Ring in Mine #3: Nephi and Jerome: Chapter 17
Chapter 17 begins a sequence of four related chapters. There are some real crazies in these chapters. Though the names have been changed and the incidents seem impossible or at least improbable, are based loosely on individuals and situations that really exist or happened.
I will try not to be delayed on posting chapters. I am still suffering from periods where I can't build a coherent sentence. Zach my editor is a real asset helping me get my writing into a form I can post. Thank you for your emails asking about how I am doing. I am doing better, most of the time.
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Note: DFS, Division of Family Services is an excellent organization that does a lot of good. Sadly with 30 years teaching experience I have learned, just as any organization, they have their crazies that go beyond their job description and begin working from their own agendas.
Note #2: Jerry has a special spot in my heart. If I find any of my characters trying to hurt him, I promise to go to the previous chapter and run over that character with a car before I would let them succeed.
Nephi & Jerome Chapter 17
After the New Year's celebration Jerry came home from Donny's house, head down and shuffling his feet.
"What's wrong?" Jerome asked.
Nephi helped Jerry off with his coat. "Jerry is just a little sad. Donny goes back to preschool tomorrow."
Over macaroni and cheese Jerry looked at Jerome and announced. "Dad, I want to go to school. There are kids, and toys, and they get to paint with their fingers."
When Jerome didn't answer fast enough, Jerry turned to Nephi. "Daddy Nephi, they learn numbers and ABC's and sharing."
Jerry looked back to dad number one. "They learn songs and words."
Jerry's attention returned to dad number two. "Don't you want me to learn?"
"I think our little boy is too smart for his dad's." Nephi looked at Jerome.
Jerome produced a backpack filled with crayons and school stuff. "I guess you need to go to bed early so you'll be ready for school tomorrow."
Jerry had hugs for his two smart dads. There was no complaint at bed time. His dads knelt by Jerry as they listened to his evening prayers. Jerome read a book about a boy's first day at school and tucked his boy in bed.
Jerome and Nephi knelt by the edge of their bed. They held hands. It was Nephi's turn to pray. Praying together every night is something they started that night after Christmas. They liked how close praying together made them feel.
"I think shorts will be in order tonight." Jerome suggested. Nephi and Jerome settled under the covers. Nephi was nibbling Jerome's ear.
"Daddy, I can't sleep." Nephi lifted the blanket. Jerry climbed over Nephi and between the lovers. "I love you daddy." Jerry kissed each dad and settled in their shared love.
A retired kindergarten teacher in the congregation ran a preschool. Her basement featured a classroom and play area. Both daddies walked their son to his first day of preschool. It was a quick kiss and a hug for each dad. Jerry was off to make new friends.
"I will miss him this morning." Jerome sighed.
"Not if I can help it." Nephi promised. As they turned to leave, they heard Jerry field a question.
"Those are my two daddies." Jerry announced.
"Where's your mom?"
"She is in Germany." Jerry pulled the picture book about Germany out of his backpack. The door closed behind them. Nephi hoped that was as far as the conversation went.
At home Jerome closed the blinds and Nephi locked the connecting door to upstairs. They didn't need Paula making a surprise visit. Jerome dropped to his knees and fumbled with Nephi's zipper.
"You're going commando. Aren't you afraid of catching that monster in the zipper?" Jerome asked.
"You would have to kiss it to make it feel better." Nephi suggested. "Yes, just like that." As Nephi neared his orgasm, he pulled Jerome to his feet. Kneeling at Jerome's feet he chose not to comment on Jerome's lack of underwear. He kissed it better just in case. When he felt Jerome reaching the edge he backed off.
"Let's head for bed." Nephi suggested. Both took brief stops in the bathroom.
"I think it's my turn." Jerome announced. With Nephi on his knees Jerome dove into the beautiful hole before him. He thought for just a moment. "I guess I am over convincing myself I'm not gay."
Nephi was squirming trying to drive more of Jerome's tongue into the dark space. "Do it! Put it in me!" he panted.
"I don't think so. Not yet." Jerome climbed onto his knees. His desire was clear. Nephi returned the favor until Jerome was begging to move to the next step.
"Nope, I don't think so either." Nephi pulled Jerome into a heavy kiss. Hands were flying everywhere except down there.
"I wish it worked like a 69." Jerome gasped.
