Chapter Twenty-Eight
The first day of court, the courtroom was busy with people quietly talking and moving about. Wheeler sat at the defendant's table. Rich sat down next to him and talked softly to him.
Then, when his father and mother came into the courtroom and Wheeler saw them, he immediately threw up all over the floor. Lloyd jumped the railing to get to him. Court was recessed until the next day. It took everyone talking to Wheeler the rest of the morning to calm him down.
The second day went better. Anytime Wheeler felt sick or upset, he looked back to where Lloyd and the rest of the guys sat. This seemed to calm him.
The judge came in, and Rich stood up. Slowly he looked over at Wheeler, and Wheeler nodded.
"If it pleases the court..." Rich began in a loud voice.
The judge nodded.
"Your honor, my client has changed his mind. He has decided that he agrees to go back to live with his parents."
Everyone heard the gasp from Lloyd and the other guys.
The smile on Wheeler's dad's face was huge.
The judge looked at Wheeler.
"Son, is this true?"
"Yes, your honor."
Lloyd started to get up, but John held him in place, leaned over, and whispered to him, "Just wait. There's more."
Wheeler then continued.
"I'll go back to my parents and live with them. But to make sure that it is really ME they want, I've decided to give all my money back to Lloyd."
Wheeler's father jumped up from his chair. His face was furious and red with rage as he screamed at Wheeler.
"You can't do that, you little faggot! That money is mine, and you are not going to give it back to that faggot boyfriend of yours. You're coming back to live with us, and you're keeping the money! Why the hell do you think we'd want your faggot ass back if you didn't have the money?"
The other lawyer tried to shut him up, but he wasn't getting through to Wheeler's father. The striking of the gavel silenced everyone in the courtroom.
Rich, still standing, had a smile on his face. The judge noticed this but didn't comment on it.
"Is there anything more, Mr. Noonan?"
Rich looked over at Wheeler and then answered.
"Yes, judge. From Mr. Dalton's outburst, the court can clearly see where his loyalties lie and what he is really trying to get control of."
The judge looked down at the papers, then quickly spoke.
"This court stands in recess until three o'clock. Mr. Noonan, I will see you and your client in my chambers in five minutes."
Lloyd was the first to get to the rail. Wheeler turned to look at him.
"I'm so sorry, Lloyd. Rich and I and Uncle John just thought that up. We knew we only stood a small chance, but we figured we had nothing to lose. The courts in Michigan always try to get families together... not keep them apart."
"I understand," said Lloyd, "but you owe me big time for nearly giving me a heart attack." Then he smiled at him.
"We'd better get to the judge's chamber," said Rich. He and Wheeler left the courtroom escorted by a court officer. .....
At three o'clock, the gavel was struck, and court was back in session. The judge looked straight at Wheeler's father.
"Mr. Dalton. You have shown this court what your real intentions are toward your son. I find that your claim that he is not in full control of his mental abilities, and that you were defending yourself when you beat him, and also that you were forced to sign over guardianship papers under duress... appalling! The fact that you tried to have him snatched, and, in a sense, kidnapped... completely unnerving.
"If you disagree with my decision, you may file an appeal. That, sir, is your right. But with the current court system as it is, that would take at least two years, and young Mr. Dalton would be a adult by then.
"I find myself in agreement with the papers Mr. Noonan has presented this court. Young Mr. Dalton has proved his worth and shown a continued mature attitude. And so, my decision is that I grant his emancipation from you. Young Mr. Dalton will, from this moment on, be responsible for his own life and needs no further contact with you... unless he so desires.
"Furthermore, I have issued a restraining order... and let me make this perfectly clear, sir, if you are caught within two thousand feet of young Mr. Dalton, I will make sure that you spend ninety days in jail for every foot by which you cross that line.
"I have talked with young Mr. Dalton, and I find him to be intelligent, articulate, and very well aware of his mental state. He has a good home, a loving family, and a wealth of friends that truly care for him."
Then the judge looked at Wheeler.
"Young Mr. Dalton. You are hereby free to go where and when you choose.
"Case dismissed."
And with that, he slammed the gavel, and Wheeler and his friends cheered. The judge smiled and left the courtroom.
