John Gets What He Needs
Chapter 13
"Earning the Title 'Uncle' "
Evan, Tom and Carol finished cleaning up the breakfast dishes and then proceeded to play with Riley in the back yard. Riley was having a blast playing with his new toy that Evan and Tom had gotten him the night before during their store run. Carol said she thought he was the most gorgeous dog she had ever seen and kept on about how smart he was.
Riley's right ear drooped down and didn't stand up like the left one. Evan explained this was normal for pups and as he would grow, the ear would eventually stand at attention like the other one did. Riley did look comical though, with one ear up and the other flapping around as he trotted around the yard fetching his new favorite toy.
Carol took Evan aside while Tom was playing with Riley and asked how he was doing with John being gone. She questioned him about how he was feeling and how he and Tom were getting along. She was surprised to hear that the two were getting along so well. She had known Tom for a long time and really didn't care for John hanging out with him at first. She finally accepted him after many conversations with John about the subject; she realized she wasn't going to win the argument. John had made up his mind, and she knew he would be more of a positive influence on Tom than he ever could be a bad one to John. She knew her son was not a follower and would be fine. Over the years she began to warm up to Tom, but a part of her (perhaps the mother's instinct in her) still didn't trust him. She kept it buried though and allowed herself to accept him as family.
After a few hours, both Tom and Carol left, leaving Evan and Riley on their own. Evan enjoyed his time with his new dog, and both of them took a nap on the couch since it was getting to be around one o'clock. The medication Evan was on would make him drowsy for a few hours and this became an almost daily routine for him. Lying on the couch, both Evan and Riley took their naps and cuddled up with each other.
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John's wake-up call came from the front desk as ordered, and he thanked them as he laid down the receiver.
Andy was scratching and stretching in his bed and looked over at John and said, "Damn ... that was a quick sleep. That Jacuzzi must've really relaxed us, 'cause I think I was dead-to-the-world the whole time."
"I think you're right, Andy. I slept like a log."
John got out of bed and went into the bathroom to take a shower and get ready to go see his son and ex-wife. As John was in the shower, Andy decided to take the time alone and quickly rub one out before John finished his shower. Andy's fantasy was of himself and Tom being together. The thought of Tom, naked on top of him and inside him, had made his fantasy so intense, he had cum quickly with nothing more than the thoughts in his head. Andy knew that one day soon he would get Tom to take the next step and have sex with him. It was something Andy really wanted to receive and also give Tom, but he knew that Tom would never go for being topped by any guy.
John finished his shower and Andy took his turn, and then both were ready for the anticipated meeting. John was noticeably becoming rattled, and Andy could tell that he needed someone to tell him that it would all work out, and for him not to worry
"John, sit down and take a breath. You're looking like you're gonna freak out on me at any moment," Andy said firmly.
"Yeah, I know, Andy, but I've just came all this way and it's gonna come up to this one point, where all either goes well or it doesn't. Andy, I don't know what I'll do if she tries to stop this from happening? I just don't know, man," John said, with his head down, looking at the floor.
"It's gonna work out, John; you just have to trust me on this; ok? I know it'll be ok, and Jacob will be in your arms for good, soon," Andy stated with apparent confidence.
"You're right ... I know, Andy; it's just a bit overwhelming ... I can't go home unless Jacob is with me! ... I just couldn't stand to see the look in his eyes any more, when I had to leave him after visitations. It was just be too painful," John said as his eyes began to well up with tears.
"The last time I visited, he cried and hung onto my leg and screamed for me not to leave him again. I made promised him it was the last time. I can't go back on that promise, no matter what ... He's coming home, and I'm keeping my promise," John said, looking up at Andy with tears now rolling down his eyes.
"John ... you gotta trust me on this one, buddy ... we'll bring him home," Andy said as he gave John a hug and patted him on the back. Andy handed him some tissues and told him again that all would be ok.
"Thanks, Andy, I needed to hear that," John said. Andy sat down beside him and hugged him from the side again, and John grabbed him back and gave Andy a full hug. Not realizing his size and strength, John squeezed too hard again and nearly took the breath out of Andy.
"John ... John, I can't breathe ... damn, you lug," Andy said half gasping and half laughing.
"Sorry, bud," John smiled back at Andy.
"It's ok; we better get going; don't wanna be late," Andy said
"Yeah ... I know the restaurant's just down the road ... the one where we're gonna meet. It won't take more than ten minutes to get there. Andy, I need to call Evan real quick ... ok?"
With the tone of John's voice, Andy knew that he wanted some privacy. "Sure, John; I'll just be down in the lobby waiting till you're done."
