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This story takes place in the same universe as `Ian's Extra Credit,' also available here on Nifty.
Phoenix House - Chapter 3
"Come on guys, get your asses moving, make sure you have everything." Blake rushes us along.
We spent most of the day packing everything Mike and Blake own into a small trailer attached to their car. Not much furniture, their place came furnished but these guys have a ton of clothes and books. One last look around to make sure all of our stuff is packed and we are out the door.
I'm really nervous, but it is a good nervous I guess. I ran from a couple of group homes and the thought still eats away at me but I get a really good feeling this time. Mike and Blake are really nice guys and have been really good to us. It is exciting because they have made us three boys part of this. We are not moving into some place that has its rules and regulations in place, never with any consideration to what kids like us have been through. One place noted that I was `sexually promiscuous.' Really? What the fuck did they expect, a nun?
Blake is one of us. That is a big part of what makes this feel so different. He shares with us his story. How he ended up on the streets, how he managed to survive for just over two years, and most importantly, how he got out.
Blake was at his lowest point. He had taken a bad beating and was laying in the ER. Broken. At first they didn't know if he would pull through. It didn't look good. Once he was able to talk again a police officer came to ask some questions about the assault. He was not like most cops that Blake had encountered before. Even after the interview he sat with Blake, talking calmly in an attempt to soothe some of Blake's unseen injuries. Day after day the same cop came to visit, bringing Blake little treats, magazines, comics. He had made numerous enquiries to the nursing staff and the child protection people. He knew that Blake was soon to be discharged. That worried him.
The day Blake was leaving the hospital he was sick to his stomach at the thought of another foster home. Somewhere else to run away from. Then his cop showed up, his smile even larger than usual. He and his wife were Blake's new foster parents. After a year with them the court terminated his birth parents parental rights and his foster parents became his parents. Adopted as a teen. One of the lucky ones.
Our drive takes about forty minutes on the highway. We are in butt fuck nowhere. Mike pulls up to a large gate with armed security guards. Okay, this feels wrong. Jesus are we prisoners? Before I get too panicked Blake, reading my mind, explains.
"Don't worry guys, the guards have your names and they will get photos of each of you. You are free to come and go as you please. They are here to protect the owner of the property. You do have to admit, it's kinda cool."
We travel along a lengthy, tree lined driveway. I have to admit it's pretty. I've never been out of the city and here it feels so different. So open. Everything is green. The fresh air entering the car is nothing like what I am used to. I breath it in deeply. Jesse and Skip, noticing my actions do the same. They too seem in awe of our surroundings. Then we see our new home. Dear god. This is how rich people live.
We are all excited as we climb out of the car, impatient to see the inside.
"Before we start moving stuff in let's give you guys a tour." Mike suggests leading us along the pathway.
"The door on the left is to our apartment. The door on the right is to your new home." as he unlocks the door and ushers us in. Holy fuck. They weren't kidding. I've seen places like this on TV but I've never been in a house like this. It is huge, Jesse almost wets himself when he sees the kitchen along with fully stocked pantry and freezers. The games room is full of beeps, bells and blinking lights from the machines. And no quarters needed. Yay!
They lead us downstairs to the pool and sauna. I have seen something like this in one of those ritzy hotels in the city. One of my tricks used to stay there and it had a pool like this. Skip and Jesse are beside themselves with glee, talking incessantly. Now time for the big reveal, our rooms.
We head upstairs each of us struggling to process that this is real. It feels like a dream.
"You are in #1, Bean. Jesse, you and Skip are in #2." Blake informs us. "Go ahead."
The guys enter their room and I open the door to mine. I pinch myself, still uncertain if I'm being pranked somehow. The room is spacious, full of light. A huge king size bed with the fluffiest pillows I've ever seen. The furniture looks like it belongs in a king's bedroom. The can is even more amazing. All marble, a shower that would hold six easily and a separate, huge bath tub. It's one of those old kind with the lion's feet and has gold taps. On the vanity are a selection of really expensive soaps, shampoos, deodorant, colognes, and all the things a kid could need in the bathroom. I throw myself on the bed. Oh dear god. My bed. I have a real bed again. And it is just me. I can't hear a thing from the next room. The building is stone so it's not like some cheap motel. I'm sure though that the boys are celebrating wildly.
