This story contains some explicit scenes of erotic love between males. If you are under age, or live in an area where reading stories that include sex between males is illegal, or if you're not into this type of story, please leave. The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at NJMcMick@yahoo.com.
The story is set in the fictional city of Trenton, New Jersey. Yes, there is a real city by that name, but other than being a state capital on the Delaware River, it bears little resemblance to the city in this story. While a few of the places mentioned may exist in reality, all of the characters and events are fictitious.
Chapter Fourteen
Since I wasn't very familiar with center city Philadelphia I decided it would be easier to meet Mr. Boyle at his office and go to the custody hearing with him. That way I wouldn't be late and wouldn't have to spend money on a cab. I let Nancy know I was there and waited for Mr. Boyle. I felt bad about all the time he was spending on me and wondered when I was going to get hit with a bill. I was afraid to ask about the money end of things. On the way to the hearing I did feel I had to express my nervousness about the whole situation, though.
"This really has me upset. On one hand, it seems stupid that I should even have to be in someone's custody. I'm seventeen, I've been living on my own for months and I've pretty much been looking after myself since my mother died four years ago. I know the law says I can't do some things on my own, but I've been getting by anyway. It will be a relief not to have to hide my age, but this could all backfire on me. What if they take away all that I've managed to do for myself and try to turn me into a kid again?"
"I understand what you're talking about, but legally you are still a child. I think we can convince them to leave well enough alone, though. If you can keep from getting overly emotional when you're questioned, I'll try to take care of the rest."
As if I weren't nervous enough, when we got to the hall outside the family court I was confronted with something I hadn't even thought of. Sitting in a chair just outside the door was Ralph. He got up as we approached. I expected him to start cussing me out but he just smiled and held his arms out.
"Jerry, my boy, where have you been? I've been so worried about you." He tried to hug me but I backed away from him.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to take you home where you belong."
"No way! I'm not going anywhere with you."
"Now don't be like that, son. I know we've had our differences, but we're family. You know your mother would want us to patch things up."
"Mom only left me with you because she had no other choice. I'm doing fine on my own now so neither of us has to be bothered with the other anymore."
"Bothered? Taking care of my family has never been a bother."
"You're not my family, Ralph, and you never were. You were married to my mother, that's all." I couldn't figure out what he was doing putting on this reasonable and pleasant act. It just wasn't like him and it made me nervous.
Mr. Boyle pulled me to one side and talked quietly to me. "This is what I meant about not getting emotional, Jerry. When it's your turn to testify you can tell all about how he's treated you, but don't get into a confrontation with him about it. Just stay calm and try to ignore him."
We all went into the hearing room and took our seats. Mr. Boyle went to the desk in the front of the room to talk to the judge. Ralph was sitting behind me but he leaned forward and whispered.
'Thought you were gonna get away from me, didn't you, ya little fuck? Not that I'd mind never seeing your puss again, but your mother always made it sound like ol' Aggie had big bucks stashed away somewhere, and since you're her only kin, I'm not letting you go. I've wasted a lot of years on you and if you're comin' into anything, I'm gettin' my cut."
"Aunt Aggie rich? No way. Look at where we were living. A small apartment in an old two-family house in rundown neighborhood. And I don't know what that nursing home costs but I know it's got to be expensive. She's been there over ten years now. If she had any money before it's all gone now. I'm guessing the government's paying her bills by now. You sold everything that was worth anything when Mom died. That was more than your cut. That was mine, too."
"We'll see, ya little bastard. When the old broad dies, I'm gonna be right there beside you."
The hearing started off with Mr. Boyle presenting Mom's custody document and some papers about Aunt Aggie. He also read Mom's letter. I heard Ralph grumble behind me when Mr. Boyle got to the part where Mom said knew we didn't like each other and Ralph didn't handle responsibility well. Then I was called up to sit next to the judge and talk about my life since Mom died. Mr. Boyle got me started and prompted me now and then. The judge also asked some questions. I told about the years living with Ralph, how he worked different shifts so most of the time when I came home from school he was either working or sleeping or at the corner tavern drinking with his buddies, so I got pretty used to fending for myself. I talked about my after school jobs and how Ralph had taken my money, and that last fight when he'd stripped me and beaten me. I kept my voice low and tried not to show any emotion, but by the time I finished there were tears running down my face.
