A New Day Dawns

---

As the bus motored on through the night, the boys were getting used to each other and fast forming a bond that would never be able to be broken. With all of the time they had in front of them, coupled with the large amounts of sugar and caffeine they had digested there was no possibility for sleep, so instead they talked about their lives and who they were.

DJ stared in amazement momentarily at the two new boys who he had just promised he would be brothers to and decided he wanted to ask some questions. "Guys," he began. "I know it might not be easy to talk about, but could you please tell us more about yourselves? I mean, if we are going to be brothers forever, we might as well know about each other, and not keep secrets

Beau and Toby stared deep into each others eyes. Communicating on a level that is usually only to be had from blood family, but DJ picked up on it and tried to communicate with them also; "Don't be afraid guys, we will keep our promise to you and nothing you can say or do will change that. I know that this seems weird and it is all happening fast, but you can trust us. We will not let you down."

Toby and Beau looked in astonishment at DJ and asked in unison, "How did you do that? You are the only other person in this world who can talk to us in our minds!"

"I don't know," DJ replied. "I seem to have come across this little gift in the last few days. I don't know what it means exactly, but I do know that I want you two to trust us. I know that it might not be easy to do that, but please, give it a chance. I promise we won't do anything to hurt either one of you. Besides, you both are too cute to hurt," DJ continued as he began to blush.

"Well," Toby sighed. "We are from Carson City, Nevada. As for our family, our Dad was a construction foreman. He worked hard, but in the last year or so, he began to get depressed, and even started drinking. Our Mom was always pretty cool, but eight months ago she was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and the doctors said there wasn't much that they could do. They only gave her ten months to a year to live. When our Dad killed himself three months ago, everything started to go down hill. Since he killed himself, the insurance would only pay half of his benefits which left us with very little. Mom couldn't work very much because of the pain she was in. Finally she decided to send us to live with our Great Aunt Gloria Masters, who we have never met …

---

Flashback … (Toby & Beau McClure):

"Boys," Jane shouted from the bottom of the stairs! "Would you please come down here for a little bit? It's family meeting time."

"Yes mommy," Beau yelled!

As the boys trampled down the stairs a feeling of dread came over them. Both wondered why they were having a family meeting. Usually those meant something bad was happening. And with they way things had been around the house the last few weeks, both boys were sure that nothing good was going to come out of this meeting.

As the two boys made their way into the living room they both instinctively looked into their parents eyes. Ira, their father was a large strong man. He stood well over six feet tall with broad shoulders and blond wavy hair. His bright green eyes usually had a sparkle to them, but here lately, that sparkle was dulled and muted. Their mother Jane was the sweetest woman they had ever met. Her kind caring disposition was accented by her perennial smile. She stood at about five and a half feet tall with long black hair that even braided still hung down past her thighs. Her blue eyes were as deep as mountain lakes but had warmth to them that could make even the grumpiest little boy giggle. Her eyes danced to a melody that only she could hear, but she made everyone around her feel that rhythm. However, here in the last few weeks her usually smiling eyes seemed clouded. Almost as though she were trying to hide some kind of pain.

Both boys noticed these things as they walked in and began to become very afraid.

As they walked to their parents they could see that they both had been crying. Each one of them went to their parents and hugged them as though they would never be able to do so again.

When everyone finally had their emotions under control the two boys sat down on the couch in between their parents and snuggled up close to them.

Ira began the conversation by saying, "Boys, some of what you are going to hear is going to be scary, and some of it will make you sad. But just remember that me and mommy both love you very much and that will never ever change. Now neither of you is old enough to remember either one of my parents, but do you remember your mommy's daddy, Grandpa Joe?"

Both boys nodded.

"Well remember when Grandpa got sick and he kept getting worse and worse?"

"Yeah," Toby said. "He had cancer and then he died. Why are you asking … Hey! … NO! Who?"

"It's me baby," Jane replied almost in tears. "I went to the doctor because I haven't been feeling good lately. He ran some tests and told me today that I have stomach cancer. That is why I have been hurting so much."

Both boys fell into their mothers arms and bawled. Jane tried her best to comfort them but soon she two along with their dad were all hugging Jane and crying.

"What did the doctor say," Toby asked?

"He said that the cancer is pretty advanced," Ira began. "They are going to try chemotherapy, but they aren't to optimistic about her chances."

Beau looked at his dad and asked, "Daddy is mommy going to die?"

Ira just slowly nodded his head and broke down once again.

"When," he asked?

"Baby, the doctors told me that if they can't get this under control and stop it, I might not make it to Christmas."

Jane stopped again for a moment to regain her composure. When she was ready to talk again she said; "But I don't want you to treat me any different. I am not dead yet, and there is always a chance that I might beat this cancer. From this day forward we are just going to enjoy being a family. I want to live each and every day to the fullest. I want to experience different things. I want to play and have fun with you and try to be the best mom in the world to you guys. I want all three of you, to have good memories of me if I should die. I also want you boys to help your dad. He is going to need you as much as you need him.

