Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:35:13 -0700
From: Hunter <wolfpup@fastmail.fm>
Subject: Stormy Weather (GAY / Young friends) chapter 5

This work is copyrighted © by Hunter Woods. No part of this story may be
transmitted or reproduced in whole or in part in any form including
mechanical, electronic, photocopying, and recording or by any information
storage and retrieval system without the express written consent of the
author.

Warning: this story contains sexual content, and contact between young
boys.  If the subject matter offends you, is not to your tastes, or if you
are under legal age for your area, then find something else to read. In the
following story all names and events and are completely fictional.  Any
resemblance to real people or places is completely unintentional.

STORMY WEATHER
CHAPTER FIVE

"Oh come on David you know I didn't mean anything by it, besides you know
how much I love your little Dinky." He teased the boy tenderly.  The two of
them giggled and disappeared into the restroom so that Darren could give
David's little Dinky another fabulous workout.

"Damn that little David is a horny little fuck." I giggled towards Akiva
who just nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, how can someone so horny be so damn shy?" He responded.

*************************************************

Looking at my sexy little love I sighed as I motioned for him to come over
and sit next to me.  He smiled and snuggled up to me.  Holding him gently I
had to make a confession to my love if we were going to continue our
relationship.  Taking a deep breath I explained what happened between first
Darren and then David.  I didn't go into any detail but just wanted him to
know that I had a sexual encounter with them.  I prayed he wouldn't be
upset over the admission as I finished up my explanation and my hands shook
a little with anticipation and dread at how he would feel about it all.

Akiva looked up at me and smiled as he responded and explained to me that
it may have been a good thing for Darren, which caught me completely by
surprise.  I had hoped he wouldn't mind but actually saying it might have
been a good thing for Darren was even surprising to me.  He continued to
explain that despite what's happened to the boy, it showed him that love
and sex can still be an integral part of his life if he was willing to open
himself up to relationships.  As for David, he thought the boy is just
curious and if it was to happen better for it to happen with me first than
someone who would take terrible advantage of him and go too far possibly
hurting him.  He wasn't mad at me; besides he pointed out...it wasn't as if
I haven't had other sexual encounters.

My sexy Norwegian paused for a few moments and just snuggled up to me.
Then added as an afterthought concerning David that we really should think
about having a discussion with the younger boy.  Things might get out of
hand for David if we don't talk with him about a few things and I had to
agree.

The boy truly was amazing I thought to myself as I got up to get changed
and that's when I noticed my room.  All the boxes were empty and everything
put away.  I looked at Akiva who just smiled at me.  The three boys had put
my room in order even hanging up my oil paintings around the walls.  All of
my clothes were neatly folded away in the dresser drawer or hung up in my
fairly decent sized walk in closet.

"Oh wow Akiva, you guys really didn't need to go out of your way."

"We know but you seem to be busy all the time and we wish to help.
Besides, I have to admit for a teenager you have some unique interests
concerning what goes on the walls.  I mean really, beautiful oil paintings
instead of bikini clad women, popular bands, and sports posters." He
chuckled at me.

I shrugged my shoulders understanding what he meant but stood up and headed
over to my light switch.  The boys had done a good job hanging up the oil
paintings in the proper strategic locations under the customized light
system I had installed in my room.  There were several dimming light
switches on my wall that controlled the different light panels I had
installed.  I pointed to the large oil painting of a deep canyon with red
tall cliffs and a calm flowing river down the middle.

Akiva looked over to the painting I had indicated and I switched on the
light lever illuminating the painting giving it a lively atmosphere.  I
slowly muted down the brightness and as the illumination adjusted in
strength so too did the mood of the painting.  It was almost as if the
lighting in the canyon changed as if it would when the sun adjusted at
various times in the day.  It was almost magical.

"Wow, that is so cool Dylan," he admitted to me.

Right about that time we could hear David's squeals of delight wafting
through the bathroom door.  Both Akiva and I looked at one another for a
moment before busting up laughing.  Damn that little twerp may be shy but
he was turning out to be such a horn dog.

"I don't think Darren knows what he's gotten himself into," I giggled with
Akiva agreeing.

We played around some more with the other paintings before we both finally
dug out some clothes and got dressed.  Just about that time the two younger
boys came walking out of the bathroom with towels around their waists.
Sitting down on the bed I motioned for David to come over and he dutifully
stood in front of me.  I pulled his towel apart and his flaccid penis stood
out at about a forty five degree angle.  The boy first looked in Akiva's
direction making sure the boy couldn't see him and then looked down at his
naked body.  All of a sudden his penis started to bob up and down all by
itself and enlarged to its two inch fullness.

I laughed as I looked over at Darren, "Well I think you have some more work
to do.  Be sure to give him another workout before coming downstairs," I
smiled at the two boys.

I looked up at David who was giggling and I jerked my head in Akiva's
direction.  "Do I have to?" He asked me.

"Well you saw his, maybe you should show him yours, besides you also
touched his so it's only fair." I responded wanting him to get over his
shyness around Akiva.

"Yeah, but still," he stated looking towards the Norwegian boy who was just
looking on curiously before leaning forward to my ear, "what if he makes
fun of me or something?"

I whispered back to him, "why should he, you've got a nice one for a boy
your age, besides he's your friend too."  This seemed to make him think
about it as he smiled, dropped the towel, and turned towards Akiva.

David giggled and waggled his hips at Akiva then grabbed his two inch
pecker, forced it down, and thrust his hips out yelling bang pretending to
shoot the boy just like he had done to me yesterday when I gave him a bath.
It was still funny the second time around as we all busted up laughing at
David's antics.

The blonde boy clapped in approval and just smiled at David.  "Wow Davie
that's a nice one.  Maybe next time when you aren't paying attention I'll
have to give it a proper tug," he teased the boy as he gave him a wink and
David giggled his balls jiggling around cutely between his legs.  "By the
way Darren, I think Dylan's right, you do need to give him another proper
blowjob." He giggled pointing towards David's two inch boner.

"Geezus guys, if I keep that up I'll make his Dinky raw for sure," Darren
teased and smiled at the prospect of making his little friend squirm around
some more.

"Well just as long as you take care of his problem.  I don't want the two
of you walking around sporting a woody all day long.  Oh and David be sure
to give Darren another blowjob too.  This time make sure to clean him up
good and try not to spill anything.  I don't want to have to clean up your
mess all the time," I teased the younger boy who looked over at Darren
before he pulled the other boy's towel off of him so that he wouldn't have
to be naked alone.

