Date: Mon, 2 Apr 2007 15:21:21 -0700 (PDT)
From: adm2780 <adm2780@yahoo.com>
Subject: New Horizons Chapter Forty-Two

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As in real life, the sexual themes unfold gradually and are kept to a
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addressed to the author, Dwight Wilson, at adm2780@yahoo.com

This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between
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dilemmas, please exit now

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patience while I try to write this story.  Their support and efforts at
editing and correcting my errors contribute significantly to the reader's
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Like 'feel good' stories?  Go to Adult/Youth section and try "Brad's Idol"
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is written by a talented friend.


Chapter Forty-Two: New Horizons (corrected 4/2)


Monday morning the tensions from the incident involving Timmy and Jimmy
became almost divisive.  Some of the boys wanted Timmy thrown out
immediately; others did not agree but couldn't offer a solution to the
problem.  The ostracization of Timmy continued and only complicated the
problem.  Daniel sat in his office trying to come up with an answer when
Paul stuck his head in to let him know his dad was on the phone.

"Dad, good morning."  Daniel answered, welcoming the break from the
immediate problems.  "How are you this morning?"

"Daniel, I'm doing just fine.  What about you?"

"Well, with the problems of over one hundred boys on my shoulders, under
the circumstances I'd say I'm doing pretty well."  Daniel paused for a
moment.  "Dad, there's something in your voice that says you didn't call
just to ask me how I'm doing."

"You've always had good perception, son." His dad said, trying to keep the
conversation light.  "I actually called to let you know about some of the
rumors flying around in the capital.  Seems you've struck a sensitive spot
somewhere with someone.  Now, I say you only because the word is you and
your friends are the ones behind that recent injunction of treating kids as
property, even though you're not named in the suit."

"Dad, I don't imagine it would take too much for someone to find out that
Arthur filed the suit and that he's married to my birth mother.  Of course,
I'll also assume you know he's not the only attorney involved either."

"Yeah, I've heard Dewey is getting involved, particularly on the federal
level.  From what I can find out, Daniel, the man has a good reputation as
an attorney.  I also know that the firm does some bankruptcy work, but it's
not particularly considered to be a bankruptcy focused firm.  It is
considered to be a very good federal law firm, though.  However, there is
something else happening."

"Word has it that two or three, maybe more, members of the legislature are
drafting a bill that would outlaw the privatization of foster care, void
your agreement, and declare children as personal property exempt from the
statute cited in the injunction.  Some even want to raise the age of
majority back to twenty-one.  You do understand what this means, don't
you?"  Dr. Thompson asked in a very serious tone.

"One thing it means, dad, is someone wants to cause us a lot of trouble."
Daniel stated.

"Exactly, and the reason is probably because you have stepped on some very
wealthy and very powerful toes.  Not many people or groups can get the
legislators to move as quickly as this is happening.  Someone, some group,
wants to stop what you are doing.  They were willing to live with New
Horizons as you started out, but now that there is an injunction that not
only stops their activities but freezes funds, they'll be out for blood.
You just be careful."

"Dad, I always try to be careful, sometimes we can't.  What's the
governor's position on all this?  Do you know?"

"He and his cabinet support New Horizons.  If they didn't, son, you
wouldn't be there now.  He knows what's going on.  Right now the key is to
find out who is behind all of this.  When we find out I'll let you know,
but at the moment they are doing a good job of maintaining a smoke screen."

"Dad, I appreciate you calling and telling me.  There's one other thing I
wanted to discuss with you while we're on the phone.  You know the named
plaintiff in the injunction suit is with mom right now.  The kid is only
twelve years old, Dad.  When we first got him you'd think he was more like
a hundred and twelve.  He has really been through it, they almost destroyed
him."

"Sounds familiar.  What can I do?"

"Well, I told mom she should call you.  Her plan is to rehabilitate the
boy, free him and then adopt.  Sound familiar?"  Daniel asked.

"Like I said before, sounds familiar.  If he's anything like you were,
she'll have her hands full.  It requires lots of love and lots of
patience."

"Now dad, I couldn't have been that bad."

"Wanna bet?"  Daniel's dad said, teasing his son.  "Seriously, I understand
the boy is about a year younger than you were.  That's good, if he was much
older I think it would be much more difficult.  But, I also understand he
was enslaved two years ago, so there's been a lot of time to really mess
him up.  I'll call her when we hang up and see what I can do to at least
give moral support, if nothing else."

"Thanks dad, I told her you'd help."

"One more thing, Daniel, you've been a bit of a stranger of late?"

"Got it Dad.  You know, it wouldn't hurt for you to come here, too."

After the call Daniel realized he had enough experience in the political
arena not to be surprised by the activity.  When several legislators start
moving this quickly, then someone feels very threatened.  That could be a
good sign.  Whatever it was, Daniel knew he had to let it play out.  He
also knew he needed to be ready to defend the position and counter when
appropriate.

                                                                      ***

Daniel walked over to the infirmary to check on Jimmy.  When he entered he
saw Michael, Roger, Alex and Mikey, Jimmy's ten year old brother, sitting
with Jimmy, who appeared to be asleep.  Alex stood to give his chair to
Daniel.  Daniel looked to Michael who pointed to the boy and nodded,
letting Daniel know the boy was doing alright.

