Pyro

Starting Over

Chapter 1

I don't know what happened. One day I am walking home now I am running for my life what should I do. Damn I don't know.

You see one day I was walking home late at night and saw this limo pull into an alley. I stopped to see what was going on. I saw three men get out dragging a fourth man. I heard them talking about ratting on them then they shot him in the head. I gasped I didn't know what to do. They turned when the heard me and I ran. I have been running for over a week. Should I go to the police? FBI? CIA? I have no clue but what I do know is that I have to protect myself.

I decided to go to the FBI. I mean come on I look like hell, I haven't shaved in a week, I have only had one bath and I am tired. I am lucky to get two hours of sleep a night.

I went to the FBI building and asked to talk to an agent. When they finally got me one I told him what I saw. He asked me to describe the men so I did. He pulled out a photo album and showed me several pictures I pointed to the man it was. I am not going to say his name not now or ever again.

The FBI told me if I were to testify for them that they would put me in protective custody and I can disappear. I wanted more than just disappearing. I wanted to be someone else. I was 24 just out of college and I don't even have a life yet. So we agreed. I testify and they change me to what I want. I agreed and told them what I wanted. At first they were astounded but called someone (I have no idea who it was) but the person on the other end agreed, and so it started.

Two weeks later I was in court and testified against the mobster. After the jury found him guilty I disappeared.

I know you are wondering how or where, well here it is. First this is what I used to look like. Six feet [1.80 m] tall, with brown hair and brown eyes, I was of average build. I took Judo and Ninjetsu for about ten years. So I was in pretty good shape and knew how to take care of myself. Well now I am totally different.

They waited to do the operation six months after the trial. Then one day I turned up dead, well supposedly dead, so the contract on my life was lifted. After that I had the operation.

When I awoke I was sore but happy it was over. Two weeks latter they took off the bandages. I was now 5'2 [1.58 m] with red hair and dark blue eyes, so dark they looked like sapphires. I had a cute pudgy type of nose and a now style haircut. Long on top and short on the sides.

They gave me my new identity. My name Alexander Michael Covington. I was 13, my family died in an accident. I was an only child. Neither of my parents had sisters or brothers and my grandparents were already dead. Not so unlike my real life. They went over my new name and what I had to do to blend in, now here is the real kicker. I was now a millionaire as well. They put five million dollars in a bank that I can't touch till I turn 25. I liked that no one would know about it except for who ever adopted me.

I was told to be shy, well I was anyways then I told them the truth. Something that I was hiding from everyone in my old life. I was gay. At first they were shocked but then they thought that would be a great idea. Who would come looking for a gay teen, so it was settled and here I am.

***

So here I am now a 13 year old at an orphanage. I was shy and I didn't know what to say to the others. I mainly stayed by my self. I don't know what the FBI I did but within two or three weeks after I was there a man and a woman showed up. They wanted to adopted a boy, well another boy. They already had two adopted boys and they wanted another one. They meet several but I wasn't one of the first. I was in my room looking out the window when my door opened. I looked and saw a man and a woman staring there, the woman looked at me and noticed I was crying.

I was crying because I didn't have any friends. I didn't play sports and I didn't do any of the other activities unless I had to. I was by myself, the woman came in and looked around my room, not talking to me at first. I just keep staring out the window. Finally she came over to me, when I felt someone behind me I turned and looked up at her. She smiled down at me and I gave her a half smile and turned back towards the window. She sat down by me and just looked out there with me for a few minutes before she spoke.

"Hi my name is Katherine Wells, what's yours?" she asked smiling at me. By this time I was totally acting like a shy 13 year old so I didn't have to pretend. I sat with my legs in front of me and pulled them closer to me.

"Alex," I replied quietly. I smiled at me.

"That's a nice name Alex. Did you draw all of those picts over there?" she pointed to the desk that me and my roommate shared. I nodded my head in response. "Well they are very good. Do you like to draw?" Once again all I did was nod. My roommate ran into my room and saw her there talking to me. When he saw this he turned and ran out the room. A minute later I saw him run to a group of boys and started talking to them. He pointed at the window and they all looked up. Mrs. Wells ignored them. "So what else do you like to do?" she asked me. I just shrugged my shoulder. "Aww come on I know you must like other stuff," she said smiling at me. Looked at her then at my feet.

"Well I like to read and write," I started. "I also like to watch some TV, but not a lot, I like to listen to music, and play on the computers and take walks. That is about it," I replied looking down.

"Wow that is nice. Do you like the modern bands or oldies. What type of music do you like?" she asked.

"I like all sorts. I am not really into rap, or metal or hard rock. I like hip-hop, jazz, classical, oldies a little of that," I said turning to look out the window again.

"Well that is a lot, not a lot of kids like all of that, I bet it is nice," she said. I just nodded my head. "Do you have any friends here?" she asked me. When she asked that I felt the tears running down my face. I just shook my head and continued to stare out the window. "Aww that is a shame you must have at least ONE friend." I just shook my head again and continued to stare out the window. She rubbed my shoulder and got up. She walked over to the other adults, and they walked out. I don't know what for or why but I knew I liked her, I guess I was just shy. It was like how I really was growing up and now I was doing it all over again. I was some what feminine growing up and I couldn't help it, but that is how I was and now I am just like that again.

***

"Well he sees like a nice boy, quiet and all why does he seem so sad?" asked Mrs. Wells to the head of the orphanage Mrs. Blake.

"Well you see he lost him family. He was an only child and he lost them all, he has not even grandparents. He is really shy and basically he is some what feminine. He can't help it but all of the other boys like to pick on him. He isn't as outgoing as they are so they treat him mean, he doesn't play sports and he doesn't' do much but either read, or just look out the window," Mrs. Blake replied.

"Hmm honey what do you think?" asked Mrs. Wells towards her husband.

"Sweetie he seems like a boy who needs to have some friends and a real life. I like the other boys here but the thing is that with him there is potential to help him become more out going. They all need love and attention but to be honest there is something about that boy that just screams to me that he needs us," he replied looking at his wife. She nodded his head.

"Mrs. Blake we would like to come and get him next week if that is alright?" asked Mrs. Wells.

"Of course I will let him know by Thursday what is going on," with that they concluded their talk and headed home.

***

The week went by slow and boring. I mainly stayed in my room to avoided all of the teasing and the other boys being mean to me. With this being summer we were all there so there was no real escape from there.

Thursday came and Mrs. Blake had someone come and get me and take me to her office. I was scared and nervous I didn't do anything that I could think of so I didn't know why I was there. When I got there I knocked and was told to come in. I walked in and Mrs. Blake smiled at me and pointed to a chair. I sat down and just waited to see what was going on.

"Well young man it seems that the Wells would like you to come and visits them this weekend. What do you think of that?" she asked me. I was astounded to say the least. I thought they wouldn't like me. I was scared so I just shrugged my shoulders.

"I guess it's alright," I replied. Mrs. Blake just smiled and nodded her head. She told me that they would be there between 10 and 12 tomorrow afternoon and to be up and dressed by then. I said yes ma'am and was excused. Since it was summer we were allowed to sleep in if we wanted too. I went back to my room and sat down somewhat scared. Not knowing what was going to happen or what I should do.

The night came fast and I went to sleep on time. I guess I was some what excited but scared as well.

At 10:45 Friday morning the Wells showed up. I was dressed in jeans and a blue polo shirt. I was downstairs with my overnight bag when they arrived. They came in talked with Mrs. Blake for a few minutes then we left.

The Wells had a silver Lincoln Navigator. It was very nice with leather seats and all decked out radio. They asked me a few questions about my week and I told them the same thing. I just stayed in my room all week except for lunch. We probably drove for about 45 minutes to an hour till we pulled in front of a restaurant. We all got out and went inside. The host sat us in a non smoking area, and gave us our menu. They asked me what I wanted, I looked at the prices and thought they were a little high so I just told them a glass of water and a house salad. I didn't want them to spend too much money on me and be disappointed this weekend and not want me. They looked at me quizzically.

"Honey don't you want anything else?" asked Mrs. Wells. I just kinda looked at her and bit my lip and shook my head. Mr. Wells just looked at me before he spoke.

"Hey little man don't worry about it. I know what you are thinking. You are thinking that you don't want us to spend to much money on you because you would probably disappoint us and we wouldn't want you so why spend any real money right?" he asked looking at me smiling. I was surprised that he knew how I was feeling. I just nodded my head and he smiled. "Son listen to me don't worry about the prices or this weekend ok. Just be yourself that is all we want. So please order something more ok," he said smiling at me and reaching across and holding my hand. I just slightly smiled and nodded my head. Hell my real father never treated me like this, I wanted to cry. When the waiter came to our table we ordered. Mr. Wells the Filet mignon and Mrs. Wells a steak medium rare. I ordered the chicken finger basket, and sweet tea. The Wells just smiled at me. After we ordered I excused myself and went to the bathroom. I locked myself in a stall and started crying.

I was upset because even my real parents didn't treat me like that, they would have assumed that I just got bread and water or nothing. The Wells were really nice and I didn't want to screw up this weekend but with how shy I am I don't know what to do. I heard a knocking on the stall door.

"Alex are you alright?" asked Mr. Wells. I didn't know what to say I had tears running down my face and a knot in my throat.

"Y… yes… sir… I'll be right out," I said afraid that he would be upset with me for taking so long. I wiped my face and walked out. He was standing there smiling at me. I was scared as he approached me. When he got to me he reached down (I was 5'2 [1.58 m] but Mr. Wells was like 6-5 [1.95 m] or something) and gave me a hug.

"It will be alright I promise you," was all he said and I burst into tears again, while holding onto him. He let me cry myself out then he had me wash my hands and face and we went back to the table. I don't know what face he made to Mrs. Wells but when I sat down she scooted her chair closer to mine, and put her arms around me. A few minutes later out food came, Mr. and Mrs. Wells talked a little about some business then turned to me. They asked if I liked video games and such and I told them I did and the different ones I liked. They keep asking what I liked and didn't like. I didn't know why they did because I knew I was going to make a mess of things, but who knows maybe just maybe I won't, but I doubt it.

After we ate Mr. Wells got up and paid the bill, then we went and left to head to their house. We drove for about ten minutes when we came up to a set of gates. There was a guard there, he looked at a sticker on the front of the car and opened the gates. We drove through the gates and they closed behind us. As we drove I saw all of these houses. Some where one story some where two and some where just huge, their was no real way to describe them. We drove for about 10 or 15 minutes till we came to what looked like the back of this small community. When we pulled up to their house I couldn't believe its size, it was amazing. The house was three stories tall, and about as long as two or three houses. The outside was dark red brink, and there were nice double oak doors in the front. I grabbed my overnight bag and followed them inside.

The living room was huge with a circular type of couch and a big screen TV, there was an entertainment center attached to it with hundreds of cd's and tapes. The Wells showed me the kitchen, dinning room, laundry room, and family room all on the first floor.

On the second floor there was a huge play room, with a pool table, Super Nintendo, a play station, a play station 2 and other games and video equipment, I was amazed. There were other rooms, including a full bathroom, two guest rooms which I assumed I would be staying in and a smaller family room (actually it was bigger than the one downstairs).

They took me up to the third floor. They showed me where their bedroom was and their two boys rooms. They all had huge rooms, I was about to go downstairs and put my stuff in one of the guest rooms when they stopped me. They asked where I was going and I told them and they just laughed and said my room would be upstairs. They showed me to a room at the end of the hall, when the opened the door I was amazed the room I was going to be using was the same size as everyone else's. On the third floor there was no guest bathroom because everyone room had its own. I couldn't believe the size of this place it was amazing. They left me to unpack and get used to it. I noticed a computer and it made me think of mine from my old life. I missed it.

I unpacked and sat on the little chair like chair that was attached to the window. I don't know how long I sat there but I just sat and watched the day go by. I was so used to just sitting by myself that it didn't bother me. I saw two boys around my age come into the yard then I assumed disappear into the house. I knew they had two boys but I didn't know I was going to be meeting them just yet, but still I didn't get up. I was there for about 10 or 15 minutes when there was a knock at the door. I didn't get it, I was so used to people just walking in at the boys home I wasn't used to a closed door where I could open it and close it when ever I wanted. I heard the door open and Mrs. Well's voice.

"Is it ok if I come in?" she asked. I didn't look up but nodded my head. She came over and sat down beside me. "Why didn't you say to come in we I knocked?" she asked. I just looked at her for a second then at me feet.

"I'm used to people just coming in. Sorry," I said. Sad I thought this is it, she didn't like me because of my manners. Mrs. Wells just chuckled.

"That is ok I can understand that but while you are here you can tell someone to come in or stay out ok. This is your room while you're here ok," she said in a motherly smoothing tone. I just nodded my head and started to silently cry. Mrs. Wells noticed this and hugged me. While we were hugging I heard the door open. Mrs. Wells just looked at how ever came in before she spoke. "It's ok you can come in," she said. I still didn't look up, till a boys voice spoke to me.

"Hi I'm TJ, well Timothy, but everyone calls me TJ," he said.

"And I'm Steven," said another boy. I looked up and saw two beautiful boys looking at me. Steven I was assuming was older because he was taller and looked older than TJ, he was about 5'10 [1.78 m] or so with dark brown hair and dark brown eyes, TJ was abut 5'5 [1.65 m] with dark blonde hair and blue shining eyes. They both looked friendly.

"H… hi… I'm… Alex," I said extending my hand. They shook my hand then we went quiet.

"Well I am going to go and see what is happening downstairs and start planning dinner. You boys get acquainted," with that Mrs. Wells got up and left closing the door behind her. For a few minutes we just sat or stood in awkward silence till TJ, started talking.

"So do you like to play video games?" he asked. I just nodded my head and they said cool and suggested us going to the game room. I said ok and followed them down the stairs. I stayed behind them and just looked at the floor then the stairs as we descended them heading to the game room.

We talked a little as we took turns playing street fighter on the SP2. It turns out that TJ is 12 and Steven is 14, they like to play sports and outside a lot. I told them what I liked but I was more of an indoor person except on taking walks and such. They said that was cool and tomorrow they would take me out showing me the neighborhood. I agreed, we were becoming fast friends even thought I still didn't talk all that much.

TJ went and got us some drinks but while he was down there he talked to his mom.

