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: I would like to thank Colin, John and Greg for their support and efforts at editing and correcting my errors.
Chapter Thirty-Three: New Horizons (Revised 2/6/07)
When Brad saw Daniel approach, he stopped fighting. He stood straight, dropped his fists and took a step backwards. Brad knew he was in trouble, but didn't have time to think about it. In the next instant something hit him on the side of the head and he was spitting out blood. When Brad looked up, Patrick stood over him glowering. Before Brad could stand, two staff members pulled Patrick back.
"ENOUGH! STOP IT! STOP IT NOW!" Daniel's tone let everyone know he meant business and would not tolerate anyone not listening to him. "What do you two think you're doing? Didn't either one of you hear what we said about respecting one another? To my office. Now!"
"Ass hole."
"Dumb fuck."
"One more word out of either one of you and I'll personally heat up your butts so you don't sit for the rest of the week. Now, shut-up!" Daniel wanted the two boys to know he would not tolerate this kind of behavior. On his way back to his office, Daniel signaled Kevin over and told him to get the review board ready. They would meet in half an hour.
When they reached Daniel's office, he had both boys sit in a chair while Mark and Paul stood between them. Jeff and Rick stood on the other side of each boy.
"Boys, the first thing we're going to understand is that we will not tolerate you two calling each other names. Now, just in case one of you doesn't understand the current situation, let me explain it to you. You're both in deep shit, and I do mean deep. Understood?" The boys just looked down at the floor. "I'll try again. Do both of you understand you are in serious trouble?"
"Yes, sir," both boys responded, very meekly.
"Good. Now, would one of you like to explain this to me?"
The boys continued to look at their feet. They squirmed in their chairs and shuffled their feet as though they thought the issue would solve itself. Neither boy would say anything.
"Interesting, you both are willing to stand out there and try to kill one another, but let an adult try to help you and neither wants to say a word. Boys, I assure you that I will get to the bottom of this and I don't plan on doing anything to make your lives any more pleasant until I do. So, suit yourselves." Daniel looked at the boys for a minute then rose and turned to his staff.
"Rick, bring both of them over to the meeting hall in twenty minutes. In the meantime, they can both sit here and think about what's coming up.
Mark, Jeff, it's obvious these two have a history. They know each other from somewhere back when. Check with the boys that came in with both of them, I want to talk to any boy that was in a group these two were in at the same time." Daniel then looked at Paul and placed his right hand over his left wrist. Paul nodded that he understood Daniel's message.
The review board sat at the meeting hall. The hall was filled with boys curious to see what would happen. Mark and Jeff stood to the side with seven boys in a separate group. Rick brought Brad and Patrick in and had them sit in chairs placed before the board.
"Gentlemen," Daniel addressed the two boys, "This is the New Horizons Disciplinary Review Board. Please note that the board is comprised of your fellow New Horizon brothers. This is so any actions of which you may stand accused are judged by your peers, not the staff. What this board decides is what happened, why did it happen, should anyone be punished for the event, and what that punishment will be. If the punishment is physical, names will be drawn from a bowl. The individuals whose names are drawn will administer the directed punishment. Of course, the staff must review and approve the punishment. I will tell you now that I have seen your brothers in action and I hope they never get upset with me." Daniel turned and acknowledged the board. He then sat down to allow the proceedings to continue.
Kevin rose and faced the two boys. "Brad and Patrick, you are accused of two violations of the code of conduct. First, you failed to respect the peace and well being of your New Horizon brothers. Second, each of you physically attacked a New Horizon brother with the apparent intent of doing physical harm. Does either of you deny the charges?"
The boys looked at Daniel, unsure of what to say. Then each shook his head.
Kevin spoke up, "You must give a verbal response to the question."
"No," each boy said, barely over a whisper.
"Would either of you care to inform us as to who started this fight and why?"
When both boys just sat there, Kevin focused on one boy.
"Brad, tell your version of what happened. I'll caution both of you that staying quiet will not help either of you."
"We were playing soccer. He was on one field and I was on another. His team's ball rolled out of bounds onto our filed. I kicked the ball back, out of our field of play. The ball hit him and he got mad about it and came after me."
"You did it deliberately, ass hole." Patrick yelled in an accusatory tone.
