Chapter 3

I got up and hugged Dave then just cried my head against his shoulder. I was home at last; this is where I belonged.

Dave looked at me smiling through his tears and said "Well Joseph would you like to see our little town? I think this calls for a celebration!"

"Yes sir" I said

Dr. O’Connor, Sheriff Restless, Dave and I all walked out the front door together. I squinted through the glare of the afternoon sun. After being inside for several days my eyes took a few minutes to adjust to the brightness. We walked down the street to the end of the block and crossed over to a restaurant. We walked in and found a seat at a corner table. When we were seated a man came up and introduced himself to me.

He said, "Your waiter will be TJ he will be out in a moment to take your orders."

When our waiter appeared I swear I stopped breathing. This boy was cute.

I did not realize that I had zoned out till Dave shook my shoulder and laughing said, "Earth to Joseph."

Blushing, I looked back at Dave and said, "What did you say?"

He just laughed and said, "What do you want to eat. Don’t you think it would be a good idea to look at the menu instead at TJ?" I blushed beet red and looked down glad to have an excuse to not look anyone in the eye.

Dave leaned over and said "Don’t worry Joseph, TJ has that affect on all you young guys when they first meet him. He is used to it by now."

I looked over at Dr. O’ Connor and asked what can I have. I did not want a repeat of losing my lunch.

She smiled and said "Just don’t to eat too much and you should be fine."

By this time the others had already ordered and TJ was waiting for my order. I looked up still blushing and said, "I will take the chicken sandwich and a coke."

He smiled at me and said "Welcome to Baysville Joseph" then turned and took our orders to the kitchen. I could not help myself I watched him all the way to the kitchen. This of course brought another round of teasing from Dave and the rest of them. We all dug into our food and things were quiet for a while.

When we had finished eating the others excused themselves and left. After a few minutes Dave looked at me and said, "Would you like to see your new home?"

Nodding not trusting my voice I felt so grateful and lucky to have a place to live. I knew there were plenty of kids out there that had not made it here, those who were sleeping under bridges or on vents. I knew from first hand experiences what they were doing to get food and live, if you could call it that. With that thought I sighed and got up to follow Dave. As we walked out I wondered if I would ever feel clean again inside.

Walking down the street everything looked so peaceful and calm. The sun was low in the sky and the temperature was perfect. A number of people greeted us as we walked down the street. We stopped several times as Dave introduced me to different people along the way. We had walked about two blocks when we stopped in front of a 2 story Victorian house. Dave looked at me and smiled. He said "This is it your new home."

I smiled back at him and he opened the fence gate and we walked through. The house was not huge but was nice and the yard was neat. When we walked inside he showed me around the house. We toured the kitchen, dinning room, living room, and den. Next we went upstairs and he showed me where the hall bathroom was and told me it would be mine. He said that he had a bathroom of his own in the master bedroom. Then he led me to my new room. It had a twin bed, dresser and as desk. What was on the desk got my attention right away. It was a computer - a brand new one! I turned and looked up at him and asked "Dave is this for me to use?"

He smiled and said, "Yes as long as you don’t abuse the privilege. You have Internet access through my ISP and I will give you privacy and trust. However if you abuse that trust you lose the access."

I nodded and wrapped my arms around him in a tight hug. He was doing so much for me, far more than my own parents and he did not have to. He was doing it because he cared and wanted to.

He looked at me and said, "Today is Thursday and you will start school on Monday."

I looked down and got real quite as I had no clothes other than what I was wearing.

Dave noticed and said "Joseph it’s not a problem we are going shopping tomorrow afternoon. You can pick out your clothes within reason."

That night, as I lay in bed waiting to fall asleep, I listened to the sounds of the crickets and the rustling of the leaves in the wind. I could hardly believe my luck. I was in a home with someone who wanted me here. This town seemed to open its arms to me and take me in. I drifted off to sleep feeling at peace for the first time in a long time.

The next morning I woke up to Dave calling me for breakfast. I groaned and looked at the clock it was 7:00 AM. I stretched and climbed out of bed and into my only pair of jeans. Then going into the bathroom I splashed water on my face and headed downstairs. When I got downstairs Dave was standing in front of the stove and said "How do you like your eggs Joseph?"

I said "Over easy please."

