Priorities - Book Two

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

 We left the orphanage and started driving home. I was so excited. Daddy was talking a mile a minute about what we were going to do like the places he wanted to take me. I felt like I was starting my life as it should have been.  Thinking this over in my head,Thinking this over in my head, ("If I hadn't been sent to the orphanage, what would that have meant to my life? I'd never have met Roger, and I'd never have met my parents. Also, the things I learned there... I have been there since I was like four or five, maybe six... they've shaped me into who I am today. ") I realized that the time I'd spent in the orphanage was the way it was supposed to be, because it taught me what kind of a person I was. It gave me the opportunity to meet a boy who I hope will be my life partner. But most of all, it gave me the opportunity to meet my new Dad and Daddy.

As we approached the gates, Daddy handed me the remote. "From now on, it's your job to open the gates, Trevor." He said with a smile.

I know it sounds weird, but I felt a great sense of satisfaction pressing that button. The clicking sound meant these doors will always open to my home. My home - it really had a feel of permanence this time. We pulled up to the front door and Grandpa came out with Henri and Marine. We got out of the car and I gave Henri and Marine a hug before Grandpa picked me up and hugged me. I wrapped my legs around his waist and hugged him so tight! Eventually, he started to speak. By the sound of his voice, I could tell he was kind of emotional when he said, "Welcome Home Trevor. It's good you're back where you belong, and this time it's for good!"

He set me back on my feet and we walked into the house. There was a huge banner hanging in the living room that said, "Welcome Home, Son!" That felt great to see. Other than the banner, I could smell some really awesome smells coming from the kitchen.

"What smells so good?" I asked.

"Henri and Marine cooked an early dinner for us. It's a welcome home gift from them to you." Grandpa told me.

The feelings in my chest had me on the verge of tears. I realized that these people really loved me. They loved Me! In the orphanage, I could never even hope for this to happen to me!

We were ushered into the dining room and took our seats. Henri and Marine came into the room carrying two trays. On the trays were an assortment of hors d'oeuvre, and a tureen filled with soup. Henri set the hors d'oeuvre down in the center of the table, and Marine dished out the soup to each of us before they sat down to join us.

At first, I wasn't sure if something was wrong. When I took a spoonful of the soup it wasn't just cold, it was chilled. Don't get me wrong, the taste of it was fantastic! I guess Marine saw my confusion and said, "The soup is called Vichyssoise. It's traditionally meant to be served cold but can also be served hot. It's is a thick soup made of pureed leeks, onions, potatoes, cream, and clarified chicken stock."

As she told me this, I took another spoonful to really dive in. I could taste the flavor from the chicken stock and the richness of the cream. Then I bit into the onions and potatoes and I was wowed at how the aromatic leeks blended into my mouth. Once I got used to the cold temperature, I started really enjoying the soup and the next thing I knew, the bowl was empty - not a drop was left. Roger is going to love living with them. I hope he doesn't get fat, not that it will change whether I love him or not! "Thanks for telling me about it, Marine. It's wonderful!"

After we'd polished off the appetizers and a second bowl of soup, Henri went back into the kitchen and brought out a tray with what looked like little chickens on them. I mean, they were like tiny. He placed two of them on my plate, then an assortment of vegetables and potatoes. I looked down at them and they looked wonderful, even though I had no idea what they were.

Henri then told me they were called Faisan, in French, or pheasant in English. I took my fork and dug into one of the birds and ripped out a chunk of meat and put it into my mouth. It was a taste I'd never experienced and it was absolutely wonderful. The meat was succulent and juicy, and had a bit stronger flavor than chicken. It was cooked in such a way that it literally melted in my mouth. Yeah, I know that whenever someone asks about what something new to them tastes like, they always hear the answer, "It tastes like chicken." Well, this did, but it also had a much more full flavor than chicken. I loved it!

After dinner, we sat in the living room and talked a bit until Grandpa, Henri, and Marine said it was time for them to leave. We agreed to meet Friday morning before going to pick Roger up at the orphanage. Dad reminded me that we had to go to court in the morning to finalize my adoption. I was super excited about that, but still a little anxious.

