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...

We walked out of the courtroom and headed towards the exit. We got half way to the doors when TJ stopped dead in his tracks and wouldn’t move. I looked back and saw my son stiff as a board staring. “What’s wrong son?” I asked trying to see what he was looking at.

“That’s him,” TJ said. “The man in the yellow shirt over there, that’s him.”

Chapter 11

I casually walked back to TJ and got Pat’s attention while I was at it. We returned to the courtroom and I told him what TJ had said. Pat got on his radio and had several uniformed officers stay close to the front doors so they could take him into custody. Pat also gave the men a description of what he was wearing so they would be sure to get the right person. Pat didn’t want this guy getting away this time.

I looked at TJ and said, “Here’s what we’re going to do son. We’re going to go out like nothing is wrong. I want you to stop and look at him but don’t say anything. Pat is going to be a few steps behind us.”

Pat then said, “There are two plain clothes officers at the front door also so he shouldn’t be spooked.”

I took TJ’s hand then said, “He’s not going to hurt you son. I’m here as is Pat so we’re not going to let that happen, alright?”

“Alright Dad,” TJ said. “I’m a little scared but I trust you.”

Pat opened the door and out we went. I looked and sure enough the guy was still standing there like he was before. I squeezed TJ’s hand and started towards the front door. As we got closer to him he looked over and I could tell he was getting nervous. It also looked like he was debating whether or not to speak. I glanced down at TJ and he started looking up at him as we got closer.

Pat was about 5 steps behind us when the man said, “Well hello there.”

TJ lost it at that point. “You BASTARD!” He yelled and tried to lunge at him.

The guy got spooked and turned to head towards the door and Pat was right behind him. As Pat went to reach for him, he took off running. “Stop that man,” he yelled as he started running after him.

The guy turned to see who it was shouting and then looked towards the door. As he got about ten feet from it the two plain clothes officers stepped in front of him. He tried to stop and turn to go down another corridor but his feet slipped out from under him. The two plain clothes officers cuffed him then helped him to his feet as Pat said, “You’re under arrest.”

“What’s wrong officer?” He said sounding confused and innocent.

As they were standing him up, TJ and I came over. TJ looked at him and said, “That’s the son of a bitch that gave me gonorrhea.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about young man,” he said playing totally ignorant. “I’ve never seen this child before.”

“Well if that’s the case,” Pat started saying. “You won’t mind submitting to a blood test and an examination for VD?”

“I haven’t done anything,” he started saying. “I don’t know this child. I’m afraid I’m not giving you anything with out a court order.”

“We can do that too,” Pat said. “They’re going to love you in jail.”

“Yeah,” the other officer said. “They love guys who rape babies. Once word gets out about you, you’re going to be real popular.”

“Wait now,” he said. “I didn’t do anything.”

“What the hell is this guy’s name?” I asked.

Pat searched the man and found his wallet and his ID said Thomas Jennings Jr. then Pat found another card. “What have we here Thomas?” Pat said. “A parole officer’s card. Are you on parole Thomas?”

The guy didn’t answer Pat but he looked worried. I looked at TJ and he shook his head no then said, “The name doesn’t sound familiar.”

Pat looked over at him and said as he led him towards the door, “One way or another we’re getting what we need. You have some very serious charges to answer for.”

We followed Pat and the other officers outside and watched as they put him into a patrol car and take him away. TJ went over to Pat and gave him a big hug. He looked up at the burley man and said, “Thanks Pat, I finally feel free and safe now.”

We walked over to the car then went to pick up Barry and Freddy. I pulled into the driveway at Freddy’s place and before I could turn the engine off, Barry was running out to greet us. “Is he adopted?” Barry asked.

I just smiled and Barry ran to TJ to give him a hug and kiss. “I love you TJ,” Barry said as he jumped up into TJ’s arms almost knocking him to the ground.

“I love you too Barry,” he said catching his balance.

Then the front door opened again and TJ saw Freddy standing there with a smile on his face. TJ slammed the car door closed and ran to greet his boyfriend. They moved out of the doorway so they could properly embrace each other. Barry and I went inside and closed the door so others couldn’t see the lip lock they were in. Barry and I stood there for a few minutes waiting for the love birds to uncouple. Barry looked up at me then I looked at TJ and Freddy. I tapped them on the shoulder then said, “Ah hey guys; go take a cold shower.”

