Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2008 16:12:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: Larry_c_@excite.com
Subject: My Brother's Kids, chapter 18

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:

. Not often did Larry ever talk in his sleep, but he was so tired and so
deeply submerged into brain activity that he began to mumble and speak a
bit of his mind's thoughts ...

      "Oh Man ... Kor, it's so nice to feel you close again ... so warm
... so mine again ... I love ..."

Eaton was sleeping pretty soundly, but his body was reacting as most
12-year-old horny male bodies would, being held close to another living
being whose body heat and hand positions seemed to be so expressive. Yes
... by now, Eaton's 4-1/2 plus thickness was pressed into Larry's leg, and a
bit of grinding its tip into the feel of body hair was making Eaton come
out of his stupor back into the world of reality and awareness ... just
enough that he heard what Larry had just murmured. The problem, however, is
that he had missed hearing the name `Kor' at the beginning of Larry's dream
sequence.

My Brother's Kids Are Now Mine Chapter Eighteen

      "Oh how I've wanted ... to get you back in bed again ... it's been so
hard to want you ... and not be able to ... MMMMmmmmmmmm."

Eaton's hand dropped from Larry's chest to his belly button, and into a
small puddle of pre-cum forming at the end of Larry's rock hard 7-1/2
incher. Eaton's finger twirled through the puddle, and then found its way
to Eaton's mouth. He was finally tasting Dad's juices, and Dad seemed to be
saying that he had really wanted Eaton all along! Now Eaton was totally
awake and so wanting to please ... by sharing his very soul with his Larry,
his loving Dad!

      "How hot your cock is ... feels good against my leg ... let me
... wrap my fingers ... already wet, huh? ... so glad you're here ..."

Eaton was so pleased that his Dad was finally giving in to his desires to
share with his son, after so many times of being denied this privilege
... so pleased, in fact, that he took Larry's dripping dick into his young
mouth and began tonguing it almost in worship ...

      (Snort ... gasp ...)  "Uh ... Eaton ...Son! What are you doing?"

Eaton lurched back off Larry's cock, looking as if he had been stabbed in
the heart, and simply said ...

      "But Dad, you said you wanted it ... you wanted me ... I just..."

      "God ... I said what?"

Eaton quoted every word that he heard Larry say, and began to cry because
he thought he was in trouble for giving Dad what Dad had asked for. Larry
took Eaton in his arms again, wiped the tears from Eaton's eyes, kissed
him, and explained that it had to have been a dream ... that he may have
been dreaming of Korey ... that maybe that was what Eaton had heard ... all
the time remaining very erect and still leaking drops of compassion from
his manly rod.

      "But Dad ... I know that inside, you do want me. I know you fight off
the urges. I can tell! Even now, your dick is saying something different
from your mouth! Tell me I'm wrong! I dare you to tell me that!"

After a long silent pause ...

      "Eaton ... I can't tell you that, when ... when I know it's ... a lie
... and so do you! It's so wrong! You're so young! You're my son, by God!
Eaton ... Eaton ... and yet, I'm beginning to think I don't care about all
that. But Son, Korey and I are like ... almost married, and that is making
this even tougher! How can I be committed to him and still ...?"

      "Dad ... how can Korey be so committed to you ... and still have
Joey?"

      "Damn! Damn! Damn! Two wrongs ... on the other hand ... a child shall
... I just don't know how to answer you, Eaton ... except ..."

Larry draws Eaton up onto his chest, nestles the boy's groin into his own,
and begins to kiss Eaton with all the same passion he has shared with Korey
so far. Eaton relaxes into Larry's caress, and returns the kiss with such
skill that Larry loses thought of the age factor immediately. Soon, moans
and other sounds of pure pleasure begin to fill the room. As Eaton's
perfectly smooth but sweaty body slips across Larry's soft body hair and
more defined muscles, these two males begin to rise toward sexual bliss
together. Cocks thicken, balls rise, bodies tense, and ... and ... at
almost the same moment in time, boy-cum is forced out of its storage bag to
be mixed with the even greater amount of man-juice between these quivering
masses of entwined male flesh, while battling tongues continue exploring
every inch of desirous mouths.

