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 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 not only keep me in line, but contribute significantly to the reader's pleasure
Chapter Fifty-Four: New Horizons
Daniel watched as Grandpa rode around the camp in his customized golf cart. TJ and Evan had been with him since supper. The two boys were busy pointing out things and the smiles on their faces told Daniel they enjoyed themselves. Grandpa wanted to talk to Daniel in private but didn't give any hint of why or when. The only thing he had said was that Daniel had gotten himself into more than he bargained for. Biting off more than most people thought he could chew was nothing new for Daniel. Grandpa's demeanor made all of Daniel's nerves come to alert mode. Daniel was certain that Grandpa wasn't the kind elderly gentleman waiting to die that most people thought he was. Since when did the state provide kind old gentlemen with the type of transportation he arrived in and with a private nurse/chauffer? Daniel watched the man as he rode around, letting TJ and Evan take turns with his toy, and then returned to his office.
"Paul, I'm going to try this phone call again. You better stick close." Daniel smiled as he spoke to his friend. Paul knew Daniel was serious.
"Do you think she'll listen to you this time? What do you need me for?"
"I'm hoping she'll let me get my message across. You may need to tell me to be patient." Both men laughed lightly. Paul knew that Daniel was one of the most patient and methodical people he knew. Daniel tried again.
"Mrs. Gardner, please do not hang up on me, this is Daniel Thompson again." Before the lady could respond, Daniel continued. "We are not soliciting a contribution from you. Please, listen to me. It is very important that we contact Mark Matthews. It's regarding his son, Tommy. We have been advised that you are a family member. If you would just ask him to call us, we would really appreciate it." Daniel deliberately spoke much faster than was normal for him. He didn't want this lady to cut him off again. He could hear the lady exhale, exasperated.
"Mr. Thompson, you mentioned Tommy. That is the only reason we are still talking. If I asked my brother to call you, do you have any idea how much pain just the mention of the boy would cause him? What do you know of Tommy?" Mrs. Gardner was now being very direct and sounded authoritative and demanding.
"Mrs. Gardner, I know where Tommy is and I'm trying to help return him home. Tommy was not enslaved. Can you help us?" There was no answer. Daniel listened closely and thought he heard the sounds of crying. When she did respond, Daniel heard the emotion in her voice.
"How . .How . .I'm sorry . . . ohh god, thank you . ." Daniel listened as Mrs. Gardner cried, unable to talk. He understood this was a shock and very emotional. When she was able to listen, Daniel left his number and waited for Mark Matthews' call.
After the call to Tommy's aunt, Daniel decided he needed some fresh air and something cold to drink. As he walked towards the pool area, Daniel wondered if Paul, or someone, had thought about putting some beer on ice in the new modular home. In the interim, he would have to settle for a cold soft drink, the strongest thing Barry kept available for the boys. A number of the boys were playing in the pool. Daniel spotted more over at the basketball court and knew there would be a large number at the ball fields. He didn't want to think about where the other boys might be.
As he walked into the dining hall, Barry and Rob sat talking. Both men looked over to Daniel and smiled. Barry turned and said something to one of the kp boys who brought Daniel a cold drink.
"Daniel, you look as though you've been through a wringer. Something wrong?" Paul asked with concern.
"Wrong? Nooooo, just the opposite, I hope." Daniel turned to accept the cold drink and thanked the boy. "Are the boys in here almost finished? They're missing out on a lot of fun outside."
"Oh, I imagine they'll be done in another ten minutes or so. Somehow, I don't feel too sorry for them. They only have to do this one day out of the month, if that often. I don't think we're being exactly cruel to them." Barry answered with a smile.
"Rob," Daniel started, turning his attention elsewhere, "what do you think of our little setup here?"
"Daniel, it's like I said before. Cooking for large groups is my specialty. Barry and I have been talking and we agree that he could use a little help. I could use a program worth donating my time and skills. It's up to you of course, but I think I'd like to give it a shot."
"Daniel, Rob has all the qualifications for doing either the administrative end of this or supervising the cooking operations. He's right about one thing, definitely, this operation is growing faster than any of us ever thought it would. We have almost doubled the number of boys we're caring for, and experienced help would be a definite plus."
