Second Chance, Chapter 86
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This story contains descriptions of love and sexual fulfillment between people of the same gender. If possessing or reading this kind of material is illegal where you live, please leave this site at once.
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As always, I thank my editors Tom and David for their proofing my work and giving me suggestions and lots of positive feedback. They're an integral part of this effort.
Second Chance, Chapter 86
On Monday morning, Scott and Jay settled Robbie in his car seat and took Troy back to his high school in the northern suburbs. After talking to an associate principal and a counselor, it was agreed that Troy would have the best chance of keeping all his credits if he finished out the rest of the year there. He was doing quite well in all of his classes so it would be a mistake to have him transfer if it could be avoided.
Scott left as Troy went to his first class, but only after making sure he had lunch money and would call home if any problem arose. He assured Troy that someone in the household would pick him up at the end of the school day. Jay said that he would like to take it on.
"We're going to have to work out a schedule because you'll have some days when you have to be at work by then," Scott reminded him.
"I'll do it whenever I can. You guys all hauled me to my job before I got Blake's car." Jay answered. "I need to pay back."
Troy's day was pretty much like any normal Monday at school except that he'd missed homeroom because of meeting with the counselor and associate principal. No one there knew about his current living situation since the split with his parents had come over spring vacation. No one except his older brother, that is.
Rick Walton saw Troy outside the cafeteria after lunch and motioned for him to come into the boys' room. Troy was a bit apprehensive, not knowing for sure how his brother felt toward him. But since the facility didn't have a door on it to block his escape, he decided to chance it.
The first thing Rick did was to give Troy a hug.
"I'm sorry bud. I wish I'd have been home. I had no idea they'd throw you out without anything but the clothes on your back. I've tried to talk to them, but it's no use! I think that new minister has filled their heads with hate. I feel like I don't know them anymore. I saw you come in with those guys and that little boy before school, so I guess you must have landed in a good spot."
"Thanks Rick. I did and I really appreciate you for caring!" Troy said giving his brother another squeeze. "You don't know how much!"
"Brothers have to stick together. Listen, I hid your laptop and cell phone, pretending that you'd taken the phone and left your computer in your locker. They know they can't do anything about the laptop, but they had your phone service cut off. Sorry about that. I'll sneak your laptop to school and give it to you or put it in your locker so you'll have that. I'd have brought it today if I'd known you'd be here.
Some social worker came to talk to them and told them they'll have to let you come and get some of your clothes and they'll have to give money for your expenses. They can't legally cut you off until you're 18 and out of high school at least."
"That's good because my foster dads are helping out several guys. They're not poor by any means, but there is a limit."
"Let me know where you're living and we can get together sometimes. Our parents don't want me associating with you but there's not a whole hell ova lot they can do to keep me away. Besides, I can say I'm going to the mall with Julie or some of the guys.
Did you say foster `dads'?"
"Yeah, they're partners, well husbands I guess because they got married in Iowa last summer."
"That's so cool because you'll have men who understand you."
"It gets better. There are several guys in the house that are married to other guys and three of them are still in high school!"
"Wow! I'm happy for you. I gotta haul ass or I'll be late for science, but meet me at your locker first thing tomorrow."
"Thanks Rick, you're the best!"
"No you are. Love you kid."
Troy was nearly late for his class because it took him a few minutes to get his emotions under control. At least his tears were tears of joy.
On Wednesday afternoon, Scott and Robbie went to pick up Troy for his first appointment with the psychiatrist. Troy was nervous, but being around Robbie helped to distract his mind. He sat in back with the little tyke and read "Armadillo Rap" which Robbie had heard many times before. The little boy was beginning to say some of the words before Troy got to them. He had parts memorized, which was a good sign that he'd likely be an early reader.
Scott had allowed more time for the trip than necessary because he hadn't been to this office before and didn't want to be late. As a result, Troy had several minutes to kill before his appointment.
