New Horizons

All rights reserved. Other than downloading one copy for personal enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author. As in real life, the sexual themes unfold gradually and are kept to a realistic level. Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author, Dwight Wilson, at adm2780@yahoo.com

This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between males, adult and minor. As such it is homoerotic, designed for the entertainment of mature adults. If you are not of legal age to read such material, or if the subject matter would create irresolvable personal moral dilemmas, please exit now

Note: Once again, I would like to thank Colin for his support and efforts at editing and correcting my errors. His suggestions and comments have been a significant contribution to the development of this story.

Chapter Twenty-Four: New Horizons

Brad led the group through the corridors and doorways of the abandoned office building. They had to use the stairs to get to the third floor where the group stayed. Daniel was depressed by the dirt and filth they passed, but he understood the boys' need to find a 'safe' place. Most street people would stay on the ground floor, a few may venture to the second floor. Staying low provided the easiest means of escape if the police showed up. As they entered the office where the boys stayed, Daniel felt sick to his stomach.

Michael moved straight to the injured boy. An older boy kneeled beside him. The older boy had taken off his shirt and held it against the injury. When he looked up Daniel saw the tear stains running down his face. As the medics moved to assist Michael, Daniel turned to Brad.

"The little one is Mikey. The other boy is his brother, Jimmy. Mikey is ten, Jimmy is almost fourteen."

Michael guided Jimmy away while one of the medics began registering vitals. Mikey looked very pale and didn't move or make any sounds. The brother's shirt looked like it had soaked a lot of blood. Michael examined the wound with the help of the second medic. Daniel could see Elizabeth slowly moving around the group. The rest of the boys stood silently, watching.

Soon the medics removed the rest of the boy's clothing and examined him for additional wounds, there were none. All during the examination Michael was giving instructions to the medics and they relayed information to him, working as a team. Within a few minutes a bandage was applied to the rectal area and an IV set. The boy was placed on the gurney for transport to the hospital. Before leaving, Michael turned to Daniel and the group.

"He's been raped by someone big. My guess is they did it dry and really hurt him. Most of the blood appears to be coming from skin tears, there is a little internal bleeding. The extent of internal injuries will have to be determined at the hospital. He's also lost a lot of blood. Right now he's in shock. We should be able to take care of him at the hospital."

"'Doctor?" Jimmy spoke through his tears, "he's my brother, can I go?"

Elizabeth walked over to Jimmy and put an arm around him. "Jimmy, Dr. Mike will take care of your brother. There's nothing you can do now. The doctor will call and let us know how he's doing." Elizabeth turned to face Michael as she spoke.

"Jimmy," Michael answered, "Mikey is hurt bad, but we think he'll be alright. He'll have to stay at the hospital a few days and need some care afterwards. Mr. Daniel here can help you get to the hospital to see him." Michael hurried off to catch up with the medics.

Jimmy continued to hold on to Elizabeth. The boy was crying hard. The adults knew the boy was crying out more than his brother being hurt. Daniel watched the boy, reliving memories that hurt, deeply.

"I promised him I'd take care of him." Jimmy whispered through his sobs. "I told him I wouldn't let nothin' happen to him. I told him not to go out alone, he'd get hurt. I tried to take of him, I tried."

"Jimmy," Elizabeth responded to the boy, "look at me. This isn't your fault. Mikey went out on his own, there's nothing you could do. I know it's hard. Be thankful he'll be alright."

Elizabeth continued to hold the boy for a moment and then placed a hand on each side of his face. She lifted his face to look at the crying boy. "Jimmy, this is Mr. Daniel. He's the director of New Horizon, do you know what that is?"

"Noooo," the boy whined.

"He's here to talk to all of you. He's going to give you a chance at a better life where you don't have to worry about things like just happened to Mikey. You have to listen to him and you have to decide for yourself and Mikey what you want to do. This is how you can help Mikey. Can you listen to him?"

"Okay." Replied the boy as he wiped tears from his face.

Brad spoke to the group of boys. "Fellas, this is Mr. Thompson. He's the one been runnin' those ads on television looking for me. He takes care of Sean now. Sean's in the hospital getting help for his heart thanks to Mr. Thompson and these people. He wants to ask you something."

Daniel waited for a moment to be sure he had the boys' attention and then explained the purpose and mission of New Horizon. The boys heard about the duties and the boys' responsibilities to help care for the facility and to work on their educations. He explained how many boys were at Fort Ogden and where they came from. Towards the end he told them what a boy could expect and other details.

"We travel doing personal appearances to promote the program. Whenever I go out, a group of boys we call the New Horizon Cherubs travels as representatives. It's only fair to tell you that the older cherubs are subject to being called on for pleasure and by agreement we can't stop it. However, we do have rules to control what and how something is done. Those called on are all volunteers, no one is forced to submit. We try to schedule appearances so no boy is exposed to the chance of being used more than three or four times a year. Of course, since we haven't been around for a year we don't know how that schedule works just yet."

Daniel again pauses "Any questions? Fellas, don't be afraid to ask anything."

No one responds, so Daniel continues. "I should forewarn you that all the boys at New Horizon run free except when we go out."

"You mean they go naked all the time?" called out one astonished boy.