"Thanks, Andy; you're a bud."
"No, problems, John ... tell everyone hi for me."
John replied, "Will do!" as Andy closed the door behind him and went to the lobby. John pulled himself together as best he could before he made the call to his buddy, lover, and partner at home, waiting for him. John still didn't know what to call Evan. All those words just didn't seem to describe or tell completely what they had together. He realized that when he and Jacob got back, he and Evan would have to have a talk about what they were to each other and what to tell Jacob.
John cleared his throat and dialed the phone, and after a few rings, Evan answered, "Hello!"
"Hey buddy ... miss me yet?"
"John! Yeah, like the minute you left down the street." Evan laughed.
"Same here, Ev. I really wish you were here right now. I'd love to be holding you and smelling you. I really miss you."
Evan could detect sadness in John's voice and realized something was wrong. "John ... are you all right? Is everything ok? You sound funny?" Evan quizzed.
"Yeah, Ev, everything's ok; we're leaving in a few to see Jacob, and all will be ok; don't worry bud; I just needed to hear your voice. You give me strength, you know, to be strong. I don't know why, but more and more, lately, I need you to be with me, or else it's like half of me is kinda missing. You know what I mean?"
"Yeah, I do ... John, I know just how ya feel, 'cause I feel it, too ...for years I felt it without being with you. I guess it's love. It's good to hear your voice, too, bud; I miss you. It's just Riley and me here right now; my parents are on their way over, and Tom's gone to ... only God knows where."
"It's Saturday, so he's probably at the park, playing ball," John said.
"Yeah, probably that, or at a bar somewhere," Evan laughed.
John chuckled and said, "Not this early, but you can bet he'll be there later with his bar buddies having a good time scouting for women to take home."
"Well, he better not bring one home, here, tonight. I'm guessing Andy isn't there in the room with you right now, 'cause I doubt you would've said that out loud," Evan inquired.
"Nah; Tom wouldn't do that; he knows better; and, yes, Andy's down in the lobby waiting for me," John said as he laughed at Evan's comment.
Evan could tell John wasn't the same even as they kidded around on the phone with each other. Evan could hear it in John's voice -- something he'd never heard before - fear, or something close to it, Evan wasn't sure. The tone worried him and he didn't like hearing it. John was always the 'rock' of strength, and it was himself, Evan, who always needed the help. He didn't know what to say or do.
"John???"
"Yeah, Ev ..."
"I know you're having a hard time right now ... I can hear it in your voice ... but I want you to know everything will work out for the best. I just know it will ... don't worry, ok?"
"I know, Ev, and thanks ... but how do you really know what will happen?"
"Just trust me, John; you'll be home with Jacob this weekend ... just as we've planned."
Thanks, Ev, for saying that; I feel better now; I love you, bud."
"I love you, too, John."
"Well, I best get going ... Andy's waiting down in the lobby for me."
"Ok; call me when you get back."
"It'll be the first thing I do, you can count on it."
"Later, bud."
"Later, John"
John hung up the phone feeling better and more confident, and it had been just what he needed -- to hear Evan's voice! He had Evan's inner strength, now. Somehow it had replaced his own determination, and now, Evan was the one who kept him squared away. The bond they had was strong, and John could never deny the love he felt for his partner.
John met Andy down in the lobby and they drove to the restaurant that was to be the meeting place. They entered the lobby area and told the waitress that they had reservations for Clark. The waitress acknowledged the reservation and told John the other guests were already waiting for them as she guided them to the table.
As John neared the table, he recognized his ex-wife Becky and saw the back of Jacob's head, sitting at his seat across from his mom. Next to Becky was a man John didn't know. The sense of dread had come over him again and he felt it in the pit of his stomach. Andy followed behind John and as they reached the table, John tapped Jacob on the shoulder from behind and as he turned to look, his face lit up and he screamed, "Daddy!" loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear. John immediately grabbed him up and hugged him tight, and kissed him. Little Jacob's arms flew around his daddy's neck and held on tight as if he would never let go.
Jacob spoke up first and quickly asked, "Daddy ... you come to take me to live with you now?"
John looked at Becky and grinned and said, "You bet, Jake; Daddy's taking you home to Indiana."
Jacob didn't respond with words but only held on tighter to his dad and squealed with excitement. John could sense that his son was having a hard time believing he was actually not going to leave him again by the way he refused to let go.
John turned and introduced Andy to Becky and she quickly stated her friend next to her was her soon-to-be next husband. His name was Paul. John and Andy both shook his hand and studied him at the same time. John could sense he was uncomfortable. They all sat down at the table and Jacob stayed on John's lap and didn't return to his own chair. He wasn't about to leave John's embrace as long as he could help it. John sensed his uneasiness and held on to him as the conversation continued.
