Colin and his Hitchhikers
By: Jon Stewart
(© 2019 by the author)

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

jstewart@tickiestories.us

Chapter 5
School Days Part I

Colin, Robbie, Chris, Josh and Jimmy, went and had a celebratory lunch. Robbie wanted pancake house. Chris wanted surf and steak. He asked the boys, "have you guys ever had steak."

"I don't think so; the closest we got was a good hamburger." Josh said.

"Come on Colin, the boys deserve a treat after that ordeal. We gotta get some muscle on those bones of theirs; Robbie can get all the sweets he wants with dessert."

"Robbie, what do you think?"

"I guess I did have my share of pancake house this weekend."

So off to the surf and cow, big steaks medium rare for all, with french fries and salad; the boys loved the juicy red meat with a touch of salt. For desert Robbie got strawberry shortcake with a ton of whipped cream.

Colin said, "Robbie, you deserve that plate of mush for the job you did. I don't know how I ever will thank you."

"You must be going senile; we can't thank you enough for Jason. We wouldn't have him if not for you. Now no more of this stuff. Want some of my cake?"

Josh and Jimmy did and another eating delicacy was added to their list.

Of course, it was back to house after lunch. Robbie and Chris had to go back to New Jersey, both Josh and Jimmy thanked them like a hundred times and gave them a bunch of kisses too. It was a sad goodbye. Promises of being back on Thanksgiving weekend with Jason, gave everyone something to look forward to and eased the pain of leaving.

After they were gone, Colin said, "I guess a proper guardian would get you guys into school. I should call the board of ed and find out what we need to get this done."

"I'm a little scared of going back. I missed almost half the year. Do you think I'll be promoted or have to do 7th grade over?" Josh asked.

"Me too." Jimmy added.

"Only one way to find out, of course repeating stuff you already know will make it real easy for you. Conversely going on to the next grade without knowing what went before will make 8th grade twice as hard. I wouldn't be all upset if they said to repeat the grade. It's not your fault."
"Maybe I'll be the smartest one in 5th grade. That would be kool." Jimmy said.

Pops called, he explained the situation in full. He was told they'll need their school records and they'll need to have to a medical exam with the findings of the exam in a report to the school. Considering the background, the school had to be sure there were not any contagious diseases to worry about like lice or the flu.

So next on the list was Doc Elsberry; his office said to bring the boys in that afternoon. Then Pops called Miss Moran who went through their file and found the school records. "Mr. O'Brian the boys are both very good students. All "A"s except for a couple "B"s. Every time, I look at something else, I'm getting madder and madder at Silver and Brown. Can I fax to you?"

"Please do Miss Moran. It's 765- 432-2468. That is good to hear about their grades; I imagine there will be the problem of them being bored if they repeat their grade or left behind if they get pushed ahead. I don't know what is best."

"Mr. O'Brian considering the emotional distress they have gone through I think it much better if they feel more secure in knowing the work rather than being stressed and not knowing what they missed. That would be my recommendation. Would you like me to inform the school?"

"Yes I suppose you are right, I think it would be a good thing to alert the school. Due to their past marks they might be inclined to push them ahead. I'm sure your recommendation as a professional would go a lot farther than mine. You can provide insight on their record and ask the school to maintain some confidentiality. Please Miss Moran do call."

"Certainly, I'll call. I am so upset that my agency failed them so miserably. Please, Mr. O'Brian anything that they need please let me help. It's my job now and I vow to get them the best care, we can give. I've expedited the financial support, clothing allowance and medical cards to you. You should have them all within the week. If for some reason it doesn't show let me know and I'll hand carry it to you. Plus, I do have to make a home visit for your permanent guardian status."

"You can come by anytime Miss Moran. Best of course, you call to make sure we will be here."

"Ok I will. See you then, goodbye."

"Guys what do you think of Miss Moran?"

"She seems very nice, Pops. She even cried when she saw my back. I can't see it, I guess it's pretty bad?"

"I suspect, it'll always be there to remind you, Josh. I'm so sorry it happened."

"But it made us run and we found you; so it's not all bad."

"Bless you boy you have a heart of gold. Hey let's get to docs and then I'm gonna have a surprise for you."

"Really Pops, what is it?" Jimmy asked.

"Jeez, Jimmy O'Shea, I know the good lord gave you something upstairs besides enthusiasm. If it is a surprise ya gotta wait...even an old slow poke fart like me knows that. Say do you guys wanna get haircuts too while we are out? "

"Thanks Pops, that's a good idea. If it gets any longer I could get mistook for a girl." Josh responded.

"I don't think so you are all boy, young man."