"Yes, except when we leave the premises. They like it like that. Remember, boys fourteen and younger can run nude all the time and anywhere. In our case we allow the older boys to do the same. What happened was the state delivered the boys to a detention center and then took all their clothes. Slaves don't wear clothes except in public and these boys were scheduled to be sold, three were already at the auction house; we got 'em back. We didn't have clothes for any of them when we took custody, didn't know we needed them. By the time the clothes arrived, the boys didn't want them. So, they run free and have a good time. Personally, I think they do it so they don't have to worry about laundry duty." The last remark elicited the desired grins.

"One last thing I must tell you," Daniel continued, "you may not come with us if there is a warrant for you issued by the bankruptcy court within the past twelve months or if there is a felony warrant out on you. We have a data base to verify you're clear. If there is a warrant and we take control of you, we are obligated to turn you over to the authorities. If your name turns up I'll turn my back while you disappear. I want to be sure you know you will be wards of the state just like the original group. The difference is you will not be sent to a detention center, you will go with us to Fort Ogden."

"Boys, nothing would please me more than to stand here and tell you we could return you to your homes and the loving arms of parents, friends and family. We can't do it. There is no way any of you will be able to just turn the clock back and resume what were once normal, happy lives. What we can do is offer you a safe, nourishing environment where you can make friends, learn and grow. This is the closest we can get to letting you be just kids again." As he speaks Daniel tries to read the boys faces and be comfortable they understand what he is telling them.

"We promise you don't have to always keep looking over your shoulder. Afraid someone is sneaking up behind you to either haul you off to slavery or assault you like what happened to Mikey. Gentlemen, the choice is yours, stay here and take your chances or come with us to Fort Ogden. If you choose to come with us, be sure, because it's a final decision till your grown."

"Mr. Daniel, suppose not all of us can get into college. What happens to us then, do they make us slaves?" one of the older boys asked the question, Daniel thought it was Timmy.

"College is not necessarily for everyone. We are charged with seeing to it that you get training sufficient to let you be self supporting. You stay in our charge through age twenty-one. By that age you should have either acquired the skills or be along in college so there are no doubts about you having the necessary skills. In either case each boy will have a sponsor or mentor that assures the state of a positive result." Daniel stopped to study the boys' faces and hear any additional questions.

"Mr. Daniel, do we get to choose what we want to do or do we have to take what's given to us?" an older boy that Daniel didn't recognize asked this time. Daniel was impressed with the type of questions that showed the boys were thinking and not just acting.

"We ask each boy to expose himself to different areas of interest. Right now we know we have boys interested in computers, horticulture, at least one wants to be a chef, construction, and I've heard comments on becoming a police officer. The choice is yours. When the choice is made we put forth the effort required to get you a mentor or sponsor. We don't stop until we have you taken care of." Again, Daniel surveys the faces before him.

"Mr. Daniel," this time Jimmy speaks, "you said we have to go to school, but you also said the boys run free. Do they go to school naked?" Daniel and the older boys get a laugh from Jimmy's question. After thinking about it for a moment, Daniel realizes it isn't a bad question given what he's told the boys.

Daniel smiles at the boy when he answers. "Jimmy, actually that's a good question. Maybe I didn't explain enough. The boys don't go to public school. Remember I said we couldn't take support from the state? The schooling is done through the Catholic diocese. Each of you will be tested and then a study plan developed just for you based on the test. Our goal is to have you out of high school by the age of eighteen. For the younger boys it's fairly easy. For he older boys, like Brad or Timmy here, they may have to study a little harder because they have less time to make up for school they've missed." Daniel stands silent waiting for any questions.

No one said anything. The boys stood staring at one another. Each was waiting on someone else to make the first move. Jimmy, still held in Elizabeth's arms, was the first to speak.

"Mr. Dan'l, can me and Mikey go with you?"

One by one the boys asked to go with Daniel until there was only one left, Brad.

"Well, Mr. Daniel, looks like I have no reason to stay here now. My little brother's gonna need lookin' after for a while and I know a lady that wants some interviews. Besides, it's like you said, I'm tired of working these streets and having to look over my shoulder. I think a safe haven would be good now."

"Boys, we're glad to have you with us. Now let's go up to the van and get this warrant matter straight and then I'll call to get the paperwork done. As we go out everyone needs to stay close together."

As the group headed out they had not gone far when they heard a young voice cry out.

"Wait for me."

They turned to see a naked eight year old chasing after them. Brad turned to look at the boy.

"Louis, where's your clothes?"

"Mr. Dan'l said the boys go naked all the time, so I got naked." Daniel and Elizabeth laughed. While Brad took the boy back to get his clothes Elizabeth told Daniel he was going to have his hands full.

"Elizabeth," Daniel grinned, "I think that's an understatement. Right now I have to figure out what to do with them till we get papers. I have to contact Amos Crawford and Ron Wilson. When we did the agreement we figured we would work this out when the time came. We didn't plan on this many at one time."

"Daniel," Elizabeth responded, "let me take them home. I don't have enough beds but the sofas and floor are a lot better than this place. They can relax and I'll bet they would enjoy a home cooked meal, even if it's only spaghetti and a salad. Remember, too, Danny's still there. I'll just have to hope my housekeeper doesn't quit."

