Priorities - Book Two

*** ~~~ Roger ~~~ ***

After the obligatory visit to Mrs. Granger's office, I was released to go back to my room. It was nearly time for Nigel and Alex to return from classes for the day. I welcomed a short time alone to allow my emotions to calm.

In my mind I replayed the entire weekend, especially the time I spent with Trevor. It warmed my heart thinking of how much I loved him, and I was absolutely certain he felt the same for me. For a moment, I wished I'd done a few more things to and for him while we were 'playing', but I also know it was right for us to refrain. I think it's actually going to be more special when we do go further.

I was interrupted from my reverie when Alex and Nigel entered the room. To say they were happy to see me would be an understatement. As soon as Nigel saw me there, he literally ran over to me and wrapped his arms around me in a tight hug.

Alex came over and gave me a friendly 'punch' on the shoulder and asked, "So, how was your weekend? Did you and Trevor get your freak on?"

I know I blushed, but didn't answer.

"Yeah, that blush told me all I need to know… I hope it was good for both of you." Alex said as he winked at me. Nigel was still tightly wrapped around my body with his hug, both arms around my neck and his legs wrapped around my waist.

I finally got Nigel to release me from his stranglehold by telling him that Trevor and I had bought him and Alex a gift. He stood in front of me and he was truly excited over the fact that I'd brought him something. I decided to play this up a bit… "I'm going to give Alex his gift first." I almost busted up laughing when I saw the look on Nigel's face.

I went into my suitcase and retrieved the wrapped packages. I was a bit surprised when I found three packages, not two. The third was addressed to me from Trevor.

I set the gifts down and was about to give Alex his when he told me to open mine first. I sat there looking at it for a moment. I couldn't believe that first he'd bought me a present, and second that he'd gotten it into my suitcase without my knowing it.

I sat on the edge of my bed, Nigel bouncing from foot to foot from excitement. I tore off the wrapping and found that he'd gotten me a cellphone identical to his. I turned it on and almost immediately got a text message which read:

From Trevor:

I hope this will make our separation easier, you can call me every night, and you can take pictures of our friends when you give them their gifts. I love you!

--Trevor

I replied to him by telling him he was amazing and that I loved him too. I promised to send him pictures of our friends as they got their gifts. I told him in the message that I'd call him about 8pm every night.

I looked at Alex who had a grin on his face. Finally he admitted: "I got a message through Mrs. Granger that Trevor was sending you a present and he wanted me to make sure you opened it first."

My heart swelled at the fact that Trevor had thought ahead like this. Now our separation would be much easier. At least I'd be able to talk to him every night. I picked up the gift we'd bought for Alex and handed it to him.

Nigel's attention shifted to Alex. I started the camera app on the phone and started snapping pictures as Alex tore off the wrapping. His face lit up when he saw the MP3 player we'd bought for him. We'd pre-loaded about 400 songs on it we knew Alex would like, but more than half the memory was still available. He made me promise to allow him to talk to Trevor when I called that evening.

Now that Alex's gift was out of the way, Nigel's attention turned back to me. The smile on his face nearly split his head in half. I picked up his gift and said, "I guess I have to give this one to you now. Maybe I'll wait…"

His reaction was precious… I'm glad I'd given the phone to Alex so he could snap pictures. After allowing Nigel to whine a moment that he wanted me to give him his gift now, I relented. I handed him the package and in an instant he'd ripped the wrapping off it. He stood staring at the gift for a moment until he finally shrieked, "SPIDERMAN! I LOVE SPIDERMAN!" He showed Alex the package of the Spiderman Underoos we'd bought for him.

Without hesitation, Nigel stripped naked and put on the underwear. As he modeled it, I noticed an odd expression on Alex's face. Nigel's excitement (no not that kind of excitement) was boundless. "I gotta show these to some of the guys!" He shouted before running out of the room.

I looked at Alex and I still saw a troubled expression on his face. "Ok Alex, tell me what's wrong."

