The E.R.

 by: Miguel Sanchez

© 2005-2008 by the author

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

“I don’t know Dad,” he said. “The day everything happened Freddy split. I was just trying to get my ass out of there without it getting beat, which it did several times. I wanted to go and see him but I was afraid, Dad. I didn’t know if my Uncle said anything to his parents or not.”

“Think I should talk to his parents when he gets here?” I asked.

“Let me talk with him first,” TJ said.

“Alright TJ,” I said. “I’ll follow your lead here.”

Chapter 3

TJ was about to sit down when there was a knock on the door. TJ walked over and opened it when I saw someone jump into his arms and say, “God I’ve missed you so much and I’ve been worrying myself sick. Where have you been?”

The two boys hugged each other for several minutes when a woman squeezed herself in between the pair. I stood up and walked over to meet her. I extending my hand and said, “Hi, please excuse TJ’s manners at the moment. I’m Mike Cummings, TJ’s foster Dad.”

The woman took it saying, “Nice to meet you Sir. I’m Candy Phillips, Freddy’s mother. He gets like that when he gets around some of his friends.”

I saw TJ lead Freddy down the hall towards his room so I said, “Can I offer you something to drink? I have soda, iced tea or I can make a pot of coffee?”

“An ice tea will be fine,” she said. “Freddy was ecstatic when TJ called him this afternoon. I don’t know what TJ has told you but I’m more than a little mad with his Uncle. He had no business trying to hit Freddy like he did. I don’t care what he did. If he had a problem with him, he could have called me and I would have handled it.”

‘This may have been a blessing in disguise,’ I thought to myself but I had to find out just what she knew so I wouldn’t stick my foot in it.

“Did Freddy tell you what happened that day?” I asked hoping he told her and she was alright with it. “TJ told me some of it but it was right after he came to the Emergency Room and he got upset and broke down.”

“Yes he did,” she said. “I’ve suspected Freddy was gay for about a year now but I thought it best to let him come to me when he was ready to tell me. I wasn’t, however, prepared to find out about it like this with TJ’s Uncle trying to assault him with a belt. Did you say Emergency Room? My God, what happened?”

I took a gulp of my soda and a deep breath then said, “Well I think TJ wanted to get off the streets and he did need to see a doctor.”

Candy covered her mouth then said, “Oh Mike, he wasn’t?”

I shook my head and said, “No Candy, he wasn’t assaulted like that. He does have gonorrhea but it wasn’t his fault he got it either.”

“Is he going to be alright?” She asked looking down the hall.

“Yes he will be fine,” I said knowing what she was now thinking. “Relax, they’re just back there talking. I know that they were fooling around before but right now TJ’s in no condition to.”

“What do you do for a living Mike?” She asked not totally believing what I said.

“I’m a Registered Nurse at County Memorial Hospital,” I said. “I work in the Emergency Department.”

Meanwhile TJ and Freddy were sitting on TJ’s bed holding each other while Freddy was telling him what’s gone on since he’s been away. “Man TJ,” Freddy started. “My Mom is so pissed at your Uncle. When I jumped out of your window I ran and didn’t stop until I got home. When I came into the kitchen I was breathing so hard and fast I collapsed in the kitchen chair. When I finally caught my breath I just broke down worrying if you were alright or not. I finally told her what happened out of worry. Mom was cool about it but she was pissed at your Uncle for trying to hit me. She’s always suspected I was gay and well, now she knows. She thinks it’s cool if we wanna be boyfriends but I told her we’re just getting to know each other so don’t rush it.”

TJ looked at Freddy and said, “Really? Man I was worried that she was going to beat you or toss you out too. I wish I had come over now.”

“Yeah man you should have,” Freddy said as he held TJ’s hand. “You could have stayed with us and me and. . .”

Freddy broke down and started crying and TJ took him back in his arms again. “I’m sorry Freddy,” TJ said stroking his hair. “I just wish I knew.”

Back in the dining room Candy was asking, “What are you two going to do from here?”

“Well, I said sipping my soda. “I want to get the guy who gave this to TJ plus see his Uncle do some time too. He doesn’t have any scars or marks on his butt but that still doesn’t make what he did right.”

“I don’t blame you there,” Candy said. “He called looking for TJ and I really cussed him out. I asked him what right he had hitting on my son and he said it serves the little faggot right.”

I cringed when I heard that word. I’ve always hated it because it sounds vulgar and dirty. “So what else did you say?” I asked hoping she’d taken out a warrant.

“I told him if I ever saw him again I would have him arrested,” she said looking down the hall.

“Did you talk with the police and take out a warrant?” I asked.

“Not yet,” she said. “We’ve been more worried about TJ.”

“There is a detective working with us who will be glad to help,” I said.

“Now that TJ is safe I will,” she said.

Just then a voice said, “Did someone just say my name?”

“Hi boys,” I said. “We were just talking about your Uncle and the other guy. Are you two guys alright now?”

Freddy jumped in and said, “Yes Sir, we’re fine. I’d been so worried about him I couldn’t believe it when he called.”

