Date: Mon, 04 Mar 2002 13:54:28 -0500
From: Miguel Sanchez <miguel_sanchez55@hotmail.com>
Subject: T.D.M.L.B. Book 2, Ch. 7

The story continues. If you are not of legal age to be here, leave now or
ask your parents permission. I don't want someone's parent angry with
me. Don't lose the trust of your parents, believe this or not, they do care
about you. This story is copywrited and protected so don't copy or alter
the context. Distribution of this story without the written consent of the
author is a copywrite violation and legal action will be taken against
violators.

You may e-mail the author at: miguel_sanchez55@hotmail.com. I try to
respond to all letters.

Here are some stories by others that are worth reading. In Adult/youth
section, "Jonah" by OVD (posted on 8/30/01); "Chris In The Middle"
(1/12/02) by T; "Poindexter Files" (2/10/02), The Family (2/16//02), Corey
(2/3/02) by Robert. In Highschool, "Where it Began" (2/15/02) by T. In
Young Friends section there are "My First Love" (2/15/02) by WiccanBoy and
"Starting Over" (2/15/02) by T. These and others should keep you all busy.

Note: I must apologise for taking so long to finish this chapter. A lot has
happened, some good and some not so good. The best thing is that I now have
a son. Well, a foster son and will be totally mine in April if not
sooner. He is the light of my life. A few of you know all about this and I
really want to thank you for all your support. He is 13, cute as a button
and is gay. The latter dosen't matter. Well, that's about it so here is
chapter 7. I want to thank T for his help with this chapter. Chapter 8 will
be the final chapter.