So hair cuts were had. Josh going with the style of the day was basically bald on the sides and a nice little mop on the top. Jimmy liked his shaggy dog look and just had it shortened and thinned. Then to Doc Elsberry's afternoon appointment, the boys stripped to their sexy underwear and were examined from head to toe. Doc couldn't resist a little tickle on Jimmy and then seeing older brother seemed left out Josh got his. They leaned over and Doc checked their behinds and coughed as he checked their privates. He scratched and probed their hair looking for the dreaded lice and thanked Colin for the consideration of the hair cut. He even looked for crabs again in their private areas. All the attention to their private areas had them erected and Doc being the playful guy he was pulled each penis down and let it pop up. "Just checking for hardness and bounce boys", he half laughed. Colin could not suppress his laughter and turned his back so as not to be a hindrance. A half hour later, Doc pronounced Josh and Jimmy fit as can be considering their malnourishment. He noted they both had gained 2 pounds on Colin's good diet and were told to keep eating. He told Colin the report would be done and sent over tomorrow; so the boys could go to school on Wednesday. Surprisingly the boys went, "YEAH !!! on the going back to school part. Asked why so happy. Josh said, "I just want to get back to being a regular kid. After Christmas vacation I will probably say I hate it but now it's great."

On the way home Pops, stopped into a Best Buy store. "What are you doing here? "Jimmy asked.

"Well my surprise is; I want to know you are safe all the time or that you can get in touch with me ASAP. So, it's cell phones for the two of you."

"Wow, Pops, that's great. You are the very best Pops in the whole world."

"Can I get one with games and stuff?" Jimmy asked.

"I don't think we could avoid that these days."

Pops made sure the phones were out fitted with a locator app and had it put on his phone as well. "Now we'll be able to know where each of us is at anytime. It is never to be deleted or turned off. Here me Josh, Jimmy what did I say?"

"Understood Pops, whatever, I am doing, I want you to be able to know where I am."

Jimmy of course said, "Me too."

"Even if you are someplace, I told you not to go. Never turn them off."

"Yes, sir. Thanks Pops, thanks about caring so much about us."

"Yeah Pops, thanks." Jimmy said as he hugged his Pops.
Another stop for back packs and school supplies and the boys were ready for school. At home the school records were on the fax machine. "So, tomorrow we'll check to see what time Doc will send over his report and them bring your records by. Hey you guys got great marks according to these reports."

"Daddy always said we had to pay attention at school. I can hear him now saying don't be a dummy and try to be the class clown. He said that a lot to Jimmy. Be funny on the playground but not in the classroom."

"Well, I'll say the same thing then. Jimmy be funny on the playground but not in the classroom."

"Yes, Sir, Pops, Sir" Jimmy replied in his best military imitation.

Pops, started cooking dinner. The boys took Shep for a walk. Jimmy promised not to pee outside. Pops got a call from Mr. Garcia who wanted to start Shep's training tomorrow morning about 10:00 AM. Pops agreed. He had an email from Mrs. Galuchi asking how the boys were. Colin could now tell her about Josh's back and did so not supplying all the details but enough to paint the picture. Just stating that he was at a very bad foster home and the man was now in custody and he now had custody of the boys. She asked if he would need of a housekeeper. Her sister, Edna, was looking for a family who could use her services. Colin though about it and if her sister was as caring as Mrs. Galuchi it could be very good for the boys to have a motherly woman in the house. He asked for her number.

The boys came in with Shep. Jimmy fed him. They all sat down to Pop's dinner of baked pork chops, rice with turmeric, cut up portabella mushrooms, peppers and little baby onions, with fresh corn and green beans. Pops, pushed to get two helping of everything into the boys. Their smiling faces showed their satisfaction and they decided to wait on desert. A smiling Josh asked, "Are you still going to feed us like this when we gain our weight back?"

"I guess, I'll have to or you'll lose the weight again. Maybe I'll get some help though."

"How's that?" Jimmy asked.

"Well you know, Mrs. Galuchi, her sister is looking for work as a house keeper. I was impressed with Mrs. Galuchi, so I want to talk to her sister about working here. "

"Pops, will I still be able to have nature boy nights?" Jimmy asked.

"I'm not sure she would agree to that Jimmy. I expect that she would go home after dinner to her own home, though."

As was the routine now the boys helped with the clean up. Pops, sipped a coffee and supervised. He made the meal, so they cleaned up; everyone old enough should contribute in some manner.

They watched a little TV; then showered, Jimmy did his nature boy thing and they settled down to sleep. After they were in bed Pops, took Shep for his late night pee and walk; came in and locked up the house.
He checked on the boys. Josh was tossing and turning and talking in his sleep.

"NO MORE, PLEASE NO MORE, I'LL DO IT, DON'T HURT JIMMY, I'LL DO IT."

Pops gently shook Josh, and held him. "Want to sleep in with me?"

Josh just nodded holding on to Pops neck like glue.

Jimmy who had woke as well said, "Me took Pops."

When Colin picked Josh up, he wrapped his legs around Pops middle. This was the scene as he smiled to himself with naked Jimmy and Shep following behind. "Shep on the floor with you tonight buddy." Shep whined a bit but did not jump on Pops bed. Jimmy held tight to Pops' arm and was quickly back to sleep. Josh wasn't letting go of his neck and had one leg over Pops' leg with his middle grinding into Pops' thigh. Josh trying to get closer and closer to Pops had the effect of humping Pops' thigh. The half conscious boy developed an erection. Pops felt the spear trying to stab his leg. Josh's breathing grew deeper and more rapid. The humping motion became faster and more intense. He twitched and had uncontrolled spasms until a final large exhale and release of his seed brought relaxation and a wetness to Colin's leg. He fell into a deep restful sleep. Colin for his part had always harbored the fantasy of helping a boy achieve organism. Although he always dreamed the boy would be awake and something a little more erotic than his leg would be the instrument. He still smiled and with tissues from the night stand did what he could to clean up the mess.