"Hold it." Kevin spoke emphatically. "A caution to both of you. Yelling derogatory names at one another is not permitted and is considered disrespectful to the board. If either of you repeats the outburst, the guilty party will incur additional punishment."
Kevin looked at both boys to be sure they both understood what he said and then proceeded to address the board. "The board should be made aware that I was with a small group that accompanied Captain Jackson on a sweep of an abandoned building in downtown Orlando. Patrick was a member of the group that was the subject of the sweep. When we arrived we met a somewhat violent reception. Brad and Patrick began arguing almost immediately. Mr. Mark and Sean were also in the sweep group. I believe it was apparent these two had a history, and it isn't pleasant. They have serious issues they need to work out." Kevin then turned to look at Mark. "Mr. Mark, have I stated the facts fairly?" Mark nodded his head in agreement.
Kevin turned to Daniel. "Mr. Dan'l, could we speak with you outside, please?"
Daniel and the board conferred outside for less than five minutes before returning. Both boys knew they would find out what their punishment was. Neither boy appeared too concerned until Paul approached the board's table with paddles, a bowl, and cuffs. Both boys knew that cuffs could sometimes be used to secure someone for a severe whipping.
Kevin rose to speak. "It's the opinion of this board that you are both equally guilty on the charges of disrupting the peace and tranquility of New Horizons and of attacking a brother. This board also believes there is a lot more here than either of you is willing to disclose at this time. Further, we believe that if we just punish you for fighting, somewhere in the near future we will all be back here addressing the same problems. Therefore, the board declares as punishment for the fighting you shall each receive five swats with the heavy paddle. Punishment to be administered in the customary manner."
Brad and Patrick looked at Kevin, surprised by the punishment. Neither boy knew what to expect, but was not prepared to receive swats with a heavy paddle, particularly on their bare butts. The boys watched as Kevin held the bowl above eye level, put his hand in and mixed the papers. Each remaining member of the board then reached in and pulled one name. As their name was read, each boy stepped forward.
Again, Kevin spoke to the two boys. "Brad and Patrick since you are new to New Horizons, this is how the punishment session works. We find the two oldest boys from the drawing and assign one to each of you. We repeat this with the two younger boys. In this case the younger boys begin. Brad, you are first and will receive your first three swats, the paddle is then handed to the younger boy for Patrick, who delivers three swats. The paddle then goes to the older boy for Brad, and the process is repeated. Please note these boys did not volunteer, they were drawn at random and this is a responsibility we all must face at some time. Now, to begin. Brad and Patrick, you will face the board, standing approximately four feet apart. Bend over and grab the back of your knees. Oh, and I will caution you that the younger boys can sometimes get a little carried away with this, so be prepared."
Brad and Patrick both stood as directed. The two boys looked at one another, unsure of what to expect. Their expressions said that each boy was blaming the other for what was about to happen. They each looked at Kevin and then bent over, clasping the back of their knees, as directed. The younger boy stepped up behind Brad to begin.
"WHAP! ...... WHAP!" Brad whimpered just a little. The young boy looked to his older partner then turned to finish, "WHHHAAAAPPP!!!!"
"AAAAAAHHHHH!!! God damn, boy!" Brad yelled. Some of the boys watching snickered at the big boy crying from what a little one did.
"The individuals being punished are not to address the boys administering the punishment, please." Kevin said.
The paddle was then handed to the young boy standing behind Patrick.
"WHHAAPP! .. WHHAAPP!" the boy waited, then "WWHHHHAAAAPPPP!!!"
"OOOOWWWWWW !!!!" Patrick hollered as he turned to glare at the young boy who just looked at Patrick and smiled.
The two older boys looked to Daniel, who signaled for them to calm things down a little. Daniel wanted the boys to learn a lesson, but he didn't want them hurt. The two older boys then administered firm, but not brutal, swats to complete the punishment.
When told they could stand, both boys tried to examine their butts for damage. Both boys' faces were red, and both boys fought back tears trying to form. They could hear the other boys in the room snickering at them. They both promised themselves they would not give the other the satisfaction of hearing them cry out; they saved face when both cried out. The younger ones appeared very pleased with themselves about satisfying their responsibilities.
"Brad and Patrick, the punishment was decided and administered." Kevin had trouble maintaining his composure. He warned them that the younger ones sometimes got carried away, and they did this time. "As far as this board is concerned, this matter is history, not to be discussed again. However, we still have concerns about the real cause of this fight. We thought we would give the two of you the opportunity to spend some time together and work this out. Therefore, the board has decided to use the buddy system. Brad, you will hold out your left hand. Patrick, your right hand, please."
