CHAPTER NINETEEN
LIVING IN A LIE
Written by Trevor Johnson
Editor Richie
Please note this story contains boy-to-boy sexual activity and if you don't enjoy this kind of story read no further. This story is completely fiction and any resemblance to anyone living or dead is wholly coincidental. This story may not be published, or reprinted, without the express permission of the author.
While the wind was shaking the house it was nothing compared to the previous evening. Everyone was so tired that they would have slept just about anywhere.
Overnight the wind gradually eased along with the rain. By the time George started waking them up the sun was beginning to rise on the horizon and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. This was good news not only for them but for all farmers in the district.
The first thing was to milk the cows and feed the stock. Apart from a large churn of fresh milk kept for the house, the rest went down the drain because there was no way it could be kept fresh until the power was restored. George decided to keep the one tractor attached to the small house generator so they could keep at least some food frozen and refrigerated. The waste was incredible.
Over breakfast George told everyone what had to be done, "The top paddock nearest to the barn had drained away pretty quick so we'll put the cows and the horses into that paddock after we have checked all the fences. We will then have to try and get to all the other fences that are no longer under water and fix them up as well. For the fields that have crops planted, when the ground dries out a bit more we will I'm afraid have to plough everything back in and when the time is right replant."
All of them especially Damien knew this would affect their budget considerably. George continued, "I fear that all the crops on my farm will be gone so the same will apply there." Everyone including the youngest boys weren't very happy at the gloomy news George had delivered.
George took all the boys out and the uncovered the old caterpillar tractor which he hoped would start ok. While it would churn up the soft ground with its tracks they would have to use that instead of disconnecting the tractor from the power supply. Luckily it started after about three tries, blowing some evil smoke into the air but sounding wonderful.
They hooked up the trailer and loaded some fence posts and wire along with the equipment they would need and headed out checking the fences. While they were doing that Jennifer and the two security guys stranded with them walked along the road to see if it was open all the way to town. However, it was obvious it would be another two to three days before they could get through.
Jennifer was worried about the town house and Veronica and Eddie, while the security guys were keen to be relieved so they could check on their own homes and families. While the couple of battery radios we had were a godsend the local radio stations had all been off the air as well so the news we were getting was from some distance away. The good news was that the Government was offering financial assistance to property who lost crops, stock and buildings.
The fences around the home paddock were in fairly good shape and they were completely fixed by lunchtime. The cows and horses were happy to be outside and nibbling on fresh grass which was already shooting up under the sunshine.
After lunch they went and checked the outside living quarters in the refurbished barn and found a bit of water damage and some timber missing. It didn't take long for the place to be cleaned up and made habitable once more, except there was still no power.
Meanwhile in Ohio, Martha Fred's transvestite partner was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He still couldn't believe that the man he hoped was going to be his partner for the rest of his life was a predator who used the internet to prey on young boys, not only in America but the world.
He assured Martha that he hadn't done anything like that once he met and fell in love with him, but how could Martha be sure? Still he vowed that he would stand by Fred no matter what and visited him in prison as often as the authorities would allow.
Because of his advancing years Fred wasn't faring too well in prison. Even though he was kept in protective custody other prisoners had managed to get close enough to beat him up and on one occasion he was raped by a fellow inmate. He told his lawyer who protested to the prison authorities but nothing was done.
On Martha's most recent visit, Fred was much more cheerful. At last he had been given a court date and under his lawyer's advice had changed his plea to guilty. By doing this his lawyer told him that he would get probation like he received the first time he was arrested about ten years ago.
"The prisons are overcrowded and judges are being asked to give out non-custodial sentences where ever possible, especially in cases such as Fred who would have to be kept in isolation and because of his age he would require frequent medical attention." Their lawyer told them. This made Martha feel happier knowing that his husband could be back home in less than a month. All that was left to do was wait a couple more weeks when Fred would have his day in court and they would be back together again.
Both Miles and Keith thought that Jeremy was settling in well at his new school until they got a call from the Principle asking if they could come in right away. Keith phoned Miles and told him to be ready because he would be around to pick him up to take him to school. When Miles asked what had happened Keith said he had no idea and they would have to wait till they got there.
