Ring in Mine #3: Nephi and Jerome: Chapter 19
Chapter 19 continues the 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.
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I do not find it odd that as over zealous / self-serving individuals seem to be pushing Nephi and Jerome from the church, they are growing closer to their God. Not everyone believes in a God, but Nephi and Jerome do.
A Promise: 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 19
With the new client list the company would have more plowing to do than Nephi could handle on his own. Jerome offered to skip classes on snow days but Nephi refused the offer. If it snowed, one of his summer guys would meet Nephi at the storage garage and they would split the rounds. Nephi would pay him in cash so it wouldn't mess up his unemployment.
Jared and Drake would resume servicing the neighborhood clients if it ever snowed. They would continue plowing the chapel's walks because of Paula. Paula wanted to attend the local congregation because of her friends. The Bishop invited Nephi to attend the ward. They were welcomed warmly by nearly all the congregation. There were a few that ignored them.
Sister Johnson chose the foyer after the combined meeting for the biggest possible audience to raise her concerns ignoring the concept of reverence in the Lord's house. "Just as Jesus drove the moneylenders from the temple who will take up the lash and drive these sinners from the House of God? Do you want your children to be gay?"
In a soft reverent voice Nephi responded. "Unlike hate and bigotry being gay isn't catching."
The boys turned to take their son to Primary class. Brother Johnson and two other men barred the hallway. "You are not members; you are not allowed here!"
"Church policy states that reverent excommunicated members are welcome to attend meetings. They are to refrain from participating in any ordinance of the church." Jerome answered. Benny had talked with one of his many friends.
"Sodomites like you should be stoned and submitted to the cleansing flames just like the city you are named for!" Sister Johnson shouted.
Jerry began to cry. There were shocked faces throughout the ward members witnessing the spectacle. "I apologize for causing this disturbance on your holy day of worship." Nephi looked at his many friends and supporters. "Ninety-five percent of people are good, caring and respect their fellow man. Why is it the five percent, the crazies whether conservative or liberal, overshadow the good deeds of others?"
Nephi picked up the sobbing boy, holding his precious son to his chest. The three turned and left through the front doors. Many of the ward members followed to extend their apologies and friendship. No longer feeling the spirit some chose to go home rather than return to the building. There were many visitors that stopped by during the week to show their support.
On Friday evening the ward leaders, dressed in their dark suits and white shirts, sat with Paula. They had called earlier in the week. Paula had told them that her boys and their son would be on a family movie night. Nephi had waved to the men sitting in their car as they drove first for pizza and then a movie.
"Paula, we think it would be best if Nephi and Jerome did not return to the ward. Somehow our superiors are under the impression that the boys started the shouting."
"You know better. Your superiors were the ones shouting. My boys never raised their voices." Paula locked eyes with the bishop. He finally looked to the floor.
"I saw you parked down the street. I can't believe that you wouldn't tell them yourselves. You cannot shake my faith in God or his gospel, but I will be attending another ward." The men could not return her gaze. "My boys have proven over and over they are good Christian men, we are a package. You cannot pick and choose."
"It will not be up to us; we will be released on Sunday. A new Bishopric will be announced.
Nephi and Jerome were in a quandary on how to handle Valentine's Day. They would like a couple of days for just the two of them, but Jerry was all excited about Valentine's Day with his dads. Paula came up with the solution. Spend Valentine's evening as an extended family at Marco's restaurant. Nephi and Jerome would spend the weekend alone at the cabin.
Shopping was easy for Jerry; a Valentine and a teddy bear big enough to lay on while watching television would be the perfect present.
Jerome was not sure what to get for Nephi. Nephi was having the same difficulty. Separately they asked Benny for advice. He was more than willing to share ideas.
Marco had no trouble reserving a large table for his family. On Valentine's the majority of guests wanted tables for two or possibly four. Jerry would come home each day from school with a secret item that his daddies couldn't see. Paula helped Jerry wrap his presents for his dads and Jerome helped Jerry wrap his presents for his uncles and grandmas.
Nephi carried a large box of presents into the restaurant. Jerome was responsible for the black garbage bag and a little boy.
Jared had invited Drake. Benny and Luke were there. Leonard brought his wife. Marie, Mary and Paula rounded out the group. It wasn't a day that the restaurateurs could sit with family. A sinking feeling grew in Nephi's stomach. There were a total of seven black garbage bags around the table.
After dinner was served, it was time to open presents. Jerry was torn between opening his presents and handing out the presents he was giving. Jerry decided to pass his out first. With Jerome's help he passed out all the packages. Each package had a handmade Valentine. Mary had helped write the messages on each card. Jerry practiced really hard so he could write his name. Jerry had drawn pictures of his family for everyone. Jerome had "helped" Jerry put each picture in a frame. His dad's was bigger than the others. Everyone had big hugs for their special little Valentine.
