Shelter Kid
By: Jon Stewart
(© 2021 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 16

Monday found Josh scratching at the bandage and bored out of his mind. He couldn't text Billy who was in school. He really couldn't move much or do anything or else, his ribs told him about it. Pops helped him up to go to the bathroom. When Jesse came by at 3:30, Josh greeted him like a long, lost brother.

"Thanks a lot Jess, man I've been so bored all day, at least now I can do school work."

"Wow, you gotta be going stir crazy if you think homework is a good thing."

"Yeah, kinda, but I need something to do. I really can't move because of the ribs."

"Did the doctor say you couldn't move, or is just too painful."

"Just too painful. It's a tiny bit better today. I'm supposed to see the doctor tomorrow. Hopefully he'll clear me for school on Wednesday"

"Say, can I ask you a personal question?"

"Yeah, anything you want to know."

"Who was that kid who kissed you after the game?"

"That's Billy, we adopted each other, kind of, he's like a brother to me just not biologically."

"Is he gay, kissing you like that?"

"I don't know, my Pops said it is stupid for kids to put labels on themselves when they aren't matured."

"Are you gay?"

"Jeeze, Jesse I don't know if I'm gay, straight, or bi. I'm not putting a label on myself. Because you are my friend and I presume will still be my friend, I'll tell you this. Billy is kind of affectionate. He's the kid I told you about, that I was in the shelter with. Him and me we've done some sexual stuff. Pops called it exploring. Pops said at least half the men in the world had their first sexual experience with another male; usually, someone their own age like me and Billy. Some do sex play with more than one guy. But there are only about 15% of the men in the world who are gay. So, a lot of guys fool around with guys when they are young but when they get older, they become attracted to girls, get married and make babies. So, you are gonna have to wait about 5 years to find out if I'm gay."

"Wow, I didn't know all about that. Me, I never did anything but jerk off by myself. What kind of stuff do you and Billy do?”

"Really, Jess?"

"Come on Josh, I just want to know. I not going to blab it to anyone. I'm getting hard just talking about it."

"OK, we jerked each other off and gave each other blow jobs and yeah we kissed. We don't normally kiss in public. Billy was just very excited after the game. His dad died over in Iraq, he never met him even as a baby and I lost mine when I was 8 so we never had an example of what to do or not do."

"Josh?"

"Yes"

"No, I can't say it. I'm sorry."

"What Jesse, come on I just told you my most private stuff. Spill it"

Jesse stammered, "WWWell, would yyou ever ttthink of doing ssstuff with me?"

Josh smiled ear to ear, "Wanna start by kissing? But ya gotta be real careful of my ribs."

Jesse's mouth was all dry, he tried to talk but nothing came out. He mouthed the word ‘yes’, then nodded his head up and down. Finally, it came out, "yes" he whispered.

"Come here, you big lug." Josh held his arms open for Jesse. Ever so carefully, Jesse leaned over on Josh with just his face close to Josh. Josh wrapped his arms around Jesse's neck and gave him a peck on the lips, then another and another until Jesse kissed back with a peck of his own. Then, Josh plunged his tongue into Jesse's mouth and explored his mouth; came out for air and did it again and again. Jesse instinctively sucked Josh's tongue, time and time again. Then Jesse took control and plunged his tongue into Josh's mouth. Jesse's boner was screaming to get out of his pants. Josh felt it up and rubbed up and down. Josh sucked harder on Jesse's tongue, pulled harder on the boner in Jesse's pants. Jesse went rigid Josh pulled again slowly squeezing the raging boner. Then, he felt it twitching and letting out Jesse's cream. He held and caressed Jesse's head, then his face; and started giving him little pecking kisses. As Jesse, came out of his orgasm high. Josh looked at him and smiled. "Do you care if that was gay or straight or was it just great sex play."

"Wow, that was awesome. Really, awesome. Wow, I like kissing you. I must have a gallon of cum in my pants."

"The powder room is down that hall, take off your underwear there, rinse the cum out and bring them to me."

Jesse did what Josh said.

"Pops", Jesse's eyes got wide as saucers.

Pops came in the living room. "Pops would you do me a big favor and not ask any question please?"

"Probably."

"Pops, we had a little accident and Jesse needs to get his underwear dry. I would do it but walking will hurt my ribs."

"Oh, that's all? I thought you wanted me to rob a bank or something. I'll try to make sure all the cum stains are out while I'm at it. Does Jesse want to stay for supper"

The boys both broke out laughing especially Jesse. Josh was laughing and crying at the same time while holding his ribs.

Josh finally caught his breath. "Please stay" Josh pleaded.

"I'll have to ask my mom, but I'd like to."

Pops said, "Good, you tell your mom I'll take you home by 8:00 and what did I say that was so funny, cum stains?"

Jesse laughed again, and said yes.

"Well, what's so funny about that; teenage boys have been making cum stains ever since Adam bit the old apple, nothing different about you doing it, Jesse. I hear some kids throw away their underwear because they jerked off in them. Now that is a waste. Bring them here and I'll show you how to wash and dry them."