"Mr. Daniel," Brad called out. "Mr. Daniel, Louis won't let me put his clothes back on him. He thinks you said it was alright for him to go naked and he won't get dressed."

"Actually, Brad," Elizabeth answered for Daniel," we're headed to my place and you know what'll happen there, so just leave him." Louis' frown turned to a smile.

Paul saw Brad and Daniel disappear into the next room with a naked Danny. Danny had gone home with Elizabeth as a cherub, his clothes were left at the hospital. After getting Danny dressed they moved to Sean's room. Brad and Danny walked up quietly to Sean's bedside while Paul and Daniel talked.

"How's he doing, Paul."

"The doctor was just here. They say he's doing fine. He's under some medication to help keep him sedated. The doctors want him calm and trouble free for forty-eight hours prior to the surgery. Since the problem yesterday, we've made half the time already. Michael will have to explain what we can expect."

"Have you seen Michael?"

"Yeah," Paul responded, "he just went down to the emergency room to check on the new boy. How'd it go with the others?"

Daniel gave his friend a grin. "Brad will be staying with us plus seven other boys. Right now they are at Elizabeth's. I told them what we're about and how we let the boys run free back at Fort Ogden. Little eight year old Louis decided I said he could run free now, took his clothes off and refused to put them back on."

"The station is sending over a reporter to sub for Elizabeth for the rest of the day. We need to contact Amos Crawford and Ron Wilson. Find out how to process the papers on these new kids. I imagine we'll have to take them to the police station for finger printing, photos and whatever. I'll want to keep someone with them so they don't panic. Here's a list of their names and ages."

"Also, call Mark and have him bring enough clothes and identification necklaces for them. If we have to go to the police department I'd prefer there be no doubt they are New Horizon boys. Speaking of clothes, ask him to bring me some fresh clothes. I didn't plan on being here long and didn't pack enough. I don't know about Michael, you may want to check with him."

"It's too late to contact Tallahassee today," replied Paul, "but I'll get on it first thing in the morning. I can reach Mark now."

As Paul spoke they saw Michael coming down the hall followed by a gurney. The patient was Mikey. After the orderlies left with the gurney Daniel stepped in the room while Paul called Mark. The boy lay on his stomach with a patch over his little butt. He was asleep but still receiving a transfusion. Michael motioned for them to move out in the hallway.

Michael brought the men up to date. "He was either raped by someone much larger than the average person or he was gang raped, we can't tell which. As doctors, it really doesn't matter to us. What we are concerned with now is letting him heal. He'll be kept sedated most of the time for the next two or three days. There are some internal tears that will heal fairly quickly. He'll hurt if he tries moving much and when he has a bowel movement. All we can do is give him something for the pain and wait. Putting him on a liquid diet should also help. This kid was real close to not making it out of that building, but he should make it now. I'd say if there is any long term damage it's probably going to be mental or emotional."

"Well," replied Daniel, "we'll just have to deal with it as it comes. Right now we need for him to get well. Do you think he'll be able to leave with Sean and then finish recovery at Fort Ogden?"

"I don't see why not. Sean will be here several days after his surgery, so both should be able to go home together. If necessary we can put them in the infirmary and let them keep one another company."

"Michael," asked Daniel, "what about Sean. What did the tests tell us?"

"I haven't spoken directly with the surgeons yet, but from what I've seen it's as we suspected. The valve will have to be either repaired or replaced. There is a call out for a replacement valve, but we're hoping for repair. The body will fight a foreign object, such as the replacement valve. Healing is much quicker and with better long-term results if we can repair."

Daniel continued to ask questions. "What about Sean's surgery? Any idea when they'll take him?"

"The surgeon is in the operating room now. We can't say anything until he's available and the committee can meet. In cases like this, involving the heart or any vital organs, a committee reviews the situation and decides when and how to act. The feeling is that with the committee what one may miss another will catch. Right now I need to get back downstairs and handle paper work on the new boy. I'll let you know if I hear anything else."

Daniel settled into a chair in Sean's room that he knew would be his bed for the night. Danny settled in his lap, lying back peacefully. Daniel was concerned the boy had now started to suck his thumb. Brad sat next to them. All they could do now is wait.

Paul and Michael sat with Mikey . The medications were expected to keep him out for the night but they felt someone should be with him. Their chairs would be their beds for the night. As they settled Michael looked at Paul and said, "Welcome to my world of catnaps."

*** Daniel felt the hand on his shoulder. Someone was trying to wake him but the cobwebs didn't want to clear. The chair was not conducive to a restful sleep. When he opened his eyes he saw Mark standing there holding clothes. Daniel looked around the room for Brad and Danny.

Brad lay on the floor with a pillow under his head and a blanket. Danny was spooned against him. Both were sleeping. Daniel looked at his watch which said 6:50AM before speaking to Mark.

"When did you get here?"

"Actually, I got here late last night. I left after the boys went to bed. When I came in you were asleep and those two were trying to curl up on the floor so I tossed a blanket on them. I sat with Paul and Michael. That kid in there looks like he had a rough time."

"Yeah," replied Daniel drowsily, "I still can't get over somebody raping a kid that young. Michael said he'll make it. Where is Michael? Next door?"