Daniel sat in the chair and then held out a hand to Alex.  When Alex came
to him Daniel guided the boy so he sat on the front edge of the chair,
between Daniel's legs.  Daniel wrapped an arm around the boy and held him
close, wanting him to feel secure.

"Alex, are you alright?"  The boy looked down and nodded.  When Daniel put
a finger under Alex's chin and lifted his face, the tears were welling in
the young boy's eyes.  He was anything but alright.

"Alex, can you tell me what happened out there?  I need to know.  I need to
know what happened before Jimmy got hurt, what caused this?"

"I did, Mr. Dan'l --- I did."  Alex answered through his tears and sobs.
"Timmy took care of me since we lost our mom and dad.  We was on the
streets and for us ta have food and a place ta sleep, he'd have sex with
men.  All the boys did, 'cept me.  Timmy wouldn't let nobody touch me.
Whenever somebody wanted me he'd step in between us and tell 'em I wasn't
available, then he'd go; didn't matter if he'd already been out and just
got back, he'd go.  He always told everybody that if anybody ever touched
me he'd beat the shit out of 'em."  Alex paused to look at Daniel, who
nodded for the boy to go on.

"All the other boys was doin' stuff to pay their way.  One day I told Timmy
I wanted ta learn ta give a blow job so's I could make money too; I wanted
him ta teach me.  He got real mad at me, I mean real mad.  He said it
wasn't goanna happen and told the others they wasn't ta show me nothin'.
Mr. Dan'l, even Mikey, and he's two years younger'n me, knows how.  Timmy
said I was ta stay pure."

"Saturday, me and Jimmy went in the woods.  Me and him was best friends,
even on the street.  I tried ta get him ta teach me when we was outside
so's I could go out, but he said Timmy told everybody no.  Well, it's not
the same here, Mr. Dan'l; nobody's gonna hurt me.  A lot of the boys my age
do it in here."  Suddenly, Alex realized what he had just told Daniel and
looked up to see if he was in trouble.  Daniel smiled to let him know it
was okay and nodded for him to continue.

"Well, Mr. Dan'l, the boys say it feels real good and I've seen 'em doin'
it and I wanted ta feel good too.  So, I talked Jimmy into teachin' me,
that's all.  When we went in the woods we was at first just talkin' and
then we heard these sounds.  We creeped over ta where they was comin' from
and saw the twins bouncin' on top of a couple big boys."  Alex's voice
changed to suggest a degree of excitement or enthusiasm.  "You shoulda seen
them twins, Mr. Dan'l, they was holdin' hands and smilin' like they was
have a great time.  I moved to see who one of the big boys was and it was
Timmy."

"Me and Jimmy sneeked away and when we thought we was safe, well, we were
both stiff and we started playin' with each other.  Jimmy did somethin' to
my neck and, Mr.  Dan'l, it felt real good, it really did.  I 'member his
hands on my shoulders pushin' me to the ground and then he did it to me,
Mr. Dan'l.  My first ever.  He stuck my dick in his mouth and I jumped all
over.  I wanted to do him, but before I could I heard him scream and fall.
He was hurt, Mr. Dan'l, hurt bad.  My brother kept kickin' 'im and I had to
lay over him 'cause I knew Timmy wouldn't kick me.  Then Mr. Mark came."

"That's fine Alex, you don't have to say anymore, unless you can tell me
more about some of the things Timmy did on the streets.  Do you know?"

Alex looked up through his tears.  "No, Mr. Dan'l.  Timmy wouldn't tell me
and he'd get mad if I asked too much, so I quit askin'.  Mr. Dan'l, I'm
scared.  Timmy's my brother, he just wanted to protect me, that's all. Are
you goin' to send him away?"

"I hope not, Alex, I really hope not.  The problem now is that the other
boys won't have anything to do with him.  Don't worry, we'll keep working
on it.  Now, you stay here and help Jimmy, okay?"  Daniel moved the boy so
he could get out of the chair and leave; then he turned to ask Alex one
more question.

"Alex, are you still mad with your brother?"  The boy looked down and
nodded.

***

While easting their lunch, Daniel and most of the staff discussed what they
had heard from the boys around the compound.  All had the same story.  As
they approached, the boys either stopped talking or dispersed.  When Daniel
saw a few of the boys getting ready to leave, he knew he needed to confront
all of them.

"Guys, hold it before you leave," Daniel paused long enough for the boys to
turn and realize he was talking to them. Daniel motioned for them to sit
down.

"Fellas, we've tried finding out what's going on and all of you are
avoiding us.  Right now there's a boy in my room scared to death that he's
going to be sent away.  We've been trying to find out more information on
his background, something that could explain to us why he did what he did.
Each time we try to approach some of you, you either clam up or leave.
Now, I'm asking for your help so we can make a fair decision here.  Won't
someone speak up?"

The room was again silent.  The boys looked to one another without anyone
taking the initiative.  Daniel was becoming very frustrated and unsure what
to do.  Finally, Randy stood.

