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 about 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 27
Once school was back in session, Heather signed her two boys up for the school's Driver's Ed program. The secretary handed them the material they would need and the list of the State's guidelines for obtaining their license. Jim was a bit disappointed when he read that he could have applied for his learner's permit when he turned fifteen. Heather told him it wouldn't have mattered since he couldn't get his intermediate license until his sixteenth birthday anyway.
Once they pulled out of the parking lot, Heather drove to the DMV so the boys could obtain their learner's permits. Joe went first and had no issues getting his packet. Jim, on the other hand, approached the clerk and was answering questions as asked. "Have you ever had a driver's license?" the clerk asked.
"I'm fifteen. I have thirteen days until I turn sixteen, so no," Jim responded.
"Interesting, records indicate that you did have one in Montana," The clerk announced.
"I had a TELL, or rather a Traffic Education Learner's License, but I never got the actual license. When my dad died, I never completed my training. That's why I'm here, now," Jim said looking sad.
"Sorry to hear about your father. The TELL is considered a driver's license, so for future reference, now you know," The clerk stated.
"How will me not knowing affect my getting a permit now?" Jim queried.
"It won't, I just have to record that you had one but it's no longer valid. I understand your confusion and I'm here to help you while also keeping our streets safe."
Jim gave a sigh of relief and thanked the clerk while Heather signed the forms. As they walked back to the car, Jim asked if he could drive home. "I don't think so, at least not yet. You haven't even had your first Driver's Ed class and I'll take you some place less congested before I hand you my keys," Heather replied.
"I started Driver's Ed in Montana and we do need to get fifty hours of supervised driving in before we can get our intermediate license," Jim stated.
"I'll talk to Marilyn and between the two of us, we'll see what we can do," Heather said.
"What about Zac? Can't he help us get time in?" Jim asked.
"What does your book say about supervised driving?" Heather queried.
"That they must be at least." Jim began, "Never mind, Zac isn't eighteen."
Heather patted Jim on the knee. She knew Jim was hoping to get his license on his birthday, or rather the day after. She also knew that the driver's education course was a month long, but Jim wanted to wait for Joe, so she signed them up at the first available class.
Zac was in the house when they got home. He had his school books set up and was doing homework. "Look Mom, a handsome angel entered our home," Jim said with a smile.
Zac smiled, "Figured I'd work on my homework here so I can see the picture on your learner's permit when you got home."
"I don't like it, they wouldn't let me smile," Jim frowned.
"Very few people like the picture on their license, Honey," Heather informed him.
Jim pulled out his permit and Zac grabbed it. Kissing the picture, Zac looked at Jim and said, "I think your picture is very handsome. Almost as handsome as the real thing."
"Only you or Mom would," Jim complained.
Zac showed the pic to Joe. "I have to agree, other than the lack of a smile, this is a good picture. Now look at mine," Joe said pulling his permit out. Jim and Zac kept taking turns kissing the pictures. "You two are weird, especially since I'm right here." They started kissing Joe instead of his permit.
While taking Driver's Ed classes, Jim and Joe had to juggle their work schedule. Jackson was happy to work with them so they could get their licenses. The following Sunday, Jackson approached the three boys, "You know, Mother's Day is a week from today, on the eleventh. I'm thinking of having a promotion. Not sure how I want to say it, but moms will be able to ride free when any of their children rent a horse."
"Sounds good, but not sure we'll be able to help with that one," Zac said. "I believe our moms already made plans for that day. We'll still be able to work our normal shift, though."
"I understand. No problem, I can get enough hands to do it. Just make sure you boys have your moms stop by so I can wish them a Happy Mother's Day," Jackson said.
As Jim walked towards the barn, Jackson grabbed Zac's arm. When Jim was out of earshot, Jackson looked at Zac. "He turns sixteen on Mother's Day, doesn't he?"
"Yeah, be kind of hard to plan a surprise party for him here at the ranch, though," Zac frowned.
"Want to bet that I pull it off?" Jackson said with a grin.
"No way, you probably already have something up your sleeve," Zac chuckled.
"I'll tell you more about it when I'm ready, but he'll be expecting something. I'm hoping you'll help throw him off."
"I'll try," Zac said with a smile.
Zac ran off to catch up with Jim. "Planning my surprise party?" Jim asked with a grin.
"Not really. Jackson said something about it but I told him that you wouldn't fall for it," Zac stated flatly.
"And now you're trying to convince me that it isn't happening," Jim said with a smirk.
"Believe what you want, just don't be upset if it doesn't happen. You can blame me."
