All rights reserved. Other than downloading one copy for personal enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author. As in real life, the sexual themes unfold gradually and are kept to a realistic level. Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author, Dwight Wilson, at adm2780@yahoo.com
This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between males, adult and minor. As such it is homoerotic, designed for the entertainment of mature adults. If you are not of legal age to read such material, or if the subject matter would create irresolvable personal moral dilemmas, please exit now
Chapter Thirteen: New Horizons
Paul has escorted Kevin and the other members of the review board into Daniel's office. "Fellas, as you know tomorrow is the day you review Evan or Boy's progress. Mr. Mark and I both feel we should let you know how well he did in Tallahassee so you could give this consideration when reviewing his case.
He was, of course, a little nervous when he started but then settled down and spoke to the committee just as though he were sitting here talking to us. He openly admitted to making a dumb mistake and he was trying to make amends for the mistake. He related his experience with the Jacksons in sufficient detail to shock the committee members, who asked if he was telling the truth or putting them on.
One question put to him was regarding his name. He was listed on the paperwork we submitted as Evan, but when he addressed the committee he told them his name was Boy. This created some confusion but he answered their questions until they understood why his name is currently Boy. One other thing you should know is I referred to him as Evan once on the way over. He thanked me for addressing him by his proper name.
Amos Crawford, the Director of DCF was very complimentary towards him and even called this morning to ask me about him.
Also, Boy is helping with the Cherub project by drawing a number of the boys. We plan on using the posters to promote the 'protect the children' program. Mr. Mark has taken him to the store to buy some of the art supplies he will need. He asked me for some shorts and I reminded him he didn't have to wear any clothes. Actually, given he rarely wore clothes anyway, I was surprised he asked for the shorts. His response was that he was trying to change the old habits.
Boy knows that I'm speaking with you; he also understands that's all I'm doing. No promises of any kind have been made. We told him Mr. Mark and I thought he did a good job representing us and we thought he should get some consideration or reward for the progress he's made. If you recall part of his punishment was a two week freeze on his ability to get sexual relief for himself. He was having a substantial problem with salutes on the way over. The problem was partially cured by two handfuls of ice in the crotch going over. After we got there, he spoke with Mr. Mark who allowed him to get some relief. Boy wanted to be sure you knew about that and he didn't violate any of the terms of his punishment."
"Mr. Daniel; what do you want us to do about Evan?"
"I can't say what I want you to do; that would be undue influence. This is a matter the board should review and come to a decision based on your own conscience. Personally, and strictly unofficially, I would suggest you consider giving him a break somewhere. Give him something to work both towards and let him know he's moving in the right direction."
"Mr. Daniel, we understand and we'll talk about it before we see him tomorrow morning. Thank you for letting us know and letting us decide how to handle this, though. One thing we have all discussed is whether Boy has been seeing the psychologist and how he's doing there. We know the psychologist can't tell us what they talk about but we're hoping he can tell us if Boy is making any progress." The boys then leave Daniel's office after Daniel lets them know he'll try to get some kind of report or assessment from the psychologist.
I asked Paul if Michael was onsite; he let me know Michael was expected in this evening. At the moment I was feeling very restless and ill-at-ease. The idea of having to use butt plugs on these boys was not setting well with me and I didn't know of an alternative to protect them; hopefully, Michael could suggest something. There is no way I would ever be able to accept young boys being used as toys. A big concern was how I would react if someone tried to hurt one of them while we were out. I know there are some real s.o.b.'s in this world who think only with their genitals, and could care less if it's a young boy or grown man.
Paul lets Daniel know Michael is on the phone. "Michael, where are you?"
"Headed your way, be there in about thirty minutes. Listen, how about we take a break tonight; maybe head into town for dinner. Isn't there some shopping you want to do for the Cherubs?"
"Yeah, I seem to have them on my mind a lot lately. The boys are going to be sitting down for dinner shortly."
"Fine, let them eat, you don't have to be with them every night. Daniel, your burning yourself out when the fight has just begun. We can see the boys at dinner, nothing says we have to eat with them. If they notice we aren't eating just tell them we are headed into town for dinner and to shop for some of the things we'll need for them to appear as ambassadors for New Horizon; we'll see them again in the morning."
