Chapter 20.   Getting to know Tommy better and the Reading of the Will. "You know... as we approached my room, I was going to pat you on the butt going up the steps but I wasn't sure if that would bother you so I didn't." We walked into my room and he turned and looked at me. "You could have JR it probably would have gotten me hard." "Yeah I know it might have but what I didn't know is how you would react to it." "I think I would have been fine but thanks for asking. Next time if we are alone and we are going to fool around nothing is off limits JR." "Thanks Tommy, I had to be sure." He stopped talking and stripped off his shirt and then undershirt as I shut my door just incase Nick decided to come home unexpectedly. I walked over to the half naked attractive thirteen year old reddish-brown haired boy and looked at his almost hairless chest for a few seconds, a few dark strands of hair beginning to form on it now, and then I looked into his awesome green eyes. I reached out and ran a finger up from his belly to his small teats gently pinching each of them. He watched me silently, his eyes fixated on my every move. "That was different." He said. "Was it okay with you that I did that?" I asked. "Sure I don't care what you touch JR I totally trust you." "Turn around for me please." He did as I asked. He had a nice build to him and some muscle tone on his back but on his front he still had a little baby fat that really added to his cuteness more then hurt it. "Okay you can turn back." He turned back to me. "What was that all about?" he asked. "Every time I have been with you all we have done is fooled around in a hurry. This time there really isn't a rush and I wanted to see exactly how awesome you look." He immediately turned red in his face. I reached out to him putting a hand on each shoulder, he didn't pull away. "Thomas there is no need for embarrassment here. I have seen you naked and if you can deal with that then what we are doing now is...." "Weird coach." He said cutting me off. "Sorry Tommy. I didn't realize or even think that this would bother you. I just wanted to see a little more of you instead of just what was in your pants." "I guess I'm not used to having anyone check me out, I'm sorry." He lowered his head so I couldn't see his face. I reached out and put my hand under his chin and lifted it so we could see eye to eye. "Tommy, this is something I am doing with you because it's special and you made it happen. It can be awesome when two people who like each other get together and fool around this way. If that is good we are fine but if that bothers you then maybe you should put your shirts back on and go back to Bastions house. I am not going to risk hurting you nor embarrassing you at all. If you want to be with me and feel that you can without any of this bothering you, without it being awkward, then I want to get to know you for more then just your dick. Do you think you can be open enough with me or am I asking too much?" The red was still showing in his face almost to the point where it was close to matching the tint of his hair. He looked down and then up at me and then his head turned and it was obvious he was struggling with this. I walked over and grabbed his shirts and handed them to him. "Tommy... I love that you want to be with me and even more I love that you were smart enough to come to me and be so open the first time but... I am a little confused about why you are acting this way now. I feel that I am someone you can come to for this but if you can't handle the extra little bit of attention I was giving you now, and if this is making you think, act and feel uncomfortable then this thing isn't the proper thing for us to do. You have to want more then just your dick rubbed and I don't mean to sound rude... you don't have to love me or do anything weird with me, but you have to understand that what we are doing together should go both ways, it isn't just dangerous, it's putting me at risk. This can be very special and it takes both of us to make it work. Understand what I mean?" "Sorta coach but I just wanted you to get me off and make me feel good." He said with a lot of hesitation in his voice. Sort of like the words I just spoke to him were either taking some time to sink in or just meaningless. "So are you just telling me that me touching you, looking at you, or doing anything other then making you cum is wrong for you?" The pause and silence was deafening. He couldn't or wouldn't answer as I waited patiently for a reply but what he didn't say out loud, spoke volumes to me. "Tommy, I want you to think about this. I want to make you happy and I want to do what is right but if you are just using me as a way to get off and relieve your sexual feelings it's not fair to you or me. Get dressed and think about it okay." I put my hand on his shirtless shoulder once more. "I will be here for you and I will be very happy to do this with you but not unless it's for the proper reasons. You can't just expect to come over and get off and then leave; it's not fair... or is that what you want from me Tommy?" Again he couldn't or wouldn't answer my question but he was still red faced and now visibly upset with something, either what I was saying or maybe with himself for using me as his sexual aid. I can't read him so I can't say for sure but apparently I was pushing the boy's buttons and he was embarrassed or maybe upset that this was happening and he wasn't sure how to express it. I went and opened my bedroom door and then I turned to look back at him. He was still standing there holding his shirt. "You take all the time you need Tom. I'll be downstairs, you can come and talk to me before you decide or if you don't feel up to it you can just leave and we will forget this ever happened. I'm sorry." I walked out the door and downstairs. I stood waiting for him to come down for a good minute and finally with his shirt still in his hand he slowly came downstairs looking at me the entire way. He walked up to me and put his arms around me. I returned the hug. "I'm sorry coach. I didn't mean to use you." He sounded like he was crying but he wouldn't pull away so I could see his face. He squeezed me tighter and I just held him. There was definitely something wrong and I have a feeling I was going to find out. Finally with a little nudge I pulled him away and looked into his face. "What's wrong Tommy? Can you tell me?" He shook his head yes. His eyes were red but there weren't any tears yet. "I'm scared." He said. "Of what?" I asked. "Getting too close to you or anyone, I just figured if I came over and you did this stuff with me and I could leave quickly nothing else would happen and I wouldn't have to worry about it. I would be happy and I figured you would be too just because you got to be with someone my age and..." He stopped cold. I was curious as to where he was going with this now. He blinked and finally a tear rolled down his face. "And what Tom?" I asked. "And you would get what you wanted and I could just leave." He looked at me, another tear rolled down his face. "But when you started talking that way you made me think and you made me realize I am scum and I was just using you to get off because I was afraid to let anyone else know!" "Know that you are gay Tommy?" He shook his head yes and then started to cry harder. "I don't wanna be gay coach... I wanna be normal." He came to me again for another hug. I put my arms out and wrapped them tightly around him. He hugged me back just as tightly. This wasn't going to be easy to deal with either. I thought Nick and Matt had problems but at least they seem to know what they want. This cutie doesn't even want to be gay and he seems to think he can just change it. This isn't going to be fun at all! I let him cry for a bit and get it out then I pulled him away from me. "Tommy you aren't scum okay? Please don't ever say that. You are confused and if you are open and honest with me I will help you with this, do you think you can do that, be that way with me?" He shook his head yes as he dried his tears away. "I'm sorry I used you JR." "You didn't use me. Come one lets sit and talk, we will figure this out." We went into the kitchen I poured him a glass of water and then we sat at the table. "First off Tommy I need to know, did you enjoy what we were doing together those last two times or were you doing it because you were confused and just thought it was something you needed to do?" "Both." Great! I thought to myself. This is going to take a while. "Can I ask you son, how are things at your house?" "What do you mean?" "I mean your mom, your dad... your family? How is that?" "I don't have a family coach. My mom... she is mostly useless. My dad... he is a loser who left when I was younger. The only thing he did was leave my mom plenty of money so I would never need anything that way. My mom just puts up with me and does what I ask without questioning it. I don't know if she is afraid to let me down, afraid of me or just..." "Just what Tommy?" "Just a loser who has guys over late at night when she thinks I am asleep in my room and the coast is clear. Coach I hear her. I don't know if she is stupid or just thinks I am asleep or stupid myself. I hear her... the moans, the bed shaking and everything else. Almost every night, but in the morning she is always happy and acts like nothing happened overnight. She has always been there for me, every morning when I get up for school or anything else. If I ask for something she gets it. If I ask her to do something she does it. It's almost sick how I ask and she jumps for me but I am tired of hearing the same thing almost every night. I am thirteen, I am not stupid I know she is having sex and even if I don't know who it is, it happens almost every night after I go to bed. The only rule she has is that I am in my room by 11pm and then when I shut my door it's almost like she has the guy outside and she waves him in. They go in her room and then it starts. I am so tired of hearing it but I don't know what to do, how to say something to her and forget about me talking to her about my feelings, about if I am gay or just confused. Coach I didn't mean to use you but when I signed up for football and you took my measurements that day and you checked me that way it made me think. It made me wonder if you were gay and if you could help. I am sorry I didn't mean to be such an ass hole to you." He totally shocked and floored me with that little story. I thought he had a brother, sister and good family life I guess what I heard was totally wrong. I don't even remember who told me all that now besides it doesn't really matter. He lowered his head and didn't say anymore. He had said plenty already. I was letting it all sink in before I said anything to him. It was a lot! I reached out and grabbed his hand. He didn't pull away. "Tommy." He looked up at me. "You aren't a bad boy for what you did. You are confused and probably just needed to talk about this. I will do anything I can for you, to help you but I don't know if us fooling around anymore is proper, especially after what you told me just now." "Coach, I mean JR I really love what you and me were doing and when you started to look at me and check me out upstairs before I kind of got scared. I think I am gay. I look at girls but it doesn't do anything for me. I look at a guy and I get hard. But I want to be normal." "You are normal Tommy. Being gay or thinking you are isn't