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-Seven: New Horizons
"Jeremy." Colin approached Jeremy, who was sitting on the side of the pool with Nigel and Derek. "May I interrupt you?" Not knowing exactly what he should say, Jeremy shrugged his shoulders and nodded. Colin elected to kneel by Jeremy and not sit on the edge of the pool with his shoes in the water.
"Jeremy, there's something I would like to do, but I want to do it only with your consent." Jeremy remained expressionless, waiting to hear what it was he would be consenting to. The other two boys sat close by and listened, also. "You know that I've been writing a series of articles for my employer." Colin paused and waited for Jeremy's acknowledgment. "Well, there has always been a great deal of interest in you and that interest, particularly following the prose that several of you wrote, has piqued into a directive to me to write your full story. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Yes, sir." Jeremy's expression said the wheels were turning. "I understand what you're sayin', but why? Why me? I didn't write that by myself. Nige helped write it, too; and TJ and Evan and a couple others. Why not write about him or one of the other boys?"
"Because the other boys didn't go through the same experience. We know they lost their families, but not in the same way. Their families were taken from them. You were taken from your family. They were able to live free on the streets; they could make choices. Your situation was far different." Colin paused to make sure the boy was following what he said, and then continued. "Jeremy, I don't know if you can fully appreciate it or not, and I'm not sure it's the choice you would have made if you had the opportunity, but you have become a symbol. When people see you or hear your name, they associate it automatically with what Mr. Daniel, and the people who work with him and support him, stand for. I know you probably can't appreciate it now, but you will be a piece of history. What do think of that?" Colin wasn't surprised by the confused look Jeremy had.
"Mr. Colin, I'm not so sure I care 'bout bein' a piece o' history. I know I can't go back and change what happened to me, but I just soon not have ta go through it again. Right now, I'd just like ta have a home and be a kid, if I can. I can't tell ya what it's like to be afraid all the time and not have nobody to care."
While they talked, Nigel sat down next to his father. Listening to Jeremy, Colin reached over and placed an arm around each of the boys.
"What was it you wanted me to do?"
"I would like your permission to talk to the Marshalls. You know what happened to you wasn't good and we can appreciate the fact that you were hurt. I think they were too. I'm a parent, so I can relate to how they must have felt."
"You don't need me to say it's okay, do ya?"
"Technically, no. However, since I'll be talking with them about what you were like before you were taken from your home and how it affected them, I didn't want to talk with them without you saying that it was okay. I'd also like to be able to spend more time with you. You know, just the two of us to talk some, if you don't mind." Jeremy gave Colin a quizzical look.
"What I, actually we, are doing, is writing a story to educate people on how bad it is to take children away from their homes and do what happened to you. To tell the whole story we have to be able to include what happened to everyone affected by your enslavement. We will include what happened once you were made a slave and what happened when you were freed. Of course, that all will be with your consent only."
"So, you wanna write a story 'bout me? If it'll help keep some other kid from havin' ta do what I did, then I guess it's okay." Jeremy's expression changed to show a little sparkle in his eyes.
"Good, now I want the three of you to do something for me. Stand up."
All three boys looked first at Colin and then one another. None of them knew what to expect. When the boys were standing, Colin pushed both Jeremy and Nigel into the pool.
"Heeeey!!" both boys screamed.
Colin took a step towards Derek who quickly realized what was about to happen, and jumped into the pool to join his friends.
"Now, that's better," Colin told them. "You boys should be playing and having fun. That will be a requirement before you come in for the evening."
Linda and Arthur watched from inside and laughed when they saw Colin push the boys into the pool. They also laughed when they saw the boys push their hands through the water to splash a wave onto the back of Colin's legs.
Daniel returned to Fort Ogden with the boys, arriving just before dinner was being served. When they arrived, the boys were greeted by some of the boys that had stayed at New Horizons, wanting to know about their experiences. The Cherubs were quick to respond with their stories. Daniel smiled as he watched the boys wander off, knowing the experiences would be enhanced, if for no other reason than to make those that stayed behind jealous.