When they arrived Jeremy was sitting outside the principal's office and just by looking at him they could see he had been fighting. Before they could question him the principle called them in to his office. Once they sat down with Jeremy sitting between them with his head hanging down, Keith asked the principle what the problem was.
"Jeremy was caught fighting with several other boys and I have since found out this was not the first incident when blows have been exchanged. I will be questioning the other boys and speaking with their parents later today but I decided to talk to you first after what Jeremy told me. Jeremy perhaps you would like to tell your fathers what you told me earlier?"
Jeremy was silent for a while as if trying to make his mind up on what to say and how to say it, "A couple of kids in my class keep on and on that I don't have a mother or a proper father but two faggots to look after me. The fight started when one of them said it would be just a matter of time before they started using me and doing queer sexual things to me." He burst into tears after saying that and both Miles and Keith hugged him telling the poor boy that everything they are saying are wrong.
Keith turned to the principle saying, "This verbal bullying of a poor child who had recently lost both his parents and is now being raised by two guys needs to stop and stop right now. As an officer of the law I know for a fact that this kind of bullying is against the law and I could have these bullies sent to juvenile hall. I don't want to do that and I suspect the parents could well be behind all this.
The bottom line is we need action to nip this in the bud right now and make sure this kind if bullying stops." The principle looked most unhappy after this tirade of words from Keith because he wasn't sure how to go about nipping this in the bud, "I agree with everything you say Keith but I'm not sure how to handle it. I must admit I haven't had a situation like this before in my school and from what I've heard from teachers and other staff members you're right in assuming this talk is coming from parents.
I have already had one family threatening to take their child elsewhere because they didn't want her exposed to a child with two homosexual fathers. Furthermore the janitor overheard several parents while outside the school waiting for their children discuss ways and means of having Jeremy removed from the school."
Keith began to see red and while Miles was trying to calm him down he too was seething inside at what was happening to their son. "I am the most senior ranking Texas Ranger in this district and if this nonsense isn't stopped I will make sure that something is done about it. I can already see a case for a civil law suit against some of the parents and children, but I will consult with some of the highest legal minds in Texas to see what our options are. Both Miles and I are honest law abiding citizens. Admittedly our sexual orientation differs from the normal but that is how we are made and nothing can be done about it.
We intend to bring up our adopted son to know what is right and wrong, what is just and fair and to give him the best chance in life he can have to grow up to be a decent law abiding citizen. Now I suggest that we meet this problem face on and I would appreciate it if you would call a meeting of all the parents of children attending this school and we will meet with them and hammer this out before it gets even further out of hand. The last thing I'm sure you don't want is the press to get hold of the story so let's keep it in the school and as soon as you have arranged the meeting we will attend,"
While the principle didn't like being dictated to in this way he realised that these two guys were a force to be reckoned with, so he bowed to their wishes. Keith indicated that the meeting was ended by rising and extending his hand across the desk before saying, "We will be taking Jeremy home for the rest of today but he will be attending school tomorrow."
On the way home in the police car there was no request for sirens or flashing lights. Jeremy sat quietly in the back with his head down saying nothing, in fact neither Keith nor Miles spoke at all during the short ride home.
Once inside Miles fixed them lunch and when they were all sat round the table Keith asked Jeremy just how the fight started. Jeremy was silent for a while and both of his dads thought he wasn't going to answer but then he opened up, "They kept saying that I had no mother but two queers who liked taking it up the ass. The kid I hit Shaun, who is a bit of a leader and the main bully around school said to me, don't worry it'll just be a matter of time before they both want your ass and I bet they've already asked you to suck their cocks because that's what faggots do.
After that I couldn't help it I just hit him as hard as I could and he went down like a sack of potatoes. All the kids who he had been bullied in the past cheered me while his bully mates went for me but I took a couple more down before they got me. By then a couple of teachers ran up and split us up."
Both guys were silent for a while not sure what to say until Miles spoke, "Would you rather go to another school for example a private one?"
"No, it looks like a good school but I wish they wouldn't keep talking about you two all the time behind your backs. My friend Janet overheard one parent say that she hoped I didn't join the swimming team or anything like that in case I've got AIDS and I might contaminate the water and spread the disease."
