DJ Pt. 29

"Hold on, dude," Danny said, "Don't walk away from someone that want's to be your friend! Fernando, did your father kick you out because you're gay? Please be honest with me."

Fernando, tears slipping from his eyes, "Yes, he called me a 'Perv' and said I was no longer welcome in his house."

"Shit!" Danny exclaimed, "Can I tell you a secret, and promise it will go no further than between you and me?" Fernando nodded.

"I'm gay too," Danny stated, "but nobody here knows, except you, I figure I'm big enough and strong enough to defend myself, and I'll defend you too, little brother, what are you, about Five foot?"

"Four feet Eleven, actually," Fernando said, smiling a little.

"Fernando," Danny said, "I overheard four or five of the guys talking about the new Mexican faggot that was in here, and they are planning to gang bang you, and make you their bitch. It won't happen though, if any of them lays a hand on you, I will fuck them up, and that's a promise!"

"I'm not Mexican, I'm Argentine," Fernando stated, "and you would actually stick up for me?"

"Fernando," Danny retorted, "nobody deserves to be raped, and it doesn't matter if you're gay or straight, rape is rape. Please stay kind of close to me, and don't let me be out of your sight."

"I appreciate you wanting to protect me," Fernando said, "but why, are you wanting something from me in return?"

"Kinda, sorta," Danny replied, "it's called friendship, to be honest, I'm into older guys, like mid-twenties, or even early thirties, you're way too young for me to be sexually attracted to you, not meaning to put you down, it's just how I am."

"I understand," Fernando replied, "and I'm into guys closer to my own age, I was kissing a guy that was 17, and we got caught. That's how my father found out I was gay, and I ended up here, until CPS finds me a foster home."

"I was sentenced to three months for shoplifting, and have 3 weeks to go," Danny stated, "if I'd been 18, I would have been sent to the pen, and had a permanent police record, but as a juvenile, the records will be sealed."

After supper in the mess hall, Danny asked Fernando if he would like to grab a shower with him, and he accepted. When they arrived at the open showers, there were already four boys showering. There were eight showerheads, and Fernando and Danny stripped and took two of the remaining four heads.

Suddenly, two of the other boys grabbed Fernando's arms, holding him securely and a third boy grabbed Fernando's waist from behind...

Danny swung into action, planting a fist into the third boys face, then again at one of the boys holding Fernando's arm. Someone yelled "FIGHT!" and within seconds two armed guards appeared and all six boys in the shower just stood there, the two slightly injured boys were rubbing their faces.

"What's going on?" one of the guards questioned.

"White just started punching us, for no reason!" one of the boys remarked.

"There was a reason," Danny blurted, "They were trying to rape Fernando!"

"He's lying!" one of the perpetrators exclaimed, pointing at Danny.

"Right now, you all need to get dried and dressed, and you're all going to solitary, until we get this mess straightened out," The other guard said.

One at a time, all six of the boys were questioned by the Captain. The three boys that were seemingly preparing to do harm to Fernando, had identical stories, that White attacked them for no reason. Danny stated that he'd overheard several boys talking earlier about gang banging the new Mexican fag, and that the two boys were holding Fernando and the third boy looked like he was going to attempt to sodomize Fernando, and that was when he took action and started to throw punches.

Fernando stated that he didn't really know what was happening, but that two of the boys were holding his arms, and the third grabbed his waist, and then Danny came to his rescue. The last boy said he was not involved, and was just a witness, but his story aligned with Danny's and Fernando's. Both he and Fernando were released back to their quarters. Danny and the other three boys were to be kept in solitary for the night.

The Captain brought up the video of the showers during the time of the incident, and it clearly showed the circumstances leading to White's assault on the other boys. After viewing it a second time, he felt that, had he been in White's position, he would have done the same thing. He then asked the guard to bring White to his office.

"White," the Captain said, "you do realize that you actually started the fight, in the showers, don't you?"

"Yes sir," Danny said, "I know I was wrong, but I couldn't just stand by and watch someone get—sexually assaulted. Fernando is a really nice kid, but there was no way he could have defended himself against those three—whatever. I had promised him that I would protect him, and I did what I had to do."

"I looked at that video twice, and had I been wearing your shoes, I know I would have done what you did," the Captain stated, smiling, "I have to respect you for your humanitarian reaction. Sometimes wrong can be right, you don't belong in solitary, White, go back to your quarters!"

