Jaiden Chapter 136
Gregory Patrick
10/31/2021
Jaiden – Chapters 136
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Greg Patrick
"Good morning, Pete; is everything going OK so far?" "Pretty much, Jaiden. Jimbo had a little burp in how he felt this morning, but a little nausea medicine got everything under control. He is sitting in his room waiting on you. He said you were supposed to get him up to walk down the corridor this morning." "That I am, but I have to get it done before parents start coming in; I don't want him getting exposed to something coming in from the outside." I understand. Look, if you get a few minutes today, will you please give me a call; I have something I want to run by you and Peyton." "We're meeting Richard and Sally for lunch at 12:00 in the cafeteria doctor's lounge; why don't you join us?" "Thanks, I'll do that. Then, I can talk to all four of you about something I want to do next weekend, and y'all can give me some advice on how to do it in a way that will make Leon feel special."
"Hi, guys; I hope you've had a good day so far." Richard said, "it's been a good day so far; we've done 10 admittance exams, and things look good for the children. Eight of them have leukemia, one has lymphoma, and one has a localized tumor in his thigh. Everything should be successfully treatable. The rest of the day, I'll be completing general medical rounds. I hope I can get some of the children up in their rooms, get them to laughing and feeling better."
Peyton said, "Richard, you'll do just fine; you're just as good at that as Jaiden and Dale." "You really think so, Peyton?" "Not really, Richard, I know so! And if you don't, Sally will." "Thanks, my brother." "You are welcome dear sir; when you've got it, you've got it – and you have it!" "I love you too, Peyton." "I knowwwwww! I'm just so soft, squishy, and lovable." "You're also a nut, Peyton."
"Oh, my! I can tell that I will have a hard time with hot feet tonight; I'll have to hang them out from under the cover to get them cool. But, of course, if they get too cold, I can always warm them against the small of Jaiden's back." "Oh, no; nada, not, no way!" "Babe, if you are asleep, you won't know it until it has already happened." "Peyton, so help me, if you do that, there's gonna be payback!"
"Well then, how about this: You scoot down on the bed a bit, and I'll rest my feet against your thighs." "And do what?" "I'll think of something, Jaiden; I promise." When Peyton said that, Sally blushed a deep crimson red and started laughing and saying, "TMI, TMI!"
"Well, let's get down to business: Pete, what did you want to talk to us about?" "Jaiden, my parents are coming to town next weekend for a visit. I told them last night that I was getting married in December, and Mom said they were coming up to meet my fiancé. Dad surprised me by asking if my fiancé was a girl or a guy. I freaked when he asked me that, and I asked him why he phrased his question that way. He told me that he and mom had always wondered if I was bi-sexual or gay because of my activities and relationships when I was a teen."
"Dad said that he and mom didn't care who I married as long as the person was decent, treated me well, and made me happy. So I thought I would have Leon come over the evening they get here, and we could go out to dinner so they could get to know Leon a little bit in a more relaxed atmosphere." Peyton chimed in and said, "Pete, I think that is a great idea; but I do have a question. Doesn't your apartment only have one bedroom?" "It does, Peyton, but I have a comfortable sleeper sofa."
"Pete, are you out of your mind? You can't ask your parents to sleep on a sofa-bed, and they probably wouldn't be comfortable sleeping in your bed and making you sleep on the sofa. So, tell you what: we have three incredibly comfortable bedrooms downstairs; you can stay with Leon, and your parents can have an ensuite room on the right of the hallway. In addition, Dale is an incredible chef, so we can have dinner at the house or go out to eat. Your parents can have lunch with you at the hospital. The food is delicious, and something different is served every day. You have to admit, the grilled steak and baked potatoes with grilled asparagus are dope on Fridays. We can switch off every morning cooking breakfast. Your parents will freak out when they taste the Hawaiian Banana-macadamia nut waffles with the Hawaiian syrup we have flown in."
"You guys would do that for me?" "PETE!" "Yes, Jaiden." "If we didn't mean it and wouldn't do it, we wouldn't offer to do it. If we tell you something, you can take it to the bank.