"Why is it I always let you talk me into these things? I do want to see Mark before leaving."
"Good, go ahead and call him on his cell. What's he doing anyway?"
"I had him take Boy into town to buy art supplies; part of the Cherub program."
"Fine, go ahead and call him. I'll be there in less than twenty now. We can walk over to the hall and chat with the boys for a few minutes, then leave."
Walking into the dining hall Daniel turns just in time to catch Danny on the fly. It's a good thing he saw him or both of us would be on the floor. Setting Danny on his right hip they begin a tour of the hall. The twins are spotted and Daniel remembers he's supposed to speak with them. They see Daniel and act shy.
"Hi, fellas, how was your afternoon?"
"Fine," comes out in little more than a whisper.
"Are you going to tell me what you did today?"
Both boys nod and then one, I don't know which one, begins to tell me about doing homework and playing. When I ask if they had any help with their homework they both nod and point to Brian and Josh. Of course, I'm trying to elicit verbal responses so I ask them what kind of homework. The other twin then tells me reading and arithmetic. When I ask what are the plans after supper they let me know they want to play some more before getting a bath. I just smile and give both a little pat on their butts. They've both spoken to me now, this is hopefully a good start to bring them out of their shell.
The tour of the hall continues. By now most of the boys are accustomed to seeing us walk around and either ignore us completely or look up with a smile and greeting. As we approach Sean I can see Danny's supper is waiting on him and go to set him down. He doesn't want me to let him go.
"Danny, I have to sit you down; how else are you going to eat?" Danny shrugs his shoulders like he either doesn't care or he thinks I'll figure it out for him. "I have to leave with Dr. Mike, we are going into town to buy some things to make you a costume to wear at the end of next week when we go on television. Won't that be fun?" Again, Danny just shrugs his shoulders. All he really wants is some attention from me. We continue to walk around the room some more while Daniel is scratching his little butt. When we get back to Sean again Danny is set down. Before he has a chance to protest I tell him it's time for him to eat his supper and I'll see him again in the morning.
"Daniel, what kind of material are we looking for?"
"I'm not really sure; I've never been into this sewing thing before. I want to make something like loin cloths for the boys to wear on television. The cloth will hang over a thong made from a gold braid rope tied around their waste. The material should be cut so the thong goes down the middle of the thigh in the front and splits each cheek in the back. If the thong is hanging halfway between the navel and groin area, its length should come just above the knee. I had thought it could hang just below the knee so we'll probably cut one long and one short to compare and decide then. Also, each boy is to wear a choker of the same material. Below the choker will be our identification necklace with the alarms.
Under the cloths I thought about a support pouch that fastens to the back of the front cloth, pulls under the groin area and comes back up through their crack to fasten to the rear cloth. This leaves their cheeks exposed for someone to scratch them or, quite honestly, I'm hoping this outfit will make them look enticing, particularly to the ladies and mothers that will see them. My big issue of course is it may also entice some men out there who may want to play with them a little more than we'd like."
"What about protection from anyone who may try to get too physical with the boys?"
"We'll have two of the oldest boys with us for the television show, plus Mark and Larry. If anyone demands service from a boy he has to agree to a private room. Mark or Larry will escort them there and stand outside the door in the event of problems. The doors will not have locks so whoever is causing the problem can't stop help from getting in. Also, the boys will wear their collars with the alarms under the choker."
"Have you thought about them wearing any kind of jewelry or other accessories or accents?"
"What do you mean by other accessories or accents?"
"Well, it sounds to me as though you are trying to take advantage of their natural attractiveness, particularly with the maternal instincts. Do something to make each one stand out from the norm. The loin cloth concept sounds a lot like the Indians, particularly the Aztecs. Why not a gold braid around the forehead, or possibly use some gold highlight in their hair? Another consideration would be armbands."
"You know, the armbands might be a good idea. The boys are divided into four levels, with each level representing an age group plus the 'service' the boy will provide if asked. Of course the little ones will just sit in someone's lap and look cute, they're the level one group. The next group is the eight, nine and ten year olds that will allow a little fondling. Level three boys are eleven, twelve and thirteen, they will provide oral services if required, and the older boys are level four that will go all the way, so to speak. I saw a piece of jewelry a minute ago that was braided in copper, gold and silver.
