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.
NOTE: The author would once again like to acknowledge the assistance of Mr. Colin Carr with editing and correcting the author's typing errors. His contribution greatly enhances the reader's ability to appreciate the story.
Chapter Fifteen: New Horizons
"Mr. Thompson, we're about thirty minutes out."
"Thank you. Boys, its time to glow. Everybody needs to get oiled up and dressed. Mentors, do not put the support pouches on your charges just yet. When we get to the studio we should move into a dressing area where I assume there will be bathroom facilities. Everyone should at least try to use the facilities before the interview. Mentors, if your charges need to pee, please be sure they do not mess up the front flap, that could be embarrassing. Level fours, I'm assuming you followed Dr. Mike's instructions before boarding the bus, if you didn't please do so immediately upon arrival at the station."
Upon arrival at the station Daniel asked everyone to remain on the bus until he could find out what entrance they were to use and where to go. Mark and Daniel entered the station to speak with the receptionist and ask for the producer.
"Mr. Thompson? I'm Jon Caruthers, the producer. Glad you could make it. I understood you were bringing some of the boys with you?"
"They're on the bus Jon. I didn't want them out until we knew where they were going and confirmed we had the facilities we requested."
"I understand. You have been assigned dressing rooms A1 and A2 just down the hall here, there is a door making them adjoining rooms. These are both oversize rooms and should accommodate the boys. Both rooms also have facilities, should you need more the restrooms are the next two doors down. We have also assigned four security personnel to stay with you and boys. I've been told you will need to speak with the audience shortly before we go on the air?"
"Yes, it's part of our agreement with the state. Do you know where these boys came from?" Jon shakes his head. "They were picked up on the street, homeless. Normally the state takes such boys and has them indentured. Part of our project's goals is to show the state doesn't have to do that, we can support and care for them through private funding. If we can do this the boys are not indentured and will have a chance at a normal life.
Jon, did you receive the sketches of the boys we had sent up?"
"Yes, they will be displayed on the stage during your segment and the cameras will focus on each one for the home audience. I understand there is one boy in particular you would like for us to focus on?"
"Yes, his name is Sean. We have reason to believe his brother is still out on the streets here in Orlando. Sean has a heart problem and his brother is needed to find out as much medical history as possible; it affects the treatment we can get for him.
By my watch we only have about forty five minutes before air time; can I bring the boys in now?" Daniel noticed four security guards had joined them. "Gentlemen, my name is Daniel Thompson, I'm responsible for these boys. I'll ask you to understand that the last time any of these boys saw someone in uniform, it was pretty rough on them. If they act a little untrusting when they see you, please understand. I'll get on the bus to let them know you are just escorting them to the dressing room and are not here to harm them. I think we'll be okay."
Daniel boarded the bus and told the boys what to expect. Mentors were instructed to take their charges by the hand. They would be escorted by four gentlemen in uniform who are security guards assigned to protect them, not harm them. Daniel lead the boys off the bus; Larry was about mid-way, with Mark at the rear of the column. As the boys entered the station everyone who saw them stopped to watch and exchange whispered comments. Daniel noticed some of the boys being very wary of the uniformed security personnel. Once in the dressing rooms Daniel asked them to quiet down so he could speak to them."
"Okay, guys, you're about to become TV stars. Does everyone understand what we need to do once we go out there? Mentors, stay with your charges, I don't want them getting scared. If you see one about to get upset, get him out of the audience. Pick him up and join me on stage, I don't think anyone will object to you standing behind us. Mark, it's time for you to do your spiel." Daniel looked over to Mark who looked as though he was ready to bolt and run to anyplace but here. When Daniel gave him a questioning look, Mark nodded his head and held up his typed speech to let Daniel know he's okay.
"Good morning ladies and gentlemen. My name is Mark Walters, I'm part of the staff with the New Horizon Project. For those not familiar with the project our goal is to provide safe and adequate housing for abandoned children. To give them the support, training and education they will need to become contributing members of society when they are grown. We are sure many of you are aware the state can not adequately supply this type of support without seriously taxing public funds needed elsewhere, therefore the state normally has boys such as these indentured. New Horizon is offering an alternative future without cost to tax payers. New Horizon does not receive any support from the state, we are a totally privately funded group. Our mission is to prove these boys can be cared for through the private sector and given an opportunity to have a good life.