"Hey mom why is Alex so quiet?" he asked. Mrs. Wells just looked at him and giggled. He didn't understand.

"Well honey probably for the same reason that you were when you first came here. He is scared and shy and doesn't know anyone yet, but he will come around don't worry."

"Ok," TJ replied then grabbed the drinks and headed upstairs to the game room. Two cans of soda each, three trips to the bathroom each and hours of playing on the game system we were called downstairs for dinner. When we got there the other two grabbed a plate and started filling them up with hamburgers and chips. I just kinda stood there not knowing what to do. Mr. and Mrs. Wells saw this and Mr. Wells brought me over a plate.

"Here just pick out what you want ok," he said. I nodded my head and got one burger and a few chips. No one said anything to me but they all knew that that wouldn't fill me up. I guess I was just scared that things wouldn't work out. TJ handed me a can of Dr. Pepper then grabbed one for himself. We went to the kitchen table sat down and began eating. I was taking my time and not wanting to rush anything. Scared I would make a mess. Everyone finished with their first burger and was starting on their second before I finished my first. When I did finish my burger and chips, I kinda just sat there not doing anything. I was too scared to ask for another one thinking that they may get upset. I excused myself and went to the bathroom. When I get back there was another one sitting on my plate. No one said anything, I just gave a shy smile and started eating. Mr. and Mrs. Wells finished got up and left telling us to clean up when we finished eating. We said yes ma'am, and they walked out.

TJ and Steven kinda just sat there watching me. I was starting to get nervous and I think that they could tell.

"Hey man don't worry ok, you can have what you want ok," Steve said to me. I just nodded but slowly ate anyways. I think TJ was worried about me, by the way that he looked at me, but he didn't say anything. When I finished I started cleaning up with them. I was used to washing the dishes so I put them in the sick and started looking for the dish detergent. After a few minutes Steven finally asked me what I was doing.

"Dude what are you looking for?" he asked with a smile on his face. I blushed but responded.

"Umm the detergent I do the dishes at the orphanage so I was going to do them now," I said scared that I did something wrong. Steve just chuckled and grabbed my plate and glass and put them in the dish washer. He smiled and I gave a shy smile, back to him. All this time TJ just sat quietly watching me. I was starting to get scared of him doing that. Did he know I was gay? Did he think I something was wrong with me? I was scared and didn't know what to do.

We went back upstairs but where they headed for the play room I headed for my room. I got there and closed the door leaning heavily on it. The tears started then, they didn't' like me but I was used to that, was I if I was then why was I crying. I threw my self on the bed and just started really crying. I don't know how long I was laying there but I started getting really tired as I was crying. As I drifted off to sleep I thought I heard my door open but I wasn't sure.

Chapter 2

The next time I woke up I saw TJ slipping out of my room, I heard him whisper to someone then heard a bedroom door shut. I looked at the little clock that was by my bed and noticed that is was 10:30 in the morning. I got up used the bathroom then got dressed. I walked out of the bedroom and almost ran into Steven just standing there.

"Morning how did you sleep?" he asked me smiling. I gave him a shy smile.

"Fine," I answered with a low voice.

"Cool well come on downstairs, breakfast is over but I am sure we can find you something to eat," he said. I just kinda looked at him for a minute.

"Ummm no thanks. I can wait till lunch," about at time my stomach grumbled. Steven just laughed.

"Yea you might but not your stomach," with that he grabbed my hand and pulled me down the steps to the kitchen. When we got there Mrs. Wells was sitting there. She looked up as we entered and smiled at us.

"Did you sleep well dear?" she asked me. I just nodded and sat at the table where Steven put me. He grabbed a bowl some cereal and the milk and put it in front of me. At first I didn't know if I should eat or if this was a test. "Go ahead honey, you can eat, don't wait for us to tell you ok. You eat whenever you feel hungry," Mrs. Wells said getting up and walking out of the kitchen. About that time TJ came in. He grabbed a bowl then sat at the table, I poured some in my bowl then TJ grabbed the cereal box and poured some for himself. We ate and chatted a little.

After breakfast they took me out and showed me around the neighborhood. We passed some other boys and Steven and TJ stopped to talk to them. They introduced me, I said hi but mainly stayed quiet. They looked real cute and seemed nice. After about five minutes we took off to finish my exploration of the neighborhood.

Well the weekend passed and I did enjoy myself with as little talking as I did. I know that when ever I went to sleep that TJ would sneak in and crawl under the covers and cuddle up with me and sleep with me. I didn't mind, he seemed real nice and I didn't want to make him mad at me.

By 6 o'clock Sunday night I was back at the orphanage and told to expect them next Friday. I said ok and took off up to my room. But before I got to far Mrs. Wells pulled me too her and gave me a hug and a kiss. Mr. Wells did the same then sent me on my way. I smiled at them a genuine smile and I enjoyed them doing that. When I got to my room my roommate was there and asked me all about it. Since I didn't talk all that much I told him little about it. He seemed to except this and let me be.

The next week flew by with my staying in my room and once again by 10:45 Friday morning I was downstairs with my overnight bag waiting on them. The Wells walked in and gave me a hug this time TJ and Steven were with them, they came over and gave me a hug as well. Some of the other boys who were standing around and saw this. One of the boys gave me a dirty look and walked off. We left and stopped at the same restaurant as we did last time. I was more open and happier then I was the other week. Steven, TJ and myself joked around and had a good time. TJ smiled and put his head on my shoulder, and he whispered something to me that totally blew my mind.

"I knew you would be better this weekend. I did the same thing when I first stayed with them, you see I am adopted as well," with that he smiled at me and I smiled back. He told me that his mom gave him up and that he spent most of his life in foster homes till he was nine when the Wells adopted him. I told him about my parents and he cried when I told him that they had died in a car accident. He gave me a hug and said he was sorry. When Steven heard what happened he to cried and gave me a hug. I felt really good knowing that they liked me.

That weekend was better then the last. I actually laughed and had a better time and was more opened. I was sad when Sunday came around and I went back. Mrs. Blake saw how sad I was and asked if everything was alright.

"Yes ma'me, I just wish I didn't have to come back. You are nice and all but I really want my own family," with that I burst into tears and ran upstairs. I didn't know what Mr. and Mrs. Wells saw this. They got out and walked over the Mrs. Blake to find out what was going on.

"Well it seems that Mr. Covington didn't want to come back," she said smiling. Mr. and Mrs. Wells smiled then started talking to Mrs. Blake about adoption, in this case adopting me. I didn't know that at this time.

When Monday came I was back in my room and stayed there. Burt a bigger and older boy than me, came into my room.

"Hey you little shit what do you think you are doing. I should have been the one with them not you," he said coming up to me and grabbing me around the collar and throwing me on the floor. I hit my head and screamed out loud. Burt just kicked me. When I curled into a ball he was going to kick me again when someone pulled him off of me (Yes, I know martial arts and all but I was so stunned I didn't have time to react.) Someone touched my shoulder and I jerked back on reflex to protect myself, that is when I heard Mrs. Wells' voice.

"Alex come on baby it's alright, i'm right here," she said. I looked up and saw her smiling at me. I saw Burt being held by Mr. Wells; Burt had a mean and hateful look in his eyes. I hugged Mrs. Wells and started crying again.

"Burt what was the meaning of this?" asked Mrs. Blake when Mr. Wells finally let him go. He looked down at me with hate. "This little fag is what is going on. It should have been me not him. He just got here I have been here for eight years, longer then the rest of them, I should be the one being adopted finally not him," he said bursting into tears. Mrs. Blake held Burt as he cried. I felt really sad for Burt and started crying even harder.

"Shhhh what's wrong baby?" asked Mrs. Wells. I just looked at Burt, she looked at me and nodded her head. "I know it is sad. I'm sorry we can't take them all," she said. Burt heard this then turned towards me. He came over to me after breaking free of Mrs. Blake and knelt down by me.

"I'm sorry Alex. I didn't mean it. I am just so sad of never getting a chance," he said starting to cry silently. I let go of Mrs. Wells and hugged Burt.

"I'm sorry too Burt, I wish I could of had an older brother like you to help me," I said. We hugged for a minute, then he got up and walked out. Mrs. Wells looked at me and smiled.

"Well I think I might know someone to help him. Who knows, but we need to talk for a few minutes ok," she said. I just nodded my head and we all went downstairs. We went into Mrs. Blake's office. She shut the door and we all had a seat. I sat between Mr. and Mrs. Wells.

"Ok now Alex how much do you like being there with the Wells?" she asked me. I looked at them and smiled.

"I like it a lot. They make me happy and I have fun there," I said.

"Do you feel safe there?"

"Yes ma'am I do."

"Ok good, well I have something here for you. Do you know what is in this folder?" she asked me. I shook my head. "Well young man they are adoption papers. The Wells want to adopt you," she said smiling at me. I looked at them and they smiled at me. I started crying for two reasons One: because I was so happy and Two: because I was gay and they had a right to know. When that thought came to me I just sobbed and I couldn't stop. Mrs. Wells hugged me and I pushed away from her standing up and running to the other side of the room. I sat on the floor and all of the adults sat there not knowing what to do. Finally Mrs. Blake spoke up. "Alex what is the matter aren't you happy?" she asked me. I nodded my head. "Then what is wrong?" she asked getting up. I stood up and faced the Wells.

Taking a deep breath I told them "Burt was right I am a fag I'm gay. You don't need someone like me in your home, thank you anyways," I said running to the door and opening it. I ran out of the room and upstairs to my bedroom. I ran to my bed where I through myself on the bed crying. I heard the footsteps but didn't look up. I felt someone rubbing my back. After a few minutes Mr. Wells spoke.

"Well I only have one thing to say, Mrs. Blake do you have a pen so I can sign those papers and take our son home?" he asked. I couldn't believe my ears I turned to look at them. I was still crying.

"You don't care that I'm a fag?" I sobbed out. Mrs. Wells took me in her arms and made me look at her, with a stern face she said.

"You are not a fag… Gay yes fag no. You are who you are and we love you for that. Besides we kinda already figured you were gay," she said smiling at me. I looked at her in astonishment.

"Y… you did?" I asked gulping for air. She just nodded her head and held me.

"Son next time you draw a picture of a boy and you don't want anyone to see it, hide it better," Mr. Wells said, walking over to my desk to show me the picture I drew of one of the boys at the orphanage. I had him naked on a bed. I blushed when he showed it too me.

"So you really don't mind?" I asked still scared. Mr. Wells walked over to me. He took the pen from Mrs. Blake, and right next to me signed the adoption papers. Mrs. Wells did it next then they handed me the pen. I didn't know what name to sign.

"Sign your full real name first, then sign your full name with our last name," Mr. Wells said. I did as I was told. Mrs. Blake took them and looked at them then turning to us she smiled.

"As of now you are no longer Alexander Michael Covington, you are now Alexander Michael Wells. Congratulation," with that Mrs. Blake came over to me and hugged me. With tears in her eyes she wished me well. She gave me my suitcase I arrived with. "Now pack your things you are going home," with that she walked out. I sat there for a minute before I got up. I looked at all of my stuff, which wasn't much. Just a few clothes, a teddy bear from when I was six (in fact I got it just before I went to the orphanage) and a few drawings and pens and pencils. I packed all of that. Mr. Wells took my bag and we headed downstairs.

I passed a bunch of the boys and they all congratulated me even Burt. He gave me a hug and told me to let him know how things are. I promised him I would, the boy that I drew the picture of was the last one. I gave it to him, when he saw it he blushed but thanked me, and right in front of my new parents he kissed me on the lips, then ran away sniffling. I couldn't believe it. I blushed and turned to walk out the front door.

An hour later we were back at their house. As we pulled up Steven and TJ ran out. They saw me with my stuff and knew I was adopted they both gave me big hugs, and welcomed me to their family. We went inside and they helped me put all of my things up. When they saw how little I had TJ just had to ask.

"When is the rest of your stuff coming?" I just kinda looked at him then away.

"I don't have anything else," I responded with a frown on my face. TJ walked up to me and put his arms around me and hugged me. "That's ok you can share my stuff."

"Mine too," said Steven giving me a hug. We didn't know that his parents were at the door. We heard someone sniffling and turned to the door. Mr. and Mrs. Wells just had this look for adoration on their faces.

"That my boys is the nicest thing anyone can do for someone, but don't worry we are going to take him out tomorrow and buy him some more clothes, and other items that he may need," with that they came in and gave us all hugs.

TJ and Steven took me around the neighborhood and reintroduced me to their friends. We saw the first four boys that I met the first day.

"Ok guys, listen up I want to introduce you to someone," said Steven, the boys looked at him like he was crazy they already met me. "I would like you to meet my new brother Alex," Steven said proudly. The four boys cheered and pounded me on my back congratulating me. By the time we got home every kid in the neighborhood knew I was a Wells.

That night at dinner I decided that Steven and TJ needed to know something.

"Umm Mr. and Mrs. Wells… I'm mean mom and dad," I said blushing. They just smiled when I corrected myself. I smiled back. "I think that Steven and TJ, should know what I told you two today at the orphanage," I looked at them and they looked at each other then back to me and nodded. I just smiled. "Ummm TJ, Steven I don't know how to tell you this, but mom and dad know and they are ok with it… you see… I… mean the thing is that…" I didn't know how to tell them and tears started to form in my eyes. TJ saved the day, he got up and came over and hugged me.

"Are you trying to say that you're gay?" he asked me. I just looked at him in shock. So did everyone else. He just smiled at me and I nodded me head. He hugged me kissed my check then sat back down. I was just looking at Steven and TJ and they were smiling at each other. There parents just stared at them.

"What! oh come on we already knew," said Steven. Taking a sip of his drink.

"Well yeah next time you look at a guy, don't stare the way you did when you met Mike, Brett, Michael and James," TJ said, smiling and giggling. I smiled at them with tears still in my eyes.

"So you guys don't mind?" I asked. They just shook their heads smiling at me. I sighed a sigh of relief and relaxed. Then TJ dropped a bomb shell.

"Besides it takes one to know one," he said staring at me. Steven spit the drink through his nose and I think that the Wells about had a heart attack.

"TJ… you're gay? Why didn't you tell us honey?" asked Mrs. Wells… I mean mom – I have to get used to that.