Nephi suggested that all the garbage bags be placed in a line and mixed up while Jerry wasn't looking.
The first bag Jerry chose was from his dads. Jerry ripped the bag open revealing a brown teddy. "It's for laying on when you watch television." Jerome explained.
The second bag was from Marie. Jerry ripped the bag open revealing the same teddy but in blue. The hug Marie received was just as big as his dad's.
The third bag from Paula was a lion. In the end he ended up with one gorilla, two lions, a tiger, an elephant and two teddies. Jerry was excited. He was counting on his fingers and counting the animals.
"Just right. Dad, you promised I could have a sleepover." Nephi had hoped Jerry had forgotten. He wasn't sure how comfortable parents would be entrusting their little ones into the care of two gay men.
Marie, Mary and Paula put their heads together.
Mary drew the short straw. "Your dads are going to be gone this weekend. We could have the sleepover on Friday night." Nephi looked relieved at their solution.
Jerry was in planning mode. "We can sleep on the animals in the living room and watch movies. Donny gets the gorilla, Julie gets the blue teddy, and Sam gets a lion..." Donny continued listing his friends from school. He had it all figured out. "Uncle Marco can bring pizza and Uncle Bertram can bring cookies. We can watch Herbie." The planning session was put on hold when desert arrived. After dessert Jerry's eyes were beginning to droop. Nephi carried the sleepy boy while Jerome was given the task of animal wrangler.
Jerry was awake enough when they got home that he insisted that he sleep in the living room surrounded by his animals. Nephi threw a blanket over the sleeping ringmaster.
On Friday, Nephi waited for his one true love to return from college. He loved his little boy, but it put a damper on their love life. He anxiously awaited the chance to whisk his love away from their often hectic lives. They had packed the night before.
Jerome was late. At the half hour mark Nephi was beside himself with worry. He kept reliving those days when Jerome was late from high school and ended up in the hospital. Nephi was getting ready to go look for his missing partner.
"Nephi, Jerome ran out of gas. He just called from the gas station. He will be about fifteen minutes." Paula shouted from the front door.
Nephi met Jerome at his car. "I was so worried." Nephi hugged his friend.
"I was in such a hurry to get home I didn't check the gas gauge." Jerome climbed into the truck's cab. It wasn't until they were out of the neighborhood and stopped at a red light that Jerome leaned in for a kiss. The pair had decided that there would be no public displays of affection beyond a hug in their neighborhood. They didn't want to give certain neighbors ammunition that could hurt their son.
Jerome looked in the back of the truck for their luggage. Nephi had delivered the luggage and supplies earlier in the day. Nephi waited at the door for Jerome to catch up. Nephi swept Jerome off of his feet and carried him into the cabin.
"Sir, does this mean you are going to have your wicked way with me?" Jerome batted his eyes at Nephi.
"I thought we would just have dinner." Nephi set Jerome back on his feet.
"I think not kind sir." Jerome planted his lips on Nephi's as he worked his hands under Nephi's coat. Jerome had come a long way in the past year. Nephi broke the kiss to remove his coat and shirt. Jerome wasn't far behind.
They resumed the kiss. Their hands caressed naked skin as denim clad groins rubbed against each other. At home they tried to keep their intimacy behind closed doors. Now unfettered by the worry of having a three-year-old walk in on them; passions flared. Nephi tweaked Jerome's nipple. Jerome stiffened in his arms jerking four times and then relaxing.
Jerome broke the kiss and removed his cum soaked pants. He unbuttoned Nephi's jeans revealing his rock hard member, which disappeared between Jerome's lips. It wasn't long before Nephi came. Jerome held the last couple of shots on his tongue and shared it in a passionate kiss.
Jerome washed up, and they shared a meal created by Marco's chef and Bertram's bakery. Everything was bite-sized finger foods and pastries made to share with that special someone. It had been Nephi's idea a week earlier. Marco had advertised the to-go menu package. He and Bertram sold dozens of them for the holiday. It had expanded their holiday sales beyond the capacity of the dining room.
Nephi had started the hot tub earlier in the week. Jerome was pleasantly surprised. They sat under the stars, up to their necks in hot water. The smaller Jerome sat between Nephi's legs resting back against Nephi's chest.
"Have I told you I love you today?" Jerome asked.
"You said it when I woke up this morning. You were watching me sleep again. Then there was when you left for school. There was on the drive here and a moment ago." Nephi answered.
Jerome looked over his shoulder at the man in his life. Nephi leaned down and kissed him. "Good I don't want you to forget." Jerome added.
Back at home things weren't quite as peaceful. Four of Jerry's friends had been given permission to spend the night. Bryce, the judge's son and Donny arrived first. The twins Sam and Nate arrived next. The remaining student's families had plans for the weekend, but asked for rain checks. The first crisis occurred on Jerry's animal assignments. Paula took Jerry aside for a moment. He was all smiles when he came back.
