Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2015 13:36:52 -0400
From: Jim <zarek@roadrunner.com>
Subject: Another Chance: Chapter 44

Disclaimer: This story is fiction.  Some of the things that happened or will
happen with Jim are inspired by bits and pieces of my life.  Parts of the
character are fictional as well. All other characters were made up and any
similarities are just coincidental.  This is gay romance between teenage
boys, there may be sex, but for the most part, it's about their true love of
each other so if that offends you, please discontinue reading.  Also, if it
is illegal for you to read such material, you have been warned.  Continual
reading could cause a knock at your door.  And you can always contact me at
zarek@roadrunner.com <mailto:zarek@roadrunner.com>  with suggestions or
concerns.  Thoughts and suggestion are always welcomed and may or may not be
implemented.  Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible.



I hope you're enjoying it so far and that the story draws you in wanting
more.  Some people have noticed that this story was "inspired" by another
story, a great story, here on Nifty, "Riding Lessons" by Andrew Todd.  I
hope I don't step on anyone's toes and you give this story a chance.  While
there may be some similarities, I believe there will be enough differences
as well.  Mr. Todd was given my rough draft before I made my first
submission.  He was flattered by the fact I like his story and wanted to
refer to it.  He's also flattered by those who wrote him to "warn" him about
this one.  All I can say is, I'm glad you are loyal to him and I hope any
references I use do his story justice.  If you feel that I let his story
down in any way, shape or form, please call my attention to where I did.



AND, if you enjoy the stories on Nifty.org, please give a donation to help
cover their expenses.  While the site is currently free, only donations from
loyal fans can help keep it that way.  Any amount will help.





Another Chance

Chapter 44

It was the fifteenth and the boys from the gym class started showing up
around one.  Jim had finished taking Matt and Gina for their usual ride when
the first boy pulled into the parking lot.  The weather was too chilly to go
swimming, but some of the boys said that they would anyway.

Coach Jenkins was just going to drop Dylan off but the boys insisted that he
stay.  He felt honored that they would include him but after all, he is a
part of their gym class.  There wasn't one boy who failed to show up.
Jackson charged the boys and Coach half the usual price for the horses that
they used and Jim and Joe used Gold and Aurixi.  As the boys headed to the
lake, Jackson offered to go out and grill hamburgers for them.  He still had
a couple packs left that he bought for Ryan's party and there would be just
enough for each boy to have two if they wanted.  The boys accepted,
especially when Jackson said they were free.

Once they got to the lake, the boys hitched their horses to the posts and
removed the saddles.  The boys brave enough, stripped naked and jumped in
the lake.  Dylan challenged all the football players as he was stripping.
Some of them took his dare.  None of the boys stayed in the water very long
and they came out complaining that it was freezing.  The "smarter" boys
laughed as they came out of the water.  One boy commented on their
shrinkage.  Coach did point out that it was the middle of November.

One of the boys brought a football so they divided into teams.  Coach was
asked to pick the teams.  He made Jim and Dusty the captains and told them
to pick their teams.  "I pick Dusty," Jim said laughing.

"And I pick Jim," Dusty threw in.

"OK, so the two of you against all of them?" Coach asked.

"Fine, I pick Dylan," Jim said.  Dylan Jenkins was the quarterback for the
school's football team, so having him, Jim figured, would give them an edge.
Dusty chose Michael for his team.  Jim wanted to pick Joe but Joe said that
he wasn't playing.  He said that every team needs a coach and Coach could be
Dusty's team's coach.  He would be Jim's.

They played for almost an hour when Jackson said that the food was ready.
No one kept score, they were just playing for fun.  Coach said that
everybody who enjoyed it won.  Some of the boys would probably wake up the
next day with bruises though.

As they were eating, Jim and Joe were sitting on a log with no one else
around.  Dylan walked over and asked if he could join them, to which they
agreed; they had no problem with it.  "Can I ask you something in private
and know that it won't get back to my dad?" Dylan asked.

"You ask me not to say anything, trust that I won't speak of it except with
you when no one else is around," Jim stated.

"And I give you the same promise," Joe assured.

"How did you know that you were gay?" Dylan asked.

"Until I met Zac, I considered myself bi-.  Once I met him, I knew that I
loved him, from the first time we met.  Both of us were afraid to make a
move because we were unsure what the other would say."

"For me, I enjoy looking at guys more than girls.  I'm drawn to their
masculine physique.  Are you interested in anybody?"  Joe inquired.

"Yeah, but I don't know if he's gay and I don't want him to know that I
might be just in case he's not," Dylan was starting to shake.  Jim and Joe
could see fear in his eyes about anyone else finding out he was gay.