The bailiff walked over to Wheeler's parents' table and spoke firmly.
"You are to leave immediately. You are currently in violation of the judge's order."
Their lawyer stated, "Not until he is served with the papers."
The bailiff reached out and placed the papers in Mr. Dalton's hand.
"You are hereby served now."
And so, their sorry and shameful attempt at greed having failed completely, Mr. and Mrs. Dalton got up and left the courtroom... never once looking back at Wheeler.
As the boys walked down the stairs, Wheeler turned to Rich.
"Mr. Noonan, I don't know how I will ever be able to thank you enough for everything."
Rich reached in his pocket and handed Wheeler a piece of paper.
"Here's my bill!"
He walked away laughing... putting his arm around his son and motioning for Glenn to join them.
Wheeler looked at Lloyd with his eyebrows lifted.
Lloyd just smiled and said, "I'll bet you'll be able to afford it."
As the two of them reached the bottom of the stairs, a new white Jeep stopped at the corner.
"Need a ride, guys?"
Sitting behind the wheel was Jerry. Wheeler started to get into the back, but Lloyd stopped him.
"Hey! Why don't you drive?"
"No. That's OK. I wouldn't want to wreck it."
I hope not. After all, it is yours. Happy Birthday, babe!"
Wheeler looked completely stunned.
"But... but my birthday isn't until this weekend.
"Yeah, I know. But I thought that since this was going to be a good day, I might as well add to it. Go on. It's yours... free and clear."
Wheeler jumped around the Jeep and climbed into the driver's seat.
"Wow! This is just like yours. How will we tall them apart?"
"That's easy... just look at the front."
Wheeler looked at Lloyd for a second, and Lloyd pointed to the front of the jeep. Wheeler jumped out of the seat and walked around to the front. On the front bumper was a red plate with white letters spelling out one simple word: WHEEL'S
Wheeler ran to the passenger side and kissed Lloyd. He didn't care who saw him. He was just so happy... for the first time in a long time.
As they were making their way towards home, Wheeler looked over at Lloyd.
"I guess you found a salesman that would at least listen to you."
Lloyd smiled.
"Yeah. I think they will listen to me now!"
Wheeler looked puzzled until Lloyd continued.
"Well, Uncle John and I went back the next day, and the same salesman came up to me and said, 'Well, I thought you were never going to bring your dad in so we could meet and see what we could find for you.'
"Uncle John told me to look around then asked to see the owner. Come to find out, Uncle John knew the guy, and he was doing the investments for him. Well, long story short, the guy wanted out of the car business. Soooo... after working out the details with Ted and Rich, well... I just bought the dealership lock stock and barrel!
"But I have to tell you this. We own it...you and me together."
By the time they pulled into the drive, Wheeler was just speechless.
Lloyd said, "Well, the final papers were signed yesterday, and, with everything going on, I didn't want to bother you, but you need to sign the papers as well. It's Dalton- Patterson Chrysler-Jeep-Eagle... now."
"Wow! We own it?"
"No," laughed Lloyd, "Dalton Patterson Inc. does!
"And today, before court, when Jerry and I went over there to pick up your Jeep, the same dorky salesman came up to me and asked, 'How many fathers do you have? Is this one going to buy you a car?' I told him that I was buying it myself. When he laughed at me, I told him he was fired. He started laughing harder... until the Operations Manager came out of his office and ran over and said, 'Good mooring, Mr. Patterson.'
"The salesman went white and started shaking. He'd heard that the dealership had been sold... but not to me!"
Lloyd was laughing so hard now that he could hardly continue
"I told Ops Manager to make sure that the salesman was gone by the end of the day. He said he would be. He'd had some other complaints about his rude way of treating potential customers, and that he was not a very good 'people person'. I signed the papers on the Jeep and told the Ops Manager to make sure that the sale and the commission were credited to Corey, the new young salesman. He'd always treated me right, and he was the one who tried to help me after the older guy treated me so badly."
By this time, the boys had gotten to the dormer, and, once inside, Wheeler reached into his suit pocket and pulled out the envelope that Rich had given him. He sat down on the couch and opened it. He noticed that there was a check inside and a note.
"Well, I'll be damned!"
