Hope everyone is enjoying the updates on my new website. Just a quick note for everyone there is a new address update for all of you so please make a note of it. http://dwedno.altervista.org/ this should end any problems for all of you that have received Trojan or virus warnings. I will post this in as many places as possible in the future. Nothing else will change just the website address. I want to thank all of you for going there for my stories we are averaging 45 to 50 hits a day and that is a great start as far as I can tell. Till next time take care, Dwedno.

Chapter 15. The Wake, Funeral, and beginning of HELL.

Five o’clock arrived and with all the mention of food both boys were now very hungry and ready to eat. Nick just wanted to get up and walk around he has been sitting for almost three hours now with his leg up on the table. Finally it was 5pm and Nicky couldn’t wait to get up and walk on the crutches. I watched to see how amusing this would be but he actually did a very good job to start putting them under each armpit and steadying himself on them for a few seconds before taking a step. Then the fun began. Both Matt and I laughed as he tried to step with his bad leg and almost lost his balance. By now I was standing next to him just incase… there was no way I was about to let him fall or even risk weight on the hurt leg.

“Take your time, lean on the crutches and step with the good leg cutie.”

He did as I said and got into it quickly. After several small steps he was taking longer strides and within five minutes he looked like a pro on them.

“How do they feel?” Matt asked him.

“Really different but at least there isn’t any pain”

He hobbled around the house for a few minutes learning how they work and by the time we were ready to go it was 5:30. We were in the truck and talking about where we were gonna go for dinner. Matt leaned forward and whispered something into Nicky’s ear and without hesitating Nick turned and looked at me. I was waiting for whatever it was to come out.

“JR do you think it would be okay if we went to watch practice then dinner?”

I smiled at them.

“You bet.”

I started the truck and we hauled ass over to the field. As we pulled into the lot Coach Fergus first and then all the boys looked over. Everything came to a stop and Bill must have told them okay because every one of them ran over to the truck to check on their friends and teammates. We were mobbed and I had to yell to get the boys to back up and let us out of the truck. Bill came over and shook my hand and we both watched as all the boys mobbed Matt and Nick. It was an awesome sight that couldn’t be put into words. Finally Matt yelled out loud enough to get them all quiet as he stood next to Nicky and Nicky leaned on him and on one crutch holding both of them together and Matt at the same time.

“It’s great to see all you and thank you to all of you for sharing your feeling about me losing my mom. Its not easy guys I tell you… he paused and took a deep breath… I feel really bad. I don’t know how I am going to make it through it yet.”

Again they all patted him and tried to comfort him. Then they looked at Nick one yelled out and asked how he felt.

“Better now that I am with my friends.” He said.

I had to hold back a tear it was so overwhelming to hear him say that. I looked at Bill and he appeared to be the same way. As we were watching all this Eric showed up and Bill walked over and filled him in with what happened. He came over and put his hands on my shoulders and asked if I was okay. I told him I was managing and he went over with the boys and put his hand on Matt’s shoulder and told him he was sorry to hear about his mom. Then he looked at Nick and shook his head.

“You can’t stay away from trouble can you?” he said smiling widely.

That made everyone laugh including us and definitely broke the tension that had built.

“Okay boys, Bill said I hate to break this up but we only have an hour, you guys want to get home tonight let’s finish this.”

After a ton of moans they said their goodbyes and jogged over to the practice field with Eric. Bill and I talked for a second, I told him I wasn’t sure about Monday’s practice for either boy and he understood. We shook hands and the boys got in the truck and we watched them practice for a while before I started the truck and we left. A lot of the boys waved as did Bill and Eric as we headed out. We waved back and I drove off.

“Okay did that make you two feel better?”

“Lots JR,” said Matt.

“Yeah it helped me too.” Nick added.

We headed to a dinner and sat to choose our food. Matt had a cheeseburger and fries and Nicky got the same. I guess Matt started thinking about his mom or what happens tonight because he hardly touched it. Nicky however ate like it was his last meal and I asked Matt if he was okay and he said he was but just not very hungry. The rest of the evening flew by and before I knew it, it was 7:30 and I was helping Matt get his things together so I could take him to his aunts. He took his time getting out to the truck which I understood so I had to push him a little. Come on Matt I know you hate this but we need to get you inside and packed so I can take you there by 8. I walked up behind him and sorta prodded him along. Finally we got inside and he was still moping.

“Matt come here, I want to talk to you.”

He came over and sat with me. Nick was currently out of ear shot so I would be able to have a short private talk. He sat right next to me.

“Look Matt you know I love you. I need you to be strong now and please… I promise you that no matter what happens I will not stop loving you or… I couldn’t think of the right thing to say so I sort of got stuck… look all I want you to know is no matter what while you are there you will be in my thoughts, I will miss you terribly and I will probably be thinking of you all the time. You are my world now sweetie, you, and Nick but eventually Nick will have to go home and be with his mom. I will have you back and it will be just us. Maybe I might even be able to get you here for good but you have to be strong now and keep it together. Don’t let anything get to you no matter what happens Matt… this is most important… Don’t let anyone tell you how I feel or what I said. Only you and me boy… only if I say it to your face I want you to believe it… don’t listen to what anyone else tells you if it has to do with me okay?”

“Sure but why would anyone say anything bad about you JR?”

“I don’t think they will but I am thinking ahead. You know as well as I do that your aunt isn’t the greatest person in the world and please forgive me for saying that but I really don’t trust her a lot.”