Umm… well I didn't know how you would react. Now since I know how you feel I felt I could tell you. You're not mad or anything are you?" he asked tears now welling up in his eyes. Mom and dad just stared at him and smiled. They got up and hugged him.

"Nope son were not mad. Surprised but not mad," Dad said. I smiled at TJ then got up and hugged him too. "Now does this mean we are going to have to padlock your two doors from the outside," Dad asked taking his sit again. Me and TJ looked at each other and giggled.

"Nope I think I want him more as my big brother then a boyfriend. Besides I don't think my boyfriend would like that too much," he said smiling and giggling.

"Oh really and who is that?" asked Mrs…, I mean mom.

"Well it is… umm… you see it is…," he couldn't finish he was blushing a lot and didn't know what to say.

"It's Eric isn't it?" I asked. TJ looked at me with wide eyes.

"How… how did you know?" he asked. I just giggled.

"Well it took a minute but I remembered how you two looked at each other when you introduced me to him," I said smiling at him. He finally smiled.

"Yeah it's him," he looked at mom and dad.

"Well at least you have good taste honey. Now Steven anything you want to say?" mom asked looking at him. Steven just looked at us and laughed.

"Nope I'm the straight one," and we all busted out laughing. About that time the door bell rang. Dad got up and answered it. Walking back into the kitchen he looked at TJ.

"Um son, you're other half is here," he said smiling, TJ got this wide eye look and turned around seeing Eric about to cry.

"You… told didn't you. You promised me you wouldn't," he said starting to cry hysterically now. TJ got up and walked over to him. He took him in his arms and whispered something to him. Eric looked at me and I smiled back he smiled at me then turned to face TJ, he stopped crying at that point. He took TJ's arms put them around his waist and put his arms around TJ's neck. While we were all watching we could see the change come over TJ. He just stared at Eric and Eric at him. Like no one else in the world exsisted. They slowly came together in a soft chaste kiss. Just a brushing of lips but one that left them both breathing heavier. Eric hugged TJ and TJ hugged him back. After that TJ taking Eric's hand led him over to the table.

"Mom, dad, Steven, Alex I want you to meet my boyfriend, Eric Smith." Mom and dad gave Eric a hug and me and Steven shook his hand. TJ held out a chair for him and Eric sat down. TJ got Eric a plate and put some of the food on it for him, then sat it in front of Eric. TJ sat down and looked at him. They blushed and we all started eating.

Chapter 3

Eric stayed over that night and him, TJ, Steven and myself stayed up most of the night talking and joking around. We all feel asleep in the upstairs family room. Me and Steven on the couch and TJ and Eric curled up together on the love seat. When we awoke, we found sheets on all of us. We assumed mom and dad put them on us. We all got up and went to our rooms, to use the bathroom and get dressed, when TJ and Eric went into his room Steven couldn't resist.

"If you two aren't out in ten minutes I am calling the fire department," with that Steven busted out laughing and I was giggling. TJ just shot us a grin and the middle finger and closed his door.

We all meet downstairs and ate breakfast, then went over to Eric's house. We stayed there for a few minutes then went out walking.

Later that day mom and dad took me shopping. I couldn't believe all of the stuff they bought me, all new clothes, games, roller blades, books, even a computer for my room, just like Steven and TJ had. I was going to have my own phone line as well. It turns out that Steven and TJ, also had their own phone line, and there was a separate one in dad's office, but his and mom's room had the main house phone in it. I would share all of the other games in the game room with Steven and TJ, I didn't mind at all.

We got home, put up all of my new stuff, and put my computer together. I didn't bother to ask what mom and dad did but now I was curious. I walked downstairs to the living room and saw them on the couch cudiling together. When I walked in I was kinda nervous, they could tell.

"What's wrong sweetie?" mom asked me.

"Well I hope you won't be mad but I was wondering. Today is Tuesday and I haven't seen either of you go to work anywhere. I was just wondering what you two did. I hope you're not mad," I said with my head down. Dad just chuckled.

"No son we are not mad. That is very good of you to observe that. Well if you must know, you know that restaurant that we ate at last week and the week before when we came and got you?" he asked. I nodded my head. "Well we own that. We also own several clothes shops and computer stores. That is how we could go in and get you all of that stuff. The slips of paper that you saw me and your mom signing weren't bills. They were for the inventory, so they know what we took and can write it off," he said smiling at me. I couldn't believe it. WOW.

"So you mean you own all of those different places?" I couldn't believe it. They looked at me and sorta frowned I was scared I just messed up.

"No son we don't, we all do, that includes you. You would still have to have one of us with you or at least have us call if you were to go there to get anything, but you are also one of the owners as well." I got tears in my eyes and hugged them.

"Thank you," was all I could get out.

***

Two months later was the beginning of the school year. I was terrified. I mean it has been what, just over two years since I left college. I was going to go to the private school that Steven and TJ were to go to, called Pines Academy. I took a tour of it last month and it's a pretty good school, nice and big and well kept. I really didn't care if I go to public or private but since Steven and TJ were going to Pines, I was advised to go but, they still asked me what I thought, so I took my chance and said ok.

When they enrolled me, the school had me take a placement exam. I knew I couldn't do too well, but I wanted to do better then average. It was a week later when the results came back. I was to be in about three advanced classes and the rest regular classes, mom and dad sure were proud and I was scared stiff. As it turns out, Pines Academy was from grades K-12 but I was still going to be separated into the middle school part of the school, at least I knew Steven and TJ were going to be there.

School started and was terrified we really didn't have a massive dress code, just slacks, and a button up shirt. I could handle that. The cool thing was on Friday's was jeans day and you could wear jeans and a regular shirt, now I could diffidently handle that one.

My first day of school was some what scary. Not knowing anyone and still learning what was going on around the school. I meet a few people but, because of my shyness, not too many.

My homeroom was ok. My teacher, Mr. Barley was pretty cool, he introduced me to the class and I told them a little about myself, just that my parents died last year and I was adopted this summer. I told them I was from Virginia, but had lived down here the past four years. After that I sat down and just keep quiet. A few of the boys seemed to kinda snicker at me but I didn't care, a few of the girls on the other hand were real nice to me, unfortunately for them, I'm gay, so I wasn't not worried about it.

My first two classes were advanced English, and advanced History. I loved both of those classes from when I went to school the first time, so I knew I would love these too, but when I walked in, I found I was the only 7th grader in the class, with a bunch of 9th and 10th graders, now I was scared. I sat near the front and kinda keep to my self. One of the other boys snickered and made a joke about me being in the wrong class, that I should be in the kindergarten English. I was hurt and didn't say anything, but the teacher did.

"Well Jerry, the thing is that when Alex here got tested for English, he could have been in advanced English on the Senior level, but they decided to keep him with students closer to his actual age level. His scores were better then yours," with that the teacher got on her way and introduced us to Advanced English.

History was pretty much the same way with the same students, turns out that this English teacher also teaches the advanced history as well. Jerry almost made the same comment but decided against it just in case I was better then he was. We started the class the same way as English, but this time we got into ancient Greece, my FAV subject. I just listened. I wanted to say a few things, but keep my mouth shut instead. I think that the teacher was trying to see how much we actually knew by changing a few of the dates. I finally had enough. I raised my hand, and when the teacher called on me I asked her about the dates and I told her the correct ones, some of the other kids kinda snickered about it thinking I was stupid, but Mrs. Barnes just smiled.

"You're right Alex, I did change those dates to see if anyone could get the right ones. Very good," she then continued with her lesson. After those two classes were over there was a 15 minute break. I went to my locker not noticing any of the guys following me. I changed my books and turned around to see Jerry and a few of his friends there, I was scared for a minute, until Jerry smiled.

"Hey dude, sorry about that, I was just having fun. You really know all of that stuff don't you?" he just asked me. I just gave a shy smile and replied.

"Umm yeah, I love history, especially ancient history. So I made sure I knew what I needed to."

"Well, that's cool. Maybe we can all get together and study," he said holding out his hand. I was scared at first, not knowing if this was a good thing or a bad thing. Maybe they were just trying to get to me and hurt me. I saw Mrs. Barnes walk by and she just nodded and smiled at me. I shook his hand and we agreed to a study session this Friday at my house. I think they decided my house so I could learn to trust them. We all agreed and went on our way.

My next class was Algebra. I'm not real good in math, but I do ok. I wasn't really that worried about it. We did the introductions, then we talked about what we would learn that semester. After we finished the basics, the teacher let us have the rest of the time to meet each other. I was just going to sit there and not do anything till one of the boys in my class came up and started talking to me. He said he saw me talking to Jerry, Ricky, and James and was wondering how I knew them. I told him, he couldn't believe it. I was a 7th grader in advanced History and English. Well that kinda spread around by lunch, and everyone thought I was some kinda of a brainiac. If only they knew the truth.

My fourth class was Advanced Geography. Turns out that Mrs. Barnes's sister teaches that one in the same classroom as my advance history class and most of the same students were there as well. When I walked in Jerry saw me and his eyes got kinda big, but He just kinda snickered and pointed to a seat by him, Ricky and James. I took my seat and we chatted a little about where I came from. I was finally making friends. Mrs. Barnes came in, saw me and smiled. She had heard about me from her sister and liked the fact that I was in this class and was making some friends. After class was lunch. I ate with Jerry, along with Ricky and James. We all had the same lunch and they asked me to join them. I accepted and we went into the cafeteria. We got our lunch and then sat down to eat. I saw Steven and TJ walk in with some of their friends including TJ's boyfriend, Eric. They saw me and couldn't believe I was around a bunch of 9th graders talking and having fun. They smiled at me and waved. I waved back.

"Who are you waving to Alex?" Ricky asked. I pointed to Steven and TJ, and their friends.

"Those are my brothers, Steven and TJ. The only one I know out of their group is Eric, the boy sanding by TJ," I said. They said that was cool and James got up to get us a soda. When he came back he was talking to Steven. Turns out he asked them to join us. Most of the cafeteria kinda quieted down seeing a bunch of 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders all talking, like it was something new to them. I was kinda nervous. "Umm guys what is going on? Why are people staring at us?" I asked visibly shaking. Jerry just put his hand on my shoulder.

"Don't worry little dude, they aren't used to seeing this many different grades sitting and talking together. Most of them think that what ever grade you are in, is who you should stick with," he said, patting me on the back. I just nodded my head and we kept talking. I saw this one boy just sitting there and not doing anything but reading and eating. He seemed to be about TJ's age. Maybe a year or so younger and shorter the he was. He seemed kinda quiet, but I didn't think too much of it at the time.

We all joked and kidded with eachother. They really let into me about being a brainic and stuff. I just blushed and shrugged it off. A few minutes later the bell rang and we headed to our next class. For me, that was gym. I was really scared now, having to shower in front of the other boys. Afraid I was going to get hard looking at them. Turns out that Steven, TJ, Eric, James, Ricky and myself all had the same gym class, Jerry went to Physics. At least I knew a few people in there. We all sat down and talked until the gym teacher came in. He went over the rules and the fact that we were to all shower no matter what. We had to. I was kinda nervous and the teacher told all of the new boys there not to worry, we all had the same thing. Yes, some boys do get erections and that it is normal and they should not be teased because of it. I sighed a sigh of relief and saw TJ, Eric, and Steven looking at me and knowing why I sighed. We didn't do anything that day, except talk about the class and how things went.

My next class was Biology. I was actually in an regular, 9th grade Biology class (what can I say, I was too advanced for physical science) the only person I knew in there was Ricky, at least I knew someone in there. We sat by each other and I got ribbed again, but Ricky took care of that, telling them how smart I was and I actually made some cool friends.

After Biology I went to Computer typing, now here is where everything really paid off. I was really good at computers. I was considered a hacker. We went over all of the rules once again, and after about ten minutes we took a typing test. We had five minutes to finish it and I was through in about two and a half. The teacher came up to me to see why I was finished and kinda just stared at the screen.

"Where did you learn to type so fast?" she asked me. I just shrugged my shoulders and looked at my hands in my lap. She patted me on the back. "Well, where ever it was, you are good," she then went around and saw how everyone else was doing. She told us what we should read in our books to get ready for the semester. We were aloud to talk the last 15 minutes of class, then the bell rang to go home. I went to my locker and got out my books that I needed for homework. Now this is messed up. What teacher gives out homework on the first day.

I went outside to wait on TJ and Steven, when Jerry and the gang walked out. They saw me, waved, then headed to the parking lot. I guess one of them had a car. A few minutes later, Steven and TJ walked out. We talked about our day and how things went. Mom finally pulled up and we headed home. We told her one at a time about our day. She was happy that we all had a good time and made some new friends as well as rekindeled some old friendships. She said she was very proud of me for trying to make friends, and succeeding. I told her about Rick, Jerry and James and about us studding together this Friday if it was all right with her. She said that was fine. I just smiled back. We got home, changed to after school clothes, did our homework and then played in the game room till dinner was ready. Dad got home and we told him about our day as well. He was happy for us and was glad we all made new friends. He told us about the restaurants and stores and what had been happening. After dinner we took our baths or showers and got ready for bed. We watched TV for a while then finally went to bed. I didn't think I could sleep. I was so excited, but I was able to fall asleep quiet easily

That first week blew by, making friends and everyone sitting together at the table like we did that first day. I was having a blast. Then Friday came. We were waiting after school for mom, we knew she was going to be late. She had already told us. I saw the boy that I had seen that first day that was sitting by himself in the cafeteria, being chased by three other boys. I saw this, and saw red. When Burt got me, I was shocked. I couldn't react, but this was different. I started running after them, Steven saw me take off, and him and TJ followed. I saw them push the boy down and kick him. Some of the other kids that were left over were yelling about the fight. I ran through them and into the open.

"Leave him alone," I said. They stopped and looked at me. The bigger one just saw red.

"Get out of here brainic, this doesn't concern you, only the fag here," he said pointing to the boy.

"Why are you beating him up?" I asked again. The older boy was starting to really get annoyed now, and faced me again.

"If you must know, it's because he's a fag! And if you know what is best for you, yourself, you'll just leave."

"No, you're just assuming he's gay… I have an idea, if you want to beat up a real fag, then beat me up." Did I just say that!? Everyone turned to look at me. "Yeah, that's right, I'm gay. So what are you going to do about it?" I said, just staring him down.

"Boys, let the shrimp go," he said. The other two let him fall to the ground.

