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 19

Jesse went off. Josh's eyes wandered the room; everyone was having such a good time. It made him feel like it was all worth it. He would do it all again and risk the cracked ribs again just to see the joy in the room. Across the room was a group of girls. He thought one of them was very pretty. She was small, maybe 5'2", blond shoulder length wavy hair in a pony tail, pretty face, cute upturned button nose, very slim, may be too much so. He let his gaze fixate on her. The girls were giggling and pushing her, it seemed, towards him. Finally, she seemed to say okay and walked toward him.

"Hi, I'm Jenny."

Josh was not used to talking to girls, especially pretty ones. He didn't know what to say. He stammered a bit.

"Hhh hi, I'm Josh."

"Oh yes, I know, you are the hero of the game."

"Nah, no hero, but I was happy to play in it."

"How come you're stuck in the chair."

"Ooo oh, I got some ribs cracked and my doc said I couldn't come unless I was in the chair. He said there was a danger of being bumped and getting my lungs punctured."

"Gee that's a bummer, Does it hurt?"

"Not so much when I'm sitting like this but when I get up it's kind of bad."

 "Well, I've been given a task."

"Yeah, What?"

"Well, all the boys on the team were given a congratulatory kiss except you."

Josh felt it was getting a little hot. His cheeks started to flush.

Jenny went on "If I'm real careful of your ribs, can I give you a kiss. My friends said they'll disown me, if I don't kiss you. They said you were super nice and would participate. Do you have a girlfriend?"

"Nnn no, no girlfriend."

"Am I making you nervous; Is that why you are stuttering?"

Josh took a deep breath and said "Yeah a little, I don't get the chance to talk to girls much, especially pretty ones like you."

"You think I'm pretty."

"Ohh yes very much so."

"Then, you'd like to kiss me."

Josh felt his penis getting ready to make babies. He almost said, "Not now stupid, we're too young."

Josh smiled his best sexiest smile and said "yes, but can it be on the lips."

It was Jenny now who felt a little flush and nervous. But she was game, she was sure she wanted to kiss this boy. She didn't know him but really, really, wanted to. "OK, she said and put her hands on the chair and leaned in. Josh put his arms around her neck. And gave her a peck and she returned it, he did it again and again she returned the kiss; he then kissed her deep and probed her mouth with his tongue. His penis was raging and Jenny's girl parts were getting all kinds of wet. She loved his tongue in her. The cafeteria became silent as Josh came up for air and let go of her neck.

Jenny was a little woozy. The cafeteria let out a big whoop of applause and all said "Congratulations, Josh", Jenny kind of smiled and stood to the side. Everyone went back to what they were doing.

Jenny said "Thank you very much, my friends won't disown me now."

"Glad to help out, I enjoyed it very much. My Pops told me my boy parts aren't very smart. He always wants to make babies. I almost had to say ‘not now stupid, we are too young.’"

Jenny burst out laughing.

 Josh said "Did you like the kiss?"

Jenny stopped laughing long enough to say "Yes, my girl parts must have been thinking like your boy parts."

It was Josh's turn to laugh this time. Then he said "Would you want to do it again sometime?"

"Probably, after all you are the hero of the team"

"Cut that out, I'm no hero everyone on the team helped win that game. Do you have to go back to your friends right now?"

"No, not really"

"Could you stay with me for a while and tell me about yourself."

So, Jenny, sat down next to Josh at a cafeteria table.

"I'll tell you about me after you tell about you. Where are from? You show up 2 months ago; get assigned to remedial classes, a month later you are in college prep. Try out for the team and don't make it and then are on the team and the hero of the championship game. What are you, super boy?"

"How do you know all that stuff about me?"

"Girls have their ways, I have friends that know stuff."

"Ok, Number one, I'm not super boy or a hero; I would like to stop saying that. It's embarrassing."

"Ok, I'm sorry."

"Alright, here's my story and it's not to be blabbed all over school, ok."

"Ok Josh."

"Promise?"

"Yes, I promise"

"Well, my parents died when I was 8 and I went to live with my grandmother. She lost her house with a bad mortgage deal and we were homeless when I was 12. We lived in the shelter system in New York. My grandma died just before Christmas. The shelter director didn't want to kick me to a group home, so he called his father. I call him, Pops, and he is the best thing that's happened to me since my parents died. He lives in Hopewell and says he wants to adopt me. So, I'm here at Hopewell High and it's great. Have you lived here all your life?"