"Becky, I guess this is it, like we agreed before. Andy's here to help me load Jacob's things into the truck and help with the driving".
"Hello, Andy; it's nice to meet you," Becky said.
Andy exchanged the pleasantries and studied her as he was trying to figure her out. She seemed nice enough and was a pretty lady. He could see what John had seen in her. He still couldn't figure out why a woman would allow her rights to her own child to be given up. This still puzzled him even more after seeing her.
The waitress came and they ordered their lunches. As the waitress left, Becky spoke up and said, "John ... there's one thing I need to ask you."
"Sure, Becky, what is it?"
"Well"... she looked over at Paul then continued "You know we're getting married soon, and we're also going to be moving to Alabama afterwards. We're going to need money to move. You know I've agreed to everything you asked for with Jacob, and now I'm asking you to help me out. We're going to need $4,000 to help with the moving expenses."
"Becky ... you know I don't have that kind of money," John said as he studied her face to see if she was for real.
"John ... this is what it's going to take to get this plan to work for both of us. Can't you borrow it from your parents or something?" She asked.
Paul spoke up and said, "Yeah, besides, you do want your kid to go home with you don't you?"
John looked at Paul and glared at him without saying a word; Andy could see John's demeanor turn to a scary rage building in him. Andy spoke up quickly to try to diffuse the situation and said, "Look ... I thought you two already had a deal in writing."
She quickly looked at Andy and gave him a shitty look and blurted out, "Not that it's any of your business, but I do have custody of him till it's finalized. I can always file an emergency order-of-stay. If I did that, you would never be able to take him out of state till we went to court. And that could take months," Becky said with an angry smirk on her face.
She continued as John just sat there looking like he was about to explode in anger. "John ... I don't want to do this ... but if you don't come up with the money, I'm not going to let you take Jacob home with you. There's no other way. We need the money to move, and you are just going to have to give it up if you want to see Jacob again."
Jacob began to cry as he could feel the tension between the adults and held onto John's neck even tighter. John was fuming and if it weren't for Jacob on his lap holding onto him, he would have grabbed Becky by her neck and snapped it like a twig, he was so furious.
John stared at both of them, and then began to speak loudly. "Look, you FUCKING BITCH!" John was cut of by Paul, saying, "Hey! Don't talk to her like that"
John interrupted him right back and said, "You shut the fuck up ... don't open your fucking hole again till we leave ... you hear me?" John glared at him and the stare from the huge man in front of him was enough to shut Paul up.
Becky continued. "John, I don't want it to be this way, but if you want Jacob, you will have to pay the money and help us out. Otherwise, I will take you to court and lie my ass off if I have to ... to keep you from getting your son ... EVER!"
Jacob began crying and John could feel the tears hitting his neck.
"Look, Becky ... we had a deal, and if you want to fight me on this, then I will fight you. But I guarantee you ... I will win, and if I have to move to Georgia till the courts say I can leave with my son, then that's what I will do."
"Daddy, I have to pee pee," Jacob exclaimed interjecting into the conversation.
"Ok, Jake ... don't you worry ... Daddy will take you to the bathroom, son." Holding his son, John got up and looked at Andy, not saying a word to him, but Andy could see the desperation on his face, mixed with anger.
Andy looked back at him and said, "Go ahead, John. Take your time; I'll just be here waiting and having a nice little chat with Becky." Andy smiled at John and John looked confused, but then left and disappeared with Jacob and found the rest room. Andy saw him enter, then looked back at Becky with a look of disgust. His cop mode had gone into effect and an air of power came with his demeanor as he began to speak.
"Becky, I know you don't know me ...but I want you to know you have made a really big mistake. You see this?" Andy stopped talking and pulled out a small digital recorder and laid it on the table ... with his badge next to it. He looked back up at the two of them, and they both looked at each other with a look of fear that was noticeable on their faces.
"Let's make this quick before John gets back with Jacob. I don't want either of them to hear what I'm going to tell you. You see, I figured you would pull something on John, knowing he'd do anything to get his son. I also figured any woman who would let her son go out of her life without a fight, was probably capable of pulling a stunt like this. So here is what you're going to do. You're going to tell John that you changed your mind and that you'll work something else out about the money, and then you're gonna tell him that he can take Jacob -- as planned! -- and then, we are going straight over to your house and load up everything Jacob has, and you can say goodbye to your son, and we will leave."
"What makes you think I'll do that?" Becky hissed back.