The boys slept in a little and were still involved with breakfast when Mr. Garcia knocked at the door. This of course sent nature boy Jimmy scurrying for underwear. Pops had to laugh "That'll teach you nature boy." Pops opened the door for Mr. Garcia and explained he was here to start training Shep.

"Can we watch, Pops?" Josh asked.

"What do you say, Mr. Garcia do you mind having an audience?"

"No Senior, it'll be good the boys can learn how to give instruction to the dog. Now what is his name? He is a fine looking animal."

"Shep, Mr. Garcia are you going to do the training inside or outside?"

"Outside would be better, Senior; a little cool this morning but the sun is warm."

"Well guys ya gotta be dressed then and Jimmy you do your peeing inside please!!!"

Pops explained to Mr. Garcia about Jimmy peeing where Shep peed. Garcia had a great laugh at that.

The boys were dressed in no time although Jimmy had his shirt on inside out.

"I am blessed that this property is most private, don't you agree Mr. Garcia."

"Si Senior, is good for all your pups, no?"

Mr. Garcia was a man in his forties Colin guessed with a balding head, a growing stomach, about 5 foot 10 inches and 220 lbs with the kindest most compassionate brown eyes Colin had ever scene.

"Ready my young amigos?"
"Yes Mr. Garcia," they replied.

Shep was given treats to reinforce the commands, stay, come, stop, fetch, sit, lay down, up, down. "See my young friends I do not confuse the dog with a lot of other words when I give the command. I talk strongly and firmly and with the love I have for your fine dog. This dog of yours is very, very, smart he learns so easily. He only wants to please you, so, you should never hit or threaten him. I will teach him to also protect you. But you cannot ever use the protection commands in a game or at play. Understand if you use one of the protection commands Shep will do whatever he has to, even die to protect you. You must never play with those commands. Understood?"

Sheepishly the boys answered, "Yes, Mr. Garcia"

Colin had come outside to watch as well. He was impressed by Mr. Garcia. With the strength and love he had in his voice; he easily taught Shep and it was remarkable.

"You have a fine, fine animal Mr. Colin. He learns so easily, very, very, smart. I can teach many commands. I do them in groups there are the basics like today, then there is the utility or maintenance commands like when to eat, drink, pee even and the opposite no eating, no drinking etcetera; then there are the protection commands, protect, guard, kill even, run home, get help. He will do all of these and more. Please tell me you will allow him to breed and pass on his amazing skills. People would pay much to have a pup from his seed. I would love to have him sire pups with my Lady."

"I'm sure you will teach him well, Mr. Garcia and when the time comes it will be a pleasure to let him breed. I could not charge a fee, for you, his trainer."

"Gracias me amigo, gracias, I will go now, see you tomorrow. Will the two young pups be here tomorrow as well as Shep?"

"No, Mr. Garcia I think they will be in school."

"Too bad, the dog and I enjoyed their company, nice well behaved pups."

With that Mr. Garcia was done for the day.

"Did you guys learn anything?"

"Yes Pops, most important when talking to Shep don't use a lot of words to confuse him. Speak simple like. For example "Shep, come" and that's all; not a whole bunch of other stuff like "come on Shep lets take a walk" all those words will confuse him."

"I see, do you think Mr. Garcia is a good trainer."

"Ohh yeah and he was so gentle with him. Say Pops can I ask you a question?"

"You just did. Of course, anytime, if you got a question in your head and think I can help; I'm mad if you don't ask it."

"I woke up with sticky stuff in my underwear and I had the most amazing dream. This beautiful girl was loving me and kissing me and I was doing the same with her and I put my pecker inside of her and it was soo good, Pops. How can all that happen when you are asleep?"

"Well, you had a nocturnal emission. You came in your sleep and that girl you were dreaming about was actually my leg." Pops laughed. "I didn't want to wake you. My leg got a little sticky, that's all, I cleaned it up in 2 minutes. I thought about trying to clean up your undies and your pecker but figured I'd wake you and you would think I was nuts. Boys have these things quite often; the not so medical name is wet dream. They can happen when you are in a heightened emotional state, which your were last night, or when your semen builds up in you and needs release. Jacking off does have a positive effect."

"So if I want the dream again I shouldn't or should jack off."

"Don't jack off, but that's hard for a boy like you to do and maybe you do that for a week, maybe even two and don't get the dream. It's weird, son."

"Well I'm gonna try. I really like that dream Pops. Her titties were so soft and sweet and she loved on me too. Ou, Ou, I think I have to go to the bathroom and play."

Pops laughed, "See not jacking off is pretty hard to do."

"Yeah, I see, I think, I'll start not jacking later." Josh went off walking quite briskly while rubbing his middle.

Jimmy had been playing with Shep and practicing his commands.

"Want to bring him in; it's almost time for lunch?"

"Can you call me when it's ready, me and Shep have to practice so he is the smartest dog in Pine Hill."

"Ok."