The other boy's pecker was soft at the moment but it was quickly starting
to inflate in front of everyone's gaze.  The younger boy, who didn't seem
so shy about standing in front of us uncovered anymore, looked hungrily at
the rapidly rising tool and reached out eagerly as he gave it a few tugs to
make sure it stood up like a good soldier.

We quickly left the room just as David attacked his friend and they were
rolling around on the bed stark naked.  I grabbed Akiva by the hand and we
headed quietly downstairs.  The rest of the household was still soundly
asleep with no movement yet this early in the morning.  I'm an early riser
because I have plenty to do and plenty of chores needing to be taken care
of around on a ranch.  We could still hear the soft patter of rain drops
against the house but it seemed to have slowed down.  Hopefully this would
be a good sign for the days to come.

With Akiva's hand in mine I dragged him towards my mother's piano room and
we both slipped inside.  I looked around in amazement.  Mrs. Miller had
transformed the room with her motherly touch and I smiled in appreciation.
I walked over to the glass show cabinet where we kept my mother's awards,
accomplishments, and photographs displayed and looked inside noting that
Akiva's mother had put everything into a semblance of order.

Akiva stood next to me and wrapped his arm around my shoulder and looked
inside.  He seemed genuinely interested as he pointed out several awards
and gasped at how gifted she must have been.  He seemed to recognize some
of the concert halls and awards and I wondered how accomplished he was in
his own country.

"Is that a picture of you and your mother?" He asked pointing out a picture
with a woman and child sitting on a piano bench in front of a grand piano
Steinway, the very one in this room.

"Yes," I stated pulling open the glass panel and pulling out the picture so
we could get a closer look.  I handed the framed picture over to Akiva and
he reverently took it in his warm hands.  "That is me when I was about
eight or nine, I think nine years old because it was just a few months
before she died," I responded.

"She was very beautiful," Akiva pointed out being very serious and I had to
agree.

My mother had an air of beauty and sophistication about her but was truly a
gentle and down to earth woman.  She was what you could refer to as a
people person who got along with everyone from all walks of life.  Wherever
she went she would take time for her fans, both the wealthy and the poor.
She always purchased several tickets to her own show and took them over as
gifts to her fans who could never afford to attend some of her concerts.
These were always prime seat locations as well, never any of the cheaper
location seats.  People adored her wherever she went.

My friend just listened to me and smiled when I described my mother.  Then
he dropped a bombshell.

"I met your mother once," he admitted.

"What?" I gasped as I watched him put the picture back into the hutch.

"Yes, she visited our school because she had heard of our wonderful
program.  I was only seven years old and it was shortly before she had
died.  The visit had been unannounced with her just showing up at the
school and asking our headmaster to visit with the children in the
program." He explained to me looking fondly at the picture now that it had
been put back into its proper place.

"She sat with us for over an hour in our little concert room and played the
piano allowing us to join in.  Then she asked the head master if he could
have everyone gather in the theatre hall.  Our school had a small theatre
for concerts and plays so he quickly agreed.  She played for the entire
school and had each one of the piano students perform a duet with her.  I
was the only one who got to play two songs with her.  She gave a two hour
show for all of the students and staff that day.  She was a wonderful
person.  Afterwards she took the time to talk with me in private.  I think
maybe because I spoke English."  He looked at me wondering if he should
continue and I looked at him with a mixture of emotions.  Something about
Akiva meeting my mom nagged at the back of my mind; a memory that just
wouldn't come at the moment and I filed it away to ponder and figure it out
later.

It was her last trip oversees and I remembered it well because she had
announced to us that it was the last one.  She just didn't have the energy
anymore.  The cancer had spread so widely but she wanted one more last time
with some of her most revered fans.  She had chosen Norway because it had
been her first major tour oversees when she was younger and she wanted it
to end there as well.

"Well I was only seven years old so didn't understand the importance of
such a visit until later but I enjoyed her private company as she held me
on her lap with her arms wrapped around me and told me how proud she was of
my performance.  I still remember how she smelled, like a breeze of fresh
air in springtime.  Then she spoke of her son back in the United States and
of how she felt we would be such wonderful friends even though I was seven
and he was nine."

He fell silent for a few moments just looking at the picture.  I scooted
closer to him and reached out for his hand.  We wrapped our fingers
together as he looked up into my eyes with a few tears welling up at the
corners.  I suppose I too had a few tears as he smiled gently at me.

"Dylan, it is as if she almost knew we would some day meet in person.  I
didn't realize this until I saw the picture of your mother and you sitting
at the piano.  I have a similar picture at home with your mother and me,
and I've often thought of my time with her." He told me with tears running
down his cheeks at the irony and sadness of it all.

We just stood side by side for a few moments before I dragged him over to
the piano.  I sat him down and scooted down behind him wrapping my arms
around his frame to hold him tight.  It felt so natural so comfortable.

"Play something for me," I whispered.

"What would you like to hear?" He asked.

"Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven," I quickly responded and felt him
chuckling.

"Why doesn't this surprise me?  She told us it was your favorite.  It was
the last song she played and I got to play it with her." He finished as he
began the tune.

I leaned my head on his back and held him tightly to me as he played the
soothing melodic tune that had sent me off to sleep for so many of my young
years.  I cried softly against Akiva but he never said a word until he
finished.  Silence filled the air for a few moments with him sitting
between my legs and my arms wrapped around his waist.

"What would you like me to play for you now?" He asked softly.

I thought for a few moments but nothing really came to mind so I just said,
"Please play something that is dear to your heart, something I've never
heard before, something that is so near and dear to you.  I want to hear
something that is only you, something special please," I whispered wanting
to hear what can only be described as Akiva.  I don't know how to explain
it but I understood that music truly is the eyes to a person's soul and I
wanted to know Akiva's soul.  I wanted a part of him.

The boy sat a moment in thought and then without a word his fingers started
flowing over the keys on the piano.  It was a soft melody almost sad then
all of a sudden Akiva's voice floated above the notes in a clear crystal
angelic tone, in a language that I didn't understand but that didn't
matter, no words were needed to understand the feeling behind the music and
song.  It sounded sad at first but then slowly the tempo picked up and
there was an air of buoyancy and optimism above the tone of sadness.  The
pace picked up some more shifting towards a sense of animation and vitality
before ending with a flourish and a steady recession towards a harmonic
soothing melody of peace and compassion.  It had been the most beautiful
soulful piece of music I've ever heard in my life and I immediately knew
this had been a special moment in time for Akiva.

The boy sat motionless for a moment and then silently lowered the panel
cover over the keys and ran his fingers along the smooth surface.  I held
him quietly for a few moments before getting up to leave him with his
thoughts.  I crept to the sliding door and opened it up silently.
Mrs. Miller was on the other side wringing her hands together with tears at
the corners of her eyes.  She looked at me for a moment and then held my
face in her hands leaned down giving me a kiss on my forehead before
whispering, "Thank you my child," in a thick accent before closing the door
behind her so she could be with her son.