"No," answered Mark, "said he had a meeting with the surgeons early this morning. >From the way he talked I think they're going to try for Sean's surgery sometime today." Mark then redirected the conversation. "I woke you 'cause I thought you might want to get cleaned up before all the activity started today. Here's fresh clothes. Want me to get you some coffee?"

"Yeah, that'd be great. Make it a double, I need a jump start this morning." Daniel said as he took the clothes and stood to stretch. "I'll use the shower next door. Shouldn't be long. Then, we'll talk about the new boys."

Mark took the chair Daniel had occupied, watched Sean and thought how children sleeping do look like cherubs. As he sat in deep thought he didn't notice Brad had begun to stir. When Brad sat up he startled Mark back to the present, neither knowing who the other was. Mark was the first to speak.

"Good morning, I'm Mark with New Horizons."

"Good morning," Brad sleepily responded, "I'm Brad, guess I'm one of the new guys. Uhh, where's Mr. Daniel."

"He's next door getting freshened up. If you'd like to do the same there's a shower here and I brought fresh clothes. I also brought identification units for everybody but I see Daniel's already taken care of you." Mark replied as he pointed to the bracelet Brad was wearing. "I'm guessing you're Sean's brother that we've been trying to locate."

"Yeah, that's me. Can I ask you something?" Brad asked in a quizzical, unintrusive tone.

"Sure."

"Well, no offense, but you look kinda young. Are you part of the staff or one of us?" Brad asked in an unsure tone.

"Would it clear things up a bit if I told you both?" replied a smiling Mark.

"Huh?"

"Brad, I see you've met Mark, here." Daniel walked in feeling refreshed and clean, "Mr. Mark is part of our staff. He tutors the boys, handles some of the computer work, conducts physical training classes, helps Michael in the infirmary, counsels, and ^Å let's see, Mark, I leave anything out?"

"Gopher" replied Mark smiling

"That's right, and gives me a hard time when he thinks he can get away with it." Adds a grinning Daniel, "Now, if you'd like to take a quick shower Mark has fresh clothes for you and breakfast should be served soon. This is going to be a busy day."

As Brad got clothes from Mark, Daniel paused to look at Danny curled up on the floor. The boy was beginning to move, but Daniel wanted to let him sleep if he would. Danny opened heavy eyelids and saw Daniel watching him. The boy smiled and reached out. When Daniel scooped him up in his arms Danny whined in his ear, "I gotta pee."

Daniel retrieved fresh clothes and took Danny to the bathroom next door. After satisfying the morning's necessities, a wipe down by Daniel with a warm wash cloth, and some tickling, Danny put on fresh clothes. It was now time for breakfast.

During breakfast Daniel informed Brad, Mark and Paul what he hoped to accomplish this day. "Brad, Paul will call Tallahassee to let them know we have you and the other boys. My guess is we'll need to take all of you down to the police station for paper work processing." Daniel noticed the immediate tension in Brad. "Now, don't worry, this is only to get the files on you we need so New Horizons can assume responsibility for you. This will give an official record of your safe haven. All of you will need to wear the uniforms so we can identify you instantly. I know the others, particularly the younger ones will be scared. That's why Mark and I will go with you and I'm counting on you helping to keep the others calm."

"Mr. Daniel, I don't mind saying I don't like the idea of goin' to a police station. The other guys ain't gonna like either." Brad stated emphatically.

"Brad, all of you need to understand that while you may fear the police because you thought they wanted to arrest you and make you slaves, most policemen don't want that. Do you really believe that they don't know that you or some other group of boys is hiding in those vacant buildings? They know they could pull a raid and probably catch some of you each time. They pick you up because they have to sometimes, it's their job, they have little choice. I doubt it's because they enjoy making any young kids slaves."

"They overlook a number of you but pick up others because they've broken the law, that's why I checked the computer base yesterday. If anyone thinks they may have a problem they need to say so now. Once we are inside and the police find there is a warrant out, it's too late and there's nothing we can do about it."

"Now, about today. We work with Amos Crawford, the head of DCF, and Ron Wilson, the head of DOC. They fully understand the situation and have no desire to enslave any of you. They will tell us who to see at the station so we have the fewest problems and can go in and out quickly. Once we are out Mark will take all but you and Jimmy back to Fort Ogden to begin a new life."

"Mark," Daniel continued, "how about taking those names and put them in the data base Amos gave us. Enter the last name and first initial only and let's double check ourselves. I did it yesterday but I used their first names, not initials."

*** Daniel heard Paul talking in the hallway and knew the call was to Tallahassee. Daniel had to admit the more he thought about taking these boys to the police station the more uncomfortable he became. Too bad he couldn't stay calm like he told the boys. Paul entered the room.

"Daniel, I just spoke with Amos and Ron Wilson. Ron said to call a Captain Jackson at this number, he should be there now. Amos is faxing over the paperwork for you to sign assuming responsibility for the boys."

"Thanks, Paul," replied a now nervous Daniel, "might as well get this over."

Daniel placed the call. While Daniel spoke with the police Paul tried to contact Michael on his cell phone to get an update on Sean. Both men hung up at almost the same time. Daniel looked to Paul who answered his unspoken question.