Pops went inside and called Doc's office. The nice clerk said, "Yes the report is done and going on the fax machine now."

"Fine, I'll head over with their school records after lunch."

"Just for your information, Mr. O'Brian, Doc's grandsons go to Pine Hill grammar school and his son is the principal there."

"Really, that is good to know, thank you."

The boys had another big meal, soup and sandwich and fruit and a vitamin shake to gain weight.

After lunch and clean up, he polished them up some, combed their hair and washed their faces and brushed their teeth. They were ready as they ever were going to be to get on with school.

They arrived at the school during recess so kids were running everywhere. They saw Mr. Elsberry the principal. He reviewed their records and decided that a grade placement test was in order; which was a 45 minute test. Pops waited with Joseph Elsberry. Joe keep reviewing their files and saw the recommendation from Miss Moran.

"Ahh Mr. O'Brian I see we have a note from their case worker, Miss Moran."

"Yes, very nice young woman."

"She thinks it better for them emotionally to stay back the year rather than more stress of trying to catch up. What is your feeling?"

"I discussed this with Miss Moran, and I agree the less stress we put on them at this stage the better. They have been through a terrible ordeal. Josh especially, as he shielded and took care of his little brother. He took quite a beating. Your dad thinks the scars, the physical scars will never fully heal. His back is marked for life. I think we have to protect him emotionally as much as possible. He is very brave; rarely shows the hurt; he wants to be just a regular kid again. Is that possible here?"

"I'm so glad you told me that, there is so much that is not in these files. I think I can place them in classes with my two sons, John and Tommy. They are in 7th and 5th grade. I'll ask them to hang with them for a week so they get off to a good start. Maybe they'll become good friends. My dad says they are good kids; the hurt has not turned them mean and I want to keep it that way. Are they into sports?"

"Yes basketball and baseball."

"Excellent, we field teams in both and play other schools in the county. I'll inform the basketball coach, he may have two new players. Tryouts are over but he can make room for two new kids. So, I'll have John and Tommy show them their classes in the morning. I presume they can start tomorrow."

"Yes, of course, thank you so much Mr. Elsberry. Your family has been just the greatest help, your uncle the lawyer got that scum Brown in jail, your dad found his semen on Josh, now you and your boys I don't know what to say or how to thank you."

"Number one it's Joe and I think you finding them and taking them in, is really the biggest job of all, if we can help along the way it is our pleasure."

"Well, I'm Colin, Joe and thanks again. I see they will be in good hands here."

The boys were finished with their tests. Joe reviewed them. "Quite remarkable, you guys remembered every important fact for the first 5 months of your grade. You are going to be the smartest ones in your class for a while anyway. Then you are going to have to learn new stuff that you didn't get the chance to learn. There is no other way for you to learn the last 5 months that you missed. Is that ok with you?"

Josh said, "I guess so, I hate being left back though, that's what happens to kids that don't work or aren't smart. I don't like being labeled that way."

"Josh if I came up to you and took your jacket and you yelled and hollered and kicked and punched and I just knocked you down and robbed it. Would it be your fault?"
"Well no not really."

"You were not left back, that man Brown robbed you. He robbed you of your time. You have to get it back just like you would have to get another jacket. I'm sorry what happened; I can't change what happened in the past. I can try to change what happens going forward. If you need anything, any help while at this school you come to me please. You were robbed, no one needs to know unless YOU decide to tell them. OK."

"Yeah, you make sense. I just gotta do what I gotta do. He took more than time but like you say that is in the past."

"So you are going to be in the 7th grade. My son John is in the 7th grade as well. Would it be ok if he meets you tomorrow morning to show you where to go and stuff? And Jimmy I have another son Tommy who is in 5th grade with you. So he can show you around as well. If it is ok?"

"That would be real nice Mr. Elsberry, thank you."Josh said.

"Yeah me too, Mr. Elsberry, thanks." Jimmy replied.

"Good then, we'll see you tomorrow morning."

The boys and Pops left with recess over it was very quiet on the way out. "What do you think guys?"

"He seems nice, "Jimmy said.

"At least, I'll know one guy going onto class." Josh answered.

That night Joe Elsberry got his sons after dinner. "I have a favor to ask you guys."

"What's that dad?"

"We are going to have two new boys tomorrow, Josh going into 7th grade and Jimmy going into 5th grade. They lost their dad, he died over in the Afghanistan war, and their mom can't take care of them. They are in the foster system and just got a new foster parent. The last place they were at was very, very bad. The guy there was as mean as could be. The older one Josh was beaten terribly protecting his smaller brother. I'm hoping you guys can let them hang with you for a few days, maybe a week and show them where to go and stuff like that. Maybe they'll join the basketball team if you ask. John, be prepared Grandpa says Josh's back will always have scars. So try not to let it bother you if you see Josh changing. Uncle Derik helped put the bad man, Mr. Brown in jail. So we don't have to worry about him. What do you say will you do me this favor?"

"Sure dad, it sounds like they have had it real tough. I'm glad Uncle Derik took care of that guy. I can stay with him during lunch and recess. It's got to be scary coming to a new school. " John replied.

"I'll stay with Jimmy too, dad. Are they good in basketball? We need someone who can shoot better than me." Tommy said.

