New Horizons

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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: I would like to thank Matthew Templar for stepping in for John, and Colin, for their support with this chapter and my stories. Their support and efforts at editing and correcting my errors not only keep me in line, but contribute significantly to a better story. This particular chapter happens to be one of my favorites and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Chapter Sixty-Eight: New Horizons

Daniel, his staff and guests enjoyed breakfast on Saturday morning. The Captain had come in late Friday evening with his men and their sons. Father David smiled and laughed with the men as the officers watched their sons blend in with the other boys. After breakfast, the boys knew exactly which field to head towards for the morning games of baseball. Father David and Daniel stood to the side and watched the boys running off for fun. Both men also noticed that both of the interns were nude and running with the boys towards the ball fields. Daniel stopped the Captain as he exited the mess hall.

"Captain, you know Father David, right?"

"Oh, we've met and talked many times, Daniel." The Captain reached out to shake hands with the priest. "How are you, Father? I hope the boys aren't keeping you too busy. You know there's not much around here to put a lot of temptation in front of them." The Father politely laughed and shook the Captain's hand.

"Captain, the Father and I were talking and we thought that, just maybe, we might be able to interest the boys in a little us versus them game; what do you think?" The Captain laughed.

"You know, somehow, I bet we could. There's only one problem we may have to be willing to put up with though. If they beat us we won't here the end of it for a while, but I think we could handle the razzing. Why don't we tell them that each team can send two boys to represent them to form their team? As for us, we'll just have to make do."

"That sounds good," Daniel answered. "We can use the Fathers as umpires behind the plate and out in the field; I don't think anyone would even consider challenging one of their calls. The two interns can be base umpires and the two retired professors, field umpires. Also, we'll need our bat-boys; don't forget the little ones." The Captain continued towards the fields while Daniel and Father David held back to talk.

"Daniel, do you remember what we did for the boys shortly after you brought them here?"

"Are you referring to the first time you heard confessions and gave them communion?" Daniel responded. "Yes, I remember. It helped most of the boys a lot. Actually, I kind of thought you would be doing that this weekend."

"We are giving communion tomorrow, but there's more. I had a talk with Jeremy last night. You understand, of course, that the talk must remain private. I asked him to talk with Kevin and then to come see me again this morning. I'm hoping that after talking with Kevin, Jeremy will realize he isn't the first boy here to have these concerns. If things go the way I think they will, I'll give him the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation just as we did with the other boys. Also, I suggest we postpone his testing until he lets his mind clear a little." Daniel looked at the Father for a moment.

"I understand Father; and, yes, I can see where that might make a big difference for him." Daniel paused a moment before continuing. "Arthur Sinclair, my step-father and Jeremy's guardian, will be here this afternoon. I'm sure he'd like to discuss the matter with you."

"Excellent," Father David answered, then added with a smile, "Shall we go see about playing some ball?"

Daniel and the Father proceeded towards the fields. They were about half way there when Daniel spotted Kevin and Jeremy approaching. Father David stopped, but Daniel took a few more steps before pausing. As the boys approached, Kevin stopped a few feet away and allowed Jeremy to approach Daniel.

"Good morning." Daniel smiled and spoke quietly to Jeremy and asked, "You okay this morning?"

"Yeah," Jeremy answered almost in a whisper and looked at Daniel with that pleading little boy look, then he looked at Father David and back to Daniel.

"Do you want to talk with Father David for a little bit?" Jeremy nodded with tears forming in his eyes as Daniel reassured him. "I think that might be a good idea. You can talk privately and if you need me, you know where I'll be; okay?"

The two exchanged hugs before Jeremy stepped over to Father David. Daniel looked to Kevin and smiled.

"Well, Kevin, shall we join the others? I think it's time for me to show you guys how to hit a ball." They walked off, laughing, together.

Daniel laughed to himself when he remembered he had thought a couple of games with the boys would suffice. Those boys that didn't play would stand to the sides and cheer on their favorite players. Daniel decided everyone was allowed a dumb thought every once in a while.

The original plan was to have each team send in two players to represent them, forming a team to play against the adults. The adults decided they could handle two games of about five innings each with no problem and everyone would enjoy themselves. It was immediately apparent that none of the boys wanted to just stand on the side lines. Each boy immediately developed the 'macho' syndrome. Testosterone levels rose almost as rapidly as the bragging about who would show the adults how it was supposed to be done.

The problem was solved by scheduling four games, two on Saturday and two on Sunday, of eight innings each. The boys would have larger teams and each boy would play four innings. There were more than enough adults to make a team so they would relieve one another and rotate positions as needed. Ryan, Ian and Danny, the three youngest boys, would be bat-boys for all four games. The 'grandfatherly' professors acted as umpires since the boys were keeping both priests busy.