“Neither do I JR… neither do I.”

“As long as you remember that and also that I am only a call away either here or at the fire house, you call anytime. If I am free I will do what I can for you but I am afraid right now your aunt is in charge here and not me. Your mom let you be with me and she is gone now it’s a family decision and I don’t know what your aunt is thinking now or what she wants. Let’s just hope she will be fair and we can work things out. That is all we can do for now.”

I had to stop Nick has come back downstairs now.

“You okay with what I told you?”

“Totally.”

“Good then go get your stuff together I will be at the wake tomorrow right after work and we will talk more then or like I said you can always call me.”

He turned and headed upstairs to pack. I looked at Nick and he looked at me.

“Its just gonna be you and me tonight.”

“Yeah I know, I am happy about that but I want Matt here too.”

“I know what you mean Nicky believe me I do. Are you coming with us when I drop off Matt?”

“I would like to.”

“Okay then you can.”

About five minutes later Matt came downstairs carrying his suitcase.

“Any clothes I find I will wash and put away for you Matt so don’t worry about anything missing. Maybe after the funeral you will be back here but right now we just can’t say what will happen. Let’s go boys.”

Matt carried his bag out and put it down and I followed Nick just to make sure it was safe on the crutches. We made it to the truck and I helped him in and then put Matt’s bag in the back. We were off and on our way to the Mary’s house. The truck was all but dead quiet the entire way there. Just Nick making some small talk and Matt saying almost nothing. I pulled up in front of her house almost at 8pm exactly and we got out. Nick stayed inside and said good bye to Matt before he got out. Matt came around to the back and I pulled his bag out of the truck and put it down. He took it and started to walk away without saying anything. I watched but I couldn’t believe he was doing that.

“Matt!”

He stopped and looked at me.

“You going to say good bye or are you mad at me for something?”

He dropped his bag and ran to me jumping into my arms. As I held him tightly he began to cry.

“Please don’t make me do this JR. I want to stay with you… please I don’t want to live with her!”

I stroked his back.

“Come on calm down its going to be okay.”

After a minute or so I put him down and reached out to wipe his tears away.

“Remember you are strong, be there for your brother and sister they need you very much now… you are the man in their life now.”

I tried hard and finally broke a smile out for him.

“And most of all don’t forget how much I love you and will miss you. Now get going… we will talk tomorrow this isn’t good bye forever it’s just something we both have to do now.”

He picked his bag up and I patted his ass as he went to walk up the steps to her house. When he got to the top he stopped and waved to both of us and then walked up three more steps and rang the bell. The wicked witch answered the door and with most likely a fake smile on her face waved to me as Matt entered the house. I don’t like this and I don’t trust her one bit. I went back into the truck fighting back tears, started it and took off to go back home. Nick didn’t say much for a while then he looked at me and spoke.

“You know JR, I know how much you care and love me, but I think I just saw something.”

“What’s that cutie?”

“I think I saw how much you really love Matt when I watched you and him outside the truck and then I watched you as you kept your eyes glued on him until he disappeared into her house.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry about that Nick.”

I was stopped at a red light now and looked over at him.

“JR… he reached out and grabbed my arm touching me gently… please don’t be sorry… I know how you feel about him and I know how you feel about me. I might be a little jealous of Matt but I will never ever forget what you did for me and I promise you no matter what that I am not lying. You saved my life twice and I will always love you for that.”

I looked at him as a tear ran down my face,

“Thanks Nicky that means the world to me.”

I reached out and cupped my hand under his chin as he smiled and then I brushed the hair back off his forehead and we drove home. I parked the truck and we got out and headed inside I wasn’t in much of a mood to do anything right now so I put the TV on and started to watch whatever was on. Nick was off doing something for a bit and then he came over put his crutches down and plopped down next to me.

“Can I lean on your JR?”

“You don’t ever have to ask that love of course you can.”

I sat back a little slouched on the couch and he put his head on me and used my upper chest as a pillow. I could smell his hair without a problem and all I had to do was tilt my neck and I could kiss the top of his head without a problem too. I did that a few times as I ran my hand over his back tickling, rubbing, and occasionally scratching parts of it.

“That feels so good.” He said.

We stayed that way and watched TV until we both fell asleep. I woke around midnight and as I moved Nick woke too. He sat up and yawned.

“Wow we must have been tired Nicky I don’t even remember what we were watching.”

“I do but it’s not important.”

“Guess we should head up to bed huh?”

“Yeah you have to get up in four hours. At least I can sleep.”

“Gee thanks.”

He giggled.

“Come on hop a long lets get you upstairs. You wanna take the easy way or difficult way?”

“Easy of course.”

“I should have figured as much.”

I bent over and he lay across my shoulder. I stood up and hoisted him over me and headed for the steps.

“Whatever you do don’t drop me JR.”

“Oh hush!”

I carried him up the steps and when I got to the top I stopped.

“My room or yours?”

“Mine for now if you don’t mind I really don’t want to risk you moving and kicking me while we sleep.”

“Smart thinking cutie, I am almost proud of you.”

“Ha-Ha… he said sarcastically. You are funny.”

I reached out and gave him a good smack on the ass. I know it had to sting because it bothered my hand.

“Owwwww, hey that hurt. Now I am gonna have a red ass!”

I laughed.

“You are lucky I can’t fight back from here.”

