Another Chance

Disclaimer: This story is fiction. Some of the things that happened or will happen with Jim are inspired by bits and pieces of my life. The character of Joe was inspired by a very, very dear friend who I love with all my heart. Parts of both characters are fictional as well. All other characters were made up and any similarities are just coincidental. This is gay romance between teenage boys, there may be sex, but for the most part, it's their true love of each other so if that offends you, please discontinue reading. Also, if it is illegal for you to read such material, you have been warned. Continual reading could cause a knock at your door. And you can always contact me at zarek@roadrunner.com mailto:zarek@roadrunner.com with suggestions or concerns. Thoughts and suggestion are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible.

I hope you're enjoying it so far and that the story draws you in wanting more. Some people have noticed that this story was "inspired" by another story, a great story, here on Nifty, "Riding Lessons" by Andrew Todd. I hope I don't step on anyone's toes and you give this story a chance. While there may be some similarities, I believe there will be enough differences as well. Mr. Todd was given my rough draft before I made my first submission. He was flattered by the fact I like his story and wanted to refer to it. He's also flattered by those who wrote him to "warn" him about this one. All I can say is, I'm glad you are loyal to him and I hope any references I use do his story justice. If you feel that I let his story down in any way, shape or form, please call my attention to where I did.

Unless someone expresses a concern over the longer chapters, I'll try to continue with them at this length. Still need someone to ask Dusty where I can go invest some stock in tissues.

AND, if you enjoy the stories on Nifty.org, please give a donation to help cover their expenses. While the site is currently free, only donations from loyal fans can help keep it that way. Any amount will help.

Another Chance

Chapter 22

Dusty didn't move. Mr. Blair approached him. "Mr. Bear, since you refuse to return to your desk, will you please escort Miss Haiwee to Mr. Duncan's office? We will discuss this there."

"As long as she's going with me, fine." Dusty said helping Cheyenne stand.

"Mr. Blair, I think I should come along, too. I may be able to shed some light." The boy in back offered.

"Fine, Mr. Jones, you may join us. Mr. Bolt, you are in charge until the bell rings for you to go to your first class."

The boy standing next to Jim looked at the group leaving. "You say anything, Cornhole, you will regret it."

Cornhole, or rather his real name is Cornelius Jones, just glared at Alejandro. He followed Mr. Blair to Mr. Duncan's office.

Mr. Blair told everyone to sit in the conference room and he'd be back. Cheyenne looked at Cornelius. "You were there, weren't you? I remember your voice saying those exact same words."

Cornelius looked down. "I was, I've been wanting to say something for so long." He put his face in his hands and started to cry.

Mr. Duncan walked in. "Dusty, Mr. Blair and I talked, he totally understands why you were at Cheyenne's chair and he agrees that you shouldn't be punished for disobeying him."

"Thank you, Mr. Blair, I'm sorry if I upset you, but Cheyenne means the world to me." Dusty stated.

"No apology necessary. I was more upset that you wouldn't let me help her. It's part of my job." Mr. Blair said.

"Well thank you for caring." Dusty said with a grin.

"You prefer Buster, don't you?" Mr. Duncan asked looking at Cornelius.

"Yes, sir, I do." Cornelius said still crying.

"Well, Buster, would you like to tell us what happened now, or would you rather wait and tell the police?" Mr. Duncan said in a friendly but stern voice.

"If it's all the same, can I wait for the police? That way, I only have to tell it once." Cornelius said.

"Very well, I can understand that." Mr. Duncan said then went to his office.

The detective was there within ten minutes. Having spoken with him a few times, Dusty was the first of the students to greet him. Cornelius looked at Cheyenne. "I'm so sorry."

"I'm starting to remember bits and pieces. You were there, but all you did was try to get them to stop. It's not your fault." Cheyenne told him placing her hand on his.

"But I should have come forward sooner. Alejandro threatened to castrate me if I said anything." Cornelius said. Dusty grimaced as his hands instinctively went to cover his crotch.

Mr. Duncan sent security to bring Alejandro to his office. Dusty looked at Cornelius. "Yes, you should have come forward sooner, but you're here now. Can't change what has already happened."

"I remember hearing Alejandro's heavy Spanish accent." Cheyenne was about to cry.