I was so stuffed, all I wanted to do was to go to my room, get out of these clothes to take a shower and take a nap. I gave Dad and Daddy a hug and went upstairs to my room. Once in my room, I yanked off my shoes and socks, stripped off my shirt, pants, and undies, placing them in the dirty clothes hamper, and went into my bathroom. I stepped into the shower and turned on the water, adjusting it to the right temperature. I stood in the spray of the multiple showerheads, just letting them relax my body, before I took the shower gel and sponge and lathered up my entire body.

I know I had experienced it last week, but I think it'll take a bit more time for me to get used to how wonderful these shower heads feel. The feeling was so good to just stand there as the water washed away the suds. I closed my eyes and immediately imagined Roger and I showering together. Needless to say, I got a hard-on, but I didn't take care of it. I'd have time for that later.

Having finished my shower and toweling off, I tossed the towel into the hamper and laid down on my bed. I was just lying there on top of the covers, when I heard a knock on my door. I called out "Come In" and Daddy opened the door and entered. If he was surprised to see me lying there naked he didn't let on.

He sat on the edge of my bed and caressed my face before saying, "We're really happy you're finally home, Trevor. I wanted to know if you have any questions about tomorrow?"

"Um, yeah… what's going to happen? Do I have to say anything? Does anything I say matter? I guess what I mean is… can I mess this up by saying the wrong thing?"

Daddy caressed my face again before responding, "Tomorrow, we'll go to court and the Judge will ask you some questions. Just answer his questions honestly. There isn't much you could say in truth that would cause any issues with the adoption. Even though there's nothing really wrong, I wouldn't bring up the naked bathing in the hot tub or the skinny dipping. There are people who wouldn't understand or might get the wrong impression from that kind of activity."

"Yeah, I can see how they might, even though nothing happened, they might think it did." I replied.

I felt totally comfortable lying there naked with Daddy seeing me. I felt safe for the first time in my life. After we talked for another ten minutes, Daddy left, telling me he'd wake me in time to get ready for supper. I'd questioned what 'supper' was and he explained that since we'd already technically eaten 'dinner' we'd go out for a light meal this evening. That is what many call 'supper'. I learn new things every day! But hey, I won't complain about getting to eat again tonight.

I got a chance to really think about how lucky I am. A lot has happened over the last few days. Roger and I got a lot closer. Alex came out to not only Roger and I, but also the rest of the dorm.. Nigel and Alex seemed to bond to each other. I left the orphanage for the last time as a resident and came home to my new family.

As I laid there deep in thought, I guess I fell asleep. The next thing I remembered was Dad waking me up.

"You looked so beautiful sleeping, Trevor." Dad said to me and I think he had a tear in his eye.

"Hey Dad. What time is it?"

"About 6 o'clock in the evening. Daddy and I thought you might like to try something new to eat for our supper. Have you ever eaten sushi?"

"No, what is it?" I asked.

"Well, sushi is actually rice flavored with rice vinegar, but people usually think of the garnish that tops it. It's fish…usually raw."

"Raw fish? I don't know…but, I'll try it."

Dad hugged me tight as he said, "I love you, Trevor. Get yourself up and ready and we'll go in about 30 minutes."

"I love you too, Dad." Then I kissed him on the cheek and returned his hug.

Dad left my room and I got up and decided to take a quick shower, so I went into my bathroom hopped into the shower and made quick work of cleaning myself. The trick was to not turn on all of those extra water jets! I had to figure that out, which actually took more time than the shower itself. I dried myself and went into my room and picked out the outfit I was going to wear, then dressed and headed downstairs to my parents. Damn, it felt good thinking of them that way!

Once I got downstairs and got kisses and hugs from Dad and Daddy, we went out to the car. I opened the gates using 'my' remote. I was looking out the window as we drove and I saw things about our city that I'd only imagined I'd get to see since I couldn't leave the orphanage before.