"C'mon, Mr. Dan'l," Thad called out, "put it over the plate and lemme show ya how far I can hit it."

Daniel and the other men smiled. They knew the boys would want to show off how far they could hit the ball. Being more focused on how hard they could hit the ball rather than just getting a hit, only five players made it to their turn to bat. Two struck out at the plate while two hit grounders hard enough to get each of them a single; the fifth batter swung hard, made a poor connection and the pop-up was an easy catch and an easy out. Now it was the adults turn to show the boys how to hit a ball; however, only four batters made it to the plate that first inning.

The game continued with each side taunting the other. When the players did finally settle down, it became a game between some good players. Daniel watched to make sure that each boy had the opportunity to play. Daniel watched elsewhere, also. Father Andrew seemed to be moving in and out of the building on a regular basis with different boys. Neither Father David, nor Jeremy, had come out. While concerned, Daniel also felt that was a good sign that Jeremy was opening up to the Father and, hopefully, releasing some of his demons.

It was the eighth inning and the adults took their turn at bat. Daniel stood at the plate, waiting for Kevin to pitch the ball. The first ball was outside, but the umpire called it a strike. Daniel turned to protest, only to be met with the professor's stern stare. The second pitch was inside, but correctly called as a ball.

"C'mon, Kevin, put it over the plate. Afraid I'll hit it out of the park?" Daniel teased.

"Okay, you got it Mr. Dan'l. Here comes one on a silver platter for the old guys." Daniel just stared at Kevin in response.

"Oooooooooooooo," the other boys said, laughing and pointing at Kevin.

Kevin pitched the ball straight over the plate and at a perfect height for a good hit. The ball passed to the catcher as a perfect strike while Daniel continued to stare at Kevin.

"What's wrong Mr. Dan'l? Need for me to move in closer and pitch slower?" All the boys laughed, and cringed a little, as Kevin and Daniel continued to tease each other.

On the next pitch, Daniel connected. He didn't hit a home run, but it was enough, he knew, to get him on first base. As he ran down the base line, towards first base, he suddenly heard a high-pitched yell coming from behind him.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA" Danny hollered out at the top of his lungs in a sing-song rhythm as he ran behind Daniel. Daniel looked over his shoulder and saw the little naked boy running as hard as he could while holding both hands high in the air. Everyone, young and old, could only laugh at Danny. Safely on base, Daniel turned just in time to catch the little boy under the arms and lift him.

"Danny, what are you doing, little guy?"

"I wanna run, too," Danny answered innocently, "wif you!"

"Okay, little man, I tell you what." Daniel set Danny down while he spoke to him, "Do you see the base over there near Frank?" Danny nodded. "Well, when I say run, you run over there as fast as you can. Then you watch Mr. Mark on the other side, and when he says to run towards, him, you run as fast as you can; okay?"

"You run wif me?"

"I'll be right behind you. We can only have one person on a base at a time, so you go first, okay?' Danny nodded his understanding.

Daniel kneeled next to Danny, keeping one hand on the boy's stomach while the other cupped his little bubble butt. When Kevin pitched the next ball, Paul didn't try to hit the ball, but let it slide by. Daniel told Danny to run as fast as he could to the next base. Danny immediately stuck both hands in the air and again sang out "AAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA" as he ran to the base. When he reached second base he turned to Daniel and grinned the big smile of a happy boy, as he received a nod of approval. Frank had to tell Danny to turn and face Mark, and wait for Mark to tell him when to run.

Kevin next tossed a slow pitch to Paul. Paul tapped the ball so it would roll over the ground. Mark had to call out to Danny twice before the boy started to run. Again, both hands were held high and Danny hollered as he ran. Spotting the rolling ball, Danny stopped between second and third to catch the ball. Picking it up with both hands, he held the ball high and continued to third base, again hollering as loud as he could. Daniel moved to second base and Paul ran to first base. Everyone laughed too hard to care. The ball game was no longer important; only Danny mattered now.

Mark had to tell Danny to take the ball back to Kevin so he could pitch it to Mr. Jeff, the next batter. Kevin again tossed a slow ball so it could be hit and Danny could run for home base. Jeff made sure he hit the ball away from where Danny stood, and Mark told the boy to run for home base as fast as he could. Sean stood behind home plate and encouraged the boy to run hard. Danny immediately threw his hands up and ran in his own inimitable style for home. When he touched home plate he stopped only long enough to scream out "YEAAAAHHH!" and then turned and ran back to Daniel. Daniel scooped the boy up and trotted to home plate. As he approached home plate he saw Father David watching them and laughing. Jeremy stood next to the Father and had the biggest, most relaxed, smile that Daniel had ever seen on the boy. Behind the Father, Daniel saw Barry come out of the mess hall, ready to call everyone to lunch.