"Mr. Dan'l, Tim attacked a brother.  On the streets everyone in a group was
a brother to all others in the group.  This ain't like the argument Brad
and Patrick had.  They disagreed face to face.  They could holler, scream
and even fight and that would be alright.  We argued and fought amongst
ourselves.  We never attacked one another.  On the streets, if you saw a
brother being abused, you jumped in to protect him.  We lived by a code and
Tim broke that code.  Out there he would be automatically thrown out and
blacklisted."

"Well, Randy, at least someone said something to us.  Thank you for that
much." Daniel said, relieved that now, at least he had a dialogue going.
"Aren't you guys forgetting you're not on the streets anymore?  Do you
think you're being fair to Timmy?"

"Mr. Dan'l," Brian stood to speak this time. "We may not be on the streets,
but we're still brothers.  There's rules we have to live by.  Some are more
important than others.  One of the big ones is that you don't turn on a
brother.  A number of us had little brothers out there we tried to protect.
We understand that Tim didn't want Alex to lose his innocence any earlier
than he had to. But, you don't turn on a brother and attack him the way Tim
did Jimmy.  We haven't kicked Tim out of the group, yet.  We're waitin'
till the hearing and we'll listen.  If he can give us a good reason for
what he did, we'll be there for him.  If not^Å." Brian shrugged his
shoulders.

"Okay, guys.  I see I'm not going to get anywhere here.  Can someone tell
me who would know the most about Timmy and his background?"

"Mr. Dan'l," Thad spoke up, "that'd be Jimmy.  Jimmy took care of his
brother like Timmy took care of Alex.  Tim and Jim was friends back then
and watched each other's brothers."

Daniel was surprised.  This was working out that the boy who could do Tim
the most good was the boy he had hurt.  Daniel needed to speak with Michael
about backing off Jimmy's medications long enough for him to be able to
talk with the boy.

                                                                      ***

Daniel allowed Timmy to stay in the room Daniel and Michael shared.  The
moments were difficult enough without the boy feeling he was in a prison.
In a way he was.  His 'brothers' had ostracized him.  Timmy was now in a
very lonely prison with a population of one.  Compounding matters was Tim's
self-imposed isolation.  Daniel decided to talk further with Timmy.

"Tim, I need for you to talk to me, son.  I need you to help yourself and
let me help you."

"Mr. Dan'l, I don't understand.  How can I help myself?  I did what they
said.  I attacked Jimmy and hurt him real bad.  I really fucked up."  The
boy gave Daniel a pleading look.  "Mr. Dan'l? ^Å uh, did you talk to the
other boys?"

"Yes, Tim, I did.  They said you broke the code and on the street you'd be
out unless there was a very good reason.  That's what I'm asking you for, a
good reason."  Daniel sat next to the boy who was obviously frightened.
"Tim, I know you well enough to know there's got to be more to this.  Were
there bad feelings, anything, between you and Jimmy?"

"No, sir.  Actually, there was a time when we was friends.  The boys are
right; outside I'd be gone by now.  I attacked Jimmy.  I attacked a
brother.  I'd be blacklisted and on the street.  When word got out,
nobody'd give me a place to sleep much less food and protection.  It'd just
be a matter of time before the police had me and, then, ^Å. Well, you
know."

"Tim, there's no way I'd send one of you boys out there to be enslaved.
Remember, I've been there and there's no way I'd do that.  We'll work our
way through this thing, somehow.  But, even if we get this thing with Jimmy
worked out, the other boys must be willing to accept you.  If I can't work
that part out, I will work out something for you, and it won't be slavery."
As Daniel spoke, he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, trying to let him
know someone was there for him.  Tim looked up with tears running down his
cheeks, and nodded his appreciation.

                                                                        ***

Deep in thought, Daniel didn't hear Paul call out to him.  Paul entered
Daniel's office and realized Daniel's mind was far away.  Paul placed a
hand on Daniel's shoulder to get his attention, startling him back to the
present.

"Daniel, Captain Jackson is on line one."  Paul said with a smile.
"Welcome back."

Daniel looked at Paul and returned the grin.  "Thanks, Paul."  Then picking
up the receiver, "Captain, how are you?  What can I do for you?"

"Good, Daniel.  I thought I'd call and pass an idea along to you, see what
you think about it.  This is the weekend several of us were coming down to
organize the boys into teams and set a schedule for playing a few games.
Well, we used some of our contacts and have some baseball coaches
interested in helping.  Now, understand, these coaches are minor league and
college level.  What we'd like to do is maybe organize the boys so we had a
little tournament going with a nice prize for the winner.  Of course, all
the teams would wind up with some kind of prize, so there'd be no real
loser."

"Captain, that sounds like something the boys' would probably enjoy and
really appreciate.  Do you think we have enough boys to do that?"  Daniel
asked, having no idea how many boys would be required.

"Since you have over a hundred boys, we think we can work something out.
Even the little ones can participate, maybe as batboys.  The key right now
is to determine how many boys you have in each age group.  Of course,
several of us have boys who want to participate, so we would be able to
field at least nine or ten teams."

"Captain, I don't know if we can get that many teams.  Really depends on
how many bench warmers we want on each team.  However, it does sound like
something the boys would love.  May I ask what kind of prizes you have in
mind."

