Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 10:30:06 -0500
From: fsw99 <fsw99@pop.mindspring.com>
Subject: Chapter 18 of One Big Happy Family
Legal Notice: The following story contains descriptions of graphic sexual
acts. The story is a work of fiction and has no basis in reality.
Don't read this story if: **You're not 18 or over,
**If it is illegal to read this type of material where you live,
**Or if you don't want to read about gay/bi people in love or having sex.
The author retains copyright to this story. Placing this story on a website
or reproducing this story for distribution without the author's permission
is a violation of that copyright. Legal action will be taken against
violators.
If you have enjoyed reading this story, you will find other stories by me
in Young Friends ("Matt and Mike" 3/24/00 and "New Neighbor" 12/17/99),
Incest ("My New Life" 12/18/99) and Adult Youth ("Sam Finds a New Father"
12/16/99 and "Billy and Jim" 12/13/99).
E-mail responses to the stories, story suggestions or other 'constructive'
comments or advice may be sent to: fsw99@mindspring.com.
Chapter Eighteen
"Come in, Stan. I called Ed and Paul's foster parents, and they agreed to
have you come talk to the boys. I think that anything you can do to help
their situation with Paul would be welcome at this point. They say they
have tried everything they know how to do, and nothing seems to work," the
social worker said.
"I am not looking for an argument, but the way I understand it, they are
keeping the kids strictly for the money. Ed and Paul talk to Robbie more
than they do to me, but that is what Robbie says. I think a little love
and understanding is all they need."
"You may be right. Hopefully, you will get your chance. We don't usually
give a single man like yourself foster parent rights, but I have a good
feeling about you. Working out of your house is a big plus. You seem
determined to do the best you can for the boys, and you have a fresh
attitude. By the way, I called Sue and she gave you a glowing
recommendation. It seems she thinks you did wonders for her son."
I just smiled when I thought about Robbie. "Robbie and I seemed to bond
almost immediately. We are both good for each other. Don't get the idea I
am some kind of miracle worker. I expect I will have some trying times with
Paul, just like the others did. But, I think that Robbie and Ed will be
able to help us both through them. I expect it to be more of a team effort,
not me being the domineering adult in the group. At least, that is what I
am hoping. If you give me the chance, that is."
"Well, unless you have some big skeletons in your closet, I think you have
a really good chance. I don't make the decisions all by myself, but I can
tell you I will stand up for you. Don't make me regret my decision. Now,
you had better get over to Paul's foster parents house before Paul does
something else that will make all of this wasted. If he makes one more
mistake, I don't know if I can convince anyone to give him another chance."
"Thanks for your time," I said, getting up and shaking his hand. "I will
get over there as quick as I can." And, I did. I drove lots faster than I
normally drove, because I knew Paul was skating on very thin ice. One more
outburst and he and Ed would be gone for good, as far as any of us was
concerned. That wouldn't be good for Paul, and certainly wouldn't be good
for Ed, who seemed to be lots less volatile than Paul. It also wouldn't be
good for Robbie or Isaiah, since that would be the end of the band. I
started out wanting to help because of how bad Robbie was feeling, but the
more I thought about it, I also wanted Ed and Paul to have a chance at a
good life. If they went to the troubled youth home, I thought that their
situation would only get worse, instead of better. The really bad kids
there could make their life a living hell.
*****************************
"When will this airplane ever land?" Tim asked.
"We still have about four more hours," his Dad said.
"I will go completely crazy by then," he answered.
Over thirteen hours on a plane will make anyone start to go crazy, but it
is really hard on thirteen year old boys. Anything over two or three makes
me start to pace the isles, and I am over three times thirteen. (No, Phill,
not four times thirteen yet, but thanks for thinking of me - hehehehe)
At least their Dad had thought ahead and had arranged for their seats on
the plane to be strategically placed. The two twins were in the two seats
closest to the windows. Their parents were across the aisle. Phill was in
the next row, at the window. Better to keep the three boys separated over a
long flight, to avoid any problems. The twins were several years younger,
but tended to gang up on their older brother at times, especially when he
couldn't retaliate. And, in front of lots of people they didn't know, Phill
would be helpless to do much in retaliation. Separating them was the best
idea.
Flying that long makes anyone edgy. Phill had lots on his mind. Keith. New
home. Not knowing anyone. Meeting new friends. School in the US. He seemed
extremely moody whenever anyone attempted to talk to him, and finally they
just left him alone. He just stared out the window, lost in his own
thoughts.