“Ohhhhh I am sooooo scared…”

I entered his room and plopped him down on his bed with some control. I didn’t want him falling or losing balance.

“I’ll be back with your crutches in a bit try to get undressed and whatever else you have to do.”

“The only thing I have to do is jerk off.”

I stopped as I was about to exit his room.

“Oh?” I said.

He smiled and I headed out to get his stuff and secure the house. After locking up I headed back up and he was lying on the bed in just his underwear.

“So I see you are ready for bed.”

“Yup.”

“Okay, well good night I love you.” I turned to leave and before I could get to the door he yelled.

“That’s it? You are leaving me with nothing but good night I love you?”

I smiled and walked back over to his bed and sat down.

“I was-- but only because I do not want you to think we have to do anything sexual every night or anytime we are alone.”

“I know that but I did give you a hint before, I thought you got it.”

“Sure I did but I wasn’t sure when you said jerk off you meant with me or alone.”

“What fun is it alone? I get more excited when you are here.”

“Okay then I guess I will stay.”

“Are you going to help?”

“No all day I have been around both of you and not done anything to myself. I need to cum so bad I can taste it in my throat so I think I want you to just play with yourself and I want to watch and get all excited and them blow my load all over.”

“Sure I can do that. You know JR maybe a week ago I could never have admitted what I just did. I was so shy and scared to let anyone see me naked, hell if I thought someone would watch me jerk off I think I would have just died. But you changed that. You made me feel like a man somehow. I don’t know how important that is but if it wasn’t for you and me accidentally finding all this out I would still be alone and have nothing in my life but dreams and loneliness. Or maybe I might even be dead from that fire. I have you to thank for that. I know I have said it before but I am so happy you are in my life.”

“Thanks Nicky I can’t tell you how happy I am that you are in my life too.”

I moved closer and gave him a kiss on top of his head. He looked at me with his puppy dog look that made me melt and just want to be closer to him if that were possible. I reached out and took him by the chin and turned him to face me and I moved in closer. Our lips met and I kissed him on them really good for the first time. I felt the spark and excitement rush throughout my whole body. He didn’t back away and we kissed for what seemed like forever but it was probably fifteen or twenty seconds. I pulled off him and looked him in the eyes.

“You are one beautiful boy Nicholas. I can’t tell you how much you really mean to me.”

He turned red from some level of embarrassment but he did smile. I think he didn’t know what to do or say right now. I backed off a little and sat on the bed next to him so he could regroup his thoughts in his mind. I must have just short circuited his brain with all that heavy shit I did to him.

“Are you okay? I said to him after a minute or so.

“Yeah I think so but whatever you just did, it was weird. I mean first last night you gave me the most powerful feeling like I was going to explode and now you kissed me and I almost felt like it was wrong. It was so powerful again but not like last night like WOW I really felt like someone needed me. Like I belonged some place.”

“You belong some place sweetie… right here, right where you are.”

I reached out and put my hand on his belly and ran it back and forth a little.

“I love it when you do stuff like that to me. It makes me feel all funny and tingly inside.”

I leaned in and kissed him once more but on the cheek this time.

“Come on its getting late lets see how good you are at jerking off and cumming.”

I made him turn red again but he lifted his butt and pulled off his underwear and he had half a hard-on already. I watched intently as he grabbed his cock and started to play with it to get it hard. After maybe five strokes he was hard and he started to go to town on himself. I just watched and grew in my own pants as he beat his hand up and down his hard four plus inches of solid boy cock. This went on non stop for about two minutes. Apparently he was going for it without any break. I began to notice wetness coming from him since I was only about a foot away. His eyes were now closed and I could see his breathing began to get somewhat labored. He slowed some and took his other hand and started to play with his balls. I was so turned on I was wet myself and I couldn’t keep my hands off my own stuff. He whispered to me…

“I’m gonna cum soon…”

I didn’t say or do anything to break him from what he was doing. His cock was getting red and wetter and then he started to pant and his eyes closed really tight, he was squinting. He started to breath heavier and his mouth opened and his tongue came out some then his eyes opened.

“Ahhhhh yeah!” he yelled out.

Two more jerks with his hand and he began to cum. One shot, than another flew out of his red, rock hard tool flying up and landing on him all over. One more came out and flew up landing on his chest. He stopped jerking and didn’t move for a while. I watched the cum run down his chest and his cock start to soften. After almost a minute his hand went back to his cock and he started to milk whatever was left out of it and then he brought his hand to his mouth and licked some off before he looked at me. His face was still red and sweat was forming on his forehead. His hair was a little damp from it.

“So how was it?” he asked me.

“It was awesome to watch you Nick. You were so hot I almost came myself just from watching you.”

He smiled widely and I reached out and scooped up a little of his juices and brought them to my lips.

“You taste as good as you look.”

He giggled with that. No doubt I just embarrassed him again.

“So how did it feel? Were you good for yourself?”

“It was pretty good. Normally when I do that I am alone and I don’t get this excited but having you there and thinking about you while I jerked really made it go better. I felt like it made the feeling stronger and I thought you might touch me once or twice but you didn’t.”

“Nope this was just you alone. I wanted to see how you did it.”

He was still smiling.

“Was I good?”

“You were excellent. Look!”

I pointed down and my cock was still at attention in my boxers.

“Wow I really think you need that taken care of.”

“You think?” I said sarcastically?”

“Yup. Is it okay if I do it?”

“You bet.”

