Chapter 16. Seeking help with my problem.
I got off the bed and went to take a leak it wasn’t too late but late enough for me to wonder about Matt. I headed back to my room after washing up a little and Nick was sitting up on the bed now.
“You’re awake?”
“Yeah I woke when you got up I just didn’t feel like moving.”
He sat up.
“How ya feeling?” I asked.
“Like I could fool around some.” He said.
Typical teenager.
“Oh really fool around how?”
I played into his hands just to see what he had in mind.
“Do I really have to tell you JR or can I just show you?”
“I don’t care Nick but just remember its been a long day and I am not shower fresh. Between work and the crap I had to deal with at the funeral home I might not smell like a rose down there.”
“Okay I understand.”
I lay on my back with my loose fitting button shorts on and boxers underneath. He got closer to me and I watched as he reached out and put his hand on my crotch and started to rub me. He looked at me.
“Is that okay?”
“Sure is, feels good. You should see that yourself shortly.”
He smiled at me and went back to rubbing. I was getting hard now from his touch and might I add it sure was a good touch. I almost wanted him closer to me but this time I am just going to relax and take what I am given. He had me hard now and just as he was reaching to unbutton my pants the phone rang.
“Sorry Nick but that is probably Matt.”
“Great…” he said with disgust in his voice. I can only imagine what he was thinking.
“Hello?”
“Hi JR it’s me.”
“Me? Me who?”
“Come on stop teasing me!”
“Okay Matt you win, so she let you call me I see.”
“Yeah but what I had to go through to get to use the phone.”
“Go ahead and tell me if you can is she close by?”
“No she actually gave me some privacy. I am in the study with the door shut.”
“Great. Oh before you start I wanna tell you one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“I love you.”
“Thanks JR I love you too.”
Nick looked like he was going to be ill from all the sweet talk. He got up and grabbed his crutches and walked out. He waved to me as he left as if to say I will be back when you are done.
“So what happened when you went back inside the funeral home?”
“Nothing really she seemed to be really quiet and she went and sat down. I went over to Ashley and spent some time with her and Joey came over. Before I knew it we were ready to leave. She took us to dinner and said very little. All three of us were good as we ate and then she got home and started ordering me around and let Ashley and Joey go play in their room.”
“Ordering you how?”
“She told me if I wanted to talk to you tonight I had to clean up all over where Joey and Ash made a mess and then clean my room and get my clothes all hung up.”
“That’s not too bad.”
“That was the easy part. Then she made me take out the garbage and bring stuff downstairs for church in the morning. She is making us all go to church tomorrow JR I have never been there.”
“Well it’s not the end of the world it can’t hurt.”
“I know but church is so boring… I don’t want to go I want to be with you and do stuff.”
“I know I am working on that.”
“You are?” he said with delight.
“Yes and just incase… I will tell you about it Monday not on the phone.”
“Got you JR. she might be listening.”
“Okay I am gonna go but I will call you tomorrow and let you know how everything went. I wish I could see you and that you and Nick were coming tomorrow its going to be really hard without you there.”
“I know I wish I could go too.”
“Okay talk to you tomorrow JR, I love you.”
“Love you too pal. Good night.”
“Night.” He hung up and I yelled out for Nick.
“I’m in the bathroom JR be in shortly.
“Okay Nick.”
I sure hope he isn’t jerking off or he will miss his present from me. I started thinking about what to tell his mom without making it sound like this was more then just me being a grown up care giver. Don’t get me wrong, we know what it is but if she knew or even had a clue what happened under this roof… well lets say I can hear the bars closing on the jail cell door in my head. I have an idea but I’ll play it off her tomorrow when we talk. Shortly after I was alone with my thoughts the cute boy came back into the room slowly using his crutches.
“How is your leg?”
“Not good.”
“Why, what happened?”
“I sat down to go and when I went to get up I forgot for a second and put my weight on it. That went okay but I turned to flush and I guess I must have did something because a pain shot up my leg when I did that. I almost yelled out to you but it went away when I took my weight off it.”
“Come sit on the bed I want to have a look.”
He hobbled over on the crutches and put his butt on my bed. I went around to meet him as he let go of the crutches and used his arms to steady himself.
“Move back some.”
As he pushed himself back onto the middle of the bed I took hold of his leg and brought it around so it wasn’t hanging over the end. It looked a little swollen but no where near how it was yesterday.
“I’m gonna do a few things you stop me immediately if it hurts.”
“Sure.”
I grabbed his shin in one hand and the bottom of his foot with the other and pushed. I watched his face and he was expressionless. Next I pushed up and slowly bent his leg up towards him. About half way he started to show some response so I stopped.
“How much does it hurt?”
“A little.”
“Does it burn?”
“No it’s more like a throb or something like that.”
“Okay I want you off it for the rest of the night.”
“But what about what we started before the phone rang?”
“I guess we can do something but you can’t do a lot without being on your feet or knees and for now that’s out.”
“Awww come on JR you were just starting to get hard and I was too.”
“I have no problem with you doing anything as long as you don’t put any weight on that leg.”
“But I can’t do much otherwise.”
“I know. Sadly as much as I was liking it you healing is more important then me getting off.”
He looked at me.
“But what about me being happy?”
“I can do that for you if you want but doing anything to me is going to have to wait until tomorrow the earliest.”
“And you are working tomorrow too right?”
“Yes and I want you to call me in the morning when you get up first thing so I can find out how your leg feels.”
“All right.” He said with total disgust in his voice.
“Nicholas… how important is playing football? Do you want to get back on the field?”
“Come on JR that isn’t fair you know I do.”
“Then until we know how your leg is I want you to listen to me. If it doesn’t heal you are done with football!”
“No! Don’t even say that it will kill me if I can’t play.”
“Then I suggest that you take that smart brain of yours and start thinking about what is more important… making me cum or resting your sore knee.”
“I hate when you use logic on me JR.”
“Yeah I bet you do.”
“So if I promise to stay off it how will I get to bed?”
He was feeling me out now.
“I already thought you were in bed.”
“So I can sleep with you tonight?”
“Well I suppose since Matt isn’t here you might want to snuggle up with me tonight.”
“Yeah, awesome! Of course I do.”
“Okay then its set. You have boxers on?”
“Yes, why?”
“I was curious if you were going to sleep naked or in them.”
“Does it matter?”
“No of course not, I was only asking to make sure you don’t have to get up again soon.”
