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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 and John for their continued support and patience while I try to write this story. Their support and efforts at editing and correcting my errors contribute significantly to the reader's pleasure.
Like 'feel good' stories? Go to Adult/Youth section and try "Brad's Idol" or "Never Take Love For Granted". One is another of my stories, the other is written by a talented friend.
Chapter Forty-Nine: New Horizons
Daniel lay in his bed and stared at the ceiling. He was too wound up to sleep; his mind tried to focus on everything at one time and couldn't focus on any one topic. Night was turning into day, but it was too early to contact Mark and Jeff. Daniel gave up and decided to go for a quick early morning swim. Fast laps usually helped him focus and work the tension out of his body. He also knew he didn't have much time if he wanted to avoid a repeat of a few days earlier.
Daniel swam the laps with purpose. He didn't swim as fast as he could, but he did push his body. As he cut through the water he could feel his muscles relax. He also felt the slight pain that comes with straining the muscles. Each time he felt the pain he could only think 'no pain no gain' and smiled inwardly. Lap after lap he swam, touching the concrete and then throwing himself backwards, kicking off the wall for another lap.
He reached for the wall, but it wasn't concrete that he touched. Daniel stopped at the unusual feel and looked up to see Danny smiling at him; too late, it was repeat time. Daniel didn't have time to say anything when Danny jumped towards his hero. Daniel caught the boy who wrapped his arms around Daniel's neck and gave him a tight hug. Daniel turned to see Sean standing next to the pool.
"Sorry, Mr. Dan'l," Sean said sheepishly, "but you know how he is when he sees you."
"That's alright, Sean," Daniel answered with a smile, laughing at the antics of the small boy he now held close, "I guess we all know where and how we're having our breakfast this morning?" Sean nodded and ran towards the dining hall.
Daniel placed the boy at his front and then began swimming laps doing a backstroke. Danny kept his fingers locked around Daniel's neck and couldn't stop laughing. The carefree sound of youthful laughter and joy was music to Daniel's ears. After four laps Daniel stopped to look around the pool and realized Danny's laughter had drawn quite a crowd.
When Sean returned with two plates containing more than an ample amount of food for the three of them and a cup of coffee, Daniel climbed out of the pool with Danny still clinging tightly. As they had a few days earlier, the three sat by the pool and enjoyed breakfast.
"Mr. Dan'l?" Sean asked quietly, "Isn't today the day some of us are supposed to go to West Palm Beach? Mr. Paul hasn't posted a list and nobody's gotten their hair done yet."
"Sean, I think you identified a problem we need to deal with right now." Daniel stated as he moved Danny off his lap. "Why don't you go find Mr. Paul and ask him if he can tell you who is scheduled to go with me to West Palm? That will let him know the list isn't posted, and it will get us an answer. Also, let him know I'll be in the office just as soon as I get dressed, okay?"
"Sure thing, Mr. Dan'l. Danny and me will take care of it. Mr. Dan'l, I know Danny's goin', can I go too?" Sean asked with an air of hope.
"Of course, who else could help me keep an eye on our little friend there?"
When the cell phone rang, Jeff quickly reached over to answer. It was still early in Pensacola, the sun not having cleared the tops of the trees. Jeff wanted to let the boys sleep, knowing they were exhausted from their ordeal.
"Hello," Jeff answered quietly. He recognized the number calling in but had no way of knowing who was placing the call.
"Jeff, it's Daniel. Sorry to wake you, I thought you might be up by now."
"We're trying to let the boys sleep." Jeff explained as he quickly put on some pants and walked outside to talk. "These boys have had a rough time Daniel and it was apparent they were exhausted as well as scared to death. Kevin and Ben were really good last night about being able to play with them some and settle them down."
"Good." Daniel commented. "I was hoping having the boys with you would help. While we talk, how about pulling out your lap top and let's verify you received the list Paul posted for you last night." Jeff immediately retrieved the lap top from the room and stepped back outside.
"Give me minute and the computer should come up. Are you all set for the debate on Thursday?" Jeff asked while he waited for his computer to warm up.
"Jeff, you know me. I'm ready until I decide to change something which I'll probably do even while we're speaking. We'll be leaving right after lunch today and head to my mother's. I'm trying to reach Michael and have him put me in touch with Jeremy's counselor. We're debating over whether to try and take him to the debate with us."