“Or get a room,” Barry said giggling.

Freddy looked over and said, “I have to call my Mom and let her know I’ll be with you guys.”

“Let her know you’re spending the night too,” TJ said.

Freddy smiled and said, “That’s a given.”

We waited for Freddy to talk with his Mom then we headed home. Meanwhile at the Police Station Pat was talking to Thomas Jennings. “You’re on parole man. Your parole officer can order you to get tested and when that happens, we’ll get it any way we have to.”

“Fuck you,” Jennings said. “By now, those little faggots are sicker than shit.”

“Guess again asshole,” Pat said. “Both boys got treatment and are fine. You better hope you know some good people in there because they’re gonna love you. You’re also looking at some serious time too. Let’s see 20 counts child molestation, 20 counts assault, 20 counts lewd conduct with a minor (10 counts each for TJ and Kelly) and the biggie attempted kidnapping.”

Jennings just sat there in silence. He knew he was in serious trouble. He wasn’t feeling well and he knew the reason why. He looked over at Pat and said, “I’ll give you what you want. Take me to the hospital.”

Pat got a uniformed officer to put hand cuffs on Jennings. He then arranged transportation for him to the hospital so he could be examined and tested. Back at the apartment Freddy and TJ were in TJ’s room engaged in the tongue wrestling world championships. TJ happened to glance at the clock and see it was 4:30. He broke the kiss and said, “We’re going out to dinner soon love and I don’t want to start something we can’t finish.”

“Oh?” Freddy asked curiously. “What do you have in mind?”

TJ reached down and rubbed Freddy’s crotch saying, “I haven’t sucked your dick in a long time and I plan on making up for it.”

“Ummm,” Freddy said. “I can’t wait and the same goes for you too baby.”

I heard the boys come out of TJ’s room. Barry was sitting on my lap cuddling with me with his hand stuck inside my shirt when Freddy said, “What have we here?”

Barry was hiding my stiffy so I casually said, “Not a thing.”

And Barry said smiling, “What were you guys doing, huh TJ?”

TJ’s stiffy hadn’t completely gone down and it was showing. He turned big time red then adjusted himself saying, “We were kissing, alright?”

Barry hopped off my lap and I now turned red. I saw Barry adjusting himself while I stood doing the same thing. “I guess we were all doing the same thing guys,” I said. “No need to be embarrassed. Are you guys ready to go?”

They nodded their heads and we headed for the door when the phone rang. “Hello,” I said as the boys went down to the car.

“Hi Mike,” The voice said. “Jennings agreed to go to the hospital and be tested.

“Great Pat,” I said. “You should get him there so he can get treated. Also, keep him in isolation. If he gets raped, you will have a major problem on your hands.”

“He’s here at the hospital now,” Pat said. “I’ll call the jail and let them know. I will tell them to keep him there until he’s finished with all his medication.”

“That will work,” I said. “Thanks for the call. I was just on my way out to dinner.”

“Enjoy and congratulations again on the adoption,” Pat said.

I hung up and went out to the car. “Alright TJ,” I started. “Where do you want to go to dinner?”

“How about going to The Steak House?” TJ asked.

“Yeah Mike,” Barry said enthusiastically.

“Alright,” I said quickly.

We went to The Steak House and had a wonderful meal. Barry saw a T bone and said, “I want one of them Mike.”

I didn’t think he could eat the whole thing but I could always take it home in a people bag and have it later. Well, needless to say, there weren’t any leftovers. In fact, the boys had room left for ice cream. Once the boys were finally full I paid the check then TJ asked, “Can we go over to the batting cage?”

I hadn’t hit a baseball since I was in college so I knew this was going to be interesting. Freddy chimed in and said, “Come on Mike, it’s gonna be fun.”

‘Fun for who?’ I thought. ‘They just want to see me make a total fool out of myself.’

“Alright boys,” I relented. “It does sound like fun.”

“Dad, didn’t you play baseball?” TJ asked.

“Once upon a time a long time ago,” I said. “I haven’t played since I was in college.”