Alex looked at me with a troubled expression before saying very quietly, "He's really too young for this, isn't he."

"Too young for what?" I asked.

"Too young to be my lover. Seeing him in those undies made me realize he's still a little boy. I would never want to hurt him, Roger."

I wrapped him in my arms and spoke softly into his ears, "You couldn't hurt him if you tried. He loves you, I can see that. There are ways you can show him how much you love him without hurting him physically. You know what I mean."

His mood brightened a bit when he realized that all he had to do was refrain from one certain act until Nigel was older. That he could do.

I thought about it and decided to expand on what I was trying to tell him. "It's true that he might be too young for sex. But what I meant was you could show him what it's like to be loved. Hold him. Cuddle with him. Be there for him as he grows up a little bit more. His twelfth birthday is only a couple weeks away. But, whatever you do, let it be his decision when he's ready for anything at all."

Alex nodded. "I guess I got carried away. But you're right. I want him and I to grow to love each other emotionally before we get to anything physical. But until I saw him in those undies, I never realized how young he really is. I guess I was fooling myself to thinking he would be my boyfriend."

"Alex, he's not too young to be your boyfriend, but he might be too young to be your lover. Take it slow and let him guide you."

Alex came to me and wrapped me in a hug. "Thanks Roger. You're right."

*** ~~~ Trevor ~~~ ***

Just after lunch Dad told me we were going to go to the school he thought I would like to go to. He explained that it was a private prep school for boys only. We have an appointment for two o'clock this afternoon. Dad told me that he'd spoken to the Headmaster of the school and was told that about 20% of the students there are openly gay. That, combined with the fact that the school has a Zero Tolerance policy on bullying made both Dad and Daddy feel that it might be the right school for me… and for Roger once he's at home for good.

Thinking of Roger made me miss him. I wonder if he's found my gift yet. I looked at my watch and figured he'd probably just be arriving at the orphanage. I was looking forward to talking to him tonight.

We got into the car and I have to admit I was nervous. For as long as I can remember, I've been in the orphanage. Same people. Same teachers. Same everything. Now, everything is different. It's way better in a lot of ways, but going to a real school, with real kids… kids that have parents and always have. Kids who have been able to experience what it's like to live in and how to act in a society not governed by the same strict rules we had to abide by.

After we'd been driving about fifteen minutes I timidly said, "Daddy? Dad? I'm scared."

Daddy turned in his seat to look at me and said, "Trevor. You don't have a thing to worry about. You are one of the kindest and most sincere people I've ever known. Just remember, be you. If you do that you'll have friends lining up. Those that don't like who you are…well…that's their problem."

"I know, but…I'm afraid because I don't know how to act, what to say. I don't come from the same world that those other boys do."

Dad finally spoke, "Son. One thing you might not realize is… you are a King. Our family is very well known in this town. That alone will make some of the boys want to be your friend for the status it would bring them. Those that might have caused you problems will think twice before they do anything. Also remember, the school has a very strict policy against bullying. Everything is going to be fine."

I listened to what he said and remembered the look on the store manager's face when he heard my name. I thought about it and I felt my confidence returning. I am a King… I can do this!

"Thanks Dad, thanks Daddy…I think I can do this now."

"That's good because we're here. We are supposed to go to the office and meet with the Headmaster. Nick, do you have his school records from the orphanage?" Dad inquired.

Daddy held up a folder and told Dad he had them. After Dad parked the car, I took a deep breath, exhaled, and opened the car door.

I stood outside the car just looking around. The place looked nice. More like a country estate home like I've seen on TV. The lawns were manicured. Everything was immaculate. Above the door was a sign that read "Wrigley Academy for Boys". I looked at the windows on the side of the building facing us and saw several boys looking out to see who was arriving so late in the day. After a few moments I gathered my courage and started walking toward the entrance, Dad and Daddy just a step behind me.