a bad thing." "Then why do I have to hide it?" He asked a good question. Now I wish I had a good answer. "Because even though we know its right in our hearts society thinks that a man is supposed to be with a woman and even though that is changing a little it still has a long way to go before its totally accepted. So in everyone else's eyes it's just wrong or they are too scared or stupid to see it differently. Tommy if you want to be with me its okay, if you want to be with someone your age that's great. If you want to be with a girl that's fine too but only you know for sure what you want. Understand me?" "Yes. I think I want to be with you but I want you to teach me. Can you teach me? Would you show me what its like to... make love, to touch another guy properly and anything else I need to know?" "Yes Tommy I can do that but not over night. Remember I have my hands full right now with Nicky living here and I am trying to get Matt away from his aunt before something bad happens. I will do what I can for you but its going to take some time. Can you be patient?" "Sure I can JR as long as I know I have you there for me and as long as I know you care about me I will wait as long as I have to. I will see you a lot and you can teach me about being friends and love and sex and being gay right?" "Yes I will show you about all that but you have to decide and learn what is for you. We have to start with us though. You and me and the things we are doing now are most important, what we talked about upstairs to get all this going." "I know. I really am sorry about that. I just didn't think about your feelings, just about me getting off and how you made me feel when it happened. I promise from now on JR... from now on I swear if we do anything it will be because I want to and not because I just want to cum." I smiled at him. "That's a great start Tommy." He smiled back. "So tell me cute boy... do you want to try upstairs again or have you had more then enough talking to me now?" He seemed to be beaming now. I wasn't sure if it was what I said or just him getting all this off his chest. "You really think I am cute JR?" "I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it." "Thanks. No one has ever talked to me that way or shown me that they care like you do. I know I was wrong with what I did JR but you are always kind and I always thought you cared. I just wanted to have that feeling and nothing more. But now I swear I want to learn and I want you to teach me. Right now please can we go upstairs and try again?" "Yes but I don't know how long we have Tom. We spent a lot of time talking and Nick could be home anytime." "It's okay. If he comes in I will just tell him I was very upset about something personal and that should work right?" "It might but I don't know what he would believe if he found us in my bedroom upstairs and alone. All the words in the world might not change his thoughts about that." "Then can we go downstairs into the bathroom? Please JR; I want you to do what you were before. I want you to make me feel good and teach me something this time. Please?" "Okay but downstairs, I can't risk us being in my bedroom alone, not right now, when I don't know if Nicky could be home any second or not." "Sure JR... its cool I understand." I got up and so did he and we headed for downstairs. This might be fun but one thing it will be a little different and maybe I can explore his body like I wanted to before. Every other time I was so rushed and really I feel that again but only because I don't know how much time I have now before Nicky comes back. We headed down and then directly into the bathroom and I shut the door. "Okay Tommy this is your show. You decide what happens and I will follow your lead I just want one thing though. I want you to be able to show me your body without being embarrassed. We need to start there or this might not work for you." He didn't say anything yet but he quickly stripped off his shirts. "Okay JR just like before I want you to do what you did so I can learn from it. Show me and explain it this time please?" "Okay, before I had you take off your shirt because I wanted to see how awesome you're looked. The last time all we did was get you off and then we were so rushed nothing else really happened. So when we were upstairs before I wanted to see your beauty and how awesome your body was. That's why I was checking you out that way." He once again was turning red. "Are you okay Tommy your face is getting red again?" "Yes this time I am, I mean I still feel a little embarrassed but at least I understand now and its okay. I will get past this and I want to get past it and feel good about myself." I smiled and he smiled back. "Great. So what I did was look you over because you are so good looking. Then I turned you around," with that I gently turned him like before. "And I looked at your back." "What did you see JR?" "I saw an awesome back that matched the front and then you got red like you are now." "Sorry." "Don't be sorry Tom its okay and you stop me if you feel something is wrong okay?" "I will, I promise." "Okay take off your shorts." He dropped them quickly and was now in just his boxers. "Okay now take off your boxers and get completely naked." He hesitated for a second but then reached for the waistband and lowered them. He was now standing in front of me totally naked and soft. What a killer body. "So? How do I look?" "Sweet and awesome." I put the lid down on the toilet and sat down. "Come closer to me Tom." I reached out for his soft penis. "Now if any of this bothers you please stop me." "I will JR but I don't see how it will, after all this is what I wanted from you I just didn't expect to be totally naked or have that talk first." I started to stroke his soft meat and it quickly began to harden. Two strokes and it grew. "That feels so good. JR I'm not small am I? I mean I know I have a lot of growing to do but I am not too small now for my age right?" "No Tom you are perfect." "Thanks." I stroked him a few more times and he was hard now and standing straight out. I reached under and felt his balls. That made him jump a little but he didn't do anymore. I fondled them and he continued to get harder. He was now rock hard as I grabbed his dick in one hand and played with his nuts in the other. "Wow that feels great, even better then last time for some reason." I stroked him several times and he didn't speak, just moaned a little. After a good minute of this he had a drop of precum begin to form at his piss slot. He was definitely enjoying this. "JR if you keep going I won't be able to hold back. You are doing that good!" "Okay then I am going to stop and turn you around I want to show you a little with your butt." "Okay just please promise you won't hurt me." I looked him in the eyes. "You have my word." He turned after I said that and I now had two very sweet ass cheeks in my face. "Okay I want you to reach back and spread your butt cheeks for me." "You promise this won't hurt right?" "I swear." He pulled his butt cheeks apart and there were the beginnings of pubic hair and a beautiful pink butt hole staring me in the face, along with it was a bit of musky scent like he wasn't totally fresh. "When did you shower last Tom?" "Ummmm, yesterday why?" "Just wanted to know..." I said. "Is everything okay back there? I mean you asked that for some reason." "Yes I did, don't forget this is where you shit from and I don't want to play back here if you are... well you know..." I couldn't bring myself to say it but he seemed to understand me. "Yes, I got ya. I should be okay back there." "You are okay but sometimes okay isn't good enough, this time it is." "Sorry." He said. "Don't be sorry you didn't know what I was going to do so it's not your fault but in the future if you do come over and want more you know how you have to be, right?" "Oh yeah I totally understand now." "Great. Now I promise I won't hurt you and if anything I do bothers you too much just tell me and I will stop." "Okay JR." I reached in between his cheeks and put my finger on his hole. He jumped and shuttered a little but didn't do anything else. I ran my finger over it a few times and he let out yet another soft moan. "Awww man that really feels good and weird all at once." "You want me to stop?" "Hell no! Do it more, please!" I did it again and again he gasped and let out another dull moan. He was getting off on this some way. Then so was I! I wanted to push my finger inside so badly but I wasn't sure if I should or if he was ready for it. So I just ran my finger up and down and around it and he seemed to be totally lost in the moment. "Okay turn back." He did as I asked and he was rock hard and leaking some with a big drop of precum on the head of his cock. This was going to be fun for sure and he was going to get a lesson too! I reached out and took hold of his solid five inches and started to stroke it once again. At first he was looking at me and then he closed his eyes. The more I stroked the more he began to squirm and pant. "JR I am getting there." I stopped and he immediately opened his eyes. "Why did you stop? I was so close I was gonna let fly." "Because I want this time to be special and you want to learn so we are going to tease a little and I am going to show you what a great orgasm feels like instead of just a good one." The redness of embarrassment was all but gone now but his face was rosy red and he had a few beads of sweat on his forehead. "Now I want you to understand I am not going to be forcing this or taking advantage of you but this is how this works. That little bit of ass play I did before was to show you how good it feels. Now if you think that is special then I need you to have an open mind and let me be a little more free back there, can you do that?" "Free how?" "I want to slide my finger inside you." His eyes opened a bit more and he suddenly had a look of concern on his face. "I don't know JR even I haven't done that a lot. Are you sure its going to be okay?" "It will be okay, it will be weird, it might even sting a little but I won't hurt you I promise. If it bothers you too much say so and I will stop but if you can deal with a little discomfort and weirdness there will be a very, very special prize at the end. I can almost guarantee it!" "If I say okay will you use at least use a little lube or something?" "I can do that but I wanted you to see exactly what this feel like. If you are worried open that top draw and take out the tube of lube and hand it to me." He immediately opened the draw and grabbed the lube. He turned and handed it to me and watched me put a bit on the tip of my finger. Then I looked at him. "Now this can either be what you want, a learning experience and a little weird or I can wipe this off and just make you cum. What do you want?" He thought about it for a long second as some precum oozed off the end of his splendid looking red dick. It was a fine long strand of precum that looked exactly like someone was dribbling from their mouth and it was just hanging there. It looked so cool! He was getting a little soft now too but nothing to worry about. He is a teen and one touch should bring him back. I gave him almost a minute to think as I stood there watching the lube almost run down my finger as I waited. "Tommy... I need to know bud; we are running out of time. Nick can be home any second and then you don't get to have me do anything to you." "I'm sorry JR it's