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 Thirty-Two: New Horizons (Corrected and revised 2/6/07)
As TJ and Evan walked past the pool, they pointed and laughed at Daniel playing with the little ones. They knew this was a rare moment and let Daniel know they would be back to join him as soon as they finished checking the garden. The boys retrieved a hoe and rake from the storage area and headed out to rustle some weeds.
"TJ? You ever regret bein' here? You know, you miss bein' on the streets?"
"Ev, sometimes I think about it, then all I have to do is remember what that guard was doin' to me. If Mr. Dan'l hadn't got to me, I'd most likely be dead; never woulda made it outta that basement. I hope that bastard got sold to somebody cleanin' out septic tanks. Makes me feel good thinkin' he's naked and havein' ta jump in them tanks and shovel out shit."
"Well, 'cept for that time, you miss bein' out there?"
TJ was trying to figure out why Evan was asking these questions. Most of the boys missed running through the city some. The city had life, it was fast paced and exciting. It was also dangerous for boys on the street. Evan should know that, or did he? TJ decided to be patient and let this thing play out.
"I've thought about it some, I guess. What you remember first is the good times; the fun times. I used to hitch a ride over to the parks and I'd stay there two or three days. You could always meet somebody that wanted to pickup a boy. Stayed in some fancy rooms. Had some fun times. Then you start remembering the times that weren't so good. More than once I got used, beat and my money ripped off. Didn't happen much, but it did happen."
TJ stood talking to Evan, but thinking back on those good and not so good times. "I remember some of my friends. At least, I guess you could call them that. On the streets you don't let yourself get to close to nobody. There was a couple of guys I saw in the morning, but they never returned. One of them was on the news a couple of days later. They found his nude body in a ditch. He'd been raped, beaten and cut on. Don't know what ever happened to the other one."
Evan stood, listening to TJ. He was never on the streets like most of the other boys. He was a show boy that had a sheltered life until his dad and brother got killed. He never understood the story behind that and how one minute they were free men with money to live on and the next they were destitute and being sold by the state.
The two boys continued to work the garden. Mr. Rick set a schedule so the boys rotated on doing the weeding. Because it was so hot, he didn't want any of them working out in the heat more than two hours at a time. Several boys had already put in their time and got a lot done. TJ and Evan finished the daily assignment in less than the two hours limit. When they finished Evan thought they were going to head back to the pool area to cool off. TJ wanted to sit under the shade of a tree and enjoy the quiet and being alone.
TJ sat with his back against the tree. The sun was behind him, so he could look out without being blinded by the brightness of the light. It was the middle of the afternoon during summer in Florida and was hot. Both boys' bodies glistened with sweat, trickles ran down the front, sides and back. TJ sat with his left leg stretched out. His right leg was drawn up so his foot stayed flat on the ground. When he got comfortable he looked at Evan and tapped the ground in front of him. Evan understood and sat between TJ's legs. TJ pulled the boy back against him.
"Ev, you're thinkin' how things used to be. Things'll never be like that again. Maybe, 'cause you were with your dad and brothers and they protected you, you never knew how ugly it could be until that bastard took you away. Remember what he was going to have the vet do to you? The world wasn't ever the rosy place you think about, only your little world. Now, this is our world. This is where we are safe." As TJ talked he began to gently stroke Evan's body.
"TJ, you don't mind goin' naked all the time around here?"
"No, why should I? Maybe, in the beginning 'cause it was so different. Now, I like it. It makes me feel free. Sometimes I think all of us is Adam in the Garden of Eden. We're all pretty much the same 'cause we're all boys. Some of us is a lot more experienced, more experienced than we should be. I like the idea of lettin' the little ones take their time growin' up, like Mr. Dan'l says. I remember when I was little my momma let me run around naked a lot when I was playin'. She called me her dirt collector. I was about Danny's age then. Does it bother you?"
"No way." Evan replied, "I hardly ever wore clothes anyhow. Don't like 'em. TJ, you never told me how you got on the streets. What happened to your family?"
TJ stopped stroking Evan. He took a deep breath and thought back to when he was innocent and thought the world was a nice place to be. A tear formed in his eyes as he remembered the last time he saw his mother.