The Day My Life Began, Book 2

A New Beginning - Life With My Two Boys

Chapter 7 - The Truth Comes Out

	By the time we got home, all three of the boys were ready for
bed. We did, however, require showers since we all smelled like salt water
and fish. I locked the front door and went directly to my shower. My
clothes could have been used for bait based on their smell. I stepped into
the shower and let the hot water relax every muscle in my body. Soon,
however, I felt something else around my body. It was Bryce and he his head
burried into my neck nuzzleing me.
	"I love you, Dad." He hissed into my ear.
	The next thing I knew I was locked, loaded and ready to fire. I
quickly turned around to Bryce and just held him and I fought to regain
control of my body. When I felt my flag pole lower, I finished my shower
and went to bed. This kid has some effect on me. My prick starts think it's
a teen-ager again.
	I crawled into bed and had my God spooned against my chest with his
back and his butt againgt my crotch. That was the last thing we knew as we
both drifted off to sleep.
	The remainder of the boys time off went by with little fanfare and
Thursday was here before anyone gave it a second's thought. I received a
call from Neil on Tuesday stating the test results would not be finished
until the end of the week.
	The boys were taking their end of the year tests a little earlier
than usual because we had a mild winter and the school did not have to make
up any snow days. The school calender was built with 14 extra days in it so
they would not have to take any hollidays away from the children but in the
case of a mild winter, extra days off are usually added during their spring
and Memorial Day weekends. The school board agreed to end the school year
two weeks early so parents, who miss their precious children, could spend
two extra weeks with their little darlings. And if you believe this, I have
some prime water-front property in Arizona for you, too.
	Today is Thursday and I'm actually glad to be back at work. Now I
can think wbout something else except Bryce and the blood test. My morning
went rather quietly with two calls requiring my assistance. I was just
finishing my lunch when my pager went off.
	A voice said. "Rescue 5, Zone 14, Rescue 14, second ambulance call,
EMS 5 call holding, 2156 Bonney at the Motel Suites, Room 235. Man
complaining of chest pains and difficulty breathing. Priority One. Time
1213. Rescue 5, Zone 14, Rescue 14, second ambulance call, EMS 5 call
holding, 2156 Bonney at Motel 8 Suites, Room 235. Man complaining of chest
pains and difficulty breathing. Priority One. Time 1213."
	I keyed the mike on my hand held radio and said. "EMS 5 dispatch. I
will respond just send an ambulance. Who is the closest?"
	The voice said. "Rescue 2021 is at Station 16 covering."
	I started the Ram and turned on the lights and siren. I called the
disptacher saying. "10-4. Start them."
	The voice said. "10-4 EMS 5."
	I was about 7 minutes out when it hit me. This was the same motel
where that pain in my ass was staying at but I thought the chance of this
actually being him was about a million to one.
	I pulled into the parking lot and there was a cleaning lady waving
her hands at me. I told Rescue 2021C where the room was and to bring their
drug box, heart monitor, oxygen and gear bag on the stretcher. I just
started up the stairs when the ambulance pulled in to the lot.
	When I went in there was a man in his late 40's on the floor barely
breathing. His color was ashen and he was sweating as if it were one
hundred degrees in the room but it was actually comfortably cool. The crew
came in and there was a CT (cardiac technician) along with the driver. I
took the monitor and put the leads on the man while the EMT got his vitals
signs. The man was in ventricular fibralation (the lower chambers of the
heart were beating independently of the upper chambers) and needed
medication before we could shock him. I had the CT start an IV with normal
saline and then I went into the drug box to get the medication I needed and
the CT was preparing him to be shocked as soon as I pushed the drugs. He
was shocked twice and his heart beat was stable. We loaded him onto the
stretcher and quickly got him down to the rig so we could get him to the
hospital. I searched his pants for a wallet so I could find out who he
was. I found it in his front pocket and his drivers license confirmed my
suspicions and it was my pain in the butt.
	In five minutes we had him in the emergency room and in the care of
doctors. I was concerned as to the out come of this event. If he died, I
knew that the current problems Bryce and I were facing would be over and no
matter what the results of the blood test, it would be a moot point. On the
other hand, however, I didn't want to see it end like this.
	It was now 2:30 and I had checked back into service. At 4, I was
back at the hospital so I decided to see how Mr. Collins was doing. I spoke
with the emergency room physician who treated him and found out he had a
mild heart attack and with time, rest and medication he should be able to
leave the hospital in a week.
	I decided not to say anything to Bryce about this latest turn of
events. I handeled one more call then returned to the station to call it a
day.
	I got home a little after 6 and the boys were just about to put
dinner on the table. The wierdest thing was happening when I arrived. The
house was clean, their homework was done and both boys were in one
piece. Something was definitely wrong. I just had to figure out what. I
hated this scene because I knew something was always up and it wasn't good.
	I went upstairs and got out of my uniform and ate dinner. The boys
were just chatting between themselves about nothing in particular. The