Lloyd looked worried and reached out and took the note to read.
..... Dear Mr. Dalton, Please find my bill enclosed for services rendered in your case. Office administration, filings and court costs, and other legal fees...$1.00 Refund check for over-payment enclosed ...$19.00
Knowing that my Ritchie has some of the finest friends in the world ,and people that will stand by him when he needs them, is more than enough to cover the cost of what I had to do for you.
And learning, after doing some checking, that somehow you and Lloyd had something to do with Ritchie and Glenn both getting a scholarship for four years to Michigan State is more than enough.
And in addition, you thought you could keep it a secret that not only Ritchie and Glenn but also Allen and Jason... all four of them got a four-year free ride to college. Would that not raise a few questions? Come on, Wheeler, even Jerry, Ted and I are not that dumb!
Besides, I make enough of a fee handling the other things for you guys. This one is on me. .....
It was signed, 'Rich Noonan.'
"Damn!" said Lloyd. "I'd thought we got away with that one."
"Guess not," said Wheeler.
The rest of the week passed uneventfully. The boys were packing things for the weekend trip to the lake house when Glenn said to Jason,
"I still can't believe you pitched last night."
Jason just smiled and signed, 'Yeah, but it was only in relief, and I took care of them.'
"Yeah," Allen chimed in, "came in for four innings and struck out nine and forced the other three to pop up!"
'I was on a roll.'
The boys all laughed even more when Allen said, "Yeah... and after the game as well!" and he blushed a bright red.
Jason just smiled again.
The boys got to the lake house a little after 7:30 p.m. After unloading the car and Wheeler's new Jeep, they all stretched out in the family room.
"Tomorrow is my birthday," Wheeler said, "and I can't even imagine spending it with anybody but you guys... my friends."
The boys all smiled at him.
They also all knew that tonight was going to see some hot action. Things were going to get a little different... and they were really ready!
Allen was sitting next to Jason and ran his hand up and down his thigh. Jason had his hand behind Allen and rubbed his back.
Wasting no time at all, Ritchie already had Glenn's shorts down around his mid-thigh and stroked his cock while Glenn kissed his neck and mouth.
Lloyd sat on the floor in front of Wheeler and had just turned around and was pulling his shorts and underwear off him.
"OK. Stop," laughed Ritchie. "There are way too many clothes on in this room."
That was all it took. They all stopped what they were doing and stripped naked.
Lloyd made the first move. He reached out and stroked Glenn's cock.
"Man, that is a nice one."
Jason looked wide-eyed.
Next, Wheeler went over to Ritchie. He dropped to his knees and slid his mouth over the head of Ritchie's cock and licked the bottom of his shaft with his tongue.
Ritchie and Lloyd kissed... trying desperately to swallow each other's tongue.
Allen looked at Jason, and Jason looked back with a questioning look on his face.
Glenn pulled Lloyd away from Ritchie, kissed him deep in his mouth, and then dropped to his knees to take Lloyd all the way down. He was doing a good job of it.
The four boys soon were a mass of arms and legs in the middle of the floor.
Allen slowly slid off the chair and removed his final piece of clothing before he slid his mouth right onto Jason's cock. Jason moaned out loud... a guttural growl... and grabbed Allen's head with both hands.
Lloyd pulled up and found himself face-to-face with Jason's tight ass. He leaned forward and ran his tongue up and down the full length of the finely-haired ass crack, and Jason slammed his cock deep into Allen's mouth.
Jason and Allen slid down to the floor, and The Birthday Party began!
Wheeler found himself the center of attention... a willing captive of the others as they all made love to his whole body.
Jason and Allen started sucking his cock... taking turns on his nine-inch monster. Then they put both of their mouths on it together... one on each side... and slurped down both sides... sucking and licking as they went.
Ritchie and Glenn were both sliding their own cocks back and forth over Wheeler's open mouth, and Wheeler was trying to suck and lick both of them at the same time.
Ritchie and Glenn were flicking their tongues over his nipples.
Lloyd put a pillow from the couch under Wheeler's butt and was rimming him... and nibbling on his balls as well.
Wheeler got to the point where he couldn't take any more.
"FUCK ME! Somebody, please fuck me!"
