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This is the first of several diary entries involving characters and events introduced in the series "To Fulfill a Prophesy". It is stronglyed suggest reading the series before these entries will allow understanding of the characters, events and their relationships to each other.
TFAP Diary Notes - 01 Dean July 10 - 29
Sunday - July 10
Already it's Sunday afternoon. Over 48 hours. Not one of them has so much as blinked or moved. The Doctor has checked them daily and can find no further cause for the comas, except exhaustion. Four healthy, active young men and nothing can be found, except exhaustion. If he only knew the whole of it.
Dale checked out fine. Doctor certified, hale and hardy. Not bad for a man who was dead for over an hour two days ago. He absolutely refuses to leave their room. He hasn't slept or eaten. Jason remains with him and is worried sick about both Dale and the boys. He spoke to Ted this morning and Ted confronted Dale this afternoon. He and Mr. Chen approached Dale.
"Mr. Chen has brought you a glass of orange juice." Ted told Dale as Mr. Chen extended the glass to him. "Drink it."
"Thank you , Sir." Dale responded. "I really don't want anything."
"I didn't ask what you wanted, Captain, I said `drink it'." Ted replied sternly. "Let me make it clear to you what is going to happen here. Mr. Chen is going to bring you a tray of food three times a day. He will remain with you while you eat it. All of it." Ted stood holding Dale's glare. "You will lay down and sleep six out of every 24 hours."
"I'm sorry.........." Dale started to say, still glaring into Ted's eyes.
"I haven't finished yet, Captain." Ted cut him off. "If that orange juice is not gone in ten seconds, or either of my other two instructions are not followed, I will personally remove you from this room and put you in your suite. Mr. Chen will then keep you there until this situation is resolved. You will not be allowed back in this room. Am I being very clear, Captain ?" Dale continued to glare at Ted for about nine seconds and then took the glass of juice and drank it."
"Yes, Sir." he answered, when he had completed the drink. "Very clear, Sir."
The visit I had from the Mayor and Chief of Police the day after the shooting was very interesting. The Mayor of course was present at the event and Chief Farrell had several reports from his officers who witnessed what happened. They had taken the only logical approach to explaining what had happened and decided Dale was not really hurt and the lights were reflections of some kind. I decided if we were going to have any peace at all over this, they had to know the truth. I took them to the boys' room and let them look and then I introduced them to Dale. Next we went across the hall to the lounge in my suite and had a talk.
I gave them copies (correctly translated) of the Prophesy of the Guardians and told them the story of what we had discovered. Naturally enough, neither of them wanted to believe it could happen. It was almost fun to sit and watch them try to rationalize it and fail. In the end they agreed "no comment" was the most effective way of dealing with the media and inquisitors. I have known both of these men many years and knew they could see both the up and the down sides of what I had shared with them.
As they were leaving I told Chief Farrell, although we could not help in all cases and I could not speak on behalf of the Guardians, if he should have a death on the force which struck him as exceptionally tragic due to its irregular circumstances, a call to me as soon as possible after the event might change the outcome of an otherwise tragic situation. As always, we were happy to support our law enforcement officials in every way we could.
Brendan, Todd, Len and Gus were very upset when they learned what had happened. There was no use misleading them. The media was full of the story, so we let them read about it, watch the news, listen to the radio and then we answered their questions to the best of our ability. Matthew was the only one not disturbed. He reported Denny had told him there would be a big upset, but everything would work out fine if he just was patient. He told us, if that's what his `big brother' wanted, then that's what he would do.
During this ordeal each of the four beds has a chair by it occupied by someone, 24 hours a day, monitoring the boy beside them. We have more volunteers from the family and the staff than we need to occupy these seats. I have been with Jamie and since Debra had not yet gone home, she too has been there. Brian and Tim are at Davey and Kevin's bedsides almost all of their waking hours. Matthew insists on staying by Kevin while Tim is sleeping and then he sits with Denny other times. Each of the other boys take turns sitting by their friends, volunteering to do so on their own initiative. Lily spends at least two or three hours with Davey and Denny each day.