"Thanks guys, Tommy you shoot pretty good."
"Only 3 foul shots out of 10 dad, not great. Dad."

"Well, we'll have to practice more."

Pops had another big meal for the boys; this time spaghetti with meatballs and garlic bread and their vitamin shake. After dinner and clean up he weighed them. In the one week they were with him Jimmy gained 6 pounds and Josh 7. Pops, believed in being prepared so he had them put out their clothes for the morning, and take showers at night. It was an early to bed night for the boys. Figuring he would have to bring them into his bed later anyway he had them start out there so he would have to move them. As Colin was stripping to his boxers for bed Jimmy was talking in his sleep. "LEAVE HIM ALONE, LEAVE HIM ALONE!! Was what Colin heard; Jimmy, still reliving that terrible night. Josh on the other hand was humping the bed like a rabbit. "Guess, my leg was not as important part of his dream as I thought." Colin laughed to himself. He got into bed and held Jimmy tight whispering over and over, " you are safe now". At the same time he watched Josh do his night time thing until there was a big exhale and a wet spot on the sheets.

Josh woke up smiling from ear to ear. Jimmy was a little grumpy his sleep not as restful.

"Have a pleasant dream last night Josh?"

"Why yes Pops I did and I got it without the non jacking thing too."

Colin just smiled to himself.

The boys made it to school with 10 minutes to spare. A bunch of kids were in the play ground. John and Tommy Elsberry were at the gate waiting for the O'Shea brothers.

"Hey you gotta be Josh. I'm supposed to show you around. My dad is the principal and you would do me a big favor if you kind of hung out with me for a week." John said.

"I'm Tommy, you wanna go over by the 5th graders, Jimmy?"

"Yeah sure."

"Do you like to play basketball? We have a team."

"Yeah I love B ball. Josh, he likes baseball and is good at it but for me there is nothing better than B ball."

The two 5th graders went off to join the rest. John and Josh were left to themselves.

"My Uncle says you're a hero the way you protected your brother."

"I ain't no hero. Can we talk about something else? I need a friend bad but I don't want to talk about that."

"Ok I didn't mean anything by it. It's just kool that he said that."

Josh looked at John real hard. He saw only compassion and kindness. "There wasn't anything kool about it. It was terrible and I'm trying real hard to forget it ever happened. You just do what ya gotta do sometimes. OK"

"Sure Josh, I'll not talk about it anymore."

They walked into the play area. John kind of slowed to say hello to a friend of his. Josh was a step or two away waiting. A bigger boy, Mickey Marino with two others following him approached him.

"Say ain't you the fag boy who was kissing all his daddies at church."

Josh just looked, not knowing how to answer.

"Yup you are." Mickey grabbed his package. "Bet you'd like to suck on this, then take it up the ass. Go ahead ask me fag boy. Ask to suck my dick." Louder now Mickey said, "ask for it or I'll beat you, fag boy."

A crowd had gathered around Mickey. All Josh heard was ask me for it or I'll beat you. It made him flash back to Brown. He couldn't hold back the tears, the hurt, the shame, he started crying, then yelled "DON'T BEAT ME ANY MORE, DON'T BEAT ME, DON'T HURT JIMMY, I'LL DO IT.

John Elsberry now saw what was happening and jumped in front of Josh, he shoved Mickey with every ounce of strength in his body. "YOU STUPID FUCKING BULLY" He turned to Josh, not knowing what to do but thought of what his dad or grandpa would do. He hugged Josh and walked him towards the school.

Mickey said, "look at the two fags. Ya gonna tell your daddy now fag, Johnny. Remember rules about no fighting and you pushed me, fag boy."

John turned, "Dam right I'm gonna tell my dad."

Josh was hysterical, realizing what he had said. John led him to the closest boy's room.

Through the tears and the sobs came the hysterical yells, "YOU GOTTA GET AWAY FROM ME, JOHN!!! GO!! GO ON!! OHH WHY DID I SAY IT, WHY DID IT COME BACK!!! OH SHIT!! OH SHIT!!"

John grabbed some paper towels and trying to dry the tears. Nothing was working.

Josh continued, "I GOT THE LABEL NOW...DON'T YOU GET IT TWO .... GET AWAY ....PLEASE GO AWAY!!!

Holding Josh's face in his two hands, "Stay here Josh stay here....I gotta get help... you stay here"

He ran out the door. Tommy and Jimmy had heard that something happened to the new kid and came to find out. John now almost as much a wreck as Josh saw Tommy. "Jimmy can go in Tommy NO BODY ELSE TILL I GET BACK WITH DAD. NO ONE"

"I can do it John."

John raced down the hall as fast as he could run, right into his dad's office. There was a teachers meeting going on. An out of breath John said, "Dad ya gotta come. Gotta come, Josh is going crazy. That bully Mickey started it. Come on dad!!"

John grabbed his father's hand and pulled. Joe Elsberry could only follow. He got to the boys room. He told Tommy to go ahead to class he would take care of Jimmy. Josh was curled up; down on the floor sobbing and yelling, "GO AWAY JIMMY THEY WILL MAKE YOU A FAG, RUN JIMMY RUN!! Jimmy was holding on to Josh for dear life. He didn't know what else to do. His brother had always been so strong for him.