"I get my daddies' teddy. Choose the animal you want." Jerry announced. There was some bickering, but the twins took the lions. Bryce the gorilla and Donny wanted a teddy like Jerry.
Paula always felt guilty when Marco wouldn't let them pay for things, so she tipped the delivery boy the price of the meal. The highlight wasn't the pizza but the breadsticks and marinara sauce. Paula and Marie were in grandma heaven. The boys all followed Jerry's lead. By the end of the night it was Grandma Paula and Grandma Marie. Mary took the evening off away from her students.
After dinner everyone pulled on their pajamas. It was movie time. They watched Herbie and Sword in the Stone. None of the little ones made it to the end. Marie and Paula shared the master bedroom so they would be close. By the end of the night the boys had taken over the king-size bed. Paula retreated to her own bed and Marie slept in the red racecar. The women were greeted by the sounds of Saturday Morning cartoons.
Jerry wanted cereal for breakfast but Donny said they always had pancakes at sleepovers. Nephi's phone rang and Paula let it go to voicemail. When she heard the word faggot, she hit the silence button. She had gotten to the point she refused to listen to more than the first few seconds of the messages. They seemed to all end with threats. There was another tape for Chief Thompson.
The boys were busy building a Lego city and playing with the Hot Wheels cars when their parents arrived to claim their young ones. The fact that none of the boys wanted to go home told Paula the evening had been a success.
When the judge stopped by for Bryce, Paula handed him the tape. It was the first he had heard of the death threats.
There were no Saturday cartoons in the mountain cabin. Instead it sounded like the audio track of a porn movie. When they finally got out of bed for breakfast, they were both walking a little funny and loved it. Breakfast was simple Bertram's croissants and homemade preserves with orange juice. Afterward they retreated to the hot tub. The ranger stopped by to check on the boys and say `hi'. Nephi was bent over the edge of the hot tub. The ranger knew he shouldn't, but he pulled out his member and relieved the growing pressure in his balls watching the boys in the hot tub.
The ranger had just blown a massive load when he was brought out of his afterglow by the sound of clapping hands and catcalls.
"If you have time, you may as well share the hot tub." Jerome announced.
"I didn't think you two played around?" The ranger asked.
"I asked you to share the hot tub not the handsome men in it." Jerome countered.
"I am not sure I am that strong. Maybe when you leave tomorrow, you could leave it on and I will enjoy a lonely soak and shut it down afterwards." The ranger answered.
Alone again, Nephi asked the question of the day. What do you want to do between now and when we make love again? Jerome wanted to stay in bed but it would be more fun after recharging.
"Let's take the snowmobile out for a while." Jerome was picturing his arms wrapped around his lover as Nephi drove the powerful machine. In his fantasy world he slipped his hand through Nephi's fly and played with the `joystick' while they rode. In real life Jerome's attention had brought Nephi's manhood back to life. This time it was Jerome bent over the side of the hot tub howling like a banshee.
The sun was warm on their skin as they got out of the hot tub. "Have you ever snowshoed naked?" Nephi asked.
Wearing only their boots they tramped their way down to the meadow avoiding the shadows. There were snowmobiles in the big clearing. Modesty kicked in and they returned to the cabin only to jump back into the hot tub to get warm. The ranger reappeared. This time he stripped to the skin and slipped into the hot tub with the boys.
"I have received a report that there are two naked guys snowshoeing on the meadow. You wouldn't know who that would be, would you?"
Nephi answered trying not to look at the snowshoes on the deck. "We've been here all morning haven't we Jerome."
"That's what I thought. I did tell them there have been sightings of a Sasquatch in the area."
With the ranger safely gone the pair couldn't stop laughing. "My next idea was nude snowmobiling. I guess that's out." Jerome couldn't stop laughing.
"I have some ideas we could do in the nude." Nephi countered. They took a moment to put the cover on the hot tub before heading into the cabin. They found many things to do without getting dressed. Lying in bed Jerome realized he hadn't given Nephi his Valentine's present. He climbed out of bed and rummaged through his duffle bag producing two wrapped packages. Seeing the packages wrapped in red heart paper Nephi produced two packages of his own.
Nephi handed Jerome a long narrow box. Jerome handed Nephi a box that was the same size. They opened them at the same time. In each box were chains, Nephi's in gold and Jerome in silver. They laughed together.
"You asked Benny for advice?" Jerome asked helping Nephi with the clasp behind his neck.
"Yours is titanium." Nephi said helping Jerome with his chain. "Shall we see if the next presents are the same?"
The VHS tapes were different, but the covers were both risqué. Cable versions of boy movies were the only thing they could buy on short notice. They laughed wondering when they would have alone time to watch them.
The next morning they were missing their boy; they packed up early and headed home. They were bowled over by an excited bundle of information. Nothing would be accomplished until the dads knew every detail of the sleepover and the fathers wouldn't have had it any other way. It was great to be home.