suspense was killing me. "Alright you two. What have you done with the real
Bryce and Jimmy?" I asked and held a straight face.
	"What are you talking about, Dad?" Jimmy replied. Also with a
straight face.
	"Cut the blarney, boys. I know you too well. Now what's going on?"
I asked.
	They looked at each other and Bryce stood to clear the table and
then the truth came out, or in this case it reared his little head.
	"Uh Jimmy. Why don't you stand up too?" I asked.
	Sure enough, he was in the same state as Bryce. I asked them. "Did
I interrupt something?"
	Both the boy's faces were as red as my sweat pants. "No, Dad."
Bryce said. We were going to wait until later but I wish Jimmy would quit
rubbing the back of my leg."
	"I thought you could control yourself better than this Bryce?" I
said trying to pull his leg.
	"Not funny, Dad." Bryce popped back. "The dirty sod knows all me
weak spots."
	"Well." I said. "I think that's your problem, if you get my drift.
	Jimmy sounded off at that. "Ooooh, Dad. That's bad."
	I jumped on Jimmy's words just as fast. "If you aren't the pot
calling the kettle black. Your's is just as bad as Bryce's, just a little
shorter."
	Both boys decided to quit while they had a little dignity
left. They finished eating in silence which was actually refreshing, no
bickering to have to referee. We all finished eating and the lads cleaned
up. I decided to watch the evening news when the phone rang. It was Davey,
so I hollored up to Jimmy and they talked while I was watching the tv.
	The next thing I heard was water running. The boys were getting
cleaned up for school and the balance of the evening went without
incident. I slept through the night and at 5 the alarm woke me.
	Buzzzz, SMACK! Damn it's early, I thought. I got up and finished my
usual morning ministarations and had my first cup of coffee. The boys were
up a little later and since they took their shower before going to bed, I
was able to spend some time with them before heading off to work. The boys
had only two days of school left and each of those were half days for final
exams.
	By noon, I had handled three calls when I was about to request a
break for lunch the radio blared. "Dispatch, EMS 5."
	I replied "Go ahead!"
	"Contact the lab reference DNA." the voice said.
	"10-4" I replied and headed to the hospital.
	When I arrived, I headed straight for the lab. Noel was there
waiting on me holding the report. He handed me the paper and my mouth just
hung wide open.
	My mouth was moving but there was nothing coming out. "Shit Noel,
now what?" I asked finally getting words out!
	"Go and ask him." he said.
	"How?" I countered. "Hey, shithead. So, you're the father of
Bryce. What's your next move?"
	"No, not like that." Noel shot back.
	"Ok." I said. "I know what you mean, but I can't guarantee what
will happen after he tells me."
	Neil turned and headed for the elevator waving his hand as if to
say "whatever" as the doors closed.
	I headed for his room and my mind was running a hundred miles an
hour all in different directions. When I got to his door, I took a deep
breath and knocked before I opened it to enter.
	I looked at the person laying in bed. He was wide awake and sitting
up then said "I see you have the report."
	I hesitated for a moment then said "So where do you go from here?"
	"Well, as soon as I'm able back to Australia." He said with a grin.
	"Huh?" I said. "Back home? Wi..wi..with Bryce? Just like that?"
	"No, not just like that."  He repiled.
	Collins sat up a little more then spoke. "I want to meet my son. I
don't have any intentions of taking him away from you, mate. I just want to
meet the lad I created."
	I was in shock. Then I shot back. "I won't allow you to hurt
him. He's been through enough what with his mother getting killed and his
foster parents in jail for drugs. I can't let him face your sudden coming
then going in and out of his life."
	He thought then said. "I just want to meet him and see what kind of
lad he is. You can handle the arrangements. What ever you decide is alright
with me."
	I thought for a moment so I wouldn't stick my foot in my mouth. I
will let him meet you here at the hospital. Since it's neutral ground, he
shouldn't feel too much pressure. Then I asked him, "Why the sudden
interest in him after all these years? Is there something I should know?"
	He laughed and said, "No, mate. I'm not going to die if that's what
you're thinking. At least not yet. Like I said before, I would like the
chance to meet the lad."
	"OK," I said. You can see him tomorrow night after we eat
dinner. We talked a while longer then I looked at my watch and it read
1:30. I said to him, "I got to hit the streets. We'll see you tomorrow
about 7."
	Tom smiled saying, "Thanks. You don't know how much this means."
	As I headed towards the door I told him we sould see him
tomorrow. The rest of the day was quiet and uneventful which for me only
added fuel to an already high burning fire. How was I going to break this
to Bryce? We,, I had 24 hours to come up with something.
	I signed out for the day and headed home. On the way I had to take
a detour around some road reapirs and I was about to turn back onto the
main road when suddenly out of nowhere came this kid on a bike. It's a good
thing I had my left foot on the brake because if I hadn't, he would have
been a hood decoraation. I watched this reckless kid as he headed up the
street and cut into the bowling alley parking lot. He leaned his bike
against a pole and chained it there.
	I had to wait for traffic before I could turn but I followed and
pulled into the lot. As I exited my vehicle I spotted two bikes I knew too
well. As I walked into the lobby, it took a few seconds for my to adjust to