"It's not easy, and your secret is safe with us.  I won't even tell Zac,"
Jim assured him.

"Thanks, not sure what my dad would do if he found out.  He seems cool with
you guys, and I've never heard him say one derogatory remark, so he might
accept me, but then I heard how Joe's dad reacted finding out about him.  I
just don't know what to think."

"It's rough and any time that you want to talk, we're here for you," Joe
offered.

"If you feel comfortable saying who you like, we can try and find out if
he's gay or might be interested.  I promise that he won't find out about you
until you let him."

"Ummmm, his name is, ummmm," Dylan started to blush a little.  He glanced
over at the young man who plays center.  Dylan has to look at his ass every
game and some games he has trouble concentrating because his mind goes to
thinking, "I so want to tap that."  Jim and Joe smiled thinking how hard it
must be for him.  Joe walked over to the boy.

"Kevin, how are you?" he asked.

"I'm good, you have a minute that we can talk?" the center asked.

"Sure, what about?" Joe asked.

"How do you know if another guy likes you or not?" Kevin inquired.

"That depends, are you saying that you might be gay?"

"Well, promise not to tell?  Every time Dylan touches me, I feel like an
electrical shock of euphoria goes through my entire body.  I swear that I
feel him staring at my ass and the games where we lost, I think he forgot
what he was doing like his mind wasn't in the game, but on me.  Am I just
thinking this because I want him to be gay, or is it real?"  Joe started
laughing and told Kevin to come with him.

"I'm sorry Dylan, but after talking to Kevin, I had to bring him here," Joe
apologized.  "Not really my place to say, so Kevin, tell Dylan what you told
me."

"I-I-I don't know if I can.  He-he-he's the quarterback and coach's son,"
Kevin stuttered.

"Kevin, are you gay?" Dylan asked almost in tears.  Kevin turned red almost
scaring Dylan.  "It's alright if you are.  No one will ever find out unless
you let them.  We won't tell."

"I don't know if I am or not, but I feel something when you touch me.  I've
wanted to kiss you for a long time, and when we're in the shower after the
game, I think, `Dylan's got a perfect cock.  I wonder what it would be like
sucking it or feeling it in me.'  I hope that doesn't creep you out and
please don't tell your dad." Kevin rushed his words he was so nervous.

Dylan stood up and stood face to face with Kevin.  Kevin wasn't sure whether
he was going to punch him or what.  Not even looking to see who was watching
because at this time he wasn't even thinking about that, he took Kevin in
his arms and kissed him.  Afterwards, he did look to see who may have seen
it.  Looking at his dad, he saw that Coach had his back to them talking to
Jackson.  "I've wanted to do that for a long time, too.  As for my dad, he
doesn't need to know until we both are ready to come out of the closet."

Thanksgiving was upon them before they even realized it.  Jackson wanted his
mom and dad to stay and feast with them, but they wanted to get back home.
Jeff flew with them and wouldn't be home until the following Monday.
Jackson had added a kitchen to the "party" barn and invited the boys and
their families to come out for a meal.  Jacob and his family were invited as
well.  Jackson made a table that was six foot by six foot square of solid
oak.  The support in the center was three foot by three foot, leaving just a
foot and a half all the way around.  Each family coming had three members
and there were four families, so each was given a side.  Teasingly, Jackson
put place names at each setting and put Jim and Zac as far from each other
as he could.  He chuckled when the boys came up asking if they could make a
slight change.  Heather was placed in the middle of their side, so Jim
traded with Joe.  Zac traded with Vinnie, so now Jim and Zac were still with
their families, but yet able to hold each other's hand when they say the
blessing.

Heather and Marilyn offered to come early to cook the meal.  Vinnie came
with his wife to help with the heavy lifting.  Jackson got the biggest birds
that he could so there would be plenty and each family could take home left
overs.  Along with the turkeys, the ladies prepared ten pounds of mashed
potatoes, they had dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, corn and stuffing.
Heather made gravy from the turkey drippings.

For dessert, some (not mentioning Jim's name) were going to have a tough
time choosing.  There were pumpkin pies, cherry pies, and Marilyn made two
orange meringue pies.  Jim decided that he was going to have a slice of
each.

They set the food on a separate table, then everyone went through as in a
buffet line, grabbing their food.  Jackson had the boys go first, then the
ladies, Vinnie, Ryan and then himself.  Once everyone was back in their
seat, he led them in saying grace and had everyone say what they were the
most thankful for this year.  Jim had a hard time choosing one thing.  "I
guess I am just thankful for this year.  I have the best friends ever.  My
super wonderful boyfriend and I will be able to get married when we are
ready.  I'm always thankful for my great mom and now my brother, Joe.  We
got Aurixi back.  I got to forgive the guy who killed my father.  I received
a letter from him yesterday, by the way, telling me how thankful he was.
Took him a few weeks, but he has forgiven himself and is starting to feel
more at peace, but he still has a long way to go.  When he gets out, he
wants to do something to try and convince others to not drink and drive.
It's just been a great year and I'm very thankful."