After eating a quick breakfast I had made my way out to the barn to check
on the horses providing them with feed and hay along with fresh water.  I
also mucked up their stalls before setting about tending to any of their
other needs.  Sometime during all of this Akiva had joined me and without a
word being spoken by either one of us provided a lending hand.  I didn't
ask him about the song and he was quiet throughout most of it.  The boy was
obviously working something out in his mind.

When all was done I started getting the horses saddled when Mrs. Miller
made an appearance and spoke to Akiva.  He smiled and looked at me.

"My mother was wondering about all of the chicken meat you have lain out.
She says it is enough to feed two armies."

The tension seemed to have been broken as I just laughed at her question.
We were so deep in our own thoughts I had forgotten to inform Mrs. Miller
about our arriving guest.

"Tell your mother it is because we will be feeding two armies.  We need
enough to feed the same group as yesterday plus four more guests who will
be arriving around lunch time." I stated as Akiva informed his mother.

She looked at me and said if it is only four that is not such a problem.  I
promptly informed her that these four people ate like they were twelve
people.  I assured her that no matter how much she made it probably still
wouldn't be enough.  Her eyebrow rose up at the challenge and she informed
her son to tell me we shall see about that.  We both laughed at the
gauntlet that had been tossed on the ground.

Saddling up Two Step and Texas Rosie, Akiva and I made our way over to the
cattle.  It was still drizzling but nothing all that bad anymore.  The
river was still flooded in many places but things should be back to normal
in a few days I surmised.  Halfway to the canyon Akiva finally spoke up.

"Thank you," he stated simply.

I stopped Two Step and turned her so we were facing Texas Rosie and her
rider.  "For what?" I responded.

"For the song," he explained knowing it wasn't enough.

He sat on Texas Rosie looking around at the beautiful landscape before
sighing and looking at me as he started to explain.  When his father was
diagnosed with congenital heart failure the two of them started writing the
song he had just played.  It became clear to Akiva as they got closer and
closer to finishing the song his father's condition had continued to get
worse until it got to the point where Akiva refused to work on it with his
father.

The boy refused to no avail as his father forced him to help with the song.
It was his father's song; well what he actually meant was that the song was
about his father's life.  It tells of a father's love for his family and
begins at the end of his life as he is dying, then it transforms to the
beginning of his life, not when he is born, but the beginning of his new
life with a wife.  The song ends at the middle of his life during the most
happiest of days as each one of his children are born, his pride and joy,
the reason for existence and why it is the most contentment time in his
life.  This is how the song ends during the time in the man's life when he
is happiest with a sense of peacefulness and contentment.  Something many
people do not understand until they have children of their own.

"Dylan when we finished the song together he was so weak that he passed
away the following day.  I've never played or sang that song since the last
day when we had finished it.  Today when you asked me to play something
that was a part of me I couldn't think of anything else to play, and it
felt only right that I share the song with you first.  It was the first
time I have ever played and sang the song from start to finish.  Up until
it was finished we only played bits and pieces of it at a time, but today I
sang it from beginning to end in completeness."  He admitted to me.

A sort of warmth spread over me at the realization of something so personal
and special that Akiva had shared with me.  "Thank you for sharing this
with me Akiva.  I'm honored and flattered that you would share this with
me."

We both sat on our mounts in silence as we looked around us at the
beautiful landscape.  Sure it was still raining but that in itself made for
a wonderful sight as the land unfolded in front of us in a different kind
of mood.  Nature is a wonderful thing and sometimes we miss out on its
beauty so we took this moment in time to enjoy what it had to offer us.

We didn't have any problems today with the cattle so we set out enough feed
and also I decided to go ahead and open up the canyon so they could start
ranging on our land.  Now with the weather under control I didn't have to
worry so much.  I was fortunate that we had them corralled for the branding
when we first brought them over before the freaky weather had arrived.

By the time we got back it was still fairly early in the morning and I
looked in on the younger ones.  The house smelled so wonderful with
whatever Mrs. Miller was cooking for lunch.  I felt sort of bad leaving
things up to her when she was actually my guest but there was so much to do
and she seemed so happy keeping busy like this and making a contribution
for being allowed to stay here.

Darren seemed to be a hit with David and the girls.  At the moment they
were smothering him with hugs and kisses as they tackled him ganging up on
the poor boy.  He took it in stride as he started tickling the older girl
before turning his attention towards the other sister and twisting her in a
tangle.  David ended up jumping on the boy's back and Darren jumped
backwards onto the couch.  The girls squealed in delight as he deposited
David on the couch and then turned his attention back to them before
attacking.

The boy was just so damn adorably cute and such a wonderful kid.  How could
anyone hate him so much in the community? I wanted to take away his hurt
and pain, but maybe being able to be himself while he was here could be a
first step for him.  Akiva noticed my furrows and looked at me a little
worriedly and questioningly as he wrapped his arm around my waist.

"Akiva, how can anyone hate that?" I asked.

My friend looked on and shook his head.  "I don't know Dylan, but he has
found us now and we are his friends and family.  We will be sure to make
him happy and will stick up for him.  People can be so cruel but he is a
wonderful person and I'm glad that I've had the chance to meet him finally
and become friends."

We both stood there for a few moments longer watching the children play.
Mrs. Miller saw us and sidled up next to us and watched the mayhem unfold
in front of her eyes.  She smiled and said something to her son.

Akiva translated, "My mother says Darren is such a wonderful boy.  The
younger ones just adore him and she hopes the girls don't wear him down."

At that moment the children looked up and saw us standing there.  Darren
got up and ran over giving me a hug while David gave Akiva a hug.  The
girls were soon behind trying to snuggle up to their brother.

"Well Darren I understand you've been a great help keeping an eye on the
younger ones." I complimented him.

He blushed and replied, "I'm having so much fun," he shrugged.  "By the way
where have you been?" He asked.

With my arm wrapped around his shoulder and receiving a hug from the girls
I just sighed.  "I had to go take care of some chores.  Never a dull moment
around here you know."

He looked critically at me, "you work too hard Dylan, do you ever...you
know...just be a kid?"

I laughed at him and nodded my head.  "Of course I do.  It's just right now
a lot of people are relying on me and I have some things I have to take
care of, which reminds me I don't want you little one's to freak out when
my other guests arrive."

"Guests...why would we?" David quipped looking at me quizzically.

"Well, you'll see what I mean.  Just think of them as big ole teddy bears,
alright." I told them as I lifted one of the girls and kissed her on the
cheek.