"Sean! Sean!" Danny cried out, "I made a run. You see me?" Danny didn't fully understand what he had done, but he knew it was good and was very proud of himself.

"I saw you; you ran fast." Sean acted excited to please the boy. "I don't think I've ever, ever seen anyone run the bases like you did." Danny beamed at the praise while Sean and the others laughed at the truthful statement; probably, no one had ever run the bases like Danny.

"C'mon, let's get you cleaned up," Sean told the boy. "I think Mr. Barry's 'bout ready to call us in for lunch." Danny didn't say anything; he just ran, pulling Sean behind him.

The adults enjoyed the opportunity to relax during lunch. Never willing to admit it to the boys, the adults were feeling some very sore muscles from all the activity. They enjoyed watching the boys carry on animated conversations which, judging from the swinging arms, centered around the ball game. More than one boy held both hands up and had his mouth wide open, mimicking Danny's actions. One thing the adults did share with the boys that day was a ravenous appetite. They always joked about how much food the boys could consume without gaining any weight. That day the adults were reminded how the boys managed to burn up all the calories.

Near the end of lunch, Daniel made several announcements. He reminded the boys that the priests were there to talk to them or help them in any way they could. Daniel also announced that the next game would not begin for a couple of hours. One of the boys called out, teasing the men, and asked if the time delay was so the men could rest up from the morning game. The men laughed to themselves, realizing how close the boy was to the truth.

After lunch, the boys were outside, playing just as hard as they did that morning. The adults either sat around and watched the boys have a good time, or had gone inside for a short nap. Daniel and Father David sat in the mess hall enjoying a quiet cup of coffee while they talked.

"Father, of course I realize you can't tell me anything that Jeremy discussed with you, but is it permissible for you to express your impression of how he's doing?"

"I can tell you this much, if he ever told you the detail of his treatment that he described to me this morning, I think you would be a very angry person. Jeremy does not appear to be angry, but he does strike me as being very insecure at the moment." The Father paused to be sure Daniel understood what he was saying.

"His treatment has made him very untrusting of people in general; adults in particular. Daniel, I think you can draw on your own background and understand his feelings along those lines. However, one of the best things you've done for him thus far is to bring him here. He's told me that I can use my own judgment in telling you part of our conversation, but he doesn't want me to discuss detail; he's ashamed. It doesn't matter if he should or should not be ashamed; the fact is that he is ashamed. He's made some friends here. He knows that they are fully aware of what happened to him and he was a sexual slave. He understands that some of these boys have been in some pretty bad situations themselves, and they all accept one another without judging. That's the bottom line of why he doesn't trust adults; he's worried about being judged and ultimately rejected." The Father again paused to give Daniel a chance to speak.

"Father, I understand how he feels; I remember how I felt. When the idea of freedom was first mentioned to me, I was happy, then I was frightened. As a slave, no one expects anything or says anything if you were a sex object. As a free person, people sometimes look down on you like you did something wrong, almost like you were dirty. I think what you're telling me is that Jeremy has that same fear."

"Exactly," Father David answered and then paused briefly before continuing. "Daniel, I think the Sacrament will help him, but he's going to need a lot more. Mainly, he's going to need love and understanding. He needs to know that someone will always be there to help support and protect him while he makes the adjustment. Hopefully, in time, he will learn to forgive himself and move forward."

There was a knock on the door. Daniel turned to see Arthur standing outside. Derek's father, Preston, and Wayne, Ted's father, were with him. Daniel signaled for them to come in and made the introductions. The men asked about their sons and, when told the boys were out in the recreation area, they excused themselves. Arthur stayed to talk with Daniel and the Father.

"Mr. Sinclair, it's truly a pleasure to meet you. Daniel and members of the church have spoken very highly of you and what you have accomplished."

"Thank you Father, but I'm sure you realize it has really been a team effort. I'm just the member that happens to have the law degree and acts as the spokesperson in court. And, please, the name's Arthur." Arthur paused a moment and then looked to Daniel. He didn't need to say anything.

"Jeremy's outside with the other boys. I didn't tell him you were coming; I thought you might want to surprise him. The Father and I were just discussing him." Arthur looked at Father David and then back to Daniel.

"I was just explaining to Daniel that I think part of Jeremy's issues is the fact that he has yet to forgive himself, not for what happened to him, but what he was forced to do. Today, all of the boys are being given the chance to speak with us and tomorrow we'll give communion to all the boys that want it. For Jeremy, in particular, we'll conduct the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Are you familiar with the service?"

"Yes, I am. We're Catholic, and we hope we are good Catholics," Arthur added with a smile.

"There is something else that I haven't had the opportunity to mention to Daniel. I know you are the boy's guardian and this affects you, and your wife, also." The Father paused a moment to be sure he had both Arthur's and Daniel's undivided attention.