We pulled up to the restaurant and got out. As we entered, I saw there were a lot of tables and a large area with seating around it as well. We sat at that section and Daddy told me it was called the Sushi Bar. There was lots of fish displayed on ice. Dad explained that you simply told one of the Sushi chefs what you wanted and he'd make it for you. I told him I had no idea what to order and he said he'd order a few different types for me to try.

The Chef greeted him once he noticed he was sitting there, then Daddy started speaking to the Chef in a different language, I assumed was Japanese. Whatever he said, the Chef came over to me and said, "Welcome, Trevor-kun. Since this is your first time eating sushi, I am going to make you a special combination, so you can see what you like."

"Thank you, sir. That would be fantastic!" I replied.

He bowed to me, then turned to his right and started working. A pretty waitress came over and brought us bowls of soup and a pot of tea with little cups for us to drink it out of. Dad told me it was called "Miso Soup". He explained that it was a fish stock with Miso paste, which is made from soybeans, sea salt, and koji (a mold starter), and allowed to ferment for three months to three years, which produces an enzyme-rich food. There was also some very thin seaweed with some green onion and some white chunks. Dad told me the white chunks were called Tofu, a soybean curd and it was very healthy to eat.

After tasting it, I really liked the silky texture of the tofu and in no time the whole bowl of soup was gone! About that time, the Chef came over and handed me a tray with about fifteen different kinds of fish on top of little mounds of rice. But he only gave me one piece of each. As I looked at it, he pointed at each kind and told me what it was. I was wondering how I'd remember which was which, when Dad turned to me and said he'd make a note of what ones I like and didn't like, so I could order more of those I liked if I wanted and was still hungry.

A sudden feeling of dread came over me. I had skirted over the need to use chopsticks when I drank the soup. But I've heard of Asian cuisines using chopsticks instead of fork and knife. In this case, there was no way around it. I knew I was about to embarrass myself when I pick up the food with chopsticks. My right hand picked up the chopsticks and Dad sensed the feeling of dread as well. He chuckled and said, "It's okay, son. You use your bare hands to pick up the sushi," and winked at me. What a sigh of relief!

I picked up the first piece and it had a small slice of fish on it that was kind of deep reddish in color. Dad explained to me that I should dip it in this little dish that had soy sauce and a little of a green paste mixed into it. He explained that the green paste was made from a Japanese horseradish named 'Wasabi'.

I dipped the end of the sushi into the dish and took a bite. It was good! I finished that piece and took another. Daddy was being pretty quiet as he watched me, but he was smiling, so I figured he was just letting me and Dad bond a bit. I didn't like the second one as much as the first; Dad told me it was Sea Eel and I didn't like the oily texture. Dad explained that I wouldn't like everything. I went through the tray, and we came up with a bunch that I liked and a few I didn't like so much, and one I couldn't stand. It was these red eggs called salmon roe. They were just gross to me when I ate them. When I'd finished the tray, the Chef came back to me and asked how I liked it.

"Man, that was great! Some of them I didn't like all that much, but Dad told me that I might just need to develop a taste for them. Thank you so much for making me that special tray!"

"Your words honor me, Trevor-kun. Is there something you would like more of?"

Dad had taught me both the English name and the Japanese name of the ones I liked so I said, "Hai, I'd like more of the Maguro (tuna), Sake (salmon), and Masago (smelt roe)."

"You have honored the fish now, Trevor-san by calling them by their Japanese names. You are a smart boy! I will be back in a few minutes with your order."

Dad and Daddy had been eating their orders and, other than explaining things to me, we didn't really talk much. I wondered why Daddy was being as quiet as he was. Since I'd met him, he almost never was quiet! I started to worry a little bit so I asked him, "Is everything okay, Daddy?"

"Yes, Trevor, I'm fine. It's just overwhelming to me that you're really here for good. We'd dreamed of finding a boy to adopt, but really won the lottery when we found you. I guess I'm just being emotional."

"I know what you mean, Daddy. Before I met you and Dad, I had pretty much given up. I was too old to get adopted, so I guess I hit the jackpot too, when you guys came to the orphanage."