"The last time I saw my momma she was huggin' me and cryin'. I didn't understand why or what I'd done wrong. She said when I got home from school that day, if she or my daddy wasn't there, I was to take the money she hid in one of her shoes in the closet ^Å I was to take the money and run. She told me to get a bus ticket and go to my grandma up north. I looked at her and wanted to know why she wouldn't be there. I told her I was sorry for what I'd done and I'd be a good boy. Back then I didn't know what slave police was or what they did. I just stood there cryin' just as hard as she was.
When I got home that day there was a big yellow sticker across the front door with the letters 'SP' in black. I didn't know what it meant. I found the spare key and went inside. Somebody had turned the place upside down. There was a piece of paper on the table that said it was a Warrant for Execution. I didn't know what that meant. I could read my parents names on it though. I ran through the house calling for my momma. Nobody was there. A little while later I heard some people outside. I looked through the window and saw some strangers. They all had shirts on with the letters 'SP' on the back. I ran to momma's closet and found the money. Then I crawled up in the attic and hid. I'd sneek down for some water and food, then one day there was no water. It'd been shut off, I guess. It was four days before I figured out that nobody was comin' back."
TJ sat against the tree, telling his story. Tears were running down his cheeks. Evan shed tears for his friend's pain. He reached back to put a comforting hand on the side of TJ's face. TJ sat there for a few minutes holding Evan, looking into space and remembering, and then he continued.
"I started wandering the streets. Didn't know where I was goin' or what to do. Momma said to go north to my grandma. I knew what town she was in and I knew her last name. I didn't know a first name or address or phone number. Actually, I was scared and didn't know what to do. I was waitin' for somebody to find me and tell me.
First couple of nights I slept hidden under some bushes. I bought hamburgers and used bathrooms in restaurants. Didn't take long before the money was about gone. Got to where I looked so dirty that people in restaurants would run me off. One afternoon I was kicked out of a restaurant, they kicked me out the back door. That was only about two weeks after I'd lost my parents. A group of boys in the alley saw me and took me in.
We slept in an abandoned building. There was a couple boys my age, some older, some younger. I think there was, maybe, fourteen or fifteen of us. A kid took me under his wing, said he'd watch out for me until I learned to take care of myself. At the time, I didn't have any idea 'bout what they did for money. He slept next to me at night and saw to it I had food, so I did what he said. Then one day he said we had to talk."
""Kid,' he said to me, 'you got to earn your fair share like the rest of us. I took care of ya for over a week now, but you got ta help. You got ta go out like the rest of us.' I just sat there and looked at him and looked around at the other boys. 'Shit, kid, you ain't got no idea what I'm talkin' 'bout, do you?' I looked at him and shook my head.
'Damn, boy. Just what I need. Not only are you a newby, you're a dumb newby. Listen, we walk these streets and let men pick us up. They use us for sex and we get paid money. You understand what I'm talkin'?' Again, I shook my head. 'Kid, do you know what sex is?' I shook my head. 'Hooolly, fuck. I got a virgin on my hands. Come with me.'
"He took me by the hand and led me to the bathroom. He told me to drop my pants 'cause I had to bathe. I told him I didn't want a bath and he said I didn't have to bathe all over, just down there. He was pointing to my crotch. Well, he'd been takin' good care of me so I did what he said. When he finished and my pants was fastened up he took me to another room where it was just him and me.
He had me lay on a piece of cardboard. When I did he pulled my pants down again and I got my very first blow job. I remember it like it was yesterday, I didn't think I'd ever felt anything so awesome. When he finished he told me that's what we did for money. I told him I'd never done that. Well, let's just say he was patient and he taught me what I had to do. When I said I didn't want to do that he let me know either I gave men blow jobs or went hungry, it was that simple. He taught me how so I didn't choke or hurt myself. I gave up my cherry about a year and a half later. Like a lot of boys I convinced about four men that they were the first. Actually, none of the men did it. I gave it to the boy that had helped me so much.
The kid's name was Connor. He was the boy they found in the ditch."