"Mr. Dan'l?" Daniel turned to see Alex running towards him.
"Hey, Alex. What's up?"
"Mr. Dan'l, I didn't see Jer'my and Nige get off the bus."
"They're still in West Palm with Mr. Arthur and Mr. Colin."
"Is Jer'my comin' back?"
"He'll be back," Daniel reassured the boy. "Mr. Colin had some business to take care of and is staying with Mr. Arthur and Ms. Linda. Jeremy decided to stay for a short visit, but he'll be back the first of the week." Daniel wanted to change the conversation before Alex could ask too many questions. "Have you been doing okay? How's your school work?"
"I've been doin' fine, Mr. Dan'l. I got good grades, too; ask Mr. Mark. It's just that me and Jer'my, well, we kinda got ta be good friends and I was lookin' for 'im, that's all. See ya." Alex turned and trotted towards the pool and basketball courts where a number of the boys were playing. He didn't want Daniel asking him too many questions. He certainly didn't want to have to tell Daniel that he and Sean had gotten together and decided they wanted to get with Nige and Jeremy out near the river for some boy fun.
Daniel watched Alex as he trotted off. He had to smile and feel good when he watched the boys and remembered how frightened all of them were when he first met them. The boys ran around as though they didn't have a care in the world. Daniel also had to laugh as he watched Alex's bubble butt bounce as he trotted. The boys ran around nude as though they had done it all their lives and never considered being any other way. The boys were secure and happy; Daniel knew he couldn't ask for much more for them. He turned and walked towards the administration office.
Paul sat at his desk and appeared, to Daniel, to be going through several files. When Daniel walked in, he gave Paul a questioning look.
"Welcome back," Paul greeted his friend and boss. "How was the trip?"
"Different, for me and the boys." Now it was Paul's turn to give the questioning look. "It was like a rally at each school. The students were signing up other students to vote and then asking them to sign a petition for legislation doing away with slavery. Believe me; they were serious and very enthusiastic. They also gave the boys more attention than they could handle. The boys were telling all kinds of stories about how the girls were feeling them up, and some of the guys were feeling them up, too. Ever try to keep track of a group of aroused teens?"
"Yes," Paul laughed, "we do it here every day. Have you forgotten that half of a teen's time is taken up thinking about sex and how to get relief? The stories I here from around here, I'd say these boys have it down to a science." The two men shared a light moment knowing what Paul said was true.
"Whose files?"
"Several of the new boys. We've written reports from the counselors recommending these boys be reunited with their families. They also recommend that the family receive group counseling for at least the first three months and then another evaluation will be made whether additional counseling is needed."
"Arthur didn't say anything to me about getting a release from the court."
"No, we don't have one that I'm aware of," Paul responded, "but I thought I could get a little head start on locating the families and contact information. I have the contact info on this group. That stack on the corner, I'm still working on."
"Has anyone said anything to the boys?" Daniel asked.
"Not that I know of; no."
"Good, it would be difficult to get their hopes up and then have to keep telling them to be patient." Daniel changed the subject just as the bell rang for dinner to be served. "Any messages?" Paul handed Daniel a few telephone messages which Daniel glanced through before heading for the mess hall. One of the messages was from Arthur. Concerned, Daniel decided to return the call before eating.
The staff sat at their normal table enjoying their meal and being entertained by the boys. Like the boys, the staff normally carried on a light discussion of events while they ate. This time, the staff remained relatively quiet as they eavesdropped on some of the boys.
"Man, you shoulda seen the tits this gal had on her. She was a Dolly Parton wannabe and she kept rubbin' them things up against me." The other boys looked at the story teller and their look said he was full of it and just wishing it was true. "I swear man. Ask some of the other guys; I'm not the only one she was foolin' with."
