Aging Out: 7
Edgar and Michael had arrived late Friday night, or more accurately early Saturday morning, and they spent the morning in bed. It wasn't until lunch that Austin was able to meet up with Edgar.
"Wow boy, you have put on some muscle." Edgar said, "The Whitman seems to be doing well for your body; how about the rest of you."
"I have never felt better," Austin said. "I finally feel like I have a family and I belong. Tyce and I..."
Edgar raised his hand, "Stop! I don't need the sloppy details."
Austin blushed.
"I see not everything has changed," Edgar said with a laugh.
"Jacks, I do miss you though. Is it true you and Michael might be moving down here?"
"It's possible, Michael is meeting with a couple of doctors, James and Mary Bertrand, who have a local practice. They are wanting to cut back and need a partner."
"Will you stay with the State?" Austin asked.
"Actually, I am looking at private practice, specifically family counseling and therapy. I just finished my clinical training, and have decided I need a break from the system."
As unusual, lunch was great. With the arrival of April the kitchen duties had changed. When Molly learned of April's and May's goal of opening a fitness camp and that April had a culinary degree, she assigned April the task of creating a healthy eating meal program that was quickly gaining interest on the gayvine. Dirk was working on a plan to add a health and wellness option to the Whitman's offerings.
After lunch, Austin and Tyce headed to the Backwoods to set up for the evening party. The pool opened at one, but the club didn't open until four and happy hour from 5 to 6. Friday night was South of the Border and featured margaritas and fajitas, and Saturday night was Pirate of the Caribbean featuring rum drinks and food from the islands.
At first Dirk thought the idea of theme nights was, well too gay. He really just wanted to make the Backwoods a sports bar, but Zeke and Donte convinced him that no one was going to drive up from Dallas just to sit by a pool and watch a Ranger's game. As it turned out, Zeke's drinks and Donte's showmanship were a hit and the Backwoods was a money machine.
"Maybe I should stay and help," Tyce said. "This gets together is really optional." Tyce had been invited to mixxer for students who would be attending SEOSU.
"No, you need to start getting to know some people you will be going to school with. It is going to be harder for you to meet people when you aren't living on campus...I mean you still are planning to live here...right?"
"Yes, the only way I would live in the dorms is if they let you come too, and unfortunately they have a strict no pets rule."
"Ha ha, you're just afraid I am going to make bank tonight and you will never catch up in the tip race." Tyce and Austin had been keeping track of tips and Austin was up by 213 dollars.
"Sure whatever, I'm just spotting you so you won't cry when I crush your dream on the 4th of July." The Fourth was going to be a big weekend. The shower house and restroom were finished and the cabins would be installed, furnished, and ready to rent for the Independence Day holiday.
Austin was turning off the pool lights when his phone rang. "Hey Ty, what's up?"
"I've had a couple of beers, and with my history, I think I need to wait an hour or two before heading home."
"Good boy. Your being all responsible is making my cock hard."
Tyce laughed, "Brushing my teeth makes you horny."
"Ummm...teeth brushing...now my cock is dripping sweet pre."
"Stop, you are just an idiot."
"What do you except from a guy whose brains have been fucked out of him."
"Goodnight babe."
Goodnight stud."
Austin decided that since Tyce wouldn't be home for a while, he would go ahead and gather up the towels, hose down the showers, and clean the restrooms. He wasn't really tired, and cleaning the bathhouse would mean less to do in the morning. It took only a half hour to clean the facilities and he would wait until morning to restock.
Just as Austin was locking the door, hands grabbed him and it suddenly went black. There was some kind of bag covering his head and pulled tight.
"What we got here," Austin heard a male voice say.
Another voice said, "I think we caught us a fairy."
Austin managed to free one arm and took a wild swing. He connected with someone and he yelled, "Grab his arm!... Fucking fag bloodied my nose!.. You're gonna pay for that!"
Austin groaned in pain and sank to his knees. He'd been kicked in the balls so hard he vomited in the bag. On the ground he was kicked several more times before losing consciousness.
Tyce decided to park his car at the cabin then put it in the garage in the morning, so he drove into the road that led to the Backwoods. Ever since leaving the party, Tyce had needed to piss, so before he pissed his pants he stopped in the drive. As Tyce was finishing and zipping up, he heard what he thought was a moan. He looked in the direction from where the sound came and noticed an indistinct lump slowly moving in the area between the road and the bathhouse.
