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 Matthew for their continued support and patience while I try to write this story. Their support and efforts at editing and correcting my errors keep me focused. It is the emails and comments I receive from you, the readers, that encourage me to continue.
Chapter Eighty: New Horizons
"Daniel, I don't believe I've ever seen the boys be this quiet," Elizabeth observed as the group sat on her patio enjoying a quiet meal.
"It's rare," Daniel answered with a smile. "I think they got worn out at the park today. The little guys fell asleep during the ride back here and Brian looks like he might fall asleep while he's eating."
The boys had enjoyed a full afternoon at Sea World. It was the first such trip they had enjoyed since being with Daniel and New Horizons. Daniel had watched the boys, but he also watched the park attendants and other visitors. Almost everyone seemed to go that extra little step to be sure the boys received special attention and had fun. At every show, several of the boys had been called on to assist the hosts. Daniel also enjoyed hearing the favorable comments from other park visitors.
The boys had attended the park dressed as the Cherubs. Although they were still of legal age to appear in public nude if they wanted, the park had a dress code that was strictly enforced but was waived for the special visit. Daniel, Elizabeth and Linda had all been kept busy and on the run trying to keep track of the three younger boys. At every show they would be in the water and after the show they would run off still nude; Daniel or one of the other adults in hot pursuit. As they ran past other visitors, comments were heard about how adorable the boys were; adorable, yes; but also a handful. They were young kids playing and having fun. Daniel relived the day's events in his mind as he watched the boys eat.
"Mr. Dan'l," Jeremy brought Daniel's attention back to the present.
"Jeremy, did you get enough to eat?"
"Yes, sir," Jeremy hesitated and Daniel waited to let the boy pick his own time to continue. "Mr. Dan'l, do you think that, maybe, when we finish eating, we could talk?" Jeremy asked in a voice barely above a whisper.
"Jeremy, you know I always have time when one of you wants to talk with me. Sounds important, and private." Jeremy nodded. Daniel wrapped an arm around the boy's waist. "Would you like to walk over to the garden bench with me and we can talk there?"
The man and the boy strolled out to the garden. As they walked along, the boy slipped his hand into the man's hand; neither said anything. When they reached the bench, Daniel sat down. Jeremy remained standing, looking towards the ground, pensively.
"Jeremy?" The boy didn't move. "Jeremy?" This time, Jeremy looked at Daniel, blushing slightly.
"Mr. Dan'l, there's somethin' I think I gotta do, and . . .well, I don't want Mr. Arthur or Ms. Linda to think bad of me cause of it. Understand?" Daniel had to suppress a smile.
"I'm not sure, son. Can you tell me what it is you think you need to do and why they might think bad of you?"
"They've been real good to me and . . .ya know they want me ta be their son and all. I kinda like that, but I think back to my mom, too . . .and my dad. Sometimes I think it'd be nice ta go back home, but I can't. I mean, I'm not the boy they knew anymore. Understand?" Daniel pulled the boy closer and wrapped an arm around his shoulder.
"Jeremy, are you trying to tell me you want to go back home but you're afraid your parents won't accept you and love you like they did before?"
"I don't know, I really don't," Jeremy answered with tears in his eyes. "At first I didn't understand why they didn't come get me, then, I just kinda forgot about 'em, I guess. It didn't mean anything to me no more. Now, I'm not sure what I'd say to 'em or if they'd even want me. I'm not their sweet little Keith any more." Jeremy leaned into Daniel and lay his head on the man's shoulder; he cried, silently. Daniel held Jeremy in his arms and let him cry. "Thing is, I love Mr. Arthur and Ms. Linda, too. Things are gettin' all mixed up."
"Jeremy, maybe it's too soon right now. No one says you have to make a choice right now." Daniel continued to hold the boy and lightly rub his back as they spoke. "If you want to see your parents, all you have to do is let Mr. Arthur know; he'll understand. What I want you to understand is that if you do see or talk to them, you don't have to make a choice. You need to take your time and let the people who care about you do the worrying." As Daniel spoke he saw Linda watching them and motioned for her to join them.
