The Dance

by austin

 

This version has most of the profanity removed and the grammatical errors corrected. No change to the actual story.

 

DISCLAIMER: This story is entirely a work of fiction. Any similarities to real persons or places is purely coincidental and not in any way intentional. If, for some odd reason, you want to reproduce this in any way, just please ask me first with an email. Any questions/comments can be emailed to Austin(dot)db(at)gmail(dot)com, however, before you comment, let it be known that I did no research while writing this piece. I don't know medicine, I don't know the laws of the state of Minnesota, I don't know how police operate or the policies that they may have, and I sure don't know a thing about the FBI. But, they appear in this story, and if you really have a problem with my misrepresenting any or all, please enlighten me. I'd like to learn how things really work. Okay, that being said, please enjoy. This is my first story I've ever written to completion. This was written three years ago, and has been collecting dust since. I'd really like to know what you think.

 

Jake sat quietly at his desk, head buried in his arms. All around him, students were in varying stages of day dreaming, waiting for the sixth and final period of the day to come to a close. It was one of those warm fall days when all you want to do is drink a cold coke and listen to some tunes. Actually, be anywhere but a hot, muggy classroom. MT High School, located in a small suburb outside of Minneapolis, didn’t seem to have air conditioning, bringing into question the legitimacy of the mayor who had campaigned mostly on the platform of educational improvement. It’s hard to learn very well when just sitting in class is a work out.

            Jake leaned back and stared at the clock, 15 minutes still remained. The teacher droned on at the front of the small classroom. There were only 20 students in the classroom, but the desks were jammed closely together making the hot room seem even more unbearable. The school was in bad need of a replacement. While it was only 25 years old, the school resembled a forgotten movie set. The small janitorial staff was unable to cope with such strains and seemed to hire a replacement custodian every week.

            The bell finally rang and the students dived for the door. The ragged halls filled with students in seconds.

            “God, I hate that class,” Jake said.

            “No kidding,” Matt agreed as he caught up with Jake. Jake and Matt had been best friends since fourth grade, when Matt moved from some country town into the suburb. They did everything together. From the very beginning, their imaginations mixed perfectly. Long days were spent doing mindless activities in the back woods, pretending every swaying branch was an enemy soldier and the landscape was directly out of Vietnam. Those days passed and Jake and Matt didn’t spend as much time together as they used to, but they were still the best of friends.

Matt still lived on some property and had quite a ride into school every day. Matt’s property, though not much, seemed like a full scale farm to Jake, who loved going out there when he could. Neither of the boys could drive yet, so they rarely saw each other after Matt’s mom picked him up from Jake’s house on her way home from work a few hours after school got out.

“I don’t know when Mr. Hertz is gonna’ figure out no one cares about which Samuri killed who,” Matt complained.

“Why did we take Japanese history in the first place?” asked Jake.

“It was your idea, man,” Matt accused.

“No, we had no choice, American history was filled up, remember?” Jake replied, on the defensive.

“Oh yeah, sorry, that class has me brain dead.”

“Yeah…..whoa!”

Jake accidentally ran into the starting lineman for the football team who had been leaning down in the hallway tying his shoe. The junior rose slowly to his full height of 6 foot three and stared down at Jake, who cowered below. Jake, small for his age of 14, stood a full foot underneath the mammoth.

“I…I’m sorry, didn’t see you,” Jake stammered.

“That’s right you’re sorry, you should look where you are going.”

“Oh, lay off him” A tall, skinny senior stepped in between the two. Jim, the captain of the cross-country team, stared strait into the lineman’s eyes.

“Worry about someone your own size,” Jim said, glaring steadily into the eyes of the offender.

“Aw, lighten up Jim, it’s just a freshman,” The lineman shot back.

“He didn’t mean too, now go along.” Jim waved him off.

“You’d better watch out, Jim, one of these days you’ll get the raw end of this.” The lineman smacked his fist into his opposite hand, then slinked off with some of his football friends.

Jim looked down at Jake.

“You’d probably better stay away from him for a while, huh?”

“Thanks Jim.” Jake scooted off, Matt falling in beside him.

“Lucky for you Jim showed up, man. You were gonna get beat.”

“I hate football players. They think they are so tough just ‘cause they’re bigger than everyone else.”

“Most people are bigger than you, Jake,” Matt joked.

“Shut up,” Jake mumbled.

“Ah, come on, I was just joking with you,” Matt tried.

“Yeah, I know.”

They walked in silence for a bit. The crowded halls closed in on the two friends as they made their way toward the door. Outside, wispy clouds slept in the light blue sky. The sun shown brightly making the temperature outside barely as tolerable as the classroom’s.

“Why do you think Jim stood up for me?” Jake wondered.

“I don’t know, probably wanted you to turn out for cross country.”

“He does, there isn’t a day that goes by when he doesn’t mention it to me. I’m not gonna do it, though. No way I’m putting myself through that insane stuff.”

“Yeah, Jim gave up on me along time ago.”

            “Let’s get home, huh? I’m hungry,” Jake ended the conversation.

 

            As the two boys walked into the house, Jake’s mom was there to greet them.

            “Hello, Matthew. How are you?”

            “I’m fine Mrs. Sands.”

            “And you, Jake?”

            “Just great, mom.”

            “That sounds convincing,” Jake’s mom questioned. “How’s the homework?”

            “Fine,” Jake mumbled as they darted off to Jake’s room upstairs.

            Jake’s room was a typical teenager’s room: messy. The unmade bed was scattered with random items, as was the floor. A contrastingly neat desk stood in one corner of the room, looking out a large window. A dresser with drawers half open and clothes items hanging precariously from each edge leaned against one side of the white walls. The two boys came in and Jake immediately fell on the bed while Matt took a seat next to the dresser on the floor.

            “You’d think by 9th grade she would stop worrying about my homework,” Jake complained.

            “Everybody’s mom does that, man.”

            “That doesn’t make it any easier to take.”

            “It’s their nature. Gotta always worry.” Matt said.

            “When I have a kid, I’m not gonna ever ask him about his homework.” Jake said.

            “Sure you will, just wait.”

            “What makes you so sure,” Jake said as he threw a dirty sock at Matt.

            “Get that off of me.” Matt returned the throw.

            “No really, why are we taking Japanese history?” Jake asked. Matt looked up at him and stared for a second then broke out laughing.

            “It was your idea.”

            “So you got a date to Homecoming?” Jake asked.

            “You first,” Matt said with a smile.

            “Naw, don’t think any girls gonna wanna go out with a guy my size.”

            “Ah dude, there’s a ton out there who would love to,” Matt consoled.

            “You think so?” Jake looked hopefully at Matt.

            “Of course. In fact, I know of one who would love you to ask her.”

            “Boys, get going on your homework. I want it done before you mom comes today, Matt.” Jake’s mom called from downstairs.

            “Ok, Mrs. Sands,” Matt called back. “I’ll tell you who it is later,” he said to Jake.

            “Oh, come on, that’s not fair,” Jake complained.

            “I don’t want to make your mom mad,” Matt said with a smile.

            Jake leaned back on his bed and closed his eyes. It seemed like as long as he could remember, one thing had bothered him. Born prematurely, he had always been small. No one really made fun of him about it, but it bothered him that he could never really compete with everyone else in his class. He was always “too short” or “not strong enough.” Jake had a good life otherwise. His parents were still together and loved each other. He had an older sister and a little brother with whom he barely fought.

 

            That night, the Sands family crowded around their dinner table. Jake’s father Rudy, his mother Jan, big sister Sarah, and his little brother Austin. Jake took his usual seat at the table.

            “So how was school today?” Jake’s father asked.

            “Awesome!” piped up Austin. “We planted butterflies today”

            “Oh my,” Mr. Sands leaned back in fake amazement, “I didn’t know butterflies could be planted.”

            “Well, they can, ‘cause we did today,” defended Austin.

            “Oh, I’m not doubting you, believe me,” Mr. Sands said laughing.

            “How’s your senior year coming, Sarah?” Mrs. Sands asked.

            “Hard,” was all Sarah said, continuing to chew slowly on her meatloaf.

            “And you, Jake, how was your day?” Mr. Sands asked.

            “Fine…mostly,” Jake replied.

            “What happened?” Mrs. Sands asked worriedly.

“I almost got beat up by some big football player.”

Mr. Sands burst out laughing.

“Now, I’m not so sure I see what funny here,” Mrs. Sands protested, “I don’t want anyone picking on Jake.”

“Aw, Jake can defend himself.” Mr. Sands leaned back and looked at Jake, “But that doesn’t mean I want you fighting.”

“Ya, I know, it wasn’t that bad. Jim, the cross country captain, stepped in.”

“Well, good for him,” Mrs. Sands said.

“Jake couldn’t beat up a football player,” Austin said laughing.

“Now you be quite and eat,” Mrs. Sands directed.

“Sure he could,” Mr. Sands said.

“Could we drop the topic, please,” Jake pleaded.

“I might apply for that job at the coffee shop,” Sarah cut in.