"I can't promise that you won't be punished, but if you tell us everything, I will talk to the DA." The detective said.

"I'll tell you everything, I'll accept any punishment that I'm given, just make sure that Alejandro doesn't have a chance to hurt anyone else. I don't care what he does to me, but he's a monster and needs to be stopped." Cornelius sobbed.

He started telling about the attack and gave great detail. There were Alejandro, Jerome and another boy as well as himself. While one was attacking Cheyenne, the other two were forcing Cornelius to watch. Cheyenne listened to the story and Dusty could see that her mind was taking it all in. "I remember most of it, now." Cheyenne said. "Buster was as much a victim as I was." Cornelius started to cry.

"Do you know anything about a fire at the Another Chance Ranch?" the detective asked.

"No, but just before Christmas, Alejandro did say he was going to that ranch to teach the owner a lesson. He didn't burn it down, did he?"

"Fortunately, just the office. I don't think any charges will be filed against you, but you may be called to testify in court." The detective said.

"Anything I can do to help. I just wish I would have come clean sooner." Cornelius stated.

"If I were you, I'm not sure that I would have come forward until now, either." Dusty said. Mr. Duncan and the detective left the conference room. Through the open door, Dusty could see the detective cuffing Alejandro. Alejandro tried to resist but between the detective and the security officers Alejandro didn't stand a chance. Alejandro started screaming that "Cornhole was dead" when he got out. Mr. Duncan then sent the officers to bring the other boy that Cornelius had mentioned.

"Thank you for not hating me." Cornelius said as he continued crying.

"Hate you for what? Like Chey said, you were as much a victim as she was." Dusty assured Cornelius.

Mr. Duncan came back into the conference room. "I won't force any of you to go to your classes after what just happened. Take the day off and Buster, thank you for helping. Your dad would be proud of you."

"My dad is proud of me." Cornelius said with the first hint of a smile.

"Well, we found out a few things. The detective is going to try and pull a few strings. I can't promise you anything, but if all goes well, your dad might be out to see you graduate." Mr. Duncan stated. Cornelius dropped to his knees and grabbed Mr. Duncan and sobbed.

Dusty and Cheyenne were about to walk out the door when Mr. Duncan gave the news. "Buster, you want a ride home?" Dusty offered.

"Yes, please. I know my house is within walking distance, but I don't know that I can make it right now. Thank you so much."

"Not a problem. And thank you Mr. Duncan." Dusty said. Cheyenne smiled at Dusty. It had been a while since she felt so relieved.

Jim was worried. He hadn't seen Dusty or Cheyenne since they left home room. At lunch, he texted Dusty to see what had happened. Dusty returned his text but all he said was "Everything is alright, I'll tell you about it later. Too much to text."

The fifth period Health teacher is Mr. Blair. Jim walked up to him. "Did Dusty get in trouble?"

"I can't really tell you anything, but no, Dusty is fine." Mr. Blair said.

"I hear that he and Cheyenne went home after you took them to Mr. Duncan's office."

"Like I said, I can't really tell you anything. We chatted with Mr. Duncan for a few minutes but then I left for my class. From what I've heard, Mr. Jones shed a lot of light just like he promised. That's all I know."

Jim went to his seat. Joe gave him a funny look. Rest of the day, Jim was concerned for Dusty and Cheyenne, but knew there was nothing he could do until after school. The classes seemed to go by slowly.

After they were let out, Jim and Joe headed for Zac's truck. Zac came running towards them. "Did you hear?" Zac shouted.

"Hear what?" Jim asked.

"That kid, Cornelius, he told the whole story about Cheyenne's attack. Alejandro, that boy from Spain headed it up. Apparently Alejandro is the one that started the fire at the ranch. Jackson called me a few minutes ago and they told him. I guess the insurance company is going after his family for all the damages. Anything they get above what they paid out will go to Jackson."

"That's good to hear." Jim said. Just then, his phone rang, it was Dusty. "Yeah, I just heard. You want to meet somewhere? I think we should celebrate, that is if Cheyenne wants to." There was silence as Jim listened to his phone. "Joe, Cheyenne wants you to pick the place to eat. What's your favorite food?"

"I like seafood and pizza." Joe said feeling good about being included by Jim's friends.

