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. Parts of the character is 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.
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Another Chance
Chapter 32
Everyone was seated in court and as Judge Dillon came out, they stood up. "Please be seated. Miss Wilcox, it has been a week since we met, are you prepared to provide evidence that Mrs. Walker is ready to be a mother?"
"We are Your Honor," the attorney stated.
"Good, but since you had your chance last week, let's start with Mr. Grayson. Would you like to call your first witness?" Judge Dillon stated.
"Yes Ma'am. I would like to call Joseph C. Walker to the stand," Ryan stated.
Joe took the stand and was sworn in again. Ryan asked him to relate the time when he lived with Mrs. Walker up to and including his last day living in the house. Joe gave a very detailed chain of events about how he basically prepared his own meals and felt like he was unwanted in the home. He told about his father finding his collection, beating him and throwing him out into the snow without even a coat while all his mother did was offer him a dress.
"Horrifying story, I would hate to see one child suffer like that," Dillon stated.
"I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, ma'am, yet I lived it," Joe stated.
"And what happened when you moved in with the Bolts?" Ryan asked.
Joe's face lit up. He started talking about how loved he felt immediately. He talked about it being two days before Christmas and Jim and Zac went out right away to get him a special gift, then he held up his foot showing the modified boot.
"Then, what was your birthday like?" Ryan asked. Joe related about all the effort that Jim, Zac, Heather and Jackson went through. He told about getting the guitar and everything. "Was there any darkness to your birthday?" Ryan inquired.
"There was one. We had sent an invitation to my birth mother to attend. She sent it back writing `Refused: Return to Sender' on it. It was returned on my birthday," Joe responded.
"And since you were thrown out of the house by Mr. Walker just two days before Christmas, has Mrs. Walker made any attempts to contact you?"
"To my knowledge, she only made one and that was after she said that she wanted me to move to Michigan with her and before she filed for custody," Joe replied.
"I have no further questions for my client at this time, Your Honor," Ryan stated and sat down.
"Mr. Walker, do you believe that people can change?" Miss Wilcox asked.
"It is possible. I've heard stories about previous cases with Judge Dillon, but based on those stories and from what I see now, she has changed," Joe stated. Judge Dillon just smiled.
"And do you think that it's possible for your mother to change?" Miss Wilcox queried.
"It is possible, but whether she has or not is yet to be seen. From what I heard about when she came to get me, I have my doubts," Joe said.
"From what I heard, she made a desperate plea to get you back," Miss Wilcox commented.
"Would you like to hear the recording of her threatening my family, my REAL family?" Joe asked.
"I have no further questions at this time," Miss Wilcox stated as she sat down. Judge Dillon told Joe that he could step down and Joe went to sit beside Heather and she patted his knee.
Ryan stood up, "Your Honor, I have a copy of that recording if you would like to hear it."
"That won't be necessary as I have already heard it," Dillon stated.
"In that case, Your Honor, I can call the case workers from CPS to give similar stories of what they saw. I can call the individual members of the Bolt Family, their friends, neighbors and even Joe's employer if the need arises. In the interest of time, I'd like to hear what Miss Wilcox has to say as to how Mrs. Walker has proven that she is ready to be a mother, but I reserve the right to call my witnesses if necessary."
"Yes, that does sound logical. Miss Wilcox, would you like to proceed?" Judge Dillon responded.
"I'd like to call Mrs. Walker to the stand," Wilcox stated
Mrs. Walker took a seat and Miss Wilcox looked at her. "You heard what your son had to say. Was any of it true?" Miss Wilcox asked.
"I think all of it was true, but I often drank out of fear of my husband so I don't really recall it."
"So you admit that at that time, you were definitely an unfit mother?" Miss Wilcox stated more than asked.
"Yes, but since I've been away from my husband, I've sobered up. I'm going to AA meetings and seeking counseling," Mrs. Walker said.
"And you believe that you are ready to be a mother, now?"