"She wud'n the only one playin' 'round neither. They wasn't just rubbin' tits. Some gal came up to me with this big ol' smile and just said 'hi'. I thought I'd shoot my load right then and there 'cause she had her fingernails diggin' into my butt. She wasn't alone either and one of 'em was rubbin' my rod, deliberately tryin' ta get me hard." The boys were laughing so hard they had trouble eating.
'Well, did she?"
"No! Some guy had already come up to me and had his hand under my back flap rubbin' my ass and was tryin' ta get his other hand inside my support."
"Did ya help 'im? Maybe he was wantin' ta go somewhere'n have some fun?"
"He did'n hafta go nowhere ta have fun. He was havin' plenty of fun feelin' me up right there in front of everybody."
"Did he get his hands inside?"
"'Bout half way. I could feel his fingers ticklin' the side a' my rod. Man, I was so hard and needin' ta shoot so bad, I even thought 'bout just droppin' it all right there."
"Why did'n ya?"
"Mr. Dan'l, that's why. Whadya think? I don't want him getting' mad at me and havin' ta face that discipline board. Uh-uh, not after the last time I saw Sean unload on Patrick and Brad" The other boys winced as they too remembered how Sean laid into Patrick and Brad. "We made up for it that night though . . . with interest."
Daniel walked into the mess hall and saw the staff members sitting there, laughing. As he sat down, one of the boys on KP brought him a tray and glass of milk. Daniel turned as the tray was set down and saw that it was Ben serving him.
"Ben, you on KP again already?"
"Yes, sir," Ben answered sheepishly.
"Ben?" Daniel waited for the boy to look at him. "Are you being punished for something?"
"Yes, sir; kinda. I messed up and didn't do my school assignments like I was supposed to. Kevin said I had ta do two days of KP, plus my regular turn, plus I gotta get all my assignments done before I can go out ta play with the other guys. He's even makin' me work tomorrow."
"Well, I'm sorry to hear that." With those words, Ben perked up thinking he might have found someone to help him. "Ben, I'm real disappointed that you weren't responsible enough to get your work done and I think Kevin is doing a real good job being your big brother. I'll be sure to give Kevin a pat on the back." Ben's posture seemed to fade with those words. "I know you think Kevin's just being mean, but he's really doing it because he cares about you." Daniel had to suppress a smile as he watched the boy exhale a silent 'humph'. "Do you think you'll have this kind of trouble again?"
"No, sir. I gotta go back ta work." Ben turned and walked back to the kitchen. Daniel and the staff suppressed their laughter.
"You guys were laughing about something else when I came in. What's up?" Daniel asked as he turned to his staff.
"We were listening to the boys talk about their trip. To listen to them, all they did was stand around and let the students feel 'em up. We know they embellished the experience some, but it's still hilarious to listen to them."
"Well, I hate to tell you this, but I saw some of those students with the boys. There was more than one boy that got propositioned, by girls and boys. I kept watching the boys and it was amazing to me how many times the older boys had to go to the bathroom. I didn't realize they had been drinking that much water." The staff members all laughed, fully understanding what Daniel was telling them.
"You know," Rick interjected, "I heard a couple of the boys talking about getting blow jobs in the head and thought they were just BS'ing. Think they really did?" Daniel smiled and just shrugged his shoulders.
"I can tell you this much," Daniel responded, "when we got back to West Palm that first night, all the boys retired early. The little ones were worn out and I put them to bed early. After dinner, some of the boys played in the pool. When they all went into the guesthouse, Arthur and I stayed up and sat on the patio. From the sounds coming out of the guesthouse, they had a full blown, teen boy orgy goin' on."
"Do the kids know that you heard them?"
"No. We didn't see any sense in embarrassing them. Besides, like I said, if you could have seen what some of those students were doing, you'd just wonder how the boys managed to wait that long to start fooling round." The staff members had stopped listening to the boys and enjoyed Daniel's story. Daniel looked around the table.
"Where's Mark and Terry and Greg?"
"They're sitting over there with Kevin, Frank and some of the other older boys. About three this afternoon, they decided it was time to have some fun, so they stripped down and were playing some b-ball and swimming with the boys. Since you don't like staff here without clothes, they decided to stay naked and sit with the boys."
