Another Chance - Book One

By Zarek Dragon

 

The boys finished eating and cleaned up while Heather got ready for work. As she went out the door, she reminded them that she wanted to be kept informed about Colt. Jim looked at Joe, "I'm going upstairs to get ready to head for the ranch. If you need any help, either call for me or if you don't mind, Zac can help."

"I just wish there wasn't a fracture so close to the knee. If I could bend my leg, I wouldn't need help dressing," Joe said.

"I know buddy, but Jim and I don't mind helping. Be glad it's us and not your mom," Zac joked.

"That would be so embarrassing," Joe said turning slightly pink. Zac chuckled as he slid Joe's boxers down. He threw the worn clothes into the hamper while Joe made his way to the bathroom to wash. Zac asked if he wanted him to wash his toes sticking out of his cast. "Yes, please, I can't reach them." Zac started tickling them instead of washing… "Jim!!!"

"OK, I'll wash them, I just couldn't resist," Zac said with a cheesy smile.

After Joe was done washing, Zac started helping him get dressed. Jim headed downstairs fully dressed. "Did you call? I thought I heard you yell while I was in the shower."

"Won't mention any names, but someone was tickling my toes," Joe said feigning a pout.

"Darn, I missed it. I could have helped tickle," Jim kidded.

"So much for protecting me," Joe said smiling. Jim gave him a quick hug.

The boys got in the truck and headed for the ranch. "Guess what I found out the other day, Zac," Jim stated.

"You're pregnant? If you are, I better be the father." Zac joked.

"Only babies I'm giving birth to, you may not want to claim to be the father," Jim replied.

"You might be right, there," Zac laughed.

"I don't know how he kept this from me. My mom had to have known since the sixth of January and SHE didn't even tell me until this past Saturday," Jim said.

"Does someone have a birthday coming up?" Zac guessed.

"He sure does. I think we should tickle him sixteen times on the thirteenth. What do you think?" Jim teased.

"That might take a while to administer. Maybe we should start now," Zac suggested.

The look on Joe's face was priceless, "Please don't, I'm very ticklish. I beg you."

"OK, I won't say we won't tickle you, but not sixteen times for your birthday. How about if we each kiss your cheek sixteen times on that day?" Jim offered slipping his arm around Joe.

"I'd like that," Joe said smiling. Then he saw a music store coming up. "Hey, can we stop there on the way home?"

Zac inquired, "I take it you like music?"

"Before I got kicked out of the house, I had a guitar. I used to love playing and singing." Joe confessed.

Zac and Jim looked at each other and nodded. "Say, Jim, isn't your birthday coming up soon, too?" Zac asked.

"Little more than two months away, eleventh of May. Hoping to do Driver's Ed and get my license."

"So that means Joe's shy two days of being two months older than you," Zac stated. Joe smiled.

"Turns out that way. Thankfully, his leg should be out of a cast by then and we can take Driver's Ed together."

"When's your birthday, Zac?" Joe asked.

"I'll be seventeen in August. August the sixteenth, to be precise," he said proudly.

Zac pulled into his spot; Jackson came out of the office as the boys helped Joe get out of the truck. "How are you doing Joe?" he queried.

"I'm getting there. I've come to see the mare." Joe said smiling.

"Well, Colt is with her now. He's over in the arena." Jim handed Joe his crutches.

"How is Colt?" Zac asked.

"He called me today since school was cancelled. When I picked him up, he asked if he could put my number in his cell phone just in case," Jackson replied.

"In case of what?" Jim questioned.

"That's what I asked, and he just hung his head down," Jackson responded.

As Joe got to the gate of the arena, Colt looked over and saw him. He rode the mare over. "You did a good job training this mare. I hope you're not mad at me for finishing it."

"Why would I be mad at you? Jackson was considering selling her, you may have saved her life," Joe stated. "Besides, it's not like I can do it right now, anyway."

"I'm sorry, it's just that my mom says…" Colt started. "Never mind, I'm Colt. How's your leg?"

"Driving me crazy. It itches all the time, and I can't dress myself with anything going over the foot. So how is the mare doing?" Joe asked.

"That must be rough. I think she's ready for others to ride her," Colt stated.

Jackson walked up behind Joe, "That's good to hear. Why don't you get her groomed and stabled so I can take you home?"

"Can't I stay here a while longer? I feel safe here," Colt asked.

"Does your mom even know that you're here?" Jackson replied.

"She was at work when school was cancelled, but Dad knows that I am. When I asked if I could come, he gave me permission," Colt explained.