"Get out of here man, now!" I said. The boy crawled to the other side. I saw someone helping him up, I noticed it was Jerry. He just kinda stared at me. I gave him a half smile and then turned back to the advancing boys coming towards me. I took my stance. They saw this and chuckled, they started to run towards me. I was able to kick the leader in the nuts and he went down hard. When he was on his knees I took my knee and got him in the nose. Now he didn't know which was in more pain, his nuts or nose.

The other two saw this, and at first didn't know what to do. But they decided to try and get me at once. They came at me and I did a round house, kicking one into the other and they both went down, hard. I knocked one of them out at least. The third got up and saw me and decided to get me on his own. He through a punch and I blocked it. I grabbed him with one hand and went down on with his back over my knee and him looking up side down. I had one hand around his wrist and another over his shoulder.

"I can break both in less then a second. Do you understand me?" I asked him. He was too scared to speak. He just nodded and took a deep gulp of air. "Good, now if I see you bothering him again or hurting anyone else, I will come after you myself. I hate to fight, and because of you morons, I just outted myself to the school," I said looking at everyone in the circle. No one said anything. "I may have lost all of my friends because of you, but you know what, I don't care. I hate bullies," with that I dropped him on the ground, grabbed my book bag and started to walk back to the school grounds where I saw mom waiting. I just started running to the Navigator and jumped in the back seat. Steven and TJ jumped in as well. I didn't know they were right behind me. I just started sobbing and didn't know what to do. I was so upset and scared. Mom asked what was going on and Steven told her. She looked at me astounded.

"I didn't know you could do martial arts," she said.

"When Burt hit me, I was too stunned to do anything. And by the time I could you all came in. I'm sorry mom, I didn't mean to out myself. They just made me so mad. I couldn't help it. Oh God, I don't have any friends anymore, I'm all alone again," I just sobbed out. TJ, unhooked his seat belt and hugged me.

"You still got us," he said giving me a hug. I just hugged him back and cried harder. When we got home we all got out, I saw dad's SUV in the drive way. I knew he was home. I ran to the door almost knocking him over when he opened it. I ran straight upstairs, slammed and locked my door. I through my book bag down and laid on the bed crying. I didn't know what to do. I didn't have any more friends. I knew I had Steven and TJ, hell even Eric, but by Monday, it would be all over school, what I did, and what I am.

Chapter 4

I awoke to a sound at my bedroom door. I thought I heard voices but wasn't sure. I heard someone unlock the door and open it. I assumed mom and dad had a key just in case. They probably wanted to make sure I packed my bags and was ready to go. I just started crying more. Someone sat on the bed.

"Honey, don't worry we are going to get through this ok?" she said. I just sobbed and cried.

"You're not going to make me go back for hurting you like this and embarrassing the family?" I asked still crying.

"Aww honey, no of course not. You are our son and we love you. Now come on dry those tears, ok. There are some people here to see you," she said. I didn't want to see anyone but mom insisted. I got up washed my face and followed her downstairs. Dad was at the bottom step and lifted me up and gave me a big hug.

"Good going sport you helped someone. Don't worry about anything we will take care of everything ok," I just nodded my head and held on. "Come on there are some people here to see you," with that he put me down and we went into the family room. When I walked in there was Jerry, Rick, James, the boy I helped earlier, two more grown ups I assumed was his parents and another boy about mine or Steven's age were sitting there. The first to speak was Jerry.

"Hey little dude. Don't worry we don't care that you're gay," he said. He came up to me and shook my hand then gave me a hug. Ricky and James did too. At least I still have some friends I thought.

"You're Alex?" asked the man sitting down. I looked at my feet and nodded my head. "Thank you for helping my son. We heard you outted yourself in order to do so is that true?" he asked. I once again just nodded but didn't look up. I felt a presence over me and looked up and saw this big man reach down and give me a hug. Then his wife hugged me as well. "Thank you, thank you so much," I was astounded and didn't know what to say. When they let me go the same boy I helped earlier came up to me. He too hugged me.

"Thank you my name's Jeremy," he said. I laughed when he held out his hand and I shook it.

"Name's Alex," I said. Jeremy's older brother got up and came over to me. He was a boy that was in my science glass, named Jamie. He took both of my hands in his. I kinda blushed but looked up at him he was about an inch or two taller than me. "Umm hi Jamie," I said. He caught me staring at him a few times but didn't say anything. I thought he was real cute with his light blond hair and these green eyes that all ways sparkled. I did talk to him once that week and it turns out that he was in the same grade as me just in different classes except for science.

"Hi Alex I wanted to thank you for being there for my brother when I couldn't. I asked them if I could give you something for helping my brother and they said I could." I couldn't believe that this was happening. Him wanting to give me something.

"Umm you don't have to Jamie, I did it because I wanted too," I said letting my hands slip through his. He grabbed my hands and made me look at him. He was smiling.

"I know," with that he put both of his hands on my hips and pulled me forward. My arms were hanging at my side. He just looked at me. Then he whispered in my ear "God you're beautiful Alex," with that he kissed me right there, in front of God, my parents, friends, his parents, my family and his. I don't know what was happening I was so scared I have never been kissed by anyone let alone a boy and I felt my self start to get hard, I loved it. I put my arms on his shoulders and rubbed up and down a little. I felt him open his mouth then I felt his tongue on my lips licking I opened my mouth and his tongue slipped in. I had my eyes shut and was seeing nothing but stars and bright colors as I slipped my tongue into his mouth. This was a kiss of passion. A heard a throat clear it self but thought it was a dream. Then I heard it louder and realized where I was. We separated our lips from each other, I held onto him and he held onto me, I was afraid my legs were going to give. I put my forehead on his chest and he put his head on the top of mine. I didn't know it but I started to cry not hard just tears were slipping down my cheek.

"Wow," was all I heard. I just nodded my head afraid to trust my voice. I was also very embarrassed I couldn't look at anyone. Jamie took my hand and me him, my brothers and friends and his brother all headed upstairs to the play room. I heard Steven telling him where it was. I still didn't look up.

When we got to the play room everyone started talking except me. Jamie keep his arms around me and I keep mine around him. I still didn't look up I was to afraid to let them see the tears falling from my eyes. Finally Jamie made me lift my head. But I didn't meet his eyes.

"Please look at me," he asked in a soft wispy voice. I looked at him. "Why are you crying? are you mad?" I shook my head. "Hey, why the tears?" he asked.

I just looked at him for a minute. "Because no one ever did that, and if felt so good. I didn't want it to stop," I said looking back down. "I have been watching you all week, and I even talked to you once but I didn't even think you really noticed me. Let alone a possibility of you being gay," I said. He lifted my chin with one hand I looked at him, he bent his head down and gave me a chaste kiss, just a brushing of the lips.

"Aww isn't that cute," said TJ giggling. I turned and saw him and Eric holding hands. My friends saw this and kinda did a double take. Then they looked at Steven. He just looked and smiled then laughed.

"Sorry guys I am the straight one in the family," he said. We all laughed then sat down to watch TV. Jamie sat on the love sit and put me between his legs with my head on his chest and arms around my waist. I put my hands on his and just laid there. I was still scared because of Jerry and them.

"Umm Jerry, Ricky, James are you all sure you're really ok about this?" I asked them. Jerry was playing the PS2 and when I asked he handed the controller over to Eric to play with Steven. He turned to face me.

"Dude don't worry ok. My older brother is gay. That is how me and Ricky meet because his older brother is dating my older brother. All three of us are straight but were cool with gay people, so don't worry. Remember you have at least one of us in most of your classes except two. So no one is going to bother you ok," he said I just nodded my head. He came over and gave me a hug. After we hugged he looked at Jamie and smiled. Jamie grabbed me and Jerry started tickling me. I started laughing real loud telling them to quit but they wouldn't till I had tears running down my cheeks. A few minutes later our parents came in saying we were going out to eat so go get ready. I got up and headed upstairs, Jamie was right behind me.

"Sorry but I don't want to let you out of my sight," he said taking me in his arms and kissing me.

"Ok ok come on guys we want to eat," said TJ from the front of his door. That broke us up I turned and saw Eric in his arms smiling at us.

I changed and we headed downstairs to meet with everyone before heading to the restaurant. I asked if Jamie could ride with us and told that was fine. Steven said he would ride with Jeremy and his parents. Everyone else would follow in their car in this case Ricky's car.

We got to the restaurant and then Jamie finally let my hand go. He was holding it as much as he could. We walked in and the host saw us and told us to give him a few minutes. He came back got us and took us to a table that was put together for us. The manager saw us and came over.

"Mike, how are you doing, didn't you just leave here a few hours ago?" he asked smiling. Dad just smiled at him and replied.

"Yep, but we are here to celebrate," he said smiling at me. I blushed.

"Oh really and what is the celebration about?" asked the manager.

"Well Carl, my son over there Alex helped out a boy today after school from being hurt. He outted himself in the process. Now the boy over the there Jeremy is the one he helped and the boy sitting next to Alex on his right is Jeremy's older brother Jamie. Turns out he is gay and I think is going to end up dating Alex. Also TJ came out about a couple of months ago and that is his boyfriend Eric right there sitting next to Alex on his right," said dad. Me and TJ just blushed and tried hiding under the table at everyones amusement. Carl looked at us and smiled but there was something I couldn't tell. Something that looked like sadness. After Carl left the waiter came over and got our drink order. While we looked through the menu I told dad about what I saw. He thought for a minute then looked at me and smiled that same small sad smile.

"Well you see Alex the thing is that Carl's son was gay." I noticed he said was instead of is and a terrible thought occupied to me. I felt tears start to appear. "Carl Jr. came out to his father but his father couldn't handle it and threw him out a few years ago. He was your age and he now he would have been Jerry's age. Junior, that is what we called him, lived on the streets and did stuff to survive that I never want to hear of anyone of you doing. Well he went with this one man. He was 13… to be honest they had sex, then the man… he… he k," Dad couldn't finish it. Just with that much I was in Jamie's arms and Eric was in TJ's we all had tears streaming down our faces.

"What your father was trying to say is that my son was killed by that man," Carl came up behind us. We didn't see him come back into where we were. "I loved him but could not accept him. I am so glad that your parents are loving and acceptable people," he said putting a hand on my shoulder. I took his hand and held it for a few minutes. "If I wasn't so biggoted then and not seeing how things were then maybe he would still be here. I still have two beautiful boys and I am sure that one is like Jr. If he is then I will not make the same mistake as I did with Junior," with that he left us. We were still crying when the waitress came back with our drinks. We all settled down and orderd but I didn't let Jamie's hand go.

A few minutes later we saw a few kids from our school come in with their families. They saw us and pointed telling their parents about me. I was starting to get scared I let Jamie's hand go. He looked at me and I looked across the table to the other one. He saw them shrugged then took my hand once more. My dad saw this and looked over to see what was going on. When Carl came back he whimpered to Carl what was going on. Carl looked at me and saw how scared I was, then looked at the table by us. He trooped right up there.

"Excuse me is there a problem?" asked Carl.

"Yeah, I don't want to sit near some fags," he said. His parents just looked at him then Carl and nodded. Carl just smiled.

"Would you like me to get the owner?" he asked.

"Yeah please do and let him know that there is a fag in here," the boy said with disgust in his voice. Carl just nodded smiling and walked back to our table. He walked over to my father whispered something is his ear. At first I saw my dad get angry then relaxed and smiled. He stood up put his napkin on the table and walked towards the table. The boy's father got up to meet him.

"Is there a problem here?" Dad asked.

"We would like to speak to the owner, not to you," the man said in a condescending tone. My dad just smiled at him. Reached in his back pocket and pulled out his wallet, took a card out and handed it to the man. The man read it looked at my dad and paled very white. The man then handed the card to his boy. The boy read it then looked at me then my dad.

"As I said is there a problem?" he asked.

"Well… you… seee… siirr," the boy took a deep breath. "Sir your son is a fag," he said straight forward. By now the people in the area that were at where looking at my dad and us. I just slipped a little in my chair. Jamie stopped me, made me sit up straight, grabbed my hand and held it as he laid it on the table top.

"Well thank you, but we already know. Now if you don't like that I can have the manager take you somewhere else. Like outside," my dad said looking at them. The man just shook his head, the boy was about to say something but the man just looked at him.

"No sir, thank you. Sorry for your trouble," he sat back down and my dad came back to the table. I looked at him and smiled then got up and went and hugged him. He hugged me back.

"Well I guess owning one of the finest restaurants in town and owning the biggest clothing outlet here you get what you want," he said smiling. I just thanked him then went and sat down by Jamie. When I sat down Jamie took my hand then made me look at the boy across from us at the other table. Then Jamie did something I wasn't expecting. He kissed me right there on the lips in front of the boy and his family. When he released me I turned fire engine red and slipped down a little to the amusement of everyone.

That was probably the best night of my life.

Saturday dawn bright and early, I was up at 9. I got dressed and headed downstairs, I was still wondering if yesterday really did happen until I went downstairs and heard my father on the phone.

"Now you listen to me if you even try that again I will sue you. There is nothing in the student handbook about a gay student. If you try that again I will call my attorney do I make myself clear… good… you do that and tell them what I said," then he hung up. He turned when I entered the kitchen. I just sat down at the table not knowing what to say.

"Sorry dad, for causing all of these problems," I said ashamed of myself. Dad came over and put his hands on my shoulder.

"Son there is nothing to be sorry for. Those close minded biggots want to try and start stuff and not let people be themselves. So don't be sorry for who you are," he said squeezing my shoulders. I looked up and smiled at him. I ate breakfast and waited for TJ and Steven to come down to see what they wanted to do. TJ finally came downstairs about 30 minutes after me, Steven about an hour later. By noon we were having lunch and deciding on what we should do when the door bell rang. Mom got the door, we heard voices but not knowing who they were thought they were for her or dad. I looked up when some one came in ad saw Eric there along with Jamie. They each had a rose. Eric went to TJ and Jamie came to me. We were both blushing. Steven just giggled until he looked to see who else was there, Samantha a girl from school and our neighborhood also stood there with a rose as well for him, he too blushed a beautiful shade of red.

We all decided just to sit back and relax some. Jamie and I went outside and talked getting to know each other. Turns out that we both have a lot of the same things in common. Foods, music, movies, games those sort of things. He played on the schools baseball team, he knew I didn't like sports but I did tell him I would come and watch him play. Then a thought struck me.

