The Day My Life Began II

A New Beginning – Life With My Two Boys

 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...

A New Beginning - Life With My Two Boys

Prologue

For those of you not familiar with Book 1, here is a quick update. A drunk driver has killed Mark Thomas' family. He lost his wife of 14 years Michele, his daughter Denise age 12, and Sean, their 11 year old foster child of seven years. Jimmy Lassiter was Sean’s best friend sine they moved into their house and was also Jimmy's surrogate father. After his family's death, Mark began caring for Jimmy while his mother worked. Jimmy is gay and only certain people know this. He meets David Anderson, Jr. and falls in love with him. His Dad works with Mark as a Paramedic Supervisor. Two days before Thanksgiving, the drunk that killed Mark's family kills Jimmy's mother. Mark formally adopts Jimmy on Dec 23rd and the three of them begin a new year together. To get the whole picture, read Book 1 of "The Day My Life Began."

 Chapter 1
New Year's Morning and Another Mess

The sun came into the window as we slept soundly until Jimmy rolled over and kneed me in the bladder. That woke me up and I almost didn't make it to the toilet in time. Every time I sleep with him, it never fails that he makes contact with my full bladder. When I came out of the bathroom, I saw my two precious boys still sleeping like angels. Did I say angels? Well that's about the only time they are. I went to put my underwear on and I couldn't resist the temptation to let Jimmy have it right on the butt for waking me up. He rolled over and he had his usual morning pee hard and I decided to give him a little payback. Just as he started to roll towards Davey, I put my fist firmly against his balder as he started to roll. He rolled and I pushed and then his eyes shot wide open. He grabbed his dick and ran into the bathroom and the next sound I heard was water hitting water (his). He came walking out of the bathroom ready for war until I said, "you do that to me every time you sleep with me. Now you know what a little pay back is like." He broke into a full run right at me but I just grabbed him under the arms and put him against my hips and held him close. I kissed him on the cheek and whispered something to him. He got down and crawled over to his love. I watched for a minute as Jimmy woke Davey up then headed down stairs for my coffee. I didn't know what was going to happen but I did not wish to see an x-rated bedroom scene.

I just poured my coffee when I saw the boys walk down stairs hand in hand in their underwear. They sat down at the table and had their breakfast while I had my usual coffee. I got a Danish at the grocery store yesterday and had a small piece with my caffeine fix and it was a nice change of pace.

After breakfast, the boys went and got cleaned up and we just took it easy today. I fixed a roast turkey today since I usually have ham on Christmas. While the bird was cooking, we watched parades and football.

The boys had been hyped all day but realized that they only had one more day of Christmas break left then it was back to the grind of school. They decided to go out and play for a while to burn off some pent up energy. Next to Jimmy's old house, the boys saw a new kid in the house they had never seen before. Acting as the neighborhood welcome wagon, they decided to go over and introduce themselves to the new boy and try to find out who he is.

The boy seemed preoccupied and didn't hear the boys when they said "hi" to him.

The boy almost jumped out of his skin and said "Damn, mate. Give someone a heart attack next time. You really should make a little more bloody noise."

Jimmy answered "Sorry, but we did say something but you seemed lost."

"Sorry, mate." he said. "I guess I had me head up me arse."

"Where are you from?" Davey asked.

"Oh, sorry." the boys said. "I'm Bryce Moore. I used to live in Sydney but just got here a couple of weeks ago."

"Hi, Bryce," Jimmy said. "I'm Jimmy Thomas and this is Davey Anderson. I live right across the street. See the white Ram, that's my dad's. What grade are you in at school?"

"Well," Bryce said. "I should be in the 8th but with everything that has happened I'm only in the 7th."

"Want to come over for a while and play video games?" Davey asked.

"Love to mate, but me foster mum would skin me. They aren't home and I have a lot of chores to do. Maybe I can later or tomorrow."

"OK, cool." Davey said. "The door is always open. Come over anytime."

Bryce went inside and the boys came back to the house and hollered "Dad, where are you?"

I came up behind them and tapped them on the shoulders. "You don't have to yell." I said.

"Sorry." Jimmy said. "We just met a real cool new kid."

"New kid?" I asked. "When did a new family move in?"

"Don't know if the family is new, but the boy is." Jimmy continued. "His name is Bryce Moore and he used to live in Sydney. I didn't know those people were foster parents."

"Neither did I, son." I answered.

"Can he come over and play video games later if they say alright?" Davey asked.