"What exactly did he say?" Jackson inquired.

"His exact words?" Colt asked.

Jackson came off almost demanding, "Yes, his exact words."

"He said do whatever I wanted that he didn't care," Colt started to cry and hugged Jackson.

Jackson held Colt tight, "You think that he doesn't care about you? I'm sure that's not how he meant it."

About that time Ryan's car pulled up. He got out of the car and headed towards Jackson. Jackson gave him a look of "why aren't you at work?" "I'm sorry, babe, but when I was doing research, one of the partners asked what I was doing."

"Let me guess, they fired you." Jackson said.

"No, but I was given the rest of the day off without pay. Can we talk in private?" Ryan asked.

Mrs. Browning's car pulled up before Jackson was able to answer. Colt tried to hide as best he could behind Jackson. "Colton Ulysses Browning, you best get your sorry, good for nothing ass in my car, immediately if you know what's good for you." Colt hurried to the car. Mrs. Browning walked over to Jackson and started poking him in the chest with her finger, "Next time you lay your hand on my son, I will have you arrested, you perverted son of a bitch. I was nice to you and invited you into my home because your boyfriend was handling a case for my husband. Then I hear about him snooping into my private life from one of the partners. Stay away from my son or I will get a restraining order." She got in the car and Jackson could hear her yelling at Colt until they were almost out of sight.

"They called her right before they sent me home. I'm off her husband's case, now too." Ryan explained.

"He's definitely being abused. He apologized to me and asked me to not be mad at him. He started to tell me something that his mom said, but changed his mind. I'd bet my next paycheck that he's being abused," Joe said solemnly.

"I know kiddo, I just wish we could do something," Jackson stated.

"Once he turns sixteen, we can see about getting him emancipated, but he'll need a job. Know any ranches that might hire him?" Ryan smiled at Jackson.

"Joe, you want to sit in the office in case anyone calls? I need to groom the mare since Colt didn't get to do it." Jackson asked.

"Sure, until my leg heals, not much else that I can do," Joe stated.

"Don't worry about that, kiddo. I'll let you sit there and answer phones whenever Zac and Jim are here so you can still get paid and be around the horses. My insurance is paying for everything, I hope."

"As far as I know," Joe said.

"Well, let your mom know that if she gets any bills to bring them to me. Anything that my insurance doesn't pay, I will."

"I think she got the electric bill yesterday." Joe chuckled.

Jackson laughed. "You know what I mean," he said as he mussed Joe's hair.

"I'll help you groom the mare. We can discuss things while we do." Ryan said.

"Jackson, Jim and I are going to pick up a few things. Need anything?" Zac offered.

"Lots of things," Jackson said. Then he walked over to Jim and said quietly, "Was just looking over Joe's paperwork. His birthday is in nine days and you didn't say anything."

Jim shrugged his shoulders and responded, "I just found out three days ago. That's one of the things we'll be picking up. Found out that Joe used to have a guitar and he would like to get another one."

"Can you pick up a guitar strap for me, then? Zac has my credit card on him. Pick out the one that'll last. And tell your mom that I'm offering one of the barns for the party. Just let me know."

"Will do, Jackson," Jim said.

Zac and Jim took off for the music store. Once there, Jim looked over at the man at the counter. He looked to be seventeen or eighteen with blonde hair and brown eyes. "You have any left-handed guitars?" Jim asked.

"I actually have one, it's acoustic. I don't get many requests for left-handed ones. If you don't like the one I have or want an electric, I can order one, but it'll be a week before it gets here," the man stated.

Jim looked at the guitar and it was solid black. Jim liked it but asked to see what his choices were if he ordered it. Looking through the catalog, he found one that jumped out at him and showed it to Zac. It was an acoustic guitar that was mainly black, but the face was very dark along the edges and turned a light green toward the center. "I like that, and I know Joe would love it," Zac exclaimed.

"His birthday is in nine days, are you sure it'll be here before then?" Jim asked.

"Actually, as long as I order it before noon, it'll be with my shipment this Friday. I just need at least ten percent down."

"Can we just pay for the whole thing, now?" Jim asked.

"I see no reason why not. Will there be anything else for you?"

"Yeah, but it needs to be separate. Our boss asked us to pick up a guitar strap for him to give as a present. He said to make sure it would last," Zac replied.

"If you ask me, I have some really good quality ones over here. I think the two-tone green one would look really good with that box," the clerk suggested. "And its guarantee to last is longer than any of the others."

