Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2009 15:45:59 -0700 (PDT)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: New Horizons 104

All rights reserved.  Other than downloading one copy for personal
enjoyment, no part of this story may be reproduced or transmitted by any
means, except for reviews, without the written permission of the author.
As in real life, the sexual themes unfold gradually and are kept to a
realistic level.

This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between
males, adult and minor.  As such it is homoerotic, designed for the
entertainment of mature adults.  If you are not of legal age to read such
material, or if the subject matter would create irresolvable personal moral
dilemmas, please exit now.

Note: I would like to thank Matthew for his unwavering support and editing
skills while I write this story.  Matthew has been sharing his talents by
posting another great story.  Look in adult/youth for a story about the
greatest design of all time.

Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author,
Dwight Wilson, at adm2780@yahoo.com


Chapter One-hundred Four: New Horizons


Daniel stood in the dressing room with the boys as they changed from their
shorts and t- shirt uniforms into their Cherub outfits.  As Daniel watched
the boys, he remembered when the boys first appeared with Elizabeth as the
co-host of The Afternoon Show.  Now, Elizabeth was the host of The Morning
Show.  On that first show, the older boys were required to wear butt-plugs
in case someone called on them for favors.  Now, they were just kids,
dressed like Cherubs, looking beautiful and enjoying themselves.

Normally, Daniel didn't stay with the boys while they dressed, but this
appearance had all the markings of being something other than normal.  This
was the largest group of boys that Daniel had ever brought to be on the
show with Elizabeth.  The atmosphere may have changed, but the message, and
its seriousness, had not.  Rather than the usual ten or so, Daniel had
brought twenty-three boys, including Clay and Marich.

The increase consisted of boys who had been hand picked from a large
contingent of volunteers after undergoing evaluations.  None had appeared
in a group or represented other boys as the Cherubs did; all were part of
the recently freed slaves group.  These were boys who had been enslaved for
only a short period of time and were fortunate enough to have not been
forced to endure daily physical abuse.  All were considered as potentially
ready to return to their families to resume a normal life.

"Now, boys, I want you to remember who your partner is.  Watch for my
signal and then the first five pairs can move into the audience.  When I
give the signal again, the first five pairs will return to the stage and
the second five pairs will move into the audience.  This is new for half of
you.  If, for any reason, you feel uncomfortable, signal your partner and
the two of you return to the stage immediately.  We don't want you to feel
bad about wanting to return to the stage, nor do we want you to be afraid.
Does everyone understand?"  Daniel paused for a moment.  "Danny, Ian and
Brian will stay with me on- stage.  I don't think they will have any
trouble letting Mary, Linda or Elizabeth give them a little attention.  Are
there any questions?"

"Mr. Daniel?" one of the new boys called out.  He waited for Daniel to look
at him before continuing.  "S'pose somebody in the audience recognizes us.
I mean, maybe somebody that . . .well, you know, somebody . . ."

"Somebody that you may have had to spend time with as a slave?" Daniel
finished the question for the boy, who nodded.  "Actually, I don't think
that's very likely on a morning show like this and, should there be someone
out there that you entertained, I doubt that person is going to stand up
and acknowledge having spent an evening with a pleasure boy.  However, if
Murphy's Law prevails, and there is someone out there, just remember to be
courteous.  At the time that it happened it was not illegal and we don't
want to cause any problems.  Acknowledge the person if you must and head
straight for the stage.  If someone in the audience wants to get cute, I'll
handle them; at least the verbalizing.  The security guards will handle the
physical part.  I do not, repeat, do not, want you to give anyone any
reason to say anything negative about how you act or react to anything that
happens here today.  In the past, we have never had any problems and I
don't want today to be any different."

"There's somethin' else, Mr. Dan'l," another of the new boys spoke up.
"Well, we know this is a television show and all, and, well, s'pose
somebody in our family sees us?"