"You hear that? Good, we'll meet you there." Jim said and stuck his phone in his pocket. "Dusty is calling and ordering a shrimp pizza at the Hungry Bear."

The boys had arrived at the Hungry Bear and were getting out of the truck as Dusty pulled in. When Cheyenne got out, Joe looked at her. "How are you doing? You seem more relaxed than you did this morning."

"Thank you. Knowing that my attackers have been caught, I do feel more relaxed." Cheyenne stated with a smile. Dusty got out of his car walked over and kissed her.

They went in and Dusty gave his name. They were seated and the pizza was brought over along with a pitcher of root beer. The waitress poured everyone a glass and sat the pitcher on the table beside the pizza. "Hope everyone likes root beer. If not, we can get another pitcher of something."

"How much is our share of this?" Jim asked.

"Nothing, this is my treat because I feel as much relieved as Chey does." Dusty said lifting her hand which was still in his. Dusty kissed her fingers.

"Well I just met the two of you today, but I'm happy for you, also." Joe said picking up his glass. Everyone clanked their glass together and took a drink. Dusty was smart and asked that the pizza be cut into ten slices. He knew with the three boys, Chey, and himself that would give each of them two slices. Dusty grabbed the first slice of pizza and handed it to Cheyenne, then grabbed one for himself. Everyone else had waited for Dusty to grab his slice, then they each grabbed one.

When the pizza was gone, Dusty asked if anyone wanted anything else. "Better not, not sure what Mom's fixing for supper." Jim said.

"I know what she's fixing." Joe threw in.

"What?" Jim looked at him suspiciously.

"Food." Joe said and cracked up. Jim just smiled at Joe.

"You sure you're not my real brother? You definitely belong in my family." Jim told Joe. Joe smiled at Jim this time.

Dusty paid the bill and they started to head out. Some guy that they've never seen before bumped into Dusty as they approached the door. "Watch it, faggot." The man yelled.

"Fuck you, you bumped into me. I was standing here with my girlfriend waiting for you to get through the door. Besides, I don't like you using the term faggot in such a derogatory manner, either." Dusty raised his voice just a little. Jim was shocked, but happy also, by Dusty getting upset. He's never seen Dusty get angry except to defend Cheyenne or his friends.

"What, you have a thing for faggots?" The man said still with a loud enough voice that everyone could hear.

"Yea, I have some gay friends if that's what you're asking. I'm not gay, but I will defend my friends. If you don't like it, too bad." Dusty said in a slightly calmer but still agitated voice.

The man opened his mouth to speak but the owner of the restaurant came over and asked him to leave. Told him that he never wanted him to come back. "Well, I was just passing through this dump of a town, anyway. I bet McDonald's has better food."

As the man left, Dusty thanked the owner. Joe looked at him and said, "That man's loss. I like McDonald's, it was the only fast food in the town I used to live in, but the food here is way better."

"Well, I'm sorry there are still ignorant people around here. I won't say that I agree or disagree with homosexuality, but I figure that it is whosever's choice."

The boys left and Dusty took Cheyenne home. As the boys neared their home, Zac saw the social worker's car in the drive again so he pulled into his own. Joe wasn't so nervous seeing the car this time. She did say that she would stop by to see how his first day of school went and all.

As they walked in, the social worker was smiling. "Thought you would like to know, the application for your adoption has been approved. Again, it won't be finalized for a year, but unless your parents change their mind before then, you are officially a part of this family." Joe ran over and hugged the social worker, then Mrs. Bolt.

"Don't I get a hug?" Jim asked. Joe ran and hugged him, too.

"So how was your first day of school?" The social worker asked.

"Aside from a couple jerks who got in trouble, it was good. I have a ton of homework though." Joe said.

"Well, in that case, I'll leave you to your homework. I was just so happy to tell you the news and I'm glad that it made you happy." The social worker said as she headed for the door. "Probably won't be a surprise visit this month, but I will see you next month."

"Zac, you're mom's coming for dinner because I thought you'd like to stay. I'm fixing a special chili to celebrate. Instead of beef, I'm using shrimp and scallops."

