Ring in Mine #3: Nephi and Jerome: Chapter 62
I have been between jobs for a month now. I've been remodeling. It's time to get another job so I can relax.
In the 2019 Utah Legislative session. I bill was put forth to make subjecting a minor to conversion therapy a crime. The predominate faith didn't come out against the bill. While in committee the bill was replaced with one written in conjunction with the therapists and organizations in the business of "curing kids." Advocates say the edited bill would provide a "safe harbor" for conversion therapists, rather than banning the practice.
Utah remains one of the 35 states that have not addressed the issue of increased teen suicide caused by conversion therapy.
https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900058961/utah-conversion-therapy-bill-will-not-move-forward-heres-why-advocates-say-utah-gov-gary-herbert-turned-his-back-on-lgbtq-youth.html
I will get off my soap box long enough to post another chapter.
Remember that Nifty Archives is not in the business of making money. The opposite is true. If you can, please click on the link and donate. If you check the list you should find my name.
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Thank you, Zach for your editing skills and insights.
Chapter 62
The six-thirty double ring drew the compound from their beds. This would be the fifth morning Jerome had slept in his own bed. He was determined to help with the morning chores even if it was only helping the youngest with the chickens. Jerry enjoyed having his dad's help. Even recovering Jerome could carry the bags of food saving the young ones multiple trips with the buckets.
Watching the boys feeding the chickens Jerome made a decision. Now if he could force himself to follow through.
"Dad, is the doctor lady coming today?"
"Yes Jerry, she is coming today."
"Good! She can help with my problem."
Jerry wasn't forthcoming with any details of his problem. There had been a thaw for the last two days. Just after Jerry had put his eggs on the cart he slipped in the mud. Tears flowed. Jerome scooped his son up and placed him on the front seat of the cart.
Jerome drove to the main house and carried Jerry into the master bathroom. Jerome helped his injured and muddy son into his shower. Trying to wash the scraped knee, Jerome faced the same problem Adam had faced at the cabin.
Jerome stripped down to his loose black boxers and stepped into the shower. While washing Jerry's knee and elbows. Jerome felt a tentative finger run the length of one of his scabs. A muffled sob drew Jerome's attention.
"What's wrong? Did I hurt you?"
"You look like Stella did when she first came here. Has Adam been hitting you?" Jerry traced a healing line on Jerome's chest. "I'll call the police and they will take him away."
"No it wasn't Adam. When the men took me they let a crazy lady burn me. Adam has been taking care of me and I am getting better."
"Good, I don't want the police to take Adam away."
Adam entered hearing Jerry. "I'm glad the police aren't taking me away. Now step out here so we can get you dry and dressed. It's time for breakfast." Adam took care of Jerry as Jerome dried off. Jerome felt a little cheated. He hoped he could keep up his resolve until later.
Sandra had invited herself to breakfast. With the surprise honeymoon over it was time to rejoin the real world. Molly was at the hospital and wouldn't be home until noon.
"Doctor Sandra is my daddy getting better. He has burns all over."
The day they found Jerome by the front gate he had been in his winter coat. Sean had only seen the damage to his face. The family's attention was now on Jerome. Jerome stood and excused himself from the table. He didn't want to talk about it. A minute later the front door opened and closed. Adam stood and excused himself. The door opened and closed again.
All eyes switched to Doctor Sandra. "It's not for me to talk about. His injuries are extensive, but he is healing."
The silence around the table grew uncomfortable. All but the youngest were drawing parallels between Nephi and Jerome. Jerry broke the silence.
"Doctor Sandra, Neil wants you to find his brother. He says it's important."
"Where do I find Neil's brother?" Sandra asked.
"He's with Neil." Jerry spoke with a certainty the family had learned to not to question.
"Jerry, there is only Neil inside me." Sariah had asked her obstetrician and her couldn't find a second heartbeat.
"Doctor Sandra is special. Qayin found her, so she can find Neil's brother."
"What's Neil's little brother's name?" Rafe teased.
"He doesn't have one yet. Dad will have to choose one." Jerry announced.
After breakfast, the family watched as Sandra listened for a second heartbeat.
"I only hear one." Sandra declared.
"You are listening in the wrong place. You need to listen right here." Jerry pointed to a spot that wasn't ideal for hearing a baby's heart. Sandra humored the young boy.
"There are two heartbeats!" It was much softer than Neil's strong rhythm, but it was there. "When do you see your doctor again?"
Sandra wrote a prescription for iron and folic acid. Sariah promised to talk with her obstetrician. Jerry's job done, he led his age group out the door and toward the classroom leaving the adults to sort out all the details. When Sandra asked where she would find Jerome, the overall consensus was the sanctuary.
