Chapter 22
Trying New Things
Part 1
Now, what boy could sleep when the smell of lasagna which was my favorite came from the kitchen? Besides, with all the racket outside of chainsaws and hammering going on. I knew Mom would be upset, but she'd get over it if I decided to lounge on the couch or the deck reading a new novel I had been dying to read. So, I got out of bed and went downstairs.
Mom placed her hands on her hips, seeing me. Then smiled when I said I couldn't sleep with my tummy growling and all the noise outside. She knew I was always hungry and when I wasn't, something was wrong, the fact that I was said I was good as new, but Mom was Mom. Telling me to go out on the deck and read my book while she brings me a sandwich or two. Warning me I am not to leave the deck, or she will tan my hide. She gave me two kisses and patted and squeezed my butt like she and my mother always do, making me all warm and fuzzy.
Sparky took his place at my side, having Mom give him a treat and his bone. Giving him the same instructions, which I knew he most likely didn't hear, considering he was in doggy heaven chewing on his bone. While Dad took care of the big things, my brothers waved to me as they cleaned up the beach. Meanwhile, Mom was back living the life as a nudist. Seeing him dressed in long pants and work boots, which I knew was a practical thing when working with a chainsaw or ax.
He smiled at me when he saw me. I waved and opened my book, but only skimmed the first few pages. It bothered me that everyone was working but me. I sighed, putting down my book and looked down at Sparky and patted him on the head. I smiled when I saw the broom and questioned it. Knowing if I left the deck, Mom would tan my hide, yet rules were meant to be broken, and besides I wasn't actually leaving the deck. So, I did the most logical thing and began sweeping it. When Mom came out with my sandwiches and ice-cold orange soda, she quickly pointed to my seat, placing her hands on her hips said. "Young man, I told you not to leave the deck."
I said. "Yes ma'am, technically Mom I am still on the deck just not sitting watching everyone but me working." Dad saved me by telling her he had asked me to sweep the deck. Mom glared at him, and he smiled back at her and came up and swung her in his arms and kissed her, having her moan. I don't know what she felt personally. Mom and my sisters have kissed me countless times, and even giving mouth-to-mouth to non-family girls didn't elicit such moans from either of us. Maybe they might have if they were awake, but still, a guy's got to wonder.
But not even a breathtaking kiss from Dad would get me or him out of hot water. I was saved by interruptions as the Rock-water 's minus one brother and others bring anywhere to following, cookies, and gifts to thank Dad and me for rescuing them. I felt very self-conscious when I saw Nora, realizing that I had my arm under her bare breasts when I pulled her to safety. I blushed and prayed that my problem wouldn't return and quickly put my eyes elsewhere and did my best to not to be rude. I knew what was expected of me quickly, giving them each a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek. Telling them that I was just doing whatever a normal guy would do when people needed help. I never considered myself a hero or Superman character saving the day. I knew if it was me out there drowning that someone would save me. Well, not if they were my father or my sisters, who would most likely let me drown or tie an anchor to my feet and throw me overboard. Again, no love lost there.
I wanted to avoid attention, so I would have locked myself in my room if it wasn't for Mom and Dad. I felt I didn't deserve it because others were saving people, too. So, I gracefully let them shower me with praise, hoping this would be the end of it, watching our deck fill up with all the gifts to me and Dad. That's when the big moment happened. Nora swung me around, pressing me and her lips to mine, and gave me my first real kiss. Once she was finished, I wobbled breathlessly. Isza and her sister Fauna then kissed me, causing me to moan and feel a blush on my cheeks. It also made my problem go rock hard.
No sooner had I gotten my balance as another pretty girl I didn't know gave me an even a longer kiss. When she removed her lips from mine, she did it again, and then released me after she gave me a big squeeze on my bare bottom. Looked down at my rock-hard problem and giggled and said. "Thank you for saving my brother and my sister's life." Having me wobble to my seat wishing for a towel to hide my problem. I learned that the boy that introduced me to his friends at the barbecue was her brother and the last girl I saved was her sister. The way people responded to my problem indicated that it wasn't a major concern. I felt like I was the only one who was worried about it, and my foster Dad's words kept replaying in my head: "Just let it happen."