I lay there and take a few moments to really understand the last few days. I'll admit, I was a bit scared. You know what they say about when things sound to good to be true. Mike and Blake didn't lie. It is all true. There are still people out there who give without any expectation of receiving anything in return. Like the people that own this place. Some guy with a ton of money and he isn't an asshole. Maybe he's some old guy that likes boys like us. Who knows? I doubt we'll get to meet him.
Liam, shit why is he in my head lately? I hadn't thought about him in a long time. But every time I do I still miss him. But he has a different life than mine. He has a family. I tried calling a few times but it's expensive. A dime can buy me other things. He answered one time but other than hello he didn't say a word. Before he had a chance I heard his dad's voice and then the phone was slammed down. Another time his dad answered and told me that Liam has a girlfriend and he never wants to see me or talk to me again. He thinks I'm perverted and going against the church and the Lord. Fuck him. How could he have turned on me? I hate him but fuck I miss him. He showed up in a dream the other night, well more of a nightmare. He was laying in a hospital bed, his face covered in bandages, tubes and wires everywhere. Beeps and boops constantly. I overheard a nurse say, `I don't think the poor kid will make it.' Then I woke up.
Shaking myself out of this I head downstairs. All of the guys are sitting in the kitchen, yammering on excitedly.
"So Bean? What do you think?" Blake asks.
"I think this must be what heaven is like. For real, though guys it is kind of hard to believe." I answer.
I see Jesse and Skip cuddling. Now they have a safe space to share. They are so cute together and it is so easy to see that they love each other. I loved Liam. I thought he loved me. I wish I had someone to share my room with. Fuck Eli, shit I haven't thought about my real name in so long. That was the name I carved in a tree in a park. Eli and Liam in a heart. I hope they chopped down that fucking tree.
"I was just telling the boys that there is no swimming alone okay? And nude swimming is fine." Blake tells me. Nice. The doorbell rings.
Blake opens the door to four boys, all dressed the same, holding a stack of pizza boxes.
"Hey, you must be Chris. Come in guys. Mike, boys, our neighbors are here and they brought pizza." Blake informs us.
They all head into the dining room and we follow. Blake introduces Chris, a cute little muffin, then Chris introduces Ian, tall and totally a top, you can just tell, Sammy who has a body that I could lick all day, and Steve. Fuck that red hair. Fuck me.
The pizza is great and the kids are too. They are really easy to talk to and don't seem judgey. Oh, I know why. They don't know how we ended up here. They probably think it is some kind of foster home thing. They don't know that we are three little whores.
"You didn't tell me there was a pool here," Mike says to Chris. Why would Chris know anything about that and why would Mike have been discussing this place with a kid?
"I didn't even know about the basement Mike. I'm as surprised as you are." Chris replies.
That kid looks really familiar. Where have I seen him? Oh fuck.
"Hey, hold on a second. You're the kid from the paper," I say.
Chris looks like he wants to be anywhere else but here.
"Yes Bean, this is Chris Buchanan. The guy that makes all this possible." Blake informs me.
"You really have a helicopter?" I ask excitedly. "I would love to fly in a helicopter."
Chris explains that his company builds helicopters and then says something I never thought I would hear from a rich kid. That he wants to be friends with us and doesn't want to be treated like a rich guy. He actually seems completely normal. And he is really cute. His eyes remind me of, fuck never mind. Then I realize that these kids know exactly how we got here. And not one dirty look. If this is what life will be like here then the future looks good.
I notice that Skip is playing with Chris. Skip has this look that melts even straight guys. I notice Chris staring at a string of cheese dangling from Skip's lips. Skip licks his lips and smiles. You have Jesse, Skip. Don't be greedy. Chris seems mesmerized.
Blake interrupts Chris' daydreaming and asks if there are any questions he has. He says there are not and the boys get up to leave, but not before Chris gives Skip another long look.
Blake returns to the dining room after seeing the boys out. "So what do you think of our neighbors?" he asks.
