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: I would like to thank Colin, John and Matthew for their continued support and patience while I try to write this story. Their support and efforts at editing and correcting my errors keep me focused. It is the emails and comments I receive from you, the readers, that encourage me to continue.
Chapter Seventy-Six: New Horizons
Supervising the care of over one hundred boys meant that hectic was normal for Daniel. On a weekend with much more company than normal, hectic took on a whole new meaning. Regardless of the circumstances, Daniel knew that a hectic weekend could always be counted on for two things. First, there was never enough time to accomplish all the things planned. Second, there were always more things planned than could be accomplished in the time available. Daniel maintained his sanity by recognizing and setting his priorities.
The boys' welfare was always the top priority for Daniel. Which boys received the most attention at any point in time was determined by which boy or boys needed him the most. On that particular weekend, the boy that needed him the most was not one of the regular members of New Horizon, but a visitor. Daniel knew that Nigel was headed down a dark path; a path that could only lead to heartache and trouble. The boy needed help whether he recognized it or not, and Daniel was determined to give it to him; whether he wanted it or not.
Near the end of lunch, Daniel excused himself from the main group. He wanted to check on the progress with the television segments being filmed in the study hall; at least that's what he told everyone. It wasn't completely untrue, because he was concerned about the segments and their effect. He also wanted to make sure the group had everything they needed and had their lunches. There was something else Daniel wanted also; he wanted to find Nigel. Since his discussion with Alex and Timmy that morning, Nigel had dominated Daniel's thoughts. Daniel needed to know where the boy was, what he was doing, and, most importantly, talk with him.
Daniel stepped into the study hall and found the group filming Linda and three of the boys. Sean and Jeremy stood to either side of Linda while she held Danny in her lap. All three boys were dressed as Cherubs and looked picture perfect. Daniel smiled as he watched Danny. True to himself, Danny could not sit still. He straddled Linda's lap with both feet swinging to the side. Linda had both arms wrapped around him, keeping most of his torso still for the camera. Danny grinned from ear to ear and kept switching his gaze from the camera to Linda. It was obvious that Danny thought he was really doing something big. The filming soon stopped.
"Daniel, join us," Elizabeth called out.
"Oh, I imagine you have plenty of wanna be television stars around here without me." He answered with a smile. "How's it been going? I'd a thought you'd be finished within a few minutes."
"I've always thought it interesting that people who watch television have no real appreciation for all the time and effort that goes into making a thirty-second spot."
"Well, I figured around forty-five seconds, or so," Daniel responded, teasing.
"Don't pay any attention to him, Elizabeth," Linda interjected, "he never appreciated all the work it took to cook for him, either. As a boy he thought everything came from a can and the microwave." Daniel smiled and blushed.
"We're gonna be on TV," Danny rushed up to Daniel and proudly made his announcement.
"You are?" Daniel asked as he reached down and picked up the proud boy. "How many times did you get to be in the picture?"
"I dunno," Danny answered looking down, and then around, before adding, "A lot. That man said I was phogenic."
"Photogenic," Sean corrected.
"Yeah, that too," Danny beamed. "Is that good?"
"That's good, and you know what?" Daniel added, "I bet you even take a good picture." Danny just grinned.
"Hey, Mr. Dan'l," Sean greeted, "Ms. 'Liz'beth says she thinks we're done now. Anything else you want us to do?" Daniel looked towards Elizabeth who nodded to confirm what Sean said.
"Well, let's see. Danny, they're about to start playing ball. If you want to be batboy, we need to get you out of this outfit. Can you ask Sean or Jeremy to help you?" Danny began to squirm to get down. Turning quickly, Daniel had to catch him with a hand across the front to keep Danny from falling. Daniel set him on the floor.
"I can do myself. See, I got nothin' else on." Danny lifted the front of his Cherub outfit to show everyone he was naked underneath. He then pulled the slip knot on his thong and let everything fall to the floor. Everyone watched the boy and had to laugh at his innocence and enthusiasm.