"We're actually counting on it," Daniel responded, surprising the boys.
"Remember those letters we had you write a few days ago?  Well, the letter
each of you wrote was sent out.  There hasn't been enough time for any
non-deliverable letters to be returned to us.  We are hoping someone that
knows you will see you.  That way they can be certain that you are in good
health and treated well."

"Are ya lookin' ta send some of us home?" one boy asked; his voice filled
with a mixture of hope and trepidation.

"Only when we feel that you, and your family, are ready.  There's no rush
from our end.  Our goal is to help you have as normal a life as possible
from here on out.  There will be counseling for you and your families.
When the time is right, there will be contact and visits, and hopefully,
the right choices can be made.

"Now, as for today, you are here to represent New Horizons and all the boys
at the camp.  You are also here to enjoy yourselves.  After the show, there
will be some light refreshments and then we'll head over to the hospital.
For those of you that have never visited our senior friends, you are in for
an experience," Daniel concluded with a smile.

The last remark brought some light laughter from some of the boys as they
glanced over at TJ and Evan.  The new boys didn't know what was funny, yet,
but they would learn before they reached the hospital.

                                           * * * *

"Hey, I'm Danny and me and my friends over there," Danny paused a moment to
point towards his friends, causing Daniel and the other adults to laugh,
"are here ta visit wif you."  Danny tilted his head and showed the big
smile that always won everyone's heart.

"Good morning ladies and gentlemen, my name is Elizabeth Risler, your host
for The Morning Show.  I'm sure many of our loyal viewers recognize young
Danny from New Horizons.  Over the past several months it has been our
pleasure, first on The Afternoon Show and now on The Morning Show, to
welcome Daniel Thompson and the Cherubs from New Horizons.  This morning
Daniel is accompanied by a larger contingent than in the past.

"Also, joining us this morning are Mary Holmes and Linda Sinclair.  Mary
and Linda are mothers whose lives, and the lives of their sons, have been
deeply effected by New Horizons.  While we are visiting with our guests on
stage, each of you will find a few cards and a pencil under your seats.
These items are to allow you to write out questions for our guests.  The
questions may be addressed to any of the adults or the boys; however, not
to a specific boy.  The boys will now begin to circulate through the
audience, taking your cards and bringing them to the stage.

"If you have been keeping up with the news surrounding New Horizons, and
the boys, you will know that the number of boys at New Horizons almost
doubled recently.  The increase was due to a court ruling, upheld by the
higher courts, that many boys were denied due process at the time they were
enslaved.  The courts released those boys and gave them protection from
being taken back into slavery based on prior actions.  Daniel has given us
permission to tell you that a few of those boys volunteered to come with
this group today.

"Those of you watching us from home will see pictures of the boys flashing
in the upper left corner of your screen.  Members of the studio audience
will see the same pictures on our monitors here in the studio.  If you see
a boy that you think you may recognize or know, you may call in using the
number that will be flashing in the upper right hand corner of your screen.
Please understand that operators will be receiving your calls and will
accept detailed information.  We will not be putting any personal calls
through during the show.  Any information given by you will be held in
confidence.  The information will be screened and a representative from New
Horizons will contact you after the show.

"We will now take a short break for our commercials and, when we return,
talk with our guests and take questions from the audience.  Viewers at home
may use the number on your screen to call in your questions."

As soon as the signal was given that they were off the air, assistants
delivered the cards with questions from the audience to four assistant
producers who quickly scanned the cards.  Based solely on experience and
instincts, the assistant producers each handed four cards to Elizabeth for
her review.  All of this was accomplished in just a little under one
minute.

"Mr. Dan'l," Danny whispered in Daniel's ear while tapping the man's
shoulder.  "I gotta pee."

"Can you wait a few minutes?  We're about to go back on television."

Danny shook his head while he grabbed and held tightly to the affected
part.  Clay saw what was happening and stretched his arms out towards
Danny.  Danny was quickly carried backstage while the adults smiled and
tried to suppress their laughter.