just that this is big and I am a little scared." "That is understandable but you never know in life if you don't try so either say yes and we try or say no and we finish off normal like before. Do you want before or do you want something more?" "I want something more JR." "Okay then, is that your answer?" "Yeah, I guess, just please be gentle." I looked him directly in the eyes. "You know I will sweet boy." He cracked a smile and I told him what I wanted. "Face the door so I have access to your butt and your dick." He stood sideways and I was ready. "Okay spread for me." He reached back and pulled apart his butt cheeks and I brought my right hand up to his butt. I lubed all around his hole and looked up at him. "You ready?" He nodded yes. So I took hold of his cock and it jumped a bit. The precum made it very nice to work with. I stroked it a few times and then as he was paying attention to that I slowly side the tip of my finger into his butt up to my fingernail. "How is that?" I asked. "Okay so far." I wiggled it and he made a face. "That's just weird!" I chuckled. I stroked him again and then pushed a bit more. I was looking at his face the entire time waiting for some reaction. Finally I was about half way in and he just had a look like ‘wow' this is creepy or something. I got him back with the stroking I was doing and when he watched me play with his cock it took him away from his butt some. I then pushed in one more time not knowing what I might get from him expression wise or inside him. He didn't react as I pushed all the way. "Okay I am in how is that?" "Just messed up JR. it feels so weird." "Just wait, now we are going to have some real fun." He didn't comment. I started to stroke him again after stopping to check if he was okay. After a bit his eyes started to close and a little more precum wet the end of his cock. He was now solid again and beginning to squirm like before. I started to wiggle my finger now and slide in and out just a bit and he gasped but didn't say anything. I got my stroke and finger going together and he began rocking with me some. He was now panting and obviously getting closer with each deep breath he took. He reached out to grab the sink to steady himself and I pushed as deep inside him as I could which caused him to open his eyes and mouth but not say anything. I could feel his prostrate some and I pushed on it. He let out a moan as I did that and I also squeezed his cock at the same time and stroked as fast as I could. I pushed and pulled in and out of his tight ass a few more times and he let out a quite loud moan and then began to fire away. I watched the cum fly out of his cock landing on the floor and wall of my bathroom as I slowly pulled my finger out of his ass with a plop and then stroked out as much cum as I could before letting go of him. I steadied him as best as I could from where I sat but the view was awesome and I found myself getting lost in it some. He was holding the sink and doing well not to fall over as I watched him drool, cum, sweat, and orgasm all together. The feeling must have been overwhelming if not the most powerful he ever had from how his legs and knees buckled some. That and the four shots of his thick cum splattered all over my floor and walls were enough to tell me he was fine. His face was totally red now and a few dribbles of sweat ran off the side of it as he slowly began to come back to me. He took a deep breath and then another before speaking. "Oh my GOD!" he said. I stood up because I needed to wash my hands. I was full of cum and had something else on my finger from the other end. (It wasn't bad) as I adjusted the water he finally began to speak to me. "Oh my God JR... you were so right. I mean it was weird, hell it was fucked up... oh sorry... but man that was amazing, it was impossible to even explain!" I finished washing and dried off as he looked me in the face. He looked beautiful. Sweat mixed in his hair and on his face, red rosy beautiful cheeks and a totally killer smile. "See that cute boy, I told you it would be good." "GOOD?" "Ha! That wasn't good that was unbelievable! It was so... just so powerful I thought I was gonna pass out and die from how strong that felt. I swear JR you were so right and I totally understand where you were going now and what you meant when you said it would be good!" I smiled at him. "You need a shower." I laughed. "Shit yeah! I am soaked and more!" "Okay use the stand up shower behind you and I will get you a towel. I'll wait upstairs after I bring the towel back down because if Nick isn't home he will be soon. I am shocked we were able to do this and take this much time without it backfiring." "Yea well I am not shocked but I am stunned I guess. I will never doubt you again when it comes to anything sexual JR... MAN YOU WERE AWESOME!" He went to hug me. "Just wait and hold off on that for now. You are all sweaty and after you shower I will take my hug." He smiled; actually he hasn't stopped since he came. "Okay JR when I am done you are gonna get the biggest hug I ever gave anyone!" He turned and went to start the water as I went to leave and get him a towel. I could still hear him raving about it as I shut the door. I was happy but when the either wears off from this sexual affair how will he feel? That's when I will see how this went for real. I headed upstairs and as I got up there I heard the front door shut. "JR... I am home!" "In here Nicky." He walked in and we met in the kitchen. "I am going to get Tommy a towel." "Oh so that is where he went. He came here?" "Yes and we talked a lot about him and then he asked if he could take a shower so I just sent him downstairs and I am getting him a towel." "Oh kewl, but he needed a shower?" "Yeah we talked about his home life and stuff and it got a little emotional so he wanted to wash up." "Ohhhhh, okay now I understand." "Good, I am glad. Let me go get him a towel then we can talk and you might want to think a little about ignoring him at Bastions house, that's why he came here well over an hour ago." I said after looking at the clock and rubbing it in just a bit for effect. "Yeah when he comes up I will apologize." "Good, I'll be right back." I went and grabbed a towel and brought it down. I knocked and entered. "Hey Nick is here, everything is good. I told him you and I were talking, you got a little emotional and you wanted to wash up. He was fine with that." "Great, you aren't far off either I think I got very emotional." "I know. Before you come back up I expect this place clean and no cum on the walls or floor. Please use the towel you dry off with and leave it hanging up for me." "Okay JR, no problem. I'll be up in a bit I am almost done now." "Great we'll be waiting and I think Nick might have an apology for you too." "For what?" "For not paying attention to you when you were next door like you told me before." "Oh, that was so long ago I almost forgot, actually with everything that happened I did forget but I will play it cool when I come up." "Good, see you in a bit. We are going to eat and then go to practice it's almost 4pm." "Oh wow that much time went by? I need my gear JR will you take me for it?" "Sure, we are only going to have a snack and then go to practice so we won't be late." "Okay, I am coming out now." With that the water turned off and he pulled back the shower curtain. I was still in there so I couldn't resist seeing him naked one more time. I stood gawking as he reached for the towel. "Damn you are so hot!" I said jokingly to him. "JR you better get out before we get in trouble from Nick." "Oh yeah!" I forgot. "And JR, thanks for everything and your kind words today they really helped me a lot. I won't forget about that hug I owe you even if Nicky is here you will get it some time." "Okay cute boy now dry off before I come over and play with you some more." "I think I would like that but I don't know if Nick would." "Smart ass!" I said. He just snickered and I turned to leave. I headed back up and Nick came over with his famous words. "JR I am hungry." "Yeah I figured as much. When Tommy gets up here we will have a quick snack then I am going to take him to get his gear and after practice we will go eat something big okay?" "Yeah that sounds good." He said. Just then my phone rang and I went to get it. "Hello." I said. "JR it's me..." I got something important to tell you but she doesn't know I am on the phone I have to hurry." "Hey love what's so important?" "I heard her on the phone and she must have thought I wasn't paying attention but she was really mad and raised her voice so I started to listen. JR this might be great, I heard her say something like ‘he will get that boy over my dead body' so I listened more and she was talking about the Will and Friday and then she said it." "What did she say sweet boy?" "She said, I don't care about any letter, I will fight it to the end! Then she realized she was talking loud and she said she would talk more about it later and hung up the phone ending the talk with whoever was on the other end of the phone with." "Wow Matt that sounds huge. I wonder what letter and if it's something your mom wrote before she died and even more what she knows and how she found out." "I think so JR, the way she made it sound it must be... oh shit!" "What's wrong?" "I gotta go she just walked in on me. I will talk to you soon she is coming over here......" I heard some fumbling and Matt yell out stop it and then the phone went dead. I was happy and a bit upset he got caught but this was the best news I got to date and as long as nothing happens and there is a letter this might go really well. I hung up the phone and turned and Nick was there and smiling widely. Over at Mary's house.... As she grabbed the phone and slammed it down on Matt... "Who said you could use the phone and what were you talking to JR about?" She snapped. "I was calling him to tell him I missed him and thank him for the last two days is that okay?" he barked back at her. "I think you are lying mister so why don't you tell me the truth and admit that you probably heard me downstairs and called him to tell him what you heard!" "I think you are losing it Aunt Mary and I don't like you putting words in my mouth!" he said rather loudly to her after she continued yelling at him. The days of dealing with Matt and past frustrations having caught up with her she reached out and smacked Matt across the face. Stunned he grabbed his face and looked evilly at her. She suddenly realized what she did and got very apologetic and sympathetic towards him. "Oh dear... I am so sorry Matthew I didn't mean that." He pulled his hand away from his face to reveal a big red hand mark not that he could see it. Just then both Ashley and Joey came walking in on them and Ashley saw the mark first. "What happened Matt?" Ashley said. He looked at them and then at her. "Should I tell them or should I call the police and tell them? Or maybe after that you owe me a free night at JR's house so what will it be Aunt Mary?" She didn't say respond to his verbal threat, just turned and walked out of the room with an astonished look on her face. Matt looked at his brother and sister and spoke. "Don't worry guys, I am fine, Aunt Mary was a little upset and she made a mistake. Let's go in the other room." They went to do something and Matt went after her. He found her in the kitchen sitting with a worried look on her face. He wasn't about to let this go. "So do I