the darkend surroundings. As I looked for the kid, I spotted two familiar
bodies. In the game room were Jimmy and Davey playing video games. Well, at
least they aren't trying to become hood ornaments, I thought to myself.
	I looked at the counter and low and behold there he was talking to
the attendant. I walked up to him and tappped him on the shoulder.
	When he looked up, I thought he was going to faint. He had that
look of "oh shit" on his face.
	I asked him "do you always ride you bike like that?"
	The kid swallowed hard.
	The attendant said "what?" as he stared at the boy.
	I waited for a minute before saying anything. "Do you always ride
in such a hap hazard manner as to almost get yourself killed?" I asked him
again.
	"Ah, ah n n noo sir." was all he could get out.
	Now I thought the guy behind the counter was going to faint. I
looked at him and I asked "Do you know this young man?"
	"Yes sir. I do." He said. "What happened?"
	"Oh, nothing much." I started. "Weaving in and out of traffic, then
crossing against the traffic light and almost getting flatened by my Ram."
	The counter man looked up and replied. "That's all?" Then he stuck
his hand out and said "Hi, I'm Trey and this one is Chris."
	There was a small crowd of kids standing around wondering what was
going on with Jimmy and Davey being the first.
	Trey called someone over so he could take a break. We headed to the
snack bar so we could sit and talk with any more people butting in. My two
were next in line followed by two more boys I didn't know.
	We all pulled chairs up to a large table and I intorduced myself. I
stuck my hand out to Trey. "Hi, I'm Mark Thomas. I'm a paramedic and your
friend almost needed one."
	Trey got a serious look on his face, then I saw a tear roll from
his eye. Just then Jimmy spoke up saying "That's my dad."
	Chris looked around and say my boys holding hands. When he saw the
tear roll from Trey's eye he said "I'm sorry Mr. Thomas. I wanted to get
here so fast I guess I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing."
	"What could be so important that you couldn't pay attention to what
you were doing?" I asked. Then suddenly it hit me just like a load of
bricks.
	During this time the other two boys I saw came into the snack bar
and joined us. Suddenly one of the two spoke up and said "oh my God, Davey!
Is that you!"
	Davey looked at the boy and smiled. "Hey Jamie. Long time."
	"Hold it," I said. "You all know each other?"
	Davey smiled saying "well, sort of. This is Jamie."
	Trey did the introductions. "Mr. Thomas, this is Alex Wells and his
friend Jamie. You have already met Chris."
	I looked at the group and introduced Jimmy and Davey. By the time
the introductions were finished, all three pairs were holding hands while
Trey gave Chris a stern talking to about his biking habbits. I heard him
say if he ever heard of him doing that again, he would turn him over his
knee and paddle him but good.
	 I got myself something to drink and I saw a woman come over to the
table. Alex got up and went over and hugged her and introduced her to
everyone. Alex said she owned the restraunt near our house. I couldn't
believe what I was hearing.
	I stood and shook her hand saying "Mam, that's one of our favorite
places to go."
	She invited everyone to dinner Friday evening. I had to pass on the
invitation and when I did, Jimmy and Davey wined.
	"Ah, Dad." They said. "Can't we go? Pleeaassee?"
	Trey spoke up saying, "Mr. Thomas, Chris and I will be glad to pick
the boys up and bring them home so you can do what you have to."
	I thought about it for a minute and said "Alright Trey, I will
trust you with my boy and his friend. I just hope you drive better that
Chris rides his bike." Chris just sunk down in the seat and turned red. I
handed Trey a card with my address and cell phone number on it as I
gathered the boys to head home. I knew Bryce would be wondering where we
were since it was now almost 6 PM.
	The boys loaded their bikes into the Ram and were home in about 5
minutes. Davey kissed Jimmy good bye and said he would see him tomorrow
while I put the Ram in the garage.
	I came into the kitchen and noticed right away Bryce wasn't telling
me he was starving. "Bryce, where are you?" I shouted.
	While waiting, I started dinner. He came down stairs holding an
envelope looking like he lost his best friend. "Hey pal." I asked trying to
cheer him up. "What have you got there?"
	He handed me the envelope unopened. "Here, you open it. I already
know what it says." Bryce said.
	Taking it from him I asked "When did you get your ESP fixed?" He
half laughed as I opened the envelope. What Bryce didn't know was I already
knew what it said. If you passed the state notified you but if you failed,
they sent a letter to your station. The sate lowered the age requirements
from 16 to 15 for First Responders just as he was starting the
program. They did this so they could would have an extra year in the field
before starting their EMT program. Right now all they can do is basic first
aid and are partnered with an Emergency Medical Technician or higher. Bryce
had been going to three other stations to get all the required training so
he could take the state test. I read the letter and handed it to him. "Read
it." I said to him.
	"Why!?!" Bryce shot back.
	He was beginning to piss me off. "What the hell's wrong you today?
Did someone piss in your Cheerios?"
	He was fighting back tears. "I just know I flunked the test, that's
all." Bryce said.
	I walked over to him and put my arm around his shoulder and held
the letter in front of his eyes.
	He was crying now, but this time they were tears were of joy. "I
passed?" he said.
	"Yep." I said. "I never had any doubts. You picked up everything
that was taught you. You're a natural."
