Maiocxx

Tales from the World of Cody and Lucas

Andrew - A Boy Rescued

An Almost Brothers Sequel

That fifteen-hour flight from Sydney to San Francisco is a real ball-breaker even in Business Class, and I was groggy when I left the Qantas Terminal and hailed a cab. But I had promised Drew I would be there for his eleventh birthday and I wanted to be there for him when he came home from school today. A hot shower and sleep were way less important than my young friend… all right, my boy.

I let myself into the little house and sat down to wait. Precisely on the dot of three-o'clock, I heard the rattle of his key in the lock and he burst in the door.

With a squeal, his books, back-pack and gym-bag went flying as he hurled himself into my arms. "David! Oh, David! You're here! And for my birthday! How cool is that?"

And, once more, I held him close to me and savored everything I loved about him: his fresh boy-smell, the arms and legs gripping me, his warm body next to mine and the blizzard of kisses he plastered all over my face. And then, he opened his mouth and I opened mine as we crushed our lips together and our tongues chased each other as they had done before.

***

I had met Drew quite by accident some two years earlier. And I count it the luckiest day of my life; for, had we not met, he would have jumped to his death onto a crowded free-way.

It was during one of my rather frequent visits to the Bay Area… I had been attending a professional conference at The Embassy Suites in Walnut Creek. Conference sessions were over for the day and I had been out jogging, when I spotted a young boy ahead of me on one of the pedestrian free-way overpasses that led to a little park. To my horror, he had climbed onto the railing and was about to hurl his little body into the path of the speeding cars and lorries below. I managed to hook him just as he jumped and pulled him back into safety.

Falling back onto the sidewalk on my rump with the squirming boy in my arms, I sat there stunned while he screeched, "NO! LET ME GO! DON'T STOP ME! I WANT TO DIE! I'M NO GOOD; I'M A QUEER!" Any reasonable passerby might have thought I was trying to kidnap the child.

After a few more minutes of verbal fireworks, he quieted a bit and buried his head on my chest and sobbed, "Why did you stop me? It's better for everybody if I'm dead. I'm a queer and queers don't deserve to be with people."

I drew him closer to me and recognized the acrid smell of urine… his clothes were soaked with it from head to toe and they and his face and the exposed parts of his body were covered with mud and grime.

After a while, he sat up and faced me. "Why did you do that?" he asked weeping sorrowfully. "No one will miss me."

"Whoa there," I replied. "How about your mum and dad?"

"Don't have a dad; he run off when the teacher told him I was a queer."

"How 'bout your mum? Won't she miss you?"

"I just make things hard for her. She loves me, but her life would be easier if I wasn't around to mess it up all'a time."

"How about your friends?"

"Don't have none. No one wants to be friends with a queer."

Something about this miserable, frightened child spoke to my inner being and I looked him squarely in the eye and said softly, "If you'll tell me your name, I'll be your friend."

His eyes got big.

"M-m-m-my name's Drew. Drew Scott. You want to be my friend?"

"Yes, Drew. My name is David and I'll be your friend."

He sat there digesting that, not sure whether to believe me. Sensing that he needed to 'vent', I asked him gently, "Would you tell me what happened?"

Tears sprang forth again and he looked down at his feet. "They-they-they took me at lunch time, out on the playground. And hit me in my belly. And, and threw me on the g-g-g-g-ground and I couldn't breathe. Said queers didn't belong in their school."

"Who did this to you," I asked him gently.

"Two of the older boys, Bert and Harry," he answered. They're all'a time on me, 'cause I'm a queer. And then they peed on me and made the other kids pee on me too. And rolled me in the dirt. And then, ran back into the school."

"When I got my breath back, I just stood up and ran. I didn't want to live no more. So I came here and you spoiled it!" he told me looking up at me accusingly. "Why did you do that?"

"Drew," I answered him, "first of all, you are not a queer. Just a frightened young boy who has been told some vicious lies. You don't deserve to be treated that way… no one does." And, then for reasons I can't understand to this day, I told him, "I promise you I will stop this horrible treatment so you can go to school like any other little boy."

"You would do that for me?" he asked, his eyes full of doubt.

"Yes! That's what friends are for. Friends take care of each other." He thought for a minute and then nodded.

Pulling him to his feet, I took him firmly by his hand… I wasn't quite ready to turn him loose, yet… and I said, "Come on. We need to get you cleaned up and then I'll take you home."

My hotel was just across the freeway and, as we started toward it, he pulled me to a stop and asked, fearfully, "You're not going to do sumpin bad to me, are you?"

I dropped to my knees in front of him and took hold of him by his grimy shoulders and bored into his eyes, "Drew, I thought we were friends?" He nodded slowly. "Well, friends do not do bad things to each other."

He began to cry again. Despite the reek of urine and the mud and dirt all over him, I held out my arms and he hurled himself into them. "Oh, David!" he bawled, "I'm sorry! I never had a friend before!"

I scooped him up and he hugged himself to me as I carried him the rest of the way to my hotel. Setting him down on his feet once more, I unlocked the door to my suite… it had an outside entrance, so at least I did not have to parade him through the lobby… and we went in and I closed the door.

The suite had two bathrooms and I led him to one of them. "Get out of those dirty clothes. Just pile them here on the floor." When he had stripped down to his briefs, I told him, "Now I want you to scrub yourself until you are squeaky-clean." He giggled at that. "Take all the time you need." And, after I showed him how to adjust the water and dispense the shampoo and body wash, I closed the door and left him.

A moment later, the door opened and a small hand deposited his briefs onto the pile. I added my now-reeking running-suit to the pile before bagging them and placing them outside the door in the hall for pick up. Then, I hit the shower in the other bathroom.

Once I had dressed again, I could still hear him scrubbing away. I thought I would have to wrap him in a blanket to take him home. But then, an epiphany! I had purchased a gross of knit sport-shirts and shorts sets for the kids back at my school. They would have to be satisfied with one less set.

Going outside to my car, I broke open two of the packages in the boot and removed the smallest shirt and shorts I could find. The shirt was light blue with 'ALICE SPRINGS SCHOOL' in red lettering and the shorts were dark blue, and I carried them into the room.

The water finally stopped and, after a suitable time, he emerged into my sitting room, wrapped in one of the large bath sheets the hotel provides. "Where are my clothes?" he immediately wanted to know.

"Well, I could hardly take you home in them," I told him. "I set them out to be cleaned and I'll bring them back to you tomorrow."

"Oh."

"But you won't have to go home the way you are. How about these?" I asked him, holding up the shirt and shorts.

"They're cool! Are you a teacher? Is that the name of your school?"

"I am the administrator of a school for very special boys located in Alice Springs in Australia," I answered.

"What kind of special boys?" he wanted to know.

"Well, every boy is special… including you. These boys all have some special skills that we train them to use properly."

"Oh."

"I'm sorry I don't have any underwear, but I think the slippers the hotel supplies might fit you. Now, I need to check you over to see if you have any scratches or bumps that need attention."

He hesitated for a moment and then dropped the towel and stood before me just as God made him.

What I saw before me was… Well, there's no adequate word for it… he was beautiful!

Slim like many boys his age, but not thin. His mop of golden hair set off his round face with its dash of freckles splashed across it. A nicely developed torso and a slim waist. His arms and legs adequately muscled.

He had a cute 'innie' belly-button and his boy parts, although still quite small, were nicely formed. And a luscious bubble-butt revealed to me as I turned him about to check for injuries.

There were a few scrapes on his arms and one rather deep one on his left thigh which I treated with antiseptic from my kit. He winced but did not cry out. But he noticed my attention and turned a bright pink… all over.

"I think I've got everything," I told him. "So, jump into these things and I'll take you home." I could see the tears beginning to form. "I'm sure your mom wonders where you are. I'll be with you," I assured him. That seemed to comfort him.

Buckling him into the passenger seat, we drove across the Freeway and entered a residential area of small houses.

Pulling up before one of them, he had no sooner jumped out when a woman burst out the door and ran to him shouting, "Andrew! Where have you been? The school called and said you had run away. Where are your clothes and books? And who is this man?"

"This is David! And he's my friend!" Looking down at his feet he continued, "And he saved me from sumpin really, really bad."