call the police and have them look at my face or can I call JR and have him pick me up for tonight?" "You can call JR but I am warning you..." "Aunt Mary... you really don't have much room here to warn me you just smacked me in the face and I don't really think that the police will take that lightly if I call them." Frustrated and a bit confused she gave in. "Go ahead and call your precious JR but only tonight! I want you back here before the Will reading tomorrow or you will never see him again!" she barked at him threatening loudly and she quickly left the room. "YES!" he said pumping his fist in the air. He went to call JR back. Back home at JR's house... "I heard it JR... I heard it all. This is so awesome! I hope there is a letter." Just then Tommy came upstairs and he saw us both all giddy and celebrating some. "What happened?" "It's too soon to talk about it yet Tom but I may have found a way to get Matt." "That's just awesome!" he said. "Yes it is!" I yelped out. "Come on let's eat a little something and then get you home for your gear." JR opened the refrigerator door and took out the left over pizza and put it on the table. "Okay guys there are five slices... I'd like one and you can each have two so one of you grab two and let's start them in the microwave." Just then the phone rang again. "Hello?" Jeremy said picking up the phone. "JR it's me." "Matt... I didn't expect you to call back after what happened, is everything okay?" "JR please come get me." "What? Matt are you okay." "Yes but hurry, please I need you here now!" "Okay I am leaving now! Bye." He turned and looked at Tommy and Nick. "Boys sit tight I will be back as soon as possible Matt needs me now!" "Okay JR we'll be right here." Nick yelled to him as JR flew out the front door. "That was weird Nick, does he always do that?" Tommy asked him. "No, something is wrong, he would never leave like that unless something was up." "Oh well he really must care about Matt then." Tommy added. Nick looked at Tommy. "You have no idea how much he cares about both of us Tom, he would adopt Matt in a second if he could." "Yeah I know I was just being stupid when I said that." "Well don't! I know JR pretty well and you are my friend Tommy but don't talk that way about JR OKAY!" "Sorry.... I didn't mean it bad Nick... I was just saying..." "Yeah well if you want to stay my friend you better not say much more like that about JR okay?" "Yeah, okay, okay I am sorry." I got into my truck and flew out of my driveway and headed over towards Mary's house not knowing what was wrong as I heard the urgency in Matt's voice. Thankfully traffic was light and it took me five minutes to get to her block. I turned down the block and Matt was standing outside holding his overnight bag, what the hell is going on? I stopped my truck in front of her driveway and looked at Matt quickly before I got out. "What's wrong Matthew, what happened, I got here as soon as I could and what the hell is that on your face? Did she hit you?" "Yes... that is why I called you and told you to come get me. I got her so pissed off that she hauled off and smacked me across the face. So I threatened her and asked her if I should call you or the police." I tried not to smile as I hugged him and looked closer at the mark. "I knew you would get to her eventually but I never thought she would smack you, I should go in there now and give her a good piece of my mind!" "No! I have the advantage now JR and I am spending the night at your place thanks to this smack. That's also why I called you." "You are so smart cute boy, I am proud of you... sorta." "Sorta?" "Yes I don't like that it took you being hit to get out of that house and I want to get a picture of that before it goes away. Come on get in we are going to get a camera." He ran around and got in throwing his overnight bag into the back seat. "We need to get that while it's still red so I am going to run into the drug store up here and get a disposable camera." I pulled up to the drug store and ran inside while Matt sat waiting. A few minutes later I paid for the camera and came out and opened the passenger side door. "Okay Matt hop out of the truck and look straight ahead for me while I snap a few shots of that hand mark." I took four picture of his face just as the red hand mark was fading away but I think I got enough to use it if necessary. "Okay Matt, lets get back home so we can all go to practice. I am sorry this happened but I am so glad you will be able to stay with me tonight because of it." "I am too... not sorry just glad it did happen. I really didn't try this time JR she just lost it after she caught me on the phone and let me have it just as Ashley and Joey walked into the room." "So they saw your face too?" I asked. "Oh yeah right away, they both saw it but I told them not to worry about it." "Are they okay with that?" "Yeah, I talked to them and told them what I had planned and that I would see them tomorrow because Aunt Mary demanded I get home before the Will reading." "Okay that can be a small problem... I have to think." "What's a problem JR?" "Don't worry I already have an idea?" I made it back home and pulled into my drive way and immediately we ran down to Bonnie's house I knocked and she came and answered it a few seconds later. "JR, hi how are you and Matt, oh wow Matt what happened to your face?" "Bonnie I already took pictures but you can clearly see the smack mark right?" "Yes its fading some but I see a hand mark, what happened?" she said to Matt. "My aunt smacked me, that's why I am here with JR Bonnie. It got me out of her house tonight." Matt was smiling but she was a bit upset. "You shouldn't be smiling honey that must hurt." She said. "It only hurt for till I called JR and got him to pick me up. I knew it would get me out of the house tonight and I really didn't do much to get her mad this time." Bonnie looked at JR. "Wow Jeremy she went a bit too far this time huh, what are you going to do?" "Nothing for now let's see what happens tomorrow. I already took pictures, Ashley and Joey also saw it so I hope you don't mind but I may need your proof if it comes down to me fighting her for Matt." "Sweetie you know damn well you have me in your corner, now more then ever so don't you worry one bit. If I have to go and testify about that smack I will be totally honest in a court of law and say exactly what I have to." I smiled at her. "Thanks Bonnie." "You bet," she looked at Matt. "Honey you are okay right?" "Oh yeah, thanks Bonnie I am super now that I am here." She looked at me and smiled again. "You know JR I really think that boy likes you some." "I think you may be right. Look we need to get ready for practice but there is a little more and I will try to see you later and tell you the rest but for now I gotta get going." "Sure Jeremy, we'll talk later, I'll be over to drop Bastion off at the field shortly, bye now." She waved as we walked off and we waved back as we headed next door where Nick and Tommy were at my front door waiting for us. "What happened JR?" Nick yelled out as we walked up. I was about to tell him when Nicky yelled out... "Wow Matt what happened, who hit you?" "That isn't really important right now Nicky but now you know why I left in such a hurry, sorry to leave you and Tommy alone like that." "Don't worry about it JR I totally understand and I think Tommy does too." I looked at Tommy. "It's cool JR, really. I am just glad it all went good." "Well it will tomorrow, I am pretty sure of that now." I said. "Unless something major happens I have a feeling Matt will be living here for good." Both Matt and Nick cheered after I said that but strangely Tommy didn't. I wonder what's up with that. "Well anyway guys... we need to fly so let's get going so we aren't late for practice. Did you two finish the pizza?" "Yes and I cleaned up too JR I hope that's okay." "Yes, I really don't have much of an appetite right now anyway and thank you for cleaning up." "You're welcome JR." Nicky said. "Okay boys in the truck we need to stop over at Tommy's house and get his gear and it's already 4:45." Matt and Nick hustled over to the truck and I grabbed Tommy holding him back. "What's wrong pal, I see the look on your face." "Nothing important, it can wait till later JR okay?" "Sure as long as you and me are good." "We are really good JR I swear... I just had a little problem with Nicky but nothing bad happened. We can talk later okay?" "Sure, go get in the truck, I'll get you home for your gear." I got in and we drove off to Tommy's house. We got there and he ran in to get his gear. I looked at Nick through the mirror and he looked at me. "You okay Nicky?" "I guess, we can talk about it when we get there okay?" "Sure pal." Matt looked at me and then at Nick who was in the back seat alone now. "What happened?" Matt said to Nick. "We'll talk later Matt okay? Not right now, besides Tommy is on his way back to the truck." "Sure Nick, no problem." Tommy got into the truck. "Okay coach, mom knows I am going to practice, we can go now." "Good." I said. We drove there in silence. Other then the radio none of them spoke, it was a little of an eerie silence but we'll work it out later. I got there about five minutes to five and we got out of the truck and Tommy ran over and dressed on the sidelines as I went to talk to Bill. He saw Nick and Matt and smiled at me. "That must be a good thing Jeremy; I thought you weren't going to have Matt anymore." I spoke to Bill in a very low voice. "Well it's a bit of a story but let's just say Mary smacked Matt in the face and that's why he is here with me tonight." "Wow, that isn't good." "No it's not good, but in a way it is because he is here." "I got ya, ready to start practice?" "Yes, sorry I am late but I went to get Matt and then I had to get Tommy's equipment." "Don't worry; I am just glad everyone is here." He blew the whistle and walked over to the field. "Bill," I yelled to him. "Get them going, I want to talk to the boys and I will be right over." "Sure Jeremy, no problem." I turned and looked at Nick and Matt. "So Nick what happened between you and Tommy while I was gone?" "He sorta bad mouthed you for running to get Matt the way you did and I didn't let him get away with it. I blasted him for opening his mouth." "What did he say?" "He said that you running and leaving like that was weird and then he asked, do you always do that? Because you just left us alone. So I told him that he has no idea about how much you care about us and I just really got mad that he mouthed off that way. It was more of how he said what he did not what he said." "That was it Nick? No punches or anything else?" "No, I like Tommy; I just didn't like what he said and how it seemed to come out." "Okay, thanks love. I am going to go practice you and Matt can talk for a bit and them come over and watch the defense after exercises okay?" "Sure JR." I left them to be for a bit and went over to join Bill. "So you really think you have a chance now at getting Matt back?" "Yes Mary screwed up by striking Matt and I have witnesses." "That's pretty strong Jeremy." "It's very strong and unless you has an ace up her sleeve I am willing to bet by the end of the Will reading tomorrow I should have custody of Matt with future plans of adopting him if he wants that." "Wow you are really serious about all this JR. You love him don't you?" "Bill I have never felt so strong or cared about a child before this much in my