TJ shed tears for a friend from long ago. Evan turned to hold his friend. While cradled in his arms, Evan began to hug and kiss TJ on the cheek and neck. Soon, TJ reached around and placed his lips over Evan's. The boys were locked in a passionate kiss. It wasn't a kiss driven by the passions of sex, but the passions of emotional commitment. The boys kissed till their lips were becoming numb. TJ pulled back to admire his lover.
"Ev, you're beautiful. I love your warm silky skin. Nipples puffy and soft, just right to suckle. Skin toned by the sun, begging to be tongued. Your bubble butt just right for my hand to caress. I didn't think I could ever love anyone till I met you. You know you're the only person I ever bottomed for without getting' paid? 'Cept Connor of course. I love feeling you in me."
The two boys lay there caressing one another, exploring the other's body as they had never done before. It was as though they had just met and knew one was meant for the other. TJ lay on his back with Evan smothering him. Evan smothered his lover with kisses and then made his mark on TJ's neck. Tonight, everyone would know that TJ had been loved this day.
TJ worshipped and tasted every inch of Evan's body. He didn't want this to ever stop, but he wanted more, too. He jacked Evan off and used his boy juice for lube. Laying Evan on his side, TJ spooned him before entering and made slow, passionate love to his boyfriend. Before the afternoon was over, Evan did the same to TJ. The boys lay in the shade, their limbs intertwined, recovering from their sexual highs.
With their bodies covered in a mixture of sweat and one another's juices, they enjoyed the most perfect of days. Neither boy was sure of what had happened, but they did know a special connection now existed between them. A connection no one could ever break. They were no longer just friends, they were lovers.
As they lay enjoying being together, TJ and Evan heard a faint noise. The boys looked at one another and then sat up. A quick look around didn't reveal anyone else's presence. Soon, they heard the noise again, coming from a clump of bushes not too far off. The boys walked over as quietly as possible. As they neared the clump, they dropped to their knees and crawled towards the sound. The two boys really got a surprise.
On the other side of the bushes were the twins and one other boy. TJ and Evan both knew the boy was one of the Captain's sons. All the boys in the original group knew about the twins; their escapades and their talents. They were demonstrating those talents to their guest who seemed to really be enjoying his role as the center of attention.
All three boys were on their knees. One of the twins, and it was impossible to tell which one, had his hand on the boys package giving it a full and hard workover. His other hand reached around the boy and appeared to be holding one cheek while his mouth and tongue worked on a nipple. The boy pushed his chest out to give easier access. The look on his face said he was really enjoying the action on the front side and whatever the twin behind him was doing.
After a few minutes the front twin went down and began giving the boy a blow job. The boy put his hands on the twins back for balance and his face read pure ecstasy. The twin in the back came around and stood over his brother. In the next moment the boy grabbed the twin by the butt cheeks and guided him into his mouth. This kid was either a quick learner, or had previous experience. TJ and Evan continued to observe, mesmerized by the scene before them.
In another few minutes the boys formed a daisy chain. They lay on their sides at just the right angle to enable them to give full attention to their partner's package. The boys would come to a dry orgasm, but being young boys, quickly recovered for additional thrills. When they tired of the daisy chain, they got on their knees and began the little boys game of belly rubbing. While the three enjoyed themselves, TJ and Evan backed away quietly.
When they had put sufficient distance between themselves and the trio of young boys, the two burst out laughing. They retrieved the garden tools, returned them to storage, and ran back to the pool. Both boys were anxious to wash away evidence of their afternoon activities. When they dove in the pool they saw Daniel sitting on the edge. He had spent most of the afternoon relaxing with some of the boys. Danny sat straddling Daniel's lap with his little legs wrapped around the man's waist. Everyone knew of the special bond between Danny and Daniel. They were as close to a father-son team as anyone would find at New Horizon.
Daniel watched the two boys. Experience told him their actions said they had been up to something. He knew that sometimes, ignorance was bliss and decided not to push for information, but he did ask them if they had seen the twins and the Captain's son. TJ turned to answer, making sure he didn't let Daniel see the side of his neck that would soon be sporting a very prominent hickey, and told Daniel they saw them a short while ago over near the grove. When Evan began to laugh, TJ decided the best thing he could do was dunk him before he got both of them in trouble.