"That's already arranged, too.  How do you think the boys would react to a
chance to visit the most famous fantasy park around?  All would get to go
with their order of finish in the tournament determining when they go.
We'd only take over two teams at a time so it'd be easier to protect them.
Actually, it'd be easier to keep track of them is what we were really
thinking.  Then the winners would get some kind of bonus like tickets to
see Cirque du Soliel ."

"With that kind of prize I may have to make a rule that I go with each
group to make sure they behave.  The park and show would be a little extra
bonus."

"Daniel, that's strange, I was thinking the same thing."  The Captain
responded laughing.  "Paul is faxing over a list of the boys and ages so we
can figure out how to set up the teams.  We just wanted to be sure it was
cleared with you before we go any farther."

"Anything that's good for the boys, you know I'll go along with.  On behalf
of the boys, before I forget my manners, let me thank you."  Daniel was
pleased with this turn of events; he was past due for a bright spot today.

"Captain, I'd like to ask you something that's a little more serious if I
may?  What can you tell me about a code the kids on the street follow?"

"It's real Daniel."  The Captain answered, his tone becoming serious.  "Of
course, it's not written down anywhere, more of an understood type thing.
I'm told the boys are very serious about it and enforce it rigidly.  If a
boy violates the code and is tossed, he's blacklisted.  Very rare for a kid
to get back in, takes special circumstances.  Once he's out it's usually
only a matter of time before he's in trouble and eventually winds up being
enslaved."

"The biggest problem for a blacklisted kid is he's subject to being
harassed by homeless adults and other gangs.  With no place for food,
shelter and security he's a target waiting on a perpetrator.  It's really
very serious.  Why do you ask?"

"I just heard some of the boy's talking about it."  Daniel had to think
quickly.  He didn't like the idea of lying to the Captain, but he wanted to
be very careful about letting him know there had been a serious incident at
the compound.  He knew he wasn't going to risk being in a position of
having to surrender a boy to the authorities.  "When I asked them about it
they told me close to the same thing as you just said.  I thought it
sounded a bit harsh.  Evidently they weren't exaggerating.  You know how it
can be Captain, the more I know and understand what these kids have gone
through, the better equipped we are to handle them."

"I understand Daniel.  Now, let me ask you something.  Assuming you're
still coming over to the hospital on Wednesday to serve the seniors, my two
boys have been driving me crazy to get back there.  They loved running
naked with no one, particularly their mother, to hassle them.  Also, seems
both of them made some friends.  Would you mind if they came for a brief
visit and I'll claim them back over the weekend?"

"Not at all, Captain.  The other gentlemen that have kids in that position
are welcome to send theirs also.  We'll run two vans up just to make sure
we can accommodate everyone."

"Thanks, Daniel.  We'll see you at the senior center on Wednesday."

                                                                      ***

Tuesday morning and Timmy still refused to go outside the building.  Boys
on KP duty took a plate to him but rather than hand it to him, they set it
in front of the door, knocked and left.  The ostracism remained.

Daniel picked up two plates, he wanted alone time with Timmy when he didn't
have to worry about the other boys overhearing their discussion. Before
leaving the hall, he asked Paul to make sure the discipline board knew to
meet in his office at ten.  The full staff should also be there.

"Timmy, it's Mr. Daniel, son.  Can I come in, sit with you and have
breakfast?"

"Mr. Dan'l, why are you askin' me that?  It's your room."  Tim remarked
with a puzzled look while he opened the door.

"Oh really, I was beginning to wonder."  Daniel was trying to tease the boy
and lighten his mood.  "You know we should have all this mess straightened
out today and Dr. Mike and I are gonna be kind of glad to get you out of
here, you snore pretty loud.  At least, that's what Dr. Mike said; he said
it's you making all that racket at night."  Tim looked at Daniel like
Daniel had lost his mind.

"Mr. Dan'l, that isn't me snoring like that."

"Oh?  Well, I guess Dr. Mike must have been trying to hide the fact that
it's him snoring so loud, then."  Daniel continued to try and tease the
boy, but Tim wasn't helping much.

"Mr. Dan'l, " Tim sounded very serious. "can I say somethin'?"  Daniel
nodded.  "It's not Dr. Mike neither.  It's you; you snore like a freight
train comin' through.  That's why I have ta nap during the day to catch up
on my sleep."  Tim grinned for the first time in several days.

"Mr. Dan'l, I'm kinda nervous.  What's gonna happen this afternoon?"  Tim
asked.

"Well, in a little bit the staff and discipline board will meet.  Based on
what we know now a decision will be made about how to handle the incident
last Saturday.  That's not my real concern.  My real concern is whether the
boys will take you off the blacklist, if that's what they've done."  Tim
looked down at the floor and nodded his head.  The light moment for this
boy was over, replaced by fear.

"Remember this Tim, I will keep my promise from yesterday.  We will not
send you out there to become a slave.  If I have to get on the phone and
call some friends to get you a place to stay, that's the way it will be.
Of course, you'll have to accept the fact that Alex will stay with us.  I
won't make any false promises to you about when you can see him again.
Right now, that's best because during the last talk he and I had, he's
still mad at you too."

"I really fucked things up this time, didn't I?"  Tim stated more than
asked.

