Gregory A. Patrick gp932260@gmail.com 11/11/2020 Jaiden – Chapter 76-77
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G. A. Patrick
Bailiff: ALL RISE, the Superior Court of Erie County
Pennsylvania is now in session, the Honorable Judge
Bob Jacobson, presiding.
Judge: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Please be seated.
Madam Clerk, please call the first case.
Clerk: The State of Pennsylvania calls
the cases of Andrew
Martin and Jeanette Martin.
Judge: Mr. Martin, Mrs. Martin, you each have been charged with Felony Abuse of a Minor Child, Felony Aggravated Assault of a Minor Child, and Felony Failure to Protect a Minor Child. Mr. Martin, you have been charged with the additional offenses of Felony Sexual Battery of a Minor Child, Felony Child Molestation.
Mr. Martin, Mrs. Martin, the Court advises each of you that you have the right to remain silent and not say anything that can and will be used against you in a Court of law. You have a right to an attorney and to have that attorney present during questioning. You have the right to a trial by a jury of your peers who will decide your guilt or innocence and recommend a sentence in your case if you are found guilty, or you may have a bench trial where a judge hears the evidence presented against you and renders a verdict in your case and then sentences you as the Court deems appropriate. You each may also enter a plea of guilty to the offenses with which you have been charged. If you enter a plea of guilty to the charges against you, you will give up your rights to appeal.
Judge: Mr. Martin, how do you plead to the offenses with which you are charged?
Mr. Martin: Your Honor, I plead guilty and ask the Court for mercy.
Judge: Mrs. Martin, how do you plead to the charges filed against you?
Mrs. Martin: Your Honor, I plead guilty.
Judge: Mr. Public Defender, have you explained to your clients their constitutional rights?
Public Defender: I have, your Honor.
Judge: Mr. Public Defender, is it your professional opinion that your clients understand their constitutional rights?
Public Defender: It is, your Honor.
Judge: Mr. Prosecutor, please advise the Court of the facts of Mr. Martin's and Mrs. Martin's cases.
Prosecutor: Your Honor, Mrs. Martin entered the bedroom of her now fourteen-year-old son without knocking and saw her son kissing his boyfriend. Neither she nor her husband knew their son was gay or failed to recognize that their son was gay. She and her husband sent their son to a deprogramming center where he was subjected to screaming, beatings, exorcism, and electrical shocks to his body, especially his penis and testicles, as well as electroconvulsive shocks to his brain, which caused the child to have severe headaches for months. The minor child was in this facility for four months.?
"When he was released from the facility and returned home, Mr. Martin made his son remove all of his clothing and then beat the child with a belt leaving bloody whelps about the child's body, whelps which still remain today."
"He then lifted his son off the floor by his scrotum and testicles. Afterward, he pushed the child across the end of the bed on his stomach."
"Mr. Martin then repeatedly shoved a broom handle in and out of the child's rectum causing severe tears in the anal tissues, three punctures of the child's intestines, and a ruptured bladder that leaked urine into the child's abdominal cavity, a damaged right kidney, and six compound rib fractures."
"Your Honor, it took six hours of surgery to repair the internal damage incurred by the minor child."
Judge: Mr. Prosecutor, what is the State's recommendation in Mr. and Mrs. Martin's cases?
Prosecutor: Your Honor, due to the egregiousness of the injuries to the child, the States recommends that the Court sentence the Defendant's to the maximum time allowed by law.
Judge: Mr. Martin, it is the sentence of the Court that on the offense of Aggravated Battery of a Minor that you be sentenced to fifteen years to be served in the Pennsylvania prison system, consecutive to all other sentences.
On the offense of Aggravated Assault of a Minor Child, it is the sentence of the Court that you be sentenced to fifteen years to serve in the Pennsylvania prison system consecutive to any other sentences.
On the offense of Failure to Protect a Minor Child, it is the sentence of the Court that you be sentenced to ten years to serve in the Pennsylvania Prison system, consecutive to all other sentences.
On the offense of Aggravated Sexual Battery of a Child, it is the sentence of the Court that you be sentenced to thirty years to be served in the Pennsylvania Prison System, consecutive to all other sentences. On the offense of Felony Child Molestation, it is the sentence of the Court that you be sentenced to serve thirty years in the Pennsylvania Prison System, consecutive to all other sentences.
On the offense of Failure to Protect a Minor Child, Mrs. Martin, it is the sentence of the Court that you be sentenced to 10 years to serve in the Pennsylvania prison system, consecutive to any other sentence.
On the offense of Felony Abuse of a Child, it is the Court's sentence that you be confined for 15 years to in the Pennsylvania Prison System, consecutive to all other sentences.
On the offense of Felony Aggravated Assault of a Child, it is the Court's order that you serve 20 years in the Pennsylvania Prison System, consecutive to all other sentences.
Mrs. Martin, your total time to serve in the Pennsylvania Prison System is forty-five years. You must do 85% of your sentence before you are eligible for Parole. If you and or Mr. Martin are paroled., it is the Court's order that you and Mr. Martin individually and severally reimburse your insurance company for every cent they expend for the care of the minor child in this case.
The Court further orders that your parental rights to the minor child in this case be permanently revoked and that you be permanently barred from any future contact with said child.