“I bet you’ll hit it a mile,” Barry said as I felt him kiss me on the cheek.

We pulled into the parking lot and for a week night it was pretty busy. I looked at the boys and said, “Guys, it’s after 7 and school starts tomorrow. How about I bring you back on Friday?” “Sounds OK Dad,” TJ said. “I didn’t think it would be this busy.”

We left for home and with the unusually heavy traffic it was almost 8 when we arrived. I got the boys in the shower then I relaxed while waiting for them to get out. Barry took his spot on my lap and TJ cuddled against my side. Freddy laid in front of his boyfriend and TJ wrapped Freddy in his arms. At 9:30 I sent the boys off to bed then went and said good night to each of them.

Life got routine again and soon it was Barry’s birthday. I had remembered it and told TJ not to let on that he had too. The days leading up to it Barry started dropping hints. I was finding little notes all over the apartment and in my clothes. One day, I found one in my shoe.

His birthday fell on a Friday this year and we did it up big for him. It took bringing Freddy into our little scheme to keep Barry occupied so TJ and I could get him his gifts. TJ got Barry a silver pendant that said “Best Brother in the World” and I got him a gold ring with his initial on it. I also got each of the boys’ new bikes and helmets. The hardest thing was keeping TJ from finding out. I decided to have them taken to Freddy’s house. Candy told me they had a storage room they could lock to keep TJ from finding out.

The morning of his birthday TJ and I had to play dumb and not laugh when Barry started mentioning it. He started in on me as soon as we woke up. Barry sat on my chest and said, “Do you know what day this is?”

I cocked an eye open and said, “Yeah it’s Friday and it’s payday.”

“What else is it?” He added.

“A school day,” I added lifting him off so I could go to the bathroom.

I sat him down and hurried into the bathroom before I had an accident. I looked out the door and he was sitting there sulking like we had indeed forgotten his birthday.

When we came out into the kitchen, TJ was sitting there stuffing cereal into his mouth. “Morning bro,” he said with a mouth full.

“Hi,” Barry said with a forlorn look on his face.

He went to get a bowl and TJ grinned at me knowing we had him going. I quickly had my coffee then left for work. I had Candy pick Barry’s gifts up from the store and bring them to the apartment. Then she picked him up from school and brought him to the hospital while TJ and Freddy decorated the apartment. After dropping him off there, she ran and got his birthday cake and finished helping the boys decorate.

Poor Barry was acting like a lost puppy. I had a few minutes before I could sign out and I saw him sitting looking at the floor. I went up to him and hugged his saying, “Hiya kiddo. How was your day?”

“OK,” he said barely audible.

“Are you ready to go home?” I asked.

“I guess,” he said grabbing his backpack.

I didn’t want to prolong the agony for Barry so I hurried up getting home. I pulled into the parking lot and I saw Pat getting out of his car. He was also in on my master plan. Barry saw him and he thought it was something about the guy that tried to kidnap him. “What’s up Pat,” Barry asked running over to him.

Pat scooped up the teen and said, “Not much kiddo. I just needed to talk with Mike about a couple of things.”

Pat held onto his hand so he couldn’t take off ahead of us. We came to my apartment and I had to dig my keys out of my pocket. I kept dropping them when Barry said, “Here butter fingers, I’ll do it.”

I stepped back because I knew what was going to happen as soon as he opened the door and stepped inside. “SURPRISE,” everyone shouted. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY.”

Barry looked up and me with tears in his eyes and said, “You remembered.”

I picked him up and said, “Of course I remembered. How could I not remember my boyfriend’s birthday?”

TJ came up to him and said, “Happy birthday bro. Sorry we played like we forgot it but we really wanted to surprise you.”

Barry climbed down from my arms and punched TJ lightly in the shoulder. “You sure did,” he said smiling. “I’ve never had a surprise party before. This is great.”

Pat went out to his car and brought in the steaks and Candy went out and started the grill getting hot. Pat fixed steaks and Candy got the corn on the cob going along with the potato salad. We have a huge dinner that left everyone full. The boys went to TJ’s room and played while the adults had coffee and let their food digest. TJ came out about an hour later and said, “Dad, can we give Barry his presents now? He hasn’t mentioned gifts once since we’ve been back in the room.”