"Jamie I don't mean to be nosey but when did you tell your mom and dad that you were gay?" I asked blushing when I said it. Jamie just laughed and held my hand.

"Well it was last year. I turned 12 and I knew I was different the year before. I just enjoyed looking at boys more than girls. Well I couldn't handle it, I thought my parents would hate me and through me out. So one day while I thought they were gone I tried to… umm… well… I tried to kill myself," he said looking away from me. I couldn't believe that, Jamie wanted to hurt himself. I felt tears coming to my face. I made him look at me. I took his face in my hands and kissed him.

"I'm glad you didn't," I smiled at him and he smiled back. He took my hand and continued.

"Well I just finished the note telling them I was gay and that I know how much of a disappointment I would be. I put it on my side table and grabbed my mom's sleeping pills. I didn't hear them come back or my mom come inside. Just as I opened the cap and poured some in my hand she walked in my door. She stopped and saw what I was going to do. I started crying and so did she. She asked me why and I just pointed at the note. She came towards me very slowly and took the pills away. Well she was gone to long and my dad came up, he saw us crying and asked what was wrong, she just threw him the pills. He caught them and saw what they were and tears started pouring down his face. Mom was reading the letter then looked at me.

" 'Honey did you think we wouldn't want you?' she asked me and I told her yeah, they didn't want a fag in the family. Well that was the only time my dad ever slapped me. When I looked at him while holding my cheek, there was rage in his eyes I thought it was because I was gay.

"'How dare you say that, we don't care if you are gay or not but that word will not be used in this house and not to describe my son,' my dad said. I just looked at him and told him I was. 'Son you may be gay but you are not a fag, do you understand me.' I just started crying and nodding. We talked for about two hours on how I felt and why I felt I was gay. When they asked all the questions that they could think of they were satisfied that I was what I said I was. My dad went out and made a phone call then came back in and got us. He said that the three of us were going for a ride. Well he took me to his brother my Uncle Jack. when we walked in my Uncle had tears in his eyes and they were red and blood shot from all the crying that he was doing he walked up to me and put his arms around me and about hugged me to death.

"'You little shit we love you no matter what,' he said kissing my head. About that time his front door opens and in walks this real hot looking guy. I mean my uncle is only about 24 or 25 and this guy was about 23 or 24 and I mean hot dark hair, dark eyes muscles just WOW. Well he walks up to me and asks if I was Jamie I told him yeah then he just smiled.

"'Well I am your Uncle Jack's boyfriend Wayne.' When he said that I about died right there. I just looked at my Uncle Jack and he just nodded then came around and put his arms around Wayne. I couldn't believe it. I sat down on the couch hard and they started laughing. Well we all talked for about two or three hours then my parents left to go get Jeremy. While they were gone they explained how they had an idea I was gay and talked with my parents about it, last year. My parents just said if I was I was and if I wasn't I wasn't, but when the time came and if I was that my Uncle Jack could talk to me. Well he gave me a brief version of what being gay was and how society was. We talked for a long time. My parents finally came back with Jeremy and he was introduced to Uncle Jack's boyfriend as his boyfriend the only thing Jeremy said was, 'I already knew I was just waiting for one of you to say something in the first place.' Then he turned to me and saw me crying and smiled. 'Finally figured out you were gay too?' he asked me I thought I was about to die from that. He explained how he saw me watching all of the other boys and none of the girls like all of my other friends were. He didn't have a problem with it. Well we stayed, had dinner then left and well here I am." When he finished I was just smiling at him.

"Wow that was beautiful. I must say I really like you Jamie Foxx," with that I kissed him deep and hard. I felt his hands go around my waist and I put mine around his neck and just held on. We heard a throat clearing it self a few minutes later but didn't stop.

Then.

"ALRIGHT ENOUGH… geeez and I thought me and your mom was bad," Dad said laughing. I was blushing and hid my face in Jamie's shoulder. He just chuckled. "So what are you two going to do stay out here and get a tan or are you going to go to the mall with your brothers?" dad asked. I just looked at Jamie and he mouthed 'mall' I giggled. We told my dad out plans, he said fine just hurry. We ran in the house then ran out the front door and hopped in the SUV with the other three boys and one girl.

"Geeez it's about time, I thought you two were going to make out all day," said TJ. I turned and saw his hand on Eric's stomach. I just looked at him and him and Eric just giggled. I smiled as he took Eric's hand and kissed him.

"Ok, any more kissing and I am going to separate everyone," said Steven. He was going to say something else but Samantha kissed him. We all laughed at this, when they finished Steven just looked at us and said "Never mind." Then hid has face in his hands as we all laughed.

Chapter 5

We had a great time at the mall. We all bought a few clothes and a few different items for our rooms. While I was at one shop, Jamie went to another one to get something for himself. We all meet up at the food court at about 4 or 5 and had a light snack before we headed home. Dad meet us and off we went. We dropped off Jamie first, he gave me a kiss bye, then ran in side. Next was Eric and he did the same thing and and then gave TJ a kiss also before he ran inside. Then finally it was Samantha's turn. She kissed Steven then ran inside while Steven just stood there red as a tomato. Since he joked about me and TJ, and our boyfriends, we kidded him about his girlfriend. He started laughing while going red.

We all had a good time that evening as we talked and finished our homework. Since tonight was Saturday, all I had left was Sunday before I faced the school. Not knowing what to except. I was terrified!

Sunday was basically a repeat of Saturday except I went over to Jamie's house. TJ went to Eric's, and Steven to Samantha's house.

I turned in early, still scared about not knowing what to do. Oh well, I will leave it for tomorrow.

Monday dawned bright and early. I still didn't' know what to do, or what to say to anyone at school. All through breakfast everyone assured me that it would be alright, but I just wasn't sure anymore.

Mom took us to school and dropped us off. Before I got out she put a piece of paper in my hand.

"This is my cell number and the number to all the shops. If you need me, then you just call, ok?" she said. I just smiled and nodded my head. I got out and just stood there for a minute as she drove off. The few kids that were out there stopped talking and just looked at me. I decided just to head to my home room. I walked in and everyone seemed to get out of my way, as if they were afraid to touch me. I saw Jerry there and he smiled at me, I just smiled back then headed to my home room. I got there and sat down, but no one said anything to me. I just kept quiet. The teacher came in, smiled and went about her work. By the look on her face, I didn't think I had anything to worry about. The teacher went over what she was suppose to for home room and let us talk amongst ourselves. None of the kids talked to me. I felt like I wanted to cry but didn't. I wouldn't let them see me cry.

The bell rang and we all went to our first class. A few of the older boys ran into me and just told me to watch it fag, and walked away. I didn't know what to do. So I didn't do anything. I walked into English and saw Jerry, James and Ricky all there, with a seat in the middle of them. I didn't know if I should sit there or not. But they smiled and pointed to the chair. I smiled back and walked over there. As I was getting there, another boy held out his foot and tripped me. I landed palms out and caught myself, but not without doing some damage. I felt my wrist twist and it started hurting. The boy just laughed and went about his business talking to some other boys that were laughing as well.

"Hey Collins, next time try that on someone your own size, you dumb fuck," said Jerry coming over to help me. Oh did I mention that Jerry, Ricky, and James were all on the wrestling team, ooppss I guess I forgot. The boy that tripped me looked over at Jerry with a stunned look on his face.

"Jerry, dude he's just a fag, not someone important." Wrong thing to say. Jerry got up and in his face. The boy looked scared.

"The word, Collins is gay, not fag. Do I make myself clear?" he said looking at the boy,.

"Umm, yeah, sure, crystal clear." Jerry helped me up and made sure I was ok. The other boy never even looked at me after that. I said I was fine and sat down. My wrist started throbbing as I held it.

"Dude, are you sure you're fine?" Ricky asked seeing me hold my wrist. I just nodded my head. I don't think that they believed me. The teacher walked in and saw me. She called me up to her desk.

"What happened?" she asked me. I just looked at her.

"No… nothing," I said, then I returned to my seat. She then called Jerry up. They talked for a few minutes, then he returned to his seat and just smiled at me. The class began. Two hours later (which is English and History) the class was over and I was on my way to Algebra. The only difference is that I didn't have Jerry, Ricky or James in there with me. I sat at my normal desk and just opened my book waiting for the teacher to come in and start class. Most of the class was in when someone threw a piece of paper on my desk. I opened it up and read what it said. I wanted to cry but once again held it in. The note said: 'Fags are evil and you're going to hell.' I just didn't know what to say. My wrist still hurts and I was still scared.

The teacher came in and started class. I was ignored by everyone including the teacher, unless she handed us worksheets to work on. As I was finishing the work sheet for class, the principal called for me to come to his office. I stood up, packed up my book bag and left for his office. When I got there, I was told to sit and wait. First the bell rang to change class, then the tardy bell rang for the next class, then the principal came out and got me. He took me into his office and had me sit down. He looked at me with a look of neutralness, but with a look in his eyes saying he hated me.

"I will let you know now," he began. "If you are caught doing anything obscene or disobedient just one time, you are out of my school. Do I make myself clear." I just looked at him with astonishment on my face and nodded my head. He didn't' like that. "Speak up! I can't hear you," he hollered at me. I felt tears at my eyes.

"Y… yyeess… yes sir," I stuttered out. He started talking about what happenss to kids who are bad in the school and was scaring me, my wrist still hurt really bad and tears fell from my eyes. Finaly I coudln't take it anymore. "Exscuse me, but may I please call my mother? I hurt my wrist when a boy tripped me this morning," I told him. He just glared at me.

"No you can not call her. You listen to me, if you ever tell anyone what I said, I will suspend you. You are a dirty little fag who doesn't deserve to go here. I just don't have a choice but let you unless you break the rules. And so help me if you do, you will be out in a second. Do I make myself clear?" he asked me with hatred in his eyes.

"Yes sir," I said. Now I was starting to cry. He handed me a pass and told me to go. I left his office. By the time I got to biology, the bell rang. I walked in, handed the teacher the note, then walked out. I turned and saw Jamie standing there with Jerry, Ricky, and James. They looked at me and noticed the tears in my eyes, and the pain. They didn't say anything. They lead me to the nearest bathroom.

Jamie hugged me. "What happened?" he asked. Even thought the principal told me not to say anything, I told them. I even told them what he said. They asked how my wrist was and I told them that is was hurting really bad. They looked and noticed that it was swollen. They wanted me to go to the nurse, but I told them no. I had to stay here or the principal was going to kick me out of school. They said ok, but stayed with me.

We went to the cafeteria where no one talked to me. They talked to everyone else. Well, since no one talked to me, my friends didn't talk to anyone but me, and who those sat at our table. One of the seniors came by.

"Hey, is the little fairy feeling good?" they asked laughing. I started getting mad and upset at the same time. Jerry noticed this and stood up.

"Hey Myers, does it take a little boy to pick on someone smaller than themselves, because if that is the case man, you will never be a real man. Dude, it takes A real man to accept someone for themselves. I guess no one ever did that for you." Jerry then sat down. I thought that Myers was going to say something, but instead, he just glared at me and walked away. About that time, my wrist started hurting big time. I was holding it but I couldn't move it. I started silently crying. Jamie saw this and got up. I don't know where he got the bag, but he did. He got a clear plastic baggie and some ice, and brought it over to me. He had me hold it on my wrist. About that time, the principal came in. He walked over to where we were standing and just looked at me. He reached down and grabbed the bag of ice.

"You don't need that," he said. With that he left. I could tell that Jamie and everyone was getting mad. I told them to just leave it. The bell rang and we all went to our next class… Me, Steven, Eric, TJ, Ricky and James all went to Gym. Jamie and Jerry went to their next class as well. We all went in but the coach told the whole class that we weren't changing out today. I guess so he wouldn't think I would look at anyone. One of the other boys made a comment about being in the same room as a faggot and a fairy. The coach didn't like that at all.

"One more comment like that and you and everyone with you will be doing laps for the rest of the period and everyday after that. You will fail my class. got it," he said. They all nodded and sat down. The guys that were with me sat down by me and we just talked. Well they did, I was in to much pain to talk. A few minutes later the coach called me, Ricky, and James into his office. When we went in, I saw Jamie and Jerry in there, along with my parents. I didn't know what was going on. My mom came over and hugged me then looked at my wrist. She didn't look happy.

"This looks broken," she said. My dad came over and looked too. He was pissed, and you could really tell.

"What in the hell happened Mark?" my dad asked the coach. I just looked at my dad and the coach.

"Mike, the principal wouldn't let him call you. Boys, when you took Alex into the bathroom and made him tell you what was going on, I was in there. I was in one of the stalls, I heard what happened. I didn't like it. I may not like the fact that someone is gay, but if they are a good person, I don't care about that. I grew up in a time or prejudice and hatred. I still have a lot to learn, but the one thing I do know is that everyone should be treated equally. As I said, I don't like the fact that someone may be gay, but that does not mean I don't like that person. It's just that I don't like what they are. Do you understand?" All of us kids nodded our heads. I winced right then and started to cry. Jamie came over and hugged me.

"Sorry coach, but I have to hold him," was all he said. He came around and stood behind me. He then put his arms around my waist and held on as I cried.

"That's ok. I understand. Mike, I don't know what to do except call the attorneys in on this," the coach said. My dad agreed and called his attorney who is also my. About 30 minutes later, two guys came in dressed in suits. I knew by now that everyone out there knews something was up. I told mom and dad that they should get Steven, TJ, and Eric. They had a right to be in here. They agreed and the coach went out and got them. When they came in they were surprised to see who was all there. Then they gave mom and dad a hug.

"What's going on?" asked Steven. Mom and dad told them and TJ started crying. He didn't like it and was scared. Mom went over and hugged him, then dad did. Eric just put his arms around TJ and held him. The coach told the attorneys what happened. The attorneys then asked me about it. I told them everything I could remember. But without any real evidence, there wasn't anything they could do. Dad had an idea. He ran out to his car then brought in a tape recorder. He tested it and when he was sure it was ok, had the coach give me a hall pass. The coach grabbed some papers and told me to take them to Mrs. Barnes. I wasn't sure why, but he said that those were papers explaining what was going on. She had a right to know. I said yes sir and headed out.