"Daniel," Elizabeth spoke while she continued to review the cards.  "Here's
an interesting card.  There is no specific question, just a statement that
the person would like to ask about your future plans for the boys and New
Horizons.  It's signed with initials."

"Can you tell who sent the card?  It sounds as though it might be a good
topic."

"We can identify the person by the seat number encoded on the card."

Elizabeth handed the card to an associate who almost immediately identified
the seat.  A camera connected to a monitor that only Elizabeth and her
support staff could view focused in on a woman who appeared to be in her
mid-thirties and well groomed.  The location appeared at the bottom of the
screen.  Elizabeth and Daniel looked up into the audience and spotted the
individual.  Looking around the woman, Daniel spotted someone else that
piqued his curiosity.

"Elizabeth, look at the row behind the woman and four or five seats to her
left."

"Is that David Arnold?"

"Or his identical twin," Daniel answered.  "This could be interesting.
Let's take her first and see where we go."

When the show resumed, Elizabeth advised the audience that questions had
been selected based on what the show's producers believed would have the
widest appeal and they would attempt to answer as many as possible in the
limited amount of time available.  The lady was called upon to present her
question.

"Mr. Thompson, there are rumors that the governor, or members of his
cabinet, will introduce legislation related to slave boys and New Horizons.
Also, New Horizons has been criticized for saying that your program's goal
is to reunite the boys with their families or prepare them for a productive
future.  At the same time, it is well known that you keep them as slaves.
The boys do not wear any clothing at your camp and you bring them out to
serve others, such as at the senior center.  How can you justify claiming
to help the boys when you keep them naked and make them serve others?  What
is the difference between the way you care for them and the way their
masters cared for them?  Also, what can you tell us about any future plans
for your organization?"

Daniel stared at the woman for a moment, knowing he could not say what was
truly on his mind and, at the same time, feeling as though he had been
set-up and blindsided.  The woman had taken what was common knowledge,
explained multiple times, and worded it to have a negative connotation.
Daniel looked at his boys who appeared to be as stunned as he was.  Taking
a deep breath, he forced a smile at the woman, and began.

"Wow," Daniel commented with a slight smile.  "I'm not sure how much of
that was statement, how much was allegations, and how much was questions.
I'll try to remember the order and answer you to the best of my ability and
I would like to begin with a statement of my own."  Daniel couldn't hide
the edge of irritation in his voice.  "We place a great deal of emphasis on
letting the boys know that they are not slaves.  We believe it is
imperative that the boys learn to respect themselves and feel secure with
who they are.  Part of these teachings is letting the boys know that they
should take a great deal of pride in the fact that they were placed in hell
and survived."  Daniel paused to allow the audience to absorb his statement
and then continued.

"As to the rumors you mentioned, I can neither confirm nor deny what the
governor, or any member of his cabinet, is doing at this time.  That is a
question that should be directed to the governor or his representative.
Your next statement is the one that bothers me the most.

"You stated that 'it is well known that you keep them as slaves.'"  Daniel
took a deep breath.  "You then added that it's because the boys do not wear
clothing at our camp and they serve others.  I can only deduce that you
follow the old adage that the clothes make the man, or, in this case, that
the lack of clothes establishes the status of the boys.  I would remind
everyone that the law in this state allows boys below a certain age to go
without clothing.  That law was passed long before slavery was reintroduced
in this state.  Unfortunately, nude boys have become associated with
slavery; however . . . ."  Before Daniel could continue, he felt a hand on
his arm.  Daniel looked and saw Mary Holmes standing next to him.  He could
read the anger in her expression.

"I'm sorry, Daniel, I don't think you can really answer this the way it
needs to be answered.  With your permission, and Elizabeth's, I would like
to answer this."  When Daniel saw the determination, and the pleading, in
her eyes, he took a step backwards.

"Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Mary Holmes.  I asked Daniel to let me
address the lady's question.  Daniel is the head of New Horizons and, while
he may be better qualified to answer, he must show diplomacy and restraint
with his answers.  I do not carry that burden."  There was a moment of
light laughter; Mary paused for the audience to become quiet and focus.