*****************************
"Hi Mr. Wilson, my name is Stan Miller. Mr. Ward from Social Services
called you I think. Could I talk to Ed and Paul for a few minutes? Maybe
take them for a ride in my car?" I asked.
"Sure, let me get the little bastards for you," he answered rudely, not
shaking my hand or offering to let me inside his house. "Really nice
manners and a wonderful attitude," I thought to myself.
As Ed and Paul came out on the front porch, Ed said, "Hi, Stan. What are
you doing here?"
"Let's go for a ride, boys. I have something to tell both of you," I said.
"What is it? If you are going to kick us out of the band, you are wasting
your breath. We are going to have to move away, anyway," Paul said with an
edge to his voice.
"Let's drive over to the park where we can get out and be by ourselves
before I tell you what is on my mind, OK?" I asked.
Neither boy said anything, but got into my car and I drove towards the
park. Not a word was spoken until we arrived. "Let's walk over and sit on
one of the picnic tables," I said.
Ed just nodded his head. Paul didn't even acknowledge that I said
anything. He really did have an attitude problem.
Both of them sat down on one side of the picnic table, and I stood on the
other side.
"Look, I like both of you. You both have gone through way too much pain in
the last two years. I just came from Social Services and had a long talk
with Mr. Ward. He told me about Paul's latest fight and he first thought
that you both should be placed in the troubled youth home," I said.
"There is no way they can make me go there. I will run away before they
ever get a chance," Paul yelled.
"That isn't the right decision either. How would you earn money to support
yourself? No one would hire you. Thousands of kids run away every
year. Lots of them end up having to sell their bodies just to eat. I think
I have a much better plan," I said.
"Oh, you do, do you? How come every adult always seems to think they know
everything?" Paul ranted.
"Paul, shut up for once, will you? Stan has been very nice to us when we
have been at his house. At least give him a chance to talk," Ed yelled.
"Fuck you! Fuck both of you! I have had all I am going to take. Everyone
tries to run my life for me. I am sick of it. I getting out of here right
now," Paul yelled, starting to get up.
"Oh no you're not. You are going to sit right there and listen to what I
have to say even if I have to make you. You are one more mistake away from
being sent to the troubled youth home. I think I have convinced Mr. Ward to
give you one more chance. This isn't just going to be you that is sent
there. Ed is too, and I don't think he has done anything except come to
your rescue when you get in a fight you can't handle. The home won't be as
bad as the streets, but you will have to face kids who are lots tougher
than what you are used to here. If you get into a fight there, you could be
beaten until you have to be taken to the hospital. Not only that, you could
be raped, too. Ed, also. Now, for once, just give me a chance and listen,
OK?" I said, as I came around the table to keep Paul from getting up.
"You can't make me sit here. I can do what I want," Paul yelled, as he
tried to get up anyway.
I grabbed both his arms and forced him back down. Ed grabbed him from
behind and made him sit down. I sat down close beside him, so he couldn't
try and get away until I was finished.
"Oh, so it takes both of you to make a thirteen year old do what you want
him to do, huh?" Paul screamed.
"Paul, just shut up! This is our future you are fucking up. Not just yours,
but mine too. Just like Stan says. I don't want to go there, and I know you
don't either. Now, don't say another word until Stan is finished, all
right?" Ed said, fuming.
"Oh, all right. What is one more lecture. I get so many of them, one more
is nothing I can't handle," Paul said arrogantly.
"Sorry, Stan. Paul can be quite the little bastard at times. Go ahead and
tell us your idea," Ed said. Paul just glared at both of us, and then
stared straight ahead like he couldn't care less.
"OK, this isn't official yet, but I think it will be soon. I have just
applied to be a foster parent. How would you both like to live with Robbie
and I? Well, actually me, since Robbie is only there half the time," I
said.
"You're kidding? That would be great. I would love it. You would too,
wouldn't you Paul?" Ed said.
Paul looked up with a puzzled look on his face and stared at me like he had
never seen me before in his life. "What do you get out of it? Why would you
want us living with you? I guess you know I am not the easiest person to
live with in California, you know," he said.
"Paul, I am going to kill you!" Ed screamed.