We have a written contract with the state. Part of that contract requires we recognize certain traditions that are neither permitted nor banned by statute. The contract does give us the right to establish rules as to how one of those traditions will be honored. I'm talking about the tradition of using these boys for personal pleasure." Mark paused a moment to let what he had just said sink in with the audience, particularly the ladies. He then proceeded to outline the rules.
Those are the rules the DCF has agreed to. In a few minutes the boys will be out here. They will visit with you individually if you will just hold out your hands to them. If someone wants more than a visit here in public, the guidelines I have just read to you will need to be followed. We ask you to remember these boys have been through a lot, this is the first time for them to appear in public. Your patience and understanding would be greatly appreciated."
"Mark, how did it go?"
'Well, I did what had to be done. The audience is mostly women, I'm hoping if any gentlemen want a personal service, their wife or girlfriend will make them think twice. How are the boys? I hope they're not as nervous as I am."
"So far they seem to be doing well. We expected a few cases of nerves so we'll keep the mentors with the little guys." Jon Caruthers stuck his head in to let Daniel know it's time. "Okay guys, show time. Now, everyone knows what to do if someone holds their hands out to you, right?" The boys just nod their heads. Daniel can tell they are trying to be brave but look like lambs being led to the slaughter; he hopes not.
"Good afternoon, I'm Betty Risler, your co-host on The Afternoon Show. As you know we normally go straight to the news at the top of the hour, however, today we have special guests with us. Daniel Thompson, the head of the New Horizon Project is here to talk with us and has brought a few of his charges with him to visit with the studio audience. Those of you here I believe have already heard the boys will come out into the audience to visit with you when you signal them. This is a segment no one will want to miss. Now, we go to my co-host, David Johns, for the news." While Betty is making her announcements Daniel, Mark and Larry have lined the boys up.
"Danny, do you remember what to say?" Danny nods. "Okay, when I point to you, you start. Just look straight at me when you speak and you'll do fine. Sean will be standing behind you, too." Danny just looks at Daniel with a smile and nods. "I'll let you know when to come sit with me and you can bring Ian and Ryan with you."
"Ladies and gentlemen please join me in welcoming Daniel Thompson to our show, good afternoon Daniel."
"Good afternoon, Betty, and thank you for having us."
"Daniel, we should be thanking you. Before we go any further I'd like for you to introduce the boys you have with you. Ladies and gentlemen I have already had the opportunity to see and speak with a few of these boys. I'm here to tell you they are just absolutely gorgeous, they are nothing shy of incredibly beautiful. You will see for yourselves, Daniel^Å " The curtain rises to show the boys standing as instructed. Danny is in the middle positioned one step in front of the others. Daniel points to him and nods.
"Hi^Å..Hi, I'm Danny 02780^Å..these are my friends.." Sean is coaching him from behind. The boy's fear is obvious. Then Sean said something to him and Danny smiled, cocking his head over, oozing with charm, "we're here to visit with you."
"My heavens, he's adorable. Daniel, can you bring him over?" Daniel signals for Danny to join him. Danny grabbed Sean's hand and practically dragged him over. Ian and Ryan follow with their mentors. As Danny approached he kept that little boy charm oozing. "Danny, can you say hello to me?" Danny gives her a hug then stands between Daniel's legs. Daniel picked him up and set the boy on his knee. "Daniel can you introduce these boys to us?"
"Sure, the young man you saw Danny pulling over here is Sean, Danny's mentor or big brother at New Horizon. The older boys behind me are Jacob and Isaac, big brothers to Ian and Ryan. Each of the older boys is eleven, and the little guys are each five years old. Boys, can you say hello to Ms. Risler?" The boys smile and nod in her direction; Ian waives.
"Ladies and gentlemen, did I exaggerate while ago when I described these boys to you?" The audience breaks into applause. Betty holds two fingers up to her ears, Daniel realized she is wearing an ear piece. "Daniel, I've just been informed the staff has ordered in pizzas and would like for you and the boys to join them for lunch after the show. Could you do that?"
