Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2013 19:44:49 -0400
From: crazy4u <rnielsen47@gmail.com>
Subject: The Lernier Family Chapter 34, GM Relationships

Comments on the story are appreciated and may be addressed to the author,
Russ Nielsen (rnielsen47@gmail.com).  To read more of my stories, you can
find them at my story site - http://www.saskboystories.blogspot.com/

All the usual disclaimers apply. This is a work of pure fiction. Any
similarities to persons living or dead are coincidental. If it is illegal
to read this where you live, don't read it. If you are under legal age
where you live, don't read it.

This story contains descriptions of consensual sexual contact between adult
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it is legal for you to be reading it.

Please contribute to Nifty so we can continue to enjoy these stories!

*** ***

Chapter Thirty Four – A Lernier Family Christmas

David sat near the rear of the science classroom.  It was his habit to sit
where he could observe everything that was going on.  He loved watching
people.  He didn't always enjoy interacting with them; because most of them
were so illogical.  He loved watching the original Star Trek series because
he could so relate to his favorite character – Spock.  His teachers
often thought he wasn't paying attention in class; however, they quickly
learned that he had an amazing memory and that he missed nothing.  He could
repeat verbatim every conversation he heard and could answer any question
they may throw at him.  Because he already knew the academic material being
taught in his honors classes, he kept himself from being bored by watching
his fellow students.  He tried to figure out why each one acted the way
they did.  It was like being Sherlock Holmes to him as he tried to deduce
what was behind the behaviors he observed.  Sometimes, he would go up to
his classmates and ask them random questions.  They thought he was odd; but
he was actually very meticulously filling in holes in their individual
profiles that he had built in his mind.

He had spent a lot of time with his Dad; since Purev had started seeing
Idree.  David was trying to make sense of the feelings of rejection he
felt, and had confided in his Dad that he wasn't sure who he was anymore.
He had been so sure of himself until Purev had entered his life.  David had
started off his conversation with his Dad by telling him about his favorite
pastime.  Dad had listened intently to David's explanations about how he
observed people and why he did it.  He had opened up about his dreams for
his future, including finding Mr. Right.  He had expressed his fears of
rejection if he approached a guy (other than Purev).  He felt so much
better now that he had been able to talk about his feelings.  Dad had
helped him work through his emotions and had shared some of his own
experiences.  He was glad his Dads had adopted him.  He couldn't imagine
living with straight parents who couldn't relate to him as a gay teen.

David's attention was drawn to the front of the classroom when he saw the
new kid enter the classroom and approach the teacher with his paperwork.
Mr. Rogers had looked it over and then had said, "Class, please welcome
Mark Henderson.  He's just moved here from Texas.  Mark, please take the
seat next to David."

Mark was tall, blond and lithe of frame.  He had dark brown eyebrows over
electric blue eyes, a cute smile, and a smallish, round nose.  He wore a
blue muscle shirt that matched his eyes, and jeans that hugged him in all
the right places.  David was trying not to stare at the handsome stranger
as he moved down the aisle and sat down in the desk indicated by
Mr. Rogers.  He looked over at David and extended his hand.  "Hi, I'm
Mark."

David shook Mark's hand and replied, "Glad to meet you.  I'm David."  Mark
didn't release his had right away.  Mark stared into David's eyes almost as
if he knew David's innermost secrets.  David liked the feel of Mark's hand
in his, and didn't attempt to break Mark's grip on his hand.  The teacher
started his lecture, causing Mark to let go of his hand and turn back to
the front of the room.

Mark pulled out his note book and started taking notes.  David was glad the
teacher had started his lecture; because he was feeling really confused.
When he shook hands with Mark, he felt a shock of electricity, or something
like it.  Mark had held his hand a little longer than necessary; but the
thing that really had him shook up was how Mark had gazed into David's
eyes.  Those electric blue eyes had peered into his soul, making a
connection between them.  David was so unnerved by what had happened that
he couldn't concentrate on what was being said in class.

The bell rang and Mark turned to David.  "What's your next class?"  David
didn't answer; so Mark repeated his question, "What's your next class?"

This time David said, "English with Ms. Hardy."

Mark looked at his class schedule and said, "I have the same class as you
do."  He passed his class schedule to David and asked, "Are you in any of
my other classes?"

David glanced over the classes and said, "Yes, you're in my Tech Tools
class, as well as my history class; and we have the same lunch schedule."
He handed Mark his schedule.  As his hand brushed Mark's, he again felt
that shock of electricity pass between them.

Mark noticed David's reaction to his touch and grinned at David.  "Do you
mind if I hang out with you during lunch?  I don't know anyone here and you
seem like a great guy to know."  David had blushed at Mark's statement.
Mark saw the color rise in David's cheeks and said, "You don't need to be
embarrassed.  You're handsome and cute at the same time.  I think we're
going to be great friends."

They stood up and moved toward the classroom door.  David's mind locked
onto Mark's statement.  He had said David was cute.  He wondered if Mark
was gay.  As he followed Mark out of the room, David noticed they were
exactly the same height, and that Mark had a nice butt.  It was one that he
was sure his Dad would've said it just asked to be fucked.  When he asked
his Dad to explain what he meant, his Dad had replied that David would know
it when he saw one.  Well, now he knew what his Dad had been talking about!
More importantly, he could relate to the strong physical attraction that
existed between his Dads.  Dad had explained that his attraction to his
husband had nearly overwhelmed him at first.  He had added that it was
still as strong as it was when they first met.  David wondered if the
serious attraction he felt for Mark would be something that would last as
long as what he had witnessed between his parents.

Mark turned and saw David staring at him.  He met David's gaze and smiled.
"Do you like what you see?"  David didn't dare speak; but he nodded his
head in the affirmative.  Mark's smile widened and his eyes sparkled with
delight.  "That's good because I like what I see as well.  We are going to
get along famously."

They walked side by side down the hall, their arms brushing against each
other, as their fellow students pushed past them on their way to their
classes.  David asked, "Where do you live?"

"I live in Kingstowne.  My house is a couple of blocks from here.  Maybe
you could come over after school today.  We could do our homework
together," Mark said.

"I would like that.  I'll have to call my Dads during lunch," David said.
Mark had come to a dead stop as if he'd been hit by a freight train.  The
kid who had been following behind him swore at Mark as he swerved to keep
from running into him.  David turned and asked, "Is something wrong?"

"Did you say you were going to call your Dads?" Mark asked, staring hard
into David's eyes.

"Yes, I did," David said.  "Why?"

"Are they gay?" Mark asked.

"Yes, they are and so am I," David said.  "Is that a problem?"

Mark's smile was huge and his eyes danced with excitement.  He replied,
"No, it's not a problem; because I'm gay, too."

David grinned at his new friend.  "Thank you for telling me.  It will be
nice to have someone to talk to who understands me."

Mark said, "Yes, it will be good to have a gay friend.  I was afraid I was
going to have to pretend I was straight to have any friends here."  Then
his expression changed to one of worry.  "But you have to promise not to
tell anyone else.  My parents would throw me out of the house if they knew
I'm gay."

David frowned and said, "Don't worry.  I won't tell anyone; but may I tell
my Dads?"

Mark thought for a moment.  "Yes, you may tell them; because they're gay,
they will understand why I can't tell my parents."

"Dad's family disowned him when they found out he was gay.  He wants to be
reconciled with them; but I don't think they will ever change," David said,
feeling sad for his Dad.

They entered their English class and sat down together.  Mark pulled out
his schedule and presented it to the teacher.  They spent the rest of the
day together, moving from class to class.  At lunch, they had a table to
themselves.  David had no other friends.  He ate lunch with Ashley when she
had the same lunch period; but today she had an earlier lunch period.