"Jeremy," Linda spoke in that soft, loving tone only a parent can use, "are you alright?" She asked as she placed a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder. Jeremy turned and launched himself at the lady who wanted to be his mom, wrapping his arms around her waist and squeezing as tightly as a twelve year old could.
"I think he needs some special attention; he's had a full day," Daniel told his mother and then left her to care for Jeremy.
Arthur watched Daniel with anticipation in his eyes as Daniel approached the house. He looked at Arthur and told him,
"I think Jeremy needs you."
"Boys!" Paul stood and tried to get the boys' attention. "Boys! Quiet down for a minute." Paul almost laughed to himself. He was telling one hundred boys to be quiet at the same time. However, with patience, it worked out and he was able to talk with them.
"This morning the hearing was held regarding the slave boys we were trying to get set free. The judge ruled, and the boys are now free." Paul had to stop talking while the boys reacted. They were so loud he couldn't even hear himself think; it was fun to watch them and listen.
"We agree with you, guys. We're all happy that fourteen more boys can have the opportunity to reclaim their lives. They are at the slave center in Tampa and being kept secluded from everyone else. They are being protected, just in case anyone is concerned about that. Mr. Daniel will be going to Tampa as soon as the debate finishes tomorrow. Dr. Mike is already there making arrangements for their physicals and completing whatever medical paperwork has to be completed so we can get the boys here."
"Is there somethin' we can do ta help, Mr. Paul?"
"That's what I was coming to. Yes, there is something all of you can do to help. We would like your advice. The boys we're talking about have been slaves. We don't know exactly what has been done to them or what was required of them, but we can guess."
"They been fucked over more ways than one, Mr. Paul," Someone called out. Paul had to stop talking for a minute. The statement was so brutally honest, he had to smile.
"That's not exactly how I was going to phrase it, but we agree. We think, because of the way the boys have most likely been treated, they aren't going to trust an adult. However, they might trust another boy talking to them. That's where we would like to have your advice." The room went quiet for a minute, except for a low murmur, while the boys spoke to one another. No one spoke out for the group until Kevin stood.
"Mr. Paul, the truth is that when any of us first heard 'bout Mr. Dan'l and New Horizons, even those of us at the holding center, we figured it was just a bunch of bull; we didn't trust anything an adult said to us. Those of us at the center, and then later, the group that Patrick and Tanner and others was in, we all knew the first rule was not ta trust adults. What I'm trying to say is, most likely, those boys aren't goin' ta trust adults neither. If it'll help, I'll go with Mr. Dan'l and try ta talk with 'em."
"Yeah, me too. We can tell 'em how good it is here and we don't have ta be scared all the time. We can tell 'em 'bout playin' baseball and how the Captain and his buddies come ta help us all the time."
"There's somethin' else they're gonna need." Tanner stood and spoke to everyone. "I know how I felt when we were on the street and how I felt comin' here. Each one of them boys has probably been trained to stay quiet and do whatever they're told. They don't know how ta think any more. Each one of 'em's gonna need a friend. The first thing they gotta learn is it's okay to say what they think and ask for somethin'. They each need somebody they can trust."
Different boys continued to call out all the good things they could tell the new boys or help them do to make them feel good. Paul patiently stood and listened as boys randomly called out; he could only smile and feel good. All of the men knew the boys would be willing to jump in and help however they could, but it was nice to see their enthusiasm. While Paul addressed the boys, Kevin walked over and joined Mark. Mark told Kevin he would be driving up to Lakeland the next day to meet Daniel and bring back the boys who had been in Orlando.