The look of anger and fury on both of their faces said it all, with Keith saying that they would have to sort a few people out when they have that meeting. Jeremy began to cry with tears rolling down his cheeks and both of them comforted him, telling him that everything would be sorted one way or another, "We love you dearly Jeremy and remember you're our son and if anyone again tries to hurt you or upset you they will have us both to contend with." Keith then looked at the time saying that he had a meeting he was going to be late for. After kissing his son and giving him a hug he did the same to Miles and headed out the door. Once he had gone Miles suggested that they sit back and relax for the rest of the day watching a movie or something.
After supper every one settled down in the dining room to watch a movie. Although George warned that they will have to shut off the power when everyone has gone to bed for a couple of hours, because they are running a bit low on diesel fuel.
Jordon and Geoff were cuddled up together and they noticed the twins were doing the same while the other boys were more or less sitting on their own. It was then that Jordon noticed Callum the oldest of the boys who was on the streets before coming to the farm was missing.
He pointed this out to Geoff and they decided to go look for him. As they passed the bathroom they heard crying and knocked on the door, "Is that you Callum, can we come in and talk to you?"
There was no answer so Jordon tried the door and found it wasn't locked. They found Callum slumped on the floor curled up in a ball sobbing his heart out. Both boys went to comfort him asking what was wrong, but got no answer. Jordon pulled him up suggesting they go to their bedroom and just talk. He allowed them to lead him out into the hall towards their room when Damien came looking for them. When he saw Callum crying he went towards them but Jordon motioned him away. He did as he was told, leaving it up to Jordon and Geoff to sort out what was wrong.
All three sat together on the bed with Jordon and Geoff putting their arms around Callum. At seventeen not only was he the eldest but also the tallest and most well-built. He had light brown hair and was a good looking guy, yet so far he hadn't made friends with any of the others preferring to be on his own.
Jordon hugged him and at the same time they felt Callum's body stiffening and while he tried to pull away he couldn't, "What's the problem Callum, we're all here to help each other and if you have a problem you can tell us and maybe we can help. If you don't want anyone else to know then it will remain our secret."
Callum was silent for several minutes while the two guys remained quiet patiently waiting for this poor boy to talk. Finally almost as if he'd made his mind up Callum looked Jordon in the eyes saying, "Please don't get me wrong or send me away from here, it's just because I don't fit in."
Jordon answered before Geoff could get a word in, "For a start you do fit in and we will never ever turn you out. So if that's what's bothering you, you have nothing to worry about."
For the first time the boys got some sort of reaction with Callum returning the hug, "This is a wonderful place and you are all great people. I've never been in the country before, always spending my time in big cities. You see my mother was an alcoholic and drug user. My father also drank a lot and would beat me whenever he came home drunk which was most nights.
By the time I was fourteen I couldn't take any more, so I packed up a few things and left home. I worked the streets along with other guys my age and slept wherever we could find a dry spot. I'm not proud of the life I was living." He paused before continuing, "One night I came across my father lying in the street dead drunk and I beat him to a pulp. It was all those years of abuse and beatings coming out as I screamed obscenities at him while stomping on his head and kicking him in the guts.
A guy who I had become friends with came along and pulled me off telling me to make myself scarce and we both ran off as police sirens were heard in the distance. I found out later that he was on life-support in a hospital and wasn't expected to live. I moved to another city so I wouldn't be caught and later heard that he lived for about a month longer before they switched off the machines keeping him alive, so you see I'm wanted for murder."
"While what you did was wrong to take another person's life I can understand why you lost it when you did." Jordon told him before going on to tell him about his father and how in the end he shot him, "So you see I also have a cross to bear because of my father."
Callum looked in amazement at Jordon before continuing his story, "I ended up in Toronto working the streets and living off my wits before Damien and Bentley found me passed out in a doorway. All because a guy wanted sex and he paid me in drugs which up until then I had avoided because I knew what they had done to my mother."
Geoff hugged him before speaking for the first time, "Ok, you had a hard life but you're safe here and we will keep your secret, so why the tears and sadness Callum?"
"For starters I'm not seventeen but almost nineteen and I know this is for young guys only so what happens to me when I get too old to stay here?"