"Okay, Daniel, I'm up. Give me one minute here to open the files. Okay, I see the list. It looks like we have numbers, places, names and even some ages here. Do we know if all the boys will be ready when we get to the different offices?"
"They are supposed to be. Of course, you need to remember that we're working with several levels of government here and be realistic." Daniel stated, trying not to be too pessimistic. "What about your transportation; what's your status there?"
"The bus is supposed to be here in about an hour and we'll start our trip home. Looking at this list and checking the map, I'm guessing this will take a couple of days, at least. Most of the towns are off the main interstate, so that will slow us down, plus the number of stops we have to make."
As Jeff talked with Daniel, Jeff noticed one of the boys looking out the window and motioned for the boy to come out. It was ten year old Cole. Wearing his shorts and shirtless, the boy looked like he was half asleep. As he approached, Jeff put an arm around the boy's shoulder and pulled him in close. Cole wrapped an arm around Jeff's waist and stood there while the man rubbed his back. Jeff let Daniel know one of the boys was with him and Daniel asked to speak to the boy.
"Cole?" Daniel asked trying to sound as friendly as possible to the boy.
"Sir?" Cole answered hesitantly.
"Cole, I know that you don't know who I am, but let me ask you something." The boy nodded his head in response, not thinking that Daniel couldn't see him. "Cole, has Mr. Jeff told you who he is and where he's taking you?"
"Yes, sir, kinda. He said we was goin' to a place in the middle of the state where there's a bunch of other boys like us. He said they live there and they're not slaves. Mr. Jeff said we wasn't goin' to be made slaves."
"That's right," Daniel continued to speak in a measured tone and pace. "There's over one hundred boys here. Now, before you get here, Mr. Jeff and Mr. Mark will be stopping in other towns to pick up other boys and bring all of you here. Cole, there is one thing I need to ask you do to for us, okay? If you need something, we need for you to let Mr. Jeff or Mr. Mark know. If you're hungry, you tell them. If you don't feel good, you tell them. If you're hurt, you tell them, and they'll help you. We know things are moving kind of fast right now, but can you do that for us?"
"Yes, sir. I guess so." Cole responded, still unsure about what was happening. He handed the phone back to Jeff.
"Daniel, the boys are starting to move now. We need to get them cleaned up and let them eat before the bus gets here. While we travel today we'll be setting up the files on each of the boys."
"Good, Jeff. Get as much information as you can. I'm sure that if we do some research we should be able to return some of these boys to their families. At least, that's my hope."
"Well, unfortunately, I can tell you now that for at least one of them, both parents were taken away. We'll set up the files and deal with the issues when we return."
When Jeff got off the cell, he and Cole went back into the room to wake up the others. Jeff was glad the motel was sympathetic to their cause. The original plan was to get one large room for all of them, but the manager gave them the adjoining room at no charge. With two baths available, he and Mark could both shave in separate rooms while the boys were taking a quick shower. The boys looked a little hesitant when told they should shower two at a time, but became very cooperative when they realized they could eat sooner. Also, the older boys needed to help in the care of the younger boys so they could save time.
While they ate Jeff explained to the boys about the trip ahead of them and that it would take a couple of days. While he talked, the bus arrived and the driver joined them for a cup of coffee. When he finished explaining things, Jeff asked the boys if they had any questions or needed anything. The boys looked at one another and then Cole spoke up.
"Mr. Jeff, can we have some comic books or somethin' to read while we ride?"
Jeff smiled, pleased that Cole listened to Daniel. "Cole, we're going to stop and pick up some drinks and snacks for all of you to have along the way. While Kevin and I are in the store with the other boys, suppose Mr. Mark takes you and Ben over to pick up some comic books or whatever you boys want to help entertain yourselves?" Jeff saw the pleased look on the boy's face and had to add, "However, there is one rule; no Playboys." Cole blushed.
Daniel sat at his desk going over a last minute check list. After the revelation that morning that they hadn't posted the list naming the boys to make the trip to West Palm, Daniel decided he better review all of their plans for this trip. Two changes were required for this trip. Mark was traveling with Jeff, so Brad was substituted in his place. Clayton was also added to the list so he would have the opportunity to visit with his mother. As Daniel reviewed his notes, he heard the sound of large trucks.