We entered and the interior was totally cool. It was really fancy. I guess this school is mainly for the rich kids. As we made our way down the hall, walking on plush carpet, not tile flooring, the walls were composed of a deep dark wood going from the floor to about where my waist would be if I were standing next to it. Above that was a deep crimson colored cloth.

We finally arrived at the main offices and were greeted by a young man, if I were to guess he wasn't older than 15. In his slightly higher than an adult voice he greeted us.

"You must be the King family. It's truly a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Eric Pressman, I'm the assistant to the Headmaster for this week." He turned to me and said, "You must be Trevor. Welcome to Wrigley, Trevor." He then extended his hand to me to shake. I took his hand in mine and was surprised how soft it was. His grip wasn't tight, it was almost like he was holding my hand, not shaking it.

About that time a man entered from an inner office. He looked in my direction, smiled, and turned to my parents. "Good afternoon, Misters King. It's my pleasure to welcome you to Wrigley. My name is Arthur J. Coopersmythe, I'm the Headmaster here. I trust you've taken a moment to examine our facility?"

Dad was our spokesman… "Nice to meet you Mr. Coopersmythe. Actually all we've seen so far is the entrance and the hallway to arrive here in your offices. Trevor, my Husband and I would love a tour so we can be more familiar with your school."

"But of course. I shall have Mr. Pressman here conduct you on your tour. I shall be here waiting for you upon your return. I hope you like what you see. We're looking forward to having Trevor as a student here."

Eric turned to us and said, "If you will please follow me, I'll show you around."

Eric escorted us out of the offices. He was walking right next to me… I mean right next to me, his arms making contact with mine from time to time. As he showed us around the building he was directing his tour at me, not at us as a family. I started to get the feeling that he was more interested in me than he was in me being a student here. It made me a little uncomfortable.

The facilities were first class all the way. In the classrooms, the students sat at office style desks with high back chairs like I've seen on TV when they show an office belonging to a CEO. When our tour was nearly complete he took us to the dining room. He offered us beverages and once he'd been told what we wanted he left to retrieve them.

"So, what do you think, Trevor?" Daddy asked.

"I don't know, Daddy. It seems so fancy. I know I'm kinda rich now, but I have never had this kind of treatment. What do you think of Eric?"

"He seems like a nice enough boy… why do you ask?"

"I think he kinda likes me."

"But of course he likes you, you're a wonderful person!" Daddy replied.

Dad then turned to him and said, "Nick, you're missing what Trevor is trying to say, I believe Trevor is saying that he thinks Eric is attracted to him."

"Yeah, Dad… that's right… I…" At that point Eric had returned with our drinks. He looked directly at me as he set the tray on the table.

"Trevor, I saw from your file that you are openly gay. Well, so am I, and yes, I find you highly attractive. I wouldn't mind being your boyfriend."

"I'm sorry, Eric. I have a boyfriend. His name is Roger and once his adoption is finalized he's going to be going to school with me."

I could see the disappointment on Eric's face, but he said nothing. After a moment he composed himself and said, "Well, I guess it's true… all the good ones are either straight or taken. I would consider it an honor to be a friend to both you and Roger, if you'll have me."

I walked up to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek before saying, "I can't speak for Roger, but I would love to consider you a friend."

He was still blushing from my peck on the cheek when he said, "I don't mind saying it, when I heard that a boy was going to be starting here who was openly gay, with two gay parents, I was more than a bit excited. We have quite a few gay students and, for the most part, nobody causes us any grief. We're treated just as any other student would be. Do you believe you'd like to attend Wrigley Academy?"

Before I could react, Dad asked a question. "Eric, you said that you were the Headmaster's Assistant for this week, what did you mean by that?"