"Hello Mrs. Scott," I introduced myself, "I'm David Nelson and I seem to have stopped your son from doing something we all would have regretted." She looked alarmed at that. "He's had a bit of a rough go with some boys at his school and I'm afraid he was about to kill himself."

"Oh no!" she cried, clasping her arms about him. "Andrew, how could you?" she sobbed.

"I think you need to hear the whole story," I interrupted.

"It's OK, mom. I'm better now 'cause now I have a friend and friends look out for each other."

She scooped him up in her arms, motioned for me to follow and we entered the house. Sitting on a stuffed chair with him in her arms, she invited me to sit across from her.

"Drew," I said, "I want you to tell your mum exactly what happened." He looked at me in turmoil. "Come on, we're friends, right? And you must be brave and do the right thing."

He began to cry but managed to get it all out… in fits and starts.

"Oh my poor baby! How could they do such things to you? Oh my poor baby!" she bawled. Turning to me she said, "I've tried and tried to get the school to stop those boys from bullying him but they just ignore me. Ever since that awful teacher told everyone he was 'a queer', he's been picked on. When the teacher told Drew's father he was a queer, Stanton brought him home, threw him in the doorway and we've not seen him since."

"But David's going to make them stop, Mom." I guess that put the fat in the fire. But then, I had an idea.

"I should tell you, Mrs. Scott, that I am the administrator… I guess what you would call a headmaster or principal… of a school for special needs children in Alice Springs, Australia. I'm here for a conference with other administrators. Our conference session for the day was over and I was out jogging when I encountered Drew."

"Our speaker today was, Sir Raymond Pace, the King's Special Councilor for Education and he is quite active in trying to stamp out bullying wherever it occurs. His Majesty is very concerned that the laws passed by both the Royal Parliament and the several provincial parliaments dealing with bullying are often ignored."

"Sir Raymond has intervened in a number of cases and set matters to right and I think he might do so in your case."

"Oh, Mr. Nelson! If he could only do so! I can't afford to move or send Drew to a private school. I would just like him to be treated fairly and Mr. Baxter… he's the Principal… only tells me that Drew must just 'toughen up.' It's been getting steadily worse ever since that teacher…"

"Well," I replied, "if you are agreeable, I'd like to lay your case before him. I'm meeting him for dinner this evening and I'd like it if both of you would accompany me."

She gasped at that. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely!" And I looked at Drew, "And I want you to tell Sir Raymond exactly what happened at school today. I know that will be hard for you to do, but I believe you are really a very brave boy."

He looked at me with an expression tinged with sorrow and doubt. But, then, he smiled with resolve. "I'll do it! I'll do it because you asked me and you're my friend and so it must be the right thing to do."

His mother just sat there with her mouth open.

"Can I wear my new shirt?" he asked me.

"Certainly, if your mom says it is OK with her."

 

I drove them into the city for my dinner engagement with Sir Raymond at 'The Top of The Mark'. It was obviously not a restaurant they frequented and both Drew and his mum were staggered.

My host had chosen a secluded nook where the four of us could have reasonable privacy. "Sir Raymond, I wish to introduce two recent friends of mine, Mrs. Amanda Scott and her son Andrew."

"Your servant, ma'am!" he replied with exquisite, old-world courtesy and then he shook Drew's hand. Spotting Drew's shirt, he turned to me and asked, "Is he one of your lads, then?"

"No," I replied. "He badly needed some clothing and I provided some. He has a story to tell you after dinner."

"Jolly good! I love stories!" he said to put Drew at ease.

I doubt very much you'll like this one, I thought.

'Top of the Mark' has some of the finest cuisine in all of North America and both Sir Raymond and I encouraged Drew and his mum to have whatever took their fancy. The other three of us watched the little boy with interest as he demolished his t-bone and baked potato with obvious relish and topped it off with blueberry pie with vanilla sauce.

But, all too soon, it was time for business. "Andrew has been the target of some serious bullying," I explained to Sir Raymond as Drew looked down at his hands folded in his lap.

"Has he, now? Well, we must put an end to that."

"I've asked him to tell you what happened to him at school today. I know it will be painful and difficult for him, but I wanted you to know how brave he is and how much he has suffered." I could see his mother looking very sad and starting to tear up.

Drew didn't answer for a moment, but then he sighed and said, "I'm a queer! And all my teachers and schoolmates hate me."

At that remark, I could see Sir Raymond's shock. As Drew began to cry, he reached over and took his hand. "Take your time, my young friend. Let it all out."

Drew obliged him by pouring out his very soul, ending up in Sir Raymond's lap with his head on the man's chest. Several times I saw Sir Raymond clench his jaw and, once, a tear fell from his eye. I held his mother's hand as we both sat there sort of holding our breaths.

When Drew had finished, Sir Raymond continued to hold him as the little boy sought to regain his composure. "That is the most egregious case of bullying I have ever come across." Looking directly at Amanda, he continued, "I assure you it is over. The bullying will stop! Absolutely." Looking down at the weeping child in his lap, he said, "Andrew, you are a very, very brave lad to share your tale with me."

Drew looked up at him. "Thank you, sir. Can you really stop them from treating me so bad?"

"Even if I must bring in the Household Cavalry." Turning to Amanda, he said, "I'm curious. Why does he think that he is queer?"

"Because my teacher said I was and he told my dad," interrupted Drew.

"Andrew, do you know what it means if you are a queer?" Sir Raymond asked him.

"No sir, but everyone says I'm bad and should be punished for it."

"Everyone?"

"Well, some of my teachers and most of my classmates."

"Mrs. Scott, do you know who it was who first told he was a queer?"

"Yes, it was his gym teacher, the same one who told his father. The man is the son of my ex-husband's former business associate. They had a falling out and he… You don't suppose???"

"Precisely! Revenge!" And turning to Drew he hugged him and told him gently, "Young man, you are not a queer. And the people who told you this are lying!"

"I'm not?"

"Certainly not. What you are is a very brave and noble lad who has been shamefully treated."

Noble and brave? he asked, eyes shining.

"Yes! Brave because you told me what happened. Noble, because your telling me will help stamp out this kind of treatment of others. I'm sure there must be other children mistreated at your school."

"Mrs. Scott, I assume you know that the term 'queer' is a crude substitute for a homosexual or gay person." She nodded. "At his age, it is highly unlikely he has formed his sexual identity just yet."

"Tell me, Andrew. Do you like boys?"

"Not a lot 'cause they pick on me and hurt me."

"How about girls?"

"Nah, I don't like girls much," Drew answered.

"You think they are 'stinky', right? You prefer boys, right?" Sir Raymond asked him. He nodded. "Every young boy," he told the rest of us, "goes through a period where he prefers members of his own sex. But, most will become heterosexual in a few years. Some will remain fixed on their own sex, but it is much too early to determine that."

"So you see," I told Drew, "you are not a queer and never have been." The look of wonder on his face!

"And if you should become gay in the future," added Sir Raymond, "that is perfectly all right." I'm sure he meant well, but I could see the boy's mother cringe.

"David, would you mind terribly if you missed the closing session tomorrow morning?" I shook my head. "Good! I think you and I will pay a visit to this Baxter person." To Amanda, he said, "I can assure you, Mrs. Scott, the bullying will stop."

 

I picked Sir Raymond up at his hotel about ten the next morning and we drove to Drew's school, ironically named King William School. On the way, he told me, "I spoke to the Provincial Minister of Education early this morning… got him out of bed. Told him what young Andrew has told me and demanded he take immediate action to investigate and stop it. Told him if he didn't act, I would have him flogged!"

"You can't really do that, can you?" I asked with some concern.

"No, but he doesn't know that. The result is that he will have a team of investigators at the school by this time tomorrow. And we'll get to the bottom of this whole sordid mess."

We pulled up to the school, parked and went inside and demanded to see Mr. Baxter. His secretary refused, asserting that he was in conference with his staff and could not be disturbed.

"Miss," said Sir Raymond, "what I have to discuss with him will disturb him far more than interrupting his meeting," and he presented his card. The woman squeaked and dashed off to find Baxter.

He came bustling into foyer, waving the card and shouting, "How dare you interrupt my meeting, Sir? We did not request assistance from the Crown. I assure you we are quite capable to manage our own affairs without interference from that busy-body." He was clearly not a royalist.

"I and my colleague are here at the behest of one of your students, Andrew Scott, who has alleged he was assaulted without provocation by two of your students yesterday."