TJ didn't like the idea of not telling Daniel the full truth. He knew he was really lying, but didn't want to get anyone in trouble. He didn't think the three boys were doing anything, or much more than anything, other boys their ages did. They were exploring one another and the pleasures of their bodies. TJ did have to admit he didn't get to explore that much when he was their age, but that didn't make it wrong. Besides, the Captain's son didn't show any signs of being forced to participate.
Daniel continued to watch the boys as Paul approached him from behind. "Daniel, Elizabeth's on the phone. You may want to take this, she's not making a lot of sense to me."
"Elizabeth," Daniel began, "it's been a while since we heard from you, how are you?"
"Daniel," Elizabeth replied, "it's only been a few days, and I'm fine. I just gave Paul the schedule for the television appearances for next week. We had a schedule of your appearances, they're mostly luncheons. We scheduled around that to give you exposure to the largest family market available in those time slots. The other reason I called was to let you know we hired that cleaning assistant that Mark referred to us. We think he'll work out just fine in our temporary slot."
"Elizabeth, you have me confused. What boy that Mark referred to you and what temporary slot? I don't know what you're talking about or what Mark has to do with this."
"I'm sorry, Daniel, I thought you would have spoken to Mark by now. You really need to speak with him about it. Just let him know things are fine. He'll explain it, I'm sure."
"Elizabeth, why can't you tell me? What's going on?" asked a very confused Daniel.
"Daniel, as I said, you really need to talk to Mark."
Daniel turned the cell phone off and looked at Paul. Paul shrugged his shoulders, letting Daniel know he didn't know anything either. Daniel decided to wait and talk to Mark. He knew it wasn't anything serious or Mark would have called him directly. But the question remained, what had Mark been up to?
When Daniel looked at the front of the phone and saw the time, he suggested to the boys they might want to get out and begin rinsing. It would soon be time for supper. The last two to get out of the pool were TJ and Evan. TJ didn't want Daniel to see the hickey forming on the side of his neck.
During supper Daniel noticed several of the boys taunting TJ and Evan. He didn't know why, but suspected it had to do with something happening that afternoon. Near the end of supper, Daniel rose to address the boys. He let them know that Mark and the boys would be here tomorrow around noon. They were bringing thirteen new boys. Accompanying them would be Captain Jackson, returning to claim his two sons. Daniel gave the usual spiel of welcoming the new boys, showing them around, etc. He intentionally walked the rows of diners to get near TJ and Evan. Daniel was definitely curious.
When Daniel approached and then passed TJ from TJ's left, the boy breathed a sigh of relief. He felt Daniel missed the mark and he could find some powder or something in the infirmary to hide it until the mark disappeared. When Daniel got to the end of the row rather than turn and follow another aisle, he turned around and retraced his steps. He almost immediately saw the beginnings of a large hickey on TJ's neck. TJ knew Daniel saw it and figured he was in deep shit.
Daniel approached TJ. Placing a hand on the side of the boy's head and admired the mark, making TJ cringe. "TJ, that must have been one huge mosquito out there in the garden with you and Evan this afternoon. Looks like he tried to suck the blood right out of you, boy. Bet that's gonna leave a mark that'll stay there for three or four days, maybe more."
The other boys in the room roared with laughter while TJ turned crimson, so did Evan. Daniel put a hand over the boy's shoulder and let it rest on his chest. After making sure everyone got a good look and he had done a thorough job of picking on the boy, Daniel gave TJ a couple of light taps on his chest to let him know everything was okay.
Daniel then moved over to Evan and placed his hand over the boys shoulder and let it rest on his chest. Daniel pulled the boy back against him and held him there. When he thought Evan had been sufficiently embarrassed and provided enough entertainment for all, Daniel leaned over and spoke softly in Evan's ear, "nice one."
The vans pulled in just before lunch, just as the Captain had advised. Daniel walked outside to greet them. No sooner had the boys begun unloading than Sean was stripping. No one paid any attention to this except the new boys. Many of whom just stood there, gawking at the sea of naked flesh before them.
"Damn," one the boys said, "it is true, they're all naked."
