Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:58:53 EDT
From: Bwstories8@aol.com
Subject: Castaway Hotel: Grand Reopening - Book 2, chapters 17 & 18

Castaway Hotel -- Grand Reopening -- Book 2 by BW
Copyright 2009 by billwstories
Chapter 17 -- New Woes on the Horizon.

**Author's Note:** Please read the disclaimer in Chapter 00 before you read
this.

Monday, November 5th, was the date of Kevin's next check-up with the
doctor.  I drove him to the office, went into the examination room with
him, at Kevin's request, so I was there for moral support as the doctor
began to finger his testicles.  I caught a look of concern as it crossed
the doctor's face and was nervous about what that simple gesture might
imply.  The doctor continued his examination of Kevin's scrotal sac and
then turned to speak to me.

"I'm afraid there's seems another small lump on the testicle," he
announced.  "I think we'd better run more tests, so we can better determine
the nature of this growth."

A look of fear covered Kevin's face and I had a good idea what was going
through his mind.  "How soon can we do that?" I asked the doctor.

"I'll set it up for first thing tomorrow morning," our physician informed
us.  "Can you have him at the hospital by seven?"

"We'll be there, so don't worry," I replied.  I happened to look over at
Kevin as the doctor left the room, and his face was drained of all blood.
He was very pale, his eyes were moist, his body was trembling and I could
only guess that his heart was beating at a supersonic rate.

"Relax, Kevin," I suggested.  "We made it through this before and we'll do
it again.  I promise."

"But why does this have to happen to me again?" he wanted to know.  "Why am
I the one that these things keep happening to?"

"You aren't the only one," I countered, "but I agree that you've had to
deal with more than your share of problems.  You mustn't panic or let this
affect you to the point where you also begin to suffer from other problems.
Your brothers and I will be by your side through this whole ordeal, just
like we were before, and you're going to beat this again.  Heck, it may
just turn out to be another cyst."

"Yeah, okay.  I guess you're right," he hesitantly conceded.  "I promise I
won't panic until we get the test results back, but I'm still going to be a
little scared."

"I'll can live with that," I informed him, "but don't forget that you have
more support than most kids in your situation would have.  Take advantage
of that fact and it will make things easier for you."

"I will, Dad, and I know you're right.  It's just that I can't help myself
sometimes," he admitted, shyly.

"I understand that too, and you'll be fine, as long as you don't overdo
it."  I was trying to get him to relax, but I was more than a little
nervous about what this might portend for him.

"Okay, I'll try not to," he agreed, but I wondered if it was just to humor
me.

"That's my boy," I offered, in hopes of showing him my support.  "Now,
let's go home and fill the others in about what's going on."

"Do we have to?" Kevin whined.  "I mean, couldn't we wait until we get the
test results back?"

"We can, if that's what you want," I agreed, "but they're going to notice
when you don't go to school with them tomorrow."

"Yeah, I suppose they will," Kevin realized.  "Let's just tell them it's
normal precautionary testing and not let them know the doctor found another
lump.  Dustin's just getting better and I don't want him to worry, unless
we know it's serious.  Okay?"

"Yes, I'll go along with you, if that's what you want," I agreed.  "You
know, besides being quite brave, you're also a pretty smart kid, Kevin.  I
guess that's what makes me love you even more."  We hugged and then Kevin
got dressed.  We left the medical office and drove directly home, but the
ride home was very quiet.  I wished there were something I could do to take
away his fear, but realized only he could do that.  I might be able to ease
those fears slightly, but only he could eliminate them completely.

When we arrived home, Pat told me that Judge Shay had called to speak with
me.  He left a number for me to call him back.  I dialed the number and the
judge answered the phone on the second ring.

"Josh, I'm sorry to bother you at this time," he began, after we exchanged
greetings, "since I know you have many other things going on, but I really
need the kind of help that only you can provide.  I have a sixteen year old
that I'm getting a mixture of reports about.  The professionals are
severely split over this kid's potential for rehabilitation.  I was hoping
you might be able to take him in for a couple of weeks, so I could also get
your take about him, before I have to make a final judgment about what to
do with him.  What do you say?"

"This is really not the best time," I began, "but I've told you before that
we won't turn down any boy who truly could benefit from our help.  I might
have to rely on input from my sons about him, but we will give you our
honest interpretation of how we view his attitude and actions."

"Thanks, that's all I could hope for," Steve acknowledged.  "Would it be
possible for me to bring him over shortly?  He's been seated in my outer
office all afternoon."

"Sure, bring him on over," I agreed.  "I'll fill the boys in about his
arrival and we'll expect you, say in forty minutes or so?'

"Excellent.  I'll see you then."

I hung up the phone and called all the boys together in the living room.
After the last one straggled in, I explained to them about the new guest
who was on the way and then I let them know about Kevin.  I merely told
them that he was be having some precautionary tests run tomorrow morning
and they would all have to get up early and go with us, as I wouldn't have
time to make two trips.  I would drop Kevin off at the hospital, go in with
him briefly, to make sure that he was all set, after which I'd come back
out and drive them to school.  Once I dropped them off, I'd come back to
stay with Kevin until his tests were completed.

There were a few questions, but everyone took our explanation at face value
and no alarms went off.  I asked Danny to call and order pizza to be
delivered, seeing it was getting too late for me to try to make dinner,
especially since we would soon be having another visitor.  Ricky and Cole
offered to make a salad, and Trey and Pat said they would set the table.  I
told them to add two extra places, just in case we could talk the judge
into joining us.