Lloyd pulled away and handed Jason a condom and lube. Jason looked at him, and Lloyd nodded.
"He loves you like a brother. Show him."
Jason looked at Allen, and Allen just smiled and nodded.
"We're all brothers here. It's OK."
Jason didn't need a second opinion! He lubed up his cock... which was much like Wheeler's in length and only a little smaller around... then moved into position and raised Wheeler's legs up on his shoulders. Wheeler beamed a glorious smile at him as he moved forward and slowly entered him.
Jason let out a soft moan of joy as he slid in gently... until his cock was buried as far as it would go into Wheeler.
Lloyd moved over to Ritchie and went into a sixty-nine with him.
Allen moved over to Glenn and slid his cock in and out of his mouth in a slow steady rhythm.
But Allen was also close enough to Wheeler to get a taste of that incredible cock he'd heard so much about. So while he had his own cock going down Glenn's throat, Allen opened up his mouth above Wheeler's enormous slab of meat and watched the pre-cum flowing from the wide-open slit in that gigantic glistening helmet.
'Damn!' thought Allen.' That is the biggest, most delicious thing I've ever seen,' and he took a moment to enjoy the sight in front of his open mouth.
Wheeler was already in ecstasy being fucked by Jason, so when he felt the hot breath of Allen's mouth hovering over his swollen cock, he opened his eyes wide and began to get really vocal!
"Unnnn....Arrghhhh..."
Allen's tongue circled Wheeler's slippery head.
"OHH.... GOD... YESSSS!"
And with that, Allen just sank his mouth all the way down on Wheeler's huge cock... taking it all as it pushed down his throat. He didn't even have to move his mouth up and down because, as Jason slammed hard and fast into Wheeler's ass, it drove Wheeler's cock in and out of Allen's suctioning mouth.
"UNNNNNNNHHHHH..... OHHHHH..... FUUUUUCK!..."
Hard as it was it imagine that it was even possible, Allen felt Wheeler's cock swell even more, and Wheeler had grabbed his hair and held his head down on his cock as he continued to roar and thrash his body about beneath the fucking of Jason's cock in his ass and Allen's mouth wrapped around his meat.
The eruption was immediate.
"I'M CUMMING.... FUCK!... HERE IT COMESSSSS...."
Allen relaxed his throat totally. He felt Wheeler's cock go into spasm, and shot after shot just pumped right on down his throat. 'What a meal!' thought Allen.
Jason, meanwhile, had taken in all of Wheeler's wild-man behavior and was thrusting into him with a fury. The animal-like roar and thrashing of the stallion beneath him... and finally the tightening of Wheeler's sphincter around his cock... well, it just drove Jason over the edge... totally.
He let out a loud strange-sounding scream... threw his head back... and his load gushed out into the confines of the rubber.
Well, it was a chain-reaction. Jason's climax sent everyone else into orbit too, and, one by one, sounds of orgasmic bliss... and the smell of sweat and cum... filled the room.
As the boys came down from their highs, Allen was the first to say anything.
"I don't know what just happened, but I have to say honestly... I don't feel bad about it. It was just incredible!"
Lloyd looked at him.
"Allen, what we just did was more like brothers giving and sharing. It's not like it's going to happen this way a lot. Long ago, the rest of us had all agreed to that. We will never do what we just did alone with anyone in particular. But if we're all together... then, and only then, if we all want it too.
"I understand."
Jason signed, 'Shower,' and Ritchie said, "Yeah, sounds like a good idea."
He got up from the floor and reached down and pulled Glenn up as well. The rest of the boys also got up and looked around the room. Jason walked over to Lloyd and Wheeler and kissed them both deeply, then moved to Ritchie and Glenn and repeated the kissing. Allen moved to Lloyd and Wheeler, and then to Glenn and Ritchie.
When Jason and Allen had left the room to go to take a shower, Ritchie moved over to Lloyd and kissed him... reaching down to grab his ass as he did so.
Wheeler was kissing Glenn when he reached over and took Ritchie's hand from his boyfriend's ass.
"Only as a group!" and smiled.
Glenn kissed Lloyd, and Ritchie kissed Wheeler. When the four broke apart, they headed down the hall way towards their own bedrooms and showers.