Jim looked at him trying to decide if Zac was being totally honest. "Well, I won't be surprised if he tries, but I don't need a party as long as I have you." Zac kissed Jim.
All week, when Jim was at the ranch, he made it a point to check out the barn they had used a couple times for parties. Zac noticed this and smiled. If Jackson was going to pull this off, he couldn't use the same barn. It was Thursday and Jackson approached Jim. "Between school, your driver's course and working here, you're beginning to look tired. I'll give you the weekend off so you can rest, if you want."
"I'm good, but thanks for caring," Jim said with a smile.
Saturday as they were finishing up everything at the ranch, Jim double checked all the barns. Zac chuckled to himself. He wasn't sure how Jackson was going to pull off a surprise party at the ranch. He tried again to convince Jim that he wasn't having one, but knowing Jim, the barns would get checked again tomorrow.
The boys got home and Heather looked at Jim, "I'm thinking tomorrow, I'll go out to the ranch and you, Joe and I can go horseback riding. What do you think?"
"Is that to distract me so Jackson can set up a surprise party?" Jim asked.
"Not that I'm aware of. He told me that he's not going to be able to pull it off since you keep looking through all the barns."
"So he was planning one, I knew it," Jim boasted.
"Yes, but you blew his fun. Tomorrow, the three of us can go horseback riding, then we can go wherever you want to go for a birthday celebration dinner. After that, we can come back here to open presents," Heather suggested.
"Is Zac and Marilyn joining us?" Jim asked hoping.
"Silly question, they'll probably go on their own ride, but will join us for dinner. You think Zac would let me take you out for your birthday and him not be there?" Heather smiled.
"You're right, it is a silly question." Jim said with a smile.
Sunday morning, Zac walked in the house. "Happy Mother's Day, Heather. Hap." He noticed that Jim looked a little down. "What's wrong, Dude?"
"I ruined Jackson's fun of throwing me a surprise party," Jim said, then he turned to Heather, "You know what, Mom, after we go riding, why don't we just come home."
"If that is what you want. We'll discuss it and see if you change your mind later."
Jim was quiet the whole way to the ranch. Joe tried everything he could think of to get Jim to smile, but nothing worked. "Bro, it's your birthday, you are supposed to be happy."
"Yeah, happy sweet sixteen. How am I supposedly sweet when I ruined someone else's fun?" Jim asked.
"Because you care enough that it's upsetting you. You are sweet and we all love you." Zac said trying to cheer his boyfriend up.
They got out of the truck and one of the ranch hands called out, "Come quick, the mare is giving birth!"
Everyone raced to watch the "fat" mare, as Joe had called her, give birth. Everyone watched as the foal came out, hands were standing ready to assist if need be. Shortly after the foal was born, it started to stand on its wobbly legs. "Did anyone see if it was a filly or a colt?" Josh asked.
"It's a colt. Jim, he's your horse if you want him," Jackson said.
Jim looked at Joe. "What do you think? Do you want him?"
"He's beautiful. Will I still be able to ride the ranch's horses until he's old enough to ride?" Joe asked.
"Of course you can, Silly." Jim said putting his arm around Joe. Somehow, watching the birth helped cheer Jim up a little.
"Can I name him Sunshine? He has such a bright coat." Joe asked.
"Sunshine it is. I'll have the papers drawn up giving you ownership." Jackson said.
Joe put his arms around Jim, "Thanks, I also thought it was an appropriate name because you seemed to cheer up a little."
"Yeah, something about a new life has that effect."
Joe headed towards the barn with the lockers. Jim could hear him singing, "I've got Sunshine on a cloudy day." Jim's chuckled at his first thought, "This gives new meaning to that song for Joe."
As the boys did their work, Jim kept looking for Jackson. He wanted to apologize for ruining his fun. He hadn't seen him since the colt was born. Even when everyone was unloading the new hay, Jackson was nowhere to be found. Jim and Joe were getting the horses ready for their ride when they saw Zac's mom pull up. Jim watched his mom getting out of Marilyn's car. She walked over to him.
"You feeling any better?" she asked.
"A little, the palomino mare gave birth today which helped. Joe named the colt Sunshine." Jim said with a slight smile. Heather kissed his forehead.
Zac and Marilyn took off on their ride while Heather tried cheering Jim up by asking to see the colt. They walked to the barn and Joe approached the colt. The colt seemed drawn to Joe immediately. "He seems to like you. That should help when it's time to break him," Heather commented.
"Isn't he beautiful, Mom?" Joe asked.
"He sure is. Now, this is the colt that Gold sired?" Heather asked.
"Yes, I believe this is his first colt. The rest of his sires were fillies." Jim stated. "Kind of fitting that the one that was supposed to be mine is a colt."