life but after getting to know him, his siblings and his mom before she died they grew on me awful fast and Eileen told me a number of times before she got sick that having me around was not only the best medicine for Matt it changed his attitude and made him into a better boy after what his father did to him." "That must have made you feel great inside." "You have no idea Bill, I can't even explain it if I try. At time I just wanted to burst with the pride and happiness I felt inside me." He smiled at me. "I don't know what else to say other then I hope it goes well tomorrow. I know what its like to have a kid love you Jeremy I still get it from mine occasionally." He chuckled. "I hope it goes good too Bill, I really do for his sake not to mention mine!" After that we turned our full attention to practice and soon Nick came over and smiled at me as he stood by and I ran my defense through their drills and then we did about thirty minutes of special teams before calling it a night. Practice went well and tomorrow should probably be one of the last Friday practices with next weekend being Labor Day weekend. Speaking of that I have to check the work schedule but I think I am off and will be taking a few extra days too. I am thinking about hitting the beach right now but that all depends on how tomorrow and the next few days go. I would only imagine Matt and Nick would flip if I were to go for an extended weekend at the Jersey shore. After all it's only a four or so hour drive from here. I am not saying a word till I know how things are. Also tomorrow night Nick can practice he has hardly limped today and I think his knee is just about healed now. With so much going on today I almost forgot to check with him on how it is. Bill blew the whistle and the boys ran five minutes of cool down exercises before we huddled up for a night ending conference. We discussed how the defense looked and how special teams looked and we told them that tomorrow we were going to spend some time on offense, defense and special teams before we broke for the weekend off. Bill also told them that there is a good possibility that we may have a scrimmage again next week and it will be here if we have it. They cheered about that but he told them he wouldn't know before Monday night practice. We broke shortly after that and I walked to my truck with Bill and a bunch of the boys. Bill had a private moment with Matt and they talked about things. Bill told me he wanted to reassure Matt that if he came back his position would be there and he was looking forward finding out soon. That seemed to make Matt smile and also made his night go even better then it was so far. We piled into the truck and I took Bastion, Nick, Matt, Tommy, and the twin's home. I dropped off the twins first and then stopped at Tommy's house next and we got out and had a private moment. "Tommy before you go in can we talk?" "Sure JR, what's up?" "Nicky told me what happened after I ran out to get Matt; did you have a problem with that?" "Yes but it was my fault. I opened my mouth and crap came out and I was wrong. I hope you don't think badly of me for it but I actually think I got a little jealous after what we did today so I am really sorry." "Okay Tom, I just wanted to hear your side and since they don't know what we did together I will take what you said and let it go. I believe you." "Thanks JR. have a good night I hope we can see each other tomorrow before practice but I know you have your hands full with the Will reading so good luck, I hope you get Matt." "Thanks cute boy I hope so too. Good night." I got back into the truck to head home. "So everything is okay Nick. I talked to Tommy and he isn't mad he apologized and I hope you are okay now too." "It was stupid JR and as far as I am concerned it's over." "Yeah JR, Nicky told me what happened and I just think it was Tommy being silly. I wouldn't worry about it." Bastion sat quiet through all this and I looked at him before I drove off. "You're very quiet Bastion, you just taking all this in?" "I am along for the ride coach, its not my business so I just thought it would be best to stay out of it unless someone asked me something about it." "Okay, there really isn't much to ask or tell you and you probably have an idea about it already." "Yes I know what happened, the whole team sorta knows, things like that get around fast and a few of the guys gave Tommy a dirty look tonight over it so as far as I am concerned it wasn't my business and Tommy sorta got the cold shoulder tonight at practice over what he did." "Thanks for telling me Bastion. I will look out for that incase it carries over to Friday's practice." "Your welcome coach." "Good... so I think all bad things are behind us now and I agree so it's totally over with and we can focus on tomorrow now." "Yeah! Yelled out Matt. Tomorrow should be an awesome day!" Nick yelled out in agreement as I headed home with them and Bastion. I pulled into the driveway and they all got out. Bastion thanked me as always for the ride home and we headed into the house after that. Once inside I looked at Matt and he looked at me. "Come here you!" I said to him. He ran over and jumped into my arms and we hugged. "Its only a matter of time now Matt. Unless she has something hidden tomorrow should go well for us." "I know JR, I can't wait now. This is the best I have felt since I lost mom. I am really hopeful for the first time that I will be free from the witch tomorrow." "Yeah now she just has to find out the bad news doesn't she JR?" Nicky said. "Yeah she does and hopefully she will tomorrow." "Oh I just remembered I need to talk to Bonnie about tomorrow. You guys get comfortable and I'll be back shortly then if you want we can go for a quick bite or I can order pizza." They cheered and I headed for the door. I ran next door and knocked on Bonnie's door. Bastion looked out and saw it was me and opened it with his undershirt and girdle on. "Hey JR, what's up?" "I need to talk to your mom for a second." "I'm right here JR, come on in." Bastion backed off and I walked inside. "What can I do for you?" She asked. "Tomorrow I have to work and Matt needs to be back to her by noon, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind dropping him off for me. I am getting out of work at 1pm but she wants him back sooner and since I am hoping it's the last request she can ever make about him I would like to grant it and have him there. Can do drop him off for me please?" "Sure thing, tell him I will be ready by 11:45 and to meet me here and we will take him back there hopefully for the last time." "Thanks Bonnie." She was already standing so I got a hug and I gladly took it before I said good night and headed back home. The boys were sitting on the couch waiting for me when I walked in. "Okay boys it's almost 9pm, you want to go out for a light dinner or should I order pizza again?" "I don't know about Matt but I just feel like eating something here, I am tired of pizza." Nick said. "Matt?" "I really don't care JR, I am not hungry I am too excited to eat so maybe something here would be good too." "Okay then how about some grilled cheese sandwiches?" "Yeah!" Both boys exclaimed. "That sounds good." Nicky added. I headed in and heated the griddle and a few minutes later I had four cheese sandwiches heating and melting on the stove. I gave them both two and made two more for myself after we ate and cleaned up it was about 10pm. I was exhausted so I told them I was going to shower and turn in early tonight. They were both watching a movie so they decided to stay up for a while and watch it. I said that would be fine and I secured the house and then headed up for my shower while they watched the last hour of their spy movie. I got in and started the water after getting my stuff together and enjoyed a nice hot shower expecting one or both of them to surprise me any second but I got to wash and rinse off without either of them coming in once. It was different but it was also good for a change. I finished up and went down to check on them and both of them were still awake and totally into the movie. Why do I say that, because neither of them even looked at me when I came downstairs again. I walked by and looked at the TV but since I didn't start watching I had no idea what was happening so I went and got a glass of milk and said good night to both of them as I brought my milk upstairs. "You don't have to say good night JR I'll see you when I come up, with Nick in my room I'll be sleeping in yours." "Okay just be careful I might even be asleep so please tread lightly if I don't react to you coming in later." "Sure JR I got ya." "Night Nicky." "Night JR." I didn't get a hug from either of them but I understood they were into their movie. I was surprised I got a minute of Matt's attention but again it's okay. I headed up and left the night light on as I got into bed. The alarm was already set and as far as I was concerned tomorrow couldn't come quick enough. I lay and relaxed and of course just as I was falling asleep I heard my door open and Matt come in. Once I moved Matt started to talk to me. "JR you awake?" "Barely Matt." "Okay, sorry but the TV and lights are off downstairs and Nick said good night and he loves you. I will be right in with you as soon as I wash up." "Okay Matt just remember keep it quiet." "I will, I promise." Again I tried to doze off but five minutes later he was shaking the bed as he got in. Finally he settled down right next to me and I was finally able to fall asleep after I got a good night kiss from my sweet boy next to me. I dozed off and slept quietly through the night without any problems. The next thing I heard was the alarm and it was already 5am. I moaned as I hit the snooze bar, I wasn't even close to wanting to get up. Second round 9 minutes later I managed to get my feet on the floor after I quieted the alarm. All Matt did was smack his lips together as I got out of bed and went to pee and wake up. DAMN how I hated 5am lately! After I washed up it hit me what was going to happen this afternoon and I was suddenly wide awake and now thinking of nothing but the Will reading later on. I gave Matt a kiss before I left and I stopped for my usual morning stuff and got to the firehouse by 5:45. Chief was in early because they had a second alarm fire over night. He told me about it as we chatted when I got there. He told me he was leaving at noon since he got in early and unless something major happened I was free to go at 1pm and then we had an alarm come in right at 6am. It was a rekindle of the earlier fire. The guys were there from 3am till just before 5am and apparently there were still some hot spots so we responded back and they hosed it down for another half hour before we headed back to quarters. We were able to have a quick breakfast at 8:30 and just as we finished up an alarm came in for an accident on the highway with a trapped person. We took off for that and managed to free the injured lady and they med-evacked her to County General in pretty serious condition. We got back from that around 10:30 and finally got to do some clean up from the earlier house fire. The rest of the day flew. The captain left at noon and LT came in early. I got to chat with him some, not seeing him in a while and since we were old friends I told him about Nick and Matt and he wished me all the luck in the world. He let me go at 12:45 when my replacement came in early and all the