“Okay but I need a towel I am all messy.”

“One second I will be right back with one for you.”

I walked out and came back with two towels. I know I am going to make a huge mess when I let go. I got on the bed and looked at him while he wiped off and when he was done I just sat there waiting for him to do what he wanted. He looked at me and remained naked as he got closer.

“You are in charge Nick tell me what to do.”

He hesitated and then reached out and grabbed my cock. It felt great and I jumped from his touch. He ran his hand over my hardness a few times and then stroked it through my boxers.

“Okay take them off.”

I lifted my ass off the bed and slide them down. He looked at it and then at me.

“JR you are so big!”

I said nothing as he reached out and took hold of it. He was hesitant but he got there eventually. He ran his hand up and down it a few times and then got closer. I watched to see what he was going to do and he leaned in and brought his lips to it. He was inches away and he put his tongue out and licked the top of my cock. That caused me to close my eyes briefly. I opened then just as he was about to take the head of my cock into his mouth. He wet it some and then started to slowly suck it in between his lips. It was awesome! After a few strokes with his lips I was wet enough for him to take more in his mouth. Eventually he had as much of me inside him as he could fit and he started to bob up and down on my cock slurping with each pass. I knew I couldn’t last long with him doing this and me being so horny from waiting all day. I looked at his cute cock and it was semi erect from the excitement I guessed. I was getting closer now and he reached out with his free hand and tried to play with my balls but that caused him to lose concentration on his sucking so he stopped and went back to just doing that.

“Nicky I am getting close now.”

He stopped sucking and looked at me.

“Yeah I know I can tell.”

He didn’t go back to sucking me which surprised me instead he took his hand and started to jerk me off. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to risk upsetting him. I could only guess he wasn’t a big fan of cum yet so I let him jerk he off. I wasn’t that far from cumming anyway so as he sped up I let out a louder then usual moan and he smiled.

“Getting close JR?”

“Oh yeah any second cutie…”

A few more strokes and I was there. I took a deep breath and without saying anything I let fly. He continued to stroke me as the first two shots flew out and went up and landed on his hand and me. The third was a bit weaker as I yelled out for him to let go and he did so. I reached out and grabbed myself and stroked the maximum pleasure out of my orgasm as the last one pretty much dribbled out onto my hand. I assume he sat and watched my face as I enjoyed the overwhelming pleasure he just created. I wasn’t in any hurry for it to end but sadly it went as fast as it came leaving a huge mess behind. Finally I opened my eyes and Nick was staring at me with a disappointed look on his face.

“Did I do something wrong JR?”

I reached out to him.

“No honey… you were perfect. I didn’t mean to yell at you but once I started to cum you kept stroking and you were actually ruining the orgasm I was having.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t know…”

“Honestly its fine… just so you know next time when I am cumming you can let go and just watch.”

“Okay JR, sure. But what happened this time that didn’t happen last time?”

I took the towel and started to wipe off.

“Last time if you remember you were sucking me and you got so much that you backed off when it got to be too much for you and it never got to the point where you were still doing it when I needed you to stop.”

“Oh yeah… I remember. So you’re cum made me stop last time.”

“Exactly. But please don’t be upset you did great, I should have told you that when I started to cum you could stop. I promise sweetie you were awesome.”

That finally brought a little smile to his face.

“Look what you made me do with that mess all over…. you had to be good.”

Now I got the huge smile I wanted. We got past that with no other problems and I got up and went into the bathroom to clean up a little. I came back and he got up and I guess went to do the same. I was beat and starting to feel the need for sleep badly. I looked at the clock as I sat on the bed and it was 1:40… damn I sure hope tomorrow is a slow day. I waited for the lights to go out in the hall and I heard Nick shut his door and I lay down. The bed felt really lonely without Matt in it for the first time in a long time. I suddenly realized how much I had grown fond of having him sleep with me. Nevertheless it didn’t take long for me to fall asleep.

Almost as fast as I did the alarm went off and eventually I woke and shut it off. It blared for almost a minute which is unusual. It almost always wakes me as soon as it buzzes. I sat up and so badly wanted to fall back down and call in sick or dead but that would only cause one of the overnight guys to pull a double and I didn’t want to hear them bitch because I really wasn’t sick. I got up went into the bathroom and splashed enough water on my face to fill a reservoir. On the way back to my room I opened Nicky’s door and poked my head in. It was easy to tell he was out cold by his cute little occasional snore he let out. I shut his door and went to get dressed. I wasn’t too worried about him being alone now but I will call later to check on him. At my usual time of 5:40 after doing a few things I was out the door and on my way to the firehouse. When I got there Roberts was there and a few of the truck guys but the engine and squad were out so we took a seat and waited for them to come back. At 6:05 they pulled back into the bays and the guys looked a little tired.

“So what did you have?” I asked.

“A car fire that spread to brush and we almost had a full blown brush fire on the side of Mill Lane. On of them yelled out to me.

“Typical.” I replied.

Capt called me into his office at 7am and I sat down not really knowing what to expect.

“So Scott how are things, ya know with the two boys?”

“Oh well sir there is some okay news and some bad news.”

“Oh?”

“Yes sir the one boy Matt, his mom passed away over the weekend and I have to go to his wake after shift.”

“I’m really sorry to hear about that is there anything I can do? Perhaps let you go a little early to get there for him?”

“Thanks but no, I had to drop him off last night at his aunt’s house so she is handling everything.”