"Supposed to be? Well, then who does he belong to?" Heather asked. Joe smiled.
"I told you, Joe named him Sunshine." Jim said.
"You gave him to Joe? That was so sweet of you," Heather said hugging Jim.
Heather walked back to Marilyn's car. The trunk was left popped and she grabbed a picnic basket out, closed it, and walked back to Jim. "Figured since you didn't want to go to the restaurant, maybe we could ride out by the lake and have a picnic," Heather suggested.
Jim helped Heather mount her horse and then using a piece of rope, tied the basket to her saddle horn. Joe was on his horse and Jim jumped up on Gold. They rode out towards the lake.
As they were approaching the lake, they veered right towards the hitching post. Jim got down off of Gold and tied his reins to the post. He then grabbed the reins from his mom's horse and tied them. He helped his mom dismount. As he turned towards the clearing where they set up the tent while camping, he saw Jackson and several of his friends. They yelled "Surprise!!!" and Jim started crying.
"Are you alright?" Jackson asked.
"I thought I had ruined your fun all day long," Jim cried. "I was so upset with myself. The fact that you went to all this trouble just makes me so happy." Grabbing Jackson, he hugged him.
"Told you that I could pull it off," Jackson said looking at Zac. "I think we got him good."
"That you did. You really surprised me." Jim said smiling.
There was a cake on a picnic table. The icing was cream cheese, but in the center was a palomino horsehead. Jim thought it looked a LOT like Gold. "I took a picture of him to the bakery," Jackson said as if he were reading Jim's mind.
"They did a really good job," Jim said. "Any chance we can save that part for last to be cut?"
"I'm figuring, that part will be going home with you. There's plenty of cake on both sides that it needn't be cut."
"Thanks, Jackson, you're the best," Jim said hugging Jackson again.
Zac handed Joe his guitar. Seems someone had snuck it out to the lake for just this occasion. Joe started playing Happy Birthday and Jim laughed. After Joe had played it through completely, he continued playing it and everyone joined in to sing the song. Zac kissed Jim once the song was done.
Everyone was nice enough not to cut into the horsehead on the cake. Once everyone had eaten, Zac approached Jim. "I hope you don't mind, but we all went together and got you one big present," Zac said handing Jim a small box.
Jim thought, "If they consider this a big present, I'd hate to even try and see a small one." He opened the box and inside was a car key. Jim dropped the box as his left hand went to his mouth and he clutched his chest with his right.
Bending down to pick up the key, Zac asked if he was okay. Jim just nodded unable to speak. Zac handed Jim the key and led him to his new 2014 Dodge Challenger. It was a Jazz Blue SRT 392. On the hood, someone had airbrushed the blue dragon Jim uses as his desktop for both his computer and laptop. Across the top were the letters "D - R - A - G - O - N". "I can't believe you guys bought this for me. That must have cost a fortune."
"I was talking to CJ and Danny about my Mother's Day promotion to see what they thought. I also mentioned it being your sixteenth birthday and us wanting to get you a car. CJ asked how much we had and he chipped in the rest so you could have this car," Jackson informed him.
"I love it," Jim said. "I really, really love it. Can I drive it?"
"As long as you stay on ranch property, it's legal. You go on any public streets, you need someone over eighteen," Jackson told him.
"Mom?" Jim looked at Heather.
"That was the main reason why I rode with Marilyn, so you can drive home. As for now, you may want to drive a bit to get used to it."
Jim opened the door to get in and immediately saw that it was a manual transmission. "Cool, I've always wanted a stick shift, only problem is, I've never driven stick before," Jim said sheepishly.
"Once you learn to drive stick, you can drive almost any vehicle. Zac or I can teach you how to drive. I'll bet you that we can do it in half an hour tops," Dusty said.
"No offense Dusty, you're my best friend, but Zac is my other half," Jim said. Zac ran over and got in the passenger seat. He told Jim what he needed to know about the gears and working the clutch. First time Jim let out the clutch, he stalled the car. Zac assured him that most people who know how to drive stick have done that at least once.
After almost half an hour of driving, Jim got out. "She's sweet, everyone. Thank you SO much." Then Jim looked at Joe and smiled. "Dusty, you want to teach my brother how to drive stick?"
"Are you serious?" Joe asked.
"If you ever need to borrow my car, you'll need to know how." Jim tossed the keys to Joe. Heather smiled at her son. She was so proud of the job that she and Jon did raising him.