"Yes, Sir," Danny stated, "Thank you, sir!"

"Wait," Captain said, standing up and coming around the big desk, "you deserve a hug!" The Captain and Danny shared a nice hug, and Danny beamed. The Captain's not such a bad guy after all. The Captains phone rang.

"Juvie Hall, Captain Johnson here."

"Captain Johnson, Mary Stewart here, I'm Fernando Gomez's case worker, how is Fernando doing?"

Aside from nearly getting raped today, he's doing OK, any good news?"

"Maybe, I have a couple that are willing to foster him, I've run their background, and it's squeaky clean. They just applied today, and specified they are only interested in fostering Fernando. I still need to IV (interview) them, and check out the home, and if everything works out, I may be able to get Fernando out of there tomorrow afternoon."

"Great, should I break the news to him?" Johnson asked.

"Better not," Mary said, "I don't want him to have high hopes that might not happen, but it looks promising, you can tell him after I confirm."

"OK, Mary, thanks for the update, I hope to see you tomorrow."

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Wednesday morning, February 14th, Valentines Day, started out like any ordinary Wednesday. DJ and Jamie got up and showered, a naked Bryan waited patiently, as usual, for the other two to exit the shower so he could get his. As Bryan entered the shower, DJ and Jamie both cuffed Bryan's cock playfully, as usual, making Bryan snicker, and he reached down and cuffed theirs in return. They all grinned.

When DJ and Jamie came to the table, both held something behind their backs, and then handed each other cards. Jamie opened his and smiled as he read the romantic message, and it was signed by DJ. Jamie had no choice but to give his lover a tender, loving kiss.

"That's so beautiful, baby," Jamie remarked, "aren't you going to open yours?"

DJ, tears flowing down his cheeks, gingerly opened the envelope. The message read 'Happy Valentine's Day to our First Year of Love!' then, on the inside, 'The past year with you has been the happiest year a heart could ever hope to have!' then, in ink, 'I love you so much, Baby!'

Now the tears were really rolling, as if a dam had broken in DJ's eyes.

"Are you okay, baby?" Jamie asked.

"Yeah," DJ sobbed, "It's just these damned emotions! Do you realize—that's the first Valentines Card—I've ever received, and what a card it is!"

"DJ, do you have any idea how beautiful your eyes are when you cry?" Jamie said, "I don't mean that in a bad way, you've got the most beautiful brown eyes I've ever looked into anyway, but when you cry, they glisten like dew in the morning sun!" Karen smiled and nodded in agreement.

Bryan arrived at the table, shower completed. DJ handed the card to Bryan, for him to look at.

"Shit!" Bryan exclaimed, "today is Valentines Day, and I didn't even get Phil a card, I feel like a heel!" He looked at, and read, the card that Jamie had given DJ. "That is the most awesome Valentine card I've ever seen," Bryan remarked, smiling at DJ and Jamie.

Karen fixed breakfast for the three boys, and then Bryan headed to his room to grab his backpack, the top was not closed properly. When he tried to close it, it was held open by—a big envelope. Bryan pulled it out, it was one of those huge cards, about 10" X 14" that cost about $8 or $10, and was to him from Phil. He opened it and smiled, but now felt like even more of an ass for not having bought a card for Phil. He decided to get Phil a present instead and give it to him tonight after they both get off from work.

The boys left for college in DJ's Tracker, and would be back for lunch about 1:00 PM. Being Wednesday, DJ is doing deliveries from 3:00 to 9:00 PM, Jamie is scheduled from 4:00 to 9:00 and Bryan from 5:00 until 10:00 tonight, as Applebee's is expecting to be busy for Valentines.

* * * * * * * * * * *

In another home, not too far away, Rose is preparing breakfast for Jamal and Rusty. They need to leave for school about 9:30 for their 10:00 AM classes. Their plans are to go to Rusty's house after class and get Rusty's pickup, then to Lowes to pick up the new grill.

After they deliver the grill to Jamal's house, they're going back to Rusty's for dinner and to spend the evening and night together. Jamal has no classes on Thursday, and Rusty just has the volleyball class from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on and they will go to college Friday morning from Rusty's house.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Jamie, DJ and Bryan returned to the Seldon house about 12:30 PM for lunch, and Jamie received a phone call from Anthony about 1:00 PM, asking him to come in around 2:00 as he and Maria had an appointment with Mary Stewart, Fernando's case worker, at 2:30.

