew he would probably never be the same again. But our love was ever lasting and we both knew that. He only told me that when he saw Sean shooting into the door of my classroom he felt the need to protect me and that is when he decided to on the course of action he needed to take. After that we never spoke about it. But I did tell him that he needed to speak to a shrink and his folks felt the same.
We made it into our senior year of high school and the three of us arranged it so that we all had the same classes together. It was great. We were all having a blast and with the super large group of friends we had the school year was very enjoyable. We made it to the Christmas holidays and it was good the whole family was together, including Riley and his mom. My brother Scott spent the day with us. We did the gift exchange thing and then enjoyed a nice big dinner. Then we headed back to the family room for dessert and drinks. While we were enjoying this family fellowship Riley and Kurt got a funny look on their faces. Kurt's mom asked what was up. With that Kurt got up and walked over to me and said, "I have one more gift for you." He handed me a small box. I opened it and as I did he got down on one knee and asked, "Devon, will you marry me?" Shocked faces and "Oh my's" could be seen and heard throughout the room. I had tears in my eyes and so did Kurt. I said "YES!!" and pulled him into a hug. We received cheers and congratulations from everyone. It was the happiest night of my life.
We were riding on a high as New Year's Eve approached. We planned a party at the house and had a shopping list that took up a whole page. So we went shopping for all the stuff we needed. When we got back home and unloaded all of our stuff Kurt realized he had forgotten something. So he shot out the door to go get it. While his mom and I did the prep work we kind of lost track of time and later noticed that Kurt was gone for a little bit too long so we tried to call him but there was no answer. Just then Kurt's dad comes into the house followed by 2 other officers. One was Anthony Godspeed. He and Sheriff Potter looked devastated. Kurt's dad hollered at everyone to come into the family room. So Kurt's mom, Riley, Riley's mom, Ryan, Melissa and me all gather together in the family room. Kurt's dad tells us the single most devastating thing in all my life. All the joy and happiness that I have had was shattered in less than 5 minutes. My world came crashing down around me. Kurt's dad told us that there was an accident on the highway. A drunk driver was driving the wrong way and as a result there was a head on collision with Kurt's car. The driver was traveling at a high rate of speed and the impact totaled both cars. I cried asking, "Which hospital is Kurt at?" Sheriff Potter cleared his throat, paused, took a deep breath and said, "Kurt is not in the hospital. He was killed instantly due to the force of the collision." There was dead silence in the room.
I stood up and walked out of the house and started to walk. Then I started to jog. Then my jog turned into a full sprint. I kept running. I ran to the field in the park and finally stopped. I dropped to my knees and pounded the ground. I was so focused on my own grief that I did not even notice Riley and Ryan next to me. They grabbed me and the 3 of us cried and cried until we had no more tears. The three of us just looked at each other not knowing what to say or do. Just at that moment we heard a choir singing from a nearby church. For a strange and unknow reason we got up and followed the singing. We entered the nice but somewhat small church and sat in the last row and just listened.
As we were listening a man just about 10 years older than Ryan came up to us and asked, "May I be of any assistance?" And then he looked at Ryan and asked, "Are you Ryan Potter?" His question caught us off guard. Ryan answered, "Yes." He told us he was Thomas Godspeed, Anthony's uncle. They shook hands and Ryan introduced Riley. Just as Ryan was about to say my name, Father Godspeed said, "And this must be Kurt." Once he said that I lost it and the water works started for me once more. Riley took me into a hug. I heard Ryan tell Father Godspeed that I was not Kurt. Ryan explained to the Father what had happened. Immediately Father Godspeed apologized for his mistake and waved the choir director over and told him to lock up when they were done because he was leaving to take us home.
Father Godspeed grabbed a small black bag and walked out with us. He was shocked to learn that we lived so close to his church and never knew it. We entered the house with me in the lead. I was immediately enveloped by Kurt's dad. Once we were all in he saw Father Godspeed but before any introductions were made Anthony gasped out loud saying "Uncle Thomas!" Anthony introduced Father Godspeed to the family and I slipped away. I whispered to Riley that I was going to bed. I headed up to my room put on some shorts and a tee shirt. I just stood there staring at the bed and cried. I was crying as I pulled the pillow and bed spread off and laid down on the floor and fell asleep.