Fortunately, there was another boy sitting in the waiting room who looked up with a smile when they came in. Hoping to give the two boys a chance to get acquainted, Scott whisked Robbie into the small toy room that was separated by a glass wall that controlled the sound.
"Hi, I'm Justin Kepler. Are you here because you're gay too?"
"What makes you think I'm gay?" Troy frowned.
"Sorry, Dr. Goodlove says he works with a lot of gay kids, so I kinda thought..."
"No, it's okay. You're right. I'm Troy Walton and I'm gay. Wow that sounds like how people introduce themselves at AA meetings. Maybe we should start GA – Gays Anonymous." Troy joked.
"That's funny," Justin laughed. "But if it's gonna have a 12 step program to make me straight, I don't want to join. I'm perfectly happy as I am. It's my mom who's having problems adjusting. She's in there now. We get 20 minutes together and then each of us gets 20 minutes alone with the good doctor. I've already had mine today.
Is your dad having trouble accepting you?" Justin asked gesturing toward the toy room with his head.
"Oh, that's one of my guardians and he's fine with it. My real parents don't want me around anymore. It's a big mess and I don't want to go into all of it."
"That's cool; I wasn't trying to be nosy. But you should tell Dr. Goodlove everything. He's a great listener and I know you'll feel better if you don't hold anything back. His own son is gay, so he understands."
"You don't go to high school in Roseville do you?" Troy asked. "I haven't seen you around, but I'd like to talk to you more. I don't know any kids at school who're gay."
"Nah, I go to Central Senior High and I know several gay dudes."
"Wow, that's where Eric and Josh go; do you know them?"
"Are you talking about Josh and Eric Larson-Brady who are married to each other?"
"Yeah, you do know them!"
"Sure, they're leaders in the LGBT club. In fact, I went to the retreat they helped host - about being gay and stuff. How do you know them?"
"That guy in the other room is Scott, Eric's dad. This is a small world."
"I should have recognized him when he came in. He and his partner led some of the break-out groups that the older guys went to and they helped make an awesome dinner. I guess I wasn't looking at him."
"Yeah, when Robbie's around, he draws all the attention." Troy smiled.
"He's cute, but he's too young to draw my attention."
Troy blushed, rightly assuming that Justin was flirting, and quickly tried to change the subject.
"I'm gonna transfer to Central next year, but I have to finish at Roseville or I'll lose too many credits. Maybe we can hang sometime when I go there."
"We don't have to wait; we can text now. Give me your number and your email."
"Uh, my parents cut off my phone, but I have my laptop because my older brother hid it and brought it to me at school. Getting thrown out happened so suddenly I left with what I was wearing and nothing else."
"It's terrible you don't at least have a phone. Well, you must have an email addy so we can IM."
Troy gave the information to Justin who entered it into his mobile. Then Justin got a piece of paper and a pen from the receptionist to write his down for Troy.
They had barely finished when Justin's mother came out of the office.
"I'll see you at the same time next week?" Dr. Goodlove was saying.
"Yes, Shawn, that seems to fit our schedule best without taking Justin out of class."
"Hello Anna," Scott said as he came into the room with Robbie in his arms.
"Hi Scott. What are you doing here? Oops, I guess that's privileged information."
"He brought me," Troy spoke up. "I'm the one who needs help."
"Troy's cool, Mom. He says he's a lot like me."
"Okay, well, uh nice to meet you Troy. You'll have to excuse us because we need to get to the grocery store so I can pick up a few things if we want dinner tonight. We'll see you later."
"She seemed in a hurry," Scott noted as the door closed behind Anna and Justin.
"I think she's uncomfortable learning I'm gay," Troy ventured. "Justin said she's the one having problems about his sexuality."
"Somehow I thought she was more open to it since she allowed him to come to the retreat. I hope it all works out okay for him."