"Well, let Sean and Jeremy help you with the arm-bands and the chords on your feet. Then you can go." Danny rushed over and stood between the boys to finish undressing him. They needed to hurry before the game started without the bat-boy.
"Fellas, just leave your outfits on the chair here; we'll take care of them. I don't think our little dynamo here is going to wait much longer."
"Yes, sir," was the only response Sean and Jeremy had time for before Danny had each by the arm, pulling them to the door. The adults laughed as the boys hurried out.
"Daniel, I can see why there's never a dull moment around here. You and the staff really have your hands full. Remember, don't interfere with play time," Linda observed.
"Well, I think this weekend is just a little more challenging than most. There's so much going on that's outside of their normal routines. The boys can be a challenge; but, a lot of fun too."
"Daniel," Elizabeth interrupted, "we have plenty of film to edit for the segments. The guys are taking everything back to the station this afternoon. Before they leave for home, it will all be edited and in the can."
"Excellent." Daniel turned to the men. "Gentlemen, we can't thank you enough for taking part of your weekend to come down here."
"Our pleasure," one of the men responded, "you have quite a group of kids here. We just hope we've been able to help in some way." The man then turned to Elizabeth.
"Are you coming or should we send a car back down?"
"No to both," Elizabeth surprised them. "I'm staying tonight and headed back tomorrow. Linda is coming with me, so we can use her car."
"That's right, Daniel," Linda interrupted. "We thought I could help Elizabeth set things up to care for the boys when you come up Monday. Arthur, Derek, Chris and Eddie can ride up with you."
"We're calling it ladies night out." Elizabeth added with a hint of mischief in her voice. Daniel just threw out his hands knowing, and not caring, that he had no choice.
"Before I get obligated to do anything else, have you seen Nigel?"
"Probably," Elizabeth answered. "I saw what I thought was a new boy, he hardly had any tan, with the two British boys headed out towards the garden a few minutes ago."
"That was probably him. I'll catch up with you ladies later."
Daniel left the study hall and headed towards the garden. He knew the boys liked to head to the more private areas for their personal fun, but worried just what kind of fun Nigel thought he could have with a nine year old and a seven year old. Daniel became more concerned as he remembered the discussion he and Kevin had regarding Nigel.
Daniel walked out to the gardens, but didn't see the boys. He walked through the garden and into the fruit grove without spotting the boys. He was about to turn around and return to the game area when he heard a boy cry out. It was a sharp cry like the boy was hurt or in pain. Daniel quickly moved towards the sound and was very upset with what he saw and heard happening.
"When you return home, if you want someone to care for you and love you, you must show proper respect. A good master will not tolerate any disrespect. Now, you must learn the proper way to approach a master. First, do not ever say or do anything without permission. You may not talk, look the master in the eye, or touch the master without permission. If called into his presence, you walk up to him, but never straight in front of him, and drop to your knees. You put your hands in the small of your back and look down at your master's feet. Now, do it. If it is not right, you will be punished. When you are punished, you thank your master for loving you enough to make you better."
Daniel stopped behind the tree to observe the boys. He instantly recognized the position the two younger boys were in; the submissive position for slaves. The position and its purpose were still sharp in Daniel's memory. He watched as Nigel used his foot to spread the boys' knees apart. To a sadistic master the position made it that much easier to torture a slave by kicking them in the groin. The slave had no protection.
Daniel could not hear everything Nigel said to Connor and Peter because he kept turning his back. Daniel moved around to try and get a better view. He wanted to know how far this had gone, but remained where he could spring out if he thought he needed to. Daniel moved around the opening, staying behind the bushes and trees. Nigel was too focused on the two boys and his lecture to perceive the movement. Connor and Peter looked down at the ground and could not see Daniel. Daniel noticed that Peter's body seemed to be jumping like he might have been crying.