"Tim?  Isn't there something you can tell me so I can help you?  I know
about the code, but I also know that it's been set aside in special
circumstances.  Think son, give me something to argue with so these boys
won't turn their backs on you."

Tim looked at Daniel with tears in his eyes.  "Sorry, Mr. Dan'l.  The code
is what it is and I broke it.  But ^Å. Mr. Dan'l ^Å thanks."

***

Entering the infirmary, Daniel felt frustrated.  He knew there had to be
something in Tim's background that Daniel could use to help him.  These
kids had a 'code' they lived by and they were stubborn enough, and immature
enough, not to bend even if it meant sacrificing one of their own.  Daniel
knew he could find a place for Tim and the boy wouldn't be a slave.  What
he didn't know was how to get through to the rest of the boys that
sometimes you do have to bend for the better of all.  Daniel couldn't help
but smile to himself when he remembered his dad, in those first few months,
telling him how stubborn he was.  Then Daniel remembered his dad still
tells him that.

Michael, Kevin and Mikey sat in the room with Jimmy who appeared to be
restless.  Michael watched the boy closely as he spoke to Daniel.

"The medications are wearing off.  He'll experience some discomfort, but
when he opens his eyes he should be able to talk with you.  Daniel, I don't
know how long we can leave him off the pain killers.  He's bruised up
pretty badly, it hurts for him to breathe or move.  Right now, I'm guessing
he'll have to be in here for at least two to three weeks and then maybe we
can move him to the dorm."

Daniel nodded to Michael, acknowledging what he said, and then sat down to
wait.  Jimmy moaned occasionally and his eyes fluttered, suggesting he
would wake soon.  After a few minutes the eye activity increased, the boy
tried moving his arm and shifting his weight, causing him to moan loudly,
in pain.  When his eyes opened he looked around the room like he couldn't
focus on anything.  Finally, his eyes focused on his little brother.

Mikey stood by the bed watching his big brother.  He wanted to reach over
and hug Jimmy, but was afraid of hurting him.  Mikey watched as his big
brother woke.  Jimmy always said he had to be brave, he did his best not to
cry but cried anyway when Jimmy looked at him and tried to smile.

"Heeey, Mikey.  Whats up, little bro?"  Jimmy tried lifting his arm to
place it on his brother's shoulder but couldn't, it was too painful.

Daniel stood behind Mikey.  "Jimmy?  I'm not going to ask you how you feel,
it's obvious you're in pain.  Jimmy, I need for you to tell me what
happened.  I need to hear your side of it; it's important."

Jimmy looked at Daniel, he thought it was obvious what had happened to him.
"That ass hole kicked me.  He didn't kick me just once, he kept goin' and
wouldn't stop.  I don't know when he stopped Mr. Dan'l, all I knew was I
was hurtin' and couldn't get up.  Alex and somebody else was there, they
can tell more than me."

"Jimmy, do you know if you did anything to cause him to do this?"

"Maybe, Mr Dan'l, at least accordin' to Timmy.  Alex wanted ta learn about
sex.  Timmy always said he'd kick anybody's ass that showed Alex anythin'.
Here I am.  He kicked my ass good."  Jimmy was trying to shift on the bed
to get comfortable, but it hurt too much to move.  "Mr. Dan'l, what're ya
goin' to do ta Tim?"

"We'll decide that part soon.  That's not the hard part though, the boys
have blacklisted Timmy.  They won't have anything to do with him.  At the
moment it looks as though we'll have to find him another place to live."

"Will he be made a slave, Mr. Dan'l?"  Daniel heard a tone of concern in
Jimmy's voice.

"Do you think that's what should happen?" Daniel hoped to get a supportive
response from the boy.

"Pro'bly, but not really.  He shouldn't a kicked me like he did, it was
wrong.  The code says he's gotta go.  But, I guess I wouldn't want even him
ta be made a slave, Mr. Dan'l."

"Is there anything else you can tell me, Jimmy?  Anything at all?"

"No sir."  Jimmy didn't say anything else, but his eyes focused on a spot
on the wall in front of him like he was in deep thought.  Daniel believed
there was more, but the boy had shut down on him.

"Jimmy, without some help, I don't know if I'll be able to let him stay."
Jimmy continued to stare at the wall, not even acknowledging that Daniel
said anything.  Daniel then turned to Kevin.

"We'll be meeting in a few minutes.  I'll ask someone to come over and
relieve you."

                                                                     ***

The discipline board convened at 2:00PM as scheduled.  Almost all but the
youngest of the boys was present.  Mark told the group what he saw and was
told when he got to the scene.  Frank told what he saw.  Daniel asked Mark
specifically about any expressions of remorse or regret.  Mark carefully
stated that Timmy kept repeating how sorry he was and that he seemed to be
in shock after the incident, repeating how he couldn't believe what he had
done.

There was no doubt that Tim attacked Jimmy, and the attack was vicious.
Daniel's problem remained that the boys had blacklisted Timmy.  He was no
longer one of them.  Tim sat in the chair with his head down, seemingly
resigned to his fate.  He would leave New Horizons when Daniel found him a
home.  Timmy trusted Daniel; at least he would not become a slave.