Monday - July 11
The staff were informed of my "No comment." policy when events started to occur last Friday and to their credit not a word about the vigil within the `castle' has leaked out. Hoards of media are at the entrances, but security has maintained order effectively. Several people and some of the media have entered the estate and they have been promptly arrested and charged with trespass. I agree with Ted that in order to maintain our sanity and future security we must make it clear those who violate our home will be prosecuted.
The concern about Dale's health has ended. He is complying with Ted's instructions and continues to watch over the boy's, checking each of them every half hour and turning them from side to side every two hours as the Doctor instructed. When he is sleeping, Chen replaces him.
Tuesday - July 12
Four days, 96 hours and they're all awake. Kevin woke first, then Davey, Jamie and last Denny. To no one's great surprise, Denny's first words were a request for lunch. We were all so relieved they were awake and they are all right. Tears were shed by many of us as we washed away the stress and strain. Jason and I found Ted and Dale standing out in the hallway embracing and crying on each other's shoulder. Now there's a sight I never thought I'd see but I totally understood the need to release the tension and worry. We both took our partner and had our own cry with them.
After everyone had seen for themselves the boys were back to us, Debra and Lily ordered everyone out of the room, insisting on the continued need for rest. They have now taken over control of who visits and for how long. The only exceptions to this appear to be Mr. Chen and Dale, who as usual come and go as they choose. Ted and I accepted the need for their action and in fact are grateful for their intervention. We are all exhausted.
Debra decreed the boys would remain where they are overnight and decisions could start to be made in the morning about a slow recovery schedule for them before resuming their normal activities. Even if this had not been acceptable I don't know who would have dared to take her on, especially with Lily backing her up. They have become a power to be reckoned with.
Dojo was held this evening for the first time since the incident. Shihan Chen insisted everyone except the four boys attend and his wish was respected by all. The return to normal routine was good for us all. Ted, Tim, Brian, Matthew and I were allowed to visit the boys before bedtime. They were all cheerful, but weak. Jamie told me he had no memory of anything which happened after they had levitated Dale. The rest of the event and all that had transpired since then was a blank to him. It seems the same is true of the others. Dale had been in to visit them before dinner and Debra told me their bond with him was evident during that visit. She had told the boys earlier about Dale looking after them and Ted's confrontation with him. They chastised Dale for not looking after himself properly and instructed him never to do it again.
I wondered about `again'. Would this happen when they repeated their action. And I was certain they would repeat their action. How many times could their very human bodies take the strain of this exceptionally special gift ? Is the life force they say is used replaceable, or do they reduce their lives with their actions ? Many questions are in my mind and unanswered.
Wednesday - July 13
Ted's and my morning started early today. Just before 6 o'clock I became aware of the presence of cold feet in our bed and a small body snuggling up against me. As I forced my eyes open, I saw Denny's face beaming at me from where he was totally wrapped in Ted's arms, just like Matthew had wrapped himself in mine. A very short time later, two more bodies found their way into our bed as Jamie snuggled in against my back and Davey did the same to his Dad. Kevin came wandering in soon, looking for a place which he found right in the middle. Denny and Matthew both grabbed hold of him as he lay out flat on his back.
We didn't talk much. I'm sure Ted enjoyed just having our boys back with us as much as I did.
"You know guys," I said, "I don't think seven of us are going to fit into the shower, but I do know there are four of us who haven't been there for several days and need to be."
"Dad," Kevin asked, "would you mind if Matthew and I went over and snuggled with Tim for awhile and showered with him ?"
"I think that sounds like a really nice idea." Ted replied. "Tim has spent many long hours with Matthew at your bedside. Are you sure you two wouldn't be more comfortable if Matthew spent some time here with Denny and us ?"
"No, thank you for your thoughts though." Kevin answered. "It will be a little while before we do much more than shower together."
"You boys all listen." I told them. "I don't want you off this second floor level until you have clearance from the Doctor, the ladies, Mr. Chen, Dale, Ted and me. All of us. Rest and lots of it is the Doctor's order and we expect you to follow it. Your word, please." I received four, grudging "Yes, Sir" replies.