"Sean's tentatively scheduled for 3:00 this afternoon if the valve gets here."

"Okay, the police can take us in about thirty minutes. That gives us about six hours. The police say this should only take about an hour. The captain will meet us and escort the boys through. Might as well get this done. Call Michael and let him know what we're doing."

Daniel called Elizabeth while en route to let her know the plans and asked her not to tell the boys, he didn't want to frighten them unnecessarily. At Elizabeth's he told the boys what they were doing and that it was just a technical requirement so New Horizons could give them a safe haven. Elizabeth asked to join them. As a good journalist she recognized this as excellent potential material for a documentary.

Mark parked the van at the entrance to police headquarters. As they exited the van Daniel reminded the boys to say nothing unless asked a direct question. Daniel led the group in and asked for Captain Jackson. The Captain appeared within a couple of minutes, extending a hand and warm smile to Daniel. Daniel introduced Mark and Elizabeth to the Captain. As he shook Daniel's hand the Captain looked over and read the fear on the boys' faces. He tried to reassure them.

"Boys, my name is Captain Jackson. I'm going to walk you through what we have to do today. Now, I can see some of you are a little uptight and I do understand. I have two boys of my own and I wouldn't want to see them in your situation Let me assure you that you will not be following normal procedures for boys we bring in off the streets. Normally, they go through those doors in single file and are processed one at a time. At the end they have slave haircuts, have numbers tattooed on their butts, and are shipped to detention centers for holding until moved to the auction house. That will not happen to you."

"You will enter as a group accompanied by Mr. Thompson, Mark and Elizabeth. So long as there aren't any warrants out on anyone, you have nothing to fear. All we are going to do today is take your fingerprints, take some personal information, check the warrant registry, take a picture, and give you a medical exam. No one gets a haircut here or a number tattooed on their butt. You should be leaving here as a group."

"With the information we get we make the files to turn over to New Horizons. Tallahassee has already sent me the paperwork for Mr. Thompson to sign and you'll be on your way. I understand there is one boy in the hospital, injured. We will send an officer over to take his fingerprints and his brother, which I understand is one of you, can give us most of the information we need. We'll let someone at Fort Ogden deal with the picture and send us a copy of the records." He then turned to Daniel.

"Mr. Thompson, I know you didn't know about the medical exam, but it is a state requirement. Under the circumstances I've asked all of our teams to modify procedures. If you will stay with them we'll take all of them in at the same time and it's done. I'll ask the lady not to join us for the medical exam as a consideration to the boys, they'll be getting a military type exam. However, she's welcome to observe the rest of our procedures. Gentlemen, shall we?"

Daniel accompanied the boys through the processing procedure. The organization confirmed the Captain had made special provisions to process several boys at one time rather than the normal individual routine. They were first fingerprinted then sat next to a table answering questions. The officer put the data in the computer and hit enter. Daniel knew this was the warrant data base, but the officers never told the boys.

When Jimmy sat down and his data entered the screen showed a match. Daniel tensed as the officer read the screen and called the Captain. Without saying much the officer pointed to the date of birth and race which disqualified this as a warrant on this boy. Smiling at Jimmy the Captain initialed the entries to clear Jimmy. When he turned to Daniel, Daniel nodded his appreciation.

When it was time for the medial exams the boys were led into the exam room. Younger boys on one side, older boys on the other. They were directed to stand against the wall, take one step out, strip and place their clothes on the floor behind them. One doctor and one assistant was assigned to each row. Each received a cup and was told to fill it. Then each boy was checked with the stethoscope. When the doctor reached the last boy he then told them to open wide and say 'ahhhh' while he shown a light in their throat and looked at their teeth. When he got to the end again the boys were told to face to the right. The doctor then checked each ear turned to him. The boys then reversed and had the other ear checked. Then came the two dreaded parts of the exam.

The boys were told to stand facing the center of the room with their feet about twelve inches apart. Look at the opposite wall focusing on the point where the wall meets the ceiling. The doctor put on the latex glove, the boys cringed as they heard the snap. The doctor then stood to the side of each boy and with a finger in the scrotum each boy was told to cough. After the cough the doctor then rolled the testicles in his hand. This was the embarrassing part as the older boys began to respond to the stimulation. When the doctor checked the younger boys' testicles there were a number of whimpers.

When the doctor reached the end of the line the boys were told to face the wall. Bend over so their head touched the wall and reach back with both hands and spread their cheeks. When this inspection was complete the younger boys were told they could stand up. All of them turned around to watch the show. The older boys were told to stand and then lean against the wall with their palms flat to the wall. Groans were heard as the latex glove snapped again.

"Ohhhh damnnn' groaned the first boy.

"Shiiiit!" sounded the second boy.

"Ohhh ^Åmmmmmppphh' the third boy moaned pleasurably.

The doctor looked at Daniel. "must have hit the right spot on this one, sorry about that.."

"Timmy gettin' poked" was heard from one of the younger boys.

"Careful, or I'll ask the doctor to check all of you." Daniel warned.

The fourth boy inhaled through clenched teeth as he felt the wave.