"They're really nice," Skip answers. "So Chris, the cute one, is the rich kid?"
"Rich? He has a fucking helicopter." I answer.
"Come on guys, you heard him, he doesn't want to be treated like most rich kids want. He just wants all of us to be friends and neighbors." Mike tells us.
"I think Ian is his boyfriend. Lucky fucker. Married into money." Jesse says.
"Guys, drop it okay? I know it is weird a kid his age and with the money and power he has. I thought someone was pulling a fast one on me when I first met him. This little guy. But I learned quickly that he is a man of his word and really wants to help. So stop thinking about him as the rich neighbor and just treat him the way you would any friend." Mike says.
"You're right, Ian is his boyfriend but Sammy and Steve are just two friends that Chris let's live with them because that is the kind of person he is. Steve's dad tried to kill him for being gay. God could you imagine what could be accomplished if there were more people like him? He told me he has more money than he could spend in a dozen lifetimes. Most people like that don't give away a dime. He is giving away millions.
Anyway, Blake and I are going to unpack and set up our place. You guys can do whatever you want. We'll see you in the morning."
"So guys, what do you want to do?" I ask them.
"Well, I think we are going to turn in early Bean. It will be nice to get a really good sleep. I might take a bath first. Did you see the size of the tub?" Jesse says.
"Oh, okay then, I guess I'll just go watch TV in my room." I say, feeling a bit off.
We all head upstairs and exchange hugs before entering our rooms. A bath. That sounds like a great idea.
I turn on the tap and adjust the temperature of the flow. One of the bottles on the vanity says it is a bubble bath so I pour a couple of caps-full in. The smell brings me back to my old bedroom at home. There was a huge lilac tree just outside my window. Fuck I can't believe it has been two months since I slept in my own bed. It was always someone else's bed or whatever I could find to get comfortable. I take time to just take in my room. I have a room again. I can put up those posters I wanted. This is my space and it feels so good to have it I begin crying more than I have in quite some time.
But the reason for the tears is more complicated than that. I pick up my sketch pad and turn to my most recent drawing. Why? Why after all this time? Liam. The face I remember. The first boy I kissed. And I was his first too. He was not sure if he was gay or not but he said that if he was going to find out it would be with me. We never got very far. I felt in my heart though that we would be together, madly in love. I don't allow myself to think that way anymore. About anyone.
The memory of my last night in my old bedroom hits me like a punch to the gut. One moment out of my life. But that moment was both the best moment of my life as well as the worst. How is that even possible? When I walked out that door I knew I would never see my home again. I didn't realize at the moment it meant I would never see Liam. The only boy I could ever love. But it's okay. I can have sex with hot boys, like Chris, he's cute, but fuck relationships. They just turn on you.
I take a look in the full length mirror. I think I look okay. A bit skinny maybe. I mean I've always been slim but I look a bit boney in places now. Well, with Jesse cooking I'm sure that will be taken care of soon. I wish I were cuter though. I never really liked my face. Kind of funny looking. Oh well.
I climb into the tub and let the hot water envelope me. It feels incredible. So relaxing. I play with the bubbles, something I haven't done since I was little. Why do we stop doing fun things? I remember my dad putting some foam on my nose when I took a bath. He wasn't always like he is now. He was always religious but he really `found god,' when I was six, and that is when my life started going to hell. I wonder if he thinks about me? I wonder if mom does? Do they even care? Does Emma miss me? What do they tell her about me? What would have happened if I said yes to my father's demands? Would life have been better or worse? I'll never know. I made my decision and yes, I still think about it a lot but I'm proud that I stayed true to myself. It hurt more than anything but it was the right thing to do.
My whole body feels like it is floating on a cloud. I'll bet the guys are fucking like nuts next door. What would it be like to do all those things I've done with tricks but with someone I love? Does it feel different? Yeah I've sucked a lot of cock but it was never like it felt with Liam. With Liam, making him happy made me happy. With a John I just want to get it over with as quickly as possible. So I guess I just answered my own question. It does feel different. Well for me at least. I wanted Liam to be my first for everything. To take my virginity. That's long gone.