"The boy is trying to figure out both who he is and what he wants to be. Understand that I'm not trying to confuse you here or talk in riddles. Jeremy needs to forgive himself. When he does, he will accept himself and his life as a growing boy. However, some of his biggest conflict is centered around his natural parents and his guardians. Part of him wants to go back home; part of him doesn't. He told me he thinks about his parents. He's told me stories about his family. It was a good family, a happy family. He wants them to love him, but he's afraid things won't be the same if he goes back. It's not just how they will feel towards him, but how he might feel about them.

"I asked him if he blamed his parents for what happened, his being enslaved. He told me that he didn't think so. He couldn't tell me definitely one way or the other. He couldn't tell me why either. I think he's having trouble accepting that they didn't come rescue him; he doesn't understand why. Again, he's afraid that what he has been doing the past two years will cause trouble also. Will his parents look past that? Will the rest of the family, aunts, uncles, grandparents, look past all that? What about his parents' friends? With all the questions, he knows that deep down, he still loves his parents. I think a lot of the problem, although he doesn't know how to express it, is whether that love that he has for his parents is real or a dream of what he wants it to be." The Father again paused, this time longer, and studied Arthur.

"Father, you said part of his problems concern me and my wife?"

"Yes, and it's a conflict between the feelings he still has for his parents, and the bond and, I feel, the love that is growing for you and your wife. He told me that both of you have told him that you want him to stay with you. That's important; it gives him a feeling of being not only loved, but wanted. His conflict is if he chooses one set of parents, is he betraying the other set of parents?"

"Dad!" Ted called out when he spotted his dad walking towards the recreation area.

Derek turned towards where Ted was staring and also spotted his dad. Both boys immediately ran over and wrapped their arms around their father. Both men held their son in a bear hug, reluctant to let go.

"Dad, you're crushing me. I can't breathe," Derek whispered to his dad.

When his dad man loosened his grip, the boy stepped back a little and then reached up and wrapped his arms around his father's neck and kissed him on the cheek. It had been a long time since Preston experienced this kind of open affection from his son. They both enjoyed the moment as the father reached down and lifted his son up, holding Derek much as he did when the boy was younger.

"Boy, the last time I held you like this I don't think you weighed quite this much," Preston teased his son. He didn't set the boy down for several minutes.

"Hey, kid," Ted's dad called out to him. Like Derek, Ted greeted his dad by running into him and wrapping his arms around him. "Whoa, Kiddo. Step back a minute and let me take a look at you." Wayne gently pushed his son back to arms length and then held his shoulders. After a moment, he walked around his son.

"You know, I think I'm getting a real nudist on my hands here. I don't see any tan lines on you, kid. You enjoy bouncing that little bubble butt around for everyone and feelin' that package sway in the wind?" A proud and loving father teased his son. Ted blushed while Derek and his dad joined in the laughter.

"You boys think you can break away for a little bit and give your old man a chance to visit?"

"Come over here, Dad," Ted said excitedly, "I got somebody I wantcha ta meet."

"Derek, do think there's someplace quiet where we could sit and talk a few minutes?"

Derek took his father's hand and guided him towards the orchards. He knew most of the other boys would be playing games and he could be alone with his dad. Derek had not realized how much he missed his family until he saw his dad, and was thrilled. As they walked along, past the basketball courts and near the volleyball courts, Derek spotted Sean.

"Dad, wait up," Derek stopped, turned and then pulled his dad in a different direction while talking at the same time. "I want ya to meet Sean. You pro'bly seen him at Mr. Arthur's."

"Sean!" Derek called out to his friend. "C'mere." Sean trotted over near is friend.

"Dad, this is my friend, Sean. Sean, this is my dad."

"Well, Sean, I think I recognize you from being at Arthur's and Linda's house with Mr. Daniel. Right?"

"Yes, sir," Sean answered politely. "I've been there several times. I remember seein' you."

"It's nice to meet you, Sean. I tell you what, I think there's going to be some more games with the adults trying to keep up with you boys; maybe we'll get to play in the same game. I think I'd like that."

"Me too, sir. See ya later, Derek." Sean ran back to his team.

Derek and his dad walked beyond the garden and near the end of the groves. No one was there except the two of them. Preston spotted the big tree that a lot of the boys liked to sit under and think. He sat on the ground and motioned for his son to sit in his lap. Derek faced his dad and then sat, straddling one of his dad's legs.

Father and son sat, saying nothing, but looking at one another. Derek enjoyed the smile his dad gave him and the twinkle in his eye. He knew it meant that his dad was happy, and loved him.

"When you get home, you know your momma's gonna tell you to get a haircut, don't you?"

"Yes, sir. That's okay," Derek answered, then as an afterthought, "You know, Mr. Mark could give me one here."