"I'll take it, and we have one more request. We'll be stopping in with the person who these are a birthday present for later on today. I'll rush in so that you know. Is there any way that you can hide the left-handed guitar from him? Suggest ordering it, but tell him that it'll take a couple of weeks," Zac requested.

"Since you're paying for the whole thing in advance, I can definitely do that. I'd hate for him to ruin your surprise. I'm the only one here today, so you needn't worry about him dealing with another employee. The name's Nick and my dad owns this store."

"Nice to meet you, Nick." Jim said shaking his hand. He and Zac finished their purchases and then went to pick up a few other things that the ranch needed.

When they got to the ranch, they told Jackson about the guitar being ordered and described it and then showed him the guitar strap they picked up for him. Jackson loved it. He took the guitar strap into the house. "You do love those boys, don't you?" Ryan asked.

"That I do. I almost think of them as my own. You ever consider the idea of adopting?" Jackson asked.

"Many times, until recently I was never sure what you would think of it."

"I know a certain boy that I would love to adopt, and not just to get him away from his mother. That would just be a bonus," Jackson chuckled.

"I hear you, but I don't think the bitch would allow that. I swear, I see so many people who shouldn't have children yet they do and abuse them. Take for example Joe's father or Mrs. Browning. Then I see someone like you who would be a great parent."

"I think you would make a great parent, too," Jackson said as he kissed Ryan.

"You want me to take that on my way to work tomorrow and have Joe's name embroidered on it?" Ryan asked.

"Now, who's showing love for the boys?" Jackson chuckled.

"What can I say, they are a great bunch. I'll drop it off on the way in and pick it up on the way home."

On their way home, Zac made a stop at the music store for Joe. He rushed in so Nick could hide the left-handed guitar. Jim stayed with Joe and walked beside him to help him until they were almost to the door. Then Jim hurried forward so he could hold the door open. Joe looked at Nick. He kind of smiled because he thought Nick looked like a humanized version of Colby, Jim's yellow Lab. He inquired, "You have any left-handed guitars?"

"I'm sorry, I normally carry one, but I sold it earlier to some dude. If you're interested, I can order one, but my supplier is backed up right now," Nick stated.

"How long would it take?" Joe asked.

"Two, maybe three weeks?"

"How much do I need up front?" Joe asked.

"Well, I rarely sell them, so I keep one in stock, normally. Let me order one and you can just pay me when it comes in. Then, I'll just order a second one. That way, if there's more of a delay and you change your mind, you're not out anything," Nick suggested.

Joe gave his phone number and asked Nick to call him. Then he and Jim headed out to the truck. Zac looked at Nick and told him how much he appreciated his help. He also slipped him two twenties. "Dude, it was my pleasure to help. I can see a ten or twenty, but this is way too much."

"You did a great performance. You earned it," Zac insisted.

The boys got home and Heather hadn't gotten off work yet. Jim looked at Joe, "I should get a guitar. I've always wanted to learn, maybe you could teach me."

"I don't know if I can, but I'm willing to try," Joe liked the fact that Jim asked.

Since they didn't have school, they didn't have homework. Jim put water on the stove to surprise their mom with supper when she got home from work. Joe came into the kitchen and asked if he could help. "If you want. When the water starts boiling, add the linguini noodles. I'll start melting butter and add some minced garlic. If you want, then, I'll get the ingredients and you can add them and make sure nothing burns."

"Are we making Shrimp Scampi Linguini?" Joe asked.

"You got that from linguini, butter, and garlic. I'm impressed."

The boys had just finished preparing supper when Heather entered the house. "Hope you're hungry, Mom. Joe made Shrimp Scampi Linguini."

"I just watched everything cook and added what you gave me. It was a joint effort," Joe insisted.

Joe made his way to the table since he was still unable to carry anything. Heather offered to set the table while Jim brought the food from the kitchen. "It smells delicious. You boys make a great team in the kitchen. So, what's the word on Colt?"

"He was at the ranch today. I talked to him a little bit. No doubt in my mind that he's abused," Joe stated.

"Yeah, his mother came to the ranch and picked him up. She started yelling at Colt, then Jackson, and back to Colt ever since she got out of the car," Jim added.

Joe started telling how Ryan was sent home early and thought he was about to lose his job. Heather's eyes started to tear up as the boys continued talking. "Well, I'll talk to one of the partners where I work. I know they are planning to hire a few associates over the summer. He does have options."

After supper was done, Heather started clearing the table. Joe went to the couch and Jim helped with dishes. "What's the plan for Joe's birthday? Jackson has offered the barn where we held the Christmas party."