Mr. Martin, the total time which you have been sentenced to serve in the Pennsylvania Prison System is 100 years. You must do 85% of that sentence before you are eligible for Parole. As in your wife's cases, if you are paroled at any time, it is the Court's order that you are individually and severally responsible for reimbursing your insurance carrier for every cent expended for the care of your former son.
Judge: That is the sentence of the Court! Mr. Deputy, seat Mr. Martin in the middle of the inmate's bench on the second row.
Your Honor, may I approach the bench? You may, Mr. Gray.
Your Honor, I have prepared orders at the request of Seth Martin and Richard Martin for Dr. and Mrs. James Riley to adopt Seth and Richard. Dr. and Mrs. Riley and Richard Martin are in the Courtroom.
Judge: Dr. and Mrs. James Riley and Mr. Richard Martin, will you please approach the bench.
Dr. and Mrs. Riley, is it your wish to adopt Seth and Richard Martin and make them your legal children?
"It is, your Honor."
"Mr. Richard Martin, is it the wish of you and your brother, Seth, to be adopted by Dr. and Mrs. James Riley?"
"Yes, your Honor, it is. I have never seen my brother as happy as he has been with Dr. and Mrs. Riley and their family, and I certainly have never been so happy. Dr. Riley has personally paid for my medical school education for the remainder of this year. He has also paid in advance for my final year in medical school. To have him and Mrs. Riley become Seth's and my legal parents, your Honor, would be an indescribable honor for us."
Judge: Judge Stanislauski, I acknowledge your presence in the Courtroom. I understand you are familiar with this family and that you favor this adoption. Is that true?
"Your Honor, I have been involved with this case since the offenses incurred by the minor in the Martin's cases, and I recused myself from the case for obvious reasons. I have witnessed Seth's interaction with Dr. and Mrs. Riley since day one. I am familiar with the contacts between their daughter, who lives in Oregon, with Seth and Richard. Their son, James Peyton Riley-Reynolds, is one of the caretakers responsible for the child's miraculous recovery. I recommend with every ounce of my being that Dr. and Mrs. Riley be allowed to adopt the minor child and Richard Martin. I am also aware that it is both young men's wishes, and I have discussed the issue at length with the minor child.
Judge: It is the order of the Court that the minor child is now the adopted and legal child of Dr. James and Phyllis Riley and that he will henceforth and forever be known as the Riley's legal child. His surname is now Riley.
The Court has purposely omitted the name of the minor child to protect his identity and privacy. By law, the media are prohibited from releasing the name of the minor child.
Madam clerk, please file these orders with the Clerk of Court and provide Judge Stanislauski, Dr. and Mrs. James Riley, Andrew Richard Riley, his younger brother, and Attorney Pete Gray with a certified copy of the Court's orders.
Dr. Riley, Mrs. Riley, thank you from the bottom of the Court's heart for wanting to adopt, love, and care for these young men.
That is the order of the Court.
Dad and Mom turned to Richard and said, "Son, let's go home."
Dad took his phone out of his coat, powered it up, and called Andy.
"Andy, this is Jim. Thank you for taking this call during class. Please tell Peyton that he has two new brothers, Christopher Seth Riley and Andrew Richard Riley." Andy was crying so hard he could barely say, "I will let them know." When Andy composed himself, he said, "Peyton, you have two new brothers, and Jaiden, you have two new brothers-in-law: Christopher Seth Riley and Andrew Richard Riley."
Peyton and Jaiden sobbed at the news, and their classmates joined them. "Guys, your parents will be at the house when you get home, and you all are going to the Wharf Seafood House tonight to celebrate. I will be there, and to any of your classmates who wish to go, show up and help everyone celebrate this momentous day. Class is dismissed early.
Peyton and Jaiden ran to the parking lot as fast as they could and headed home. They got home as quickly as possible and were at home when Seth was told about the adoption.
When Peyton's parents told Seth about his adoption, he collapsed and was caught by his new Dad, who held him on the couch in the den. Through his tears, Seth looked up and said, "Dad, thank you so much. I don't have to worry about getting hurt anymore. Andy walked through the door at the house just after Seth learned of the adoption. Everybody shed tears of joy, especially Peyton and Jaiden.
The next day in class, the professorial assistant called the attendance roll. Everyone noticed that Richard's name was not called in the alpha order of the roster, and when the roll had been called, every person in the lecture hall cheered.
Andy said, "Tonight, there is going to be a huge celebration at Tony's Pizzeria, and you all are invited. There will be several surprises, so you don't want to miss this celebration. Seth never has to worry about being hurt again simply because he is gay. By the way, Richard, Sally will be at the dinner tonight to eat with you. I guess you can say two miracles took place over the past three weeks."
Jaiden said, "Richard, pick your chin up off the floor; your jaw is going to start hurting if you don't. Take Sally somewhere after dinner and talk to her. I think she will blow your mind with what she has to say." "Jaiden, Peyton, are you serious?" "Peyton said, "Richard, all I will say is I think Seth is going to be one happy teenager."
As class ended, an announcement started over the intercom system: "Richard Riley, I can't wait to see you tonight. When I met you at the hospital, it was love at first sight for me, and I hope it was for you. Until tonight. I can't wait!"
Richard, Peyton, and Jaiden were beside themselves at the announcement. Andy had done it again, and the class was going wild.
When the trio got home, Sally was at the house having a blast with Seth, who was on cloud 9. When Richard walked into the den, he walked to Sally and gave her the longest hug ever and said, "Sally, it was the same for me." Everybody cried except Seth, who had a smile running from ear to ear.