“What if I have to pee?”
“I guess you aren’t allowed to.”
He looked at me as if he wasn’t sure I was serious or kidding.
“JR… he paused. I don’t think…”
I started laughing.
“You suck… you were kidding and I fell right into it.”
“Yup, you sure did.”
“I am so stupid sometimes.”
“You said that not me!”
“I know.”
I got on the bed and crawled over to him.
“So what will it be suck or jerk off?”
“Both!”
“Aren’t you demanding?”
“You asked.”
“Yes I did but I didn’t think you would say both,”
“Pweeeze? It might make my leg feel better.”
“Yeah, I laughed. Your middle leg.”
He looked puzzled again and then it hit him.”
“God I am slow tonight. I must be tired I can’t think as fast as I usually do.”
“Tired and cute.” I said.
“Thanks JR you always know what to say.”
I leaned in and gave him a kiss on top of his head.
“Not always sweet boy… usually but not always or I might have blasted Mary good this afternoon.”
“I thought you did pretty good and Matt held his own too. Matter of fact I think Matt was great the way he acted and how he told you he loved you and all.”
“Yeah he was pretty good but it didn’t work. That lady is a tough cookie and whether she knows it or not Matt isn’t that easy to be around when he is mad.”
“You think that will help don’t you?”
“I am counting on it and talking to your mom tomorrow to get some ideas about what to do. Maybe she can help too.”
“But what can you tell her JR, I mean you can’t say you love him and need her help to get him back so you can have sex with him.”
“Gee… why not Nicky? That sounds great just that way you said it.”
“You are kidding this time I know it right?”
“Durrrr!”
Great now I sound like a thirteen year old. I am regressing!
“Come on JR… stop teasing me. What are you thinking?”
“It’s too early to say what I have in mind love. I need to talk to your mom and bounce my ideas and thoughts off her and see what she says before I know more.”
“I guess so. I just hope mom doesn’t catch on she’s pretty smart too ya know.”
“You don’t have to tell me that twice Nicholas. I know she is very smart!”
He was now lying down as we were talking about his mom and I was looking at him as I watched his hand wander down to his groin and he grabbed himself and did something before letting go but it was cute to watch, he did it again two more times before I decided to say something.
“What’s wrong you have an itch or something?”
Maybe it’s lonely and it needs your attention.
“Oh well I suppose I can do something about that.”
I got closer to Nick and looked into his eyes.
“Are you ready for some fun? Maybe I’ll take your mind off your leg pain for a bit.”
He smiled at me and shook his head yes.
I reached out and grabbed the top of his shorts and undid them and then my hand moved to the bottom and I started to pull them down. Seconds later they were off and on the floor. Now he had on his shirt and boxers. I got on my side and lay next to him. Then I reached out my hand and started to run my finger above where his cock was. I was playing about six inches above it just to get him going. I ran my hand all over the place above it and then I got closer but only around it not close enough to touch it yet. I noticed he was starting to pop up a little out of his boxers so I looked up at him. He was looking at me too. I went back to what I was doing but I got closer this time but still didn’t touch. Finally after doing this for close to five minutes I ran my hand over the top of the little lump that was now showing.
“Ohhhhh yeah! He said. About time you got to it.”
Since he was obviously in a hurry I reached down and grabbed the bottom of his boxers and gave them a tug. They came right down and I now had full access to his four inches of hard meat. Still in a teasing mood I brought my hand back and ran it through the fine patch of pubic hair that filled in nicely above his dick. He started to squirm so I must have been tickling him some. He was close to rock hard now and it was time to get at it. I brought my hand over to his beautiful cut four inches and touched his piss slot with a finger. Then I started rubbing it in just that one spot and he immediately took his hand and brought it over to push mine away.
“That tickles way too much.”
“Oh really so now I know another tickle spot.”
“JR please?”
“Okay Nicky I won’t go there.”
I brought my hand back to him and ran my finger up and down the underside of his shaft causing him to break out in goose bumps and close his eyes. I did this several times ending up at his ticklish hole but not staying long enough to cause him any problem. Now I started at the top and worked my way down his shaft and when I got to the bottom I went back up to do it all over again three times in a row. The fourth time I move down to his balls and started running all four nails on my hand over them gently massaging them.
“Ohhhhh!” he said letting out a soft moan.
I grabbed one and started playing with it and then the other. He was off now enjoying what I was doing. Finally I had enough so I grabbed him with one hand and started jerking him off. With my other I continued playing with his balls. I did this for about a minute jerking him off solidly non stop and then I stopped and brought my mouth over. I got close and took in his aroma which was that of a clean boy that has been through a days play. Not too bad! I put my tongue on the tip of his cock and licked it back and forth for a good ten seconds. This made him open his eyes but say nothing. Right from there I wet his cockhead and started to slurp on it and he put his head back down on the pillow and closed his eyes again. Finally I had him wet to the point where I could slide him in and out of my mouth without a problem. I began going faster and faster now as I teased his cock in and out of my mouth. I could tell by his breathing he was starting to get close and the taste coming from his piss slot made it clear it wouldn’t be long. I ran my fingers over his balls and down to his butt sliding one in between them as far as I could but not penetrating him. Between that and sucking his dick as hard as I could he was starting to moan more and more now. He had to be seconds away from filling my mouth with his golden syrup. I focused just on the head of his cock now and I licked and pulled with my lips until it finally happened. He let out a rather loud moan and grabbed the bed linens tightly as his back arched up off my bed and he pushed hard into my mouth. Then he began bucking up towards me adding to the movement and excitement of his own pleasure. Within seconds and without saying anything he fired off his first blast of cum into my mouth. I took it and the second one without a problem. He didn’t have a lot of it but it was plenty to taste. His third one was more of a dribble as I slurped it from the head of his cock. I got off him and watched him float away as some residual cum leaked out of the head of his dick. I waited a bit and when he started to move once again I went down and licked that little bit of sweet nectar up with my tongue and he jumped from my touch.
“Sorry JR I’m really sensitive afterwards. You can do a lot but as soon as I finish jerking off I really cant touch the head of my cock without going crazy for a little bit. Its really strong and if I do it, it makes me really go a little wild.”
I smiled at him but said nothing. I went back to looking at his cock as it began to get soft now. He was awesome!
“Want to go again?”
“Yeah if you give me about five minutes I am sure I can give you a few more squirts.”