She squealed with joy and then I did the same thing with her sister while
Mrs. Miller spoke to her son.

"Mother says we should get cleaned up.  We are all wet and she does not
want us getting sick." He told me.

"I've got so much to do before my uncles arrive," I stated while Akiva
translated.

She motioned for the children to go back and play and then she pointed up
the stairs and gave me a firm motherly look.  Akiva chuckled, tugged on my
arm, and pulled me upstairs explaining it was no use.  I smiled back at
Mrs. Miller actually enjoying the motherly type of coddling I was
receiving.  It's been a long time since I've had that sort of influence in
my life.

We stripped out of our clothing and hoped into the shower together.  I
couldn't keep my hands off of the boy as I stepped up close to him and
kissed him tenderly.  He felt so good so natural in my arms and before long
we were caressing each other tenderly.  I swooned as he made passionate
love to my penis with his soft musical fingers.  It was as if he knew how
to play my instrument and I enjoyed every moment of it as I sprayed my seed
into his waiting lips.  I returned the favor and he continued to amaze me
as his thin tubular appendage quivered in delight depositing it's cargo
into my eagerly awaiting mouth.

We held each other for a while enjoying the warmth of the water cascading
over our naked body.  This had been a wonderful diversion but there was
still so much to do.  We dried each other off and got dressed.  Akiva was
starting to run out of clothes but he managed to find a clean pair of
underwear and a silky bright yellow jersey and a pair of jeans.  He looked
so sexy hot and I told him so but to tell you the truth I was beginning to
realize no matter what he wore he was just so beautiful.  I had changed
into something more comfortable, a pair of simple gray shorts and t-shirt.

Returning back downstairs I looked in on the children and they were now
snuggled up on the couch watching a DVD movie that the girls had selected.
The girls were sitting in the easy chair and the two boys were snuggled up
together with Darren's arms draped lovingly over David.  They made a cute
couple but I made a mental note to have a little chat with David's father.

Akiva had asked if he could practice on the piano and I told him he never
needed to ask for permission ever again.  I returned to my father's
conference room and focused on some of my calculations.  I flipped on the
computer and engaged the appropriate software programs.  I smiled as the
music drifted throughout the house.

It felt wonderful to have a full house with so many young children around.
I've been around adults for so long that I've almost forgotten what it was
like to have friends closer to my age around.  I returned to the problem at
hand feeling a bit frustrated with the utility and Power Company's
stupidity.

There was a faint knock on the door and when I looked up Mrs. Miller
entered and sat down next to me.  I smiled at the woman and noticed for the
first time just how beautiful she was.  I've always looked at her as a
motherly figure but just then it dawned on me how pretty she really was and
amazed I hadn't realized it earlier.  I thought to myself maybe because I
was more focused on her beautiful son.

There was something on her mind but the language barrier made it difficult
for her.  "Akiva...Dylan connect?" She started out and I nodded noting how
close Akiva and I were becoming to one another.

"Akiva like Dylan...no um...Akiva love Dylan." She stated and now I was
starting to worry where this was heading.  "Dylan...loves Akiva?" She asked
me and I just nodded my head a little ashamed for being caught like this.

Mrs. Miller just nodded her head in understanding trying to formulate the
words before speaking.  It was difficult but she was managing to convey her
thoughts.  "Akiva thirteen...Dylan fifteen.  Akiva good boy...Dylan good
young man." She emphasized and I nodded my head in agreement acknowledging
the age difference.

Then it dawned on me what she was trying to say.  I was older than Akiva
and the smaller boy was more likely to be hurt by all of this.  I don't
think she minded the thought of us together rather what may happen because
I was older than her son.

"I understand Mrs. Miller.  We will be careful together and I will be
gentle with him."

She smiled and patted my cheek with her warm hand.  "Akiva and
Dylan...good...together." She told me reassuringly as she got up and left
me alone to my thoughts.  It appeared as if she had given us her blessing.
I also began to wonder if Akiva had talked with his mother about us.
Sighing to myself I dove back into the current problem situation.  I was
very focused on the task at hand but did realize at some point that the
sheriff and his wife had arrived, but continued to work.  I was very close
at the point where I was finished as I looked over the maps and diagrams
one more time to be sure.

"Dylan where the hell are you hiding?" I heard a familiar booming voice
thundering down the hallway along with heavy footed stomping and high
pitched screams as the girls scrambled out of the way.

"Oh shit," I muttered to myself looking up at the clock and running out of
my father's study.

"There you are get over here so I can give you a proper hug," my uncle,
Bubba Gump bellowed followed by two other bellowing voices making their
presence known.

I sighed and ambled over to my uncle Bubba Gump where I was promptly lifted
up into the air like a small sack of potatoes and the air almost squeezed
out of me.  "Damn boys, he's put on some weight," he chuckled putting me
back on the ground while my other two uncles gathered around to get a good
look while thumping me on my back almost knocking the wind from my lungs
not to mention it sort of hurt with my still sore shoulder.

"Damn you're right, he's almost all grown up now almost like a proper young
man," Billy Bob commented.

They weren't really my uncles, just guys who've worked for our company for
years and sort of helped raise me since I was a little baby.  They were
like family to me and very loyal workers to my father.  Each one had
obtained a sort of redneck nickname honoring some of the corny and witty
movies with the stereotyped big good ole southern boys; hence the names
like the combination Bubba Gump for the movie "Forrest Gump."

"I don't know about that maybe we better check first," my third uncle,
Cooter, bellowed in a deep voice.  His name deriving from the garage
mechanic on the old show, Dukes of Hazzards.

Before I could do anything Bubba Gump leaned over and pulled out my shorts
looking inside of them to see what I had down there.  "Oh hell boys, he
finally sprouted a few hairs and he doesn't have that little baby penis
anymore," He hooted as the others gathered around to take a peek.

By this time the other children had gathered around along with Mrs. Miller
who just scolded the older men in what I could imagine meant stop being
such foolish men and leave the boy alone.  The three gigantic men had sort
of created a wall around me so it wasn't as if anyone else could see that
they were ogling my privates but by their talk it was quiet obvious that
they were.

"Alright, if you boys are through molesting my godson, then let me get a
good look at him for myself," another loud voice boomed over the entire
cacophony of din that was going on at the moment making everyone jerk
upright.

Everyone scrambled out of the way at the approaching intimidating figure.
He was big, about six foot eight inches tall and built like an ox with huge
arms, wide body, and legs the size of old growth forest trees.  The
children and adults alike filed up against the wall to give this man enough
room to approach, he was that big.