With both persons being totally drained and momentarily frozen in position,
trying desperately to regain the ability to breathe, a mix of emotions
began to stir in two separate minds. Eaton began to feel a sort of victory
cry because he and his Dad were finally honest with feelings and the open
expression of the same. He was elated and felt fulfilled. On the other
hand, Larry ... a realization that he had responded to a need of his son,
yes ... but also an admission that he could no longer deny his desire to
love his boy! But with that ... GUILT!  ... and maybe even shame! His
thoughts took over his brain instantly ...

      "Now what? I've crossed the line I was never going to cross. I'm a
dirt-bag ... a perv ... a boy lover? I've even joined in incest! I'm DEAD
MEAT! I'm going to have to quit my job! OH GOD! OOOOHHHHHHH
DAAAAAAAAAAAAMN!"

Eaton sensed his Dad's mental torment, and simply said ...

      "No one ever needs to know about this, Dad. I love you too much to
tell a soul!"

      "Son, I'll know! I may never forgive myself! But at the same time, I
am not sorry that we shared our love so deeply."

      "Dad ... it isn't wrong! It's beautiful! I wanted it. You didn't make
me do anything I didn't want. I want more ... I want it often. As long as
we keep things just in the family, just our secret ... and all want to love
each other ... what business of anyone else is it anyway? Hell, you know
that Casey wants to be with you as bad as I do! I love Case ... I love you
... you love Kor ...you love me ... Kor loves you and Joey ... Joey loves
me and Casey ... plus any other way you look at it, we all understand each
other's hearts.  And none of it is wrong because we all want it to happen."

      "Son ...Eaton ... if it was just that simple! Oh how I wish it was!
If the rest of the world had your understanding, it would seem like heaven
on earth. I promise you this ... that I will dwell on what you just said,
and try hard to believe that it is true in our situation. But you need to
promise me that no one ... not even Casey or Kor knows this happened
tonight until I say it's OK ...is that fair?"

      "I'm not sure I think it's fair ... but for you, Dad, I promise. Just
so you know, though, I've never kept anything secret from Case ... so this
isn't gonna be easy. The kid seems to read my mind sometimes! He knew it
the first time I came home from scouts with new experiences, and I never
said a word! What if he ..."

      "Just do your best, Eaton ... and if Case gets too nosy or too close
to the truth ... send him to me instead of trying to explain anything
yourself. I might not do any better at it than you, but at least he'll hear
it directly from me, and he and I can deal with it together."

      "Dad ... can you just hold me close again for a little longer?"

      "Oh God, yes, my little love bug!"

After a half hour or so, Eaton kissed Larry one more time, and then told
him that maybe the best thing was for him (Eaton, that is) to go back to
his own room before Casey woke up to use the bathroom or something ... just
for safety sake of the secret being easier to keep if Case didn't notice a
vacancy in E's bed. Larry agreed and let him leave, even if it was with a
slight reluctance.

Fortunately for Larry, the next day at school was so occupied with
preparation for graduation, scholarship paperwork for music and drama
recipients in the Senior class, and of course, helping Joey to begin the
process of emancipation ... that Larry had no time to dwell on his emotions
from the night before.

Korey never noticed a difference in Larry's countenance, or at least didn't
mention it. If anything, Kor had a bit more radiance to his own facial
expression as he worked more earnestly with Joey on leadership
training. Maybe it was only the fact that summer camp might not be
possible, so the two young men had to work more diligently to see results
sooner ... but something gave Kor a special lift.

And Joey?  He seemed almost giddy! He couldn't thank Larry enough for his
help ... with the legal stuff ... with the housing ... with caring so much
... whatever! (If you ask me, I'm wondering if Joey and Kor were able to
share a house without ...).