Finally I climb out of the deep tub, dry off and put on the big fluffy bathrobe hanging on the door. I feel like someone important. Like I have value. Kind of stupid I guess. I take another look in the mirror. It's not like I'm ugly, at least I don't think so, but I just wish I looked different. Maybe not so much like my dad.
I had planned to watch some TV but instead I find myself working on my sketch of Liam again. Adding subtle touches of color to his eyes, his lips. God I loved kissing him. Why that moment? Why? A few more minutes and nothing would have happened. It was inevitable I guess. But yeah, kissing Liam was...ohhh...I can't even put words to it.
He was really hesitant at first but it didn't take long before he was as enthusiastic as I was. He has the softest lips and his mouth tastes really good. His tongue has a lot of talent but we never got to explore what else it could do. Fuck. I find myself drawing with one hand and stroking with the other. A bit of spit to lube up. I fucking love you Liam. I guess I understand why you hate me. I'm sorry I made you do those things. Well, that caused my dick to deflate rapidly. Shit. I took that in the wrong direction.
I don't know how I even feel about him anymore. One second I love him the next I hate him. I'm being selfish. I should just let this go and hope that he has a happy life. He deserves it.
I jump into the huge bed and wrap myself in the soft sheets and blankets. I'm really quite happy. I'm safe, fed, clothed, housed. I have friends and a couple of caring father figures. I have it better than a lot of kids. I have to let the past go and maybe, just maybe one day I will fall in love again. I doubt it but anything is possible. Anything..
I yawn and stretch my arms, opening my eyes to a flood of light through the window. God, it's morning already? I don't even remember falling asleep but damn, that was the best sleep I think I have ever had. I put on the robe again and make my way down to the kitchen.
Jesse is already there making a big breakfast for us all. Mike is setting the table.
"Good morning guys," I say with happiness in my voice.
"Morning Bean," Jesse says giving me a hug.
"Good morning Bean. Sleep well?" Mike inquires.
"Better than ever." I reply
"Yeah those beds are amazing." says Skip, finally coming down the stairs.
It is then I notice we are all wearing our bathrobes. They are cozy and why bother getting dressed for breakfast?
"Just about ready. Bean, will you go and get Blake? He is swimming some laps in the pool."
"Sure thing," I say heading down to the basement.
The smell of the pool water hits my nose half way down the steps. I can hear the splashing sounds made by Blake as he swims his laps. I come around the corner and see Blake swimming powerfully, the strength in his upper body very evident.
"Hey Blake, breakfast time." I yell.
He swims up to where I stand and climbs out of the pool, dripping wet and stark naked. This is the second time. I can't help but ogle his outstanding build, gorgeous face and that thick plug of a cock. He definitely notices. The front of my robe is tenting out. He either doesn't care or maybe he kind of enjoys the effect he has on me. Drying off and putting on his robe he follows me up the stairs.
We sit down to a delicious and very filling breakfast. Feeling full is something new for the three of us. I notice Mike and Blake watching us with an amused expression.
"Slow down guys," says Blake. "You will choke." Did he just give me a wink? "No one is taking your food and there will always be more than enough. Remember guys, we want you to relax and begin enjoying your lives again. The way kids are meant to."
The three of us look at each other and begin to grin. He's right. We don't even take time to enjoy our food. We slow down to a normal pace. This is nice. Feeling relaxed is something that has eluded us for a long time. The three of us are going to have to work on being normal kids again. I mean we'll never really be normal. You can't have done the things we have and be anything close to a typical kid. But at least we can work, with the help of our new dads, to put our past behind us and focus on a better future. Blake is the perfect example of a man. Shit, thinking with the wrong head again. Blake is the perfect example of one of us, who with the help of caring adults, became someone with meaning and value. He carries himself with pride. He earned it. I will too.
After breakfast the five of us take a nice, leisurely walk around the grounds of this beautiful home. Down in front is what looks like a racetrack. That's odd. I wonder what this house used to be? We walk to the gatehouse where the guards take our photos to make it easier for us to get into the property. On the return journey I think how park like this place looks, there is even a small stream that bubbles through. This is where I live now. And you know what? I like it. I didn't think I would. But this is nice. Fuck, "oh my fucking god."