Mark asked, "Do you always eat lunch alone?"

"No, I eat lunch with my sister on orange days.  On white days, I eat lunch
alone," David said.

"How old is your sister?" Mark asked.

"She's 12.  She's in 7th grade," David responded.

"My sister, Michaela, is the same age as your sister," Mark said.

"That's really cool," David said.

"Michaela is in the 7th grade, too.  Maybe they have met each other like we
have," Mark said.

David said, "Maybe."  He doubted it, but didn't want to contradict Mark.

Mark saw the look of doubt on David's face and said, "Even they haven't
met, do you think your sister would like to come over to our house and meet
Michaela?"

"I can ask her," David said.  He actually felt better about going to Mark's
house, now that he could ask Ashley if she wanted to go, too.  He had been
feeling a little anxious about going with Mark; despite his desire to get
to know Mark.

They finished eating their lunch and moved out into the hallway with a
group of other teens who were heading to their next class.  David spied
Ashley walking with her friends.  He zigzagged across the hall to catch up
with her.  Mark managed to keep up with him and came up beside him.  David
said, "Ashley, this is my new friend, Mark.  He and his sister, Michaela,
just moved here from Texas.  Mark has invited to come over to his house
after school."

Ashley looked at Mark and smiled.  "Hi Mark.  I think I've met your sister.
She's the new girl in my gym class.  She has long blond hair and the same
blue eyes as you."

Mark replied, "Hi."  He suddenly felt shy, which was unusual for him.  He
hadn't expected Ashley to comment on his eyes.  "Yes, that sounds like
Michaela."

Ashley said, "She seems nice."  She looked at her brother and asked, "Are
you going to call Daddy?"

"Yes, I'll call him right now," David said.  He pulled out his cell phone.

It rang once before I answered.  "Hello, David," I said.

"I've met a new friend today.  He has invited me and Ashley to go over to
his house after school.  He has a sister the same age as Ashley," David
said.

"Do you have their parents' phone number?  I'll call and make sure it's
okay with their parents," I said.

David turned to Mark and asked, "What's your Mom's phone number?"

Mark gave it to David and he repeated it to me.  "Okay, I'll call and then
I'll send you a text message to let you know if it's okay or not."

"Okay, Daddy," David said.  "I love you."

"I love you, too," I said.

David ended the call and looked at Mark.  "Daddy will call your mother and
will leave me a text message."

Mark smiled and said, "I'm sure Mom will say it's okay.  She wants us to
make new friends."

Ashley said, "I've got to get to class and so do you guys."  She left with
her girlfriends and the boys walked to their next class.

*** ***

I called the number David had given to me.  The phone rang three times
before someone answered.  The female voice on the other end of the line
said, "Hello, this is the Henderson residence."

"Hello, this is Glenn Lernier.  Your son, Mark, has invited my children,
David and Ashley, to come over to your home after school today.  I'm
calling to verify that you are okay with having them in your home."

Mrs. Henderson said, "Thank you for calling.  Yes, I'm okay with them
visiting with us.  I've encouraged Mark to reach out and make new friends.
We have just moved from Texas and it's been hard on the children.  They
really miss their friends."

"Where do you live?" I asked.

"We live in Kingstowne, not far from the school," she answered.  She gave
me the address.

"We will pick them up just before 6 PM," I said.  "Is that okay?"

"That will be fine," she replied.  "Thank you for giving them permission to
visit our home.  I'm glad you called.  It lets me know that you're watching
over your children.  I know that one can't be too careful these days."

"I agree," I said.  "It's nice to talk to you.  We will see you this
afternoon."

"I look forward to meeting you and your children," she said.

I sent a text message to both David and Ashley, letting them know of the
arrangements I had made with Mrs. Henderson.

*** ***

David felt his cell phone vibrate in his pocket.  He knew his Daddy had
sent him a text message.  He surreptitiously took his cell phone out of his
pocket and read the text message.  He slipped the phone back into his
pocket and turned to Mark.  "It's a go for this afternoon."

Mark grinned and said, "Great!"

David couldn't concentrate the rest of the afternoon.  He didn't handle
change well and this was a big deviation from his routine.  It was a change
he had initiated; but it still made him nervous.  The school day ended and
they met Ashley and Michaela near the football field for their short walk
to Mark's house.

Ashley and Michaela seemed to hit it off and were talking animatedly about
some of the boys in their physical education class.  After listening to
them talk for a few minutes, Mark said, "I think they will be great
friends."

David had to agree.  "Ashley makes friends easily."

Mark looked closely at David.  "But you don't.  Is that it?"

David nodded his head.  "You are the first friend I've made at this school.
I have a friend that goes to Edison High School."

"How many friends do you have?" Mark asked.  His curiosity was piqued.

"Other than my family, two; you and Purev," David said.

Mark smiled, "Then I guess I must be extra special; because you became my
friend the very first time we met."

David nodded his head.  "Yes, I think you are wonderful."

"And good looking," Mark said, grinning.

David laughed, "Yes, and good looking."

They arrived at Mark's home and were met at the door by Mrs. Henderson.
Mark introduced them to her, "Mom, this is David and Ashley Lernier."

"Welcome to our home," she said.

Michaela said, "Mom, Ashley and I want to make cookies.  May we make
chocolate chip cookies?"

"Certainly," she answered.  "Go right into the kitchen.  Michaela, you know
where the ingredients are."

The girls disappeared into the kitchen.  Mrs. Henderson turned to the boys
and asked, "What are your plans?"

"We're going to finish our homework, first.  Then, we are going to play
some video games," Mark answered.

"Okay.  That sounds like a plan," she said.

Mark said, "Follow me."

Mark led David upstairs to his bedroom.  "This is my room," he said.

David looked around with great interest.  Mark had several Marine Corps
posters on his walls.  On the shelf over his bed, Mark had put his model
tanks and airplanes on display.  There was a photograph of Mark and someone
dressed in fatigues on his dresser.  Mark noticed David's interest in the
photo and said, "That's me and my Dad.  Dad is in the Marine Corps.  He is
stationed at the Pentagon."

David said, "My Dad works at the Pentagon as well."

Mark flopped down on his bed and said, "That's cool!  But how can he work
at the Pentagon if he's gay?  Is he in the military?"

"He's a civilian contractor," David replied.  "He was in the Marine Corps
when he was younger."

Mark said, "That is really awesome.  Let's get our homework done."

David sat on the other side of the bed from Mark.  He pulled his homework
out of his backpack and spread out his textbooks on the bed.  Mark followed
suit and they soon were comparing notes and helping each other to finish
their assignments.  Later, they played videos games until it was time for
David and Ashley to go home.

Mark said, "I wish you could sleep over.  I haven't had so much fun in
ages."

David grinned, showing his braces.  "I had a great time, too.  I'm glad I
can just be a normal teen and not have to watch what I say about how good
looking some of the guys are at school."

Mark nodded his head in agreement.  "Best thing of all is that we're
friends."

Mark and David came downstairs and joined Michaela and Ashley in the
kitchen.  Ashley said, "You should try some of the cookies."

Mark heard the front door open and said, "Dad's home."

Lt. Col. Clayton Henderson closed the door and dropped his briefcase on the
floor under the coat rack in the hallway.  He entered the kitchen and was
surprised to find strange teenagers sitting at the breakfast bar with his
kids, eating chocolate chip cookies.  He smiled at the group of them and
said, "Hello!  Mark, will you introduce me to your friends?"

 Mark said, "Dad this is David and Ashley Lernier.  We met them at school
today."

Clay said, "It's nice to meet you.  I'm glad that Mark and Michaela have
made friends so quickly."

Michaela said, "Dad, Ashley has invited me to join her Girl Scout troop.
Is that okay?"