Candy got up and said, “I have to get going and finish up some laundry before I go out tonight. Freddy, you behave yourself because Mr. Cummings has my permission to punish you if you give him any problems. Your bag is by the door and don’t forget to get a shower. Inspect him if you have to. Do I make myself clear, young man?”

Poor Freddy was looking at the floor when his mom was laying down the instructions. He looked at her and said, “Yes Ma’am.”

I walked her over to the door and said, “He’ll be fine.”

She smiled and I closed the door then TJ asked, “What’s for dinner?”

Freddy said, “Come on dude, it’s only 4:30.”

I looked at the boys and said, “Go into the fridge and get an apple or an orange. As for dinner, how does Chinese sound?”

TJ looked up and said, “I don’t know Dad, I’ve never had it.”

I thought for a minute then said, “Do you like white rice and chicken?”

He thought for a minute then said, “Yeah.”

I smiled then said, “Fine, you’ll like Chinese food then. I have the perfect thing, Sweet and Sour Chicken.”

“Don’t sound good Dad but I’ll try it,” TJ said.

“You’ll like it,” Freddy said. “I’ll have that too if it’s alright Mr. Cummings?”

“That’s fine Freddy but knock off the Mr. Cummings,” I said. “You can call me Mike.”

“Yes Sir,” Freddy said with a grin on his face.

He turned his back on me and I grabbed him and started tickling him.

“Help TJ,” Freddy said. “This monster’s got me.”

TJ jumped in and soon I was out numbered. I was getting mauled and tickled. I felt TJ on my back and I grabbed a leg and pulled. I managed to roll him off and he decided to try a flying leap. His aim was a little off however and instead of landing on my back he landed straddled on Freddy’s stomach. “Ooof,” TJ said holding himself.

“You alright,” Freddy asked.

“Yeah Freddy,” TJ said. “I’m fine.”

I managed to get the boys calmed down when I said, “Instead of delivery, how about we go out and eat?”

“That sounds great Dad,” TJ said.

“Sounds good to me too Mike,” Freddy said.

“You two get cleaned up and we’ll go,” I said shooing them towards TJ’s room.

I went into my room and washed up and shaved. I put on a clean shirt and grabbed my wallet and keys and went back into the living room. Freddy had his arm around TJ’s shoulder keeping him close and I could see that he didn’t want TJ venturing to far away from him.

We went outside and got into my car and headed for the Chinese restaurant. I had both boys sitting up front with me and they were holding hands. I could see Freddy looking over at TJ and giving him a sexy grin every once in a while. I glanced down and he was rubbing his crotch and thought it might be best to talk with him in private and soon.

It took about thirty minutes to get to the eatery and we had to wait a few minutes before being seated. After we got seated I noticed Freddy heading over to the men’s room. I told TJ I needed to go too so he took a seat and waited for us. Inside the men’s room I stood at the urinal beside Freddy then said, “Son, I couldn’t help but notice the way you were looking at TJ in the car as we drove over here.”

“Sorry Mike,” Freddy said smiling. “It’s just that TJ is so cute and sexy.”

“I understand that son,” I said not wanting to put down the feelings he had for TJ. “I also noticed you rubbing your crotch and I have to tell you, fooling around right now is off limits.”

“I know,” he said looking up at me. “I got a boner when I was looking at him and I was trying to fix it.”

“That’s fine,” I said. “It just that it wouldn’t be fair to TJ knowing you’re sitting there with a boner and he can’t do anything.”

“I’ll try to control it better Mike,” he said shaking the last few drops off his tool before putting it back in his pants.

I shook mine off and put it away saying, “Also Freddy, I don’t want TJ jacking you either. He can’t jack right now so if you have to, excuse yourself and go into the bathroom with out him knowing what you’re doing. This way it won’t get him excited.”

“Alright Mike,” Freddy said. “If he knew what I was doing he would want to help.”

We washed our hands then returned to the table. TJ was looking at the menu when we returned and he said, “There’s so many different things here. I don’t know what I want now.”

I noticed they had a buffet so I said, “Let’s get the buffet. This way you can try a little of this and a little of that to see what you like or don’t.”

TJ liked that idea so that’s what we did. He loved the sweet and sour dishes as well as several other dishes. I had just ordered hot tea for us when I saw Pat Moreland enter. He looked around and saw us so I motioned him to come over. He sat down and I introduced him to Freddy and Freddy to him. Pat smiled at TJ and said, “I’ve talked with the DA and he thinks he has enough for us to arrest your Uncle and charge him with child abuse, assault on a minor and child endangerment.”

“Good,” TJ said sipping on his tea. “Maybe you can add some more charges for what he did to Freddy here.”

Pat looked at Freddy and said, “Did he ever hit you son?”

”No Sir,” he said. “I was quick enough to get out of the way. I jumped out the window and took off. I’m sorry I did that TJ. I should have waited.”

“I told you it’s alright man,” TJ said patting Freddy’s hand.