guys wished me luck. I was so nervous heading home I almost ran a red light but thankfully I caught it in time. I got there by 1pm and Bonnie came over as I pulled in and she had a message for me. "Hi Bonnie." I said as she walked up to my truck to meet me. "What's up?" "Just wanted to tell you I got Matt home in plenty of time and Mary came out to see who brought him home. She waved to me not that she knew who I was, Matt told me some about her and he thanked me and told me to make sure that you knew he loved you and would see you at the Will reading." "Thanks Bonnie thanks for everything." "No need JR I was only too happy to do it and finally get to see her. She even looks nasty." We both laughed as I got out of my truck and she said that. "Well I am going in to change and head out to the reading." "Great, are you bringing Nick with you?" "Yeah, I figured it wouldn't hurt anything if he sat and listened." "Probably not but just remember this day is about you and Matt, don't forget he might get a little jealous." "Thanks Bonnie, I really wasn't thinking about that but I will now." "Okay JR... I'll see you when you get back and I sure hope you are smiling." "Me too, me too!" I headed inside and was attacked and practically smothered in a huge hug from Nick when I shut the door. "Hey Nicky, nice to see you too, what's this for?" "Because I didn't give you one last night before bed and I felt bad all day. I wanted to see you the second you got home and make sure you knew how much I loved you as soon as possible." "Thanks, I love you too." He smiled at me. "You know you are coming to the Will reading with me right?" "No I didn't." he said with absolute glee in his voice. "That's awesome!" "Well let's get ready so we aren't late. I hope you ate something because I don't know how long we will be there." "Yes I had some toast and jam with my cereal about an hour ago." "Good, let's go dress." We were all set and ready to go by 1:15 and we headed out together and got in my truck. As I drove there I felt nervous and got a bad case of butterflies in my gut. I actually thought I was gonna puke for a bit but thankfully that feeling went away as I parked outside the courthouse. The Will reading was at a lawyer's office across from the county court office. We got out together and walked inside the building where we were looking for Esq. Wilson's office. We found it and were actually greeted by the lawyer as we entered. Timing is everything! We shook hands and he told me it was nice to meet me and he had a letter for me. He invited me into his office with Nick and he told me this was a bit unusual but he was supposed to give me this letter when I arrived. "Can you tell me what it is?" "I am not totally sure. I have an idea but all I am allowed to tell you is it arrived the day after Eileen Myers died. It came to me by special carrier. I got one for you and I got one for Mary, Eileen's sister. They are sealed and to be opened in front of me by each of you individually and since you got here first I brought you in and gave you your copy. When you are done I need to read it immediately and then I ask you not to share it with anyone until after the original Will is read with all members present. Then after the original is read aloud I will read the change out loud in front of all other members and any amendments will immediately go into effect there after my reading and signed by a judge when possible." He then handed me the envelope. It had JR Scott written on it. It also said ‘To be opened by the addressee only in front of my lawyer. I opened it quickly as Nick was practically drooling over me to see what it said too. I looked at him and told him to sit back down and the lawyer actually chuckled a little. I then focused and read the letter to myself, it said: JR, It's Thursday, the day after my operation and I have requested a few sheets of paper and a pen so I could write this to you. I am not sure how things are going to be after my stay here in the hospital but I wanted to thank you for bringing my boy by to see me today and also to inform you of this latest change to my Will and as you will see at the bottom I wrote this in front of my doctor and he witnessed it incase there are any questions later. Now since I am unsure of my future health and how things will be I have had a lot of time to think about what you have meant to myself and Matthew lately and how much he has changed for the better since you came into his life. I have been worried sick about who might care for him if something bad happens and I die anytime soon, so I have written this amendment to my Will directly to you and after you read it you need to turn it over to my lawyer so he too can read it and put the changes into immediate effect. You also need to know that I am sole care taker of all three of my children now. I petitioned the courts last year for full and total custody of Matthew, Ashley, and Joseph so my ex-husband can not, nor will ever be a problem to you or my sister if he were to ever show up again. Please JR, if he ever does come back make sure that my children are protected and kept away from him at all costs. Thank you; you are a dear for helping me with all of this. I Eileen Myers being of sound mind and body do make this change to my Will as my last wish. I would like Jeremy Scott to be the sole caretaker of my oldest child Matthew Jordan Myers if I am to die or become incapacitated as of this day, Thursday, August 19. I am writing this in front of my current doctor, Dr. William Saxon and he will sign as a witness that on this day I have discussed this with him and asked him to be my witness that I am of sound mind when I make this decision. This overrides any current part of my will and is to be considered legal document and brings my Will up to date. It's signed at the bottom by Eileen and under her signature is her doctor's signature. My mouth dropped open as I handed it to the lawyer who immediately read it next. After reading it he looked at me and spoke, "Remember Mister Scott that you cannot talk about any of this to anyone including that young man sitting next to you until after the original Will is read." "I understand, thank you sir." "You can go out into the lobby now and wait, I need to do this with Mary next and then we will all take our seats for the main reading there after." I got up and headed out trying not to smile or make any silly gestures to indicate what happened inside his office. I wanted to burst but I was just holding it together as best as I could now with Nicky by my side. We got out into the lobby and Nick looked at me, he was about to speak when Mary and her husband walked in with the three children and Nick suddenly got all quiet. I walked up to her. "Mary you need to go in and see the lawyer, I just got done with him and he has a letter for you." "I know JR, thank you. I am going in now with my husband. Will you please watch the kids for me while I am in there?" "Sure, I'd be glad to." Matt immediately pulled me aside. "What are you nuts JR why are you being so nice to her?" "Matt please... for now just have a seat with your brother and sister and as soon as we get started you will totally understand what is happening. I am not allowed to talk about it yet sweetie, please just hang in there and you will soon know everything you need to know very soon." "Okay JR, I understand." He went over and the four of them, Nick included took a seat and started to chat together. I went over and told them to be good that I was going outside for a minute. Boy did I need some air! I got outside and immediately ran to my truck opened the door, got inside and shut it. Once inside I screamed out YES! and then started to cry for a moment. I was that happy. The moment quickly passed and I wiped my face and hurried back inside so there would be no questions asked by the boys and so I wouldn't miss anything. I was sure Mary was now reading her letter and fuming big time. I laughed as I headed back inside. That bitch is getting exactly what she deserves! I went and sat next to the boys trying not to look directly at them because they would know I had been crying. Thankfully they were too busy chatting to look at me right away. About ten minutes after I sat and was making small talk with the kids, a few of the other guest came over and were also greeting and talking to them because they were family. Finally Mary came out with her husband and she had a look on her face that easily spelled out defeat, or at least when she looked at me and didn't smile that was what I saw. Matt saw this and then he looked at me and I smiled but remained silent about what I knew. The lawyer then came out and invited all ten guests into the room, eleven counting Nicky, for the reading. He went through a bunch of preliminary crap that I hardly understood and then about 35 minutes later he finally started to read the bequeathed parts. This part stood out first: I Eileen Myers being of sound mind and body do make this my latest update to my Will dated June 1 (of previous year), My children Matthew, age 12, Ashley, age 8, and Joseph age 6 are all now fully under my guardianship after petitioning the court for divorce and total custody of them which was granted as of May 15 (of previous year). As of this reading and update of my Will I would like to ask my sister Mary Jones and her husband Earl to take total custody of all my children and all of my assets upon my death. Each child will receive a lump some according to the life insurance policy upon my death of $250,000 as deemed by my insurance company after any final rulings which should set their care up for their pre adult years and then some. Also the care taker of my child or children at that time is immediately responsible for their finances and upbringing and will be given full control of all necessary moneys to care for and raise them to age 18 or longer if school is an issue. No moneys are to be given directly to a child without approval of their guardian before 18 years of age and then at 18 any moneys left will then immediately become theirs. There is also a work insurance policy that gives each child $50,000 that is to be put into a bank upon my death and saved to be put forth for each of them for college or as far as that money will get them at the time of college, again as determined by my insurance company upon my death. I was floored again by the amount of coverage she had set for each child and that she was smart enough to cover herself so well incase something like this were to happen. Matt is about to become quite wealthy as are his brother and sister if Mary does what she should with this money. There was more that the lawyer read to all of us that took another five minutes including some things that were left to a few family members separately but with Matt next to me at the round table listening to all this he understood what the part meant about who was now going to have total custody of him, Joey, and Ashley. Little did he know there was another update to the Will coming very soon. He looked at me with tears in his eyes knowing or assuming his aunt had won and he would no longer be able to live with me or have me as his guardian. Boy was he in for a surprise shortly. I grabbed his hand and smiled and squeezed it gently. He looked oddly at me as total confusion set in because I smiled like that. He went to speak but I quietly and politely shushed him for now and whispered in his