The conversation slowly drifted on and away from Jake, much to his relief. As much as he thought about it, he couldn’t stand when other people talked about his size. That night in bed, his father came in to talk to him.

“Now, you know I think your fine just the way your are.”

“Yeah, I know dad, it’s just not fine with me.”

“Jake, you got no control over your growing, so why don’t you just relax.”

“That’s easy for you to say.”

“I’m just trying to help.”

“I know, dad, sorry.”

“Ok, son, have a good sleep.”

“I will.”

Mr. Sands got up to leave. As he reached the door, he paused, silhouetted by the lighted hallway, he was just an outline to Jake, a shadow.

 

            Jake woke up slowly the next morning. He felt dizzy. Pressure in his head made it feel like it was going to explode. His whole body ached as he tried to roll out of bed. He stumbled into the bathroom, relieved himself, then slowly made his way down the stairs to the kitchen. His eyes slowly adjusted to the light streaming in through the window.

            “Jesus, how long did I sleep,” he mumbled. He looked at the clock; it read 12:00 in the afternoon. A new sleep-in record for Jake. On the table was a quickly scribbled note from his mom. His family had gone to the mall to shop and would be home later. The note reminded him of his Saturday chores: cleaning his room and bathroom.

            “Man, I don’t feel good,” he said to himself. There was no way he was cleaning the way he was feeling. A cold, he thought, dang it. He tried to sip down some orange juice, but it stung his throat with a vengeance, and decided it wasn’t worth the effort and poured the rest down the drain. He wrote an addition to the note on the table letting his family know he was going back to sleep and that he didn’t feel good.

            He returned to the bathroom and looked at the mirror. His small body stared back at him. Small shoulders, soft features adorned his face, tousled hair still messy from the night pointed haphazardly in every direction. He had strait hair, which he wore somewhat short so that it came halfway down his forehead. He slowly closed his eyes, shook his head, then headed back to his room.

            He crawled under the still warm covers and felt himself sink deeply into comfort, then finally sleep.

            He dreamed a dream of swirling colors. Falling down, down, down. Swimming under leaves of bright colors, flashing, breaking the surface of a purple sun. White clouds swirl downward, collecting into a ball of hard candy…rolling down, down, down. Falling into a deep dark hole, cant hold onto the sides, suddenly water, falling with him, resting, in warm water…relaxing.

           

            Jake woke up in a rush, he couldn’t see strait, his head was burning. Fever, he thought. Then he noticed something else, a feeling he had not felt for a long time. He felt a warm wetness on his body. He slowly reached down and felt the front of his shorts, he groaned in disgust. His shorts, the sheets, everything was soaked. He felt dizzy again. He laid back down on his bed, losing interest in his accident. He just wanted to go back to sleep.

            His door opened slowly, and his mom peaked her head in.

            “Jake? Are you ok?”

            “Uhhh, not really,” he mumbled, “I don’t feel very good. I think I have a cold, or something.”

            His mom walked over and laid her hand on his forehead.

            “Oh my, you’ve got a fever,” she noted. The she smelled something else in the air. She hesitated, sniffed again for conformation.

            “Jake, did you wet the bed?”

            But he was already asleep again.

            “Oh my,” she said. She pulled back the covers back a little, and her thoughts were confirmed. She shook her head, patted Jake on his head,

            “Poor kid, he must be really sick.” She pulled back the rest of covers.

            “What’s up with Jake, he usually doesn’t sleep this long.” It was Mr. Sands behind her.

            “He’s sick. He just went back to sleep again, but he wet the bed so I’m going to go clean him up a bit.”

            Mr. Sands looked at his son lying in his wet clothes. A worried look came over him.

            “Well, I hope he’s ok.”

            “He’ll be fine, he just needs a little rest.”

            “Ok, I’ll be downstairs.”

            “Ok, honey.” Mrs. Sands reached down and slid one hand under Jake’s knees and the other under his shoulders. She lifted his body, one that barely reached the 95-pound mark. Her mind drifted back to when he was born. The unexpected contractions, a month before he was due. Rushing to the hospital. The flood of medical activity to keep the frail baby alive. Then, finally, two weeks later, bringing him home. Carrying the small bundle in her arms. She looked down at him now, much bigger, but the same feeling was there. She hid a small smile.

            She laid his limp body down on a towel in the bathroom and slowly began to undress him. She peeled back his wet pajamas. His small privates shrunk even more in the cold. She quickly picked him up again and laid him in the warm water rushing into the bathtub. She slowly washed his body, enjoying every second, this moment with her son. She knew that soon, Jake would grow, and his childlike innocence lost forever. She would still have Austin, but there was something about giving her oldest son to adulthood.

 

            Jake awoke the next morning feeling much better. He looked around his room, stretched his arms out in front of him, then rolled out of bed. Down in the kitchen his father was drinking coffee and reading the newspaper, Austin at his side eating cereal.

            “Hey there, Jake. How you feeling this morning?”

            “Better,” replied Jake who sat down at the table and pulled out the sports section. He looked at the date, then paused.

            “I slept all yesterday?” Jake asked.

            “Yeah, you sure did. We were worried about you.”

            Jake suddenly remembered his accident, noticed he was in new pajamas. He didn’t remember changing. After a second, he decided to keep quite about it. He looked over at his father reading the newspaper, still unshaven, prickly whiskers made his face look slightly gray. Jake felt his own face, smooth. He pushed away from the table to fix himself some breakfast.

            A bowl, spoon, Honey Nut Cheerios, and milk were gathered from around the kitchen. Jake sat down at the table again and began eating.

            His mother burst through the door, arms filled with groceries. Breathing hard, she set the items down, then looked at the table.

            “Good morning Jake. Rudy, Austin, will you help me with the groceries?”

            “Do I have to?” whined Austin. “How come Jake doesn’t have to?”

            “He’s sick. Now come on. Rudy?”

            “Sure, honey.” He slowly got up, reading a last sentence from the paper, then set it down and went out to the family van, Jake’s mother and Austin close behind. Jake continued to read the sports, filling himself in on the college football he’d missed on Saturday. At least one plus about being sick is you don’t have to help with the groceries, he thought. The phone rang and Jake jumped up to answer. He cleared his throat before he picked up the phone, hopping to achieve the lowest voice possible.

            “Hello?” Dang, not low at all.

            “Jake? This is Matt.”

            “Oh, hey Matt.” Jake sat back down at the table.

            “Your mom told me you were sick,” Matt said.

            “Yeah, apparently I slept all yesterday.”

            “That’s a bummer dude. You feeling better today?”

            “Yeah, so far.”

            “Dude, did you hear about the game yesterday?” Matt Asked

            They went on to talk about college football. Meanwhile, Jake’s parents finished unloading the car.

            “Jake has seemed really depressed lately,” Mrs. Sands said, concern in her voice.

            “Oh, he’s fine, he’s just working through some stuff, I’m sure,” Mr. Sands said.

            “I don’t know. I’m thinking maybe he feels like he doesn’t get enough attention or love,” said Mrs. Sands.

            “Seriously?” Mr. Sands let out a small chuckle. “He’s a guy, he’s fine.”

            “That’s exactly it. I think he wants it, he just doesn’t show he wants it.”

            “Well, you might be right. I guess I just never really worry about that,” said Mr. Sands.

            “That’s probably part of the problem.”

            Rudy paused, not really sure what to say. He picked up the last of the groceries and headed back toward the house. He stopped halfway to the door and turned.

            “I’ll try to be more aware.”

            “Thanks honey.” Mrs. Sands walked over and gave Mr. Sands a kiss.

            They entered the kitchen. Jake was just finishing up his conversation with Matt. As he hung up the phone, Mrs. Sands glanced at him with a concerned look.

            “How you feeling, Jake?”

            “Well, I was feeling good, but for some reason I kinda feel it coming back again,” Jake replied.

            “Ok, your body’s probably still fighting it. How about after you finish eating, you head back to bed for a while.”

            “Ok, thanks mom.” Jake nodded then finished his cereal. By the time he got back up to his room, he was ready to sleep again. His dad followed him up. Jake sat down on the edge of his bed. Mr. Sands closed the blinds on Jake’s window and turned out the light. He sat down next to Jake and put his arm around him.

            “You’ll feel better when you wake up, buddy.”

            Jake leaned against his dad’s solid frame. He savored this rare moment of closeness with his dad.

            “Thanks dad.”

            Mr. Sands tousled his son’s still messy hair. A small smile crawled across Jake’s face as he got into bed. His dad walked out of the room, Jake closed his eyes and let his somewhat delirious mind drift slowly into sleep.

            Mr. Sands returned to the kitchen, made another cup of coffee and went out to sit on the back porch. The temperature was just perfect for sitting outside to drink coffee. He rocked slowly into old wooden rocking chair. Painted white some forgotten number of years ago, the chair had been purchased at a second hand store the year before. The paint was chipped and peeling. There was something about it that brought Mr. Sands back to when he was a child and his father used to sit on their front porch at look out at his wheat fields just as the sun was setting.

            “What are you thinking about?” Mrs. Sands walked out on the porch, stood behind him and slowly massaged his back.

            “Catcher in the Rye. Did you ever read that book?”