"Yes, I do," Mrs. Walker stated.
"And what were you told that you had to do to be able to regain custody of your son?" Miss Wilcox asked.
"His case worker told me that I had to divorce my husband and move out of that house."
"Have you divorced your husband?" Wilcox asked.
"Papers have been filed and are awaiting a judge's approval," Mrs. Walker stated.
"What about your house?"
"It sold last week, I have until the fifth of September to vacate it. At that time, I plan to move to Harbor Springs, Michigan and I would like to take Joseph with me," Mrs. Walker answered.
"I have no more questions for this witness, Your Honor"
Ryan stood up, "Mrs. Walker, you said papers were filed, before the divorce is finalized, are you capable of changing your mind and stopping the proceedings?"
"I wouldn't do that. I want my son back," Mrs. Walker stated.
"I didn't ask if you would do that, I asked if you are capable of it," Ryan stated.
"I suppose if I didn't want my son back, it could be possible," Mrs. Walker responded.
Then shouldn't you have waited until your divorce is finalized before trying to regain custody?" Ryan pressed.
"I suppose, but as I stated, I am moving to Michigan, my house is sold and I can't stop that sale. It is finalized. I plan to take Joseph with me when I leave," Mrs. Walker stated coldly.
"Have you consulted with Joe as to whether he wanted to go to Michigan?"
"Well, no, but a mother makes decisions for their children all the time without consulting them. I believe that Joseph would be happy there, and I think he'd want to get as far from his father as he could."
"Isn't his father in prison? If I am not mistaken, he'll be there for another four years. I believe that Joe has plenty of time to `get away' if he feels the need. Don't you?" Ryan used air quotes as he said "get away."
"He's my son, and I think I know what's best for him," Mrs. Walker's voice rose a little when she responded.
"Like letting his father beat him and throw him out into the snow without even a coat? You think that was best for him?" Ryan throw out. Then he quickly added, "Oh, that's right. You did offer him a dress."
"I already admitted that at that time I wasn't fit to be a mother. I have learned from my mistakes," Mrs. Walker stated.
"Does that include threatening the people he considers his family?" Ryan asked.
"I don't recall threatening them, I merely made a comment that it would be in their best interest to not fight me on this."
"It was recorded, would you like to hear the recording as a reminder?" Ryan offered.
"Objection, Your Honor, he's badgering the witness, he's trying to get her so upset that she loses control. As you can see, she's not the same person, she is not getting upset," Miss Wilcox tried.
"Denied, he's not badgering, but I have a feeling that he wants her threat played, and Mrs. Walker, it is a threat. Mr. Grayson, I think everyone here has either heard it or was a part of it. I see no reason to listen to it but will make it a part of the transcript."
"I have no further questions, Your Honor."
As Mrs. Walker made her way to her seat, Miss Wilcox looked at the judge, "Your Honor, if I need to, I can call members of Mrs. Walker's AA group that have agreed to testify on her behalf. I can also bring in her counselor to testify as to her progress. Only real way to prove that she is ready, though, is to let her be his mother."
"Your Honor, while I agree with what Miss Wilcox has just stated, what if she proves that she's not ready? You have to think of what is best for my client," Ryan argued.
"You have a good point, Mr. Grayson. Many times, I have placed children with their birth parents, or more specifically, their mothers. As I have said, some of those were a good call and the children grew up happily. There have been a few, thankfully very few, where the child had to be removed for his or her safety. I regret those decisions, but one really comes to mind. Tomorrow, I will be attending the funeral of a nine month old because the birth mother changed her mind about letting the child go for adoption, then after two weeks, the baby's crying caused her to break down and she smothered the child.