Neither Jaiden, Peyton, or Richard knew what the night's surprise was going to be. When the family got to Tony's, the surprise guests were hidden away in the restaurant's office. The first to come out was Tony, who had flown in from Brevard. He came out, met, and gave Seth and Richard lifetime meal passes to Tony's.
He got Peyton, Jaiden, Seth, and Richard distracted as the other guests were brought into the room. Nobody noticed them until a familiar voice yelled out, "Where are my new brothers, Seth and Richard?" Everybody turned around and looked toward the kitchen to see Jenny, Ron, and their three boys. Mom Riley leaned over to Seth and Richard and said, "Boys, that is your sister, Jenny." Seth started crying as he got up and ran to Jenny, who pulled him into the sweetest hug ever. As Richard got to her, she gave him a kiss on the forehead and pulled him into her hug with Seth, who showed no intention of letting go of Jenny. The whole family was beaming with pride.
"Seth, would you like to meet your nephews?" "Yes, mam, I would." "Seth, this is Michael, the easy way to remember him is that he has strawberry blonde hair like Mom; this is Ben, he has dark hair like his Dad, Ron; and this is Nathan, the youngest. When Jenny had introduced her sons to Seth and Richard, they hugged Seth softly but lovingly. Richard got a strong handshake and a bone-crushing hug from each of his new nephews. The boys told Seth and Richard they loved them and couldn't wait to spend time with them. This good-looking man is my husband and your brother-in-law, Ron." Richard said, "Ron, it is nice to meet you, Jenny, and the boys. Thank you for coming to share in our joy; it means the world to Seth and me."
"Richard, this is a Riley family, and we always have each other's back, and we always support each other no matter what. Seth, Richard, welcome to the family!"
As the boys were getting ready to sit down with their new nephews, another surprise happened: Their new grandparents walked in the door to Tony's and said, "Where are our new grandsons?" When Peyton saw his grandparents, he lost it. His parents had pulled out all the stops for Seth and Richard.
Peyton and Jaiden went to and hugged Peyton's grandparents. "Seth, Richard, this is Mom's parents, Grandma Jenny and Pawpaw. Pawpaw shook Richard's and Seth's hands, pulled them into a hug, and welcomed them to the family. Grandma Jenny kissed them on the forehead and said, "it's now official, I have the most handsome grandsons in the world. Seth, you just think your Mom is going to spoil you rotten; she doesn't hold a candle to me!" '
Jaiden, Peyton, and Mom and Dad broke out laughing because they knew it was true, and it would happen.
Peyton wondered why Grandma Jenny and Pawpaw were grinning like Cheshire cats until he got a tap on the shoulder. When he turned around, Granny and Papa were standing there. They hugged and kissed each other and said they loved Jaiden and Peyton to Mars and back.
"Granny, Papa, these are my new brothers and your new grandchildren. This is Seth, whom I am sure Mom and Dad told you about. Jaiden spoke up and said, "Dad was right about Seth; he is a hoot whom we love more than anything in this world. Granny turned and looked at Richard and said, "You have to be Richard!"
"Dang son, you are soooo good lookinnnnn' that if I wasn't married and I wasn't your Granny, I'd hit on you!" Granny knew about Seth's comment to Jaiden about Sally, so Granny played that up. When she said what she did to Richard, Seth started laughing hard, and everybody got a kick out of that. Papa made the boys stand side-by-side. He put his hand on his chin and said, "Honey, I don't know which of these boys is the best looking. I think I'm going to have to say it is Seth."
Jaiden, Peyton, and Richard had broad smiles; they knew what Papa was doing. He is just like Dad. Papa and Granny said, "Oh no, we almost forgot something," and then they kissed Seth and Richard on the forehead. Richard got a chuckle out of that.
Richard let a tear escape from his eye, a tear Granny saw. She put her arm around Richard and pulled him to her. "Richard, what's wrong, son?" "Nothing, Granny. Seth never laughed like that until Dad came to town and saw him in the hospital. It is unbelievable to me how happy he finally is." "Son, get used to that. All of Jim's children laugh like that; Jim makes sure of it. He's a nut who likes to pull practical jokes on people. And Jenny, she's just like her, Dad."
When they got home, Pete and Allison, the Rabbi and Nancy, Tony, and all the other adults went out on the deck to drink coffee and talk about how long it would take for the gossip line to get started in Alabama. The doorbell rang, and it was Dr. Brannen and his wife. Jaiden welcomed them to his and Peyton's home and showed them to the deck. Dale poured him and his wife a cup of coffee and showed them the tray with the sugar, Stevia, and cream on the table, and told them to use whatever they liked.
Dr. Brannen took one sip of the coffee, closed his eyes, and said, "Andy told me about this coffee. It is better than I had imagined it. Dang, this is good." Dale got a kick out of Dr. Brannen saying that. Andy walked up to Dr. Brannen and said, "I told you, you just didn't want to believe me. You will be like me now; any time I'm in the area, I stop and get me a cup of Dale's coffee. Leave it to a budding engineer to figure out how to make the world's best coffee."
"You know, Andy, I may have to hold staff meetings here so we can drink the coffee. This stuff is amazingly good!"