Four large tractors were pulling into the compound. Each tractor was pulling part of a modular home unit. As Daniel watched he saw Rick emerge onto the roadway and signal the drivers where to take their loads. The units were purchased with donations from the manufacturer and funds received from the mysterious donor's check that Daniel received at the hospital. Daniel paused to watch the trucks maneuver their loads into position.
"It's growing, Daniel." Paul startled Daniel when he spoke. Daniel did not hear him come in. "Did you ever think it would grow this much, this quickly?"
"No, Paul, I really didn't. When I think back about all the political maneuvering and debates, the trips to win supporters and sponsors, I have a hard time believing it myself. Sometimes I worry about how many we could have helped but didn't get to. When that happens I look at the boys running around here and am thankful we could do something for them. Now look, before, we begged the state for a chance to save these boys. Now, the state calls us asking for our help to care for the boys. All in a few short months."
"Well, I'm not sure I would call them a few short months, but I'd definitely call them busy months. Think I'll go take a look at our soon-to-be new quarters. Care to join me?" Paul asked smiling and anxious with anticipation.
Paul and Daniel stood to the side while Rick gave directions to the drivers. Daniel didn't understand everything the men discussed, but he did understand that it had something to do with where the main plumbing and electrical hookups were located. After a few minutes, Rick walked over and joined the two men.
"Daniel, we got a pleasant surprise." Rick began. "We were supposed to receive one three bedroom and one four bedroom unit. Someone cancelled an order at the last minute, so we now have two four bedroom units. The other big surprise is that the manufacturer talked the furniture company into donating all the furniture."
"I can't see a whole lot from here, Rick, but I'd be willing to bet those units are fairly nice inside. We'll also take all the donations we can get. Tell me, have you guys decided who's going where yet?" Rick and Paul both laughed and blushed a little. Daniel had read their minds.
"I'll give you fellas a suggestion and you think about it while I'm in West Palm. Michael isn't here most of the time so he and I can still share a room. I'm willing to bet that Mark won't mind keeping a room in the dorms, particularly if Kevin is in the same dorm." That suggestion brought laughs from all three men. Although they tried to be very discreet, everyone knew that Mark and Kevin were close. Daniel waited for the laughter to subside before continuing.
"Seriously, I know we discussed trying to let the older boys take the rooms we have now, but we may need them. Is anyone, besides me, beginning to think that we may need some more staff around here? There's only seven of us full time to handle over one hundred boys and we'll be growing quite a bit in a couple of days."
"Daniel, the new boys coming in, didn't Amos Crawford say they were boys seized as property? It seems to me there should be family to take them."
"Paul, I won't argue with you on that point. Jeff did tell me he has one boy that's lost both parents, I'll assume to a creditor. That boy will stay with us unless we can find extended family somewhere. My big concern is that the state either didn't have the necessary resources to dedicate towards finding family, or the family is afraid to accept the boys. This is an issue we'll have to review when the boys get here and I get back from West Palm. Jeff's trying to build files for us now. I'd really like to see these boys returned to their families."
While the men talk they notice a large number of boys moving in the same direction. It takes only a moment for them to realize that the boys' natural hunger alarm has sounded and they know it's almost time for lunch to be served. As they approach the dining hall Daniel reminds everyone that the boys traveling to West Palm need to be at the front of the line so they can have lunch before the vans leave. Daniel laughs when he sees Danny run to the front of the line with Brad and Sean right behind him. He wasn't sure if Brad and Sean were chasing Danny, or just as anxious as Danny to eat.
"Dad, it's Daniel. How are you?"
"Yes, I recognize the voice, Daniel. I'm doing fine son, how about you. Are you prepared for the debate with Arnold?" Daniel laughed to himself, wondering why everyone kept asking him that same question. Anyone that knew Daniel knew he always walked in prepared.
"I think we're in pretty good shape for this debate. I was hoping you might have some information for me on that research project we talked about."
"I have more information, but the research isn't complete. Right now, if I was a betting man, I'd be willing to bet that our hunch was correct. I thought you were going to wait to use this information until about the fourth or fifth debate. Has something happened to change your plans?"
"No, Dad, nothing has happened. You know how I am, I like to have all my points lined up and planned out well in advance. I do need a little assistance on a project though. I was hoping you might have some student volunteers we could use for about a month."