"Now John, Now tell me exactly what happened."

"Mickey came up to Josh and called him a fag boy. He said something about Josh kissing his daddies in church. Then he got real dirty, grabbed his privates and said Josh should suck him and take it up his ass. Told him to ask for it or he would beat him. Something like, ask nice for it fag boy or I'm gonna beat you.
Josh started screaming, Don't beat me anymore, please don't beat me, don't hurt Jimmy I'll do it.
That's when I was able to push Mickey away."

Jimmy said, "That's what happened with the Brown, guy. He said the same stuff, Mickey said the same stuff. Look at his back Mr. Elsberry look at what he did to my brother. So Josh had to take his pecker or else he would be dead."

"Can I see your back Josh?" as Mr. Elsberry took off his jacket and shirt.

All Josh could do was go, "mmm"

As he saw the scars all over Josh's back, "Ohh my god, what kind of monster could do this. This is not human."

John cried and got down on the floor and hugged Josh again. He couldn't not do it. He had his grandpa's compassion in him. "I wanna get him, Dad. I wanna get that stupid bully, Mickey. We're supposed to have a policy of zero tolerance for bullies. Ya, got to get him dad."

In a determined, intense whisper, Joe said, "I will son, so help me god I will."

15 minutes of Mr. Elsberry telling Josh it was going to be all right. Jimmy saying come on Josh be my big brother. John saying I'm not going away. No matter how much you yell. Josh came around back to 90% of himself.

"Not the way you wanted to start your first day Josh?"

Josh had to laugh, "No sir not exactly, but I found out I have two great new friends so not all bad."

Joe Elsberry was amazed how Josh could find some good in the whole mess. "How do you do that Josh, look for good at a time like this."

"My dad always said when there is something bad there is something good to balance it."

"I'm gonna give you the choice of going home or going to class."

"I came here to be a regular kid; so I guess I gotta go to class. I'm sorry I kind of went weird, hysterical. "

"Most understandable. Was there anyone else with Mickey, John?

"Yeah, Jacky Fallon and Billy Schmidt."

"I thought so bullies like to play to an audience."

"I bet I could take him dad, I know I'd get one good one in."

"Shoving him like you did was the right thing. You did what needed to be done. Going after him again would be picking a fight. Is that something, we taught you to do?"

"No but if I get a chance to sock him I'm gonna."

"Just make it be right and DON'T PICK A FIGHT."

"Yes, sir."

"If he calls me a fag boy again can I slug him Mr. Elsberry?"

"I think that would be fair but wait until I get done with him. I hope he never uses those words again in his life."

"Ok, let's get you guys to class."

Jimmy was given an excuse for being late. The teacher had made a place for him to sit next to Tommy. Tommy showed him where they were at in math. It was converting fractions to decimals.

Jimmy whispered, "ya gotta use the divide line."

The teacher, Mrs. Harahan, not wanting to let a new boy start trouble said, "Mr. James O"Shea would you mind sharing your thoughts to the whole class and not just Tommy."

Jimmy kind of frowned, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to disturb anyone I just said ya gotta use the divide line."

"Really, care to show us on the board."

"OK if you want." Jimmy walked up to the board. "So the line in the fraction means to divide. So you divide the top number by the bottom number to convert to a decimal. An easy example is 1/2. You put a decimal point after the one and up in the answer space and divide by the two and it is .5. No matter what the fraction how big the number it always works."

"Are you a trouble maker, James?"

"I don't think so mam, sometimes I don't know when to keep my big mouth shut, though."

Mrs. Harahan and the whole class laughed.

"Ok James, a very good job on converting fractions and an excellent job at getting me to not be mad at you."

"Mrs. Harahan?"

"Yes, James."

"People usually only call me James when they are mad at me, when they aren't they mostly call me Jimmy. If that works for you, I'd like it that way."

"That works for me fine, Jimmy" Mrs. Harahan smiled. Jimmy smiled too.

Mrs. Harahan, immediately was impressed by Jimmy's poise, his intelligence, his frankness and his honesty. He became one of her favorites especially when she came to know of his circumstances.

Mickey and his buddies were a little concerned about John and Josh not making it to class. They were concerned that they might really be in trouble, certainly they didn't care about Josh and John. Josh and John walked into the class with Mr. Elsberry. Mrs. Lever, a kindly older teacher had the class.

"Mrs. Lever these two are excused for being tardy."

"Certainly Mr. Elsberry."

"Mickey Marino, Jacky Fallon and Billy Schmidt come with me, NOW."

"What did we do? Your son John pushed me. What about him?" Mickey protested.

"You stupid, boy what you did this morning was a hate crime and is punished by significant jail time. In your case probably the state reformatory where there is considerable forced homosexual activity before you go to prison. I understand you are very interested in homosexual activity, Michael. So you will be right at home. NOW COME WITH ME OR I SHALL CALL THE POLICE AND HAVE YOU DRAGGED OUT OF HERE."

The entire class went deadly silent. All the blood drained from Mickey's face as well as Jacky and Billy.

"Bring all your belongings, leave the school books at your desks, where you are going you won't need them."