Dale heard Andy and Dr. Brannen talking and said, "You know, so many people like my coffee, I might build me a bunch of coffee shops around town and then branch out." "Dale, that isn't a bad idea; you can be a practicing engineer and have the coffee shops on the side and hire college students to work for you. Once you get established and get your procedures perfected, you can hire a corporate business lawyer to help you sell franchises. Quite honestly, this coffee is way better than the national brand Moon Beam down on Main Street."
Thanks, Dr. Brannen; I'll have to think about that after getting set up in the engineering business. It would be nice to get rich drinking coffee."
Jenny had gone out on the deck with Seth and was holding him in her lap. She was telling him about Oregon and how beautiful the beaches and mountains are there. Jenny said to him that once he got well, Mom could bring him to Oregon, and he could spend part of the summer with her and her boys. Seth asked her if she really meant that, and she told him she did, and she would be happy for him to visit with her family and meet the boy's friends in the neighborhood and at the synagogue. Seth asked her what the Rabbi was like, and she said, "You have already met him; he is standing on the other side of the deck." Seth asked, "You mean Ron is your Rabbi?" "That's right, Seth, he is.
Jenny was holding Seth as she saw his eyes beginning to get heavy and Seth starting to fall asleep. Jenny held Seth, stroked his hair, and kissed him on the top of his head as he slept peacefully in her lap. She truly loved her new little brother, and her heart ached over what he had endured over the past month.
His Mom looked out the door and saw Seth asleep in Jenny's lap. Richard, Jim, come here a minute and look at this. As they looked out the door, Richard said Seth was happier and more at peace than he had ever seen him. Dad Riley commented that it was like Seth has always been a member of the family, and he was on top of the world about Seth's love for them. Peyton, Jaiden, and Ron walked into the den, and Mom called them to the French doors to see Seth sleeping so peacefully in Jenny's lap. Jaiden put his arms around Peyton and rested his chin on top of Peyton's head. Peyton could feel the warmth of Jaiden's tears as they fell on his forehead. Peyton, too, was having a sad moment.
Dad Riley let Seth sleep about thirty minutes more before he and Richard went outside to pick Seth up and put him to bed. When Richard took Seth into the bedroom and laid him on the bed, Seth was sleeping so peacefully and so hard that he never woke up. Richard undressed him and let him sleep in his briefs. When he and Dad walked out of the bedroom, Dad said Seth's scars broke his heart into a million pieces as he put his face in his hands, leaned against the wall, and wept. Richard went and got Mom and Peyton to help Dad console himself as he went onto the deck, sat in a chair at the railing, put his face in his hands, and wept like Dad. The sight of Seth's surgical scars reminded him of just how badly his Dad had hurt his little brother. He wanted to kill his Dad but recognized that Seth would be all alone if he did, and he couldn't do that to his brother. He was satisfied that his Dad would never get out of prison and that he, more likely than not, would reap his just deserts from his fellow inmates.
Saturday morning arrived, and Peyton, Jayden, and the brothers got up at six to change and feed their children. They demanded to do that for their children because it was quality time they spent with the babies. Once the babies were fed, there was another round of diaper changes before they were dressed for synagogue services and allowed to go back to sleep.
Dale was retching in his children's nursery while Peyton and Jaiden were doubled over in laughter. Peyton remarked how hilarious it was that dirty diapers bothered Dale and Pete Gray the way they did. As they walked into the den to get the prams ready and in the van and get the baby seats placed in the van, they found Dr. Mom and Mom Riley hysterically laughing over Dale's retching.
Dr. Mom said Charley apparently had escaped and was in hiding – and seemingly was going to stay there until all the diapers were changed. Their suspicions were proven correct when Charley came in from the kitchen and asked, "have all the diapers been changed?" That is when Mom Riley lost it again. Hilarious was the word of the day.
Dr. Mom and Mom Riley were cooking breakfast together and asked Jaiden what he wanted Seth to eat. Jaiden replied to her, saying, "I think Seth can eat some soft scrambled eggs and grits with no problem, and one biscuit with peach jam. Milk should be OK for him to drink, but no coffee. I'm afraid the acid in the coffee will upset his stomach too much. If he tolerates breakfast, I think he can slowly transition into regular food."
As they were sitting down for breakfast, Jaiden's phone rang. Jeremy asked if he could go to the synagogue with them and spend the day with Seth. Jaiden said, "Sure, buddy, do you want to come over here and drive your grandma's and your grandpa to the temple?" "Yes, sir, I would love to do that." "Well, drive on over here and have some breakfast with Seth." "I'm on my way, Uncle Jaiden."
"Mom, Jeremy is on the way over here to have breakfast with Seth and to go to the services with us. Then he wants to spend the day with Seth. I told him it would be OK, so he should be here in ten minutes." "Dr. Mom said, "Good, I'd love to see him, and I know Seth will. It is going to break his heart when Seth goes to Alabama tomorrow." "Mom, we'll make sure he can see Seth every time there is an opportunity. He can fly down with Richard. Richard is going to have to see Seth in Alabama to reassure himself that it is the best thing for Seth to do." "Peyton and I are going to surprise him with a ticket to go to Orange Beach as soon as school is out just after Thanksgiving. He can stay in Alabama until it is time to come home and resume med school. Besides, Seth can show him everything in Alabama, and they can have a ball exploring all the sights down there." "Jaiden, that is a wonderful idea. I appreciate how you and Peyton are looking out for Seth, and I am sure your Dad is looking down from Heaven applauding you two." When Dr. Mom said that, Jaiden got a bit misty-eyed.