Let's think in terms of an armband or necklace. Level two boys could wear a single color, level three two colors and level four all three colors. In addition to their ages and size they would be identified by the combination they wear."
"Okay, how are you going to get the colors together; braid them, let them hang individually, or^Å.?"
"Mike, you worry too much. First, let's find the material and get enough to do about five or six boys. After we experiment a little and decide how we want to do this then we can come back for the rest of the materials. There is one problem though; who's going to sew the seams on the loin cloths?"
"Don't look at me, I did miserably in home-ec."
"Well, somehow we'll have to figure it all out. Right now let's get the material and a portable sewing machine. It can't be that difficult to do. Worse comes to worse we'll cut the material and take to a tailor in town to finish. I hope one of the boys knows how to braid - I don't."
"Mike, how'd you know about this little restaurant?"
"Daniel, remember me saying you needed to get away from camp more? You'd be surprised what's out here to enjoy."
"Okay, okay, I get the message. However, there is one thing I need to pass by you. The boys need to have some kind of protection when they are mingling with the public. In other words, I don't want some idiot trying to stick a finger or anything else where it doesn't belong. I was thinking of having the boys wear butt plugs. The oldest boys would wear plugs that contain a lubricant to help protect them from discomfort."
"Well, you know the youngest boys probably wouldn't have to worry about that too much, but the others would. Have you said anything to them?"
"Only the level three and four boys. I told them I wanted to speak with you regarding the safety and ask if you had any other ideas."
"Thanks, just what I need on me now. Who ever is unhappy or uncomfortable can blame Dr. Mike. Of course, there is such a thing as plugs with lubricant, but I don't know if they are available around here, I'll have to go on the internet and find out. Plugs are also available in various sizes so we should be able to get something that the boys can get used to wearing. The key will be to get them to wear it a little at a time beginning several days before the show or scheduled appearances."
"Our first show is the end of next week and we are supposed to start training the little ones tomorrow morning."
"What kind of training?"
"Mainly on how to approach a stranger and what they should expect. For the first few times we go out I'm thinking of taking the mentors to escort them; you know, comfort level, security, that sort of thing. Oh, I almost forgot, I wanted to get some of that slave oil they use when showing slaves. If we rub into the boys skin I understand they will kind of glow and maybe give a better impression."
"Okay, I'll find some for you. For now though, I think you need to forget about the show, the boys and anything else with New Horizons. You have been pushing yourself too hard and need a break. Relax some and then you can approach all these problems with a fresh outlook."
"How do you think I can relax right now?"
"Well, did you see that little motel just down the road? We passed it coming here."
"So^Å"
"So, I got us a room for the night. I think we deserve a little alone time, don't you?"
"Michael, I didn't bring any clothes with me."
"For what I have in mind, you don't need any. And, we'll be back with the boys first thing in the morning, maybe even for breakfast, and then again, maybe not."
Daniel and Michael pull into the compound at 7:30, just in time for breakfast, and spot some of the boys headed to the dining hall. When the boys spot them, most just smile and wave while others get that questioning 'what have you two been up to' look. Daniel and Michael just smile back and wave.
"Michael, how about hitting the dining hall and have the boys stay there until I come over. I need to speak to them about this mornings meeting and pushing it back about thirty minutes."
"Okay, I'll also let Barry know you're coming over so he can save some breakfast for you."
I know Michael's idea for relaxing last night was good. I do feel more comfortable now and less anxious about talking with the younger boys. When I set the training session for ten this morning I had forgotten that's when the board meets to review Boy's progress. I don't plan on attending, Mark can do that, but a couple of the board members need to be with their charges at training, and that created a conflict.
As I enter the dining hall the boys are sitting there waiting, some are still eating while others have finished. It's good to see them following the kp plan by passing their plates to the end for pick-up, making it easier for the boys on kp. I suddenly realize I'll need to let Barry know if any of the younger boys, or their mentor, has kp this morning, we need them in training. I wonder if there is any way to be sure you always cover all the detail items that seem to be never ending. Barry has one of the boys take a plate to Daniel, who then leans against a table and begins addressing the boys.