4 months later …

"Dad," Toby began? "Can I ask you some questions?"

Ira was momentarily stunned at his sons' presence. The last few months have been getting harder and harder. The doctor had just told them that Jane's death was inevitable and the bills were piling up. He was feeling like a complete failure to his family and especially to his sons. He kept thinking he had to do something to ensure his family would be taken care of, only he wasn't sure what that would be.

"Anything my son," Ira replied as he lay down his gin and tonic.

"A couple of boys at my school are saying they are going to beat me up because I am a fairy. They also said that the only way I could get out of getting beat up is to do things for them and I don't want to do the things that they are talking about. They said they know I am a fairy because they caught me holding hands with Davey. They even threatened to tell the whole school that Davey and I are fairies so everyone can beat us up."

"Whoa there mister, let's get a couple of things straight. First of all the slang they are using refers to someone that is gay. Do you know what that means?"

Toby nodded his head so his dad continued.

"Ok, good. You never knew your Uncle Marcus because he died when he was only 15. He was gay and a couple of kids tormented him for it. One day they were picking on him and really getting rough when he lost his balance and fell off of the sidewalk. They forced him out into traffic where he got ran over by a car and died. Son let me tell you right out front that there was nothing wrong with my brother, he was a loving caring human being, and in my opinion the best brother in the world, gay or not and if you are gay as well, there is nothing wrong with you either. You are still my son, and in my opinion one of the two best sons in this whole wide world. You don't chose to be gay anymore than you chose the color of your eyes. Let me ask you this, do you think that you might be gay?"

"I know that I like being with Davey more than any other friend I have ever had. Sometimes we hold hands and it feels good. I feel warm around him."

"Well then you might be. Or you might not. Your body is starting to change and with it you will have different feelings. The trick is to recognize those feelings for what they are and to net let them consume you. Just know this; you have my support no matter what. Heck buddy, you're only 12, so who knows what might happen. You don't need to rush in anything, just let nature take her course, ok? And while we are at it, I want the names of the kids who are giving you a hard time. I also want to know exactly what it was that they wanted you to do, and don't be embarrassed, I've just about heard it all in my day. Heck, I bet I already have a good idea what you are going to tell me, so just spill it, ok? After you tell me I will speak to the principal and I bet we can get that to stop quick and in a hurry ok"

"Ok Dad," Toby said as he wrapped his arms around his father.

Toby leaned forward and whispered the whole story into his dad's ear, blushing the whole time. When he fished he hugged his dad tighter and said, "Thanks for being there for me. I love you."

"I love you to son, I always will."

Side Thought - Ira McClure:

After Toby had gone to bed, Ira called James Mandler, the principal at Toby's school and filled him in. James agreed to put an immediate stop to the problem. Ira thanked him and hung up. After he had had a while to reflect on things, Ira really started hitting the bottle hard. He was remembering the day that his little brother died. As all of the visions went through his head he began to write a letter, when he was done he sealed it into an envelope and put it in a box of pictures where the boys might find it some day. After he was done, he went to bed and passed out next to his frail dying wife.

The next afternoon Jane was sitting in the living room watching some cartoon with her sons when the doorbell rang. Toby ran to get it and when he opened the door he saw two police officers.

"Mom." He yelled. "There are a couple of cops here at the door."

Jane's first thought was, ‘oh great, what did Ira do now?'

When she got to the door the officers asked if she was Jane McClure. When she answered yes they said, "Ma'am, I am Officer Roberts and this is Officer Daniels. We are from the Carson City Police Department Victims Advocates division. May we come in?"

Jane showed them to the living room while she was trying to recall what the Victims Advocates did.

After they were all seated Officer Daniels suggested that the boys leave the room while the adults talked.

Jane however quickly responded that the boys could hear anything. This was a family and no secrets were kept. She then asked the officers if they should wait until Ira returned home.

Officer Roberts replied, "Ma'am, it is your husband we are here about. I am not quite sure how to tell you this, but your husband was involved in an accident at work today. I am so sorry to inform you that he died as a result of the accident."

Overcome in grief, Jane and the boys fell into each others arms and cried, screamed and fell to pieces. When they were finally able to speak again Jane asked the officers what had happened.

"Ma'am what appears to have happened is this; your husband was working on the fourth floor of the new County Courthouse Annex. As he moved from one of the beams he lost his footing and slipped. When he started to fall his safety harness broke and he fell head first into the back of a loaded cement truck. We are assuming that he died on impact with the cement. Again, I am so sorry for your loss."

End Flashback

---

"Anyway," Toby began. "The officers stayed a while longer and gave my mom some information. We had the funeral 3 days later. After a month had passed we got a letter from the Construction Companies Insurance Company saying they had video evidence that dad died as a result of suicide. He was caught on tape weakening his safety harness so that it would give out. As a result we only got half of his life insurance money and got no settlement for the accident. After all of this happened mom got really bad and she talked with us and decided to send us to Aunt Gloria's because she didn't want us to see her die."