Daniel knew the boys were accustomed to being entered and the groans and grimaces were an act to save face. When the doctor told the boys to turn around the third boy hesitated, and then turned. The other boys broke into laughter when they saw his full erection. The boy's face was crimson as he looked to Daniel for help. The doctor stepped in front of him and showing his middle finger tensed under the thumb for a hard thump in a sensitive area asked the boy if he needed assistance.

"No, sir, no. It'll go away real fast, sir." the boy almost barked out. The doctor had to look away to hide his laugh.

The boys were told to clean themselves and dress then they would be taken to a waiting room. In the waiting room a nurse would take blood samples and they were finished. Daniel left with Captain Jackson.

Daniel and the Captain joined the boys after about fifteen minutes during which the boys became very nervous and fidgety. As they entered the boys looked at them anxiously. The Captain approached the boys.

"Boys, your processing is finished and Mr. Thompson has signed the papers assuming full responsibility for you. I'm sorry you were uncomfortable while going through this but we did try to make it as easy as possible. The only thing I will ask of you is please, do not let me ever see any of you in this building again. Now, I'll say goodbye and good luck to all of you."

Daniel, Mark and Elizabeth laughed as the boys almost ran over one another getting to the van. They were ready to be anywhere but the police station. Outside, Daniel pulled the older boys to the side while Mark and Elizabeth helped the younger boys.

"Boys, I'm going to say this as nicely as I know how. We all know what each of you has had to do to survive. We know that all of you have been to the candy store and taste the sweets. I'm realistic enough to know that it's senseless to tell you to stop and act like your virgins again. When boys get together, sometimes they play." Daniel now watched four crimson faces trying to hide their snickers. "The boys at Fort Ogden fool around with each other but know to be discreet. I'm going to tell you the same thing I told them. Until we have the results back on your urine and blood samples, you are not to do anything involving the exchange of bodily fluids. With the other boys we found three HIV positive and one had already been with another boy in camp. All four underwent treatment and are now fine, but the treatment is no fun. Do we understand?"

The boys all nodded their heads and said 'Yes, sir."

Daniel spoke with Elizabeth as the van pulled away. "Elizabeth, I wanted to thank you for all you've done. You and the station helped tremendously with finding Brad, then you put up with us at your home, and last night. Well, I just hope the house is still in one piece?"

"Daniel, nonsense," replied Elizabeth, "the boys were perfect gentlemen, naked gentlemen, but gentlemen. When we got there I told them I'd wash their clothes but they had to leave them in the laundry room. A couple of the older ones weren't too sure about that until my twins walked out. Of course, I couldn't tell you the last time they had any clothes on. The interesting part was this morning when my housekeeper came in."

"The housekeeper has her own key and never knocks. When she entered she saw naked boys lying on the sofa and floor. Well, you know the problem young men have in the morning. When she cried out after seeing how many were there, she woke them. They did try to be discreet, but I think they were pretty well embarrassed."

Daniel turned to look at the boys and could see their smiles and red faces.

Mark stayed with Daniel while Paul took the boys back to Fort Ogden. They laughed as the boys loaded into the van for the trip. After getting in Louis wanted to know if he could get naked again. Daniel told him he could and noticed a couple of the others removing clothing too. Before leaving each boy hugged Elizabeth and thanked her for the dinner. They also asked her to throw away their other clothes, they were a part of their past they would like to forget. They were ready to fit into a new life.

Jimmy attached himself to Mark. They sat with Mikey while Daniel, Brad, Elizabeth and Danny sat with Sean. It had been a full and busy morning, but young boys being what they are, Brad, Mark and Jimmy started considering their stomachs. Mark took the boys, including Danny, to the cafeteria for sandwiches. After they picked out what they wanted and something for Daniel and Elizabeth, the boys decided to return to Sean's room to eat.

As they ate Sean began to stir. When he moved Daniel gave the signal for the boys to be quiet, Daniel knew the more Sean stayed relaxed the less chance of a repeat of yesterday's problem. Daniel also kept looking at his watch, something neither Mark nor Elizabeth missed.

"Daniel," Mark asked, "why so interested in the time. Your looking at that watch every five minutes."

"Mark," Daniel answered with concern, "it seems to me that if they were going to operate on Sean this afternoon they would have started prepping him or moving him to pre-op holding. So far, no one's been doing anything and I'm concerned something's wrong. If they haven't started by the time we finish lunch I'm calling Michael."

As the group ate Sean awoke. "Mr. Dan'l? Brad?"

"We're here Sean," answered Daniel as Brad rose to go to his brother.

"I gotta pee, again, and I'm real hungry, but I feel kinda sick to my stomach."

"Here ya go, little brother," Brad responded as he handed him the shiny pitcher, "you awake enough to do this or you need some help?"

"Great, now I got three Dannys. How come everybody thinks I need help to pee?"

"My, my," stated Daniel, "aren't we in a good mood this afternoon, "an empty stomach do this?"

"Mr Dan'l, I feel kinda sick and my stomach hurts, too. Mr. Dan'l ^Å^Å.?" Sean whined, but it was the 'help me' look on his face that got to Daniel.

Daniel knew the boy felt sick, hungry, and most of all, scared. Elizabeth heard Sean and saw Daniel sit on the side of the bed and hold him. Motherly instincts told her what might be wrong and what to do. She stepped over to Daniel and spoke softly in his ear for him to hold Sean while she talked to the nurses. Daniel held the boy while speaking gentle reassurances to settle him down.