Everyone applauded and they continued until everyone had said something.
After they had gone around the table, they started to eat.  When Jackson was
done, he walked over to Zac and Jim.  "You boys did such a fantastic job
decorating last Christmas, I think I'm going to assign the job to you again.
I'm getting the tree tomorrow.  Zac, you do have a ranch credit card,
correct?"

"Keep it in my wallet and only use it for porn sites," Zac teased.

"Make me pay for them and not invite me? Do you at least invite Jim?"

"Tried, but he says that he doesn't want to watch three four-hundred-pound
women doing it," Zac kept going.  "Seriously, yes I have the credit card you
gave me and only use it when picking up stuff for the ranch."

"Good, if you need more decorations or lights, just go get what you need,
but keep the cost below the usual," Jackson instructed.  "Now, I need to
figure out what to get for you boys."

Heather turned in her chair to face Jackson when she heard this.  "When Jim
was nine, all he wanted for Christmas was six jars of pickles.  It was the
funniest thing when he opened the box and there were only five."

"That's enough, Mom," Jim started saying.

"No, you asked my mom about embarrassing things about me.  Turnabout is fair
play." Jackson admonished.  Then he turned to Heather, "So what did he do?"

"Mind you, he was nine at the time.  He wanted us to call the police and
have Santa arrested for eating one of his jars.  He picked up the phone but
fortunately, before he could dial, my sister Brenda came over.  She was
holding a jar of pickles and said that Santa left a note stating that they
must have fallen out while the elves were wrapping the present.  He knew
that she would be stopping by and asked her to bring it for him.  Jim hugged
that jar of pickles."  Jackson started chuckling as he walked away.

"If he gives me six jars of pickles, I'm blaming you and NOT sharing," Jim
told his mom.  She just laughed.

"What about with me?" Joe asked leaning forward so Jim could see him past
their mom.

"Fine, since you asked, I'll share," Just as Jim finished saying that,
Jackson came back over carrying a jar of pickles.

Zac leaned over and whispered, "I'll give you my pickle, any time that you
want it."

"I heard that, Zac," Heather remarked.

"Damn, she has good hearing."

"Tell me about it.  One time I dropped a feather in my room and she yelled
that I better pick it up," Jim quipped.

"Seriously?"

"No, but I think she could hear a feather fall."

"So you couldn't get away with anything, could you?" Joe asked.

"She has excellent hearing, eyes in the back of her head, and I didn't even
have a brother to blame until last Christmas.  You tell me."

"I don't have eyes in the back of my head.  You make me sound like an
alien."

"No, just a very good mom who knew how to watch her son so he didn't do
anything stupid because you love him so much," Jim stated as he leaned over
to kiss Heather on the cheek.

"And you still better not blame your brother for something," Joe warned with
a laugh.

When everyone was done, Jackson told the ladies that they did a wonderful
job.  He told them to relax while the rest of them did the cleanup.  Jackson
said that he and Ryan would do the dishes, Jacob could put the food away,
and the boys could bring the dishes from the table.  "I don't know how much
more of this food I can put away, I'm full already," Jacob joked.

Jeff came home on Monday and was talking about how good things were getting
to visit friends that he had left, stopping at the Second Chance Ranch and
visiting.  He had a good time, but he was glad to be back in Wyoming.  He
saw Caleb working with a new student and commented that he thought yesterday
was the end of the season.

"It is for planned horseback riding.  Someone wants to learn how to ride, I
have no problem with that going on as long as the weather permits.  I could
build an indoor arena so we can give lessons all year long," Jackson told
him.

"Unless you have a problem with it, I'm going to just let Caleb know that
I'm home, then put my luggage away."

"How about you put your luggage away, then say hi.  He should be done with
his lesson in about ten minutes and you can do more than just say hi,"
Jackson suggested.

"Fine," Jeff said sounding a little defeated, but a wicked smile came across
his face.

A few minutes later, Jeff came out of the house to see Caleb talking to
someone in a car.  He figured that it was the child's parents and that after
the lesson, he walked with the child to give them a progress report.  He
watched as something was slipped to Caleb, probably a tip.  Caleb turned
around to head towards the office and upon seeing Jeff, he got a big smile
on his face.  He quickened his step.

"I just got home," Jeff informed Caleb.  "Was going to come say hey, but
Jackson suggested that I put my luggage away and give you time to finish
your lesson."