"Don't worry Callum we won't just throw you back out into the streets. I can promise you that. We haven't yet decided when the leaving age will be but we will look after you, be assured of that. Who knows, you might eventually find someone here who you can maybe move in with, but we will never ever turn you out with nothing, I promise you that." Jordon told him. He then had another thought saying, "Regarding your age I think it would be best keeping that bit of news between ourselves and not even telling Damien. As far as anyone here is concerned you're only seventeen, understood?"
Tears once again began forming in his eyes as both Geoff and Jordon leaned in to gently kiss him on the cheeks, "You guys are unreal, I never knew there were kind thoughtful guys like you in the world."
Just then Jennifer called upstairs to tell them there was hot chocolate for everyone in the kitchen before we all go to bed.
On the way down Jordon whispered to Callum that he will have to talk to Damien but no one else will know about the conversation. You can also sleep in our bed tonight if you like, just for company nothing else." He added with a grin.
Downstairs as everyone was gathering around the steaming pot of hot chocolate Jordon and Geoff took Damien to one side and briefly told him about Callum's worries. Damien said they will talk about it tomorrow morning. Jordon also explained that Callum for tonight would be in their bedroom.
Once everyone had finished supper George announced fifteen minutes before the power goes off. Everyone said goodnight and headed for wherever they were sleeping. In Jordon and Geoff's room they quickly got ready for bed and all three of them hopped into bed cuddling up to each other. They made sure that Callum was in the middle so they could both hug him and assure him that everything was going to be all right.
"You guys are unreal." He said with tears forming once again in his eyes. "I have never met a group of people who cared like you guys do." Nothing more was said because a hug can often say more than enough and with arms around each other they drifted off to sleep.
The following morning was so beautiful with the sun creeping up over the horizon and the grass in the fields already beginning to shoot rich new growth. The boys were full of vim and vigour as they went about doing their before breakfast chores. As the cows were being brought in for milking a loud cheer went up. Which more than likely echoed throughout the district as the main power supply was at last restored.
This meant that the milk could be saved in the refrigerated tanks and if the road opened within the next twenty four hours it could be shipped into town. The chicken coop had been repaired yesterday, so those not on milking duty rounded up the chickens which were still in the barn and put back in their proper home.
The beautiful tantalizing aroma of steak, bacon and eggs greeted them as they made their way back to the farmhouse, finding that tables and chairs had been set up outside and the food was cooking on the charcoal grill outside. With no orange juice or anything like that left, everyone had as much fresh milk as they wanted.
Jennifer and one of the security guys had already gone down to check on the road into town and the news was that if the water continued going down like it was, the road should be open later today.
Geoff's mom in particular was panicking and wanted to get back to their own property so the fridge and freezer could be emptied and all that rotten meat disposed of, "There's bound to be stinking food and it needs to be buried or burnt or something. The house will have mould all through it so I will need a working bee." She told her husband George.
Meanwhile Damien hit the phones which were also working, talking to supplier and sponsors hoping that financial help would be forthcoming. The seed supplier said that he would replace everything that was ruined free of charge. The feed merchant said that while he couldn't give them anything free because he lost a lot of stuff in the storm as well, but he could defer payment until the government flood relief money came through.
Straight after breakfast Damien called Jordon and Geoff into the front office to find out more about Callum. They told him all about the problems he had and also the fact that he was nineteen and not seventeen as he said he was. Damien said, "I think for now we should keep Callum's age at seventeen and I would like you two to be friends with him. Assure him that we will never ever throw him out without a job to go to or something like that. We have never worked out what happens when they leave here and what age they leave."
The boys went off to quietly to inform Callum of the news and they finished up with a group hug. Tonight all the boys would be back in their own beds and Geoff was having a quiet five minutes with his lover when he had a brilliant idea, "I wonder if we could play cupid and maybe match up Callum with Ben who is seventeen. We're having problems with him because he's a bit of a bully. I've noticed the twins are terrified of him, so maybe Callum could be the calming effect on Ben?"
"I think that's a great idea." Jordon replied, "You're not just a pretty face are you?" With that he gave his lover a big kiss which developed into a bit of a tonguing. Before they knew it both of them had massive erections straining to get out of their jeans. Of course just then the twins came skipping past and made sure everyone within earshot knew what was happening.