"We could do a surprise party. We can have it right after school. And to give everyone time to show up, you and Zac can take Joe to the bakery to pick up a small cake. Let him think it's for you guys to celebrate his birthday with Jackson. Only, we'll talk to the bakery and set things in motion. There won't be a cake ready." Jim smiled.

"What are you getting him for his birthday?" Jim asked.

"I don't know yet. You and Zac seem to always be ahead of me, there," Heather complained.

"If you want, you can go in with us," Jim looked to make sure Joe was still on the couch. He had just turned on CBS. "He wants a guitar. He was looking for one today, but Zac and I ordered one that we think he will just love." Jim described the guitar and told his mom what Jackson had bought. She agreed to pay a third of the cost for the guitar.

When the guitar came in, Heather picked it up for the boys. She figured they always had Joe with them, so it would be easier for her to get it without him knowing. She looked at it before she placed it in her trunk. "Joe will definitely love this," she thought.

After school on Thursday, Zac drove Jim and Joe to the bakery. Jim walked up to the counter and said that he was there to pick up the cake for Sprayberry. "I'm sorry, I don't have a cake here by that name," the guy at the counter apologized.

"Would you check again, I heard Jackson order it yesterday, myself. It was supposed to be a nine inch two layer spice cake with cream cheese frosting," Zac said.

The guy looked at all his cakes and apologized again. Jim said that he was going to call Jackson and see what happened. He stepped outside while Zac asked the guy how long it would take to get one made if needed. After a few minutes, Jim poked his head in, "Jackson said that he was running an errand earlier and already picked it up. Thanks for your time, Dude." The guy at the counter just smiled and waved.

"Wish he would have let us know. We could have been almost to the ranch by now," Zac grumbled.

"Maybe he tried while we were at school. Phone was off so let me check my voice mail," Jim suggested. He held his phone to his ear. "Yeah, he did, I'm sorry, Zac."

"Well, guess no reason to be upset, then. Let's just get to the ranch and have some of that cake."

As usual, Zac pulled into his spot. "That looks like Buster's mom's car," Joe said.

"Maybe Jackson called him to help celebrate. He knows how much the two of you love each other," Jim suggested. "And a nine inch cake is more than enough for five easily."

They got out of the truck and headed for the office. They found the door locked. "Jackson!" they called out and started heading towards the barns. Zac suggested that they split up to look for Jackson. They sent Joe to the barn where everyone was waiting, and they hurried to get there unseen by him.

Joe walked to the barn and opened the door. "Jackson, you in here?" Jackson let out a groan like he was hurt. "Guys, I think I found him and he's hurt!" Joe yelled.

Joe flipped on a light switch and everyone yelled "SURPRISE!!!" Joe jumped. He saw Buster and his mom, Heather, Dusty and Cheyenne, Jackson and Ryan, Michael from school, and a few other guys from school. Uncle Darry had been visiting Dusty again, so even he was there. Joe placed his hand on his chest.

Jim and Zac walked up to him. "Happy birthday, Bro."

"That was enough to give a guy a heart attack, and I'm getting old now. I just turned sixteen," Joe chuckled.

"That reminds me, Zac, we haven't given Joe his birthday kisses yet," Jim said.

"You have to wait in line behind me, but I'm just giving him one kiss," Buster said. He put his arms around Joe and hugged him tight. Then he pressed his lips to Joe and started kissing. Joe felt Buster's tongue enter his mouth and he didn't resist even the slightest. The kiss seemed to last forever.

"Now I know you guys are trying to give this old guy a heart attack. WOW!!!" Joe exclaimed. Buster smiled.

Jim hugged Joe from his right and Zac from his left. They kissed Joe on the cheek simultaneously, counting between kisses. After their sixteenth kiss, they each tickled him a little. Everyone else just gave Joe a quick hug and peck on the cheek.

Heather was cutting the cake while everyone made Joe feel more loved than he thought was possible. After everyone was done, Joe walked up to her. "I never had a birthday party before, let alone a surprise one. Thank you so very much, Mom," Joe said with a tear running down his cheek.

"I'm glad you're so happy, but Jim did most of the work. I did what I could, but he did all the inviting."

"Not sure how I got so blessed. Last year, I would have never thought it was possible; I even thought about suicide. I'm so glad that I didn't even try," Joe was getting even more emotional.

"I'm so glad you didn't try, also. I wouldn't have been blessed meeting you and if I could have requested a Bro, I wouldn't have even imagined one as awesome as you," Jim said hugging Joe. Joe sobbed into his shoulder. "It's alright, you're among friends who love you, and you have a terrific boyfriend who obviously cares deeply for you."