The two boys watched as the cuffs were attached. With the cuffs secured, the boys were separated by a chain approximately six inches in length.
"The two of you will have latrine duty in the two large dorm buildings from now until this is worked out. The duty is twenty-four hours each day which means you will also sleep in one of the latrines. This will give you time to live together and work together. You should be able to have some private conversations, hopefully, they will be meaningful. You are cautioned not to fight. If you do, the consequences will be serious. Any questions?"
Brad spoke first. "Mr. Dan'l, can they do this to us? I really gotta stay tied to him like this? Suppose I gotta take a dump, or shower?"
Daniel approached the boys. "Both of you had the opportunity to air this out and chose not to speak. Believe me, you will learn to work this out and get along. If either of you needs to use the facilities, for any reason, the other will be standing or sitting right next to you. You want a shower, ask your buddy to scrub your back for you. Just think, you get to sleep together, too." The other boys in the room stopped snickering and were openly laughing at this point. "Time to get started gentlemen. Oh, we'll see you back in here at 2:00PM day after tomorrow, Thursday."
Daniel sat at his desk making notes for the upcoming tour. There was a quick knock on the door and Jeff walked in with one of the boys. Daniel knew by the pale butt and full head of hair that this was one of the new boys. Daniel finished the note he was working on and then looked up at his guests.
"Daniel, this is Clayton, he's one of the new boys. He had an idea I thought sounded pretty good and thought you'd like to hear it."
"Hello, Clayton," Daniel responded, "Welcome to New Horizons. Do you like to be called Clayton or Clay?"
"Uhhh, thank you, sir. My street name was Pretty Boy, they said I was pretty like a girl. In the nest they called me Clay."
"Well, you're no longer on the streets, so I think we'll forget about calling you Pretty Boy and just go with Clay, okay?" The boy nodded, nervously. "You've impressed Jeff, so, tell me, what's your idea?"
"Well, sir, Mr. Jeff was gonna give some of the boys a haircut. Well, you see, my mom was a hair stylist, she owned several shops, and she taught me a bunch of stuff. Well, I just thought that maybe with the Cherubs you could, like maybe, style their hair some and put in highlights. It'll make the boys look a lot nicer. I told Mr. Jeff that I knew how to do it if he'd let me."
"That so? What kind of highlights are you talking about."
Clay was getting excited now, he hadn't been thrown out, someone was listening to him. Clay knew what it was to be thrown out, a couple of the groups on the street thought he was too effeminate and threw him out with nowhere to go. He also knew what it was to be unwanted, his father had taught him that. Here, somebody listened and talked to him.
"The highlight really depends on the person's skin tone and eye color. I assume the boys don't wear contacts to change their eye color. Most of the boys, well, their hair really isn't long enough to properly style it yet, but I could start training it so it would grow out in the right style. Highlights can be added, even with short hair." Clay's expression told Daniel the boy really believed he could do this; it meant a lot to him.
Daniel watched the boy for a moment and then asked Paul to join them. When Paul came in, Daniel continued. "Clay, I want you to look at both Mr. Paul and Mr. Jeff. Tell me how you would style their hair and what highlights you'd suggest. Clay, don't worry, neither one of these men will be offended by what you say." Paul and Jeff both looked at the boy, smiled and nodded. Clay studied them both.
"Well, Mr. Jeff has kind of a outdoors look. His hair is too long. Bein' outside in the sun it gets dry and the wind blows it around. He needs something a little shorter, easier to maintain. He's got a natural curl that should let him keep it short and he could almost just run his fingers through his hair to put it in place. His highlights should follow what the sun has already started." Jeff listened to the boy and thought he might have some good ideas; he gave the boy a look of approval that encouraged Clay to go on.
"Mr. Paul's hair is too long, too. He has a round face and with his hair so full, it just emphasizes the roundness; makes his face look fat." As soon as he said it, Clay realized that might not have been the right thing to say, and blushed. Paul let the boy know it was okay. "His hair needs to be more layered. With his darker skin tone, I'd say try auburn highlights."