When Tyce approached a sense of panic began to set in. There was something recognizable about the mass and he began to run toward it. He dropped on his knees and pulled the bag off of what he now recognized as a person and his worst fears were realized, it was Austin. When he touched Austin, there was something tacky covering his body, but what most alarmed Tyce was that Austin seemed to be unable to focus and drifted between consciousness and unconsciousness,
Looking around, Tyce saw one of the Mules and he carried Austin to it. One hand securing Austin in the seat beside him and the other guiding the Mule though the path to the Whitman main lodge, Tyce sped to find help, and praying that the most important person in his life would be alright.
Dirk and Jay were awakened by the sound of someone kicking the door to the lodge apartment. Dirk took Austin from Tyce and Jay hopped on the Mule to fetch Michael and Edgar.
Dirk took Austin into the guest bedroom and there he and Tyce saw that Austin was covered in pink spray paint that was beginning to dry creating a tack film on Austin's body. Dirk pulled out his phone and snapped a couple of pictures. When Tyce gave him a questioning look. Dirk said, evidence. Then Dirk went to the kitchen for a bottle of olive oil and the bathroom for cotton swabs. He began to gently clean the paint from Austin's skin, while Tyce carefully removed Austin's clothes.
When Michael and Edgar arrived, Austin was naked and lying on the bed, and Dirk and Tyce were gently removing the paint. Michael noticed the bruises that were beginning to form on Austin and asked Dirk whether he had any frozen vegetables or fruits. Dirk ran to the freezer to get several packages and then stopped for some hand towels.
When Dirk came back, Michael said, "Edgar, I need you to take Tyce into the other room while I examine Austin. Jay, you need to call law enforcement, and Dirk, I need you to stay and witness this exam."
Tyce started to protest, but Edgar took him by the shoulders and said, "Let Michael do his job. He will take care of Austin for you."
When everyone had left except Dirk, Michael asked, "Austin where does it hurt."
"My balls. They kick me in the nuts."
"Okay, I am going to examine you. This will be uncomfortable, but I need to know whether we need to take you into a hospital."
Michael examined Austin's penis and testicles; then he checked for broken or cracked ribs; finally, he checked Austin for a concussion.
After several minutes of examination, Michael said, "Well the good news is that I don't detect any concussion, nor do I find any serious injury to your bones and organs, and that includes your testicles. The bad news is that you are going to hurt like hell for the next couple of days. The best thing you can do is rest and keep ice packs on to hold down the swelling, that includes your genitals. Also, you should take the maximum dose over the counter pain relievers. Of course, I am diagnosing your physical condition. These types of incidents tend to get into your mind. You might need to talk with someone about what you are feeling."
Michael wrapped a bag of frozen peas in a towel and gently placed it on Austin's groin. Austin moaned. Pulling the sheet up over Austin, Michael asked, "Are you ready to see Tyce?" Austin weakly smiled and nodded.
In the living room Edgar was trying to console Tyce. Adrenaline and the need to help Austin had forestalled an emotional breakdown. However, once Austin was in caring hands, Tyce was free to vent his fear and anger.
"I should have been there," Tyce said, "I should have protected him." Edgar held Tyce without saying anything. Tyce just needed to let it all out.
Finally, Dirk stepped into the living room and said, "Tyce, you can go in now."
Tyce sat down on the bed next to Austin, and Austin said, "You've been crying."
"I didn't know how bad you'd been hurt. It scared me."
"The Doc said I will be fine. No permanent damage. But I will be a bit sore for a while."
Michael said, "Tyce, I really want Austin to stay up here for a couple of days. He will be more comfortable in a less primitive location. Also, Dirk is around during the day if he needs something." Michael then turned to Austin and said, "I will be in tomorrow to check on you, okay?"
"Thanks," Austin said. "Do I have to stay in bed?"
"No, when you feel like moving around, you can do so. However, just take it easy. I see someone has been using olive oil to remove the paint, I would suggest finishing that tonight and then taking a shower while there is someone here to help you, plus you don't want to look in the mirror tomorrow and see that."
When Michael walked into the living room, Deputy Gates was there. "Is Austin able to give a statement?"
"Yes," Michael said, "but could you give them a few minutes."
"Certainly, I'll go back down to see how the crime scene investigation is going. I'll be back in about 30 minutes."
Down at the Backwoods, the deputy leading the crime scene search said, "We found a spray paint can and a couple of beer bottles. We hope to find fingerprints. There also were some bottles down at the road, and fresh tire tracks on the shoulder where a car was parked. We think whoever was involved in the assault parked down there and walked up here."