After school, having already asked Korey to pick up Casey and Eaton, Larry
took Joey to the County Courthouse, and introduced him to a Judge friend,
His Honor, Judge Ralph Thomas III, a fourth generation lawyer who had
earned the great privilege of being elected to the bench by shear hard work
for defending deserving clients over the past 12 years in Monterey
County. His main area of expertise during his private practice happened to
be in adoptions and other youth-related legalities ... thus making him the
perfect person for Larry to ask about Joey's needs now, and soon those of
his younger brother, Billy.

      "Well, Larry, my friend ... what brings you to Salinas, and
especially to my private chambers?"

      "Your Honor ... this young man is the cause of my invasion of your
inner-sanctum! His name is Joey Matthews, and he has a pressing need that
maybe you can handle ... let's say, as a favor to an old school mate who
got you out of some pretty rough situations before you got smart!"

      "Larry ...this young man doesn't need to know all the details!
Otherwise, he might not think so highly of the office of this Court. So
... `Splain it to meee, Reeky!"

Larry begins the discussion by explaining the possible directions available
to Joey because of the short historical situation at hand. The Judge then
asks Joey several questions to pick the youth's mind as to benefits and
problems he understood to be a part of each choice ... to which Joey
responded very admirably. The Judge had all the answers he needed to
satisfy the legal requirements of emancipation, but was not sure why Larry
had suggested such rapidity be put into motion ... until the topic of Billy
was mentioned ...

      "Now, Master Matthews ... tell me why you think Billy won't do as
well in a foster placement such as Mrs. Gillis's home. Is there a good
reason for him to be entrusted to you, that is, if I grant your
emancipation before that bridge is crossed?"

      "Your Honor...Sir ... Billy might have a great person to be placed
with in Mrs. Gillis, I won't deny that for a minute! But she isn't family!
I am! I've been the only family Billy has been able to trust ever since he
was 5 years old. I'm not saying he won't develop into a good man without me
... but we're all we both have to hang personal security onto. Mom dead
... Dad gone years ago ... no other relatives of any kind! Personally, I do
not believe it would be in Billy's best interest to tear him away from the
only solid support system he's known. Besides, I feel responsible for him
as my brother. I want to take care of him. What else can I say?"

      "Nicely put, young man ... and very decently mature I might
add. Larry ... do you agree with Joey's concept regarding Billy's future?"

      "I most certainly do, Your Honor! If I didn't support all the things
mentioned, I would not have brought him here, nor would I be suggesting
that you assist in its coming to fruition. You of all people know me well
enough to figure that out!"

      "That I do, Larry ... that I do! But it had to be said for the
record. It is duly noted. I will take all this under advisement, and will
have an answer back to you both, say...by Tuesday. Is that within your time
frame of necessity?"

      "You bet, Ralph! ... Ahem, I mean Your Honor!"

Back in the car, Joey seemed rather quiet for having just finished such a
positive session with the one person who would decide the rest of his
future in a few days time. Larry couldn't help ask why ...

      "Uh, Lar ... I'm worried that if the Judge ever finds out that Billy
and I ... you know ... how close we really are and all ... or even
discovers my scouting habits ..."

      "Listen, Joey ... Judge Thomas trusts me to the max. If I never
mention anything to bring reason for him to research those details, then I
am confident he won't even do any digging. It's practically in the bag
already. Relax, Man!"

      "After all, Lar ... I've always been loving, even over-protective,
and certainly careful never to hurt any of the boys like my ..."
(Deafening silence all of a sudden;)

      "Like your father, Joey? Is that what you almost said?"