My godfather and uncle, Trigger (Trig for short and named after the famous
horse from the Roy Rogers era), stopped about a yard in front of me and
gave me the once over.  "So, your father tells me you've improved your
skills, shall we see about that?" He inquired.

"What now?" I asked.

"Yes now," he bellowed.  "It's been close to six months since I've seen you
so we might as well start catching up right away.  So where is it?" He
asked looking around.

Sighing and shaking my head I motioned for him to follow me out back.  In
the back by the orchards what used to be a large twenty five foot long
storage shed had been converted for me to work out in.  We stepped inside
the building and I noticed everyone had followed us over curious about what
was going on.

Flipping on the switch, the lights flickered on and a nice sized Dojo was
illuminated with matting and fighting equipment stored up along the walls
and floor.  I walked over to my gear and slowly started pulling on my head
gear and padding.  I motioned over to the cabinet where a similar set was
stored but in the largest size they made.  My uncle Trig put his protective
gear on and we met out on the middle of the mat.

Mrs. Miller said something to her son and she started to step out onto the
matt but Bubba Gump just blocked her way and patted her hand reassuringly.

"Dylan what is going on?" Sheriff Galeotti spoke up a little concerned but
was blocked by Billy Bob who just shook his head and indicated to watch.
Billy Bob's nickname derived from the actor who played in the movies like
"Sling Blade, Armageddon and The Alamo."

"Tradition," I replied.

"What do you mean tra..."Sheriff Galeotti started to ask but was drowned
out by the sound of a bell that Cooter rang.

I immediately got into a defensive stance and circled around very warily.
Uncle Trig might be a big man but he was lightening fast and knew his
business when it came to martial arts.  I've been training since I was five
years old and wasn't a slouch either.  When one of our most recent trips
found us in Thailand for several months I was fortunate enough to train
with a Grand Master.  He was an old gentleman but boy did he pound the
lessons into me in such a short period of time, and I do literally mean
pound the lessons into me.  The man may have been in his eighties but he
moved like a teenager and hit with the force of a grizzly bear.

Trig feinted a few times getting into a rhythm and steadily approached me
as I bobbed and weaved staying out of any direct connections he might make
to my body.  Then it happened as a flurry of punches and kicks flew out
from both of us as we moved like dancers deflecting and connecting with
punches and kicks.  His right arm snapped out and grazed the side of my
head which looked worse than it was because it wasn't a solid connection.
I heard the girls screech in protest and Mrs. Miller cried out but we
continued our movement.  This was full contact and no holding back.

We were only a few minutes into it but we were both sweating as we
continued to exchange blows.  I managed to make a few solid connections
which seemed to surprise Uncle Trig.  I had improved vastly since our last
bout and he started to concentrate even more.  He was a big man and fast
but he was tiring as he started in with another set of flurries which I
proficiently deflected without too much effort.

I switched up my style which caught him off guard as it was a style he
didn't recognize.  He came at me and lightning quick I launched myself in
the air and my foot solidly connected against the protective padding around
his head.  It was a potent blow and I had used the physics involved with
body motion as my upper torso twisted followed by my lower half to make the
impact a powerful one.  His eyes glazed over for a moment and he fell to
the mat.

Tearing off my headgear I ran over to him making sure he was alright.  He
got up on his knees and removed his padding as he moved around his jaw to
make sure it still worked.  He smiled at me and clapped me on the back.

"Well I guess your dad was right, you've improved some," He complimented
me.

Right at that moment I was smothered in Akiva's embrace followed closely by
Darren's and David's.  They accomplished what uncle Trig wasn't able to do,
knock me down with their weight.  The other's had gathered around me in awe
of my skills.  It wasn't something I had planned on sharing like this and
really was a bit embarrassed by the situation, not to mention I had to
explain what had just happened to everyone.

Over the years Trigger had been teaching me martial arts and every time we
go somewhere I always seek someone out who is willing to teach me for the
short time while I was there.  Our last trip was to Thailand and this old
Grand Master accepted me as a student.  He did so warily at first but then
recognized some of my talent and really put forth an effort to teach me as
much as possible in the short period of time.

After explaining this to everyone Mrs. Miller spoke to her son who
translated that lunch was ready.  Of course my uncles nearly ran everyone
over, including the kids, getting to the dining room.  Along the way Cooter
and Billy Bob each scooped up one of the girls tickling them on the way
with the girls screaming in delight.  Bubba Gump scooped up little David
and was blowing farts on the boy's tummy who just giggled and wriggled
around in the big man's arms.  My godfather and uncle, Trig, scooped up
Darren and threw him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and bounced
him around and twirled for good measure making the boy dizzy.  He then
cradled him in his arms and teasingly groped him giving his balls a good
squeeze.

Of course he didn't know about Darren's background but treated him like he
had done me at the same age.  He teased little Darren good naturedly and
even ooh and awed when he got a good feel of the boy's package crooning to
the boy that he showed promise in the pecker and balls department.  The
sheriff eyed the man suspiciously and sidled over to me voicing his
concern.  I told him not to worry that he was married with grown children
of his own.  He was just teasing Darren good naturedly like he had done me
for all the years I was growing up.  After all they are rugged contractors
who constantly teased one another.  He was treating Darren like one of the
crew and not like a little sissy.  In a way it was a compliment towards the
boy.

The sheriff thought about it a moment and then smiled.  He agreed with me
that maybe this was a healthy thing for Darren to just be treated like one
of the guys.  The blonde eleven year old evidently didn't seem to mind the
playful groping and actually seemed to like the large man.  The sheriff
even chuckled when he saw Trig pull on the front of the boy's pants and
took a peak at what the boy had between his legs.  Of course Darren smacked
the man's hand admonishing his newly adopted uncle but he giggled when the
man whispered something in his ear.

We all gathered around the table and Darren once again gave the blessing.
It was similar to the one he provided yesterday and I saw uncle Trig look
towards me questioningly as he had immediately picked up on the poor boy's
troubles.  I looked back at him letting him know I would explain later.  At
the end Darren added that he hoped everyone in the shelter were doing fine
and prayed that they would all be able to return to their homes healthy and
that no damage had been done to any of their property.

We all thanked Darren for the wonderful prayer and tribute to all of the
people in our community, then the sheriff spoke up.  "Dylan the Mayor along
with the town committee members wanted me to convey to you their deepest
gratitude for the generator.  It has made a world of difference and is
purring along like a kitten."

"Oh, so you've loaned out Betsy," Bubba Gump clapped me on the shoulder
while I winced a little in pain.  "Good for you.  She's a good ole woman
and very reliable.  She does what she is told and never poops out on you.
Just like how a good woman should behave," he bellowed out.