I leave the guys behind me as I make a mad dash to our home. Running up the stairs to my room I grab my sketchbook. Furiously flipping though the pages until. Fuck. The drawing I was working on before I was tossed out. I rip it out of the book and run back downstairs, arriving outside just as the others arrive.
I turn and look back at the house, holding my drawing up beside it. Blake sees it and seems perplexed. Meanwhile I am in a total state of shock.
"When did you have the time to do that Bean? It's very detailed and you captured the house perfectly. Did you do that sometime today? No you couldn't have. This took time." Blake says, confused.
"Blake, guys, I know you won't believe this, I don't myself. I drew this when I was still living with my parents. Before I ever knew this place existed. I don't know how I did this. It was all in my imagination. A place I dreamed of living some day. I had forgotten about it because, well, in my dream I shared it with someone special and he lives in a different world now."
"But Bean, it's perfect, it looks like you drew over a picture of the place. Down to the plaque beside the door." says Skip with his signature smile.
The plaque beside the door. I look more closely at what I drew from my dreams months ago. I feel a shiver come over me. I'm genuinely freaked out. On the plaque in my drawing I had sketched a bird below the words `The Phoenix.' My pulse rate increases, causing pale me to blush. This is seriously creepy.
Once inside I tell the guys the story behind my drawing, the place of my escape, to disappear from the world and live my life with someone I loved. Mike is studying the drawing with a look of astonishment. Blake shares a similar look.
"This is a bit weird Bean. I mean if it was just a general idea then I could see it being coincidence but whatever this is, it is more than coincidence. I'm totally at a loss to try and explain this. You're sure you've never been here before? No of course you haven't. Maybe you have a gift of some sort Bean. Can I discuss this with some of my colleagues? This is intriguing." Mike asks.
"Of course Mike. If you figure it out let me know. I'm kinda creeped out but I do like the drawing." I tell him.
"Let's get it framed and put it up. It is a unique work of art with a unique story." Blake suggests.
That felt so nice to hear. Even my parents wouldn't put my sketches up. Unless they were of Jesus. Jesus!
"Well guys, Blake and I have some business to attend to in the city and then a friend's birthday dinner. We should be home around ten tonight. You are in charge Bean, you hear that boys?" They nod in agreement.
Our dads leave through the door that connects their apartment with the rest of the house. That leaves the three of us to fill the day. We decide to start with pinball and arcade games, playing for almost three hours. None of us is very good. We couldn't afford to waste money on games. But we all improved in the time we were in there so we'll get better.
"How `bout a swim?" asks Skip.
"Great idea, let's go." says Jesse.
The three of us run down to the pool, tossing our robes on a chair before diving in. We swim a bit but it is mostly teenage horseplay, each of us taking turns being tossed around. The room echoes with laughter. And it is genuine. The joy is showing in each of us. This is what it is like to have fun with friends and not have to worry about, well, everything. We climb out and head to the sauna. Within minutes we are dripping with sweat, shiny. Both Jesse and Skip have their eyes closed, heads back. It is then that I take the opportunity to get a good look at Skip and he is one tasty looking snack. Tight body, flawless skin, not a hair on him except for a bit on his legs and a bush around his hard, seven inch, chubby cut cock. He's quite a small guy so it looks out of proportion on him. I bet he tastes good.
Another few minutes and then back to the pool. I could get used to this. I am getting used to this.
I Hope Mike and Blake are enjoying their friends party as much as we are enjoying our evening here.
Meanwhile in the city:
"What a great party, and Darlene looks amazing. Hard to believe she's fifty." Blake says to Mike as they return to their parked car.
"She's fifty, her face is new." Mike replies.
"Don't be a bitch Mike." Blake says teasingly.
Suddenly a boy appears running out of an alleyway and directly into them.
"Help, my friend is hurt and he needs help. He's in here. He's hurt really bad." the kids pleads with the guys.