When she returned Elizabeth asked Mark to take the other boys to the next room. She and Daniel needed a little time to take care of Sean. As Mark left with the boys she stepped over beside Daniel and sat on the side of the bed.

"Daniel, I asked the nurse to bring a few things in. I spoke with her about his surgery and she said he's scheduled now for early in the morning but couldn't tell me why. We talked about his complaint and she made the same guess as me what his problem is."

"Sean," Elizabeth began softly, "can you tell me the last time you went to the bathroom and did something besides pee? Have you done anything besides pee since you've been here?"

"Nooooo." Sean whimpered.

"Daniel, the nurse and I think he's hurting because he's constipated and probably has gas trapped. I've asked for a child's enema and we'll need your help."

"What's a enema?" Sean asked.

"It's some medicine," Elizabeth responded, "that we put in you to make you go to the bathroom. When you do all that gas you have should come out and your stomach won't hurt anymore. Then when we finish that you can have some soup and if you eat it all I have a special treat for you."

"What kinda special treat.?"

"Eat all the soup and help us make you better and you'll see. Okay?" Elizabeth answered

The nurse came in carrying a pan that had some bottles and towels in it. There was also a rubber looking thing that looked like a mat of some kind. Elizabeth thanked the nurse and removed the box containing the enema. Sean watched, at first curious and then he saw the picture on the enema box and knew what it was.

"Ms. 'lizbeth, I don't like that thing. I don't need that." Sean protested.

"Sean, I don't believe this, " Elizabeth began, "I thought you were a big boy, are you going to fake out on me now? Come on, sit up and let Mr. Daniel hold you while I put this rubber blanket on the bed."

When the rubber blanket was in place Elizabeth had Sean lie on his side facing her. She handed the enema to Daniel.

"Ms. 'lizbeth," Sean whimpered, "I don't like this. I never had nobody stick me back there before."

"Sean," Elizabeth spoke gently and slowly to calm the boy, "it's not what you think. This won't hurt at all. It's just some fluid to soften you up so you can go to the bathroom. Mr. Daniel's putting it in now. You should feel a little pressure from being filled up, but no pain. Just hold on to me. You can cry a little if you want, there's nobody here but you, me and Daniel."

Sean did cry some. Elizabeth knew it was more from fear than anything else and he really wasn't hurting. She held his head in her lap, rubbing his back and side to soothe him. Occasionally she let her hand rub lightly over his little butt, knowing her boys enjoyed that. When she had held him a few minutes she motioned for Daniel to put the bed pan in place and asked Sean if he wanted her or Mr. Daniel to hold him while he emptied himself. When he said Daniel she told him she would step outside for a few minutes so he wouldn't be embarrassed.

Elizabeth stood outside the door listening but giving Sean privacy at the same time. The boy cried and was afraid. She could hear him emptying his bowels and knew she had guessed correctly. She could also hear him talk to Daniel, but couldn't understand everything he was saying.

"Mr. Dan'l? I don't like this, it does hurt" Sean whimpered with his head buried in Daniel's shoulder.

Daniel rubbed and patted the boy's back while muttering comforting sounds telling he boy he would feel a lot better real soon.

"Oh, gaaahd, Mr. Dan'l, the hurts movin' through me" Sean whimpered through tears.

"Easy, Sean, you're just stopped up. Ever have anybody tell you that you wee full of shit? Well, now you really are and we're trying to get rid of it" Daniel tried to get the boy to smile some.

"Don't Mr. Dan'l, that's not funny. This really hurts." The boy tried to act mad but couldn't help but laugh some.

"Who said I was trying to be funny. Just wait till I tell your brother about this."

"No don't, please, Mr. Dan'l, he'd tease me forever."

"Well, okay, we can't have him doin' that forever I guess. You just hold on to me and let's get through this. You'll feel better and then you can have some soup." Daniel sat there holding the boy, rubbing his back and trying to comfort him.

After about twenty minutes when it sounded as though no more gas was coming Elizabeth stepped back into the room. Standing by the side of the bed she ran her fingers through Sean's hair while talking to him.

"Sean, do you feel better now?"

"Yes, ma'am," Sean answered while trying to sound like he hadn't been crying.

Daniel let Sean lie down on his side while he cleaned him and removed the pan. Elizabeth then asked Daniel to see the nurse about the bowl of soup for him. When Daniel left Elizabeth began talking to Sean.

"Hey, big guy, that wasn't so bad was it?"

"No, not really, but I don't wanna do it again."

"I understand, " Elizabeth began, "Sean, I know you're afraid, if you weren't it wouldn't be normal. I think you miss your mother right now, real bad, too." With tears welling in his eyes Sean looked to the lady who was trying to be so nice to him, she had guessed what was hurting him the most; he really wanted his mother with him now. Daniel walked in with the bowl of soup. Elizabeth asked him to set it on the table and let her have some time with Sean, alone. Daniel understood and left, closing the door behind him.

"Sean," Elizabeth continued, "do you think you could pretend a little right now and let me be your mom? Would you let me try to help you?" As she asked Elizabeth held her hands out to the boy. Pausing only a moment, he wrapped his arms around her and began to cry it all out. The tears were washing out the hurt, fear and loneliness of losing a family as well as the fear of his pending surgery.