      "YES! DAMN HIM TO HELL...YES! God, I have to tell someone! I almost
told you the other night, Lar...but I was so afraid! I trust you to keep
this just between us, Man! You just gotta! I was real young when I
discovered my little pee wee felt nice when I rubbed it. I had no idea why,
or that it was a dirty thing for a boy to use it as a toy back then. All I
knew is that I liked how it made me feel all over. One night, that man came
into my room, drunk as shit ... saw me playing with myself, and yelled that
if I was that interested ... he'd give me something to really make it
worthwhile. He literally tore his cock out'a his pants, grabbed my head,
and forced his full length down my throat. I gagged, and couldn't breathe,
but he had no mercy. `Get it wet, bitch', he said ... and then yanked it
out, turned me over, and thrust me onto it with all his strength. I yelled
out from the pain, but mom never came in to save me. She just pretended not
to hear anything. He ripped me open, and I bled ... but he still raped my
ass for probably thirty minutes, but if seemed more like all night long to
me. When he finally pumped a huge load of cum deep inside me, he passed out
... leaving me to leak blood and jizz all over my sheets. From then on, I
hated that bastard."

      "Then I don't understand why you began to do things with Billy."

      "That took some time to start ... I guess it was sort of a protective
thing I did to spare him the hurt I had experienced. But first, that
asshole of a dad-thing kept coming to my room night after night ... because
he wasn't getting any from mom. The more he did me, the less damage was
being done. I guess I toughened up, or something. Soon ... and I don't
understand it even yet ... I began to like it. I figure that even if it
wasn't the best attention, I was at least getting some. And then there were
the inner feelings that came from the sexual sensations ... more intense
and exciting as things continued. Billy walked in on us one night after
dear daddy passed out, and asked me what all the noise was about. I told
him that the old man was making me feel kind'a good inside. Of course,
Billy wanted to be like big brother, and feel good too. That's when I took
him under my wing ... and gave him lots of tenderness as I showed him what
he wanted to know. I had to make sure that drunken shithead never touched
Billy ... NEVER!"

      "So ... he was about 5 or 6, and you were about eight then? What
happened that your father disappeared? Did your mom decide to throw him out
because she finally wanted to protect you boys?"

      "No ... she never did find her backbone regarding Billy and me. What
got her was the fact that `daddy-dearest' had also built a stable of other
boys to keep his drinking partners satisfied when their wives cut them
off. The school found out that several of the third grade through eighth
grade boys were beginning to fail their classes because of being too tired
or from losing interest in even trying ... and traced it all to a
combination of mental, emotional, and physical abusiveness. The kids were
all so frightened that they didn't dare tell where, how, or by whom ... but
the seriousness of its extent was well known. Dad hit the road out of the
blue in order to escape being found out! We never heard from him again!"

      "But ... how did you and Billy get into doing things with other boys?
I understand how you two became so close and dependent on each other for
both love and protection... but why the others?"

      "Those other guys were our school mates! Their desires had been
triggered just like ours had. They needed sex too. None of them trusted
anyone but each other. They didn't know it was our father who ran the
stable business, but they knew we were part of the same treatment. And it
didn't take long for us to give them what they craved, but in a way that
didn't hurt or make them feel dirty. Scouting seemed to be the easiest
place for us all to fulfill our needed interaction without being
discovered."

      "But Joey ... I don't understand how my boys got into the picture!
They surely weren't part of the stable thing, were they?"

      "No, Lar...they weren't. Be assured they weren't. But, Eaton came on
his first camp-out, and he was assigned as Billy's tent buddy because they
knew each other on the school team. Well, Eaton was rubbing himself inside
his sleeping bag, and Billy noticed. Billy made a comment that he had seen
Eaton in the shower room, and liked what he had seen. Then he started to
play with himself along side Eaton. From there, hell, boys will be boys
... they began to `compare' and then do each other ... and well, as they
say ... the rest is history!"

      "And you began protecting Eaton because he was Billy's friend?"

      "Not quite. Eaton woke up in the middle of the second night, and
found that Billy wasn't in the tent. So Eaton went looking for him. He
heard sounds from my tent, and opened the flap to see what all the noise
was about. Billy was so turned on from being fucked by me that Eaton
decided he wanted to see why. Billy offered to make it a three-way, like a
sandwich ... and in spite of me trying to keep it from happening, Eaton
chose to let Billy enter him while I was still in Billy. God, Lar ... you
know how much of a `hottie' Eaton is ... in no time, he was begging for
more. I honestly tried to keep him from getting so involved, but he
wouldn't have it that way. He knew what he wanted, and that was that! So,
yes...I took him under my wing like he was my own brother right then...to
try to keep him from getting it somewhere else and getting hurt!  What else
could I do? I was still a kid just starting High School as a Freshman,
myself. I didn't see any alternatives other than saving Eaton from someone
bad!"