"Mr. King, each week a student is chosen based on his performance in the week prior. The student who receives the most merit points… points given for excellent performance on exams, but not limited to that. Points are also earned by the way each young gentleman acts socially. The more gentleman-like, the more points. I've actually won three times this term. Trevor could also be selected at some point, should he deserve it. We serve as assistant in lieu of classes. Any work we miss is expected to be made up. Personally, I collect my assignments on the Monday I start working as Assistant and complete them while I'm in the office with nothing else to do. But, I had posed a question to Trevor… would you like to attend Wrigley Academy, Trevor?"

I turned to Daddy then to Dad. Dad said, "It's totally your decision, Trevor. If you don't like this school, we can look into others."

"Actually, Dad, I didn't see anything about this place that I didn't like… so yes, I'd like to go to school here." I said. I noticed when I'd said that, Eric winked at me.

Eric addressed my parents when he said, "Excellent, I shall take you back to the Headmaster's Study. If you would all please follow me."

We arrived back at the Headmaster's office and were shown to a sitting area with a small couch and two overstuffed chairs. Dad and Daddy sat on the sofa and I sat in one of the chairs. The Headmaster taking the other. The chair was really comfortable, I thought that I could actually sleep pretty comfortably on one.

"Well Trevor, what did you think of our school?" He asked me in a kind and gentle voice.

"Well, Sir...I think it's nice. I think Roger and I would really like going to school here." I replied.

Mr. Coopersmythe's expression changed. It was less friendly somehow. "Who is this 'Roger', I've not heard mention of this before."

"Roger is my boyfriend. Some family friends are in the process of adopting him and we're going to go to school together… as an openly gay couple."

He seemed a bit flustered. "Trevor, I admire the fact that the two of you are a couple, especially at your young age, however we have certain criteria that must be met before we can accept a new student."

Dad replied to this statement, "Mr. Coopersmythe. You have yet to even review Trevor's records, he's had no testing done. How can you be certain that Trevor qualifies for a place among your students?"

"Mr. King, we at Wrigley only extend invitations to become students to the crème de la crème of our society. Only those at the top of the financial 'pecking order' if you will. Your family is at the top of that list so Trevor's acceptance is guaranteed. However, we know nothing of the family that is adopting Roger, hence, I fear they may not qualify."

I don't know who was more angry, Dad or me, I didn't give Dad a chance to reply before I did, "Mr. Coopersmythe...Sir...you say you have policies here against any form of bullying. You say that you treat everyone with equality. Yet you would fail to offer acceptance to any student who can excel academically? One who would 'fit in' with the social aspect of this academy? Let me make myself clear...Roger and I will enroll as a couple...together...or neither of us will. Do I make myself clear?"

He turned back to Dad before saying, "Mr. King. I am sure you can understand that students with less upbringing could become a disruptive element in our student body. Not necessarily from how they act, but how others act toward them."

"But you have a strict policy, Mr. Coopersmythe...one that says that bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. How could any of the students treat Roger badly without being in violation of that policy? Or are you telling me that the policy only applies to those of 'lesser upbringing'? Not to mention the fact that Trevor has only been our son for a week. He was raised in the same orphanage as Roger. I know Roger, and he acts exactly the same as Trevor."

"I cannot break our policy for just one boy, Mr. King." He replied smugly.

At that moment there was a knock on the open door. Eric was standing there and said, "I'm sorry for interrupting, however I feel my comments may sway Mr. Coopersmythe's opinion on this matter. Sir, as you know a fairly significant portion of our student body identifies as gay. As a matter of fact, we have an alliance of the gay population here of which I am the president. As President, I can hereby declare that if Trevor's boyfriend, Roger, is not permitted admittance to Wrigley, we will all express our dissatisfaction to our parents and I assure you that you will lose nearly 25% of your students to other academies."

The look on the Headmaster's face was pure anger. He was livid at this. He turned to Eric and said, "Mr. Pressman, you have overstepped your position by interrupting this meeting; you are dismissed from your position of assistant for the week. I seriously doubt you will be chosen again in the future."