“Alright,” I said. “We’ll do the cake first then let him open his presents.”

Candy went and got the cake ready then I went and got the birthday boy. He was at the table when Candy brought the cake in and we all sang Happy Birthday. “Thank you every one for this great party. I’ve never had a surprise party before and at first I thought everyone forget it.”

Candy handed Barry the knife and said, “Here you go Barry. You get to cut the first piece.”

After Barry cut the cake TJ said, “Don’t go anywhere bro, there is the little matter of presents.”

“Huh?” Barry said. “Presents, you all got me something?”

I took Barry out to the storage room and opened the door. “Two bikes?” Barry said.

“Well son,” I said looking at Barry. “No exactly. One is for you and the other is for TJ. You both need bikes.”

“You even got my favorite color too,” Barry said smiling.

He walked over and sat on the red bike. TJ smiled and said, “Thanks Dad. You got my favorite color too. How did you know silver was my favorite.”

“Just lucky son,” I said because those were the only colors they had in stock.

We went back inside and Pat gave Barry his gifts. He opened them and said, “Neat, new video games. Thanks Pat.”

Pat hugged him and said, “You’re quite welcome.”

Freddy and Candy were next with their gifts. Candy had an oblong shaped package and Freddy’s was, well I haven’t a clue what Freddy’s was.

Barry opened Candy’s gift first. “Wow Mike,” Barry exclaimed. “A baseball glove, thanks Candy.”

“Freddy said how much fun you had at the batting cage,” Candy said. “We thought you’d like your own glove.”

Freddy handed him his present and I had a pretty good idea what it was now, especially after seeing what Candy had given him. “Oh oh,” TJ said giggling. “Look out; the little guy has a deadly weapon.”

Barry held up the box and in it was an aluminum baseball bat. “I can use this when we go to the batting cage,” Barry said as he ripped the box open to get the bat out.

He finally managed to get it out and I said, “Don’t swing that in the house.”

“Aw Mike,” Barry wined. “I’m not gonna hit nuthin.”

“Not in the house,” I said firmly.

He put it with the rest of his gifts then opened the one from TJ. When he took off the wrapping paper he had a confused look on his face. He opened the box and in it was another box. He opened the top and his eyes got big. Tears started to fall as he took it out then ran over to TJ. He wrapped his arms around him and said, “Thank you TJ. You’re the best brother in the world too.”

TJ took it and put it around Barry’s neck then gave him a kiss on the cheek. TJ looked at him and said, “When I saw that, I knew it was meant just for you.”

I handed Barry my present and he couldn’t imagine what was in the small box. He quickly tore off the paper and opened the box. He took out the ring box and opened it getting yet another surprise. “Oh Mike,” he said crying. “It’s beautiful. It looks just like yours.”

He ran over to me and jumped into my arms. He wrapped his arms around my neck hugging me tightly as he cried. “Happy Birthday lover,” I whispered in his ear. “I have another present for you later.”

“Promise?” he asked as I kissed him on the cheek and set him on his feet.

Candy had cut the cake by the time Barry had finished opening all of his gifts. Once everyone had cake and ice cream, they helped us clean up and take the garbage out. Pat thanked us for inviting him and said he had an early day tomorrow so he needed to be getting home. Candy helped us take the decorations down and we put those away. She gave Freddy another reminder about behaving before she left.

Barry jumped back into my arms and gave me a passionate kiss then said, “I’m 15 today Mike. Remember what you said?”

I smiled at him and said, “What do you think your other gift is?”

He grinned from ear to ear then asked, “Can we both get gifts?”

“If that’s what you want sweetheart,” I said as I set him back on his feet.

Freddy and TJ were engaged in a passionate kiss while feeling each others crotches. I locked the front door and started turning off the lights in the living room. Barry went down to our room as I turned off the kitchen lights. The hall light was the only thing still on so as I walked past the two lovers, I popped TJ on the butt then said, “Get a room guys or you’ll soon be in the dark.”

TJ and Freddy went into TJ’s room and I went into ours so I could be with my birthday boy. I closed the door to our room and turned looking then Barry said, “You like what you see?”

To be continued...

Posted: 06/20/08