Clay said, "Sure it's okay.  I think it would be a good way to make new
friends."

Ashley said, "The girls in our troop are wonderful.  They all come from
good families and we are really good friends.  Michaela will fit right in.
We meet at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Tuesdays."

Hearing that the Girl Scout troop was affiliated with a church confirmed to
Clay that he was right to give his permission for his daughter to join the
troop.  He was a staunch Baptist; but he was accepting of other Christian
denominations; even if he didn't agree with their doctrinal views.

He was pretty steamed about being reprimanded by the general about his
remarks about homosexuals.  Seeing that the children had finished their
cookies, he said, "I need to talk to your mom for a few minutes.  Will you
wait in the front room for David and Ashley's parents?"

"Sure," Mark said.  He led the way into the front room and took a seat on
the couch.  The teens were soon engaged in an energetic conversation about
who was better at video games: boys or girls.

Clay sat down on one of the stools at the bar and started to vent his
frustrations.  "You wouldn't believe what happened to me today."  He
proceeded to narrate the events of his day.

*** ***

Clay had met his team for the first time today.  The retiring officer,
Garth Bachman, had briefed him on the project and then had introduced him
to the staff.  He had taken time to review the profiles of each member of
the team.  He had been very pleased to see that he had a very capable team;
however, he had been informed by a member of his new team that two of the
contractors were homosexuals.  He had thanked the guy for informing him who
they were, and had made a mental note to make sure he got rid of them as
soon as possible.

After meeting the team, he had gone to lunch with Lt. Col. Bachman, and had
made a derogatory remark about homosexuals and expressed his opinion about
the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.  He had been surprised to be met with
stone cold silence.

Lt. Col. Bachman had quietly said, "I wouldn't be so vocal about your
prejudice against gays if I were you."

He did a double take and asked, "Why?  The faggots don't belong in the
military.  Not only that, they shouldn't be allowed to work for the
military in a civilian capacity.  Homosexuals will contaminate the military
with their evil ways."  His voice had gotten louder and had carried across
the room.  He hadn't noticed General Tanaka and his staff sitting at the
table behind him.

General Tanaka stood up and approached their table.  He said, "Gentlemen
please accompany me to my office."  It was a quiet voice, but it carried
the authority of command.  The two men stood and followed General Tanaka to
his office.  He opened the door to his office and indicated that they
should take the seats in front of this desk.

As soon as they were seated, he said, "Lt. Col. Henderson, I will not
tolerate that kind of derogatory language from members of my staff.  Let me
remind you that we have many civilian contractors who do great work for us,
and some of the best happen to be gay.  If you endanger your project by
driving away the talented gay men who are developing your programs, I will
hold you personally responsible for the failure of your project.  Do I make
myself clear?"

Lt. Col. Henderson said, "Yes, sir."

"Good.  Make sure you treat every member of your staff with dignity and
respect," he said.  "If there is any on your team who has a problem working
with gays, I want to see them in my office first thing tomorrow morning.  I
will find them an assignment they can be comfortable with; like a listening
post in the middle of the Egyptian desert.  You're dismissed."

They got up and left the general's office.  Lt. Col. Bachman said, "I tried
to warn you."

Lt. Col. Henderson said, "That you did.  I'm sorry I ignored you.  Who are
the fagg...I mean gays on my team?"

Lt. Col. Bachman said, "You have their files on your desk.  I suggest you
read them thoroughly.  Besides, I saw Hagman bending your ear.  I'm sure he
has already complained to you about them."

He left Lt. Col. Henderson standing in the hallway.  He knocked on Rick's
door and then entered.  "Rick, I would get your things packed.  I don't
think you will like working for the new guy.  He's about as anti-gay as
they come.  Hagman has already been filling him full of shit."

Rick nodded his head.  "I gathered that from the way he acted during this
morning's meeting.  I've already packed all of my personal belongings into
a box that I will take home with me tonight.  I've written my letter of
resignation and left it on the desk for Lt. Col. Henderson.  I have called
the Pentagon personnel office and arranged to turn in my laptop and badge
when I leave.  I called our human resources people and informed them that I
will no longer work on this contract for them.  They tried to convince me
to stay; but I said I could not tolerate working in such a hostile
environment."

"Have you told Glenn?" Garth asked.

Rick shook his head and said, "No, I haven't but we have already put
contingency plans in place.  He will begin full time work with Todd's
company the week after Christmas, and I will stay home with the children
until I find a new job."

"If you need anything, please let me know," Garth said.  It pained him to
see Rick leaving the project; but he had expected this very thing to happen
when he discovered who was taking his place.

Rick's cell phone rang and Garth said, "I'll catch you later."  He left,
closing the door behind him.

Rick answered the phone, "Hey, Babe."

"Hey yourself, sweetheart.  Can you pick up David and Ashley from their
friends' house?" I asked.

"Sure, what's the address?" Rick asked.

I gave it to him, along with their phone number, just in case he got lost.
"I'll see you when you get home."

Rick said, "I love you."

"I love you, too," I said.

Rick broke the connection and sat down at his desk to finish the paperwork
that had shown up on his desk that morning.  A few hours later, he looked
up at the clock and decided it was time for him to leave.  He looked around
his office one last time, and then picked up the box he had filled with his
things.  He took the keys to his office out of his pocket and left them on
the desk next to his letter of resignation.  He turned in his badge at the
security office and was escorted out of the building.  He sat in his car in
the Pentagon parking lot, staring at the big office building.  He was sad
to be leaving his job here; but he was relieved at the same time.  Glenn
was very supportive of his decision not to work for someone who was
prejudiced against gays; so it wouldn't come as a surprise to Glenn when he
told him he had resigned from his job.

He put the key in the ignition and started the car.  He drove to the
address he had been given by Glenn.  He parked on the street in front of
the house and got out of the car.  He walked up to the door and rang the
doorbell.

The door was opened by Mark.  "Hi, I'm Mark.  You must be David's Dad."

Rick smiled at the handsome young man who stood before him.  "Yes, I'm
David's Dad."

"Please come inside.  My parents wanted to meet you," Mark said.

Rick was shown into the front room, where he joined the other teens.  He
had taken a seat in an armchair when he was surprised to hear the voice of
his new (now former) boss at the Pentagon.

Clay's voice had risen as anger and indignation blossomed in his chest.  "I
hate faggots and I'll drive every one of them out of the military if I have
my way; no matter what General Tanaka says.  They are vile sinners and
shouldn't be allowed to live."

His wife said, "Clay, please control yourself.  We have company, remember?
I believe that the children's parents are here to pick them up.  We should
go out and meet them."

Clay had forgotten there were visitors in his home; but he didn't care who
heard his opinion about gays.  He looked at his wife and then stood up from
the stool and walked towards the front room.

Mark had been about to apologize for his Dad's remarks, when his Dad walked
into the room.  Instead, he said, "Dad, this is David's Dad."

Rick had gotten to his feet and gave Clay a steely eyed stare.  "Thanks for
the introduction, Mark.  I believe that your father and I have already met.
I'm sorry that you feel so strongly about gays.  I believe that David and
Ashley won't be returning to your home where such hatred toward gays
exists.  My husband and I have raised our children to treat everyone with
respect and dignity; even if we disagree with their views."  Rick turned to
Mrs. Henderson.  "Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Henderson.  I know
the children have had a great time.  David and Ashley, it's time for us to
be going."

David and Ashley followed their Dad out of the front room and out the door
to their Dad's car.

*** ***

A few weeks later, David sat cross-legged on his bed, listening to his
music while he finished his homework.  Tomorrow was the last school day
before winter break, and he was looking forward to sleeping in every day
during the break.  He completed his last math problem and closed his
textbook with a satisfied sigh.  He put away his homework and stretched out
on his bed.