Dad was now more angry than the Headmaster. "Mr. Coopersmythe. I can now see how your policy of tolerance is nothing more than a sham. I will be contacting the Board of Regents of this institution and petitioning for your dismissal. Once that is done, then Trevor may choose to join the student body here, with Roger. Good day, Sir."

He motioned for us to get up to leave. As we were exiting, Eric handed me a piece of paper with his phone number listed on it. It said, "Call me…not for anything more than friendship. I respect that you and Roger are a couple and I would not think to try to change that."

I nodded to him as we left the office, then the building and arrived at our car. Once inside I said, "Wow, Dad! I think Mr. Coopersmythe was about to shit himself when you said that!"

Daddy looked at me with a scowl on his face, "Trevor... Language!"

"Sorry, Daddy, but you have to agree he did!" I was laughing hard at that point.

"That may be so, but you need to remember to speak with a civil tongue. Bobby, can you actually get him dismissed? Who would they get to replace him? What do we do about Trevor's schooling in the meantime?"

"I have the perfect person in mind to replace him. You. You have a degree in Education, with a minor in Education Administration. You'd be the perfect person to replace him." Dad said with a grin.

Daddy was in shock I think. It took almost a minute before he smiled and said, "That might be the best solution after all. Make the call, Babe."

Dad picked up his cell and dialed a number. I only heard his side of the conversation.

"Good Afternoon, This is Robert King, may I speak to the head of the Board of Regents, please."...

"Yes, I'm that Robert King. Thank you, I'll hold."...

A few moments later…"Mr. Whittaker. Thank you for taking my call. I will get right to the point. We have just moments ago left the offices of Mr. Coopersmythe as we were discussing enrolling our son, Trevor, into your academy."...

"Yes, it is an impressive place, however, Mr. Coopersmythe displayed to us exactly how little he follows the school's policies. You see, Trevor is an openly gay teenager we've adopted. His boyfriend, Roger, will be adopted within a short time and Trevor has decided that Roger will go to school wherever he goes."...

"Yes, sir. I understand your position, but I have a possible solution. My husband, Nick, holds advanced degrees in Education as well as Education Administration. He would be willing to replace Mr. Coopersmythe. In addition, he requests that in lieu of his salary, he would like a scholarship set up to allow at least one student to attend the academy should he show an aptitude to excel in business but would never have the opportunity of a first rate education...one that I am certain Wrigley Academy can provide."...

"Yes, I do believe you heard me correctly. To sweeten the proverbial pot, I will create a trust that would provide funding annually for two additional students."...

"Yes, I would cover both Trevor and Roger's tuition."...

"Very good, Sir. Why don't we meet at Chez Henri tomorrow at 7:00pm to finalize this. You can meet my husband and Roger's future parents, as well as Trevor."...

"No, I'm sorry that Roger will not be there. His adoption is not yet final."...

"Thank you very much Mr. Whittaker. My family looks forward to meeting you tomorrow."...

"Good Afternoon to you too, Sir. Good Bye."

Then Dad ended the call.

I was totally amazed at how easily Dad got them to do what he wanted. I knew then I wanted to learn as much as I could about how to be just like him! "That was totally awesome, Dad!"

"There wasn't much to do about it, Trevor. I told you before, you are a 'King', people respect us almost instantly. You just need to make sure that you don't use that advantage improperly."

"I won't Dad, I promise!"

Daddy looked at Dad with the most loving look I'd ever seen, "Bobby, you have always come up with absolutely brilliant answers to just about every problem. I married well." He then winked.

We arrived home and just chilled for a while as Daddy went to make dinner. I was excited because it looked like Roger and I were going to go to school together and my Daddy was going to be Headmaster.

I took my phone and the piece of paper with Eric's phone number on it and added him to my contacts. Then, I sent him a text message:

Trevor: Hi! I added you to my phone contacts, It's Trevor.

Eric: Well, Hello. I want to apologize to you if I seemed too forward earlier.