“Yeah cutie I am sure you can too,”
I reached out and gave his cock a squeeze and them ran my hand over his balls as they lay low between his legs.
“You are one sweet, sweet looking boy!”
He looked at me and smiled. He was almost glowing.
“I wish I could explain how you just made me feel JR but I can tell you this… I love you so much and when you do that I love you even more if that’s possible.”
He sat up and put his legs onto the end of the bed and feet on the floor.
“I need to clean up some. Will you walk me into the bathroom,?”
“How about we go in and shower together?”
“That’s fine with me but what about standing on my sore leg?”
“You stand on the good one and I’ll wash you. Okay?”
“Awesome but what about you?”
“Don’t worry about me while you lean on the wall I will soap up and clean myself and then we’ll get out and dry off okay?”
“Sure.”
He was all smiles as I got up off the bed and stripped naked in front of him.
“JR you still look big to me even if I am getting bigger as I get older.”
I smiled at him.
“Give it time cute boy you will probably be bigger then me with any luck at all. Four inches at your age isn’t really small you know.”
“I know but I still feel small when I look at you.”
“Don’t worry about it Nick you will have plenty there soon to match that awesome patch of pubic hair that is already there.”
He just smiled, more like beamed from my kind words. I bet if more teens heard nice things there would be a lot less shyness. School locker rooms can be a harsh place sometimes no matter what. If you are too big you get labeled if you are too small the same happens. So you really can’t win unless you are poplar. Don’t ask me where that came from I guess I was thinking back to when I went to school and how some of the kids treated a few others. It wasn’t nice and I really wasn’t in a good place to help them get their courage up back then or I would have tried. I just fit in and was luck. I bet those kids that picked on them probably had small cocks themselves. I smiled and laughed.
“JR what are you thinking about you seem a million miles away?”
“Oh nothing much, just back to school when I was in the boys locker room. Something I said made me think back to then.”
“Guess it was good you were smiling.”
“Maybe one day I’ll tell you about it but for now come on let’s take a shower.”
As I held onto cute boy I thought about how lucky I was to have him in my life. Even if the circumstances were sad ones. When I was younger and even growing up I always had thoughts about what it would be like to share a house with someone younger. Now I get to find out and what a thrill it is. I held onto my cute stud as he put one leg over and then used the wall to steady himself as he followed with his injured leg. I let go when I could feel him gain his balance and then I followed him in. He stood a few feet behind me as I pulled the shower curtain closed and reached out for the water spigots. I let the water run while I adjusted it close to the right temperature so neither of us would be burnt or chilled with it when it shot from the top. The water hit me as I blocked most of it and it was just right so there was no rush to get it adjusted anymore. I turned letting it hit my back and I looked at Nick who was damp from what got past me.
“You ready?”
“I guess. I was really starting to enjoy what I was watching JR, I almost reached out and touched you.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“I don’t know… a little scared I guess.”
“Awww Nicky there is nothing to be afraid of, it’s just us two and you wouldn’t be doing a thing wrong if you touched me anywhere.”
“Thanks but its just…” he paused and looked at me.
“Its okay Nick, please say what’s on your mind.”
“Well… um… I guess I didn’t want to do anything wrong even though we have done a lot together I still…” he was struggling to get the words out.
“Still what?” Nick.
“Still getting used to touching an older man.”
“I’m sorry Nick how long has this been a problem?”
“Well… always I guess. I really don’t mind it most of the time JR it’s just that sometimes when we do stuff I guess… I don’t know… it’s hard to explain.”
“I really wish I could have known this sooner Nick I would never have put you on the spot or done any of this if I knew. I’m so sorry.”
“No JR please don’t be… honest it’s me just acting stupid. I really do enjoy being with you and how you make me feel but something I get to thinking about my dad and it just makes me feel weird.”
I didn’t know what to do or how to react. Was this his true feelings or was this just something that I shouldn’t worry about. What a bombshell!
“Tell you what Nick we will get you washed and then you can get out and dry off and I will wash and you can go and do whatever you would like as long as you are careful on the leg.”
“It’s okay JR honest. Can we just wash and forget about this. I feel horrible now that I said that.”
“You shouldn’t feel bad or anything Nick. I always, always want you to be open and honest okay? Please promise me that?”
“Sure JR I promise.”
I grabbed the soap and lathered up my hands.
“Okay pal turn around and I’ll wash your back.”
He held the wall and turned his back towards me. Damn he has a cute ass! I started washing his shoulders and worked my way down his back using my hands and the soap intermediately. I got all the way down his back and I thought about what he said and I stopped short of touching his ass. I was also still soft this time. Every other time I have done this with him or Matt I always worked myself into some level of erection but this time I was totally normal and uninterested in the sexual part of this.
“Okay lets get turned around and I will hold you while you finish.”
“But JR you didn’t wash my butt like you always do when we shower together.”
“I know Nicky I didn’t think it would be right doing it this time so I am leaving it for you.”
He looked at me but didn’t say another word. As I watched him wash and keep his balance he did the rest of his body without saying another word. I knew something was wrong now but I wasn’t about to get into it. I was getting tired now too after this long day and being up early. He was done so I let him rinse off and then he pulled the shower curtain back and as he did I grabbed his arm and he got out to dry off. While he did that I soaped up and washed the days grime off my own self and when I turned off the water and pulled back the shower curtain he was gone. I was shocked to see the bathroom totally empty. He snuck out. I dried off quickly and headed out to see what was going on but his door was shut and I decided it would be best to just leave things alone. I thought we were going to fool around some but after the bomb he dropped before I don’t know what Nick wants now. I finished drying off and put boxers on, straightened up the bathroom and headed down to secure the house before turning in. I wasn’t very happy now at all after learning that Nick had a problem touching me. I headed back upstairs and set my alarm for 5am and crawled into bed. I put the lights out and lay my head down on the pillow to try and sort out all the bullshit that happened today. With so much swirling in my head all I wound up doing was worrying myself about a lot of nothing. Well nothing I could do much about right now. Finally I dozed off and fell asleep. I heard my door creak open sometime later and I looked up to see the outline of Nick standing without his crutches in the doorway.
“What’s wrong Nick? Are you okay?”
“Can I please come over and sleep with you JR?”
“Of course, you chose your room cutie not me.”
