Still Another Chance ~ Book Four of Another Chance

(A Crossover with Priorities)

by Zarek A Dragon

Author's Note: When doing a crossover between two stories, every effort is made to keep the stories interconnected yet separate. In some cases, this isn't prudent to the storyline. The chapters, Priorities Book II Chapter 26 by TrueFan and Still Another Chance 13, have some areas that are virtually identical, but different in many areas. Both authors contributed to the creation of the entire chapter. Please read both stories, you will come across many differences; some more subtle than others. Conversations where only one story's characters are involved are only in THAT story. And this is the last chapter of the Crossover

 

I am posting this so that I may continue the story. The chapter will have changes once TrueFan writes his part, but he is struggling since his main character in Priorities shares the name of his grandson who he lost in June. This will conclude the crossover and Still Another Chance  will be on its own again.

 

WARNING:
Some may find parts of this chapter disturbing and not appreciate it. I am writing this chapter in honor of a friend who lost his grandson and to bring to light some of the hazards of meeting people you've only chatted with online.

Sunday was the last day of the camping trip. As the boys awakened, they started getting things ready to leave. Zac let Patrick know that Nick was in the hospital. They thought that he had been shot, but were misinformed. He only sprained his ankle. Xander helped a family that were stranded by the lake.

Patrick Henry's dad came to pick him up and told him that they were moving to Cody. His job was transferring him with a promotion and a raise.

Monday morning, the Home officially opened and took in twenty-six new boys. Maurice returned from South Dakota with Roger's new brothers. Dusty met with the boys and did what he could to help them. He suggested that they go to the dojo and start training.

 

Tuesday, 2 August 2016

The days of Trevor and Roger's visit were getting short. Patrick was perplexed; he wanted to hang out with Trevor, but also knew Trevor wanted to spend time getting to know Roger's new brothers. Patrick was going to try making Trevor able to do both as much as possible.

They woke up at their usual time and headed towards the cafeteria to grab breakfast. They walked in and saw Maurice, Brian and Joe already had sausage, eggs, hash browns and bacon waiting. The boys from the Home started straggling in as well.

While they were eating, a man walked in. Joe went over to see what he needed. The man explained, "I am here looking for my son."

"And you are?" Joe inquired.

"Kamisaka Riku, but my friends call me Rick. Please, tell me that my son is here," the man pleaded.

Joe could tell that the man was worried, "What's your son's name, how old is he and why do you think he might be here?"

"His name is Ethan Levi Kamisaka, his mother insisted that since he was born in the U.S. that we format his name in this manner. Here is his picture."

Joe asked again, "So, how old is he and why do you think he might be here?"

"He's sixteen years old, and I'm embarrassed to say this, but last night, I caught him in a chat room, talking with some boy. I peered over his shoulder and saw they were talking about sex. Ethan closed his laptop right away and I asked if he was gay. He admitted it, and I exploded, said some things that I wished I had never said. You know, words are like toothpaste; once they are out, you cannot put them back in."

Joe nodded his head, acknowledging that was true, "So you yelled at him for being gay? You know, he didn't choose to be."

"My grandfather brought my father to America in the 60's. I was born here but taught to observe my Japanese heritage. It wasn't easy for me to accept that my son is gay, but once I calmed down, I went to his room to apologize. He wasn't there, but his laptop was open. I looked and saw the boy he was talking to said to meet him at McDonald's and they could go someplace where gay boys are accepted, so I was hoping…" the man started sobbing, "I have been driving all night, looking for him."

Joe shook his head, "I'm sorry, no, he's not here. Would you like to speak with the Sheriff? He's my dad."

Distraught, the man fell to his knees and started to cry. He nodded his head. Maurice came over and handed the man a cup of coffee.

Jim and Zac were busy with the horses when Patrick walked over. "Grandpa Nick should be stopping by," he informed them.

"OH? Isn't he working? I thought he was on desk duty for a few weeks. Why is he coming?" Jim inquired.

"A man walked into the Home hoping his son was here. It seems that his son went to meet someone and hasn't been heard from since."

"Someone that he was chatting with online?" Zac questioned.

Patrick nodded his head, "Something like that, yeah. It seems his dad caught him talking about sex with a boy and got mad." Patrick finished telling them everything.

Jim shook his head and started to cry, "You should never meet someone you've only chatted with online. I hope the boy turns up, but chances are slim."