"Leon, we're going to have some guests here at the house for a week or two starting Friday night. When they arrive, I want you to go to your bedroom until we come and get you because they are coming specifically to meet you and for you to meet them. So we want to make the introductions as meaningful as possible for the three of you. Then, after that, we'll be going on a dinner cruise on the paddlewheel boat to make the night special for everybody." "Jaiden, is it somebody I know or may have known in the past?" "No, Leon, you have never met or spoken to them. Mom and Dad will also fly up for the weekend with Seth to meet the people too. They'll go back home on Sunday."
"Now I'm getting nervous." "Leon, there's no need to get nervous. I'm pretty sure the folks coming are going to love you the same as Mom and Dad. So I don't see any need for you to be nervous. If my hunch is right, I think you will get two more best friends forever." "I hope so, Jaiden. I don't know if I could handle someone meeting me right now and then getting mad about something." "Leon, I promise you that you have nothing to worry about." "If you say so, Jaiden."
Peyton grabbed Leon's hand and said, "Tell me something: is counseling still helping you?" "More than anyone knows, Peyton. You and Jaiden started a love boat for me. The guys in my group have my back, and I know it. Plus, they have been incredibly supportive of my progress and of my relationship with Pete." "That is what I hoped to hear, Leon. I am glad you are finally seeing what a great person you are and how many people genuinely love you because you deserve that love."
"When Jaiden and I set out to help you, I had no idea Mom and Dad would love you so quickly. So when they told us they wanted to adopt you, that was one of the happiest days of my life. I hope someday you will fully understand how much we love you and how much I love having you as my brother." "Peyton, I am beginning to understand that already. I still don't fully know why, but I am starting to understand it." "Good; now give me a hug."
Leon hugged Peyton, who then got up, went to the kitchen, and got them a cup of coffee. The night was chilly, and there was moisture in the air, so Peyton, Leon, and Jaiden talked about how they thought it would start raining at any moment. No sooner had they voiced their opinions about the weather when it started to lightly rain. Jaiden rolled the patio cover out so they could sit on the deck and enjoy the peaceful sounds brought by the rain.
"Leon, close your eyes for me and keep them closed. I want you to take ten deep breaths and hold each one for five seconds and then slowly let it out. When you have done that, I want to teach you something that will help you every time you get upset about anything."
"Get comfortable in your chair and listen to my voice and do the suggestions I make. Then, take a deep breath and hold it. As you slowly let out the breath, I want you to feel the tension in your feet as it begins to leave your body. As you continue to feel that tension leaving your body, continue to breathe softly and deliberately."
"Now, take another deep breath and hold it. As you begin to slowly release your breath, focus on your ankles, and continue to feel the stress leaving your feet and moving through your ankles until your feet and ankles are totally relaxed. Continue your rhythmic breathing and continue focusing on the tension leaving your feet and ankles."
"Take and hold another deep breath. Slowly release your breath and focus on your calf muscles. Feel the relaxation in your feet and ankles as it moves through your calf muscles. Allow your mind to feel the stress and tension leaving your feet, ankles, and lower legs. Continue your rhythmic breathing."
"Continue to breathe rhythmically as you feel your feet, ankles, and legs continue to totally relax. Now take and hold a deep breath."
"Focus on your thigh muscles as you begin to slowly release that deep breath. Feel the tension leaving your thighs as you breathe rhythmically. Then, as you continue breathing slowly and deliberately, I want you to feel all the pressure in your thighs, calves, ankles, and feet, leaving your body and allowing you to completely relax. Continue to breathe slowly and rhythmically as your body continues to unwind."
"As you continue to listen to the softness of my voice, you are feeling your body slipping into a more peaceful and calming state."
"Think about your butt muscles as you take and hold another deep breath. Slowly release your breath and feel your gluteal muscles as their heaviness leaves your feet, ankles, calves, thighs, and buttocks, allowing complete relaxation of your lower body. Continue breathing slowly and rhythmically."
"Focus on your abdomen as you take and hold a deep breath. Slowly release that breath and feel the heaviness leaving your stomach with the tension that has left your lower body. Keep breathing rhythmically."