About that time the bus rolled into a station and Charlie came back to the boys. "Guys, we are in Salt Lake City. This is a pretty big place and I would really prefer if you stay on the bus. If you tell me what you want for snacks, I will get them for you, ok?"

The boys all thanked Charlie and gave their munchies order to him and Tanner paid for it all.

DJ then pulled an envelope from his pocket and said, "Guys, this here is a poem that means the world to me. I would like for you to hear it. Maybe then you will understand that we are in this together, no matter what, ok?"

"Ok," both boys replied.

The wind fills my sails
To take me afar
To a place I've never been

But where we'll go
I do not know
Or as to why or when

But this I know
Deep down in my soul
A place that has no end

I will travel with you
Side by side
Always as your friend

This road will be long
With pits and hills
And fences that block green lawns

But we'll get past that
‘Cause were friends wherever were at
And always A New Day Dawns.

When the poem was finished all four boys knew without a doubt, that they would stay together forever, some way or another.
Beau looked at the other three and said, "Can I play you a song on my stereo? It is a song that makes me think of Mommy and Daddy, but I like it."

"You bet little buddy," Tanner replied. "What song is it?"

"It's called Wish You Were Here, by Mark Wills," Beau said.

"Hey, I know that one," Tanner exclaimed! "Can I sing it with you?"

"That would be cool," Beau started. "I love to sing."

"Me too," Tanner said. "Start the music."

As the music began all four boys were lost in another world and when Beau and Tanner began to sing along DJ and Toby sat in amazement at their vocal abilities.

They kissed goodbye at the terminal gate
She said you're gonna be late if you don't go
He held her tight, said I'll be all right
I'll call you tonight to let you know

He bought a postcard, on the front it just said HEAVEN
With a picture of the ocean and the beach
And the simple words he wrote her
Said he loved her and they told her
How he'd hold her if his arms would reach

Wish you were here, wish you could see this place
Wish you were near, wish I could touch your face
The weather's nice, it's paradise
It's summertime all year and there's some folks we know
They say, "Hello, I miss you so, wish you were here"

She got a call that night but it wasn't from him
It didn't sink in right away, Ma'am the plane went down
Our crews have searched the ground
No survivors found she heard him say

But somehow she got a postcard in the mail
That just said HEAVEN with a picture of the ocean and the beach
And the simple words he wrote her
Said he loves her and they told her
How he'd hold her if his arms would reach

Wish you were here, wish you could see this place
Wish you were near, wish I could touch your face
The weather's nice, it's paradise
It's summertime all year, and there's some folks we know
They say "Hello, I miss you so, wish you were here"

The weather's nice, in paradise
It's summertime all year and all the folks we know
They say "Hello, I miss you so, wish you were here"
Wish you were here.

After they were done singing, a tear streaked Charlie gave the boys their snacks and a big hug to each. "That was absolutely beautiful boys. You can sing on this bus as loud as you want."

The blushing boys said their thanks and then dug into the snacks. Cheetos, mountain dew, and m&m's. The staples of every kid's diet. Enough carbs, sugar, and caffeine to wire them up for a while.

As the bus began rolling again Tanner began to relive parts of his life for everyone.

---

Flashback - Tanner Michaels:

Guys, I had a pretty good life going on before my mom & dad died. We had a nice house, cool cars, and we had a good amount of money. It was after they died and I got put into foster care with Steve and Mary that everything started to go downhill.

The morning that my parents died we were sitting around the kitchen table eating breakfast when my dad asked us if we wanted to go down to Fairfield that night to go and eat and then hit Scandia the local go cart, bumper boat, and mini golf joint. Being that it is one of my favorite places I was all for it. That day at school I asked DJ if he wanted to go with us that evening and he got permission to, so both of us basically were bouncing off of the walls all day long waiting for school to get out.

After school got out that afternoon we went to my house to wait for my parents to show up to get us. However, when we got there DJ's mom and dad were waiting for us. When they told me that my parents were dead, I started to run. It was DJ who caught me and held on to me while I cried.

The driver of the other car was also killed when the collision happened and some of the police that were investigating the accident said it almost looked intentional but as the other driver died as well, we would never know.

I went and stayed with DJ and his family for a few days until after the funeral was over and then I was placed with Steve and Mary. While I was at their house I caught Colin taking pictures of us when we were naked and stuff and I really got weirded out by it.

Finally I moved in with Steve and Mary, who were both friends of Colin's somehow. He was the one to get the placement taken care of so quickly for me. But once I was there things went south.

Just a few weeks after mom and dad died, DJ's mom, Katie, went missing. When that happened, Colin spent a lot of time at our house, which I thought was kind of cool. I actually got to spend some time with DJ. We were trying to help each other get through a very bad time. I am not sure either one of us would have made it if it weren't for each other. It was then that I started having feelings for him, but I was afraid to tell him because I thought he would reject me for it. I was terrified of telling him that I might be gay and that I have the hots for him. I was beginning to wish I were dead.