"Well, I want to talk to Terry and Greg before they get out of here. Colin stayed in West Palm with Arthur. I spoke to them just before coming in here. Colin has an appointment to meet with the Marshalls, Jeremy's natural parents, for an interview. It's part of the research he's doing for his paper and he thought Terry and Greg might want to join him since they are also doing a paper for their school."
"They should jump at that chance. It isn't often you get to talk to parents that have lost a child; most parents decline interviews."
"Well, it may get complicated. Terry and Greg also want to experience a family being reunited. Arthur just told me that we have clearance to begin the reuniting process. The state has made a proposal and part of it follows our proposal for group counseling after the families have been reunited. Paul, I think we may have some good phone calls to make after we eat." Paul smiled in response as did all the staff members.
"Any idea how many we can return home?" Jeff asked.
"On my desk I have four absolutes and three pretty good shots," Paul answered, and then turned to Daniel. "When do you want to set up the meetings?"
"Tomorrow, if we can. There's no sense in keeping these boys away from their families any longer than necessary. I want to call Elizabeth, too. She asked me to let her know when we were putting families back together. She'll come out with a camera and want to do interviews. The exposure is good for keeping some pressure on politicians.
As the men talked, they spotted Mark, Terry, Greg and Kevin, with Brad and Patrick dropping their trays. As the group approached, Daniel let them know he wanted to speak to them for a moment. Mark stopped and pointed out to Daniel that they weren't wearing any clothes. Daniel laughed and motioned for them to sit down.
"You guys aren't the first naked men I've ever seen. Kevin, I had a little talk with Ben. I was surprised to see him on KP; I thought he had it just a few days ago. When I asked him about it he told me you gave him two days for not finishing his assignments and then he had to get his school work complete before he could play with the other boys. I just wanted to tell you that you're doing a good job with him. Just try to find an excuse to give him a little break along the way so he doesn't get too far down."
"Thanks, Mr. Dan'l," Kevin answered, smiling. "I figured when he got off KP tonight that I'd take a little time with him. Maybe I'll take him into the shower with me tonight and we'll get a water fight goin'; the kids his age usually like that."
"What's the sense of a water fight in the shower?" Daniel asked.
"None, that's the point. They just spit water at one another and nobody gets messed up." Daniel shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.
"Brad, you and Patrick doin' okay with Sean?"
"Yes, sir, Mr.Dan'l. He doesn't always like it, but we make sure he gets the school work done. If he doesn't, then he gets grounded."
"How do you ground him?"
"Uh, Mr. Dan'l, do you really want to know?"
"Why not? Do you really think there's much you boys do around here that I don't know about? Including why you guys like to take a walk out beyond the groves?" Daniel smiled as two young men blushed.
"Well, that's how, Mr. Dan'l. He doesn't get to go for a walk. He likes ta walk with Jimmy or Scottie or a couple other boys on what we call a mission of discovery?" Daniel laughed and waved the boys on.
Mark, Greg and Terry remained at the staff table. Daniel looked at the three of them and couldn't help but laugh.
"Well, guys, all I can say right now is that I'm glad I'm not trying to explain this to anyone. I bet we look like an interesting sight with three of us naked and the rest dressed."
"That's easy, Daniel," Greg volunteered, "we were having a little trouble getting the new boys to open up to us. We thought that if we kind of joined them, they might open up a little easier. Actually, it was Professor Hofstetter's idea, and it worked."
"Really," Daniel commented. "What did you learn?" Greg turned to look at Bernie Hofstetter who realized that Greg was waiting for him to explain the idea.
"Daniel, Carl and I were talking the other night and realized that this is the first time anyone has had the opportunity to study young people that have been enslaved and then released. Children have been released in the past, but there wasn't a study made to determine how they felt, or how they readjusted. When we say felt, we're talking about their feelings towards their families and what they experienced as slaves. More importantly, about how they reacted or adjusted to the free world and how society adjusted to or accepted them."