Jamie, as he walked into the pizzeria, "Are we very busy today?"

"Not really," Anthony replied, "I'm hoping we'll be busy this evening, as it is Valentines Day. Mary Stewart is due to arrive at any minute, and Maria and I will be tied up with her for—a while. I'm confidant that you can handle everything while we're talking with her."

About 2:20 PM a lady entered the pizzeria, wearing a grey business suit, and Jamie greeted her with the usual 'Are you dining in or ordering for take-out?' and she informed him that she was Mary Stewart, and that she had an appointment with Antonio and Maria Chevas. Jamie informed Anthony that she had arrived. Anthony and Maria came out from the office.

"Hi," Anthony greeted her, extending his hand, "I'm Antonio, and this is my wife, Maria." The three shook hands.

"I'm Mary Stewart," Mary stated, "I need to interview you both, is there a place we can talk in private?"

"Sure," Anthony replied, "let's go into the party room, Jamie here is my most dependable side kick, and he can handle any business that might walk through the door." The three walked into the Party Room, and Anthony closed the door behind them.

While they were all in the party room, Mary explained the situation, much of which Anthony and Maria were aware of, thanks to Jamie. She told them that, if everything pans out, Fernando would be in a different school, and she would handle transferring his school records. She also mentioned that Fernando only had the clothes on his back, and would be needing more clothing very soon.

Mary told them what almost happened to Fernando at Juvie Hall, and that she felt it important to get Fernando out of there ASAP. That caused Maria's eyes to water, and both Maria and Anthony agreed that time was important, and they could take Fernando in, even tonight, if possible. Mary asked if she could see the home environment, and Maria offered to show her their home today.

A few minutes later, the three came out of the party room, all three were smiling, only one thing remained, Mary needed to approve the home. Maria left with Mary, and directed her to their home, which Mary found quite satisfactory. Mary asked to see the room that would become Fernando's, and Maria showed her the two spare rooms, and told Mary that the choice of which room would be his.

"You don't seem to have much here in the line of food?" Mary asked.

"Normally," Maria replied, "the only meal we eat here regularly is breakfast, and we cook other meals and eat at the restaurant. We can get, and keep more food here, especially with Fernando living here. We don't really live on pizza, I hope Fernando likes pizza though."

Mary, grinning, "Have you ever seen a teenager that doesn't like pizza?"

"I think that's rare," Maria replied, "we're closed on Mondays, and I always try to cook something special here at home on Mondays, on the other days, Antonio and I are always at the restaurant from about 10:30 AM until we close."

"That would mean," Mary commented, "that Fernando would be alone at home from the time he gets home from school, until you and Antonio get home from work, that's quite a few unsupervised hours."

"Mary," Maria asked, "is there any reason the school bus can't drop him off near the restaurant, and he can hang out there until we come home at night?"

Mary, contemplating, "I suppose not, you don't live far from the restaurant, it might even be the same bus that he would ride to school in the mornings. I think you and Antonio will be good foster parents for Fernando, and I'm approving his placement with you, is the $200 a month satisfactory?"

"That's fine," Maria replied, "I'm glad you approved us, I feel that the boy needs a break, and we both are welcoming the opportunity to have him in our care, we'll do the best we can for him."

Mary and Maria returned to the pizzeria about 4:00 PM, both women smiling. When they walked in, Anthony saw the smiles, and just knew that everything was AOK, and he was also getting anxious to meet their new foster son.

"OK," Mary stated, "I'll try to explain just how this works. I'm going to get Fernando out of Juvie Hall this afternoon and bring him here. I will be visiting you, probably Monday afternoon at your home, just a follow up visit to see how everything is going, and also talking with Fernando."

"Here is my card," Mary said, "if there are any problems, please don't hesitate to call me, and I will be in contact with you to check up, about once a week for the next month, and then after that, on a monthly basis. Social Services sends out the checks on the first of the month, so you will receive the first check right after the 1st of March."

"The money is not of the most importance," Anthony stated, "we just want to help this young man, and be there for him, like parents should be." Anthony's attitude made Mary smile, and she felt that she had made the right decision in approving them as foster parents. Mary then made a phone call.

"Juvie Hall, Captain Johnson speaking," the phone responded.

"Captain Johnson, Mary Stewart here, everything is a go, can I pick up Fernando in about an hour, and take him to his new foster parents?"