"No, my mom died too when I was 10. I never knew my father. There were no relatives to take me in so I'm in the foster system. I had one other placement but I've been with the Calushie's for three years now. They are nice and I think maybe they'll keep me, but they haven't talked about adoption."

"Wow, you've known your share of hard times too."

"I guess so, but not like you being homeless."

Pops, came in the cafeteria after being at the meeting with Doc Brown and Coach Mathews. He spied Josh talking to Jenny. "Hi Josh."

 “Ohh, hi Pops, where did you get off to?”

"I was in the meeting with Doc and Coach and the press."

"Pops, this is Jenny, my new friend."

"Glad to meet you, Jenny. Say Josh it's getting to be the time to get Billy."

" Ohh, OK. Jenny, Billy is like my foster brother and he's still in the shelter but he comes out to visit us on the weekends."

Jenny reached over and took Josh's hand, took out her pen and wrote her phone number on it.

Pops smiled, Josh turned red again. "I have to get back to my friends now. It was really nice talking to you."

"Same here Jenny, I'll call you."

"For someone who doesn't talk to girls; you are awful smooth Josh Fitzgerald."

"Only with pretty ones." Josh said back.

"You hitting on me?"

"Maybe."

"Ok, stop the teasing, I gotta go."

Jesse and his parents came up. Jesse said, "I didn't want to interrupt you there, Mr. Smooth. She is cute. That was some kind of congratulations kiss she gave you, buddy."

Pops said, "I really don't want to leave Billy roaming the mall"

Jesse said "Oh, I didn't know you had to go. I'll wheel you out. Then get the chair back to Bobby's dad."

Josh said, "I don't think, I need the big escort. It was fun though with Bobby leading with his crutch. Thanks for all you did, Jesse. I had a great time."

Jesse started pushing Josh toward the cafeteria exit. A bunch of kids noticed and chanted “Josh, Josh, Josh” as he rolled out into the corridor. Jesse said, "Another nice send off. You are getting to be one popular guy."

"Cut it out, you're as bad as Jenny, calling me a hero. Jeeze, you scored  27 of our 63 points almost half."

"That's what she called you, hero huh; Sounds serious to me, lover boy."

Josh put up his hand to make Jesse stop, "Enough already, I'm no hero."

Jesse said let me see you hand; as he grabbed hold of Josh's hand. "Is that a phone number on your hand, Looks like a girl's fine hand writing.... Oh, she must be sweet on you."

Josh turned red again. Mercifully they were out the doors and by Pops’ van. Pops had been enjoying the teasing Jesse had given Josh. It was good natured and only the kind of thing a friend could do.

Jesse said, "I'll see you next week with your homework."

Josh said ,"Thanks again, buddy, you are the best. I had a great time."

Into the van on Pops’ special seat and they were off to get Billy.

Pops asked, "So what's this about a kiss?"

"Well Jenny said her friends would disown her if she didn't kiss me. All the other guys on the team got kissed by someone, as we went to the cafeteria, except me. All got a peck on the cheek. When she asked me if she could kiss me; I got crazy weird and told her I wanted it on the lips. She got close to me, I put my arms around her neck and we exchanged a couple peck kind of kisses then I weirded out again and French  kissed her."

"Well, how did that turn out."

"Pretty good, I told her what you said about my boy parts not being very smart; they want to make babies all the time. Then I said I had to tell him not now stupid, we are way too young."

Pops laughed and laughed. "What happened" She laughed just like you did. She also said her girl parts were having the same issue. Which I found quite funny. Pops do girls like sex as much as guys?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure but they have to be more careful and a boy with a girl has to respect that."

Pops and Josh got Billy, they told him all about the rally. Billy said he got goose bumps just having them tell about the kids and their chanting and cheering, He doubled over laughing when he was told about the principal taking his shoe off and pounding on the podium.

"Wow, I wish I could have been there."

"We would have liked to have you there as well." Pops said “but it started at 2:00, you were still in school. Josh gave a good speech."

"Really."

Josh shook his head and said "Nooo "

Pops said, "Well Josh, you got a got a standing ovation and then they chanted your name for over a minute."

"That sounds like a pretty good speech. " Billy added.

They were home and Pops started supper. He planned ham steak with brown beans with bacon, onions, honey and cinnamon. For the vegetable, he had corn with peppers and mushrooms.

The boys played a little Xbox before being called to supper. Josh was able to get around a lot better. He appreciated a hand up from a sitting position but by holding his ribs he was able to walk on his own. Billy was pleased that he was healing, slowly for him but he was better than last week. The boys polished off every last bean and kernel of corn. There was no fear of farting; they were in their man cave.