"Bernie, that's actually been part of the issues we face now." Daniel said. "Arthur has told me it would help if we could locate data on how to care for these kids, and their families, during the post-slavery period while they adjust. We didn't have any material and, because of that, we are using counselors and really just feeling our way through this. I still don't understand why Greg and Terry are, . .well, doing what they're doing."
"Terry, Greg and Mark are the three youngest members of the staff. Most people that have worked with young people will tell you that they will accept and open up to a peer much more quickly than to an adult. Remember, an unwritten rule of children is to never trust an adult. After what these kids have been through, that rule has been reinforced. Beginning this past Tuesday, the three of them have been running around here like they were part of the kids' group, not staff, and received positive results."
"What did we learn?" Daniel asked.
"Well, they still don't trust adults as a whole" Greg expressed his opinion. "They're pretty good with adults around here because you brought them out of slavery. Some of them still aren't sure that they won't be sent back. When we sit and talk with them, we've been able to get them to open up about family and how they feel. Most would just like to go back to the way things were, but they don't think it's going to happen. Most of them want to go home and just be held. Some of them are afraid their parents won't take them back."
"What we've been doing, Daniel," Mark interrupted, "is talking with the boys and consulting with the counselors. We've also been keeping records on whose talking to us and what they say, as well as the way they react to certain questions."
"Sounds as though you gentlemen have made a real breakthrough. Good." Daniel paused a moment and then continued. "The reason I wanted to talk with you was to let you know that Colin is interviewing the Marshalls, Jeremy's parents, tomorrow afternoon. Also, we have clearance to return three or four boys to their parents. Knowing your interest in how the boys adjust and the general effects of slavery on the boys and their families, I thought you might like to be present for one of those events."
The professors, as well as Mark, Greg and Terry reacted immediately. They all wanted to be present for everything. Choices had to be made since boys would be returned that weekend and Colin would be with the Marshalls.
"Daniel, I noticed that Jeremy didn't come back. Has he decided on his direction?" Carl Lewis asked.
"He met with his natural parents and they talked. It was emotional and the Marshalls also talked with Arthur and Linda. Jeremy said he needed to know that his parents didn't hate him and they understood that he didn't hate them or blame them. Right now he's with Arthur and Linda, but will be coming back with Colin."
"Coming back?" Mark commented more than asked. "I thought he would want to stay where he had parents and a home."
"Sounds like he may be avoiding the choice," Carl commented. "If he comes back here, then he hasn't hurt the Marshals or the Sinclairs and he can see them when he wants. Plus, back here, he has friends and support. I'm not qualified in psychology, but I'd guess Jeremy still has some issues to work out."
Daniel had sat quietly, listening to the comments and trying to decide for himself whether Jeremy had made a real choice; or chosen not to make a choice. He made a mental note to talk with Arthur and Linda and suggest Jeremy receive more counseling. Jeremy would have to choose one day. He couldn't move on trying to straddle issues.
"I'd like to make a suggestion," Terry spoke up, "since Mark, Greg, Carl and Bernie, and myself, are all interested in the sociological aspects, would it be possible for us to split into two teams?"
Daniel didn't say anything. He did look from one person to the other to see their reaction to Terry's suggestion. All of the men appeared to agree. Daniel continued to wait to see if anyone had something to add or other comment. While he waited, Brian and Ian approached Carl and Bernie. Both boys climbed up into the older gentlemen's laps like they were expected. Both men helped the boys up and gave them a hug. Daniel turned to find Danny standing by his side with an expectant look. Daniel picked the boy up and rubbed his back. After a couple of minutes, the boys were sent out to play.
"I think it's a good idea," Daniel finally commented, and then smiled. "Why do I think the five of you might have worked part of this out before now?" The smiles told Daniel he had guessed correctly.
"Okay, whoever is going to be with Colin needs to give him a call. The other team needs to meet with me in the office to work things out for the return of the boys."