Daniel could still only pick up part of what Nigel said. He heard phrases such as "master' and "respect" and things like "serving your master" or "pleasing the master". What worried Daniel the most was the tone of Nigel's voice. The boy believed what he was saying. Nigel moved again, turning his back to Daniel. Daniel didn't initially realize what was happening when Nigel spread his feet about shoulder's width and placed his hands on his hips. Suddenly, Daniel realized that Nigel was urinating on Connor and Peter. Daniel quickly stepped up behind Nigel.
"Strange game you're playing, isn't it boys?"
Nigel jumped and then turned to see a very angry Daniel glaring at him. Nigel's jaw dropped and he was suddenly urinating on his own foot. Connor and Peter were also surprised and fell backwards to the ground. Daniel walked over to a fallen tree and sat down, containing an inner rage. He signaled the two younger boys to join him.
Connor and Peter slowly walked towards Daniel. Each boy kept his eyes pointed to the ground and didn't look at Daniel. Looking closely, Daniel noticed that Peter looked as though he had been crying. When they were close enough, Daniel put a hand around each of their hips and cupped a little cheek in each hand. He jiggled each little cheek hoping to get the boys to look at him and smile.
"Guys, can you tell me what kind of a game the three of you were playing out here?'
Connor looked at Daniel and then towards Nigel. Daniel could feel how nervous the boy was. "Don't worry about Nigel, pretend that he's not here. I need for you to talk to me."
"Well, sir, it wasn't really a game. You see, sir, Master Nigel was teaching us what we had to do when we went home."
"Whoa. Before you go any further, let's understand that there are no masters around here." Connor looked nervously at Nigel and then back at Daniel. Daniel wondered if he should have just let it go for the moment; it was too late now.
"Nigel said we didn't have any family that wanted us when we went home. He said we would go to an orphan's home until a good master wanted us. If we wanted a real home where someone would love us and take care of us, we needed to learn how to act and what to do. That's what he was teaching us."
"How long has Nigel been teaching you?"
"Since the first night, sir. He woke us late that night and took us in the bathroom. That's when he told us that no one wanted us and we had to learn to please a master. He said that because we were countrymen that he would take his time to teach us. He was to be our master while he taught us."
"Connor. . .Peter. . .I want you to listen to me. Since you have been here, I don't think you have ever seen one of the other boys kneel down to a master; have you?" Both boys shook their head. "Have you ever seen any of the boys get whipped for doing something wrong?" Both boys shook their head. "Have you ever seen one of the boys go to his big brother when he felt bad or needed help?" Both boys nodded. "And what did their big brother do?"
"Sometimes the big brother held him. Sean goes to Brad or Patrick a lot. When he feels bad he says they hold him and sometimes they let him sleep with one of them. He says they spoon him and hold him all night."
"Sean says they love him," Peter added.
"That's right, Peter, they do. They love him and they help take care of him. Sean helps take care of Danny. A lot of the older boys help take care of a younger boy. The one thing a big brother doesn't do his whip his little brother, or make him kneel. Does Connor help take care of you?"
"Yeah, he's my brother and he loves me. He doesn't whip me or make me kneel; he's a good brother." Peter answered with all the innocence and sincerity of a seven year old.
"Don't both of you have a big brother here that helps you sometimes?"
"Yes, sir; Joey and Donny. They say we keep 'em jumpin'."
"Well, rather than worrying about a master, if you need some help or want to know that someone cares, suppose you just find Joey and Donny. You know, I'd kind of like it if you found me sometimes too. I like cuddling young boys; okay?" Both boys were now smiling and nodding.
"Now, suppose you do me a favor. I want you to run back and find your big brothers. You tell them that I said for you to tell them that you need some special cuddling right now; and, you need to get a shower, too. Can you do that?"
"Yes, sir," Connor responded, and then asked, "Mr. Dan'l, are we in trouble?"
"No, neither of you is in trouble. But, I don't want to hear about any more slave-master games; okay? I think I can promise you that no matter where you go when you leave here, it will be to someone that loves you and loves you for the cute little guys you are now and not as slaves." Both boys grinned and nodded their heads enthusiastically.