About half way to Mrs. Barnes' room, the principal stopped me.

"Where are you going?" he asked all mean and hateful. I was scared that something would happen, and my wrist hurt.

"The coach asked me to take some papers to Mrs. Barnes," I told him. He just looked at me, and grabbed my bad wrist hard. I cried out. "OOUUCH that hurts sir. My wrist is still sore. Please let it go?" I begged him. He just laughed.

"Oh shut up you little fairy. Fags like you should like pain," with that he let me go. I hurried, but did not run to Mrs. Barnes' room. I knocked on the door. She opened it and I gave her the papers. She read them, said ok and let me go back. I got back to the gym and knocked on the coach's door. He opened it and let me in. When the door was safely shut I started sobbing and grabbed my wrist. I couldn't stop crying. They tried asking me what was wrong but I was crying to much to tell them. I handed them the tape recorder and let them hear it. When they heard it, they hit the roof. The attorneys said that it was all they needed and apologized for me getting hurt. One of them picked up the phone and called someone, played the tape for them, then hung up. A few minutes later the bell rang and classes changed. The coach excused himself, went out and told the kids there that they had a free day. Then walked back in.

A few minutes later the phone rang. The coach answered it and handed it to one of the attorneys. He said a few words then hug up. He put his head down for a minute then looked at us smiling.

"The DA is sending over a warrant for the principal's arrest, for child endangerment, child abuse and mistreatment of a child. They will be here in a few minutes." We waited about a half hour for them to get there. The attorneys said it was a good idea that I stay, even though I was hurting. I needed to be there to see what happened. I said ok and just held Jamie's hand. A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door. The coach opened it up and let in two police officers and another man dressed in a suit. The talked to the adults, then walked over to me.

"Are you Alex Wells?" he asked. I just nodded my head. He held out his hand and I shook it with my good hand. "My name is Steven Backer and I am with the DA's office. I need you to tell me what happened," I said yes sir and told him. The cops behind him just got mad, and I mean red faced mad. One interrupted.

"I don't even know the guy and I hate him. My youngest brother is gay and was beat up because of that. Don't worry little man, this guy won't get away," with that, we all followed everyone outside. The kids in the gym just stopped and stared, seeing us walk out with the cops and attorneys. I was still holding my wrist.

We walked into the office where the secretary just stood in shock for a moment.

"May I help you?" she asked with a pleasant smile till she saw me. Then she just frowned. My mom saw this.

"Excuse me, that is my son. You look at him like that again and I will be arrested for beating you half to death, understood," she said with fire in her eyes. The secretary just took a deep gulp and nodded.

"Is the principal in?" asked Mr. Backer, she nodded again. He said thanks and we all went towards his office. Mr. Backer opened the door and the principal just stared at him.

"Who are you?" he asked with anger. He saw me and got up and stared towards me. I coward back, but only into Jamie's arms. One of the cops got in front of the principal.

"Mr. Thomas Howard Jacobson, you are under arrest," he said turning him around and placing hand cuffs on him.

"FOR WHAT?" he screamed. Mr. Backer went up to him with the warrant.

"I am deputy DA Backer, you are under arrest for child endangerment, child abuse and child mistreatment under Georgia law." The police began to read him his rights. He started cussing up a storm, telling them that that they had no right and that there was no proof. After Mr. Backer was finished, he pulled out the tape recorder and let Mr. Jacobson listen to it. Mr. Jacobson was not a happy man.

"You can't arrest me. I didn't know I was being tapped. That is not admissible in court," he said glaring at me. One of the cops just laughed.

"Yes sir it is. As long as one of the people on that tape knows that they are being recorded, then it is admissible. Gentlemen, please take him away." While they were taking him away, he was cussing up a storm and threatening me. The cops just stopped him.

"Well that is another charge sir, terroristic threats, and terroristic behavior toward a minor," with that they hawed him out the door. About that time, the Assistant principal walked in, asking what was going on. My dad explained it to him, he turned pale.

"I am so sorry that happened. That is not in our policy. We even state there is no discrimination. I am sorry and I hope you won't hold it against our school," he said. About that time, I cried out. Once more pain just shooting through my arm. I about fell, if not for Jamie holding me.

"Ok babe, we are taking you to the hospital now," he said. He looked at the assist principal and asked him to please contact his parents and let them know. He said fine, and out the door we went. Jerry, Ricky, James and Eric all went back to class, while me, Jamie, Steven, TJ, and mom and dad left to take me to the hospital.

Chapter 6

It has now been a month since the principal, Mr. Jacobson was arrested. When the judge saw the charges and asked him about it, Mr. Jacobson started talking trash about me. The judge gave him 20 years without parole. His attorney tried to tell the judge it wasn't fair, but all the judge told him was to shut up or he was going to jail next. Needless to say, he shut up.

I still had a cast on my left hand. Thank GOD I am right handed and could still write. Jamie has been helping me and our relationship was growing stronger. I have noticed that TJ and Eric's relationship along with Steven and Samantha's relationship had all been growing strong as well. I don't know about the others, but me and Jamie haven't had sex yet. We just aren't ready. We want to take our time and see what happens.

November started rolling around and I was getting nervous. Why? Because when I originally grew up, we never really celebrated Thanksgiving or Christmas. Let's just say my dad drank it all. I knew in three weeks we were to go on Thanksgiving Holiday break and I didn't know what to do. I think Jamie and Jeremy were going out of town to some relatives by the way they talked. I was hoping to have him here with me, but hey what can I say? You can't get everything you want.

TJ, Steven and myself had been hanging out. They tried to teach me to play basketball and baseball, needless to say I made a fool of myself. But we all had a good laugh. I tried, then finally gave up and started talking in a girly voice just to make them laugh.

"That's it. I quit! a girl shouldn't be doing this." then I turned around and sashayed off the filled. Everyone fell down in bouts of laughter, me included. We all had a good day. Well I decided I would teach them tennis. They did ok, but I was still better. Jamie was with us one day. Me and him got into a match, needless to say he gave me a run for my money. Everyone was cheering. As we were playing, we didn't see one of the tennis coaches come up and start taking score. He would call them out to us and we just nodded our heads. Well five matches, and two hours later it was declared I was the winner by a 6-5 ball. Jamie shook my hand and said good going. We were talking about where I learned to play and how I learned to play so good while. I was telling him, the coach came up to us.

"Damn boys, I never saw anyone your age play that well. What are your names?" he asked.

"I'm Jamie sir and this is my boyfriend Alex." I still couldn't believe that he told him. I kinda blushed and nodded my head. The coach just kinda looked at us for a minute then nodded his head.

"Well I don't care if you're gay or not, I like the way you two played. Are you going to go out for the tennis team?" he asked.

"I'm not sir sorry. I'm not that good. I'm ok but Alex is better, also I play baseball and that takes up most of my time," Jamie replied. I just kinda looked down and shrugged my shoulders not looking at anyone, just my feet. The next thing I felt was Jamie take my hand in his. I looked up and saw all of the love in the world in his eyes. He smiled at me and I returned the smile, then I turned towards the coach.

"Well I never really thought about joining the team sir," I said a little nervously. He just nodded his head.

"Well I mainly have 9th grades on up, but come by Monday and lets see how good you are, ok?" he said. I told him I would and he left us. Everyone was excited, but I felt a little scared, maybe that they would try and pick on me to much or something. Jamie just smiled at me and I knew right away I wasn't going to be alone, so I smiled back. When we returned home, TJ and Steven started telling mom all about what happened. She was really excited, but I think she knew how nervous I would be. She just told me it would be ok and I was going to do good.

Later that night, Jamie and I were in bed cuddled up together trying to fall asleep. We were both in our underwear, but as yet, sex just wasn't an issue for us. We each knew the other beat off thinking about each other, but for us right now that kind of intimacy just wasn't what we needed. We heard some giggling and figured that Eric and TJ were messing around with each other. Well it was confirmed when we heard a rather load moan. Me and Jamie just giggled, then feel into a deep peaceful sleep.

The next day was Sunday, so we decided to go bowling. We went to the bowling center around 3 that day. They weren't real busy, we were glad for that. We got our shoes and picked out our bowling balls to use. The guy behind the counter was a nice looking guy, about 5'11 [1.80 m] with red hair and brown eyes. His name was Trey and he seemed real nice to us. There was something about him that I couldn't put my finger on. He put us on lanes 39-40 so we could bowl league style. I started warming up by taking my stance and going near the foul line. TJ. was the one to ask.

"Alex what are you doing?"

"Well I'm warming up and making sure that my shoes won't stick," I replied. He just kinda thought about this for a minute, then he too got up and did the same thing, eventually the rest did as well. While Jamie was putting in the names I noticed three brothers come in, they all seemed cute ranging in age from 10-18. They all talked and joked with Trey like they have been friends for a while. I noticed that the middle brother and the counter guy Trey were mainly just staring and smiling at each other. Trey said something to him and he turned around and noticed me staring. I blushed and turned around really fast. Jamie came up and asked what was up.

"Hey babe what's wrong?" he asked. I just smiled and told him. He kinda laughed and shook his head. Then he did something I thought was going to give me a heart attack. While Trey and the three brothers were laughing, Jamie kissed me full on the lips. At first I wanted to resist, but like all of the other times I just melted into his arms. When we broke apart we turned around and saw the other boys smiling at us. The middle brother turned back towards Trey and mouthed something to him that made Trey fall about in laughter. We just all smiled. We noticed that he set the brothers on lane 37. After the brothers names were in, I saw Trey go to the back, say something, then walk from the counter to the bathroom. I noticed that the middle brother saw this then whispered something in his older brothers ear and followed Trey. Well that got me to thinking. I told Jamie I would be right back. A few minutes later, I too was falling behind them. As I entered the bathroom I heard hush voices.

"Mmmm I missed that," said Trey.

"Me too baby," said the other boy. "Trey, I hate this. I mean, damn your family knows we're going out, mine knows too and we can't be together like this out in public."

"I know Chris, but because of the age difference there is nothing we can do about it. Just remember I love you and you love me ok," said Trey. I guess Chris made a face or something. "Shhh, it will be ok, I promise. I don't have to work till Wednesday. I will pick you up from school tomorrow, ok?" said Trey.

"Ok, I love you Trey," was Chris's reply

"And I love you Chris," he said I heard them start kissing and turned around and left. When I got back to the lanes I saw that it was my turn. I went up and bowled before anyone could say anything to me. I got a strike on my first shot. TJ just shot me the bird because he only made 5, then he smiled at me. Jamie looked at me and noticed that I had a lot on my mind.

"Ok spill it," was all he said, so I did.

"Wow! they are together and their family knows. That is so cool," he said. I agreed. We saw Chris and Trey walk back this way. Chris with tears in his eyes and Trey who looked like he was about to cry as well. When Chris sat down, his brother asked him what was wrong. He just said nothing and got up to bowl. Well his older brother went and talked to Trey. Apparently he told him what was said because they just shook hands and he nodded his head. The older brother went back over to Chris and just hugged him.

We bowled three games each. With there being six of us, it didn't take that long because we used two lanes, but it did take about an hour. We sat down to eat and that is when I noticed that Trey was talking to his co-worker. Then his co-worker, who I later found out was his boss, just nodded his head. I saw Trey go and pull his drawer and count the money. He gave it to his boss who recounted it, then Trey apparently clocked out. He went to the back and reemerged a few minutes later whereing a different shirt. All this time and Chris still had his back to him. Trey looked over at us and put his fingers to his lips in a shush kinda jester, we smiled and nodded our heads. He snuck up behind Chris and whispered something in his ear. At first Chris jumped, then turned around, looked Trey up and down and hugged him. They released each other fairly quickly. After the boys finished bowling, they all left. I thought that was cool, that he was able to get off early and spend the rest of the evening with Chris. As they walked out Chris turned and said something to him and Trey nodded his head. Chris turned and walked towards us.

"Umm hi. My name is Chris. Me and Trey were going to go and get some dinner and wanted to know if you would like to join us?" he asked. We all thought of this and about that time our mom came in. We told her. She met Trey and Chris and finally agreed. So we were all deciding where to go. I didn't tell them who owned it, but we agreed on the restaurant that my parents owned. My mom took us while Chris and Trey rode in Trey's car and Chris' brothers road in their car. My mom called dad and told him what we were doing, since he was working that night. He said fine and would have a table for us. We told him not too, just to treat us like any other person. He thought this was funny and agreed.

When we got to the restaurant we walked in and the host acted like he didn't know us. It took about five minutes before we were finally seated. While we were looking over our Menus, my father came posing as a waiter. I smiled but didn't say anything. He took our drink order and left us alone. We finally decided what we wanted to eat and my dad came back took our orders and left once again. At first no one knew what to say. Steven finally broke the silence.

"So how did you two meet?" he asked Trey and Chris. They smiled at each other and Chris started off.

"Well, me and my two brothers came into the bowling alley one day. Trey was working the front counter and got us situated. I had to use the bathroom and he just asked if I had fun. I told him yeah, I kinda smiled and walked away. Well about a week later me and my family came in there and I did the same thing, saying very little but looking at him and him at me. After about two weeks, me and a few of my friends went there. When we finished bowling and playing in the arcade we got ready to leave. I told them I forgot something and ran back in, I gave Trey my phone number and walked out," he said smiling at his boyfriend.

"I called him that night scared as hell. I was afraid his parents may answer, but luck had it that that was his private phone line, so he answered. We talked for about an hour or two then he had to go," Trey went on "Well it just kinda went from there." We all smiled and nodded our heads.

Our food came and we ate, mainly in silence with little snips at each other for fun. About an hour later our bill came. I signed for it. When Trey and Chris saw this, they looked confused. I couldn't stop myself, I just started laughing along with everyone except Trey, Chris and his brothers. They looked very confused. When I settled down enough to talk, I finally told them.

"Sorry guys, I was playing with y'all. Our family owns this restaurant," I said. When they realized this, they too started laughing. We left the restaurant and Chris and Trey went ahead and left in Trey's car, while the rest of us waited for dad come out. We told him what happened and how they reacted, he laughed and said he had fun too. We told him bye and we would see him tonight. We all gave him a hug and a kiss, then headed home.