Just minutes before eleven in the morning Jordan Richardson and his wife Rebecca, parents of nine year old William, parked in front of the administration building. Kevin had been selected to keep William occupied out of sight of the administration offices. Mark, Terry, Carl Lewis and Father Andrew waited with Daniel for the Richardson's arrival. When the car stopped and the couple approached the office, Daniel stepped into the reception area to meet them.
The Richardsons had been told that they would need to meet for about an hour to discuss William and what William had discussed with his counselor. Arrangements also needed to be made for ongoing counseling for the family. The Richardsons would be given conditional custody of their son. When the counselor decided that William was secure and it would be in his long-term best interest to remain with his parents, a full restoration of parental rights would be made.
Daniel understood the anxiety the parents had to be feeling and why Mrs. Richardson kept looking out the window; she was hoping to see her son. Daniel advised them that William was being kept busy in another area, but it would only take a couple of minutes to bring him in when the time arrived. Daniel tried to assure them that he would not delay the reunion any longer than absolutely necessary. As they worked out time schedules for counseling and follow-up meetings, the bell sounded for lunch. Daniel explained to the Richardsons what the bell meant and that was where William was. A few minutes later, Daniel nodded for Terry to bring the boy in. Daniel spoke to the Richardsons while they waited.
"Mrs. Richardson, I noticed you looking out the window while we talked. I understand you hoped to see William, and I'm sure you saw several of the boys. I thought it was unusual that you didn't say something to us about the way the boys run around nude."
"Jordan and I both followed your television sessions and have heard you speak about the boys many times. We understand, and agree with your philosophy. We allowed William to go nude most of the time at home and tried to teach him not to be ashamed of himself. There were times that we would allow him to stay nude for so long that, when we did try to get him to wear clothes, he really fussed."
Terry was gone for less than ten minutes. As they entered the reception area, Daniel could hear Terry reassuring William that he had done nothing wrong and was not in trouble. William kept asking then why Daniel wanted to see him. Daniel stepped into the doorway.
"William, I wanted to see you because we have a very special surprise for you."
Daniel stepped back so William could enter the room. William noticed there were a number of people in the room, including Father Andrew. He looked at the people and suddenly froze when he saw his parents. William stood, staring silently. It was almost as though he was afraid to believe what he was seeing. Rebecca leaned down and held out her arms. William began to cry and ran to his parents who scooped him up into a long awaited hug. Daniel and the other men watched for a moment and then stepped outside to give the Richardsons privacy.
When they stepped outside, Terry looked around and realized he wasn't the only one with tears in his eyes.
"Is it always like this, Mr. Dan'l?"
"Yes, Terry, it is. This is what we live for. Great feeling, isn't it?" Terry just nodded and all the men laughed at how emotional they were.
After a few minutes the Richardsons joined the men outside. Daniel leaned down to ask William if there were any boys he wanted to say goodbye to. William initially looked surprised; he had not considered that he probably would be leaving his new friends. He did want to say goodbye to Ben and Scottie and the twins. When he identified the twins, Daniel was a little surprised and had to smile. He wasn't going to ask what kind of games they had played. Terry took William back to the mess hall and called his friends out so they could say goodbye.
When William returned to his parents, it was obvious that he had been crying some more. The group could look towards the mess hall and the friends, whom William would most likely never see again, still stood outside waving to him. They, too, were crying. Their tears were a mix of sadness for the loss of a friend and the happiness that one of them would again be loved. Each boy hoping that, one day, they would again have a family to love them.
Mark exited the administration office as William returned to his parents. Mark told William that he had a new pair of shorts and shirt, plus sandals, for him to put on to go home. William looked at Mark like he was being punished.
"Do I hafta?"
Jordon looked at his naked son and laughed. Before William knew what was happening, his dad had scooped him up and tossed the boy over his shoulder. The last sound Daniel and the men heard from William was the squeal of a happy boy going home.
End Ch Eighty-Seven To Be Continued
Comments Welcome: contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com