Daniel spoke to the boys; it was like talking to stone.  The boys had made
up their minds and didn't seem willing compromise; Timmy must go.  The only
person that seemed distressed aside from Daniel and Timmy, was Alex.
Daniel stood before the boys, he almost felt defeated, he did feel at a
loss.  While he tried to think of something else to say, the door opened.

Randy and Brian, who were supposed to be in the infirmary with Jimmy,
entered.  They carried Jimmy who sat in a seat formed by the boys'
forearms.  Jimmy's ribs were wrapped with pillows.  Mikey followed them.
Jimmy was obviously in a lot of pain.  Michael stood to go to the boy.

"Dr. Mike" Jimmy said, his voice strained, "keep this pill for me?  I think
I'm gonna need it when we finish."

Timmy stood and moved his chair in front of the table occupied by the board
and staff.  The boys set Jimmy down so he could sit in the chair.  Timmy
stood next to him.  Daniel approached the boy.

"Jimmy, why are you here?  You don't have to be here; someone could come
tell you what happened."

"Mr. Dan'l," Randy interjected, "he wouldn't stay in the bed.  We kept
tellin' him that Dr. Mike said he had to stay in the bed.  He said he was
comin' here and we could either help 'im or get out of the way."  Daniel
patted Randy on the shoulder and nodded to let the boys know that he
understood.

"Mr. Dan'l, I need to catch my breath.  I never knew hurtin' could make ya
breathe so hard."  Jimmy swallowed hard, took a few breaths and
continued. "Mr. Dan'l, I got somethin' ta say and I'm the one that's gotta
say it."  Daniel thought for a moment and just nodded to the boy.  "Do
somethin' for me?  Tell the ass hole to sit down.  I don't need ta be
lookin' at his dick every time I turn my head."

Timmy heard what Jimmy said; he was as confused as anyone there.  Timmy
looked at Daniel, then dropped to his knees and sat back on his ankles; he
left a hand on the arm of Jimmy's chair.  Timmy gave his former friend a
sorrowful look and then dropped his head to look at the floor.

Jimmy looked up at the boys in the room and took a slight breath and,
again, winced in pain before he began.  "Ya know who I am.  I'm the one got
hurt by this stupid ass hole.  I got somethin' I need ta say.  I think I
gotta right since I'm the one got hurt."  Jimmy paused, as much to breathe
through his discomfort as it was to make sure the boys were listening.

"Mr. Dan'l came ta see me this mornin' and ask me what happened.  That was
easy.  Timmy kicked my ass and kicked it good.  We didn't fight; I didn't
see him comin'.  It just happened.  Was it wrong?  Seems to me that's a
stupid question.  Any body in here got attacked like that would say it was
wrong.  Do I think he should be punished?  I ain't crazy; I think he outta
have his butt busted real good."  Again, Jimmy pauses and winces in pain.
The slightest movement causes him discomfort.

"Mr. Dan'l said ya'll blacklisted him for what he done to me.  At first, I
thought that was good, served him right.  He broke the code.  He should be
kicked out.  Then I got ta thinkin' on it, but Mr. Dan'l said he wouldn't
be made a slave, so I figured let him go.  Problem is, I started thinkin'
on it some more."

"Almost all of us been on the street.  All of us that's old enough knows
what we had ta do ta survive.  We had ta have sex with men for money.  We
were whores cause we had ta be.  Sometimes I used ta think about it and
figured it was okay because it was what we had ta do.  Sometimes I'd wonder
why?  Then I'd think 'bout them people that made the laws and that stupid
jerk of a judge that said kids was property that could be bought and sold.
Why?  We didn't do nothin'.  On the street we learned nobody cared 'bout us
'cept how to stick somethin' in our mouth or up our butt.  To them we was
just trash to be used and tossed to the side."  Jimmy stopped, he was in
deep thought as tears welled in his eyes.

"I 'member when my folks gave me money and told me to take my brother and
run.  A lot of us remember that time.  I was scared.  More scared than I
want to admit.  Funny how you remember the guy that popped your cherry.  I
do.  He was big, fat and ugly.  But he gave me money.  I said it was okay
'cause it let me live and take care of Mikey.  Hell, all he was doin' was
takin' part of my body for pleasure, I'd survive.  I did survive.  But
after a while I knew he took more than my body.  He took part of my
insides, too.  Some 'd say he took part of my soul.  I did the same as a
bunch of ya; but some of us had ta do more, Timmy was one that had ta do
more than most of us."  Jimmy stopped to take a deep breath and gain
control of the tears that silently rolled down his cheeks.

"Some of us had ta pay a bigger price than others.  I was young and the men
liked 'em young.  I was friends with Alex.  What a lot of ya don't know is
I was friends with Timmy, too.  Me and him used ta sit up and talk at
night, 'specially if it'd been a hard day.  Sometimes we wasn't talkin'.
He couldn't sleep cause he was scared or he was hurtin' and I'd just sit
with 'im.  Other times it was me and he'd just sit with me.  All of us
that's old enough, we've given blow jobs and a lot of us been fucked.  How
many of ya has been crucified and whipped?"  Jimmy paused and looked around
the room to see if the boys understood what he was telling them.

"Everybody that worked the street got hit or spanked or robbed or some
other bad thing once in a while.  How many ever got crucified and whipped?
How many of ya even know what I'm talkin' about?"