Take a deep breath and hold it as you focus on your chest. As your breath slowly leaves your body, feel your chest muscles become more comfortable with your lower body. You are becoming incredibly relaxed and sleepy. Your body is entering a state of relaxation you have never before felt. Enjoy that feeling. Listen to the rain as it falls softly around you. Imagine you are walking through the most beautiful rain forest you have ever seen."
"The sun is shining through the canopy of the trees in the rain forest causing rainbows, beautiful rainbows to form throughout the forest. You have a smile on your face, and a certain peace is beginning to invade your body and mind as you continue walking toward what sounds like the ocean."
"Focus on your neck, and take and hold a deep breath. Then, begin slowly releasing that breath and feel the muscles in your neck as they become free of all heaviness allowing your shoulders to become heavy and rested. As you continue breathing slowly and rhythmically, feel your arms as they become incredibly comfortable, more so than you can ever remember."
"Now, focus on your mind and continue breathing as you have been doing. Imagine you are walking out of the rainforest, and there before you is the most beautiful, most pristine beach you have ever seen. As you look at the ocean, hear the wave crashing onto the shore; feel the coolness of the breeze blowing in from the open seas. Realize you are more relaxed, more comfortable, and your mind is clearer than ever."
"As you sit watching and listening to the ocean waves, you look to your right, and there stands the person of your dreams. You see every dream you have ever had, every hope you have ever dreamed come true right before your eyes, and you finally realize what real, permanent love is."
As you continue to breathe slowly and rhythmically, your body becomes more and more relaxed. Then, finally, you slip into a deeper state of consciousness. You quickly realize what an incredible human being you are, and you feel a love that has escaped you your whole life."
Leon continued the relaxation exercise Jaiden guided him through, and soon, he began snoring very softly. Finally, Leon had peacefully gone to sleep with the gentlest smile stretching across his face. Peyton and Jaiden sat on the deck for another two hours and let Leon sleep until it was time to go inside and to bed.
Peyton softly spoke to his brother and rubbed his arms to wake him. "Leon, you need to get up and go inside to bed so you can get up in the morning and go to the counseling center."
Leon slowly opened his eyes and asked, "Was I asleep?" "You were, Leon, and you were sleeping very peacefully. Jaiden and I have been sitting with you for the past two hours, watching you sleep, watching the smile you have had on your face the entire time."
"Peyton, Jaiden, I am so sorry I went to sleep on you guys. Jaiden, I don't know what it was that you did, but I am more comfortable right now than I can ever remember being. Thank you so much!" "Leon, you're relaxed, and you now have the ability in your subconscious to relax no matter the situation. For Peyton and I to have seen you so comfortable and sleeping so peacefully was a massive blessing for us. We love you dearly, and we will do whatever it takes to help you be happy and prosperous in the future."
"Thank you, guys; I don't know what to say." "Leon, how about saying good night, Peyton, Jaiden. I'll see you guys in the morning at breakfast!"
"Good night, Leon; we hope you will continue sleeping comfortably and peacefully." "I think I will; good night."
Peyton and Jaiden sat on the deck for another thirty minutes before they decided to go to bed. "Babe, the way you helped Leon to relax was awesome; you did that so well." Jaiden didn't say anything as he grabbed Peyton's hand, laced their fingers, lifted his husband's hand, and softly kissed it. "Peyton, I walked through that rainforest. I stepped onto that beautiful beach, and there you stood, the person of my dreams. I determined to never let you go, and I have never been so happy. Thank you for letting me love you and for loving me back."
Peyton couldn't say anything to what Jaiden had just said. If he tried to say something, he knew he would break down and cry his heart out. So instead, he laid on his right side to Jaiden's right as Jaiden snuggled up to him as closely as he could, one arm under Peyton's head and pillow and one arm draped over Peyton's chest. That is how they fell asleep and would awaken the following morning.
When they awoke the following morning, they went into the kitchen, where Leon met them. He walked to Peyton, hugged him, and gave him the traditional Riley family kiss on the forehead. He did the same with Jaiden.
"Leon, you seem totally at ease this morning. I hope that means you slept well last night." "I did, Peyton, and I think I will sleep that well every night from now on." Jaiden said, "I'm glad to hear that, Leon. The more relaxed you become and the better you sleep at night, the better you will feel every day."