Zac put his hand on Jim's shoulder, "You're right." Then he looked at Patrick, "Promise me that you will never meet someone you've only chatted with online. It will break our hearts if anything ever happens to you."

"Dad, Papa, I know how you feel about me, and you've always told me not to even talk with strangers. You have nothing to worry about there."

"I'm glad to hear that," Zac responded, "And I know you will keep your word."

"Honestly Papa, I hope I never do anything to lose your trust."

Zac gave Patrick a hug and just whispered, "I know, and if anything comes up, we will talk about it before we stop trusting you. We love you."

"And I love both of you," Patrick whispered as Jim joined the hug. "Trevor and Roger are playing with Roger's new brothers. Patrick Henry and Scott went home yesterday, and Austin is playing with Jake. Can I help you finish with the horses?"

Jim cooed, "You know how much I love having your help."

A deputy pulled up with Nick in the passenger seat. Nick got out and hobbled into the cafeteria part of the Home using crutches. After the introductions were out of the way, Nick started getting everything he needed from Rick. Once he had the cell number, he had the deputy ping it. According to the map, the cell phone was at 17th Street and Meadow Lane Ave, just outside McDonald's. Another deputy drove there to check it out, but found only the cell phone and a pile of clothes in the dumpster.

Rick started to cry but Nick assured him that they would make his son their top priority. He also informed him that they would enlist the FBI to help. Joe started talking about when he was abducted and how it was Nick that rescued him. While Joe started to shake, his story helped to ebb Rick's fears.

Joe had an assembly with all the boys in the home. He explained what had happened to Ethan and advised not to meet people they don't know. "I know you may think you know someone because you'd talked with them online, but trust me, you never know who is really behind that screen."

"Not that I would meet someone, but what if you've video chatted?" Griff asked.

"You still don't know for sure whom you are talking with," Joe declared. "Look, there may be some boys who are earnest in wanting to meet, but you don't know. There are rings out there trying to get young boys and girls. What if they had one of the boys they have chat with you?"

Griff nodded his head understandingly. Kurt inquired, "But how are we supposed to get to know them? So, you expect us to just date each other? And what if we do chat with a potential boyfriend, are you saying we should forget about them? Or should we never get online?"

Shaking his head, Joe explained, "No, I'm not saying that at all. But when you are online, be cautious. If they are legit, they wouldn't have a problem with coming here."

"And if they won't?" Kurt pushed.

"If they aren't willing to come here, they probably are not legit," Joe answered. "I can't say none of them are legit, but it is too dangerous to go meet someone you've only chatted with on line."

After the assembly, Tuck and Zarek approached Phoenix. Zarek was the first to speak, "I want to be a hundred percent honest with you, Phoenix, I'm not really ready for a son, yet. Tuck and I just married recently, and I would like some time being just us before we adopt. Tuck really likes you, so I'd like to get to know you. Then when we both are ready to adopt, maybe we can adopt you."

Phoenix sighed with relief, "I can understand that. Part of me wants parents and Jim thinks the two of you would be good for me, but I just started a relationship with Eric and I like it here. Still, I do want to get to know you and…"

"Then, let's take adoption off the table for now," Zarek suggested. "Instead, we can work on a friendship and go from there."

Phoenix grinned, "That sounds good, so… what would you like to know?"

Zarek, Tuck and Phoenix started talking. Without the stress of trying to impress Zarek, Phoenix was surprised with how pleasant this visit was. He enjoyed his visit and discovered that he liked Zarek. When they are ready, Phoenix might be willing to accept them. Still, a part of him really wished that Jim and Zac would adopt him.

More boys had either walked in, or were dropped of by their parents. Some were emotional wrecks and some were relieved to find a place were they felt safe. One boy walked up to Joe and asked, "Am I really safe here? My dad kicked me out last week when he caught me with another boy. Then, when I was asleep in an alley, some guy pissed on me and tried to take my pants off. I thought he was going to rape  me, so I took off. I washed up in a gas station bathroom. Finding a place to sleep hasn't been easy, and I haven't eaten in…"

Joe interrupted him, "You're in luck. Maurice just started putting lunch out. You can eat before we take care of getting you registered. What's your name?"

The boy looked down, "My name is William, but I prefer Will."

"Well Will, let's get some food and we can talk while you eat."

"Thank you," William cried. Joe led him to where the food line will start. Even though there were a few minutes until lunch, Joe let William start dishing up a plate.