Chapter 7

The week before Thanksgiving vacation, everything went pretty good. I didn't have too many problems and everything seemed to have setteled down for me. Jamie and myself have been doing much better and talking more. Along with my other friends that are now his friends. Everything was going good. I found out that tennis try outs were going to be after the holidays and that it would begin in the spring. I was both excited and scared.

Jamie and Jeremy were going out of town, to their families for Thanksgiving after all. Jamie said he would call me before they left and let me know when they will be back. It would be either Friday night or sometime Saturday. I was excited.

Thanksgiving was approaching and I was kinda quiet and didn't say much. Finally TJ approached me about it.

"Hey man what's wrong?" he asked. I just looked in his eyes and let tears fall down. TJ put his arms around me and I just started crying harder. I finally calmed down enough to tell him that I was scared, because at my home before my parents died, we didn't celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas. My dad drank it all away. I told him that I was scared to meet mom and dad's parents. I was afraid that they wouldn't like me. I started crying again.

"Shhh it will be ok. I promise. They liked me and Steven, I know they will like you too. I'm going to try and make sure that this is the best holiday season that you have ever had," TJ said. What we didn't know was that dad was there and listened to everything that I said to him.

Dad went and told mom what I said. They were both upset and sad about what I said and how I never had a good holiday and how I was upset that the grandparents wouldn't like me. Mom and dad went and called their parents and told them what had happened. They were upset too that I never had a decent holiday and they wanted me to have a good season as well.

I finally cried myself out and told TJ thanks, then got on my computer and started typing in my journal about what I told TJ. I felt sad about that, but I couldn't help it. I was just so scared to hurt anyone or mess things up for them. Maybe I can just stay in my room?

The week before Jamie left, school was going ok. I was still upset. Jamie noticed. I told him I wished he wasn't going and why. He told me it would be ok and when no one was looking, gave me a quick kiss and a hug. I smiled and just leaned into him. Ricky, James and Jerry came by and saw us and started kidding us about it. We told them to shut up We all started laughing.

Finally, Thanksgiving Day arrived. Man was I scared. I tried to hide in my room as I heard the guests coming in. I saw at least four or five different cars out there and that did not include our cars. I sat at my window and just stared out of it. I thought about how I could just avoid going downstairs, but nothing came to my mind. Finally there was a kncok on my door.

"Come in," I said, not even turning around. I heard the door open. I didn't want to talk to anyone so I didn't move. I felt a strong hand on my shoulder and figured it was my dad.

"So you are our newest grandson. You look good," said this strange voice. I turned around and saw four people I didn't know in my room. They ranged from the age of about 50 or 55 to about 60. They all had either gray just starting or a full head of gray hair, but they all seemed fit. They all seemed to have smiles on their faces. I just stared at them, then turned away not wanting them to see my tears. I wasn't sure if they were tears of happiness or sadness. I just wasn't sure.

"What's wrong sweety?" asked one of the ladies. She sat in front of me and I just keep looking out of the window. After about a minute she finally spoke again. "Let me guess, you're afraid that we won't like you?" she asked. I just nodded my head, still not looking at her. "Hmmm. Let me guess, you are scared that we are going to reject you because you are gay and really shy and are afraid to let people in?" I just nodded and let the tears fall from my eyes. I didn't want to look at them and let them see that I did hurt and that I did need to be told it was ok more then anything.

She put her arms around me and let me cry on her shoulder. It felt good to let her hold me and in a way, that was her saying that it was ok for me to be me. I soon felt other peoples arms around me as well. We were in a group hug. "Son, it is ok with us that you are gay. We know you are shy, but we will love you for you, not anything else. You are our grandson and that is all that matters," said one of the grandfathers. I felt better that they excepted me for me. "Well let us look at you," he said. I turned and let them look at me. They all said that I was very nice and good looking and a very handome young man. I found out that that the woman and the first man that I saw were my dad's parents. My Grandma and Grandpa Wells. The second set of grandparents were mom's parents, Grandma and Grandpa Smith. I like them just by the way they looked and made me feel.

"Well now that introductions are over, lets go downstairs and get ready for Thanksgiving lunch ok," said Grandma Smith. I just looked, smiled and nodded my head. I got up, went into the bathroom, and washed my face while my grandparents waited on me. We all walked downstairs were I saw other people I didn't regonize. I scooted behind my Grandpa Wells and Grandpa Smith and hid from the others. They looked at each other and kinda chuckled.

"Well young man, you have some other relatives you need to meet ok?" asked Grandpa Smith. I just looked at him and got scared. Since I was kinda small and didn't weigh that much and he was tall. Like 6'5 [1.95 m] and probalby 200 lbs [90 kg], pure muscle. He picked me up and held me like you would a small child and made me look at him. "It'll be ok. I promise you," he said giving me a kiss on the cheek. I hugged him and he put me down. Him and Grandpa Wells each took a hand and led me into the living room to meet my other new ralatives.

"Everyone, I would like to introduce you to the newest member of our family, Alexander Michael Wells," said Grandma Smith. She came around and took my hand from Grandpa Smith and Grandpa Wells, and lead me into the living room. I kinda stayed a little behind her. I know I'm 13 and all, but I felt really small and scared about now.

Grandma Smith stopped infront of one set of adults with two kids around them. "Alex, I would like you too meet your Aunt Mindy and Uncle Ron Sitting with them are their two kids. Michael who is 12 and Jacob who is 9," she said. I looked at them and whispered "hi," then looked at the floor. Uncle Ron was about 5'10 [1.80 m] and aobut 175 lbs [80 kg] with brown hair and deep brown eyes. Aunt Mindy was 5'6 [1.70 m] with blonde hair and deep blue eyes. Aunt Mindy and Uncle Ron stood up and brought me into a hug that soon Michael and Jacob were a apart of. Michael and Jacob both looked like their father with dark brown hair. Michael had brown eyes where Jacob had his mothers deep blue eyes. Michael was about my height and Jacob was probalby about 4'9 [1.45 m].

"Welcome to the family Alex," said Uncle Ron. I thanked him and smiled. We talked for a few minutes then Grandma Smith brought me over to another set of adults.

"Alex, this is my last child, your Aunt Cindy and Uncle Bob. As you can see, Cindy and Mindy are twins. There two are Jamie and Julie, who are 3, and twins as well," she said. I said "hi," and they both got up and gave me a hug as well. I smiled at them and I beginning to feel like a part of a real family. Aparently Aunt Cindy and Mindy were feternal twins. Aunt Cindy had black hair and dark black eyes, and was about 5'6 [1.70 m] as well. Uncle Bob was tall, at least 6'1 [1.85 m] and about 190 lbs [85 kg]. He had dirty blonde hair and green eyes. Jamie and Julie looked liked their mother.

"Welcome to the family little man," Said Aunt Cindy. I smiled and hugged her, then Uncle Bob and the twins. Grandma and Grandpa Wells came and took me to another family. There were four of them as well. The man looked like dad and Grandpa, and one of the boys looked like them as well. The little one looked like his mother. Uncle Rob was tall like Grandpa, and probably weighed as much. About 200 lbs [90 kg], and it was all muscle. Aunt Martha was small at 5'4 [1.65 m] and 110 lbs [50 kg].

"Alex, this is your dad's younger brother, your Uncle Rob and his wife Martha. With them are Billy, who is 11 and Mike, who is 10. There is another one here, but I don't see him. Where is the oldest?" asked Grandma Wells. Billy was tall for his age at about 5'7 [1.70 m] and problaby 140 or 150 lbs [c. 65 kg]. Mike was kinda small for his age, probalby about 4'3 [1.30 m] or so and maybe 75 lbs [35 kg] soaking wet.

"He is standing behind you," replied Aunt Martha. I turned around and had the shock of my life, there stood Burt, the boy from the orphanage.

"OH MY GOD!! BURT," I screamed, tore away from Grandma Wells and jumped up into Burt's big arms. He hugged me and I hugged him. I gave him a kiss on his cheek and he returned it. "How did this happen?" I asked when Burt put me down.

"Well apparently your parents, Uncle Andy and Aunt Sally had some pull. Within two weeks after you left, my now mom and dad, your Aunt Marth and Uncle Rob came by and visited me. Within a few months, I was adopted, and I love it. Thank you for forgiving me. You know we are cousins now, don't you?" he asked me. I just looked at him and smiled, nodded my head and we hugged again.

A few minutes, latter all of the kids, with the exception of Julie and Jamie, headed to the game room. We all talked and relaxed for about 10 or 15 minutes. Then the call for supper came. We turned everything off and headed downstairs. Us kids sat at a small table by ourselves, and the adults sat at the bigger table. I was so happy that I had a real family and someone from my past was here. He was now my friend and my cousin. I couldn't believe it.

After we ate, we headed back to the game room. I asked Burt to come to my room so we could talk. We went into my room, sat on the bed and started talking.

"So how do you like being a Wells?" I asked. Burt just smiled at me at frist.

"It is so cool. I have not had this much fun in ages. And they treat me like a real son, not an adopted one. What about you?" he asked.

"Me too. They love me and treat me the same. Burt, there is something you have a right to know. I don't know if anyone has told you, but what you said about me being a fag, well gay, at the orphanage. It is true, I am. I also have a boyfriend. His name is Jamie and he is so sweet and good to me," I said. I was waiting for Burt's reaction and looked down at my lap while I was waiting. Burt put his finger under my chin and lifted my head up and smiled at me.

"Dude, I am so sorry for saying that. I had no right to, but don't worry, mom and dad have already told us about you. I am just glad that you are doing alright. I heard what happened at your school too. I want to meet your boyfriend one day, so if I don't like him, I can tell you to drop him ok. So you too into sex yet?" he asked with a smile. I just looked at him, then hit him on the arm.

"You're jerk! That is none of your business," I said. We both laughed. "But to answear your question, no we haven't. We have decided to wait for a while. Maybe until we get older and see what happens. We want to take our time and just be happy together," I said smiling at Burt, he smiled back.

"That is cool at, least you're happy. So when do I get to meet him?"he asked. I just laughed.

"I don't know. If ya'll don't leave before Saturday, then maybe then. I know he should be back either Friday or Saturday. I miss him already," I said kinda sad. Burt put his arm around my shoulder.

"It will be ok little man. Just wait, ok," he said. I smiled at him and nodded my head. We keep talking and I found out he had a girlfrined named Robin who was his age, which was 15. He told me all they have done is kiss and hold hands. Like me, he doesn't want the sex until he gets older. We both confessed that we did jack off thinking about our respective partners and laughed that we pretty much had the same fantasies except mine had Jamie and his had Robin.

We keep on talking till it was time for them to leave. They were all going to a hotel and staying there. We talked the parents into letting the boys stay here with us and let us have a sleep over. After much debating and whining on our part, we got what we wanted. After hugging everyone and saying goodbye, the boys got their suitcases out of their cars. We all headed upstairs into the game room.

After about four hours of playing, the call came to get ready for bed. We all got ready and grabbed our sleeping bags, pillow, and sheets and blankets and went into the game room, where we were going to be sleeping. We talked and played until late in the night.

The next day around 3, there was a knock on the door. All of the family was over, including TJ's boyfriend Eric. He got along with everyone. We all teased about him and TJ being together. Samantha was there for Steven, so we didn't know who else was coming over. We were in the living room talking when someone put their hands over my eyes. At frist I jumped but then I relaxed when the person started talking.

"Guess who?" he asked.

"Hmmm one of the Hanson brothers?" I asked playing along, knowing it was Jamie.

"Which one," he asked.

"I can only choose one, man I want all three of them," with that I was pulled back and tickeled. When Jamie stopped, I looked up into his eyes and got lost once again. I think I fell in love with him all over.

"Oh man, not again. Ok you two, get a room," came form TJ and Eric. Everyone else laughed as I got up on my knees and was facing Jamie who was also on his knees. Everyone else in the room vanashied in front of my eyes, except Jamie.

"I've missed you," I said putting my arms around his shoulder and classping them on the back of his neck.

"I missed you too," he said wrapping his arms around my waist. We just nealed there on our knees looking into each other's eyes. We slowly came together in a soft chast kiss, but one that left us both breathless. Then we hugged each other not wanting to let the other go.

"Wow, I see what you mean," said Grandma Smith. I just smiled and held onto Jamie. We got up and I introduced him to everyone. When we got to Burt, I alrady told Jamie about Burt and what happened at the orphanage. And now, how we ended up with Burt apologizing to me and us smiling and being friends. He was surprised and happy to finally meet Burt. Burt shook his hand but didn't let it go until he said what he felt he had to say.

"You hurt Alex, I break your face. Got it?" he asked. Jamie just nodded but did not back down from Burt. I was happy, but surprised that Burt said that. The other adults didn't say anything at the exchange.

"Yeah I got it, but you ever hurt him again and I hurt you," was all that Jamie said. Burt nodded then they smiled at each other and let the others hand go. I just smiled, shook my head and lead Jamie upstairs to the game room. The other boys followed. We sat around and chit chatted and played games, with me sitting between Jamie's legs. Jamie told us about his family and how things were going and what he did at his grandparents house. We told him what all happened around here. The adults called us down to eat dinner. We all went after turning everything off.

Soon they all left except Jamie, Eric and Samantha. The families were leaving early tomorrow morning. We gave each other hugs. Mine and Burt lasting the longest, and said our goodbyes. After everyone left we were tired and exhausted. Me Jamie, Eric, TJ, Steven and Samanthat all headed up to the game room. At 9, Samantha left and Steven walked her home. The rest of us fell asleep in the game room, me in Jamie's arms and Eric in TJ's.

The next Monday, school started back. We had an interesting time. No one really bothered me that much because I had Jerry, Ricky and James there along with my boyfriend Jamie, and my brothers and Jamie's brother Jeremy.

School started going good, we always ended up over at someone's house doing homework and helping the others who had problems doing theirs. By the time Christmas vacation came, we were all making A's.

Jamie and Jeremy and their family were staying in town for Christmas. This time their family was joining them, just as ours was joining us. I didn't know what to get for Jamie. I wanted something nice, but not to noticable. Something that would signify my love for him.

Me and mom were walking in the mall the other day, when I saw this sterling silver necklace that had a silver cross on it. I know that Jamie is Catholic and I figured he would like something like, that plus we talked about him wanting one for his birthday. I talked with my mom about it and we went in and saw it. We talked with the sales person on the amount. After paying $110.00 dollars for it, it was mine to give to Jamie.