"There's one more thing I need to tell all of you. If you want to give the boys who've been with Mr. Dan'l in Orlando a hard time, it's okay. After the hearing this morning, the boys were surprised with a visit to Sea World. It seems that Grandpa and the judge are old friends. We don't know whose idea it was but the story I get is the judge found Grandpa guilty of contempt for rubbing TJ's and Evan's butts while court was in session. The fine was for Grandpa to pick up the tab for the trip. Mr. Dan'l said if you want to tease TJ and Evan for havin' sweet asses, it's alright."
"We don't know how sweet they are, Mr. Paul, but they sure are experienced!" The boys broke out into shouts of laughter that Paul took as the end of the meeting.
While the boys continued their jokes that began with TJ and Evan, but quickly spread to include other well-known duos, Mark and Kevin left the mess hall and headed towards the orange grove. Mark knew that when Kevin stayed this close to him and wandered towards some privacy, Kevin was reliving old memories; some good, some not. Just beyond the grove, the boys stopped. Mark sat on the ground and leaned against a tree. When Kevin sat between Mark's legs and leaned back against the older boy's torso, Mark wrapped an arm around Kevin's waist. Kevin quickly held the hand that rested on his stomach. Mark ran his fingers through the naked boy's hair and leaned in to plant a kiss on his lover's cheek.
"Are you okay?" Mark asked softly.
"Yeah, I was just thinkin'." Kevin paused a moment. "Those kids. I can't help but wonder what kind of hell they've been put through. It's a fucked-up world."
"I remember how I almost totally fucked-up my life." Kevin leaned his head back on Mark's shoulder as Mark spoke. "If it had'n been for Daniel, I'd be a slave for life now. That was just a few months ago; funny, it seems like a life-time."
Kevin didn't often enter these states of depression, but when he did they were always serious. Kevin did not share his innermost feelings with anyone other than Mark, who understood how Kevin felt. The two boys, actually young men, understood and respected how the other felt. They were lovers, they were devoted to one another and, they supported one another.
Mark sat quietly holding Kevin against him. His fingers traveled lightly over Kevin's body. Mark waited for a signal to tell him Kevin wanted to be distracted; he wanted to be pampered; he wanted to feel Mark's expression of love. Mark's thumb passed over and then flicked Kevin's nipple, causing the boy to shudder; the sharp intake of breath hissing through his teeth. Mark smiled and leaned in to nibble on his ear; Kevin whimpered. Mark raked his finger nails up and down Kevin's strong young body, pausing each time to pinch and twist a nipple; Kevin was rapidly going into a lustful heat.
Kevin turned to face his lover. They looked into each other's eyes when, without warning, Kevin lunged at Mark and the two were locked in a passionate kiss. As they kissed, tongues dueled and mouths sucked; each boy's lust fueled by the scent and taste of the other. The lovers shared a room in the dorm and always slept spooned together. They always awoke with Mark's manhood pressed into the crevice of Kevin's cheeks. Almost every night the two shared their bodies before falling asleep. Tonight was different. Their sex was driven by an undefined lust, a need, a demand for each to expend their full energies on the other.
Kevin broke the kiss; both breathed hard. They exchanged looks of desire and need; no words needed to be exchanged. Without breaking eye contact, Mark was soon out of his clothes, as naked as any boy at New Horizons. Tossing the clothes aside, Kevin pushed Mark back towards the tree and then attacked Mark's manhood, swallowing the entire length of his pole in one quick movement. Mark inhaled sharply and then cried out his pleasure as Kevin flexed his throat muscles, teasing his lover. Kevin didn't let up and added more stimulation as he held and massaged Mark's testicles. The overwhelming sensation ended only when Kevin had to back off for air.
Mark gripped Kevin at the shoulders and pulled him to the side. Rolling his lover to the ground, Mark lay half-way on top of him as he drove his tongue into the boy's mouth. With a free hand, he simultaneously grabbed Kevin's package and massaged his balls. Kevin moaned and cried out his pleasure into Mark's mouth. Tonight they were not gentle. Tonight, each lover went after what he wanted. Tonight, each gave his lover all he had to give.