No one had ever seen, Mr. Elsberry this mad. As a matter of fact he rarely got mad. He was always fair when asked to help with a discipline problem. Some of the stricter teachers even thought him too lenient. The boys did as they were told. Josh looked at John and John was silently clapping. He gave the thumbs up sign to Josh. Mr. Elsberry told Mickey and crew, "Wait in the hall and NOT ONE WORD."

Next he apologized "Mrs. Lever, I'm sorry for disrupting your class like this. There was a very, very disturbing incident involving those three out on the play area this morning and it cannot be tolerated. We have a zero tolerance policy about bullying at this school and those boys broke it. We have a zero tolerance policy about discrimination and they broke that as well. What Mickey did was terribly wrong guys. They verbally abused a new student, Josh, who they knew next to nothing about. Josh I'm sorry I'm going to explain it. Josh is in the foster system and his former foster parent beat him to within an inch of his life and he took that to protect his little brother. Mickey with his stupid abuse and threats brought about a catatonic state where Josh temporarily thought he was back being beaten again by an animal that is technically a man. So as you think about Josh and what Mickey said know the truth. Mrs. Lever, again, I am sorry for disturbing your class."

Out in the hall the boys could hear every word Mr. Elsberry said. When hearing about Josh having been beaten, Jacky and Billy, both, looked at Mickey with disgust. They were mad at themselves too for going along with him.

Mr. Elsberry came out of the 7th grade. "Come on you three." They walked silently to his office. First he brought Billy into his office. "Ok, Billy how did this start?"

"Mickey was saying how at church these guys kissed each other during the peace thing. He said there were two kids there who did it too. Then he saw Josh and said let's get that gay, the F word Mr. Elsberry."

"Do you know they call the peace thing the KISS OF PEACE? Anyway what did you do?"

"Nothing but I should have at least tried to stop him. I saw what he did to that kid, Josh. It was weird Mickey was enjoying it so much. Josh just went crazy. Now I understand and I am ashamed I didn't do nothing to stop it. Your son, was the only one who stood up. You should be proud of him. Me, I was like stupid Mickey's lackey or something."

"Are you telling the truth?"

"Yes sir, I'll go apologize right now if you'll let me for not standing up to Mickey."

Mr. Elsberry smiled, "what should I do with you?"

"I don't know Mr. Elsberry teach me to have the guts of your son somehow. I know I was wrong for not stopping Mickey."

"I think there is hope for you, yet William Schmidt. Go sit in the hall do not talk to Mickey and send Jacky in."

Billy had his head down as he said, "Yes sir"

Jacky came in and sat in the dreaded front of the principal chair.

"Jacky how did this start."

"Mickey was saying at church these guys was all kissing. I know girls can kiss other girls just being good friends but can guys do it Mr. Elsberry?"

"I think so Jacky does your dad or did your dad ever kiss you?"

"Yeah, he did and even now sometimes. I guess it ain't so bad a thing."

"Do you or your dad do gay stuff?"

"Mr. Elsberry are you supposed to ask like that. But no we don't."

"So why does it mean Josh or his people at church are gay."

"I guess it don't"

"So why did you go with Mickey? Did you know what he was gonna do?"

"Kinda he said lets go get the gay, I'm not supposed to say the word."

"F word"

"Yup"

"Why did you go?"

"I was a stupid follower. I didn't say nothing but I should have shut Mickey up."

"Do you know what I think?"

"No sir"

"I think you and Billy should pick your friends better."

"Go sit in the hall by Billy you can talk quietly if you want and give me a suggestion of what I should do with you. Send Mickey in."

Mickey came in with an arrogant swagger. Plunked himself down in front of his school principal, "so what's up."

"Michael Marino, words cannot express how disappointed I am with you. Effective immediately you are suspended. You are not allowed into this school until you return with both of your parents. Should you not do so within 5 days you will be expelled and at that point I will consider filing hate crime charges against you. In my option you are a hateful racist, bigot. That's a lot for a boy your age. Call your mother or father to come and get you. You disgust me, get out of my office."

Mickey went out into the hall. He motioned to Jacky and Billy to come with him. Billy and Jacky looked at each other. "Come on guys, you gonna let some fag loving asshole decide your life."

"Jeez you are stupid, Mickey. Mr. Elsberry is right I have to choose my friends better. Not me, no more, I'm not gonna be your lackey." Billy said.

"You are such a jerk. I don't know why I ever wanted to hang with you. You go on without me, I never want to see you again." Jacky replied.

Joe Elsberry was listening to the conversation. When it was done he called Billy and Jacky into his office.
"Well guys what have you decided? What should I do to you for following and being the audience for a bigoted, racist bully?"

Billy spoke up, "You could give us detention but that wouldn't teach us much."

"I don't know how to do it. But you should let us apologize to Josh and then we have to be his slave or something like that." Jacky volunteered.

"Maybe help him with his homework" Billy said. "We were a part in hurting him real bad and I really wanna do something to make up for it. It probably won't matter to him but I think I would feel better."

" I can see you guys are genuinely sorry for your part which was just being the audience for Mickey."

"No sir, it was more than that, we knew he was gonna start trouble with Josh, and we went to watch him be mean. That's the worst thing I did." Billy said.