"Oh yes, him!" Baxter replied with contempt in his voice. "He and his mother bother me with their wild accusations all the time. Surely you haven't been taken in by them, sir."

"A criminal complaint has been filed and there is credible evidence to support it," Sir Raymond reported. "An investigative team will be here on the morrow to corroborate the young man's story. There is also credible evidence that certain members of your staff have encouraged the assault and they will be charged as accessories."

Baxter began to turn pale.

"Moreover, sir, the bullying of this child and any others must cease immediately and completely, else you yourself are complicit. Do you understand? Cease at once?"

By this time Baxter looked decidedly unwell.

"Young Andrew has been physically and emotionally injured and will be unable to return to school for some days. You are to provide Mrs. Scott with suitable materials for home study until he is well enough to return to regular classes."

"I-I-I-I will do as you demand," replied Baxter.

"Good! My colleague and I will ascertain the investigating team is fully briefed. Good day, sir!"

We left immediately so that Sir Raymond could speak to the investigators before his flight. We both relayed to them what Drew had told us and my account of his 'rescue'. They agreed with our supposition there were probably other victims as well. That accomplished, I drove Sir Raymond to the airport and saw him off, so it was early afternoon until I could return to the Scott residence.

At my arrival, Drew came running and jumped into my arms. "David! Is it really true? They're not going to pick on me any more?" he asked with hope.

"Quite so," I assured him. He led me into the house where his mother was sitting looking very shocked.

"Mr. Nelson," she began, "how can I ever begin to thank you for what you have done? Mr. Baxter called and apologized profusely for Andrew's treatment yesterday. And they sent work home for him."

"Well, you can begin to thank me by calling me 'David'," I replied.

"And you must call me 'Amanda'. But we are so grateful to you and Sir Raymond."

"Being able to save Drew and help him move beyond this horrible time is all the thanks I require. Sir Raymond feels it would be wise for you to keep Drew at home for the next few days and the school is to provide home study materials during that time."

She nodded. "I will make arrangements with my employer so I can be here with Andrew. He won't like it much, but my son is more important."

For reasons that I hadn't figured out, my reply startled both of us. "My flight back to Alice is not until next Thursday and I'll be happy to be with him until then," I blurted.

"Would you really, David? Really and truly?" asked an obviously excited Drew. "How cool is that?"

No way I could weasel out of that. Why not? I had not really planned to do anything specific, so I could now have the opportunity to see a bit of the area through the eyes of a young boy.

Amanda just stared at me for a bit and then burst into tears. "David Nelson, you are a true friend!" Then, "Could you possibly be with him until supper time? I was supposed to work this afternoon."

I agreed and she left shortly.

I really, really enjoyed just being there with Drew and, at first, we concentrated on the work his school had sent home. He was bright and obviously well ahead in most of the exercises, although he needed a bit of work on spelling. I drilled him for a bit until he was perfect and then we just relaxed.

He insisted on sitting on my lap and his warm body there felt just wonderful. In fact, I felt more relaxed and just plain content than I had felt for some years.

"What do you teach at your school, David?" he asked.

"I don't really teach," I answered. "I'm just responsible for seeing the place is run well… somewhat like Mr. Baxter… but I surely hope I do better at it than he does."

"A hunnert thousand times better, I'm sure, David!" What a vote of confidence that was!

He looked up at me with those impossibly blue eyes and said, "Tell me about your school."

I didn't want to get too far into that, but I couldn't very well ignore him. "We have about sixty boys from ages nine to sixteen and they all have some kind of special gift that we try to help them use for the good of everyone. An older brother or their father comes with them and we are all a big family."

"Could I go to your school?"

I didn't pick up on that until much, much later; he wanted to be there with me more than anything else in this whole, wide world. How could I have missed that?

"Well, you have to have some special abilities… gifts that most boys don't have. Don't misunderstand, all boys are special and, to me you are very special." Now why did I say that? "But my school's boys have some very unusual abilities."

"Like what?"

"Well, for example, some can talk to you in your mind. It's called telepathy."

"Yeah, we talked about that in class one day and our teacher says there is no such thing. She called it a myth."

"Your teacher is wrong, Drew." What kind of nonsense do teachers fill these young minds with? "There's a boy at my school named Li Soon who is a bit older than you. If he wanted to, he could talk to me from around the world and I could hear him right here in my mind. And when he does, he can hear me, too."

You mean like now? a voice chuckled in my head.

Li Soon! Have you been listening again without my permission?

Just a little. I promise not to do it any more, but I like your new friend. He's cool! Hurry back David; we all miss you. And I felt him 'break the connection'.

"David! What's wrong?" asked Drew alarmed.

"Nothing, Drew," I sighed. "I just had a short conversation with Li Soon."

Drew's eyes got as big as dinner-plates. "WOW! That's so cool! What else can your boys do?"

"Well, some can move things around with their minds. It's called telekinesis. And others can go places just by thinking about them. That's called teleportation."

"It sounds kind of scary!" he replied.

"Yes, it can be. That's why they are in our school. So we can help them to understand their gifts and use them wisely."

Drew just looked at me and I could feel his awe. "I'm not the one who teaches them, my little friend. We have some very wise and helpful teachers who do that. You might call them 'wizards'."

"Well, I think you're a wizard friend," he assured me.

I was saved from further indiscretions by the timely return of Amanda.

The weekend was exciting and very pleasant. We visited some of the natural areas in the vicinity. One of special interest was Muir Woods, where we both marveled at the giant redwoods. And the view from the Marin Headlands was spectacular as I used my camera to capture his youthful body and exuberance.

But it was Sunday evening, following one of Amanda's superb meals, that he finally got around to asking the inevitable question.

"David, you have to go back to your school, don't you?"

"Yes, on Thursday. But you'll be back in school by then."

"But I'll never see you again!" he wailed.

Something compelled me to tell him, "Drew, I promise to be here next year for your birthday." And I somehow knew there was no power on earth that could cause me to break that promise.

That seemed to comfort him a bit. "But that's so long," he sighed. "I won't get to talk to you for a whole year!"

Then I had an idea. "Maybe we can do something about that."

"What!"

"You will just have to wait until tomorrow to find out."

 

Monday morning we took the BART train into the city. Like all young boys he was fascinated by trains and insisted we travel that way instead of my driving… a sensible idea as traffic in the city is horrible during the workweek and they drive on the wrong side.

Our destination was an establishment named 'Central Computers'. There I bought him the most powerful laptop they had in stock along with an assortment of games and educational software and a communications program called Skype. I also bought a high-speed internet modem with a five-year broad-band subscription.

When we returned home with his 'loot', his mother was aghast. "David Nelson," she gasped, "how can you afford to spend that kind of money on Andrew? You'll spoil him!"

"Well," I replied, "I don't have any family and I'm well paid, so whom better can I spend it on?"

She was clearly distressed so I explained my ideas for Drew's use of the computer. That seemed to calm her a bit, but she still asked, "How can I ever repay you for your kindness?"

"Amanda, saving your son from a horrible end and, perhaps, helping him recover from the horrible time he has had is all the thanks I could ever want. He's a sweet young boy and I've grown quite fond of him." Now whatever possessed me to tell her that?"

Drew and I spent the next several days configuring his computer and installing all the software. A critical piece was Skype. "With this package," I told both Drew and Amanda, "we can chat every day even though I'll be half-way around the globe. And the built-in camera makes it even better." And I made sure both of them knew how to use it.

Amanda, as it turned out, worked part-time in the Crown Prosecutor's office and was quite familiar with computers, but it was all new to her son and he soaked it up like a sponge.

We finally finished work about noon on Wednesday, so I thought it wise to try the connection with Alice Springs. So I had Drew fire it up and I gave him the necessary codes. The connection worked perfectly and in a moment or two, the sleepy, groggy image of my assistant, Eric, appeared on our screen.

"David! What is it? What's wrong?"

Oops! I had forgotten about the time difference. "Nothing at all, I replied. "I simply wanted to test the configuration I put on a new computer for a young friend."

"Do you know what time it is?" he asked sternly.

"Yes, I'm sorry." Turning to Drew, I said, "This is my assistant, Eric Hamilton, and he is quite right… it's the middle of the night in Alice Springs."