Steve and the new kid arrived just about on schedule and I greeted them at
the door.  The judge introduced the boy as Frankie Hopkins and I made
introductions all around.  However, Frankie didn't seem to be interested in
learning the other boys' names, as the introductions were being made.  He
seemed more than a little aloof.

Frankie had black hair and brown eyes, stood about 5'11" tall, with broad
shoulders and a solid, but not muscle-bound body.  He definitely wasn't a
boy.  The only one from my group who could rival him for build was Dustin.
My first impression was that he was a tough, street-wise kid, but I would
try not to form any preconceptions about him and continue to give him the
benefit of the doubt.  When Frankie went back out to the car with the judge
to get his things, I held a quick meeting with the boys.

"Something tells me you'll need to curtail your after-shower nudist romps,
at least until we can gauge how he might react to something like that.
I'll let him have my room for tonight and I'll sleep down here."

"Dad," Kevin spoke up.  I was hoping to sleep with you tonight, if you
didn't mind.  I know it's just routine check-up, but I'm still kind of
nervous about tomorrow."

"And if Kevin sleeps with you," Dustin added, "Trey can come in with me and
Frankie can use Trey's room."

"Do all of you agree with that?" I asked, just to make sure.

The three of them nodded, just as Frankie and the judge reentered the
house.  I looked up at Frankie and spoke.  "I guess we've just settled the
sleeping arrangements, so the boys will show you where to put your things
and then they'll show you around the place."

Danny and Dustin soon became the official welcoming committee, seeing they
were the oldest and nearest to Frankie in age.  I was going to include
Kevin in on that too, but he was clinging to me and didn't seem to want to
break free.  Instead, we sat down in the living room with Judge Shay and
chatted briefly.  Steve even accepted our offer to stay for dinner.

"That sounds fine with me," Steve admitted.  "Tonight is my wife's bridge
night and I'd have to fend for myself anyway, so pizza and salad sound just
fine."

Those of us who'd stayed behind continued our discussion, until the others
came in to join us.  They explained they had taken Frankie's things to the
room and had also given him a quick tour of the house, finishing just as
the doorbell rang, signaling the pizza had arrived.  After paying the
delivery guy, we all went into the dining room and sat down to eat.

Frankie wasn't very talkative and I wondered if it was because Judge Shay
was still with us.  After we finished off the pizzas, I excused myself and
went out to the kitchen to retrieve the butterscotch pudding I had thrown
together the previous evening and put in the fridge to set up.  Fortuitous
maybe, but I like to think of it as good planning.  Graham ran to the
cupboard for me and pulled out the dessert bowls and I dished the pudding
out to all those who wanted some.  The judge stayed and chatted for a while
longer, before he bid us adieu and thanked me once again for everything.
The boys and I walked him out to his car and then waved at him as he drove
away.

Now that Steve was gone, the rest of us adjourned to the family room for
some down time.  Pat, Trey and Cole offered to clean up and I accepted
their help gratefully.  I tried to engage Frankie in conversation, so I
could find out more about him, but he was pretty close-mouthed and wouldn't
divulge much information.  I warned him about the unusually early wake-up
call for tomorrow and he didn't seem very pleased about that news either.
Even though it seemed particularly early, I chased the younger boys off to
bed at eight and the older ones at nine, because of our earlier wake up
hour.

Frankie balked at going, so I let Dustin, Danny and him stay up for another
hour, after getting their promise they wouldn't give me any hassles when I
went to wake them up in the morning.

I chose to go up when Kevin did, because I didn't want to leave him alone
at this point.  We undressed and got into bed.  I was just getting
comfortable, when I felt Kevin sidle over against me.  Without hesitation,
I wrapped my arm around his upper body and pulled him into my chest.

"What do you think is going to happen, Dad?" he asked, softly.

"I think we're going to wait and see, just like we did the last time," I
told him, honestly.  "I don't want to start speculating about possible
outcomes, because that could lead us in all directions.  Like I said in the
doctor's office, you beat this before and you'll do it again.  We're all
going to be there for you, so you won't be going through this alone.  No
matter what happens, Kevin, I'll be by your side and holding your hand."

"I know you will; otherwise I don't think I could do this again," he
replied, still looking extremely nervous.  "Just hold me tonight, will you
Dad?  I always feel safer when I'm wrapped up in your arms."

"Most definitely.  I'll hold you forever if that's what you need," I
assured him.  "Good night, Kev.  I'll see you in the morning."

I held Kevin tightly to my body throughout the night.  I know he didn't
fall asleep right away and neither did I.  We were both worried about his
situation, although I wasn't about to let him see my deep concern.  We did
eventually drift off and I think we both managed three or four hours' worth
of slumber, before my alarm rudely woke us again.

I hurried the boys through their morning routines and then drove to the
hospital.  After directing Kevin back to the area where he would be having
his first test done, I had the receptionist logged him in.  After that had
been accomplished, we went over to the waiting area.  Before he sat down, I
gave him a hug, told him I'd be back shortly and then left to drop off the
others at school.  I told them I'd pick them up at the regular time and
encouraged them to try and have a good day.  They all exited in silence,
until Trey turned back and spoke to me.

"Tell Kevin that we're all thinking about him and praying for him," he told
me.  I hoped that would mean as much to Kevin as it just did to me.

"I will, Trey, and thanks," I responded.