He stared at the ceiling as he thought about what he wanted to get Daddy
for Christmas.  Dad was easy to get gifts for; because he liked the same
things David did.  David knew if he liked something, his Dad would, too.
Daddy, on the other hand, was more of a challenge.  He thought about his
parents, and their little idiosyncrasies.  He smiled as he remembered his
Dad's way of winning an argument with Daddy.  David had watched his Dad in
action earlier in the day as they were having a discussion about where to
spend the holidays.  They were in the family room and didn't know he was
watching them.

*** ***

"I think we should spend the holidays with Grandpa and Grandma," I said.

"But we should spend some time with your parents in St. Catharines," Rick
had insisted.

"I hate spending all of that time driving," I said, hearing the whine in my
voice.

"Glenn, you know we don't have to drive.  We can fly between the two
places," Rick said.

"That will cost too much money, Babe," I said, trying not to give in to
Rick's logic!

"If we fly, we can also spend a day or two at the beach.  You know how much
everyone loves the beach.  I'm sure if you talk to Grandpa and Grandma
about it, they will gladly make arrangements for all of us to rent a house
on Tybee Island," Rick said.  He put his arm around me and started
caressing my inner thigh and he leaned in to kiss me.

"Mr. Lernier, don't think you're going to win this argument by distracting
me with your charm and good looks," I said, knowing I was going to give in
to him if he continued his seduction of my senses.

Rick laughed and said, "You know you can't resist me."  He continued his
assault on my defenses.  My body responded to his touch and I moaned with
pleasure.  I tried to resist the urge to give in to Rick, but failed
miserably.

"Okay, you win.  Just don't stop what you're doing."  Rick put his hand
behind my head and kissed me deeply as his hands roamed my body.

*** ***

David had nearly started to laugh when he realized what his Dad had done.
He and his Dad had spent some quality one-on-one time together the day
before.  David had asked him some pretty pointed questions about his
parents' relationship.  Dad hadn't ducked the questions and had been very
candid about things.  David really admired his Dad's direct approach to
life.  He knew he could ask his Dad anything and he would get a straight
answer.  He had drawn closer to his Dads over the last few weeks since
Purev decided he didn't want to be his boyfriend.  Everything had been so
perfect before his world had been shattered.  His Dads had helped him
regain his equilibrium, specifically Dad.  Not that his Daddy wasn't great
because he was, but Dad was so much more logical.

One of the things his Dad had shared was a tactic he used sometimes that
could win his Daddy over to his point of view.  Watching his Dad put the
moves on his Daddy made him smile.  He quietly backed away from the doorway
and tiptoed up the stairs to his room.  He closed the door and laughed at
the thought that his Dad could get his way so easily by distracting his
Daddy.  He knew it was because his Dads loved each other very much and
worked hard at making each other happy.

David loved his adopted parents and wanted to have a loving relationship
like theirs when he found his life partner.  His thoughts moved to the hot
looking new guy that he met in his math class who had just moved to the
area.  His name was Mark.  He had sat next to him in class his first day at
Hayfield Secondary.  David's thoughts about Mark were interrupted by
Purev's arrival.  He sat up and asked, "How's Idree?"

Purev sat down on his bed and burst into tears.  "His parents have
forbidden him to see me.  They met my father at a party and he told them I
was gay."

David stood up and crossed over to Purev's bed.  He put his arms around
Purev and said, "I'm so sorry, Purev."

Purev clung to David and put his head on his shoulder as he cried.  After a
while, Purev pulled back and said, "I'm sorry.  I shouldn't be crying on
your shoulder."

David said, "It's okay, Purev.  That's what friends are for."

Purev gave him a watery smile and said, "I don't deserve such good
friends."

"Yes, you do, Purev," David said.  "You're part of this family and we love
you.  You'll find a new boyfriend.  Just wait and see."

Purev nodded his head and said, "I know you're right; but it just hurts
like hell right now."

David held Purev in his embrace until Purev seemed to be fully recovered.
He released him and asked, "Are you okay, now?"

Purev nodded and said, "Yeah, I'm okay.  How are you and Mark doing?"

David smiled, "We're good.  Dad has relented on his edict that we were
forbidden to go over to Mark and Michaela's house.  Ashley convinced him
that just because their Dad was a bigot and someone to be avoided that
didn't mean we couldn't associate with his kids.  Mark and Michaela are
okay with our Dads being gay.  In fact, Mark is gay; but hasn't had the
courage to tell his Dad."

"I can imagine his Dad would disown him just like mine did," Purev said.

David nodded his head in agreement.  "That's why Mark hasn't told his Dad.
We have most of our classes together and we have the same lunch schedule;
so we spend a lot of time together.  Mark wants us to be good friends.  He
thinks that if we're still good friend after high school that we can talk
about becoming romantically involved with each other."

Purev smiled.  "Did you have the same discussion with him about not having
sex until you're 18 as you did with me?"

David nodded his head and said, "Yes, I did.  He agreed with me.  He
doesn't want to risk being found out."

Purev said, "Do you want to play video games?"

David laughed.  "Are you sure you want to play with me?  You haven't been
able to beat me yet."

Purev said, "I'm going to beat you on of these times and you will have to
admit that I'm a better gamer than you!"

David punched Purev in the shoulder.  "Yeah right!"

The two boys left their bedroom and made their way to the living room and
turned on the flat screen TV and the game console.  They were soon
concentrating on their efforts to keep the other from winning.

*** ***

It was Christmas Eve and Rick and Glenn gathered their family around the
Christmas tree to read the Christmas story.  Rick said, "Okay, everyone.
Who is going to be Joseph?"

Kyle raised his hand, "I am and Ashley gets to be Mary."

Ashley said, "That was obvious."

Kyle grinned and said, "I'm good at stating the obvious."

Cameron said, "We want to be the shepherds."

Rick said, "Okay, you and Skye can be the shepherds.  JJ and Josh, what do
you want to be?"

JJ said, "I want to be one of the sheep."

Josh said, "I want to be a camel."

"Good, we have one sheep and one camel," Rick said.

Zach said, "I get to be the angel."

Todd said, "I think you're already an angel."

Zach smiled at his husband and leaned over to kiss him.  "So are you."

I said, "Then we'll have two angels."

Todd laughed and said, "I'd love to be an angel.  Growing up, I always had
to be a shepherd or a wise man because Adam wanted to be the angel."

"We need three wise men," Rick said.

Purev looked at David and asked, "Do you want to be a wise man or a
shepherd?"

"Let's be wise men," David replied.

"Okay," Purev agreed.

Rick handed me the last Christmas present from under the tree.  It was a
small beautifully wrapped box.  He sat down next to me and put his arm
around my shoulders.  "Go ahead and open it."

The children watched me, as I unwrapped my gift.  I opened the box and
stared at what lie on the tissue paper.  Kyle leaned over to see what was
in the box.  "It's a set of keys."

"I can see that," I said.  I reached inside the box and lifted out the
keys.  They were on one of those cheap tourist key chains that you find at
the beach.  This one said, `Malagá.'  I shifted the tissue paper around
in the box and noticed there was a card underneath it.  I pulled it out and
opened it.  A folded piece of paper fell out on my lap.  The card read,
"Merry Christmas, Glenn!  Love, Rick 8-3-1-4."  I unfolded the piece of
paper that fell out of the card.  As I read it, my eyes got as big as
saucers.  "Rick, you didn't"

"I did," he said.

Ashley said, "What did Dad do?"

"He bought us a house in Malagá, Spain.  It's a villa on the beach," I
said.