Mr. Boyle asked for a break and took me to one side.
"Are you okay, Jerry?"
"Yeah, I didn't mess up, did I? I tried to keep it under control but I couldn't help it."
He smiled reassuringly. "No, I think that was probably perfect the way you did that. Now if you're feeling better I'd like you to fill us in on what you've been doing since you left home."
I sat in the chair again and told the judge about my arrival in Trenton, having my wallet stolen (leaving out Marcus' kiss) and spending several days sleeping in the park until I got a job. I talked about the job at Frank's, the rooming house and my new job at Minho. I told them about my friends Manny and Norman, not mentioning that Manny had moved away. Obviously I also said nothing about hustling in the park.
Then it was Ralph's turn. He got up and started trying to act like we'd always been pals and that all of our problems were due to my inability to handle my grief over Mom's death. He talked about how he had tried everything with me, from spoiling me to what he called 'tough love.' That's how he explained 'disciplining' me and taking away my money. Then Mr. Boyle started questioning him.
"So you were just holding his money for him to prevent him from wasting it?"
"Yeah, that's right. He's very immature and I knew he couldn't handle it."
"So I assume you have that money set aside in a special bank account for him?"
"Well, no, actually. It wasn't very much, really. I used it to buy things he needed, you know, clothes and school supplies."
"What about the money you took from him a few days before he left home?"
"It's not my fault he got pissed off and ran away. I would have spent it on him if he'd stayed. And if I'd known he'd hidden that other money I would have taken that so he couldn't run off."
Mr. Boyle then hit him with one question after another about my personal life, from my birthday to my favorite classes in school. He asked him my friends' names and the kinds of movies and books I liked. Ralph couldn't answer any of his questions because he didn't know anything about me. He'd never paid attention.
The court took a break for lunch and Mr. Boyle took me to a café down the block for a sandwich. I told him what Ralph had said about Aunt Aggie having money and wanting it for himself.
"Your aunt is my client so I can't say anything about her affairs, but if he thinks you're coming into a large inheritance and he's going to get some of it he's greatly mistaken."
"That's what I told him. Aunt Aggie never had very much and I'm sure it's long gone now. I don't care. I never even thought about anything like that. I just wish she was herself again so I could spend more time with her."
"It must be very hard for you to see her like that."
"Yeah, it is. She was forgetful as far back as I can remember, but she always used to joke about it. It seemed funny to me 'cause I was little and didn't understand. Even after she went into the nursing home she wasn't too bad. She just couldn't be left alone because she'd forget to do things like turn off the stove. She needed someone to watch her all of the time, just in case. It was right around the time Mom died that she got a lot worse. Last month was the first time in ages that she knew me."
"I don't know how you got through it, losing your mother and not having Agatha to lean on."
"Yeah, I just wanted her to hold me and tell me everything would be all right, but half the time she didn't know who I was and when she did I had to keep my mouth shut, because the doctors had decided not to tell her about Mom."
"Well, you may only be seventeen but you've lived through more than most people years older. I'll try to make the judge see that."
The way Mr. Boyle summed things up even I was impressed with me. As far as I was concerned it was a no-brainer that I was far better off on my own than with Ralph, but he made it sound like the only reasonable solution. He explained the way he'd set things up between Nancy and me. And then he read my mother's letter again, stressing the part where she thought the responsibility would put too much pressure on Ralph and asking Mr. O'Hanlon to take charge of me.
"It is obvious that she would have preferred that Jeremiah and his stepfather live together in a loving family relationship, but she knew that probably wouldn't happen. In an ideal world, she would have wanted a healthy Agatha Farrell to take care of her son. Knowing that wasn't possible, she wanted my partner to take charge of Jeremiah's affairs, leaving him physically with his stepfather only because he had no where else to go. Somehow he got through three years with his stepfather, but he's no longer a boy. He's lived through more than most his age and in less than ten months he will be an adult. He's proven he can survive on his own with no help and now he has the assistance of my firm if he needs it. It's not an ideal situation, but it's one that is working. To change it now for the short time until he turns eighteen, to turn his world upside down one more time, would be cruel. Jeremiah is not a boy, he is a young man. Let us treat him like one."