      "I'm sure that there were alternatives, Joey ... but I do understand
why a guy at that age couldn't know them all under such pressure. I won't
say it was the right thing to do, but I will say it was a better choice
than to leave Eaton to the wolves. But what I want to know is ... why
didn't you come to me and ask for help in all that had gone on up till
then? Didn't you know how much I cared for all my students? Didn't it
show?"

      "Uh ... Lar ... I was just a Freshman! You were a teacher! I hadn't
been in your class long enough to figure out if you'd turn me in as a queer
or if you'd kick me out as being a threat to other kids in the band. I had
trust issues with all men! It wasn't until my Sophomore year that I learned
how great you really were. But by then, I knew I was totally gay ... and I
had my eye on Korey, even though I figured he was straight as an arrow. I
was afraid of myself by then. I found out that he was babysitting my Eaton
and his little brother, Casey ... and I had no idea that they were even
connected to you. And I surely never even pictured you caring forKorey like
you do."

      "To be honest, Joey ... at that time, even I didn't know I was in
love with Korey. And the boys were my nephews, not my sons. I had no idea
how strong a sex drive my nephews had already. My brother probably didn't
either. He was so straight-laced in the first place. I doubt if he ever
jacked off as a kid. I never saw him do it if he did. I think he figured
he'd go crazy or that his dick would fall off if he touched it other than
just to pee. I know that our dad would have threatened to `cut it off
because it offended' ... as he thought the Bible says...if he ever caught
how often I did it in secret. And during my High School days, I had a few
very close friends of my own from whom to learn by experimentation. I
became an expert on hiding my true feelings and my relationships...even
from my brother all these years. Unfortunately, it's quite obvious that
Eaton didn't hide a thing from Casey, and that wasn't anything I
influenced, for sure ... and neither did you, as I see it. All I know is
that things are so intertwined now, that if any of it leaks out, we're all
screwed and tattooed. You can relax about me being a source for the Judge
to discover any of this. But to be honest altogether ... Janet Olson
already has found out that your father had a stable, and is in a prison
psych ward because of it. That's why I am pressing for your emancipation to
be done so quickly ... before the process gets involved in her
investigation. I can't be to0 encouraging that Billy's placement with you
won't be affected by it. I just don't know. All I can say is that if we can
keep Janet's discovery limited to just your dad's situation ... there's
hope!"

      "Billy and I have been pretty successful so far in keeping things
quiet. And I know you're an expert in the field, Lar, like it or not! I'm
not too worried about Eaton either ... but Casey? He'd have no intention, I
know that ... but he did let the DVD slip out!  Do you think?"

      "I'm sure he felt so bad about that accident that he'll die trying to
keep anything else under wraps. What I'm most concerned about now is that
as soon as Korey moves in with me, and the school becomes aware of the
personal reasons behind it ... that even though the new laws of California
allow two adult males to be married, I just might have to have less
influence on `impressionable youth', if you get my drift. I just hope that
you are emancipated and own your own house before any more is discovered,
and you fall into the wake of my reputational fall in the eyes of this
town!

Joey was so taken by Larry's last comment that he couldn't say a word in
response. He just leaned over, took Larry's arm in his own, kissed Larry's
cheek ... and put his head on Larry's shoulder for the rest of the ride
back home.

After dropping Joey off at the condo, and returning to his own place, Larry
found the boys already in bed asleep ... and Korey still waiting on the
living room couch for Larry `s arrival ...