"Eric, I'd like to introduce a young friend of mine, Andrew Scott."

"Hello, Mr. Hamilton. I'm sorry if I spoiled your sleep."

"It's OK, Andrew," he replied. "I was just afraid something awful had happened to Mr. Nelson."

"David is my friend!" Drew told him. "I'm going to talk with him every day when he gets back home. He saved my life."

After we finished the call, I explained to both Drew and his mum that the best time for him to call would be around 6:00 PM which would be about 7:30 AM in Alice.

"Won't you be busy?" he wanted to know.

"Never too busy to talk to you, my young friend. And I'm sure your mum and I will chat from time to time, too."

 

And, sure enough, my first morning back in Alice, there he was right on my screen. It had been his first day back at school and I was anxious to know how things had gone.

"No one did any bad things to me today," he reported.

"Well, I thought, that's a start. And by the middle of the next week, he reported that some of his school-mates and all of his teachers had begun to be kind to him. Several had even apologized for treating him so badly in the past.

Amanda clued me in to the reasons for the abrupt change. "The investigators were on site and had uncovered numerous tales of bullying by the same boys who had attacked Andrew. And it was quite clear who the teachers were who condoned their behavior."

"But on Tuesday, they had to extract a thoroughly terrorized little girl from a locker where she was imprisoned for several hours. The same two boys had locked her in and then thrown away the key. They had to drill her out, but Baxter tied to cover-up the incident."

"They had seen and heard enough. Baxter and two of the staff were sacked, the two boys remanded to the court and new principal appointed. And she has brought in counselors for both students and staff. I've spoken to her and she is determined to stop the bullying in any form."

"The two boys, I'm told, will be sent to an institution in England, Sir Harry Something-or-other. The boys thought it all a joke."

I knew of the Henry Bingham Institute… while his methods were unorthodox and somewhat controversial, there was no denying his success rate. "I can assure you," I told her, "they will not be laughing long at Sir Henry's."

Eric had teased me a bit, "So you've found a little boyfriend, have you?" I had told him the full story of how I had met Drew and, after several chats with the boy, he too agreed that Drew was a boy 'apart from others'… as he put it… and was equally happy to see him begin to thrive.

And, indeed, the daily call from North America was often the highlight of my day. Coming as it did at the start of my day, I often felt energized by it.

I was particularly pleased when he announced one day, "I have a new friend. His name is Freddie." Well, that's two, I thought.

Time, for both of us, moved swiftly and my visit for his birthday was upon us.

***

I would be in The Bay Area for two weeks and Amanda insisted I stay with them. And Drew, of course, would not have agreed to any other arrangements.

That first evening, after supper, Drew excused himself while Amanda and I relaxed in the living room.

He shortly appeared, carrying a well-worn, but quite serviceable guitar. "The school has been paying for lessons and provided the guitar," Amanda explained, "and he's been very anxious to show you what he's learned."

Drew sat down and began. And truly, he was quite good. But what really topped his performance off was when he began to sing as he played. His range was remarkable and his voice had those crisp, bell-like tones that every English choir-boy strives for.

"I've been saving this for you," he told me. I could see the tears in his mother's eyes.

Well, now I at least knew what to get him for his birthday.

 

A trip into the city the next day and a visit to 'Rocker Guitars' and he was the proud possessor of an 'Epiphone Hummingbird Pro', a truly marvelous instrument and highly recommended by his teacher who worked there.

Once again, Amanda simply shook her head in wonderment.

That night as I was getting ready for bed, there was a knock at my door. You have surely guessed what was coming, haven't you?

"David, could I please sleep with you?" he asked plaintively.

"Well, I don't know," I answered him, somewhat shocked. "What would your mum think?"

"She says it's OK with her if it's OK with you." he replied. And that became our regular practice… with a few alterations.

The third night, he was already in bed when I slid under the covers. And was shocked at what I found there. HE WAS NAKED!

"Hey! What's all this about?" I asked in a semi-panic.

"I just want to lie here and feel you against me," he answered. "I love the feel of your skin against mine when you take me in your strong arms. If you'd rather not, I'll put my jams on."

Holy shit! Was I being seduced?

"Well, all right," I agreed not at all sure where this was going. I slipped out of my boxers and t-shirt and slid under the covers.

"I'd like it very much if you would rub me," he invited after a few minutes.

I rolled on my side and ran my hands lightly over his shoulders and chest. His skin was soft and warm and he giggled when I touched a ticklish spot. I continued downward, carefully avoiding the 'forbidden' area. He sighed and moaned a bit enjoying the sensations. OK, I was enjoying them, too.

"You missed the most important spot," he protested.

"What? Where?" I asked naively.

He answered by picking up my hand and placing it directly on his quite adequate 'package'.

Whoa, David, I thought. What is he leading you into? I wanted to snatch my hand back, but he held it there.

"Please, David! Touch me! Play with me. It feels sooooooo good!"

My hand seemed to have a life of its own and I began to rub and stroke his prick. After a few minutes, his body stiffened as he gasped through his dry orgasm. "Thank you David. That was super cool." And he was asleep almost at once. I spooned up against him and joined him in la-la land.

When I woke the next morning, he was still curled up against me, sleeping soundly. I just lay there savoring the erotic feel of his naked body pressed against mine. After a while he stirred and stretched a bit. "Good morning, duckling. Did you sleep well?" I greeted him.

"Yes," he yawned, "but why did you call me 'duckling'?"

"Because I'm very fond of you," I answered.

"Oh! I don't get it."

"In one of my favorite stories, there's young boy name Dakota and he lives with his uncle who calls him that." I didn't think it wise to tell him that the boy in the story was a slave and his uncle was his very hard and strict master. "Would you rather I not call you that?"

"No. It's OK. I'm glad you like me."

"More than just like, my little duckling… more than just like."

He giggled.

That night I taught him how to kiss.

And he practiced hard.

 

The next afternoon, Amanda would need to go to work, and, once more, I would be more than a little happy to have him with me. I had planned we might do some sight-seeing, but he seemed content to be at home. I found out why at lunch.

"Mom, can I have Freddie over this afternoon? I know you said I can't when you're not here, but David will be and I want him to meet Freddie."

"Well, if it's all right with David?" his mother responded, looking at me.

I must confess, I was a bit miffed. I had hoped to have him to myself. OK. You still have lots of days. And he seems anxious for me to meet his new friend. I nodded and he flashed me a simply dazzling smile. "I really should catch up on some of my e-mail, so some 'quiet time' is probably a good idea."

Freddie arrived just as Amanda was leaving. "Now, you guys, behave yourselves. No roughhousing. And don't disturb David."

"We will," they assured her.

I studied Freddie intently as he studied me. He was a sturdy lad, well put together, with a dark complexion and black hair and flashing black eyes, all testifying to his Latin heritage. Greeting me in a grown-up manner, he immediately struck me as a very good choice for Drew's best friend. As I found out, he was a year older than Drew, but in the same school year… his parents had been so upset and fearful from the treatment he was receiving they had kept him out of school for a whole year.

After we had chatted for a bit, Drew asked, "Can we go to my room? Freddie brought a new game and we want to try it on my computer."

"Are you sure it will work OK?"

Freddie handed me the box and I quickly ascertained that it would work just fine on Drew's machine. "Want me to help you install it?"

"No thank you, Mr. David. I've done lots of installs."

"OK," I dismissed them, feeling just a little put out. Well, youth wins out over old-age every time.

I took out my net-book, settled back, signed on and started to edit and answer my mail.

After a while, I became aware of the squeals coming from Drew's room down the hall. I wasn't completely sure they were from the game. I'd better go and close his door. 'Specially if they're doing what I think they might be doing.

I hadn't really intended to snoop, but when I glanced into the room, I froze in my tracks.

Freddie, sans clothes, was propped sitting on Drew's bed completely absorbed, his body rigid and his face screwed up with his eyes shut as his naked partner… head buried between his legs… worked his mouth up and down on Freddie's not-so-little prick. It was the most erotic scene I had ever viewed and I could not help myself. I just HAD to keep on watching.

Finally his friend relaxed and Drew beamed up at him. "Was it good? Did I do it right?"

Freddie chose that moment to reopen his eyes and saw me standing there.

And issued a shriek that was probably heard across the bay, his face a mask of horror. Drew looked about to see what was the matter and joined in the shrieking as the two of them scrambled to try to cover themselves.