Jim let go of Joe and he turned towards everyone. "Sorry that I'm being such a baby, but this has just made me so very happy."

"HEY!!! Don't be calling my Bro a baby. I may have to tickle you," Jim teased.

"Yeah, and you call my boyfriend a baby, I may have to help," Buster added.

"OK, I'm not a baby, but I am still so very happy. Thank you everyone, for making this day special," Joe announced.

"Dude, you being you makes every day special. We are just glad we could help you celebrate your birthday," Zac stated. Joe hugged Zac.

Jim led everyone in singing "Happy Birthday." After the singing was done, Joe grabbed the first piece of cake and Jackson dished out the ice cream. After he had his, everyone else grabbed theirs.

After everyone had eaten a piece of cake, Joe started to open his presents. He got a variety of gifts. Uncle Darry gave Joe an orange ball cap. Someone gave him a cowboy hat. Buster's gift was a forest green pullover shirt that laced up the front. Other than the color, it made Joe think of Zorro and he planned to wear it when they go on a date. Joe opened the rest of presents that were on the table. Heather brought over the present from Zac, Jim and her. "I'm guessing that Zac and Jim picked this out, but they invited me to join them. We hope you like it."

Joe opened the box and couldn't believe his eyes. He pulled the guitar out and started to cry. "By the way, Bro, Nick didn't really sell the guitar he had. We asked him to hide it so you wouldn't buy it. And he never ordered another one for you. We saw this one and knew you'd love it," Jim said hugging Joe.

"I do, I really, really do." Joe cried.

"Zac helped," Jim said.

"I was just there, you looked through the catalog and found it. I just agreed that it was perfect," Zac said.

"That's good enough, come here so I can hug you, too," Joe ordered.

Jackson walked over. "I didn't want you to open mine before you saw that, so here you go. It's from Ryan and myself."

Joe opened the box and saw the guitar strap with his name on it. He gave Jackson and Ryan a big hug and immediately put it on the guitar. Everyone asked him to play something and Joe started playing and singing George Strait's "I Cross My Heart." His eyes were focused on Buster as he sang.

For Joe, time was starting to fly now that he had reached the ripe old age of sixteen. Though his leg was in a cast, the month of March seemed to disappear quickly. Buster occupied much of his time when Joe wasn't at the ranch. He and Buster had discussed going on a date many times, but he wanted to have his leg not in a cast when they did. Buster tried to convince him that it didn't matter but Joe explained that he wanted to be able to dress special for him. While Buster didn't care what Joe wore, he loved him enough to always give in.

Now it was the Monday before Easter. Joe didn't go to school nor Heather to work so she could take him to the doctor. The cast was cut off, x-rays were taken, and Joe was told to take it easy for a couple weeks, but he wouldn't be getting another cast. Joe wanted to jump for joy but wasn't sure if that would be considered "taking it easy."

Knowing that they were expecting this to be his last cast, Joe had brought a pair of jeans to change into. He was given his privacy for this. When Joe slipped on his left boot, he had his "riding" boot as he couldn't find the modified one. His leg hurt a little when he took his first step without the cast, but the doctor warned him that would happen. He was advised to continue using his crutches for a few days until his leg becomes accustomed to supporting him again.

Heather asked Joe what he wanted for supper to celebrate his new found freedom. Joe told her and she stopped at the grocer's to get what was needed. They got home to see Jim and Zac at the table doing homework. "Have either of you seen my other boot?" Joe asked.

"Yeah, it's in my room. I slept with it while you were in the hospital," Jim admitted, "and just never put it in your room once you got out."

Jim ran upstairs and grabbed the boot. He handed it to Joe and congratulated him on getting his cast off. Joe thanked him and sat on the couch to change boots. When he stood up, he expected the modified boot to throw him off a little. "I thought the doctor said that he stretched my leg a little?" Joe remarked.

"He did. After the surgery, I asked the doctor how much more length you would receive in that leg. I asked Mr. Cobblestone to make adjustments to the boot for you," Jim said smiling.

"Thanks, Jim. You're the best younger brother a guy could have." Joe chuckled.

"Hey! You're not even two months older than me. I might have to tickle you if you call me younger again," Jim teased.

"OK, you're the best brother that a guy can have," Joe said with a sly smile.

"I disagree, I think my brother is better," Jim smiled back at Joe.

"Hey! I'm trying to do homework. And if you keep getting so mushy, I might get jealous," Zac stated. Jim winked at Joe and nodded toward Zac.

