An Interlude

The pleasant climate of a Marsh County fall gave way at Thanksgiving to the first bad weather they had encountered all season. Brad and Dean had joined them for a welcome feast on Thursday's turkey day. But they were just picking at the carcass two days later when the first snow began to fall ... all of six inches.

Like most of the south, the storm closed down everything, including the wrestling meet they were scheduled to attend. Ben had no concerns about getting around in his 4 X 4 but when schools remained closed it didn't seem necessary to leave the comfort of their home. The courts were closed as well. Gene heaved a sigh of relief at having a few extra days off, but he finished his homework and read on into the next chapter of his history book.

The boy's improved work at school earned him praise from all the teachers. Simon Hanover was pleased enough to call Ben with the good news that the boy's test scores were up. Something had motivated the boy and he could only credit Ben's oversight. No one except Brad and Dean knew that Gene was doing it for love.

Ben had watched the boy's personality change and smiled at the confidence he now exuded. A new life, the sense of belonging and a caring relationship did wonders for the boy's ego. But they had still not done the much desired deed in bed.

With the guardianship papers filed, Ben had gone on, taking care of a few things he wanted the boy to have. The first was a valid passport. More than an identity card, it might be needed if they decided to travel. The idea of showing Gene the world was thrilling, an educational experience the boy really needed to broaden his horizons.

A medical checkup had confirmed what Ben already knew, Gene was malnourished. His doctor made some dietary suggestions and gave the boy a few shots. Other than that he was healthy and Ben was grateful for that small favor.

Ben finally found the confidence to e-mail his father about the boy's presence in his life. Using his best parent psychology, he took a firm stance.

"Dear Mom and Dad," he wrote.

"It is the weekend after Thanksgiving and the snow has covered the bushes in the front yard. Yes Dad, I'll go broom them off after I finish this correspondence. It was good to talk with you Thursday before my guests arrived. Brad Wilson is the wrestling coach at Southeast; we became friends when I took over the responsibility of becoming Gene Carr's guardian.

"Yes, you read that right. I am now the guardian for a seventeen year old young man, a former client and a student at Southeast. Tom made all the arrangements and thinks the boy is better off with me here in a stable home.

"I'm not going to divulge too much of my client's privileged information here and now, but let's just say his former parent situation was untenable. His mother signed over her rights and I intend to remain his guardian until he turns eighteen next month.

"I know you're going to say that I have no experience raising a child, but then Gene is far from needing his diapers changed. I am learning to enjoy the role of parent as he is a most gifted young man. Needless to say he will be coming down with me at Christmas and you can see exactly what I mean for yourselves.

"There is something very satisfying about watching this boy learn and develop. He finally has a stable home life, something I always felt secure in having when I was his age. I consider this another learning experience in my life and I gratefully accepted the responsibility.

"Looking forward to the drive south in a few weeks, we'll probably arrive on the 21st as that is the first day of vacation from school for Gene. Tom sends his best regards and says to tell you I haven't lost my mind in all this.

"All my love and best regards, Ben."

His father's response was brief:

"Looking forward to seeing the both of you, Love, Dad."


On to Chapter Twelve

Back to Chapter Ten

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"Gene" Copyright © 27 September 2008 Chris James. All rights reserved.
    This work may not be duplicated in any form (physical, electronic, audio, or otherwise) without the author's written permission. All applicable copyright laws apply. All individuals depicted are fictional with any resemblance to real persons being purely coincidental.

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