"Mr. David, I-I-I-I!"

"David, I… we… us…"

I walked in, took them both in my arms and tried to speak soothingly, "It's OK, guys. Calm down. Nothing to be worried about."

"But it was naughty! We were baaaad!" bawled Drew.

"It was wrong! We should not have been doing it," cried his equally distraught partner.

I let them settle down a bit more… actually I was enjoying their naked bodies in my arms… before I asked them, "Did I say it was wrong?"

It was completely silent for a time. "N-n-no," they gasped.

"Sit up here beside me," I directed as they disentangled themselves from my arms. One on either side of me, I placed an arm around each bare shoulder. "What you were doing is perfectly normal for boys your age."

I let them digest that for a while before continuing, "You are experiencing exciting, new feelings and you want to explore them with a good friend."

That startled them. "Are you going to return the favor?" I asked Freddie. "It's only fair, you know."

Both of them blushed and stammered a bit.

"Tell you what. You guys go ahead and finish what you started and I'll just leave. When you're done, I'd like to talk you. Just come on out to the living room when you're ready." With that, I left, closing their door behind me.

About fifteen minutes later, they both trooped into the living room dressed in shorts. I beckoned them to sit on the couch across from me. "Did you both enjoy your 'game'?" I asked.

That set them to giggling, but finally they looked up at me and nodded emphatically. But, then, Drew looked at me with panic in his eyes, "You're not going to tell mom, are you?"

"No," I replied, "but I have a few questions I'd like to ask you both. First, do you love each other?" They nodded. "How much?"

"A lot! We're best friends!" they told me.

"Do you trust each other?"

"Well, sure."

"Then, what you were doing was perfectly all right. It's what boyfriends your age often do to show their love for each other. But, you need to do that sort of thing privately… no one else needs to know about it. It's for you alone to know."

They thought about that for a while. "Then you're not going to tell, mom?"

"Drew, you and I are friends, right? And we trust each other, right?"

"Yesss…"

"Then I will respect your privacy, and yours, too, Freddie."

Sighs of relief.

"But I want you both to promise me something."

"What?" they asked.

"That you will only share your love that way with each other. No other boys."

"Yeah!" "Well, sure!"

"And you'll only do it here in Drew's room."

"But what about mom?"

"I'm not going to tell her what you do, but I'm sure she will respect your privacy. Just keep your door closed."

That evening I had the opportunity to talk privately with Amanda. "About this afternoon… I, ah…"

"You caught them doing something, right? Something you promised not to tell me about, right? Well, I won't press you if you think it was appropriate. If you are comfortable with it."

"Well…"

"David, I've been aware for quite some time that they touch each other sexually when they think I'm not looking. I hope you told them to be discrete and I'll not interfere. When Andrew has his door shut, I'll not go there."

Whew! That was a load off me!

"David, I had two younger brothers. One day… when they were about ten and twelve… my father caught them in a hot… what do you call it… sixty-nine and he went postal. He was about to beat the living daylights out of both of them, but my mom came to their rescue. 'Horace!' she said, 'do you remember what you did with other boys when you were their age?' It is the only time I ever remember my father speechless. And my brothers? They are both happily married."

What a wonderful mother this lady is! I thought.

 

The very last day of my visit, Drew asked if we could go swimming… in the ocean. And asked if he could bring Freddie.

Amanda was quick to point out there were very few places for ocean bathing along this part of the Pacific coast. But there was one area… better known for surfing, than swimming… called Rodeo Beach that was just north of the Marin Headlands.

"It's early in the season, so the water will be cold," she warned us. "You'll probably have the place much to yourself."

But he was adamant. So, we set about packing a picnic lunch and, after a quick stop to pick up Freddie, we were on our way across the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge to Rodeo Beach.

True to Amanda's prediction, it was mostly deserted.

We went into the changing shelter and the boys quickly stripped down. I decided to keep my cut-offs, so before they could object I gathered up their clothes and suits and my towel and dashed out onto the beach shouting, "Little boys have to go skinny!"

By the time I had found a table near the shore, they emerged… towels wrapped strategically around… screeching, "Why did you take our suits? We can't go in the water this way! Someone will see us"

"And a beautiful view it will be, too," I told them. That gave them an attack of the giggles. But, after a few moments of hesitation, they dropped the towels and ran into the gently lapping waves.

And, almost immediately, came screaming back to me to be wrapped in my towel until their teeth stopped chattering. "It's c-c-c-c-cold!" stammered Drew.

"Well, your mom said it would be." I reminded him.

"Y-y-y-y-yeah, but I didn't think she meant that cold!"

But the allure of the water was too strong and they soon abandoned me and were splashing around in the surf. I walked down and put my feet in… I thought my ankles would break off… and decided to be life-guard instead of joining them in the water. What is it about little boys that they will frolic in water one degree above iceberg but will stoutly resist a warm bath or shower?

After about an hour or so it was lunch time, so I called them in. Wrapping my towel about the three of us, I held their naked bodies close until they had warmed up a bit. Removing my car key from my shorts, I handed it to Drew and sent him off to bring our lunch from the car. He left his towel with us, his embarrassment at being naked quite forgotten.

Freddie snuggled up against me and my hand unconsciously strayed down to his little package. He chuckled, "That's why you sent Drew to the car. So you could play with me."

I snatched my hand back… what was I thinking? "No, don't," he implored. "It feels good when you do that. Please do it some more."

What kind of pervert did he think I was?

He looked up at me with those liquid black eyes and it was more than I could resist. Drew and I do this sometimes I rationalized, so maybe it's OK if I stroke Freddie a bit.

Freddie just closed his eyes in enjoyment and soon was moving to meet my hand on his prick. Suddenly his knees buckled and I had to catch him to keep us both from falling onto the sand. I could feel his rod throbbing thru his dry orgasm.

Once he had regained his breath, he looked up and me with a beautiful smile, "That was lovely."

"Well, you'd better not try it with Drew standing up." I was saved from further licentiousness by the timely return of Drew with our lunch. Spreading a towel on the wooden bench… splinters in pink little asses would be decidedly uncool… we enjoyed our meal, all thoughts about their nakedness gone.

Yeah!

After lunch, the boys explored down the beach and found a sizable tidal pool warmed by the sun which afforded a safe play area to just float in. I followed and sat on a nearby bench.

They had been in the pool for some time, when Freddie flipped over on his back and sculled along. "Look! I'm a submarine!" Yes, he floated along just beneath the surface with his little periscope standing straight up.

A short time later, a bird-watcher/photographer approached and paused to watch the two frolicking. He looked at me and gestured toward them with his camera, but I shook my head.

"I understand," he told me. "They're so cute, I thought I might use them on the cover of my next newsletter. A different species of bird, you know." If it had just been Drew, I might have relented.

 

But, the next day, once again, there was the sad, sweet farewell as I had to return to Alice Springs and my responsibilities. If only I could find some way to take him with me. Come on, David. Be an adult. You know you can't.

Once back at the School, our almost daily 'chats' via Skype were the times I treasured. The knowledge that he was growing into a strong, happy pre-teen was the single thing that made our separation bearable. And, once again also, my promise to be there for his birthday seemed a distant goal.

 

A number of months went by, but one morning, our 'chat; began with Drew in tears. "Freddie's leaving!" he sobbed. "His dad took a job back east and he'll be moving soon as school ends."

"Well, I'm certainly sorry to hear that," I tried to comfort him. "If you really are boyfriends, you can still be so no matter how far apart you may be. After all, look at us."

"Yes, but I talk to you every day!" he sniffed.

"Does he have his own computer?"

"Yeah."

"Well, have your mum get him a copy of Skype and put it on. Then, you'll be able to visit with him, too."

"I never thought of that," he replied somewhat brighter. "Oh David! You are a wizard!"

Crisis averted. Well, partly. But, Freddie's departure and my arrival for his birthday would be some days apart.

***

He had grown quite a bit in the past year… his arms, legs and chest filling out… but the sweet bubble-butt was still there. And his deep blue eyes still held the same fascination for me. Why did I love this child? Who knows! You can't explain love. It simply is.

I pushed my hand up under his shirt so I could feel his developing pecs… that smooth satiny skin I had come to love. When my fingers brushed his nips, they hardened immediately and he jumped and gave kind of a hiccup.