Steve was never a nice person from the beginning. Whenever I was home I had to be in my boxers so I wouldn't get the furniture dirty. I was not allowed much privacy. Steve would take pictures of me whenever he could. I caught him taking pictures of me in the middle of the night one time and he was playing with my pecker while he was doing it. He didn't realize that I was awake. At first I thought I was just having a weird dream, but I actually found pictures of him touching me down there. I realized that he was a pervert and I wanted to tell someone. I figured I would tell Colin, but I overheard him and Steve talking about sending the pictures to a contact in Russia and getting big money for them. That's when I started to do some snooping around. I found thousands of pictures of me and DJ doing everything from sleeping to showering to jacking off. I was also able to figure out that the pictures had been sent and found the money that they got for them. They were sharing the money with Colin. They were in a kiddy porn business and me and DJ were the star attractions.

The more I found the madder I got. Finally one morning Mary was drinking her fat ass into oblivion and we got into an argument about her husband being a pervert and a freak. She threw a beer bottle at me and missed. I finally had had enough and ran away. I decided I was going to tell DJ that I was gay and loved him and then I was going to leave. I went to his house and was so nervous that I actually barfed on their lawn. DJ and I talked or quite a while and I found out that he had the same feelings as me. We were in his room and things began to get a little bit hot. Well DJ's dad, Colin, walked in on us in the middle of something and tried to molest DJ. He also threw DJ into a wall, so I hit him twice with a baseball bat and knocked him out. We got DJ's stuff and left. We went to my house and snuck in and we overheard Steve and Mary talking about us, so we decided it was time to run away. That was the last day we spent in Dixon and now we are here.

End Flashback

---

As Tanner finished his story he looked around him to see tears in the eye is of the other boys. DJ just reached out to him and wrapped his arms around his neck.

"I love you Tanner. I always have, and I always will. No matter what happens, I will be by your side forever.

After they had a chance to regain their composure, DJ went to the front of the bus and asked Charlie where they were.

"We are about 30 minutes outside of Rawlins Wyoming kido," Charlie said. "When we get there do you guys need to refill your batteries? I can go inside and get you some more snacks."

DJ told him that would be great and gave him some more money to buy it with, and then walked to the back.

"We are almost to Rawlins Wyoming guys," DJ said as he sat down. So we are about two and a half hours to Cheyenne. Charlie is going to buy us some more snacks and then I guess it's my turn to tell a tale."

About that time Beau just started crying. Toby reached out to his little brother and cradled him in and just spoke softly to him that everything would be ok.

"Are you ok there little man," DJ asked?

"I just miss my parents," Beau sniffled. "I am scared and I feel all alone inside."

DJ just looked at the little boy and opened his arms and said, "You can come cuddle with me over here if you want, both of you."

Beau shifted over to DJ and said, "Are you guys really going to try and be our big brothers?"

"I will do everything in my power to make sure that we stay together. One way or the other we will make it happen."

As the boys rode the rest of the way into Rawlins, Toby started humming a song and Beau soon followed suit. Tanner was listening intently and finally figured out what the song was.

"Hey," he started. "I know that song too, it's called When You Leave That Way You Can Never Come Back, by Confederate Railroad, right?"

"Yeah," Toby said. "Our parents loved to listen to country music and it kind of grew on us. This song kind of makes sense with our situations. The words all fit. I mean if you think about it, Tanner, everything you have told us so far says that you can't go back to that kind of situation. What you did, even though it was justified would be hard to go back to. No, when you leave that way you can never go back."

"I never listened to much country music, so I've never heard that one. Would you guys sing it for me, I'd really like to hear it," DJ asked?

The boys agreed and soon the back of the bus was filled with a gentle harmony that only a group of boys could create. DJ just sat and listened to the words that would paint a picture for him and give him the courage to tell the boys his story.

I remember waking in the morning
To the sound of the roosters crow
Mama cookin' in the kitchen
And Arthur Gottfried on the radio

Me and dad were just like strangers
We never did see eye to eye
It came to blows one Sunday mornin'
So I packed my bags and I said good bye

When you leave that way you can never go back
A train won't run on a torn up track
Sometimes I wish I'd never roamed oh no
'Cause when you leave that way you can never go home

Then I met a girl in Knoxville
Oh we set our weddin' date
I left her standing at the altar
With a baby on the way

When you leave that way you can never go back
A train won't run on a torn up track
Sometimes I wish I'd never roamed oh no
'Cause when you leave that way you can never go home

And Lord I'd love to see my Mom and Daddy
And what I'd give to hold that boy of mine
I'd get down on my knees and say I'm sorry
If I could only go back one more time

But I killed a man in Houston
When he caught me with his wife
And I told the preacher man to leave me alone
When he came to read my rights

And he said son,
When you leave this way you can never come back
A soul won't roll on a torn up track
All through eternity you'll roam alone
'Cause when you leave this way you can never come home

All through eternity you'll roam alone
'Cause when you leave this way you can never come home.