Friday - July 15
The boys are doing well. They have all kept their word to me as I knew they would and have remained on the second floor. They have also kept their activity to a minimum and seem to be recovering strength everyday. Wednesday, their trek to our bed and their showers spent most of their energy for the day. They had morning naps and stayed together in Denny's room the rest of the day. The ladies have set up visitation hours for staff to drop by and everyone is greatly relieved at seeing them all up and about. Family visits are being allowed a little more liberally and I see all the other boys are being allowed to come and go as they wish.
I received an interesting telephone call this morning, forwarded from Head Office. George Grenmore, is a local businessman in the area, who I had served on a couple of volunteer charity committees with several years ago. He called to speak to me personally about an incident one of his sons was involved in with a young person who is now my ward.
"I'm not quite clear how or why you became involved in this messy incident, Benton." he said.
"Well, I came across two men, one apparently your son, beating the crap out of a 14 year old boy." I replied.
"He was attacking them." George sputtered.
"With a fractured arm and a dislocated hip. I don't think so." I reiterated. There was a pause.
"Benton, what am I going to do ?" he asked. "I don't know where to go or what to do. I don't know whether to support him or let him go. I just don't know."
"George, we are having a bit of a problem here right now, but I would like to try to help you." I told him. "Why don't you bring your son to see us next week, say Tuesday morning at 11: and we will talk with him and see what impression we get. I will be better able to tell you then if we can do anything for you. What's his name and how old is he ?"
"His name is Devon and he's 19 years old." George replied. "Thank you for your help, Benton, I really appreciate it."
"I haven't promised to help yet," I reminded him, "but we will see what happens."
Saturday - July 16
Ted and I had a private meeting with the boys this morning in Denny's room. Ted had not been very pleased with me when I told him about the meeting I had arranged. I insisted it was the proper thing to do, if for no other reason than for Davey to face his attacker and resolve feelings he still held about what had happened to him.
"It's not Davey who concerns me about this." Ted advised. "What do you think Denny will do to someone who attacked Davey and can we convince him not to act on his own ?" In truth, I had not even considered Denny in this and now Ted mentioned it, I could see a definite risk I had created.
When we went to meet with the boys we all sat together in the lounge area of Denny's room. This room had remained the central location for the four boys and they were continuing to sleep in this room. They were taking their meals in the cafeteria and Dining Room, but the rest of their time was spent on the second floor. Ted made a point of sitting in one of the rocking chairs which he pulled over to where we were sitting. He then invited Denny to sit in his lap before we started talking and the boy readily accepted. I could see Davey was alerted to our mood when we came into the room.
"I never try to read you and Uncle Ted, Dad." Jamie said as we sat down. "Why do I have a feeling I should today ?"
"We have something to discuss with all of you which is going to stir up some emotions." I replied. "You must be sensing the feelings Ted and I are having. I've done something without consulting you boys first. I hope you will trust me about it. I believe what I am asking you to do is necessary." I told the boys about the phone call and the discussion which followed. They listened politely until I was done and then just sat there. I realized after a minute they were looking back and forth at each other. They were talking this over among themselves.
"I would appreciate hearing your thoughts about this, rather than you trying to settle it on your own." I told them. "I'm going to need your help if this is going to be of benefit to anyone."
"What do you expect to come out of this, Uncle Dean ?" Kevin asked.
"I expect all of you to gain insight into the workings of people and situations." I replied. "We are charged with teaching you the ways of mankind so you may better understand. The people and situations we live with here at the `castle' are artificial. You are surrounded by people who love and protect you. That is not how most people live. That security is not what most people feel. People get lost. They get lost in themselves and they get lost in society. I want you to examine this situation and see if you can understand what happened, how it happened, why it happened and is this person likely do this again." Everyone was quiet again for a few minutes and this time they were each thinking on their own.
The fourth Guardian spoke from his position leaning against Ted's chest as they quietly rocked back and forth. "The Fathers require us to learn not only the practical lesson, but also to control our human emotions for the betterment of our minds. As difficult as this may be, it is our duty to abide by the request of our Fathers." The boys each asserted their agreement.
