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,” Pat said but I’ll find out. “You’re lucky I’m not taking you with me.”

“You’re taking him?” I asked. “It’s about time the DA agreed to prosecute.”

“Freddy’s mom came in and filed a complaint against him,” Pat said leading me to a chair. “That was enough for him to agree to go after him.”

“How can we get his parental rights terminated?” I asked. “I don’t want that sorry son of a bitch getting TJ back.”

Pat thought for a moment and said, “I think you should consult a lawyer.”

Chapter 5

“Lawyer?” I asked surprised. “Why should I consult a lawyer?”

“TJ said his parents are deceased and he was sent to live with his uncle,” Pat started answering my question. “I think he may just be his legal guardian and those rights are easier to get terminated. A lawyer can best advise you what to do if you want to adopt him.”

I thought about it for a few minutes then said, “I’ll sit down with TJ and see what it is he wants to do. I can’t make any decisions without his input.”

I went back to work and finished out the day thinking about what Pat said. I had never thought about adopting a child much less TJ. I was a single gay man and some of my co-workers knew this. I didn’t care because I told them and they’re cool with it but I knew how society was when it came to gays and adoption.

I was able to get out a couple of minutes early and it was enough to beat some of the traffic and be home before TJ. I got out of my scrubs and put on some sweats then got a soda. I was just starting to check the mail when I heard the front door open. I heard him say, “Dad, are you home already?”

“In the kitchen son,” I said setting the mail aside.

He came in and gave me a kiss on the cheek and grabbed a soda from the fridge then joined me at the table. I told him about his uncle coming to the ER and making a scene. I didn’t tell him all the names he called him, however. He seemed genuinely happy that there was one less person to worry about. After I filled him in on everything he said, “What’s going to happen to me now?”

“You have a home here for as long as you wish to stay,” I said holding his hand. “You’re the best thing that’s happened to me, son.”

“I know Dad,” TJ said looking at me with his sad puppy dog eyes. “I told you that you make me feel safe here. Do you think you could adopt me?”

 

“If that’s what you want,” I said holding both his hands. “Then I will see what we can do about it.”

Things got into a routine for us with TJ going to school during the day and me going to work. TJ had been with me for two weeks and it was time to see if the gonorrhea was gone. I took TJ to the hospital and Dr. Miller was working. After I got him registered, I took him into a room and we waited until she was free. We didn’t have to wait long when there was a knock on the door and Dr. Miller entered. She was holding the swab in her hand and TJ knew what he had to do. He looked at me and I went behind him and held his hands after he dropped his pants. I held him firmly then Dr. Miller slid the swab into the tip of his penis. “Oh shit Dad it hurts,” TJ cried out. “Hurry doc please.”

Dr. Miller withdrew the swab as I held TJ while he cried. She put it in the tube and had it sent up to the lab. I comforted TJ and said, “I know it hurt son and we’re sorry but this should be the last time you’ll need that done.”

I leaned down and pulled his pants and undies up so TJ could fix himself. I took him down to the cafeteria for a chocolate milkshake. I knew it couldn’t do much for his aching penis but it would make his stomach feel better. I had some coffee and watched my bottomless pit inhale his shake. When he had totally consumed his treat we went back to the department to wait on the lab results. I went over and looked in the box and there was a big stack of lab reports. I thumbed through the stack and I finally found his near the bottom. I pulled it out and sure enough there was no infection present. I showed the report to TJ and said, “You’re finally clean now son.”

He hugged me and said in a soft voice, “Thank God. I’ve been wanting to jack off for over a week.”

We were just about to leave when my cell phone rang. We went outside so I could answer it. I had put a call into a friend who was an attorney and he was getting back to me. I saw his name come up and the caller ID and I said, “Hi Fred, thanks for getting back to me.”

“Hey sweetie anything for you,” he said. “What’s up?”

“I need to talk with you about possibly adopting a 14 year old boy,” I said.

“Can you be here in about fifteen minutes? Fred asked.

“Sure,” I said. “I even have TJ with me. I think you should meet him if we decide on proceeding with the adoption.”

“Sounds good Mike,” he said. “I’ll see you here soon.”

“Come on TJ,” I said lets get going.

“What’s up Dad?” he asked getting into the car.

“We’re going over to see Fred Billings,” I said. “He’s a lawyer I know and he’s going to help us with this adoption thing. He’s good and I know he’ll do us right.”

We walked into his office and said to the girl at the desk we were here to see Fred Billings. We went to sit down when the door opened and Fred came out. He walked over to me and hugged me there in the waiting room. TJ stood up and walked over to us and I said, “Fred this is TJ, TJ this is Fred Billings.”

“Hi, nice to meet you,” TJ said extending his hand towards Fred.

“Likewise,” Fred said leading us back to his office.

We went into Fred’s office and sat down and Fred asked, “What do you know about TJ’s parents?”

TJ spoke up saying, “They’re both dead. They died about a year ago and I was sent to live with my Uncle. That was until a little over a month ago.”

