Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2008 07:21:30 -0700 (PDT)
From: Larry_c_@excite.com
Subject: My Brother's Kids, Chapter 16

Same warnings and admonitions as always. This is a FICTION work; I do not
support doing things with under-aged youth in real life! Hope you don't
either! ENJOY!

We left off:

When the boys headed out the door, Larry and Phyllis tried to figure out
what to make of Billy's reaction. Surely the young man had deep feelings
about what had happened. He's never been so quiet and reserved with his
feelings before now. The question was raised about a delayed reaction if he
went to school. Larry said that he'd get back to Phyllis if anything rose
to the surface as Billy chatted with Joey. Right now, it seemed as if limbo
was his state of mind ... that worried both adults a great deal!

My Brother's Kids Are Now Mine
Chapter Sixteen

Larry takes Billy to the hospital to visit with Joey, who finds out he's
able to leave as soon as Larry can provide transportation. So when the two
arrive and are told the same information, Billy wants to push Joey's
wheelchair out ... since it is hospital policy to have all patients leave
in that fashion. On the way to the car, Joey asks Billy if he has been told
about `Mama', to which he answers ...

      "Yeah! No big Deal!"

      "What the? ... Little Brother? How in hell can you ..."

      "I just do, Joey ... so drop it, OK?"

Larry hears this short but heart-stabbing interaction, and makes a call on
his cell to the High School ...

      "Hi Sheila... will you please call in a sub for my classes today. I
know it's short notice, but my classes don't start till second period, and
Korey is there to help whoever comes to get music started for graduation. I
always have back-up lesson plans in the top drawer of my desk in case of an
emergency ... yes... this is one! I have no choice but to take care of it
right now ... thanks! I owe you one! Tell Mr. Jacobs that I'll explain
tomorrow."

Instead of driving toward the school area of town, Larry turns the car
South on Highway 1, which of course makes both boys ask why ...

      "Guys, I've decided that you both need some time to think and share
as brothers. I have called for a substitute today, and I am taking you to a
spot down the coast where you two can talk or shout or just sit quietly
... whatever! I will be nearby in case either of you needs anything, but
there's no way you're going to school right now. Like it or not, right now,
I'm in charge, and this is what I see as the best choice for the day."

      "Mr.F., who gave you the boss hat? I don't need a fuckin' thing!
Lemme out!"

      "I'm sorry, Billy ... but you DO need this, and it IS going to
happen! I figure that I care a lot for both of you, and right now, both of
you need someone who gives a shit about what happens to you. I'm hoping
that later on I'll be thanked for it, but right now ... it's my way because
neither of you deserve the highway...got it?"

      "Uh ...uh ...but ..."

      "Shut the fuck up, Billy! He's right! Bro ... we got nobody! We're on
our own! Who knows; we might get split up in foster homes...or worse! We
gotta at least take time to be on the same page! God, Billy ... I don't
understand how you're reacting, Man!"

      "But Joey ... Mr. F. is just a cool teacher. He ain't never gonna be
our father ... Never! So why should I even start to depend on him? Maybe
our real dad will show up again. He'd be better than nobody!"

      "Damn it, you little shit! Mr.'s the most caring person we know! To
me, he almost feels like family, not like that bastard that" (then Joey
turns silent for a few moments, then continues) ... "and besides, Larry
sure let's you hang with his own kids a lot! That counts for a ton right
now! We need his help! Hell, Dude, what's in your craw?"

      "UH, Guys ... do me a favor and save this for the quiet place. I
don't want you so mad at each other that things can't be resolved
sensibly. Sounds like I might have to play referee too, and I can't keep
things on the level while I'm driving. Please sit back and be still until
we get where we're headed. PLEASE!"