After talking with Scott and Troy together for a few minutes, Dr. Goodlove excused Scott so that Troy would feel less inhibited in discussing his issues. Shawn began with asking general questions about how the boy was sleeping and if his appetite was okay. He wanted to establish a rapport before they got into talking about the rape, a subject that he wasn't even going to broach in the first session.
Troy said that he loved the meals at the Larson-Brady home and that his stomach had settled down since living there. He also told about his recent nightmare.
"I can prescribe meds to lessen your anxiety and help you sleep. However, I'm not into drugging people unnecessarily. There are too many unknown side-effects. I may prescribe something to have in reserve for Scott to give you in an extreme situation, but I'd like you to heal as naturally as possible. You need to deal with your anger and frustration. I feel it's better if you're alert and in control when you do."
"I try to stay in control," Troy said.
"Maybe you're trying too hard."
"You want me go ballistic?"
"I want you to let it out. You have to vent. Your stomach problems and weight-loss are connected with suppressing your emotions."
"You want me to say I hate that mother-fucking bastard who raped me?" Troy spit out through clenched teeth.
"That's a start," Shawn said calmly. "If swearing and screaming helps, go for it!"
Troy's volume and profanity increased as he talked for the next few minutes. He used several of the vilest words in his young vocabulary to describe Burt Carpenter and his parents, ending by consigning them to eternal flames. Then he broke down into racking sobs.
When Dr. Goodlove put a comforting hand on his shoulder, Troy moved in and clung to the man as if his life depended on it. He cried convulsively for several minutes. As he began to regain his composure, he was aware that he felt better – like he'd been purged.
"Thanks for putting up with my outburst," he smiled slightly. "I guess I don't mean all the hateful things I said just now."
"Thank you for trusting me with your emotions. You are entitled to feel the way you do about what has happened. You've really opened up. I had no idea we would make this much progress in our first session. That's a very positive sign. You need to get all the poison out of your system before you can heal."
"I met Justin outside and he said I could trust you and I needed to be honest if I was going to get better."
"Hmm, I should put him on the payroll! That was indeed good advice. Now I'm going to call Scott in again and we'll talk about what he and the rest of the family can do to help."
"I think they already know what to do. Eric and Josh are really helpful too. They held me the rest of the night after my nightmare."
"Given what Shane says about them, I'm not surprised."
"Shane?"
"He's my son and he's gay too. He's helped me to have better insight into what some of my patients are going through."
"Oh yeah, Justin mentioned him. I'd like to meet him sometime."
"No doubt you will. I don't think it would be a breach of professional ethics to introduce you two."
"I love you so-o-o-o much, Babe!" Beckett cooed in the afterglow of their latest coupling. "You just sent me to heaven. I'd have your baby if I could."
"As much as I came, you could get pregnant," D'Anthony laughed. "And from this sticky mess between us, I'm guessin' you spewed as much as I did. Let me clean you up," he offered as he began to bathe Beckett with his tongue.
"Unnh!" Beckett grunted as he felt his lover's tongue on his sensitive cockhead.
It had been another awesome session of lovemaking. Being in a clean, safe place had increased their libidos ten-fold. They were eating and sleeping regularly and had no fear of being attacked. Life was good; they were horny.
Reese had found them part-time jobs through the social worker and they were beginning to feel hopeful. For the first time in many months, it looked like they might have a future that didn't include sleeping in alleys and scrounging for food.
Both had smoked a little pot in high school, but neither had gotten into serious drugs. Fortunately they had actually stayed alert and learned. Unfortunately they'd been kicked out or their homes at 18, before they were able to finish. However, Cam was getting them on track to get their GED's and begin community college when the next session began. Yes, life was good.
With Ben's help, Jay got in touch with the right people at the University of Minnesota about enrolling there in the fall. When the officials heard about why he hadn't used his scholarships in the previous term, they decided to reinstate them for the following year.