After several more kisses and butt squeezes from mothers and daughters. I didn't think the blush in my cheeks or my slightly bruised bottom would ever go away. Dad and Mom grinned ear to ear knowing that I had been seriously kissed and abused by every girl and mother. The fact I was covered with lipstick said it all and smelled of various kinds of perfume. Dad told me and Mom I would live as I watched our guests mosey on down the beach. After telling Mom and Dad that they had a full day planned for us tomorrow and the rest of our weekend. Someone told Dad that the roads were blocked with trees and down power lines and wouldn't be able to leave until Tuesday or Wednesday if we were lucky. I knew my mother and my caseworker weren't going to be pleased, but no one controls the weather.
Dad and I finished repairing the barn fences just before eight at night. Dad informed Mom that he would need to go to town for additional lumber to fix the barn and get a new window. Mom didn't ask if Jared and I were going with him it was simply implied. Mom didn't argue as she served me a nice proportion of lasagna, kissed me on the head said. "I hope you are taking the truck and not the boat this time, dear, considering all the debris floating upon the lake after the storm."
Dad nodded, expressing that he had planned to have some quality time with her on the lake, while we boys enjoyed our activities with our friends. Mom hesitated then realized that I had proven time and time again that I could take care of my brothers in any situation, even more so during a storm.
After the family prayer, Mom gave me the sleeping pill that the doctor had prescribed. She wanted to ensure that I would sleep through the night. Initially, she thought about giving it to me earlier, but she knew my bad sleeping habits would have prevented it. Plus, she wanted me to have a really good night's sleep adding it to the other pill that is supposed to relax me enough to sleep. I was about to join my brothers. Until she suggested that it would be better if I didn't make sure I got the rest I needed.
Jared and Jason gave me a wink stating that wasn't going to happen. They liked having their big brother close to them at night. In fact, we had become inseparable ever since Shane left on his mission. Shawn missed out on the opportunity of being their big brother, and I felt sorry for him in some ways. However, due to his abuse of the privilege, no one wanted him near us now.
Dad was contemplating having him share a room with Arthur downstairs again, as separating them hasn't proven effective - they still manage to get involved in unspeakable activities. Mom and Dad have been arguing about it for some time regarding if this is such a good idea. The only thing they felt they could decide on was moving my brothers back upstairs to prevent them from continuing the same thing. Even tonight they were arguing about sending Arthur back to the mental institution when or if we get back regardless of if they would have less income. Mom is arguing that things would work out if that happened stating the fact our family is not as big as it used to be. And with me taking more of the role of the big brother she could pick up more work instead of having to tend to my baby brother. It seems like all parents fight and argue, but in my case, when my parents argue, my father gets physically aggressive with my mother and then directs his anger toward me and my brother. When my foster parents argue it's like they compromise and make up right after.
I had other things to worry about like that kiss or kisses, I never felt that way before when kissing a girl. I had always wondered what my first real kiss would be like. However, it wasn't what I had imagined. Not only was I naked, but so were they when it happened. I could have counted to ten the second the lights went out and heard Mom and Dad's door closed. I smiled watching my brothers tiptoe into my room and climb into their spots next to me, making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I knew Mom and Dad wouldn't be angry when it came to me and my brothers sharing the same bed. Yet I knew that my father would and would have been furious, even more so knowing that we didn't have a stitch on, and I was good with that.
Dad woke me and Jared up before dawn. The fact that my brothers were with us didn't bother him or Mom. When she opened the door, she found them with us, checking to make sure I was sleeping during the night. She just smiled telling me to go back to sleep giving us a warm kiss on the cheek. Yet now it was time to get up, considering Dad and we had a lot to do before we could all go play the rest of the day.
Typically, we could have gone to town as nudists, but given the storm and the damage caused, we decided to wear clothes to avoid any injuries or inconvenience. Shirts, on the other hand, were optional or depending on the job you were doing today. All I know is after putting on long pants and sneakers and a shirt. I felt like I was wearing an Eskimo suit. Having the clothing suffocate me, Jared and Jason were just as uncomfortable as I was, losing the shirts within minutes and quickly putting on our flip-flops and shorts. Promising Mom and Dad we would be careful already envying our baby brother and Mom being the only ones down to their skins.
Dad was having a hard time just like us, but he had to be the responsible adult and couldn't let us go naked. Well maybe for two minutes longer than we did. Watching him strip down to his skin and throw his clothes in the back of the seat. We wasted no time doing likewise feeling much better. Dad says if we need them, we have them, if we don't, we don't.