"We appreciate all the help we can get. Rob, I just wanted to be sure you understood what goes on around here. We have a lot of boys here who've been through some rough times. Part of what we do is make ourselves available at any time if a boy wants to talk. We remain, or try to remain, totally objective with the boys and non-judgmental. Another thing you should know is that these boys, or most of them, are not what we would term innocent." Daniel tried to be honest with Rob. All the staff members knew what to expect when they began, it was only fair that Rob have the same disclosures.
"The boys can get a little rough around the edges sometimes. Particularly with one another. I'm trying to tell you that we are aware that some of these boys are gay, and some of these boys like to play around with one another. The rule here though is staff members don't touch. Mark is a bit of an exception since he's both one of the boys and a staff member. I'll tell you his story later."
"I know where these boys come from." Rob's tone was completely serious. "In the military you meet guys that come from good homes, some from no home. Some join so they won't be classified homeless or derelict and be enslaved. I support your efforts to protect the boys. It's only fair for me to tell you that I am a boy admirer, but I am not a boy molester. If they need someone to talk to, I just hope I'm up to the standards; they'll probably view me as the grandfatherly type given my age and bulge. My guess is you'll need to do a background check and I have no problems with that."
Daniel looked at Barry and the two exchanged smiles. "Welcome aboard, 'grandpa'."
Grandpa Smith sat on the deck between the pool and basketball court watching the boys play. He enjoyed watching the boys and spent quite a bit of his time reminiscing about the old days. When he was young, sex was a taboo subject in most places and being gay was enough to get you socially ostracized. That didn't mean it didn't exist, because homosexuality had existed for centuries; just ask the Romans who were well know for having used young boys as pleasure toys. It was also well known that certain prominent government officials from time to time enjoyed the company of other males. The Captain casually walked over and sat next to Grandpa.
"You know, Captain, sometimes we're just born at the wrong time. Me, I was either born way too late or way too early. If I had been born a hundred and fifty years earlier, I could have had my own personal body slave to satisfy my every whim. If I'd been born fifty years later I could have had my own personal body slave to satisfy my every whim." Grandpa looked at the Captain and then the boys, quietly laughing at his situation.
"Grandpa, you're here now. You could go to market and get yourself a boy to satisfy your every whim." The Captain responded with a smile.
"Captain, getting a boy at market isn't the problem. Could I get another body, a much younger and stronger body, capable of letting me enjoy my every whim and the boy?" Grandpa responded with a smile and then became serious. "Besides, since meeting Daniel Thompson, and particularly those two boys right over there, my whole attitude about slavery has changed. If those two boys were mine and anyone ever tried enslaving them, I would stop at nothing to protect them. Daniel won't either."
The Captain knew Grandpa well enough to know he was serious. He knew Daniel well enough to know that grandpa was right. Daniel would protect these boys at all costs. That was part of the reason the Captain was willing to let his boys visit here without his supervision. The boys were still young, pre-pubescent. If it was in their nature to be gay, they would do what they would do. If it wasn't in their nature, they would still be curious. It was better to let them do the things that young boys do here than risk them getting hurt on the streets. The Captain looked around and realized his boys were not to be seen.
"Captain, if you're looking for your boys they went that way with two other boys that appeared to be twins. I'd guess they were of oriental ancestry and were quite cute. They were also too young to know much so I wouldn't worry if I were you." Grandpa had read the look in the Captain's eyes. The Captain just hoped the two 'too young to know much' weren't the twins Daniel had told him about. According to Daniel the twins could teach an advanced class on sexual pleasures.
"I'm sure they'll show up soon, Grandpa. They're just typical boys needing to run off some energy." The Captain answered and thought 'I hope'.
As the Captain and Grandpa talked, Daniel watched them from the dining hall. Daniel thought the two men seemed to be having a rather long conversation for two men that really didn't know one another; or did they? Daniel knew that Grandpa was more than he appeared to be, but exactly how much more remained a mystery. His intention had been to ask the Captain to have Grandpa checked out, but after observing the two men, he decided on another course of action. Daniel made a mental note to call his dad the next morning. For the moment, Daniel decided to join Grandpa and the Captain.
"Gentlemen, with all that's going on around here, can't you find something to do besides just sitting here?" The Captain and Grandpa gave Daniel a 'you're kidding' look.