"I'm glad that Mrs. Walker is seeking help, and I hope that she chooses to always be a part of Joseph's life regardless of the outcome of this case. At this time, I am not inclined to give her custody, but I don't want to totally rule it out. Joseph will remain in the custody of the Bolt Family until I reach a decision. I will give that decision on December the first. During this time, I suggest that Mrs. Walker prove to this young man that she is ready and wants to be his mother. Not once did I hear her say that she loves this young man, but I know he feels loved by the Bolts. Mr. Grayson, the Judicial Board has asked me to remain on the bench until a decision has been made. You will go unchallenged for this seat during the election, at least by me, and after my decision has been made, you will be sworn in to take my place. And as to my decision; Joseph, you will be sixteen and three quarters. I will allow you to decide which family you wish to claim and my decision will reflect your choice." Joe started crying and hugged Heather.
"I am moving to Michigan next month, Your Honor. It will be difficult for me to prove anything so far away," Mrs. Walker protested.
"That's your problem, not mine. If you want to be your son's mother, you need to prove to him that you love him. You will arrange visits through Children's Protective Services and these visits will be at Joseph's convenience, not yours. From what I've seen, you have a lot of work ahead of you. My only interest is what I believe is best for your son, not you," Judge Dillon stated.
"He's MY son, Your Honor, I demand that you give me custody. I have done everything I was told that I had to do to regain custody. Don't be a bitch now."
"Excuse me, another outburst like that and I will find you in contempt. Not only will I grant immediate adoption, but you will spend time in a jail cell until you apologize to me. And with the mood you just put me in, I may wait until December to see you. I recommend that you vacate my courtroom before I'm not so nice." Judge Dillon was obviously upset.
As they walked out of the courtroom, Mrs. Walker looked at Miss Wilcox and in a lower voice stated, "What kind of lawyer are you? You specifically asked for that bitch saying there was no way I wouldn't get my son if we had her. You better not bill me for this fiasco."
"Deal was that you would get your son. I think if that child hadn't died, you probably would have. We're not done. Just be a devoting mother to your son and make him want to live with you."
"And how am I supposed to do that when I'll be in Michigan and he'll be living here? Are you going to cover my transportation costs?"
Jim walked over to Joe, put his arms around him and picked him up as he hugged him. "We did it Bro, you get to decide who you live with."
"Yeah, wonder who I'll pick," Joe stated with a hint of orneriness. That was a mistake as Jim still had his arms around him and started tickling.
"Jackson couldn't come today, but was ready to rush over if we needed him. He said that when the hearing was over, we should all head over to the ranch. I have a feeling, that new barn is going to be more for partying than what it was originally built for," Ryan stated.
"You mean it wasn't built for parties?" Zac joked. Everyone headed to the ranch.
Jackson had a cake decorated saying "Way to Go, Joe" in the center of the barn. As soon as Joe walked in, he was greeted by Buster and his family. "Jackson said that you are staying. I am so happy," Buster stated as he hugged Joe. A tear rolled down Buster's face. Mr. and Mrs. Jones hugged Joe also.
Dusty and Cheyenne walked over and congratulated Joe before heading to the table with the punch bowl. "Bro, I'm gonna grab some punch, you look kinda busy, want me to grab one for you?" Jim offered.
"Yes, please," Joe replied.
Jim walked over to the punch table and was greeted by Zarek, "Hey Cuz, I hear that you have a thing for dragons. You might like this punch. I call it non-alcoholic Dragon's Blood."
"Non-alcoholic, I take it there is a drink called Dragon's Blood?" Jim queried.
"There is and this really isn't even close to it, but I thought the name sounded good. I used a gallon of cherry juice, half gallon of pomegranate juice, half gallon of cranberry juice, a quart of lemonade, and two two-liters of Sprite. It's really good."
"Sounds like it might be. Definitely going to try it," Jim stated. When he grabbed two cups, Zarek gave him a look and he explained that the second one was for Joe. Jeff walked over and gave Zarek a kiss.
"Relax Jeff. He's my cousin," Zarek said as Jim walked back towards Joe. He overheard Jeff stating that he just wanted a kiss nothing more, but Jim chuckled thinking Jeff might be jealous of him.