"Well I am done for the day.  Want to go out?  The dad slipped me a couple
of twenties."  With that, they headed for Caleb's car.

In school, Dylan was talking to Jim about dating Kevin, "I'm definitely gay.
Kevin and I have had some great dates over the last two weeks, I can't
believe how happy I am just being with him but we try to keep it low key.
Someone comes around, we just start talking football and everyone thinks
that's why we hang out."

"But if you really want to be happy, you need to not hide who you really
are.  I never had to deal with that stress as I never hid from my parents
who I loved.  Sure, they were shocked when I commented on a boy I thought
was cute, but I never knew any difference as to hide it from them.  My dad
told me that whoever I date was fine with him as long as I am happy."

"I hope that my dad is the same way.  Kevin and I are thinking about telling
him this week," Dylan stated.

"The sooner you do, the happier you will feel, I'm telling you," Jim
advised.

"I'm sure you're right, but I would be lying if I said that it doesn't scare
the shit out of me.  I think Dad will be cool with it, but then..." Dylan
hesitated.

Just then, Coach walked up to them in the hall.  "Think I'd be cool with
what?"

"Two of your players dating each other," Dylan said testing the waters.

"You mean, you and Kevin?  I saw you kiss him at the lake, but wanted to
wait for you to feel comfortable telling me, so I turned to talk with
Jackson.  If he makes you happy, I have no problem with it," Coach told his
son.  "Would I rather you date a girl?  Only if she makes you happy.  I
can't say that I'm a hundred percent happy that you are gay, but my only
concern is your happiness and well-being.  This world is tough enough to
live in without the added stress of being gay and that's my only concern
here.  I love you and am happy for you that you found someone.  Explains a
little about those games we should have won."

Dylan couldn't believe his ears.  He also couldn't believe the feeling of
stress that left his body now that he didn't have to worry about his dad's
reaction.  He just hopes that Kevin doesn't get too upset that his dad
knows.  "Just so you know Dad, all we've done is kiss but we have talked
about going further.  Most couples have..." Dylan started.

Coach raised his hand to stop his son, "I don't need to know that, all I ask
is that if you do anything else, please use protection.  I'm sure you're
both clean and I want to keep it that way.  I'll even buy the protection
when you need it."

"Kevin said that if we win the championship this year, his ass was all
mine," Dylan smiled.  Coach walked away shaking his head and laughing.
Dylan looked at Jim, "You were right, I do feel better."

As Jim drove to the dojo, he shared with Joe what happened with Coach and
Dylan.  Joe was happy that Coach was so acceptant.  Made him sad that his
own dad wasn't, but then he wouldn't have been given the family that he has
now, so he was at peace with how things transpired.

At the dojo, Dusty was working with Joe again, and was impressed with how
quickly he was catching on.  When Joe was moving, you couldn't tell that one
leg was shorter.  Having gone most of his life without any special footwear,
Joe learned to compensate.  After the class, Sensei walked up to Joe, "You
still have four more weeks before I start charging you, so what are your
thoughts so far?"

"Dusty would make an excellent sensei and I don't need four more weeks to
know that I want to learn," Joe stated.

"Yes, that would be one of the reasons that I wanted Dusty to work with you.
He has a great mind and will excel at whatever he decides to do, and I
thought you would be more comfortable with him.  You know him and I'm sure
that you trust him.  You're still getting the next four weeks free since I
already offered them, but if you want to go ahead and join, we can fill out
the paperwork and have your mom sign it."

"You are an honorable man, Sensei," Joe said in his best Chinese accent, and
then he bowed.  Sensei returned the bow and laughed.  He handed Joe the
packet and told him to bring it back next class.

Throughout the rest of the week, Jim and Zac decorated and redecorated the
barn.  They just couldn't get the tree looking good to them.  Joe was
walking by and Jim called him in.  "What's up?"

"We think this tree is missing something and we want to get it right before
we put tinsel on."

"You don't have a topper on it," Joe pointed out.

"What happened to the angel we had last year?" Jim asked.

"I think he moved in with you.  Joe, climb up and sit on the tree," Zac
suggested jokingly.

Joe laughed, "Thanks for the compliment, but I'm no angel."  Jim put his arm
around him and kissed his forehead.  Zac went to look for any decorations
they had missed.  Maybe the angel was there.  He couldn't find it.

Calling Jackson, he found out that when the hands were taking down the
decorations, one of them dropped the angel and it broke.  He had forgotten
until Zac asked about it and just told Zac to just go get a new one.  Zac
asked Joe and Jim to go with him to pick out a good one.  Joe wanted to go
to Buster's house, but Jim assured him that Buster was no more of an angel
than he was.  Joe laughed.