So on the two farms things started to get back to normal. With the boys going over to George and Martha's farm to clean up and they spent two days cleaning and mending fences. By then the ground had dried out allowing George to plough in all the crops and prepare the ground for the next planting. He showed all the boys in turn how to plough and drive the tractor and the older guys were becoming experts.
Damien was happy because a lot of their sponsors came to the party to help out. The other great news was that Veronica and Eddie could finally get through and be reunited with Jennifer. Plus the two stranded security guards could at last get home to their families.
Miles, Keith and Jeremy were all ready for their meeting at the school to answer any questions regarding same sex adoptions and to try and give their new son a better chance than he was getting right now. The two guys agreed the bullying and taunting of their new son had to stop or they would take the matter further.
As they approached the school they could see by the number of parked vehicles that there was a big turnout. They parked the car and headed towards the school hall where the principle was waiting nervously at the door to greet them. They discussed what form the meeting would take and Keith suggested that the best way was for him to explain Jeremy's circumstances regarding his parents and then explain Miles and his relationship .The principle agreed and as they walked in Keith whispered to Miles that the same talk they gave the local church may be the way to go.
As soon as they walked in the loud chatter of conversation died down with everyone going quiet. They just sat in their seats staring at the three of them as they were led by the principle down to the front where a table and chairs had been set up.
Once they were seated the principle spoke first welcoming everybody before continuing, "I hope and pray this doesn't turn into a shouting match and I also hope that everyone will treat everyone else with dignity and respect." That last remark brought forth a few jeers and comments as the principle then introduced Keith, "Thank you and I echo the principle's words and hope that you will first of all hear me and then we will answer any questions the best we can. My name is Keith Jones and my partners name is Miles Fortuna. For Jeremy's sake we are from now on going to be using the surname Fortuna." This brought a lot of muttering in the audience as Keith continued, "First I would like to remind you about the terrrible circumstances which brought young Jeremy to us."
His parents died under tragic circumstances when they became hostages in a failed bank hold up. I was the senior police officer on the scene and Jeremy was the only survivor of a tragic car smash. I took him under my wing because child services couldn't take him at the time. Miles and I had already made plans to adopt a child, not one quite as old as Jeremy here but a young baby.
Our investigations revealed that Jeremy had no other living relatives. So we decided to apply for adoption because we didn't want this young eight year old to have to go into the foster home system, which is not an ideal situation for any child to grow up in.
That is Jeremy's story, now to mine and Miles relationship. We are homosexuals and we are deeply in love with each other. We are committed to each other for life just like any other married couple. For those of you who don't fully understand what homosexuality is all about I would like to briefly explain.
Homosexuals are not man made. By that I mean we don't suddenly decide we want to have a man rather a women, it's not something one catches off a toilet seat or from someone else, and is certainly not contagious." Someone shouted from the back of the hall, "Maybe not but AIDS is."
"Please sir, let me finish then we will answer any questions. Back to what I was explaining Homosexuals or gays are not made but are created by god. We were like that when we are born and contrary to some religious groups there is no cure. We are gay and there is nothing we can do about it.
We fully intend to give Jeremy the best opportunity possible for him to be brought up in a caring Christian environment and receive the best education possible to give him a start in life. I would like to quote the words Jeremy used when he was introduced to his class on his first day. `My name is Jeremy and I am one of the luckiest guys alive because I have two fathers on earth to look after me and a mother and father in heaven to watch over me'.
I can guarantee you that he will receive the best education and life we can possibly give him. So far at this school he has been bullied and teased and some nasty things were said about Miles and my relationship. Which to us only demonstrated just how little is known about same sex relationships. We asked Jeremy if he wanted to leave this school and go to a private one and his reply was no, this isn't a bad school and the teachers are very good. A compliment indeed when you consider how he has been treated.
Now that I have fully explained our situation and the love Miles and I have for this bright young boy let me finish by putting to rest one of the nasty remarks which have been made to Jeremy. We are a gay couple living together just as any other couple. We are not predators who seek out young children for our own sexual gratification. Those predators are not gay but sick and part of my job as a senior police officer in the state of Texas is to track down people like that and lock them up, hopefully for a long time. Anyway I have spoken far too long and Miles and I will answer any questions or concerns you may have."