For almost a quarter-hour I simply held him as I slowly collapsed onto the convenient chair. I could feel his heart racing… mine was too… and I could feel the waves of affection passing between us.

"Oh Drew," I told him, "I've missed you."

"And I've missed you," he breathed. "Especially since Freddie…"

"Yes, I was sorry to hear that he moved away. Have you talked to him since he left?"

"Yeah, the Skype thing works OK, but…"

"I know. It's not as good as having him here, is it?" I assured him.

"No, well, you see, we haven't been quite as close for a while. He's started to like girls and we didn't make love much any more. So maybe we aren't boyfriends any more," he sighed.

"I think you can still be good friends forever, but just not that way." I told him.

"Yeah, I guess. His mom told my mom she wants grandchildren. Shit! She hasn't even finished raising him!"

"Watch the language," I cautioned him.

"I'm sorry." But then, he brightened. "But now you're here and everything will be so cool! You can be my boyfriend!"

"No, your boyfriend should be someone your age," I told him.

"Oh."

But I could tell from his expression that subject would probably come up again during my visit. I certainly hoped things would be cool although just how cool I could not have said.

Some months ago I had decided what I was going to give him for his birthday… a week-long trip to Yosemite Imperial Park and Amanda had heartily agreed with my choice. "It's a place he has studied in school and wants very much to visit. And I think you will enjoy the two of you being together." I simply did not see the trap she was laying so artfully.

It was a long drive and we arrived just before dark. I had made reservations for us some months in advance… we had a cozy cabin a short distance away from the Yosemite Lodge in a grove of willow trees. After a quick supper, I had to carry my sleepy boy back to our snug little cabin, undress him and slip him into bed.

Early the next morning, as I dozed, I felt the little body slide out of bed and heard the soft patter of his feet as Drew danced over to the window.

His shriek banished any further thoughts of sleep from my head. "David! Come quick! It's a monster come to eat us!" I sprang out of the warm bed, grabbed the blanket off the other bed and ran to the window, wrapping us both in its folds.

Outside our cabin, not ten feet away, stood the most gigantic bull elk I had ever imagined, placidly munching on the young willows that surrounded it. Every so often, he would raise his head and peer at the pair framed in the window. I could swear the elk smiled at us.

We stood entranced for almost a half hour until the elk finally ambled off. What a fitting introduction to our first day.

That day, and the days that followed, we hiked, climbed rocks, explored the many falls in The Valley, went tubing in the Merced River and just enjoyed ourselves. Never had I felt so close to, so completely enraptured by another person, and Drew returned the feelings a thousand fold.

One evening as we crawled into our shared bed, Drew snuggled his naked body against me as he usually did. But then, he did something decidedly unusual. I was lying on my back and suddenly he pushed my legs apart, slid down between them and grasped my manhood.

Thoroughly shocked, I grabbed his shoulders and hauled him back up until he was once again resting on my chest and we just stared at each other for a few seconds. Finally, I broke the silence. "Hey now! What's this all about?"

His distress was evident as he answered, "I just wanted to make you feel good!"

The 'moral' part of me clicked into control as I told him, "I'm sorry, but you can't. It would not be right."

"Why?"

"Because I'm an adult and you're a kid."

"What does that have to do with it? I love you, David and I know you love me and I want to show you how much I love you."

"I'm sorry, duckling, but we can't do those kind of things."

"But I've been saving myself just for you!" he wailed.

"You don't have to show me how much you love me," I tried to comfort him. "Besides, you and I could get into all kinds of trouble, if we…"

"Please, David! Please! Please! Let me do it," he pleaded with me. "I've wanted to do it ever since the first time we slept together. I wouldn't tell no one. Just like you said, it's for us alone."

My resolve was cracking badly. "But, Drew…"

"Please! Just this once! I'll never ask again!"

I could sense his distress… his longing… and my resolve shattered with the realization that it was something that was hugely important to him and to our whole relationship. "I love you, Andrew Scott and I know how much you love me. So… Yes, you may do it just this once." Once I felt his lips on my rod, I suddenly knew it was, somehow, OK. And I loved him all the more.

I hadn't had a blow-job since I was a young teen, but it's an experience one never forgets and I was swiftly caught up in feelings I had long repressed. I managed to warn him of my impending release, but he ignored it and greedily… or so it seemed to me… ingested all my juice. I was awash in feelings so tender for him, all I could do was to hug him close to me.

"Did I do all right? Was it good? Freddie said I was very good." He bombarded me with questions and feelings I simply could not imagine. All I could do was to kiss those soft, now spermy, lips.

Rolling us over, I ate his boy parts until he rewarded me with a squeal of pleasure and one spurt of his juice in my mouth.

It was a night to remember!

But not to repeat!

On our last morning at Yosemite, we got up very early, dressed in sweats and hiked to the base of the Grand Falls to watch the sun rise over the mountains to the east. Despite the early morning chill, Drew immediately ran to play in the spray near the base of the falls.

His clothes were soon soaked and he was chilled, so I led him into some nearby bushes, where I undressed him so I could wring the water out of his shirt and shorts.

The sun was now peeping over the mountains behind us, illuminating the falls. Ignoring the cold, he shucked the warm blanket I had brought along and scampered over to the base. Standing with his hands raised to the sky, he turned his face up to the morning sun.

The sun shone on his wet, skin, giving it a golden sheen and turned the spray into a thousand diamonds. He was the Earth Child, offering his young, naked body to the Spirits of the Water and the Sun Goddess for their blessing. It was a scene that took my breath away!

I managed to snap dozens of pictures as he pranced, before he gave in to the cold and ran back to me and warmth. I simply enfolded him in my arms, hugging him until he was warm once more.

Our first night back in Walnut Creek, Amanda sent him off to bed early. Said we needed to have a conversation. I could guess what was coming and it frightened me. "It's decision time David," she told me.

"What do you mean?" I asked, trying to feign innocence.

"David, he needs a man in his life. Permanently!"

"But I…"

"Please understand, I don't expect you to marry me. But Drew needs a father. And there is no doubt in my mind… or in his… that you are that man."

"Amanda, I'm not qualified to be his father. I'm not married. I've never had children. I'm I'm I'm…"

"David, that is absurd!" she interrupted. "You are in charge of a highly respected school for exceptional boys… boys that you deal with every day. You have the only qualifications that count so far as my son is concerned."

"You love him without reservation… and he clearly adores you. Do you think I've been deaf, dumb and blind? And I firmly believe you would do anything in your power… even give your very life… if you thought it was necessary for his happiness and well-being. You will help him to grow up to be a brave, compassionate, man just like yourself, David. How could a mother could ask for more?"

"But Amanda!"

"No more 'but's', David. I am quite prepared to give up all rights as his parent so that you can adopt him. Now, what are you prepared to do?"

She was quite correct. It was decision time. I loved the boy with all my heart and I wanted to be a permanent part of his life, but…

She reached over and took my hands. "David, I've grown very fond of you and I hope we will always be friends. You are everything Stanton was not. My marriage to him was a mistake. But I have few regrets for there has been one mighty plus. And I don't think I have to tell you what… or, more correctly, who… that plus is."

"Make the decision, David. Make the decision that is right for Andrew… and for you." It really wasn't that hard, I realized later. But, at the time, I was terrified.

Lying there in bed with him, for some stupid reason I felt very alone. I felt the need for help in making a decision only I could make.

This past year, Li Soon had refined his gift of telepathy so that he could remain sensitive to someone… even someone who possessed no paranormal gifts… trying to contact him… sort of like waiting for the phone to ring. And usually, he was quite scrupulous about respecting privacy.

Li, are you there? I called to him mentally.

Yes Master David. How can I help you? He evidently could sense my quandary and was eager to help.

Li, when you and I are connected like this, can there be another person also connected?

I don't know, he replied. I've never tried that. But it would be cool. You'd like to have my dads in the loop, right? I'll see if I can reach them.

He was back a moment later and I could sense others in our 'connection'. Hey! It worked!

It certainly did! That's something huge! Hi David. What's up? asked Eric.

And I'm here, too, added Peter.

Guys I need your advice and counsel. Drew's mother wants me to adopt him. She's prepared to give up all parental rights to make that happen.