They went to a table and William started stuffing his face. Joe chuckled, "Slow down, if you need more, you can have seconds."

"Sorry, I'm just hungry."

Joe assured, "It's okay, so how old are you?"

"I'll be sixteen in a couple of months, on the fourteenth of October."

Joe explained, "I was fifteen when my sperm donor threw me out for being gay. It was just before Christmas."

"So you know how I feel?" William questioned.

"I have an idea of how you feel, but no, I can't say I know how you feel," Joe laughed. "Heck, sometimes I don't even know how I feel."

"So, you never answered me about being safe. I feel like I will be, but I'm scared some of the older boys may…"

Again, Joe interrupted him, "We have a rule here. You are not to force anyone to do anything they are not willing, and don't let anyone force you. If anyone does try to force you, I want to know about it right away."

"That's what I was hoping to hear," Will sighed in relief.

Once all the stalls were mucked and the horses fed, Trevor, Roger and the twins found Patrick, "We're wanting to go swimming one last time, so the twins can enjoy it. Do you want to join us?"

Jim laughed, "Didn't you boys get enough swimming?

"Well, Noel and Leon didn't get to go, and I thought they would like it out there."

"I'm just messing with you. If Patrick wants to go with you, he can. What time are you leaving to go home?"

"After breakfast tomorrow," Trevor replied.

"So, how long will you be at the lake? Will you be back for lunch, or would you like to take sandwiches?

"If we can take sandwiches with us, that would be great, it's not long until lunch. But… we will be back before supper," Trevor replied.

"Okay Patrick, take them inside so you guys can make what you want. I hope y'all have fun out there."

Patrick led Trevor, Roger, Leon and Noel into the kitchen of their house. Roger asked the twins what they wanted for their sandwiches. When they replied peanut butter and jelly, all the boys decided that was what they were having. They were easy to make and didn't need to be chilled. Patrick grabbed a bag of chips, too.

Before leaving, Patrick went up to the room Austin was using during his stay. He poked his head in and announced, "We're taking Roger's new brothers out to the lake. If you wanna join us, you can, or you can continue playing here."

Austin looked at Jake, "Do you want to go swimming? I'll do whichever you want to do."

"Let's go swimming!!!" Jake shouted.

Patrick laughed, "Trevor thought I lost my head when I made fourteen sandwiches instead of ten. At first, he thought I was making three a piece, but when I was one short…"

"So… you expected us to go?"

"I had a feeling," Patrick grinned. "We just need to get four horses and Jake's pony ready, then we'll be off."

Jake requested, "Can I ride with you, instead of my pony?"

"You don't want to ride by yourself?" Patrick inquired.

"Not today, I want to feel your arms around me," Jake answered.

"I'll like that. Trevor is going home tomorrow, and I will be in my bed. If you want to sleep with me tomorrow night, you can."

"And snuggle!!!" Jake squealed, "I will like that.

"So will I, Little Bro, so will I," Patrick grinned.

At the lake, Noel and Leon were surprised when everyone just took off their clothes and jumped into the lake. They were looking around for swimsuits until Jake jumped into the lake nude. Then they caught on and started stripping. They thought Roger had been funning them when he told them they would be skinny-dipping. Once they were in, they had fun. Jake swam up to Patrick and asked, "Can I stand on your shoulders and jump in like I do with Daddy and Papa?"

"I won't be able to get you as high, but yeah. Just watch that you don't jump into anyone so no one gets hurt, alright?" Patrick reveled in the smile on Jake's face. He loved his little brother and no one could ever doubt that. It surprised Patrick with how quickly the little dude wormed into his heart that day he came to live with them.

When Jake started jumping off Patrick's shoulders, it didn't take long before Leon and Noel asked Roger and Trevor to do the same. Austin tried to launch Jake, but he couldn't get Jake out of the water, so Patrick suggested that he try jumping himself. Patrick struggled to get Austin launched; after all, he isn't much older than Austin. The seven boys played for hours, taking time to talk and eat lunch.

As they ate supper, Jim asked Joe, "Any word on the missing boy?"

Joe shook his head, "I wish. I was reading a story about a boy in Sea Island, who went to meet someone, and the police found his body about two months later. I hope they find Ethan before anything happens to him."

"I know, so do I," Jim responded. "So to change the subject, how many boys do you have in the Home, now?"

"We are up to fifty-one boys. At this rate, we may have to place three boys in a room before the week is up."

"At least it will be that many boys who will be safe."