Christmas Eve finally came, and all of our families were going to be togeteher. All of ours and Jamie's, plus Samantha and Eric's family. Just their immidiate families. They weren't going out of town this year, and no one was coming in.

We were all sitting around talking and joking and singing. We were having an excllent time. When times for presents came, I got mine for Jamie. We decided that we could give the families a single present and then the friends individual gifts, or a family gift. I got Jeremy and their parents something, then Jamie's second. I gave Eric's and Samantha's family gift certificates.

I gave Jamie my present at the same time that he gave me his. We each opened the other's present and smiled at each other.

"I love it Alex how did you know I wanted one?" he asked.

"I remember us talking about it," I replied. Jamie smiled and kissed me and put his necklace on. I opened my present and about cried, as I saw what he got me. Inside the box was a heart shaped neckless with both of our names on it. I felt something on the back and turned it over and read the insciption.

For Alex, Love Jamie
Starting Over in our
Lives with each other

I smiled, and with tears in my eyes, kissed Jamie, then put it on. Everyone admired the necklaces we gave each other and congratulated each of us on our gifts. Everyone liked their gifts that they all got, and said they could really use them.

That Christmas was the best I have ever had. I haven't had a good Christmas in years. Like I said, my dad drank it all away.

Soon New Year's Eve came and we were counting down to 2002. As I sat on the couch in Jamie's arms, I wondered to myself, what will 2002 bring for me and my new family? My boyfriend and the new year? As I sat there longer, I thought back over the last year of my life. Then of my new life. I really am starting over. A new life and a new family. One where I know I am loved and I know I can do anything I put my mind to. I will always have them there to support me. The next year will be great and a new turning point where we will all be starting over in our lives with a new year.

Chapter 8

2002 started out with a bang when two new boys showed up at school. I noticed them when we first came back to school; they were there in my homeroom. The first one was Logan he was about 5'3 [1.60 m] and 115 lbs [52 kg]. Logan had auburn hair cut nearly like a military cut but longer on top then that of a military personal he had green eyes; he looked very fit like he played sports or maybe swam.

The other boy was Coby and he was about 5'2 [1.57 m] and 107 lbs [49 kg]. Coby had blonde hair that was longer then Logan 's and came down to his ears. He has it styled so it was combed over to the right he had green eyes. Like Logan, he also seemed very fit and seemed like he was very athletic as well.

I noticed that even though both of the new boys were looked like they were athletic Logan seemed more like he had more of a six pack going on then Coby did. Coby seemed more slender and scrappier looking with his blonde hair falling over his eyes.

It seemed that both of them knew each other and were already good friends.

Mr. Barley introduced them as Logan and Coby Woods. That would explain why they seemed like they knew each other I thought.

The school day seemed to go by fine so far and even the teachers that I used to have problems with didn't bother me. At lunch I noticed that Coby and Logan sat by themselves and I thought it would be a good idea to introduce myself so maybe they could start having friends.

Along with Jamie, TJ, Steven, Eric, Jerry, Rick and Jamie we walked up to the table they were sitting at. They saw us approach and I noticed that Logan put his hand on Coby ready to pull him back if there was trouble.

I smiled and started talking with them.

"Hi I'm Alex and these are my friends, I saw you in my homeroom and in a few of my classes. I was wondering if we could join you and get to know you. I thought maybe you two could use some friends," I said still smiling at them.

Before they could respond, Myers, one of the boys I had problems with earlier in the school year, walked up.

"Hey newbie boys, be careful this is the fag brigade," he said walking off. Before he could do anything else Jerry grabbed Myers around the neck and through him up against one of the pillars in the cafeteria, everyone stopped talking and watched what was going to happen.

"Myers I told you once to leave us the hell alone and you still haven't learned your lesson. Do I need to teach you a lesson now?" he asked still holding onto Myers.

Before Myers could respond I walked up to them.

"Jerry let him go," I said as I walked up to him. "He isn't worth it, he is nothing but ignorant and I don't want you to be like him," I said holding onto his arms. Jerry looked at me and noticed I was serious and nodded his head.

"Ok, but Myers I am warning you, once more and that is it," with that we all walked back to the table.

I looked at Logan and Coby to see what they thought of what happened. Finally I sighed and started speaking.

"Well I guess that you know now, yes I am gay," I said waiting to see what would happen next, Jamie took my hand.

"I'm his boyfriend Jamie," he said, I tuned and looked at him and he smiled at me. I saw TJ and Eric walk up holding hands.

"I'm his brother TJ, and this is my boyfriend Eric," he said smiling at me.

"I'm Steven and I'm the straight brother and my girlfriend is not here today," he said, I chuckled at that.

"I'm Jerry, this is Rick and Jamie we're straight but they're like our little brother. Ya'll have any problems with this?" he asked them.

"Not any at all," Logan said smiling at us and putting his hand out in a gesture to join them, we all sat down and joined them.

"So he's your boyfriend?" asked Coby, I smiled and nodded my head. "Cool," he said looking at Logan, who smiled at him and nodded his head. "Logan is my adoptive brother, and he's also my boyfriend," he said, I smiled at them, and took a bite of my food before I spoke.

"Cool if you don't mind me asking when did you two meet?" I asked, they just looked at us and thought before answering.

"Well a few years ago I had some problems with my dad. My mom died about five years ago and it was just my father and I. Well there were some problems and I had to be taken away. I found out later that he had a tumor and that is what caused him to act the way he did. I forgave him, before he died. Coby and his parents have been there for me from the start and they took me in and adopted me.

Last Christmas we woke up to find two dogs in our beds and on the tree were the adoption papers, all I had to do was sign them. I signed them and I was their son, and I have been there ever since. We moved because out dad got a new job out at Gulf Stream, and our mom got a job at the local hospital here," Logan said smiling at us.

"I think that is cool and I am glad that you are ok now. So what do you think of Savannah so far?" asked Jamie.

"Cool, there isn't a whole lot to do except putt-putt, bowling or the movies but that is cool. This summer we're going to go out to Arizona and stay with our Uncle Rob for a few weeks," Coby responded smiling as he said it.

"Sweet," was all anyone said.

The rest of the day went by smoothly and by three thirty Steven, TJ, and I were home with mom and dad, and we told them all about what happened at school that day.

The next day I invited our new friends to have dinner with us this coming up Friday at our restaurant. They accepted and said they will ask their parents and let us know the next day. We agreed that that was ok and we also decided to swap phone numbers so we can call each other.

Jamie came over that afternoon and we did our homework together. Between homework assignments we of course had to make out a little and got teased some by TJ and Steven. We just stuck our tongues out at them and got back to work. Jamie stayed for dinner then dad ran him home with me tagging along so I could say bye for the night to the love of my life.

The next day Logan and Coby let us know that it was fine with their parents for us to have dinner with them. We asked them to meet us at 7 o'clock Friday night and gave them directions to out parent's restaurant.

The rest of the week flew by and Friday day night we were all at the restaurant having dinner with our new friends. Our parents enjoyed talking and getting to know them better as we got to know them.

We told them what happened at school with the old principal and what happened to him. They were surprised that something like that happened and asked us all some questions about it.

That night Jamie and Eric stayed the night with us after we dropped Logan and Coby at their house.

Around 10 that evening Jamie and I went to my room and got ready for bed. We crawled under the covers and cuddled silently talking with each other.

"So what do you think of our new friends?" he asked me hugging me tighter to them.

"I think that they're cool, Logan and I talked about martial arts some and compared different forms," I told him.

"Cool, Coby and I talked about science and the different aspects of that subject," Jamie replied.

"Wow that must have been fun. So do you think that they will be good friends?" I asked still unsure of making the right decisions on certain things without Jamie their too help me.

"Yeah I think they will," he said, after that we both got quiet and drifted off to sleep.

The next few weeks flew by and things went from good to nuts with us studying for end of quarter finals. One more quarter and we were out for the summer.

We all passed our test and started the next quarter smiling knowing that we are doing well with our classes and in our own relationships.

One Friday night, Jamie, Eric, TJ, Steven, Samantha, Coby, Logan and I were all out at the movies. We decided on dinner afterwards and were just leaving the theater when Myers and his friends came up to us. There were about ten of them and only seven of us, but only a few of us knew how to fight.

"Well, well, well if it isn't the fag and pansy brigade. Did ya'll go and see a little baby film?" he asked in a baby like voice that only pissed me off.

"No you moron we went for action," I said and tried walking around them but they stopped us.

"I don't think so fag, you and your kind don't deserve to be with us normal folks," he said with as much hate as he could muster. I just stared at him and didn't say anything.

I tried once more to walk around them but they wouldn't get out of our way.

"You're going down boy," he said to me and lunged at me, I moved Jamie behind me and blocked his punch then countered with a punch of my own to his stomach knocking the air out of him.

I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Logan moved Coby behind him and Samantha got out of the way as well.

"GET HIM!" Myers hollered once he got his breath back. The rest of his friends charged at us. Jamie was able to get in a few lucky shots but was hit one too many times and stayed on the ground gasping for breath.

The guy in front of me made a stupid mistake and I knocked him out with a well aimed shot to his face, I turned in time to see the guy that hit Jamie try and stomp on him, I got him in a flying tackle and beat his face into the ground until he stopped moving.

Steven was holding his own against one of the guys but Eric and TJ were no match for the guys that were trying to get to them.

Logan was taking on three guys his self and could hold his own I moved onto the one that was going after TJ and Eric when I saw another one join him. A swift leg kick and both went down groaning with their knee caps misplaced.

I watched as Logan disabled and took out his three, after that there were only two left and that included Myers. I went after Myers and Logan went after the other guy. A few seconds later both were on the ground moaning and groaning. About that time cop cars started pulling up.

"Freeze, don't move," one of them said. We all stopped and turned towards them.

"What's going on here?" he asked.

We told them we would only talk with them when our parents got here. We gave them our number then he called them. An ambulance arrived and started patching up the people who were hurt, I tried to get to Jamie but the officer refused to let me go to him. A few minutes later our parents arrived.

"Ok now someone tell me what in the hell happened?" he asked again, this time not so nice. Before I could respond my dad spoke up.

"Excuse me officer Knight, but you will talk with these children with respect. I know you want to know what is going on but you will treat them like human beings or I will file a multimillion dollar lawsuit. Do you understand?" he asked the man who paled at the word lawsuit.

Officer Knight nodded then asked the question again but more politely. I showed him my ticket stub and told him what happened.

I told him about Myers and his friends being bullies at school and gave him Rick, Jamie and Jerry's numbers and said he could contact them and they could prove what I was telling was the truth.

I told him how we tried to walk around them but they wouldn't move and how Myers tried to attack me and I defended myself. I went on to tell the rest of what happened.

After I was finished I heard Myers shouting.

"That fag did this to me, him and his little brigade of pansies," he said, and that only led to me telling the truth. About that time a black SUV pulled up and a man and a woman got out and walked towards Myers.

They talked to him and he pointed to me and the man came my way. He was acting very hostile and hateful.

"I want that faggot and his friends arrested for assault. My son was only here having a good evening when this boy attacked him," he said.

"Sir, I'm officer Knight. There is a problem with that. There were only seven in Mr. Wells' party and ten in your boy's party. Also they all have said the same thing, plus I just got off the phone with several other students frsom the school and they said how much of a bully your son and his friends are."

"Why you little…" Mr. Myers said and threw himself at me before anyone could stop him. I stopped him with a well aimed kick to the face. After that I was going to go after him but Jamie and my dad healed me back.

"You son-of-a-bitch, your son is a bully and tried to hurt me and my friends, I only defended myself. Your son learned his hate from you and your bigoted friends. I should be the one pressing assault charges," I hollered at him. I tried to wiggle from but my dad and Jamie wouldn't let me.

Officer Knight got Mr. Myers up and let one of the paramedics check him over.

"Mr. Myers right now I can charge you with attempted assault and probably more. But I am going to ask Mr. Wells here what he wants to do once he calms down. I think that you may need to talk with someone about that anger problem you have and from what I have seen you're lucky a broken nose is the only thing that you have after trying to attack him," Officer Knight said, and turned to see me still struggling.

I was still trying to get out and hurt that man and his son for what they did to me and my friends, finally Jamie had enough and grabbed me with both arms pinned behind me and then did the one thing he knew would calm me down.

He kissed me.

No one said anything as I slowly sank into the kiss and the hate and anger I felt drained out of me to be replaced with the fear, and hurt I was feeling. Slowly Jamie let me go and I relaxed hugging him to me and crying into his chest.

After a few moments I got myself under control and turned to face everyone, but no one said anything.

"Mr. Wells would you like to press charges against any of the people who attacked you or your party?" Officer Knight asked me.

I looked into each of the boys faces and watched them. Slowly it came to me that the boys were only doing what Myers told them to do. They didn't care about me or my friends being gay and they didn't care about what someone did. They only wanted to fit in and Myers was the big man on campus, well he was till now.

"I only want to charge Myers and his father," I started. "The others were only following what Myers wanted and they only wanted to fit in. I hope you have all learned your lesson," with that I turned to Jamie.

"Let's go home," I said. Jamie nodded and led me to my parent's car. I got the very back and Jamie got in with me.

I watched through the window as both the Myers men were handcuffed and led to a police car.

Coby and Logan's parents came to our house and we all sat around and talked. Well they all talked while I cuddled with Jamie and only nodded my head a little when someone asked me a question.

Coby and Logan's parents thanked us for helping their sons, and told us that we were welcomed at their house anytime. We thanked them then my dad walked them to the door and let them out.

Jamie and I went to my room and got undressed and Jamie held me as I cried. He knew I didn't like to fight. He knew I hated hurting people but he also knew I would defend someone with my life if I had to.

Slowly things went back to normal and school went on. Both Myers were sentenced to two years probation and 100 hours community service. They were also ordered to pay all medical and court costs.

Myers was kicked out of school for his bullying and from what I heard his father sent him to a military school. Oh well good riddance to bad rubbish. The other guys from the fight apologized to us and we accepted their apology. They had to see the school counselor and they learned a lot about what they did and how what they did hurt people. They have turned into a great group of guys.

School finally finished and we all passed our year and were all heading into the next grade. With our new friends Logan and Coby at our sides we headed off to have a summer of fun and adventures.

The End