While at the store, Jim picked up some ornaments and mouthed to Zac, "I've
got blue balls."  Zac licked his lips.  Joe looked at a very beautiful
angel.  The robe looked to be made of pure silver thread, the wings were
slowly moving and almost transparent.  They had fiber optics running through
that were constantly changing colors.  The face wasn't feminine like most of
the angels, but had some masculine features to it.  "Guys, I think this is
the perfect angel, but will it be too heavy with the motor moving the wings?

"Pick it up," the sales clerk suggested.  Joe did so carefully so as to not
damage the moving wings.  He was surprised that it barely had weight.  "This
was made to be a tree topper, so they used the lightest material that they
could and the motor is just big enough to move the wings," the clerk
informed him.

Zac and Jim were in awe of the angel.  "How much is it?" Zac asked.

"Well it might seem a little pricey at fifty-nine ninety-nine, but it does
have a ten-year warranty against defects, even if dropped."

Zac pulled out the ranch credit card and said that he would take it.  The
clerk carefully placed a boxed one in a bag, ran the card and had Zac sign
for it.  Back at the ranch, the boys went back to decorating and the angel
made a big difference.

Jackson came in and whistled, "That's a sharp angel, didn't blew the whole
budget on it did you?"

"No, but it was more expensive than I thought an angel would be," Zac told
him.  Then he told him the cost and about the warranty.  Jackson told him
that he did a good job.

When Jim and Joe got home, they walked in the front door and saw a
brown-haired boy sitting on the couch.  He looked to be about eight years
old.  At first Jim thought, "Déjà vu," but then he called out to his mom.

"I'm in the kitchen, Jim," she called out, but then her mind started
thinking about last year just two days before Christmas.  She walked out and
Jim saw his Aunt Brenda following behind her.  His face lit up.  "Well, I
guess that you remember my sister, even though it has been a few years since
you've seen her.  Do you remember your cousin," Heather asked as she
motioned toward the boy sitting on the couch.

"Austin was like five last time I had seen him.  He's grown some in three
years," Jim was amazed.  "So, how long are you staying?"

"We'll be here until the first of the year, then we head back to Japan and
may be another three years before we can visit," Aunt Brenda stated.

"I'm glad you'll be here that long, but wish you could visit more often, or
we could come visit you," Jim was excited yet sad, thinking about them
leaving already.  Seeing how she was his only aunt, and her husband, his
only uncle, they were his favorites.  They moved to Japan just after
Christmas three years ago which broke Jim's heart.  He really loved them but
Uncle Bryan's company asked him to move there or resign when their offices
moved.  The company bought them their house and paid to have them move, plus
they offered Bryan a raise.  "Where are you staying?"

"Brenda will sleep in my room, then I figured, you and Joe could share a
bed, or you and Austin."

"He can share my bed with me so Jim and Zac can still sleep together," Joe
offered.

"By the way Brenda, this is my son Joe that I was telling you about.  Joe,
this is your Aunt Brenda, my sister," Heather took this time to introduce
them.

"You are just as handsome and polite as your mother described you, Joe.  It
will be a pleasure getting to know you.  And when do I meet Zac?  I've heard
so much about him," Brenda asked.

Jim swears that Zac has the most impeccable timing as he chose that moment
to come in.  Jim laughed.  "Aunt Brenda, this is the love of my life," Jim
stated.

"You ever hurt him, I'll hurt you," Brenda said, giving Zac her best "evil
eye".  Zac started to laugh.  "That wasn't supposed to be funny."

"No, but I can tell that you don't have a mean bone in your body.  Explains
why Jim doesn't either.  As for hurting him, you'd have to rip the heart out
of my chest before I would purposefully do that.  I hurt him once teasing
and I felt so bad that I wanted to cry.  I love him too much."

Brenda smacked Zac on the ass and said that was for hurting Jim.  Zac told
her that she owed him many more for it, but he had learned his lesson and
would never do that again.  She hugged him.  Joe was sitting on the couch
getting to know Austin.

"I'm sure this is a silly question, but do you have any pickles?  I've been
craving a nice juicy dill pickle ever since I got on the plane," Brenda
asked.  Jim went to grab the jar that Jackson gave him.

"You've been eating a lot of pickles, Mom," Austin stated.  Then he
scrunched up his face, "Even with ice cream."

"Brenda, are you?" Heather started.  Brenda nodded her head.

"Due date is Jim's birthday, actually.  Brandt planned on coming with us so
we could tell you together, but something last minute needed him at work, so
he had to delay his trip.  He's going to try and be here before Christmas."

"When he gets here, Zac and I can sleep at his house so you and Uncle Brandt
can use my room," Jim offered.