Pops asked the name of the girl Josh was with.

Billy said "Girl!! Why didn't you tell me about the girl!!!“Pops, I was gonna tell Billy, later."

"Ohh sorry, to spoil your plan. What was her name again? I thought she was kind of cute."

"Jenny, Pops, and she is very cute, even pretty. She gave me her telephone number and I'm going to call her as soon as I can figure out what to talk about."

"Well, you can start by saying ‘thanks for being so nice to me at the rally’."

"Ok Pops, thanks."

"You can find out what kind of music she likes." Billy said.

"Hey you guys are pretty good at this keep going."

"Do you know where she is from, Josh?, Pops asked.

"No, she's a foster kid; so, she's has had it kind of rough too. She hoping she can stay with her foster family."

Billy said "Good, talk about her foster family."

Pops said "There usually is a spring dance at school, you could maybe even ask her to go with you. Or save you a dance."

"That would nice; I would like to dance with her, if I knew how."

Josh rubbed himself a little.

Pops noticed and laughing couldn't help but say. "Not know stupid, they're too young."

Josh laughed so hard he though he split a rib. "Jeeze, Pops you know it hurts when I laugh."

Billy said "What!! What am I missing here?"

"Sorry Billy, we didn't tell you the best part. Josh French kissed Jenny. After they came up for air, he told her "My Pops said my boy parts are not very smart. Sorry they always want to make babies. I had to tell him not now stupid, we are too young."

"Really, OH my God!!! What did she say to that?"

Josh said "Jenny just laughed and laughed and then she said her girl parts had the same problem."

"Well, you can always talk about each other's private parts."

"I'm not so sure that would be 100% appropriate; especially with her foster parents around."

Josh said getting serious.

"I know, I know,” Billy said “you can say you wanted to call just to be sure this was her real number. That you had it right."

"Hey Billy, how many girls have you called; that's really good."

"None really, but I think about it a lot."

"I know, if Doc says it's okay, I'll ask her if she wants to go to the mall and can she bring a friend for my foster brother."

Pops said "That's a good idea. It's always easier to get to know someone on the first, dare I say date, if they have a friend along that they can trust. If her foster parents want to drive her, they can or if not, I can drive all of you. Another place you can go would be monster golf. Sometimes you need something to do, as well as talk about."

"What's monster golf, Pops?"

"Sorry, I've taken Aries and Katie there. It's miniature golf, inside with all kinds of florescent painting and figures. It's kind of dark, but you can see pretty well. I think, you'll like it. There are other arcade games there as well."

"Yeah, that sounds way better than the mall. Good Idea, Pops; We're going to have to change your name to matchmaker. "

"Should I call her now?"

"I think so, make sure you ask if she's done with dinner"

Billy said ,"you can be honest too and tell her you’re nervous but really wanted to call her. My Mom says doing something like that makes people trust you more."

“Billy, You are really smart about this."

"I'm just hoping she has a pretty friend who won't think I'm a jerk."

Pops said "Go on inside and I'll clean up dinner. I don't need to listen in on your conversation."

"Thanks Pops" came the reply in unison.

Josh got his phone, "Here goes", Billy crossed his fingers.

"Hello."

"Jenny, is that you?"

"Yes, who else would be on my phone."

"Sorry Jenny, This is, Josh I was just making sure I had your number right some of it rubbed off."

Jenny decided to play coy, "Josh, uhh. Josh who."

"Come on Jenny, It's me Josh Fitzgerald. Am I interrupting your dinner?"

"No."

"That's good, I really enjoyed talking to you today, I'm glad you picked me to give the congrats kiss to."

"Hey well, you took it to another level."

"I'm sorry, I'm not very good at this; to be honest you are the first girl I really kissed. I don't know what happened to me. You're so pretty, I just had to do it. Forgive me, please."

"That’s nice of you to say. So why did you call."

"Gosh, Jenny you are not making this easy for me. I want to get to know you better. You know you are the first girl I ever called."

"Really?"

"Yes really.”

 Jenny, “You didn't kiss like it was the first time."

"I read about it some. You are really the first girl I kissed. Am I being a jerk calling you? Am I doing something wrong?"

"No, all my friends say you have to keep a boy in his place and make him kind of beg for everything."

"Ohh."

"I can't do that to you, I'm sorry. I liked talking to you, too, and the kiss; Gosh, Josh, you literally took my breath away and made me woozy. I've never been kissed like that."

"So would you like to see me, again."

"Yeah, that would be kool."

"I have a doctor’s appointment Wednesday. If he says it's alright, would you like to go out Saturday night."