On the side of the bathhouse the word "fags" was painted along with "KKK." Jay was looking at the building when Gates walked up. "Do you think the people that did this were really part of the Klan?"
"I doubt it. We've got Klan down here, but I'm guessing they are just assholes. However, being stupid just got a hate crime enhancement added to the charges. My guess is the DA will use that as a bargaining chip to get a plea. Look Jay, we will need to do another search during the daylight and get some pictures before you clean up the vandalism."
"Whatever you need. I just can't believe this happened. The irony is that with the new showers and restrooms for the cabins finished, the electrical contractor will be here at the end of the week to hook it up, add motion activated lighting, and install a security sensor down at the road."
"Jay, I know you, Dirk,Tyce and even Austin will all start blaming yourselves, and thinking there was something you could have done to prevent this attack. The truth is, bad people do bad things, and good people aren't always able to stop them. None of you did anything wrong."
"Thanks John."
Tyce turned on the shower and helped Austin in. Austin leaned back against Tyce and into the safety of his boyfriend's arms. Tyce gently kissed Austin's neck, "I was so scared...I...I would..." Tyce was so emotional he couldn't finish. Austin turned around and kissed Tyce.
"Babe," Austin said, "no more tears. I'm fine, and in a couple of days I will be back to normal, and we can go back to our cabin."
"Maybe we should stay up here, at least until they catch..."
Austin kissed Tyce to silence him, then said, "No one is scaring us out of our home. We might be a bit jumpy for a few days, but we will be alright, won't we?"
Tyce nodded.
"Okay stud," Austin said, "now it's time for us to get some sleep."
When they were under the covers, Tyce gently cuddled behind Austin and soon the two were asleep.
The next morning Austin groaned and an alarmed Tyce asked what was wrong.
"Nothings wrong, except that everything hurts. Overnight my body stiffened. I need some Ibuprofen. Tyce got up, and when he opened the door Austin heard whistling and cat calls. Tyce hadn't bothered to put on any clothes and he ran into Thing 1 and Thing 2 in the hallway. "What are you two doing here?" Tyce said while subconsciously covering his genitals.
"Molly sent us up with breakfast for you and Austin," Peter said.
"Of course," Paul said with a smirk, "if you've already had a protein shake, we can take these trays back downstairs."
Austin heard the conversation and started to laugh, then uttered a moan. Tyce ran back into the room, "What's the matter?!"
"Nothing," Austin said. "It just hurts to laugh. Peter, Paul, bring that food in here. I am starving."
Molly had sent up biscuits and gravy and bacon.
Peter gently set the tray down across Austin's lap, and asked, "How are you feeling?"
"Physically, like I've been kicked by a horse; emotionally, like I want to kick some ass."
"Hey, if you need some help with the ass kicking, Peter and I will be more than happy to help," Paul said.
Just then Paul was grabbed from behind, dropped to the floor and handcuffed before he knew what was happening.
Austin, Tyce, and Peter, burst into laughter. "Oh, hello daddy," Paul said. "I was just shooting my mouth off."
"Why don't I believe you. You know what I think about vigilante justice. You can just lay there and give it some thought while I have a chat with Austin."
Deputy John Gates stepped over his son and pulled a chair up to the bed to talk with Austin. "So Austin, have you been able to remember anything more about what happened?"
"Well, I think there were at least four of them. There were two guys holding me when I was kicked by someone. But, when I was on the ground being kicked, I think I heard someone trying to get them to stop. It sounded like a boy, and one of the guys hitting me told him to shut up and stop being pussy. Then it sounded like someone hit him. That's all I remember. I hope it helps."
"Oh yeah, it helps a lot," Gates said. "I'm sure you hurt, but the good thing about you boys, is you heal fast. When you're my age, not so much."
Gates stepped back over Paul and was about out the door, when Paul said, "Uhh..daddy?"
Gates turned around, smiled and said, "Paul, stop playing with my handcuffs. I need those for arresting criminals."
"Ha ha," Paul mocked.
Gates uncuffed Paul, pulled him into a hug, and tousled his hair. "Are you going to be a law abiding citizen?"
Paul laughed, "Yes daddy."
Peter and Paul kept Austin and Tyce company while they ate. Just as breakfast was finishing up, Dirk and Michael knocked on the door. "Okay," Dirk said, "Michael needs to examine Austin and Jay is already at The Ledges. There's a full schedule and he's going to need all the help he can get." Austin started to get out of bed. "Except for you bud," Dirk said to Austin, "You're not getting back to work until Doc gives the Okay."