Rick smiled and said, "Joey and Tyler called me about two months ago about
a house that was for sale next door to their parents' home in Malagá.
It's a large home with a swimming pool and 8 bedrooms.  I thought we could
live there this summer and tour Europe."

I gave Rick a hug and a kiss.  "I love you, sweetheart.  Thank you so
much."

Kyle asked, "So does this mean we're going to Spain next summer?"

"Yes, is does," Rick said.  "Joey and Tyler have a house there as well; but
it's a couple of houses over from ours.  We can spend a few weeks on the
beach before touring around the continent."

I looked around the room and said, "This means we need to redouble our
efforts to learn Spanish."

Zach laughed and said, "I knew you were going to say that."

Ashley said, "We already speak Spanish, Daddy.  You've been teaching us
Spanish for years now."

Purev said, "I'm going to need extra lessons to catch up with everyone;
since I have only lived with you for a month."

I looked over at Purev.  "I think I can tutor you one-on-one if you're
willing to take the time learn it.  You already speak two languages;
picking up a third should be easier for you than for most people."

Purev smiled at me.  He and I had developed a close friendship over the
last few weeks.  He admitted that Rick intimidated him and he wasn't sure
where he stood with him.  I had tried to reassure him that he had nothing
to fear from my beloved husband.  Rick definitely is a man's man; but he
has a heart of gold.  Purev would agree with me, but I could see he wasn't
convinced.  I have talked to Rick about softening his approach to Purev and
we agreed we would work on it together.  I looked over at Rick and nodded
me head.

Rick understood me and said, "Purev, I would like to help you improve your
Spanish skills, too."  Purev looked at Rick in surprise; but he didn't say
anything.  Rick saw his expression.  He smiled and said, "Don't look so
surprised, Purev.  I'm not the big, bad wolf or something like that.  I
love you, Purev, and I want you to reach your full potential."  Rick held
his gaze and Purev's eyes began to sparkle with unshed tears as the
realization that Rick didn't hate him or despise him for his behavior with
David and Idree.  "Just because I don't necessarily approve of something
you've done, doesn't stop me from loving you.  I'm not like your natural
father who hasn't figured out that you are the most precious thing he has
in this world."  Rick saw a single tear escape and run down Purev's cheek.
He stood up and crossed the room to Purev.  He took Purev by the hand,
pulling him to his feet and into his embrace.  He held him for what seemed
to be a long time.  Purev's tears watered his shirt as he clung to Rick.

Finally, Purev pulled back and said, "I love you, Dad,"

Hearing those words brought tears to my eyes, knowing how far Purev had
come in order for him to be able to say those words to Rick.  Rick ruffled
his hair and said, "I love you, too, Purev."

Purev laughed and escaped Rick's embrace as Rick gave his `evil dude'
laugh.  Purev knew that laugh and what it meant.  He had seen Rick in
action with the other boys and knew he would end up being tickled if he
didn't make good his escape.

Rick grinned and asked, "Why did you run away so fast?"

Purev put the armchair between himself and Rick before turning to answer.
He grinned and said, "I know what you are up to, Dad."

"What do you think I'm up to?" Rick asked, giving an evil laugh.

Kyle said, "You'd better run for it Purev!"

Rick laughed and said, "I won't get you this time; but beware.  I'll get
you when you least expect!"

David said, "We'll help you escape, Purev."

Rick looked at David and asked, "What's this, mutiny among the crew?"

I nodded my head and said, "Yes, it is, Babe!"

Rick returned to my side and said, "I guess we'll have to deal with the
whole lot at the same time then."

I laughed and said, "I suppose you will because I've already dealt with
it."

"How's that?" Rick asked.

"I've already told them that I'll help them tickle you next time you start
to tickle them," I said.

Rick gave me a look of surprise.  He said, with mock sadness, "I've been
betrayed!"

"No, we've just decided that we love you enough to tickle you back," Kyle
said.

I nodded my head.  I decided that we needed to get back to the subject of
learning Spanish.  "If we're going to live in Spain, we need to learn how
to speak like Spaniards."

Ashley nodded her head.  "I remember how you taught us to listen to how
people speak; so we could identify where they are from by how they
pronounce certain words."

I smiled at Ashley.  "Do you remember what to listen for?"

"Yes, I do," she replied and proceeded to recite from memory everything I
had taught her.

Rick laughed and said, "I think she's got it.  You had better watch out,
Glenn.  She will learn to speak Spanish better than you do."

I looked at Ashley and said, "I would be perfectly happy to see you learn
to speak better Spanish than I do.  It would make me very proud."

Ashley beamed and said, "I'll try."

David asked, "May we invite our friends to stay with us in Spain?"

Rick looked at me and I shrugged my shoulders.  He turned back to David and
said, "If you mean you want to invite Mark, I think that would be okay."

Ashley said, "Then may I invite Michaela?"

"Yes, you may," I said.  I turned to Kyle and asked, "Do you want to invite
anyone?"

Kyle smiled and said, "Yes.  Her name is Catharine."

I looked at Rick with raised eyebrows.  "I think that would be okay," I
said.  "However, we need to make sure it's okay with her parents."

Todd asked, "What about Caroline?"

Kyle said, "Caroline is a good friend; but I wanted to date Catharine."

Zach asked, "Is Catharine better looking than Caroline?"

"Yes, she is.  Her mom is really cool and thinks that my Dads are
wonderful," Kyle said.

Rick smiled.  "Of course, she does; because we are very wonderful."

"How will Caroline react when she finds out you want to take Catharine?" I
asked.

"She'll be okay with it, since she knows Catharine and I really like each
other," Kyle said.

"I'm not so sure that's true," Rick said.

Kyle shook his head in disagreement.  "Caroline introduced us.  She wanted
me to get to know Catharine.  She said we would make a perfect couple."

"So when do we get to meet your new girlfriend?" Zach asked.

"Well, today, if it's okay with my Dads," Kyle said.

Rick laughed and said, "Yes, it's okay.  I'll take you out driving so you
can get some time on the road."

Todd asked, "How many hours of driving do you have now?"

"15 hours.  I have to have 45 hours of driving time before I can take the
Behind the Wheel class and get my driver's license," Kyle said.

Zach said, "It's a good thing.  It's a wonder your Dad has any hair left
since you got your learner's permit."

Kyle laughed.  "It helps that Dad keeps his hair short.  It makes it harder
to pull out."

Rick said, "Kyle's a pretty good driver most of the time.  My only
complaint is that he tends to drive too fast sometimes."

Zach guffawed.  "As if you never speed!"

Rick gave us his `who me look,' and put his hand on his chest.  "Not me!  I
never speed!"

Kyle laughed.  "Dad!  You have your fingers crossed!"

Rick grinned and said, "Not only do I have my fingers crossed; but my legs
and arms as well!"

We all laughed at that, especially since we all know that Rick has a lead
foot when it comes to the accelerator!  I said, "There's a reason we make
it from here to Atlanta in record time!"

Kyle nodded his head.  "That's true.  I hadn't thought about it that way
before."

"Rick can't be any worse than Zach," Todd said, jabbing his husband in the
ribs with his elbow.

Zach laughed and admitted, "Guilty as charged!"

Todd asked, "When are you flying down to Atlanta?"

"The day after tomorrow," Rick said.  "We'll spend 5 days with our
grandparents and then well fly to Toronto to see Mom and Dad."

Kyle said, "And we're going to the beach.  Grandpa called last night to
tell us about the beach house he rented for all of us."

"It won't be very warm; but I like being on the beach," I said.  "In fact,
it's almost better to be there when everyone else is at home.  It's so
peaceful without all of the tourists."

Zach said, "We like the beach as well."

"Why don't you go with us to Spain?  We would love to have you guys," I
said.