	Jimmy came inside and looked at Bryce. "Hey, bro. Why are you
crying?"
	"I passed." He told Jimmy. "I passed my First Responder's test."
	"Way to go bro!" Jimmy shouted as he ran upstairs. He came down
holding a large box and handed it to Bryce.
	Bryce stood there stuned. "What's that?"
	Jimmy smiled and said "Well, open it and see."
	When he lifted the top off, he saw a light blue shirt. He picked it
up and it fell open to reveal a Station 5 uniform shirt. There was a
Station 5 patch on both sleeves, his state issued First Responder's patch
above the right pocket, a name plate on the right pocket flap and his
station badge over the left pocket. He set the shirt down and took out the
next item. A pair of navy blue EMS response pants. They have extra pockets
for holding all essentials plus there is room for additional items. He took
them and went to his room to try them on so we could see how he looked. I
have to admit he looked very sharp. He came over and hugged both of
us. "Thanks Dad. I'm sorry about the way I acted. I guess I acted like a
child?"
	"Yes you did, son and I still love you." I said. "You see son, in
medicine the most important thing is to always trust your instincts and not
second guess yourself. Most of the time your instincts will guide you
properly because of your training and experience. Here's another news
flash, I knew what the letter said before I opened it. You only get a
letter from the state when you pass."
	I finished cooking dinner and we all sat down to eat. Then I
dropped the other bomb shell. "Hey pal." I started. "Got any plans for
tomorrow?"
	Bryce looked at me wierd and said, "No, Dad. Not really. What's
up?"
	Just then the phone rang. It was Neil telling me that he finally
found out why Bryces father wants to meet him.
	I came back into the dining room and said, "OK. Here's the
deal. Bryce, it seems that your father never married or had any other
children. You are him only child and as such you are the heir to his
estate. Now, don't go and think this guy is a weathly banker or something
else like that. But, on the other hand, he isn't poor either. Neil has the
details and will talk to us later about that."
	Bryce looked puzzled by this. He couldn't figure out if there was
still some hiddem motive on the guy's mind. "So when do we meet him?"
	I responded, "Tomorrow night. I said we would see him around 7."
	Jimmy was sitting there eating quietly while we chatted back and
forth but I could tell there was something going on inside head head. When
we finished eating, Bryce cleared the table while we went into the living
room. I sat in my recliner and Jimmy took the arm. "What's going on, Dad?"
Jimmy asked with a very serious look on his face.
	I thought for a moment and the spoke. "Son, I don't know. I do know
that he dosen't want to take him back to Australia with him. Maybe he just
needs to see for himself that the child he helped to create is doing
alright. I know Bryce has his father's looks. It's like looking into a
mirror."
	Jimmy gently slid down into my lap and said. "I just don't want to
see him get hurt that's all. He is my brother and I do love him."
	I wrapped my arms around him and replied. "I know you do son and so
do I. Neil will be there when we arrive so business can be taken care of
then we will just see what happens. I may even let the two of the spend
some time alone so the can get to know each other."
	"Will you be able to adopt him then?" Jimmy asked will a suductive
look in his eye.
	"Cool your hormones little man." I said back. "I will talk to Neil
about that. I think his father will agree to the adoption since he wants to
keep him here in the states. Believe this or not, he does want what's best
for Bryce as do we."
	Just then Bryce came in from filling the dishwasher and
asked. "What's going on?"
	"Just chatting about mothing in particular." I lied. Don't you two
have any homework to finish?"
	Bryce came over to the other side of the chair and sat on the
arm. "Nope." He said smiling. Tomorrow's the last day of school, remember."
	"How could I forget." I replied picking up the remote control. You
will need to go to the station and get yourself put on the schedule. Better
yet, why don't you give Terry Adams a call?"
	Bryce's eyes lit up when I mentioned her name. "I think I will
dad." He said with a smile.
	Suddenly Jimmy was confused. "What's up with him?" He asked getting
up to stretch out on the sofa and watch the tube.
	I even had to think about that question. "Terry is from Australia
like Bryce so there is a common connection there. Other than that, I
haven't a clue."
	Jimmy smiled and asked. "You think he's straight, Dad?"
	My head quickly snapped over to him. "And if he is would that
change anything?"
	Jimmy fired back. "Oh, heck no. If he is I might end up an uncle
and you a grandpa. Either way I would still love him."
	I had to admit that thought pleased me but also scared me. I would
then have to admit that I was getting old. "Whatever." I said as I pulled
the leg rest up and got ready to watch tv.
	Bryce came back in and snuggled next to me and said. "Terry said to
see her tomorrow after school and we can work out a schedule. I told her it
would be easier if I had day shifts and she said she would take care of
things."
	The rest of the evening passed without further comment about
tomorrow. I had to admit though, I wasn't quite sure how things were going
to go and I didn't want Bryce getting upset. I felt if things were taken
slow and his father explained things gently, Bryce would understand. This
kid does have a head on his shoulders. Only tomorrow know what's in store.

_____________________________________________________________________________
What happens at the hospital? Well sorry for another cliff hanger but this
has to be done.