"Daniel I notice you aren't trying to keep up with these kids. Besides, they did a job on me at the ball field this afternoon." The Captain laughed as he talked.
"Oh, don't look at me." Grandpa responded with a smile. "I'm pacing myself."
"How are our teams doing? See any potential professionals yet?" Daniel decided to refocus the conversation.
"Actually, yes." The Captain smiled. "Little Danny shows great potential as a future bat boy. So do Ian and Ryan. Those three little guys just seem to have a blast being batboys at the games. They don't care whose playing. I don't even remember what team they're supposed to be on."
"That's called the innocence of youth, Captain." Grandpa interjected. "They just want to have fun and be needed."
The three men sat silently, watching the boys enjoy themselves. You could hear the hollering and laughter of youth. It was a sound free of concerns except to be happy. The boys in the pool had a game of chicken going and the men laughed when the boys tried to grab one another. Being naked and wet, there wasn't much to grab. The only protrusion that could offer itself as fair game was protected by the lower boy's head. In time, several of the boys climbed out of the pool, including TJ and Evan. The boys looked at Grandpa and then headed in his direction.
"Grandpa, are you ready for us to help you to your room?"
"Depends. Is this the time when you boys normally go inside? I don't want to take away any of your fun time."
"We find we don't have to worry too much about a curfew. Usually, the boys are so worn out at the end of the day that they just go in. Some of them go right to bed; others may stay up and talk for a while. By around ten everyone is wiped out, including the staff. Actually, especially the staff, these guys can really wear you out." Daniel answered and laughed at the admission.
"What time do they normally wake up?" Grandpa asked.
"Shortly after daybreak, and, they're hungry, hungry, hungry. After watching them tonight I think you can understand."
"Well, sounds like it's time for me to put myself in the hands of my caretakers." Grandpa looked at TJ and Evan.
"Mr. Dan'l," Evan spoke up, "can we^Å" Daniel held his hands up indicating 'ask me no questions and I'll give no answer'. He smiled at the boys and walked off. He knew the boys and Grandpa wanted to spend some time together. After what had been happening at the hospital, he wasn't going to interfere now, but neither was he going to condone the actions. Not knowing, or not admitting he knew, was better. Daniel walked off to check on the younger boys. The Captain followed Daniel. He wanted to check on his two boys before turning in.
Daniel walked in to the dorm where the twins slept. A few of the older boys were huddled together talking quietly and waived to the two adults. A few steps inside the building, Daniel and the Captain spotted the missing boys. They had placed two mattresses on the floor and were sleeping across them. Daniel thought the sleeping arrangement was interesting, and the Captain's expression told Daniel that he thought the same. One of the twins was spooning one of the Captain's sons, while the Captain's other son was spooning the other twin. Interesting. The Captain waived to Daniel and turned towards the modular he would be staying in.
Daniel continued his walk through the dorm, stopping occasionally to speak to a few of the boys. He noticed that most of the younger boys were already sound asleep. He smiled inwardly, knowing the boys slept because they a big day, a fun day. When he neared the end of the dorm he spotted Sean and Isaac putting a sheet over Danny, Ian and Ryan who were all three curled up and lying across a bed. As he approached, Daniel gave Sean a questioning look.
"He wore himself out playin' on the field, Mr. Dan'l. He was runnin' and jumpin' and fallin' all over the place chasin' balls and bats. He had a great time, Mr. Dan'l, all three of 'em did. It was like tryin' to guide a zombie getting' 'em back here and into the shower. It took me, Isaac and Jacob to keep 'em awake long enough to get them cleaned up and then guide them towards a bed. Danny wanted to stay with me instead of his own bed, and then the other two just followed, so we did this."
"Sean, I probably don't say it enough, but you boys really do a great job watching after the little ones. Danny would be lost without you. These other two would be lost without their big brothers, too. Now, where are you going to sleep tonight?" Sean first shrugged his shoulders and then looked down and answered.
"I can sleep right here on the floor Mr. Dan'l. I don't mind, really. If Danny wakes up in the middle of the night and I'm not there, he's liable to get upset."
"Sean, Danny and I both appreciate what you do for him, but I think it might be better if you thought about getting a restful night's sleep. You see the room at the end down there? Well, most of the staff have already moved into the new modulars. We planned on assigning those rooms to some of the older boys, but we haven't done that yet. Would you like to have a private room for the night?" Sean looked at Daniel a little sheepishly and then answered.