"Uuhh, Let me check my schedule."

"Jenny, stop teasing me."

"I would love to, what do you want to do?"

"Have you ever been to monster golf; I talked to my Pops and he said it would be a good place to go for a first date. Would it be a boy / girl date to you, Jenny?".

"I have been there, that place is fun."

"Jenny, there is one other thing. I would like to bring my foster brother, Billy, and I was hoping you would bring a friend for him."

"That's a great idea, Josh; I've never been on a boy / girl date, either. If we both bring a friend along; it'll make things a lot less awkward."

"Wow, that's great. Billy is a great brother to me, I think you'll like him. The other thing, he will be able to make sure I don't do something stupid to my ribs."

"How are your other boy parts, Josh?"

"Excited about going on a boy / girl date. But I'll have a good talking to him, to calm him down. While we are on the subject how are your girl parts."

"Josh Fitzgerald, you shouldn't ask such a question, but if you must know excited as well."

"You asked about my parts."

"Yeah, well that is different, I'm a girl. I can ask those kinds of things."

"Ohhh, I didn't know there are different rules for girls. Do you want me to send you a picture of Billy? I'm a guy but I would say he's good looking. The only thing he's still in the shelter and comes out to visit on weekends. You don't think that's a problem, do you?"

"Yes, send me the picture; I'm going to ask Rebecca first. She's like my best friend, and she doesn't have a boyfriend, and if she says yes, I'll send you her picture. Is this your cell phone?"

"Yes, it is, and It's a smart phone, so it'll send and receive pictures and text all the regular stuff."

"The number I gave you is my cell phone too."

"Good, Jenny, I'm so happy I called you, even though you gave me a hard time. If you were here, I'd want to kiss you again."

"Gee, Josh, you are getting me all excited again. I think I would like that."

"Jenny, I'm gonna hang up now because Mr. Happy would want me to play with him, if I keep talking to you about kissing."

"Really, Josh, don't you have any self-control?"

"I don't think so, not when it comes to kissing you. You are so pretty and sweet. You are the girl of my dreams."

"Josh, where did you come up with that line?"

"I just made it up, and it's true."

"Josh Fitzgerald, you are too smooth."

"Is that good? "

"Yeah, I think with you it is because I believe you. Send me Billy's picture, ok?"

"OK, I'll call you during the week as soon as I here from Doc."

"Good night, Josh", and Jenny made a kissing sound into the phone.

"Good night, Jenny", Josh made a kissing sound into the phone and hung up.

Billy went and took a shower. And then put on his nicest T-Shirt and Jeans. Josh took pictures with the phone camera. Billy picked one that he thought was good. Josh sent it in a text.

Jenny texted back "Hey, he is cute!! I'll go with him and Rebecca can have you. LoL, only teasing."

Billy got on Josh’s' phone and said "This is Billy, and I kiss better than Josh. Can I text you?"

Jenny asked him for his phone number, and Billy, of course, gave it. Copied Billy on the text to Rebecca.

"This hottie wants to go out with you. Can I send him your picture. Or do you want to send it yourself his number is 555 767 1243."

Bill got a text with a very pretty brunette girl about 5'4", sparkling blue eyes in a 2-piece bathing suit with the note, "This is from the shore, last summer."

Billy copied Josh's line and said "His boy parts were getting very excited."

Rebecca said "Good, I like to get cute boys excited."

She was a little more daring than Jenny and actually pushed Jenny to kiss Josh. She never figured Josh would make her kiss him on the lips and French kiss. The teasing and banter went back and forth but it was all pretty clean. Pops cut it off at 10:00 o'clock, figuring the girl’s parents might not want them texting with the boys, later than that. That night the boys didn't want to fool around with each other, but they did need to alleviate some sexual energy. Josh thought it was funny that since he was turned on by Jenny, he didn't want to do stuff with Billy. Maybe he would again, but not right now.

The date all hinged on Doc Brown clearing Josh on Wednesday. Saturday was not so exciting, they played Xbox. Josh got caught up on some homework. They texted the girls a little. Josh rested his ribs. Billy enjoyed staying inside with Josh and Pops. Pops was working on a couple projects like cleaning the mildew off of the bathroom tile. Billy saw Pops doing it. He needed something to do as Josh just had his pain pill. He enjoyed helping Pops and giving back a little for all he had given him. He scrubbed and scrubbed on the tile till every spec of mildew was off. Pops was so appreciative that he tried to give him money. Billy was highly upset and gave Pops an emphatic no.

To be continued...

Posted: 12/31/2021