"We'd be honored. I can assure you no pizza goes to waste around these guys."
"Great. Ladies and gentlemen if you would like to visit with one of the boys, just hold out your hands and one will come to you." Immediately, more sets of hands go out than there are boys. "Listen, there are so many of you wanting to visit we'll need to share, and remember, they are just boys, so don't try pulling them apart. In fact, Daniel, given the audience response we'd appreciate it if the boys could stay out here after our interview and mingle with the audience." Daniel feels apprehensive but knows he has to concede to this request. "Good. Daniel, we want to get to New Horizon quickly, but I believe you wanted to show one of the boys and make an appeal?"
"Sean, come down here son. Thank you Betty. This is Sean, he's eleven years old and has a heart problem. Sean lived on the streets with his brother for almost three years and is a good example of the typical boy at New Horizon. Sean's brother's name is Brad and we want Brad to know, if he's watching, and if not, anyone who may know him, that we are looking for him. We want him to know Sean is alright but we need to know more about Sean's health history and need Brad to contact us with any information he may have. We know Brad is on the streets and want to extend an invitation for him to join his brother. We will do our best to help him catch up on his schooling, just as we have done with Sean and the other boys. There is still a good chance Brad can have a productive life." While Daniel was speaking the camera shifted from a crying Sean to drawings Evan made of Sean the way he looked when he was picked up.
"Betty, I said Sean was a good example of the boys we have. He's also a good example of what we are trying to change. Sean's parents got into some financial trouble. We believe the creditors were in the process of executing a judgment, the intent being to seize Brad and Sean, have them indentured and sold to satisfy the debt. Their mother gave them all the money she had and sent them out of the house with instructions not to come back. Brad did go back and found his father had been taken away by authorities. Several days later Brad went back again to find an empty house.
The boys lived on the streets for three years, sleeping in warehouses or wherever they could find a dry spot. They had joined up with a group of boys already out on the streets for the same reason.
New Horizon believes that children are a gift to be cherished and protected, not abandoned and sold. To change this we have to change our social and moral values, and a few laws. These children never did anything wrong except be born. Then their entire world is pulled out from under them. They lose all the security and family that's loved them to find themselves in the position of having to sell or give away their bodies to survive. That's what we want to change."
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have only about a minute left for this segment. I have just been informed by management that ever since these boys came out and Daniel started speaking, our switchboard has been lit up. We are receiving calls running twenty to one in favor of what New Horizon advocates. Station management has also informed me and asked that we announce that they own several stations in major metropolitan areas and will arrange for Daniel and his boys to appear in those cities to put his message out to the public. We also hope to have them back here soon. Daniel, thank you for joining us. Boys, thank you and please, continue to visit with the audience."
What Daniel had hoped for has happened, New Horizon will now have the support of a highly influential media group that can spread their message across the state and then some. Daniel would be ecstatic if it wasn't for the fact the boys were still in the audience. Daniel knows the longer the boys stay out the higher the probability one may be asked to service someone. Then Daniel sees Ben saying something to an audience member and Kevin.
Daniel can't tell what is being said. The man doesn't look upset, nor does he look happy. Then Kevin stands erect and Ben turns in the man's lap and leans back against him. False alarm. Daniel still would like to know what was going on and will ask Kevin later. As Daniel surveys the audience all appears under control with audience members and the boys laughing. A few moments later Isaac is escorted out by a man.
Daniel gets Marks attention and points to Isaac. Mark rushes over and speaks to the man who Daniel thinks is being a little gruff. When Mark looks down at Daniel, Daniel points to the arm the man is holding. Mark gets the man to release the boy; Isaac rubs the red spot left by the man's firm grip. Motioning for a security guard mark escorts them back stage. "Damn! Damn!! Damn!!" thinks Daniel, just what he had hoped to avoid. A few minutes later the scene is repeating itself with TJ.
Before Daniel can get there or motion for Larry to move over, Kyle had seen TJ walking off and runs to him. "TJ, you leavin'?"