Both boys sit back and shut up. Joey looking worried, and Billy looking
pissed. A few more minutes and Larry pulled off the coast highway into a
small parking area way above the beach below Bixby Bridge. He told the boys
to follow him to the waterfront, and they complied with little change in
their expressions. There was a tiny walking path down to the base of the
cliff, a creek flowing into the sea, and a very private cove out of site
from anyone still on the road or even on the main beach area. Larry told
the guys to sit on the sand, with their shoes off; he took his coat and tie
off at the car, so he did the same as he asked them to do ... and sat about
20 feet away from them to start. ... but still close enough if he had to
intervene for any reason.

Soon, Joey started the conversation ... as quietly as he could so as not to
get an angry response from Billy ...

      "Sorry, Man ... I didn't mean to call you those names a while ago. Uh
..."

      "Forget it , Bro. I know you're shook up! I just don't feel that bad
about all this like you do!"

      "That's just it, Bill ... It's our mom! She chose to commit suicide!
We're all alone! I just don't get why you aren't upset about it
... especially since you're younger and can't make it out there legally!
Explain it to me, Man! I gotta know!"

Billy quietly stands up, unbuttons his shirt, yanks it off and tosses it
across the sand ... and turns so his back is facing Joey ...

      "Maybe this will tell you why the fuckin' hell I don't give a shit!"

      "OMG ... BILLY! How did that happen? Your back looks like hamburger!
When ... Who?"

      "That Bitch you call Mother! She did this! She caught me and Mikey
jerkin' off ... just jerkin' off, mind you ... nothing unusual for a couple
teen guys just learning about their bodies, Man ... and she kicked his ass
out the door, and started in on me! She was a wild woman! All the time she
beat the crap out'a me, she was yellin' `You're not gonna turn out like
Joey! I won't let you! I'll beat it out'a you first!' God, Joey ... I want
to be like you! I am like you! It's not wrong for me to be like you! She
could'a killed me for bein' me! Somehow, I'm glad she's ... I'm glad
... I'm ... (loud scream of painful emotion) ..."

Billy fell to his knees as he screamed ... then face down into the sand,
pounding his fists. Joey sat there dazed by his reaction. Larry came to
Billy's side and gently picked him up before the sand flew into the still
raw stripes on his back ... and cradled him in a fatherly embrace ... and
gently stroked his hair and forehead as Billy whimpered, shook, and
quivered from finally letting go of all he was holding inside.

Joey remained frozen in position, with his mouth open in amazement. Larry
decided it was now the right time for him to get into the conversation ...

      "Joey ... look at me, son! What you heard from Billy was tainted by
all his physical and emotional pain. Figuring that he's finally broken the
dam, and his feelings are spilling out, he's going to get through this
easier. But now, he needs you more than he ever has. First, you have to get
over your feeling of being at fault for any of this. Your mother was wrong
in expressing anger over Billy's desire to be like you. That's Billy's
choice ... and you are a good man to look up to. There is nothing wrong
with you or with Billy wanting to be just like his older brother ... his
role model ... hell, his idol! Personal choices belong to the individual,
not to the parent. There is no fault for being true to yourself."

      "But Larry ... it's my fault that Billy wants to become gay. I got
him doing things with me! If I hadn't done that, he'd never..."

      (Billy pipes up ...) "That ain't true, Bro! You didn't start me ... I
started with school buddies way before I did it with you! And if you
remember, I asked you ... you didn't make me do nuthin' I didn't want or
ask for! I already knew I was gay, and that I wanted to be with you
sexually, way before you ever responded to my advances! So drop that guilt
shit! I love you! I always have! Prove you got balls, Man and get a grip!"

Joey got off his butt and came over to Billy, taking him from Larry's arms,
stood him up, faced him, and drew him close enough to land the most
beautiful kiss and hug square on Billy's lips ... being careful not to hurt
the wounds on his back in the process. Larry knew right then that these two
were now on the same page and that the worst was over in the battle to
regain composure and set up their futures.

    "Billy ... I love you too, Guy! We got each other, no matter what else
comes along. I have no idea how things will work out, but I know they will
as long as we stick together as brothers. You OK with askin' Larry here to
help us with all the legal crap?"