"Well, if I feel like this every day from now on, I will know how blessed you guys have helped me become." "Good! Take how you feel this morning and run with it."
That morning at the counseling center, Leon had a long talk with Dr. Till and his AA/NA group. He described his night and what a difference it had made for him. Seemingly, for the first time anybody could remember, not one single thing was bothering or eating at Leon. Instead, he was happy, and everyone knew it.
Dr. Till shot Jaiden and Peyton a one-sentence text asking what had happened with Leon the night before. Jaiden and Peyton were in the cafeteria having lunch when the text came through, so Jaiden called Dr. Till.
"Jaiden, I was shocked when Leon came in this morning, and, quite frankly, the group was surprised at his demeanor and behavior as well; what happened last night?"
Deborah, I coached Leon through a bio-feedback relaxation exercise. When it was completed, he was sleeping so peacefully that Peyton and I sat on the deck and let him sleep for two hours before we woke him and got him to go to bed. He woke up this morning in the best mood he's had so far." "Jaiden, Peyton, that is an understatement; you guys are working miracles with him." "I don't know about that, Deborah; we just love him and want to help him whenever and however we can. He's the one doing the hard work. What has happened with him is because of his efforts, not ours; at least I don't think it is or was because of Peyton and me." "Well, Jaiden, on that point, we are going to have to respectfully disagree; I think his progress is directly what you two and your brothers have done to help him."
Friday night rolled around, and Jaiden took everybody to B. B. King's restaurant so he could get some chicken livers he had craved all week. The babies also got a small plate for themselves and scarfed them down as soon as they hit the table. Unfortunately, they didn't get any broccoli salad. Still, Jaiden did get them some southern-style peas with snaps and a piece of southern cornbread. While watching the children eat, Jaiden looked at Peyton, Dale, and Charley and asked, "Is there anything those children won't eat?" Charley replied, "I don't think so. I noticed they have chitterlings on the menu. Let's see if we can get a couple and let the children try them."
Peyton looked at Charley and said, "Charley, I grew up on a farm, and I have been Jewish all my life. So I can tell you that I have never put a piece of chitlins in my mouth. Hence, with a degree of authority, I can say that pig shit, and bull shit, and anything the substances pass through is not on a Jew's Kosher diet. But still, I am as curious as you are to see what the babies will do when they taste a bite."
"Charley got the waitress to bring 5 clean, clear pieces of chitterlings to the table. He and Peyton sliced the chitlins into small pieces and put them on the babies' plates. Nathan Robert was the first child to put a piece of chitlin in his mouth. As soon as it hit his tongue, he didn't say a word as he reached into his mouth, removed the piece of chitterling, and threw it at Peyton. When Nathan Robert did that, none of the other children would try the southern "delicacy."
Charley looked at Peyton and Jaiden and said, "I guess Nathan Robert let us know what he thought of the chitlin piece, and the other children stood behind him."
Jaiden cut a broad smile as he looked at Charley and said, "Charley, you got the chitlins and at least got Nathan Robert to try a bite; don't you think turn about is fair play?" Dale and Peyton almost lost it when Jaiden said that. Leon was about to roll on the floor; he was laughing so hard. "Yeah, Charley, isn't turn about fair play?" Charley looked at Leon and said, "Leon, why don't you try one with me?" That's when Leon turned green, but he agreed to try one. The difference between Charley and Leon was that Leon knew to load the piece of chitlin down with hot sauce, Louisiana Hot Sauce.
When Charley put the piece of chitlin into his mouth, he began to gag and ran to the bathroom. A few seconds later, Peyton said, "my word! Is that Charley wretching in the bathroom?" "Dale said, I'm afraid it is; let me go check on him." Dale came back a few minutes later and said Charley was cleaning himself up. "By the way, I don't think he will ever try chitlins again!" Then he started laughing hysterically.
When Charley got back to the table, Leon poured hot sauce all over the piece of chitlin he agreed to try. He popped it, hot pepper and all, into his mouth and began to chew it. He looked at Charley and said, "Dang, bro, I didn't know these things were this good. If I wasn't already full, I'd get a bowl of them with some crackers and hot sauce." Charley immediately got up and ran back to the bathroom as fast as he could. Dale got up, did his best to stop laughing, and went back to the men's room to check on Charley. He helped Charley clean himself and, instead of taking him back to the table, he took Charley to the van to wait on everybody to get outside and go home.