Monday- July 18
Ted and I spoke separately with each of the boys about the meeting tomorrow. Each of them seemed to be ready for it and their attitudes seemed to reflect what I had spoken about on Friday. Even Davey was open to meeting this person and seeing what he could learn.
On the other hand, Ted tells me that the security staff, our "older boys", are fit to be tied. When Brian learned that one of the men who had hurt Davey was coming here he was so overcome with a rage that Davey stepped in to help him control it. Anson was not much better and only his police training enabled him to keep from losing control of his emotions. Ted said Dale did not react at all, his eyes just went as cold as ice. Jason, Tim and Digger did not react either, but it was apparent none of them were pleased by the prospect of having to deal with the situation.
And then there was Mr. Chen. He came to my door Monday morning, stopped at it, stood and stared at me. He just stood there and stared and although I am not telepathic, I knew when I was being warned not to expect him to be involved. After a minute he turned and left. That blank, hard stare conveyed as much emotion as I have ever seen Chen express. Our Shihan was using every bit of his training to maintain his emotional balance.
Tuesday - July 19
Ted met George Grenmore and Devon at the entrance to the business wing when they arrived. He escorted them to my office. It would seem word had gotten out. Every staff member they met along the route stopped and stared at them, not something our staff would normally ever do. When they reached my office, I invited them in and showed them to the chairs in front of my desk. George and I shook hands. He didn't choose to introduce me to Devon
George had not changed much. He was about 45 years old. He had a large frame and was a distinguished looking man. Brown hair, a little graying at the ends, a handsome face and trim figure. He had always struck me as being a little stuffy and formal and I took special note Devon followed after him, more than walking with him.
Devon did not look 19 years old. Where our boys, especially Kevin and Davey looked much older than their years, I'm sure Devon must get asked for I.D. constantly because of his youthful appearance. Dark colouring, dark hair, dark clothes, dark eyes, the word that immediately came to mind about him was `dark'. I wondered if this reflected a mood, an attitude or a way of life.
"I'm going to ask our boys to sit with us." I said, picking up the phone and calling Kevin. I asked him to bring the boys down.
"Is that necessary ?" George asked.
"Yes." I replied. "Our sons are very perceptive. What we are able or not able to do for Devon will depend entirely on how much they choose to help or not."
"This is certainly strange." George observed. "If this were business you wouldn't get far."
"If this were business, George." I responded. "I would have destroyed you long before now." That seemed to have gotten his attention. The boys arrived and as they came in I introduced first my son and then Ted's three sons. I watched Devon's reactions. He didn't even recognize Davey. After they had been introduced, the boys went over and sat in the lounge area. Just before the office door was closed, Dale arrived. He gave me a glance and without a word went over and took his rightful position next to where the boys were seated.
"We'd like to hear what Devon has to say." I said. George started to speak and I held up my finger, looked straight at him and repeated, "Devon". Devon had been sitting with his head down looking at his knees. He looked at me and then glanced around.
"I'm sorry." he said
"That's good to know, Devon," Ted replied, "but what is it your sorry about ?"
"I'm sorry I hurt that kid." he answered. He glanced around again at everyone. It was easy to tell he still didn't know Davey was the one he had hurt.
"We'd like to know what happened." Ted continued. "How did all this come about ?"
"Joe and I were going home." he started.
"A lie." Jamie called out. "You and Joe were out to score some drugs."
"What is this ?" George bellowed.
"I told you our sons were very perceptive." I answered. "Now sit there and be silent, or I will indeed take a hard look at the business destruction option." George wanted to speak. He wanted to run. But good sense and the knowledge that a couple phone calls from me could wipe him out made him silent.
"Start again please. Devon." Ted said. "This will be a lot easier and much quicker if you stick to the actual story." Devon looked at Ted and then he looked at me. He seemed to almost take pleasure someone was in control of his father.