Jay was also going to take summer courses at the community college level to give him a leg up on core credits. One summer of that wouldn't be sufficient to make up for the year he'd lost, but would certainly help. He was about to get another unexpected stroke of good luck.
On Saturday, Cliff met with the seniors who had worked at the country club the previous year. Jay couldn't figure out why he was included in the group, but came along willingly. So far, the people at the club had been good to him and he wasn't going to question anything they asked of him.
"No doubt you're wondering why I called you all here," Cliff grinned. "I've always wanted to do that line because I've heard it in many old movies. Anyway, in this case it fits.
I have great news. Several of our wealthy members got together and decided to set up a scholarship fund for all of you as an incentive to continue the faithful service you've provided thus far. We don't want to lose any of you and we hope the extra money for school will be enough to, um, `buy' your loyalty." He grinned.
"It is my distinct honor and privilege to give you each a certified check for the sum of $10,000 made out to the university to be applied to your tuition next year. It won't cover all your costs, but it will be a start. Some of you will live at home instead of staying in the dorms, so this money will put a sizeable dent in your expenses."
"Wow!" Peter Staley exclaimed. "I think I know who's behind this. She's my angel."
"Uh, the donors, and there are several, want to remain anonymous. However, I'll convey your expression of thanks to them."
"Be sure to thank them from me!" Jay said. "I don't feel like I've been here long enough to deserve this."
"Well, the members feel differently," Cliff assured him. "By the way, you will get this stipend each year as long as you put in some hours here and you stay in school – up to four years. They aren't going to get you started and leave you hanging."
Dinner at the Larson-Brady home was especially festive that evening as Scott had made a special celebratory meal for the boys. He and Ben were both relieved to know they would have fewer bills than they'd anticipated because of the unexpected windfall. They had set aside money for Eric and Josh, but hadn't anticipated taking in two more boys, Jay and Troy, to help educate too. Now their financial burden would be much less.
"Since we have money saved from our book and my paintings, we'll be fine." Josh said. "This extra will keep us from having to take any student loans. We'll graduate debt-free without putting our dads in the poor-house!"
"It means even more to me," Jay exclaimed. "I know Isaac's grandpa said he'd help me and Ben and Scott have offered too, but with this money I won't be as dependent on everyone as I would have been. It's like a miracle or magic or something."
"I suspect the magic was created by a Disneyland fairy." Eric grinned.
"What?" Jay asked.
"He's talking about Tinker Bell in the `Peter Pan' movie." Josh smiled. "We think Peter is right about who's behind this. We're going to make sure Mrs. Bell knows how much we appreciate it without coming right out and telling her we know, if you follow what I'm saying. If she wants to remain anonymous, we'll let her do that."
"Perhaps thank-you notes written to the whole scholarship committee and delivered through Cliff would be an appropriate gesture," Ben suggested.
"That's an excellent idea, Dad," Josh said. "We'll pass it on to the others. I'm sure they'll want to do it too. I know Damian will."
On Sunday afternoon, Rick Walton showed up at the Larson-Brady home with a suitcase packed with some of Troy's favorite clothes and keepsakes. He was welcomed in by Jay who had answered the door.
"Come on up. He's in the attic apartment sketching with Josh. Eric is posing for them."
Rick followed Jay and Isaac up to the third floor, taking in the beauty of the house. Its woodwork looked so solid and rich in comparison to what was in the subdivision house he lived in.
Eric, who was posing in nothing but a loincloth, didn't show any signs of embarrassment from being seen half naked by a stranger. Rick was not attracted to other males, but couldn't help noticing that Eric had a great body.
"Wow Troy, your drawing has really improved!" he exclaimed upon seeing what his brother was doing. "I always knew you were way more talented than me, but this is awesome!"
"Yeah, but look at Josh's. He's a master."
"Don't compare your drawing with mine," Josh said. "We have different styles, but that doesn't mean mine is ultimately better. Besides, I've had several more years of instruction and practice."