When Dale got back to the table, Jaiden said, "that bad, Dale?" "That bad, Jaiden. Now we know what to do to get to Charley when he tries to pull something over on us. That was funny as hell!"
That day, B. B. King's had homemade banana pudding for dessert, so Jaiden ordered some for each child. Fortunately, when the babies tasted the pudding, they quickly ate it and asked for more. So Jaiden got each of them one more small helping of banana pudding. When the children had eaten all of their pudding, Jaiden asked, "Guys, what do you like best, ice cream or banana pudding?" All of the babies said they liked the pudding the best."
"Dale, I think we are going to have to find a good recipe so we can make it at home." "Nada, Jaiden. I already have a great recipe that came from the Pirate's house on the east coast. I've made it, and it is just like what we got here tonight." "Awesome, Dale, but we can't have it too often at the house." "Why not, Jaiden?" "I like it too much, and I know it will quickly put pounds on me. You know if that happens, my mom will move in with us, and we'll have to start marching around like little tin soldiers." "You know, Jaiden, once every couple of months should be good for preparing banana pudding." "My sentiments exactly, Dale."
The following morning, the phone rang, and Jaiden looked at Leon and said he needed to go to his room until he or Peyton went down to get him to come to the den. Ten minutes later, the doorbell rang, and Jaiden opened the door and invited Mom and Dad, and Pete's parents inside.
Guys, I'd like for you to meet my parents, Dan and Josie Andrews. Mom, Dad, this is Dr. Jaiden Riley-Reynolds and his husband, Dr. Peyton Riley-Reynolds. And these two are their brothers Dale and Charley. The ten babies about to tackle you are their children: five boys for Jaiden and Peyton, and four boys and a daughter for Dale and Charley. Peyton's parents and Jaiden's father and mother-in-law, Dr. Jim and Phyllis Riley are these two beautiful people. Dr. Riley, Mrs. Riley, it is so lovely to meet you. Pete has told us so many good things about you two." "It is nice to meet you as well, but please, I am Jim, and my wife is Phyllis." "In that case, we are Dan and Josie."
"Mom, Dad, you better speak to the babies before their feelings are hurt; they love to meet new people." "Hey, guys, it's nice to meet you too. You are really being good and polite, thank you." As soon as the children met Pete's parents, they went back to playing with their toys.
"Jaiden, Peyton, are the children always this polite and respectful?" "Always, and it is their doing, not something we have trained them to do." Dad Riley spoke up and said, "if you watch the children, you will find they are extremely smart, if not brilliant. They were walking and talking at seven months, and they haven't stopped since." "How old are the children?" "Seventeen months." "And they are this advanced for their age?" "Yes, sir, and they have been potty trained since they were seven months after deciding they didn't like dirty diapers." "Amazing!" "Dale spoke up and said, I think it's amazing too; dirty diapers make me throw up." All of the parents laughed at Dale's comment.
"Pete, I thought we'd be meeting your fiance tonight?" Peyton said, "I'll be right back."
"Leon, they are asking to meet you, so maybe you should come upstairs with me." "Peyton, I am scared to death." "Don't be, bro; they are very nice people."
As Leon and Peyton ascended the stairs, Pete said, "Mom, Dad, this is my fiance, Leon." "Pete! Are you telling your mother and me that you are gay?" "Yes, sir." "Well, hot damn, we've been waiting 20 years for you to get comfortable enough to finally admit that to us." Dad and Mom Riley started laughing, as did all the guys – except for Leon – he was petrified.
"Leon, these are my parents, Dan and Josie Andrews." "Sir, Mam, it is nice to finally meet you. Pete has told me a lot of beautiful things about you." "Really. He didn't describe me as a grumpy, old coot?" "Leon finally smiled when he replied, "No, sir, he speaks very highly of you – and of his mom as well."