He smiled at me and caressed my face. The Chef came back with my order and started talking to Daddy in Japanese. They talked a while and I heard my name mentioned several times. I didn't understand what they were saying, so I got back to the business of eating this wonderful food!

Once we'd completed our sushi, the pretty waitress came and gave us dishes of ice cream, but it was a light green in color. I guess I looked at it kinda funny causing Daddy to chuckle. "It's green tea ice cream, Trevor. Taste it, you'll fall in love with it."

I did taste it and it was smooth and creamy. Much different than any other ice cream I'd ever eaten. This might just replace my favorite flavor! We finished our ice cream and I called the Chef over, and using some more Japanese Daddy had taught me, said to him, "Ryōri wa shefu subarashikatta deshita. Dōmo arigatō gozaimashita. (The food was wonderful, Chef. Thank you very much)."

His face lit up as he said, "You honor me Trevor-kun. You spoke that almost perfectly. Like you've been speaking Japanese your whole life." He then bowed to me. I stood and bowed back, much to his happiness.

Dad asked for the check and the waitress told him that the Chef would not allow her to bring it to him. She said that the boy so honored the Chef, who is also the owner of the restaurant that it would be a dishonor to accept payment. Dad turned to the Chef and said, "I will not try to dishonor you Shefu, would it dishonor you if we give your waitress a gratuity?"

He smiled before saying, "She's my daughter, and if you wish to give her something, that would not be wrong. Arigatō, okyakusama."

Dad handed me a $100 bill and told me to give it to the waitress. I whispered in Daddy's ear so he could tell me the right words, I then turned to the waitress and said, "Anata wa hijō ni kirei desu. Subarashī sābisu o arigatō gozaimashita (You are very pretty. Thank you for the wonderful service.)" She blushed at what I had said, took the bill from my hands, bowed to me and said, "Thank you Trevor-sama. Even though I think you are a little too young for me, you are cute. I hope you come back soon!"

We left the restaurant and got back into the car. Dad started it up and we started heading for home. "You seem to pick up on languages very quickly, Trevor. Maybe we could get you some formal training in a few different languages, if you'd like to do that."

"That would be cool, Dad. But that brings up a question. What about school? When do I start?"

"Well, we have been thinking of that and thought that on Monday we could go visit a private school nearby, if you don't like it, we can either have you home-schooled or if you prefer you could go to the public school. Think about it, we can talk more about it after court tomorrow if you like." Dad replied.

"Oh, ok. But when you talk about the private school, is it a boarding school?" I started to worry. I had just gotten home, and it worried me to think they wanted to send me away again so soon.

"Oh, heavens no! We just found you, Trevor, there is absolutely no way we'd send you away so soon after bringing you home!" Daddy stated emphatically.

"Thanks. I was getting a little scared there for a minute. I mean, I thought you just got me here and were thinking of sending me away, I don't ever want to leave you!"

We arrived home and went into the living room where Daddy asked, "How about a soak in the hot tub?"

I didn't answer verbally, I just started walking toward the sliding glass doors removing my clothing. Dad laughed and said, "I'll take that as a yes then."

We got into the hot tub together and it was just a nice time. We talked about what was going to happen in court and I felt better knowing what to expect. There was a lot of discussion about what last name I was going to take. I had originally thought of using Trevor King-Peterson to use both Dad and Daddy's last name, but Daddy said that once they were married, he was going to take on Dad's last name, so I should probably just do that now. I was reluctant until Dad agreed it would probably be best that way. The wedding party was scheduled for two months from now and we wouldn't have to go back to court to change my last name at that time if I just used his last name now. This made sense to me, so it was agreed that is what I would ask for in court.

We talked a little more about school. I told them that I was a little afraid of public school because I didn't want to hide the fact that I was gay. Especially if Roger and I were going to be a couple. Daddy mentioned that one of the better private schools was an all boys school and had strict policies against any type of harassment against gay students. We agreed that we'd go check it out on Monday.