Doctor Sandra didn't find her patient in Nephi's place. She saw them through the front window of the old house. Adam held his sobbing partner in Mrs. Claus's rocking chair. She noticed the door into the kitchen ajar. "Maybe we should move. I don't want anyone to see me. I was never handsome, but now I'm ugly. How you can make yourself look at me?"
Adam admitted that night in the pool, he had been attracted by Jerome's beautiful body and big dick. "You're just like the perfect present on Christmas morning. The wrapping paper is great to look at, but it is the gift inside you treasure long after the paper is at the dump."
Adam pressed his lips to Jerome's. Jerome turned away. He remembered kissing a young man, an electric charge ran from one pair of lips to another. If he didn't cooperate he still felt the bite of the current, but worse.
Adam's kiss hadn't hurt. It was all in his head. Jerome turned back to Adam. Closed his eyes and raised his lips to Adam's, still filled with fear. When Adam lost control and ran his lips across Jerome's they parted without thinking. Jerome concentrated on the pleasurable feelings created by the simple act of tongues touching, ignoring the rest of the world. His body grew limp as his anxiety faded.
Sandra backed out of the house. There was a different healing going on in that rocking chair, a more important healing.
Sandra examined Jerome. "It's got to come out before there are complications."
"I'm not going to the hospital." Jerome pulled his clothes on. "I'll get the vet to do it first."
Sandra had scheduled a surgical center for the following day early in the morning. "We'll do the surgery under general anesthesia, and if all goes well, you be home in the afternoon."
After serious negotiating Sandra agreed to try a local pain block. Jerome wasn't willing to take a chance with being put under. "And Adam will hold my hand during the procedure."
Doctor Sandra checked with the surgical center and they were unwilling to take the chance of allowing non-medical personnel in the procedure room. Sandra offered to look for a facility that met Jerome's expectations.
Adam made a call to one of Julio's contacts at Tellerson. He promised Sariah a weekend getaway for watching the boys again. Marshall drove his charges to the airport and they boarded the smaller of the two Tellerson jets. It was a short flight to Palm Springs. The limo that picked them up at the airport was free from any advertising.
Out in the desert, away from the crowds of the city, the director of the prestigious medical retreat and spa met them at the car.
"Mr. Tellerson, it is good to see you again. I wish it were under better circumstances."
Adam had briefed Jerome on names and the history of the now famous facility. It had been the brainchild of the Doctor standing before him. He provided the idea and the day-to-day management, Grandpa Tellerson had provided the initial capital. He could have bought out the Tellerson shares long ago, but had realized working with Tellerson would simplify expanding. The clinic was a godsend when Grandpa Tellerson suffered with cancer.
The director showed them to a comfortable room that appeared more like a high-end hotel than a hospital room looking out into a glassed courtyard. Guests/patients lounged around a lap pool.
The spa treated those that required security and discretion away from the public eye. They dealt with a wide range of needs from alcohol and drug rehab to plastic surgery. For major surgeries often a specialist would operate here where their patient could recover in peace.
The security impressed Marshall. The guarded gate was a full mile away from the main buildings. The fences were substantial and electrified. He would stay at a resort of another Tellerson partner, more of an adult establishment. Marshall had plenty to read and a substantial per diem, courtesy of Jerome and Adam.
Tired from the flight, Jerome and Adam lay on the bed. Adam offered Jerome a kiss which Jerome accepted after a moment's pause.
They woke to a tap on the door. A full minute later the door opened. "May I come in?" The man's profession was obvious in his white lab coat and stethoscope. The urologist shared his name and background. He was a specialist from the hospital in town.
"I've looked at your medical records and I agree with your doctor in Salt Lake we need to address this problem now." After a brief examination of Jerome's damaged testicle, the doctor continued. "Since you don't want to be asleep, you don't have to be fasting. I have a procedure room reserved. We could take care of this now."
Adam pushed Jerome's wheelchair. Adam donned a set of surgical scrubs, gloves and mask. They had given Jerome a small dose of anxiety medication and a local pain block. Adam held Jerome's hand and talked while the doctor first opened Jerome's scrotum and examined his remaining testicle.
The doctor stopped to explain what he had done to one of a Jerome's favorite parts while his nurse finished stitching up. "It wasn't as bad as it could have been. I work on a lot of famous athletes, so I see more damaged testicles than most. I had to remove some of yours and stitched the rest up. We'll watch things for a week and check your testosterone levels."
Adam pushed his man back to the room. Jerome spent most of the afternoon with ice on his crotch. Another difference between the retreat and a hospital became obvious when a young man entered and handed them a menu. When was the last time a hospital offered butter poached trout or Alaskan salmon?