I nearly shit my pants, but what do you expect from hardened construction
guys.  The man has a heart of gold and is surprisingly smart, but sometimes
he opens up his mouth and sticks his size thirteen shoes right inside. The
other three boys were trying to stifle their giggles without much success
while Bubba Gump looked hungrily into one of the large pots of food as if
he had said nothing that wasn't true.  I looked towards Sharon and
Mrs. Miller apologetically but they just smiled and ignored the comment.
Evidently they were used to dealing with men like this.

Mrs. Miller leaned towards her son saying something and Akiva spoke up
stating his mother says, "Yes, god has given women patience so that they
can slowly wear you down and when you are old and feeble they can then take
what is rightfully theirs.  Why do you think women live so much longer than
men Mr. Bubba Gump?"  Akiva finished while Mrs. Miller folded her arms and
sat back haughtily.

Bubba Gump looked up and stared at Mrs. Miller who just stared back smugly.
He looked around for some support but everyone was looking anywhere but at
him.  When his gaze fell on me I just shrugged my shoulders, he was alone
in this mess he had created.  He sighed and decided this wasn't a war worth
fighting.  Good move I thought to myself.

Mrs. Miller really had outdone herself.  This time she cooked Chicken
Goulash in two large pots with lots of potatoes, carrots, onions, and
spices.  It had a completely different taste to yesterday's Hungarian
Goulash but man it was even tastier than I could imagine and the chicken
just fell of the bones.  She had also prepared biscuits to go with it and
made several pies.

The large men kept scooping into their bowls and Trig kept scooping for
Darren who started to protest.  "Not a word and you will eat it all if you
want to grow hairs around your pecker," he had whispered the last part in
Darren's ear.

The boy just gaped and spurt juice out through his nose.  Uncle Trig
promptly thumped the boy vigorously on his back.  I thought Darren was
going to cough up a lung he was being walloped so hard.

I laughed at the poor boy who just glared at me before losing it himself.
Everyone was looking at us wanting in on the joke but uncle Trig just
winked at his newly adopted nephew.  Darren gleamed at the attention and
seemed truly happy at being manhandled like that by the large man.  He
relished being treated like any other normal boy.

It was a noisy affair as everyone enjoyed the food and company.
Mrs. Miller kept eyeing her fast depleting supply of Chicken Goulash as the
large boys kept scooping bowlful after bowlful.  She looked at me and I
tried to hide a smile but she just scowled at me.

"What's with little mother over there?" Trig asked me.

"Um, you'll see here in a moment," I responded.  My uncle just glanced at
me and shrugged his shoulders.

Sure enough just as I had predicted Bubba Gump looked inside the empty pots
and looked over to Mrs. Miller, "do you have any more little mother,
because that was delicious?" He asked her seriously as my other large
uncles looked into the pots and nodded in agreement.

Mrs. Miller glared in my direction and then got up saying something to her
son who tried desperately not to laugh, "Um, mother says you need to save
room for pie."

I couldn't help myself as I burst out in laughter and actually knocked my
chair over.  I was still laughing so hard when uncle Trig leaned over and
set me and my chair back into the upright position.  Even Akiva was
laughing uncontrollably despite his mother's glare at him.

She spoke up again and Akiva translated, "Dylan, mother says you are a
horrible and naughty boy but she still loves you."

"Tell her I know and I'm sorry but I tried to warn her.  If it's any
consolation she could have made ten pots and the boys would have sat for
hours at the table until it was all gone."

Akiva translated for her and she came over giving me a motherly kiss as a
way of showing she forgave me.  She smacked me on the arm before going to
get the pies.  I explained to everyone about the exchange we had earlier in
the morning.

"So what are you trying to say Dylan, that we are a bunch of pigs or
something," Bubba Gump asked a bit hurt.

"Well I'd normally say if the shoe fits but pigs don't wear shoes," I
commented busting up this time with everyone in the room joining in,
including my large human pigs.

We continued to sit around the table for a while longer eating up
Mrs. Miller's freshly baked pies.  Darren had gotten up and settled himself
in uncle Trig's lap and I noticed David and the girls follow suit climbing
aboard their respective uncle's laps.  I smiled happy that Darren had found
comfort in uncle Trig's embrace, but there was also a feeling of sadness
that I had for the boy desperately hoping his happiness would continue.

David was telling his father and mother about my accident with the cattle
and then told them about my vision quest, the black bear, and the resulting
injury.  Of course his parents thought he exaggerated but the boy insisted
and asked me to show them the picture.  I quietly told him maybe later and
instead whispered something to Akiva who looked for a moment and then
nodded his head.

With his approval I herded everyone into my mother's piano room.  My uncles
looked around remembering my mother and all the fond memories they had of
her around that piano.  Akiva took his seat and started to play.  He
performed a few songs and then beckoned to his sisters who approached and
stood in front of him.

"I am going to play father's song now so do not be sad or afraid.  He wrote
it for us, yes, so we must find enjoyment because it is his memory."  He
softly told them.

The girls nodded and the older one added, "but it is your song too Akiva.
You wrote it with him so it is yours and fathers." She stated simply and he
nodded to her.

The girls returned and he began to play.  He was very skilled and his
fingers flowed flawlessly over the keys.  When his voice joined in everyone
gasped at how beautiful he sounded.  He had a clear strong voice and it
carried across the space resonating with strength, power, and yet also
gentleness, tenderness.  When he finished the room was filled for a moment
with a tranquil hush of respect before exploding with applause.

Finally it was time to get down to some business.  I motioned for the
sheriff and Trig to follow me into the other room while the others either
helped Mrs. Miller or went into the living room to play.  Closing my
father's conference room I got right down to business.  The sheriff looked
on while I went over my calculations and observations on the blueprints and
maps on the outlying area.

"Wow boss this is really good.  We should be able to narrow down the
problem here with the power.  If not your other idea of rerouting through
the original line before they put in the new system might just work.  I'll
see to it that we coordinate through the power company so that way we can
get everything into place.  This way all they have to do is show their lazy
asses up and get everything hooked up."

We discussed a few more details and I could see the puzzled look on the
sheriff's face.  While we were in the office Trig's whole demeanor had
changed deferring to my instructions while outside the office I was treated
just like an ordinary teenager.  He marveled at how easily the large man
changed in demeanor and how I managed to change roles so easily as well.  I
have to admit it is harder than it looks but my uncles help make sure I'm a
balanced and grounded person.

Now came the hard part and I motioned for Trig to take a seat.  I rubbed my
temple with shaking fingers a little bit nervous about what I was going to
do.  I looked over at the sheriff who had picked up on my change in mood
and he sighed as he scratched his head in thought for a moment.  Trig
looked from the sheriff to me getting a bit nervous.