"Ms. 'lizbeth, why us? We didn't do nothin' wrong."

"Sean, that's the questions Mr. Daniel and a lot of other people are trying to get answered. I know you'd rather be home with your mom and dad and be able to lay your head in her lap when you were tired or wanted comforting. I wish I could give that to you, but right now it's just us and I'll do my best to make you feel better. Okay?"

Sean nodded his head, but kept a tight grip. He was no longer crying, but he wasn't ready to let go of the only reminder of the person who gave him unequivocal love. Her soft touch and sweet smell brought back so many pleasant memories. Memories that felt good but hurt at the same time. Elizabeth held him for as long as he wanted and then laid him back on the bed. Raising the top of the bed, she fed him his soup with the loving touch only a mother could have.

"Ms. 'lizbeth, what's this rubber thing for. We didn't need all this for me to have to sit on that pan."

"That's part of your surprise," Elizabeth said with a smile, "remember, I have two boys at home. Whenever they feel bad or are scared there's something special I do for them and now I'm going to do it for you. Think back, Sean, as far back as you need to. Whenever you felt bad did your mom ever give you a nice warm bath and a powder rub down?" Sean thought for a moment and the look on his face said he remembered. He knew what she was going to do and he wanted it.

Elizabeth gave Sean a bath while he lay in bed. Using a warm cloth to bathe a small area at a time and then dab him dry with a soft towel, Sean shared many memories with his surrogate mom. She washed him first down his front and then had him hold his arms above his head while she helped him roll over without tangling the lines and tubes that kept him confined to the bed. Sean was enjoying being pampered again by soft, loving hands. After the bath Elizabeth rang the nurse for the orderly to bring in fresh sheets.

Sean lay on fresh crisp sheets that smelled like a garden. Elizabeth had him lay on his stomach while she sprinkled him with talcum and then caressed his back with gentle strokes. He could feel her move down his back running a thumb along each side of his backbone. It felt strange when she used her palm and made circles over his cheeks. He enjoyed it and spread his legs so she could caress him all over. She ran her fingers down the back of his legs and came up with her thumb pressing in the middle of his thigh. This felt so good he didn't want this to ever stop. Elizabeth made sure she pampered every inch of the boy many times before turning him over.

Lying on his back she stretched his arms over his head and whispered for him to close his eyes and dream of his favorite happy place or favorite memory. He felt the talcum as it hit his skin and she again rubbed him with gentle strokes. It felt good when she rubbed his arms, and tickled as she teased him in the underarms. He lay there letting her do anything she wanted, enjoying every moment, and not the least bit embarrassed at being naked in her presence, after all, she was his surrogate mom.

Goosebumps and a chill went through him as he felt her fingers cross his nipples. He had just recently become sensitive there and never allowed anyone to touch him, but he enjoyed her touch. She spoke so softly telling him whenever he squirmed or whimpered it was alright, it was a natural reaction and he should lie there and enjoy himself. He listened and did as she said.

Two fingers ran down the top of his thigh, again the goose bumps appeared and he moaned. She used her thumb to massage his instep and then ran her fingers back up his leg. He didn't mean to, but natural instinct caused him to spread his legs. He was experiencing feelings he didn't know he had. Not even in bed at night when he touched himself did it feel like this. The magic fingers made several trips up and down his body sending him to a special world of pleasure, a world of his own.

She placed his right arm over his forehead, letting the arm cover his eyes and telling him to relax and enjoy his natural feelings. One part of his mind said he shouldn't enjoy this, another part said this should not stop. His mother never did it quite like this, but he was a little boy back then. He felt her lay the sheets over him, not quite up to his waist. Her palm and fingers continued to rub his stomach and cover the area below his belly button. Then he felt the most wonderful thing ever and had to gasp for breath as he felt her massage his sac. When he gasped she again told him to lie easy and let the tensions flow out, reminding him she had two sons and knew what helped them relax.

"That's it my baby boy. Relax and let it out. Think good things. Enjoy yourself."

He knew he was whimpering and squirming as she brought him pleasure. Was it okay for him to feel this god? His 'mom' said it was, so he did. Oh, gaaahhhd, how he loved the light touch of her fingers on his balls. They moved so slow and gently bringing him a pleasure he couldn't remember ever having before. He loved the sound of her soft voice telling him to relax and calling him her baby boy. Soon his breaths came quick and he would gasp for breath, holding it before exhaling.

Elizabeth watched the boy squirm with the pleasures he was feeling. She remembered when her own boys were uptight and giving them a powder rub, ending it this same way and watching them enjoy the pleasure nature made available. She didn't know a male that didn't enjoy having his back or package rubbed gently. She didn't want to embarrass him. She wanted him to relax and let go of the fear. She continued to massage his sack, well aware she was actually masturbating the boy. Then she saw the look where he peaked, holding his breath and arching his back. She spoke softly, telling him to relax in this special moment, helping him come down slowly. At the end she pulled the sheet up just under his arms and folded his arms over his stomach. Bending down and kissing him on the forehead she told him to rest.

End Ch Twenty-Four: comments welcome, contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com