      "Uh ... Mr. F.? What I said earlier...about you never bein' a father
... I'm sorry! I just didn't realize that a teacher could care so much for
his students. It may be true that you'll never be `Dad', but you sure act
like one. Is that why so many of your students nickname you `Papa'?

      "I guess it is, Billy. And you're more than welcome to do the same,
even though I don't have you in class yet. And I guess you get in on the
family plan, so you can call me `Papa Larry' instead of Mr. F. ... away
from school, that is! Well, supposing that you want to!"

      "I'd like that ... a lot! But, what about a place to live ... and if
I get to stay with Joey? Is there anything we can do to make sure that
happens?"

      "I'll tell you both this ... if there's a way, we'll find it
together. And if the social system won't allow it ... then you have my word
that I'll do all in my power to make sure you stay in close contact, even
if you don't sleep under the same roof."

Then Joey asked ...

      "What's the first step, Lar?"

      "I'll give Mrs. Gillis a call, and see if she might volunteer to let
Billy stay there until things are decided by the system ... a temporary
foster care thing, since Billy is still thirteen. At least he won't have to
get to know some other family or end up in a weird situation if she agrees,
and the County accepts her application. The second thing that we have to
do, want to or not, is to get a Dr. to take care of Billy's back. As a
teacher and mandatory reporter of physical abuse, I can probably steer the
Dr. and Social Services toward proper placement with Mrs. Gillis because I
will vouch for her good character and the fact that she already knows about
everything and is well prepared to deal with it positively. From there we
can see to it that things move to better situation as time allows."

"Another question, Lar ... what if Social Services finds our real
father. Will they make us go live with him, even if we don't want to? I can
tell you right now, from what I remember of him, that would suck big time!"

      "I'll say this ... that they will try to determine if he is still
anywhere to be found. Unless there is a good legal reason to deny his
rights, then, yes ... they might push the issue. The way I figure it ... he
might refuse to accept the responsibility, and if he signs away his rights
and responsibilities, then other options become needed. That's what I will
work on, so we have good options.

      "But, Joey ... why don't you want him back? I don't remember much,
but I don't know any reason to refuse to be with a real dad!"

      "Billy ... you were so young, and Mom always babied you like you were
made out'a china. But I do remember ... just trust me, Man. You don't want
to know! Uh ... Lar? You said something about me becoming emancipated
... would that allow me to be Billy's caretaker?, especially if our dad
never showed up again?"

      "Not right Away! But it sure would open the door sooner than anything
else. Legally, you would be considered an adult, and family too. But
there's still the need to prove you could support Billy and give him all he
needed to finish school and have a solid future. And of course, that means
you'd finish school and have a job. Then there's housing ... but that's
simple. When Korey moves in with me, I could sell you my condo ... at a
price that would make it easy to be owned free and clear...say, for maybe
... twenty bucks?"

      "God ... you'd do that for us?"

      "Need you ask? Now, you two want to have a swim or a run on the beach
before we get back to town and get things rolling?"

Billy answered that question immediately by dropping his pants and hitting
the surf ... only to let out a big OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW... when the salt water
hit his open wounds. But he stayed in the water long enough for the salt to
do some good, in spite of the temporary pain ... which was actually what
Larry wanted to happen when he suggested the swim. Soon, Joey was horsing
around in the water with Billy, like two little kids with no worries. That
alone was worth Larry taking the day off from classroom responsibilities,
as far as he was concerned.

Meanwhile, Larry called Mrs. Gillis ... explained the day's happenings and
talks ... and mentioned the idea of becoming a temporary foster parent for
Billy ... to which she answered a firm yes without a moment's
hesitation. So the basis for the plan was already laid down. Larry was
confident that with that being accomplished, and a few favors called in
from some officials he knew ... that the rest would fall into place.

Next, Larry called Korey's cell. It was between classes at the moment, so
he knew it wouldn't cause a problem for Kor to chat a few minutes...

      "Hey Kor ...it's me, Larry ..."