"Weeelll, I don't think we really need to worry about that right now. If a bad hair day is the worst that ever happens, you'll be in good shape."

"Dad," Derek spoke hesitantly, "why're you here?"

"What? A father can't miss his son once in a while?"

"Yeah, but . . ."

"I know, Derek . . . I know." Preston continued to smile at his son, but his expression became a little more serious as he continued.

"How have you been doing? You getting along okay?"

"Yeah." Derek looked away from his dad; he looked into nothingness. "Tell ya the truth, it was kinda funny when we first got here. I only knew Jeremy and Ted. 'Course, I seen some of the other boys at Mr. Arthur's, but that was different."

"Why was it different? Did they treat you differently?"

"No! Uh-Uh. They was nice, just like always. Dad, it's one thing ta be home and be able ta run free or even do it at Mr. Arthur's. Here, there's over a hundred of us runnin' naked. It felt weird the first coupla days, then I realized, they didn't even think about bein' naked. I said somethin' to one of 'em 'bout wearin' clothes sometimes, and you know what he said to me? He asked me why?"

"Derek, we let you run free at home. Why does it bother you here?"

"Yeah, at home, Dad, but this it'n home;least not ta me. I don't know; it just felt different. And look at how many there is and the age differences. This place is just like a little town where everybody, 'cept adults, gets ta run naked all the time. Once I got used to all of 'em bein' naked around me, I kinda liked it. We didn't have ta worry 'bout gettin' dirty or messin' anythin' up. Ya get dirty, ya just head to the shower or pool. We do it all the time. Neat, huh?"

"Yeah, pretty neat. I bet your mom wouldn't mind not havin' to do so many loads of laundry. Think I should ask her if she wants to live in a nudist colony when I get back? Maybe we could all move over here."

"Da-aad, I don't think Mom would go for that. She don't even let me run the streets free like a lot of the other boys. I have ta stay inside or mostly in the back yard."

"Well, we won't worry about that now. As long as you're enjoying yourself, that's all I care about. Speakin' of your mom and that she's not here, I wanted to take some private time for you and me to have a man to man talk. I want to talk to you, respecting you as a responsible young man; think we can do that?"

"Yes, sir," Derek responded weakly, becoming a little nervous.

"You've entered a stage in your growth that we call puberty. Do you understand what happens then; how a little boy begins turning into a young man?"

"Dad," Derek stated, almost a little exasperated, but relieved, "I know that babies don't come from a cabbage patch. We don't need ta do this."

"Good, I'm glad you know that," Preston responded, fighting back a smile, "but there's a lot more to it than that. So just settle down and listen, okay?" Derek did as his dad asked.

"Boys your age have a tendency to get together and have these funny little conversations that often end up with everybody giggling a lot and sometimes more. I'm talking about yappin' back and forth about who has the longest penis, whose balls have dropped the furthest, and how often their little piece of boyhood likes to stand at attention. Can you deny it?"

"No sir," Derek said while trying to hide his smile, suppress the giggles, and not let his dad see his crimson red face.

"Uhhh, huh. See, you boys have a way of forgetting that the old man was a boy himself once and knows exactly what you're going through and how it feels. I know all about the dirty little jokes and tricks you like to play on one another too." He paused for a moment and then placed two fingertips under his son's chin and lifted his head to look at him. "Derek, I'm not trying to embarrass you, son. What I'm trying to do is tell you that what you are feeling, the tingles, the playing with your own little private toy, the dirty jokes and the curiosity, they are all very normal for a boy your age." Preston pulled his son close and hugged him, holding him for a couple of minutes.

"Can we both acknowledge that what I'm saying is true?" Derek nervously smiled at his dad and nodded. "Good, because this next part, you might really get embarrassed. Sometimes, when boys get real curious, they experiment with each other. As many boys as there are around here, I'm sure there's more than just a little experimenting going on. Mr. Daniel has already told me about what some of the boys do; I knew it before I said you could come for this visit. Derek, what I want to tell you is that if for some reason you have a friend here, and the two of you are curious and experiment a little, that's okay. I am going to ask you, though, to be very careful; I don't want you getting hurt."

"Oh, Dad," Derek answered, excited with the relief that his dad understood, "Sean wouldn't . . .uh, I mean . .uh . ." Derek was shocked when he realized he just admitted something to his dad that he should have kept a secret.

"Sean? That's the young man you just introduced me too? I see; so, curiosity has won out some."

"Yes, sir," Derek answered holding his head down, but happy his dad wasn't mad with him. "I mean, it wasn't anything bad; we just belly rubbed. It was my first time; honest!"

"Derek, slow down son. You don't have to defend yourself to me. I'm your dad; I just need to know that you're safe. Belly rubbed, eh; did it feel good?"