            Mrs. Sands paused. “Yeah, way back in college.”

            “Preserving childhood innocence. Its funny how a child wants time to speed up, but an adult wants it to slow down. If only a child could have the understanding of an adult, to appreciate the freedom of a child.”

            “But to appreciate the freedom, you first need to lose it.”

            “Exactly, that’s the catch. It’s no wonder why the explorers of the 1400s searched for the fountain of youth.”

            Mrs. Sands giggled. “That’s deep.”

            “You know, Jake, all he wants to do is grow. I was the same way, almost exactly when I was in high school. But now, looking at Jake, it’s almost like…”

            “Like what?” edged Mrs. Sands.

            “I don’t know, I was going to say lucky, but…it’s not that.” They both sat there in silence, looking out across their yard. A slight mist clung on to the slippery ground. A wooden fence, bleached from countless sprinklers and the beating sun, ran the perimeter of the yard. Flowers followed the fence, then, finally, grass that needed to be cut.

            “Well, I’d better cut the grass,” Mr. Sands said as he got up out of the white rocking chair. He leaned back and kissed his wife.

            “I’ll go sit inside and pretend I’m cleaning the kitchen.”

            They both laughed and left the porch.

            Mrs. Sands decided to go check on Jake. She didn’t have to get very far into the room before she could smell it. He’d done it again. She stood there looking at him, thinking of child hood innocence. She decided that Jake was too sick, she was taking him to the doctor. She slowly nudged his shoulder to wake him up. He slowly came awake, groaned, and rolled over.

            “How you feeling, Jake?” Mrs. Sands asked. Jake groaned back at her. “I’m taking you to the doctor.”

            Jake grunted back at her.

            “Come on, sleepy head, let’s get you out of bed and into some dry clothes.” She pulled back the covers, revealing his wet clothes.

            “All right, Jake, up.” She put her hand behind his shoulders and pushed up. His eyes opened again.

            “My throat is dry.”

            “All right, I’ll get you some water later. Stand up.” Suddenly he froze, looked down at his pajamas and let out a small yelp.

            “Ahhh, not again,” Jake started crying. Mrs. Sands put her arm around his shoulders.

            “Don’t worry about it honey, your sick.” He just sat there crying. Mrs. Sands started to undress him. He stood there naked, shaking. She led him into the bathroom and got a washcloth wet. She had him slightly spread his legs and she began to gently wipe him clean. She tried to comfort him, but he kept crying.

            “I’m just like a baby. Why can’t I grow up.”

            Mrs. Sands felt like she wanted to cry. She hugged her son close to her.

            “Jake, its ok, just relax. I’m going to take you to the doctor and we’ll find out what’s up.” He laid his head on her shoulder. Mrs. Sands picked him up and walked back to Jake’s room. She laid him gently on his bed and picked out some clothes. She slowly dressed him, sliding his underwear up his legs, had him lean up to put on his t-shirt. Then a pair of jeans and a shirt.

            “Put your shoes on, Jake, and meet me downstairs.”

            He watched her go, not really wanting her too. As sick as he felt, he was sort of enjoying the extra attention. He slowly put on his shoes and wandered downstairs.

            Mrs. Sands leaned her head out the back door and yelled at her husband. “I’m taking Jake to the doctor.”

            Mr. Sands stopped the mower and looked at her for a second. “Ok.” He finally replied.

            “He’ll be fine, Rudy,” She said.

            “Yeah, I know. Lucky its open on Sunday. Well, I’ll see you when you get home. Where are the others?”

            Austin ran off to Nathan’s and Sarah’s with the girls.”

            Mr. Sands nodded.

            Jake was just coming down the stairs when Mrs. Sands returned to the kitchen.

            “You ready to go?” Mrs. Sands asked.

            “I guess,” He replied.

            “Alright, let’s get in the car.” Mrs. Sands headed for the family van.

            Jake took his usual seat in the front passenger seat. He wasn’t technically tall enough to sit there, but no one in his family worried about it. Mrs. Sands started the car and they drove off.

 

            “Hello, Jan,” Jake’s doctor said when he entered their examination room.

            Hello Dr. Kelly,” Mrs. Sands replied.

            “And how’s Jake?”

            “Not too good. He’s been sick for two days now. Sleeping most of the time.” Mrs. Sands went on to describe Jake’s condition.

            “Oh my, sounds like a virus. Any other symptoms?” He asked.

            “Well, he’s been wetting too, when he sleeps.” Mrs. Sands added.

            Dr. Kelly nodded. Jake, sitting quietly at the edge of the exam table, stared at the floor. The Doctor walked over and lifted Jake’s head by pushing up gently on his chin. Jake complied lazily.

            “Open you eyes wide, please,” asked Dr. Kelly.

            Jake opened them as wide as he could. Dr. Kelly continued to check him over. Checking his breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.

            “It could be a UTI, but I’m going to need a urine sample to be sure,” concluded Dr. Kelly.

            “UTI?” asked Mrs. Sands.

            “Urinary Tract Infection. I’m not sure how Jake could have gotten one, but it’s possible. The symptoms fit.” Dr. Kelly gave Jake a cup and showed him to the bathroom. Dr. Kelly ran a quick test on the sample and his suspicions were confirmed. When he returned to the exam room, Jake was asleep on the table and Mrs. Sands was quietly reading a magazine. Dr. Kelly nodded at Mrs. Sands to come out in the hallway.

            “Yes, it looks like a UTI. I’ll proscribe some medicine and he should be feeling better soon, recovered within a week,” explained Dr. Kelly.

            “Ok, I’m glad it’s fixable,” said a relieved Mrs. Sands.

            “Most things are these days,” said Dr. Kelly, “Um, one other thing. It’s likely that his wetting will continue until we get rid of the infection. He probably won’t lose control of his bladder during the day, but it could happen some more when he’s asleep.”

            “What do you suggest?” asked Mrs. Sands.

            “Well, there is medication to help, but I don’t want to double him up on the antibiotics with anything else. So I would suggest diapers for the next few nights.”

            Mrs. Sands let out a small laugh.

            “Well, this certainly should be interesting. Having a 14 year old in diapers,” said Mrs. Sands.

            “Actually, he probably won’t care that much until he starts to feel a little better, and he probably wont need them anymore by then. He’s actually small enough he should easily fit into some youth diapers. How much does he weight?” asked Dr. Kelly.

            “Um, I’m not entirely sure. I don’t really stay up on that much,” replied Mrs. Sands.

            “Well, we’ll have to find out. I can give a package of youth diapers for free here, but I have to know what size,” said Dr. Kelly.

            They both entered the room. Jake was still peacefully sleeping on the exam bed. Dr. Kelly went to Jake and, with both hands under his arms, lifted him into a sitting position. Jake slowly awoke.

            “Jake? We just have to get your weight, so if I could have you step over to this scale,” Dr. Kelly told Jake.

            “Huh?” mumbled Jake.

            “Honey, just follow Dr. Kelly,” helped Mrs. Sands.

            Dr. Kelly helped Jake off the table and stabilized him as he groggily stumbled to the scale. Dr. Kelly fiddled with it, finally coming up with a reading.

            “98,” announced Dr. Kelly.

            “Really, he’s that light?” asked Mrs. Sands.

            “With clothes on. He’s probably a little lighter. Ok, now we need a waist reading. I need Jake to drop his pants.”

            “What are we doing?” asked Jake, a little confused.

            “Dr. Kelly just needs the size of your waist, Jake. Go ahead and unbutton your pants.”

            Jake reached down and shakily unbuttoned his jeans and pulled down the zipper. His pants fell around his feet. Dr. Kelly grabbed a cloth measuring tape and wrapped it around Jake’s waist.

            Dr. Kelly took the measurement then mumbled something to himself. He stood up and turned to Mrs. Sands.

            “Ok, that should be all I need. If you guys want to wait a second, I’ll be right back.” Dr. Kelly left the room leaving Jake standing in his underwear.

            “So what exactly is happening?” asked Jake as he pulled up his pants and sat back down on the bed.

            “Jake, you have a little infection and Dr. Kelly’s going to give you some antibiotics. He also said you will probably keep wetting your bed until this infection goes away. So he’s getting you some protection to wear at night,” said Mrs. Sands.

            “You mean diapers…”

            “Yes, honey. But don’t worry, you’ll be fine as soon as the infection goes away.”

            Jake started crying quietly. Mrs. Sands walked over to Jake and put an arm around his shoulders. She gave him a small squeeze. He shrugged her off.

            “What’s Matt going to think of this?” Jake said through quiet sobs.

            “Matt doesn’t need to know, and even if he did find out, he’s your best friend, he won’t care.”

            “Yes he will, he won’t want to be around me,” complained Jake, crying again.

            Mrs. Sands hugged Jake again just as Dr. Kelly walked in. He was carrying a package, a rather large one, of youth disposable diapers. Jake cried harder.

            “Don’t worry about these, Jake. You won’t even need them, probably.” Dr. Kelly tried to console Jake.

            “Really?” Jake said, drying his eyes.

            “Yeah, this is just a precaution.”