He hobbled over to my bed and sat down on the other side. I waited for him to get in and settle down before I tried to go back to sleep. He was as far away as he could be at the moment which confused me some but I just figured that if I gave him room he would be fine. For the next fifteen or so minutes as I attempted to fall back to sleep he kept making some kind of noise or he would move just enough to keep me awake. I looked at the alarm and it said 2:02. At least I might get a few more hours sleep if he stops moving all around.
“JR I’m sorry I hurt your feelings in the shower.”
I rolled over and looked his way.
“Nick you did what you thought was right and spoke your mind. There is nothing I respect more than that. So please don’t be sorry for doing what is correct.”
“But you are mad now.”
“No sweet boy I am not mad just tired. Now let’s get some rest I have to be up in less then three hours for work.”
“Okay JR sorry I bothered you.”
I let it go just figuring that no matter what I said now it would be taken wrong. I slowly started to drift back to sleep. I finally got back to my slumber but it didn’t last long. Before I knew it the alarm went off and it was time to start another day. Sunday morning! I sat up and tried to get my brain to function. Finally it was either time to get up or lay back down so I stood up and walked out of the room. I went into the bathroom and did my usual thing before coming out and throwing on clothes to get me to work. I walked over before I was ready to leave the room and I looked at Nicky for a bit. I wasn’t quite sure where we go from here. After last night and his touching comment I might have to rethink a lot of the things I had in mind for the future but only he can help with all that when he decides what he wants. I looked at him for a bit longer and leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss on top his head before I turned to go. It was still early; I was actually twenty minutes ahead of my morning schedule for a change. I turned to go. 5:20… wow I thought to myself.
“JR?”
I stopped and looked back.
“Hey cutie what are you doing up so early?”
“Your alarm woke me and then when you kissed me I woke more.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“No, its okay. I should be the one who is sorry. I know you have to go to work but I didn’t want you to be upset all day…”
“Upset about what Nick?”
“About what happened last night. What I said to you.”
“It’s okay…”
“No it isn’t! He cut me off before I could say anymore… Honest JR it’s not okay not at all.”
I was glad I was early because this might take a few minutes.
“Okay tell me.”
I went and sat next to him on the edge of the bed.
“Look after I said that I started to think… I didn’t know what happened and I still don’t know why I said it but honest JR I don’t mean it. I do want you to touch me… maybe it was the pills or me being tired or worrying about my dad’s funeral but whatever it was I was wrong and I am so sorry I hurt you in the shower last night.”
“Its okay sweetie honest.”
“No its not!”
I could hear it in his voice now. He was upset… more than I ever remembered him in the past other then the day of the fire.
“Look I don’t want you to be late but when you get home I want to talk to you about this a lot more okay? Please don’t be mad at me. I was so stupid last night and I wanted you to know before you left and I am glad I woke up because I really couldn’t sleep last night thinking about what I said and how mean I was.”
“Okay Nick, thanks it does mean a lot. We will talk when I get back and I will be home for the rest of the day and depending on what the captain says, maybe all day tomorrow too since it’s the funeral.”
“Oh yeah… with everything else I almost forgot about Matt.”
“I am gonna go but how is your leg?”
“Better so far but I haven’t walked yet. if I have trouble I’ll call you at the station but I will be careful I promise.”
“All right go back to bed and rest the leg.”
“I will JR thanks.”
“Your welcome cute boy.”
I turned to leave.
“JR?”
“Yes? I turned and looked at him again.
“I really do love you.”
“I know you do Nick, I love you too. Now rest, we’ll talk when I get home.”
He put his head down and I left the room. I did feel like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders but I was still mystified about what happened last night. Guess I’ll find out later. I got my stuff and left, it was a little later but still only 5:30 and I was ahead of schedule still. At least the coffee shop will be open now. I got in the truck and headed off. I wonder if the captain will give me a problem with Monday. I got to the coffee shop and grabbed a bagel and coffee and was off to work. I got there earlier than normal and sat down and relaxed for a bit before shift started. I talked to a few of the guys and they filled me in on what happened last night while I ate. It was basically a quiet night and that was good. Captain arrived about 5:55 and I went into his office to talk to him.
“Morning Cap.”
“Morning Scott what can I do for you?”
“Sir tomorrow is the funeral for Matthews’s mom and I was wondering if I could take the day off?”
“I don’t know right now… I will already be down one guy tomorrow. Let me see what I can do and before shift is over I will have your answer. I know this is super important for you so I will do what I can.”
“Thanks Cap.”
“No problem.”
I left his office and went out to see the guys. EMT Roberts, my partner came over to me.
“JR how’s the boy?”
“Which one?” I said.
“Nicky I think? The one we went to your house to work on his leg.”
“Well, he was still in some pain last night Jimmy but I think if he stays off it he will be okay.”
“That’s too bad; he really must have hurt it badly.”
“Yeah it’s looking like it.”
“So you said which one to me, how many do you have in your life?” he asked jokingly
“Quite a few since I coach football but two are very special to me. The other one Matt is having lots of problems. Tomorrow his mom is being buried.”
“Oh wow, sorry to hear that… is there anything I can do?”
“Thanks but right now I need to get off so I can go to her funeral but Cap is having a problem finding someone. He told me we already have one guy off so I might have to make other plans.”
“I would offer but I am already working.”
“I thought you had off Monday.”
“I did but Cap asked me to work 2-10pm and I can use the OT so I said okay.”
“Sounds good are you still off Tuesday?”
“Yeah I need that day I have things to do.”
I laughed.
“Yeah I know the feeling. So who is working Monday?”
“I didn’t look but I think its Dennis Smith.”
“Oh well that’s good he is a good EMT and easy to get along with.”
“Yeah I know I met him midweek. We did a shift together when you were off the other day.”
“Oh, so that’s who covered that day.”
“Yeah, he was thankful too he said he needed some extra cash too.”
“I think we all do Jimmy, none of us are rich.”
“Ain’t that the truth?” I said back to him.
“Hey I have an idea… I have nothing going Monday so what if you did 6-8am and then I could come in early for you and if you don’t make it back after the funeral I’ll just take the rest of your shift and roll it over into mine.”
“Thanks Jim but 8am till 10pm is a really long day.”
“I know but like I said I am off Tuesday so it doesn’t matter.”
“Okay let’s ask Cap.”
We walked over to his office and knocked. Cap waved us in but he was on the phone. He hung up about a minute later.
“What’s up guys?”
“Cap I was talking to Jimmy about Monday and he offered to come in early.”
He looked at Jim.
“So you are okay with working a double?”