(Riley's POV)
We all came back to the house with Father Godspeed and he offered his condolences and prayed for us. Just before that Devon whispered to me that he was very tired and was going to bed upstairs. The rest of us continued to talk. Father Godspeed offered to have the services at his church. Since we had been drawn there by the sound of the choir he would have them sing. The Potter's were thankful and accepted the pastor's offer. We talked for about 2 more hours and then decided to order take out for our dinner.
I went up to get Devon and did not see him in the bed so I walked in and to my surprise he was curled up on the floor sound asleep. It just completely broke my heart. I know I was suffering the loss of my best friend but I immediately realized at that moment that he had lost someone who was much more than just a best friend. I slipped out of the room to go find Ryan. Ryan and I knelt down next to Devon and woke him up. He looked so lost. When he was somewhat alert he looked at us with sadness in his eyes and with a crackly voice said, "I could not sleep in this bed because it was Kurt's and mine. It just did not feel right." Ryan and I helped him up and took him into the adjoining room and put him in the spare bed. I went back into other room got a 2nd pillow and found Kurt's football jersey. I stuffed the pillow into and gave it to Devon. He took it and pulled into his chest and up to his face. Ryan and I heard him whimper. We just rubbed his back and soon he was fast asleep again so we left. Kurt's funeral was scheduled three days after school restarted. Those 3 days of school were extremely difficult for both Devon and me. We stayed at each other's side the whole time. Everyone came up to us with hugs and gave us their sympathy.
(Devon's POV)
We were back in school for 3 days before Kurt's memorial service. That was when I would say good bye forever to my lover and soulmate. Riley stayed by my side at school and nothing needed to be said. Those 3 days I walked about in a haze, completely oblivious to all that was going on around me. I heard whispers and a school announcement regarding the funeral and that an additional memorial service will be held at the football stadium in 2 weeks so that everyone could participate. We scheduled family visitation for the public the evening before the funeral. However, the casket was closed but we set photos of Kurt on a table next to the casket. I sat in a row of chairs with the Potters and Riley and his mom and people came by to give us hugs and their sympathy. After about 40 minutes I told Riley and Ryan that I needed some air. The 3 of us got up and headed to the exit. As we walked out we were in utter shock. The line to get into our visitation was wrapped around the corner of the street and well beyond. When we got home after visitation I was tired. Physically, mentally and emotionally. I went to my bed and hugged the "Kurt" pillow that Riley made for me to give me some comfort.
The following morning we all went to the funeral home and did the family thing before going to the church for the service. As we started to go out to the car I looked at Ryan and Riley and nodded. Ryan spoke up and asked if we could walk Kurt to the church as it was less than a half of a mile. Mr. and Ms. Potter look confused but talked to the director of the home and he said it was possible. Sheriff Potter said that the 3 of you can't do this alone. Riley went out in to the lobby and came back with the whole football team and said, "Sheriff Potter, we don't plan to do it alone." Sheriff Potter made a call and about a dozen marked cars and motorcycles were outside as we exited the home. There was an even larger crowd than what was at visitation last night. Everyone fell into line as we walked and were escorted to the church. As we carried the casket Ryan, Riley and I did not swap out but the members of the football team switched with each other so that everyone had a turn to help. It was a sight to behold. The sheer number of people in this procession brought the center of town to a stop. There were so many people at the memorial service that the crowd overflowed into the open field in front of the church. Of course I was sad but it was kind of uplifting to have all this support. The plan was to have Kurt's remains cremated within a few days.