With that he turned and started cooking. Soon we were eating eggs, toast and bacon. I discovered that my appetite had returned with a vengeance. It seemed like I could not get enough to eat. But heeding Dr. O’Connor’s advice to take it easy, I stopped.

After breakfast we headed out to the next town where they had a mall. I was like a kid in a candy store as I picked out clothes that I liked. He did not say anything just smiled at my obvious happiness.

We had lunch at the mall and walked out of the mall laughing and talking. The whole trip back I could not stop thanking him for what he was doing for me.

Finally he said "Joseph I am glad to do it. You don’t need to thank me, just watching you smile was reward enough."

I said "Thanks Dave" and leaned over and gave him a hug. We rode the rest of the way home in a comfortable silence.

Over the next couple of days I explored my new town. I walked over to the new coffee shop and it was kind of cool. I went in and met a guy named Kody. He is kind of cute but a little older than I am. His nickname is Goose. I think he and I are going to be good friends. His dad is named Dave as well. When you walk into the shop parallel to the wall there’s a soda counter. On the back wall are wooden bookshelves filled with books and magazines. The remaining portion in front of the counter has tables, chairs, and sofas for reading sitting and talking. It also has Internet access so if you want to sip your coffee and chat with friends online you can do that as well. At least that’s what Dave, Kody’s dad says. I like the place and the milkshakes are great. Of course it has Kody so what can I say. But the coffee is too strong for me.

That afternoon when Kody had finished helping his dad, we met at the park and just talked. It was so cool not having to worry about pretending to be straight. We could just be ourselves and we talked about our dreams our likes and interest. He loved baseball and sports in general and so did I. Before we even realized it, the sun was setting and we both headed home.

When I arrived home I ran into the kitchen to tell Dave all about my day.

He took one look at me and laughed and said, "I take it the time with Kody went well."

I hugged him and said, "It sure did Dave he is great. I really like him. He and I just sat there for hours talking."

Dave laughed and said, "I can tell Joseph you are lit up like a Christmas tree."

Then changing moods he said "Joseph we need to talk for a minute. Someone is coming to visit us next week. He is an old friend of mine. If all goes well he will be staying with us for a long time."

It took me a minute to put two and two together. Then it hit me and I said "Dave that is cool. What’s his name and what does he look like. Is he going to be my foster dad as well?"

Dave looked at me and said " Hey slow down Joseph one question at a time." Then he laughed and said "He and I were together a long time ago and we just sort of drifted apart. We lost touch with each other about 10 years ago. Well right before I met you I received an email from him. He had located me by pure luck. He was reading an article on Baysville and realized I must be the mayor. After all there are not many people with my last name."

So I asked, "When is he coming to visit?"

Dave smiled and said, " He should be here on Monday. I just wanted to warn you about it. Are you going to be comfortable with him here in the house?"

I answered and said, "If you trust him, I will be ok Dave. But I am going to need some time to adjust I think. You see there is something I have not told you." I looked up at Dave and said "Dave can I sit in your lap?"

My voice was just above a whisper as I asked.

He looked at me with concern and said "Sure Joseph come here buddy."

I climbed into his lap and he said, "What’s wrong Joseph your shaking like a leaf."

Slowly, being in his arms calmed me down.

Dave looked at me and asked "Do you want me to set up an appointment with David for tomorrow?"

I nodded and said, "Yes please Dave."

The next afternoon Dave took me to see David at his office. I had asked that Dave be in with us. I needed him to know, but I did not feel strong enough to tell him alone. With David’s help I told him about what I had done to make it here. How I had sold myself for money and food. I broke down several times while I was telling Dave. And each time it happened we would take a short break and then continue. When I finished I just sat there and cried. I felt so empty and dirty deep down inside. I could not look up at Dave, I was sure he was disgusted with me; that he would not want me around anymore knowing what I had allowed those men to do to me. But he reached over and pulled me into a tight hug. Neither of us spoke for a moment.

Then he said "Joseph, I will be here for you and I promise you I will not leave you."

I hugged him back and slowly my tears dried up and I began to feel better. Now there were no more secrets between us. He knew everything and he still loved me.

When I had settled down we got up to leave and I hugged David and thanked him for his help.

He smiled and said, "Don’t thank me Joseph, you did the work. I know how hard that was for you to do. I am very proud of you."

I blushed and looking down said, "Thanks David"

When we left David’s office it was almost noon. Dave asked me if I wanted to grab something to eat.