"What kind of project, son?"
"Amos Crawford called us and asked us to take custody of forty-three boys that were picked up on executions. The injunction saved the boys and the sheriff offices were trying to keep them. You know since that damned court ruling there's no more juvenile facilities so we had eight year olds housed with adult felons. There's no need for me to tell you the dangers there. Anyway, Mark and Jeff are on the road now with Kevin and young Ben, picking the boys up. Dad, I like to do some in-depth research and hopefully find family so these boys can return home. We'll take care of those we can't find family for, but you know the boys are much better off with family."
"Where are Mark and Jeff now; and how are you transporting that many boys?"
"Amos loaned us a state bus and driver. It's one of the old passenger conversions the state has. They left Pensacola this morning and then went to Crestview. They should be in Panama City now; or possibly headed to Tallahassee. With those three stops they should pick up fourteen boys. Judging from the time, I'm fairly sure they'll stop in Tallahassee for the night and then head out again early in the morning. The next stop is in Perry and I told Jeff there's not much there in the way of motels to house the boys."
"Daniel Thompson, you knew good and well that when you called me and told me all this that I'd get upset if Jeff didn't bring those kids here. I bet you were even planning on it. Am I right? You hang up right now and let me call the sheriff's office and talk to Jeff. You know where he'll be tonight." Daniel smiled as he listened to his dad try to act upset with him. Daniel laughed when he pictured sixteen boys, and most likely Mark, skinny dipping in his dad's pool while Jeff and his dad grilled hamburgers. Daniel wished he was there to see it happen, but he had responsibilities in West Palm.
As they waited for the gate to open, Daniel surveyed the grounds and thought Jeremy had done a commendable job clearing the planting beds and maintaining the grounds. As the vans stopped, the front door to the house opened and Daniel's mother, Linda, came out to greet them. She was accompanied by Mary, Clayton's mother, who anxiously looked through the van's windows for her son. When Mary looked at Daniel, he pointed to the other van. She didn't need to look since Clayton had already spotted his mother and ran to her.
"Mom, are you sure you don't mind putting up with all these boys?" Daniel asked, seriously.
"Daniel, I know that question was rhetorical. You know, I recognize some of the boys. Did you bring some new boys that weren't here before?"
"Of course we did. We try to rotate the boys so they all get the experience. Besides, the new boys here heard about your home cooking and almost demanded to be allowed to come." Daniel answered, jokingly. "Where's Jeremy and Arthur?"
Linda looked outside and didn't see Jeremy or Arthur. She assumed they were in the guesthouse and used the intercom system to call them. Soon Arthur walked out with a towel wrapped around his waist, followed by a naked Jeremy and Ted. Daniel's boys saw the two boys and smiled. After Arthur greeted Daniel and introduced Ted, Jeremy stepped forward to greet Daniel. Daniel placed a hand on each of the boy's shoulders and looked him in the eyes. Daniel could tell that some of the despair was beginning to be replaced with hope. Experience had taught Daniel that Jeremy still had a long way to go but he was making progress. As Daniel spoke to Jeremy, Danny stepped between them and held his hands up to Daniel.
"Little man," Daniel said as he reached down and picked up the young boy, "don't tell me you're getting jealous already. You remember Jeremy, can't you say 'hi'?" Danny wrapped both arms around Daniel's neck and hid his face in Daniel's shoulder.
"Danny, turn around and be nice." Daniel encouraged the boy. "You remember Jeremy from the last time we were here. You see that swimming pool out there? That's Jeremy's; if you aren't nice to him he may not let you swim in his pool." Danny looked at Daniel and then to Jeremy.
"Hi," Danny said, holding up the palm of his hand and waving it through the air. Danny continued to look at Jeremy and then turned to Daniel. "He's naked. I wanna be naked, too!" Danny said in the little staccato talk young ones sometimes use.
Daniel held the boy away from him, gripping him under the arms. He nodded to Jeremy who then reached out and removed Danny's shorts in one quick movement. Daniel then turned a giggling little boy upside down while Jeremy removed the shirt. On a signal from Daniel, Sean stepped over to stand by Daniel.