      "Hi, Lar ... boys are asleep ... but man, was Eaton in a weird mood!
No matter how Casey tried to get him to say what was up, he kept trying to
change the subject or get Case's mind into a video game or something. I
wonder if I ever got in a mood like that when I was his age."

      "Hey Kor ... love ya' ... don't worry about Eaton. He's almost a
teen-ager ... what else needs to be said!"

      "Guess you're right! You sure look tired. Need a back rub or
something?"

      "I'd love one, Love! But it's so late, and we both have school in the
morning. I need to get some shut-eye, so thanks a bunch for watching the
boys for me. Oh yes, I think the Judge will go for Joey's emancipation. We
got that pretty well sealed, I think. Gimme one of your wonderful hugs and
kisses, and let's both call it a night! This week-end, we'll make every
minute together count...OK?"

      "Yeah...sure! Lar? Anything wrong?"

      "Ahhh, you know me! I'm just pooped ...drained; been giving out all
day...that's all!"

A very in-depth kiss and hug later, Korey left for the condo, and Larry
aimed for his bedroom and fell onto the bed still dressed ... but found it
almost impossible to fall asleep because of all the thoughts flooding his
mind ... last night with Eaton, and the story Joey told that included
Eaton; the small but powerful kiss on the cheek from Joey just tonight in
the car; Korey going home to where Joey was staying; the possibilities of
Janet's investigation; the time coming soon when he and Korey would be
living together in public view; Billy's future; Lar's head was about to
explode! Finally, from complete exhaustion an hour or so later, everything
went blank till sunrise.

Casey came into Larry's bedroom like a whirlwind to see why Daddy hadn't
got up yet. It was getting so close to time to leave for school! Larry
jumped to his feet like he was shot. But as soon as his mind cleared, he
thanked Case for waking him, and hurried into the shower.

Larry resorted to using every iota of his acting abilities to get through
the day's work without allowing anyone to see just how dragged out he
was. He was able to proceed through all the day's required actions almost
by rote, which was a good thing because of his hidden mental distress. But
Korey noticed! Kor took Larry aside after his last class, and tried to get
the truth about the situation ... but Larry could only say that he was
worried about a lot of things. So, Korey suggested that Lar visit a pastor
or priest and get things off his chest, or something...anything to help!
Lar took Kor's advice and called the only person he knew who might be able
to give some relief ...

      "Hello ... is this Reverend David Mueller, the Episcopal Minister?
Are you free for an hour or so? ... I need someone to talk to ... fine
...be there in 20 minutes...  Thank you."

Larry arrived at St.Mary's-By-The-Sea complex on Central Avenue in just
about the 20 minutes he figured on ... and entered the church office,
asking the receptionist where to find the Reverend Mueller. He was led to
the Rectory, where the minister was waiting ...

      "My name is Larry Freeburg, and I teach at the local High School. I
don't attend your services, but I needed someone to talk with, and I saw
your church ad in the Tribune."

      "Sit down, Mr. Freeburg ... I do know who you are. I have enjoyed the
quality of the programs at the school since you took over the Music and
Drama departments. Our students are very fortunate to have you as their
instructor, and as I understand ... a friend as well. How may I help you
today?"

      "Please call me Larry ... I don't feel too formal today."

      "Fine! I suppose I brought you to the Rectory so we both could be
less formal. I detected a great heaviness in your voice when you called,
Larry. And you can skip the Reverend or Father thing as we speak. Call me
David if you want to ... or Pastor Dave if you'd rather. I have no
preference! We're on the same level before The Lord, anyway!"

      "Am I under the impression that your church has a similar policy of
privacy of the confessional, Pastor Dave?"

      "Larry ... we do honor the privacy of those who share their hearts,
but the difference between us and the Catholic Church as far as
confessionals goes is that we believe that Jesus hears us each directly,
and a priest simply helps expedite the mood of sharing by being a good
listener as one bares his soul to God."

      "That's good enough for me, then. Pastor Dave ... I'm in love! In
fact, as soon as the Summer hits, my lover will move in with me as if we
are married. We are both adults, and we both know how we're committed to
each other. What bothers me is how the school system will look upon the
situation, with me being so influential on students and all."