"Who's that?" the man almost barks out.
"He's my little brother. Kyle, I'm not leaving, I'm just going to walk around back with this gentleman for a couple of minutes, then I'll be back. Why don't you go visit with one of these nice people till I get back?"
"Can I go with you?"
"No, you need to stay here this time, but I'll be right back, promise." As TJ is trying to take care of Kyle the man's expression appears to be more and more agitated; then Daniel approaches.
"Mr. Dan'l, I need to go to the dressing room for a couple of minutes, can you get Kyle to stay here, please?" Daniel looks at the man with sheer anger in his eyes, but knows he has to let this happen, for now anyway. Larry arrived with a security guard to escort them back. Larry left the security guard at the dressing room and returned to the auditorium. He let Daniel know Mark is back there with the security guards.
Daniel continued to watch the boys in the audience, impatiently watching for Isaac and TJ to return, time moves by too slowly. Just then an alarm goes off, Daniel recognizes the sound and rushes towards the dressing rooms to find Mark. They burst through the door with the security guards. A man had a white knuckle grip on Isaac's head, driving the boy's head like a piston into his groin; Isaac's nose was bleeding.
"LET THE BOY GO!!! LET GO!!!" When he didn't respond the two security guards grabbed the man's arms and began pulling him back.
"Y Y Y I I I I I I I I I I I !!!!" the man screamed out in pain as he went to the floor.
Isaac was laying on the floor half crying and half laughing. Someone brought in a towel and handed it to Daniel, who placed the towel over Isaac's bleeding nose. The boy was naked and Daniel saw marks suggesting the boy had been struck more than once. Daniel stood Isaac up and held him close.
Discreetly, Daniel moved Isaac backwards, leading him towards the man now pinned to the floor. At the right moment Daniel whispers in Isaac's ear for him to take a very hard half-step backwards. When Isaac did this the man screamed out in pain. Through clenched teeth the man angrily accuses Daniel and Isaac of deliberately stepping on his genitals.
Isaac then looks down at the man, "We couldn't do it deliberately, the target's too small to hit." The door opens between the two dressing rooms. TJ is standing there, Daniel also recognizes the audience member that had been escorted back with TJ. The man looks over the scene and then looks directly at Daniel. After making eye contact the man just looked to the floor while excusing himself and left. Daniel then picked up Isaac and carried him to the next room, laying him on the sofa.
"TJ, are you alright?" asked a very worried Daniel, looking over the boy for any signs of abuse.
"Yes sir, when we got back here I handed him the rubber and then got naked. I asked him to remove the butt plug for me; told him it would lubricate me so he didn't have to worry about hurting me. Mr. Dan'l, I'll have to admit I was a little scared. I mean, I done things like this when I was on the street, but it's been a while. Any way, I asked him what he wanted me to do, you know, what position he wanted me to get in. Well, he asked me how old I was and how often I did this and I told him I hadn't had to do it since being in New Horizon and we was only doin' it because the state said we had to. He looked at me a couple minutes and then handed the rubber back to me and told me to dress. He was helping me put my back cloth on when we heard the alarm. I'm just sweating I think from bein' scared."
"So the man never had sex with you?" TJ just shook his head. "Thank, God. TJ hold this towel and ice pack in place, let's see if we can stop the bleeding. Isaac, we need for you to tell us what happened."
"Sir, this man told me out front he wanted a blow job from my sweet mouth. I knew I was supposed to do what he said. Well, Mr. Mark and a guard walked us back here. When the door closed he got mean. First he put his hand over my mouth so I couldn't call for help and ripped my cloths off. He tried to jam a finger in me and got real mad when he found the butt plug, then he hit me a couple times. He held my hands behind my back; I couldn't get to the alarm. He pushed me to the floor and used one hand to lift my arms up as high as he could get 'em, then shoved his dick in my mouth. He got real mad sayin' I wasn't takin' all of him. Well, Mr. Dan'l, his stomach is so big it got in the way and he don't got enough there to fill my mouth; Ian's dick isn't much smaller than his.
Did you hear him scream when they took him down? His dick scraped across my upper teeth on the way out and I didn't bother to pull them out of the way."