Joe hurried to the vehicle and got in. Dusty got in on the other side and started explaining the intricacies of driving a stick. Just like Jim, Joe stalled the car the first time. Zac nudged Jim and pointed it out. Not wanting to upset Jim, Joe only drove for twenty minutes. He got out, handed the keys back to Jim and gave him a hug.
As the party was winding down, everyone started to leave. Dusty and Cheyenne gave Jim a hug and wished him a happy birthday again before they headed for Dusty's car. Buster walked over shook Jim's hand then whispered in Joe's ear. Joe giggled.
"We have a slight problem," Joe announced. "How do we get the horses and the car back?"
"Mom, you want to drive the car? Joe and I can take the horses back then," Jim suggested.
"I don't know how to drive stick. I've always had an automatic," Heather stated.
"I feel that I need to go with the horses because of how Gold acts toward others. So either Joe needs to drive or Zac can. If Joe drives, he'll need you to go with him Mom because he'll have to use Trail Creek Road," Jim said.
"Let Joe drive, he can use the practice and it counts towards the hours he needs to get his license," Zac stated. Joe was all smiles.
Jackson offered to ride one of the horses back to the stables so that left only one needing to be led. Jim tied the reins to his saddle horn, then mounted Gold. Jackson, Zac, Marilyn, and Jim rode back to the ranch together. "NOW, are you feeling any better?" Zac asked with a chuckle.
"You better believe it," Jim said.
"You should have heard him, Jackson. He was so upset because he thought he ruined your fun. You would have loved it."
"Well, I knew that we couldn't throw you a surprise party in the barns," Jackson told Jim. "Even if you weren't constantly checking them, there was too much risk of you seeing something that would have tipped you off."
Jim was riding beside Jackson. "I felt so bad when Mom told me that I ruined your fun."
"I'm glad you cared but you never ruined my fun. If anything, you made it even more fun to surprise you. Now I need to figure out where to have a party in August," Jackson stated. Zac laughed.
"You know I'll be expecting one, so just have a party, it doesn't have to be a surprise," Zac stated.
"He does have a point." Jim agreed.
They got back to the stables and Jim saw Joe and Heather standing by the car. Other than looking dirty from driving in the dirt by the lake, the car looked in excellent condition. Joe and Heather walked over to help with the horses. "This is Mother's Day, so you ladies just watch," Jackson ordered. "And Jim, when you're done with Gold, you're done. I'll finish the last horse so you can get out of here."
"Thanks Jackson. You were a big part in making this a very memorable birthday," Jim said as he hugged the man. Joe handed Jim back his car keys, then took his borrowed horse so that he could groom him and get it ready to be stabled. He asked Heather if he could check on Sunshine one last time before they left.
Once the horses were put away, Joe went to check on Sunshine. The colt came over and rubbed his head against Joe. "You wanting a hug?" Joe asked. The colt responded by putting his head on Joe's shoulder.
"Wow, he seems to know that you own him," Heather pointed out.
"He knows that Joe loves him and always will," Jim added. Joe smiled as he hugged and petted his colt. When he was done, they headed for the car. Zac was standing by his truck. "Waiting on us?" Jim asked.
"New car with a new driver, figured I'd follow you just in case," Zac said.
"Hopefully there won't be a 'just in case,' but it's nice knowing you have my back," Jim replied. He looked at his mom, "Can we go through a car wash on the way home? And if not, can Zac drive my car to school tomorrow so we can get her washed?"
"There's a really good one on the way home. As for Zac driving your car, it is your car. As long as you obey the law, I don't have a problem with you letting him drive it," Heather kissed Jim's forehead then got in the passenger seat.
Joe was getting ready to climb in back. "Hey Joe, instead of climbing in back, wouldn't you be more comfortable riding with me?" Zac offered.
"Yeah, I would definitely be more comfortable," Joe agreed
Zac started his truck and Jim got in and started his car. They pulled onto the street and headed for town. Jim spotted the car wash Heather had mentioned. He pulled onto the lot and slipped fifteen dollars into the machine. Driving into the bay, Jim turned off the engine while the touchless car wash did its thing.
As he eased out of the car wash, the jet dryers made an awful noise on the roof of his car. He got back onto Route 120 heading towards home. Approaching Alt 14 with his light already green, Jim heard the loud air horn of a semitrailer. Heather was about to say something but noticed Jim's foot go from the accelerator to the brake. The semi blasted past just mere inches away from the nose of Jim's car as it ran through the red light with two sheriff cars in hot pursuit. Zac barely stopped in time leaving less than an inch between him and Jim.
Heather noticed Jim shaking and spoke softly to him while stroking his shoulder, "Take a deep breath and breathe. Yes, that was a close one, but you were paying attention and did the right thing. Think you can drive the rest of the way home?" Jim nodded his head and put the car into gear.