      "Larry ... Maybe it's not for me to know everything yet, since you
probably want to know if you can trust me with everything, but it seems
that if you were really married, they'd see nothing wrong!"

      "Dave ... my lover is a man! My students have no idea at all, and
certainly my personal choice does not include ... well, my students are not
threatened, if you get my meaning. But ..."

      "Larry, this is California, and the law allows gay marriages now. But
I do see your predicament. Some work places say they cannot discriminate,
but we both know it happens. You may be able to weather whatever they toss
at you off the record, so-to-speak ... but you don't impress me as the
militant type who would make a scene for your own benefit. May I get you
some tea or coffee while I make a couple of phone inquiries about a thought
I just had?"

      "No thanks, Pastor ... mind telling me what calls? Will they be
anonymous ..."

      "Larry, you came here in faith ... don't let your fear pull you away
from trusting. I'll be back in five minutes. I told you I honored your
privacy. Now trust my word!"

      "Of course, go ahead. I'll be fine right here!"

In a few minutes, Reverend Mueller returned, and began to explain what he
had found out. First he mentioned that the states of New York and Illinois,
and the country of Canada all allowed gay marriages, and better protection
against prejudicial reaction by employers. He also mentioned that he found
a few of the Episcopal colleges and universities had openings in
professorships of Music and Drama, and if someone could cover both subjects
well, the institutions would certainly be interested in the cost savings of
such an arrangement ...

      "But, Pastor ... these are religious schools, right? Wouldn't they
hold positions that might be compromised by my choice of mate?"

      "Larry ... the Episcopal Church has within its pastoral ranks those
ministers of gay persuasion. We minister to all human need regardless of
age, etc; our colleges are open to gay students preparing for all calls of
life's work. It seems that our professors would be afforded the same rights
as our students! If you found it necessary to change places of employment
to avoid conflicts for your family ... it could be done discretely without
reason given, and as readily as needed for the good of all involved. And I
would certainly add my recommendation as to your ability to do an admirable
job in any one of our colleges ... if you wanted to make the move."

      "But, Pastor Dave? Wouldn't I need a Masters Degree or a Doctorate to
teach at a college or university?"

      "For many years that was of course the norm. But lately, schools are
becoming more and more concerned about ability and results than by papers
with a lot of alphabet soup scribbled on the end. Our institutions, being
private and church supported, can hire a person of quality, and then allow
him or her to earn his letters while on the job."

      "Well ... I haven't yet signed a contract for next year. I earned
tenure as of last year's end. I'm not really desirous of moving away from
such a wonderful place or from the students I have already helped build
into a reputable organization with a positive reputation. But I am also not
willing to drag them all through anything that could ruin what I have
established. I need to think about it, and consider the possibilities
before things even start to develop. Pastor Dave ... I do thank you for
your input. I will be back in a few days and keep you informed as to what I
and my family decide. You have been more of a blessing today than you may
ever know."

As Larry was about to leave, Reverend Mueller prayed for God's will to be
done, and then handed him a list of possible openings in the areas that
would be more apt to work out positively:
      Bard College -- Annandale-on-Hudson, New York
      Hobart College -- Geneva, New York
      St. Augustine's - Chicago, Illinois
      Canterbury College -- Windsor, Ontario
      St. John's Univ. of Manitoba -- Winnipeg
      Trinity College -- Toronto

Larry left with a much lighter heart than when he came to the church. The
only concern he now had was how Korey and the others would take the thought
of such a change in everything from housing to school friends, and possibly
of even country. He knew he had to call a `family meeting' during the
week-end to look at all sides of the question before any decision could be
finalized. And then there was the problem of whether or not Billy became a
ward of the State of California ... if Joey wanted to remain in the
`family' or stay here to graduate. The ramifications of all these different
facets had to be clearly understood before any choice became eminent.

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End of Chapter Eighteen