When I got back to the hospital, Kevin had already been taken in for his
tests.  Even though I couldn't have gone with him for this anyway, I was
still disappointed that I missed him.  Quietly, I sat in the waiting area
and half-heartedly looked at a magazine I'd picked up from one of the
tables.  It was a couple of hours before I saw my boy again.  When he came
out after being poked, pricked, prodded and pictured, I took him out to
lunch before we returned to school.

"Trey wanted me to tell you they were all thinking about you and praying
for you.  It seems you've made quite a friend there," I remarked.

"Yeah, Dusty and I have sort of included him with us for now," Kevin
admitted.  "Dusty is really pretty cool with Trey now and it gives us the
numbers to defend against the terrible trio."  He said the last part with a
sly grin and I laughed at his comment.

"I suppose safety in numbers is a prime consideration, especially when it
comes to the junior devil brigade," I teased, "but I'm happy that you and
Dustin worked things out so you can also include Trey.  He's so shy that I
was worried he might end up being a loner here."

"Are you kidding me?  Nobody can get away with being a loner at our house,"
Kevin mocked.  "One way or another, one of us will bring him into the
group.  Just look at everything that's happened, if you don't believe me.
Ricky took Cole and Graham under his wings, even though we've all paid
dearly for it.  Danny roped in Pat and we took in Trey.  You don't have to
worry, Dad, we'll find a way for everyone to fit in.  Danny and Pat have
already asked Frankie to hang with them, although we think we're going to
have to cool the sex for a while, until we learn more about him.  He's not
willing to open up to any of us yet or tell us anything about himself, no
matter how hard we try.  We'll find a way though.  I know we will."

"I hope so," I replied, still worried about how this new guy was going to
fit in.  "Let's get going.  We both need to get back to our schools."

We got in the van and Kevin asked me another question.  "Dad, how long do
you think it will be before we hear from the doctor?"

"Most likely it will take a couple of days, just like last time," I
explained.  "We should probably hear something by Friday.  If not, I'll
call the doctor's office Monday morning."  He seemed satisfied with that
answer, so I didn't comment further.

I dropped Kevin off at the high school and then proceeded on to my own
school.  It seemed with everything that had been going on, I've had to
leave my assistant principal or the head teacher in charge more than I
would have liked to.  I guess I'll have to buy them both a special gift for
Christmas, along with one for my secretary, to let them know how much I
appreciate all the times they've covered for me, while I took care of my
boys.

The afternoon went quickly, as my desk was loaded with work from while I
was away, and it seemed like I had only just begun to get into the stack,
when I discovered it was already time to pick up my sons.  After loading
the younger ones in, I drove to the high school to pick up the rest.
Everyone was there except for Frankie.

"Where's our new boy?" I asked, as the others hopped inside.

"He told me to tell you that he'd have some of his friends bring him home,"
Danny reported.

"Did you tell him he should be home by dinnertime?" I asked.

"Yeah, I did," he informed me.  "I told him you insisted we all eat
together, except for when we have games or emergencies."

"Well, I hope he listened to you," I mumbled.

We drove home and raced into the house, as it was beginning to rain.  I
sent the boys off to do their homework, while I started dinner.  Tonight
we'd have meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn.  It took over an hour before
it was ready, and Frankie still wasn't home by the time I was putting it on
the table.  We ate and the boys cleaned up afterward, but Frankie still
wasn't home.  After we went in to watch some television, the boys began
slipping off, a few at a time, to get ready for bed.  Just as I was about
to send the last of the boys off, a car pulled up and dropped Frankie off.
It was a little after nine, so I went out and met him at the door.

"Let's go into the office to talk," I told him.

Frankie rolled his eyes and then followed me to the office.  Once we
entered, I pointed toward a chair, as an indication that I wanted him to
sit in it, while I shut the door.  Once we were alone, I walked over and
sat in the chair at my desk.  "Frankie, I don't have a zillion rules here,
but there are some things I expect from all of the boys.  One of them is
that everyone will be home for dinner.  I think you knew that."

"We had car troubles," he responded, while looking bored.

"So how come you didn't call?" I wanted to know.

"I couldn't remember the phone number," he mouthed.  His answers seemed
much too simple and rehearsed.

"What about looking it up in the phone book?" I pressed.

"Didn't think of that," he replied.

"Let's put it this way," I stated, succinctly.  "I do give you boys enough
room to make your own mistakes and the opportunity to learn and grow from
them, so count this as your mistake.  I don't want this to be repeated and
I encourage you to learn what is expected of you here and then act
accordingly.  Any questions?"

"I guess not," he answered dryly.

"Then go get ready for bed and you can turn in for the evening," I
suggested.  "If you have any questions about what I expect from you, then
ask me and I'll explain everything to you.  Otherwise, I don't want any
more problems.  Am I clear?"  Frankie merely nodded his head in reply,
while making a face showing his disgust.

He left the room, but I could tell from just watching his body language
that most of what I said went in one ear and out the other, that's if it
even entered at all.  This boy was going to be a challenge.  I just hope
I'm up for it.  I went back to the family room to join the older boys and
watch the end of the program we had been viewing.  Now that it had ended,
we all turned in.

The week had been quite trying and I was happy when Friday finally arrived.
I was in my office at school, just before lunch, when I got a phone call.
It was Kevin's doctor and he told me he had the test results back.  He
wanted me to bring Kevin by after school, so we could discuss them.
Although I pressed him to share the details with me now, he refused to give
me even the slightest clue over the phone.  If I wanted to learn what he'd
discovered, I'd have to come to his office and then he'd explain it to both
of us at the same time.