"Depends on how you look at it," Daniel said, startling the boys, "to them you're all clothed and they think that's odd."
The boys just stood there, not knowing what to do. As they waited for instructions they heard a young voice call out, "Dad!"
A naked boy of nine or ten ran and jumped in the Captain's arms. The Captain looked at the boys and simply said, "Fellas, my son. At least, one of 'em. Where's your brother, boy?" The boy pointed toward the swimming pool. The Captain took a couple of moments to greet his son and ask the normal questions regarding how the boy was doing and whether he had fun. When the boy gave enthusiastic nods and answers the Captain sent him back off to play.
Daniel looked at the boys. The old feelings of resentment towards the system always surfaced when he thought about what the boys had experienced. At least six were pre- adolescent boys who should be home with their parents, living care-free lives. Their biggest worry should be whether they had enough time left that day to finish the game they played. Daniel knew he had to accept reality and addressed the boys.
"Fellas, I'm Daniel Thompson. I'm the head of New Horizons. I know that Mark and the boys have talked with you, but I'd like to have a few minutes with you also. Let's all go inside and sit down, shall we?"
Daniel led the boys to the dining hall. When they entered, the boys on kp stopped and looked for a moment and then continued with their work. Daniel explained to the new boys that all the boys at New Horizons helped with the work that needed to be done. He explained the Little Brother/Big Brother program they used and how it worked. The boys were also told what was expected of them, particularly regarding helping those younger than themselves and schooling. Daniel asked if anyone had questions. When no one asked questions, Daniel told them they needed to talk about sex. The boys became nervous.
"We try to take a realistic approach here. We know that many of you, particularly the older boys, are experienced well beyond where you should be. You've done things because that's how you survived. No one here will make any judgment about that. Believe me when I say you are far from being alone. Many of the boys here are in that same situation, but some of the boys here are still innocent, particularly the little ones, and we'd like to keep it like that. We will never tell you that you must learn to perform sexual acts. We prefer to let nature take it's course.
One rule we have here for new boys that you must follow. Until we have the lab results on your blood samples, no one is to engage in any activity involving the exchange of bodily fluids. That is a strict rule. If the lab results are clean, the restriction will be lifted. If the lab results reveal a problem, the problem will be appropriately addressed. By appropriately I mean cured.
Let's address those of you who are mature enough to have desires. Again, I reiterate that we like for nature to takes it's course. If you have a need for relief, that's normal and we know you'll seek satisfaction. If you seek that release with another person, it must be mutual consent. No one is to be forced to do anything against their will. Also, please try to be discreet. I think I've said enough that you should understand my message. If you need additional clarification, please feel free to ask and don't be embarrassed. Any questions?"
One boy raised his hand. Daniel looked at the boy. "Mr. Thompson, sir, well, we heard about the Cherubs?"
"First, you should address staff members by their first name. As a matter of respect we ask that you use the title of 'mister' when doing so. Therefore, I am not Mr. Thompson, I am Mr. Daniel. Most of the boys have shortened that to 'Mr. Dan'l'. Mark, who you met in Orlando is Mr. Mark. Our chef is Mr. Barry. The gentleman working with me in the office most of the time is Mr. Paul. Those of you needing haircuts will soon meet Mr. Jeff.
Next week I will be out on a speaking tour. The purpose is to promote recognition and support for New Horizons and the privatization of foster care. Through private care there is no drain on public resources and children such as yourself can have the opportunity at a full life as free citizens. I take a small group of boys with me. The group is composed of volunteers we call Cherubs. The boys commingle with the audience; audience members are encouraged to give the boys attention and talk with them However, I must tell you there are risks involved."
Daniel explained his agreement with the state and how each boy could be called on for pleasure. Daniel also explained rules were in place to control what could be done with a boy in a specific age group plus the restrictions on where and how the activity could take place. Daniel let the boys know they had sponsors that discouraged the activities and protected the boys. The boys were advised that they may not volunteer to be a Cherub until their educational tests and schooling program was complete.
While Daniel spoke, a few boys walked into the hall, including Danny and Ryan. Daniel picked Danny up and carried him while he spoke to the group. At the end he asked the boys if they had any questions. While he waited Danny pointed to the boys and whispered something in Daniel's ear.