The judge adjourned the hearing for another break while he decided what to do. We all waited in the hall. Mr. Boyle was busy talking to Nancy on his cell phone. Ralph and I kept our distance, with him glaring at me whenever Mr. Boyle wasn't looking. Finally we were called back into the room to hear the judge's decision.
"This is a very unusual situation. I am tempted to turn Jeremiah over to the state to be placed with a foster family. That is standard procedure in cases where there is no family. However, given his age, it might take a while to place him in a foster home. It's obvious, too, that foster care is not what his mother would have wanted. Returning him to his stepfather would not work at all. I have a feeling that in either of those situations, Jeremiah would be off on his own again very shortly. The way things are right now, we know where he is and someone is looking after him. He knows he can have help if he needs it. He seems to be doing all right on his own, so I say, why fix it if it isn't broken? This court grants custody of Jeremiah Coy Walton to Agatha Farrell, to be administered by her conservator, the firm of O'Hanlon and Boyle."
As we left the hearing room, Ralph brushed past me and whispered in my ear, "This isn't over, asshole."
I ignored him. As far as the law was concerned, it was over. If I were still living in Chester, Ralph could get in my way, but not in Trenton.
In the cab on the way back, Mr. Boyle said he'd mail a copy of the court order to me as soon as he got it. He reminded me not to forget my calls to Nancy. He also said that, unless I found myself in need of a lawyer, I probably wouldn't be seeing him again. Nancy could handle everything for me from now on. I knew he was the big shot in the firm and I wasn't surprised to hear that. I got up my courage to ask him about his fee.
"I know your time is worth a lot and you've done so much for me. I don't know how I'm ever going to pay you, but I'll try."
He smiled. "I appreciate the sentiment, but now that I'm officially your guardian I don't think it's legally permissible for me to send you a bill. Let's just call this a favor from me to my old partner Ian. He'd have done the same for me." He had the cab pull over at the train station. "Now you take care of yourself. I'm responsible for you now so I don't want you getting in any trouble."
And that was it. I was a free man. Or partially free, at any rate. Or maybe partially a man, whatever. I didn't have to worry about Ralph anymore and I could go back to my little room in Lucille's house. My life was my own. I still had to check in with Nancy every week, but that was fine. It was kind of nice knowing someone was watching out for me. I didn't know what she could do for me that Norman couldn't but it was a good feeling all the same. I thought about Norman on the train ride home. I was so excited to finally be legal, in a sense, but should I tell him? I was going to his house for our Monday night dinner, but I couldn't get into it without admitting I'd lied to him all this time about my age. I'd hated having to lie and I wasn't sure how he'd take it. He'd been so protective of me before when he thought I was nineteen. How would he react if he knew I was really a kid. Now that I didn't have any legal problems to worry about, I still had other things to think of. If he'd been upset over my whoring around in the park before, he'd really go ballistic knowing my true age. By the time the train got to Trenton, I decided there was no harm in saying nothing and going on the way we had before. As the judge had said, why fix something if it wasn't broken?
In spite of my decision to keep my mouth closed about the hearing, I couldn't hide my good mood from Norman.
"You seem to be happier than usual tonight, Jerry. Is there a reason?"
"Nothing in particular," I lied. "Life is just going good, that's all. I was able to use my birth certificate to replace my Social Security card, so that finally gives me some form of identification, business is picking up at Minho so my income is improving and Ms. Rodriguez is helping me with my education. I feel like I'm finally moving forward. I was thinking about trying to get a driver's license next."
"You don't drive? I mean, I know you don't have a car, but it's so unusual for someone your age to not have a license."
"Ralph always said that as long as I was living with him I wouldn't get my license because he didn't want his insurance to skyrocket. I was thinking that by spring I'd have some money saved so I could take lessons."
"There's no need for you to spend money on that. Go get your permit and I'll teach you to drive."