      "Dang, Lar ... where the hell are you? When you sent in a sub ... I
got all worried that something really bad happened."

      "It almost did, Kor. But all's clear now. I took Joey and Billy to
the cove on Highway 1 so that things could open up before they escalated to
a full explosion. And we have come to a plan that seems to the best
interest of both boys. I need your help, though."

      "You know I'll do anything I can ... for you, and for them. Just
ask!"

      "How about sharing a condo until graduation?"

      "Uh ... with ...Joey?"

      "Of course! It can't be me! And it sure would't look good if you move
in with me yet, or even worse ... if Joey were to move in with
me. What'a'ya say?"

      "I sure don't mind! But Lar ... what about ...?"

      "I trust both of you enough not to worry about that! Just keep in
your mind that you and I are as good as `married', Dude. I've granted some
leeway, but I am not going to give you up. Is that clear? If it isn't
...now's the time to say it! I won't move my limits...even for you, my
Love! It's time you decided if our vows meant all they were said to be!"

      "I've been thinking about that! I really have! My heart says my vows
still stand. It's just my cock that seems to have a brain of its own. I
gotta grow up enough to not let the wrong brain rule me. Larry ...my love
for you is true and strong. I'll really try my hardest to ..."

      "Good enough for now! We'll work on it together! Now...is that a yes
for having a room mate at the condo?"

      "Yeah! It is! See ya tonight?"

      "Yes ...oh, by the way, please pick up Case and Eaton after school,
and then we will all meet at my place, and finalize things ... at least
till the County sticks its finger in the pie. You better get to class
before you're tardy. Thanks, Kor!"  * click *

As Larry began to drive back toward Carmel and the Peninsula, he decided
that the sooner he reported Billy's injured back the better. The salt water
had done a lot to help, but if it wasn't treated officially, some
hot-to-trot social worker might make a case that it was being hidden for
other reasons. Call it self-preservation or just plain smarts, Larry took
the turn toward Community Hospital walk-in services. He also chose to make
a call to Janet Olson, the Department Head of Youth Protective Services of
Monterey County ... quite a good friend from his high school days when he
was still trying to keep a very straight appearance on campus as a
senior...

      "Janet Olson? Larry Freeburg! Yes ... long time! Me? Fourth year as
Music and Drama Instructor ... yes, right here in town. Why haven't I
called ... I heard you were married and had a couple children already, so I
figured ... well, right ... friends always ... but I figured I shouldn't
until your husband ... OK, so I flubbed it! ... Janet, of course I'd love
to get our families together for a BBQ sometime, however ... I called for
another reason today. I have one of my son's friends with me right now, and
his older brother who is one of my band students. I'm headed for the
Hospital walk-in because young Billy here has been ... punished by an irate
mother and needs to be looked at. I don't want the hospital staff to think
I did the damage. Can you call them and clear it for me, please. I'll fill
you in as soon as the Dr. starts to examine him. ... thanks, I owe you!
I'll call back in a few minutes!"

      "Uh, Papa Larry? What was that all about?"

      "It's for our own good, Billy. I just tuned Social Services into the
situation by informing them I was taking you to the Dr. for your back. If
we had just shown up first, the police would be called, and instead of me
being able help you, they might assume that I did the damage...or worse,
that Joey did it ... and we'd be up a creek before we knew we had a canoe."

      "But I'd tell `em you two didn't do anything!"

      "I know you would, Billy ... but CPS doesn't think like others do,
and they might think you were protecting us by telling a lie out of being
scared or even threatened about squealing on us."

      "You gotta be fuckin' kiddin'!"

      "Unfortunately, I'm not! But with it being reported to the top person
in charge already, I guarantee things will go smoother. Just tell the
Dr. the truth about how it happened as calmly as you can. Meanwhile, I will
call YPS back and explain the entire thing to them, names and all. That
will also get things rolling for you being able to stay with Mrs. Gillis on
an emergency basis for now."