"I hear the boys are awake, so let me check their diapers and change them if they need it, and then we'll get them into the van and head to the temple. Surprisingly, all the diapers were dry, which was rather uncommon. Jaiden took Nathan Robert, sat him on the toilet seat, and was amazed when he peed in the toilet. He did the same with all his sons, and they, too, did what Nathan Robert had done. He asked his Mom to check the babies to make sure he hadn't missed something. When he told her why he was asking her to do that, she told Jaiden he did the same thing at the same age because he didn't like wet and soiled diapers. She told Jaiden, "Son, that is called an early blessing, savor it!"
Dale came into the den and said all his children were dry as well. Jaiden looked at Dale and said, "come on, let's go upstairs and try something. He got Chuck for Dale and sat Chuck on the potty seat in his bathroom. Sure enough, Chuck peed in the toilet. "Dale, go get another boy and do the same thing. Dale did, and the result was the same. After all the babies had sat on the toilet and relieved themselves, Jaiden looked at Dale and said, "Bro, I think our babies are potty trained. All five of my and Peyton's boys did the same thing. Let's get them to the bathroom when they would typically wet and soil their diapers and see what happens. We'll let the ladies in the nursery at the temple know what happened, and they can sit the children on the toilet when they think it is time.
When they got to the temple and carried all ten children to the nursery, they told the ladies manning the nursery what happened that morning. They asked them to try the babies on the potties in the nursery. When the service was over, and the Dads went with their parents to get their children, the ladies in the nursery asked, "Jaiden, how did you, Peyton, Dale, and Charley train your children to use the potty at such a young age?" "Mrs. Lieberman, we didn't. When we went to change them before coming to the temple this morning, they were dry, so I sat my boys on the potty, and they used it like it was a regular thing to them. So Dale and I did the same thing with his and Charley's children and got the same results." "Well, Jaiden, all I can say is that Hashem has given you four another miracle."
As the guys were getting the children into the van to go eat, Peyton told his Dad they wanted to stop by Walmart and pick up ten baby potties for the children. If they were so intent on using the toilet instead of their diapers, the guys would go above board to accommodate their children. They also purchased two potty seats designed to be used in public restrooms, so their children didn't have to wait to get home to potty.
While they were in the dining room at the Country Club, the babies started acting antsy, so Jaiden went to the van, got the potty seats, and put them on the two end toilets in the restroom. Each of the Dads took a baby into the bathroom and sat them on the potty seat. Every child used the potty instead of their diapers. This had to be historic for children that young to be self-trained to use the potty. When the babies had finished using the restroom, Jaiden put the seats back in their boxes and put them back in the van." They were able to complete their meal as the babies talked to each other in their own language. The good thing about the babies using the restroom: Dale wasn't retching anymore.
Some people from the temple were in the dining room and walked over to the guys and asked, "Did we just see you take those babies to the restroom with potty seats?" Peyton replied, "you surely did." "How did you guys get such young babies potty trained." 'Mr. Steinman, we didn't. We got up this morning, and their diapers were dry and clean; we sat them on a potty seat at the house, and they immediately used the potty. It was something they apparently decided to do on their own this morning. We had not tried to potty-train them and were pleasantly surprised." "I guess so, guys. Apparently, these babies are as amazing as their Dads." "Thank you, Mr. Steinman, our children rarely cry, and they are good, happy babies. We have been blessed in that regard." "Guys, know that we are extremely proud of you four for the wonderful job you are doing with your children." "Mr. Steinman, thank you for saying that; it means the world to us." As Mr. and Mrs. Steinman walked off, Jaiden looked down and said, "wow."
When they got home, the boys wanted to go outside and throw the football. Jaiden told Seth to be careful and that there would be no tackling, no pushing, and no running, that his body wasn't ready for that. The boys promised they would just throw the football to each other, which is all they did. Seth got tired and said he needed to lay down for a little while, so his new nephews helped him get inside. When he turned to go downstairs to his and Richard's bedroom, Jenny grabbed him around his arms, kissed him on the cheek, and said, "I love you, little bro." Seth turned and gave Jenny the sweetest hug and said, I love you too, big sis." Richard looked on and said, "amazing, simply amazing. For the first time in his life, Seth is finally happy, truly happy, and I feel so good being able to see that."
Just as Seth went to lay down, Don, Jay, and Jeremy came in. Jeremy asked where Seth was, and Peyton told him Seth was tired and had just laid down to take a nap. Jeremy asked if he was in the same bedroom, and Peyton said he was.
Jeremy went to the bedroom, quietly opened the door, left it ajar as he went and laid down with Seth, kissed him on the cheek, and held him as he and Seth drifted off to sleep.
Jay told the guys and Richard that meeting Seth was the best thing to happen for Jeremy, that he had become a calmer, happier child. Richard said it was the same for Seth and that Jeremy had been very positive for him. Don said, "Richard, we'll make sure they get to see each other as often as possible, so don't worry about that. Jeremy is too happy not to do that for him and Seth. Dad said he couldn't agree more and that Jeremy would be welcome any time he wanted to come to Alabama.
After an hour, Jay went downstairs to check on the boys. When he went back upstairs, he said Seth and Jeremy holding each other were so cute and sleeping very soundly. Dad Riley said, "good, those boys need each other, and they can use the rest."