"Maybe so, but you're a real master!"
"Masturbator!" Eric giggled.
"Not since I got married," Josh responded with a smirk. "And you know I'm telling the truth."
"You're married?" Rick said in surprise.
"Yeah, to my favorite model," Josh smiled.
"He married me so he wouldn't have to pay me to pose," Eric teased.
"Come on guys, my bro is really, really straight and you're embarrassing him!" Troy blushed.
"Nah, I'm not embarrassed. I think it's you who is." Rick insisted.
"We can leave so you can talk in private," Josh offered.
"That's nice of you, but we don't need privacy. I just came by to bring Troy some of his favorite things that I'm afraid our dad might throw out before the social worker comes on Monday to collect his belongings. I brought your sexy underwear and the toys you saved..."
"Thanks," Troy whispered with a couple of tears in his eyes. "I figured I'd never see those again. The toys mean more than the laptop in a way. Did you bring the toy truck you gave me for my fifth birthday?"
"Yup."
"Wow!"
"And that naughty camo thong you had hidden under your mattress."
"Thanks," Troy said, blushing a deep crimson. "How did you think to look there?"
"Where do you think I hide my `Penthouse' mags?"
"You'd better move them so what's-his-name doesn't find them! He'll take the belt to you again."
"I'm not afraid of the old man anymore. I'm bigger than he is and if he lays a hand on me he'd better get in a good first punch because there won't be a second one!"
"Did your dad beat you Troy?" Isaac asked.
"Not really, but he looked like he was going to when he threw me out. He was purple in the face!"
"Troy was always obedient, unlike me," Rich said. "I got worked over a few times."
"Didn't you ever report it to anyone?" Jay frowned.
"Sure. I told our minister and he quoted the scripture about `spare the rod and spoil the child' and then told my father who gave me another whipping. I never told again."
"That's child abuse!" Jay exclaimed.
"Well, it's all in the past because it won't happen again," Rick insisted in a cold, even tone of voice.
"Can you stay and have supper with us or will that get you into trouble?" Josh asked.
"Thanks. I'd like to stay if it's okay with your folks. I'm 18 and I'm not going to worry if the `rents like it or not. We had our big meal at noon and Mom never goes to any trouble on Sunday night."
"They could take your car away." Troy said.
"Nope little bro, it's in my name and I earned every nickel that went into it. I thought you knew that. I even have a savings account without their names on it. I've been planning for an escape if I ever have to make one."
"I wish I'd have been that smart." Jay interjected.
"Excuse me. I need to call down to tell our dads to set another plate." Josh said.
The guys spent the next couple of hours getting acquainted with Troy's brother. Having him there seemed to give Troy a big lift. Scott and Ben made sure that he knew he was welcome anytime.
Author's notes: Thanks to all who emailed since last posting: Mark K, Bill K, Roger L, Rutabaga, Jim C, Caleb, Harry T, Walt S, Jian, Jim W, Mark H (David), Rad, Carroll, Paul R, Tim K, Mark B, Vann, and Steve.
Thanks also for your concerns about the flooding in Iowa. I'm not affected by it at present. The worst is west of here, near Ames and Des Moines. The campus of ISU, where Dane, Colt, Joel, Abby and the Albers twins go to school, is currently closed because of the high water. I heard their basketball court is actually floating in the stadium. It's worse there then in 1993. Prayers and thoughts for them are in order.
Hey Vann, thanks for the kind offer of shelter if I needed it!!!
Later this month my faithful editor, David, will have surgery. I'll do my best to keep you updated about his recovery. Please remember him too.
My other faithful editor, Tom, is home safe and sassy after his trip abroad. It was great to meet him face to face.
This story will wind down in a few chapters. I will be posting some short stories and probably beginning a new series in the fall. If you want me to attempt to give you a heads-up on them, please mention that in an email. I'll do my best to get it done.
David