Pulling into the drive, Jim parked where Zac had always parked while Zac pulled into his own drive. He and Joe quickly walked over as Jim got out of the car. Jim bent over and vomited in the grass. "Dude, are you alright?" Zac asked concerned.
"That semi almost hit me. I had the green light, but if I would have kept going, Mom and I would be dead." Jim was still noticeably shaking.
"But as I said, you were paying attention and did the right thing. I'm proud of you and will worry less. I'll still worry about you behind the wheel, but not as much knowing that you pay attention," Heather stated hugging Jim.
"Then I almost plowed your ass," Zac said.
"Yea, well, you can do that any time you want, just not THAT way," Jim whispered giving a cheesy grin. Zac smiled.
"I heard that. Yeah, he's fine, just nerves got a hold of him but he's his ornery self," Heather said smacking Jim's ass.
They went inside and Joe turned on the television. News was on talking about a truck traveling in excess of a hundred miles an hour going through town. In the footage they showed, the nose of Jim's car just being missed was clearly visible. They went on to report that the brakes had failed on the truck and the accelerator was stuck wide open. Sheriff's Department was hoping that the semi would run out of fuel as the town is somewhat flat and there were no steep embankments to slow it down. Instead, when the driver had reached the edge of town and felt there was no danger to anyone else or property, he killed the engine causing the rig to jackknife. The trailer ripped from the cab and tumbled through empty fields spewing its contents about. The trailer was little more than broken pieces of scrap metal. The cab itself, had been tossed from the trailer being ripped from it. It was laying on its side with the frame obviously twisted. There was no word on the driver at this time and further investigation will be underway to determine the cause.
Jim ran to the bathroom and emptied more contents out of his gut. Joe turned off the TV while Zac and Heather went to check on Jim. Heather tried to calm Jim, "Just know Honey, things like that rarely happen. Just pay attention to your surroundings and watch out for other drivers. You can't control what they do, but you can anticipate. You showed me today that you are ready. You make me proud every day."
"Maybe so, but knowing we were that close to death, it scares me," Jim said. Zac wrapped his arms around Jim and pulled him close. Jim put his left arm around Zac and motioned for his mom to come closer with his right. Not wanting left out, Joe squeezed in there, too. When they separated, Jim gave Joe a hug all to himself.
"When I get home from work, you're going out driving tomorrow," Heather warned Jim.
"I know, it's just like a horse except we weren't actually thrown. I'm just glad I didn't crap myself." Jim said with a chuckle.
"No, yours came out the other end." Zac said laughing.
Joe decided to call Buster and see if he saw the news. He wanted to point out that they were so close to being involved that the nose of Jim's car was on the news. "I wondered if that was you guys. I knew it was the right color but the car looked clean. Who was driving, you or Jim?" Buster asked.
"Jim was, he had gone to a car wash just before it happened. I was riding with Zac behind them," Joe sounded almost excited. "I hope I never have to deal with something like that," he said more solemnly.
In their driver's education class, Joe mentioned the incident to the instructor pointing out that Jim was driving the car they showed. What could have happened was a big part of the classroom discussion. The instructor talked to Jim before they got in the car to practice driving. "How are you feeling?"
"I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't nervous. Mom keeps telling me how proud she was that I was paying attention. If I hadn't been, we wouldn't have lived," Jim was on the verge of tears.
"You have a right to be nervous but you did good. As you said, if you didn't you wouldn't be here. How many hours do you have towards your fifty?"
The instructor could still detect nervousness as Jim responded, "I hit thirty-one and Mom's taking me out driving when she gets home. She wants me to get back on that horse so to speak."
"You work on a ranch, you know that saying, and it doesn't just apply to horses. When you drive, I want you to go through the same light."
The instructor had three students with him. He had Joe drive to the entrance of Another Chance and then told Jim to take the wheel. Jim turned the car around and headed back towards the school. As Jim approached Alt 14 again, he had a green light but started slowing down. The instructor was getting ready to ask him if he were alright, but Jim looked both directions and pick up his speed again. The instructor smiled at him realizing that Jim was dealing with his nerves.
At the school, Jim got out of the Driver's Ed car and took a deep breath. "Are you okay?" Joe asked.
"I'm fine, Bro. I was just nervous about that junction, but I'm fine," Jim replied. The instructor approached Jim and told him that he was an excellent driver.
As the end of the school year approached, so did the end of their driving class. Jim and Joe completed their fifty hours of driving and were able to take the test to get their intermediate license. Both passed with no problems.
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