"It was unreal!" Derek answered, elated. "While we was doin' it, I wasn't too sure. It felt so good, there was a tingly feelin' goin' all over my skin, and then inside me. My breathin' got kinda hard and fast; his too. We both were holdin' the other's butt and humpin' like crazy and then both of us started whimperin' like. Then, all of a sudden, it felt like I was flyin' high in the air and wouldn't never come down. We squirted each other and had to run for the showers before anybody saw what we did."

Preston marveled at the sound of wonderment and look of fascination on his son's face. He didn't think his son would ever sit with him and have this conversation without being scared to death. He didn't think he could ever talk with his son like this without shaking with fear himself. Sharing this moment and his son's experience, would be one of the greatest, most treasured memories he would enjoy for the rest of his life.

Derek's eyes sparkled and happiness radiated from his every pour as he animatedly explained his experience to his dad. Many times he had heard other boys talk about what they thought their dad might do to them if they ever found out some of the ways they experimented and learned about their bodies. Derek wasn't sure, but felt like most boys didn't get to talk like this to their dad.

"Derek, you don't know how much it means to have you sit in my lap and share, not only your experience, but the wonder of it all." Derek could see tears forming in his dad's eyes and wasn't sure why, but hoped it was because he was happy. "There's something else we need to talk about. I've seen how you look at Jeremy and Ted. I've also seen how you act when you think I may have caught you doing something you aren't too sure you should do." Derek's mood immediately became somber and he looked away from his dad.

"Dad?" Derek spoke through tears. "I'm sorry, really, I am. Please, don't hate me."

"Nooo," he answered, understanding his son's fear, "you don't understand. I'm your dad and I'll never hate you. Do you think I might be upset because I'm thinking you might be gay?" Derek nodded; he knew that he had certain feelings around Jeremy and Ted, but couldn't explain them. "Do you think that you are gay?" Derek shrugged his shoulders; he stared at the ground trying to hide his tears.

"Derek, I think it's only normal for a boy to be somewhat curious about other boys. Am I growing as fast as Ted? Is my penis bigger than his; bet my balls are. Are my muscles as big as Jeremy's? Do they stand out like his when the sun is high? What about my tan? Do the girls or even other boys think I'm cute or hot or sexy? Can you tell me you haven't thought about those things?" Derek looked at his dad and smiled that special smile that asks 'how did you know?'.

"Right now, why don't you and I make an agreement? Neither one of us will worry about whether you like girls, or boys, or even both. What we will worry about is letting you grow up the way nature intended, and let's see what a fine young man you develop into; okay? I think you are a little young yet to know whether you are gay or straight and don't need to be putting unnecessary pressure on yourself." Derek let out a sigh of relief.

"There's still one more thing we need to talk about, though." Derek took a deep breath and his eyes rolled back.

"I'm sorry, but we can either do this now, or we can do it at home and risk your mother hearing us." Derek looked at his dad with an expression verging on panic at the thought his mom might hear them.

"Do you know what a wet dream is?"

"Yeah, it's when you dream about something sexy at night and without meanin' to, you get hard and shoot."

"That sounds like an explanation that just might come from experience."

"Dad, you're not bein' nice." Derek blushed.

"I remember one morning a few weeks back your mother and I were having breakfast and she said something about you making your bed before heading out to school. Now, would what I'm talking about and you shocking your mother with that good deed be related?" Derek liked the way his dad asked him things. He didn't feel threatened and, even though he was a little embarrassed, it wasn't a bad way to be embarrassed.

"That's what I thought might be happening. You had a little wet dream and when you discovered it in the morning I'm guessing you used a piece of clothing from your hamper to wipe off the sheet, then made the bed to cover it up. You were hoping the sheet would be dry when you went to bed the next night. Close enough?"

"Yeah," Derek said with a smile and the continuing blush.

"Well, young man, let me share a piece of bad, but not so bad, news with you. Before it stops, it gets worse. You will have nights that that thing will get so hard it hurts. It will wet your bed so bad you'll think you fell into a swimming pool of boy juice. There will be nights you are so horny you can't get to sleep until you've jacked off two or maybe even three times. And if you think that's bad, wait till you wake up the next morning and have to go through the whole ritual again." Derek laughed at the way his dad explained things and how animated he became; Preston shared the laugh and treasured the moment.

"Dad, you're exaggerating. Nobody does it that many times in a night. What'd you do?" Preston smiled and was glad his son would challenge him; now he knew his son had relaxed with him by asking that question.

"Son, I hate to tell you this, but before you're seventeen, you'll probably be getting off six or more times a day. My record was nine." Derek nearly fell over laughing at his dad's openness. Never had they ever had a conversation like this. He knew he could be open and honest with his dad, and his dad would not laugh at him. He thought about all the times he had wanted to talk to his dad without being afraid, and now it was happening.