As soon as we got to the small lumberyard, Dad immediately noticed that many people were not properly clothed. Some were wearing only footwear or shorts, while others were completely naked. So, he let us do likewise. Shorter and more concise: He secured his fanny pack with his wallet and work boots. We opted for flip-flops, mindful of nails. Although sneakers were less protective, they were more comfortable than going barefoot. We all had a pair of work gloves so when we handled the wood we wouldn't get slivers in our hands.
Dad paid for the supplies, which we loaded into the back of his truck. Later, Dad made a stop for ice cream and gas for the truck and the boat. He had to make several phone calls along the way. Which we all had to wait in line for, considering it was the only phone that seemed to work with the lines down. When Dad paid for the ice cream the guy simply said it was on the house for helping with the rescues. Dad tried to give him the money anyway, but the guy simply refused it.
We sat there devouring every last drop scraping our dishes clean while Dad waited in line for his turn. I knew he was speaking to my caseworker having removed the phone from his ear. Asking her what he wanted him to do about it. The roads are closed and would be until Wednesday making it impossible to be back on Friday. My mother was more understanding telling him they would see us when they saw us at our camping spot only asked if I was having a good time.
Dad handed me the phone so she could hear that I was safe and sound. I tried not to overhear the phone call when it came to Dad talking to whoever that was in charge of Shawn and Arthur. Dad growled angrily when he said, "Crawford, why in the hell are my boys with Crawford." Telling the guy he either locks them inside or chains them to their beds or he was going to clean the house when he gets back. That if Crawford even comes near them again to shoot him on site, slamming down the phone and growling for us to get ready to go.
We knew Dad was upset about what was happening at home. He confirmed it when he told Mom about Crawford seeking custody of Arthur and Shawn. And trying to place me in a home for boys and my brothers in foster care. For being bad parents for abusing Arthur and Shawn with hard discipline and working them day and night while we are on vacation. Only allowing them out of their rooms to work or bathroom breaks like common criminals, stating once again Shawn and Arthur had done nothing wrong. All boys experiment from time to time, and they didn't rape my sister. Mom was furious when she found out. Without wasting any time, she immediately informed me that I was responsible for my brothers until further notice. Additionally, she reminded us that we had a playdate scheduled with the Rock-water 's and some of my new friends in just an hour. After that, she left with Dad.
I followed Mom and Dad's instructions and arrived early. I considered taking a quick dip in the hot tub but changed my mind when the three sisters invited us to sit in the living room. I was thankful there was no hugging or kissing involved and took a seat with my brothers. Mrs. Rock-water asked if my parents were coming. She corrected herself saying, my foster parents. I answered. "No, that my parents wanted to do some things in town and Dad was taking Mom on the lake to spend some alone time together." She smiled as she looked down at my problem noticing that it was under control, if I didn't know better, I would have thought she was disappointed. I, on the other hand, was quite pleased that it was under control and prayed that it would stay that way.
After yesterday no one wanted to go out on the lake unless we were on the beach. Which was kind of disappointing being that I could hide my problem underwater. I realized that I needed to stop worrying about it and trust Dad. That the more I was exposed that most likely the problem would no longer become an issue. The other thing was I really wanted to try water-skiing and drive a speed boat. Yet today that wasn't on the agenda, instead, we would be going horseback riding. This wouldn't be the first time I have done it in the nude, I had done so with my Pa and Downing brothers and recently with my Rothwell family in our own field and on trails going to our employer pond, and So in many ways I was looking forward to it.
We were also informed that tonight there would be a dance for everyone which I had learned had been postponed because of the storm. The realization hit me hard - this wasn't just any school or church dance. Living here meant embracing the different experiences, even if it meant facing my fears and vulnerability. Well actually if I was home, I still would be considering Mom and Dad and raised me and my brothers in this lifestyle. So, hiding the fact that I was only wearing a smile seemed mute. Mom and Dad would expect me to deal with it and come away with an awesome experience, something to write home about and talk about in the years to come.
I just needed to get over the touchy-feely part or I would spend my vacation always wondering what kind of fun I could have if I would only let myself. I've experienced the sensation of breasts against my skin many times, including here. As I glanced at my growing problem, I let out a soft sigh. I decided to stay focused and get my mind out of the gutter, it wasn't like I was going to have sex with them just dance. This time I didn't show that my problem was a concern. Just to let it happen saying that sounded fun and couldn't wait. As a local hero, I was aware that my dance card would filled. Even though I didn't want it to. It wouldn't truly make a difference, regardless.