“What happened then?” Fred asked taking notes as TJ spoke.

TJ looked down at the floor and didn’t want to speak. I leaned over and whispered, “It’s alright son. Fred’s gay too so he won’t think bad of you.”

TJ looked up and relaxed. He wiped his eyes then said, “He caught me fooling around with my friend Freddy and started swinging at us with his belt calling us all kinds of names.”

I spoke up saying, “He was arrested yesterday and he’s in jail at the present time. I don’t know what he’s been charged with though.”

“That’s fine,” Fred said. “Did he adopt you TJ?”

“No Sir,” TJ said. “I wouldn’t want him to anyway.”

“I think his custody of TJ might just be his parent’s last will and testament,” I said. “I don’t know what the legal implications are of that.”

“Unless it’s been approved by the courts, it might not be any more legal than a temporary custody arrangement,” Fred said making loads of notes. “If that is the case, with him in jail he may have void it himself. I’ll have to look and see if they left a will. Do you know if they did TJ?”

“No Sir,” TJ said. “They didn’t have a whole lot so I just can’t say.”

“That’s fine,” Fred said. “What is your full name TJ?”

“TJ Preston,” he said.

“What does the TJ stand for son?” Fred asked again.

TJ rolled his eyes and said, “Oh do I have to?”

“It’s OK kiddo,” I said. “Fred’s not gonna make fun of you.”

“Alright,” TJ sighed. “It stands for Terrance Jerome.”

“OK TJ,” Fred said writing it down on his legal pad. “Well here is what I suggest reaching into his desk and handing me several forms to fill out. “Fill those forms out. That’s the paperwork needed to file a petition with the court so you can adopt TJ but leave the date blank. You can fill the date in later. TJ, I need you to fill out this form so I can file it with the court when the time is right to be appointed your Guardian at Litum. The first thing I’m going to do is check with the probate court and see if your parents left a will. If not, getting him removed as your guardian will be easy. You’ll be free to adopt TJ because his parental rights won’t have to be terminated.”

“Why,” asked TJ surprised at what Fred just said.

“That’s because he’s not your parent,” Fred said looking at TJ. “He just has custody of you and that might not be legal.”

I looked at Fred then said, “I’m really glad he’s been arrested then.”

“This has turned out to be a blessing in disguise,” Fred said. “Now, do either of you have any questions?”

TJ and I looked at each other and shook our heads. “Nope,” I said to Fred. “I think you’ve covered everything. Do you think my being gay will be a problem?”

“No, not at all,” Fred said. “I’ve helped several gays and lesbians adopt. When I question you I will bring up your sexuality and I do this for a reason. I bring it out and show the court that you’re not ashamed of who you are. Plus this way the other side can’t bring it up depicting you as someone who is just after a child.”

“Dad’s not like that,” TJ said standing up quickly.

“I know that TJ” Fred said.

“Calm down son,” I said pulling him onto my lap. “You might hear them say things about me that aren’t true or make me look bad. But you know me and that I love you.”

“TJ it will be alright,” Fred said. “I do this with all my clients and it works.”

“Alright,” TJ said. “I just don’t like hearing people say bad things about my Dad.”

I put TJ on his feet and then stood to shake Fred’s hand. Fred rubbed TJ hair and said, “I know you don’t but you know what the truth is. Just never forget that and it will be fine.”

Fred opened the door and gave each of a hug before we left. When we got outside I said, “Are you alright son?”

“Yeah Dad,” TJ said. “I hope you get to adopt me but I’ll be happy being your foster son too because you’ll always be my Dad. Can Freddy spend the night?”

I smiled at him and said, “If it’s alright with his Mom. I think I know what’s on your mind.”

“Daaaaad,” TJ said blushing.

I handed him my cell phone and said, “Call him.”

Candy answered the phone and I heard him ask if Freddy could spend the night. It wasn’t until he let out his “ALRIGHT” that I knew the answer. TJ started talking with Freddy then he said, “Dad can we pick him up now, please?”

I thought I would make him sweat a little and said, “Gee I don’t know. Is your room clean and your bed made?”

“Daaaaad,” he yelled.

I was laughing very hard and said, “Alright son, we’ll stop and pick up Freddy then get a pizza for dinner on the way home.

Freddy put his bag in TJ’s room then came out for dinner. I think we set a record for polishing off a 20” pizza. It was gone in less than 5 minutes with the boys eating the lion’s share. After dinner the boys went to get their shower and I needed to have a word with them before they did. I looked them both in the eyes then said, “Guys, I know you’re boyfriends and are not strangers to sex but I want you to refrain from oral sex for another few days. TJ doesn’t have the infection in him but let him clear himself out first just to be safe. I know it’s been a long time since you’ve been together and I want you both safe.”