"There's something I want the two of you to remember. Anytime someone wants to do something to put you down, remember this: What is better, to let someone beat your little backsides and hurt you to show how much they love you, or to wrap their arms around you and hold you close?" The boys gave Daniel a quick hug; then, Connor took Peter by the arm and the two boys started back towards the camp until Peter remembered something.
"Mr. Dan'l, Nigel said we had ta learn ta suck on a cod. Connor already does that but I don't know how. Do I get ta learn now?" Daniel was amused by the mix of excitement and trepidation in the young boy's tone.
"Peter!" Connor yelled out, frightening his brother. Connor took his brother by the arm and pulled him back towards the camp.
Daniel watched the two young boys run off. He always smiled when he saw the younger boys running. Their little bubble butts had a tendency to bounce around like two mounds of gelatin. Daniel looked at Nigel for a minute, knowing this would be the hard part. Daniel patted the tree trunk next to him, signaling Nigel to sit down. Nigel walked over to Daniel, dropped to his knees and draped his torso over the tree trunk.
"Nigel, what are you doing?"
"I'm getting in position for my punishment. I can take it."
"Well, I'm sure you think you can take it, but that's not what's going to happen. Right now I'm so angry with you that you don't want to tempt me. I want to talk to you and it would be much better for you to show me your face, not your butt."
Nigel tentatively got off his knees, turned and sat down, straddling the tree trunk. When he was in trouble back home, the first thing his master did was to cane him. Nigel knew that his master did it to make him a better person; he did it because his master loved him. What the master did not know was that occasionally, Nigel misbehaved deliberately. He had learned to block out the pain that came with the caning. He blocked it out by thinking of the warmth and comfort he would feel in his master's arms when it was over. He did it to feel the love that always followed.
"Why?" is all Daniel said to the boy.
"Sir?" Nigel replied, not fully understanding.
"Why would you want to teach those two boys that they would have to degrade themselves to find love? Where did you ever learn that to have love you must first have no respect for yourself and allow others to abuse you?"
"It's true; I know. What I told them is true; it's been in all the papers back home. They have no family to take them and care for them. The papers said they will most likely go to an orphan's home. All orphans know that to find someone to love them, they must learn to please a master."
"That's the part I don't understand. You're not an orphan. You have a father that loves you very much. Nigel, there's over one hundred boys here that would love to have what you have. Why do you think you need a master?"
Nigel looked at Daniel, then at the ground; he was deep in thought. Why was it so hard for anyone to understand that he needed a master, he needed someone to love him. He had a father, but he needed more; he needed a dad.
"Mr. Daniel, I have a father, but I can't tell you the last time he told me he loved me. The love I get at home is from a nanny. My father thinks I'm just somethin' he has to put up with and I know he'll be glad when I'm gone." Nigel looked at Daniel and then to the ground; pools of tears had formed in his eyes. Nigel was ashamed. He did not want to look weak, but he was hurting. "My master cares for me. He guides me and teaches me. When I do something wrong, he corrects me. Before I leave him, he holds me and tells me how much he loves me. I don't need a father."
Daniel recognized a boy full of bitterness, disappointment and, most of all, fear. It was a fear of not being loved that was so strong that the boy would accept any kind of love and was willing to pay any price. Nigel was desperate for attention and accepted it anywhere he could find it. The sad part was that the attention came from the dark side; even sadder, it was so unnecessary. Daniel couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness.
"Nigel, what frightens me the most is that I think you actually believe what you're saying. What angers me the most is the self pity I see you wallowing in. I see a boy who wants to be loved so badly that he'll let someone abuse him if he thinks that's what it takes. What's sad is that it's all right in front of you and you can't even see it. You complain that your father doesn't hug you and tell you how much he loves you. Question, when was the last time you walked up to him and put your arms around him?" Nigel didn't respond.