"It doesn't; put that monster in me now." Nephi fell on the bed pulling his knees to his chest. Jerome gave in to his lover but quit just before his orgasm. He took the same position and Nephi slid deep inside his friend and lover. Jerome shot all over his stomach. The extra contractions pushed Nephi over the edge.
Laying side-by-side Nephi broke the silence. "We should see to the tractor your dad trashed."
"Or we can fill the tub and try for round two." Jerome left to start the water without waiting for Nephi's answer.
Soaking while running their hands over each other's bodies. The phone rang. They ignored it. The second time it rang the caller left a message.
Beep! "Nephi we have a problem at school. I need you to come get Jerry." Beep!
They rinsed off the bubbles, dressed and drove the two blocks to the pre-school. Angry mothers and a half-dozen ruffled looking kids greeted the unsuspecting pair. Jerry had a towel pressed to his head. Blood was showing through. Donny didn't look much better; he would have a black eye.
"It looks like my child is the only one bleeding. What happened?" Nephi demanded.
Donny spoke up first. "Tommy said Jerry's dads were fags. When Jerry said nothing. Tommy called Jerry a fag and threw a block and hit Jerry in the head. It had blood coming out. I called Tommy a girl. Only girls throw things; boys hit. So I hit him in the stomach."
"That's pretty much it. Some children sided with Donny and some with Tommy. I was taking care of Jerry's head and Tommy came up to Jerry and called him a fag again. Jerry kicked him down there. I'm not sure how I will handle this problem." The teacher was at her wits end.
"While you decide, Jerome and I are taking our son to the doctor's." Nephi looked at Tommy's mother, Sister Johnson. "I assume you will foot the medical bills since your son threw the block."
Tommy Johnson was the son of one of the local church leaders. They were newer to the area. "I am not paying the bills for Tommy doing what's right. I am sure my husband won't let you use the church for your Kazoo Day this year either."
The pediatrician had no open appointments. Nephi and Jerome took Jerry to the emergency room. Donny's mom drove up in her big station wagon. Someone from DFS arrived insisting this was a case of child abuse. Donny told the lady the whole sorted story. Donny's mother explained that Jerome and Nephi were business partners and shared an apartment under Paula's watchful eye. Jerome's attorney arrived. The DFS lady was about to take Jerry into protective custody pending an investigation. He was crying. Donny was crying. Jerome and Nephi were beside themselves. The first visitor arrived.
"What is going on here?" Chief Thompson asked seeing the confusion and sad faces.
"This is not a good home for this young man. I am taking him into protective custody." The overbearing official announced.
"Not so fast. Jerry lives in a loving home with his parents and grandparents." The Chief responded.
"That is not your decision to make. He is going with me."
The Chief picked up his radio. "There is a blue car from DFS in the space reserved for police use. Ticket it! Tow it! While you're at it search it."
"You can't do that!" She demanded. "You can't stop me from taking him out of a dangerous situation."
"But I can." A very distinguished gentleman arrived with his son.
"Hi Donny. Hi Jerry." The little boy greeted his friends. "I told my dad that Tommy's mom said his aunt was coming to take you away from your daddies."
"Mrs. Johnson you have overstepped your authority. There is no evidence and have ignored due process. I am ordering an investigation into all the children you have taken into protective custody. I've overturned far too many of them. Do you understand?"
"Yes! Judge, but this child is living with two homosexuals." Mrs. Johnson said with fire still in her eyes.
"Chief will you serve Mrs. Johnson?" The Judge asked handing him a bundle of papers. "Chief don't search the car until I sign a warrant."
"You can't do this." She insisted.
"You and your superiors are to appear in my chambers tomorrow morning at 8:00. Your current worry is your car. It was leaving the parking lot behind a tow truck. Your superiors will love that."
"I am not done with this." Mrs. Johnson stormed out of the emergency ward.
"Is Jerry going to be all right?" The Judge asked. "Bryce is still asking when he can have another sleepover at Paula's house."
"Daddy can we have a sleepover?" Jerry perked up. Jerome nodded yes. The boys were busy planning a sleepover at Jerry's house.
"Maybe this weekend." Jerome suggested to the judge.
"Mrs. Johnson is vindictive. I've blocked them here but I have no say in your congregation. If her family is anything like her, things may get too hot at church for you. Remember you are welcome to come to Mass. The priest and congregation have sung your praises after you plowed the parish's parking lot. We aren't a wealthy parish and every bit helps."