“Okay, well please pass on my condolences to her.”

“I will.”

“What about the other one that got hurt and we had to take into the hospital?”

“Nicky… he is on crutches and was sleeping when I left this morning.”

“So it wasn’t serious?”

“No sir he should be okay in a few days.”

“Okay thanks for letting me know.”

“Sir, why, if you don’t mind are you so curious about the boys. Forgive me but we have worked together for a while and I have had other problems in my life and this is the first time you seem to have taken interest in something so… personal.”

“Because I have noticed that these boys seem to have gotten hold of you lately and I wanted to make sure that you can handle everything and still do your job properly. Besides I respect what you are doing, it’s a great thing and I just wanted to tell you that. So as I said last week if you need any time for this just let me know you still have over two weeks of time coming to you and five personal days and if needed I can probably add some assistance for all you have been doing.”

“Thank you sir, if I do need anything I will come see you.”

“Excellent. Then you can go if that’s all.”

“Thank you.”

I got up and walked out and felt a little like I just talked to my mom and filled her in on my life. Capt followed me out and called us to our morning staff meeting. I went and sat down and the captain briefed us on our daily events and anything else scheduled. We have a group of preschoolers (his words) coming in to see the fire engines today at 9:30 so that will break up the morning for us nicely. Of course all it does is remind me that I have a wake at 2pm and how much I am already missing Matt. I hope he is okay and she isn’t being too hard on him. Capt asked us to do our chores a bit early so we could be ready for the little ones that were due in soon. We had a quick run that wound up being a false alarm at 8:15 and we got back quickly and finished by our chores and cleanup by 9am and they wound up coming a little early at 9:20. They were all of five and six years old and seemed to only want to see the fire engine and ring the bell. Five girls and seven boys. Not much to see although one of the little boys was kinda cute. I thought to myself he was way too young for me but maybe in a few years he might play football or baseball. They stayed for close to an hour sitting for a while to have juice and a snack. We had to deal with the spilled juice, crumbs all over and whining when one of them was bored but over all it did help pass the time. At 10:30 they left staying just over an hour with bathroom breaks, eating and playing it was overall a fun time. We sat down and did our thing. The TV was on and one of the guys was watching The Price is Right at 11am so that occupied us. There weren’t any alarms until after 1pm and that was only for the engine to go to a wash down for a car leaking gas. It wound up being a real slow day like I asked for but a boring one too. I left at 1:45, Capt. let me go early and headed home to change into my black pants and shirt for the wake.

I arrived home and was greeted at the front door with a hug and kiss from Nicky.

“Wow what’s that for?”

“Because I missed you all day.”

“I missed you too. So what did you do?”

“I slept till 10, then I had some cereal and watched TV. Then I fell asleep until Matt called.”

“Matt called?”

“Yup… he smiled at me. He told me to give you the address of the place where his mom is going to be.”

He handed me a paper with the location of the wake.

“Did you write this?”

“Of course I did.” Nicky said.

“You have pretty neat handwriting.”

“Thanks.”

I read the information:

“242 Main St. Collins Funeral Home.”

That makes sense since it’s really the only local funeral parlor.

“When are you leaving?”

“As soon as I can, why?”

“Because I was going to ask you if I could go.”

“Gee I don’t know Nicky, you have the crutches, and you don’t have a suit or anything.”

“Well… I do have the crutches but I can handle them if it’s okay with you.”

“Sure it is but what about a suit?”

He got up.

“Follow me.”

I followed him as he limped into the next room and there was a suit and tie.”

“Wow where did you get that?”

“I called my mom this morning and told her I wanted to go to the wake and she bought it for me and brought it over. It fits great.”

“I’m shocked. You little stinker.”

He smiled at me.

“Got ya.” He said.

“Yeah you got me. Well let’s get dressed so we can go. Do you need any help with your clothes?”

“I can use help if that’s what you mean.”

“What I mean is do you want me to strip you or do you want me to hold you while you take them off.”

“Mmmmm, that’s a tough one.”

“Well you decide because I wanna get there soon.”

“Okay then go get dressed and I will be fine by myself. My leg feels pretty good today.”

I headed upstairs and got dressed while he did his thing downstairs. In less than ten minutes I was down and in my black suit and tie. I walked over to where he was and he had his shirt on but was struggling with his pants.

“These went on really easy before I don’t know why they are giving me so much trouble this time.”

“Go sit down.”

I took him by the arm and guided him over and he plopped down on the sofa.

“Give me your legs.”

He lifted one and I helped him with the bad one. I took his pants and pulled them onto him and up as far as they would go.

“Okay stand.”

He stood up and pulled them up the rest of the way and while he stood there I guided him as he tucked his shirt into his pants and then put his belt on.

“Okay we are ready let’s go.”

We both headed out to my truck and I helped him into it and we took off for the funeral parlor. We were there in ten minutes and it was already 2:30. We walked in and Matt saw me and ran to me. I got a hug right in front of all the guests and I honestly didn’t mind one bit.

“How are you holding up sport?”

“It’s okay so far. I understand what is happening but my brother and sister are confused and I am having a hard time explaining it to them.”

“I am sure you are.”

He saw Nick after he broke away from our hug.

“Hey Nicky thanks for coming.”

“No problem bro.”

He practically tugged me over to his chair and I sat down next to him and two seats from Mary. I turned and said hi and she smiled and said hello back to me. So far she was being polite. Nicky followed me and sat on the end because his crutches were taking up so much room.