"Good morning gentlemen, did everyone enjoy their breakfast?" The boys respond with a good morning while nodding their heads. Looking around Daniel can't help but notice how relaxed the boys are. It wasn't that long ago that if they were called into a meeting such as this they expected the worse with them on the receiving end.
"A couple of announcements. First, the meeting called for this morning for all boys aged ten and below to meet in the hall is now changed to ten thirty. When the boys come in we will want their mentors to attend with them. The second announcement is really a question. Does anyone here know how to sew or use a sewing machine?" The boys give a 'you've got to be kidding' stare, letting me know even if they did no one would admit it in front of the other boys; it's not macho.
"Okay, let me rephrase that last item. It would be greatly appreciated if anyone having any knowledge of sewing or operating a machine would come by the office to speak with me. The purpose of this is to assist with designing and making attire for the television appearance next week; that is, of course, unless all of you would like to appear on television naked." With the restatement the expressions change and the shaking heads say they prefer not being on television naked.
"Mr. Dan'l, sir." It's Brian speaking up. "Well, sir, just about everybody hear knows our background, and anybody that doesn't I guess is about to find out. Doing the shows we sometimes used costumes; we had to design and make them ourselves. So, all of us know how to use the machine and might be able to help."
"Thank you, Brian, for speaking up. If you and the other boys could accompany me to my office when this breaks up I'll catch you up on what we have in mind and would appreciate any suggestions. If any of you other boys have any experience and would like to join us, or if someone has no experience and would like to learn or assist, we would appreciate it. That's all I had; see some you at ten thirty."
The boys gather in the office and have brought the twins with them, excellent. The twins can be used as models to figure out the best way to dress and show off the boys. It only takes a few minutes to explain the concept and let the boys know to use their imaginations. The drawings prepared by Boy are a big help. Then it is time for Boy to meet with the review board.
Boy walks into the meeting accompanied by TJ and Mark. Mark is aware that Daniel has already had a talk with the board but wants to make sure they understand how important Boy's contribution was.
"Members of the board I would like to ask you indulge me for a few minutes to speak on Boy's behalf. I know that all of you have already met with Mr. Daniel regarding Boy's appearance in Tallahassee; however, I want to make certain you understand how important his contribution was to achieving some of our goals.
The DCF committee commented that the testimony given by both TJ and Boy meant more than all the statistics and graphs we could put in our presentation. This allowed the committee members to hear first hand testimony on just how dangerous it is for young boys to be used as sex toys. Both boys spoke very candidly about their experiences, stating enough to get their messages through but discreet enough to show respect for the committee members. Boy's testimony was particularly impressive partly due to the recent timing of the event and the fact that some of his injuries wee visible.
Again, the testimony was invaluable in getting concessions to goals that New Horizon knows will protect many of you boys, particularly the young ones. All of you have already heard from Mr. Daniel about the Cherubs and what might be expected from each group. Before now, the level one boys down to six years of age, would have been subject to the same demands as the level four boys. All demands could have been made on the spot without preparation for comfort or protection of the boy. New rules are now in place to protect all of you and that is due in large part to these boys' testimony."
Kevin, as chairman of the review board, speaks for the board. "Thank you Mr. Mark, we did speak with Mr. Daniel, and now hearing this from you, we do understand that Boy has made a substantial contribution to New Horizon. This has also been taken into consideration for our meeting today.
When meeting with Mr. Daniel we expressed a desire to get a report from the psychologist working with Boy, but there hasn't been time to do this for today's meeting. We feel that Boy has shown substantial progress in setting his goals and beginning to think of the team rather than just himself; but, again, we can work only on gut instinct and would like to have something from someone more qualified than us."
"Excuse me.." Mark has risen to address the board again, "^Å I don't mean to be rude but I think we need to consider something else here. Almost all of you were members of a gang or group on the streets, trying to survive in a very unfriendly environment." The board members look at one another and nod their heads. "What was the criteria for accepting a new member into the group? Did you require a written recommendation from someone? I'm sure on many occasions someone in the group did vouch for another boy wanting to join in, but I'm also willing to bet there were times that a boy just showed up looking for security and friends. When this happened what criteria did you use?"