Daniel was amused watching Jeff and Paul as this boy studied them in earnest and made recommendations for improving their appearance. Daniel could also tell that the two men were enjoying this. Clay was very serious about what he said. None of the men had any idea if the boy was making the right recommendations. Daniel looked at his two staff members and friends.
"Daniel," Jeff began, "I believed in him when I brought him in here, so I guess I should be willing to be his guinea pig. Worse thing that can happen is if it doesn't work, I'll just let it grow out again."
Jeff and Daniel then looked to Paul. Paul thought for a moment, looking more at the boy than the two men, before responding. "Why not?"
"ALL RIGHT! YEA!" was Clay's enthusiastic response. The three men could only laugh at Clay's reaction.
"Clay, since Mr. Paul and Mr. Jeff are willing to let you work on them first, how about you do their hair? We'll then see what the boys' reactions are and, if they like it, we'll set it up for you to do theirs. Mr. Paul will get you some shorts and a shirt. Mr. Jeff will take you to the store to get the supplies you need. Just get enough to do theirs. If we decide to do all the Cherubs, then we'll get the supplies at that time. I suggest you not say anything to the other boys for now. Let's surprise them and see what happens. Fair enough?"
"You mean you'll let me do it?" Clay leaped from his chair, enthusiasm showing like a neon sign across his face, "Thanks, Mr. Dan'l, that's great. Thanks, Mr. Jeff and you, too, Mr. Paul."
"Clay," Daniel responded to the boy's enthusiasm, "We're always open to new and better ideas, and yours is a good one. Now, while Mr. Paul is getting you some clothes, there's something I want you to do for me."
"Sure thing, Mr. Dan'l, you name it."
"You don't strike me as someone who's been on the street very long. Can you tell me how you got there."
The boy turned somber. He looked at Daniel, then to Jeff, and back to Daniel, "Mr. Dan'l, do I really hafta say?"
"No Clay, you don't," Daniel answered in a tone he hoped would soothe the boy. "Tell me this, how long have you been on the streets?"
Clay continued to look at Daniel, and then answered, "Less than six months."
"Six months?" Daniel asked, and the boy nodded. "Clay, your name didn't show up in the warrant data base which means the police or courts weren't looking for you. Warrants are valid for one year. Something else had to happen for you to be out there; something pretty bad."
Daniel hoped the boy would pick up on his lead and continue to tell his story. Clay looked at Daniel a moment and then shifted his gaze to the floor. The boy didn't want Daniel or Jeff to see the tears building in his eyes. He thought he had cried it all out in that first month and would not have to relive that time again. Clay looked up at Daniel and couldn't control his emotions any longer, he broke down in tears. Jeff moved to the boy and held him.
Jeff wrapped his arms around the boy and held the boy's head close to his shoulder. He rocked back and forth and made soothing sounds in the boy's ear much as you would for a small child in distress. Clay quickly moved to a deep sobbing. Daniel knew the boy was releasing a lot of pent up stress and emotion. When his crying slowed, Daniel gave the boy tissues and told him to sit down. Jeff knelt by the chair, holding his hand.
"Clay, do you think you could tell us what happened, now?"
"My dad always wanted me to be some big sports star. He wouldn't recognize that that just wasn't me. Mr. Dan'l, look at me. Can you imagine me as a jock? There was a reason they called me Pretty Boy. Most people thought I'd make a real pretty girl. Sometimes I used to think I was a girl, just one with a dick and balls. I was so mixed up on what I was supposed to be that I didn't know what to do. Me and a couple friends fooled around some. Truth is, Mr. Dan'l, I wasn't a virgin when I went on the streets.
One night my dad and me got in an argument. He wanted me to try out for sports and I told him I didn't want to. I don't remember everything that was said, but it wasn't nice. He said some bad things and I said some bad things. What I do remember is him being mad at me and sayin' I acted more like a girl and anybody seein' me would think I was gay. I hollered back at him that I was gay. He was kinda shocked. The next thing I know he grabbed me by the arm and threw me out of the house. I landed on the ground and just lay there, not knowin' what to do.
When I looked back I saw my mom arguin' with him. She said I was her son too and he couldn't do that. Then somethin' was said 'bout me bein' picked up by the police and made a slave. I heard him tell my mom 'serve the fag right, let 'em sell 'em to a whore house, that's where he'll be happy'. The next thing I heard was the door slammin'.