A meal was prepared for family members, the football team and close friends. The food was probably very good. But I did not eat. I withdrew to my room, crawled into bed and tuned out the world. I stayed in bed the rest of the day and all day Saturday. On Sunday morning Riley and Ryan were knocking on my door. I told them to go away but they refused and came in and told me get up, clean up and come downstairs for breakfast. I said no and for them to go away. They proceeded to pull me out of bed and dumped me in the shower fully dressed in the same clothing I had worn to the funeral. I was pissed and was yelling at them. Ryan grabbed me by my shoulders and yelled at me, "Devon, I know you hurt. You lost your husband to be. But you are not suffering alone! I lost my brother and friend. Riley lost his best friend and team mate. You are not the only one in pain! I know for a fact the Kurt would not want you to wallow in self-pity and sorrow. Now get washed, dressed and come down to eat." I looked at Ryan and Riley and started to cry. I apologized for not seeing past my own suffering. Within seconds we were in a group hug and crying together in the shower.
Monday at school Riley and I constantly received hugs from everyone. I kind of stayed in a funk and never seemed to pull out of it. But eventually I started to respond better to those that tried to interact with me. As graduation drew near the school became abuzz with activities that I did not really pay too much attention to. Then one night Riley told me to put on my suit because I was invited to the football dinner and I was going. The place was nice and the food was good. Some awards were given out and Riley was given one for the most yards ran that season. He went up to the stage to receive his award. When he got back to our table I congratulated him.
Then the coach started to praise the team and wished those who were graduating the best of luck. He went on to say, "I have one more award to be given out. This award was voted on by the whole team. It was unanimous that this player showed strength, leadership and selflessness to his fellow team mates. With great sadness in our hearts the Player of the Year is not with us tonight. The Player of the Year is being awarded to Kurt Potter. Devon would you please come up and accept this award in his honor." In utter shock I looked at Riley. I got up out of my chair and headed towards the stage. Everyone in the room stood up and applauded. All I could say was thank you on behalf of Kurt and his family. I wiped away my tears as I walked off stage to head back to our table.
On our way back home I shared with Riley that I wanted to do something special at graduation to show respect and remembrance for Kurt. He listened closely to my idea and fully supported me. The next day at school seemed like it was a really long day. This was finals week and next week was graduation. Riley asked me if I was ready to execute my plan. I told him I was. Riley told me that he shared what I was going to do with Ryan and that Ryan was happy about it and that I also had Ryan's full support for what I planned to do. The day of graduation finally arrived. I was dressed in my suit pants with a dress shirt and tie because I was elected to speak on behalf of the graduating class. It was a high honor and a great privilege. As soon as we got to the school Riley and I hit the restroom and then went to get in line, Riley for the floor seats and me for the stage since I was one of the speakers.
I was the last speaker. I recounted the events leading up to our graduation. I mentioned how my boyfriend and husband to be risked his life to save us and then only to lose his because of a stupid drunk driver. As I brought my speech to a close I moved in front of the podium, took off my graduation gown, ripped off my dress shirt and shouted that in honor of Kurt I was proudly wearing his football jersey (I was wearing it underneath the dress shirt that was now ruined). The whole crowd cheered and started chanting Kurt's name loudly. Immediately after I said my final thank you and good bye from the stage the whole graduating class stood up and removed their gowns as well. To my shock and amazement they all had a football jersey on with Kurt's number!! It was such a tribute to him. When all the grads lined up outside the school for everyone to greet us, Sheriff Potter and all his family came up to me like always. They kissed me and embraced me and thanked me. Riley and I ended up going to the same college and we even choose to be roommates.
End of Chapter 6 (Final chapter of this series). My next story is a follow up called "Devon". The 1st chapter of it should be posted in the near future. So be on the lookout for "Devon". I promise it will be a cheerful story.
For those of you that sent feedback on Chapters 1 thru 5, thank you. Your comments were greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading Chapter 6 of my very 1st story and staying with it to the very end. Any feedback you offer will be greatly appreciated. You can send your comments, whether positive or negative, to Frank McMee Fam00750@Yahoo.com. Also, a thank you is extended to Samual Blake for his assistance with editing and proofreading. May you be blessed with an enjoyable and safe day.