Mark licked, sucked and nibbled every inch of his lover he could touch. Kevin did the same. Both boys rolled in the dirt. Their sweating bodies now covered in dirt; neither cared. Mark lay on top of Kevin and Kevin pulled his legs up and wrapped them around Mark's waist.
"Fuck me," Kevin almost pleaded; his need was high. "Fuck me and fill me till I can't hold any more. Now . . . .I need you."
"I don't have any lube. I can't; I'll hurt you."
"Give me your pole and I'll coat it with my spit. I can jerk off and we'll use my cum for lube."
Mark grinned, but he didn't masturbate his lover. Mark wet his own middle finger and then inserted it into Kevin's rectum. Mark quickly found the magic spot and began working the spot. Kevin nearly cleared the ground from the sensation.
"OHHHHH GAAHHHDD!! . . . .YYEEESSS!!. . . .OOOOHHHH FUUUCK!! . . .YES! . . .YES! . . .YES! . . .OOOHHH GGAAHHDD!! ; ; ;UUNNGGH! . . .UUNNGGHH! . .ohhh . .oohhh . .oohhh . .oohhh . .YYYEEEEESSS!!! . .AAAAAHHHH!!!"
Mark caught as much of Kevin's cum in the palm of his hand as he could. Kevin had been so worked up that the first shot went over his head and he had not warned Mark he was going to cum. Mark didn't worry, producing substantial amounts of cum was never a problem for Kevin. Mark rubbed the juices around Kevin's treasure cave and pushed as much inside as he could. Mark placed his saliva coated pole at the opening and pressed forward, gently. As he began to penetrate, Kevin wrapped his legs around Mark's waist and grabbed the older boy's shoulders. Without warning and using all his strength, Kevin impaled himself fully.
"AAAAUUUGGGGHHH!! . . .OOOOHHHH SSSHHIIITT!! . . .FUUUCK!!" Kevin screamed. The sound, a combination of lust, pleasure and sharp pain. The boy lay on the ground panting for breath. Soon, he looked his lover in the eye and smiled as he mouthed "Take me . . .take me, hard".
Mark and Kevin were affectionately known at New Horizons as 'the screamers'. It didn't seem to matter which one was being dominant and which one submissive, because they frequently changed roles. They both had a habit of broadcasting their feelings. When in the dorm the other boys had often overheard one telling the other to not be so loud. The inside joke was that both had obviously learned to whisper in a saw mill. The boys thought that by being in the grove, their lovemaking would be more private and less like a radio show. They didn't allow for the heavier atmosphere at night that carried sound. The older boys in the dorm could hear almost everything, and enjoyed the show.
"Jesus, man," Tanner commented while he stroked his fourteen year old maleness, "is that who I think it is?"
"Well, if you're thinking 'the screamers', our guess is your right," Tim answered. "Listen to 'em, man. Somebody's really gettin' his ass plowed. You can hear the grunts every time his ass gets pounded."
"That's Kevin doin' all that hollerin'. If I didn't know better, I'd think he was gettin' hurt, but he keeps beggin' for more. Mark ain't no little guy neither; he ain't got nothin' ta be ashamed of in the equipment department."
"Shit, that's only a little part of it. I don't know how long they been goin' at it, but one of 'ems bound ta be ready ta pass out from exhaustion. How many times do ya think he can fill Kevin's butt before one of 'em gives out?"
"Dude, they don't care. They're goin' for some kinda record. I know one thing though, I can't just sit out here and keep playin' with myself. I gotta get in the shower. Are the youngun's down yet?" With that question, the boys looked at one another and smiled. Everyone had the same thought; it was shower fun time!