            Jake looked relieved. Mrs. Sands smiled and took the diapers from Dr. Kelly.

            “Thank you, doctor,” said Mrs. Sands.

            “Sure, sure. Jake, I’ll see you again in a week.”

            “Ok, see you Dr. Kelly,” said Jake.

            Jake followed his mother out of the room. He hesitated before entering the waiting room, not wanting all the people out there to see him next to the package of diapers, obviously for him. His mother gave him a gentle nudge, and out they went. In the waiting room, his mom had to stop to make the next appointment. As Jake stood next to his mother, Jake heard two boys, about Austin’s age, whispering.

            “Look, that kid has to wear diapers,” One said, and they both giggled. Jake turned very red. Luckily his mother was done and he hurried out of the office.

            Back in the car, his mother asked how he was feeling.

            “I don’t know. Tired, I guess. A little hungry. And thirsty, really thirsty.”

            “Well, would you like to stop and eat somewhere?”

            “Sure,” he replied. They stopped at a fast food restaurant, where he got a burger and a large coke.

 

            They arrived back at home and Mrs. Sands directed Jake to relax for the rest of the day after he took his medication. After she had Jake situated comfortably in front of the television, she went to find Mr. Sands and fill him in.

            She found him on the porch, drinking lemonade.

            “So, how is he?” asked Mr. Sands.

            “He has an infection, a UTI.”

            “Oh, I had one of those once, no fun.”

            “Really? When did you have that?” asked Mrs. Sands.

            “Oh, back in college, knocked me out for like a week.”

            “That’s what Dr. Kelly said. He said Jake will probably keep wetting his bed until the infection goes away.”

            “That makes sense. But that’s too bad for Jake,” said Mr. Sands.

            “I agree, but maybe it’s actually good. Remember the extra attention we were talking about?”

            “Well, I guess there’s no way to avoid a little extra attention now.” Mr. Sands laughed lightly. “Is he awake?”

            “Yeah, he’s watching TV.”

            Back in the living room, Jake’s younger brother, Austin, walked in.

            “Hey Jake.” He said shyly.

            “Oh, hi Austin,” Jake mumbled his reply

            “You feeling better?”

            “Not really.”

            “Can I watch TV with you?” asked Austin.

            Normally Jake would have said no, but he was in no mood and didn’t have the energy to care, so he just nodded. Austin smiled and hopped up on the couch next to Jake. They settled down and watched pointless cartoons.

            Later their mom entered with two mugs of hot cocoa.

            “Here you go boys.”

            “Thanks mom,” said Jake.

            “Thank you,” squeaked Austin.

            When Mrs. Sands returned to pick up the cups, Jake let her know that he was going to try to sleep and to please kick Austin out of the living room.

            “Ok, Jake. But we should get you ready first.”

            Jake knew what she meant, but avoided it.

            “What do you mean, get ready?”

            “Jake, you know what I mean.”

            “But I thought he said I might not need them,” Jake whimpered.

            “That’s true. How about this, you wear them this time, and if you stay dry then you don’t have to wear them anymore,” offered Mrs. Sands.

            “But…” Jake tried to add.

            “No, Jake, I’ve made my decision. Come on up to your room.”

            Jake started crying as he walked up the stairs.

            “Wear what?” asked Austin.

            “Never mind, Austin,” Mrs. Sands said.

            “Where what, mom?” he persisted. She turned and gave him a look, he shrugged and turned back to the cartoons.

            Jake trudged up to his room and sat on his bed. The package of diapers was sitting against the wall. He stared at it as he waited for his mom to come. When his mom entered, he asked if he could just put it on himself.

            “Have you ever put on a diaper, Jake?”

            “No.”

            “Better let me do it, then.”

            “But mom, I don’t want you to see me…” Jake trailed off.

            “Naked? Jake, you’re my boy, its nothing new to me.”

            Jake gave in and just laid down on his bed. His mom pulled out a thick disposable diaper. It crinkled as she pulled it out, Jake cringed. She then opened his top drawer and took out baby powder and lotion.

            “When did you get those?” Jake asked, a scared look on his face.

            “I ran to the drug store while you were watching cartoons,” Mrs. Sands answered. Jake closed his eyes as she sat down next to him on the bed.

            “Just relax, hun.” He slowly opened his eyes. She undid his pants and pulled them down to his ankles. Next she pulled down his underpants. Jake’s hands instinctively dashed to cover his privates. Mrs. Sands gently pushed them away.

            “I can’t believe I’m 14 years old and getting diapered,” Jake said, voice shaking.

            Mrs. Sands laughed, “Neither can I.”

            Jake didn’t find it in the least bit funny. Mrs. Sands lifted his legs up and slipped the diaper under his bottom. She spread his legs a bit, then set them back down. Jake felt the soft feel of the diaper warm his cold bottom, and scared himself at how he wasn’t exactly disliking this experience. Mrs. Sands squirted some lotion on her hands, rubbed them a little, then started to spread lotion over Jake’s crotch and behind. Jake’s penis instinctively got hard. He blushed in embarrassment and silently wished he could disappear.

            “Don’t worry about that,” Mrs. Sands commented.

            He blushed even more. She finished spreading the lotion and started to apply some baby powder. She finished and pulled up the front of the diaper tight and fastened the four sticky tapes to the front. The closeness and comfort of the soft diaper felt good to Jake’s tired and sick body. She paused to admire her handy work, and patted Jake on the front of his diaper.

            “Ok, stand up,” she commanded. He stood up and she got out some fresh pajamas. “Left leg up.”

            Jake raised his right leg. Mrs. Sands smiled, she thought it was cute how Jake had never really learned his left and right.

            “You’d better learn left from right before you start driving, Jake.”

            Jake blushed, “Oops,” and quickly raised his other foot. Mrs. Sands put it through one leg of the blue pajamas, and then proceeded to finish dressing.

            “Do you want to sleep here or on the couch?” She asked.

            “The couch, I think,” Jake answered.

            “Ok, go ahead and head downstairs, I’ll bring some blankets down for you.” She patted him lightly on his diapered butt. He giggled.

            “Stop it,” Jake said, trying to sound mad. It didn’t work. Mrs. Sands smiled and watched Jake walk, well, slightly waddle, out of the room. He didn’t look at all like a 14 year old.

            When Mrs. Sands came into the living room, she found Austin staring at Jake. She heard Jake tell Austin, “It’s only ‘cause I’m sick. I don’t really have to wear them.”

            “Nuh uh, then why’d you wet the bed,” Austin said.

            Jake got red with anger, “How’d you know about that?”

            “I saw your wet bed. HA, Jake has to wear diapers.”

            Mrs. Sands decided it was time to step in.

            “All right, that’s enough Austin. You’d better be nice to Jake or you might find yourself back in diapers too.”

            Austin squealed and ran out of the room. Jake had tears running down his face.

            “Now, don’t worry about Austin, Jake. Just get some rest. You’ll feel better when you wake up.”

            Jake leaned back on the pillow his mother had brought for him. He closed his eyes. Mrs. Sands turned out the lights and left the room. Sometime during the night, Jake soaked his diaper.

 

Jake awoke Monday morning to the gentle shaking of his mother.

            “Good morning, Jake. How did you sleep?” She asked.

            “Good. What time is it?”

            10:00.”

            “Oh shi…,” he held back the swear word he was about to say, “I have to be at school.” He started to sit up. His mom held him down.

            “No, I’m keeping you home from school today. You’re not going back until you are better again. How are you feeling?”

            “I don’t know. I’ll see in a little bit.”

            “Soooo, did you use your diaper?” Mrs. Sands asked.

            This reminded Jake of what he was wearing and he jumped slightly.

            “I…I don’t know,” He replied in a shaky voice.

            “I’ll check,” his mom said. She pulled back the blankets that were covering Jake. The diaper under his pajamas obviously bulged out. She pulled down his pants a bit and stuck her finger under his diaper. She pulled it out immediately.

            “Yes, I would say you did. That thing is about to explode.”

            Jake fell back on the couch, distraught.         

            “Honey, look on the bright side. If you hadn’t worn the diaper, you would be sitting in a puddle of pee and you would have ruined the couch. Wearing these may not be such a bad idea for right now. You’ll get control back as soon as we get rid of this infection. Just lay here for now, I’ll get you ready.”

            When his mom was gone, Jake reached his hand down and felt his diaper, which had expanded with the added liquid. The feeling of the wet diaper against his privates was giving him a small hard on. He closed his eyes, and wished with all his might that it would disappear before his mom got back.

            She returned with baby wipes and some lotion. She kneeled on the floor next to Jake and pulled down his pants. She pulled back the tabs on the soaked diaper and removed the diaper from Jake. Jake shivered when the cold air hit his wet skin; he grimaced and waited for his mom to note his persistent erection. She said nothing. Mrs. Sands put the used diaper in a plastic bag then proceeded to thoroughly wipe Jake’s genitals. He just sat back and relaxed while he was cleaned. When Mrs. Sands finished she spread some lotion on Jake and pulled up his pants.

            “Ok, we’ll see how you do today,” she said.