"Point is understood, Mr. Mark." Kevin then looks to Boy.
"Boy, do you have anything you would like to say?" Boy shakes his head while looking at the members of the board and then to Mark; then decides there is something he should say.
"Uh, one of the conditions was I couldn't have sexual relief for two weeks, and after that only with permission. Well, I did enjoy it, but Mr. Mark gave me permission."
"We appreciate your telling us. We think your willingness to tell us something like that says a lot. Just for the record Mr. Daniel did tell us this morning and when TJ gave his report he told us also. We have a couple of questions we would like to ask Boy. First, do you think you are ready for the board to close the punishment on this situation? Second, do you feel you are ready to assume full responsibility for your actions, that is making the decisions on your own and willing to accept any benefits or consequences that result from those decisions?"
"Sirs? Mr. Dan'l asked me to go to Tallahassee and answer any question those men might ask me; I did that and did it as honestly as I know how. I hope that helped protect other boys who could fall for what I did or be as stupid as I was. I want you to close this, but I also know I still lean real heavy on others for guidance and support. It's been three weeks since I was made a slave and I don't think you can undo everything that's happened or I've been taught in fourteen years in that short amount of time. Would I like for this to stop? Yes, but I'm not willing to take the chance yet that I can do things like I should, and I know I couldn't take the punishment that would follow if I messed up."
"Mr. Mark, we think we understand now why the committee liked Boy so much. That was about as honest and simple an answer as we could ever hope for. We know Mr. Daniel has called a meeting at ten thirty that most of us need to go to, so if you don't mind we will just turn our backs for a moment to talk this out."
The boys turn and speak for only a couple of minutes before turning around to face Boy. "TJ, are you willing to stay by Boy as you have in the past three weeks?"
"If the board wants me to, yes."
"Okay, Boy the board has decided that we can modify your punishment by removing some of the restrictions. First, as to the sexual relief. That condition was for only two weeks and then at the discretion of Mr. Mark. We feel Mr. Mark should make the decision whether you should continue to request his permission for this; however, we do not believe we should have a voice in that so long as you do not back slide.
This leaves three restrictions to be addressed. First is the slave collar and its removal; second is the swats administered each meeting; and, third is the matter of your name and restoring your given name. The board has decided to let you choose which of these restrictions will be removed. You should consider this now and give us an answer."
"Sirs, if it pleases the board, I would like to have my name."
"If you had made any other choice I think all of us would have been surprised. Now, let the records reflect that officially, from this moment, Evan shall no longer be known as Boy, but by his given name of Evan. Further, let the record show the board has considered Evan's actions within the past three weeks and particularly within the past week during the trip to Tallahassee, given due weight to the information provided by Mr. Daniel and Mr. Mark, and determined as a reward for his actions the minimum physical punishment required to be administered on each Wednesday, is hereby waved for this week and next. Should Evan incur any problems during this time that would add to the number of swats normally administered, the additional swats are not forgiven. The board requests that TJ stay by Evan until further notice.
If no one has any additional comments, this meeting is adjourned."
"Thank you, sirs."
On the way out Mark stops Kevin to ask about TJ staying with Evan. Kevin explains that Evan still needs help getting around because of the crutches and its common knowledge among the boys that they are becoming an item. TJ had also disclosed to the board that he and Evan slept together both nights they were in Tallahassee. He also told them they had Mark's permission the first night but didn't ask the second night. Everyone took the attitude that if Mark didn't say anything was wrong then permission from the first night extended to the whole trip.
Mark, Evan and TJ walk into the meeting together, Daniel isn't there yet. Kevin and two board members have gone off looking for their charges. A little before ten thirty it appears everyone is present when Daniel walks in. Daniel spots Danny right away and holds one hand out to him; Danny runs over to Daniel and takes his hand.
"Good morning again. Boys, I wish we weren't having this meeting, but I'm sure by now all of you have heard what's happening. At the end of next week I will be a guest on an Orlando day time talk show, we will be discussing New Horizons and what it stands for. I would like, and the governing board agrees, to have a group of ambassadors for New Horizon with me. For anyone not understanding what I mean by ambassadors I'm talking about a group of boys that represent the kind of boys we have here and we are trying to protect." Just then, Ben raises his hand. "Yes, Ben?"