Blake and Mike run, following the kid as he leads them to his friend who is laying on the ground, badly beaten, his face already swelling and bruising. This happened awhile ago. "How long has he been here?" Blake asks turning to the kid, only to find him gone. At least he tried to get help for his buddy.
"We've got to get him to the hospital." Mike says. "I'll bring the car around."
Once the kid is loaded into the back seat they set off down the road.
"Wait Mike, Jim's house is just around the corner." Blake says reminding Mike that their friend, an ER doctor and trauma surgeon lives nearby.
Moments later they are ringing Jim's doorbell. It takes him only a moment to open the door.
"Hey Mike, Blake, fuck who's this," looking at the boy we were essentially carrying between us. "Get him inside, to my office." Jim insists.
We bring the boy to the office just as he seems to becoming more aware. We explain to Jim how we came across the kid. We leave the room so Jim can examine the little guy.
After a quick exam Jim calls us in.
"This is one lucky kid. Nothing broken, no life changing injuries as far as I can tell. He's going to be sore for awhile. I can give you some meds for that, and to help with the swelling. I can tell you this though. Not sure what they used but that kid has been drugged. His pupillary response is totally off. He can't form coherent words yet. I think he'll be fine but he is going to need some rest. Do you know if there is a place that could take him?" Jim asks.
"Yeah, we do." Mike says filling Jim in on their new project.
"That's great guys, good on you. Any time you need a doctor just give me a call. Happy to help. I understand sometimes hospital visits can cause nightmare situations for kids like this. Bring in a John Doe, a kid. You don't even know his name."
Then the guys hear a soft, quiet voice. "Blue. My name is Blue." as the kid falls asleep.
"Let me help you get him into your car. Here Mike, take these pills with you." Jim says.
In a few minutes they are on their way home to us. We're now up to four boys in just a couple of days.
"I wonder if any of the boys know Blue? He worked a different area of town, miles away so they may not have run across each other. It may be best to put him in Bean's room for the night. We don't want him to wake up at three a.m. and not know where he is. Or to wake up next to an adult." Mike suggests.
"Good idea and Bean is a bit of a nurturer. I think it will be a good opportunity to give him some responsibility. Shit Mike, look at his face. He looks like a real cutie under that. If I had a fucking gun. Fuck the gun, if I found the guy that did this I would strangle him with my bare hands and take such joy in watching his life leave his worthless body." Blake says seething with anger.
They pull up at the gate house. Blake steps out of the car.
"Mind if I borrow your phone?" he wants to call the house to let us know we have an addition. They don't want to surprise us with this.
The guard waves him into the hut and Blake makes the call.
"Hello," I answer.
"Hey Bean, Blake. We're at the gatehouse. We have another boy with us. He's been drugged and beaten pretty bad. Is it okay if he bunks with you tonight? We don't want to leave him alone."
"Yeah, of course. I'll see you in a couple of minutes." I reply.
I fill in the boys. Jesse goes to open the door.
Oh god the kid's poor face. He is swollen, puffy, black and blue. He looks like he hasn't eaten in days. His eyes only slits barely able to open. Skip and I help him to my room. He's probably hungry but right now he needs rest more than anything. We lay him on the bed and soon I hear quiet snoring. I just sit and watch. This was me not long ago. I get what Blake means. It would be a freak out to wake up in a strange place alone.
I get a wet washcloth from the bathroom and wipe the dirt, grime and blood off of his face, being very gentle as he must be very sore. I think this is the first time I've seem someone's face beaten so badly I can't tell what the person looks like.
I head in to take a shower, taking my time and enjoying the feeling and sound of the water. I dry off, robe up and go lay on the bed beside this kid. What is his story? How did he end up here? He stirs, snorts and begins to awaken from his nap. He turns towards me, struggling to be able to see. His head tilts.
"Eli? Is that, is it, is it really you Eli?" he asks in a gravely, quiet voice. Struggling to get out his words.
How does he know my name? My real name. I don't know this kid. We've never met. His eyes manage to open a bit more as he tries to sit, groaning with each movement. Then I see it. The sparkling blue of his eyes. Oh god. How?
"Liam?"