After about half an hour we decided to head up to bed since we had to get up early for court. We got out of the hot tub and traded hugs and kisses, then I headed up to my room for a shower then bed.

I took my shower, then went into my bedroom and into bed. I must have been tired after the exciting day I'd had because I don't even remember my head hitting the pillow before I was asleep.

Daddy woke me up at about six o'clock in the morning and told me to get a shower and get dressed because we had to leave at seven. I was excited about the adoption being finalized, but being honest, I was a little nervous also. It would truly be the end of a part of my life, and the beginning of the rest of my life.

I went downstairs after dressing and into the kitchen where Dad and Daddy were sitting with Grandpa, drinking coffee and eating croissants. I hugged Grandpa, then Dad and Daddy before sitting down. Grandpa handed me the plate of croissants as Daddy asked me what I wanted to drink. I looked over at Grandpa's coffee and asked, "Can I taste your coffee, Grandpa? I've never had it."

He glanced up at Daddy, knowing his was the only opinion that counted (or at least that is what I was told later). Daddy nodded to him, so he handed me his cup. I took a sip and actually liked it, so I asked Daddy if I could have a cup.

He fixed my coffee with cream and sugar and handed it to me. It was sweeter than Grandpa's, but I liked it that way more. "I guess I'll be drinking coffee in the morning from now on!" I said.

"You may have one cup a day, young man." Daddy said. "After that it's juice or milk for you!"

Dad and Grandpa laughed at the way Daddy was talking, and I thought it was funny also!

We finished our breakfast and loaded up into the car. Grandpa drove so Dad, Daddy, and I could talk on the way to the courthouse. We went into the courtroom and were met by Henri, Marine, and a man I didn't know. Dad introduced him as our lawyer, George Miller. Mr. Miller shook my hand and I said, "It's good to meet you, Mr. Miller. Thanks for helping me be with my Dad and my Daddy."

"It shouldn't be a big deal, Trevor, but I'm happy to help." He replied.

We all sat down and waited. It seemed to me like a very long time before the cop in the room who Daddy explained to me was called a Bailiff stood up and announced, "All Rise. This court is now in session, The Honorable Andrew Smythe presiding. All those with business before this court will now be heard."

The Judge was a big man with a bald head. He wore his robes and looked really important, but I was a little intimidated by him. He took his seat and in a very deep voice said, "Good Morning. Our first case is one of those that we on the bench love to handle. It's the adoption of a young person into a loving family. This is different than any I have previously handled, not because the child in question is thirteen, but he's being adopted by a Father and… Father. Not so many years ago this wouldn't ever have made it to the bench. I, for one, am happy our society has wisened up, so, would Trevor, Nicholas, and Robert, please step forward with your attorney."

We went to the tables in front of the little fence and stood. Our attorney spoke, "George Miller, representing the parties, Your Honor."

"Thank you, Mr. Miller, however, you may be seated. I wish to do this in my own way. Trevor, would you please come forward."

Mr. Miller took his seat and I stepped up to the front. I was really nervous. "Ye...Yes Sir? Your Honor, Sir?"

He laughed a little before he said, "I'm sorry if I seem a bit scary to you, Trevor, but I promise I'm not, just don't tell any of the bad guys that."

I giggled.

"Trevor, could you please tell me why you want to be adopted by these two young men?"

I swallowed hard before saying, "Bobby and Nick, I call them Dad and Daddy, came to the orphanage looking to adopt a boy, but they didn't want to adopt just any boy, they wanted to adopt a boy who would have trouble being adopted. They wanted to give a chance at a 'normal' life to an older boy who would never have had the chance to be adopted. See, most people want little boys or babies. I've been at the orphanage for a long time, and like the other older boys, I expected to be there until I aged out. Then my dreams and prayers were answered when they showed up. We talked and I knew then that I wanted them to be my parents. Some of the other guys who were interviewed had a problem with being adopted by two men. But for me it was another dream come true. See, sir, I'm gay. In the time I've known them they have taught me that being gay is not a bad thing as long as I'm true to myself and my feelings. I've only known them for a couple weeks, but I will honestly tell you I love them both. I also have a really cool Grandpa and we all have a few really good friends. I guess that's it, Your Honor."