Jesse was laughing again but said, "Yes sir I'll not throw them away and I'll bring them here to wash them."

"Ok, Good boy. Now call your mom"

Josh said "Tell her we want to do homework together and we really should."

"Good thinking."

Jesse called his mom and she wanted to talk to Pops.

"Are you sure this ok, Mr. Calahan?"

"Please call me Jon or Pops, and yes, you would be doing me a great favor. Josh really can't move with his ribs and such. I know he's hurting and I want him to get better but this little bit of time he's had with Jesse has been the first bit of peace, I've had all day. Plus, it's picked up his spirits. If they can occupy each other for a few hours with something worthwhile like homework. It would be such a blessing to me. You know, I'm not as young as I used to be, and it's even hard for young parents to keep up with teenage boys, never mind an old man like me."

"Well, since you explained it that way. Jesse thinks the world of Josh and if it's really a help, I guess it's ok."

"Good, thank you so much. I'll bring him home by 8:00; that's the time I give Josh his pain meds and they knock him out in 10 minutes."

Pops washed up Jesse's underwear and told the boys he needed to go up to the supermarket.

Jesse said "Don't get anything special for me, Mr. Calahan, I'll eat anything."

Pops said "By the looks of you, Jesse, and I mean this as a compliment, you'll eat anything that's not nailed down. Now you too hit the books and leave me make my supper. No sex games, mind you, HOMEWORK!

Jesse loved Pops unabashed straight forward ways. "Yes Sir, Mr. Calahan."

"And no more Mr. Calahan out of you, Jesse. You can call me Pops just like, Josh."

"Yes, Pops," Jesse responded.

Pops was on his way. He got tilapia with red potatoes and red and green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and broccoli.

Josh said "So what do you think of Pops"

"He is unbelievable, not afraid to say anything to anyone I bet. He sure does know how to get things done. My mom hardly ever lets me have dinner over at a friend's house. He made her feel like she was doing him the biggest favor in the world."

"Yeah, that's Pops. He went out in the New Year's snow storm to get Billy's mom. It was really dangerous driving, I was scared for all of us. But he made it seem like a walk in the park. Except when we were finally home and safe, he let out a big sigh of relief and I saw his right arm shaking uncontrollably. He probably saved Annie’s life and he said it just a little ride in the snow. When she wanted to make a Spanish dinner for us, he got all the fixings and then made her feel she had done us the biggest favor, ever. He is amazing sometimes I swear he knows what I'm thinking before I do. He's a special guy all right."

The boys decided to get as much homework done as they could. Jesse said "Whatever you get done, I'll be able to hand in for you."

"Thanks, Jesse. I need to see the doc tomorrow, but could you maybe stop by again with assignments. I'm really happy to have you here."

"I'll get them and ask my mom to drop me off again, If the doctor makes you run late, send me a text. This is great, and I'll never question you about kissing Billy again."

"Hey, you're a pretty good kisser, too. Took you a bit to catch on but then, wow."

Pops, came back, peaked in on the boys; saw them hard at the books and started making supper. He got enough for four adults figuring each boy would eat a share and a half. So, he went to cooking. Tilapia in the oven garnished with slices of lemon, green pepper, onions, and mushrooms. He baked the potatoes in the microwave and then sliced them and seasoned with garlic salt before lightly frying them along with the cooked broccoli. The aroma of the spices and foods drifted through the house. Josh yelled "Something sure smells good Pops."

Jesse added "Yeah Pops, you sure are making us hungry."

Pops yelled back, "Do your homework; no food for slackers." With Pops' motivation, their stomachs grumbling, the boys set out to finish with renewed energy.

10 minutes latter Pops said, "How are you doing?"

"Almost done, Pops" came the reply in unison.

"Good, more for me."

"Aww, come on Pops," Josh yelled.

"Ohh, OK, boys come and get it. I must be getting to be an old softy in my old age."

Jesse helped Josh up from the couch. Josh held his side and gimped along to the kitchen.

Pops made the boys hold hands as he said the grace. Then said "Lets eat."

Josh asked "Can I have some wine, Pops."

Pops said, "It's not a good idea to mix alcohol with drugs, Josh. You know you are underage and I certainly couldn't give wine to Jesse without his parent's approval. Sorry, the answer is an emphatic no."

The conversation was mostly about the game and Jesse's scoring. The two boys kept trying to compliment each other, saying the other one won the game for them. After a little of that Pops said they both had exceptional games and one couldn't have won without the other. They agreed to that. Josh told how Jesse told the Madville coach off after the game and how Coach Mathews backed him up. Pops told the boys, he and coach were going to the state school boy association to try to make sure what happened to Josh would never happen to another high school player. The boys both went back for seconds and split the 4th piece of fish and had more potatoes and broccoli. Jesse said "I'm stuffed, that was a great meal, Pops." Jesse volunteered to help clean up after diner but Pops would have none of it." Jesse you are a guest. Now, if Josh was able, I'd let you help him but since he's not; leave it to me."