"Noooo ^Å Jimmy, don't say ^Å."  Timmy whined to Jimmy.

"Timmy!  Stop bein' stupid."  Jimmy then turned to look at the boys and the
staff.  "Mr.  Dan'l wanted to know why Timmy did like he did.  Why did he
go crazy when he seen me and Alex and what we was doin'?  I'm gonna tell
ya."  Jimmy then took Timmy's arm and held it as high as he could for the
others to see.

"Look at his wrist.  Those marks, them's scars.  Crucifiin' is when you get
tied to a cross, the cross is set up and you just hang there.  There's no
board or anythin' else for ya to stand on and support your weight.  You're
stripped, sometimes naked, and left to bake in the sun.  No water.  No
shade.  All your weight is on the wrist and it pulls across your shoulders
and down your back.  In Tim's case, the bastard used a tawse on 'im.  Look
at his body sometime and you can see some scars.  They ain't big, but they
are there and they're ugly.  It didn't happen once, it happened a lot.  It
was the only way he could make enough money to protect his brother.  The
scars ain't just on his skin neither, they're inside.  All of us have scars
inside; some's bigger and badder than others."

"Tim didn't want his brother goin' through what he did, so he tried to
protect him.  He didn't want Alex ta know how ugly it could be out there;
he didn't want his brother to suffer like he did.  That wasn't bad, 'cept
maybe he was takin' it too far.  Tim forgot somethin' else, too.  Alex has
to grow up.  He's gonna have feelin's and needs like us all.  Tim tried to
keep Alex in a box, keep him from growin' up.  He had a reason.  Tim
figured there was only one way to protect Alex, and he did it.  He didn't
think that maybe the best thing he coulda done was talk with Alex and let
him know it was bad and show 'im how not ta get hurt like him"

"On the street, the code was okay.  That's how we lived.  Here, it don't
have ta be like that.  Mr. Dan'l and the staff here are the only decent
grownups I've met since bein' on the street.  They know that Tim needs help
and want to help him.  If he gets blacklisted, how they gonna get him help?
We helped each other on the street when somebody tried to hurt us.  Why not
in here when we know somebody's been hurt and that hurt's still there,
eatin' away at the insides?  There's bound ta be others in here with heavy
luggage that needs help, too.  Yeah, Tim fucked up, but if there's a vote,
I won't vote for him to be blacklisted.  He needs help, he was my friend; I
want my friend back."  Jimmy stopped to get some water.  Daniel took the
opportunity to speak.

"Jimmy, you want your friend back.  You also say he was wrong and should be
punished.  How do you think he should be punished?"  Jimmy tried to breathe
through his pain, and then answered.

"Mr. Dan'l, the way I see it he needs somebody ta talk to.  Somebody that
can help him get his head straight.  He's all fucked up inside, but I know
him and I know he used ta be a half-decent guy.  It's all the stuff he went
through on the street that's messed 'im up.  I think when he saw me with
Alex he just thought about what he'd been through and didn't want Alex to
go through that.  He kinda snapped.  Know what I mean?  Dr. Mike said you
can get a counselor for him.  Can he be put on probation and given a second
chance as long as he sees the couselor?  Kinda like was done for Evan right
after we got here?  Oh, and I think he should have ta take care of me until
I can get outta that bed.  That means he's gotta bring me food, help me
bathe and even wipe my butt if it needs it."

Daniel had to smile the way Jimmy expressed the terms of the probation.
"Any thing else?"

"Yeah, he hurt Alex, too.  He's gotta deal with him."  Jimmy turned to find
Alex.  When he looked at him and motioned for him to come forward, Alex
walked up to both boys.  It was easy to read both hurt and anger in Alex's
eyes.  "Alex, you wanna say anythin'?"  Alex turned to look at his brother.

"You was wrong, Tim!  What you did was bad, real bad!  All I wanted was to
be like the other boys.  You treated me like a baby and I ain't no baby!"
Alex was yelling at his brother, his emotions so strong that he shook.  "I
don't know nothin' 'bout that crucifer stuff.  I know you wouldn't let me
have no friends.  Anytime somebody wanted ta be my friend, you'd run 'em
off.  Only, me and Jimmy used ta sneak off without you knowin'.  It wat'n
right!  What you did ta Jimmy wat'n right!  I hate you!  You hear me?  I
hate you!"  Alex began to vent his anger towards his big brother.  How much
was real and how much was from the moment, Daniel couldn't tell.

Timmy, still on his knees, looked at his brother with tears in his eyes.
He knew Alex had no way of knowing just what he had protected him from.
Timmy did know that his brother was hurting and the hurt was directed at
him; he knew his brother needed to vent his anger before it grew any worse.
Tim looked first at Daniel and then the table.  He reached over and picked
up the medium paddle and handed it to Alex.

"Let me know how mad you are, little brother.  Let me know how much you
hate me."

Timmy then turned his back to Alex, bent over and grabbed the back of his
knees.  Alex looked at his brother and then the paddle.  Alex got in
position and swung as hard as he could.

WHACK!!! ^Å. "uummmppphhh," Tim responded.

"I HATE YOU!!" Alex yelled.  "WHACK!!!"