I had a hidin' place I'd go to sometimes. It was behind the house and that's where I went. The next mornin' my mom found me and brought me some food. She thought he'd calm down by that night and told me to stay hid. When she brought me some food that night and I ate, she took me back inside. When my dad saw me, he didn't say anythin'. He jumped up and slapped me. Told me he wasn't goin' to give me the chance to mess up my little brother. When I tried to get up he hit me again. Mom begged him to stop and was cryin'. He threw me out the door and told me he wouldn't have a fag for a son. I was to leave and never come back. I never been back. That was one month after my fourteenth birthday."
While Clay told his story the tears dried up. He spoke like he was in a trance. When he finished, he just sat there, staring at the floor. Daniel watched the boy for a couple of minutes before speaking. His story was too familiar.
"Clay, where are you from? Where was home?"
"Boca, Mr. Dan'l, Boca." His voice trailed off as he spoke.
"Clay, look at me," Daniel waited for the boy to look up, "I want you to come around here and sit in my chair. Here's a legal pad and a pencil. You write your mother a note and let her know where you are and what's happening. It's important for both of you to know that you're safe and cared for, understand?" Clay nodded and did as he was told.
Daniel walked out to Paul's office. "Paul, when he's finished with that letter I want you to copy the address. Mail his mother a copy of our schedule for next week without Clay knowing it. I don't want to build his hopes and then not have anything happen. But, if we're lucky, she'll show. Put my mother's phone number in there, too. I'll be speaking with her later today and let her know what's happening. Let me have an envelope to give him." Daniel returned to his office and set the envelope down in front of Clay.
When he was finished and the envelope sealed, Clay held the envelope up. Paul exchanged clothes for the envelope and told the boy he'd put postage on it and it could be dropped off when Jeff drove them to the store. Paul quickly wrote down the address and then affixed a stamp to Clay's letter just as they came out of Daniel's office. Paul slipped the second envelope to Jeff.
Daniel stood in the dining hall watching the boys as they passed through the serving line. It was a typical morning with some of the boys smiling and joking around, others appeared to be half asleep. When Danny came in he ran up to Daniel and jumped in his arms. Every morning Danny gave Daniel a hug and a kiss before returning to Sean. Daniel knew his day couldn't start right without seeing Danny.
Brad and Patrick came in together, although not by their choice. The cuffs had worked wonders in the past, Daniel hoped they would work this time. This afternoon at 2:00, this matter was to be resolved. There was the usual noise and good natured kidding from most of the boys. Brad and Patrick just stared at one another until they saw Daniel. They gave a forced smile and started pulling at one another to decide where they would sit, neither willing to let the other take control.
Rick and Mark joined Daniel. They asked about Paul and Jeff. Daniel told them they were deliberately waiting. The plan was to have most of the boys inside when they came in. Daniel laughed as he told Mark and Rick how nervous Paul, Jeff and Clay were. Daniel also told them he thought Clay had done a good job. The new haircut on Jeff really looked good and you almost wouldn't recognize Paul. The men spotted Clay in about the middle of the line, he fidgeted nervously. When Clay had his tray and started back to the tables, Daniel gave him a thumbs up and nodded for him to sit nearby. Most of the boys had been served and seated when Paul walked in, followed shortly by Jeff.
"Hey, Mr. Paul, nice 'do. Where'd you go, we know Mr. Jeff didn't do that."
"Lookin' good, Mr. Paul, don't let Mr. Jeff see it, he'd be jealous."
"Dig the highlights...."
"Hey, Mr. Jeff just came in, lookit him! What happened Mr. Jeff? Somebody givin' you lessons?"
"Looks cool, dude."
"Okay, guys, let's settle down." Daniel signaled for the boys to quiet down some. "I assume you gentlemen approve of the new hair styles Mr. Paul and Mr. Jeff have?"
"Yeah, they're cool, Mr. Dan'l."
"Mod's in .. old fogey's out."
"Careful, whoever said that last one. Mr. Jeff might not appreciate being referred to as an old fogey ^Ö even if the shoe does fit sometimes." Daniel said while laughing. "I take it you guys approve of the new styles. How do you think the Cherubs would look with new hairstyles and highlights?"
"Yeah! That's cool." And numerous other affirmative responses came from all areas of the dining hall.