Each boy hugged me and said they understood and agreed to wait before having oral sex. When they were in the shower I watched the news and thought about the two of them. In a way I was jealous of what they had because I’d been looking for it too. I had gone so long without a friend I just gave up and decided to remain permanently single. I heard the bathroom door open and the ruckus of two young teenage boys as the came down the hall. I was about to say something when I was pulled up by them then hugged and kissed. I looked at them in total surprise then TJ said, “Thanks Dad.”

They both had grins on their faces so I guess they each popped a nut and felt better. Freddy had spent a lot of time over here the past several weeks and I’ve told him to ask if he wants something. He looks at me and said, “Do you have any ice cream?”

I was out so I decided to make a trip down to the boardwalk. “Get your shorts on,” I said heading to my bedroom to get my wallet and keys.

We went down to the boardwalk and found the best soft serve ice cream stand in the area. After we got our ice cream, the boys got large chocolate cones and I got a large chocolate sundae, we decided to stroll around and take in the spring evening sights. Spring break started on Monday and tourists were starting to come to the area so local vendors were staying open later trying to make a few extra sales.

This was TJ’s first spring here and he was in awe of the sights. I would have to bring him back during the week when everything was in full swing. I finished my ice cream and just tossed the bowl into the bin when TJ said, “Dad, see the guy with that boy over there?”

I looked and there was a guy leading a boy with him. “Yeah, I see him,” I said keeping my eyes on him.

“That’s him,” TJ said.

I kept my eyes on him and started walking as fast as I could without trying to spook him. I tossed TJ my cell phone and had him call the police and I kept following the man. I saw the boy start to pull back and he grabbed him by the hand and give him a hard yank. He leaned down and said something to him and he seemed to relax and go with him as if nothing was wrong.

I’d been following him down the boardwalk for about three blocks when he turned and headed for the street. I was familiar with where he was going and my heart started to race. He was heading for a parking lot and I knew if he got to his car I could lose him and more importantly, there could be another boy with gonorrhea. He crossed the street and sure enough, that’s where he was headed. I started to trot so I could close the distance between us and then he turned and saw me.

At first he didn’t think anything of it as I pretended to be out for an evening jog. I tried to keep my eyes off him but it was if my eyes were locked on his every move and I couldn’t look away. I knew TJ and Freddy wee behind me so I decided to go for broke. I checked for traffic then broke into an all out sprint. The guy threw the kid to the ground hoping I would go to him and let him go, but he was wrong. He started running through the lot and I was trying to cut in between them when I slipped and lost my footing. I got my feet back and took off again but I saw him get into a car and start it up. I kept running towards his car hoping he’d stall it but such was not the case.

I managed to make it to where he was parked just as he pulled off throwing rocks and dust into the air. I figured he was going to do that so I looked towards the ground to protect my eyes. In doing so I was now looking at his license plate and tail lights. He managed to throw enough dirt into the air that all I saw was the first three letters of his license. I grabbed my pen out of my pocket and wrote down 1HT. I walked back to where he threw the boy down and TJ and Freddy were there with him. I could see the dejected look on TJ’s face when I came back empty handed. He came up and hugged me saying, “You tried Dad.”

I was still huffing and puffing but I managed to say, “It was a total loss son. How’s the boy?”

“He skinned his knees but he’s alright,” TJ said as we went over to see him.

I went to touch his knees and he cringed. Freddy smiled at him and said, “It’s cool Barry, that’s TJ’s Dad.”

“He’ll hate me,” the scared boy said.

“No he won’t,” TJ said. “Do you remember what I told you?”

He seemed to relax while I looked at his injuries. “Hi Barry, I’m Mike,” I said as I helped him to his feet and moved out of the middle of the parking lot.

I sat him down under a street lamp just as the police pulled up. The officer got out and said, “Are you the ones who called?”

TJ filled the officer in on the history of the guy then the officer turned to me and said, “Did you get a decent look at him?”

I shook my head no then said, “I didn’t see him but I did get a partial license number.”

“Well that will be a little help,” he said. “What did you get?”

I stuck my hand up and said, “1HT.”

He wrote the number down then said, “Do you know how many cars have that as the first three digits on their plate?”

“Quite a few I suppose,” I said. “But how many are on a classic 1966 Ford Mustang?”

“Not too many,” the officer said.

We were still talking when another police car pulled up. I wasn’t paying any attention to it until I heard a voice say, “Mike, what in the hell are you trying to do?”

I knew the voice so I said, “Trying to catch that son of a bitch and keep another boy from getting hurt. I damn near got him too.”

“You could have got yourself killed in the process,” he said.

“I doubt it,” I said very sarcastically. “I did manage to get you guys something which is more than you have now.”

“That’s right,” the uniformed officer said. “He got us a partial plate on a 66 Mustang.”

“Officer, do you have a first aid kit in your car?” I asked wanting to clean up Barry’s skinned knees.

“I’ll get the paramedics here,” he said.

“That’s not necessary,” I said. “I’m a registered nurse.”

A voice came over the radio and said, “Partial plate 1HT on a 1966 Ford Mustang no match on file.”

To be continued...

Posted: 06/20/08