Joe sipped his punch and made his rounds meeting those that attended. Heather was talking with Mr. Jones. Matt and Gina walked over to Joe. "Grats on you getting to stay," Matt said.
"Do I know you?" Joe asked.
"I'm more friends with Zac, but I've been around. My name is Matt and this is my fiancé Gina," Matt said.
"Fiancé, aren't you just a junior?" Joe asked.
"We are, but we've been dating for five years and are planning to get married shortly after graduation," Matt said.
"Hope everything works out," Joe stated.
Jackson walked over to Joe, "Glad to have you sticking around. Have a present from Danny and CJ. They were so sure that Ryan would win for you that they sent it."
"Where is it?" Joe asked.
"In the parking lot," Jackson told him. Then he raised his voice so that everyone could hear him, "Everyone, we are heading to the parking lot so Joe can see his present from MY former employers. They were so sure of the outcome of the case that they sent it a few days ago."
Joe looked at Jackson, "They didn't influence the judge, I hope."
"I assure you, they had nothing to do with how the case turned out. Not even sure that they could, nor would they as that would be against the law," Jackson assured Joe as he led the way to the present.
Joe's mouth dropped when he saw a green Jeep Grand Cherokee sitting in the parking lot with a green bow and a sign saying "Congratulations Joe" on it. "This is too much," Joe stated.
"What can I say, they are generous guys and someone mentioned to them that you wanted a green jeep," Jackson said as he looked at Ryan. Ryan smiled.
"Are you sure that they didn't influence the judge in any way?" Joe asked.
A blonde haired boy and an Indian both unknown to Joe walked towards him. "I assure you that they did not," the Indian said. "My name is Dusty and this is my boyfriend, Zak. He's Danny's brother."
"Heard stories about the two of you from Jackson. How long are you here?" Zac asked.
"We came just long enough to bring the present, but we've heard so much about a palomino that we would love to see him," Zak stated.
"Then when the party winds down, we can take a walk," Jim said with a gleam in his eye. He really loves showing off Gold.
People started leaving and Jim led Zak and Dusty to the barn where Gold was kept. Zak was in awe of how beautiful Gold actually was. He thought that CJ and Danny were just laying it on thick but when he actually spotted Gold he knew right away. "Danny challenged me to try and ride him, do you mind?" Zak asked.
"Yeah, they told us about you. They said they'd be curious to see if you can even mount him, let alone ride. All his life, I am the only one that he has let even mount him. Go ahead and see what happens," Jim said.
"Have you ever ridden him bareback?" Dusty queried.
"Nope, never felt a need," Jim replied.
"Mind if I try?" Zak asked. Jim gave his consent and Zak walked up to Gold. Gold started fidgeting right away. Zak tried to calm him down but it was to no avail. Gold was having no part of anyone getting on his back except Jim. Didn't take Zak long to realize that. "He's definitely a one person horse," Zak stated.
Dusty and Zak stayed and visited with Jackson and Ryan for a few minutes, but then got in the flatbed truck they used to bring the jeep.
Parking around the Bolt house was getting to be sparse. Joe parked on the street to leave room for any visitors. When he walked in the house, he said, "Now when we go someplace, we'll have a little more leg room."
"Are you knocking my car?" Jim asked.
"No, I love your car, but even you admit that there's not so much leg room for whoever rides in back."
"So, you don't like my car?" Jim said with a straight face.
"I just said I love it, but..." Joe started to defend himself but then Jim started cracking up.
Everyone was full from the party and exhausted from the day, so shortly after arriving at home they went to bed. Joe wanted to sleep with Zac and Jim again, not because he was anxious or couldn't sleep, but because he was happy to be able to stay with them. Neither Jim nor Zac had a problem with it, but did comment about not making it a habit. When they awake, their lives should start getting back to normal.
After they awoke and had breakfast, the boys headed for the ranch. Heather headed for the law firm. Joe drove his new Jeep while Jim and Zac rode along. Made Joe feel good to drive. He pulled in where Zac normally parks and started to get out. Jackson called all three into the office before they began their shifts.