"Joe and me had been drinking." Devon stated. "Joe wanted to score some drugs. I don't usually do that stuff, alcohol is mostly what I get into." He turned slightly so he could glance at Jamie who sat silent. "We didn't have much money between us, so we figured we'd roll some wino for a few bucks. Then this young guy comes along and we figured he'd have some money. We grabbed him and pulled him into this parking garage where a car had just come out from and the door was still closing. I didn't know he was only 14, he looked older than that. He only had $20. and Joe got mad and kicked him in the leg. He fell over. I never did anything to him."
"A lie." Jamie again trumpeted. Everyone was silent. Devon hung his head.
"I.....I jumped on his arm." Devon started to cry. "I don't know why I did it."
"A lie." Jamie trumpeted. Again silence.
"I did it......I did it to show Joe I could be as bad as he is." Devon admitted, the tears streaming down his face. "I hit him too. Once I started, I just lost control. If it weren't for you Mr. McAdams......we might.....we might have......"
"You never told me this." George Grenmore said to his son.
"How could he ?" Davey said, standing up and walking over to a place behind Devon's chair. "If he had told you, you would have deserted him, just like you want to do now." He put his hand on Devon's back and rubbed him shoulders soothingly. Devon continued to cry as if his heart had been broken. "Your son has faced up to what he has done. Comfort him."
"Who are you to tell me what to do with my son ?" George responded angrily.
"I'm the 14 year old kid he beat up." Davey replied, staring at him. The wind was totally knocked out of George's sails. He had no idea what to say. While he sat there not knowing what to do, Davey went around to the front of Devon and pulled him into a standing position. He held Devon's head to his shoulder and continued to rub his back talking quietly to him until his sobs had eased off.
"I'm so sorry." Devon said, raising his head and looking into Davey's eyes. "So very sorry."
"Yes, I know you are." Davey told him. Davey touched his hand to the side of the boy's head and said, "Be at peace." Almost immediately Devon relaxed, his uncontrolled sobbing ceased and his eyes brightened. Davey guided him to sit again in the chair.
"What's the decision, fellas ?" I asked our boys. I saw the boys looking at each other and finally they all looked at Denny. He gave a nod of agreement.
"Uncle Dean," Davey summarized, "will you call the District Attorney and see if a plea bargain with probation can be arranged ? Devon knows he has some things to get straightened out and he is going to voluntarily see a therapist. He will no longer be drinking or hanging with his old friends. In addition, starting tomorrow, he will be working here, on the estate, for the summer with Mr. Johnson the Grounds Supervisor. Tim will do some testing with him to see what help he needs in his academics or job training. He will spend at least an hour each day with one of us talking and we would like him to be included in the boat trip."
"Is that acceptable to you, Devon ?" I asked.
"Yes, Sir." Devon responded. "I can't believe you are doing this for me."
"Don't kid yourself, Devon." Dale finally spoke up. "There are at least 15 more men around here like me who were ready to beat the crap out of you. You had better appreciate what's being done and you had better carry it through, or things are going to get really rough for you."
"Devon is of legal age and doesn't need your permission, but is this agreeable to you, George." I asked.
"Benton, I think this is a crazy place." he replied. "And I think it just might be the start of putting our family back together. I'm sorry, Devon. I just haven't known how to help you, not because I didn't want to, but because I just didn't know how. I think these people just might be that way."
"Truth." Jamie trumpeted.
Friday - July 22
Jim Johnson was not pleased about having Devon work for him. Even after Ted and I both spoke to him and explained the situation he still could not get past his personal feeling about Davey having been hurt. It has something to do with the attraction people feel toward the boys. Jamie first saw it at his school, although it happened with the staff here with Davey and Denny, but we didn't recognize it. It's an aura that makes people want to be with them, to help them and to protect them. Some other people seem to project it, Todd for example, but it only affects people in his immediate proximity. With our boys, it seems to be lasting whether or not they are present.
Jim didn't really reconcile his feelings about Devon until Davey went personally and talked to him. The fact Davey indicated he wanted this to happen seemed to be enough to sway Jim's attitude. Dale reported there was still an undercurrent among the staff in general, so first thing this morning, Davey and Jamie camped themselves out in the cafeteria and every half hour made an announcement to all the staff, Devon was working here at their request and they wished him given every consideration. The atmosphere on the estate changed as if someone had waved a magic wand over our heads.