"Um boss did I do something wrong?" He asked looking first at me and then
the sheriff before looking back at me.

Shaking my head I just looked over to the sheriff who simply nodded his
head.  I sighed gathering my thoughts and started to speak.  I began
hesitantly not knowing if I was betraying a confidence but also knowing it
had to be done.  My voice got steadier as I laid it out to my uncle about
Darren.  As I spoke I could see the horror and hurt in the man's eyes.

The man was shaken to the core at what he was hearing, then he became
angry, and finally he just looked at us in horror because of what he had
just done to Darren.  He stuttered and stammered ashamed about how he had
so boldly just fondled the boy; although there hadn't been anything sexual
about it.  He was just treating him as he did his own family at home and
how he treated me as well.  He instantly apologized and said he would stop
this sort of behavior immediately with the other boy.

The sheriff and I looked at each other.  I didn't think that was a good
idea because for some reason Darren had responded to him and seemed to like
being treated like any other normal boy.  We suggested he keep treating him
the same way or the boy would know we had informed him of the situation.

"Listen Trig," the sheriff began, "this is the happiest I've seen Darren
since the incident.  I think part of it is because he confided in Dylan and
he hasn't stopped treating the boy any different.  The last couple of days
have been so happy for Darren because he can just be himself.  We felt it
best you know so that it isn't a huge shock for you if he decides to
confide in you.  Just be yourself and treat him like you would Dylan or
anyone else you care about, alright."

The big man nodded then asked, "But why would he just now start being
happy?  What about his family, his friends at school or in the town?"

The sheriff replied and told uncle Trig how Darren's been shunned and made
fun of by the kids in school.  The sheriff also explained how ashamed he
was of how the Mayor and other prominent citizens in the community have
been treating the entire Gibadlo family.  It is as if most of the community
had blamed Darren for this because he had come out about being gay.  I
could see the anger rise in Trig's mood and I had to calm him down and
remind him that he needed to be composed and rational for his newly adopted
nephew.  The big oaf got up and picked me up in a big bear hug.

"You've got the biggest heart in the world Dylan.  When the time comes to
make this right I will be there." He stated and left the room.

The sheriff looked at me, "what did he mean by that?" He asked.

I sighed and shook my head as I sat back down.  "He's been around me all of
my life Sheriff, and knows I've been thinking about the problem.  I...you
see...I sort of have a reputation in the company." I retorted as I rubbed
my temples.

"And what reputation would that be?" He questioned.

Sighing and looking up I just leaned back in my chair exhausted.  "When
there is a problem needing to be fixed and no solution in sight they leave
it up to me.  I fix the unfixable...I solve the unsolvable.  Uncle
Trigg...he has faith in me that there is something to be done because I
always find a way."

"Is there?" He asked.

I looked up and chuckled sarcastically then sighed, "I'm ever the optimist
sheriff.  For Darren's sake let's hope so."

"So what else is on your mind?" He asked me sensing he was there for a
reason.

I rubbed my temples and looked at him gathering my thoughts together once
again.  "So, I guess you've noticed that David um...sort of looks up to
Darren?" I started cautiously.

The sheriff looked at me and chuckled realizing now why grown men respected
me and deferred to me in business matters.  "Don't worry Dylan my wife and
I know that David has a crush on Darren and we don't mind.  He's still
young and this may just be a phase for him, if not we are prepared for that
as well.  So long as my son is happy that is all my wife and I care about."

I sighed in relief, "you have no idea how relieved that makes me.  Have you
um...talked to David about...you know?"

"Talked to him about what...oh you mean...um sex?" He queried at first and
then understanding dawned on him.  "Are they...I mean have they?
Darren...David...they haven't um...consumma...um...you know...connected in
that way have they?" He stuttered not able to come up with the words he was
really looking for and his voice cracking in shock.

"Whoa...whoa Mr. Galeotti, I just think that they are sort of feeling each
other out in this relationship...well you know what I mean."  I hadn't
meant to use the term `feeling each other out.'  I Continued, "I'm sure
they are just curious about things, besides I don't think Darren is ready
for such a big step and he cares for your son too much to inflict that sort
of confusion on someone as young as David." I stated trying to ease his
mind and of course not telling him about Darren wanting me to actually do
just that to him.  However, I got the feeling Darren was just overwhelmed
at the time and it truly isn't something he wishes to pursue at this time
with the younger boy.

"Oh I see so they are probably just sort of um...messing around right now?"
He asked me.

I was starting to feel uncomfortable about the whole situation.  I mean it
almost felt like I was ratting out David to him and that wasn't my
intention.  David is still so young and I felt his father should at least
have a talk to him about this sort of thing.  The way David was acting so
overtly, if this sort of thing got out it could become a bit difficult for
the boy.  I've already seen how Darren's been treated and didn't want the
same for David.

The sheriff studied me and leaned back sighing.  "I'll have a chat with
David, discreetly of course.  I know your concern Dylan with how Darren's
been treated by members of the community.  I'll tell David if he is going
to have this sort of relationship with Darren that it is first, alright
with his mother and me up to a point, but secondly he must keep this
between him and Darren."

I nodded and said, "Both Akiva and I know about it so if you are
comfortable with the idea tell him if he has any problems to confide in you
or your wife, but if he is uncomfortable he can confide in me or Akiva as
well.  I promise sheriff that if something happens that you or your wife
needs to know I will talk to you, fair enough?"

The man got up and shook my hand, "Thank you Dylan I was hoping you would
be there for David.  I have a feeling he will be a lot more comfortable
coming to talk with you about some of the more embarrassing things but you
are right I have to set the proper tone for him as a starting point.  Thank
you son for bringing this to my attention and we appreciate it very much."

We headed out to the living room and I just giggled at the scene.  Some of
my uncles were on the floor playing with the girls while uncle Trig was
pummeling Darren good naturedly.  Akiva was in the mix as well as he tried
to rescue one of his sisters from Bubba Gump.

Trig looked up and saw me.  He smiled happily and whispered in Darren's
ear.  The boy looked over at the large man a bit embarrassed but Trig just
nodded and gave him an encouraging shove.  The boy got up and reached over
on the side of the couch pulling out one of my large drafting tablets.  He
looked over to me hesitantly as I stepped over to him.

"Um, Dylan I um...wanted to give this to you," He blushed as he thumbed
through some of the pages.  "I hope you don't mind me using your tablet
but...I get bored sometimes and sort of like to draw." He stated handing me
the large tablet with the correct page showing.