"Sure, I don't see a problem with that." I said. "Chances are, he will be going to your school."

"Yeah Dad, “Jimmy said. "He's in the seventh grade. Something about a mess up and he should be in the eighth."

I went back to the den saying "Jimmy, Davey look, you guys be a friend but you should watch what you do around him until you get to know him better.

The boys headed for the door saying "OK, Dad. We will."

I started watching the game and thought, how did a family get cleared so fast to be a foster parent. We were put through the ringer and it was two years after we finished everything before we got Sean. They could be relatives of the child. That might make the process go faster. That's it, I thought and my mind went back to the television.

Just then Davey came running into the house. He was winded and pointing to the house across the street. "I think someone's hurt." was all he could get out.

I went into the Ram and got my bag and radio then went across the street. Jimmy was standing by the front door and I called dispatch requesting a police officer to meet me at the house. I knocked on the door and heard a low muffled moan. I tried the door knob and it opened just as the police arrived.

The officer and I went in together and found a boy on his back with four boxes on top of him. The officer and I got the boxes off the boy and I started checking him for injuries.

"What happened?" the boy said.

"Easy son," I said. "You took one heck of a spill. Isn't there anyone here to help you do this?"

"No, sir." he said. "Me mum won't be home until late tonight. She will tan my knickers for this."

"Nobody is going to do any such thing." I said. "Now let me have a look at you.

"Mark, will you need a rescue unit?" the officer asked.

"No, I don't think so." I said. "If I do, I can call for one. Stay here while I check him out. He is a minor and I not his parent."

Just then, Jimmy came in and looked down at the boy. "You OK, Bryce? I heard the noise and we went to get my dad. He is a paramedic and a good one so let him take a look at you."

I sat Bryce up and he was sore in his chest. I lifted his shirt up and gently felt his ribs and he winced. "Where does it hurt, Bryce?"

"Just under the nipples sir," He said. "It hurts to breathe."

"How do we get hold of your foster mother?" I asked. "I may have to get you to the hospital to be checked out. You could have a cracked rib or two."

"The phone number is on top of the desk." He said trying to point.

Jimmy picked up the paper and handed it to the officer. He dialed the number and it was a bar he new all to well. He hung up the phone and requested a squad car bring the woman to the house.

We secured the house and helped Bryce over to my house. We put the officer's car into my garage and he went into another room when the woman came in. Her breath arrived well before the rest of her did. The only thing she was concerned about was when she could return to her party.

I was ready to go off on her but Jimmy held my hand so I thought better of it. As we were talking, my old social worker came to the front door. I smiled when I saw her but she did not seemed pleased.

She started saying something to Bryce when I interrupted her. I took her into the other room where the officer and I told her just what we saw when we entered the house.

"Bryce didn't do this?" She asked.

"No!" I said. "From what I can tell is that woman had no business having this child unload those boxes alone and unsupervised.

"Dad, Dad!" Davey was screaming at the top of his lungs.

I stuck my head out the door and he whispered something into my ear. I called dispatch and requested a first alarm for a possible narcotics lab and the woman was held pending the outcome of the investigation. Davey smelled the odor of ether when he went to the door and he quickly left.

There wasn't enough evidence to arrest her but the ether was removed and Bryce was taken away from the woman.

Jimmy started crying asking "Dad, do you have to let them take him? Can't he stay here with us?"

"Mark?" the social worker asked.

"Yeah," I said. "Why not? What's one more?"

Jimmy and Davey started jumping up and down. Bryce tried to stand and tripped over Jimmy's feet falling on to me.

He was looking wide eyed at me and I said "This doesn't mean we're going to be taking nice warm showers together and long walks at night."

Everybody broke into laughter with that and I helped him up. He winced again and I took him straight upstairs as the social worker went to her office and did the necessary paperwork transferring Bryce into my custody.

"Take your shirt off and sit on the bed." I said matter of factly. I felt his ribs and then his belly. When I pushed on his stomach he closed his eyes. I loosened his belt and pants and told him to drop them. He blushed but did as I asked. His abdomen was a little red from a box but nothing was broken. His manhood seemed small for a boy of 15 but he could be a late bloomer. All in all, not much worse for the wear.

Just then, Jimmy came in with a suitcase and he sat it in the bed beside Bryce. "This is everything I could find that looked like it might be yours. If I forgot something, let me know and I'll go get it, OK"

"Thanks mate," Bryce said. "Why you so nice to me? You hardly know me?"