“Well not a total double Cap. I talked it over with JR and he said he would work 6-8am and I would come in at 8 for him and work till 10.”
“Okay if you are up for that kind of long day that’s fine with me. I am only allowing it because you have Tuesday off otherwise I would have to say no.”
“Thanks Cap.” I said as we headed out.
“No problem JR, like I said I know how important this is.”
We walked out and once again I thanked Jimmy for offering to help.
“This is big Jim, thanks I will pay you back one day.”
He laughed.
“I know you will JR but we work as a team here and since I am new I need the extra time on duty. It will help me get through my probation and maybe I might even learn more.”
We both laughed, just then an alarm came in.
“All Companies respond to possible working house fire: address came in as 5th Ave and Maple St at the corner. Time out…06:21”
We headed to the truck as everyone else scrambled for their gear and their own truck. Within seconds we were off as sirens began to wail down our street so everyone knew we were on the way. We were following the pumper as we turned off Sweetwater Rd onto Maple. We crossed 1st street and saw the smoke in the sky ahead as the day began to brighten with sunrise upon us. Four more blocks and we would be there. Cap was in the front seat of the pumper and he would be in charge when we arrived. Since this was an all call we expected the other companies to get there shortly since this was our side of town and we were closest to the scene. One block away we could see flames as we passed 4th street. The fire was in a house on the corner of 5th and Maple. We stopped before the block as the pumper pulled up a half block to the hydrant and the guys began to lay hose in. I ran to Cap with Roberts on my tail and he told us to Scot up which meant get the air tanks on and try to see if anyone was inside. Flames were visible from the top floor “B” side right now. I got to the door first and it was locked. As I turned Miller was approaching with a Hooligan bar and a pry axe. I took the axe and he hit the door with the bar forcing it open in seconds. The heat level was low on this floor but smoke was visible. We were all in self contained breathing gear as we entered cautiously and began to search. I went left, Roberts to the right and Miller headed upstairs. Two more guys followed us in both went downstairs to check the basement. Since it was early there was a strong possibility that anyone could be sleeping so we used maximum manpower to search the house. The area I had to check was small so I quickly finished and headed over to help Jimmy. I found him in a side room and he had no one so far. We finished the first floor and by the time we headed back to the steps we could see more smoke at the ceiling level and it was getting hot. It appeared to be an attic fire now. I headed up staying low to the steps and Jimmy followed. He was still a rookie so he had to be very careful until he learned exactly what was expected. We got to the top and didn’t see Miller so I pointed right and Jimmy went that way and I headed to the left. I found him in the bedroom with one person in bed and the room was very smoky. No smoke detectors were going off so I assumed the house was without them. It looked like an adult from where I stood. He had them so I took off as he followed. We got to the steps and he went down as I went to the other side to help Jimmy. He was at a bed also as the smoke thickened over our heads. Jimmy had two children in a bedroom both hiding in a closet as we continued to search. He grabbed one and I took the other as we headed out. By the time we got to the top of the steps the other side where we just were was showing fire. We headed down just in time as we heard a big crash behind us. It felt like the attic gave way or something but I wasn’t about to turn back and look carrying a four or five year old girl in my arms. We got out just fine and they already had the mother on the grass and were working on her. The children were okay just caught some smoke but scared quite a lot. We handed them over to the police after a quick check over as we went to work on the woman. They had her on the ground as they were doing chest compressions. She wasn’t breathing. I grabbed for the paddles as Jimmy opened her top to give me access to her chest. I charged the defibrillator to 200 and yelled out clear bringing all hands away as I hit her chest with a jolt to attempt to bring her back. We hooked her up and checked the monitor as the shock brought her back to us. We called into the hospital and reported what we had. I recognized the voice on the other end of the radio as she replied, it was Nancy, one of the nurses I knew well. I reported what we had and told her we were on our way in. By now they had the ambulance there and we got her into the back and Jimmy went over to follow in the truck as we headed to the hospital. I looked at the house as we were loading her into the ambulance and it was still going well in the attic. Changes aren’t too good right now for them to save it but anything can happen. We took off and headed to the hospital.
We arrived in about eight minutes and had people waiting for us as we backed into the emergency bay. They rushed her into the ER as I followed. Jimmy joined me as the doctors began to work on her. We watched for the next ten minutes as they stabilized her condition and then we went to grab a cup of coffee. On the way back I found Nancy and she told me the woman would be okay, we got to her in time. We talked for a second and then I heard the captain call into headquarters for mutual aid for clean up but announced the fire was under control. We said good bye and headed back to the scene. All in all the kids were okay just shook up and by the time we got back to the scene their father was there and I filled him in on how his wife was and he seemed to be a lot better as he hugged his two kids. We got back to the station around 8:15 and Cap cleared us to shower as he called us out of service for fifteen minutes while we cleaned up. The other station would cover us for a while. By 8:35 we were back in service and a few of the fireman were cleaning up as we went to straighten up the truck and check supplies.
“Nice job out there guys.”
Cap said as he walked over to us,
“Thanks Cap. Jimmy did well to find the kids and Miller got to the woman just in time.”
“Yeah I was talking to him about it as you headed in with her.”
“I’m glad she will be okay, Jimmy said, two kids and all. He shook his head. It’s just not right.”
I looked at Cap. As I turned to go check on something else and he smiled at me.
“Rookies huh… JR?”
I smiled back at him.
“Yeah Cap but we all had to start there too.”
“Ain’t that the truth JR!”
He patted my back and headed into the office to do some paperwork. Jimmy came over to me after he left.
“He wasn’t upset was he?”
“No, not at all. He was just thinking back to the day when he was new. It never really goes away Jim… you always have it in the back of your head at a house fire that anything can happen and we are just doing our jobs good or bad.”
“I guess I have a way to go huh?”
“Yeah but that comes with experience and the only way to get that is by fighting these things and dealing with the good and bad afterwards.”
“I hear ya JR.”
“Come on lets finish up I could use a bite to eat.”
We finished putting stuff away and cleaned up the truck. By 9am we were done and sitting down for something to eat at the table in the firehouse kitchen. Thankfully other than a broken arm around noon and a false alarm while we were out on the broken arm call the rest of the day was quiet and it was now 1:45 and Sunday was half over. Two quick hours in the morning and then it was time to see Matt and bury his mom. I haven’t heard from him or Nicky so I grabbed the phone and called. Nick answered on the second ring.
“Hello?”