"I've dealt with boys enough to know that no matter what I try to say to you right now, you're going to block me out. I will only say that I think it's a shame that you feel the way you do. I'm going to do all I can to change that, and I'll stop there, for now. However, I want you to make me a promise. We do not tolerate physical abuse of any boy around here. Physical abuse means harming another boy in any way including whipping, fighting or urinating. I do not want to hear of you talking about needing a master and serving them. You live by the same rules as the rest of the boys. Can you do that?"
"I can try."
"That's not good enough." Daniel could feel the anger churning his insides and fought to remain calm. "You must not only try, but you must live by the same rules the other boys follow. Right now you've gotten a pass on what you did to Alex and with treating these two young boys like toilets. That's all the passes you get! Understand that if you break the rules, then you will face the same consequences as any other boy. I'll tell you now that if you have to face the discipline board, which is composed of the boys, and they say the punishment is some licks with the paddle. . .well, let me put it this way, if you measure love by the hurt dispensed with the paddle, then you will be feeling a whole lotta love from the boys. Make no mistake, you will not under any circumstances do anything to degrade any boy here. You will show them the same respect that you want them to give you. Do we understand one another?"
"Yes, sir." Nigel recognized the anger not only in Daniel's tone, but in his eyes. Nigel had seen that look before in his master's eyes, and knew it did not bode well for him.
"Good, then there's one other thing I want you to do. You are supposed to write papers on famous Americans, correct?" Nigel nodded. "Then I want you to research and write a paper on Frederick Douglas. He made a speech that's known as his Independence Day speech. When the paper's done, we can sit down and talk again; say, in about five days? I'd make it sooner but I have to go to Orlando and that's when I'll be back; you got lucky."
Nigel looked shocked, but then resigned himself to the assignment. He did have to do some papers but he planned on doing them on well known Americans. He had already studied about George Washington and Theodore Roosevelt. He could do papers on them without much work involved. Now, Daniel was going to make him do more work than Nigel wanted to.
"Yes, sir."
"Good. As far as I'm concerned, for the moment, this little incident is closed." Daniel moved near the boy and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Nigel, believe it or not, we do care about you and we're here to help you, not hurt you." Daniel put his arm around Nigel's shoulders and gave him a light hug. Then, he patted the boy on the shoulder and gave him a little nudge to send him on his way.
Daniel watched Nigel as the boy trotted off to join the other boys. The boy needed guidance, he needed friends, he needed love, he needed to learn that you could be happy without being on the dark side. The boy needed so much that Daniel was really concerned about how much they could help him in the time he would be with them. The only things Daniel was certain of was that they would try to help Nigel and that the other boys would not be harmed.
Daniel needed to think and work some things out. The idea of a master and slave and being beaten as a way of expressing love had brought back some harsh memories. Something Daniel knew to be a fact was that of all the beatings that were administered to him by his masters, not one of them was out of love. Sometimes, working things out was best done when alone. Daniel chose to not return to camp immediately, but take a short, quiet stroll to calm down.
The adults and the boys knew that one big advantage of where they were was the ability to choose. You could choose to be with a few others, a lot of others, or no one. Simply walking away from the camp, within minutes you were in the woods or brush. It was quiet and peaceful; the kind of peacefulness that allowed things to settle into a sort of easy perspective. One of Daniel's favorite spots for putting things into perspective was down near the creek.
Daniel strolled casually, enjoying the light breeze blowing through the trees. He paused occasionally to feel the texture of a leaf or a limb. He thought about his boys, knowing how they enjoyed coming out here on occasion. Laughing to himself, he acknowledged the boys didn't always come out here just to be alone; in fact, they made sure they weren't alone. He felt the warmth of the sun as it shone down upon him. Laughing to himself, and wanting to feel something just for himself, he stripped off his clothes. Standing naked, he stood in the small clearing offered by the well worn path and looked up. The sun's rays shone down, penetrating his very being; warming his inner soul. Daniel felt as one with nature. He stood as the Creator had placed him here on this earth and he enjoyed the simple, priceless pleasures offered to him.