"I guess my explanation did give a little cause for some laughter.
However, the subject matter is anything but funny.  You may be wondering
why I am qualified to answer the lady's question.  That's easy; two of the
Cherubs walking among you are my sons.  One of those sons, my oldest, was
saved from the streets, and possible enslavement, by Daniel Thompson and
New Horizons.  He was also responsible for returning my son to me.

"If you re wondering how my son got out there in the first place, I'll tell
you.  I was married to the biggest jerk and jackass in this state.  When
his oldest son did not measure up to his expectations, he threw him out.  I
thought it was a simple argument, but I was wrong.  I didn't know if I
would ever see my child again.  There were only three things I could do,
and did them all.  I cried; I prayed; and I threw the son of a bitch out."

Daniel stood to the side and listened.  Mary spoke with force and
conviction.  She made eye contact, particularly with the ladies in the
audience.  Many in the audience, again the ladies, were nodding their
heads.

"Clay was picked up during a police raid of abandoned buildings in downtown
Orlando; that's a long way from our home in Boca Raton.  Thankfully, the
police captain didn't like the idea of turning the boys over to the state.
By then, New Horizons was established and had the support of state
government.  New Horizons welcomed the boys and gave them a safe haven.
Daniel had Clay write me to let me know he was okay and safe.  There were
phone calls . . .visits . . .the exchange of information.  It didn't take
long before I had my oldest son back, and my other son had his older
brother back.  We are here today because we feel indebted to Daniel and New
Horizons.  Some of these boys are Clay's friends and he wanted to show his
support for them.  Marich wanted to show his support for his big brother."

Mary felt a presence.  When she turned, her sons were standing on either
side.  She put a hand on their shoulders and gave each a loving kiss on the
cheek.  Both boys blushed while showing their pride and love for her.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to get up here and be so long winded.  I'm not
even the one that's supposed to be speaking."  Mary turned to Elizabeth,
who gave her the signal to continue.  "I would like to say to you, in
answer to the lady's questions, and many others, what is really on my mind
and in my heart.

"Not long ago I read a short story titled "The Greatest Design Of Them
All".  The title may sound a little strange, but it was written by someone
who loves children.  It's the story of when God designed the first boy.  It
tells of the beauty, both physical and spiritual, that was intended to be
in each boy.  They were created to be admired, to be loved and to love.
There's not the first mention of clothing in the story.

"There's another book written by a well known member of the clergy.  In his
book, he tells us that nothing that God created can be anything but
beautiful; that includes all people.  He also tells us that we are born
pure, but many of us became corrupted somewhere along the way.  A simple
statement in the book says it is sinful to look upon and admire the nude
form, only when the mind of the observer has been corrupted, and becomes
evil.  At home, my sons go nude almost all of the time and I feel blessed
to be able to admire them, love them, and share their beauty with the
world."

Mary's voice trailed off as she turned to admire her sons.  There was a
tear running down her cheek.  Daniel looked at the audience and recognized
that Mary had made that special contact with her audience.  Mary returned
her attention to the audience.

"I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to get up here and lecture everyone, but someone
needs to say what I am about to say.  You ask what Daniel's plans are for
these boys.  I ask you, what are our plans for these boys?  When I say
'our', I mean us, all of us in this studio, all of us watching on
television, all of us who are mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles,
grandparents.  Do we not have a responsibility to our children?  Do we not
owe them the opportunity to grow and develop and become strong citizens?
Again, when I say 'we', I mean all of us.  We created this evil thing
called slavery that crushes and strangles, not only our children, but
families and society as a whole.  I don't know what the governor has
planned, but I do know this: it's time to do away with this evil and begin
protecting our children, our future.  Each and everyone one of you; I
encourage you to pick up the telephone and call the governor, or your
elected representative, and express your feelings.  Tell them that this has
gone far enough.  Tell them to end it and provide for those who have
already suffered from our stupidity and greed.  Most of all, when you go
home, if you have a child at home, hug them.  If your child is not at home,
then call them and tell them that you love them."