ear to let the lawyer finish. He looked at me and nodded yes. We them focused back on the lawyer and he soon finished after that. "That concludes the reading of the original Will, now for the amendments, shortly after her death letters arrived here at my office addressed to Jeremy Scott and Mary Jones. Eileen while in the hospital updated her will and made the following legal changes that will go into effect as soon as a judge precedes over them and makes them part of her will legally." I looked at Matt and smiled. I now spoke in a low voice to him for the first time about what was coming. I whispered into his ear. "Okay Matt now listen clearly this is why I have been so happy since we got here. Pay attention to what the lawyer is about to read now." He looked at me still confused and then looked at the lawyer as he began to read the letter he handed to me when I got there and met with him before. As he got deeper into it Matt suddenly realized that his mom updated her Will before she died and I was going to be his new caretaker. After the lawyer read that line, ‘I would like Jeremy Scott to be the sole caretaker of my oldest child Matthew Jordan Myers if I am to die or become incapacitated as of this day, Thursday, August 19.' Matt looked at me and I smiled, then he smiled as wide as I had ever seen him smile in his life. I reached out to him and he squeezed my hand hard but nothing more as I put my hand to my lips and reminded him to be quiet for now. However the smile didn't go away. The lawyer then read Mary's letter which said the exact same thing as mine only that she was asked to care for Ashley and Joseph upon her death. A few minutes later the lawyer was done, he told us he would petition a judge for these changes on Monday and as soon as they were approved, which he saw no problem with unless someone objected to them, that they should go into full effect as soon as a judge signed off on them. Then he left the room and the others started to file out. I asked Mary to stay and Nick to wait outside for a bit. She agreed and stayed with her husband and the six of us sat down at the round table. "Mary," I said "I assume speaking to you now adult to adult that you understand what Eileen wanted and you accept this so on Monday there will be no problems with the judge?" "I don't know JR I am quite upset with what my sister did and what I just heard and I am seriously thinking about going and asking the judge for full custody of Matt too." Matt looked at me and his smile went away for the first time since the Will was read. "No JR please..." he yelled out. I looked at him. "Matt, please... let me finish." "Okay sorry JR." "Mary if you did that then you would be a making a grave mistake." "What on earth do you mean JR? I can do that if I want to and you can't stop me." "Oh I know Mary you are free to go speak to the lawyer right now and have him object to the judge on Monday and try to have Matt taken away but I warn you that you will be very, very sorry and probably lose everything if you try." I looked at her and then her husband Earl. It was time for me to drop my ace bomb on her. "So please feel free to go speak to the lawyer as soon as we are done. I will be next in line to speak to him after you are done and then when I am done you will not only lose custody of Matt, you will also lose Ashley and Joey and all that money due to them after I tell the lawyer and then on Monday the judge that you abused and smacked Matt across the face and left a hand mark yesterday." "You are bluffing you smart ass!" she yelled out at me. The look on her husbands face was priceless when I said that to her. "Mary what is JR saying?" he asked. "Did you strike Matthew yesterday?" She looked at him and in a low voice say yes. "Are you crazy woman!" He screamed at her. "Do you want to lose everything for us?" I smiled as he said that because he spoke without thinking. What he said told me flat out that they seemed to be after the money and really not the kids. He didn't actually come out and say it but his words, body language, and gestures made it clear to me that was what they wanted. "Oh and Mary..." I added, "I have pictures of the bruise on his face and I also showed Bonnie Backman, my next door neighbor the bruise and she is willing to go to court and testify that you abuse the children. Also don't forget Ashley and Joey did see that mark on his face too so... are you willing to deal with that in front of the same judge Monday you witch?" Matt started to laugh when I called her that and I swear steam came out of her ears but she held her tongue and didn't say a word. Her husband didn't seem to care one bit about what I called her as he was just watching the dollar signs disappear from in front of his face. He looked at her for a second and then he suddenly had plenty to say to her. "Mary!" He yelled. "Drop this now! I don't know why you did that to Matt but you screwed up big time! I am not about to risk losing everything because of that! Give JR full custody of Matthew and be adult about this so we can all move on or else if he pushes this you might lose all three kids." She looked at him and then at me and agreed. "Okay JR, I can't risk losing everything, you win!" Matt got up and screamed out in joy and hugged the stuffing out of me when she said that then he went over and hugged his brother and sister before finally quieting down. "Thank you Mary, I do think that was a wise thing to do for you and the children. Now I think tomorrow after my work we should get together and discuss this like adults. Some rules need to be established for Matt to be able to visit his brother and sister and spend time with them as needed. Do you agree?" "Yes I suppose that would be a good idea. Anything else JR?" "Not that I can think of but if I do we will definitely discuss it as needed, after all those pictured of Matt's face won't be going away anytime soon." She looked at me and I thought her eyes were going to bug out of her head but she said nothing more so I added... "But Mary please don't fret over that because I am fair, 100% fair and I would never consider blackmail or anything like that. I don't need to stoop to those levels and I am sure you and your husband understand how important us getting along in the future will be for all of the children." I stood up and hugged Matt. "See you tomorrow Mary. I'll call you to set a time to stop by. " I reached out and shook his hand and he shook mine and sorta smiled like he knew I had her and he was in agreement with me. I would love to hear what he has to say to her when they get alone later. Too bad I won't be there for those fireworks. Matt hugged Ashley and Joey and told them he would see them tomorrow and then I turned and left the room with Matt. We walked out into the lobby and Nick came over. As we left the building Matt started to tell Nicky all about what I did in there and they both hooted and hollered all the way to my truck. "Wow JR you were amazing!" Matt said to me. "She was so pissed off I though she was gonna scream!" "I know Mattie; I know, I thought so too. Come on boys lets go celebrate!" They both cheered loudly and we got into my truck and watched them walk out with Joey and Ashley. The entire time her husband was yelling something at her as his arms flailed around and she just kept her head down taking it all. I smiled as I watched it and I looked at Matt who was laughing the whole time. It was almost funny to see but sad too to see that creepy biddy getting exactly what she deserved from him after it appeared they were both just after the money to me. I started the truck. "Come on boys we got some good news to share with Bonnie and then we need to get both of you to football practice later... after all Matt, now that I almost have full custody of you, you can play football again!" He cheered loudly and hugged me around the neck. "I love you so much JR!" Then he looked at Nick and they hugged before either of them realized what they were doing in my truck. I laughed at both of them as they quickly broke their embrace. I was smiling and laughing with all the joy in the truck. "So Matt what do you want to do with your money?" "Money?" he said. "Yes didn't you understand that part?" "Not really JR I was so scared about living with Mary I didn't really pay attention so what did I miss?" "Well... apparently your momma was one smart cookie. She had each of you insured for $250,000 dollars that you get after the insurance company looks into her death and rules it properly. That is enough money for us to live on for a long time sweetie." "Yeah and it will be ours?" "Yup it's yours, actually our money once I get custody of you, its there for me to take care of you, you do realize how much that is?" "Not really Jeremy, I don't really care about money just living with you." I took out a pen and paper from the glove box and wrote down the number. I realized the boy was still in shock over all this and I figured seeing that amount on paper would shock him into reality. I wrote the number down and showed it to him. He looked and then his mouth dropped open and he smiled at me. "Holy crap that's huge!" he said. Then he showed it to Nick who said the same thing. "Yes it is. We will discuss that more later. So do you want my next surprise now sweet boy?" "You mean there is more JR? I can't take this its like Christmas." "Yes there is more, I have been saving this just incase I did win custody of you and after Monday when I find out for sure we are going on vacation next weekend." "Really? Where?" "How about the Jersey shore for Labor day weekend? Three days of fun at the beach." He yelled out with joy at what I said. Then he looked at Nicky in the back seat who wasn't celebrating and he stopped cheering. "JR, Nicky looks very upset." "Nicky why are you upset you are coming too as long as your mom is okay with it." "REALLY?" "Of course cute boy I wouldn't leave you behind." Now both of them were smiling and cheering loudly together. Nick worked he way over to me and hugged me as best as he could from the backseat. "Thanks Nick, but why did you think I wouldn't invite you bud? You are our best bud in the world I wouldn't dream of going without you! It wouldn't be half as much fun!" The celebration went on as I pulled away from the parking spot. "Next stop milk shakes for everyone!" Again they cheered as I drove off happy as could be. We drove down the main street and I pulled into Fancy Ice cream and parked. This wasn't the best place around but it was the closest. We got out and walked over. "Inside or out guys?" I asked. "Just a shake JR?" Nick asked. "Shake, cone or cup I don't care." "Then where are we going?" Nick asked again. "Home." I replied. "I have a few things to get done before practice." "Oh right, with all this good stuff I forgot about that for a second." Nicky said. We ordered our ice cream, I got a shake as did Matt and Nick got a cup and then we headed home. I pulled into my driveway and we got out. Bastion was outside with Tommy and they were playing catch and immediately ran over to find out how it went. They went directly to Matt and he couldn't wait to tell them. Bonnie must have heard the commotion and came out to see if we were home. She walked to me and we met. "It looks like good news Jeremy." "It should be Bonnie. I beat her good and on Monday when the lawyer goes to the judge for final approval I'll know for sure." "Well the good news for me is that I got