The boys didn't waste any time trying to pair up. All of them were horny and just wanted relief. The boys quickly got their bodies wet and then turned and soaped up whoever was standing near them. Some of the boys soaped up more than one other boy. Soapy hands went everywhere, always pausing to give extra attention to the male poles standing erect from young bodies or explore the valley between bubble cheeks. Each boy was being caressed and caressing another boy. Tanner bent over to pickup a bar of soap and felt someone at his backdoor. Tanner spread his feet and pulled his cheeks apart for whoever was there. When another boy stepped up in front of him, he automatically opened his mouth.without bothering to look up. Tanner was a standing skewer.
No one paid attention to whoever held or fondled their private parts. This was a full blown, out and out, teen boy orgy, fueled by teenage lust; there was never anything more powerful. All the boys engaged in some sexual activity, but normally with a particular partner. Tonight, everybody was everyone's partner. Boys sucked while being sucked. Three boys formed a chain of anal sex with the middle boy showing an expression of pure, never before realized, joy.
When one boy pulled out of Tanner's back door, another walked up and gently grasped his hips, placing his knob at the entry. Tanner braced himself and then pushed back, impaling himself once again. As he was fucked, Tanner allowed the dick in his mouth to move in and out in rhythm to his fucking. The dick was just the right size to go partway down his throat, but not interfere too much with his breathing. Locked into a nice, smooth rhythm, Tanner suddenly felt someone swinging on his own boyhood. Tanner was in heaven until he looked down and saw that it was his eleven year old brother, Bobby, sucking him off. Tanner couldn't break free to say something, and then decided to leave it alone when he saw the look of contentment on Bobby's little face. Tanner made a mental note to ask Bobby when he learned to deep throat someone, or even give a blow job for that matter!
Kevin and Mark strolled through the center courtyard. Paul was sitting on his porch watching them and shaking his head. Kevin, naked as all the boys always were, and Mark, carrying his clothes, saw Paul and shrugged their shoulders. Neither understood the strange, but funny, look on Paul's face. Didn't understand, that is, until they walked into the latrine and looked in the showers. Both were stupefied at the sight before them, not realizing they had been the instigators. They watched a full fledged, no holds barred, teenage sex orgy in progress. They looked at one another and then broke into fits of laughter before stepping into the shower to rinse off and go to bed.
"Hi, I'm Danny and me and my friends are here to visit with you." Danny smiled and cocked his head over a little; more people fell in love with the loveable five year old.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, I'm Elizabeth Risler and I am to be your host. For those of you that have followed our interviews and reports, you probably recognize little Danny. Today, he's brought two special friends with him, Brian and Ian. We understand that at New Horizons the three boys are jokingly referred to as the mud monster triplets. I think anyone that has, or has had, a small boy at home can appreciate the meaning of that.
"This was to be the final debate between Daniel Thompson with New Horizons and David Arnold. Unfortunately, we received a call just moments ago from Mr. Arnold's representatives advising us that Mr. Arnold would not be here today due to a last minute scheduling conflict. We are disappointed because we had hoped to get Mr. Arnold's reaction to the court ruling that Judge Moss handed down yesterday. However, Mr. Thompson is here and he has graciously consented to changing our format to a town hall type meeting. I will turn the microphone over to Daniel and we can proceed." Elizabeth then handed the mike to Daniel who stepped into the middle of the stage. After signaling the boys to move into the audience, Daniel proceeded to address the members of the audience.
"Ladies and gentlemen, those of you who have either seen or attended one of our appearances know that the boys are here to visit with you. Please feel free to ask them anything you like. Like all children, they enjoy attention. If you would like for one them to sit with you for a few minutes, please ask them and they will be delighted, particularly if sitting with you means someone will rub their back; they are really good about getting someone to do that for them." Daniel smiled and laughed as he addressed the people. Many of the people had attended a prior appearance and enjoyed having a boy sit with them. The ladies particularly enjoyed rubbing the boy's back.