                                           * * * *

Grandpa Smith sat in the dining room, waiting for Daniel and the boys.
Most of the seniors were already in the room.  Someone had turned on the
television to watch Elizabeth's show and was astounded by Mary's lecture.
Word quickly spread through the senior section and many gathered in the
dining area to watch, and listen.

Danny and the other two little ones were the first to enter.  Danny led his
friends to the spot where they always stood to say hello to the older
people.  Behind the little ones came TJ and Evan, who walked straight to
Grandpa.  Daniel entered next, followed by the rest of the boys.  Mary and
Linda entered last, escorted by Mary's boys.  When Mary entered, the
seniors erupted in applause and cheers, all to Mary's embarrassment.

"Well, young lady," Grandpa greeted Mary with a smile, "seems you've made
yourself into quite a celebrity."

"Oh, no," Mary responded, flush with embarrassment.  "I didn't mean to do
that and I know I probably said way too much.  I'm lucky they didn't use a
shepherd's hook on me."

"Are you kidding?  Evidently, you haven't seen the 12:00 o'clock news.  You
are one of the lead stories.  Everyone is talking about how the mother of a
boy who was about to be a slave stood up before an audience and told them
the truth.  No one has ever told the people that child slavery is their own
fault and up to them to straighten out.  All I can say to you is, bravo!  I
can't wait to find out how the governor's switchboard lights up."

Clinton Thorpe, the hospital administrator, entered and greeted Daniel and
his guests.  Thorpe invited Daniel, Mary, and the rest of the adults, to
join him for lunch.  As they sat at a special table set just for them, TJ
and Evan left with Grandpa.

"Grandpa, did Ms. Mary really do that good?" Evan asked after they were in
a private room.

"Boys, that lady showed more spit and fire and plain internal fortitude
than any politician I've seen in a long time.  The other networks even
carried the story, that's how good she was.  Now," Grandpa changed the
subject, "just how good are you boys gonna be today?"

"As good as we feel right now, we're good for two or three big loads,
Grandpa," Evan answered, smiling from ear to ear.  "You want me ta dance
for ya while you and TJ play some?"

"We'll get to that in a minute.  First, I wanted to talk to you boys 'bout
something that's kinda serious.  I don't mean to put a damper on our fun,
but there's a special favor I want to ask of you two."

"Sure, Grandpa, anything you want.  We'll do anything for you." TJ
answered, enthusiastically.

Grandpa couldn't help but smile.  He fought to suppress the tears welling
up in his eyes.

"You boys know that I'm here 'cause I'm sick, very sick.  I don't sit in
this chair and wear this tube in my nose for the fun of it or 'cause it
makes me look good.  The truth is, my lungs are eaten up and they won't get
any better."  Evan looked at the old man and couldn't help but shed a tear;
he knew where this was going.  TJ and Evan instinctively reached for the
other's hand.

"Now don't start gettin' all slobbery on me.  I'm not sayin' anything that
we didn't already know.  What I'm tryin' to do right now is tell you boys
thank you.  There's not many young boys that'd be willin' to spend time
with an old man like me.  You two have made what I'm goin' through
tolerable, more than tolerable.  Havin' you two around has been one of the
real bright spots in my life."

Grandpa had to pause and reach for a tissue to wipe the tears off Evan's
cheek.

"Evan, stop it.  What I wanted to tell you is that I've talked with Daniel
and when the time comes for you two to head off for college, well, let's
just say arrangements have been made.  I want you boys to promise me that
whatever you choose to do when you're grown, you be sure you do good and
don't forget Daniel and what he's tryin' to do for you kids.  You also need
to promise me that when I'm gone, no tears.  You be sure to tell people
that he was an old man that knew how to play and show a guy a good time.
Can you do that for me?"