"No, that is all right, Ed. Paul is right. He isn't the easiest person I
have ever seen to live with, but neither am I. I am way too old to have to
put up with your bull shit, and I won't. I will provide you with a loving
home and everything you need to make a good life for yourselves. But, I
will expect you to lose the attitude right away. There will be things you
are to do everyday at home, like keeping your room neat and cleaning up the
house. Maybe washing dishes, taking out the garbage, washing clothes, that
kind of thing. For that, I will give you both an allowance, so you don't
feel penniless like you are now. That is the deal. Take it or leave
it. But, even if you decide you want to live with me, you have to be on
your absolute best behavior until I am approved as a foster parent and you
can move in with me. Like I said, one more fuck up and both of your asses
are gone, and there will be nothing I can do about it," I said angrily,
looking at Paul.
"Oh, so you are a tough guy, huh? I think I will like that. Huh! A nice
loving home to live in. I guess I am beginning to understand what you do
get out of it," Paul said.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" Ed said quickly.
"Oh, nothing. I was just thinking to myself. I will be able to do that when
we move in, won't I? You know, in between all the chores you will have us
do?" Paul asked sarcastically.
"Paul, you beat everything, you know that? Here Stan is offering to take us
into his home to keep us from having to move to the home, and you can't
even act appreciative at all. I think it would do you some good to have to
go to the home for a while. Maybe I can go to live with Stan and let you go
there for a few weeks by yourself and see how tough you really are," Ed
said.
"Look, I don't want us arguing. What do you both think?" I asked.
"I am for it. I wish we could move in tomorrow," Ed said enthusiastically.
Paul didn't say anything for a moment, he just stared at me like he was
trying to read my mind. "I guess I am in, also. It couldn't be any worse
than living where we are now or at the home," Paul said.
"Paul, dammit, I said stop, and I mean it," Ed said, grabbing him by the
shoulders.
"Ed, quit it. Let him go. I think his attitude will change once he moves
in. All three of us will work on him. There isn't a magic potion to help us
right now. Once we are all a family and he sees nobody wants to hurt him or
make fun of him, I think his attitude will improve," I said. "How about
shaking hands on the deal, then?" I said, as I held out my hand to Paul.
Paul looked at my hand and then at me with a slight smirk on his face, but
shook my hand quickly and let it go. I offered it to Ed, and he shook it
much more enthusiastically.
"OK, now that that is settled, we had better be getting back. I don't have
permission to have you gone for very long," I said.
We drove back to the foster home quickly. Ed talked the whole way there,
clearly happy that he could come and live with Robbie and I. Paul just sat
in the back and didn't say anything the whole trip. I did see him looking
up at me every so often through the rear view mirror, but when I caught
him, he quickly looked away. I had no idea what he was thinking. I knew I
had my work cut out for me.
****************************
"I am soooo glad to finally be off the airplane," Tim said, stretching, as
they waited to clear customs. "I don't even mind the wait here."
"I am too. I can't wait to see our new house," Tom said.
"Well, it won't be long now. All the furniture has already been moved in
and set up, so you will be able to sleep in your own beds tonight. I can't
wait to be home, either," their Dad said.
"I can't believe this day is really here," Phill thought to himself. "I
hope that there are some boys around my age in the neighborhood. I sure
don't want to have to spend all my free time with my brothers."
Well, I don't think he will have to worry about that, do you?
****************************
Mr. Wilson met us at the door when we got out of the car. "Well, did you
tell them?" he asked.
"Yes, we talked over everything. They both understand I still have to be
approved as a foster parent before anything is official," I answered.
"Well, the sooner the better, as far as I am concerned. Mr. Ward called
after you left to make sure you had found our house all right. I asked him
if you could take them with you for a few days right now. I am sick of them
being here and causing so much trouble. He said that he usually doesn't
approve of such things, but in this case, he would. He called it a trial
period. A couple of days around these two will probably make you change
your mind," he said laughing.
I was beginning to lose my temper. "Boys, you heard him, go get some of
your clothes and lets go. I am sure you will be just as glad to leave here
as he seems to be about your going."
"I sure am going to miss you, Dad," Paul said sarcastically, as he passed
him.
"Paul, shut up, will you? Do you want to spoil everything for us?" Ed
asked.
They didn't take very long to pack their clothes. Both came out with a
large gym bag and I opened my trunk to let them put them in.
"Don't say I didn't warn you," Mr. Wilson shouted from the porch. "Those
two are nothing but trouble, you mark my words."