"Mr. Dan'l, Kevin says I have to let somebody play with my nuts."
Daniel can't help but crack a smile and laugh a little at this one. He was worried about how to break this to the boys and Ben just solved the problem. "Well, Ben, since you're only ten that makes you a part of level two, and that means if someone wants to fondle your little sac you should let them, but no more."
"Mr. Dan'l, I don't care if they scratch my butt some or rub my nuts, but do I have to give 'em a blow job?"
"No Ben, level one and level two boys will not be doing that."
"Okay, guys, I think Ben just summed up in two minutes what probably would take me twenty minutes to tell you. We've divided all of you into four levels. Most of you in here, I'm saying most because I'm not including most of the mentors that will be with us on this first trip, are level one or two. Level one just sits in someone's lap and lets them rub their back or scratch their butt. If you can lean against the person and turn on some charm, that helps. Level two boys let, as Ben so aptly put it, someone play with their nuts, but no more." Kevin now raises his hand to ask a question.
"Mr. Daniel, Ben thinks I need to ask for him what happens if someone tries to do more?"
"I was just getting to that. Boy, do you^Å."
"Mr. Dan'l, it's not Boy any more, it's Evan."
Daniel looks at the Boy and smiles. "Excuse me, Evan do you have those sketches I ask you to do?" Evan hands Daniel two sketches.
"I asked Evan to sketch out a couple of the boys and then show them with a particular mode of dress. Now don't think of dress as a ladies dress; mentors explain to your charges I'm talking about the way they will most likely be dressed. Note there is a cloth in the front and rear held by a gold braid belt. The front cloth will run down the middle of the thigh and the rear cloth will run down the middle of each butt cheek. The cloth slips over the belt and is held in place by double sided tape or Velcro, we are experimenting with that now.
Also note there is a choker made from the same material. Under the choker will be a necklace like the one I have here. These necklaces are specially made for us and have a built-in alarm. If you squeeze on or near where the two ends come together it sets off an alarm we can hear out here plus sends a signal to a monitor we will have set up in the television studio.
Now, suppose something happens where you can not set off the alarm, then I expect you to scream for help. We will have Mr. Mark and Mr. Larry with us, plus your mentors and two of the big boys. Also, there will be studio security personnel in place to assist us if needed.
Believe me boys, if I thought I was putting you in any kind of danger, I wouldn't take you. Hopefully, we will be in a situation where no one will ask anything more from us than to let you cuddle with them a little and maybe scratch your butt or sac." Daniel stops speaking for a moment to study the boys' faces. Some of the boys, particularly the younger ones, don't seem to comprehend what he's saying. It's time to put on a demonstration.
Danny is standing by Daniel who leans over and whispers in his ear, "Do you remember what I asked you to say the other day in my office?" Danny shakes his head. "Hi, my name is^Å.." Danny nods his head. "Can you look out at the boys and do that for me now?"
"Hi, my name is Danny, 0780, and these are my friends."
"Close Danny, you are supposed to say 'Hi, my name is Danny 02780, and these are my friends."
"But its not."
"I know, but we are just pretending, okay?" Danny nods his head.
"Hi, my name is Danny 02780, and these are my friends. We are here to visit."
"That's good Danny." Danny beams with the attention and approval from Daniel. "This time though say it just like that but at the end say "we are here to visit with you.", Okay?" Again, Danny nods his head.
"Hi, my name is Danny 02780 and these are my friends. We are here to visit with you."
"That's real good Danny." Daniel picks the boy up and gives him a bear hug which the boy just soaks up. "Now, can you practice saying that for us so next time we have it right from the beginning?" Danny smiles and nods his head.
"If we're standing in front of a bunch of people sitting in chairs and one of them holds their arms out to you, do you know what you are supposed to do?" Mark is sitting out with the boys and holds his arms out to Danny who looks at Mark and then to Daniel. When Daniel nods with his head for the boy to go he does, although hesitantly; the boy would rather be in Daniel's lap. Daniel realizes that with a boy that young they may need to keep them on stage or find a way to encourage them to go to a stranger.