"That'd be nice Mr. Dan'l, but not that one." Daniel again gave Sean a questioning look. I think you'll find Tim and Jimmy in there and I'd bet they aren't sleeping yet and don't want no company, if you know what I mean." Daniel exhaled a deep sigh.
"Well, how about this room over here. Isn't that Mr. Mark's room?" Sean nodded. "Well, he'll probably stay in one of these rooms, but he's not here right now and won't be back for a few days. So, why don't you take that one?"
"Thanks, Mr. Dan'l. That's almost like stayin' in one of those luxury hotel places they got in Orlando. I'll just leave the door cracked so I can hear Danny if he wakes up." Sean then headed to his self-described 'luxury room' for the night and Daniel laughed to himself about Sean's idea of a luxury room. As he left the dorm, Daniel decided to walk by the room Sean said Tim and Jimmy were in.
"Ohhh fuck, man! Geeez, you got one sweet ass. I could rim this out all night, but I think it's time for some real action. Time for me to show ya how a pro fucks. How ya want it?" Daniel recognized the voice as Tim.
"Brag, brag, brag. Shut your mouth and let's see if you can back up all that big talk. You couldn't swallow the meat, can ya stuff the shute? You know how I like it. Start slow and then it's runaway freight train time. Can ya handle it?"
Daniel knew from the tone of voice the two boys were just teasing one another and he had already heard a lot more than he cared for.
"Hey, Grandpa! You seen this bathroom in here? Man, it's got one huge tub." Evan was enthralled with the new facilities they would share with Grandpa that night.
"That's called a garden tub, son." Grandpa answered gently. "Let's me see, yep, it's got jets in it like a hot tub. It's called a Jacuzzi. Fill it with hot water, turn on the jets, and live a little."
"Sweet. Real sweet. Can we try it Grandpa? It looks big enough to hold all three of us."
"Now boys, I was going to insist you at least get a bath before we go to bed and begin the, ahem, evenings festivities, shall we say? I don't know why you'd want an old man like me to get in there with you two, but I guess if you can skewer the old man, you can at least let him enjoy the feel of your bodies. Let's go." Grandpa answered with a look of mischief and a smile, encouraging the two boys to enjoy themselves.
"Ummmm, Grandpa?" Evan was very hesitant after the three of them were in the tub. "You know I really like it when we fool around at the hospital and all. And I'm really excited about playin' in the bed tonight. There's two things I wanted ta ask ya. Tonight, when we're foolin' around, you know you gave me a great blow job last time in Orlando, but, this time, would you do it without the teeth?" Grandpa laughed so hard he thought he was going to drop his teeth in the tub.
"That might be fun for both of us, Evan. What else did you want to ask me?"
"Well, we kinda fucked around . . .oh, I'm sorry. We kinda enjoyed ourselves with sex and all, but there's somethin' I always wanted but nobody would do it with me. I always wanted ta make out with an older man. The other guys always said the older men had more experience and knew how to make you feel real special." Grandpa gave Evan an understanding, and loving, look.
"Come here, boy," he said softly, "this will be our special time." Evan surrendered himself to his Grandpa.
"Mmmmmmmppphhh . . .oooohhhhhh .. oooohhhhh . .mmmmmpphhh." Evan whimpered and squealed with delight. Never had anyone touched him with such gentleness. Evan floated on the water. He could feel Grandpa's strong hand on the lower part of his abdomen giving him support. His mind floated free, allowing him to enjoy the pleasurable sensations that spread throughout his young body.
Grandpa's mind and thoughts returned to a time many years ago. A time when he was much younger, and kept a number of young boys who came to him off the streets. They were the lost boys trying to survive in a police state too busy with world politics to worry about the young that represented the future. Some of the boys were gay, some were just curious. All were frightened, alone and just wanted someone to care. None were forced to do anything they didn't want to. They were allowed to play with one another, and most enjoyed their protector's personal attentions, either individually or in groups. All who stayed received an education and were required to promise to help another boy in need when they could.