            “There’s no way I’m wearing those things during the day,” Jake let her know.

            “I know. I’m not planning on making you.”

            Jake got off the couch and headed for the kitchen.

            “Jake, I’m going to do some work so I just want you to eat then relax.”

            “Sure mom,” Jake said then continued into the kitchen. His mom worked at home for an online sales company. This provided several benefits. First was his mom being at home, but the company also gave his mom equipment for cheap so each member of the family had their own computer and they were all networked. Jake got some cereal, considered getting something else, but decided against it because he still felt a little weak, and then headed for his computer. Not yet allowed to keep it in his room, it was in his dad’s office. He began playing games on his computer. His mom checked on him every once in a while, and, over all, he felt fine.

            All of a sudden, though, about two hours after he had woken up, he had to pee really bad. He had never felt so much pressure longing to release. His hands shot down and grabbed his penis, hoping to hold back the urine, a gesture he had not done since a young child. He started to get up to dash toward the bathroom, but he never made it. His bladder emptied into his pants, soaking them and the chair he was sitting on. He stared in disbelief as a large wet spot became larger. He felt paralyzed to the chair. Tears fell down his cheeks; he had just wet his pants as a teenager. He did not have the will to get up. On one of her regular check ups, his mom poked her head in the room and stopped short. She saw Jake crying and walked over to investigate. She saw Jake sitting soaked in his own pee.

            “Oh, honey. Ok, come on, get up, let’s get you cleaned up.”

            Jake did not move. Mrs. Sands sighed, then slid her arms under him and picked him up.

            “I feel like such a baby,” Jake sobbed.

            “I’m sorry, Jake,” Mrs. Sands consoled. She then carried him into the bathroom and proceeded to bath him. She left him in the tub and went to Jake’s room. Around the room she went, collecting items. She grabbed some comfortable sweats, a t-shirt, and a diaper with some lotion and powder.

            Jake didn’t even look at her when she returned, his head down, eyes cast on the warm water swirling around his naked body. Mrs. Sands grabbed a towel and told Jake to get out of the tub. He got out and his mom greeted him with the towel. She dried him off completely, rubbing his entire body with the towel.

            “Spread the legs,” she commanded and dried off his crotch. She then laid him down on the floor and slipped a diaper under him. She laid down his legs, slightly spread and applied a liberal supply of powder and lotion.

            “Mom, do you got to put that much on? I’m going to smell like a baby.”

            Mrs. Sands smiled.

            “Don’t worry, Jake, no one’s going see you except our family.”

            That made Jake think of what his sister was going to say when she saw him like this. That made him shudder.

            “No one will say anything, or else they will find themselves in a very similar spot,” Mrs. Sands said as she taped the diaper snugly in place. Jake again enjoyed the feeling of the tight diaper. His mom patted him on his diaper then told him to get dressed. Jake slipped on his sweat pants and silently thanked his mom for picking something that wasn’t going to show the diapers that much, though, he noted as he looked in the mirror, it was still obvious. He stared at his 14 year old body, standing there in a diaper. What he saw reminded him of a small child. He did a quick check under the arms to see if any hair had sprouted during the night. None had. He brushed his hair strait down, put on his shirt and exited the bathroom.

            Jake returned to his dad’s office to continue his game he had been so rudely interrupted from. He found his mom cleaning off the chair. She motioned Jake over.

            “Here, you can finish cleaning this. Make sure to throw away the paper towels when you’re done.”

            Just like my mom, Jake thought.

            “Ok,” he mumbled.

            “Thanks honey,” She said as she left the room, giving Jake’s diapered butt a soft swat on the way out.

            “Jeez, mom. Cut it out,” Jake said, trying to sound mad through a smile. He could hear his mom laughing as she walked down the hall. He quickly wiped the smile off of his face.

            “Why am I smiling like I enjoy this,” Jake asked out loud. If he was to be honest with him self, though, he would have to admit that being diapered wasn’t half bad. “I will, however, not use this one,” He vowed to himself. He would prove that he could control himself during the day.

            Sarah, having been forewarned of Jake’s diapered state before she returned home from her friends by a phone call from her mom, could not entirely avoid a comment at the sight of her brother. She stuck up behind her brother as he was thoroughly immersed in his computer game and pinched him on either side of his stomach, just above the hips. He was extremely ticklish there and his reaction never failed to please her. This time was no exception. Jake’s hands shot down to protect his vulnerable spot while simultaneously screaming his sister’s name.

            “Sarah!!!”

            She burst out laughing. Jake glanced up just in time to see Ding take a bullet to the head on the computer screen.

            “Now I’ve lost the game too!” He spun around in the chair and stared at her with his coldest look. She just stood there smiling back.

            “Hey, bro.”

            “Hi, sis,” he growled back.

            “Or should I call you Baby Jake?” Sarah said with a smirk. Jake looked confused for a second, then it dawned on him what she was talking about. His face fell and turned to face the computer screen again.

            “Go away.”

            Sarah’s glorious smirk faded quickly. She knew her brother was going to react, but not like this. She put her hand on his shoulder.

            “Hey, sorry Jake. I shouldn’t have said that.”

            “Just leave.” His voice cracked and she realized that he was crying.

            “Jake…” She persisted.

            Jake just stared at the screen. He liked his sister and it hurt him that she had to throw that dig at his condition. But, he slowly turned around and looked at her.

            “I’m really sorry,” Sarah said, her eyes pleading to be forgiven. She too liked her brother and knew she had gone too far. He looked away for a second.

            “It’s ok. I guess I am just a little…” Jake’s voice trailed off as he felt like he was going to cry again. Sarah reached out and tousled his hair.

            “I think dinner’s ready, bud,” Sarah said, then left the room.

            Jake followed behind her. He smiled as he entered the kitchen, finding his family rushing around trying to follow the orders from the boss, who stood by the stove brewing up some of her world famous spaghetti. Jake paused to take in the satisfying aroma, then jumped into the mix.

            Jake was proud of his family when nothing was said about his diapered state at the dinner table. He was glad he had such a loving family, he knew others were not so lucky. Dinner was especially good, of course, he always loved spaghetti, but for some reason, tonight it tasted really good. Maybe I’m getting better, Jake thought.

            Along the course of dinner, Jake forgot that he was wearing diapers. He was completely wrapped up in the food and the conversation at the table. He also forgot about his promise to himself to not wet the diaper he was wearing. And so, when he felt like he needed to use the bathroom, he pushed it out of his mind, telling himself he would go when he was done eating. But the feeling didn’t go away, and all the sudden it got a whole lot worse. Jake felt a sudden burst of pressure, begging to explode. He pushed back his chair and started to get up to make a break for the bathroom when he could no longer hold it. He released his bladder and flooded his diaper. This stopped him as he was halfway out of his chair. His family looked at him, wondering why he had suddenly decided not to get up, but Jake was too caught up in his misery to notice. He was frozen in place as the urine continued to flow. It dawned on him that a wet spot was not appearing on his pants, and he suddenly remembered his diaper. He shuddered.

            “Honey, are you ok?” Mrs. Sands asked, concern in her voice. This woke Jake from his trance. He looked around the table quickly, then sat back down and cleared his throat.

            “Yeah…I’m fine. Just thought I was gonna get sick for a second.”

            “Do you think you should go lie down?” Mr. Sands asked.

            “Naw, I’ll be fine, thanks.” Jake continued eating his garlic bread as if nothing had occurred. The urine in his diaper started to spread as he shifted his weight, soaking the seat of his diaper. Jake winced as he realized how much he had wet his diaper, and winced again as he realized he has broken the promise to himself.

            The conversation at the table slowly resumed, but Jake did not take part. He got up when his family had concluded their eating and helped clear the table and washed the dishes with Austin. All the time though, he was severely self-conscious of his diaper, and he kept thinking everyone was taking extra looks at his diapered area. So he finished his chores as quickly as possible, then retreated to his bedroom, where he laid down on his bed and closed his eyes.

            He wasn’t quite sure what to do now. Jake didn’t really know how to change himself, but he didn’t really want to go down and fetch one of his parents. So he compromised and just laid there. He couldn’t help but wonder why this misfortune had befallen him and was pretty sure he didn’t deserve it. After waiting quite a while, and neither of his parents appeared in his room, he decided he should go get his mom to help him out of his very wet diaper, which was starting to make him itch.

            He checked the kitchen first, but was dismayed to find his mom chatting way on the phone, obviously unavailable to attend to Jake’s needs. He turned around about to head upstairs to go attempt to change himself when his dad came out of the living room, headed for the kitchen. He paused when he saw Jake.

            “You ok, Jake?”

            “Uhhh, yeah, I was just seein’ if mom was available, but she’s on the phone.”

            “You need help with your, uhhh…” Mr. Sands struggled to find the least demeaning way to say diaper.

            “Well, kinda.” Jake replied. He wasn’t too keen on the idea of his dad changing him, but he figured anything would do at this point.

            “Ok, son. Well, let’s go take care of it.”