Pat looked at the two boys and said, “Freddy, you did what you had to do under the circumstances. You waited and hoped TJ would come over but he didn’t. He’s back now so don’t beat yourself up over the past. Be here for each other now.”

Freddy thought about what Pat had said then replied, “Thanks, I will. No one is going to hurt him again if I can help it.”

Pat had to get back to work and I wanted to get the boys back home. I got the check from our server and paid it, leaving her a nice tip. Both boys were quiet on the ride home and it was looking like I was going to have to be there for Freddy as he was still beating himself up for leaving TJ.

I was about ten minutes from home and the boys started talking and carrying on like nothing was wrong. I pulled into the parking lot and the two of them were out of the car like a shot. I didn’t hear what was said but TJ was chasing Freddy around the parking lot. I lost sight of them for a minute and then they came back arm in arm laughing.

We went inside and TJ said, “Dad I need some cream on me. I’m itching again.”

I went and got his cream and a rubber glove then said, “Come on kiddo.”

“Dad I don’t have anything Freddy hasn’t seen,” TJ said loosening his jeans.

I put the glove on and TJ dropped his jeans and underwear. “Oh my god TJ,” Freddy said. “Did he do that to you?”

“Indirectly he did son,” I said rubbing some cream into the inflamed area on TJ’s groin.

“You’re going to see that he’s found and goes to jail aren’t you Mike?” Freddy asked.

“Yes I am son,” I said. “So is Detective Moreland.”

I finished rubbing the cream in and TJ bent over to pull up his jeans and I couldn’t resist the target before me so I playfully slapped him on his butt. “Hey, what was that for?” He asked rubbing his cheek.

“Just because it was there,” I said smiling then I kissed him on the forehead.

TJ pulled his zipper up when Freddy came over and hugged him. “Damn TJ,” he said. “I’m so sorry I ran home now. I should have waited for you then taken you to my place. I feel this is my fault.”

We relaxed and watched some television for a while then I remembered Freddy was supposed to get a shower. I reminded him of that and said, “Hey Freddy, go on and get your shower now. TJ, will you get Freddy a clean towel?”

Freddy got up and grabbed his bag and went back to TJ’s room. TJ went and got him a clean towel then said, “Dad I’m going to sit and talk with him while he showers.”

I nodded my head giving my approval and hoped Freddy would remember the talk we had. They were in there for about half an hour when the door opened and Freddy said, “Mike, come back here, quick!”

Freddy was still naked when I looked inside the bathroom and TJ was sitting on the floor with his knees pulled up into his chest. I walked in and kneeled in front of him. I looked at TJ and I could tell something was on his mind. I tried to lift his chin up but he wouldn’t let it move. He leaned forward and buried his face in my chest and started crying. When Freddy saw this he too began to cry. I had a feeling that Freddy was crying simply because TJ was but I had no clue as to why TJ was. “Ssshh now son,” I said softly into TJ’s ear. It’s ok. Why are you crying?”

He wouldn’t answer me so I picked him up and carried him out to the couch and sat down with him on my lap. Freddy followed us and sat beside TJ while I rocked him. It took me about fifteen minutes of rocking and cooing to finally get TJ calm. I turned him around and sat him on my lap facing me and said, “Please son, what has you so upset?”

“I’m scared Dad,” he said. “That guy said he was going to get me if I told anyone.”

I looked him in the eyes and said, “I want you to listen to me. First off, I’m not letting anyone get near enough to hurt you. Next, Pat is out there and he’s going to protect you too.”

“I know Dad,” he said. “But he said he’d hurt anyone I was with. He said he has friends and they’ll get me.”

“What did you just call me?” I asked looking him in the eyes.

“Huh,” TJ said. “I called you Dad. Don’t you want me to?”

“I didn’t say that,” I said. “Why did you call me Dad instead of Mike?”

“Because I love you,” he said. “You’re just like my father. He was someone I could talk to when I had a problem. I knew I could tell him something and he would listen to me.”

“He sounded like a good man,” I said stroking TJ’s cheek.

“He was Dad,” he said wiping the tears out of his eyes. “I know he wouldn’t mind me calling you Dad now. I love you Dad. I’ve known you less than two days but I do, I really do.”

I understood all too well what TJ was saying because I loved him too. I kissed his forehead then said, “Son, I love you too. Before yesterday I never thought of being a parent. Hell, I didn’t want to be a parent. I’m a gay man trying to survive in this homophobic world and trying to raise a child would make things well, difficult.”

“You don’t want to be a parent?” TJ said trying to stand up.

“That’s not what I said son,” I said pulling him back onto my lap.

“That’s what I heard,” he said getting defensive.

“Shut up TJ,” Freddy said. “That’s NOT what Mike said. He said before yesterday he didn’t want to be a parent.”

“So what made you change your mind?” TJ asked.

“Shit TJ,” Freddy said. “You can be sooo dense sometimes.”

“What?” TJ asked.

“YOU,” Freddy said. “You made him change his mind.”

“Oh,” TJ said as the tears started to fall again. “I’m sorry Dad. I didn’t mean to doubt you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

To be continued...

Posted: 06/20/08