"It's settled then. The Cherubs going out next week get new styles and highlights. Now, for the surprise. The new styles and highlights were done right here. Mr. Paul and Mr. Jeff only left here to get the supplies." Daniel held out his hand and motioned for Clay to join him. "Our resident hairstyle genius is this young fella, Clay." The boys gave Clay a raucous acknowledgment for his efforts. "Clay, I think you are now the unofficial hairstylist for New Horizon and will be added to the list of boys traveling next week." The other boys cheered for Clay who was about to cry with all the attention.
"Hey, Mr. Dan'l. If he's gonna dress like a Cherub, don't he hafta do somethin' about that lily white butt?"
"I'll leave that problem up to you boys, and Clay." Daniel responded while Clay blushed.
Daniel spent most of the rest of his morning holding one-on-one talks with the boys that were in the group at the time the trouble arose between Brad and Patrick. Each boy was told that it was a private conversation and no one would be told what each boy had said. Daniel understood the code with the boys about not ratting on a peer. The boys had to understand their assistance was critical to helping both Brad and Patrick and helping Daniel keep both boys at New Horizon. Daniel did tell all of them that he would make a summary of what he was told and only disclose that to the group.
Daniel decided to meet with the staff at noon to discuss the matter. Michael was on call and unable to join them so Paul arranged for an open line telephone call to include Michael. The boys on the review board were included in the meeting. Barry sent over sandwiches and drinks for the group.
When they met Daniel first explained his concerns for the boys and the effect a rivalry of this nature could have on New Horizons as a whole. Much effort was invested in maintaining a cohesive, mutually supportive group. The rivalry was the cause of a breakup of the street group and if the boys felt compelled to choose sides again, there could very easily be a breakup within New Horizons. Daniel told everyone he couldn't let that happen. The staff members understood Daniel's concerns and the boys acknowledged they also understood. All knew that if a solution was not found to the issue, serious decisions would have to be made.
Daniel told the group what he learned from the other boys. Sean and six other boys told virtually identical stories. Each boy had his own reason for standing on one side or the other. Sean stood with his brother. Another boy stood by Patrick because he cared for the younger boy when he first joined the group. There were different reasons for loyalties, but there were loyalties and it was up to the staff and the board to make sure the choices would not be made again. All agreed both boys needed counseling and both boys needed to understand the consequences of not cooperating.
The disciplinary session started at 2:00. Daniel told all the boys what he learned about the past between Brad and Patrick. The two boys sat in their chairs, cuffed together, staring at the floor. Daniel then explained the implications of the current situation regarding how it could possibly affect the two boys and New Horizon. The meeting between staff members with the review board invited to participate was disclosed. When the known facts and disclosures were over, Daniel announced the conclusions reached during the meeting.
"We've decided that requiring the two of you to be cuffed together will have no benefit. It's apparent to us that this issue goes back to the encounter with the client, possibly before then, and both of you have serious issues you need to work out. Dr. Mike has arranged for a counselor to visit and work with both of you. You will attend the sessions as he schedules them. You are expected to give him full cooperation and make an honest effort to resolve the problem. Regarding the fighting problem, the board decided this morning that if you two engage in any more fist fighting, the punishment for the next offense will be eight swats with the medium paddle. The swats to be given by the younger boys. I suggest you think about the first three swats you each received day before yesterday. If you fight, no one will ask who started it; it takes two to fight, so two will pay. Any questions?"
"But, Mr. Dan'l," Brad began, "He's the one that ....."
"STOP IT! JUST STOP IT!" Everyone was shocked when Sean stood and yelled out. Sean looked at Daniel who then stepped to the side. Sean, crying but trying not to, stepped up to face both boys.
"Brad, you and Patrick gotta stop, I can't lose you again. You been arguin' and fightin' over a year now. I want it like it was. When I was little and you had to go out and wouldn't let me go, you trusted Patrick to take care of me. You and him was best friends. Now, you just fight. I 'member when you split up the group, us little ones was scared, but you two kept fightin'. We didn't know what to do or who to be with.
Brad, you'd call Patrick bad names and he'd call you bad names and then you'd argue and then you'd fight. We just tried to hide in a corner, too scared to say or do anythin'. You say he's wrong and he says you're wrong." Sean stood in front of both boys yelling at them, trying to hold back the tears, but failed. The tears flowed freely. Desperation and anger drove him on. "You're both wrong. You two was best friends till you took money from that man. Both of ya was wrong. Ya both told the rest of us ta stay away from him 'cause he was bad, but you took money anyway. You did what ya told us not to." Sean stopped for a moment to catch his breath between sobs.