Before anyone could speak Jeremy stood up and gave Keith a big hug before turning to Miles and doing the same. He then surprised everyone by turning to those seated in front of him saying, "I love my new parents very much, and they are caring people who I know will be the best parents anyone could wish for. I just hope and pray that everyone will give them a chance to prove it.
As daddy Keith told you I like this school and want to stay but I don't want to have to fight everyone to do that. All I ask is that the name calling and bullying stop. I know for a fact when in college Daddy Miles was a very good football player and he has said to me that he wouldn't mind coaching a team if he was allowed.
I have never bullied anyone in my life and have no intension of doing so. I have two wonderful dads who I know will never hurt me or interfere with me sexually because as Daddy Keith said, it is predators who go after young boys and girls for sex.
If they hadn't taken me in I have no idea where I would be right now, maybe with a family of predators who knows. I love these two guys as much as I loved my parents. So please give not only me a chance to attend this school but my dad's as well."
When Jeremy had stopped speaking he sat down holding hands with both his dads who looked on with pride. The room was quiet for a few seconds and then one or two began to applaud with others gradually joining in. Not everyone applauded but the majority did. Once the applause had died down Keith asked if there were any questions.
The lady who asked about AIDS saying, "If Jeremy was in the swimming club and for some reason or another cut himself or had a nose bleed in the water what would the chances be for my son to catch AIDS?"
Smiling Miles stood up to answer, "No chance at all because Jeremy doesn't have AIDS and neither do the two of us, but even then the odds or your child getting a disease like that in the pool would be nigh on impossible." After that there were very few questions and the meeting ended.
The principle shook the guy's hands thanking them very much and congratulated Jeremy for the way he spoke. Just as they were about to leave the parents of the boy he had the fight with apologized for their sons behaviour saying that he would have to stop his bullying ways or he would find himself in serious trouble.
On the way home Jeremy was very quiet not saying too much and then because it was so late he went off to shower and get into bed. Miles and Keith went in a short while later to say goodnight and found him crying into his pillow. Miles rushed over saying, "Hey Jeremy what's the problem why the tears?"
They are not sad tears daddy but happy tears because I am the luckiest boy in the world to have two dads who really care. Both grown men began to have watery eyes as they hugged their new son before kissing him good night, "And do you know what Jeremy, we are the luckiest dads in the world to have a son as wonderful and as nice as you."
To be continued
Writers Corner. Two main topics in this chapter the aftermath of the storm and effect it had on the farm plus we heard the sad story from Callum who lied about his age to get taken into the project and I certainly don't think he will be thrown out do you?
Poor Martha his life right now is in limbo until Fred's trial comes up. He believes that by pleading guilty he will receive probation and nothing else. I certainly hope he's right.
Finally we have Jeremy having problems at school because he has two fathers and no mother. This is a true to life situation and I feel so sorry for him. Of course Miles and Keith will do everything possible to stop the bullying and I think maybe what was said at the meeting will help, but there will always be a handful of trouble makers who will make life difficult.
Back to the farm and life is slowly returning to normal and Damien isn't quite as worried about the budget as sponsors and even the government are helping those on the land who suffered at the hands of the storm.
Let me know what you think of this and indeed all my other chapters. I look forward to hearing from you.
Hugs
Trevor
Supertev699@hotmail.com
Editors Corner
Well thank you Trevor for another great chapter.
I was thrilled how mature Jordon and Geoff were in how they handled Callum. I am also glad that Damien also agreed and will allow this poor boy to stay. Looking forward to some nice love making between Callum and Ben in the future.
Now that the storm is over and electricity restored hopefully things get back to normal. I was glad to see that none of the bigots tried to use the power outage to attack the boys.
I am really scared that Fred will wind up behind bars and possibly killed. I do not trust the judgement of their lawyer. At least that is what my gut tells me.
My favourite part of this chapter was where Keith and Miles tackled the bullying at Jeremy's school. I hope that Jeremy's life gets much better and that if someone tries to bully him again that the other students stand up to them and let them know it is not going to happen in their school. I was also excited to see that the parent of the kid who bullied Jeremy apologize for his behaviour and gave her assurance that it will not happen again.
Well be sure to tell Trevor your thoughts about this story. Good or Bad. He works awfully hard to write these stories for his fans and the only way he knows he is doing OK is to hear from them.
So for now have an awesome day.
Richie