TJ sat back and watched his lover's expression change from uncertain expectations to pure pleasure. Evan was again the boy in the center of attention as he had been with his brothers. His only concern was to enjoy the attention bestowed on him. TJ watched and smiled as Grandpa slowly rolled Evan on his back and pulled the boy in close so his head rested on the older gentleman's shoulder. Grandpa seemed oblivious to everything around him as he poured attention and pleasure on his young charge.
The older man's hands, now wrinkled and boney, caressed the young body with a finesse rarely seen or felt. This was not a session of sexual frenzy; this was a session of adoration and appreciation for the beauty and innocence that was found only in a boy. The thumb, nail to soft skin, worked its way up the boy's side causing him to whimper and twist. As the thumb reached the side of the chest, it moved up and rolled onto its side. Now, the thumb gently circled the nipple. Each half circle the nail tweaked and teased the sensitive spot, heightening the level of pleasure. The other hand held the other nipple between the thumb and first finger. One hand delivered soft pleasures, the other sharp twinges of the pleasure-pain mix that only enhances sex. The boy was no longer of this world as he felt the side of his neck being branded.
Grandpa paused only long enough to look at TJ, who had been teasing and tickling the back of Evan's calf and thigh. When TJ was paying attention, Grandpa showed him the second finger and pointed to Evan's groin area. TJ thought a moment and then responded with that knowing look. Moving between his lover's legs, TJ began to massage Evan's delicate pucker. Immediately, Evan responded with whines and twists. His body continued to float as if weightless.
One nail continued to flicker the nipple, two fingers continued to pinch and send slight waives of pain, or was it pleasure, through the other nipple. Evan whimpered louder and asked for more. Now, another nail traveled the length of the crack separating the orbs of his perfect bubble butt cheeks, stopping momentarily to tease the pucker and move to massage the perineum. The nail moved up and down, up and down. Suddenly, it was a thicker and larger nail that teased him. When it touched the pucker, there was a light massage and then it entered that most desired space. But it didn't linger, it withdrew and pushed in again, and then it withdrew and rubbed the perineum. A smaller nail followed the same trail, but when it reached the opening, it pushed in deep and stayed. Evan cried out and began flexing the sphincter muscle. Not until Evan allowed the muscle to once again relax did the finger move.
The finger twisted an Evan could not stop crying his pleasures. TJ and Grandpa looked at one another and smiled. Both knew the boy receiving their attentions had never experienced anything like this. TJ knew where to probe and find Evan's magic spot. When he did, Evan jerked. TJ let him settle down before he began the gentle massage. Again, he looked at Grandpa and both men smiled when they watched Evan's manhood, pointing to the stars, pulsate with every heartbeat. TJ sensed the unspoken message from Grandpa; the goal was to bring Evan to a mighty orgasm without touching his manliness.
Evan didn't know if he was going mad, in a nightmare, or experiencing the fantasy of a lifetime. His body sent messages from everywhere. His nipples screamed a light pain but told him they were being caressed with pure love. His ear demanded that the tongue not be removed but his neck wanted to feel the nibbles again. That which defined him as a male throbbed with the blood seeking to expand the tool beyond its allowed limits. Something was in him. It wasn't too large, but large enough to allow him to feel the pleasures of having something fill him.
His magic spot was alive and sending wave after wave of erotic bliss through him. The twins that served as the spring for the sweet nectar of youth were being massaged. They ached and cried for release. The more they ached the more pressure was placed on his magic spot. When Evan's body began to convulse, Grandpa and TJ knew what was about to happen. Grandpa drove his tongue into the ear and then turned the boys head where their tongues battled while Evan whimpered and hung on tightly while he spewed forth a boy's offering.
When Evan stopped convulsing and offering his nectar, Grandpa motioned for TJ to get them towels. Stepping out of the tub, Grandpa allowed Evan to float to the side where TJ watched him. After drying off quickly, and much to the surprise of TJ, Grandpa reached down and cradled Evan in his arms. He picked the boy up as though he were weightless. TJ dabbed Evan dry while his lover continued to catch his breath. Grandpa laid the boy out on the bed and then, without hesitation, went down on Evan's member. Evan cried out from the sensitivity and pleasure.