"Look pig, you have no jurisdiction here in this sate," Paul blurted out.
Andy cut both of them off and said, "You're right ... I don't ... but my buddies here at Atlanta Metro do, and I've already talked to them. There will be a car waiting outside your house when we arrive; they'll just be waiting and observing till we leave. If you cause any trouble, I'll give them this tape that shows how you tried to extort money from John for your kid, AND ... if I'm not mistaken ... selling a child is also against the law here in Georgia. I'll be a witness along with the tape in court, if need be, and who do you think they'll believe? You or me? I did my homework on you Becky; you don't exactly have a clean record. Now do you? I expect I know more about you than John does, huh?"
There was no response from the two -- just dead silence -- so Andy continued. "Now ... like I was saying, when John comes back, I want you to tell him you changed your mind and that you will get the money another way; that the plan still holds, and we will go right away, forgetting lunch, and go pack up Jacob's things."
"Fuck this, Becky ... I don't believe him; let's stick to the plan we had," Paul quickly said, looking at Becky.
Andy chuckled at the idiot's lack of understanding and raised his hand in the air as both Becky and Paul watched him. A look of confusion went over their faces, and about that time an officer walked by and looked at Andy and said, " Well, hello, Andy, long time no see; how ya been, buddy?"
"Hey, Jim ... good here; all is well; how are you?" Andy asked with a smirk on his face.
"Hey, I can't complain," Officer Jim said, as he then looked over at Becky and Paul, and then said, "Howdy." Neither responded, but just gave him a faint smile and a nod.
"Oh, here, Jim ... I almost forgot; here's that digital recorder you let me borrow. It's a nice one, really picks up good quality sound," Andy said with the same smirk on his face, as he looked at the two sorry shits across from him.
"Yeah, I told you it does; you should get you one," Jim replied. "Well, gotta go, Andy; catch you later; good seeing you again."
"Yeah, same here, Jim; tell the wife hi for me."
Jim looked back at Becky and Paul and said, "Sure will, Andy; and you have a nice day now, you hear, folks?" And then he left.
Andy looked back over at the two and said, "And you were saying ...?"
"Ok ... ok, fuck," Becky reluctantly said.
Andy smiled and put the badge away and said, "Now then ... Officer Jim is going to hold onto that tape recorder for me, for safe keeping. When John returns, I want you to tell him all will stay to plan, and I want you to make sure Jacob knows that all is going to be ok, and that he'll be going home with his daddy. You've upset him enough already. Got it?" Andy asked.
"OK!" Becky said, giving in.
"Ok; look, Becky ... I'll wait for you in the car; I don't want anymore part of this," Paul said as he got up and left quickly without hearing a response from Becky. She only gave him a shitty look as he left.
Becky had a look of fear and anger on her face, and when she saw John returning, she quickly changed her expression and let him sit back down with Jacob on his lap before she began to speak.
John looked at her, saw her red eyes, and was about to say something when he noticed that Paul was gone; he looked back over at Becky and she began to speak before he could.
"Look, John ... let's just forget what was said earlier; I'll work it out; it's my problem, not yours. Paul's in the car waiting for me. Everything can stay the way it was planned, and Jacob can go home with you."
Jacob swung around and looked at his mom and smiled and squeezed his dad again.
John looked at her with this blank stare; Andy couldn't read what he was thinking (that was about a first for him). John began to speak. "You mean that, Becky? No more games?"
"Yes, John; let's forget lunch and just go ahead and get Jacob packed up."
John looked over at Andy and gave him a weird look and then smiled at him; Andy smiled back. John had just then realized that his buddy and good friend, Andy, had done something that had saved the day. He wasn't sure how or what he had done, but it worked, and he was happy; he wasn't going to question it until he had Jacob safely away from his ex.
The waitress came by and Andy flagged her down and asked to make the sandwiches and drinks to go. She looked at him oddly then agreed; she came back about five minutes later with their orders, and Andy said it was on him and paid the waitress and gave her a big tip for the trouble. She looked at it and was all smiles again and greeted them with a nice southern, "Y'all have a nice day, now, ya'ear?"
John got up with Jacob and held his hand, and Andy and Becky followed them outside.
"Come on with me, Jacob, you can see your dad when we get home; he'll be right behind us," Becky said to Jacob holding onto John's hand.
Andy quickly spoke up and said, "Let's let him ride with his dad; they need to eat and catch up on things; we'll be at your house in about an hour."
Andy didn't wait for an answer; he just began walking to the truck and John followed with Jacob. Becky huffed and quickly turned and walked to her car where Paul was nervously waiting.