"Wow," DJ said. "You weren't kidding. Even though the situations aren't the same, well one maybe, the came to blows part, this song really hits home. I feel that way too. I can never go back. I won't go back. On another note, you guys sing so awesome together. You sound like pros. We have to stay together at least so you guys can sing for me," DJ kidded. "I am serious, you three sound great. Maybe y'all could teach me to sing."

"DJ," Beau began. "Mama used to say if you want to sing all you have to do is feel it in your heart and open your mouth."

About that time Charlie came to the back and said, "Welcome to Rawlins Wyoming, home of the State Penitentiary. You guys just kick back in here and I will go and get your supplies for the next leg of the trip. And by the way ... Sing louder, my radio is broke. You kids are good, and you sing the right kind of music. None of that boom boom boom junk you hear going down the road from a hundred yards away. Good ‘ole country music. The music of the soul and for the soul. I love it."

After Charlie left to go inside the boys all made their way to the bathroom at the back of the bus to make room for more incoming mountain dew. After they were done and had cleaned their faces with those little moist towelettes they sat down and got comfortable.

By the time Charlie made it back with their new stash, all four boys were rearing and ready to go and get to the next stop.

"Thanks for getting this stuff for us Charlie," Tanner began. "I hate going into strange places."

"You're welcome there partner. Now find another song to sing for us," Charlie said as he laughed his way back to the front.

"Well guys, I guess it's my turn," DJ stated. "Please understand that some of this is going to be hard for me, because I feel like it's my fault that we are here right now."

"Hold the phone," Tanner said! "You are no more at fault than I am. Stuff happened and we are dealing with it. I love you and you can't change that, so don't worry about it."

"I know, but still, it's kind of hard, but I know we will get through it."

---

Flashback - DJ McAllister :

I remember waking up one morning and seeing my dad standing over me taking pictures of me while I was sleeping. I looked down and saw that I was naked and sporting morning wood. I asked my dad what he was doing and he replied that he was just proud to see that his little boy was becoming a man. I didn't know what to think then so I just joked around with him and made him promise me that he wouldn't show that picture to anyone. He just laughed and walked out of the room.

Things began to get weird after that. I noticed that my dad was always taking pictures of me. He had even caught me jacking off one time and I saw him get pictures of me doing that. I saw him peeking at me in the shower and doing stupid things like taking my towel so I would have to run naked down the hallway to get a new one. Every time he was looking at me it seemed that he had a camera in his hand. Finally I got weirded out enough that I went to talk to my mom.

"Mom, we need to talk," DJ said.

"What about baby," Katie answered? "Is everything ok at school?"

"It's not about school mom. Dad is really making me uncomfortable."

"How so?"

"Well, DJ began; I keep seeing him taking pictures of me all the time."

"You know we want all kinds of pictures for our photo album baby. Why would that bother you?"

"Well mom, do you guys really want pictures of me naked and stuff?"

"What kind of stuff DJ, Katie asked nervously?"

"I have caught dad taking pictures of me in the mornings when I am, you know, hard and stuff. He has taken pictures of me when I was doing things too, DJ continued as he turned beet red. Every time I am naked for any reason he is there with a camera. I have even gone to bed in my boxers and woke up in the morning with them around my knees and him in there with a camera. It is really freaking me out."

"I don't know what to say DJ. Those are not the kind of pictures I want in the photo album. You deserve your privacy, and by the way, you don't need to be embarrassed. All boys do those things. But I have to talk to your father and find out just what in the heck he thinks he is doing."

"Mom, please don't tell dad I told you. He'll beat the crap out of me."

"Oh no he won't. I am your mother and I will go to my grave protecting you. Colin might be my husband, but you are my flesh and blood. That is a bond that should never be compromised. You have done nothing wrong. Don't worry, I won't talk to him yet, but I will do some investigating of my own to see what this is all about. I just want you to promise me that if anything else weird happens again that you will tell me immediately, ok?"

I remember about three days later I saw my mom crying in the kitchen. I asked her what was wrong and she just held on to me for about an hour until she had cried herself out. She told me that she had taken care of everything and all would be ok in a couple of days.

The next morning when I was getting ready to go to school my mom came into my room and told me that there were going to be some changes coming very soon. She also told me that she would tell me more after school and to go and have a good day.

When I got home after school my mom wasn't there, so I figured that she had some errands to run. I went and made myself a snack and got started on my chores and my homework. When I was done she still wasn't home so I tried to call her cell phone. When she didn't answer I began to get worried so I called my dad. He told me that she was probably out and about and her phone battery had probably died. He told me to fix myself some dinner and he would be home soon.

I felt kind of weird because he was acting all nice and happy, and I figured that by now my mom had talked to him about the pictures. Maybe they had gotten all of that figured out. Maybe I was just overreacting.

After I had eaten my dinner I relaxed on the couch to watch some TV and fell asleep. When I woke up it was well after midnight so I just went to bed. The next morning before I left for school I went to go and talk to my mom but the bedroom door was locked so I figured that she was home and just sleeping.