to see her lose it in front of Matt and me and her husband..." We stood there and I filled her in on almost all of it and how it went from when I entered the lawyer's office until when we were done. By the time I was finishing I had all four boys and Bonnie listening to me intently and Bastion, Tommy, and Bonnie all grew very interested and very happy when I sorta let out the amount of what Matt should be worth after the insurance company does its investigation even though it was private. I looked at Bastion and Tommy. "I expect you two to keep that amount private since its no ones business okay guys?" "Okay JR." Tommy said. "Of course." Bastion added. Not that Nicky or Matt wouldn't brag about it but I wanted to give Matt the first chance to tell his friends that he could be a little richer soon. We were all happy as I finished up and I was about to go into the house when I remembered next weekend. "Oh and Bonnie I almost forgot, if everything goes well on Monday next holiday weekend I am planning to go away for the three days. I already have it off and I told Matt and Nick if all goes well Monday on Friday we will leave for the Jersey shore for the weekend. I wanted you to know because I didn't want you to worry and also so you could keep an eye on my house." "Sure JR I understand but unfortunately Saturday and Sunday I won't be home either. I have plans and Bastion and I are going to my brother's house up north. We won't be home before Sunday night so I am afraid I can't help you much with house sitting. I was actually going to ask you to watch over mine." We both laughed. "I am sure they will both be fine." I said. After that we parted ways and I headed inside. I had two messages when I get in one from my friend John Whiteman who wanted to know how things went and the other was Margaret, Nick's mom. I called her first and filled her in on everything and she was all but ecstatic over the good news. I kept reminding her that nothing was final till Monday but all she kept telling me was it will be fine JR, don't worry you have it in the bag. But I am not getting my hopes up until I get it from the judge in writing. We chatted a bit more and she asked briefly how Nick's mood was today. I told her that when he was invited to go away with me and Matt next weekend he suddenly perked up quite well. I said of course that depended on her approval which she granted in a heartbeat. "So where you going Jeremy and can I come..." she said jokingly. "We are getting out of here and heading for the Jersey shore for the three days and I took off Tuesday to recover from all the driving and probably the boys wearing me out." Again she laughed. "Don't forget JR that school starts on that Wednesday and both boys have classes at the middle school at 8am sharp." "Wow, thanks for reminding me. I totally forgot with all this happening, not to mention I really didn't have to worry about School before this. So I guess I will be sending your boy and... God this is so weird to say, my boy to school Wednesday morning, even though I should be at work." "What does your work schedule look like for next week and that week Jeremy?" "I am off tomorrow and Sunday then I work Monday to Friday and then I am off for the four days over Labor Day weekend as I requested last week. But I think since I have time coming to me and this all just happened today I am going to ask my captain for Wednesday too so I can be here to send both of them to school and play parent... damn saying that scares me." She laughed at me. "Just wait JR it only gets better now, oh and by the way you will be seeing me probably on Tuesday when you get back, I mean you will see me before that but just so you know I will be there that Tuesday too. I will be there to give you school clothes for Nicky. Also JR I should have some news about money next week too, I think the insurance company is almost ready to give in and help me." "That is great news, so are you going to rebuild?" "That's the plan but really it's up to you." "Me? How come Margaret?" "Well... please don't shoot me but I was going to tell you in person but if you want I will tell you now." "Please tell me you have peaked my curiosity big time." "I want to rebuild back where we lived but it will probably take a good six months or so they say. I didn't want to put that on you to have Nick for all that time, please don't yell at me JR..." I knew she was joking when she said about the yelling. "Margaret you know I won't yell but are you sure you want him away from you for another six months?" "No I don't but the only alternative is to move into another house or apartment and pay rent while they rebuild and then spend all that money I could save. I already have what we salvaged from the fire in storage and I am paying a hundred a month for that. I don't have a choice there but even with that bill and the other living expenses for the kids now and what I give you and my sister I don't have a lot left now. I am just glad we had a small nest egg before the fire or I would be working now instead of in two weeks. I will be working full time again once school starts but I would rather save it now since I will be the only income we will have and that money for the house won't go too far. I still have the mortgage to pay. Not to mention their food and utilities once the house is done. I am hoping for a little left over after they rebuild but its way too soon to know that." "Well you know you don't have to give me anything for him Margaret, also I understand money is tight so if this will help you I guess he can stay with me." "Jeremy I am going to give you money for him staying there whether you like it or not, its not cheap with two boys in your house, I can imagine what you pay to feed them not to mention you always have Bastion, Tommy or someone else there too." "Yes that's true, I am just glad I have a good paying job so I really don't worry much about that. I just hope Matt doesn't have a fit that he won't have his bedroom back to himself for six more months." "Oh I forgot about that... I am so sorry dear... that isn't fair at all to the poor kid." "Let me talk to him Margaret and I will let you know okay. I am sure he won't mind that much. He and Nick get along very well and keep each other in check too." "Okay you let me know and I guess I will have to decide when you tell me how we will do this." "I will let you know Margaret but I already know how I am going to ask Matt it's very simple. Matt do you want your room back or do you want Nicky to move out and then you will be alone here all the time." "Oh JR.... that's not fair you better come up with a better way or I will hit you myself." We both laughed. "I'll figure it out; right now he is so happy he probably wouldn't care what I asked him. He just wants to be here Margaret, I never thought in my lifetime that I would have an almost teenager living in my house and now I have two for a bit... it's so great to not have a quiet house anymore." "Yeah well as long as you can control them it is. As for me... I am not going there, you are their coach and they both respect you a lot. Just wait for Matt to ask for something questionable now and you say no and see what happens." We laughed again. "Gee thanks for cheering me up Margaret, I really needed that!" She was right but I didn't need to know that just now. "Anyway I will let you go but I will be over in a few days to see you and so on. Thanks for the update and tell Matt I am very happy for him." "I will Margaret, thanks. Good bye." "Bye Jeremy." I took a breather from talking on the phone but I need to call John next and see if I can give him some of the money I hope to get from Eileen's life insurance and retain him as a lawyer now, just incase something happens in any part of my life now. I also need to talk to Bonnie about being my guardian incase something happens when I am at a fire so Matt is taken care of if I get killed or put in the hospital for a while. I have to think about that now too and John will need to set me up with a Will now too that I will be responsible for Matt. I am sure he won't mind, after all money definitely talks when it comes to lawyers. I went to check on the boys since it was so quiet in the house. They must have stayed outside or something. I went outside and they were no where to be found, at least in front of the house. I went around back and still they weren't around. Okay this is weird they hardly ever take off without saying something and both of them are missing. I decided to go back in and check upstairs. I headed back in and went upstairs and checked Nicky's room and it was empty then I went over to mind and sure enough it was the cutest thing I ever saw both of them were laying on my bed and appeared to be asleep. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why or how this happened but I really didn't care as long as I knew where they were. I shut my door a crack and went down to call John. The clock said 3:15 so I knew I had to get them up soon but why not let them both rest till at least 4. I dialed John. "Hey John its Jeremy." I said when he picked up and said hello. "Jeremy give me some good news it's been a miserable day for me." I went on and explained the whole thing to him and we laughed for a bit about her and her antics and he was surprised she would hit Matt but he went as far as to tell me that if she got a good lawyer she might have been able to fight that in front of the judge and still possibly win custody of Matt so he said I did really good and I was probably correct in guessing that they are after the money more then the welfare of the children. I asked him about being my lawyer and we discussed a fee and I told him that I would call him Monday if things didn't go well in court and he said he would find a way to back me incase the money wasn't there or I didn't for any stupid reason get the judge's permission to gain custody of Matt. He basically told me with my background, a house, and a steady good job its highly unlikely that a judge would turn me down but probably want to do a background check just to be sure. John knew I had nothing to hid since I have never been arrested and he said that should also work on my behalf. "So basically Jeremy unless she gets stupid over the weekend and tried to fight it on Monday the judge should grant you custody of Matthew and by Monday evening you should be his guardian." "Thanks John now what if I want to legally adopt him in the future how long might that take?" "Usually anywhere from 2 to 4 months depending on paperwork and the way the adoption laws work in this state." "Okay I guess that's all I need to know for now, I don't even have legal custody of him yet so I guess adoption is definitely out of the question besides I don't even know if Matt would be interested in something like that especially after just burying his mom a few days ago." "You let me know JR and I will do anything I can for you, you are a good friend and good people." "Thanks buddy that makes me feel good to hear you say that. I'll be in touch you take care." "Okay JR good bye." "Bye John." I hung up and spoke out loud to myself about really adopting Matt. "What am I doing thinking about, adoption... man that is something Matt might not even want. Ahhh well it was a thought anyway." "Who said I wouldn't want you to adopt me?" came from behind me. I turned around and Matt was standing in the doorway smiling widely at me. To be continued.....