"Mr. Dan'l? Can we ask what he just said, he pointed at us?"
"Fellas, this is Danny. If you've seen the Cherubs on television, you may recognize him as Danny 02780. He introduces the group whenever we make an appearance. Danny's mentor under our program is Sean." Danny turned to look at Sean, then pointed at the boy and laughed. Sean, still partially dressed, knew why Danny laughed and decided to strip. When Sean had stripped, Daniel held out an arm for the boy to join them.
"Sean you met in Orlando. He is eleven and Danny's mentor. The young man standing here is Ben, he's ten and looking for his mentor, Kevin. Next to Ben is Kyle who is seven. The young man that just walked in is TJ, who's fourteen and Kyle's mentor. What you see happening here is that it's almost lunch time. The mentors find their charges and make sure they are cleaned up and ready for lunch.
Danny here appears to have been playing in the dirt; that's normal for Danny. Sean will take him out and, I'm guessing, put him under the shower out by the pool. When he returns the dirt monster will be gone and we should have a little boy again. Guys, it is almost lunch time and I have paper work to complete with the Captain. I suggest you go with these boys and they should be able to answer any questions. During lunch I will call all of you to the front to introduce you to the group. Any questions?"
"Mr. Dan'l? Are we supposed to get naked now?"
"What's your name, son?"
"Tanner, sir, and I'm fourteen. Two of these younger kids are my brothers and I look out for them." Two younger boys were clinging to Tanner's arms.
"Tanner, age fourteen, I'm going to leave that up to you. To tell you the truth, I've never had boys here stay dressed as long as you fellas. The little ones are usually naked before they get out of the van. I'll leave when you want to totally join the group up to you. For right now though why don't you go with TJ and Kyle, you're the same ages and will be dormed in the same area. The rest of you can just follow the other boys and they'll be glad to show you around."
When the boys were gone Daniel turned to the Captain and smiled. The Captain held up the papers and both men headed to Daniel's office. When they arrived they positioned themselves so they could see outside and watch the new boys. Before the men settled in their chairs, they noticed the new, younger boys were naked. Their pale butts made them stand out. The older boys appeared to be progressing one piece of clothing at a time.
"Daniel," the Captain began, "you're going to have your hands full if you keep going at this rate."
"That's no problem for me, Captain. I can't think of anything I'd rather do than help these kids. Except, of course, to get some laws changed."
"I understand." The Captain replied. "Thanks for letting my boys stay. I could tell by the look on my boy's face that he's had a great time. I'm willing to bet I'll have to fight them to get them home. I left their clothes in the van and decided to just leave 'em there. The boys can just jump in and go. Their mother can fight with them about wearing clothes again."
"They're great boys. Our boys have enjoyed them being here. I did have a couple of the older boys watching out for them just to make sure they didn't get into anything you wouldn't approve of. So far, everything's been quiet. Captain, I understand that Brad and one of the new boys, Patrick I believe is his name, may have some history?"
"Yeah I think so, and it's not good. I couldn't find out any details. Of course, when I was around they behaved themselves. So, I don't really know what the story is. I thought you could get to the bottom of it here. I'm sure you'll be able to handle the situation."
"I spoke with one of the boys from Brad's group, he gave me a pretty good heads-up on the problem. They got in a bad situation with a client and Patrick thinks he got taken advantage of by Brad. Most of it's petty crap, but I'll use the buddy system if I have to."
"What's the buddy system?"
"You have two boys, don't they ever argue?" The Captain smiled and nodded. "Next time they want to get mad with one another, cuff them together. Tell them they will stay like that until they learn to get along. That means they eat, sleep, pee, shower, everything together. You won't believe how fast they will become best buddies." The Captain looked at Daniel and broke out laughing.
"Fellas, before anyone leaves the dining hall we have an announcement. I'm sure that by now all of you are aware that we have some new boys with us. I'll ask that all thirteen of you join me now." Daniel waited while the new boys stepped up. Almost all were naked now; however, their white butts made them easily identifiable. Daniel introduced each of the boys and gave their ages. When he reached Tanner, who was still wearing shorts, it all began.