            Jake headed up the stairs with his dad in close tow. When they reached Jake’s room, he plopped down on the bed and watched as his dad gathered the necessary accessories. He was starting to feel uncomfortably nervous. He knew that there was a good possibility that he would get a hard on during the change, and that was just something he didn’t want his dad to see.

            When his dad concluded his scavenger hunt, which it really was as he was unsure where his wife had placed all the items, he headed over to Jake, who felt as if judgment day had come too early for his young life. A knot formed deep within his stomach.

            “Alright, go ahead and lay down.” Jake complied with his dad’s request, and as he was reclining, he saw his dad’s hands shaking, almost dropping his new diaper on the floor. At first confusing him, he quickly came to the conclusion that his dad was just as nervous about this encounter as he was. That was a comfort to Jake’s wary senses.

            Mr. Sands unzipped Jake’s pants, and pulled them down to reveal Jake’s soaked diaper. He wasted no time in taking it off and quickly started cleaning Jake’s diapered area with a wipe. Jake was silently wishing with all his might that his boyhood would remain calm, hopefully a lot calmer than Jake was at this present moment. His dad concluded the cleaning and lifted Jakes legs in the air and slipped the clean diaper under Jake.

            Jake realized that he was flooded with a sense of comfort at the feel of the padded diaper under him. He silently reminded himself that he was not to enjoy this experience. But even as this thought was going through his head, it was bumped out by the pleasure of feeling the thick disposable pulled up and fastened against his boyhood.

Jake glanced up at his dad, and saw him concentrating on his task. After he finished fastening the tapes, he patted Jake on his leg and smiled at him.

“There you go, bud.”

Jake paused for a second, the realized the task of pulling up his pants was going to be left to him. So he sat up and pulled up his pants over his bulging diaper. His dad was just on his way out the door, when Jake remembered his manners.

“Thank you, Dad.” Mr. Sands paused, turned around.

“Anytime, son.”

As his dad left, Jake suddenly felt very lonely. He wandered around the house, looking for some gainful employment. He looked in Sarah’s room, but found it empty. So he walked down the hall and knocked on Austin’s door.

“Yeah?” Austin said back. Jake couldn’t help but smile at his brother’s voice.

“Can I come in, Austin?”

“Jake, is that you?”

“Yes, Austin, it’s me.” Jake replied, wondering why Austin was caring who it was outside his door.

            “Yeah, you can come in,” Austin replied after a pause. Jake opened the door and found his brother with Legos scattered haphazardly surrounding him.

            “Whatcha doing?” Jake enquired.

            “Well, if I tell you, will you play with me?” Austin replied.

            “Sure, bud.” Jake was so board, he didn’t mind playing Legos with his little brother for a little bit.

            “Ok, well, it’s a secret so you can’t tell anyone if I tell you,” Austin said with the utmost sincerity. One would have thought the very security of the United States was at stake. Jake laughed.

            “Sure, I’ll keep anything you say a secret.” Jake said, trying to wipe the smile off his face, realizing that this was very important to his brother.

            “Promise you won’t tell anyone, not even Sarah,” Austin persisted.

            “Not even Sarah,” Jake said.

            “Ok,” Austin began, “It’s a giant war between these guys and these guys.” Austin directed Jake’s attention by pointed at various piles of Legos. “And these guys are about to attack these guys but they don’t know it yet, so that’s why you have to keep it a secret.”

            “That’s it?” Jake said. “Jeez, with how you were talking, I thought you were about to run off with Dad’s bank account.” Austin looked up blankly at Jake.

            “This is so much more important that Dad’s bank account, Jake.” Jake outright laughed again, then sat down next to Austin and proceeded to be immersed in the world of Legos. He lost track of time as he found himself entirely interested in the ensuing battle being played out on Austin’s bedroom floor.

After about thirty minutes, Austin lost interest and Jake caught him staring at Jake’s diapered area. Jake looked down and was surprised to see how obvious his diaper was in the position he was sitting in.

“What’s it like?” Austin asked. Jake looked down again.

“I don’t know, not too bad I guess.” He answered honestly.

“Have you peed in them yet?” Austin asked, uninhibited by social manners. Jake blushed and briefly considered pounding his brother, but he realized his innocence and answered kindly.

“Yeah, I guess.”

“Oh,” was all Austin said. “Hey, I’m tired, can you read me a story?”

“Sure bud, do you want to get ready for bed first?”

“Yeah, I guess I have to, and Mom will be happy that I did it myself.”

“Sure dude, what do you want to wear tonight?” Jake asked, walking over to Austin’s chest of drawers. He opened up Austin’s pajamas drawer.

“My new Buzz Lightyear ones,” Austin said. Jake quickly found them and brought them over to Austin.

“Here you go.” Austin grabbed the pj’s and proceeded to put them on, apparently not worried that Jake was standing right there. Jake sat on Austin’s bed and tried to remember when he was Austin’s age and what pj’s he liked back then. He realized he couldn’t quite remember, and made a note to himself to think about it more before he went to sleep. When Austin was finished dressing, he left to go use the bathroom and wash up.

After a minute, Jake got up and followed him out the door, but instead went into his bedroom. He felt pretty tired too and decided to get ready for bed. He pulled out a fresh pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. He stripped out of his clothes and took a look at himself in the mirror. He lifted an arm to flex his biceps. As always, he was disappointed by the lack of definition. He tried harder and added his abs into the mix. He noted that he did have a nice six pack, but most of that was just from being skinny. He tried to push his body out of his mind and got into his bed-time clothes.

He joined Austin in the bathroom and brushed his teeth. Austin was washing his face.

“Are you still going to read to me?” He asked.

“Of course, buddy. I was just getting ready to so I could crash as soon as we’re done. I’m pretty tired.”

That made Austin yawn. Jake swore he had never seen anyone yawn as funny as Austin. His mouth got wider than seemed humanly possible, and he always squeezed his eyes tightly shut. Jake found himself grinning foolishly at his brother’s theatrics. When Austin was done, he looked up at Jake.

“You’re drooling,” he said, then walked out the door. Jake reached up and wiped away the contraband saliva away from his grinning mouth. He finished washing up then headed into Austin’s room.

Jake found Austin already in his bed, with a book laying on his lap. His eyes were closed. They opened immediately as Jake sat down on the edge of his bed.

“So what are we reading?” Jake asked. Austin handed his older brother the book. “Harry Potter, huh? I didn’t know you had this book.”

“Sarah bought it for me,” Austin said sleepily. Jake could tell he wasn’t going to be awake for long.

“Jake?”

“Yeah, Austin?”

“Wanna get under the covers too?” He asked, scooting over in bed. Jake paused for a second, then decided it would be more comfortable than sitting up.

“Sure, bud.” Jake got in bed next to Austin, who curled up and leaned against Jake. Jake started reading. He had never read the books before, and was surprised how much he was getting into the story. After about twenty minutes of reading, he looked over at Austin and noticed he was fast asleep. Jake carefully put the book down and started to get out of Austin’s bed. Then he got second thoughts, realizing how tired he was and how comfortable he was here. He decided just to sleep with Austin, and laid his head on the pillow next to his brother and was soon asleep.

A while later, Mrs. Sands peaked her head in and noticed the boys sleeping. She smiled, then turned out the light and quietly closed the door.

 

*******

 

            Matt sat on the edge of his bed and looked out his window. The day had been entirely boring. School was terrible without Jake. To make matters worse, Matt had to stay at school until his mom got off work because, for some reason, Mrs. Sands said he couldn’t come over to Jake’s place. She had said she wanted Jake to rest.

            Dinner with just his mom had been awkward, as usual, and Matt had spent the rest of the night hiding out in his room. He was sort of tired, but he decided he didn’t want to go to sleep quite yet.

            Matt suddenly stood up and walked over to his closet, remembering something he had forgotten for quite awhile: his journal. He had written periodic entries over the years and for some reason, he felt like reading it.

            He found the box with all of his old stuff in the back corner of his closet. He pulled it out and rummaged around for his journal. He found it at the bottom underneath some forgotten toys.

            Returning to his bed, Matt laid down, turning on the reading light. He opened the cover and started reading.

 

December 1, 1997

 

Dear Journal,

 

My nam is Matt Turner. I am strting this journal as a assinment in school. I am in 2 grad. Mrs Robinson told us to rite about or hobies, but i dont want to. i dont have any hobies anywway. i want to scatebord, but my mom wont let me. She says it would make me do drugs, she sade drugs are bad but ive never tride one. so i asked if i could rolerblade, she sade the wer to expensiv. Any way i hav to go now.

 

Matt

 

**

 

September 19, 1999

 

Dear Journal,

 

I am in fourth grade now. I just found this in one of my drors (I don’t know how to spell that word). Fourth grade is cool and I think I found a friend. His name is Jake. Hes realy cool. He like to come out to my house and we play games and stuff. My mom likes him wich is good, cause if she didnt, she wouldnt let him around. oh ya, I finally got a skateboard. But I had to by it with my own mony. I had to save up for a year, but it was worth it. I can jump off the curb at my house, jake is to scard to try it. I hope jake stays my friend forever cause hes realy cool.