When I got home from school that afternoon, my dad was there along with a bunch of other cops from the department. My dad told me that my mom was missing. We looked all over the place for her and had to do the news things and everything else.

That morning before school was the last time I had ever seen my mom, and now my guts tell me that she is dead.

All of this happened right after Tanners parents were killed in that car crash. Since then we have been inseparable. I am not sure how I could survive without him. He is my best friend in the world, and I also believe that he is my soul mate.

When my dad pulled his stunt a few days ago and tried to molest us that was the final straw. We had to get out of there. I just know that he is up to something no good. And I am not about to wait around and see what he is going to do to screw up our lives.

End Flashback

---

As DJ was finishing up his story he looked at Toby who was lost in the middle of writing something.

"Excuse me sir. Do you have something that you want to share with the rest of the class?" DJ asked.

Toby turned beet red and said, "I'm sorry DJ, I was really listening to you, but I have this problem. Somewhere along the way I picked up a like for writing poetry and yours and Tanners stories along with mine and Beaus kind of gave me ideas for a poem. I really wasn't trying to ignore you. I was just writing while I was listening."

"Hey, it's ok bro," DJ began. "Trust me, I feel better just for actually saying some of that stuff out loud. So you write poetry huh? Can we hear this poem or would you rather keep it private?"

"I'll read it to you guys only if you promise you won't laugh or think I am dumb for it."

All the boys made the promise to Toby and waited for him to speak again.

"It's called "Brotherly Love."

Light is to dark
What you are to me
An opposite of just who
I once used to be

I lived in a shell
To cover up all my fear
I would not come out
Until you, friend were near

Alone in this world
Afraid to be me
Eyes always closed
For I was afraid I might see

To open the door
And tear down the brick wall
And face all my fears
Bear my soul out to all

I could not do that
The fear was too strong
But I knew that I must
Do that before long

The time it grew near
There was no turning back
I had to face fear
My strength could not lack

Unsure of myself
I looked up to you
And asked of my friend
Just what should I do?

You took hold of my hand
And showed me the way
You stayed by my side
Through out every day

And when my fear came back
You helped to brush it away
My strength grew from you
In so many ways

You gave me a needed
Kick in the rear
We fought side by side
To overcome all my fears

No longer in a shell
Afraid not of no light
What demons I still have
I'm not afraid now to fight

For what was once there
That made me to hide
Is gone and done now
Replaced by my pride

A bond that we formed
A brotherly love
I thank for my brothers
To our God above

When the poem was finished being read there were three boys with tear streaked faces and one with a grin from ear to ear.

"Do you guys like it?" Toby asked.

Tanner recovered enough to say; "Toby that is the most awesome poem I have ever heard. Once we get settled into a new home for all of us, would you please let me have that professionally printed and framed? I want to keep that forever as a reminder of the new brothers I have found."

Toby reached over to Tanner and wrapped his arms around him and said, "I would be honored. I am so glad you guys like it. That means the world to me when someone thinks I did a good job."

After all the boys had made some comments about the poem they all looked at each other with very tired eyes and started yawning.

"I have an idea," Beau said. "Lets all cuddle up together in the very back seat. I know it is only for 3 people, but I am pretty small and I bet we could all fit. I am getting tired and don't want to fall asleep while you guys are still talking, so why don't we all go to bed for a while and we can talk more in the morning?"

All the other boys thought that this was a great idea, so the crammed all of their small bodies in the back seat and made themselves comfortable.

Just before they all made the trip into dreamland, Beau touched each of the boys and said, "Goodnight guys, I love you all." Then they all slipped off to sleep.

"Well boys." Charlie said as he tried to gently wake the fearsome foursome. "Welcome to Cheyenne Wyoming. This is where I'm going to have to leave you all. I have already called ahead to the front office and spoken with one of the supervisors that is a friend of mine. She is going to keep an eye on you two until Daniel, your next driver, gets here. I have also already called him. He is a friend of mine and he is going to make sure that everything goes smoothly for you until you get into Iowa. Take care and keep your noses clean."

With that Charlie led them off of the bus and got their stuff out from the bottom luggage area. He then walked with them inside and introduced them to Carla Mahoney. Carla was an older lady, probably in her early sixties with salt and pepper hair and a warm Grand motherly like smile.

"Well aren't you four just the cutest little things in all of Gods creation," Carla questioned? "My, my, my, if I were just a few years younger I would have to get all up in a dither and get myself gussied up to be around four strapping handsome young men like you. Just throw on some tight fittin' jeans, some nice ropers and a nicely formed cowboy hat on your cute little heads and we'd have us some fine lookin' cowboys here."

By the time Carla was finished with her rambling all four boys had displayed more shades of red than you would have thought possible.

When their initial embarrassment was over, DJ looked at Carla and thanked her then turned to Charlie and did the same.

"Charlie," he began. "Thank you for all that you have done for us. You were really nice and funny and made the trip go by fast for us.

Charlie looked at each one of the four boys that he had been traveling with and thanked them all for being such polite young men. He extended his arm and warmly shook hands with each of the boys and then turned to leave.