      "Yes, Sir ... I'll do it because I trust ya like Joey does!"

      Hey little Brother ... one thing ... don't say a word about how well
you know Larry's boys or Mrs. Gillis's son. You can say you know them from
school ... but anything else, and that'd kibosh it so fast ...!"

      "Hell, Joey ... I ain't that stupid!  I know better to say anything
about sex stuff to anyone with a power gig! How long have I known about
scouts and just you and me doin' stuff, anyway! I'd fuck up all my own fun
if I mentioned any of it!"

      "Just had to mention it, Bro! That's all!"

When the guys arrived at the admitting desk, Larry was totally honest as to
the reason for the visit, and even though there was no emergency need
involved, the nurse took Billy directly in for an exam. Since Mrs. Olsen
had already made her promised call, Larry and Joey were free to wait
without threat of police showing up and improperly questioning them. The
Dr. would of course ask Larry to verify what Billy said after the exam
... but for now, all would proceed smoothly.

As he had promised to do, Larry called Janet back and explained everything
as clearly as possible. Janet told him that the conversation was being
taped. Larry acknowledged that fact and approved his voluntary statement
being taken. As the details were being given, Janet mentioned she was aware
of suicide report from earlier in the day, putting two and two together as
to who Billy and Joey were, and what Larry was trying to do for his
students. She agreed to call Mrs. Gillis and give a temporary placement
order to allow Billy to stay there until proper home studies could be made
and an extended license issued. Larry again thanked Janet for the
expediting of red tape, and made sure she could get in touch with him at
any time if other information was needed.

But then, the question of Joey's care came up in the discussion, since he
was still under age. Larry mentioned Joey's desire to become emancipated,
and offered the use of his condo as a temporary shelter until that detail
could be handled in the proper fashion. Of course, Larry mentioned Korey
was living there too, and he being eighteen ... as well as the fact that
Larry checked on the condo and the users on a daily basis, both as a
teacher of both parties and an interested adult willing to be responsible
until legalities were completed. Janet gave Larry the same temporary
placement order that Mrs. Gillis would receive on the basis of knowing
Larry so well previously, and the fact that he was so well thought of by
the school system.

The Hospital Administrator and the Dr. making the examination were called
by Janet, and instruction to release the young man to Larry was officially
sanctioned without incident. So as soon as Larry confirmed Billy's story to
the Dr's satisfaction, the trio was able to head back to Larry's house.

By this time, everyone else had also arrived, and Billy was stormed by Case
and Eaton with all the sympathy and caring two little guys could give to a
good friend going through such junk! Then realizing Joey was there too,
turned their affections to him as well. Korey stood next to Larry, the two
holding hands and simply watching the expressions of youthful love being
shared between four sexy horn toads who still needed to be careful who was
present while this kind of emotional support flowed so freely.

After a reasonable length of time being allowed for such communication,
Larry called order, and asked everyone to have a seat n the living room, so
the plans could be told regarding the next few days ahead...

      "OK, guys ... here's the plan for now ... I know you little guys
would like it if Billy stayed here, and probably want Joey to do the same,
but that's not possible. Billy has to go stay with Mrs. Gillis under a
County order for her to have an emergency bed placement house. Joey has
been assigned to use the condo for now until he can start the emancipation
process. They know he'd be sharing it with Korey, but as long as I
supervise the situation closely ... the County is satisfied about the
arrangement. From this point, nothing is in cement ... so we'll just have
to go one step at a time for now. At least for now, we are all on the same
page?"

      "But Dad ... that means Billy gets to stay with Mikey! Uh ... does he
have to sleep with Mikey too?"

      "Eaton! Why should that matter to you, Son? On second thought, maybe
you shouldn't answer that right now! We can talk about that alone
later. But let this suffice for now ... and Billy, I apologize for the
insinuation that my son made, hopefully not intending to cast wrong ideas
and all ... Son, the County does require a separate bedroom for foster
placements, even in an emergency house ... and there is an extra room for
Billy to use. So I think an apology might be in order from you, Eaton!"