Jerome looked at Nephi. "I saw the condition of their lot on Christmas Eve. I plowed their parking area the day your dad went crazy.
"Make Marie a joint guardian with Jerome. Have the paperwork in place before tomorrow's meeting with DFS." The judge suggested to the boys' lawyer. "I want Power of Attorney paperwork so Nephi may make decisions about Jerry in an emergency.
At home there were half a dozen ladies including the preschool teacher sitting around the kitchen table. "The kids are downstairs watching Disney." Paula announced. Donny and Jerry went downstairs to join their friends.
"Sister Johnson held a preschool parents' meeting. She had convinced more than half to remove their kids if Jerry stays in the class." The teacher explained. "She asked to see the business license for the school. I can't afford to make the changes they would require and since my husband died last summer, I need the extra money to pay off the credit card bills I didn't know about until after he died. Sister Johnson offered to have the upgrades done and even pay for the license for a few concessions down the road."
The teacher looked at the table uneasily. "I had no choice. You know how vindictive and influential that political group she's in can be. The Forum's leader sits in the gallery while the State Legislature is in session. When she picks up her phone the legislators quake in their boots. Many local officials also ask how high when the Forum says jump."
Nephi thanked her for caring enough to tell him in person. He graciously saw her to the door.
"What are we going to do? Now that Sister Johnson is in control she will dictate the curriculum. I'm not sure I want Donny to attend a school run by the Forum. One of their mottos is: We vote the way God would if He knew what we know!!" The parents around the table agreed with Donny's mother.
"I've thought of moving since she moved next door. They moved into the area and within a month Brother Johnson was the Stake President." Bryce's mother looked from face to face. There were some puzzled faces. "I'm sorry. A Stake President is over an area's congregations."
The puzzled looks shifted to understanding nods. One woman had a question. "How can you believe in a church with a leader like that?"
Paula answered. "The Church is true. Its leaders are fallible people. What are we going to do about a preschool for our children? It needs to accept people's differences."
Mary spoke up. "I talked with Marie. Her basement would make a great preschool. It has good light. Direct access to the fenced yard. It has its own kitchen and bathroom facilities. We can't open until we have a business license. We need to dot every I' and cross every t' so we won't give the Forum any way to shut us down."
Nephi made a quick call. "Benny says Peter and Sons can donate $500 to get things started. He is sure he can roundup more donations if we would will accept kids with gay parents. He is calling Leonard to get his opinion."
Donny's mother had the make or break question. "Where do we find a teacher?"
Marie answered the question. "Mary's husband pulled strings and had Mary fired from her job. He is also a member of the Forum. Mary has a degree in early childhood education and is a certified teacher."
Benny made a call and the Fire Marshal arrived the following morning to look at the space. Nephi wondered just how many people Benny knew.
The Fire Marshall approved the ceiling heights and lighting. It was important the outside doors need to opened outward and have crash bars. He left a list of modifications to make.
Jerome was back at school getting into the new quarter. The lawyers were taking care of the licenses. Nephi and Luke made the required changes. Under Mary's watchful eye they set up the short tables, play area and all minutiae required in a well-outfitted preschool. The `minutiae' would be a going concern as of Monday.
Things weren't going as well for Mrs. Johnson the DFS Caseworker. The officers hadn't released her car yet. Using the search warrant, they found a handgun she wasn't licensed to carry and a notebook outlining cases where she had used her position in the DFS to further her religious goals including the stories she created in many of those cases. Leonard was representing the District Attorney's office. The judge had called the Governor. They belonged to the same Country Club and often played golf. A member of the Governor's staff was also in attendance.
The DA's office promised to investigate DFS Caseworker Johnson for perjury. The State DFS people weren't happy. When you have skeletons in the closet, the last thing you need is a nosy housekeeper.
"We can't tell you how to run your department, but it is time to clean house. Imagine if the media learned that a member of your staff was using your office to further their own religious agendas. No one would trust your office."
Mrs. Johnson wasn't given the opportunity to clean out her desk. Her coworkers weren't sad to see her go. She had bullied many of them to follow her lead. She was the type to learn secrets about people and then manipulate them. Her belongings were waiting at the reception desk. Mrs. Johnson would be on paid leave during the investigation. She left vowing revenge.