"I don't know, Grandpa," TJ interrupted.  "Maybe you need ta show us how ta
have that good time, just ta refresh our memories."

"Listen, you young colt.  You lay your naked butt out on that bed over
there and this old man'll show ya how ta ride a wild mustang.  Let's see if
you can keep up with me.  I bet I can do a little roto-rootering on another
young butt at the same time."

"Yes, sir!" The boys responded simultaneously as they jumped up on the bed.

Grandpa laughed at the boys' antics as TJ lay on his back with Evan
settling on his knees next to his lover.  Grandpa rose from his wheelchair
and quickly discarded his robe and pajamas.  Climbing up on the bed,
straddling TJ, Grandpa reached out for the boys' packages.  Wrapping a warm
hand around each penis, Grandpa smiled within himself as the boys quickly
responded to his touch.  Immediately, the boys reached out and began to
play with Grandpa's wrinkled manhood, coaxing it to a firmness intended to
give pleasure.

Evan retrieved a tube of lubricant from the side table and heavily coated
TJ's boyhood which was now standing tall, throbbing with each beat of the
boy's heart.  Evan then placed a glob on two fingers and inserted them into
Grandpa's hole, preparing him for the ride.  When Grandpa thought he was
ready, he moved so he was directly over TJ leaking rod.  Reaching under and
gently holding the object of his desire, Grandpa lowered himself until he
sat on TJ's pelvic bone.  Rocking to and fro, slowly, Grandpa signaled Evan
to straddle TJ.

Grandpa placed a glob of lube on his first two fingers.  Experience told
him that Evan would not need too much loosening before he could be
comfortably penetrated.  Grandpa took his time, teasing Evan's prostate,
and enjoyed hearing the whimperings and moans from the two teens.  TJ lay
on the bed trying to hump himself deeper into Grandpa, but it was Grandpa
that kept control and teased until TJ became a whimpering puppy.  When he
was ready, Grandpa took Evan by the hips and gently eased the boy onto the
highly experienced pole.  Evan worked his inner muscles, seeking to give
Grandpa all the pleasure he could.

"Now boys, it's time to ride."

                                           * * * *

The adults watched as the boys disappeared with Grandpa.  No one said
anything; everyone knew about the relationship between the three.  TJ and
Evan were good for Grandpa, and the old man thought the boys were truly
special.  What they did was fully consensual and harmed no one.

Thorpe and his guests were served coffee while the seniors were being
served their lunch.  Thorpe and his guests would be the last to be served
their lunch.  Thad and Jack approached the table pushing a cart that held a
tray for coffee service.  Jack handed Mary her cup.

"Thank you, Jack."  Mary made a big deal out of Jack giving her the cup.
She wrapped an arm around the boy's waist and asked, "Are you going to be
bringing me my lunch today?"

"Yes'm," Jack answered, speaking barely above a whisper and showing the
shyness typical of an eight year old.

"Well, I really do appreciate that.  By the way, have I told you how nice
you look dressed as a Cherub?  I saw a lot of people at the television
station admiring you this morning."

Jack blushed even more, if that was possible.  The boy loved the attention,
but was thankful when Thad told him they had to go serve lunch at the other
tables.

"Mary, I think you deliberately said that to embarrass that poor boy,"
Thorpe teased.

"And I would say that you are probably right," Mary answered.  "There's
something special about the innocence of little boys that I just can't
resist."  Mary then turned to Daniel.

"Daniel, I hope you understand that I meant every word I said to all those
people.  It is time for the rest of us to do something."

"Why is it I have this feeling that you want to tell me what you think that
'something' should be?"  Daniel smiled and waited.

"Ever since Clay has been home, I hear all the time about New Horizons,
you, and the boys.  He won't tell me much about what happened while he was
on the street, but it doesn't take much imagination for me to figure it
out.  One night, I was sitting on the sofa and he came into the room.  When
he sat near me I put an arm around his shoulder and pulled him into me.  I
held him as tightly as I could.  For a few minutes, we didn't say anything.
I needed to hold him and I think he needed for me to.