When Grandpa released the suction on Evan's member, the boy was again fully erect and ready for pleasure. The boy lay there and moaned, not yet fully aware of what was happening around him. Grandpa motioned for TJ to remain quiet as he straddled Evan, his back to the boy's face, and without any hesitation, impaled himself fully on the boy's member. Grandpa then directed TJ to get up on the bed, on his knees facing the old man. Without a sound, and with the boy surrendering himself to his elder, Grandpa began delivering TJ to the world his lover had just enjoyed. The one that derived the most pleasure that night was the one who gave the pleasure.
Daniel left the dorms and headed towards his new home. As he walked by the modular occupied by Grandpa and his private nurse, he couldn't help but stop and wonder. There was no doubt in Daniel's mind that there was more to Grandpa Smith than the man was willing to reveal most of the time. Daniel knew that two of his boys were with the man, but chose to ignore that fact. Grandpa's expression and demeanor when he saw or spoke about the boys let Daniel know the man would never do anything to harm them. Both boys had spent plenty of time with the gentleman; in fact, he and the boys requested they have time together on their trips to Orlando. Grandpa had also gone to the trouble of having rings made for the boys. No, the last thing Daniel needed to worry about was Grandpa hurting the boys. Daniel was somewhat concerned that the boys would get carried away and try to do more than the old gentlemen's health would tolerate. As he stood there thinking, his cell phone rang.
The cell phone startled Daniel. Only a limited number of people had the number unless it was an emergency call being forwarded from the main system. Daniel looked at the phone and did not recognize the number, but answered.
"New Horizons, Daniel Thompson speaking, can I help you?"
"Mr. Thompson?" Daniel didn't recognize the voice. He could tell the man on the phone was either upset, frightened or very uncertain of himself or the call.
"Mr. Thompson, I'm sorry. This is Mark Matthews. My sister gave me a message to call you. She said you claim to have my boy." The gentleman had to pause a moment to regain control of his composure. "Please, tell me this is not some cruel joke."
"Mr. Matthews, this is not a joke; I can assure you. Tommy is here with us and he's fine." Daniel waited a moment for his message to register and then continued. "You are a difficult man to locate, Mr. Matthews. Do you know who we are here at New Horizons?"
"I still can't believe this, I saw them take my boy away. They said he was to be enslaved and sold to pay my debts. They said I'd never see him again and under the law I no longer had a son. I don't understand." Daniel now knew from the way the man talked and how he sounded that he was in a state of shock.
"Mr. Matthews, do you know what New Horizons is? If you did I think you might have an easier time accepting what I'm telling you." Daniel then proceeded to tell Tommy's dad about New Horizons and its agreement with the state.
"One of the actions we have been involved with was to file a suit and get an injunction that stopped the state from selling boys taken like Tommy. The injunction was issued just in time to save Tommy. The sheriff's office kept him in custody until the appeals ran through and then they tried to contact you to send him home. They couldn't reach you. We tried your home number and got a recording that the number was no longer in service. Neighbors we contacted told us they hadn't seen you and didn't know where you were."
"My wife and I left that house after they took Tommy. We couldn't stand to be there. Hadn't been back since. We've been stayin' here with my sister. My wife's been under a doctor's care since we lost the boy. We both felt like we'd just lost everything that was worth anything. My wife don't even know about this call yet." Mr. Matthews stopped to think how he should ask the next question.
"Mr. Thompson, I don't know quite how to ask this question so I'm just going to come straight out with it. What do want from us? You know we'll do or pay anything to get our boy back. We don't have a lot, but the family is willing to put up the money to help us."
"Mr. Matthews, all I want from you is for you to come and take Tommy home. I will tell you that I hope you have some way of paying the debt that was the cause of all this trouble."
"It wasn't the debt, Mr. Thompson, it was me. Everybody around me seemed to be making money hand over fist in property. I borrowed some money and tried it myself. I didn't have any idea I could lose my boy, but I did. I lost most of the money. I lost everything else when I saw them put Tommy in that van. I don't think I can ever described to anyone the empty feeling and heartache we've suffered ever since. Yes, I can get the money now to pay, but all I want is my boy."
"Mr. Matthews, why don't you let your wife know about our call? I need to make a couple of calls in the morning to be sure we're following the right procedures. I'll call you in the morning and let you know what we need to do and when you can come for Tommy."
"Mr. Thompson, I know it's late, but is there any way I can speak with him?"