"Elizabeth made reference to a court ruling handed down yesterday morning by Judge Moss. I really don't know if the written order has been published. If it has, I haven't had the opportunity to see it. Without getting into any of the details, because I am not an attorney and I don't want to be accused of the unauthorized practice of law, I can tell you that the part of the ruling affecting New Horizons is that fourteen boys who were enslaved are now free. We at New Horizons will be assuming guardianship and care of the boys for the immediate future." Daniel had to pause while there was a long round of applause acknowledging approval of the court ruling.
"Thank you for your response. I will interpret that to mean that everyone in this room will agree with me when I say that children should not be enslaved and made to pay for the debts of a parent." Again, Daniel had to pause for the room to quiet down. "I hope everyone in here will agree with me when I say that children should not be enslaved for any reason. Therefore, today I will not ask you to listen to me argue and try to convince you to agree with our point of view. What I would like to do today is this: first, answer any questions you may have to the best of my ability; and, secondly, hear from you ideas that might help spur people into action. When I say action, I'm talking about contacting your elected representatives and telling them "Enough! . . Change the laws and stop endangering our children!". While Daniel waited for the applause to subside, several hands were raised. Daniel acknowledged one of the people holding their hand up.
"Mr. Thompson, you say you will have care of the boys for the immediate future. Could you please elaborate on that point and also, do you anticipate any trouble with the boys?"
"Well, I don't care for the term 'trouble'. I prefer to say that we do anticipate some challenges. The first challenge is trust. Think about it from their perspective. If you were a happy child one day, handcuffed and dragged off by adults and then sold for something you didn't even understand and then whipped because you asked "Why?", would you trust any adult? I don't think I would; in fact, I know I wouldn't. We have several boys in this room that will tell you that, when they first met us, they wanted to run; we were adults, which meant we were not trustworthy. Usually, children will listen to other children so we will be taking a few boys of varying ages to Tampa with us.
"Another problem we have to face is what we call the 'unknown factor'. This is the first time children have been pulled out of slavery like this. We have been fortunate enough to have the services of a child psychologist who has been consulting with professionals in Europe, where they went through this a number of years ago when they outlawed slavery of children." The audience members asked for more information.
"Do you anticipate having the boys for more than just the immediate future?"
"When we say immediate future, we mean long enough to help the boys make the necessary adjustments. When the doctors believe they are ready, we will try to reunite them with family. It may be the doctors will recommend a gradual reintroduction to family life. That remains to be seen and decided by those more knowledgeable than me. Thank you for your concern and questions."
"Mr. Thompson, you claim that you oppose children as slaves. If that is so, and assuming that our information about the boys at New Horizons going nude all the time is correct, why do you treat them like slaves?" Daniel thought he had found the trouble-maker and mud-raker you find in every crowd. He smiled and continued.
"The information you have is correct, the boys do go nude all the time. However, I think rather than answering your question myself, it might be better for you to ask one of the boys some questions along those lines. If you would like to choose a boy, we'll have a microphone moved to him so everyone can hear." The lady pointed to one of the boys. "The young man you pointed out is TJ. TJ, would you answer the lady's questions?" TJ just smiled and nodded to Daniel.
"Ma'am, we're not slaves and we're not treated like slaves. We go naked 'cause we like to. Most of us, all of us here today, are still young enough that the law says we can. We're just wearing these outfits today 'cause people think we look nice in 'em. You can look at the side of my butt and see that I don't got any tan lines." The people laughed at TJ's innocent use of the colloquial.
"TJ," the lady continued, "masters tell their slaves they have to stay naked to remind them they aren't any better than animals. Do you have an answer to that?" TJ looked puzzled and turned to look at Daniel. The boy thought a moment and it was obvious from his expression when he thought of something.
"The Father said we weren't animals. He said we were His most beautiful creations 'cause we were created in His image. He also said that anything that God created can only be seen as beautiful. If we're seen any other way, then it's because the person seeing us had a dirty mind. He said that's what the Pope said and wrote in his book." The audience smiled and applauded TJ for his response and innocent put-down of the lady. TJ wasn't sure exactly why they cheered him, but he knew it was good.