As he walked along he enjoyed feeling the sand between his toes. A gentle warmth came through the soles of his feet. Daniel reached a spot and, on impulse, fell to his knees and sat back on his ankles. He leaned backwards, exposing his torso to the sun. He closed his eyes and allowed his mind to drift. This was something he had done as a child, before his father stole his childhood. The picture of a young boy in all of his naked innocence, kneeling in the grass, leaning backwards with his arms outstretched, ran through his mind. He looked upon himself and that same contented smile spread across his face.
Time did not exist in Daniel's dream world; not even in a short dream where he remained awake. How long he had sat back on his knees watching himself as a child, he didn't know. Looking up, he knew the sun had moved some, but not much. It didn't really matter, there was plenty of time before the sun would set for the day. Daniel looked around him and realized he was hearing sounds that were not there earlier. He listened, determined where the sounds came from, and moved in that direction. Remaining as free as the boys, he didn't have to walk far before he discovered the source of the sounds, and their meaning.
TJ leaned against the tree. He didn't sit straight, but leaned back at a sharp angle with only a portion of his upper back touching the tree. Evan, on his knees, straddled TJ's lap. Daniel smiled to himself as he watched TJ nuzzle Evan's neck while he ran both hands across Evan's back. Evan's head was thrown back to give TJ better access to his erogenous zone. Evan whimpered and whined as he enjoyed his lover's affections; his hands ran through TJ's hair and across his shoulders. Evan yelped and suddenly, grabbing two handfuls of hair, jerked TJ's head back and the two boys engaged in a passionate kiss.
TJ reciprocated by grabbing a handful of Evan's hair and pulling the boy's head back. The movement gave TJ perfect access to the smooth and highly sensitive nipples he so enjoyed sucking and tonguing. As TJ bit down on the young nipple, Evan cried out in pleasure. The youths had found a place where they could indulge their pleasures without worrying about anyone else. At least, they thought they had; neither of them was aware that Daniel was nearby.
Daniel smiled as he watched the boys express their love for one another. It was well known throughout the camp the two boys were not only lovers, but were totally committed to each other. It was a running joke that the two teens were the only ones in camp who could give the young twins a run for the title of champion of the sex fiends. It was rare to see one of the boys without the other by his side. They were always touching and playing with each other. Daniel often watched them in camp without the boys realizing he observed them. They personified the carefree and easy going life Daniel wanted all the boys to feel.
Thinking back, Daniel had to smile when he remembered how Evan had fallen prey to the cyber vulture. Evan was so naïve and frightened. He thought life as a slave in a sex show was better and would be happier than as a free boy. The mistake had come close to costing the boy his life. Daniel knew that if he ever lost a boy like that again, the only thing he would do differently would be to be more aggressive and put more public pressure on the kidnappers. He also remembered that the reason they had found Evan was the chip in his neck. Daniel then remembered he needed to have the newer boys chipped before they went to the resorts.
The teens were in their own world. A light coating of sweat glistened on their youthful, well-tanned bodies. Both boys acted ravenous, unable to taste and feel enough of the other. They had made love together so many times that they instinctively knew where to touch their lover to elicit the erotic sounding moans; both loved hearing the other beg for more. Locked in another passionate kiss, tongues dueling with the other for entry and supremacy, Daniel noticed that Evan had begun to rock back and forward in TJ's lap and knew that Evan had impaled himself on TJ's boyhood. It was Evan's turn to tease and torture his lover.
Daniel knew he should leave, but the picture of innocent pleasure was almost too much. He remembered how his own father had beat him with a belt and tied him up in the basement. His own father had told him he was the scum of the earth because he was gay. Daniel didn't know if he was gay or not, he was too young to know. He and his friend were just curious; his father was broke and looking for an excuse to sell his only son into slavery; all for money. Daniel looked at TJ and Evan, two young boys caught up in their passion for one another, each only wanting to please the other and express their love. How could anything so simple, so natural, by two of the most beautiful creations on this earth, be wrong?