"Are you sure? You've got a really nice car and I'd hate to hit something with it. Traffic is pretty heavy around here."
"There are lots of rural areas with little traffic not too far out of the city. I'll find a nice quiet spot for your first lessons."
"That would be so great, Norman. Not that I'm going to be able to afford a car or insurance for a long time, but I'd like to be ready in any case. Besides, a license would be more ID for me."
"Maybe if business keeps improving at the restaurant you'll be able to get a used car."
"I doubt it. I'd really need to be working five nights a week and that's not going to happen. Besides, I'd really like my own apartment first. Lucille's place is okay for now, but I'd love to have my own bathroom and a kitchen where I could fix my meals. I like eating out, but not every meal."
"One step at a time, Jerry. You're a hard worker. I know you'll get there."
"Yeah, I was thinking that I should probably keep looking for a full-time job during the day that wouldn't interfere with the restaurant at night, but Ms. Rodriguez said I might have classes during the day so I'd better hold off on that for now."
"Don't push yourself too hard. You should take some time and have fun, too."
"I've got too much time on my hands. I'm bored. Aside from three nights of work and one night here, I have nothing to do all week. I take some of your books to read every week, go to the library and surf the web, and walk all over the city when the weather is good, but that's not a lot of fun. I work out in my room every day but that's only an hour or so. When I start making more money I can go out to the mall and maybe see a movie now and then, but that's not a lot either."
"You need a hobby or something. And you shouldn't be spending so much time alone. You need more friends."
"I suppose. I'm used to being alone and I like it most of the time, but I miss Manny. It was fun having a best friend to hang out with."
"Have you heard from him lately?"
"Yeah, he called right after Thanksgiving. His job down there is working out well so far. He and his friend Gene just got an apartment together in a gay neighborhood in Houston. He seems to really like it. I'm glad for him, but it just makes me more eager to get my life going faster."
"What about the friends of his you met before he left? Have you seen them again?"
'Tom and Jack? They hang out at Buddies, so I guess I could find them there, but a night out there runs into quite a bit of money, between the cover charge, drinks and tips. Maybe when I'm making more money I'll give it a try."
Business was good all three nights that week. I made enough to pay the rent and buy food for the week, with a little left over. I still had most of what Derek had paid me set aside, so I was feeling comfortable. I'd learned my lesson in being too frivolous with the unemployment money and wanted to hang onto as much of Derek's money as possible, but it was just over a week before Christmas and I wanted to do a little shopping. I went to a music store not far from Minho and bought a Josh Groban CD for Norman. That was about as close to classical music as I got and I was pretty sure Norman didn't already have it. I also found a CD for Manny that had a good mix of current dance tunes. I went right to the post office and mailed it to him, hoping he'd get it in time. That left me with Marcus. I had no idea what to get him. I knew so little about him that I didn't even know what kind of music he liked. That was okay because I wanted to get him something more personal than a CD anyhow.
I wandered all around downtown looking in the windows of every kind of shop, trying to get an idea. I finally stopped in front of a place called Santa Fe. The window was filled with all kinds of southwestern and Native American things. I'd never seen stuff like that so I went into the store and looked around. In a glass case under the counter they had all kinds of jewelry. I'd though of getting Marcus jewelry but that was so expensive. I couldn't afford anything made of gold or silver. There was one necklace that was simple and appealed to me. It was basically a rawhide strap with a smooth green stone on it. The price was a little more than I wanted to spend but I could afford it. I decided to take it. The store even gift-wrapped it for me. The music store had also wrapped the CDs, so not only was I done with my shopping, I was ready for Christmas.
Marcus called over the weekend to tell me he'd be home on Thursday. I had to work that evening so we made plans to get together for lunch on Friday. That was Christmas Eve so he was going to be with his family in the evening, but he had all day free. Before our dinner on Monday, instead of playing the piano I helped Norman decorate his tree. He said he hadn't been putting one up since Harry died, but with me coming around he felt like having one. Norman asked me about my plans for Christmas. I had none, of course.
"How about helping out at the shelter again?"
"Are you serving dinner there?"