"I feel ready to get back to work," Austin said in protest.
"I'll believe that when you can say those words without wincing," Dirk said.
Edgar arrived and Michael said, "Okay, everyone but Edgar out."
When the door was closed, Michael asked, "So, now that Tyce is gone, how do you really feel?"
"Well, my balls don't hurt anymore, but the rest of me is very sore."
"The fact your testicles aren't hurting is a good sign. Why don't you stand up and let me do a quick exam."
Austin stood up. "Oh," Michael said.
Suddenly Austin was concerned, "What's wrong?!"
"Nothing's wrong, I just don't usually examine someone who just got out of bed, so they are wearing clothes when I start the exam."
Austin turned a bit red, and said, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do something wrong."
Edgar said, "You didn't do anything wrong. Michael is just out of practice when it comes to clinical exams. Most of the people he's seen for the last few years can't stand or are even conscious."
"True," Michael said, " I am looking forward to some nice quiet family medicine: deliver a few babies, give sports physicals, remove the occasional appendix, and hand out lollipops to my good patients.
"Do I get a lollipop?"
"Well I think you are in the running for one." Michael said.
While the three chatted, Austin hadn't even noticed that Michael completed an exam of his testicles.
"Go ahead and have a seat on the bed," Michael said. When Austin was seated, Michael pulled the sheet around to cover his lap. "There is nothing wrong with your testicles. My only recommendation is that you wear something to provide support like sports briefs or a jock for a few days."
"When can..." Austin blushed, "You know...Tyce and me?"
Michael smiled, "Whenever you want. Just take it easy. Your ribs, back, and abs are going to hurt from where you were kicked. Have you taken a piss yet."
Michael nodded.
"Did it hurt?"
"Not really."
"Did you see any blood or notice your urine was a strange color?"
"No."
"The reason I'm asking is that you took several hard kicks to the back in the area of the kidneys. I want you to keep an eye out for changes or you get sharp pain in your back rather than simply the dull pains from the bruising. Particularly, if you see blood, I need to know right away. Do you have any questions before I step out?"
"I don't think so. How much do I owe you?"
Michael tousled Austin's hair, "First one's on the house. Do you have a physician?"
"No, the State always took care of that."
"I see. Well, I'm going to start a file for you at the clinic and put myself down as your doctor. You can choose someone else as your doctor whenever you are ready."
"Did you accept the position? Are you and Jacks moving down here?" Austin asked with a note of excitement.
"Yeah," Michael said looking at Edgar, "I think we have decided to move down here."
"Then, I want you to be my doctor, if that's alright with you?"
"Look Edgar, my first patient," Micheal said with a smile. Then he turned to Austin and said, "Edgar wants to talk with you for a bit."
When Michael was gone, Edgar sat down on the chair where he had been sitting. "So physically you seem to be on the mend." Edgar tapped Austin on the forehead and asked, "How about up here?"
"I'm pissed."
"Oh? Not scared?"
"I was scared last night. It was like every bully I had ever met was coming to get me. I felt alone and vulnerable. I just wanted to curl up and cry."
"So, what changed?"
"This morning I needed to piss. So I went into the bathroom, and when I was washing my hands, I saw the bruises, I felt the pain, and I just said Fuck em. FUCK every last one of em. This was my home, my family, my place to belong, and they were not taking that away from me. I went from being scared to being mad. I didn't want to run, I wanted to fight."
"Wow, Tiger, you have changed. I have never seen you so ... well resolute. I guess I won't need to add you to my counseling caseload."
Austin smiled, "Maybe not, but I am so glad you and Michael are moving down here because I still need to talk to my friend."
"Anytime buddy, anytime."
"Also, can you talk to Tyce?"
"Tyce, what's up with Tyce?"
"Last night he didn't sleep very well, and one time he woke me up...he called me Denny."
Edgar paused for a minute, swallowed hard, and said, "I'll talk to him."
When Edgar got up to leave, Austin grabbed him in a hug and said, "Thank you."
"Thank you?"
"Thank you for getting me the home you promised me. It is better than I could have ever imagined."
Thank you for reading "Aging Out." I hope you enjoyed it. All consider contributing to nifty.Org if you like this kind of reading.
I have a few other stories on this site in you are interested: https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/beginnings/tough-love-in-kansas-city/ https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/beginnings/quarterback-keeper/ https://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/beginnings/saving-jordan
I appreciate hearing from readers. If you would like to be notified when new stories are published, I will add you to my email list.