I looked at him and blushing said, "sure can we eat at Lusaid’s for lunch and then have ice cream at Kody’s dads place." As I gave him my most hopeful grin.

He laughed and said "You little sneak you just want to be able to see TJ and Kody both don’t you."

I blushed and grinned at him and said "Yep!"

He laughed and said, "Ok Joseph lets do it. But you have to promise to at least look at the menu this time."

Blushing and laughing at the same time I pretended to punch him on the arm and said, "That was mean Dave."

He just laughed even harder and said, "I am sorry Joseph. I just couldn’t help myself. I promise to behave when we get there. I won’t embarrass you, I would never do that intentionally."

He was looking at me with a very serious expression on his face.

I gave him a hug and we went on over to Lusaid’s for lunch. When we got there the place was just beginning to fill up with the lunch crowd. We found a table by the window and sat down. For a moment we were both lost in our thoughts.

Then Dave asked me "Are you going to be all right with my friend coming and staying with us."

Looking up at Dave I said "Dave, I trust you not to hurt me. I don’t know your friend and it is hard for me to feel comfortable around men right now. But I will do my best to get to know him. I want you to be happy. If Mark will make you happy then I am all for it."

Dave looked at me and said "Thanks son, but if you start to have problems I need you to be honest with me. Ok?"

I answered and said, "I will Dad." Then I blushed because I had never called him dad before.

I said, "Dave, I’m sorry that just slipped out."

He looked like he was going to cry and said, "Don’t be sorry Joseph you don’t know how much that meant to me. I have not asked you to call me dad because I did not want to put pressure on you to do so. But that is the highest praise that you could give me."

Answering, I said, "Well then from now on it is dad. You are my dad as far as I am concerned. You care for me and love me. Dad I love you."

I wiped away the tears that were on my face and looked down embarrassed.

Dave was silent for a moment then he said "Son, I love you as well."

TJ had come to our table and seen us crying and left to give us some space.

When he saw that we were ok he came back and said,"He Dave. Hi Joseph how are you two."

"We are great!" I said, "As a matter of fact we are celebrating."

"What?" asked TJ

I answered, "We are celebrating putting my past behind me." I turned serious when I said it.

TJ looked at me for a moment and said "Yeah I know all about that Joseph. I am glad that things are working out so well for you."

I nodded and said "Thanks TJ."

He took our orders and left for the kitchen with them.

I turned to Dave and said "Wow" with a grin on my face.

He just laughed and said "Yeah you sneak just wanting to come here so you could look at TJ."

I know dad but I really like him. He is not only real nice to look at but he is a nice person as well.

Dave just laughed and said, "He is a real fine young man Joseph. He has done wonderful since he came here."

When we had finished lunch and TJ brought us our ticket.

He turned to me and said "Joseph a bunch of us are getting together tonight after I get off. Want to join us?"

I looked at Dave and said, "Can I dad?"

He smiled and said "Yeah but be home before 10:30. We have a lot to do tomorrow so I want to get an early start."

Then is asked "TJ where do you want me to meet you?"

He said, "We are meeting here when I get off at 5:00."

"Cool" I answered.

When we had payed our bill and were walking towards Kody’s place, I gave Dave a hug.

He asked "Whats that for Joseph? Not that I am complaining"

I answered "For letting me go out with TJ. For trusting me."

Dave just smiled and did not say anything, just hugged me back.

When we got to Kody’s I was so dissapointed. His dad said that he was out with a friend would be back sometime in the afternoon. I introduced my dad to Kody’s dad. I let them talk while I drank my milkshake and sulked.

On the way home Dave teased me about my plan and how it did not work. But I just said with a grin "Yeah but I still got a great milkshake out of it."

He laughed at me and said "Yeah and one out of two is not bad batting odds."

Well I was waiting in the restaurant when TJ got off. We walked over to his friends house and TJ introduced me to all his friends. I was kind of shy at first. But they soon made me feel right at home.

I met TJ’s boyfriend, Ian. They looked like they were happy together. I wondered if I would ever have the kind of relationship that TJ and Ian seemed to have. About 10:00 PM things broke up and I headed back to the house. When I came in Dave was sitting in the doing some paperwork.

I asked him "What are you doing dad?"

He answered "I am looking over the proposal for the youth shelter. You have not met him yet but a man named Christian will be running it."

I looked at Dave and said "Wow that is great Dave I know how hard it is out there."