"Maybe, if you'll allow me to give him the good news."

"OK, this phone call serves as a confirmation, go have your fun, and I will see you within the hour, Thanks Captain." She hung up, grinning.

"Antonio, Maria, Captain Johnson wanted to be the one to give Fernando the news, and I told him he could, and that's the reason for my grin. I'd love to see Fernando's face when Johnson tells him. I should be returning with Fernando around 6:00 to 6:30 PM if that's OK."

"That's fine, Mary, I'll tell Jamie and Ruth, my servers tonight, and maybe they can find something for Fernando to do, to keep him occupied, until closing time," Anthony remarked, and Mary smiled.

"See you in a couple of hours," Mary said, and then walked out.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Captain Johnson headed back into the common area and spotted Fernando, sitting with Danny White, and walked over to them.

"Fernando," Captain Johnson stated, "I have some news for you, Mary Stewart has found you a foster home, and she will be picking you up within the hour, to take you to your foster parents."

The smile on Fernando's face could have lit the world! Simultaneously, with Fernando's smile, Danny's eyes became wet and tears started to roll down his face.

"White," Captain Johnson said, "I thought you two were friends, you should be happy for Fernando."

"Oh, I am, sir," Danny replied, "It's just that we've become very close friends, and I don't want to lose him, or his friendship."

"Danny," Fernando said, "would you like to stay in contact with me, after you get out of here?"

Danny, nodding emphatically, "I'd like that, very much, can you leave me your address, and maybe your phone number, so I can contact you?"

"I can't," Fernando lamented, "I have no idea what either of them will be yet, but if you give me yours, I will contact you, and I will write you, I promise."

Johnson, surmising the next step, tore a blank page from his memo book, and handed it to Danny, along with a pen. Danny wrote his name, address, and a phone number on the paper, and handed it to Fernando.

"Fernando," Danny said, "this is my parents address and phone number, but you can write me here for the next three weeks and let me know how things are going for you, in your foster home. We'll get together soon, on the outside." Danny smiled.

Both boys stood up and shared a tight hug. They really wanted to kiss each other goodbye, but thought better of it, as there were other boys in the area, and Danny is still protective of his orientation, especially here.

Captain Johnson took Fernando to his office, to wait for Mary to arrive.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Anthony had told Jamie that Mary Stewart, Fernando's case worker, was bringing Fernando to the pizzeria tonight and asked Jamie to try to keep Fernando occupied. Jamie decided to call Chuck and give him an update. Jamie made the call, and Chuck answered.

"Hi Jamie, what's up?"

"Great news, Chuck, everything has worked out, Anthony and Maria have been approved to be Fernando's foster parents, and his case worker is bringing Fernando here, tonight, at any time now, to meet his foster parents."

"That's great news, Jamie," Chuck replied, "Serena and I appreciate everything you have done for Fernando. Do you think that, if we decide on pizza for a Valentine's dinner, we could maybe get to spend a little time with Fernando?"

"I see no reason why you can't," Jamie answered, "We'll all be here until closing time, 9:00 PM, or after."

"I was planning to take Serena to a nice restaurant for dinner tonight, like maybe Red Lobster or Olive Garden, but I suddenly have an urge for some of Anthony's pizza. Look for us about 7:00 or so, later." They hung up.

* * * * * * * * * * *

About 5:30 PM Mary arrived at Juvie Hall and entered Captain Johnson's office. Fernando, seeing Mary, was on his feet instantly, obviously ready to leave Juvie Hall.

"Well young man," Mary asked, "are you ready to meet your foster family? I know they're ready to meet you, and I think you're going to like them too." Fernando nodded, smiling. Yep, he's ready.

"Captain Johnson," Fernando asked, "thank you for your hospitality, and please keep an eye on Danny for me, I don't want any of those thugs to hurt him!"

Johnson, giving Fernando a hug, "I'll do the best I can, he's a good kid that made a mistake, and I don't want to see him get hurt either. I wish you the best of luck, and I hope I never see you again, at least not in here, but we might meet on the street sometime." Fernando smiled.

Fernando, as Mary drove them toward the pizzeria, "Do these foster parents know—about me—that I like boys?"

"Yes, they know," Mary replied, "but they don't care, that's what made it hard to find a home for you, because some potential foster parents did have an issue with it. I think the Chevas family is—gay friendly, they requested to be foster parents specifically for you."