"Of course, but there's something earlier that I think you'd be perfect for, if you'd like to help out."
"Sure, I enjoyed it on Thanksgiving and I've got nothing else to do. I'd love to help."
"Okay then. Why don't you come by the house early, say nine o'clock, and we can have breakfast here, then go over to the shelter a little later?"
The restaurant was fairly busy all week, which surprised me. I would have thought that with everyone busy finishing up their Christmas shopping they wouldn't have the time or money for going out to eat. Kate explained it was just the opposite. They didn't have the time or energy to cook at home, so it was easier to eat out after shopping. Tips were good, too, and by the end of the week I'd finally made as much as I had at my old job at Frank's.
I put myself through a good workout Friday morning and had just finished my shower and was trying to decide what to wear when there was a knock on the door. I opened it, wearing just a towel around my waist and Marcus' eyes nearly popped out of his head.
"Man, is that ever a nice way to say hello."
He had a small gift-wrapped package in his hand and he dropped it on the dresser before taking me in his arms and giving me one of his incredible kisses. As we pulled apart my towel fell to the floor and my boner sprung up. He looked me up and down and took hold of my erection.
"Oh man, you are such a tease."
"Tease implies that I'm not gonna put out, but I have every intention of letting you have your way with me."
"That's good to hear, because that's just what I want, too. But I was hoping to have lunch first and then be able to spend the afternoon leisurely making love to you. Seeing you like this makes me want to just jump your bones and pound your ass."
"No reason why we can't do both. A strapping young man like you should be able to get it up twice in one day."
"More than twice, if the need arises."
"Then what are we waiting for?"
As Marcus pulled me toward him and started kissing me again I tugged his shirt out of his pants and fumbled with his belt. He kicked his shoes off and as we separated I pulled his shirt over his head and his pants dropped around his ankles. I pushed his boxers down as well and he stepped out of them and pressed his naked body against mine.
"Ready for a pounding, babe?"
"Ready and willing. Go to it."
And he did. He pushed me back gently onto the bed and lifted my legs, exposing my pucker. I held my knees tight against my chest as he drove into my butt, using his tongue to loosen me up. In no time I was wiggling my ass, trying to get him deeper inside me. He grabbed a condom and some lube, sheathed and slicked up his pole and pulled my legs up over his shoulders. He was still on his feet, standing at the side of the bed and I had only my upper back and head on the mattress. He lined his rigid cock up with my hole and pushed into me. I gasped as that huge mushroom head broke through, but then sighed as his shaft slid all the way into me. As he hit bottom he leaned over, bending me nearly double, and braced himself by putting his hands on the bed on either side of my head.
"Ready or not, here we go."
I wiggled my butt and clenched my ring around his dick in answer. He grinned down at me and pulled back, then slammed back into me. He'd promised me a pounding and that's exactly what he gave me. Each thrust was more forceful and seemed to go deeper into me. He changed the direction of the thrusts a bit each time but somehow hit my nut with each one. This was the roughest fuck I'd experienced and at times it felt like he was going to split me in two, but I loved every second of it. Far too soon I felt my balls drawing up, or down, considering the position I was in, and I clamped my ass on his rod as I began to shoot all over myself. He gasped and I felt his manhood swell and begin to throb inside me.
As his orgasm subsided, he lowered my legs so they were wrapped around his waist and then he leaned over and kissed me. He wrapped his arms around under me so when he stood up again, he pulled me up with him. He held me tight and kissed me, our sticky chests pressed together, my legs around his hips, his nearly hard dick still up my ass.
I leaned my head back from his and grinned into his eyes.
"That was fun, let's do it again."
"Whoa, we're not trying to set any endurance records here. How about lunch first and then we can go another round?"
I pouted. "I guess that's what I get for hooking up with an old man."
"Old man? It looks like I'm going to have to show you a thing or two this afternoon."
"You can show me anything you want, stud, but I gotta warn ya, you show me yours and I'll show you mine. Don't forget, I'm versatile and I like it both ways. I guarantee that you're gonna be walking funny at your family dinner tonight."