Andy got behind the wheel and drove them to a nearby park that John knew. As they pulled into the park and turned off the truck, Jacob spoke up and said, "Mommy's not mad anymore? I still get to come home with you, Daddy?"
"You bet you do, Jacob, and as soon as we eat, we'll go get your things. And no, Mommy's not mad; she's just sad 'cause she isn't gonna see you much, anymore. She really loves you, Jake, and it's hard for her to see you go. But she understands you want to live with your daddy, like all little boys do. Don't you worry, Jake. Everything's gonna be fine; now, let's go get a picnic table and eat our lunch; you hungry?" John tried to reassure Jacob that his mom was a good person. He didn't want him growing up thinking she was anything different. He would have to find that out for himself when he was older and able to handle the truth just how she was. He didn't want Jacob resenting him later for not being in his mother's life and blaming him.
"Yeah, Daddy, I'm starving," Jacob said with a big smile.
They sat down and began eating their lunches; John looked at Andy and smiled the biggest grin that Andy had ever seen. Andy said "What?"
"You and me are gonna have to have a long talk real soon."
"Nothing really to talk about; everything just got worked out, is all."
"Yeah, whatever!"smiled John as he patted his buddy on the shoulder as they ate.
"Jake ... I want you to meet a really good friend of your daddy's. Jake, this Andy, he is a policeman back home where we live. He was also a Marine before that. You can call him Uncle Andy, ok?"
"Wow!" Jacob shook Andy's hand and smiled really big, "You really a policeman, Uncle Andy?"
"Yes, I am, and it's good to meet you, Jacob."
"Where's your gun?" Jacob asked with big eyes.
John and Andy laughed, and Andy told Jacob that he wasn't on duty, so he didn't carry one with him. Jacob sighed with a disappointed little boy's "Ohhhh."
Jacob was quiet for a few, then blurted out, "Can I ride in your police car sometime with the sirens going?"
Andy laughed and said, "Sure, kiddo, no problem; as soon as we get back home, I'll take you for a ride."
"Ahh, cool; you hear that, Daddy? Uncle Andy's gonna let me ride in a real police car." He sounded so excited, and he was squirming around on the picnic bench.
"Yes, I heard, Jake; I'm sure you'll have a lotta fun. Maybe, if you're good, you can try on the handcuffs, too." John smiled at Andy, and Andy chuckled back
"Wow! ... that would be cool."
Andy and John laughed and it felt good to have the tension gone for now. Andy noticed that Jacob looked just like his dad. He was skinny and as blond as could be, with the most beautiful blue eyes he'd ever seen. He spoke big for his age, and seemed to be a happy kid. Andy could tell he adored his dad. He hadn't left his side the whole time since John sat next to him at the restaurant. He even noticed Jacob would at least have one hand on John all the time. It looked like Jacob was worried, deep down, that John was going to leave him again. Touching him and being close must have kept him feeling secure.
Lunch was eaten, and they proceeded to Becky's house to get Jacob's things and to be finished with the whole matter as soon as they could. As they arrived to the house, Andy noticed a police car parked a few houses down the street. He wasn't sure if John had seen it or not. Andy looked at John and saw that he became nervous again as they got there.
Becky came out the house to great them and she talked with John as to where all the stuff was that needed to be loaded into the truck. She also noticed the patrol car down the street and quickly looked at Andy and gave him a shitty look. Paul was nowhere to be seen. Becky said he had some things to do and wouldn't be back till later ... after they were gone.
Load after load of packing the truck, and Andy glanced down the street once in a while and ssaw that the patrol car stayed in its location.
After everything was loaded, Becky said her goodbyes to Jacob with a big fuss; Andy couldn't tell what was real or what was for show. Jacob was crying, saying goodbye to his mom, and she promised to keep in touch, and told him to call as soon as he got to his daddy's house. Jacob agreed and John said his goodbyes.
Andy, John, and Jacob got into the truck and began to leave. As they all got into the truck, the patrol car left its parking spot and cruised slowly by the house. Andy saw Becky watching the car go by slowly and had a scowled look on her face. As they drove by, John pulled the truck away, and they were off to the motel.
Andy could see John's face becoming more and more relaxed, and Jacob was smiling big as he sat in the truck beside his daddy. For once, he knew his daddy wasn't leaving him behind, and he had the biggest smile a little boy could have on his face as they all rode back to the motel.
To be continued.
End Chapter 13
Special Thanks goes to Gerry Young, for all his help, encouragement and guidance in making my story come to life. He's a great friend and editor.
I always respond to all the emails I get, and enjoy hearing from you with your comments or suggestions.
Hogan