"Billy's right Mr. Elsberry, we knew ...not only didn't we do nothing to stop Mickey but we went to watch and be his support. My dad would whip me for sure for not doing the right thing."

"Hmmm go back out in the hall and figure out exactly what you need to say to Josh."

The boys did and returned to Mr. Elsberry. They told what they would say. "Will you do it in front of the whole class?"

"I really would rather not but if you think so I guess I gotta man up." Billy said.

"If Billy does I guess I gotta too."

"Ok boys no time like the present. I have another idea in my head for you to make this right but I'll let you know about that later. No suspension and no detention for you. Why, because you listened to your heart about what was right and are brave enough to tell me and now you will tell Josh."

Mr. Elsberry timed his interruption of Mrs. Lever's 7th grade till just before lunch. Ten minutes before the bell, "let's go Billy, Jacky."

He knocked at the door Mrs. Lever opened it. "Twice in one day Mr. Elsberry, I am blessed."

"These two have something to say to Josh and the class."

Jacky and Billy with eyes down went in. Mr. Elsberry called the class to attention. They all sat looking at Mickey's lackies.
"Josh, everyone I just want to say I'm sorry really sorry for my part in what Mickey did." Billy started.

"Yeah, I don't know why I hung out with him but no more, the worst thing is we knew he was gonna do mean stuff to you, Josh." Jacky went on.

"Yeah we knew and were so dumb not stopping him but worse we went to watch, to support him. Yeah we didn't say nothing." Billy continued .

"But we should have , I'm so happy that John did. We didn't know nothing about your troubles or how you were hurt, Josh. But that shouldn't manner." Jacky said.

"It shouldn't matter because nobody, gay straight, black, white, latino, native American, nobody should be picked on, discriminated against and threatened like Mickey did to you Josh. I don't know, if there is any way you can forgive us. But we are really sorry." Billy said.

"Really, really sorry Josh. Here you are a new kid dealing with all your hurt and we let him put more on you. I'm so ashamed of myself." Jacky had tears in his eyes and he looked down to the floor.

Josh got up picked Jacky's head and hugged Jacky and then hugged Billy. "It's ok guys I'll live and I hope I have two new friends. So that's pretty good."

Mr. Elsberry was blown away and then he started to clap and then the whole class clapped. The bell for lunch rang. The class looked at Mr. Elsberry. "Well the bell means go get lunch guys." John Elsberry came up to Josh. Put his arm over Josh's shoulder, "Come on I'll show you where the lunch room is."

"My Pops made me stuff let me get it."

Josh went back to get his backpack. Sitting in the back row was a very pretty dark haired girl, dabbing her eyes. She looked just like the girl in Josh's dream and from what he could see through her blouse the cutest perkiest tities he ever saw. Not that he saw a lot. His boner sprang to attention.

Josh stopped and asked, "What's the matter? don't you have lunch? My Pops gives me way too much he says I gotta gain weight. You can share mine."

Margret O'Malley, otherwise known as Maggie. "No, No I...I ...My mom always ssays I get too emotional. What you did was so kkind. I'm sorry, go on to lunch. I have my own. I'll be there in a minute."

Billy asked, "can we sit with you guys, John?"

"I guess so for all the meanness in Mickey, I don't think there is an ounce in Josh."

Are you gonna sit with Billy and Jacky? Maggie asked.

"What... those guys didn't do nothing. It was Mickey; not them... they are good kids. I can tell, it took a lot of guts to get up in front of the class and say what they said. I can't be mad at them. Don't be silly, I'm just the new kid trying to collect as many friends as I can. Will you be one?"

Maggie's young heart did flip flops, "Sure"

"You wanna come to lunch with me or you wanna be with your girl friends."

"I really wanna but there will be all kinds of rumors that I'm hitting on you. Girls hit on guys too ya know."

John called, " Josh you comin?"

"How long do I have to be here to be able to hit on you?" Josh asked.

"I don't know maybe a week."

"OK lunch in a week then, please." Smiling Josh asked.

"Is it a date?" Maggie smiled and twirled her hair.

"Josh?" John called again

"Yup it is, thanks for being my friend, Say what is your name?"

"Maggie, Maggie O'Malley"

"Ah an Irish girl my Pops will like that."

"Josh, I gotta go."

"You better go, Josh O'Shea."

Josh ran after John "Wow Maggie is the cutest girl. Don't you think John?"

"Well, that decides it Billy and Jacky, and they didn't mean nothing bad, was wondering if you were gay."

"Well between putting my pecker in a nice warm slippery pussy or a guy's shitty poop chute. I choose pussy. I hope I am not offending."

John laughed, "No you are not offending."

"I gotta tell you about the wet dream I have been having and it's not cause I don't jack off enough either."

John was falling down laughing

"What you don't jack off? Pops said all teen age guys do."

"Yeah I do. Just the way you talk about it, so open."

"So everyone in the world does it and I should hide it?"

"No I guess not. You know Josh O'Shea I could like you as a best friend ever."

"You're kool too John. Hugs or hand shake."

John put out his hand and then hugged Josh.

To be continued...

Posted: 07/16/2021