"Trevor, that was very eloquently put. You obviously are a very astute young man. Robert, Nicholas, do you both freely take on the responsibility of nurturing this young man to adulthood, to educate him, feed him, clothe him, and care for him when he's hurting or ill?"

Daddy spoke, "Yes, Your Honor, we would be honored to be allowed that task." Dad nodded once Daddy had finished."

"I see from the application and subsequent evaluations that you have the means to do this, your psychological profiles prove you are capable. Is there anyone here who feels I should not grant this adoption?"

To my surprise, Grandpa spoke up. "Your Honor, there is one thing that might cause some question in the minds of some. You would be granting adoption to a couple who are merely living together, outside the bonds of matrimony."

I thought to myself, 'What is he doing? Does he not want me to be adopted?' I looked at Daddy and he had tears starting to run down his face.

"I see what you mean, Mr. King." The judge said.

At that point our Attorney said, "Your Honor, may I approach the bench?"

"Approach, Mr. Miller."

Mr. Miller stepped forward and spoke to the judge, I couldn't hear what he was saying. He finished talking and handed a folder to the judge before returning to his seat.

"Robert King, have you proposed marriage to Nicholas Peterson?" The Judge asked.

"I have, Your Honor." Dad replied.

"Nicholas Peterson, have you accepted said proposal?"

"I...I have, Your Honor." Daddy replied in a soft voice.

"Mr. King, if these two were to legally be married prior to the adoption, would this satisfy those hypothetical concerns you mentioned?"

"I do believe they would, Your Honor. But, before my future son-in-law protests too vehemently, I would like it known that this is merely the civil ceremony, and that he'll still get his huge wedding."

About that time, the smile on Dad's face let me in on the fact that this was staged. I think, by the look on Daddy's face, he figured it out also.

"Well then, Trevor, do you have any objections to holding off on my official proclamation of your adoption until I can legally wed your parents?"

I was smiling hugely as I said, "No, Your Honor, I don't mind waiting a few more minutes."

"So be it. Nicholas Peterson, Robert King, would you please step forward."

Dad and Daddy stepped up next to me, holding hands.

"Since this is a civil ceremony, I'll dispense with the 'dearly beloved' stuff and get right to it. Robert King, do you take Nicholas Peterson to be your lawfully wedded spouse, forsaking all others, in sickness, health, poverty, and wealth, to honor each other from now until death do you part?"

Dad looked into Daddy's eyes before saying, "I do."

"Nicholas Peterson, do you take Robert King to be your lawfully wedded spouse, forsaking all others, in sickness, health, poverty, and wealth, to honor each other from now until death do you part?"

Daddy's voice was strained because he was trying not to cry, but he finally got out, "Oh, Yes, I do!"

"So, by the powers vested in me, I declare you now to be joined by marriage. You may kiss."

Dad and Daddy kissed. It was sweet.

"Now that's concluded let's get this family properly apportioned. Trevor, have you chosen the name under which you will be known once adopted?"

"I have. I'd like my last name to be whatever Dad and Daddy's last name is."

"From the marriage license, I see it will be that they will be using Robert's last name of King, so I hereby grant the adoption of Trevor King. You may approach the clerk to receive your certificate of adoption as well as your new birth certificate. Congratulations to you all. This case is now closed." He rapped his gavel, stood and exited the courtroom.

We hugged each other, then Daddy stepped back and said, "Bobby, was this your idea or your father's?"

"It was all me, babe. I wanted this to be more special than just bringing Trevor home. I wanted him to come home to his parents, married parents. Dad, George, and the Judge were just willing accomplices."

Daddy smiled and said, "You devil. Let's go home, and Dad, you owe me a huge wedding!"

 

I want to thank all of those who have done the kindness of sending feedback on this story, it's the best payment a writer can hope to received, good or bad… comments are always appreciated, or to be added to my mailing list for future postings, you can email me at True Fan