Todd looked at his husband.  Zach said, "I think we could go for a month or
so.  That way I can be back in time to begin training for our next season."

Todd said, "That sounds perfect."

We continued to talk about our plans for the summer and enjoyed our time
together.

*** ***

Garth and Phil were on their honeymoon.  They had chosen to spend the week
in between Christmas and New Year's Eve in Hawaii.  Tomorrow would be the
last day of the year and they had planned to celebrate New Year's Eve on
the beach, to be followed some awesome sex to ring in the new year.  Garth
loved Phil's youthful exuberance.  Everything was new to him and he shared
the sense of awe at nature's wonders with Garth.  Phil was so excited to
climb Mount Kilauea, and see the lava bubbling below them.  Garth had
laughed at Phil's inability to contain his excitement.  It was like a kid
in candy store.

Garth smiled as he watched his new husband as he snapped photographs of
everything.  Phil returned to Garth's side and took his hand in his.

"Isn't this great?" Phil asked, his eyes shining with joy.  "Thank you for
bringing me here, Garth."  He gave Garth a quick kiss on the lips.

The tour guide smiled and said, "You two must be newlyweds."

Garth laughed and asked, "How could you tell?"

She replied, "It's kind of obvious.  You both have that special glow about
you.  Only newlyweds have that aura about them."

Phil smiled and said, "That's because we are so happy."

She nodded her head.  "I can see that.  In fact, I'd dare say that you are
very much in love with each other."

Garth said, "That's true."

There were three other couples with them on the tour; two younger couples
who looked to be Phil's age and one older couple who looked to be in their
sixties.  The elderly couple looked on Garth and Phil with disapproval,
while the two younger couples congratulated them on their recent marriage.
Garth chose to ignore the older couple, and let himself be carried along
with his husband's excitement.

Later, at their hotel, Garth received a phone call from Lt. Col. Henderson.
"Hello, Clay."

"Sorry to bother you, Garth," Clay said.

Garth responded, "Not a problem.  What can I do for you?"

"Can I ask a favor of you?" Clay asked.  He had thought long and hard about
how to approach Garth with his request, before actually making the call.
When Rick had resigned, Phil had also decided to leave the project.  Clay
had celebrated with his staff that day.  He bragged loudly about his
accomplishment, and he hadn't been shy about making sure that General
Tanaka knew how happy he was that he had managed to rid his project team of
the two gay men.  General Tanaka had called him into his office to put Clay
on notice that the project had not better slip any deadlines, or reduce the
scope of its deliverables.

It took about two weeks for Clay to realize that his project was sliding
downhill fast.  His assertion that any straight man could do the job much
better than any homosexual, caused three more of his project team to resign
and leave their employment with the government.  When he had tried to
recruit replacements for his vacant positions, he was bluntly told that he
would have to find military personnel to fill them, because word had gotten
out to the private sector regarding his prejudice against gays; and the
discrimination he practiced towards civilian contractors.

He had taken his staffing problem to General Tanaka who told him to fix his
own problem, since he had been the cause of it.  When his project missed
its next deadline, General Tanaka delivered an ultimatum.  He gave Clay two
weeks to remedy the situation or he would be replaced.  He was nearing the
end of the two weeks, and he was growing desperate.  He had heard through
the grapevine that General Tanaka had already recruited his replacement,
and was only waiting for the allotted time to expire.

Garth replied, "It depends on what you are asking me to do for you."

Clay asked, "Would you be willing to talk to Rick and Phil about returning
to work on my project?"

Garth thought for a moment about how to respond.  "Clay, let me tell you
something first, before I answer your question.  Phil and I were married
last week, and we are on our honeymoon right now."  Clay was stunned.  He
couldn't even articulate how shocked he was.  When he didn't say anything,
Garth continued, "Yes, I am gay and I married the most wonderful man in the
world.  Now, think about what you just asked me to do.  Knowing how you
feel about homosexuals and faggots, as you call us, do you honestly think
that I would willingly ask my new husband to work for someone as homophobic
as you?"  Clay tried to respond, but still couldn't get a word past his
lips.  Garth didn't wait for an answer.  "The answer is absolutely not!  I
won't ask Rick to work for you either.  Both Rick and Phil are wonderful,
hardworking individuals who would give you the shirt off of their backs.
You managed to run them both off of your project, and bragged to everyone
who would listen to you about how you got rid of the faggots.  I'm sorry,
Clay.  I think you will need to look elsewhere for a solution to your
self-inflicted staffing crisis."

Garth ended the call and turned to his lover.  Phil said, "Let me guess.
That was Lt. Col. Henderson."

Garth's expression softened as he looked into Phil's eyes.  "Yes, it was.
The poor fool has got himself into a real pickle.  He wouldn't listen to me
or to General Tanaka.  He let his prejudice against gays rule his life,
and, as a result, he is paying the price for his bigotry."

Phil said, "As will all those who carry hate in their hearts.  Let's not
talk about him anymore.  I want you to fuck me before we go out to the
pool."  He wrapped his arms around his husband's waist and ground his
crotch against Garth's.  He kissed Garth deeply.

Garth's body immediately responded to Phil's touch.  He said, "My wish is
your command!"  Garth loved the feel of his young lover's body under his
hands as he gave in to the passion building in his loins.

*** ***

Clay still hadn't recovered, when Garth ended the call.  He sat at his
kitchen table in silence.  His wife and children were downstairs playing
board games.  They had invited him to join them; but he needed to find a
way to rescue his project, before his career came to a dead end.

He had tried calling Rick's cell phone; but hadn't been able to reach him.
He had called Phil's cell phone with the same result.  When Garth had
answered, he thought his luck had changed.  Hearing of Garth's marriage to
another man had left him feeling like he had run into a brick wall.  It had
taken a lot of soul searching before he could bring himself to even call
the two faggots.  He hated to admit that he needed them to keep his project
afloat.  Then, to learn that his predecessor was a faggot, and was married
to a faggot had been too much to for his brain to process.

He sat at the table, trying figure out what his next move was going to be.
He couldn't think of anything; so he finally stood up from the table and
made his way downstairs to join his family.  He found them watching a DVD.
He noted that Mark was busy sending text messages.  He sat down next to his
son and asked, "Who are you texting?"

Mark looked up his father and said, "David."

"I thought his father had forbidden him from having any contact with us,"
Clay said.

Mark sent his text message and put his phone in his pocket.  "No, that's
not true.  He specifically said they couldn't come here; because of your
prejudice against gays."

Michaela said, "We don't hate gays like you do, Dad.  You have judged
Ashley's Dads to be horrible people without even knowing them.  You are
breaking a commandment, Dad.  Jesus said, `Judge not, that ye be not
judged.'  You are always preaching to us about being good Christians; but
you are actions don't mirror your words."

Clay's first reaction was to get angry at his daughter; but he found
himself thinking that maybe she was right about his less than Christian
behavior toward gays.  He pushed such thoughts out of his mind.  He refused
to acknowledge that he was wrong about gays.  He had hated them for so long
that hatred had become part of his very being.

Mark watched his father's expression change as he struggled to maintain
control of his anger.  Mark watched as his father's face turn into a mask
of hatred, and knew he could never admit to his father that he was gay.  He
got up from the couch to put some distance between him and his father.
Just being near him made his skin crawl, despite the love he felt for his
father.  Mark hadn't noticed that his mother was closely observing her son
and his reaction to his father.  She had begun to suspect that Mark was
attracted to other boys, and worried about him, especially if his father
ever found out.

Clay's temper was legendary in his family.  His mother had warned Janelle
about it and had given her advice about how to handle it.  Janelle feared
that Clay would do physical harm to her son if he somehow found out Mark's
secret.