The three boys sat at the table and started doing homework. While Jim let Joe do the work, he tried to explain anything that Joe seemed to have difficulties with. Since Zac was a grade ahead of them, he was on his own for his homework. Jim and Joe were there for him to talk about it and that helped. Jim was actually able to figure out Zac's trig questions.

The boys had just finished before supper was ready. They cleared off their books from the table and started setting it. Mrs. Bolt brought the pot of chili out. Zac had just opened the door to see if his mom was coming as she was walking up the steps to the porch. "Good timing, Mom. My other mom just put the chili out."

"Well, I didn't want to come too early." Mrs. Schoen stated.

"Why not? You are a part of this family, too." Joe said.

"Well, I am glad everyone feels that way." Mrs. Schoen said hugging Joe.

"I feel like giving you a key. You are welcome here any time. If the door is unlocked, just walk in. Like Joe said, you are as much a part of this family as any of us." Mrs. Bolt said.

"Well, you definitely know how to make a person feel welcome. I feel the same way about my house. Jim has a key, but if the door is unlocked, just come in and announce yourself."

"Now that that is settled, let's eat. I love seafood." Joe said.

"Tomorrow, we'll probably get home close to six. I want to stop at the ranch for a few hours." Zac said as they sat down.

"That's fine, I'll have supper ready at six and then the boys can do homework afterwards." Mrs. Bolt said.

Joe had four bowls of chili. Everyone was trying to figure out where this scrawny looking kid was putting it. They chatted for a while, but went to bed early.

Compared to the first day back after the holidays, school seemed rather dull. Joe saw his grades improving. He was more relaxed as he no longer feared his parents finding out he was gay. Being in a family where he was accepted for who he is relieved a lot of stress from him. Jim helping with anything he didn't quite understand seemed to help also.

On a few occasions, Joe would feel like someone was staring at him. When he went to look, he thought he caught Cornelius hurrying to look at the work on his desk. Joe thought that he was cute, but didn't know anything about him. He didn't even have a notion as to whether Cornelius was gay or not. Only thing that he knew was he liked Cornelius's eyes.

As the boys were doing homework, Joe looked at Jim. "You know anything about that Cornelius kid?"

"Not really, why?" Jim asked. Joe started to blush.

"No reason, I'm just curious." Joe responded.

"You like him, don't you?" Jim inquired.

"No!" Joe was quick to answer, perhaps too quickly.

"Yes you do, you're blushing." Jim said. "It's cool Bro."

"But I don't even know if he's gay, let alone likes me." Joe stated.

"Want me to find out for you?" Jim offered.

"No way. I'd be embarrassed. Promise me that you won't ask him." Joe begged.

"OK, I won't. I'll ask Dusty or Zac to do it." Jim teased. Joe smacked him.

Working at the ranch, other than the fact they went every Saturday and Sunday, Zac kind of dictated when they went. Since neither Joe nor Jim had a license, not much could be done about that. Jim did occasionally say that he wanted to go and Zac would agree. Joe didn't know if he could ask, but then, he got as much time as he was allowed, so it really didn't make any difference.

Took Staff Sargent Vince Abram, Retired a little longer than expected to arrive, but he finally pulled into the ranch around mid-January. It was Saturday morning and Jackson was with his boyfriend visiting a family that Ryan knew. Zac noticed that Jackson was taking off more and more, too. Josh was busy somewhere and Zac, Jim and Joe were the only ones around. "Hey Vince. What took you so long?" Zac asked.

"Had trouble settling a few things, but I talked with Jackson every day. He assured me that all was good." Vince Abram said. He looked at Joe. "Have a new recruit, I see?"

"Yeah, this is Joe. He was Jim's foster brother." Zac said.

"Was? What happened?" Vince inquired.

"Mom adopted me." Joe grinned.

"Welcome aboard. I hear that the person who started the fire has been caught. That doesn't mean we need to leave security slack." Vince said.

"No, sir. Jackson said that if you got here while he wasn't, to tell you, do whatever you feel necessary. Just because one whacko was caught doesn't mean there isn't another." Zac stated.

"Exactly my point. I'll set my things in the barn, then I'd like to survey the ranch to get an assessment." Vince stated.

"Before you go, Jackson said that he'd ask for us, but." Jim started.

Vince cut Jim off. "He already asked me. You get permission from your mom's to bring your firearms. I will teach you everything I know about them. We can do it on Saturdays when you're done here, unless you have a problem with it."