He smiled and said "Yeah and we expect many more kids to show up over the next yeah. Without the shelter we will be over run. There is no way we can continue to take in kids at this rate. I just hope we can get it built in time." He looked real serious when he said this.

Then he changed moods and said "well how was your time with TJ and his friends?"

I said it was cool to see TJ and his boyfriend Ian together not even hiding that they cared for each other. I mean they were holding hands walking down the street and everything! I will be so glad when I find someone to care for that way. I can hardly wait dad."

I wish that this was some fairy tale and that everything was ending up all happy. But about 3 months after I moved into Dave’s house as his foster child we received a phone call from Dr. O’Connor. I took the call and she asked to speak to Dave so I called out, "Dave, Dr. O’Connor is on the phone," and I waited till he picked it up. Then I said goodbye and hung the phone up and went up to my room. About an hour later Dave called me down and said, "I’m in the kitchen please come on in." He had his back to me and asked me if I wanted a coke or something I said sure. He still had not turned around and his voice sounded unsteady and I began to panic. "Dad, what’s wrong?" I asked. His back was still to me. His shoulders drooped.

He said "Oh God Joseph I don’t know how to do this or what to say. David is on his way will be here in just a moment. I promise we will answer all of your questions then. Just then the doorbell rang and Dave asked me to answer it. He had never looked at me the whole time I was afraid, hurt and scared. What could be wrong? Were they going to send me back? With that thought I broke into tears and I tried desperately to hold them back as I answered the door. When he stepped in I flung myself at him sobbing.

He looked down at me and said, "what’s wrong Joseph?" Not looking up I said "something’s wrong with dad and he wont tell me what’s wrong. He would not even look at me. He is sending me back isn’t he? What did I do wrong? I thought he loved me." I was crying so hard my knees buckled and David lowered me to the floor and sat holding me.

He said " Its not that Joseph he loves you and does not want to send you back." Then he said "Dave come here please Joseph and I are in the hallway" I had my head buried against his chest crying my heart out. I heard Dave come in and sit down beside us. He pulled David and me into a group hug. We just sat there with them telling me that I was not being sent back. After I had calmed down we went into the kitchen to sit and talk.

Dave looked at me with tears in his eyes and said "son I did not mean to scare you or hurt you. He said, " I am so sorry Joseph I am upset about something and I did not know how to tell you. That is why I was acting like I was. And that is the reason that David is here to help me to explain it to you."

David looked at me and I saw worry in his eyes. He said "Joseph I know you have been through a lot in your life. I also know you are a strong young man with a powerful will to survive. You are going to need to gather all your strength Joseph and be strong for me."

I looked at him in confusion and said, "What do you mean?"

He hesitated and said "Joseph do you remember the checkup you had a couple of weeks ago when we thought you had the flu. Well Dr. O’Connor decided to do a full test on your blood samples. The results came back today and I am afraid that it shows some problems.

I interrupted and said, "What do you mean some problems!" I was scared now and confused and nothing they were saying seemed to make any sense to me.

David spoke again and said "Joseph I am afraid that one of the men who took advantage of you had a virus and he gave it to you. Now there are medications that you can take to help with this virus.

I stopped him and said, "You mean AIDS don’t you"

He nodded his head and said "Joseph you need to be strong to fight this. With the advances in AIDS research it is no longer a death sentence. It can be fought and with your will to survive you can lead a long productive life."

Dave pulled me into a hug and said " Joseph I love you and will be here for you. Please fight this with all your will and strength"

I did not know what to say those "men" who used me had not only taken my self-respect and self-esteem. But now it looked like they had taken away my future as well. We talked for a while longer but I was not really listening anymore. All that was going through my head was my life is over and I never even got to hold someone in my arms that I loved. Who was going to love me now?

Then David spoke again he said "Joseph I know this is not a good time to ask but I have to. Have you had sex with anyone since you got here? Because if you have we need to notify them and get them tested."

I looked up at him not believing the question but knowing he was right. I said shouting "no I have not. And now I will never have the chance to make love with someone that I love. All I have had is being fucked by some sick old bastards. Oh god dad what am I going to do. It’s just not fair."

I was crying again but now it was for all that I would never have.

David gave me some pills to take and watched me take them. Dave helped me upstairs to my room. We were both crying as he led me to my bed.

© 2001, Joseph Men

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