Richard walked onto the deck, placed his hands on the railing, and looked over the horizon. His Mom went out to him, put her arms around him, and said, "son, what are you thinking." "Mom, I have never seen Seth happy before, he has always been scared and timid about doing something wrong, and he moped around every day.
To see Seth able to express his emotions and love for someone without fear of Dad beating him to a pulp and mother screaming and yelling at him is surreal. "
"It is challenging for me to understand after all the years of abuse we suffered. This new life is something I am going to have to work hard to understand and accept."
"Richard, when those feelings rise up in you, you need to talk to us about them, and we need to help you to understand and accept the love my family has for you and Seth. Had we known what you and Seth were going through years ago, we would have done then what we did this week. We have been so blessed to have Peyton as our son and to have Jaiden love him and us. We don't care if he is gay or straight, he is our son, and we will love and accept him no matter what. Now that you and Seth are our sons, we will love and accept you and who you love without exception, just like we have done for Peyton. I am so sorry you and Seth suffered all the bad things that were in your lives. That stuff is gone, and you don't ever have to worry about it again. Understand?" "Yes, mam, I do."
Mom went back inside and told Dad he needed to walk with Richard and let him get his thoughts out of his head. Dad went outside and said, "Richard, let's take a walk around the neighborhood and get to know each other a little bit better.
When they got on the roadway, Dad took Richard's hand in his and started talking to him in the most loving of ways. "Richard, I know this is surreal for you and to some degree for Seth. I want you to know that when Peyton told us what was going on, we felt like Hashem told us to do what we did this week. If we didn't truly love you and Seth, we wouldn't have even considered doing what we did, and you need to understand that. We talked to our Rabbi, we talked to Dale's and Charley's parents, and the advice was always the same: do it, it is what Hashem is telling you to do."
"When Mom and I met you and Seth in the hospital, there was no doubt in our minds that what we wanted to do was the right and loving thing to do. Peyton was so excited about it, and Jaiden was ecstatic. It was all so positive for us. It hurts Mom and me so badly that the two of you went through what you did. "
We want to give you a good life with a loving and accepting family. We want Seth to feel good about himself, to be able to love who he wants to love, and do that without any fear whatsoever. We want you to be able to do the same. By the way, Seth was right: Sally is hot!" Richard laughed at that comment. It also broke the ice so Richard could talk to his new Dad.
"Dad, Seth doesn't know this, and I don't want him to, but the truth is that Dad accused me of being gay and did the same thing to me that he did to Seth. The only thing I didn't suffer was the broom handle. Dad, I was never gay; I have never done anything sexually that could come close to being considered gay. I didn't date, and I didn't take girls home because I didn't want them to see the hell Seth and I lived in. That solitude left me so lonely at times that I would cry myself to sleep every night of my teen life. When I went to college and then to med school, I stayed in the dorms so I wouldn't be subjected to Dad's temper. I wish I had hidden Seth out earlier than I did. I feel so guilty for not doing that sooner; I just hope Seth can forgive me for that. What made it even worse was that mother would act the same way toward both of us. Since they weren't people of faith, it made what they did, what they said to us even harder to understand, more painful for us."
"Richard, it isn't easy to get over what you endured, and it isn't easy to get over it when you blame yourself for letting it happen. You need to understand that you were trying everything you could to make a better future for Seth and you. I know that is why you have worked so hard to make it in medical school. You have to understand that you weren't in a position to get Seth out of that environment until you got yourself in a position to do that."
"Peyton called your mother and me and talked to us at length about what he and Jaiden could do to help you. The more we talked about what you and Seth's had faced, the angrier we got, and the more we davened for Hashem to show us what to do. His message was obvious to us. We listened to Him when he talked to us and acted on what he told us to do. We did that last Monday, and we don't regret it. We feel extremely blessed to have you and Seth in our lives, so let our family be a blessing to you. Talk to Peyton and Jaiden and let them help you with your feelings and thoughts. They are brilliant young men and very good at what they do. Talk to Andy too. He has a friend in the counseling center who is very good. She helped Jaiden, Peyton, and Laurie get through Mark's death. The mental pain from that incident was horrible for Peyton and Jaiden."
"Dad, thanks for our talk. I feel better, and I have a better idea of handling some things that are bothering me. I will talk to Jaiden and Peyton and let them help me through the pain. I need to start running with them in the evenings to work off some stress." "That is not a bad idea, Richard. Talk to Jaiden's Mom. She is very good at what she does. She has an advanced degree in environmental engineering that deals with environmental issues like you and Seth suffered. She is more than capable of helping you overcome depression and stress. She's an expert at doing that."
Dad and Richard started walking home. When they got there, Dad pointed at Jaiden and Peyton and then at Richard and the deck. Jaiden and Peyton got the message and took Richard out on the deck to talk to him. While they were outside, Dad called Andy and asked him to get Richard in to see an Internist for a complete physical. While Dad was talking to Andy, Mom Reynolds went outside and checked Richard's pulse and blood pressure. Both were very high, so Dad told Andy what the readings were, and he called in some medication to the CVS near Jaiden's and Peyton's. Peyton went to the drug store, picked up the prescription, and brought it home to Dr Mom. She made Richard eat a sandwich and then gave him the medication Andy prescribed. Mom told Richard she would have Jaiden or Peyton check his pulse and blood pressure a couple of times at night. If his blood pressure started coming down during the night, she would taper the medication to keep the blood pressure down but not so strong that it would make him sleep.