"And" Jimmy said.

"And what?" Bryce asked.

"What difference does it make." Jimmy asked again "I wasn't raised like that. You needed help and Dad and I can help you."

"What about your brother?" Bryce asked.

"Brother?" Jimmy asked. "Oh Davey, he is like my brother. He is over here so much he calls my dad, Dad and he loves Davey just as much as he loves me. Why don't you pull your pants up and come on and I will show you your room."

"I must be bloody daft." Bryce said. "I've been laying here with me knickers down and almost in my altogether. I must be a fright."

"Not a fright." Jimmy said through the giggles. "Just a sight."

Bryce stood up and I gave Jimmy a look and he just smiled as if to ask "What?"

Davey walked in saying "Dad, I think the turkey is done."

"OK, thanks pal." I said heading down the stairs.

"Jimmy whispered to Bryce "You’re cute."

Bryce smiled and said "Really?"

Jimmy said back "Well, almost as cute as him" as he pushed Davey in the butt causing him to fall on the bed.

I heard the noise downstairs so I said "No rough stuff boys!"

"Yes, sir!" came the answer. About thirty minutes later, all three boys came down stairs and Bryce was still moving slowly. I remembered I had a couple of pain pills left when I got hurt a while ago and that Bryce could use it. I gave him a half tablet and soon he was feeling much better.

The social worker returned with the paperwork and said she would file it with the court. I thanked her and finished fixing dinner. Davey and Jimmy set the table and Bryce helped me make gravy for the stuffing.

When I was stirring it, I felt two arms around my waist and a warm kiss on my cheek. It was Bryce hugging me and he said "Thank you, sir. I can never repay you for your kindness."

I said back to him "No repayment is necessary. You needed help and I helped nothing more nothing less."

He smiled and rested his head on my shoulder for a moment. Jimmy saw him in my arms and he knew Bryce would be alright. I looked at Jimmy and he just smiled and nodded his head. I patted Bryce on the back and he stood up and finished stirring the gravy as I cut the turkey.

Dinner was great and all three boys helped clean the kitchen. After that was done, Bryce needed to get a shower so Jimmy showed him where things were. I would have to talk to him when he got finished so I told the other two that they were next to get cleaned up.

As is the case with most boys, Bryce came down stairs in just a pair of boxers and a t-shirt. He sat on the sofa and I said "Bryce, I think we need to have a little talk."

"What's on your mind Mr. Thomas?" Bryce asked.

"How did you end up in foster care here?" I started. "Do you have any family?"

Bryce hesitated for a moment then said "No sir, not here or in Australia. I was visiting a friend of the family when I found out my mother had a heart attack and died thus making me an orphan."

"We are going to have to figure something out since you are a citizen of Australia." I started. "You would probably have to return home and they would care for you there."

"But" Bryce stammered. "I don't want to leave. Isn't there something you can do?"

"Well" I said. "The only thing I can think of is for you to be adopted then you would be able to stay. That is if you are willing to be adopted. I don't know if you would have to become a US citizen or if that happens automatically when I adopt you."

"You would do that for someone you just met?" Bryce asked.

I explained "First, yes. I can't let you go back there to nothing. Second, this could take some time so by then I will know you. There is one more question I have to ask, Bryce. You said your mother died but what about your father?"

Bryce got quiet for a moment then said "Mr. Thomas, I have never known my father. He could stand next to me and I would never know who he was. My mom said he left when she found out she was pregnant with me and he never had anything to do with us. If he did see me, I don't remember it."

I thought about what he just said and had to figure out if this was the truth or just a line. The way things have happened today, I tend to believe he is telling me the truth. I looked at him and said "Bryce, I believe you. Would you happen to have your passport and birth certificate? Oh, and one more thing. Enough with the Mr. Thomas call me Mark."

Bryce got up and said "OK, Mark." He went upstairs and came down with his passport and birth certificate.

I couldn't believe what I was seeing. His passport was American. I looked at his birth certificate and it showed his mother but did not give his father's name. Then it hit me. She got pregnant by an Australian man and stayed in the country because the child was Aussie. She probably hoped the father would want to see the child but this doesn't appear to be the case. "Son, do you know why your passport is American and not Australian?"

"Yes sir." Bryce started. "Me mum wanted to come back to the States where she said she could find better employment. She said the schools were not as good here as they were in Sydney but I could move along faster here. We planned to come back when the school year ended back home but that didn't work out."