"The book TJ is referring to is Love & Responsibility," Daniel interjected. "It was written by Karol Cardinal Wojtyla and basically says that nakedness is not to be equated with shamefulness. The body is not shameful. Shamefulness comes from within. The Father that TJ was referring to is the priest that comes to New Horizons and tends to the boys."
"Mr. Thompson, question please?" Daniel acknowledged the gentleman who had called out to him. "We understand part of yesterday's ruling contained a reference to a violation of the state's public policy. We haven't received any information that would elaborate on that. Could you provide us with some insight?" Daniel turned and looked at Arthur who stepped up to the microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm Arthur Sinclair, one of the attorneys in yesterday's hearing. Let me try to give you a quick explanation since it was part of our argument. The basis of the argument is found in Article X, Section 4 of the Constitution. The law exempts the homestead from attachment and forced sale by creditors. Included in the exemption is both real and personal property. To understand the logic behind the law we have to think back to the nineteenth century when we were a raw frontier and agrarian society.
"In the pioneering days life was particularly hard for women and they had a much shorter life expectancy than men. Women worked in the fields with their husband. In addition, they did cooking, cleaning, laundry, had children without the benefit of a doctor and often without the benefit of a midwife. There was no such thing as resting in bed for several days after childbirth. She had to be up and caring for family the next day.
"Assume a woman dies in child-birth. Not only is there a baby to be cared for, but other children as well. The father couldn't care for the childrens' needs, plus his own needs, and work the farm. The solution was a new wife. Sometimes, the solution was a mail- order bride. Think about it. Middle aged man with several children that needed care. Single woman in the city with no hopes of a job, other than as a clerk in the store. Land had value. Middle aged man marries young bride. Middle aged man dies. Young bride sells the farm, pockets the money; and the kids, not being the second wife's responsibility, are left out." Arthur paused a moment to let his audience absorb what he had just said, then continued.
"There was a reason the home was referred to as the family farm. All members of the family worked to keep the family fed, clothed and housed. Little children had chores such as keeping the firewood box next to the stove or fireplace full, or gathering the eggs each morning. From the time they could walk and move about on their own, children helped support the family and the family farm.
"The government recognized the need to protect the children from unscrupulous step- mothers and passed the homestead laws to protect the family, not only from the unscrupulous step-parent, but from creditors who might move in and grab everything. The homestead law not only protects the homestead from forced sale, both real and personal property, but in the event of the death of the head of household, his lineal descendants take fee title, or actual ownership, and the widow receives a life estate or the right to occupy the homestead for the balance of her natural life. These laws define the state's public policy position on the family and protecting the family." Arthur ended his explanation and returned the microphone to Daniel.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm getting a signal that we are nearing the end of our time allotment and there is something I would like to ask of you before I answer any additional questions. If we do run out of time and you have additional questions, I will be glad to discuss them with you after this broadcast. Now . . . in a few weeks a bill will be introduced into the upcoming session of the legislature. While I cannot give you the specifics, primarily because not all of them have been worked out, I can tell you the bill is designed to drastically modify the current slave laws. For one, it will prohibit the enslavement of children no matter what the circumstances. The laws will be rewritten to conform to the laws originally approved by congress limiting slavery to those persons who have committed felonious acts and have proven they are not capable of making positive contributions to society other than as slaves.
"What I am asking of you today, is to contact your senator, your representative, send letters and emails to the governor encouraging them to pass the law immediately. As you know, the governor issued an edict several months ago that no children are to be placed into slavery. That edict will run out before the next session expires. Therefore, it is critical that this law be passed without delay and immediately enacted for the protection of the innocent. Also, please encourage, friends, family members and neighbors to do the same."