The lack of information concerned me, but I didn't want to push the panic
button prematurely.  I called the high school and asked them to tell Kevin
to meet me out in front of the school right after his last class and they
said they'd do that for me.  As anticipated, for the rest of the school day
I was consumed with thoughts about Kevin's situation.  I informed the
assistant principal and head teacher I would be leaving a little early
again, so I could take Kevin back to the doctor's office, and they both
wished us luck.

I pulled up in front of the high school, just as the first wave of students
was exiting the building.  It wasn't long before I saw Kevin heading in my
direction and then enter the van.

"What's up, Dad?" he asked me.

"The doctor called and said your test results are back," I explained.  "He
wanted me to bring you down after school."

"Did he tell you what he found?" Kevin asked, with a look of concern
suddenly appearing on his face.

"No, he said he'd tell us both at the same time," I informed him.

Our trip to the office was in total silence.  I think we both had various
scenarios running around in our heads, as we tried to mentally prepare
ourselves for what was to come.  When we finally entered the waiting room,
we announced our presence to the front desk and then took our seats.  We
sat there for about twenty minutes, before we were led into one of the
examination rooms.  We ended up having to wait at least another ten minutes
for the doctor to arrive.

Kevin didn't really sit down to wait, once we were in the examination room.
Instead, he paced around the small area like an animal in a cage, until I
pulled him down into my lap and wrapped my arms around him.  He looked at
me and I could tell he was on the verge of tears.

"I'm scared shitless, Dad," he confessed

"I know.  I guess I am too," I admitted.  "However, it won't be much longer
before we know what the doctor discovered.  Just breathe deeply and try to
relax.  It won't do you any good to get all worked up beforehand."

"I'll try, but I can't promise I'll be able to do it," he replied.

"Just try, then," I urged.

We sat there for a couple of more minutes, before the door opened and the
doctor walked in.  We exchanged greetings and then got down to business.

"I've gone over the results of Kevin's tests and I've even shown them to
two of my colleagues," he began, which I interpreted to mean he thought he
had discovered something serious.  "We've all reached the same conclusion.
It appears this new lump is a tumor and we collectively recommend that we
remove the diseased testicle as soon as possible.  It's the same one that
caused the problem previously."

Kevin's mouth fell open and the tears started flowing down his cheeks.  I
hugged him tightly, as he was still on my lap, and leaned my head against
his.

"I know this is scary, Kevin" the doctor continued, "but I think we've
discussed all the important facts before, which is it won't make you any
less of a man and you can still function normally with only one testicle.
We do feel it is imperative that we remove it in the very near future,
though, before the cancer begins to metastasize and spread to other parts
of your body.  We've tentatively scheduled your operation for a week from
today, if you agree to go through with it.  This will give you a few days
to consider your options, before you have to make a decision, but I don't
want this to linger longer than a week.  Go home, talk it over with your
dad and brothers and you can let me know your answer by noon on Monday," he
emphasized.

"Kevin, I don't want to mislead you," the doctor added, in a soothing tone.
"This is dangerous, but at this point, it is not life threatening.  I
believe that by removing the offending testicle, it will eliminate your
problem and you will be able to live a long and healthy life.  You've been
very brave already and I have confidence you will continue to face this
with the same courage and make the right choice."

We thanked the doctor and left his office.  Once we were in the van, I
asked Kevin if there were someplace special he'd like to go.  He declined,
explaining he was too emotional to be seen in public.  For that reason, I
merely drove him around for a while, before we went back to pick up his
brothers and head home.  No one said a word, as I surmised each had guessed
the results of the tests after seeing Kevin's face, as he sat in the front
seat.  You could have heard a pin drop at any time during the entire ride
home and that's something, considering there were nine boys involved.

As we entered the house, Kevin bolted up to his room and the other boys
cornered me in the living room, demanding to know what was up.  I explained
to them what the doctor had told us, and then I also informed them about
the option the doctor had recommended.  I could see them all mentally
crossing their legs as I said it and then Dustin rushed off to comfort his
brother, his friend and his lover.  I made the other boys stay downstairs,
so the two of them could have some time alone.  Frankie wanted to know why
they were so close, so I explained they had been together for a long time,
having been in the same foster home before they came here, and were also
best friends.  He accepted that explanation and let it drop without further
comment.

Up in the bedroom, Dustin was holding Kevin and they were both crying.
When they had both achieved a modicum of control, he whispered in Kevin's
ear.  "It will be all right, babe.  We're all here for you.  You'll still
be the same man I love and nothing will change, except you'll have one less
part.  I love you, Kevy, and I'll be here for you, not matter what you have
to go through."



Castaway Hotel -- Grand Reopening -- Book 2 by BW
Copyright 2009 by billwstories
Chapter 18 -- Worries and Disappointments.

It was a very long weekend and there was a great deal of tension in the
house.  The boys all tried to let Kevin know they were there for him, but
were leery about what they should say, because they didn't want to make
matters worse.  Kevin continued to sleep with me each night, so Trey stayed
in with Dustin.  That was good, too, because they were able to comfort and
help allay each other's fears without Kevin being there.  All in all,
however, it was a very trying time.

Unfortunately, the week that followed wasn't any better and that wasn't the
only problem we faced.  Tuesday night Ricky, Graham and Cole came to me and
told me that money was missing from their bank.  They explained that when
they went to get the money out, so they could buy something for Kevin to
take with him to the hospital, they discovered it wasn't there.  They told
me all they found in there were the coins, but all of the bills were gone.
I asked them if they knew when this might have happened and they said 'no'.
The last time they had seen the bills in the bank was a month and a half
ago.  I informed them I'd see what I could do about figuring this out, but
I wasn't optimistic.  There had been numerous people in and out of the
house during that period of time and it would be hard to pinpoint who might
have taken the money.  I suggested that, in the future, they give their
money to me, so I can put in the safe, and then I also gave them $20.00, to
replace at least some of the missing money.  The boys had good intentions
and I didn't want to penalize them for someone else's action.