The boys went back to finish the homework, but Pops said "go play Xbox or something you can finish the homework on your own after Jesse leaves.”

Pops called to Jesse, "Hey bud, why don't you get your underwear out of the dryer and stop going around here commando. Jeeze, if your mother ever found out she'd think I was some kind of pervert."

"Yes sir, on my way now. I'll change in the powder room right now."

10 minutes to eight rolled around, way too fast for the boys. Pops said "Come on, Jesse. I promised your mom to have you home by 8:00."

"Aww, darn I was just going to kill Josh."

"All the more reason to get a murderous dude like you out of the house."

They both chuckled Josh holding his side.

Josh said "Thanks for bringing my work and staying with me. You are a real friend."

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow with the rest of the assignments. You made doing homework fun."

A short 5-minute drive to Jesse's house. "Thanks for diner, Pops."

"Well, thank you for coming and bringing Josh's assignments and being such a good friend to him."

"It's easy being a friend to Josh. He's great."

"Well, you come over anytime. You know where we live now and it's not far from your house at all."

"Thanks, Pops I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night, Jesse."

Jesse went in the house. His mom asked, "How was dinner."

"It was great mom, Mr. Calahan, he told me to call him Pops, made this fish … tilapia or something like that with garlic potatoes and broccoli and peppers and onions and mushroom on the fish; Ohh yeah, lemon too on the fish. It was really, really, good."

"Wow, looks like I'm going to have to up my game."

"Don't be silly, Mom, you are a great cook. I could die for your fried chicken and your meatloaf. It's just that it was something I never had before and he said fish and broccoli were healthy for you. I guess you expected an old man would serve dog food or something"?

Jesse's mom had a little competitive spirit about her; as a matter of fact, a very large competitive spirit. His dad was more laid back, but she was one to pick up a challenge anywhere. She didn't like the idea of an old man showing up her cooking to her son.

"No, No Jesse, I'm very pleased that he gave you something so healthy and you like it. He is quite right and I think I'll try making something like that. Fish is very good for you; I'll check for recipes on line."

"Say, Dad, can I talk to you?"

"Of course, son."

"Maybe up in my room, please."

Jesse's dad knew what that meant. "Sure, is now good."

"Yeah."

Once in his room Jesse swallowed hard and said "someone told me that a lot of guys say my age have their first sex with another guy. But they aren't really gay and when they are older, they get married and have kids and stuff. Is it true?"

"Well. boys have been known to experiment with other boys, and it can be very pleasurable if there isn't a ton of guilt. So, I would say what you heard is pretty much true. This much I will tell you, whether your early sex is with a male or a female make sure it is someone who cares about you, and who you care about as well."

"They said putting labels on yourself at 14 was wrong because you are still maturing."

"Looks like whoever you got your information from knows what they are talking about. What I'm gonna tell you I haven't told another living person. Me and one of your uncles used to jerk each other off and we even went beyond that, orally. But today I'm married as is he; we both have wonderful kids; we both love our wives very much because of what wonderful women they are, but also because they also gave us wonderful children like you. I wouldn't trade one minute of it. But, if when you’re are 20 years old if you think you are gay, I'll believe you and try to love you more because I know your life will be a little harder. It's changing for gay people; there is still a lot of discrimination against them. Does that answer your question?"

Jesse leaned over and hugged his dad and said "Yes, Dad, and thanks; I'm so lucky to have you and mom." He squeezed his dad till he almost choked him.

"What brought all that on."

"Well, I told you about how Josh lost his dad when he was 8, and now, I heard about his friend Billy from the shelter. His dad died over in Iraq and he never even saw him as a baby. And I have a great dad like you to talk to, always have, and they only had each other in the shelter."

"There's a saying that might help you. "THERE BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD, GO I". God works in mysterious ways, a lot of what happens in life does not make sense. There is another saying "GOD GRANT ME THE STRENGTH TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN, AND TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT, AND THE WISDOW TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. Some place in this world there is a reason why Josh and Billy have it so much harder than you. I am touched that you see these differences and you make me so proud that you care about other people so much. About all you can do is be the best friend to them that you can be. Be there to help them, and let me know if there is anything either I or your mom can do to help them."

"Thanks, Dad." They hugged again and Jesse's dad, kissed him on the cheek.

"Did you get all your homework done."

"No Sir, I still have a little to do"

"Well, I better leave you to finish it up then."

Jesse's dad was bursting with pride as he went down stairs to tell his wife what a wonderful son they had.

While Pops took Jesse home, Josh finished his homework and texted Billy. He told him about the kiss. He called Jesse a loveable big lug and Billy would love him too once he got to know him. Around 9:30 Pops gave Josh his meds and told him it was time for his sponge bath. By giving him the meds before the bath he was hoping the washing wouldn't get Josh aroused. Josh was disappointed but did as he was told. The bath went as Pops planed, Josh was asleep in Pops' bed by 10:00. Pops got his own meds and closed up the house.

To be continued...

Posted: 12/10/2021