She said, "Let's go upstairs and have some pie and ice cream."

Michaela said, "That's sounds good."  She got to her feet and started up
the stairs, followed by Mark and his mother.  Clay sat there staring at the
television screen, thinking that maybe he could get Mark to send a text
message to David, asking Rick to call him.

He stood up and followed his family upstairs.  He sat down at the kitchen
table and asked, "Mark, would you send a message to David, asking his
father to call me."

Mark asked, "Why?"

"I need to talk to him about coming back to work on my project," Clay said.

Mark eyebrows shot up in surprise and he asked, "You're joking, right?"

"No, I wish I were.  You know how much I hate faggots.  If I weren't
desperate, I wouldn't even consider calling him," Clay said.

"Yes, I know how much hatred you have toward gays, and that is why I wasn't
sure you were serious about sending David a text message for his father,"
Mark said.

"I'm serious.  Now, please send David that text message," Clay said,
impatiently.

Mark sent the text message.  A response came back immediately.  He read the
message and responded.  He looked up and met his father's eyes.  "His Dad
said that unless you want to apologize for your homophobic behavior, that
there is nothing to more to be said."

Clay swore and then he said, "I'm not apologizing to anyone."

Mark sent back a text message stating his Dad's position.  He read the
message that came back in reply.

"Mark, stop acting as a go between for your father.  He needs to be man
enough to do his own work instead of asking you to do what he's is
incapable of doing for himself.  I'm handing David back his phone so you
can continue your conversation."

Mark texted back, "Thanks Mr. Lernier."  He put his cell phone in his
pocket and finished eating his pie and ice cream.  Mark said, "Thanks, Mom.
The pie was fantastic."  He kissed her cheek as he passed her on the way to
the sink.  He rinsed his plate and loaded it into the dishwasher.  "I'm
going to bed.  I'll see you in the morning."

He left the kitchen and climbed the stairs to his bedroom.  As soon as he
closed the door, he stripped off his clothes and jumped into his bed.  He
sent one last text message to David.  "I miss you.  I can't wait until you
get home from vacation."

David responded, "I miss you, too.  I wish you were here at the beach with
us."

*** ***

In the kitchen, Janelle looked across the table at her husband.  He had
changed so much from the carefree young man she had married so long ago.
She wasn't sure she knew him at all anymore.  He had served in Iraq and
Afghanistan several times now, and she feared that his experiences had
hardened him.  She found herself shut out of his life.  The passion and
warmth that had characterized their relationship prior to his deployment
overseas had evaporated into thin air.  It was like living with a stranger.
The hatred that he exhibited toward gays, single mothers, blacks,
Hispanics, and or any other minority seemed to rule his life.

She met his gaze and she said, "The hate you carry in your heart will drive
all of us from you, Clay.  You need to find a way to purge it from your
soul.  I don't know who you are anymore; because you have changed so much.
I'm afraid that if things don't begin to change for the better that I will
have to take the children and leave you."  Clay gave her a baleful stare
which she returned in equal measure.  "You can glare at me all you want,
Clay; but nothing you do or say will convince me to stay if you can't get
your temper under control.  I have contacted your commanding officer about
your violent temper and the irrational hatred you seem to have for
everyone."

What control Clay had, vaporized as he realized that his wife had called
his commanding officer.  He went completely berserk.  When reason finally
reasserted itself, his wife lay on the floor in a pool of blood.  He heard
the footsteps of his children on the stairs and fell to his knees, sobbing
as he realized what he had done.

That is the scene that Mark and Michaela saw as they entered the kitchen.
Mark pulled out his cell phone and called 911.  The dispatcher answered and
Mark described what he saw and gave his address.  The dispatcher said, "An
ambulance is on its way."

*** ***

David looked up at his Dad and said, "I'm sorry, Dad.  I know how you feel
about Mr. Henderson."

"Don't worry, son," Rick said.  "It's not your fault that Mark's Dad has
issues."

Grandpa asked, "Rick, have you decided what you're going to do about a
job?"

"Yes, I have.  Garth and I are going to start our own consulting company.
Garth thinks we can bid on some of the military contracts at Quantico,"
Rick said.  "If we win the contract, I can work from home most of the time.
That will allow Glenn to work with Todd, while I'm home with the children."

I put my arm around Rick's shoulders and said, "Rick has volunteered to
watch the children while I go to work."

Grandma smiled and said, "Good for you, Rick.  I think it will do the
children good to have you stay at home with them."

Rick said, "I'm looking forward to it.  Glenn and I have worked out a
schedule that will allow him to keep teaching the children their language
lessons.  I could teach them, but I think it's important to keep them in
touch with their Daddy."

I leaned over and kissed my husband.  "It also gives Rick a break from
having to be the one teaching them all the time.  We've also worked it out
with Todd to do the same for math.  It's going to take some getting used
to, but I think we can make it work; at least for the short term.  Todd
thinks we'll be able knock out this project in short order, despite the
12-month contract we have with the company.  Once we get the new program
installed, it will only be a matter of making maintenance visits until the
contract has expired."

Their attention turned to David when they heard him cry out.  Rick stood
and walked over to David.  "What's wrong?"

David's voice shook as he said, "Mark's Dad attacked his mother.  They just
transported her to the hospital and his Dad has been arrested.  The police
are calling social services.  Mark doesn't know what is going to happen to
them."

A shocked silence settled over the room.  Rick sat down next to David and
took him in his arms.  He said, soothingly, "I'm sure that Mark will be
alright."

David looked up into his Dad's eyes.  "Is there something we can do to
help?"

Rick said, "Yes, there is.  We can call Mrs. Evans and ask her to check on
Mark and Michaela.  She has contacts with Fairfax County social services.
We can ask the General and Mrs. Campbell if they would be willing to take
in the two teenagers until their mother is out of the hospital."

David's lower lip quivered as he said, "Can we do that, please?"

Rick looked across the room at me.  I said, "Yes.  I'll call the Campbells
first and then we'll call Mrs. Evans."

I made the calls as promised.  When I had finished, I looked at David and
said, "David, Mrs. Evans will let us know what she has been able to do.
Meanwhile, we can pray for them and ask God to watch over them."

David nodded his head.  Rick tightened his embrace and asked, "Are you
going to be okay?"

David nodded his head.  "Yes, I'll be alright.  May I tell Mark about
Mrs. Evans and the Campbells?"

"Yes, and make sure to tell him to ask the social workers to call her.
This is her cell number."  I gave it to him and he immediately started
texting with Mark.

*** ***

Mark read the David's text messages and stood up to go get a pencil and
paper.  The police detective noticed him and asked, "Where do you think
you're going?"

"I'm getting a piece of paper and pencil.  Do you have a problem with
that?" Mark said.  "I do live here, you know."

The detective bit back a harsh reply.  He had a son the same age as this
young man.  He was pretty amazed that he was holding it together given the
circumstances.  He followed Mark into the kitchen where Mark retrieved a
paper and pencil.  Mark started writing down the information David had sent
him.  Then he dialed Mrs. Evans number.

She answered her cell phone on the first ring.  "Hello."

"This is Mark Henderson."

"Mark, I'm glad you called me.  I'm on my way over to your home right now.
The Fairfax County social workers should be there right now.  Please don't
say anything or do anything until I get there," she said.

"Okay," Mark said.  He ended the call and walked past the detective, who
had been trying to listen to Mark conversation.

Mark returned to the front room and sat down next to his sister.  A few
moments later, two women entered the house, escorted by a policeman.  The
officer introduced them to the children.  "This is Mrs. Shelton and
Mrs. Carlton.  They will be making arrangements for you to stay with a
foster family."