On Wednesday, the problem deepened.  Danny came up to me and asked if I'd
seen the gold chain I'd bought him for one of his birthdays.  He thought he
might have misplaced it, but after asking him several questions about it
and with the knowledge about the missing money, I suspected otherwise.  I
was now concerned that I either had a thief in my household or someone
close to us was less than honest.  I knew something would have to be done,
I just wasn't sure yet what it was.

Later Wednesday, things got worse.  Dustin was going around asking everyone
if they had seen the boom box that belonged to Kevin and him.  It had
suddenly come up missing in action.  This was the straw that broke the
camel's back.  Now, I had to do something.  Thursday after school I called
all the boys into the living room for a discussion.

"Boys, I think that we've got a serious problem here and I feel that I need
to do something to counteract the effects of what has been happening," I
began.  "I'm not sure how long this has been going on, but things have been
disappearing from various rooms.  At first, I thought I could just lock up
a few things to keep them safe, but now I'm afraid that small effort won't
be enough.  I hate to do this, but I called my contractor earlier today and
asked him to install a key-entry deadbolt lock on each room.  He'll be here
Monday to do the work."

The boys all began to look around, suddenly realizing there might be a
thief among them.  As they looked at each other, trying to figure out if it
might be one of them or someone who came there frequently, I continued.

"I will give you each a key to your own door, so you can keep your
valuables safe, but I will keep a duplicate key in my safe, just in case
you lose yours.  I hope we won't need to use these measures forever, but
for the time being, I don't see any other option.  I'm sure that whoever
took these things has either disposed of them or hidden them.  I hate to
accuse any of you without proof and I don't want to include the innocent in
a random search, so none will be conducted."

I'm not sure how the boys were reacting to that comment.  I think some of
them wanted me to start searching for the missing items, yet they would
have been hurt if I'd searched their room, figuring I suspected they might
be the thief.  I think they all began to realize I couldn't search one room
without searching them all, unless I had some proof about who might have
done it.  Now they went back to listening to what I had to say.

"I've always tried to make sure that each of you had what you needed and
most of what you wanted.  Of course, I had limits on the reasonableness of
what you could have, but I've never felt any of you were being treated
unjustly or deprived of what you needed.  You don't know how bad this makes
me feel to have to go to these extremes, but I want to protect those of you
who are innocent from the one or ones who are not.  If the guilty party
wants to own up to what he has done, I will be fair about a suitable
punishment and not expose him to the rest of the others.  If I haven't
heard anything by tomorrow morning, I will let the contractor install the
locks on Monday and then I'll pass out the keys.  Any questions?"

I think most of the boys were still too shocked to respond.  After a couple
of minutes I sent them on their way and I went to sit alone in my office.
Some of the boys stopped by, one at a time, to offer their sympathy or
thoughts about what had happened, but I never got a confession.  I was
sorely disappointed by the time I went to bed.  Kevin was still sleeping
with me, and it he seemed that he wanted to talk about it, before we turned
in.

"Do you think it's one of the three new boys?" he asked, although I wasn't
sure if he believed it might be one of them.

"I have no idea, Kevin, and I don't want to speculate or accuse anyone
unjustly," I explained.

"But who else could it be?" he countered.  "The rest of us have been
together a long time and this has never happened before.  It's got to be
one of them, right?"

"Not necessarily," I confessed.  "It could be one of the others who had a
change in their situation or maybe just a case of good, old-fashion greed.
Maybe someone needed something for who knows what reason and thought that
was the only way to get it.  I don't know who did this, nor do I know why,
but I've got to discover who it is and put a stop to this."

"Do you really think one of your sons would do that?" Kevin pressed, in an
effort to convince me it wasn't one of them.  "Come on, Dad.  None of us
are afraid to come to you with a problem.  If one of us needed something,
we'd just ask you.  It's got to be one of the others."

"The odds are probably greater in that direction, but I don't want to
accuse any or all of them without good reason," I conceded.  "I don't
consider the fact I don't know them as well the rest of you as sufficient
justification to suspect them or search their rooms.  I will definitely
keep my eyes open and take precautionary actions, but I will not blame or
accuse anyone without some kind of proof.  Enough talk about that, though.
How are you doing?"

Kevin hesitated before he answered, so I took it he wasn't happy about my
not agreeing with him or with my putting a halt to the discussion.  After a
minute or so, he finally answered me.

"Fine, I guess.  I've tried not to think about it much," he confessed.
"Everyone has tried to keep me busy so I wouldn't have time to consider it
much.  I guess it's worked, because I haven't thought about it hardly at
all.  I'm still nervous and scared about what the doctor might do to me,
but I guess I understand now that I'll have to do it or I might lose more
than just one nut.  I'm okay, Dad, mostly because you and my brothers have
been so great about helping me through this.  Thanks."

Kevin gave me a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek, placed his head on my
shoulder, and we remained that way until we fell asleep.  Actually, we
remained that way until we woke up the following morning.  I awoke first,
before the alarm, so I lay there looking at him as he rested so peacefully
against me.  When the alarm eventually went off, Kevin began to stir.  I
reached out toward my nightstand, without looking, and shut off the
annoying device.  Kevin looked up at me and smiled.