"I'm sorry Zac, I'll show you just as much attention," Joe teased.

Zac stood up acting like he was annoyed. He turned towards Joe and put both arms around him. Then he dipped Joe and kissed him full on the lips slipping tongue into his mouth. After a minute, he pulled Joe back upright. "Now, either let me get my homework done or I may have to do that to both of you."

Heather was laughing at the shenanigans of the boys, especially when they continued pestering Zac after that kiss. She thought, Zac should have never said that. Jim was being at his worst. He began sucking on Zac's left ear while Joe following suit sucked on his right. Zac couldn't help but crack up. After he kissed Joe one more time, he turned towards Jim and gave him a really long kiss. Then all three boys settled down to knock out their homework. 'How can anyone be so fortunate to have all three of these boys in her life?' Heather thought.

Heather moved to the kitchen to prepare supper. Since Jim doesn't share his Algebra class with Joe, he finished that homework first and had just completed it when Heather and Joe had gotten home. Their homework was almost finished when Jim started sniffing the air. "Is that tilapia?" Jim asked.

Heather brought out some soft tortilla shells and set them on the table. Jim gave the tortillas a funny look. Next, his mom brought out some lettuce and tomatoes. "Are we having tacos? I swear that smells like tilapia cooking," Jim stated.

"It's some kind of fish, that's for sure," Zac agreed.

"Clear the books off the table. If you're not done, you can finish after supper," Heather said as she placed sour cream and shredded cheese on the table. Once the books were cleared off, Heather brought out the fish. "I asked Joe what he wanted to celebrate getting his cast off and he said fish tacos, so here we are." Everyone grabbed a tortilla and started filling it. Joe took a bite and thought he was in heaven.

In school, everyone congratulated Joe for getting his cast off. Joe was feeling like the most popular kid in the class. Buster looked at him, "I thought about stopping by last night, but didn't know how you would feel."

"You're always welcome to stop by the house, you should know that," Joe said.

"Oh, I do. I mean, I didn't know if you would've been tired from all the excitement from getting your cast off," Buster explained.

"You're so sweet to care, but you could have stopped. I was hoping you would," Joe stated.

"In that case, now that your cast is history, would you be willing to go on a date this Friday?" Buster asked.

"I don't know," Joe started. Buster looked down. "I'm trying to make plans with this really attractive guy who kissed me on my birthday."

"He's right here, baby," Buster said smiling, "and he's willing to take you any place you want to go."

"Well, that's easy, only place I want to go is wherever he is," Joe told him.

Buster grinned. "I'll pick you up at seven, and wear something nice, casual but nice."

"I'm planning to wear the shirt you gave me, will that work?" Joe asked.

"I would love to see you in it. Nice pair of black jeans would go great with it," Buster suggested.

"Exactly what I was thinking." Joe wanted to kiss Buster, but he knew that the school frowns on any public displays of affection while on school grounds. "Going to the ranch after school, but I'd love for you to join me. We can go riding out to the lake."

"I guess today will be our first official date then. I'd love to join you," Buster said. Joe could see in Buster's eyes that he wanted to kiss also.

Bell rang and Mr. Blair came into the homeroom. He looked at Joe and Buster and smiled. They quickly took their seats.

At lunch, Jim was talking to Dusty and Cheyenne, "Either of you know Colt Browning?"

"Yea, he's a year behind us. He was in our martial art class right before you joined. His mom yelled, I mean literally yelled at Sensei demanding that he provide transportation when we go to our meets. Sensei told them both to leave," Dusty informed Jim.

"I heard that. He was also on the swim team and his mom did the same thing. I heard that he's not allowed having friends at the house or anything. Last time he did have someone over, they said that his room was Spartan. He has a twin mattress on the floor, no frame, a dresser and a closet. That is it," Cheyenne said emphasizing the "is." "Why do you ask?"

Jim spoke quietly so that no one else could hear, "Just between us, Jackson and the rest of us think he's being abused. It's not physical abuse so it's not so easy to prove."

"Can I talk to my dad about this? He may have some insight or be able to help," Dusty suggested. Jim thought that might be a good idea.

Zac, Joe and Buster joined the group. "So Buster, I hear that you are going on a date with my brother this afternoon," Jim gave him a serious look.

"Yeah, he asked me to go riding with him. I've never been on a horse before so it might be fun."

"Well, Joe is a good rider, you're in good hands. We'll be starting riding lessons on the weekend as of next week if you are interested. Jackson is planning on Jim, Joe and a couple more hands giving the lessons if you are interested. I can arrange for your teddy bear to be your instructor." Zac suggested.