"I assume you will dine in your room. Your doctor suggests one of the highlighted items. He set the small table by the windows with linen, silver and even candles. The meal started with soup followed by an apple and spinach salad. After a cleansing hibiscus ice, the poached trout and asparagus found its way to the table. Jerome teared up at dessert. The tender flaky pastry reminded him so much of Nephi it hurt.
The waiter did not seem discomforted as Jerome lay his head against Adam's chest as they watched the sun set and the courtyard lights began their nightly vigilance. He entered once more with a fresh ice pack, taking the old one away.
"Would you kiss me?" Jerome didn't have to ask twice.
Their waiter/nurse served breakfast in bed. He had only one patient to look after. Jerome worried about the cost. Adam reminded him not to worry and not to ask. One of Jerome's medications was something for anxiety to make the next step easier
A social therapist spoke first with Jerome, then Adam and then the two of them together. She outlined a regimen of exercises to help break down Jerome's emotional roadblocks. The first session was right then. Both men were to remove their shirts. The therapy consisted with a lot of structured touching.
"Keep doing touching exercises throughout the morning." There was a tap on the door. "It's time for me to leave. That should be Dr. Rose, your dermatologist and plastic surgeon."
Dr. Rose was pleased with the healing sores. He added vitamin ointments to the treatment of regime. "Surgery might be needed down the road. For now we want to minimize the scarring. Have you ever tried to grow a beard? One would cover some of the worst damage."
After lunch a massage therapist accompanied the social therapist.
"This afternoon you will learn the basics of therapeutic massage. You're in for some intense training, no funny business." The social therapist left her charges in the care of their new instructor.
Adam lay on the massage table wearing only a pair of briefs as Jerome learned the muscles in Adam's back and how to best get them to relax. It was very clinical. Adam recognized the ulterior motives of the activity. Jerome was so focused on the lesson, he was touching Adam without anxiety. The hour went by quickly. Rolling Adam over would be for another day.
Because of Jerome's injuries the therapist worked with Adam on light touch massage techniques. Twenty minutes later two relaxed men sat on the comfortable couch in soft fluffy robes. Adam's arm wrapped around his partner. The massage therapist left soft spa' music playing. Each lost in similar thought, how lucky they were to have each other.'
The next morning the massage therapist arrived not long after breakfast. Adam was the first to show what he had learned the day before. The expert critiqued and made suggestions.
"Adam step into the bathroom and wash your hands." The therapist slipped Adam a note while Jerome was still on the table.
Adam emerged wearing only a towel. Jerome practiced his skills with the occasional prompt. He tried to keep his hands from reaching under the towel.
"Jerome, you need to do the upper thighs to relax the quads."
He jerked back when the back of his fingers brushed against Adam's balls.
"This isn't sex. Concentrate on the muscles."
Jerome finished repeating yesterday's exercise.
"Now we will work on his glutes." The teacher pulled aside Adam's towel. Before Jerome could react his teacher demonstrated new techniques on Adam's revealed muscles. He kept his comments and instructions very clinical, diverting Jerome's thoughts away from intimacy.
"After lunch I want the two of you to go walking. It's cold outside, so you are welcome to use the indoor track."
After lunch the nurse checked Jerome's incision site, declared it healing as expected, changed the dressing and provided clean support briefs. Dressed in loose sweats they headed to the indoor track. As they passed an outer door, a couple in heavy coats headed outside. There was no blast of cold air billowing into the building. Adam stepped outside. Adam hurried back into the room and returned with light jackets. They had an enjoyable walk hand in hand through the gardens. To someone in Utah the high 40s is balmy in the middle of winter.
The afternoon found Adam face down on the table again. Jerome worked on Adam. Adam turned over with the towel in place. Jerome began the process of working first on Adam's chest followed by his legs.
"Don't worry if you brush his stuff. This isn't sex. A penis isn't a muscle."
Jerome may not have been working that `muscle,' but Adam grew hard, anyway.
"Ignore it. Many guys get an erection during a massage. Say nothing just put the towel back in place. Let's work his temples."
Jerome's eyes kept returning to the tented towel. By the time Jerome had the current technique under control Adam was soft again.
They switched places and Adam repeated the process using the light touch technique he was learning. Jerome's wore the support briefs. Lying on his back, Jerome contemplated Adam's reactions. His thoughts led to a similar state of arousal.
"Tonight we are having a black tie evening in the dining room. We have clothes for you if you want to attend, or you can eat in your room. What will it be?" Jerome's nurse asked.