"What's up?" Zac asked.
"While you boys were on vacation, I started hiring for the upcoming school year. I hate to say this, but I won't need you boys attending to the horses during the week. You'll still take care of them on the weekends, but not during the week. I have to start preparing for when you are in school," Jackson stated.
"So then, what do you want us to do?" Zac asked. Jim and Joe weren't sure what was going to happen.
"Well, Zac, I want you to start learning more about being the manager. You are my number two. When I'm not here, you are the one in charge. You turn seventeen in four days and will be a senior," Jackson responded.
"And I will also be getting out of school an hour early as part of a work study. That means I'll need to be here every day to get credit," Zac said.
"Good," Jackson started, "now, as for you two, for the rest of summer, I just want you to ride through the week. You'll tend to the horses on the weekends as you always have, but through the week, the horses to you to exercise them. Joe, you can start breaking your new horse. He's still too young to ride, but start getting him used to being around you, and carrying light weight, he'll be easier to break when the time comes. And if anyone comes wanting riding lessons, we'll schedule one of you."
"Dad?" Colt called out as he walked into the office.
"Which dad do you want?" Jackson asked with a chuckle.
"Well seeing how the other one left for work, I would guess you. Some guy just told me that he'll be taking care of the horses that I've been handling since I moved in. I told him that I'd let him today, but I'm taking care of Zarek's," Colt seemed a bit upset.
"Was he rude when he told you?" Jackson asked.
"No, he just said that he was hired to take care of them and for me to talk to you about what I'm supposed to do. He did agree to let me to continue taking care of Midnight."
"Sorry, I should have said something sooner. As I was telling these three, I started hiring the crew to work through the coming school year. Mind you, you are the owner's son so you can pretty much do what you want here, within reason of course, but you do have to attend school. Jim and Joe will be just riding through the week. That sound like something you'd like to do as well?"
"I understand, and thanks for clearing that up. I may do some riding, but my priority will be Midnight," Colt said then headed to talk with that new hand.
Jackson started going over the scheduling and everything he thought Zac should know. Jim and Joe headed for the barn with their horses. As they got closer, they spotted Colt. "Dad explained everything to me, so I wanted to come out to let you know everything was cool," they overheard him saying.
"Thanks, I do have a question maybe you can answer," the hand stated. "This horse is supposed to get alfalfa added to her mix, but I don't see any."
Colt looked around the different feeds. "I don't see any either. Let's go check to see if we have any in one of the other barns, and remind me to say something to my dad about it."
Joe put a harness on Sunshine and a small saddle. He then started walking him, allowing him to get used to the weight. At first, Sunshine wasn't happy about the weight on his back but he seemed to trust Joe and allowed it. Jim grabbed Gold and prepped him for a ride. He watched Joe as his brother took the colt to the arena.
Colt and the hand returned, each carrying a bag of alfalfa. "Did you leave any in the other barn?" Jim asked.
"Yeah, there are eighteen bags still over there. I'm guessing that's where it's delivered and none made it here yet."
"Was probably delivered two days ago, so yeah, you may be right," Jim said as he mounted his horse. Jim headed off on one of the trails.
"Thanks for the help. If you'd like to give me pointers, since you know these horses better than I do. But if you need to do something else, I understand," the hand offered.
"Well I am basically free to do whatever I want, for the most part. I can help you until you're more familiar with the horses," Colt smiled thinking how his life as so changed since he moved in with Jackson. Everyone has made sure that he knows that he is not only welcomed here but wanted, even the new ranch hands that know nothing about his past.
The day went by quickly and Zac looked at Jackson. "Joe is putting Sunshine away, but I haven't seen Jim for a while. He left with Gold six hours ago."
"He probably just lost track of time. Look, I see Gold coming now," Jackson stated.
"Yea, but Jim's not on him," Zac was starting to worry.
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