"Okay, mentors for all level one boys, do you understand what we need for you to teach your charges to do? They don't have to say anything, but we need for them to be willing to go to the person holding out their arms. I'm guessing that for the first few times we do this the mentor may need to escort his charge to that person and encourage the boy to climb into the other person's lap. By nature most little ones are unsure and untrusting of strangers, so they will rely on their mentor."
"Now let's address the level two boys. Ben." Ben responds to Daniel's call and sits in his lap when encouraged to. Daniel deliberately slips his hand under the boy's butt and is massaging his sac from the rear and underneath. He's doing this while speaking to the boys about nothing in particular and has maneuvered his hand so his second finger is directly over Ben's treasure hole. Daniel then deliberately puts a little pressure on the hole to see how Ben will react. The problem is, Ben doesn't react.
"Ben, what have I been doing while you were sitting in my lap?"
"You been playin' with my nuts from underneath. You also tried to put your finger in my hole." All the boys in the room start laughing.
"Why didn't you say something? If I had been someone in the audience at the television studio I could have pushed my finger or something else in and hurt you."
"But, Mr. Daniel, it was you and I know you wouldn't hurt us, so I didn't say anything. If you want to stick your finger in my hole I'll let you, but nobody else."
"Okay, Ben, I appreciate what you're saying. The point I want to make is the person holding you in the audience will be a stranger, what will you do if he tries to stick a finger in your hole?"
"I'll squeeze the necklace and holler for him to stop, and tell him he can't put his finger in my hole."
"Well, let's not go too far. How about you squeeze the necklace so someone can come get you? Remember, all of you, do not do anything to upset or antagonize the person holding you. If you embarrass them they may try to do something to save face and won't care if they hurt you. Squeeze the necklace and someone will be there in a matter of seconds to rescue you without you saying anything. Ben do you remember what happened last time you mouthed off to an adult?" Ben's face turns red.
"You gave me three swats."
"That's because you were disrespectful to an adult and handled the situation poorly. This time we will do it right and someone will come get you out of the problem. Okay?" Ben nods his head and jumps down, turning and going back to Kevin.
"All right guys, that's enough for this morning, we'll go at it again tomorrow afternoon. Mr. Mark will post the meeting time in the dining hall. Mentors of the level one boys talk to your charges, if it appears there may be a problem with them going to a stranger and being held we need to know. The alternative will be for you to go with us and escort them into the audience."
Daniel can't believe he's only had two meetings this morning and the morning is almost gone. He begins making a mental list of things that need to be addressed after lunch. The list includes verifying information for next week's appearance and talking to the staff about any of the boys that have shown particular skills or interests. Another thought comes to mind regarding checking with his dad about having someone from the university to consult about planting an ornamental plant garden and possibly finding an instructor for topiaries; that's assuming, of course, some of the boys are interested. Daniel knows it's time to sit down and begin a priority wish list.
The long route is taken back to the office. Daniel is trying to decide when to call a staff meeting and when to set a meeting with the level three and four boys. Before going any further he decides he needs to decide how many boys will accompany him. The number of level one and two boys will determine who the level three and four boys are. Walking through the recreational area he finds a number of the boys at the swimming pool. Some are sitting on the side while others are playing in the water.
"Hi fellas, enjoying the water?"
"Yes, sir, it's nice. Uhhh^ÅMr. Daniel? ^Å..me and some of the other boys was wondering if maybe, you know, if we built it, if maybe we could have a basketball court. Not a big one, just maybe a half-court?"
"Well, I'll tell you what. If you boys will do the research on how big it has to be and what material s are needed; then put it all in the form of a proposal, we'll give it consideration. One other thing though; the proposal must be put together with proper grammar." The boys thought they had it made until that last part, when several turned red in the face.
Daniel continued his tour of the area when he spotted two boys somewhat behind a bush. He couldn't tell who they were, but he could tell each had an arm around the other's waste. The rapid movement of their free arms and the way their heads were thrown back told him what was going on. Daniel quietly retraced his steps, leaving the boys to be boys.
End chapter Thirteen
To Be continued: comments welcome; contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com