 

Matt

 

**

 

November 5, 2002

 

Dear Journal,

 

Two entries makes up the entirety of my journal, well, three with this one. pretty sad. Anyway, I remember about this and decided to pull it out because I want to get some stuff off my mind. It seems I really don’t have anyone to talk to, about my true feelings anyway. Like, I have friends at school, but not really, cause a true friend should know everything, right? Maybe I shouldn’t hold such high expectations, then I wouldn’t get so disillusioned. But anyway, I wanted to write about some stuff that’s been bothering me. Cause, like, since before I can remember, I’ve like diapers. Sounds weird huh? Ya. Seriously though, I want to wear them again. Like its never really bothered me that much, but recently its gotten worse. Like I like to imagine what my friends would look like in diapers. Imagin what they would think if they knew that…oh man, that would suck. I think im the only one in this whole entire world who is like this, actually, I know it. Who else would like diapers, come on, that is sooo weird. But I cant get rid of it, its like a virus has invaded me, and id like nothing more than to talk about it, but I cant. If I told jake, he might not like me and then I would lose the closest thing I have to a real friend. Then id really be down and out. Well, this isn’t helping like I thought it might so I am going to stop. See ya.

 

Matt

 

**

 

October 16, 2003

 

Dear Journal,

 

Well, seems I cant get away from ya. Went through puberty, which is cool. I’ve been waiting for that. Its funny, cause, im way taller than Jake now, I think he’s got a ways to go, but that’s cool. He a good guy. Get this, I wet my bed last night. It was actually pretty cool, like, I didn’t mean to and stuff, but wakin up, at first I was freaked out, but then it was ok, cause its kinda like diapers. And I thought now my mom might buy me some or something. But all she did was change the sheets then tell me she hopes it doesn’t happen again. I was kinda down after that, cause I had kinda gotten my hopes up. You don’t know how bad I want to try on some diapers. Ive thought about going and buying some, but I am too scared. What if someone recognized me? Oh man, that would be terrible. So im kinda stuck. K, im gonna tell you a secret, this has me really freaked out, k. yesterday I was walkin with Jake and all the sudden I wanted to see what he’d look like in diapers. I kept looking at him and imagining. He kinda noticed that I was looking at him more than usual, so I stopped. That really freaked me out. I hope that thought doesn’t stick around long. Well, im off.

 

Matt.

 

            “Dang, that’s sad”, Matt thought as he set down the journal. “I shoulda wrote more in that thing.” He would have to remember to write more in it during high school. He reached over and turned out his light. The Jake thing hadn’t gone away. Matt still really wanted to see Jake in diapers. The whole idea of it sounded really weird to Matt but it was the truth, and he couldn’t deny what he felt. Ah well, he decided he’d just worry about it some other day. He closed his eyes and was soon asleep.

 

***********

            Two weeks had passed. Jake’s wetting had gradually slowed, then finally stopped within a week, much to the relief of Jake, who, while he had to admit he enjoyed the extra attention, was not sorry to regain control and lose the diapers. Sunday afternoon found Jake and Matt sitting in Jake’s room, talking.

            Matt had spent the night, the first time since Jakes UTI experience, also the first night Jake was confident enough to not wear the diapers to bed. The night had passed without incident, about which Jake was very thankful for. Terrified would have been an understatement to describe Jake the previous night. He tried not to show it with Matt around, but he was very nervous about the possibility of an accident. The repeated visits to the bathroom, however, did not go unnoticed by Matt, who decided he wanted to talk to Jake about his mysterious “sickness”, as Jake had always been strangely obscure about it whenever Matt had brought it up over the last two weeks.

            “Well, I’m glad you’re feeling better,” Matt started.

            “Yeah.” Jake obviously wanted to change the topic.

            “So, what exactly did you have?”

            “Oh, it was kinda like the flu.”

            “Ahhh, that sucks dude.” Matt didn’t want to press him so he dropped the subject. “You got a homecoming date yet? It’s not too far away now.”

            Jake shook his head, then brightened. “That reminds me, you said you knew someone who would go with me. Who is it?”

            “Well, she goes to our school.” Matt said, smiling.

            “Come on, just tell me, dude!” Jake was rather excited about the subject. The thought of a girl wanted to go to a dance with him was somewhat of an ego booster, something Jake needed bad, even though he didn’t really know it. He had been under the impression that girls didn’t go for small guys like him.

            “She thinks you’re cute.” Matt added, throwing a playful punch at Jake’s shoulder. That did it.

            “Tell me now!” Jake pleaded.

            “You know Liz Tanner, right?”

            “Liz Tanner? You’ve got to be joking me. I thought she was going with Kevin.”

            “She is.”

            “Oh. Then what about Liz Tanner?”

            “Well, you know that friend of hers that is always with her?”

            “You mean the one that is in our Japanese history class?”

            “Yep. She wants to go with…you.”

            “Wow,” Jake said in disbelief. “She’s so…hot.” Matt laughed and patted Jake on the back.

            “See bud, you’re a chick magnet.”

            “Hardly.”

            “You should ask her, though, dude. To let this opportunity pass would be an incredible waste,” Matt advised.

            “Yeah, but you know how nervous I am around girls, and especially Liz Turner’s friend. I don’t even know her name,” Jake nervously started playing with his hair, as he always did when he was nervous or deep in thought.

            “I’ll find out her name for you.”

            “Why don’t you go ahead and ask her for me while you’re at it,” Jake said hopefully.

            “Nope, this one’s on you. Listen, there is no reason to be nervous. I know for a fact that she will say yes. She is really into you dude.”

            “What about you? Who are you going with?” Jake asked. Matt’s eyes fell.

            “I don’t know. I might not go, actually,” Matt mumbled. Jake glanced at Matt and could tell he was uncomfortable.

            “What? Can you not find anyone or do you just not want to go?” Jake asked maybe a little too harshly.

            “I know Katie would go with me if I asked, it’s just that I don’t really want to go. The whole formal dance thing is kind of uncomfortable for me,” Matt said quietly.

            “Well, you don’t think it’s uncomfortable for me?” Jake stared at Matt, who, in turn, avoided eye contact. “Well, I’m not going if you’re not going. I’m not going alone. Double-date or nothing.”

            Matt started playing with a dirty sock on the ground.

            “You ever clean this dump?” He asked as he threw the sock at Jake. Jake promptly threw it back.

            “Don’t change the subject.”

            Matt sat quietly for awhile.

            “Well, I’ll think about it,” Matt said reluctantly. Jake sat there trying to think of reasons why Matt wouldn’t want to go.

            “Ok, well, tomorrow we are both gonna ask. You’ll ask Katie and I’ll ask what’s her face,” Jake said.

            “Fine.”

            “Yeah, it’s fine. You don’t got a choice now,” Jake said.

            “Sure I do.”

            “Nope. I’m going so you’re going too. No choice involved. If you didn’t want to go, you shouldn’t have told me about Liz’s friend. ‘Cause now that I know that, I have to go.”

            “Whatever, chick magnet,” Matt said.

            “Yep,” Jake said, with a smile on his face. Matt started laughing, shaking his head.

            “You’re a pompous dork,” Matt said, wiping the smile from his face, with much difficulty.

            “Pompous Dork? What? What does that even mean? Wanna say that again?” Jake said, standing up.

            “Pompous dork,” said Matt, serious as ever. Jake jumped on him, trying to tackle him down. Matt quickly grabbed Jake and pinned him to the ground, a grin on his face.

            “Never tackle someone much bigger than you.”

            Jake struggled against Matt’s grip, trying to not smile either. He and Matt hadn’t wrestled for ever. Last time, it was pretty even, but that was a long time ago.

            “Well, look who’s the pompous dork now, jerk,” Jake said.

            “Oh, you shouldn’t have said that…” Matt said, starting to tickle Jake.

            “Stop it, stop it,” Jake said between gasps and fits of laughter.

            But Matt didn’t stop. He knew Jake was real ticklish.

            “Take it back, and I will.”

            “Pompous Dork!” Jake said. Matt tickled harder.

            “I’m…going…to pisss…my…” Jake tried to get out, suddenly scared.

            “Say sorry…” Matt said. But it was too late. Jake released his bladder and a wet spot started growing around his crotch, turning his jeans into a dark blue. Matt immediately stopped, and got off Jake, who didn’t move. Jake was trying hard to hold back tears and not get mad at Matt.

            “I’m…s-sorry, dude.” Matt said, trying not to stare at Jake’s pants.

            Jake didn’t answer right away. He was mad, he admitted. But he knew he shouldn’t be. He should’ve just said sorry and gotten Matt off him as quickly as possible. He just was still a little “weak” to be tickled right now. Any other time he would have been fine, but he guessed he still hadn’t gotten full strength back yet. But he was so embarrassed to have wet in front of Matt, he couldn’t feel anything but anger towards him. Jake slowly got up and took a look at the floor, luckily it hadn’t gotten anything wet but his pants. He looked down at his pants and grimaced. Then slowly, but deliberately walked to his closet, got out some clean clothes, and left the room.