"Yeah, that's the important thing. And I can't believe how Xander has been. Ever since he helped Zac with the birth, he has been a different boy. He's offered to help the boys who are troubled, he jumps at the chance to help me. It's like he felt how much we care and wants to help us."

"Zac was a big part of that, but I think helping that colt broke his shell."

At another table, Patrick, Austin, Jake, Trevor, Roger and Roger's brothers were chatting. Patrick looked sad. "What's wrong?" Roger asked.

"Nothing, really," Patrick replied. "I was just thinking, this is your last night and you're leaving tomorrow."

Trevor looked at Patrick, "Yeah, we'll miss you too, but let's enjoy the time we have. And we can Skype whenever."

Patrick nodded his head and smiled, "So, what are we going to do?"

Noel asked, "Can we go swimming, again? That was fun."

"It's too dark to ride out to the lake," Roger replied. Noel and Leon frowned.

"We can play cars," Jake suggested.

Trevor looked at Jake, "The twins might like that, but Roger and I might be too old."

Jake shook his head, "Daddy plays cars with me and he's older than you."

Trevor chuckled, "Yes he is. If everyone else wants to play cars, I will."

"Dad gave Jake a whole bunch of cars from when he was a kid. Jake offered to share them with me."

Roger said, "I guess we are playing cars tonight."

"Yah!!!" the twins shouted in unison.

Wednesday morning, Trevor and those leaving with him were packing the vehicle to leave. After it was packed, they went to eat breakfast, their last meal in Cody.

Once everything was loaded, the four boys went to sit with Patrick. "I wish you didn't have to leave. I enjoyed you being here."

"But we have to go back for school. Maybe you can join us for Thanksgiving," Trevor offered.

"I'll have to talk to Dad and Papa, but I don't know."

The boys ate their breakfast in relative silence, Patrick too fixated on his friends leaving. Jake didn't care so much; Austin was feeding him bacon like he was a sea animal eating fish.

Once breakfast was done, Patrick and Jake gave Trevor and Roger hugs and kisses. They they got in their vehicle and left. Jake waved until they were out of sight. "I'm going to miss them," Jake declared.

"I know, Little Bro, so am I," Patrick sighed.

As things on the ranch started getting back to normal, Aunt Brenda showed up at the ranch. It was time for Austin to go home. "Bye Austin, it was fun having you here," Jim stated.

Austin replied, "I had fun, too, but Mom says we need to start planning for me to go back to school."

"When will you be back?" Jake tearfully inquired.

Aunt Brenda replied, "We plan to come visit next Christmas."

"I look forward to it. And are you planning to stay next summer?" Jim asked.

Austin looked up at his mom. She looked down at him, smiled and gave a slight nod. "If you want me to."

Zac replied, "Cool, but you might have to share a room with Jake."

"I wouldn't mind that, but what's going to happen to my room?"

"We can't say yet," Jim answered. "Zac and I are still discussing it."

And just like that, everyone not living on the ranch or at the home were gone.

That night, Joe reported they were up to sixty boys in the home. They were still coming in, but not as fast as the first two days. "That's good. You still have room for thirty-eight before you need to go three in a room?"

"Actually thirty-nine, Jim, since the count includes Luke and his brothers in one room."

"And how are the other boys treating Matthew and Mark?" Jim liked being informed since the Home was his dream.

Joe smiled, "They treat them just like one of the boys. Some have even let Luke know they would help protect them if needed. All the boys we have so far have proven to be good boys."

"Good to hear. I can sleep peacefully knowing that."

Joe added, "On another note, Lenny King, the FBI agent told Nick that he has intel on a child smuggling ring. They plan to raid it tomorrow morning. Hopefully, Ethan will be there."

"Let's hope."

Nearly 800,000 children go missing every year. That is almost 2,000 a day. PLEASE remind everyone in your family of the dangers of meeting someone they've only chatted with online. TrueFan lost his grandson at the beginning of May. He had gone to meet someone that he spoke with online. The police found the young man's body in an alley at the end of June. I am dedicating this chapter to him. Trevor 21 July 2002 ~ 26 June 2018

 

I hope you enjoy the story and that it draws you in, wanting more. If you have any suggestions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email me.  Thoughts and suggestions are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible.

Also, I have created a mailing list.  If you would like to be added to it to be informed of new submission, please contact me at Zarek Dragon... Please let me know that you read it on The Story Lovers' Website.

 

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