"I told him that I wouldn't ever make him tell me about the time he was on
the street.  I also told him that I wasn't naïve and understood what he
probably had to do to survive.  Then I told him how proud of him I was for
being strong enough to survive and that I would always love him, no matter
what.

"That night, I'm not sure if it would be correct to say that a wall between
us came down, or that a special bonding took place, maybe both.  Almost
every night, after Marich went to bed, Clay would come to me and we talked.
It felt amazing, a good kind of amazing, for me to be able to hold my first
born in my arms again.  He would walk in as naked as the day he was born,
lie on the sofa and place his head in my lap.  He told me how he would be
scared and some of the other boys would try to give him support.  We talked
a lot.  We also cried a lot."  Mary paused a moment, wiping a tear from her
eyes.

"One of the things he told me was that he had a boyfriend.  At first he was
just a friend, then he was the boyfriend, and Clay finally told me they had
been together.  It took a lot of trust, love, and fortitude for him to tell
me that.  I know who the boy is.  I also know there is a younger boy that
would need to be in the picture.  For a reason I can't quite express, the
idea of having Clay's boyfriend, and another younger boy, in our home seems
right.

"Daniel, I want to get qualified as a foster parent.  At least enough that
I can have custody of those two boys.  Of course, that's assuming they will
want the same thing.  I want to invite Thad and Jack to come home with us
for a short visit.  I'll bring them back for the fall festival.  I think
we'll be able to find out if it can work for all of us.  I need your
permission, and help, to do it."

                                           * * * *

Three luncheon plates were placed in one of the senior center's reading
rooms.  Daniel had Jack and Thad join him for lunch so they could talk.
Daniel wanted the boys to thoroughly understand that it was alright for
them to say 'yes' if they were invited to visit friends.  They would only
be gone a few days and return for the fall festival.

Both boys looked uncertain.  They didn't understand why someone would
invite them to visit for a few days.  When Daniel explained who it was, the
boys became excited.

While Daniel talked to Thad and Jack, Mary had Clay and Marich join her in
another room.  Mary explained to the boys that she wanted to invite Thad
and Jack for a visit.  She explained that she was doing it because she
understood that Clay and Thad were close friends.  She did not tell the
boys of her idea that the visit could become more than just a few days.
Neither did Mary express her concern, to the boys or to Daniel, that she
wanted to see how Marich reacted to the boys being in their home.  She knew
that Marich could become jealous and feel abandoned; that would be trouble.

When it was time to leave, Mary stood with her four naked Cherubs as they
watched the vans leave with the other boys.  Some of the boys were staring
out the back windows and waving to their friends.  There had been lots of
laughs, back slaps and teasing, mixed with a few tears when the boys
learned that Thad and Jack would be staying with Mary and her sons for a
few days.  Even though they said it was only a visit, all the boys knew the
deep wish they all had and wished Thad and Jack the best.

Mary noticed that her boys were attracting quite a few stares.  The boys
were still young enough to go nude if they chose.  Most kids were nude only
around their neighborhoods and dressed when they went out.  Mary laughed to
herself and enjoyed seeing the boys' excitement; they didn't care if they
were nude or who saw them.

"Boys, we seem to be attracting more than our share of stares.  Maybe we
should leave now?" Mary told the boys.

"That's 'cause it's like you said, Mom, we're such a great design and so
beautiful," Clay answered, laughing.

Mary just took a deep breath and opened the car door.  'Boys!' she thought.
'What have I gotten myself into?'

"Hey, Mom," Marich called out.  "I'm not the youngest anymore.  I got a
little brother, if only for a few days."

"That's right, and I expect you to assume the responsibilities of a big
brother now."

Marich's only answer was to place a protective hand on Jack's shoulder and
smile.


End Ch 104

To Be Continued

Comments welcome: contact Dwight Wilson at adm2780@yahoo.com