"What's worse than not being able to sleep because you're having so much sex in your dreams, is that when you go to school or somewhere else, all of a sudden it'll get hard for no reason except that it wants to. The really bad part is that somehow teachers, especially the female teachers, always seem to know when it happens to you and that very moment is when they call on you to come to the front of the room and solve a math problem on the blackboard." Derek continued to laugh at the animated way his dad explained things. "It's true. Listen, you'll learn that all you have to do is think about the pleasure that little toy can give you, and poof, it's standing tall and poking the front of your jeans straight out."

"Dad, stop, my side hurts from laughin' so much. You're puttin' me on some, aren't ya?"

"Nope; not a bit. Just wait and see. Three years from now I'm going to ask you about it and if you can look me straight in the eye and say it never happened, I'll buy you a car for your seventeenth birthday. If you can not honestly tell me it didn't happen, then you get to drive the minivan on dates."

"Dad! That's cruel!" His dad just shrugged his shoulders. "Well, what'd you do to keep from bein' embarrassed?"

"Well, at night sometimes I hid a towel under the edge of the bed, right next to the wall. I remember more than one time wearing a rubber to bed, but that's messy taking it off." Again, Derek was in hysterics. "At school, I wore a jock strap. It kept everything down, but when you tried to rub it, it felt like sandpaper." Preston looked at his son, whose excitement was more than a little obvious. "C'mere son, turn around and sit in my lap with your legs outside mine; lean against me." Derek did as his dad asked.

"Now, first thing, I'll talk with your mom and let her know that you are too big for her to just be walking into your room. You deserve your privacy and she'll respect that, okay?" Derek hugged his dad's arm that was wrapped around his chest.

"Now, I'm going to show you something, and this will be the only time this will happen, understand? I think it's better, and more exciting for you, if you learn most of this with boys your own age. However, I want you to know that if you ever have a question or need to talk, I'll always be there for you." Instinctively, he gave his son a gentle hug.

"Dad, how old were you when Grandpa had this talk with you?"

"He didn't, son. I learned on the streets; actually more from overhearing other boys talk in the boy's bathrooms at school. That's why I'm making sure I have this talk with you now. I was afraid to ask my dad anything; I thought he might get mad and whip me. I don't want you being afraid to talk to me; sons should not be afraid of their dad." He gave his son a little peck on the cheek. Derek turned his face up to his dad. He caressed one side of his dad's face with his hand and kissed his dad's cheek. He couldn't remember ever being this close with his dad; it felt good.

"See, you're provin' me right already. All we've been doing is talking about you playing with this thing and you've been hard the whole time. This thing ever go down?" Derek blushed and giggled as his dad teased him. When the conversation started, Derek was real nervous and afraid he might be in trouble. Now, he was relieved to know that his dad understood.

"Sometimes, but most times all I gotta do is think about feelin' good and it stands up and stays like that. It's always hard when I get up in the mornin' and don't go down till I pee. The boys here call it a mornin' woody." Again, Derek became animated. "You oughtta see all of 'em headin' to the bathroom in the mornin'." Derek giggled as he held out his first finger, stiff, and made a bounding motion for his dad.

"Alright, have you heard the boys talking about being cut or uncut?"

"Yeah. I got more skin and it goes over the end so I'm uncut. But when it gets hard, my pee hole sticks out."

"Actually, that's the glans, but most people call it the crown or head. The word glans actually means 'little acorn', look at the shape and you'll understand why. I guess boys have other names for it, but I'll leave it up to you to find those out. When you were born a lot of boys were being circumcised or cut, but the trend was moving in the other direction. At one time doctors thought it was healthier if a boy was cut. We told the doctor to leave you natural. One of the big advantages is that the head is more sensitive; you will be able to experience more pleasure.

"Under here is the uretha; it feels like a big tube running along the underside. The boy juices flow through the uretha; traveling from the family jewels hanging down here, up to the point where they explode in ecstasy from the little acorn through the, as you call it, pee hole."

Derek stiffened and gasped for breath as he felt the thumb lightly cross the top of the head. He could only close his eyes and whimper as the lightening bolt of pleasure shot through him. The man felt and saw his son's reaction and thought about the man child brought into this world twelve years past; his son. He thought about the dreams he had then, thinking of teaching the boy to walk, to ride a bike, how to throw and catch a ball, the fun of seeing him land that first fish. Where did the years go? His son was now changing before his eyes into a young man. He could only wonder how many experiences like this the boy had enjoyed; he would never ask.

"It feels better when there is something to lubricate the area. If you rub the dry skin too much it gets irritated and burns." Preston worked some saliva to the front of his mouth and, with the end of his thumb, smeared it over the head of his son's maleness. Again, Derek whimpered and drew a sharp breath.

"Just lean back and relax, son. Learn to enjoy what this special gift can be." Derek heard the words whispered into his ear. The last two words meant the most. "Love you."