"I'd have to ask my mom, but do I get to cuddle with the instructor after class?" Buster asked while smiling at Joe.

"We might be able to arrange that," Joe said giving him a wink. Rest of the group laughed.

As everyone finished eating and started to get up, Zac reminded them, "After Easter, Jackson is starting a week long anniversary celebration. Cost to go riding will be cut in half all week. Jim, Joe and I will be there every day, and I hope to see everyone stop by at least once." They all agreed that they would.

After school, Jim told Joe that he and Zac were heading to the ranch and would get two horses ready for him and Buster. Joe stayed to ride with his boyfriend. He saw Colt walking toward the bus, "Hey Colt, what's up?"

"No time to talk. If I miss the bus, I'll have to stay in my room except for school and meals for a month," Colt told him as he ran quickly to the bus. Joe thought Colt looked like he had been crying.

Buster came out and saw Joe standing waiting for him. "We have to wait for my mom to show up. I kind of expected you to head for the ranch with Jim and Zac, but I'm glad you waited."

The boys saw Mrs. Jones pulling up and walked to the car. "Mom, hope you don't mind, but Joe invited me to go riding with him," Buster said getting in the backseat with Joe.

"I don't recall you ever being on a horse before," his mom stated.

"This will be my first time. Zac said that if I wanted, I could take lessons and Joe would be my instructor."

"Yeah, riding lessons are not much more than the cost of the horse rental, but that's included," Joe added.

"Well, I suppose if you're going to date a cowboy, you should learn to ride. You have to pay for it yourself, though," Mrs. Jones told them.

Mrs. Jones pulled in front of Jackson's house and the boys got out. She told them that she would be back in three hours to pick them up. Zac and Jim were walking towards them leading two horses. As much as he loves Jim and Zac, he is grateful that they are giving him and Buster this time alone.

Jim handed the reins of his horse to Joe. "We stopped and got a few things that we thought you might like out at the lake. They're in your saddlebag. We also asked Vince to have security stay clear of the lake so you two can be left alone."

"Thanks, Jim, that means a lot to me," Joe said.

"Well, you mean a lot to me."

Zac helped Buster mount his horse and gave him a few suggestions. His best suggestion was to listen to Joe as they rode. The two boys rode out to the lake and dismounted. Joe checked his saddle bags. In the left pouch, Joe found a large blanket. He handed that to Buster to lay on the ground. Checking the right pouch, he found a bag of chips, four sandwiches, and two bottles of water. "Guess they thought we might get hungry while we're out here," Joe said.

"Can we sit on the blanket and talk? Bring the chips," Buster requested.

Joe grabbed the chips and sandwiches along with the water. He tossed them onto the blanket and sat beside Buster, "What's up?"

"I hope that you know that I really love you," Buster began. "We've been seeing each other for over two months and this is our first date."

"Are you br… br… breaking up with me?" Joe gasped. He almost couldn't get the words out and was scared enough to be on the verge of tears.

"Hell no, I love you too much for that." Buster pulled Joe closer to him. Joe sighed as he heard these words. "It's just that some guys have sex on their first date. I'm hoping that you're not one of them, because I'm not ready for it."

"Neither am I," Joe admitted. Buster sighed this time.

"I want to wait, not necessarily until we are married or whatever it's called for two guys, but I want to wait," Buster stated.

"Jim advised me that we should wait until we are both ready. He said that we would know when the time was right," Joe agreed.

"I think he's right. I do want you to be my first and only, but until we are ready, I want to remain a virgin."

"I feel the same way. I want it to be special for both of us when it does happen," Joe leaned over towards Buster and kissed him.

After they parted, Buster looked at Joe, "Now that we both know where we stand, open the chips. I have the munchies." Joe tugged to open the chips and the bag practically exploded open. Chips went flying everywhere. Fortunately, only a few didn't land on the blanket. Buster and Joe started cracking up.

The boys went skinny-dipping in the lake for about half an hour. When they got out, Joe realized that they didn't bring any towels so they sat on the blanket to air dry and eat their sandwiches. When they were ready to head back to the stables, they got dressed. Joe shook the blanket to knock off any crumbs. He rolled it up and tied it to the back of his saddle while Buster put the trash in the saddlebag.

Jim and Zac were about to get in the truck when the boys got back to the corral. Jim smiled at them. "Don't need details, but did you enjoy yourselves?" Jim hollered.