All the men, except the audience member lying on the floor, laughed. Daniel knew Isaac would be alright and reached around to hug him. Just then the station manager came in. After being advised of the situation the manger told Daniel and the boys there was no way he could apologize enough for what happened. Someone was brought in to take statements from the audience member, if he wanted to give one. The man was then advised he may contact his attorney or anyone else. Statements were given by the security guards as to what they saw and what they perceived as having occurred. Neither guard mentioned the 'accidental' mashing of the man's genitals.
The station manager again profusely apologized to Daniel and the boys, letting Daniel know he would be provided a complete copy of the report on the incident. He also told them that he controlled all the stations for his company in Florida, and instructions would be given that regardless of the agreement with the state, these boys are off limits at all times while on company property. Maybe something had been gained from all this.
It didn't take long to get the bleeding stopped in Isaac's nose. Both boys are told to get a quick shower and it'll be time to eat. The station manager looked a little surprised when he saw both boys go into one shower. Daniel noticed but doesn't say anything. The boys come out and before anyone could stop them they oiled one another up and quickly slipped back into their cloths. Daniel had been talking with the station manager who wanted to know what dates are convenient for Daniel and the boys to travel.
Mark returned to the auditorium to watch the other boys and was there when Daniel entered the auditorium, an arm around each boy, holding them close. He looked out to see the other boys. Both Ian and Kyle ran over to their mentors; looking at them with that questioning, pleading look. Kyle jumped into TJ's arms with a flying leap. TJ caught him, being accustomed to this type of greeting from the young boy. Both boys let their charges know they are fine. Then Daniel made an announcement
"Ladies and gentlemen we thank you for allowing us to visit with you today, but I'm afraid it's time to feed all these little monsters and take them home." To his surprise the audience stood and began to applaud. Daniel and the boys waved back as they left the stage.
In the break room all the boys enjoyed pizza and talking with some of the station staff. A couple of the boys were shown how the cameras work and rode the dollys. Daniel sat back and watched the boys be kids and have a good time. When he spotted Kevin he walked over and asked him what was going on between him, Ben and the man in the audience. Kevin cracked a smile. "I was telling Ben he needed to learn not to be quite so direct. When he sat in the man's lap he expected the man to rub his back or something. Instead the man just put an arm around his waist and let him sit there. Finally, Ben turned around and told the man he could scratch Ben's butt if he wanted to. The man almost fell off the chair laughing, but he did scratch Ben's butt too."
"Boys, boys, can I have your attention? My name is Ron, don't worry about a last name, it's just Ron, I manage this station and all stations in Florida owned by the company. I wanted to thank each of you for coming here today, it has been an incredible success. Also, I wanted to extend our sincerest apologies to TJ and Isaac, as most of you know by now they were called upon for services this afternoon, and the experience left a good deal to be desired. We hope we dealt with the situation as quickly and firmly as anyone could under the circumstances."
"When it was first suggested to me that we invite Daniel and you boys for this show, I must admit to being skeptical. I knew nothing about the New Horizon Project nor its goals, and had no idea what to expect. You have made a believer out of me and many others here at the station. My company has extended an invitation to Mr. Thompson for him and you boys to appear at every station we have in this state. We will also officially join as sponsors of New Horizon; if the number of phone calls we have received so far today is any indication, I don't think you have to worry about the success of the program. The invitation to appear comes with our promise that, regardless of what the state wants, when you are with us, this is our private property and no one will be allowed to ask for services when you are our guests. Boys, enjoy the pizza and we hope to see you again soon."
"Daniel, Ron Folsom, it's nice to meet you, and again, please accept our apologies for what happened. What I said to the boys was true; when your segment was suggested I was very skeptical. We hear all kinds of stories about the boys on the street, and I had no idea what to expect or if we could allow them on camera. I feel bad for having jumped to such a negative conclusion. The boys all appear to be well mannered and amiable. Could I ask who designed and made the outfits they have?"
"They did. We came up with the basic idea and bought enough material to experiment. The boys did the final design, tweaking, and sewing. I'll have to admit we were glad a few knew how to operate the sewing machine."