As soon as he had left, Carla motioned the boys over to the cafeteria area so they could have some breakfast. "Do you boys need some money for breakfast," she asked?

"No Ma'am, "Tanner answered. "We are all set, but thank you."

"Ma'am indeed," Carla snickered. "Ma'am was my grandmother, God rest her soul. Around here, it's Carla. Now get on over there and have some breakfast. I'll be just there in that office to the right. I need to go and have me a piece of bus driver butt for a mid-morning snack. If you boys need anything at all, just holler, ok?"

The boys just giggled as they walked away toward the cafeteria.

After they had gotten their breakfast and sat down to eat. As they were eating and laughing and joking, DJ looked to his left and saw someone that scared him half out of his wits.

"Tanner," DJ said with fear in his voice. "Look to your right. That guy is a cop. He works in my fathers department. His name is Robb."

Almost on cue, Robb got up and walked to the boys. Both Tanner and DJ were frozen to their seat when Robb sat down at their table. Before either one had a chance to say a thing, Robb spoke. "Boys, you have nothing to worry about, don't be afraid. I know why you are here, and I know where you are going, and I am going to help you. And DJ, as soon as we get you guys taken care of, we are going to put that no-good son-of-a-duck's behind father of yours behind bars for a long time. Tanner that goes for you as well. Steve and Mary are in this up to their eyeballs. They will go down as well."

DJ looked Robb in the eyes and asked; "How did you find us?"

"DJ," Robb began. "I am a detective, it's what I do. For now though, you need to listen. I have been working on assignment from Starfleet, not Dixon PD. I was sent to find you and get you into capable and caring hands. I have been tracking you since Auburn. I have also investigated Colin, Steve, and Mary. I have enough evidence to put them away for so many years that their grandkids will be gray. But we do need to hurry, boys. They have figured out where you all are and are headed this way."

DJ was just about to ask Rob about Toby and Beau when Carla came out of her office at a high rate of speed yelling; "Hey you! Get away from those kids right now before I call the sheriff. That's right, you! What in tarnation do you think you are doing? Come over here now or get the hell out of my station! I mean it. Those boys are no business of yours."

Robb told the boys he would be right back and not to move. He got up and walked over to Carla and pulled out his badge. He then motioned her into the office. They both walked in and closed the door.

All four boys just sat in amazement at what they had just heard. None of them were able to move, let alone speak for a good five minutes. Finally Beau just looked at the other boys and said with tears in his eyes, "What about us? Where do we go now? Are we still going to be able to stay with you or at least be friends? What kind of trouble did you guys get into? Were you guys telling us the truth back there on the bus?"

"I just thought of something," DJ said. "Quick hold hands and look into my eyes, let me see if I can give you a link to Timmy. That way if we get separated you guys can still get help."

Toby and Beau looked at each other that hesitantly held their hands and looked into DJ's eyes for a few moments and a warm cozy feeling overtook them. As quickly as the feeing came it was gone. Beau asked DJ; " What just happened and who is Timmy?"

DJ was straining to find the right words to say. After a moment he started to answer but was stopped when he felt a large hand on his shoulder. He spun around and looked right into the eyes of his father, and Tanner was looking right at Steve and Mary.

"Hello boys," Colin said. "Please don't make a scene here. Just listen for a second. We came to apologize. We realized that we were wrong in what we did. DJ, you are my son. My pride and joy. I hurt you, and I realize that now. I am so sorry for what I have done. I am asking you to please forgive me and come home. I promise I will make everything alright." He then looked right at Beau and Toby and said, "Would you boys please excuse us for just a minute. We need to talk privately to our sons?"

Toby and Beau slowly nodded their heads and walked away from their new brothers, but never once took their eyes off of them.

"DJ looked Colin right in the eyes and said, "I am not going anywhere with you, you pervert. I am going to press charges and have your sorry butt thrown in jail. What you did was sick and wrong. You're a cop for crying out loud. You are supposed to protect the law, not break it. I want absolutely nothing to do with you ever again, and there is not a thing that you can do about it"

Colin tightened his grip on DJ's shoulder and said, "Getting a little cocky here in the last few days, huh? I guess you must have gotten some balls from me after all, but as for pressing charges, I don't think so kido. Remember squirt, I am a cop. They will believe me before they ever believe you. I get my way every dang time, you should know that. You are just a scared little boy that needs to be severely punished for what you did, and believe me you; I will inflict a punishment that you are not likely to forget anytime soon."

DJ's mind was working overtime, concentrating and trying to force his thoughts to Tanner, Beau, Toby, and Timmy; ‘Guys, please pay attention. I hope you can hear me. The stuff is going to hit the fan any second. Tanner, if you can hear me when I give you the signal kick Steve, go for his nuts and do it as hard as you can, then run like the wind and call Teri Short, tell her where we are and that we need help. Beau and Toby, run and get Officer Robb and Carla, tell them that mine and Tanners folks are here and are going to cause trouble. Timmy HELP, Please!!'