"I don't think I need to talk to you any more right now, Mr. Wilson. I am
beginning to lose my temper, and I don't want to do anything that might
make Mr. Ward change his mind about me until I have been approved. Once
everything is official, I would like to have a man to man conversation with
you about how you treat the boys, though. A real close man to man
conversation, if you get what I mean," I said, getting into the car.
Mr. Wilson's mouth fell open, as he watched us drive away. Ed and Paul just
burst out laughing as they watched him until he was out of sight.
"That was great, Stan. I can't believe the expression on his face when you
told him off. I wish you would give him some of his own medicine," Ed said.
"I really shouldn't have done that. He may complain to Mr. Ward about
it. Anyway, what do you mean, give him some of his own medicine?" I asked.
"Oh, Ed just meant all of the beatings he has given us while we have lived
here. It makes him feel like a big man. Of course, he has to get the other
boys to hold us while he is beating us with his belt. He wouldn't dare try
it by himself," Paul said.
I was shocked. "Is this true, Ed? He beats you?"
"Yeah," Ed answered softly, not looking at me.
"Well, I will see what I can do about that once I am approved. I can't
afford to do anything right now. I will have a long talk with Mr. Ward
about him, though, either way," I said as calmly as I could. Inside, I was
furious.
****************************
Robbie was watching out the window for Stan's car when the new family drove
up in a rental car. Curiosity got the better of him, and he ran to the
side window where he would have a better view. The first person to get out
was a brown haired boy about 13 or so, followed by his twin brother.
Robbie was kind of disappointed that they weren't closer to his age, but at
least they were fairly close. Then, Phill got out of the other side. Robbie
just stared at him. He didn't notice what the three boy's parents even
looked like. His attention was focused on Phill. He especially liked
Phill's dark black hair that had a slightly spiked look to it. He couldn't
help himself, he had to go over and introduce himself.
Robbie ran out the door, just as they were unlocking their door and going
inside. He ran the few steps between their houses and got there just as the
door closed. He rang the doorbell and waited anxiously until it opened.
Mr. Palmer opened the door. "Yes?" he asked.
"Hi, I am Robbie Stephens. I live next door. Well, I actually live there
half the time. It's kind of complicated. I saw you and your family drive up
and I just wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood," he said.
"Nice to meet you, Robbie," he said, shaking hands. "I am Brad Palmer and
this is my wife, June. Let me find the boys. I am sure they will want to
meet you, too," he said stepping out of the room.
It didn't take Tim and Tom but a few seconds, as they ran back into the
room. "Hi, I am Tim and this is Tom. I guess you can tell we are twins,"
Tim joked.
"Yeah, I might not be very smart, but I could tell that right away," Robbie
joked as he shook their hands. "My name is Robbie," he said, just as Phill
walked into the room.
"Hi, Robbie. My name is Phill. I was hoping there would be another boy my
age around here," Phill said, as he walked up and shook Robbie's hand.
It was like electricity ran up both of their arms when their hands first
touched. Both of them got chill bumps immediately. They stared into each
other's eyes like they had never seen another person in their lives. Their
hands stayed locked in each others far too long, until Phill's Dad cleared
his throat and said, "Well, now that everyone has been properly introduced,
why don't we all take a tour of our new house. Robbie, you are welcome to
go with us. I am sure you will be over here so many times that you might as
well get accustomed to it," he said with a smile.
The two boys jerked their hands away from the other as they finally
realized how long they had been shaking hands. "Yes sir. Thank you, sir,"
Robbie mumbled, still looking at Phill.
They all went through the house, and Mr. Palmer finally said, "Well, I hate
to rush you off, Robbie, but we all need to start unpacking. It is a big
chore, and it will not unpack itself."
"Dad, don't make him go right now. We all just met," Phill said quickly.
"Uhm, I could help Phill get unpacked, if he wants some help," Robbie said
eagerly.
"Yeah, Dad, I could use some help, you know," Phill said.
"That is fine with me if you really want to, Robbie," Mr. Palmer said.
"Oh, I don't have anything to do right now and I would be glad to help
out. I really would like to get to know Phill better anyway," Robbie said.
The two both walked quickly back to Phill's bedroom. They started slowly
unpacking boxes, talking eagerly back and forth. They didn't get a lot
done, since they spent far too much time staring at each other. One would
stare and when the other looked at him, he would quickly look away, and the
other would stare for a while.
They did get to know each other better. LOTS better. But, that is for
future chapters.
Comments can be sent to fsw99@mindspring.com