Pete's mom looked at Leon and said, "son, walk over here for a second." Then, she stood in front of Leon and said, "Damn, Dan, he's cute! Turn around, Leon." Leon nervously turned around. Pete's mom looked him over really good before she said, "Dan, look here; Leon had the cutest bubble butt I have ever seen!" "Wait a minute, Josie, you told me I had the cutest bubble butt in the world when we met and got married." "Dan, you had a cute bubble butt, but it wasn't as cute as Leon's. Pete, your fiance is drop-dead handsome! Son, you've done well! I wish your dad had been this handsome. He was adorable and loving, but Leon is gorgeous!"
Leon was blushing a bright crimson red, and a tear was rolling from his eyes. Josie said, Leon, why the tears?" "Mrs. Andrews, I was scared witless that you and Pete's dad would hate me and think I was the cause of Pete being gay." "Why Leon, that is the biggest load of pontificated bovine fecal matter I have ever heard. If our son loves you, we will love, accept, and support you in every way. Don't ever be afraid of us or be afraid of disappointing us; that won't happen."
Leon sat on the couch and lost it. Dad Riley took Leon out on the deck to talk to him and hopefully get him calmed down. While they were outside, Phyllis explained everything to Dan and Josie. Dan and Josie were horrified at everything Leon had to go through growing up and resolved then and there that they would shower Leon with love and help him any way they could.
Dan went outside and joined Dad Riley and Leon and said, "Leon, we know what you have been through, and Josie and I pledge to help you any way we can, just like your new mom and dad. The only thing we will ask of you and for you to let us love and help you when and where we can. OK?" "Yes, sir, thank you." "Now come inside, and let's get ready to go to lunch."
When they got inside, Peyton said they would be going to Tony's for lunch. He handed Josie a note telling her to ask the children if they wanted some skety for lunch. When she asked the kids that, the babies ran to the door leading into the garage and started yelling, "moan, daddy, skety!" Dan and Josie enjoyed a good laugh when the children did that.
When they got to Tony's and the food was placed on their tables, Josie watched in amazement as the children ate their skety and didn't get a drop on them, their chairs, or the floor.
When they got home, Dale put some knishes in the oven and made two pots of coffee. Dan and Josie raved over the coffee, but when Josie tried the knishes, she thought she had died and gone to heaven.
Everyone enjoyed watching the children playing in the backyard, but Pete's parents got their biggest kick out of hearing Alaina Noelle yell no and then seeing the boys huddling in a circle in the corner of the yard. Josie said, "Alaina Noelle is one tough little girl." Dale said she was more than a tough little girl and told Pete's mom and dad how Alaina Noelle gained her advantage over the boys. "She really popped Nathan Robert in the mouth?" "Yes, mam. She got tired of him trying to protect her and not letting her do what the boys were doing, so she took care of the problem her way. Jaiden was watching her when she hit Nathan Robert and was laughing when we got outside. He wouldn't let us say a word to Alaina Noelle and said the boys had to learn their limits with her."
Ginny and Granny came over to the house to meet Pete's parents. Jaiden explained to them how Ginny had raised him until he went to high school and that Granny was helping raise Dale's and Charley's children.
Everybody took a walk around the neighborhood and was surprised at how beautiful the community was. They enjoyed the people who knew the young doctors coming outside to speak to them when they walked by their friend's homes. When they got back home, the elder parents sat in the den and talked about their children.
Around six that evening, everybody piled into the van and one of the Lincolns and headed to the pier. When they arrived, Pete's parents were excited about where they would have dinner. While they had heard about dinners on Mississippi Riverboat cruises, they had never been on one.
When everyone embarked, Leon and Pet went to the boat's bow to enjoy the breeze and sunset once the ship set sail. Pete's mom and dad went and stood next to Leon and put their arms around his waist – Pete's mom on one side and his dad on the other. "Leon, there is something I wanted to say to you, but I wanted Dan and me to be the only ones - besides Pete - with you. That's the only reason I didn't say "welcome to the family" at the house."
"I know you have had a hard time recently, and we didn't and don't want to do or say anything that may have made you feel uncomfortable with us. If Pete loves you and you love him, your relationship is OK with us; we just want you to understand that." "Yes, mam, thank you."