"Jeremy, this is Sean; he's Danny's mentor. Behind Sean is his older brother, Brad. Since Brad is the oldest, he will be everyone's mentor on this trip." The boys exchanged greetings and nods. Then Daniel addressed all the boys.
"Okay, guys. Anyone who wants to swim or play ball, or whatever you do outside, head to the guesthouse." Daniel pointed to the guesthouse as he spoke. "Leave your clothes in there. In five minutes we expect to see nothing but naked boys having fun. Sean, you want to take your young giggle-box charge here and go with Jeremy?" Sean tossed a laughing and screaming five year old over his shoulder and headed outside.
While Daniel was settling his boys and making them comfortable, Ted stood to the side observing the activities. Ted had heard of Daniel from Arthur, and some from his own dad, but they had never met. He now understood why his dad and Arthur spoke so highly of Daniel when he saw how friendly the man was with the boys and how they showed respect for one another. Ted also knew Daniel's story and wondered if Jeremy would one day be as strong as Daniel. Daniel was the first freed slave Ted had ever seen or met.
Ted spent most of his afternoons with Jeremy. Sometimes it was just the two of them, other times Ted's brother, John, came along and it wasn't unusual to see Derek with them. The boys spent time working outside, playing and helping Jeremy with his reading, at first, and also writing. Ted was initially amazed at how much someone could forget but quickly pick back up.
Since that weekend their fathers had brought them over to apologize for teasing Jeremy, and Ted learned about Jeremy's past, he was unable to dismiss the thought that it could happen to any boy. Ted never told anyone that he went home after that weekend and found himself waking up during the night, crying from his treatment of Jeremy. The two boys were rapidly becoming good friends, actually buddies. Ted understood that Jeremy was still afraid of what might happen to him and tried to assure him things would be fine, but the questions still lingered. Ted liked Jeremy and wanted to be best friends with him. Ted also wanted to help Jeremy and wondered what the future would hold.
The adults busied themselves inside preparing dinner for what they knew would be fourteen very hungry boys. They enjoyed watching the boys' antics through the patio door and thought it was interesting that since the door had a reflective coating, the boys seemed to forget the adults could see them. When the boys started horsing around and playing grab-ass, although that wasn't what they were grabbing for, Daniel started outside to caution them. Linda stopped her son and told him she'd seen it more than once. When Daniel looked at her questioningly, she responded with a look that reminded Daniel of some of the things he and his friends used to do around the pool. Arthur, Larry and Mary responded by laughing.
"Mom, there are some things you could forget, you know." Daniel said, teasing his mother.
"Daniel, I have forgotten, or at least set aside, most of the bad memories. Seeing boys play like that just says they are normal, happy boys. They aren't boys very long, let them have their fun. Now, why don't you boys go fire up the grill and get the patio table ready; we'll serve buffet style like last time. Mary and I can handle things in here better without quite so much help."
The men went outside, as 'requested', and began grilling. Arthur pulled out cold beers for them to enjoy and they watched the boys while they worked. Daniel wanted to find time to talk with Arthur about Jeremy. He was surprised when Arthur began to question him.
"Daniel, we've been trying to work with Jeremy and help him adjust. He sees his counselor on a regular basis. The counselor has advised us the best thing Jeremy can do right now is get comfortable, feel secure and we should encourage him to express his feelings about what he's been through. Your mother and I just aren't sure what to expect and if there's anything else we can do to help him. We're hoping you give us some direction on how to help him."
"You know, I was glad the ladies threw us out because I was hoping to be able to talk to you about Jeremy." Daniel answered with a smile. "I'm not a qualified counselor so it's difficult for me to know what to say. All I can do is tell you how I felt and what helped me. We have no way of knowing right now if those same things will pertain to Jeremy. Mom told me that you and Jeremy spend quite a bit of time together in the afternoons and seem to be building a bond between you. How does he seem to be reacting to you while you're together?"
"In the beginning thee was definitely some hesitation. I'd almost say it bordered on suspicion and I tried to understand how he felt and why. It only took a few days before he began to relax with me. I've been teaching him to swim and he's been doing well. So far, we haven't talked about anything that I can say was related to his experiences over the past couple of years and I'm not sure if I should try to broach the subject with him."