When they got up to change and feed the babies, Jaiden checked Richard's blood pressure and told his mother that the pressure was down to 130/80, and his pulse was down to 70.
Dr. Mom looked at Jaiden and told him she doesn't tell him certain things about her because it isn't necessary. She confessed that she is also licensed to practice medicine in Pennsylvania, so she would give him a script to get filled for Richard. When Jaiden looked at the script, it was for Bupropion and Clonazepam. He said, "Good choice, Mom."
She smiled and said, go get the script filled so he can start the medication at breakfast. She told Jaiden to wear his hospital smock, and he would get a discount for the medicine. He did, and he did.
When he got home from the drug store, breakfast was ready. As soon as they had finished breakfast, Jaiden gave Richard one Bupropion tablet and half of a tablet of the Clonazepam. Within an hour and a half, Richard started feeling much better and was much calmer. He hugged Mom Reynolds and thanked her for her help. Even Seth noticed he was feeling better. Richard went to his bio parent's house and got all of Seth's clothes, so Dad Riley could get them to Alabama. When he gave Dad Riley the clothes, Dad Riley told Seth and Richard that the clothes looked like they were worn out and asked where they came from. Seth said his clothes always came from the Salvation Army or Goodwill.
Dad Riley turned red in the face and told Richard to trash the clothes. He would take Seth to several good clothing stores when they got home and get him some quality clothing, some new shoes, a pair of boots he could wear around the farm, and some new underclothes.
Seth got excited and told his Dad that he'd never had new clothing. Dad looked at Seth and said, "Son, you may not have had new clothing in the past, but you will tomorrow morning. Your Mom will take you to get some new clothes first thing, and when I get off at the clinic, I will take you to get the briefs and tee shirts you need so you won't be embarrassed at a woman taking you to get those things."
"Richard, when you get out of school tomorrow, Peyton and Jaiden are going to take you to the mall and get you new clothes as well. I want you to get everything from underwear and socks to pants, dress shirts, sports shirts, and good shoes. Don't worry about the cost, I want you to get what you need. Understand?" "Yes, sir."
"Peyton, Jaiden, when you and Richard get out of school tomorrow, I want you to take Richard to the best clothing stores at the mall and get him a new outfit for every day, and I don't want it to be cheap stuff; I want him to have good clothes; good shoes, Johnston-Murphy's if they have them at the mall."
"Get him several pairs of Sketchers or another good brand of casual, comfortable, sneakers. Get new underwear and tee shirts and make sure they are good brands, not a cheap, thin brand. When you get the clothes, let me know the cost, and I will put the money in Peyton's spending account."
"Dad, as soon as we get out of school, we will do that, but Jaiden and I make very good money at the hospital, so we will take care of the clothing costs."
"Son, are you sure?" "Yes, sir, I am sure. We'll let you know what we get for him – and if he resists letting us get the clothes." As he said that to his Dad, Peyton shot Richard a glance to let him know he didn't want any arguments when they went to buy the clothes.
"Peyton, when you and Jaiden get Richard some new clothes, throw away all the old stuff. Just like you had the best of things growing up, I want Richard to have the best of everything and to get used to having it." "Dad, I understand; we will do that. Dad, may I speak to you on the deck for a moment. Richard, you and Jaiden are free to join us."
When they got outside on the deck, Peyton said, "Dad, my car is still at the house, and Jaiden and I have the Lincoln and the van here, so I would like for Seth to have my car when he starts learning to drive if you don't mind. My little brother deserves it after all he had gone through." Richard looked at Peyton and said, "Peyton, you are unreal. Are you really going to give your car to Seth?"
"Richard, that is what I just said. If I didn't mean it, I wouldn't say it. I have learned to be that way from Jaiden's Mom." Jaiden looked at Richard and said, "He certainly has, Richard, and he is more stubborn than Mom is about what he says." Richard hugged Peyton and said, "Thank you so much, Peyton. You and Jaiden are the nicest people my age that I have ever met; I love you guys so much." "We know, Richard, now let us help you and share with you what we have."
Peyton let Ginny and Granny know what they were going to do when they got out of school on Monday. When they got home from the mall, Ginny and Granny told them they wanted to see what they bought.
Richard put the outfits together on the couch and chairs in the den and living room. He put the shoes they bought in front of the clothes. Ginny looked at Granny and said, "MMMMM HMMM! I told you. You have to make these boys wear a heavy jacket when the snow falls and the weather gets bitingly cold. Fellas, as soon as the heavy winter coats come out, I want to see one for each one of you. If I don't, I will call Jaiden's Mom and Peyton's Dad. Then I'LL get upset, and you know how Jaiden's Mom and I are when we get upset." "Yes, mam, Ginny. Believe me, we'll get the coats as soon as they hit the market." "Son, you better!"
The three boys headed to LECOM. The difference today: they rode together.
When they got home from the mall, there was a new Lincoln Nautilus in the driveway. Richard mused who might be at the house. Peyton looked straight ahead as he cracked a smile. When they parked their Lincoln, they got in the Nautilus and told Richard to drive them to the Ford-Lincoln dealer.
When they got there, Mr. Pope met them and said, "Guys, nice to see you again. Let's go to my office and talk.