"Mr. Thompson!" Daniel looked up to see the nemesis from earlier in the meeting stand. "Do you have any idea what kind of financial burden you are asking the people of this state to assume? You'll bankrupt us!"
"The people of this state will not assume any additional financial burden if the law is passed. We are not asking the people to support the homeless children or orphans or any other child in need. We have proven at New Horizons that the support can be provided through the privatization of foster care. That's what New Horizons is. We are the experiment and we have proven it works."
At the end of the meeting several people approached Daniel with questions and comments. Daniel noticed that the nemesis stood outside the small group and hurriedly took notes. He couldn't help but wonder who this lady was and why she appeared to oppose the program. He hoped Elizabeth would recognize the lady and offer some insight. Daniel didn't hurry his answers or interaction with the people, but he was uptight, inside. Daniel's mind had shifted to the boys in Tampa and the need to get to them.
When the boys had boarded the small bus, Daniel addressed them and advised them what was happening. He let them know they planned on stopping to eat and was pleasantly surprised when several boys told him they could skip the meal if it would help save time. Daniel thanked the boys but told them they were never in so much of a hurry that they had to go hungry. He joked with them and told them Mr. Barry and Mr. Bob would never forgive him for returning a bus-full of ravenous boys to their mess hall. Stopping to eat would make life much easier for all concerned.
Outside of the congested areas of Orlando, Daniel spotted a McDonald's. All the boys enjoyed hamburgers and it was fast food. Daniel used his cell phone to contact Elizabeth and Colin in the van ahead of them. The group met in the parking lot. Daniel parked the bus and laughed when he saw some of the boys had gotten more comfortable and busied themselves putting their cloths back on. As the boys entered the restaurant, it became quiet and a large man approached them.
"Boys, hold it. You can't come in here dressed like that! Didn't you see the sign on the door that says shirt and shoes required? I'm sorry, but you'll have to leave." Daniel was the last to enter and didn't hear all of what the gentleman said.
"Excuse me. I'm responsible for the boys. Did they do something wrong?"
"Yes, they did. I'm Frank Harrison, the manager, and I'm afraid your boys cannot eat here. They aren't properly dressed."
"Hey! That's Daniel Thompson," A gentleman's voice called out. "I've seen his picture in the paper and he was just on television. Those boys are what he calls The Cherubs from New Horizons." Quickly one acknowledgement after another was heard, followed with a call to leave the boys alone. Some people even offered to buy the boys lunch. Daniel looked at the manager and waited.
"Well, you know the old saying, 'the customer's always right'," Harrison said with a blushing smile. "Mr. Thompson, I didn't realize who you were or the boys. Please, you are welcome here any time. Oh, and lunch for you and your party is on the house." The manager called two employees over to take the boys' orders, including three Kid's Meals.
Daniel watched his boys and enjoyed seeing them laugh as the customers interacted with them. Lunch took a little longer than planned, but it was well worth it. Near the end of lunch, Jeremy approached Daniel.
"You said you were takin' some boys with you to Tampa. Can I go and help?" Daniel stopped eating and looked at Jeremy.
"Jeremy, do you know where we are going? I'm not sure you're ready for something like this." Jeremy looked at Elizabeth who gave him a reassuring smile.
"I'm scared ta death of the place, but I know how scared those boys are too. I think I can help if you'll stay with me. That place is one of the things I gotta face. I'm free now. I'm not supposed to be afraid, but I am; a little."
"I know you are afraid, a little." Daniel turned and placed a hand on each of Jeremy's shoulders; he understood the boy needing to face what had happened to him. "I also know you are a brave young man, a lot. You can go with me on one condition. If you start getting scared and think that maybe you need to get out, you have to tell me so I can get you out of there. Okay?" Jeremy moved in to wrap his arms around Daniel.
"Yeah," Jeremy answered softly. Daniel held the boy close. He could feel the boy shaking.
End Ch Eighty
To Be Continued Comments welcome, contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com