"Well, the response to their appearance was almost totally positive. As I stand here and observe them, they do present a very attractive picture; actually, they are quite ^Å uhh.. I'm not really sure what the word is I'm looking for here. The boys are intriguing and you are really drawn to them, if you know what I mean. Someone told me you call this group The Cherubs, it's a very appropriate name."
"I was watching the segment on the monitor in my office and saw what you said about young Sean. Do you know how serious his situation is?"
"Not yet. We have a doctor on staff that watches him very closely. Several days ago he had a bad spell when he didn't take his medications and gave all of us quite a scare. At the moment we are trying to arrange for additional tests."
"Who's the young fella that seems to be glued to him?"
"That's Danny, he introduced the boys at the first part of the segment."
"Sorry, I missed that part of the broadcast. He looks familiar, but I can't say why."
"We have a few billboards around and its Danny's and Sean's pictures that appear on those boards. You may have seen them around."
"Yes, they say something about laws protecting dirt and sacrificing the children as I recall."
"That's the ones. One of our sponsors donated the time and space for the boards. "
"Daniel, I want to meet with my staff first, but I'd like to get with you to discuss maybe doing a special interview and segment on New Horizons and some of the boys. I believe Sean's story would really produce a lot of interest around what you are trying to do. Also, with luck we may be able to get him that additional help he needs."
"Ron, I can't tell you how much what you are saying means. We are trying to save these boys and hoping to be able to take in more soon. Thank you, we'll make ourselves available at your convenience."
Daniel enjoyed the ride back to the compound. The interview had gone much better than expected or even hoped for. The atmosphere on the bus was much lighter than in the morning. The anxiety and tension were gone; the boys had reverted to boys being boys. As Daniel looked around he noticed most had already removed their cloths, but kept the thongs and arm bands. He didn't really understand why, but has anyone ever been able to figure out why kids do some of the things they do? As they pulled up to the administration building a number of the boys were waiting on them, many others came running over to greet their companions. Paul came out of the administration building to greet them.
"Daniel, you look as though the trip was productive."
"Extremely, we have a new sponsor and they want to do a segment on us at every station they have in the state. The station manager also mentioned doing a special on New Horizons. The boys did extremely well, and the people mostly treated them well. We had a couple of minor incidents, but the station handled them. How did things go here?"
"Not as well, I'm afraid. First though I better tell you Amos Crawford called, he didn't sound very enthusiastic, if you know what I mean."
"Well, I'm not surprised. It sure didn't take that fella long to try and cause trouble. If you have Amos' fax number, better pull it out. I'll call now and get this over with." As Daniel entered the office he saw three boys sitting in the waiting area, none of whom looked happy to see Daniel.
"Amos, how are you?"
"I've been better Daniel. I received a complaint this afternoon that a man requested service from one of the boys and you attacked him."
"Yeah, I'm not surprised someone complained; but that doesn't even come close to what happened. Paul is faxing a copy of the incident report over now. There was an incident while we did an interview at a television station in Orlando. One man in the audience got Isaac, who's eleven and required to give oral sex only as outlined in the approved proposal. A private room was provided and Isaac gave no resistance, but took the man to the dressing room."
"In the report you'll see where the man was very physical with the boy; he struck him more than once, tried getting into his rear, and had given the boy a bloody nose. Isaac sounded his alarm and when we entered the room he was brutally pistoning the boy on his tool. Twice he was told to let the boy go, when he didn't the security guards forcefully took him down."
"As we agreed, we made the announcement as to who we are and the boys were available on request. We recited all the rules that were in our agreement. All this can be verified and is documented."
"Daniel, I'm glad to hear you were so thorough. As long as things are the way you say, and I have no reason to believe otherwise, I'll put a stop to this complaint in a hurry. If I were you I'd go back and enjoy being with the boys and forget about it."
"Oh, and Daniel, congratulations on the successful interview. I've also heard the station owners are joining you as a sponsor; you're gaining some strong support."
"Thanks, Amos, I'll assume everything is alright unless I hear from you otherwise."
"Paul, is there anything else I need to know about now?"