"I won't mind that at all, if this is the reason." He lay me down on the bed again. Letting his dick slip out of me, then reached between down and gave my dick a squeeze. "I still can't believe you manage to get that whole thing up my ass, but I'm sure glad you do."
Before we got carried away again I got up, picked up the damp towel from the floor and cleaned us off, then put some clothes on so we could go out to eat. When we were ready to leave he picked up the small package he'd brought with him and handed it to me.
"It's not much, but Merry Christmas."
I tore open the wrapper and opened the small box to find a black leather wallet inside.
"Something told me you needed one of those."
"Yeah, I can't imagine how you knew." I flipped it open and in the picture compartment was a beautiful head and shoulders shot of Marcus with a sexy smile. I looked at him and he gave me a mischievous grin.
"Look behind it."
I turned it over and there was another picture, this one a full body shot, naked and sprawled back in a chair, with him gripping his hardon in his fist and an evil leer on his face.
"Damn! That's hot! Where'd you get a picture like that?"
"You never heard of a digital camera? I could take of few of you like that if you'd like. I know I'd like."
"Um, let me think about it. I'd love to pose for you, but I'm not sure I like the idea of anyone else seeing pictures like that of me."
"Don't worry, I wouldn't show them to anyone. They'd be just for my viewing pleasure."
"I'll let you know."
I pulled open a drawer and took out the present I had for him.
"Like you said, it's not much, and it's not even practical like your gift, but I got you something, too."
He unwrapped the present, examined it closely and slipped it over his head.
"It's beautiful, Miah. I love it. Thank you."
"I hope your parents don't question where it came from."
"I'll just tell them I picked it up at school."
At lunch I asked him about his plans for Christmas.
"Norman and I are going to volunteer at the shelter again. Any chance of running into you again?"
"As a matter of fact, my whole family will be there, for a while at least. I promise not to act so weird this time. We'll still have to be discreet, though."
"It will be hard, but I think I'll manage."
"Just thinking about it being hard will make me hard but I think I'll get through it okay."
"Yeah, your father introduced us last time so we can at least talk to each other. And I know how to be discreet, believe it or not."
"I know you do, Miah. I apologize again for freaking out on you last time."
We went back to my room and took turns making love to each other, this time slowly and tenderly, though every bit as passionately. After the second go round we took a much-needed nap. My last thought before dozing off was how easy it would be to get used to that.
It was freezing when I left the house to walk to Norman's Christmas morning. By the time I got there I was chilled to the bone. I decided that if business at the restaurant was still good the next week, I'd take a chance and spend the rest of the money I'd got from Derek on a winter coat. Norman had made a big breakfast of French toast, bacon and hash browns. It smelled nearly as good as it tasted. I was so cold I even had coffee.
When we finished eating he led me into the living room where the tree was. There were a few wrapped gifts under the tree. He reached down and picked up a package and handed it to me. I sat down and opened the present. Inside a box was a beautiful, heavy sweater.
"I noticed you were still wearing that light jacket and figured you could use something warm under it."
I got up and gave him a hug. "Thanks, Norman, it's perfect."
I went into the other room, got the CD from my jacket and came back to give it to him. He opened it and smiled.
"Excellent, I have his first CD but not this one. Thank you."
Then he surprised me by reaching down and picking up two more gifts and handing them to me.
"Whoa, are you crazy? You shouldn't have done this, Norman."
"I did it because I wanted to. Now open them, Jerry. We've got to get going soon."
I carefully opened the packages, trying to not rip the paper. In one was two shirts, one a button down and the other a pullover. In the other package was a pair of khaki pants.
"I don't pretend to know what style of clothes you young people like, so I just got a few things that I liked and hope maybe you don't find them too objectionable. We can exchange them if you'd prefer something else."
"No, they're perfect, Norman. I'm not exactly into fashion, but these are beautiful. It looks like you guessed right on the sizes, too."
"Guessing had nothing to do with it. I took notes when you bought your clothes for work."
Once again I got up and hugged him, much longer this time. When I pulled away from him I felt a tear running down my cheek.
"Merry Christmas, Norman. Thank you for being such a good friend to me."
"Merry Christmas, Jerry. I value your friendship just as much."