"Thank you for offering.  I was thinking about asking once he got here,"
Heather hugged Jim.

Last day of school before the holiday break was approaching and all the
students were getting excited.  Most of the teachers were lax in giving
homework, but in their English class, the teacher wanted them to pick one of
four subjects and write a thousand word essay in print, couldn't be typed or
printed from a computer.  And it couldn't be cursive.  The choices were, "My
Hero Other than my Dad or Mom," "If I could Change the World,"  "My Goal
after I Graduate" and "My Christmas Present to..."  They had two weeks before
Christmas vacation.  If they were finished before, they could turn it in
when completed.  If it wasn't, it was due on the day that they returned.
The teacher was nice though, and said that the rest of their class time
until the break could be used for the assignment and he'd be happy to help
them as best as he could.

Jim wasn't sure which subject he wanted, but Joe already knew.  He had read
another story on Nifty called Lil Bros.  The main character's brother was
killed in a plane crash along with his parents.  When Michael, the main
character, went to school to chat with his adopted brother/son's principal,
one of the teachers shared an essay that had been written by Adam, the
brother who died.  It was about how Michael was his hero.  Joe decided that
he was going to write about Jim; how he was so loving the first day Joe
entered his life, how he has always protected him, especially when his dad
came to hurt him, and how he always let Joe know he was a part of the
family, even before the adoption was final.  Yes, in Joe's eyes, Jim is a
hero.

Joe had started his essay...

I read a story about a boy who hero-worshipped his older brother, but then
the boy was killed in a plane crash.  The essay that the boy wrote in the
story was heart-felt even if fictional.  For me, this is especially true
because my hero is also my brother.

The first day when Mom brought me home, I wasn't a baby like most typical
new brothers.  I was a mess whose father had kicked him out for being gay.
It was two days before Christmas and Mom took me in.  Jim came home to find
me sitting on the couch.  After he found out that I was staying, he led me
to what was going to be my room and took time to assure me that I was
welcome.  While giving me time to clean up, he left to get a Christmas
present for me.  I didn't say anything, but he noticed that I have a shorter
leg, so he bought me boots and had one made special to make my life easier.

When the teacher walked by, he was reading what Joe had written so far.  "If
this is as good as I think it'll be, I would like for you to read it in
front of the class.  Or if you don't feel at ease doing so, maybe I can?"
the teacher requested.

"I think I'd rather you do it.  I'm sure Jim will know who wrote it, but I
would rather not stand in front of the class if not necessary," Joe wasn't
normally bashful, but he could feel emotions stirring as he wrote, who knows
what would happen if he read it aloud.

"Well, you seem to have excellent writing skills, and I love how your story
is going," the teacher said patting Joe on the back.  He looked at Jim's
paper next but it was still blank, "Having trouble thinking of what to
write?"

"Sort of, I'm actually having trouble picking which subject to write on.  I
can think of a few people who have been heroes in my life, but don't know if
I could pick just one and write a thousand words on them.  Changing the
world, I would want to remove all hatred, but how could I do that?" Jim
seemed puzzled.

"Do you have plans for after you graduate?" the teacher asked.

"Yeah, I plan to go to college, but do I know enough to write a thousand
words?  Don't get me wrong, all of these are good subjects, but coming up
with a thousand words won't be easy."

"So you're saying that I'm challenging you?" the teacher grinned.  Jim
smiled and nodded his head.  The teacher squeezed Jim's shoulder and told
Jim to write the subjects on four pieces of paper, put them so he didn't
know which was which and pick one at random.  Once he had the subject
picked, he was sure that Jim could come up with enough words.

Jim pulled four note cards out of his book bag and wrote each subject on
one.  He shuffled the cards, placed them face down on his desk and picked
one.  At the top of his paper he wrote, My Goals for after I Graduate.
"Good, now I have a subject, but how can I write a thousand words on this,"
he thought.

The teacher stood at the front of the class, "Almost time for the bell, so
let me say this before you go.  Some of you have already written quite a lot
and some of you have barely started if even started.  This isn't really that
hard of an assignment.  You read a good book and this wouldn't even be half
a chapter, maybe not even a quarter of one.  Just write what you feel and it
will surprise you how short a thousand words actually are."  He had just
finished talking when the bell rang.

"So what are you writing on?" Dusty asked Jim.

"Took me all class just to pick a subject, but I finally decided to write
about my goals.  You?"

"I haven't picked a subject yet, they all seem so good," Dusty admitted.
Jim laughed and handed Dusty his note cards and told him what the teacher
suggested to him.

"What about you, Joe?" Jim inquired.