"How long have you been awake?" he asked me.

"How did you know I was awake?"  I countered.

"Because you always jump a little when the alarm goes off," he told me,
"and you didn't do that this time."  I didn't realize I had such an
idiosyncrasy or that he was so observant.

"Think you're smart, don't you?" I teased and he just smiled.  "I was only
awake for a few minutes before you."

"And you were staring at me, right?" he followed.

"Guilty as charged, your honor," I confessed.  "You looked so peaceful this
morning that I couldn't resist."

"And because you love me, right?" he added.

"Of course you're right.  I love all my boys," I admitted.

 "And we love you too," he quickly countered, "and I'm glad we have you."

"And I'm glad I have all of my boys," I added.  "You've each brought so
much to my life."

"Yeah, like medical problems, constant running around, thieves..." Kevin
mocked, while giving me one of his special smiles, but I had to interrupt
him.

"And the love, the good times and the memories I shall cherish forever."
We looked at each other, knowing there was much more to our lives together
than just the good times and the bad.  I ruffled his hair, pushed him out
of bed and chased him into my bathroom.

"You get showered and I'll go down and start breakfast," I yelled behind
him.

"Okay, Dad.  I'll see you downstairs," he confirmed.

This was Kevin's big day and I was pleasantly surprised at how well he was
dealing with it.  Throughout the morning, no one said anything to him about
his upcoming operation, although they did all wish him well when we dropped
them off early at their schools.  They agreed to wait around outside their
buildings until school started, so I wouldn't have to leave Kevin at any
point.  I had also reminded them once more, at breakfast, that they were on
their own tonight for dinner.  I would remain at the hospital with Kevin
the entire day, and one of my friends would drop Dustin off at the hospital
after classes, so he could join us.  Everyone knew I wouldn't be home until
very late, so the older boys were to help look out for the younger ones
until I returned.

Just before we were ready to drive away, the terrible trio came back to
talk to Kevin.  "Kevin," Ricky began, "we all bought you something for
today, but we didn't want to give them to you in front of the others.  We
thought they might feel guilty they didn't get you anything or they might
get mad at us for not including them in on our gift."

"We wanted to give you something that might help you through the day," Cole
added, practically cutting Ricky off.

"So we got you these," Graham said, in his tiny little voice, while handing
something to Kevin.  Kevin quickly held it up to examine it.  It was a
simple chain on which hung a rabbit's foot, a four leaf clover in a round
plastic pendant, and, as was explained to us later, a piece of the Blarney
Stone, crisscrossed in a metal frame with a connecting loop.  Each of them
had given him one of the best-known symbols for bringing luck that man has
ever known, in hopes that their combined powers would bring him
successfully through his ordeal.  Kevin and I were both touched by this
simple, yet extremely thoughtful, gesture.

"We just thought they might help," Ricky added, in explanation.  "I mean
they can't hurt."

Kevin immediately unsnapped his seatbelt and leaped out of the van, so he
could hug his three brothers, as a way to thank them for their thoughtful.

"You know, you guys aren't really devils after all," he whispered to them,
which drew smiles from each of them.  However, Ricky couldn't let it go,
without one additional comment.

"And who said we were?" he shot back.

When Kevin got back into his seat, I saw the tears streaking down his
cheek.  I tried to wipe the tears from MY eyes, hoping he wouldn't notice
what I was doing, as he refastened his seat belt.  Things remained very
serious and quiet for a while, but that did change.  We were nearly to the
hospital when Kevin started joking around.

"Well, it won't be long before I'm your only one-balled son," he quipped.
"It's a good thing I know both you and Dustin will still love me when my
voice starts getting higher."

I looked at him and tried to determine if there was more to this jocularity
than met the eye, but he seemed to be doing just fine.  "It doesn't quite
work like that," I responded, in case it wasn't a joke.  "You won't be
singing soprano any time soon and your body will still produce enough
testosterone to keep you maturing just as you are.  The only way anyone
will ever notice the difference is if they're playing around down there."

"Then I guess there won't be many people knowing about this then, will
there?" he quickly countered, before letting out a little giggle.

"That's entirely up to you," I responded.  After saying that, I looked over
at Kevin again, to see how he was doing.  He just sat there smiling at me.

"I'm very proud of you, young man," I informed him.  "I don't know many
boys or men who could go through this and take it as well as you are doing.
I'll stay with you as long as I can today and then I'll be there for you
when they bring you back out.  I love you and everything will be fine.  I
promise."

"Thanks, Dad," he replied.  "I just want to live and I know I probably
won't be able to do that if I keep this diseased nut.  Knowing that made me
realize I'd rather have them take it out, rather than lose everything else.
I guess going through this before, with the cyst and all, and knowing that
none of you will treat me any differently afterwards helps.  I know I'll be
okay with all of you around to help me through it."

"My brave little soldier.  I'm so proud of you," I told him, just as I
pulled into a parking space.

We sat there looking at each other for a few more seconds before we got
out, and then I walked around to his side of the van, put my arm over his
shoulders and walked with him toward the main entrance.  We had only gone a
few steps before I felt his arm come up wrap around my waist, and we walked
like this into hospital, ready to face the challenges ahead.

I was allowed to go with him, while he changed into his hospital gown.
It's a damn good thing he isn't shy about his body, with that thing to
wear.  Once he was ready, he climbed up on the stretcher and I was able to
walk beside him, as they wheeled him down to the operating room.  When we
stopped and one of the orderlies explained that was as far as I could go
with them, I kissed Kevin on the forehead and told him I'd still be here
when he came back out.  I watched as they wheeled him through the doors of
the O.R.