“I’m going up to see your mom Matt.”

“Okay.” He said.

I went up to the casket and she looked pretty good for a dead person. I knelt down and said a prayer and gave her one more look before going over to sit back down with Matt. The person who was sitting next to me two seats to the left got up and went somewhere else so Nicky scooted down closer. I was once again surrounded by my boys. Mary got up to talk to a few guests and I finally got to talk to Matt without her close enough to hear.

“So how are you?” I asked in a whisper.

“I’m okay she is being really nice so far but I hate wearing this tie.” He said pulling at his neck.

I leaned in… “Yeah but you look so cute in it.”

He punched me in the arm. I wanted to tell him about something he would look even cuter in but this isn’t the place for that.

“Did she say anything about wanting you to stay there permanently?”

“Yeah she hinted that she wants me to be with my brother and sister now.”

I figured she would try something.

“And what do you think about that?”

“I love both of them JR but I want to be with you. Right now you are all I have left.”

Wow… I thought to myself something is really odd for him to put me right up there. It hasn’t been that long that we have been together. I suppose it makes sense to him. He doesn’t like his aunt and his father is who knows where… I guess I really am all he has. We talked about a few more things and his aunt came over and asked him to come with her. She brought him over to meet some family and they talked privately on the side after some hugs were exchanged. I talked to Nick and asked him how he was doing and he told me he was okay and didn’t say much more. I watched him for a bit and he seemed to be a little disconcerted by that I mean he kept looking at Eileen and then putting his head down. I can only imagine he must be thinking about his father. I would guess Margaret will be having some kind of service for him any day now. That won’t be fun. I know how sensitive Nicky is and nothing at that service will be good. We stayed almost until 4pm when the services were to end this afternoon. I was getting ready to say my goodbyes and head out when Mary came over to me.

“Can we talk for a minute?” she asked.

“Sure.” I replied.

Here it comes… I thought to myself. We stepped aside into a private corner of the outside corridor.

“What’s on your mind Mary?”

“I have a favor to ask of you.”

“I will help if I can.”

“Right now I am trying to get Matt used to being at my place and he isn’t really cooperating and his younger brother and sister see this and make a fuss too because he is. I know it’s a bad time with Eileen dying and all but I was wonder if you might be able to talk to him and tell him about how important it is to be good and be a big brother for them. He isn’t being rude but honestly JR he isn’t giving me full cooperation either.”

“Mary I will do what I can and I know you know this but his mom did just die and he might be having a tough time dealing with this over all. I have already explained to him about being there for Joey and Ashley. That was the only way I could get him here without problems.”

“Oh I see. So you have had that talk with him.”

“Most definitely. He knows what is expected and what he has to do.”

“Well so far he has given them some attention but basically all he has done so far is asked me when he can go back to living with you and frankly I don’t know if I want him to JR. He needs to be with them now.”

“All I can tell you is that we get along well Mary and I do understand and appreciate that you want them together as a family but Eileen allowed him to spend time with me since his dad wasn’t around anymore and according to her last time we discussed it he had improved overall; his eating, bathing and total behavior had changed she said. In my opinion I think staying with me might be best but you know as well as I do that since Eileen passed on for now you have custody.”

“For now? She paused and looked at me like ‘how dare you’ then she continued… I will have to think about what you said JR, I do not doubt you, but I really want to keep this family together at any cost.”

“Well I can promise you that if he does come back and stay with me his siblings are welcome to visit here anytime and I will be more than happy to bring them here or him there to be with them too. Just consider this Mary… I am a total outsider and for some reason this boy who doesn’t have a dad anymore in his life has chosen me. I didn’t pick him out and befriend him he has taken the lead on all this and I am just happy I was able to be there for him.”

“I am well aware of that JR, Eileen and I have had numerous discussions about that and I wasn’t happy… well lets just say it was her decision then and its mine now I want him with me for now.”

“Okay there isn’t anything I can do about that it’s your call. Just please let him keep the lines of communication open between us is all I ask. He still wants to play football and I hope you allow that too.”

“I will do my best to allow him to talk to you on the phone if he needs to and as for football I am afraid that game isn’t any good for him he is at too much of a risk to get hurt and I don’t want that to happen.”

She was turning into a super bitch right in front of my eyes. I can’t believe this!

“IF you take football away from him he will have nothing left to keep him occupied and active.” I said with some anger in my voice.

“Oh he can play soccer over by me and that will give him plenty of exercise. I am planning on signing him up as soon as this is behind us.”

I was doing everything I could not to literally punch her lights out and that included trying to bite my tongue.

“Soccer huh? Well good luck with that.” I said sarcastically.

“What do you mean by that JR?”

“I have had the soccer discussion with him and all my football players during practice and they all agree it’s a sport for wimps and I will politely leave it at that.”

“Well wimpy or not it’s what he will play now. I think we are done here JR I will have him call you in a day or two. She turned to walk away and stopped. Oh by the way I would appreciate it if you stayed away from the wake tonight and tomorrow and also I am not telling you that you cannot go to the funeral because that would be rude but I am asking that you don’t come and make a scene like you did today with the boy if you decide to show up on Monday.”

“Scene?? What on earth are you talking about?” I said with vigor in my voice.

“You know-- the moment you walked in he went running to you and interrupted the entire calm of the room”

“That wasn’t an interruption that was love!”