"This may work out better and easier than I thought." I looked at him and as his eyes lit up. "See Bryce, you are legally American and Australian. Your mom was American that's why you are also. Since your father is Australian that's why you are considered Australian. If you wish to not stay Aussie, you can make that decision when you become an adult. I will get in contact with my lawyer in the morning, ah make that the day after tomorrow and get the ball rolling to get you protected legally."

We were just finishing our conversation when Jimmy and Davey came down in their white FOL's (Fruit of the Loom underwear).

Bryce's eyes got big and said "Blimey mates, me mum would give me bloody hell if I came in the room looking like that."

"Hey, don't cuss. We can't talk like that." Jimmy said.

"I didn't say anything bad, did I?" Bryce's eyes started to tear a little.

I slid over to him and said "No, son. You didn't. Jimmy you need to learn what he is saying. The way he used the word hell was not cussing but maybe we should all try not to say things like that, OK? And boys, where are your bath robes? You know the rules."

"What about..."

"Bryce isn't wearing underwear so tight you can see everything. Those happen to look like shorts." I interrupted.

"No fair," Jimmy said.

"Why?" I said.

"We don't have that kind." Jimmy returned.

"Have you ever asked for them?" I said.

"No!" Davey jumped in. "Cut it out, Jimmy. You’re just mad because we have to keep our robes near where we sit in case someone comes to the door. If you want the whole world to see your cute little white butt go ahead, but not me."

Bryce broke out laughing as Davey spoke. "He would look a fright running around with his bare bum exposed."

Jimmy ran over to Bryce and sat on his lap saying, "Not funny. Besides, my butt is cute."

Bryce turned him around and said "Well, so it is."

We all broke up with that and Jimmy just stood there pouting. "What's the matter son? You love to give it but you can't take it, can you?"

"I'll get you for that." Jimmy said.

The movie Lion King 2 was coming on and the boys wanted to see that so we all went into the den. I was sitting in my new double wide recliner Jimmy gave me for Christmas and Jimmy and Davey snuggled up on the love seat. Bryce looked left out so I patted the seat beside me and he took advantage of the opportunity for a little security.

I looked at what I hoped would be my newest addition and asked "What's wrong, sport?"

"Just worried Mark," He said. "A lot has happened today and I really don't want anything to mess things up. I just met you but for some reason, it feels like I've known you most of my life. You treat me just like Jimmy and that makes me feel special. You are the first man to ever treat me like a person, except for my teachers, and I think that is how a father should treat his son. I just hope I get to be your son too. How do you think Jimmy will take to having an older brother?"

I leaned close to him and said "I'm honored you feel that way about me. As far as how Jimmy will take to you as an older brother, I think I've seen the answers already, he'll love it."

We watched the rest of the movie and the young ones were sound asleep on the love seat. I tapped Bryce on the leg and motioned for him to help me get the boys in bed. I took Davey and Bryce carried Jimmy. We took them into their room and laid them on the bed. I leaned down and gave them each a kiss and we pulled the covers over them both then went back down stairs. I thought I saw Bryce with a little smile on his face as we were putting the boys in bed. I sat back in my recliner and Bryce sat on the love seat.

I looked over at him just as he was finishing a big yawn. "Tired, pal?"

"Bloody wasted." he replied.

"Maybe you ought to head back up stairs and call it a night?" I asked.

Standing up he said "OK, Mark. I think I will."

I stood up and he came over and put his arms around my waist and gave me a hug. I patted him on the back and said I would be right up. I checked the front door to be sure it was locked and turned the lights off and went to get some sleep. I walked up the stairs and went into Bryce's room to say good night. He was lying in bed looking lost in thought when he heard me open the door. I leaned down and kissed him on the head just like the other two and told him sleep well and I would see him in the morning. He smiled and closed his eyes and I think he was asleep before I left the room.

I walked down and checked on Jimmy and Davey. I opened the door and they were out like a light so I decided to call it a night. I went into my room and shed my sweat pants and went into the bathroom to take a leak before hitting the hay. I crawled into bed, switched off the light. I laid there wondering if this is a dream. I thought I saw something in Bryce's eyes that may complicate things. What?!? What was I thinking!!?? No way, he is a child. You're an adult. Lose those thoughts, Mark!

I closed my eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep. Tomorrow is a new day.

To be continued...

Posted: 07/18/08