"Patrick was mad at you 'cause he said you deliberately hurt him. We seen the whip stripes on him when ya got back. I 'member you carryin' him in and him cussin'.ya. Patrick, anybody ever tell ya the man threatened to use a bull whip on both of ya 'cause he thought Brad was goin' too easy. You thought Brad hurt ya, what d'ya think that man woulda done? All you did was cuss and swear at Brad. Ya never tried ta find out what happened. Ya both lied to the man and you got caught. If he'd been caught then it'd been Brad with the marks, and you woulda made 'em. I 'member Brad havin' bad dreams after that. He'd wake up at night sweatin' and cryin'; dreamin' what that man made ya'll do." Patrick looked at Sean in surprise, then at Brad. No one had ever told Patrick about Brad's bad dreams from hurting his friend. "Ya didn't try to find out 'cause ya were too busy hatin' each other." Sean's tears flowed freely. The boy gasped with deep breaths between his sobs.
"Brad, ya gotta stop, you and Patrick. I done lost Momma and Daddy. I lost you once, I can't do it again. Ya gotta stop ... pleeaassee?" Sean turned to face Daniel. "Mr. Dan'l, please, don't send 'em away; make 'em just stop. I don't wanna lose 'em again." Sean stood in the middle of the room crying. He turned with tears streaming and a look of desperation on his face, looking for help from anyone that would answer his cry for help. When he faced Brad and Patrick, he just stood there looking at them, crying out his fear and his hurt.
Brad hesitated only a moment before reaching out for his little brother and pulling him in close. He held the boy tightly and let him continue to cry it out. At the same time he whispered reassurances to him that things would work out, he wasn't going anywhere, and it'd be okay. Sean lay his head on his brother's shoulder and looked over at Patrick. Sean kept repeating, "please stop fightin', please".
While Brad held Sean, the other boys sat in silence. All of them had been hurt and understood what was happening. Daniel stepped over and unlocked the cuff on Brad's wrist, and then Patrick's. Patrick stood and looked over at Brad and Sean. He passed a hand over the crying boy's head before stepping back and then walked away. Brad stood, carrying his brother, and turned to look at a retreating Patrick.
"Patrick? ...." Brad called in a low voice.
Patrick stopped and looked back over his shoulder. He turned half way around and then nodded. Brad stepped up to him with Sean. Patrick rubbed Sean's back and whispered something in his ear. Sean then put an arm around Patrick's neck and gave him a hug. The three boys left.
Daniel watched the three boys interact. As they did, his only thought was, 'From the mouths of babes....'.
Daniel asked the rest of the boys to give the three a little private time this afternoon and hopefully they could get some of the problems worked out. Daniel still wanted Brad and Patrick to see the counselor, but he added Sean to the group. It was apparent the problem affected more than just the combatants.
Patrick and Brad, carrying Sean, walked out to the edge of the garden. They found the same tree that TJ and Evan had enjoyed a few days earlier. They sat down, leaning against the tree; Sean was in Brad's lap.
"You got quite a temper there, haven't ya, little bro?" Brad said as he wiped some of the tears off Sean's face.
"I didn't know you had it in ya, kid." remarked Patrick.
"Ya both deserved it, and more. You both acted like dumb fucks." Sean told them.
"Whoa," the older boys laughed, "where'd you learn that kind of language. You're a little young, don't ya think?"
"I learned it from ya'll. I may be younger but at least I'm not as dumb as you two were actin'."
"Brad," Patrick said quietly, "that ass hole really threaten to use a bull whip?"
"Had it in his hand." Brad said, "He was just lookin' for a reason to really put a hurtin' on one or both of us. He was one sick mother fucker. Sean was right, we did what we told them not to. Thought we could lie our way to some easy money."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Patrick, you was too mad at me to listen, don't ya think? Would you have believed me if I said I felt every lash you did, just in a different way? You felt it hit your body. I was usin' a whip on my best friend; I had to hurt him to keep 'im from gettin' hurt even more. I felt it hit my soul."
"Sorry, bro'"
"Yeah, me too .... me too."
"Dummies." Sean said smiling at both boys.
End Chapter Thirty-Three
To Be Continued: comments welcome; contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com