I didn’t mean to say that out loud but she just pushed my last button of self-control and I had enough.

“Love? By all means JR how can you possibly think of such a thing? That boy doesn’t love you anymore than he loves me. Perhaps you misunderstood what he was doing, he probably just did that because of some other reason. I would really appreciate it if you didn’t refer to that word anymore around me or him.”

She turned and walked away. I had to go outside-- I was about to blow a fuse in my head. I flew by Nicky who was watching us from a distance away but couldn’t hear anything. I went out and into the side alley and almost punched the brick wall.

“THAT FUCKING CUNT!” I screamed out not caring if anyone heard me.

I paced up and down the alley way trying to calm down. What a… I can’t even think of what to call her… I looked up and Nick was standing there at the end of the alley looking at me.

“JR, are you okay?” he yelled out to me.

I started walking towards him.

“Sorry pal but that didn’t go well at all.”

“Yeah I heard you… anyone close by heard you.” He said.

“Who did hear me?” I said.

“No one from inside just people on the street walking by. They turned to see where it came from but that was all. Then they went back to walking.”

“Oh…. Good.”

“What happened JR? I never heard you talk like that.”

“I will tell you when I calm down some Nick right now I wanna kill someone.”

He didn’t say anything else but the look on his face sorta scared me. I might have gone too far.

“Come on Nick lets go home, we aren’t welcomed here.” I said to him.

He followed me to the truck and I helped him in and then went around and started the truck. I backed out of the parking space and went to take off. As I put the truck in gear Matt came running out of the funeral home.

“JR!” He screamed out to me.

I pulled back into the parking space and got out. As he crossed the street Mary came out the front door and was standing watching us from the top step. Thankfully she was alone. He hugged me tightly. I didn’t need a big scene right now on top of everything else.

“JR where are you going? Why are you leaving me? You didn’t say good bye are you mad at me?”

“I’m sorry sweetie but I can no longer be with you. Your aunt told me in so many words that I can’t see you anymore and she is in charge now so I left. I’m sorry I didn’t think after she talked to me that way she would bother to let me say good bye to you so I just left.”

“But JR I love you and I don’t care what she says.”

“I know Matt, I love you too but she is in charge now and I don’t have anything to say. She can keep you away from me now it’s her decision.”

He hugged me again and looked like he was going to cry. She was walking across the street now and coming up to us.

“Matthew I want you to come here right this instance! As she said that she pointed to the funeral home. Leave JR alone and get back inside right now!”

He let go of me and turned to her.

“No! You are not my mother and I am not going to listen to you! Leave me alone!”

She took a step towards us and he went and ran behind me.

“Matthew you get over here right now or else…”

I looked at her.

“Or else what Mary? I said smugly. You wouldn’t think about hitting him now would you?”

She looked at me and the look on her face was priceless. Almost as if I read her thoughts and she was caught.

“Never you mind JR, I told you this is my problem, and I will deal with it. You can just leave right now.”

“I was doing that when the boy came out to me.”

“Yes I know he ran away from me when I told him you left and he wasn’t allowed to see you anymore.”

“You know that takes nerve lady. His mom is in a casket behind him and you are telling the boy more things he doesn’t need to hear. That’s real classy. I figured you for more than that!”

She didn’t say anything. I turned to Matt who was still behind me and got down on one knee.

“Look sweetie you need to go now. Go inside and be with your mom. Remember her for who she was and give her all your love. I will try to be at the funeral on Monday.”

“Why aren’t you coming tonight and tomorrow JR?”

His voice was starting to break up now. I could tell he was starting to lose it.

“I am sorry Matt but I can’t come. Your aunt has asked me not to come to the wake but since she didn’t tell me I can’t go to the funeral I will be there for you on Monday.”

“But… he paused while he looked at me then he turned and looked at her… I hate you Mary!” he screamed out.

She looked dumbfounded as she stood there totally without control of the situation at the moment. Others were now at the top of the steps of the funeral home and watching this and what a show they were getting.

“Matt I need you to come back inside right now! You are making a scene out here.”

He didn’t move.

“NOW MISTER!”

“No! Screw you!”

I didn’t know what to do or say. She looked at me like I was supposed to help her all of a sudden. I agreed with him but no matter what he can’t talk to her that way. I had to put a stop to this. I turned to him.

“Matthew… he looked up at me. I want you to go inside right now and calm down. Do this for me okay sweetie… I need you to be a young man now and stop yelling like this okay?”

“But??? But I want you…”

“Matt please? I can’t be here now… just go inside-- it will be okay I promise I will see you on Monday and your aunt promised me that you can call me anytime.”

He turned to her.

“Did you promise him I can call him anytime I want?”

“Yes… I did.”

“Do you mean it?”

“Yes Matthew I promise you can talk to him on the phone when you need to.”

“Okay Matt? I said, now go inside, and relax.”

He hugged me.

“I love you JR…”

He said it loud enough that she heard it this time…

“I know pal I love you too. Then I whispered in his ear. Go inside so that the wicked witch doesn’t make anymore problems for us.”

He pulled away and smiled at me. She saw that too. Then he walked past me and I patted him on the shoulders as he went back towards the funeral home. She looked at me, said nothing, and followed him. I watched them all the way back to the front doors. His other family members tried to console him some as he got to the top of the steps but all he did was turn and look at me. He waved and I waved back and he went inside. They looked at me emotionless and all followed. The doors shut and I got in the truck.