"Oh, my god ^Åjesus cripes ^Å. shiit" were the responses heard from the
other boys as Timmy bit his lip.  Alex swung the paddle like it was a
baseball bat.

"I .. HATE .. YOU!!"  Alex yelled as he swung again at his brother's
butt. "WHACK!!"

Tim stood there with tears flowing from his eyes.  He had felt more painful
strappings on the streets, but none ever hurt the way this whipping did.
Alex needed to vent his anger.  Tim knew it and wanted the boy to let it
go.

The other boys were shocked at the ferocity of the swings.  Many looked to
Daniel, wondering why he let this continue.  Daniel knew the boys needed to
work this out.  He believed Tim knew what he was doing with his brother
when he gave him the paddle.  After the third swing Alex began to cry.  The
tears flowed more and more freely.  After the sixth swat, Alex dropped the
paddle and ran from the hall, bawling.

Tim fell to his knees, crying openly.  His burning butt was only a small
part of the pain he felt.  He looked up at Jimmy, "I'm sorry man, I swear,
I really am."  When Tim looked at Daniel, Daniel placed a hand on the boy's
shoulder.

"Your brother needs you.  Go find him and we'll talk later." Daniel stated
in a low, calm voice.

"Dr. Mike?"  Jimmy said weakly, sounding exhausted.  "I don't feel so good.
Can I have my pill back?"

Michael poured another glass of water and gave Jimmy his pill.  He also
told Jimmy to stay in the chair, they would carry him back using the chair
as a carrier.  "This time, young man, you will stay in that bed.
Understood?"  Michael said with a smile.

"Yes sir." was Jimmy's only response.  He was more than happy to comply
with the doctor's orders.

"Mr. Dan'l?" Kevin spoke.  Indicating the other boys with a circle of his
finger, he asked, "Can we meet in private?"

Daniel nodded and let him know they would be in the dining hall.  As he
started to leave Kevin looked down at the tape recorder Daniel had running.
Daniel pushed the button and carried the recorder out.

                                                                      ***

"Daniel, what do you think the boy's will do now?"  Mark asked.

"I'm not sure.  One thing I've learned.  These boys are mature beyond their
years when they need to be.  We see them most of the time as crazy kids
only because we've taken enough pressure off to let them be that way.
Don't under estimate them.  I think we just saw an example. If Jimmy didn't
just save that boy, then I don't think it can be done."

"I have another concern though."  Daniel was deep in thought and
worried. "Did you notice something when Jimmy mentioned about a lot of the
boys having luggage from being on the street and how society treated them?
Did you notice that hardly a boy, in fact I don't believe any of the boys,
objected to the statement.  If we're to avoid this kind of situation in the
future and help these kids, we need a psychologist here at least two, maybe
three days a week.  All of these boys need a complete psychological workup.
I don't know how we're going to do it, but we have to do it."

The staff stayed in the dining hall deliberately avoiding interfering with
whatever the boys were doing.  After a few minutes, Barry pointed outside.
Everyone turned to see Tim walking across the courtyard toward the
infirmary, he was carrying his brother piggy-back style.  Alex appeared to
have his arms wrapped around his brother, holding on tight and giving him a
hug.

When the boys came out of the meeting hall the men tried to read their
expressions.  The boys were acting as though it was a normal afternoon.
Some headed to the pool, some were headed to the work shed while others
walked towards the computer area.  It was as though nothing had happened.
They then saw Kevin walking towards the dining hall.  Behind Kevin was
Michael.

"The guys figured that if Jimmy was willin' to speak up for Timmy, then
maybe he should have another chance.  The only thing they want is to make
sure he gets some counseling and if he ever pulls another stunt like this,
he'll automatically be blacklisted by the guys."

"Kevin, was it unanimous?"  Jeff asked.

"No sir.  Almost all of 'em voted to give him a chance.  Those that didn't,
just didn't vote.  Mr. Dan'l, it's going to take a little time before the
boys will really trust him again.  Like I said, if Jimmy stands by him and
he gets the counseling, it'll work out."

"Kevin, would you like a drink or something?"  Daniel offered.

"No, thanks.  Mr. Dan'l, we did make an entry in our log on Timmy's
punishment.  We put in that he was to get six hard swats with the medium
paddle for fightin' and that Alex gave them to him."  The statement and
memory caused most of the staff to grin.  "We also put in there that he had
to take care of Jimmy while he's laid up and get counseling.  He's also on
probation with no more second chances."  Daniel nodded his agreement and
Kevin left.

"Gentlemen," Michael began, "you should walk over to the infirmary and see
what's happening.  Tim came in carrying his brother.  I wasn't sure what
was going to happen, maybe the two of them were going to sit with Jimmy for
a while.  Instead, Tim set his brother on the edge of the bed and then
looked at Jimmy.  It was kind of like an unspoken message was passed
between them.  Then Tim pulled the covers back, picked up Alex and laid him
in the bed with Jimmy.  Something else; I checked Tim before leaving.  That
kid's going to have one bruised and sore butt.  Shall we say Alex really
vented on him and left his mark?"


End Ch Forty-Two

To Be Continued: comments welcome; contact Dwight Wilson at
adm2780@yahoo.com