"I'm working on my third paragraph already.  The teacher wants to read it in
front of the class," Joe said smiling.

"Which subject did you pick?"

"Not saying, I want it to be a surprise," Joe stated.

Last period was gym class and they were playing football.  Since Joe
couldn't play, Coach gave him the option of going to study hall or he could
sit on the sidelines and watch.  Joe chose to go to study hall so he could
work on his assignment.

My brother and I work at a horse ranch and I was breaking a new mare the
owner bought.  The horse sent me flying and when I landed, my leg bent
sideways.  Jim was over by my side in seconds and one of the first things he
said was that he was sorry he wasn't Superman.  I think he was hurting more
than I was.  He may not be Superman but I would rather him than the Man of
Steel, any day.  Sure, I was in pain, but seeing the love on my brother's
face was worth any amount of pain.

One day, the man who donated his seed so I could be born was heading to our
house.  His intent was to do me bodily harm because he spent time in county
for beating on me.  Jim stood between us not letting him near me.

Joe had to stop writing as his eyes were starting to get blurry.  The study
hall teacher asked, "Are you alright?" Joe just handed his paper to her.
After she read it, she patted Joe on the hand and handed him a tissue.  Joe
put the assignment away as he couldn't write anymore at this time.

He started working on his Algebra assignment.  If x=y/x and y=y/x, what is
the value of y?  Joe looked at the problem for a few minutes.  Then he
realized that x had to equal y and the only value that could work is one.
That was easy, and being the only question on the paper, Joe laughed.
"These teachers must be looking forward to the break as well as the
students," he thought.

On the way home, Jim asked Joe if he could read his essay to give him an
idea of what he wants to write.  "I told you that it was a surprise, how can
you read it and it be a surprise.  Think of it as a sort of Christmas gift,"
Joe told him.

"You're just saying that so I won't ask again, aren't you?" Jim questioned.

"Maybe, but you don't get to see it until after the teacher reads it to the
class," Joe warned.  Jim remained quiet the rest of the way home.

At the table, Joe said that the only homework he had was working on his
paper, but he didn't feel like doing it anymore today.  Jim said that his
teachers didn't assign any except for the essay and asked Joe if he would
help.  Joe looked at Jim's paper.  "Other than the title, it's blank!" Joe
exclaimed.

"So you see my problem," Jim started.  "I just don't know how I want to
write this."

"For me, it was a no brainer.  You're one of the smartest guys I know,
you'll write probably the best essay in the class, well either you or Dusty.
Just don't stress and let your mind flow about what you want to do."

Jim sat there and started writing, not really thinking about what he wrote.
He figured he'd just write and then plan an outline for what he had written.


I won't be graduating for a year and five months, but I have already been
accepted at Northwest College, here in Cody.  I am hoping to run a ranch
eventually.  My second cousin had already told me that when he passes, my
old ranch would be half mine, but now that I have made Cody my home, I
really don't want to leave.

Before I can tell you about my future, let me explain my past.  I was a very
happy child with parents who truly loved me unconditionally.  Then my life
was torn asunder, or at least that was how I felt, when my dad was killed by
a young man who made a terrible mistake.  I won't go into details of
everything that happened, but I was greatly depressed.  Won't say that
suicide didn't cross my mind, but I knew that wasn't the answer.

Moving away from my friends really hurt, and most were truly my friends
while I was around, but I never heard from them again.  Once I started
school here, one student wouldn't let me push him away like I had been with
the others.  When I commented about not wanting to make friends and then
lose them too, he joked about the internet.

He has been the best friend I could ask for besides my boyfriend and
brother.  So as much as I loved my old ranch, I wish to stay in Cody.  I do
believe though that if Dusty or I decide to move away, we will remain
friends and stay in touch.

At Northwest College, I am planning to get a degree in business.  I believe
that should I get my opportunity to run my own ranch, a business degree
would be useful.

Jim decided that was enough for now.  He would take time to read it during
class and see how he wanted to structure it.  Joe asked if he could read
what Jim had written.  Jim thought about telling him that it was a surprise,
but he slid the paper over to Joe.  "See, this is really good.  You were
just thinking too hard," Joe complimented.

Austin came over to the table.  "If you are done wif your homework, wanna
pway cars wif me?" he asked looking at Joe.

"I would love to play cars with you, did you bring any?" Joe inquired.

"Jim used to half some, we pwayed wif his when I's come befowah."

"And I still have them, Buddy.  I put them in a safe place just in case you
ever came to visit.  Can I play, too?"

"Dey is your cars, silwy," Austin said with a grin.  Jim picked him up and
started tickling him.  Austin started squealing and laughing.  Brenda came
out of the kitchen to see who was "attacking" her son.  She smiled and went
back into the kitchen with Heather.