Joe smiled and gave a thumbs up. "What time is it?" he asked.

"Almost five, why?" Jim responded.

"Crap, we have over an hour to wait for my mom," Buster said.

"You can call her, or I can give you a ride after you finish stabling the horses," Zac offered.

"Neither one of us has our phone. I think I left mine on the dining room table, this morning." Joe confessed.

"Want to use mine, or would you rather we just give you a ride?" Jim inquired.

"If you don't mind, my house isn't much out of your way," Buster replied.

Joe gave a funny look, "We won't all fit in the truck."

"No, one or both of you will need to ride in back."

Both boys said in unison, "We both will."

Zac and Jim got back out to help the boys groom the horses and put them in their stalls. They loaded into the truck and Buster gave Zac his address. Zac pulled up as Mrs. Jones was coming out of the house. She was surprised to see Buster and Joe jump out of the back of the truck. Joe held Buster's hand as he walked him to the porch and kissed him. "See you in school tomorrow."

Joe climbed into the cab beside Jim and Zac headed home. "Seriously Bro, did you enjoy yourself?" Jim asked.

Joe smiled, "Yeah, he scared me at first because he wanted to talk. I thought he was going to break up with me."

"That's crazy, dude. He wouldn't have asked you out for Friday night if he wanted to break up with you," Zac said.

"That's true, but he was so serious when we started talking. It scared me," Joe admitted.

"Unless it's personal, what did he want to talk about?" Jim asked.

"He was worried that I would want to have sex. He said that he loves me but isn't ready. I felt so relieved and I told him about our talk." Jim smiled and patted Joe on the knee.

Zac parked beside Heather's car. The boys walked into the house as Heather was putting supper on the table. As they ate, Jim shared what he had found out about Colt. He also talked about Dusty's suggestion.

As fast as March went for Joe, this week seemed to drag. It should've been the other way around since his leg was in a cast the whole month of March, but now he was anxious for Friday to get here. Being it was Good Friday, they only had half a day of school.

Buster came to the door twenty minutes before seven. Joe was ready and getting nervous. He was shocked when Buster drove to McDonald's. "Hope you don't mind, but you did say that you wanted to go wherever I was," Buster smiled.

"And I mean it. Can I have a quarter pounder with cheese?" Joe said smiling. He really did mean it, but he never thought their second date would be at McDonald's.

"Anything you want, Babe. Would you like fries, or should we share an order?" Buster didn't seem serious, but Joe just smiled.

Joe sat at the table while Buster placed the order. When Buster came back, he told Joe that there was a problem with the order and one of the employees would bring the order over when it was ready. They talked while they waited.

A man in a button up shirt walked over to their table after about five minutes of waiting. "I'm the manager and I'm sorry, but we seem to have run out of quarter pounders. I was wondering if you would like something else."

"Are you serious? How could McDonald's run out of quarter pounders?" Joe was noticeably getting upset. He looked at Buster who was just smiling. Something definitely didn't feel right.

"I don't know how to answer that question? Would you like these meals instead?" the manager asked as a couple employees set down two plates of grilled trout with fries. Joe blinked his eyes a few times and Buster started cracking up.

"You got me good," Joe said smiling at Buster. "I can't believe you went to all this trouble. I will definitely remember this date for as long as I live."

"For you, nothing is too good. Tell me who else would ever consider taking you to McDonald's for grilled trout," Buster said as he put a fry in his mouth.

"How did you ever get the manager to do this?" Joe asked taking a bite of his trout.

"Friend of the family. I dropped the dinners off before I picked you up."

Joe snatched one of Buster's fries and Buster laughed. They made small talk and discovered a few more things they had in common. Buster told Joe that the first day he walked into homeroom, he felt like an angel had come into his life. That was what finally gave him the courage to come forward when he did.

"I'm glad that you did. Cheyenne seems really special, and you are really special."

"I'm glad you think so. I love you very much, Joseph Charles Walker." Buster got up and stood beside Joe. "Joe, I love that song that you sang to me at your party. I want to borrow its chorus and say that I cross my heart and promise to give all that I've got to give to make all your dreams come true. In all the world, you'll never find a love as true as mine."

"I love you, also, Buster. Our dreams, I hope that we help each other fulfill them." Joe stood up next to Buster. He looked up as Buster looked down. They wrapped their arms around each other and Buster leaned down a little to kiss Joe. The few patrons sitting inside clapped their hands.

 

I hope you enjoy the story and that it draws you in, wanting more. If you have any suggestions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email me.  Thoughts and suggestions are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible.

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