Yikes! That's quite a sacrifice on her part. She must really think very highly of you, David. I think we all know how Drew would feel about that. You've certainly told us enough about him and your relationship and his reactions to you so that is rather evident. So what's the problem?

The problem is, I'm terrified. I'm not qualified to be his father!

Did you just hear what the man said? asked Peter. I can't believe it!

Listen, to me David. You have the only qualifications that count! You love the boy with all your heart and would do anything… make any sacrifice… to assure his happiness and well-being, right?

Yes, but…

Just how many 'qualifications' did Eric and I have when Li was suddenly in our lives? We certainly had not taken 'Parenting-Course 1'.

But, Peter! You had your family to help you, I protested.

David, you have a family. We are your family! All of us! Every soul here at the school will be ready to welcome him and help care for him. Put away your fears and listen to your heart. You know the right choice! You made it two years ago when you dragged a frightened little boy back from the jaws of death.

May I say something? interjected Li. Follow your heart, Master David. It's going to be so cool to have him here.

Thank you guys! I love you all, was all I could say as I felt them 'ring off'. Eric was right… I did have a family. Drew had slept peacefully through the whole 'conversation'.

The next morning Drew must have sensed something quite special was going to happen because he asked me, "Could we go into the city and have lunch at that 'high-up place'?" He meant 'The Top Of The Mark'. We hadn't been there since our meeting with Sir Raymond which seemed like eons ago. Well, why not?

We took BART into the city… he was still entranced by the trains… and dined royally. The most expensive hot-dog I had ever heard of… but worth every Euro. After we finished dessert, I suggested we go out on the deck.

It was one of those perfect June days and, after looking at the gorgeous scene laid out before us, I pulled him into my arms. "Drew, I don't know quite how to say this and I'm sure I'm going to make a hash of it. But, if you will have me, I'll try to be the father you have never had. I'm not at all qualified to be your dad, but I will try my best. I love you with all my heart, but I'm scared to death that I won't be good enough for you."

He laid his head on my chest and burst into tears… tears of joy. "Oh David," he sobbed, "you will be the best dad any boy could ever hope for. I just hope I can be a proper son. Can I possibly love you enough?"

"Yes, duckling, you already have."

On the way home, reality set in a bit. "It means I'll go to Australia with you, doesn't it? And Mom won't be coming with us, will she?"

"That's right, Drew. But I promise you she will be able to visit you and you will be able to visit her as often as you both wish."

That seemed to comfort him a bit so that he dashed into the house shouting, "Mom! Mom! David's going to marry me and he'll by my real dad! How cool is that?"

Through her tears Amanda replied, "I think the term is 'adopt'. And yes, it is wonderful! Or 'cool' if you like." Turning to me, she took my hands and said, "I knew you would make the right decision, David. And I'm very, very happy for both of you."

I immediately notified The School that I would be delayed as I was busy acquiring a son and the next day we went to see Amanda's solicitor.

"Well, Mr. Nelson, it seems you have passed muster with Mrs. Scott. I hope you realize she has had you thoroughly vetted and is quite satisfied that you are the proper person to adopt her son."

I must confess I felt a bit miffed, but then reality. After all, how could she have been certain that I was not some kind of monster just waiting to ravish her son?

"She has had me draw up the proper forms for her to release him and for you to adopt Andrew. All it requires is your signature." All hesitation gone, I signed immediately. Throughout the proceedings, Drew sat between us holding our hands. "Good! I shall make an appointment with the magistrate, say day-after-tomorrow?" All three of us nodded.

The day of our hearing before the magistrate, Drew insisted on wearing the School Shirt and Shorts I had given him on that fateful day. Yeah, they were a bit faded and small for him, but he was adamant. As we sat in the reception area, we were each quiet, locked in thought. Is this really happening? Am I really going to have a son? A son named Andrew whom I love with all my being. And what of his mother… sweet, courageous Amanda… giving up all claim to the most precious thing in her life?

At last we were called into the magistrate's office, where she greeted us and invited us to sit comfortably around a table. Evidently these kind of proceedings were a good bit less formal than in my land.

"Mrs. Scott," she addressed Amanda, "I see by the petition that you wish to relinquish all claims to your son Andrew, for you and your husband, so that he may be adopted by Mr. David Nelson, a citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia. Is that correct?"

"Yes, your honor," answered Amanda. "My son needs the love and guidance of a father and I am convinced that David Nelson is the best possible person for that responsibility. His birth father has abandoned the both of us."

"I see," she replied before turning her attention to me. "Mr. Nelson, you have agreed to adopt Andrew Scott, making him your son and legal heir. And you will move him to Alice Springs in Australia. Is that correct?"

"Yes, your honor. Both Andrew and Mrs. Scott have honored me more than I can ever hope to deserve. I love Andrew with all my heart and stand ready to do whatever is necessary to assure his happiness and well-being."

"You both understand, that… once taken… this action is irreversible?"

"Yes, we do."

"And you, young Andrew? What are your wishes in this matter?"

"Your honor, I will miss my mom and no matter what the papers say, she will always be my mom. But I love David with all my heart and he will be the best father to me that any boy could wish for."

"Everyone seems to be in agreement, so I will approve the petition and declare that Andrew Stanton Scott, the natural son of Stanton Elsemere Scott, who has abandoned him, and Amanda Proctor Scott, who has relinquished all claims to him, is now the legal son and heir of David Christopher Nelson, a citizen of the Commonwealth of Australia, and will henceforth be known as Andrew Scott Nelson, effective this date."

The three of us rose, Drew reached up and hugged his mom and then took my hand as we left.

On the way home, I kept my promise to him. We stopped at the Qantas Ticket Office and I purchased two lifetime first-class passes good for travel between San Francisco and Alice Springs… one for Amanda and one for Drew.

***

When we climbed off the plane in Alice, there were our friends waiting to greet us and welcome Drew. Both Eric and Peter gave him big welcoming hugs before turning to me. "So this is the boy you have been telling us about. If he is anything near what you have told us, you are a very fortunate man indeed, David. Welcome to Alice Springs, Drew."

"Yeah, he cleans up pretty well," I joked.

"Dad!" came the protest. "You only had to do that one time!" I would have to explain that metaphor to him later

"Master Keldhar wanted to be here, also, but he is away on an important mission and send his regrets," explained Eric.

"Something to do with a psychic battle in Darwin," added Peter. "But it's grand to have you back and to welcome your new son. It's just super grand that you have a son after all these years."

"Yeah, you're quite right on that score," I agreed. "I can't imagine ever being without him even though it has been only a few weeks."

Li Soon had been watching our banter in the background, but he now approached Drew and the two boys stood there regarding each other carefully.

"Dad!" exclaimed Drew, "I can hear him speaking to me in my head and he says how happy he is to see me. How cool is that?"

"Li," admonished Peter, "don't you think it might be a good idea if you used your mouth at first? Let's not freak out poor Drew quite so soon."

"OK," replied Li. "I'm-I'm really, r-r-r-really happy to s-s-s-see you and w-w-w-welcome you to our school, Drew."

"It's OK, Li. I thought it was way cool the way you did that! And I want you to know how pleased I am to be here and meet you in person." To me, he said, "It's not the first time Li and I have 'spoken'." I could already see the bond between them growing.

As we followed them through the airport observing, Eric remarked, "You know, Li has never had a boyfriend. But I think maybe…"

"And Drew lost his first boyfriend when he had to move away," I interrupted, "so perhaps…"

"I think it would be a great match, even if Drew isn't paranormal," confirmed Eric. "Maybe he can settle Li down a bit. He can be quite a handful at times."

"Totally!" I said, as we continued to follow two boys who were now holding hands. "But when did Li begin to stutter and why is he walking so strangely? Has he been injured?"

"Oh that!" chuckled Eric. "While you were gone, Li got himself into some major mischief. And he'll be a while getting out of it. If he and Drew do become boyfriends, there won't be much lovemaking for a bit."

"Li had seen one of the older boys had had his nips pierced and ringed," explained Peter. "And he knew mine had been pierced although I hardly wear the rings any more. So, he wanted to have his done, too. We both told him he must wait until he is sixteen. But he wasn't content to wait."

"The little shit sneaked into town and used his power to force a jeweler to pierce and ring him, even though he is underage. The poor jeweler was thoroughly traumatized and I can tell you, Li's little ass glowed in the dark for several days… I haven't lost my touch. We removed the rings, of course."