“Hey Nicky, everything okay?”
“Yeah, Matt called around 12:00 and I told him you were working. He said he would call back when he could but he had to be at the wake by 1:30. He told me to tell you he loved you and missed you but would love it if you could come today.”
“I wish I could but you know as well as I do that I am not really allowed.”
“I know JR it sucks, she is so… he paused because he knew he was going to say the wrong thing… she is just nasty. I laughed. You coming home soon?” he asked.
“Yes in a little bit, I am meeting your mom, but I wanted to check on you. How is your leg?”
“Great. I got up at 10 and put a little weight on it and it didn’t hurt. I looked and the swelling was down too maybe I will be okay JR? What do you think?”
“We’ll see but you just stay off it.”
“I will. I am watching one of the preseason football games. Wish you were here with me.”
“I will be soon. Keep a seat open for me, but don’t forget your mother okay? and i know its gonna be crazy when we get there but i did want to talk to you about last night too.”
“Yeah it’s cool. I want to see her and I do want to talk too JR. Oh by the way Bastion and Tommy called from Bastions house he wanted to know if they could come over. I told him you had work till 2 so he said he would call back after that.”
“Okay if you want to and you are up to company call him and tell him they can come at 3:00. I’ll stop and pick up some food at the store and be there by 2:30.”
“Great thanks JR I need my friends around.”
“Yeah I know you do. See ya in a bit.”
“Okay bye, JR… and JR?”
“Yeah pal?”
“I love you. I know you can’t say much from there but I wanted you to know.”
“Thanks, same right back at ya.”
We hung up. I called Margaret and told her I would be a little late and I would meet her at my place at 2:30 so we could talk about my problem with Mary. She said fine and she would see me then. Ten more minutes till shift ended and the guys from next shift were starting to arrive to work. I talked to a few of them about what we had this morning and filled them in on our great morning and our save. They were happy we got the family out and then they went to see Cap. The afternoon shift has a Lieutenant that runs the shift from here. As does Cap from here since we are the home quarters in town. So LT. Mathis came in just as I finished telling the other guys about how our morning went and after he said hi he started to talk to them. I am senior man without rank but that really means nothing unless everyone happened to be out or sick. Cap came out and listened and then after that Mathis went in the office with the Cap and they did their chat and Cap passed his orders over to the LT. and he headed home. I found out Monday that the Chief was coming in late morning to inspect things and go over the usual things he is in charge of doing. I won’t be there so I don’t care. We have one captain and two LT’s that run the shifts and if one is out there is always someone of rank available to help out myself included. There are other officers too at other firehouses that we can use as occasional back up. I spent the last ten minutes cleaning in the locker room and wasting the time.
As the clock chimed two I was dressed and heading out the front door saying good bye. I headed straight for the store and spent a few minutes getting a six pack of beer and a bunch of goodies along with a few bottles of soda. I loaded the truck and took off arriving home at 2:20. I got to the door and just barely opened it with my hands full and Margaret was already inside sitting with Nick. They were talking as I walked in with my arms full.
“Hey you two.” I said.
“Hey JR Dallas is winning by a TD.”
“Great. Unfortunately I won’t be able to see much of it since I have to talk to your mom.”
“Oh yea well we have the late game won’t we?”
“Sure and your friends will be over so you won’t be alone.”
“I know but it’s just more fun with you here.”
I smiled and went back out for the rest of the stuff. I brought three more bags in prompting Margaret to comment on how much I could spend on these kids.
“Enough! I said. A little chunk of my paycheck.”
“Yeah I bet.” She replied.
“We can go out back and talk if its okay.”
“Sure JR.”
She got up to join me and she helped me put the groceries away.
“Are you thirsty?”
“Maybe in a bit I’ll have something.”
We headed outside and sat at the table.
“So what’s so bad that you need me?” she asked.
“Matt and Mary.”
“Oh this can’t be good then if you need me,”
“Its not, she wants him to stay with her and the two other ones but she hasn’t treated him nice at all, she make him clean up after both of them and I had to threaten her into letting him call me and talk to me. Margaret Matt is miserable and he is acting up. She is going to have a whale of a time with him.”
“Wow that a boat load of problems.”
“I didn’t even get to some of the bad stuff.”
“You mean there is more?”
“Yes… right now I should be at the wake but I am here because she asked me not to come.”
“My God JR is she insane?”
“I don’t know. What I do know is she told me when I go to the funeral tomorrow that she doesn’t want me making a scene.”
She shook her head as she listened to me. I went on and told her about what happened at the wake the scene outside and how Matt acted in the street and anything else I could think of including that she doesn’t want him playing football anymore. Finally I was done and I looked at her.
“That’s amazing JR. I don’t know what to tell you. She has custody of them and other then finding his father you are really at her mercy. I am not a lawyer so I don’t want to give you the wrong advice but she is really asking for trouble. I mean look what Matt did in the street. If you weren’t there I would bet he probably would have gone ballistic on her.”
“I know Margaret. I just wish there was some way to convince her to take care of the two younger ones and leave him with me.”
For the most part we were done talking but I was steaming inside. I wish there was a way to fix this. At least I got to talk to another adult about this so I was able to get my feelings out. We both got up and she gave me a hug. We walked back inside and I went to get her a drink.
“What will it be?”
“Just a sip of soda please JR.”
As I opened the refrigerator the doorbell rang.
“Once sec let me get that.”
I walked over and opened it and Bastion and Tommy were standing there.
“Hey boys come on in.”
“Thanks JR.” they both said.
They went over and greeted Nick and the three of them started to talk. I headed back into the kitchen and Margaret had already poured herself some soda.
“Sorry about that.”
“Oh please you had to get the door and I am not helpless.”
We made some small talk mostly about Nick for the next ten minutes and finally she got up and told me she had to go.
“I’ll be in touch but for now please take this.”
She extended her hand out and gave me cash.
“You know I hate taking anything from you right now Margaret.”
“Yes I do but I insist. After all he isn’t cheap to feed and I am sure he goes through more food in one day then you are used to buying.”
“Yeah he sure does.”
We both laughed. She went over and gave Nick a kiss and told him to be good then said hi to the boys. After that I walked her to the front door. She gave me a hug and told me she wishes me good luck with Matt and she would call if she got any news or anything came up. As she left I shut the door and looked at the cash in my hand. I didn’t look earlier and I was surprised at what she gave me. One hundred dollars. She is broke where could she get that much cash. I walked over and looked at the three boys sitting in my living room.