The image he had drawn was stunning.  It was of me staring down a large
black bear.  The details were delicate and he even included claw marks on
my right shoulder dripping with blood.  I was half naked with only a breech
cloth covering me, the flaps open along one leg showing a bulging area
where a small piece of fabric from the breech cloth barely covered and
concealed my privates.  I smiled inwardly at this part of the image knowing
full well that it was his sexual fantasy at work here.  My privates may
have been covered but he added enough detail leaving no doubt what lay
beneath that fabric.

The bear was on his hind legs and I had a fierce determined look on my
face.  My features were definitely me but different and I tried to make
sense of it then it hit me.  He had drawn me when I was ten years old, not
my age now.  The drawing really was superbly done and my pecker twitched at
the sight of my own sexiness.

"Wow this is beautiful Darren, how did you manage to capture my looks at
age ten?"  I asked him seriously.

The boy got a bit nervous and looked at my uncle who just encouraged him.
"Please don't be upset Dylan but I saw the picture with your mom in the
piano room from when you were eight.  I sort of combined your features from
back then to now and...and I hope I got it right?" He asked shifting from
one foot to the other.

I smiled brightly at Darren, "Oh wow you sure did, well almost." I assured
him.

He looked down at the tablet and asked, "What didn't I get right?"

"Oh, well I think you made me look a lot better in the whole package
department.  No way was my pecker and balls that big when I was ten years
old." I acknowledged.

I heard the girls giggle and looked over to them giving them a wink and
holding my finger to my lips indicating they shouldn't tell anyone.  Darren
just laughed at me and mentioned he could change that for me.  I told him
the hell he would.  I was flattered how he had portrayed me and it would
stay that way.

He chuckled as I started perusing through some of his other images.  He had
done some of the two girls, a close up portrait of their faces which was
absolutely cute.  Another one was of David with just his upper torso
without a shirt and lying on a bed asleep.  It left me wanting to see the
rest of the boy knowing full well it would have been of the boy completely
naked.

Then there was one of Akiva sitting on a saddle with just enough of the
horse to know he was riding.  The main focus was of my sexy boy sitting on
the saddle tall and proud with his big eyes.  Of course snuggled up close
to the horse pommel was the boy's sexy boy package with a clear outline of
his penis pointing up towards his right shoulder.  The image made my dick
twitch and I almost popped a boner.  It was so sexy hot.

He had even done some sketches of Mrs. Miller and both the sheriff and his
wife.  They were all impressive more so for having done so many in such a
short period of time.  I flipped another page and saw something strange.
Almost like a drawing a draftsman would do.

"What's this?" I asked Darren.

"Oh that was just a thought I had about the town community center." He
explained.

There were several drawing depicting exactly what he had in mind.  He
wanted it to be like a community center where kids could come and be safe
with a swimming pool on the main floor along with basketball courts, and
several other types of sporting venues, and a track on the upper deck going
around the entire facility.  Of course there would be locker rooms and
showers on the main floor as well but a basement could be utilized for an
emergency shelter with plenty of beds and room to accommodate a lot of
people when disasters strike.  In addition there would be a laundry room
and kitchen.

Of course there would have to be a power source separate from everything.
He envisioned solar panels to help offset the power that has a retractable
roof that can cover the panels during harsh weather.  A large generator
would be installed for when the power was depleted.

"Whoa this is totally awesome Darren.  Do you mind if I keep these for
myself.  I'll pay you for them of course," I added when I saw him flinch at
the request.

"N...no," he stuttered.

I understood and held the tablet back out to him.  The boy had worked hard
on those sketches and I know that sometimes it is difficult for artists to
give up their work.  I was a little disappointed but didn't mind
understanding it from Darren's point of view.  The boy just stared at the
tablet in front of him and he shook his head.

"No, I meant I couldn't take money from you Dylan.  Not with how good
you've been to all of us.  You can have them if you want...I mean for free.
It's no big deal they're not really all that good anyway.  Just some
doodling that I do."  He commented.

"Doodling, hell if that's doodling then I must be drafting up stick
figures," I chuckled.  "You really have no idea how talented you are
Darren." I told him as I gave him a hug then whispered in his ear.  "By the
way thank you for making me look so sexy despite the ugly claw mark."

He hugged me back and everyone gathered around looking at the sketches.
Before my uncles left I took Bubba Gump off to the side because he had to
head back to our main office.  I handed him a small sealed box with
instructions on where to drop it off.  I told him it was extremely
important that the box get there and not to say anything to anyone about
it.

"Of course boss but why?" He asked curiously.

The man really was a treasure.  He was as smart as all get out, smarter
than one could even imagine, but he had such a youthful child like quality
about him as well.  I knew he would never look inside the box but he was
nevertheless curious.

"Because uncle Gump...it is supposed to be a surprise for later, alright?
Now when it is finished I'll call you to pick it up and bring it back to
me."  I told him and he nodded his head in understanding.

The construction crew said their goodbye's and headed out on their assigned
tasks.  We agreed that Trig would report back to me periodically on their
progress.  I told Bubba Gump to give my father a hug and kiss for me and he
just screwed up his eyes.

"Do I really have to boss?  You know how ugly he is." He stated rather
seriously.

"Hey, he's my father are you trying to say I'm ugly too?" I teased him but
in a serious tone.

"Oh no boss, we all know you lucked out and got your mother's good looks,
but let's face it if your mother didn't have such a big heart she would
have never married such an ugly looking man.  Instead she might have
married someone really nice and handsome, like me." He stated seriously.

Sometimes I wondered about Bubba Gump.  I mean at the moment I really
wasn't sure if he was serious about what he had just stated.  I had to
chuckle at that myself because at times the guy really was an enigma.

Clapping my hands together I asked who wanted to go for a ride.  Of course
David and the girls were all for it.  Darren was a bit more dubious about
the whole thing but joined in enthusiastically as well.  It had stopped
raining for the moment but I could see angry clouds in the distance slowly
heading our way.  The kids had been cooped up for so long that I figured a
small outing excursion would be good for them.

There were only four horses that we currently owned and I wanted Akiva's
help knowing he had decent riding skills.  So I told the girls that Akiva
and I would take David and Darren first and when I returned it would be
their turn.  They didn't seem to mind and headed inside with their mother.
I saddled up all four horses and chose my dad's horse for myself and let
Akiva ride Two Step since she had gotten to know him.  I put Darren on the
more sure footed and quiet Texas Rosie.

That left David with our other mare, a fairly docile quarter horse named
Bonsai, but with a little more spunk when she felt an accomplished rider on
her back.  She was sturdy and sleek with a glistening black coat and a
white muzzle.  I knew the horse would feel out David's skill level and
would make sure not to exceed the boy's riding capabilities but felt since
he was so eager to ride he wouldn't freak out if she started to get spunky.

End of Chapter Five


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