"But if you think we were unhappy with him," chuckled Eric, "Keldhar was absolutely furious. Even to the point of threatening to block all his gifts."

"Wow!" I gasped. "Blocking a paranormal boy's gifts would be like castrating or nullifying him. I imagine he was badly frightened." They both nodded.

"I know Keldhar really loves Li and considers him the finest paranormal he has ever seen, but he really worked him over and I think he got the message. But he's had his 'coercion' gift blocked and you'll die when we tell you the rest of penalty," guffawed Eric.

"Since Li wanted to experience his nips ringed," chuckled Peter, "Keldhar did something to make them super sensitive. So, they constantly stimulate him, especially when he has to wear a shirt, like today."

"So he's hard all the time?" I asked.

"Wait! You haven't heard the best part! He's making Li wear a pod like mine was," added Peter. "For six months!"

"Six months?" I gasped. "Six months of being horny all the time, but he can't get hard and can't cum? You'll drive him crazy!"

"We're supposed to keep an eye on him and, if it gets too intense, we can let him out. But he doesn't know that. So, I doubt if he will want Drew to share his bed. I'm sure he will tell Drew why; it will be a good test of their friendship," Eric explained.

"The one other downside," added Peter, "is that he leaks all the time, so we have to keep a kind-of diaper on him. When we get back to the school, give him a hug and tweak his nips a bit and see what reaction you get."

"You guys are cruel!"

"Just want him to know that you know."

I did as they asked and his reaction amazed me. "P-p-please, Master David, d-d-d-don't!" he stammered. "My p-p-p-prick wants to get hard, but it c-c-can't! And I want to cum so bad all the time, but I c-c-can't! I'm…I'm… I guess they told you what Master Keldhar d-d-did to me. I-I-I think I'm going to die!" he bawled. "S-s-s-six whole months of this!"

"Li," I comforted him, "you're a strong boy and you'll get by this. And I am happy that you and Drew are friends. I'm sure he will do his best to help you."

The next few days were very busy… I had much work to catch up on in addition to helping my new son 'settle in'. Fortunately, Drew had a new friend to help him make the adjustment. The two boys rapidly became inseparable and, even in his misery, Li made sure to introduce Drew to everyone and make sure he visited every square centimeter of the school.

The little guy was looking more forlorn every day, but Master Keldhar was still away and neither I nor Li's dads could do anything to relieve his sexual torment. Even after Keldhar returned from Darwin, his perfunctory greeting to Drew and me told me that it would be some time before I might intervene on Li's behalf. Keldhar's experience in Darwin had left him sad and discouraged. He had not shared any of it with me, but I knew he would in his own time. But Li 'soldiered on' bereft of most of his 'gifts' and thoroughly sexually stimulated, his stutter becoming more pronounced each day.

One evening Drew asked permission to stay with his friend overnight and Eric, Peter and I all were hopeful that Li might draw some comfort from his 'boyfriend' if not sexual release.

As I found out later, the two of them were at Keldhar's door first thing the next morning pleading to see him. "P-p-p-please M-m-m-master, w-we need to s-s-s-speak to you. D-d-drew has a n-new g-g-g-ift" Li managed to get out.

"Yes, Master! Li says I'm sympathetic!"

Keldhar looked puzzled for a moment, but then brightened. "You mean he's empathic?"

Both boys nodded. "Yeah that's the word."

"Well, my word! I hadn't thought to test you," he told Drew. "Come here, child." And placing his hands on Drew's shoulders, he looked into his eyes. "My word! You do have the gift of empathy. We'll have to begin your training at once." Turning to Li, he asked, "When did you notice this?"

"J-j-j-just last n-n-n-night." he stammered.

"I stayed with him last night," Drew admitted, "An' I tried to help him. But it was harrrrd, an' I wasn't much help." And he began to cry.

Keldhar sighed. I have neglected these boys. I have been too consumed with sorrow, he thought. "Li, please wait outside. Drew and I… well, we need to talk a bit."

As soon as the door closed behind his friend, Drew looked up at his master teacher with tears streaming down his cheeks. "Please Master Keldhar, Li is so sad and hurting. Could you please, maybe, end his punishment? He told me what he had done and I am sure he has learned his lesson. Please?"

Keldhar beckoned the boy to him and put his arms around him. "Drew, you are a very perceptive young man. Does David know about your gift?"

"I don't think so, sir. We never talked about me having a gift."

"That's incredible! Well you certainly do have another gift, also. Bravery! You are brave enough to tell me that I have made my best student so miserable that he is suffering much too much in his punishment."

Rising he walked over to a cabinet, took a small jar of ointment from the shelf and handed it to Drew. "I want you to stay with him all day and tonight. When it's time for bed, rub this preparation on his nipples and they will return to normal." Handing Drew a key from his ring, he continued, "and then you may remove his pod. His punishment is over."

"Oh! Thank you! Thank you!" he gasped, tears forgotten. "How cool is that?"

"But, remember now. Not a word to anyone until this evening. I suggest you hug him much until then. Now you may go to him."

The next morning, Keldhar was in my office quite early. I had had two lonely nights without my bed-warmer and I hoped he was going to allow Drew to return to our quarters tonight. He sensed this immediately and said as he sat down across from me, "Yes, Drew will return to your fold. I'm quite finished for now with his services."

"But I fear I have neglected you, David. And for that I am sorry. But the business in Darwin…"

"I understand it was quite sad," I said to him.

"Yes," he sighed. "Two young boys… their gifts unknown… locked in a psychic battle over a video game. We tried to separate them, but to no avail. But they had hurt several of their parents when they tried to intervene and we finally had to put one of them down. It was just ghastly and the other boy will require months of therapy and will forever mourn his friend. I've permanently blocked his gift. It's the most comfort I can give him. And his parents, both fine upstanding people. I'm afraid the other boy's parents will mourn their son for many years. If we only had known!"

"Thank you for sharing this with me," I replied. "I hope you'll feel better. I know you gave it your best shot."

"You are right, David. I do feel better. Which brings me to the purpose of my call this morning. Have you never realized Drew's gift?"

"Gift? What gift?"

"He's an empath, David, and a rather strong one, too. Li Soon, even as he was being punished, recognized it and came to me yesterday morning. Last evening, I had Drew release him. That's why I needed his services yesterday. Li has suffered enough for his transgressions and I wanted your son to be the one to redeem him."

I sat there with my mouth open. My son, the boy I loved so completely, had a paranormal gift and I had never even suspected!

"Did you never suspect, David?" he asked me.

"No!" I managed to gasp.

"You have told me how you met him and saved him. Think back to then, David. What did you feel, when you pulled him off the bridge railing?"

"Well, I could see he was terribly sad and frightened. Anyone could have seen that," I answered. "But, then suddenly he seemed all right with me, but I guess I was too shaken to think about that."

"He was channeling to you, David. First his hurt and desperate sadness. But, then he 'read' you and began to see you as a friend. Not all the way, at first because he asked you if you were going to do bad things to him, didn't he?"

"Yes, he did," I said, remembering the fright in those blue eyes.

"How else could he have known that you would not only never harm him, but would be a true friend and love him?"

Keldhar was right. How many times had I held my boy and felt the love flowing between us. And I simply didn't see it!

"Don't feel badly, David. When you love as completely as the two of you do, you simply get caught up in it. You don't take time to analyze it. You just love."

And I wondered if Amanda was also empathic and had 'read' us both and felt supremely comfortable, knowing that my love for Drew was genuine.

"I imagine the two of them had a busy night last night," my friend and mentor chuckled. "But I just rousted them out and told them to come immediately and they should be here any second.

True to his word, two naked boys dashed into the office. They had not even taken the time to dress.

"Did he tell you, Dad? Did he tell you? I'm impacted!"

"I think the term is 'empathic'" I told him holding out my arms.

He surrendered to them and replied, "Yeah that's what I said. I have a gift, too, just like all the other boys here. How cool is that?"

"Very cool," I assured him. "How was last night?"

He left my arms and went to Li, throwing his arms about him as they pressed their naked bodies together.

"It was WONDERFUL!" they chorused.

Master Keldhar just sat in the background beaming.

The End… Of this tale

Will there be more featuring
these two pint-sized lovers?

All will be revealed!!!