Derek leaned back into his dad and enjoyed the feeling of warmth and strength of security. He thought nothing of allowing his dad to handle him in this manner; it was his dad and he was teaching him to enjoy feelings the boy didn't realize were within him. A strong hand firmly grasped the full length of Derek's boyhood; with each firm squeeze the boy drifted into a world of personal pleasure. He felt the fingers gliding the full length of the shaft. As they traveled toward the end, the thumb again gently traveled over the top of the crown. Derek couldn't control the squirming and whimpering of his body. His hands dug into his dad's legs with each wave of pleasure.

A finger glided over a sensitive boy nipple. Derek whimpered and thrust his chest forward for more. He had heard the boys talking about how great it felt for someone to play with, not only his boyhood, but other parts of his body. Never did he ever imagine it would feel this good. Secure in his cradle, the young boy didn't hold back whimpering or crying out his pleasure. He didn't want this to ever end. His dad's hand wrapped around his and guided the boy's hand to give the boy pleasure. Derek relaxed and allowed his hand to do as it was shown. When the guiding hand moved away, the boy hand continued. Another hand stimulated the sensitive boy nipples, caressing and pinching for pleasure.

As Derek continued to masturbate himself, he felt his dad's hand slide between them and down his cheeks. Derek didn't know what to expect but he trusted his dad and instinctively opened his legs to give him access. A father's loving hand slipped between the boy cheeks until his fingers rested on the youthful perineum and against the soft sac. Gently, he massaged the sensitive area, sending new waves of pleasure through his son's body.

"Ohhhhh . . . .mmmmmmmppppphhhh . . .uuuunnnngggghhhh . . .Daaaad? . . .ohhhhh gaaaahhhddd . . .aaaaaaahhhhhh .. ..ohhhhhh . . .Daaad? . . .gaahhhhd . . . it's gonna break . . . .help me . . .pllleeeaaaassse . . .ohhhhh ^Å.gaaaahhhddd . .aaahhh . .aaaahhh . ."

And the man held his son as he watched the boy's body convulse again and again as wave upon wave of pure pleasure consumed the boy. Derek reached up and grabbed his dad's arms, holding on for his life as his body convulsed and he involuntarily humped his hips forward and experienced the rewards of his own juices exploding out of him. Again and again the shots came forth; the boy was not in control, his body was. With the first explosion he screamed his release and pleasure and gasped for breath.

The father sat under the tree holding his first born securely in his arms and lap. The boy's eyes fluttered and perspiration poured from every pore as his young body reacted. He could feel the young heart pounding and racing, trying to move blood and oxygen through the youthful body. Lungs expanded to the point of aching, pulling in fresh air. The boy fell limp trying to recover from his experience, secure in a loving father's embrace.

Preston looked down at his son as a tear formed and then ran down his cheek. Never before had he felt the closeness, that special bond of father and son, as at that very moment. No words could ever express the deep love he felt for this boy. Filled with a father's pride, he once again whispered in his son's ear, "love you."

"Daniel, there's something else we need to discuss." Arthur, Daniel and the Father continued their discussion while the two men left to find their sons.

"We have pretty much established that if the sons are considered property, they are protected by statute when the civil action is against only one parent. Suits are being filed every day by parents seeking to have their son's enslavement overturned. Judges everyday are setting boys free and returning them to their parents. There are two issues we still need to address. First, what about children enslaved only because their parents were enslaved? Most were taken as property. Most were still with both parents and protected by statute which we now know we can enforce. With me so far?" Daniel nodded and waited for Arthur to continue.

"Working through the guardian ad litem program that most cities and law schools have, we feel there are a lot of boys out there that we can have set free. Their parents are gone - enslaved. The children were either taken as property or sold as indigents. Children, as citizens, have rights; we want to enforce those rights. We feel we have a good chance of success; at least, we're willing to try. We are assuming that if we cannot find family to take the boys, you are willing to accept them here."

"Arthur, you know that we wouldn't have it any other way. If there isn't family to take them, just call and we'll be there."

"Daniel, I pretty much assumed that would be your feeling. However, there is a second issue. How far back do we go? At what point is it not in the child's interest to have them set free? At what point have they become so ingrained in the system that they no longer have the ability to care for themselves or learn how to? Most importantly, how do we find the answers?"

Daniel listened intently. He understood that more boys could be set free, but had never considered if and when there was a point beyond which a boy could not be brought back. As he thought, he gazed out the window and saw Derek returning with his dad. The boy broke off and headed towards the volleyball courts. Suddenly he stopped and ran back to his dad. Without slowing down, he jumped into his father's arms, wrapped his legs around the man's waist, and held on tightly.

End Ch Sixty-Eight

To Be Continued: comments welcome; contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com