The only person who remains the least bit wary of Devon was Dale. I'm not sure if it has something to do with his being their `Protector' or if it is just Dale's nature to be extra careful, but I still see a certain look in his eye when Devon is mentioned or present. On reflection I don't think this is necessarily a bad thing.
Saturday - July 23
Debra has announce she is going home. More than any other indicator this has made me feel our boys have returned to their normal state. They have regained their usual level of activity. Swimming, riding, tennis, cycling, baseball, everything is again on the go. They all still seem to tire quickly. The Doctor has examined each and done blood tests. Everyone checks out okay. I asked Jamie and he says all is well, but they will need extra rest for another week. Ted has suggested we schedule our boat trip to start the 8th of August which will be a Monday. Everyone is excited about a new date being set.
Tuesday - July 26
I met with Devon and Ted this afternoon. I could not get over the change in this young man. He greeted me with a firm handshake, friendly smile and a direct eye to eye contact. He was responsive not only to my questions, but also in initiating conversation. I asked him if he was enjoying his time on the estate and he told me it was the best his life had ever been. When Ted queried what had been the most important part of his time here, he responded without even thinking it had been the time he spent with each of our boys.
"I found out so much about myself talking with them. Denny was the real surprise. He was yesterday and the last of the four. I figured, waste of time, little kid, nothing to learn here. He took me out to a sand pile near the garage and we played in the sand with trucks and buckets. Every word that came out of him was about what we were playing with and every word had a meaning to me about my life. He explained things to me with the sand and the trucks I had never thought about.
When our hour together was just about over he told me to go and hide, we would play hide and seek. I went and hid where I could still see him. When he stopped counting and opened his eyes he went and looked in a couple places and then went back and played in the sand. A minute later he went and looked in a couple other places and again went back to play in the sand. He did that three or four times. The last time he found me when he went to look.
"I didn't think you were ever going to find me." I told him.
"Oh, you never need to worry." he answered. "I might not get it right off, but I'll keep trying. That's because you're worth finding." He gave me a hug and then he ran off into the house. I don't know if he knows that meant more to me than I could possibly explain.
Ted and I both knew Devon had the privilege of an hour interview with the fourth Guardian. With support like that there is no way he would not succeed.
Friday - July 29
I received a telephone call yesterday from the Chief Judges Office. Good news for a change. As the Legal Guardian for Davey and Denny, I was officially notified their adoptions by Mr. Edward Tanner would be finalized at 10:a.m. on Friday, September 9th in the District Family Court. All the paper work and submissions were completed, Juvenile Authority had endorsed the adoptions and the Chief Judge had approved them. I couldn't wait for Ted to get his notice, I had to tell him.
Laying in bed last night we were talking over the events of this past week.
"You know, something happen today I wanted to be sure to tell you about." I said.
"Yeah, what was that ?" he asked.
"I don't think I remember now, but I know it was really important." I told him. "In fact it was so important I remember sending out for something to help me remember it." I reached under the bed and grabbed the package I had slipped under there earlier and handed it to Ted.
"What's this ?" he questioned, looking the wrapped package over carefully.
"Something special for your desk." I answered. He tore the package open and withdrew the present. It was a double picture frame with a picture of Davey on one side and one of Denny on the other.
"It's beautiful." Ted remarked. "Thank you very much, Dean."
"You're very welcome, my love." I responded. "You'll have to be careful the engraved plaque on the back doesn't scratch on your desk when you move the frame." He turned the frame around and looked at the plaque on the back. It read: For my beloved Ted, to commemorate this special day, September 9th., forever.
Ted read it over, then read it again. I could see him thinking about it and suddenly the light came on behind his eyes. He looked at me.
"Yes, my love." I assured him. "They called me this afternoon, Dad." I thought his face would burst. My big, strong, manly lover sat up in our bed with tears running down his face and the biggest smile I had ever seen.
He carefully slid the frame and packaging under the bed so he could show the boys in the morning and then we celebrated our joy and pleasure into the early hours of the morning.