There was a content and happy feeling throughout the house that night. Each set of boys knew that what they had experienced and felt was really a love for each other.
.....
At 7:00 a.m., Lloyd was already fixing breakfast. Ritchie and Glenn came bounding into the room grabbing for coffee cups. Ritchie looked around the room.
"Where is Wheels?"
"Asleep. He was really tired after last night."
"Hmm... perhaps there was a 'Round Two?"
"More like Round Three," said Lloyd without a second thought.
"Just like us," said Glenn a bit shyly.
But what if he freaks out?" asked Ritchie.
"First of all," Lloyd answered calmly while looking Ritchie straight in the eye, "it is not 'freaking out,' and second, he's not done that since the day in court. He told me that he had a dream, but he wouldn't tell me what it was about. But ever since that day in court, he hasn't had any trouble sleeping or even napping."
"Sorry. You know I love you both. And sorry I said 'freaking out'."
Lloyd moved across the room and hugged him.
"I know... and we feel the same for you guys as well."
Wheeler slipped around the corner of the room and spotted Lloyd hugging Ritchie, and Glenn was off to the side.
"Hey, what's this? Trading off on me?"
"Well," Lloyd shot back, "maybe in like another thirty years or so."
"Yeah, right! Wheeler laughed. Everybody else did too.
Allen and Jason came into the room next, and Allen was walking kind of funny.
"You OK, Allen?" enquired Glenn.
"Yeah, just a little... er... sore this morning."
Well, from what I could hear last night," chuckled Ritchie, "I'd walk funny too... with someone shoving that night stick of Jason's up my ass three times."
Allen blushed and, before he could catch himself, said it was only twice.
Jason smiled and signed, 'The third time, it was MY ass that was getting something shoved up it.'
"Ooo-eee!" "You go, girl!" "Sock it to 'im!" With those, and other exclamations, the boys laughed and ribbed poor Allen... then started breakfast.
"So what's on the agenda today, Birthday Boy?"
Wheeler, with a questioning expression, looked at Lloyd.
"Well, Wheeler and I are going out on the boat to the other side of the lake and do some fishing. We should be back around three."
"That's cool," said Glenn. "Ritchie and I are going to try and catch some sun. What about you two?"
Allen said, "We thought we'd go down to the beach area and swim and kick around... maybe see if we can get some volleyball going."
"Sounds good. If you need more players, give us a call. Ritchie and I will be here."
Soon the boat was loaded, and Lloyd and Wheeler said goodbye to the other guys standing on the dock.
As soon as the boat was out of range, Allen took charge.
"OK, guys, we've got a lot of shit to do. Let's move it!"
The house was cleaned in no time. Any evidence of the previous night's activities was gone, and the beds were made and laundry done. Ritchie and Jason went to town to get stuff they would need later in the day, and Allen and Glenn started setting up tables and chairs that had just been delivered... right after Wheeler and Lloyd had left. The rental place had already put up the tent in the front yard so it couldn't be seen from the dock or lake.
Wheeler and Lloyd fished for almost the entire day. They had a nice routine: fish for a while, then spend time down on the floor of the boat, more fishing, then more hugging and kissing. Lloyd kept an eye on his watch knowing that they needed to be back by three or a little afterwards. So at three o'clock, he brought the fishing trip to a close.
"I need to take a shower. I'm so hot and sticky."
Wheeler laughed.
"Take a hundred showers. You'll still be hot to me."
Lloyd grabbed him.
"Ditto, my love."
As their boat reached the dock, there was the sound of music coming from the house.
"Damn!" shouted Lloyd, "I think the guys have gone deaf!"
"Yeah... a little loud, don't ya think?"
They walked up toward the house, and suddenly Lloyd grabbed Wheeler and pulled him around the side into the front yard.
The look on Wheeler's face was priceless.
There across the front of the tent was a banner that said, HAPPY BIRTHDAY WHEELER, and sitting at a table under the tent were Jason and Jerry and Coach. At the next table, Allen was with his parents and John and Carol Simpson. Glenn and Ritchie were at the next table with of their parents. Even Tommy and Stan from the baseball team were there.