Trevor: tbh it creeped me out a little.

Eric: I picked up on that. Had I known you already had a boyfriend I would never have done it. I'm sorry.

Trevor: It's okay. I'd like it if we were friends though.

Eric: Me too. Thank you for understanding.

Eric: Have you heard that Mr. Coopersmythe has been discharged?

Trevor: What? That fast?

Eric: So you knew it would happen?

Trevor: Eric, I know a lot about it, but until I talk to my Dad I really can't say any more.

Eric: I understand. When you can tell me, please do. ok?

Trevor: I promise. I have to go, Daddy's calling me down for dinner. Talk to you later!

Eric: I look forward to it.

I put my phone back in my pocket and went down to the dining room for dinner. It wasn't anything fancy, Daddy had prepared a salad, and along with it he'd made a huge pot pie for us to share.

Daddy served us our salads then sat in his seat. He looked at me, then back to Dad and said, "There is something I need to make clear."

He paused a moment before speaking again. "Trevor, if this happens, I hope you realize I will not be able to show you any preferential treatment. When at school, even if I'm Headmaster you and Roger will be treated exactly the same as any other student. Do you understand that?"

"Come on, Daddy. I think you know I wouldn't want you to treat me or Roger any differently. If we mess up, we should be punished in the same way as any other student." I replied.

"I was pretty sure that's how you would feel, but I had to make sure. In that case I'm sure that should Mr. Whittaker offer me the position, I'll be happy to accept it. My only modification would be that they provide me with a modest expense account."

As we finished dinner, my phone began to ring. I looked at it and saw it was eight o'clock and the call was from Roger. "Wow! It's Roger!" I said, the elation in my voice quite apparent.

"Hi Roger! Let me put this on speaker for a minute so you can say 'Hi' to Pop & Poppa." I giggled as I switched on the speaker.

"Hi Pop! Hi Poppa!" Roger said, excitement oozing with every word. "This is my very first call on my phone! I'm so excited!"

"Did Alex and Nigel enjoy the gifts you two bought them?" Daddy asked.

"They sure did. Nigel was so excited, it was fun seeing his expressions. I'll send the pictures we took to Trevor's email and he can share them with you."

"That sounds wonderful. We'll let Trevor have some private time to talk to you. Hope to see you soon, Roger." Dad said.

"I hope so too, Pop. I miss you both." Roger replied.

I took the phone off speaker and started walking to my room as the conversation continued.

"Trevor, I miss you so much."

"I miss you too. I went to check out the private school today. One that we will both be going to if it all works out. The Headmaster there was trying to tell us that they might not admit you, but I set them straight. I think Dad got him fired because we're going to a meeting at your parent's restaurant tomorrow to finalize arrangements so Daddy will take over there as Headmaster."

"Wow! That's amazing." He gushed.

We talked for a while and I even got to talk to Alex and Nigel. Nigel is such a sweet kid. Roger told me about Alex's worries that Nigel was too young for 'stuff,' but also how he explained to Alex that it should be about Nigel, and making him feel wanted and loved. My Roger is so smart!

"It's close to lights out for you, isn't it, Roger?"

"Yeah, about ten more minutes. I guess we should end the call so I can get ready for bed. I miss you so much Trevor."

"I miss you too, Rog. I love you more than you can imagine."

"I love you more, Trevor King. Good Night, I'll call you again tomorrow night."

"We're supposed to meet Mr. Whittaker from the school at the restaurant at seven, so if you call me again at eight, I will have you talk to your Dad and Mom. Sleep well, Rog. I love you."

"You too, Trev, I love you, good night."

After hanging up with Roger, I stood, undressed and headed to bed. It was a long day, and I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. As I laid there in my bed, I closed my eyes and images of Roger floated in my consciousness. What a wonderful thing to have in mind as I began my nightly slumber. I am certain I'll have sweet dreams tonight.

 [To Be Continued]