"Hey, Mr. Dan'l," one of the boys called out, "How come he's still wearin' shorts? He got somethin' he's ashamed of?" Daniel knew his boys well enough to know this was only the beginning if something wasn't done quickly.
"Tanner, the boys want to know if your just bashful or easily embarrassed."
"Neither, Mr. Dan'l. it's just, that, well, ^Å"
"Ask 'im if he's sportin' one, Mr. Dan'l" came the loud voice. When Tanner turned red, Daniel knew the problem. Daniel looked for Tanner's brothers and had them step up front. Both boys no longer worried with clothes.
"You're Tanner's brother, right?" Daniel asked the eleven year old, who nodded his head. "Does your brother have anything to be ashamed of?" The boy shook his head, then a moment later, he looked at Daniel with his face radiating pure mischief. Daniel guessed what was on the boy's mind and nodded his head. The boy quickly turned and jerked his brother's shorts down past his knees. Tanner was caught by surprise.
"Bobby! I'll get you for that!"
"Wow, Mr. Dan'l, told ya he was sportin' one. That's a nice one, too."
Everyone in the room was laughing except Tanner. Realizing all the boys, and adults, had now seen his woody, Tanner blushed and turned his back on the boys.
"Nice ass, too, Tanner. Shame if you got it all sunburned. Want us to rub some lotion on it for ya?"
Daniel stood by the boy and put an arm around his shoulder. "Tanner, you need to think quick. This keeps going and they'll tease you for a long time to come. You need to turn around and let them know you can take it."
Tanner took a deep breath and turned around. He was now standing at full salute. He waved to the boys and waited for them to quiet down a little. When he could be heard over the crowd, he stood his ground.
"Glad some of you boys can appreciate a nice piece of equipment when you see it. Go ahead and look, maybe one day you can have one this nice, but don't count it."
The cat calls began. Daniel knew this session was over. He patted Tanner on the shoulder and simply said "Welcome to New Horizons."
The Captain and Daniel stood by the Captain's van talking while they waited for the Captain's boys. Daniel thanked him for bringing the new boys and making the effort to give the boys a chance. The Captain again expressed his support for the program and assured Daniel he would be talking with fellow police officers in other areas to help gain support for the project. When the boys ran up with their friends they objected to having to go, as expected. The Captain assured both boys they could come back another time to visit. Reluctantly, two naked boys climbed in the van to head home.
Daniel's boys stood with him and waived goodbye to their new friends. When the van turned onto the highway, Daniel asked the boys if they'd enjoyed the company; all the boys did and were sad to see their new friends leave. Daniel walked back to the recreation area with the boys. He knew they needed to be refocused and think about something else. When they approached the soccer area some of the boys were forming teams. The younger boys decided they wanted to play, too. So much for refocusing.
Daniel watched as Mark helped the boys form their teams. The field was large enough for two games to be played simultaneously. Daniel also noted that several of the new boys were participating. After the teams were formed and games started, Daniel signaled for Mark to join him. The two men strolled through the recreational area to the garden for privacy. Daniel told Mark about the phone call from Elizabeth.
"Daniel, I was going to tell you after the Captain left. There were fourteen boys in the group, not thirteen. When I checked the web, one boy's name came up with a match. The boy told me it was him. The kid's fourteen. He's been out on the streets less than a year. The warrant's valid for another two and a half months. I wanted to help him.
I called Elizabeth and spoke with her. She knows the kid's whole background. Anyway, I gave him some money for a cab and sent him to her. She was going to talk to her bosses about hiring the kid to work doing clean up or other odd jobs in exchange for shelter and food. He'd be safe and off the streets. I think the phone call from her is telling us she got it worked out for the boy.
Daniel, I told the boy that in two and a half months he could call us and I'd come up personally and pick him up."
Daniel looked at Mark and was pleased, knowing he was right about this young man from the moment he found him in the fountain. He placed a hand on Mark's shoulder and told him, "You did good, Mark. I'm proud of you."
The moment was shattered when the two heard someone shout "FIGHT! FIGHT!" and saw a number of boys running towards the soccer field.
End Chapter Thirty-Two
To Be Continued; comments welcome, contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com