Once they were out of sight, I walked down to the waiting area and tried to
occupy my mind with other thoughts.  However, I wasn't succeeding.
Although I first tried to get interested in the television program that was
on, when that didn't work, I picked up some of the ancient magazines that
adorned the various tables and tried to find something interesting to read.
Unfortunately, nothing seemed to help distract me from worrying about my
boy.

It was about an hour later when the doctor came in and called my name.  I
jumped up and went to meet him.  "Everything went fine," he reassured me.
"He's in recovery now and they'll take him to his room once he's alert.  I
want to keep him overnight, just as a precaution, and you may take him home
tomorrow, if everything goes well.  We're sending the testicle away for
testing and I'll let you know the results from that, when I get them."

"Thank you, doctor.  I appreciate everything you've done for him," I told
him, while hoping it was enough.

"You're welcome and it was my pleasure," he replied.  "I'll see to it that
someone comes out to get you when they take him to his room, since I know
you'll probably want to stay in there with him.  I'll be around later to
see him and evaluate how he's doing."

I'm not sure how much longer it was before another orderly came in and
called my name.  Eagerly, I jumped up and followed him out to where Kevin's
stretcher waited for us in the hallway.  He and the nurse then guided us
through the corridors, into an elevator and up to Kevin's room.  I was able
to talk to him at various points along the way and happily told him that
the doctor said everything went well and he was doing fine.  He flashed me
a weak smile, so I knew he understood and I said no more.

When we arrived at his room, I waited outside the door until the orderly
and nurse had him situated.  Once I was told I could enter, I went in and
sat down in the chair beside his bed.  Kevin kept drifting in and out, as
the drugs were still making him very drowsy, so I merely held his hand and
stroked his head as I sat with him.  I lost all track of time until Dustin
walked in, which gave me a rough idea about how late it was.  Dustin came
over and stood by me, before sitting on one of my knees.  We continued to
sit like that and talk to Kevin, whenever he was awake.  We were having a
conversation about something inane when meals on wheels rolled up outside
his door.

"I think I'll run down to the cafeteria and get Dustin and me something to
eat," I informed them, "and then I'll bring it back here, so we can eat
with Kevin."  Both boys seemed to approve of my suggestion.

As I left the area, I asked one of the nurses if I could bring Kevin back a
milkshake as a treat.  After looking at his chart, she said that would be
fine.  I only left the boys alone for a brief time, just long enough to
retrieve the food, but Kevin had already finished his meal by the time I
got back.  Without hesitating, I handed him his chocolate shake, which
caused him to smile and lick his lips.  Dustin and I began eating our food
and we both had shakes as well.  It wasn't bad, for hospital food, but the
shake made it seem even more enjoyable.

Once Kevin had finished his shake, he dozed off again and slept for a
while.  By the time he came to, we had finished our meal and were watching
television.  Kevin joined us and we were soon shouting out and debating
answers for one of those early evening game shows.  I think the nurses all
thought we were all a little nuts.

Even though Kevin kept drifting in and out with us all evening, he was
alert enough to discover a problem.  It happened just after nine.  "Dad, I
forgot to bring my pouch!" he exclaimed, panicked.  "I meant to put it in
my pocket this morning, but I guess I forgot it.  I'm going to need it,
after you guys leave."

"Why don't I just run home and get it for you now?" I suggested.  "I know
right where it is and Dustin can stay with you while I go retrieve it.
Then we'll both stay with you until the nurses kick us out, when visiting
hours end."

That idea mollified Kevin, so I went home to retrieve his teen 'pacifier.'
On second thought, maybe 'security blanket' is a better description of the
purpose his pouch serves.  As long as it made him feel better once we were
gone for the evening, I had no trouble getting it for him.  As I pulled
into the driveway, I noticed there were other cars parked along the street
and in our driveway that I didn't recognize.  I walked into the house and
was shocked by what I found.  There were a number of teens, both male and
female, walking around my house, drinking beer and making out.

"Party's over," I yelled out.  "I want everyone who doesn't belong out of
here."  Only a few people started to move toward the door.  "I will notify
the police in ten minutes to remove anyone who still remains," I added.
Now, there was a mad dash to the exits and soon everyone was gone, except
for my boys.  I must admit I made one mistake, which was I hadn't thought
beforehand about people driving after they had been drinking.  I only hoped
it would not prove to be a fatal mistake.  I concluded I had been
concentrating so much on Kevin that I failed to recognize this problem,
before I evicted all of our unwanted guests.

Concerned and upset by what I had just walked into, I summoned all of the
boys to the family room.

"I want to know who's responsible for this NOW?" I announced, shocking them
all by my forcefulness.  They all looked down at their feet and there was
no response, until Danny spoke up.

"I guess that really isn't important, because we all went along with the
idea," he admitted.

"Then you are saying you're all responsible?" I asked, in order to clarify
what he was saying.

"Yeah, I guess I am," he confirmed.  It took a while for me to accept that
they had collectively thought up the idea to throw a party at the house,
while Dustin and I sat with Kevin at the hospital.

"Not only am I disappointed you would do this behind my back," I chided
them, "but to do it while Kevin is in the hospital recovering from surgery
is even worse.  You boys know you are allowed to drink in the house if you
wish, within reason, and that I'm generally willing to give you the chance
to try such things, as long as it's controlled in our own home and there is
no chance of it harming others.  It's just that I don't expect this to
include others from outside our home or for it to happen without my
knowledge.  I don't know what to say, except there will be repercussions
from this, but I can't deal with it now.  I just came back to get something
for Kevin, so I'll retrieve it and return to be with him for a while
longer.  I will definitely be home earlier than I had originally planned,
now that I've learned I can't trust any of you any longer."