“I guess I don’t have to ask what happened to upset you in the alley anymore JR.” Nicky said.

“No pal I think you got the idea of what happened.”

“She is a real bitch isn’t she?”

I looked at Nick.

“Under no circumstances do I ever want to hear you call her or anyone that word again mister! You got me?” I said harshly to him.

“But… but...”

“But nothing Nicholas… she is an adult and you are to treat her with respect. She has done nothing to you!”

“Yes sir.”

He bowed his head with embarrassment. I started the truck and drove home. About half way home he looked at me.

“JR?”

“Yes Nick.”

“I’m sorry I said that.”

“I know love-- you were just upset with everything that happened. I am sorry I yelled at you, I was really upset myself too.”

“Its okay that you yelled JR I was wrong and you put me in my place.”

I reached out to him… squeezed his leg gently.

“You are lucky I am driving or I would give you a really big hug.”

He smiled at me.

“I love your hugs JR.”

“Hey I know… how about ice cream?”

“Yeah! Nicky said, that sounds super!”

Inside I was stewing… should I call a lawyer? Should I try to find his dad or would that bitch… come to her senses and do what is right? Matt might drive her to the point where she can’t take it anymore… I guess I will have to wait and see. Right now she knows she has no control over him what so ever and she hates that and probably me too. The ball is in her court now lets see if she lets Matt call me. I know he will ask her later for sure. I headed to the ice cream store for both of us so we can drown our sorrows. I pulled into the lot and we got out. I followed Nick inside we sat in a booth and eventually the waitress came over.

“Can I help you two?”

I finished looking at my menu and looked at her.

“Yes I will have the banana split with extra chocolate sauce and whipped crème.”

“Okay and the young man?”

“Hot fudge over strawberry and vanilla ice cream please?”

“Sure how many scoops?” she asked.

“I don’t care Nick just make sure you eat what you order.”

He looked at her.

“Two strawberry and one vanilla please.”

She nodded and walked away. I got up to go wash and check myself in the mirror. I didn’t feel right. By the time I came back she was already on the way to our table with… nothing but a question.

“I am sorry sir but right now we are out of marshmallow would you like to substitute anything else?”

“Sure you can add extra strawberries.”

“Very good, thank you.”

I looked at Nick.

“Don’t even think about stealing my strawberries.”

He giggled. Eventually the ice cream came and we both got plenty. We ate, tasted each others when no one was watching us and just had a good time while we tried to forget about Matt and his problem for a while. It was close to 5pm when we got back in the truck… just in time for supper ha ha like that wasn’t ruined… on the way home my cell rang and I scrambled for it hoping it would be Matt but it wasn’t it was Nick’s mom.

“Hi JR can I talk to my son?”

“Sure Margaret hold on…”

I handed him the phone and he listened and said very little. After a minute or so of ‘yes and ‘okay’ he handed the phone back to me we were now in my driveway and the truck was off but I wasn’t getting out until we were done on the phone.

“Hi Margaret it’s me JR I am back.”

“I just told Nick that nothing has changed yet in regards to a place to live but the coroner released my husbands body today and the funeral home has it I was going to have a service on Monday but if I understand correctly that’s the day Matt is burying his mom.”

“Yes that is true.” I said.

“Is Tuesday okay with you?”

“Sure it is I am off that day but in all honesty it’s your call.”

“I know JR but I want you there Nicky will probably be very upset and you have a way with him. Just knowing you will be there will probably make this go better.”

“I will be there and when you have time even tomorrow I would appreciate it if you could stop over I need help with something I want to run it by you.”

“Sure JR tomorrow is fine what time?”

“Anytime after 2pm I will be done with work.”

“Sure I will be over after 2pm. See you then.”

We said our good byes and hung up. Before I could get a word out Nick started…

“JR please don’t make me go to that thing for my father… PLEASE…”

I looked at him… didn’t say a word… he knew.

“DO I have to go?”

“Yes you do. Someday you may and I say MAY be able to forgive him for what he did but if you don’t do the proper thing now you might not be able to forgive YOURSELF…”

“Ohhhhhhh!” he said with disgust but nothing more.

He limped off to the front door and stood there waiting for me. I opened it and we went inside. I gave him time to cool off. He put the crutches down and sat on the couch. I went upstairs to get out of my suit. I was mentally exhausted after dealing with the bitch! After I got dressed back in shorts and a tee shirt I put the TV on in my room and laid on my bed to watch it. I wasn’t in much of a mood to do anything but vegetate. I heard Nick come upstairs one step at a time with the crutches. Thankfully this is his last day on them tomorrow he can try walking again. He looked into my room and saw me.

“Can I come in or are you mad at me.”

I waved him in.

“I am not mad at you cutie its just been a tough day dealing with Mary and then having your mom call and tell me we have back to back funerals next week sorta did me in.”

“I know what you mean.” He said as he sat next to me.

I was sprawled out feet to my pillows and he was right next to me sitting facing the TV.

“So you will be okay then Nick?”

“For now but Tuesday I might be like Matt.”

“I understand.”

I went back to watching TV and he sat silently with me doing the same. Nick started to rub my back and I didn’t say a word it felt great. I fell asleep shortly after that. I awoke to find him passed out next to me on the bed. I looked at the clock and it said 7:50pm. I sat up and wondered if Matt was going to call tonight at all or if she put him into restraints for the night after today.

To be continued….

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