"Arthur, there's no way I can ever tell you the depth, and I mean negative depth, of the emotional trauma Jeremy has been through. When it happened to me I was initially scared and in shock. Then I felt betrayed because my parents didn't try to do anything to save me. Of course, that really wasn't true because I do remember Mom pleading for them to leave me alone. I can also remember her screaming at my father. After the feeling of betrayal came bitterness and, eventually, acceptance of the fact that no one was going to save me. All those emotions played out fairly quickly; I'd guess over a period of about two weeks. It was that quick because of the short time frame required to move through the system."
"When I was sold I was in shock. I walked like a zombie, just doing whatever someone told me. I can remember thinking it was a nightmare and hoping I'd wake up. In some respects, my new reality was a nightmare, but there was no waking up from it. Everything is done to take away any thought of escape or even of thinking for yourself. They deliberately take steps to destroy the individual and the emotion within you by telling you you're nothing but trash. You eat slop out of a bowl that's given you by sliding it across the floor. If you dare look at someone without permission, or even make a sound, someone is there ready to use a paddle or tawse for punishment."
"In Jeremy's case I'm willing to bet the same thing happened. He's been told how worthless he is and probably called every vile name in the book. They stripped him of any degree of self worth or value as a human being and took away every bit of confidence he would have in himself. He's been taught the hard way not to trust anyone or allow himself to have hope. Right now I would suggest that you do exactly what you are doing. Build a bond with him and let him learn he can trust you. He may try to test you to see if you're playing a cruel game with him. More than anything else, be patient and understanding. In time, he'll learn to trust you and open up."
"The thing many people don't realize is that while he was stripped of his self worth and told what kind or trash he was, he learned to survive. He figured out how to live and avoid unnecessary pain, physical and emotional. He built his own world where he knew how to make people happy with what he did and gained their praise. That praise meant a lot to him, it became his new measure of self worth. It's hard to say how long it took him to define the boundaries of that new world, but you will have to break through the boundaries and let him know it's okay to step out. He knows how to survive and feel safe; you're asking him to give that up and face a new unknown. That's not easy for him."
"Daniel, it's easy to understand why you care so much for these boys. If someone couldn't see it in you, they can hear it in your voice. One day, these boys will appreciate what you've done for them." Arthur spoke with a tone that reflected the admiration and respect he had for his step-son. "You've just told me more and helped us more than the three sessions I've had with his counselor." Daniel looked at Arthur with an understanding smile.
"I think part of the problem, Arthur, is that so few slaves are ever freed that there is little material available and only a few people with sufficient experience to help. When the opportunity presents itself, I'll try to talk to him in private and see if I can help." As Daniel spoke, his cell phone rang. The number displayed let him know it was Jeff or Mark.
"Daniel, it's Mark. We're at your father's house."
"Good. How has it gone so far?" Daniel was concerned whether how the different sheriff's offices reacted to what they were doing. He knew that not everyone approved of the private care program or the injunction.
"About the same as Pensacola. The boys were in cells in general lock-up. They were frightened and didn't trust us too much. Kevin and Ben have been a big help there. By the way, one of the boys in Crestview and two boys here in Tallahassee were returned to their families. We've picked up eleven so far."
"That's good news, Mark; wish we had more news like that. Is my dad there? I'd like to speak to him."
"Sure thing, but we have one more bit of news. Jeff called Ocala and it turns out one of the deputies lives up close to Gainesville. He's taking the two boys we are supposed to pick up in Ocala to Gainesville tonight and we'll get them there. Jeff thinks that will save us some time and backtracking. Here's your dad."
"Dad? I can here the boys in the background. Sounds like you have your hands full right now." Daniel used an upbeat tone as he talked to his dad.
"Daniel, you know how I feel, that's music to me. The boys are in the pool. In fact, when Mark handed me the phone he dropped his shorts and jumped in with 'em. They're good boys Daniel, just a little scared right now. By the way, I think I have a couple of my students set to come down and stay at Ft. Ogden for a couple of weeks and help Paul with paper work and tracking down families. Will that help any?"
"Dad, you know we'll take all the help we can get. You said a couple of students; when are you coming to visit?"
"I can't right now, I'm too busy running a private motel for you and your boys." Dr. Thompson answered with a laugh. "Actually, I think I'll have my hands full working the political end of all this. There's one thing I want you to do for us Daniel. Be sure you give 'em hell on Thursday. I'll be watching."