When they saw Wheeler, they all jumped up and began to sing Happy Birthday to him. When the last line was done, Wheeler turned to Lloyd with tears flooding down his face.
"Th...thank you." And he fell into Lloyd's arms.
Lloyd just grabbed him and hugged and kissed him right in front of everyone. And soon Wheeler was engulfed by everybody as they got up to join the big group hug.
Then the party got into full swing. Gifts were opened, and Wheeler had gotten some CDs and a new CD Walkman. There was a new stereo from Glenn and Ritchie. And cards from everyone there.
Off to the side, Lloyd moved up to Stan and quietly spoke to him.
"Did you have any problems?"
"Nope! None," said Stan, "everything's fine."
"But I don't see them."
"Oh," said Tommy, "they're here. They're hidden on the other side of Coach D's van and your Jeep."
"By the way, Lloyd, I hope you don't mind Tommy coming along."
"Hell, no! It's cool."
Lloyd had asked Stan to pick some things up for him as a present for Wheeler, and he'd also asked Stan to bring them up because they wouldn't be ready until this morning. He'd had Stan use his Jeep since he'd had some work being done on that as well.
Lloyd looked around and saw Wheeler talking with John and Carol.
"Hey, Wheels!"
Wheeler turned and walked over to Lloyd.
Everyone present knew what was going on, and they all turned to watch. It had been Coach's idea to hide the big surprise behind the van.
Lloyd took Wheeler by the hand.
"I have a present for you."
And they Lloyd walked him over towards Coach's van.
When they got around the van, there, on a trailer, were two identical jet ski's... painted in Wheelers favorite color: bright blue. On the tail of one was written in large letters, WHEEL'S... and on the other, LLOYD'S.
Wheeler just slumped to the ground, and Lloyd knelt beside him.
"Are you OK? I'm sorry. Don't you like them?"
Wheeler looked up and with large tears in his eyes.
"I love them... almost as much as I love you! I'm just so happy!"
Everyone stood there and watched them. The love that was so apparent between these two young guys was just so beautiful to behold. Everyone was moved by it.
The party continued, and later on Lloyd spoke with Stan.
"Would you like to stay overnight and return with us on Sunday afternoon? I'd like to ride with Wheeler, and, that way, you could drive my jeep back home."
"Well, since I brought Tommy up with me, I guess I should call home and see if that's OK with my folks, and then he would have to ask his parents as well."
"OK."
Lloyd handed Stan his cell phone.
"Check it out and let me know."
Then he walked away towards the food table, and asked for everyone's attention.
"I'd like to say a few words please."
Everyone sat down and became quiet.
"I'd like to thank my friends for helping me pull this together. If it hadn't been for Glenn and Ritchie and Allen and Jason cleaning up the house and setting everything up today... and special thanks to Stan and Tommy who picked up my Jeep from the hitching place and also picked up the jet ski's... this party would not be what it is. Thank you all for making this a great party.
Wheeler had been standing next to him. He cleared his throat and spoke in a very emotional voice.
"I want to thank everyone for coming. Until now, I never really had a birthday party. I never got anything more than a card from my mother. I will never forget this day, and all of you, my friends, as long as I live."
With that, he started to cry again. Lloyd grabbed him in a hug and kissed him with a great deal of obvious love and affection.
Tommy looked over at Stan, and Stan quickly looked towards Tommy. Something unsaid was being transmitted between them.
Soon everyone once again joined Lloyd in the Wheeler Hug.
Stan and Tommy stood back, and, when the others parted, both stepped up and hugged him as well.
All too soon, people started to leave for their homes.
Jerry and Coach were the first to go. They wanted to beat some of the traffic back home.
Allen's parents and John and Carol rode together, and they left at the same time as Ritchie and Glenn's parents... who had ridden up together as well.
Stan found Lloyd and helped him clean off the tables.
"So... I called my parents, and, if it's OK with you, I'd like to stay. Tommy called his folks too. His dad only wanted to make sure that he had his homework done, but he said it was OK for him to stay also. Are you sure there's enough room?"
"Sure! Of course... more than enough."
"Well... think maybe we can talk later on?"
"Sure... anytime, man."
"I mean... alone. Please."
"OK."
Lloyd wondered what Stan had on his mind.