The strange look that Tanner gave DJ said he understood what DJ wanted him to do. Tanner wasn't sure how he understood this, or how he heard DJ in his head, but he did.

Once he was sure that everyone had understood him, DJ just nudged Tanner and said, "We have all of the proof and evidence we need, so screw off, Officer Asshole! I hope you like jail!"

Suddenly Tanner jumped to his feet and gave Steve a fast hard kick with all his might right to the balls then started running as fast as his legs would carry him.

With Steve on the ground writhing in pain, Colin looked at Mary and told her to go and catch Tanner. He then he looked right at DJ again and slapped his face hard enough to make his nose start bleeding and said, "Listen to me boy. I will not be spoken to in that way ever again. You will do as you are told. Your evidence is meaningless if you can't substantiate it. You have as much chance of putting me away as your little boyfriend has of staying out of juvenile hall for hitting me with that bat. Now I want you to get your stuff and get in that car before I throw you in there myself. DO NOT make me mad again. I own you, you sorry small dick little twerp."

As Tanner ran one way, Toby and Beau started running for Carla's office. Tanner pulled the cell phone from his pocket and hit the speed dial for Teri Short. As the phone was ringing DJ was yelling at Colin from the top of his lungs, "FUCK OFF! YOU THINK THAT I WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOU. IF YOU ARE MY FATHER THEN WHY DID YOU SPREAD PICTURES OF ME AND TANNER NAKED ALL OVER THE INTERNET? WHY DID YOU BEAT ME? WHY DID YOU TRY TO MOLEST US? YOU ARE A FREAK AND A PERVERT AND I WANT YOU TO GO TO HELL! I KNOW ALL ABOUT THE PICTURES AND THE MONEY FROM RUSSIA. I WILL KILL MYSELF BEFORE I EVER GO ANYWHERE WITH A SON OF A BITCH LIKE YOU."

"OH REALLY," COLIN SCREAMED! "IF THAT'S THE WAY YOU WANT IT, THEN SO BE IT. I SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN RID OF YOU LIKE I DID YOUR STUPID MOTHER. I CAN ALWAYS FIND A KID TO TAKE PICTURES OF. YOU WERE JUST CONVIENEINT. BUT INSTEAD YOU JUST GET IN THE WAY. IF YOU WOULD SHUT UP AND LISTEN FOR TWO SECONDS, YOU WOULD SEE THAT WE CAN MAKE SOME MONEY OFF OF YOU AND YOUR LITTLE BOYFRIEND. WE WOULD HAVE GIVEN YOU BOTH A CUT TOO, BUT NO, YOU HAD TO BE ALL SELF RIGHTEOUS. IT'S JUST PICTURES, CAN'T YOU SEE THAT. NO HARM, NO FOUL. BUT YOU SAY YOU WANT TO DIE INSTEAD OF COMING HOME WITH ME? WELL HERE IS YOUR CHANCE. SAY GOODNIGHT DAVID!"

With that Colin pulled from his holster a standard police issue Beretta 9mm handgun and pointed it right at his son. DJ didn't even as much as flinch as he stared down the barrel of his father's sidearm, instead he just looked Colin dead in the eyes and said, "Gotten balls from you? Yeah right! I must have gotten all of my balls from my mother, because you're nothing more than a freak and a pussy! Go ahead and shoot me, I dare you! See if you can just make me disappear like you did my mom, you bastard. Go ahead … It takes a real man to point a gun at a thirteen year old unarmed boy."

The phone was answered during this yelling match and just about everything that was said could be heard on the other end of the line. Before anyone on the other line had a chance to say a word, Tanner yelled into the phone, "PLEASE, I NEED TO TALK TO TERI SHORT RIGHT NOW! WE NEED HELP!"

"This is Cory, Teri's son. Is your name Tanner or DJ?"

Tanner was puzzled for a moment as to how they knew about them and was about to answer the question when he saw Beau running up behind Colin with a large knife in hand. As Colin aimed for the head and prepared to shoot DJ, a very mad Beau ran up behind him and buried all 6 inches of his Boy Scout knife right into the inside of Colin's thigh precariously close to where his balls might be hanging, sending a stream of blood everywhere and Colin hoping around on one leg. As he was flailing around, Colin pistol whipped Beau sending him sprawling to the floor and knocking him out cold and leaving a very deep gash about five inches long across the top of his forehead.

Then just as Tanner began to answer the question Cory had asked and to ask again for help, their conversation was stopped dead by the sound of a gunshot.

Colin's shot however was misplaced due to his injury, it definitely hit lower on DJ's body. The shot sent DJ sprawling to the ground covered in blood and the whole station went totally still and silent. You could have heard a pin drop on the floor until Tanner started screaming hysterically. "Nooooooooooo! Oh God NO! Help us! Please! Somebody, anybody! That son of a bitch just shot DJ! He actually shot him! Oh my God! There is blood everywhere. DJ!!!! Nooooooooooooooooooo! HELP!!"

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The End of this part .. time skip ahead.

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