When they went into the office and sat down, Mr. Pope shut his door, looked at Richard, and said, Richard, I need for you to sign this form for me, and then I will be able to help you get a new Ford." Richard said, "I don't understand." Mr. Pope told Richard he didn't need to understand. Just sign the form.
Richard signed the form. When he did, Mr. Pope said, "thank you for giving me your car; I appreciate that. Now I can sell it and make me some money." Richard looked at Mr. Pope and at Peyton and Jaiden and said, "Mr. Pope has my car, and I just signed it over to him, now I don't have a car. How am I going to get around and do what I need to do?"
"Jaiden said, "Richard, shut up, and close your eyes." Tears were streaming down his face as he closed his eyes. He thought his new brother and his brother-in-law had just duped him and were being mean.
"Richard, don't say a word, keep your eyes closed and hold out your hand, palm up." Richard did that and felt something square in his hand. He asked Jaiden and Peyton what was in his hand.
Peyton said, "Richard, open your eyes and look in your hand." When Richard did that, Peyton, Jaiden, and Mr. Pope were grinning like Cheshire cats.
Richard asked, "Why am I holding this key?" Jaiden started laughing and said, "Richard, I've already told you how much money Peyton and I have. We wanted to take some of that money and do something extra special for you. Mr. Pope knows what you and Seth have gone through, and he knows you and Seth were adopted by Peyton's Dad last Monday. Peyton and I discussed it, and we said we couldn't let you wear those nice clothes and ride around in an old clunker."
"Besides, when you take Sally out to dinner, a woman who's that hot deserves to ride in a nice vehicle. Mr. Pope got with Ford and got us an awesome price on a new car for you. It was so good, we couldn't turn it down. The Lincoln Nautilus you drove to the dealership, it's yours. HappyBirthday!"
Richard was in shock and couldn't say anything; he kept looking back and forth at Peyton, Jaiden, and Mr. Pope. "Richard, pick your chin up off the floor. Like I told you before, if you don't, your jaw is going to start hurting very badly."
Mr. Pope, would you and your wife like to join us at the Wharf On The Pier for dinner?" "Jaiden, I would love to. Mary is in her office around the corner; let me go get her."
Mr. and Mrs. Pope followed Richard to the restaurant. When the three got out of the new Nautilus, Richard said, "I am not used to being treated like this; this is unreal to me." "Richard, you are legally part of our family now, and we take care of family. Let's get a picture of you standing at the car and send it to Seth. The photo was taken. As soon as everybody got inside the restaurant and ordered their food, Jaiden texted a copy of the picture to Seth via Dad Riley. A few moments later, Seth called and asked Richard why he texted him a car picture.
"Seth, Peyton, and Jaiden bought me a bunch of new clothes today and said I couldn't drive around in an old clunker wearing the nice clothes I got today. They bought me a Lincoln Nautilus for my birthday."
"Richard, you shouldn't kid someone that way!" "Seth, I'm not kidding; they really did buy me a Lincoln Nautilus. When I come down this summer, I am going to drive down instead of flying so you can see and ride in the Nautilus."
"Seth, are you having fun in Orange Beach?" "Richard, I miss you, but I am having a blast on the farm. I've learned to feed and play with the sheep, and Peyton The Jackass is so funny. I can take him to the pasture, and he follows me around like I'm his best friend." "Seth, did you say 'Peyton the Jackass'?" 'Yes, I did, Richard. When Peyton left home for college, Dad missed him terribly, so he bought a mule to take up the time he spent with Peyton after he left home. Dad said Peyton could sometimes be a jackass, so he named the mule "Peyton the Jackass."
"Seth, it sounds like you are having a blast down there." "I am Richard. Saturday, Mom and Dad took me to see a Navy ship and submarine in Mobile. I got to go all over the ship. I got to see everything inside the ship. The place where the sailors sleep is neat, but it's a bit eerie. And get this, you can make a reservation and sleep on the ship. I climbed the steps to the tower where they drive the ship, and it was neat. You can see everything from the tower. When we left the ship, Dad took Mom and me to a seafood place he said was Peyton's favorite. He got me some broiled fish because it works with a soft diet, and it was so good. When we got home, Mom said Dad always takes the family out to eat on Saturday nights."
"Richard, it is so much fun down here, I can't wait for you to come down this summer, and we can go to some of the places where Mom and Dad have taken me. We are going to have so much fun." "Seth, are you feeling OK?" "I feel terrific, Richard."
"Dad took me to the doctor here last week so he could make sure I am healing OK. The doctor is hilarious, and I like him. I will see him every two weeks for a couple of months until he feels I am completely healed up. While he is seeing me, he calls Dr. Brannen and talks to him to tell him how I am doing. He is going to work on my scars so they will go away, and I can't see them anymore."
"Seth, hearing how happy you are makes me feel good." "Oh, I forgot to tell you something, Richard. You should see my room here. It is huge, and I have my own bathroom. Mom makes me clean the bathroom and keep my bedroom clean, but she actually helps me, and we laugh the whole time we are cleaning my room. She doesn't yell at me either."
"Every night, Dad and I sit together in the den and watch television. Dad gets us a snack and a drink every night when he spends time with me. He is so much fun, and he tells me every morning and every night that he loves me. Mom gives me a hug every morning, and when I go to bed at night, she kisses me on my face and gives me a hug. Richard, I am so happy here." "That's good to hear, Seth. Be good; I will talk to you on Saturday. I have to go study now. I love you, little brother." "I love you too, Richard."