“You boys hungry?”
“Yes!” said Bastion.
“You bet!” Tommy said.
“Do you even have to ask?” Nick said.
“How silly of me.” I said. How about Pizza?”
“Great! Nick said what kind?”
“I’ll get regular and pepperoni.”
“But I want sausage.” Tommy said.
I looked at him.
“I’ll give you sausage.” I said to him.
He smiled and Nick and Bastion looked at me. If they only knew that Tommy and I had a small history. They cheered as I smiled and went to call the local pizza parlor after I was done teasing them. Since Margaret was so nice I ordered three pies and they told me thirty five minutes. After I called I went over and sat on the couch next to Nick. Tommy saw this and got up off the floor where he looked comfortable and came over and sat on the other side of me. Bastion was already in my recliner so he stayed there and we watched the game for a bit. I sensed a bit of jealousy from Tommy although I could be wrong. I gave it some thought not sure how Bastion would react to this because he has never seen Tommy or Nick act in a loving or caring way towards me and it appears that if Tommy is doing this because he is jealous there might be some of that. I watched Bastion out of the corner of my eye but since nothing was happening yet he wasn’t showing much if any interest in what we were doing. Nick and Tommy kept their distance for now and nothing was said or done. There was a break and Nick got up. I watched as he stood on both legs.
“How are you feeling?”
“Like I want to try and walk on it.”
“Just be careful.” I said.
He now had all three of us watching him as he walked off with a slight limp and headed over to the steps. He took his time but climbed upstairs without much if any problems. When he was out of site I looked at Tommy.
“You doing okay today?”
“Yeah JR thanks for having us over. I can't think of anything else I would rather be doing.”
“I can…” I said.
“Yeah like being with Matt at his mom’s wake?” Bastion said.
“Exactly.” I replied.
“I’m sorry JR I didn’t think about that.
“Don’t worry about it Tommy, I asked you remember so don’t feel bad. You two gonna come to the funeral tomorrow?”
“I’m not sure; I have never really been to one and I…”
“You what Tommy?”
He looked down and then away.
“Tommy what’s wrong?”
“It’s a little embarrassing to say JR…”
“So what, it’s me and Bastion. I said as I looked at him. Neither of us are going to laugh.”
“You better not.” He looked at Bastion and he shook his head no with a serious look on his face.
“Okay… I’m a little scared to go. I don’t really wanna see anyone get buried.”
“That’s totally understandable Tommy. I said. It’s a perfectly good reason but I think Matt would love it if you and Bastion came tomorrow since you are both close friends of his.”
Nick was done upstairs, probably went to the bathroom and he was headed back down as we were having this discussion.
“So Bastion are you going?” Tommy asked him.
“Yeah. My mom asked me last night and she said it would be good if I went.”
“Went where?” Nick said.
“To Matt’s mother’s funeral tomorrow.” Tommy said to him.
“Oh… I didn’t think about that. JR I don’t have anything to wear if I go.”
“I’ll call your mom and see what she wants to do.”
“Thanks.”
He went and sat back down on the couch as I went for the phone.
“Hello”
“Hi it’s JR.”
“I just left five minutes ago what’s wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong but we were just discussing the funeral tomorrow and since Bastion and Tommy are going I thought it would be good for Nick to go too and support Matt.”
“That’s a great idea but I don’t have a suit for him.”
“What do you want to do about it?”
“Give me a few hours to work on it JR. its Sunday so that makes it that much harder to get one but I’ll make a few calls and let you know.”
“Great. Talk to you later.”
“Thanks JR.”
“Thank you.”
“Bye.”
“What did she say JR?” Nick asked.
“She is going to make a few phone calls and get back to me.”
“Oh… so that means she doesn’t have one for me.”
“Exactly.” I said,
“JR Nick is close to my size and I can call home and ask my mom if I have an extra one for him to use.”
“Good idea Tommy go call your mom and see what she says.”
He went over and used the phone. I couldn’t hear him across the room with the TV on and Bastion talking to Nick. After a minute he hung up and came over.
“Mom said she doesn’t think she has an extra suit but she might be able to call someone and borrow one. She will call back when she finds out.”
“Great. I said. Now all we can do is wait.”
Tommy came back over and sat next to me on the couch as we focused back on the game and waited for the pizza to arrive. I was starting to get hungry and with three pies this time I was sure to have a few slices even with three hungry monsters here. For now both Nick and Tommy were keeping their distance and nothing was happening. I have a feeling if Bastion wasn’t here they might both be fighting for a spot on me but that’s only my opinion.Thirty more minutes passed and the boys were now complaining about being hungry and I was too for that matter. Just as I got up to call and ask where our food was the doorbell rang. So instead of the phone I got the door. It was a young kid and he was holding the three pies.
“Sorry mister I couldn’t find your house. It’s my first day but I promise they are still warm.”
“Okay. I took the pies and handed them to Tommy who was practically breathing down my neck. How much do I owe you?”
“That will be $22.15 sir.”
I paid him and still gave him a few bucks tip and closed the door. By the time I was heading for the pies I had three kids already attacking them on the kitchen table.
“Hey you guys mind if I have some?” I barked out.
Tommy and Nick were almost done with their first piece already as I grabbed one regular and one pepperoni so I would at least have two. I ate my pieces at the table while the boys stood and talked or did whatever they wanted to while they scoffed theirs down. I think I finally got it right this time when I ordered 24 slices of pie for the four of us. I actually had two more slices and there were several pieces left. They wound up eating four or five pieces each and I wrapped the rest up for later or tonight.
“Okay guys I don’t care whether you like it or not but I want hands washed now. I am not going to have pizza grease on my furniture.”
At least the got up and did what I asked without bitching. Since I was already done I sat down and watched the half time show of the game. It was now around 3:30 and the boys were on their way back to the couch. We all sat and talked about our team and then finally the game came back on. Late in the fourth quarter the house phone rang. This time I had it close to me so I didn’t have to go running for it.
“Hello?”
“JR it’s me Matt.”
I got up off the couch.
“Hang on a second. I said as I walked into the outside porch shutting the door behind me for some privacy. Hey love you home?”
“Yeah about fifteen minutes now. I couldn’t wait to call you JR I miss you so much. I tried earlier but Nicky said you were working.”
“Yeah I was how are you?” I asked.