"The way Jim is with Austin, he's going to be a great dad someday," she told
her sister.

"I know that just from watching how he is with his animals and Joe.  I have
never seen someone as protective as Jim is when Joe is threatened," Heather
stated.  Then she started telling Brenda about Joe's dad coming and Jim
having to fight him.  She mentioned how attentive Jim was to Joe's needs
when Joe had his leg in a cast.  There was no doubt that Jim would make a
great dad.

Jim pulled the box of cars off the shelf in his bedroom.  The one Austin
always liked was on top.  It was a red Dodge Viper.  Austin grabbed it, then
he grabbed a blue Ford GT.  "Here Jim, dis is your favowite car," Austin
said holding the GT out.

"You know it buddy, perhaps after supper, we can go for a drive in my real
car," Jim suggested.

"The one wif da dwagon?" Austin's eyes got big.  "Joe going wif us?"

"Yes, that's my car and if Joe goes with us, you have to sit in back," Jim
told him.

"Joe, you going wif us?" Austin asked.

"If you want me to go, I will.  I'll even climb in back if you want to sit
up front," Joe said as Austin ran over and hugged him.

"We have to get your mom's permission, but I don't think she'll mind," Jim
informed him.  Jim wasn't surprised when Austin seemed to forget about the
cars and ran downstairs.  He put the box back on the shelf, turned and
shrugged his shoulders to Joe.

Austin came back upstairs.  "She said after supper we can go, where are da
cars?" he asked looking around.

"You ran off, so I didn't know if you were coming back," Jim explained.

"You silwy, Jim" Austin said, then ran behind Joe.

"OH NO!" Joe exclaimed.  "He tickles me enough without me being YOUR
protection."  Then Joe started tickling him.

The boys played "wif" the cars to entertain Austin until Brenda called that
supper was ready.  As they sat at the table, Austin started talking about
going for a drive.  "And da car has a dwagon on it so weese can go wheel
fast," Austin stated.

"Not sure how fast we can go, Buddy.  There may be ice on the roads, and
I've only been driving for seven months," Jim advised.  Brenda mouthed a
thank you to Jim.  "While speed may be fun, I have to think about your
safety as well as Joe's, mine and every other car on the road."

After supper, Jim and Joe started cleaning the table.  Austin was getting
antsy, "We going dwiving, come on."

"I'll finish cleaning, just be careful," Heather told her sons.  Jim thanked
her and kissed her on the cheek.

Joe climbed into the back, and Jim buckled Austin in securely.  He got into
the driver's seat and started the engine.  He revved the engine a few times
so Austin could feel the vibration in his seat.  Then he backed out of the
drive and headed down the street.

Jim was doing well below the speed limit because he still wasn't used to
driving with snow on the ground.  He headed for the ranch as he wanted to
show Austin the horses.  Gold wasn't even a year old when Austin last seen
him.  "Is Shadow out here, too?" Austin asked.

Joe thought Jim might have to pull over, but Jim simply smiled and said,
"No, Shadow's up in heaven waiting for me.  She went ahead to make sure
everything was perfect for when I get there."

"She's a good doggy," Austin said and smiled.

"That's she is," Jim said, "but she asked my two new dogs to take care of me
here."

You mean Cheese and Coony?" Austin asked.

"You mean Colby and Kuno, as in Kunoichi," Jim corrected.

"Yeah, Colby Cheese and Coony," Austin smiled.

Jim's face went solemn as he felt the car slide a little on ice.  He took
his foot off the accelerator and the car stated to fish-tale and then spin.
It surprised Jim when the car came to a stop without hitting anything, but
he was facing the side of the road and he heard someone sounding a horn.  He
looked and there was a Ford F-150 heading straight at him.  Didn't look like
he was slowing down and in seconds, it was plowing into the passenger side
of Jim's car.

Passenger window shattered on impact and the truck pushed Jim's car several
feet.  Jim looked at Austin but the boy wasn't moving.  He hollered back at
Joe and Joe moaned a little.  Jim found a pulse on Austin and called
nine-one-one.  The person on the other end wanted Jim to stay on the phone
until help arrived, but Jim said that he needed to call his mom and would
call back.  The person insisted that Jim wait to call his mom, but Jim hung
up and phoned home.

He was crying when his mom answered.  "Mom we were... in an... accident...  I
already... called nine-one-one...  Austin is... hurt, and... I don't... know about...
Joe.  I was... hit with... flying glass..."

"Where are you?" Heather asked franticly.  "Never mind, you called
nine-one-one, we'll see you at the hospital, and don't worry, God has
everything in his hands."  Brenda had her hand over her mouth.



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