Daniel always had a secure and comfortable feeling after talking with his dad. As he sat watching the boys, he wondered if they could pull off the same miracle for Jeremy that Daniel's dad had pulled for him.
*** Daniel heard the splash and realized someone was in the pool. Extricating himself from the two small boys he stepped to the window of the guesthouse and saw Jeremy swimming laps. Daniel watched a few minutes and then walked outside.
"Good morning, Jeremy." The boy stopped and tried to assume slave rest when he realized Daniel was addressing him. "Jeremy, please don't try to assume that position with me. I know it's just habit and we don't want you thinking you have to act like a slave around here. Arthur told me you were learning to swim and I'd say it looks as though you've learned well. May I join you?" Jeremy couldn't help showing a slight smile and nodded his head.
Jeremy was accustomed to swimming naked with Arthur. He was accustomed to having naked men around him a lot, so he wasn't bothered when Daniel stepped into the pool naked. Jeremy just watched Daniel, wondering what he would be allowed to say to the man he wanted to talk to. He understood that they said it was okay for him to talk and ask anything, but that didn't agree with his training. If Jeremy spoke out of turn he was punished, severely. When Daniel nodded his head and began swimming, Jeremy followed.
Daniel made it a point not to swim ahead of the boy. Jeremy could swim, but it was obvious he was a beginner. Daniel was very careful not to do anything that might suggest Jeremy couldn't swim as well as anyone. The man and the boy slowly swam laps. When Jeremy turned is head to breathe he looked at Daniel. He wanted to please this man who was nice to him; he wanted to please him as much as he enjoyed pleasing Arthur.
When Daniel thought Jeremy was getting tired he made it a point to stop and take a deep breath like it was he that was tired. Telling Jeremy he needed to rest before he could swim more laps, he asked Jeremy if he'd like to sit with him for a few minutes. The two walked over to the side yard and sat on a bench.
"Jeremy, I noticed the grounds when we got here yesterday. You're doing a good job taking care of the planting beds and yard. Mom told me you're making them look better than she ever could." Daniel noticed the boy's eyes light up with the compliment.
"Jeremy, I want to ask you something and it's very important that you be honest with me and tell me everything. Can you do that?" Jeremy nodded. "Before I ask the question I want to be sure that you remember that at one time I was a boy slave; I was almost the same age as you are now. Also, it's very rare for someone who's been enslaved to ever be free again. I'm one of those very lucky people and you will be too. Do you understand that?" Jeremy nodded, but he saw a look of uncertainty in Jeremy's expression.
"Jeremy, what has it been like for you since you've been here? What do you think is going to happen? More importantly, what do you want to happen?" Jeremy's expression turned to deep apprehension and Daniel could tell the boy was on the verge of crying. Crying was an emotion he was not allowed to show as a slave. If Jeremy cried now, that would be a positive change for him.
"Mr. Dan'l, I don't know what to think; I'm afraid to. Ms. Linda and Mr. Arthur have been real nice to me. I'm not used to people bein' very nice to me. At the place I was in, men talked nice to me 'cause they wanted to fuck me and sometimes hurt me. They thought it was funny to make me feel good and then hear me scream in pain. I learned not to feel anything and now they want me to feel again. How can people like Ms. Linda and Mr. Arthur love a whore? Will it last Mr. Dan'l? Is it okay for me to feel again?"
Daniel watched the boy as he spoke and knew that Jeremy wanted to cry. Moreover, Jeremy probably needed to cry and feel emotion again.
"Jeremy, they want to help you. They really want you to become their son. To get there you're going to have to learn to let people care about you again and you need to care about them. It will take some time. More importantly, it will take trust on their part and on your part. You need to try so you can have your life back."
"I'm tryin' Mr. Dan'l, I swear I'm tryin'." Jeremy began to cry. "Mr. Dan'l, I'm just plain scared."
The boy cried harder and Daniel reached out and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him close. Looking up, Daniel saw Arthur and Linda watching them. Daniel signaled for them to come over. Arthur picked Jeremy up and held him; he then sat down with Jeremy in his lap. The boy buried his face in Arthur's shoulder and bawled. Linda shed tears with him.
"That's alright Jeremy, cry it out. Let it go, son."
End Ch Forty-Nine
To Be Continued; comments welcome; contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com