"No, sir, Saturdays or Sundays work great for us." Zac stated.

"Good, we'll start next Saturday, provided your moms do approve. And quit calling me sir." Vince chuckled.

"What do we call you, then?" Joe asked.

"Well, you weren't here when I told these two, just call me Vince, plain and simple Vince."

"OK, Vince, plain and simple Vince." Joe said cracking up. Vince shook his head and smiled. Jim and Zac mussed Joe's hair up.

"So, Vince, you just got into town, what's your plans after you assess the ranch?" Zac asked.

"Figured I'd go into town and grab a bite to eat." Vince replied.

"Would you rather a home cooked meal? I know my mom wouldn't mind and that would give you an opportunity to hear her give permission." Jim offered.

"Home cooked meal does sound better than restaurant food. If your mom won't mind." He stated. Jim got on his phone and called his mom right away. Then he let Vince know that he was welcome to follow them home.

Mrs. Bolt had brought out a roast with carrots and potatoes and set it on the table. As she was setting the plates down, Mrs. Schoen walked in carrying a pie. "Hope you don't mind, but I brought dessert."

"Not at all. What did you bring?" Heather asked.

"Well, I hear that Jim really likes lemon meringue pie." Marilyn said.

"He loves lemon meringue, but he's wanting to try an orange meringue." Heather told her. "One of these days, I'll need to get the ingredients to make one."

"You didn't let me finish. Six plates?" Marilyn said as she saw Heather putting the last plate down.

"Yes, I guess the new head of security arrived today. Jim thought he'd like a home cooked meal instead of eating at a restaurant." Heather stated.

"Your son has a heart of gold. Anyway, the pie I made is orange meringue." Marilyn stated.

"Jim will dump Zac and marry you if you're not careful." Heather chuckled. "Think we'll wait until we serve it to see if he notices."

A few minutes later, the boys walked in with their guest. "Hey Mom, this is Vince Abrams. He's retired from the military."

"Welcome to our home, Mr. Abrams." Heather said.

"Please, call me Vince." Vince said.

"Or Vince, plain and simply Vince." Joe said and started laughing until Zac gave him a light shove.

"Well, hello Vinnie." Marilyn Schoen said.

"Normally, I don't care for Vinnie, it is Vince. But you can call me Vinnie." Vince said.

"And you can call me any time." Marilyn said.

"Mom!" Zac was slightly embarrassed.

"What, I'm single." Marilyn said.

"And very attractive." Vince added.

"So, I hear that you are ex-military. Jackson said that you have agreed to teach our sons about firearms." Heather stated.

"Yes, ma'am, with your permissions of course." Vince responded.

"Please, call me Heather or Mrs. Bolt. I prefer Heather. Call me ma'am and I'll start calling you sir."

"I'm no sir. I was enlisted, Heather."

"Well, Jim has my permission." Heather told him.

"Would you like to see the firearms?" Jim asked.

"After dinner. It's on the table." Heather told Jim.

As Jim headed for the table, he spotted the pie. "Sweet, lemon meringue pie. Mom makes the best."

"I didn't make it. Marilyn did." Heather said but kept quiet about it being orange instead of lemon.

"I bet it's really good, too." Jim stated.

Heather set Vince at the end of the table. She let Marilyn sit to his right and Zac to his left. She sat at the other end with Jim and Joe. After dinner was done, Heather cleared the table while Marilyn cut the pie. She set the first piece in front of Jim while he was chatting with Vince.

Not looking at the pie, Jim took a bite thinking it was lemon. As he put the piece in his mouth, he gave a funny look. When he swallowed he looked at his mom and Marilyn. "Is this what I think it is? Did you make an orange meringue?" Jim smiled.

"I take it that you approve." Marilyn said.

"Approve? Sorry, Zac, but I'm gonna start dating your mom." Jim said. Everyone laughed.

I have created a mailing list. If you would like to be added to it to be informed of new submission, please contact me at zarek@roadrunner.com mailto:zarek@roadrunner.com . For those that tried zarek@woh.rr.com mailto:zarek@woh.rr.com , I apologize. I used this email for over 12 years, but it was discontinued 2 years ago. I still have a habit of writing it.