"Yes, I'm afraid there is. Two of the boys got in a fight; and, it appears one of the older boys may have tried to rape a younger boy."
Daniel looked at Paul in shock. Talk about your day doing a complete turn around. "Who are the two waiting?"
"Two are the fighters. Want me to send them in?"
"Who's the third boy?"
"He's the one that tried to rape one of the younger boys. The victim is down the hall at the bathroom."
"Send me the fighters first." Paul escorts the two combatants in who look as though they would rather be anywhere but here. "Boys, what's your names and what's this about?"
"Craig, sir, and I'm twelve."
"Edward, sir, they call me Eddie, and I'm twelve, too."
"Okay, guys, who wants to tell me what happened?"
"Well, sir, nothin' really. I mean, well^Åyou know^Å we was just playin' soccer and I said the ball went out of bounds and he said it didn't, and ^Åwell^Åit just kinda grew from that." Daniel just sat there looking at the two boys. They were really getting nervous now and had begun shuffling their feet.
"Let me get this straight. You two get in a fight over whether a ball went out of bounds, is that all there is to it?"
"Well, yes, sir^Åbut, it made a big difference in who won. I^Å uhh ^Å we, guess it was kinda dumb, sir?"
"Boys, what do you suggest I do with the two of you? What do you think would be appropriate punishment?"
"Uhh, sir^Å tell us it was stupid, which we already know, and don't do it again?"
"We should refer this to the review board, like we did with Evan, and you can take your chances with them. Or, I will tell you it was stupid and don't do it again ^Å." The boys' faces light up at this one, "^Å and give you two swats each as a reminder." The boys' expressions changed for the worse at this suggestion. "Your choice, but both get the same, no splitting."
"Sir, we know it was stupid and we made up, and we don't really think the swats are necessary, are they?" Both boys looked at Daniel with a pleading expression as Eddie pleads with Daniel.
"Okay, boys, I'll make you a deal and give you a chance to prove to me you really made up and I don't have to worry about this happening again." The boys believe they just won their argument and again their faces light up. "We'll use what is called the 'buddy system'. Under this system the two of you must stay together for, let's say seven days, without fighting or arguing. Show me you're real buddies and then I'll tell you what you did was stupid, don't do it again, and there will be no swats, how's that?"
"That's fine, sir, we can do that." Both boys look at Daniel and nod.
"Okay, then step over here." Now the boys have that 'what's up' look. Daniel reaches in his drawer and pulls out a pair of cloth cuffs. "Give me your left hand, and you give me your right."
"What's this Mr. Dan'l?"
"This is what we call the 'no-cheat' mechanism. See, you can tell me you will do everything together and not argue or fight, but when you leave here and are out of sight, what are you going to do then? With these cuffs we know the two of you will always be together and do everything together, and I do mean everything. If one has kp tomorrow, you both go. If the other has kp the next day, you both go. You take showers together, eat together, sleep together, and even find relief together." Now the boys are looking at one another not knowing what to say or think. This isn't exactly what they thought they were agreeing to.
"If these cuffs should break during the next seven days I suggest you get back here immediately, or I will have to assume you broke them deliberately. If you decide you've had enough and don't want this, but would rather have the swats, just come in and let me know. By the way, since we decided to go this route, if you opt out for the swats, it's no longer two each, but four. Also, since the review board was formed for a purpose, I'll let them know what we've done here and agreed to. If any further action is required it will be through the board; that includes administering any swats. Any questions?" The boys aren't sure they should say any thing else, it could get worse. Daniel sends them on their way.
Paul saw the boys leave and then entered Daniel's office. "Made the 'buddy system' sound easy didn't you. How long do you think it will take them to hate it?" Daniel just looked at Paul and laughed. "Are you ready for the other problem?" Daniel's expression turned very serious. For an older boy to attempt raping a younger boy is very serious, and is one of those incidents that Daniel has no patience with. This is going to mean big trouble.
Paul showed the boy in to Daniel's office. Daniel could tell the boy was frightened and decided to let him stand there contemplating what will happen.
End Chapter Fifteen
To Be Continued: comments welcome; contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com