"You can trust us, Dad," Ricky answered. "We just made a mistake.  Please,
stay with Kevin.  He needs you now and I don't want to mess that up too."

"You already have," I informed him.  "I've told you boys many times that I
will trust you until you prove to me you can't be trusted, and tonight
you've proven just that.  I've also told you repeatedly that once you lose
my trust, it will be very difficult to earn it back.  I'm afraid you will
not have my trust again, until you can demonstrate to me that you once
again deserve it.  I will be back shortly and I only pray you won't mess up
again.  I wouldn't leave at all, if I hadn't promised Kevin to get this for
him and didn't need to pick up Dustin.  I want you all to get ready for bed
and we'll talk more about this tomorrow."

"This really sucks, man," Frankie added from the background.  "What's the
big deal anyway?"

"The big deal is that you're all underage and this took place in my home,
which makes me responsible.  Not only that, but I don't approve of what you
boys did.  Do you need more?"

"Nah," Frankie answered me.  "This place is just like every place else.  No
one wants to see teenagers have any fun."

"You're wrong," I corrected him.  "We don't mind seeing teenagers having
fun, it's just a difference of opinion on what they need to do to have fun.
Beer blasts are not an acceptable choice and such things will not happen in
this house.  This will also mean there will be greater scrutiny on your
whereabouts at other times now, as well.  If you'd do this here, then I can
only imagine what you'd do elsewhere, so from now on I will demand
specifics about where you will be and whom you will be with.  I might also
check up on the information you give me, just to make sure it is accurate."

"Man," Frankie yelled again, "this is turning into a big jail."

"Does anyone, besides Frankie, think that I'm being unfair?"  There was no
response.

"Shit.  They're all scared of you," he told me.

"I've never known these boys to stop speaking their minds or fail to argue
with me when they thought I was wrong," I informed him.  "Unless they tell
me otherwise, I will assume you are the only one who thinks my actions are
unjust."

"Come on, you wussies," Frankie urged them.  "Tell him what you really
think."

"He already knows," Danny answered him.  "We all know what we did was wrong
and now we have to answer for it.  The rest of us are man enough to take
our punishment and we think you should be, too."

"You guys are hopeless," Frankie shot back, before storming out of the room
and heading up to his bedroom.  Once he was gone, the other boys all
apologized to me, as they passed by to go to their own rooms.  Once they
had all gone, I went up to my room to retrieve the object that led me to
discover this clandestine gathering in the first place.

A short time later, I was back at the hospital and in Kevin's room.  I
handed him his little pouch and then I told the two of them what I had
discovered at the house when I arrived.  They both looked at each other,
and I understood there was some sort of silent communication going on.  I
just waited to see what was going to happen, but I had the feeling they
knew about this before I told them what I had discovered.

"Dad, I don't want to be a snitch," Dustin began, "but we knew Frankie was
trying to talk the others into having a party at the house.  We didn't get
involved, because we knew we wouldn't be there, but we thought the others
were going to talk him out of it."

"Well, I guess they didn't, so they're all equally guilty," I explained.
"In a way, I am kind of proud of the rest of them for not trying to pin the
whole thing on Frankie and accepting some of the blame themselves, but I'm
still upset about their lack of judgment.  There are so many things that
should have made alarm bells sound in their brains, so they wouldn't have
gone along with the idea."  Kevin and Dustin were both looking at me, not
having seen me this animated before, but I was on a roll and not about to
stop.

"First, they should have thought about your little bout with ecstasy, for
one.  Allergic reactions can happen to alcohol as well, not including the
chance of alcohol poisoning.  Second, I work for the school district and
deal with children on a daily basis.  How would it look to the other
parents, if they discovered keg parties were being held at my house and
given by my sons?  Then, there's the liability question.  If anyone were
injured at our place or as a result of what they did there, they'd sue me
for everything I had.  That means the house and all the money that is
supposed to be used to raise you boys and give you a good start in life
would be gone.  We would all lose big time, if anything had happened.
Last, there's the question of legality and acceptance.  Every one of you
knows it's not legal for minors to drink and they definitely should have
known that I wouldn't approve.  That's why they did it behind my back.  I
won't be able to put this behind me until I'm certain they understand how
wrong they were and I'm positively convinced there will be no repeat
performances."

Once I finished my little tirade, not another word was spoken about this
issue.  We sat with Kevin for a little while longer and then informed him I
had to go.  I needed to get back home to make certain the partiers hadn't
returned.  Kevin told me not to worry about leaving early, because he
understood.  I thanked him for his mature attitude and informed him I would
see him again in the morning.  I said my final good night and then kissed
him on the forehead, before leaving Dustin alone with him for a brief time,
so they could say their good-byes in private

By the time Dustin and I got home, everyone else was in bed.  We soon
joined them, but sleep didn't come easily or quickly for me.  A multitude
of things were racing around in my mind. until I finally slipped off into a
dream-filled slumber.  These were neither good dreams, nor were they
nightmares.  They were just disturbing visions of different situations the
boys might get into, and that alone made it difficult for me to enjoy a
decent night's rest.  Actually, I was kind of glad when the alarm went off
the next morning, because instead of startling me awake, it just brought my
troubling visions to an end.


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