“Not too good. She is really being hard on me and I hate being here. I am gonna do something really soon if she doesn’t give me a break!”
“But she let you call me.”
“Big deal… she had to JR I told her at the wake that if I couldn’t call you when I got home that I was gonna do nothing else to help her around the house.”
“Look cutie you need to calm down some and relax.”
“But JR she spent the morning telling me how much I am gonna love playing soccer and I don’t need football and all the physical stuff. I wanted to scream at her then but I didn’t.”
“You hang in there Matt, I will see you tomorrow, and as of now Bastion, Tommy and Nick are coming.”
“Oh great” he said with disgust in his voice.
“What’s wrong Matt, I thought you would love having the support of your friends.”
“JR I am sure I will be crying tomorrow when I say goodbye to my mom and I don’t need them seeing that.”
“Oh… well I know they will understand sweetie especially Nick. No one is going to laugh at you they might even be just as upset.”
“I don’t know JR it’s not their mom.”
“Looks I am going to try and get you from Mary on Tuesday. Margaret is going to have a service for Nicky’s dad and I thought you might want to go.”
“No, not really JR tomorrow is going to be bad… I don’t want to do it two days in a row.”
“Are you sure Matt I know it won’t be easy but you will get to spend some time with me and under the circumstances I don’t see Mary saying no to this.”
“You don’t know her the way I do JR… I felt like stopping him right there and telling him he was wrong but I bit my tongue. She is evil and I really think she is enjoying doing this to me.”
“Oh come on Matt I think you are going a little bit too far, no?”
“Maybe but still I miss you and everything else… I want to play football and I want to go and hang out with my friends. I am not playing soccer!”
“That’s fine just tell her you don’t want to. I am sure she will listen.”
“I wish… I already told her three times I am not playing that sissy sport and she told me that I was or it was nothing. I told her good then nothing but she ignored me. She said don’t worry you will change your mind when you see how much fun it is. JR I wanted to scream at her. I swear she is a miserable witch,”
“Okay, okay calm down before she hears you and makes you hang up. I am working on trying to find some way for you to live with me so hang in there it might take a few days.”
“Okay but I better see you tomorrow morning JR or I swear I am gonna run away.”
“Matthew… look I love you dearly but I don’t want to hear that from you again understand me?”
“Yes sir.”
“Good now do what you have to, to keep the peace and take care of your brother and sister.”
“I am JR I don’t have a choice she makes me clean up after them all the time.”
“A little work won’t hurt you sweetie just be strong it will get better really soon.”
“I’m trying, really I am… oh, and there is one more thing… I heard her say that there was a will or something and they are going to be reading it this week. What is that JR do you know? I’m not totally sure even though I have been told about it I just don’t know what it’s all about.”
“Yes it’s a sealed document that your mother made up before she died or a long time ago and it probably tells everyone who gets her money and who gets to care for you, Ashley and Joey.”
“You mean she could have left a message in the will telling everyone who gets to take care of us? Do you think she could have put you in charge of me JR? Please say yes, please?”
“Matt I wish I could tell you that but I just don’t know. I might not even get invited to the reading. Only people in it are allowed to go.”
“Well I haven’t heard anything yet but I did hear her on the phone and when she hung up she seemed to be mad. I wanted to ask her but I don’t want to talk to her anymore then I have to.”
“I understand Matt. Look hang in there and I will see you tomorrow remember if you are really good I might be able to ask her if you can stay with me tomorrow night and then we can go to Nick’s service for his dad.”
“I really don’t want to JR but if it gets me out of here and I can be with you I will do it.”
“Lets see. Now you behave and be at your best so we have a chance.”
“Okay I promise I will. I am gonna go now JR. She will start yelling if I stay on any longer.”
“Okay pal, I love you very much, don’t forget that.”
“Don’t worry JR I won’t, its all I have keeping me happy.”
“Then you better behave or you won’t have that, she might take it from you too.”
“Yeah I know. Bye JR, I love you.”
“Bye pal.”
I hung up and walked back inside.
“You were out there for a while JR who was on the phone?”
“Nick how can you just ask him that? What if it was private?” Bastion said.
“Oh yeah… I wasn’t thinking of that.”
“Thanks Bastion but its okay. It was Matt and we talked about some things.”
“Is he doing okay JR?” asked Tommy.
“He is hanging in there like a trooper but he isn’t very happy.”
“Yeah I know why too.” Said Nick.
I looked at him and he didn’t say anything else.
“Why?” asked Tommy to Nick.
“Ummm, I better not say it’s kinda private and I don’t want JR kicking my butt all over the house.”
Tommy started to laugh when Nick said that. He was right though if he would have opened his mouth he was gonna get something all right. The phone rang again a little bit later and Tommy’s mom was on the other end. She said she was able to get Nick a suit and she would drop it off when she came over but she would be a little while since she had to go get it. I thanked her and called Margaret. She was quite happy to hear the news since she struck out on her end and had nothing. The game ended and Bastion went home after he said good bye to us. I walked him to the door, it was almost 6pm and he had things to do anyway so he thanked me for everything as he usually did and headed next door. I went over and sat by Nick back on the couch and we put on something good to watch while we waited for Tommy’s mom to show up. Tommy came over and sat back next to me and sure enough he was a little different now that Bastion was gone. He immediately leaned on me. He didn’t seem to care what Nick saw and I found it a little strange but Nick was now leaning on me too. So maybe since Nick was doing it he thought it was okay if he did too. I certainly didn’t mind. His mom showed up around 7pm and we thanked her for what she did. She dropped off the suit and Tommy thanked me for everything and looked like he wanted to give me a hug but he stopped short of it with his mom there. He left and I went over and say with Nick.
“We have to try this on soon Nick.”
“Yeah I know can it wait just a little bit please JR?”
“Sure pal.”
We watched TV and after a while I was getting a little sleepy and Nicky was already leaning on me and half asleep himself even though it was only around 8pm. I remembered what we had to do so I got up and that woke him up. His leg was a lot better now too. I reminded him about the suit and he took it and started to undress in front of me to try it on. It was a perfect fit which made me happy and after he was done I hung it up and we went back to the couch and watched some more TV until we both fell asleep. I got up at 9:30 and woke sleeping beauty up who looked so sweet leaning on me I hated to do it but we have so much to do tomorrow that I need a good night sleep. He hobbled up the steps and after I secured the house I followed. It didn’t take long for both of us to get to our own beds and me to fall asleep.
To be continued…
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