Society, an arrogant and supposedly pious society, had deemed it wrong. Love, the most special feeling that can be shared by two people, can only be pure. It was society's bigotry that tainted love. Yes, if you want to procreate, it takes a male and a female. Who says it is wrong for two people of the same gender to love one another? No one has the right to say one is good and the other bad. Daniel believed that; he believed the boys had a right to know and experience love. He let them be natural, the way it was intended.
Evan and TJ continued to consume each other. Evan's rocking motions became stronger and more rapid. TJ grasped Evan's hair and again attacked the young nipples. Evan cried out and begged his lover to finish him. TJ rolled the two of them over; Evan locked his legs around TJ's waist. TJ climbed on top and began to jackhammer his lover. Evan arched his back, whimpering, and pulled his hips up to meet his lover's thrusts. With eyes closed tight and gasping for air, Evan cried out, begging his lover to fuck him. Evan found release, shooting his nectar far over his head and then letting the trails settle on his stomach and chest; TJ soon followed. Daniel watched the boys and silently wished them well.
Daniel quietly moved away. He felt some remorse for not leaving the two boys earlier and spying on them. He felt pleasure at knowing the two boys truly loved each other and were not afraid to express that love. When the boys ran around naked, society said they ran free. Daniel knew the boys running naked meant they were physically free, but he also knew his boys were emotionally free to be themselves as nature intended. They didn't carry the burdens of guilt or shame for showing their bodies and expressing themselves honestly. For that, he did not feel remorse, but satisfaction and pride.
A lot of the boys began turning in early Saturday night. Daniel wasn't surprised. He saw the tired faces during supper and knew it would be an early night for many. Some would stay up later, but only a few. It wasn't just the kids that were tired either; many of the adults looked forward to settling down for the evening. Spending time with the kids was always fun, but often the adults had to return to work to recuperate.
Daniel spent part of his evening with Linda and Arthur. They talked about the kids, they talked a lot about Jeremy, how well he seemed to be adjusting, and when he might return to West Palm. Part of their time was spent talking about themselves. What did they want for their futures, what were their hopes and dreams? Linda and Daniel often spent part of their time together, usually during the latter part of the visit, reminiscing. When the memories started becoming a regular part of the discussion, Arthur excused himself to give mother and son private time.
Arthur strolled over to the dorms. The boys had quieted down considerably within the past few minutes which told Arthur many had gone to bed or were about to. Arthur had decided he wanted some special time with Jeremy. When he walked into the dorm the boys quieted down when they saw him. As the room grew quieter, several of the boys looked around to see why. Jeremy smiled when he turned around on his bed where he sat cross-legged and saw Arthur. Arthur returned the smile and extended a hand. Jeremy immediately got to his feet and trotted over to take the hand.
Man and boy walked outside. Arthur sat on a step to be at eye level to Jeremy. They didn't say much, they didn't need to. When Arthur put his hands on the Jeremy's back, the boy melted into him, wrapping his arms around strong shoulders. They just held one another. Words could not express what they felt or the emotions one conveyed to the other. Arthur pulled the boy back and looked straight into those hazel eyes that just sparkled. Placing a hand under each shoulder, Arthur picked the boy up and walked off.
Daniel could see Arthur outside. When he sat on the step and the boy and man hugged, Daniel pointed it out to his mother. The two of them sat, silently and watched. Arthur carried Jeremy across the courtyard; they stopped next to the pool. Setting Jeremy down, the boy only took a couple of steps back and watched Arthur as he undressed. When he was naked, Jeremy looked up and smiled. Reaching up with his arms, he was again carried to the edge of the pool. With one more step, man and boy shared a moment. Linda and Daniel watched and listened as the two interacted in the pool and bonded even more.
Daniel and Linda were not the only ones watching Arthur and Jeremy in the pool. Another boy, starved for affection and a father's love, watched as a tear of loneliness ran down his cheek.
End Ch Seventy-Six
To Be Continued
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