Mark didn't acknowledge them but waited in silence for them to speak.
Finally, Mrs. Shelton said, "I'm sorry about what has happened."  Mark gave
her a hard-eyes look and said nothing.  "We're here to see if we can make
things better."

"You can't change the past, Mrs. Shelton," Mark said with an edge to his
voice.

"No, we can't," she acknowledged.  "Do you have any family in the area?"

Mark didn't respond, remembering what Mrs. Evans had said.  His phone
vibrated in his pocket and pulled it out of his pocket.  He read the text
message and looked up at Mrs. Shelton.  "No, but I want to talk to
Mrs. Evans who just arrived."

Mrs. Shelton looked puzzled.  "Who is Mrs. Evans?"

Another police officer appeared in the front room and announced, "This is
Mrs. Evans."

Mrs. Shelton said, "Nice to meet you Mrs. Evans."

Mrs. Evans smiled and said, "Thank you.  It's nice to meet you,
Mrs. Shelton and Mrs. Carlton."

Mrs. Shelton's cell phone rang and she answered it.  She listened for a
moment and then ended the call.  She looked at Mrs. Evans and said,
"Apparently, you are to take the children to stay with the Campbell
family."

Mrs. Evans smiled and nodded her head.  "Yes, that is why I have come
here."

Mrs. Shelton looked relieved.  She really hadn't looked forward to trying
to place two teenagers in foster care, especially given the circumstances.
"Thank you for taking care of the children."

Mrs. Evans replied, "You're welcome."

Mrs. Shelton turned to her companion.  "Our work here is done.  I'll let
the detective know that the children will need to go upstairs to get a few
things to take with them."

She left the room and then returned.  "It's okay for you to go get your
things."

Mark and Michaela both stood up and did as they were told.  They returned
to the front room to find that Mrs. Evans sitting on the couch, waiting for
them.  She gave them a smile and said, "Thank you for being so quick.
Let's get you two away from here."

They followed her out of the house and climbed into her car.  She didn't
talk to them on the drive over to the Campbell's home.  She knew that both
of them had to be in shock.  She pulled into the Campbell's driveway and
announced, "Here we are."

They got out of the car and walked to the front door.  It opened before
they reached it.  Mrs. Campbell stood in the doorway and said, "Welcome to
my home.  Please come in, Mrs. Evans.  It's nice to see you again."

They followed her into the kitchen.  She said, "Please leave your things by
the kitchen door and take a seat at the table."  She soon had cups of hot
cocoa on the table along with bowls of homemade chicken soup.  "I hope you
like chicken soup.  I have canned soups in the pantry; but homemade chicken
soup is so much better."

Mark smiled at her and said, "Thank you.  I love homemade chicken soup."
The teenagers made quick work of the light meal.

Mrs. Campbell said, "I'm sorry that the General isn't here to meet you.
It's past his bedtime and he's been asleep for over an hour now."

Michaela said, "That's alright.  I'm sure we will meet him in the morning."

Mrs. Campbell smiled and said, "That's correct, dear.  I know you've had
quite a shock with everything that has happened tonight.  I want you to
know that you are safe here.  If you need to talk to me, please don't
hesitate to tell me you need me.  David has spoken very highly of you Mark.
In fact, if I didn't know better, I would think he has a crush on you."
Mark blushed.  He knew what she said was true.  David had tried to hide his
feelings from him, but Mark knew David liked him a lot.  The feeling was
mutual, but like David, Mark had been a little shy about sharing them with
David.

Seeing the color rising in Mark's cheeks, Mrs. Campbell smiled.  "I'm sorry
if I embarrassed you.  David is a sweet young man.  I hope that things will
work out between you two."  She looked at Michaela and said, "Ashley tells
me you're a good friend.  She called me a while ago to tell me that you
like to make cookies.  Would you like to help me make cookies tomorrow?"

Michaela smiled.  She was reassured by Mrs. Campbell's gentle manner.
"Yes, I would love to help you."

Mrs. Campbell said, "Good.  That's settled.  Mark, the General has a
shooting range in the basement along with a large collection of guns.  I
think I remember David telling me that you are interested in the military."

Mark looked at Mrs. Campbell and said, "Yes, I am.  I would love to shoot
some guns on the shooting range if the General will let me."

Mrs. Campbell laughed.  "Oh, the General will be more than willing to let
you shoot guns with him.  He loves showing off his gun collection."

Mark smiled and said, "Thank you for taking us in on such short notice.
David said he calls you Grandma.  May we call you Grandma as well?"

"Yes, you may; but never call the General, `grandpa.'  He's the General and
will always be the General," Mrs. Campbell said.

Mark said, "I'll remember that."

Mrs. Evans said, "I'm going to leave you two in Mrs. Campbell's capable
hands.  If you need me, you have my cell number."

Mark said, "Thank you for coming to get us before they decided to ship us
off to some foster home."

"You're most welcome," Mrs. Evans said.  "I hope you realized that you've
been adopted into a wonderful family.  The Lerniers always take care of
their own.  They are good people, as are the Campbells."

Mrs. Campbell smiled and said, "Thank you, Mrs. Evans."

They stood up from the table and Mrs. Campbell saw Mrs. Evans to the door,
promising to call her in the morning.  She returned to the kitchen and
said, "Let's get you two settled.  Please bring your things and I'll show
you to your rooms."

The teenagers followed her upstairs and she showed them their new rooms.
"Michaela, I hope you won't mind staying in Ashley's room.  She said you
would like it."

Michaela walked into the room and looked around.  She said, "It's really
nice.  Thank you."

"The bathroom is through that door and you'll find fresh towels on the
rack.  I will see you in the morning.  Breakfast will be served at 8 AM
sharp.  The General is a creature of habit and insists on breakfast at 8;
so don't be late."

Mark hugged his sister and said, "Everything will be okay.  I promise."

Michaela had been holding out pretty well until he hugged her.  She lost
control of her emotions and cried.  She asked, "Why did he do it?"

"I don't know, Michaela," Mark answered.  "I don't know."

"Do you think Mom will be okay?" Michaela asked.

"I don't know that either," Mark answered.  "Mom looked pretty bad; but the
paramedic said she looked worse than she was.  I overheard him talking to
the hospital.  He thought she might have a broken neck."

Mrs. Campbell had stood in the doorway listening to their conversation.
She said, "We will go over to the hospital in the morning.  That way you
can see for yourselves how your mother is doing."

Mark looked at her and said, "Thank you."  He hugged his sister and asked,
"Are you going to be okay?"

"Yes," she answered.

Mrs. Campbell said, "Mark's room is across the hall from yours.  If you
need him, you can knock on his door."

She crossed the hall and opened the door to Mark's room.  "This is David's
room.  He asked that I put you in his room."

Mark walked in and immediately saw that it was indeed David's room.  There
were posters of robots and spaceships on the walls.  The entire room was
decorated with stars, moons, and planets.  There was a mobile of the solar
system hanging from the ceiling as well as a model of the spaceship
Enterprise from the television series.  It was so David that Mark laughed.
"I can tell this is David's room alright."

Mrs. Campbell chuckled.  "Yes, you can.  With everything he has put on the
walls in this room, it isn't hard to figure that out."  Mark put his bag on
the floor and collapsed on the bed.  "I'll see you in the morning," she
said and closed the door.

Mark kicked off his shoes and stared at the ceiling.  It was then that he
noticed that there were stars on the ceiling.  He looked closer and
realized they would glow in the dark.  He got up and turned out the light.
He climbed on the bed and looked up.  Sure enough, they glowed brightly
against the dark ceiling.  He saw they had been arranged into the
constellations just like they were in real life.  His eyes followed the
outlines of each of the major signs of the zodiac.  His eyelids grew heavy
and he soon drifted off to sleep.

*** ***