      "Uh, Billy ... sorry I ... but ... well...!"

      "That's OK, Eaton ... if you were gonna be at Mikey's, I might be
wondering something too ... some situations kind'a show up in football
practice shower rooms, don't they!"

Casey got a laugh out of that return dig. He whispered to Eaton ...

      "Gotch'a back, didn't he, Bro! Serves ya right for bein' jealous!"

Eaton slugs Case's arm and starts to pout, but Larry's glaring eyes put a
stop to both kids' antics post-haste! Korey asked if he and Joey should
drop Billy off at the Gillis's on their way to the condo, but Larry told
them to go on without him, as it was Larry's responsibility to get Billy
there and settled, by County edict. So the discussion being over, Korey and
Joey left.

      "Alright you two ... I figure you both have some homework to do. I
suggest you each go to your own room and get it done while I take Billy to
the Gillis's. I won't be gone long, so make sure that little tait-t'-tait
doesn't continue while I'm gone...got it?"

      "Yes, Dad ... but if I get into trouble for sayin' what I did
... then Case wasn't very nice with what he said to me."

      "But Daddy, all I said was the truth..."

      "I said ... it stops here and now. Go do your homework. I'll hear the
rest later. Please do what I ask. Today's been a tough one. Let it rest!
I'll be back real soon."

      "Yes Sir" (in unison;)

And slowly, the boys headed upstairs to their own rooms ... making sure not
to let any negative vibes be seen ... at least by Larry.

In the car now ...

      "Papa Larry? Don't get too mad at Eaton, please ... as a favor to
me. I know why Eaton said what he did. You see, that time I stayed at your
place ... I chose to sleep with Casey, `cause me and Eaton were close
friends from football already. Eaton got a little jealous that Casey got to
share his bed that night. Well, I kind'a promised Eaton he'd get his turn
on my next visit ... and he was hopin' that maybe tonight ... well, you
know!"

      "But, Billy ... the rest of us didn't need to find out all that, at
least not so openly and publicly. What if he had said that with a social
worker present! I already knew that between scouts, football, and a
sleep-over, some boyhood activities must have taken place. I know my boys,
even if I didn't know about you and Joey already. But for it to be made an
open shot from the hip ... that's what I have to correct, for all of us to
remain free to express ourselves. Oh, I won't really punish him, but I will
make things clear as to proper thinking being done before saying anything
that can hurt someone. I hope you're OK with that!"

      "Yes Sir ... but truthfully, I enjoyed finding out Eaton was a little
jealous! I like him a lot, and wondered if he'd even want to ... uh ..."

      "Say no more ... some things I don't need to hear. Then I won't have
to lie about them! Get my drift?"

      "Dang, Papa Larry ... you're even cooler than I thought! Thanks!"

About that time, they had reached Mrs. Gillis's place. Larry parked, and
they walked to the door and rang the bell. Mrs. G. came to the door and
welcomed them both into the house, and had Mikey show Billy to his own
room, which just happened to be separated from Mikey's room by a shared
bathroom between. Both doors of the bath were lockable, so the County
approved of it as being private enough for the placement to be allowable.

 Meanwhile, Larry went to the living room with Mrs. G., and discovered that
Janet Olson was already there, supervising the placement. All seemed quite
proper as far as the license requirements were concerned, so as she made
known her approval and her thanks to Larry for being so helpful, she
started for the front door. However, as she was about to leave, she turned
to Larry and quietly asked for him to join her out by her car for a short
discussion. Larry nodded, and offered to walk her out.

When they were both out of earshot of the house, Janet began to speak ...

      "I didn't want to say a word of this inside, but Larry ... I think we
have found Mr. Matthews, along with quite a story that may have a strong
bearing on what we are doing here."

      "Janet ... you don't mean he will want to take the boys himself and
cause more emotional hurt to them, do you?"

***********************************
End of Chapter Sixteen