Jerome was tired of being in the room. His slacks were loose in the crotch and didn't irritate his healing balls. They sat with another couple. It was an effort to not ask for an autograph. It was difficult for Jerome to accept he may not be famous, but he was wealthy. Looking around there were many recognizable faces.
After dinner, clients of the establishment took turns entertaining the others. There was a famous comedian recovering from a severe car accident. He faced extensive plastic surgery, but wanted to try new material, about his current situation.
A concert pianist took the stage and earned a standing ovation. An author shared a short story that kept the audience enthralled.
"You should get up there and sing." Adam encouraged.
Jerome looked at one of his favorite recording artists sharing his table. He would never presume to perform for such a distinguished group. Then there were the healing sores on his face.
"Sing our song. Sing for me."
The woman performer spoke up. "Sing for us, Jerome. If you sing, I'll sing afterwards."
Jerome was nervous. His tablemate's partner was a guitarist. He knew `Time in a Bottle' and he agreed to accompany him.
The opening chords found Jerome rethinking his decision. With a final look at Adam glowing with love, Jerome closed his eyes and grew in confidence as he lost himself in the music. After the first couple of phrases Jerome opened his eyes and found his man. His performance transcended the music. Everyone in the room could feel the love.
As Jerome finished, the last note hung in the silence. What had he done wrong, shouldn't they applaud at least out of courtesy? Jerome looked first at Adam to find the glistening of tears. He found the same on every face.
"Sing another." His accompanist prompted. After a moment's consultation, they started `Unforgettable.' His famous tablemate joined in and sang the duet lines. This time the pair received a standing ovation. Jerome was sure it was because of the talent of his famous partner. She returned to the table. Jerome slipped out of the dining room. Adam noticed their attendant following his patient.
"Where did Jerome go? His voice is amazing. From the response of the audience, Jerome had triggered an ache deep inside of us all. Why doesn't he record his music?"
Adam thought for a minute. "Jerome doesn't have a lot of confidence." Adam touched his face. "This hasn't helped. I have to check on my partner."
Adam found Jerome getting his dressing changed. He stopped at the door and eavesdropped on their conversation.
"While you sang I could feel your longing and pain. I thought of who was important to me. If everyone was like me, they didn't know how to respond." The nurse finished his work. He took Jerome's hands in his. "Thank you for your gift. I hope I can find someone to love as much as you have loved."
Adam slipped back into the hallway and reentered the room. "It looks like you are ready for bed. Do you want to sit on the couch?"
Jerome lay with his head once again on Adam's chest. "Thank you for loving me. I don't think I could handle everything without you. I was singing to you tonight. Did I do all right?"
"You did well enough that our table mate wants to record a duet with you. She has time reserved in a studio in town." Jerome wasn't buying Adam's story. He couldn't let go of that drawn out silence.
Jerome fell asleep lying on Adam. He lifted his guy and carried him to bed. Adam thought he looked so cute wearing the soft cotton pajamas provided by the nurse. Adam sat on the edge of the bed cuddling his childlike partner. Kissing Jerome's forehead and singing softly, Adam rocked back and forth enjoying feeling Jerome in his arms. He wanted to be angry with the people who did this to his beloved, but refused to allow them to ruin this special moment. Lying in bed he spooned up behind Jerome holding him close.
Adam woke to the sound of breaking glass. The room usually lit by the soft glow of the courtyard's lights had been plunged into darkness. He reached for Jerome only to find his side of the bed vacant except for a sticky dampness. He fumbled with the bedside lamp knocking it to the floor.
Adam stumbled out of the bed stepping on the useless lamp. He picked it up and tried the switch again. He held his hand in front of his face. There was no change in the darkness. Using the bed and the nightstand to orient himself he set off across the room toward the light switch by the door his hands held in front of him. Adam encountered a human obstacle.
"Did you fags think you could hide from me?"
The figure held a dim flashlight under his chin, much like a child telling a ghost story. It was Jerome's father.
"I think your fairy boyfriend went for a midnight swim." Mr. Tellerson broke into laughter.
Panic struck. The flashlight pointed the way to the sliding glass door into the courtyard.
"I don't want you to cut your feet." More laughter set Adam's teeth on edge.
The shards of broken glass burst outward with blood on the glittering debris. The cloud cover broke filling the courtyard with the silver light of the full moon. Something floating in the pool filled Adam with dread. The dim courtyard path lighting came to life. The once cool blue glow of the underwater lights had changed to a grisly red. A figure dressed in cotton pajamas floated face down, lifeless.
Adam felt a hand grasp his shoulder and the bite of a knife at his throat. "I wouldn't want to separate a loving couple. There's room for two in the pool!"
Adam fell forward into the pool knowing he would soon be with his love.