"I understand what you're asking. I'll ask you to understand that Tommy doesn't even know we've been trying to reach you. We didn't want to get his hopes up, just to have him disappointed if we couldn't find you. Mr. Matthews, he's asleep right now and I'd really like to let him rest. If I'm not too far off on what I think we need to do, tomorrow should be a big day for you, your wife, and Tommy."
Daniel sat at his desk looking through Tommy Matthews file. He thought about the conversation he had with Mark Matthews the previous night and then again that morning. The state computers did not show that a termination of parental rights was completed, so there shouldn't be any problems with Mark taking Tommy. Daniel asked them to come around noon when the boys would be in the dining hall.
Waiting on the Matthews to arrive, Daniel looked through the files of several more boys. Finding the Matthews had made Daniel impatient, he wanted to find two today, three tomorrow, four the next day. All these boys deserved to be home with loving parents and family. Daniel stopped dreaming and put the files down when he heard the car approach.
The Matthews parked their car in the parking lot in front of the administration building as Daniel asked. From this point, some of the boys might be able to see part of the car but get only a glimpse of the people. Daniel greeted the Matthews and then asked them to join him inside. Daniel showed them Tommy's file and asked them to confirm that was their son. He also asked them for proof of identification. With the formalities over Daniel explained there were some papers to be signed and they needed to talk for a few minutes, but he also understood how anxious they were to get their son.
Daniel escorted them to the dining hall. On the walk over he explained to them how many boys were inside and that all of them were running free. When Mrs. Matthews gave a questioning look, her husband explained to her that running free meant the boys were running around naked. When they reached the door, Mr. and Mrs. Matthews looked at one another. They really didn't say anything except when Mrs. Matthews told her husband to let her know when to come in. Daniel and Mark Matthews entered the hall and all the noise and chatter that only one hundred and fifty boys could make.
"TOMMY!" Mark Matthews called out loud enough that most of the boys stopped and looked.
"Dad? . . DAD? . ." Tommy couldn't believe he was seeing his dad. "DAAD!!!" Tommy jumped up from his seat and ran to his father. He leapt into his arms and began to cry. The room was silent.
Daniel placed a chair behind the father as he held his son. Tommy had a death grip on his dad, almost choking him. Mark had a tight grip on his son, almost crushing him. Tommy wrapped his legs around his dad's waist as the man sat down and the two cried their hearts out. The room was eerily silent for about two full minutes.
"ALRIGHT! . . YEAH! . .YEAH! . .TOMMY! Go Dude!!" and the room broke out into whistles and cheers and father and son were reunited.
"Oh God, thank you, thank you!" was all Mark Matthews could say. Then "My boy. God, I love you. I'm soooo sorry, son."
Mark pushed his son back to look at him and then wrapped his arms around him again. There wasn't a dry eye in the room, including the staff. Some of the younger boys had moved to their big brothers. They didn't fully understand what was happening, but knew it wasn't bad. Kevin had his arms wrapped over Ben's shoulders. Timmy and Jimmy held one another, as well as TJ and Evan. Many of the boys had paired up. Brad held Sean and Sean was trying to hold Danny. When Danny saw Daniel looking at him he broke away from Sean and ran to Daniel. Daniel was ready as the boy leapt into his arms.
"Tommy's cryin'" then he looked into Daniel's eyes. 'you cryin' too?"
"Yes, little man, but these are tears of happiness. That's Tommy's dad and he's taking him home."
"Dad, are we goin' home now?' Tommy asked through his tears.
"Yes, son. We're goin'home and I'm never lettin' you out of my sight again."
"Dad, I'm naked. Is that okay? Can I stay naked for now?"
"Yes, boy, you can stay naked for now. You know, I thought the proudest day of my life was when you were born. The doctor handed me this little naked boy that I thought was the most beautiful thing on this earth. Today, Mr. Thompson has given me a naked boy that I know is the most beautiful and most loved child on this earth." He gave his son a kiss on the cheek and a hug. While he hugged him he whispered in his ear. "Your mom's right outside. Ready?"
Tommy nodded his head but didn't let go of his dad. Mark stood, holding his son and turned to leave. As he turned the boys cheered and returned Tommy's goodbye waive.
End Ch Fifty-Four
To Be Continued: comments welcome; contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com