            Matt was left there standing, not knowing what to do. He felt a pressure in his pants, and realized he had gotten quite the hard on watching Jake piss his pants. He hoped Jake hadn’t noticed. He decided all he could do was wait. So he sat down on Jakes bed, wondering how Jake was going to react.

            Jake walked into the bathroom and shut the door. Then he let his tears flow. He slowly stripped off his wet clothes and put them in the dirty clothes basket. He put on his clean clothes and leaned against the wall, staring at himself in the mirror. After a few minutes, the tears stopped. He knew he shouldn’t be mad at Matt, so he decided not to be. He cleaned up his face, even though there was little he could do. It was obvious that he had been crying. He took a deep breath, then went back to his room.

            He found Matt sitting on his bed, his head down. Matt looked up when Jake walked in.

            “I’m so…”

            Jake cut him off. “Don’t worry about it,” he said quickly.

            “I shouldn’t ha…”

            “I said don’t worry about it,” Jake said sharply. He looked at Matt and suddenly felt like he wanted to tell him about the past few weeks. He knew it would be a mistake, but he wanted someone else to know, to understand, and if he could tell anyone, it would be Matt. So he sat down next to Matt.

            “I had a UTI. That’s why I was sick,” Jake started out.

            Matt nodded, “I’ve heard of that before. So what was it like?”

            “I dunno. I mean, it sucked really bad, being sick and all. But there was something else.”

            Matt didn’t push him, and let him wait as long as he wanted.

            “Well, I couldn’t, uh, control myself very well. So I was wearing diapers for that three weeks.” He spit it out as fast as he could, wondering what Matt would do.

            Matt didn’t do much. In his mind, he was running circles. He couldn’t believe it. It was like everything he thought of all the time. And he had to miss it. Now he knew why Jake didn’t hang out with him for the last few weeks. He knew he had to say something though.

            “Really. What was it like?” Matt finally said.

            “Weird,” was all Jake said. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to tell Matt the truth.

            “Weird as in good? Or bad?” Matt asked. Jake decided just to tell the truth.

            “Well, they actually were kinda cool,” Jake said. Matt had to try very hard not to smile. “I mean, I’m glad I’m out of them. But they weren’t gross like I thought they’d be. Pretty comfortable actually.”

            “Yeah, that makes sense,” Matt said.

            “Really?” Jake said, relieved his friend wasn’t going to think he was weird. What Matt really wanted to ask was if Jake had any left over that he could borrow, but he restrained himself.

            “Sure. Makes sense to me,”

            “Actually, I’ve kinda missed them this last week.”

            Matt choked on his own spit, and was reduced to coughing.

            “Well, you wear something long enough, you get kinda used to it. It was nice not always having to go to the bathroom,” Jake continued. Matt got control of himself and nodded.

            “If you miss them, you could always just wear them for fun.” Matt offered.

            Jake laughed, “I didn’t like them that much. Believe me, I’m glad they are gone.”

            “Yeah,” Matt said, trying his best not to sound disappointed. “Well, that’s good you got better. I probably shouldn’t have tickled you so soon, huh?”

            “Yeah, probably. I guess I didn’t realize I wasn’t completely better.”

            “Well, I am sorry,” Matt finally got out.

            “Thanks, man. Sorry I got mad. I shouldn’t have.”

            Matt stuck out his hand, but Jake just ignored it and hugged Matt. Matt was surprised, but enjoyed hugging Jake back.

            Keeping their embrace, Matt said, “I’m glad you could tell me about the last few weeks, I was wondering.”

            Jake finally let go. “Well, you’re about the only one I could tell. I guess you serve a purpose,” he said, a smile on his face.

            “Don’t make me do it again,” Matt said, faking like he was going to jump on Jake again.

            “Don’t!” Jake said loudly, his voice squeaking. They both laughed.

            “I’m hungry. Let’s go get some food,” Jake said, getting up.

            “Yeah, same here, what you got to eat?”

            “I dunno, let’s go check.” Jake led the way out the door and downstairs.

 

            Jake got his usual ride from Sarah to school on Monday morning. And as usual, Sarah dropped him off at the side first, so she could park in the parking lot and catch up with her friends with out her little brother tagging along. Not that Jake wanted to anyways. He walked into the school and went to the usual place where he met up with his friends.

            They met in what was called “the Skylight”. It was a big open area next to the library that had a completely glass ceiling. It wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. The glass was dirty and didn’t let much light through, and what filtered sun that did survive the nasty glass left the Skylight bathed in a sickly dark gray color. Every one agreed it was pretty depressing. Not the effect a skylight was supposed to have. It adds character to the school, Jake’s English teacher had joked on the first day of school.

            Jake walked up to his friends who were circled in a group talking about the weekend. He timidly stepped in to the circle and nodded his head in recognition. He wasn’t really a popular part of the group and just kinda tagged along because Matt kicked it with this group.

            While Jake had been back in school for over a week, he was still paranoid about having an accident. That would have been devastating to say the least, and he was overly careful to make sure to use the bathroom at the slightest inclination that he might have to piss. The episode on Sunday left him more nervous than usual this Monday.

            Matt had yet to arrive, so Jake felt out of place. He listened in on the conversation, which was about some party they had all attended on Friday night. Jake wondered if Matt had gone. Probably not, he would have invited Jake if he had. Supposedly someone had gotten laid at the party, and had been bragging about it the entire weekend. None of the guys around Jake believed it had happened though, as the alleged girl had denied it ever happening. Just thinking about that, though, got Jake all depressed, thinking about how long it was going to take him to get a girl. He was lost in his thoughts when he felt a shove from behind.

            He stumbled forward into the middle of the circle, and swung around ready to punch whoever had pushed him. He found Matt’s grinning face when he turned around.

            “Oh, hey Matt. Good to see you too.”

            The guys in the circle laughed.

            “Lighten up Jake, jeez,” Matt said, stepping sideways to make room for Jake again. Jake dutifully stepped into place as discussion of the party resumed.

            Matt leaned over and whispered into Jakes ear, “How you doing?”

            Jake paused before answering to look up at Matt’s face to see if his expression might explain why the question was whispered. He saw Matt was absolutely serious and knew he was asking about yesterday.

            Jake shrugged, “I’m ok, dude. Thanks for asking.”

            Matt smiled. “Good,” he said. “So, when we gonna do this?”

            “Do what?”

            “You know, get some hot babes for the dance.”

            “I dunno. History class, right?”

            “Yeah, I guess.”

            Jake gently punched Matt on the arm. “C’mon dude, show some excitement.”

            Matt rolled his eyes. “Please forgive me,” he said sarcastically.

            “Whatever. I can see why you’d be nervous, me being a chick magnet and all,” Jake said, trying to put on his sexiest smile. Matt burst out laughing.

            “Jesus, you’re a mind job,” Matt laughed.

            “You’re the one who said it, buddy,” Jake said, smiling.

            The bell rang, and the gathered students dispersed to their classes. Jake and Matt headed off towards the science wing, as both had first period in that part of the building. Matt had his pre-calc class, one of the only freshman in that class, a fact Matt was quite proud of, even though it automatically labeled him a nerd. He did a good job of shaking the label, though, and none of his friends seemed to care that he was doing college level math. Jake pulled off at his Science 9 class, the generic science class for freshman, and waved goodbye to Matt with a promise to see him in 3rd period where they were in the same English course.

            Jake went into his Science class, a few minutes before the final bell, and took his usual seat at the back of the classroom. It was a typical science classroom, cabinets on ever wall where disgusting specimens in various containers stared down at the students. Jake could not comprehend why anyone would be interested in such un-godly preservations. Science was not his favorite class, by a long shot. He found it extremely boring and completely useless, even though it was supposed to be describing the world in which he lived.

            Jake glanced around the room, taking stock of the Monday crowd. He found the usual sparse scattering of students, the dedicated school goers, or ones with strict parents. About the only ones who would make it to first period on Monday, especially a science class.

            The teacher emerged from behind his desk, obviously reluctant to begin class and get out of his chair. Jake couldn’t blame him. It must be depressing to be a science teacher, having to look at those…things, staring down from the cabinets all day, everyday. Just as he was about to speak, the intercom sputtered to life, as it did every morning at this time. Jake always thought it was funny when teachers stared up at the speaker with disgust as if it was interrupting some important point, even though class had barely started.

            The assistant principle read his usual morning monologue, stating ‘important’ events that were to happen this week. Among the announcements was a reminder of the dance coming up on Saturday. That got Jake thinking about the dance and he missed the rest of the announcements.

            His thoughts were interrupted when his teacher began class.

            “Ok guys. Today we are going to study the parts of a cell…”

            Jake groaned, and settled in for the period.

 

            Sixth period came quickly. Jake and Matt sat in their usual spot at the back of the classroom, right where all the maps of Japan rested.

            “Ok, so what’s her name?” Jake asked Matt.

            “Donna.”

            “Ooo, Donna, I like it.”

            “You are so pathetic, Jake,” Matt said, grinning.

            “So, when are we going to ask them?” Jake asked.

            “How about after class.”

            “Well, that means I wont be hearing anything Mr. Hertz says,” Jake said.

            “Not that you usually do.”

            “True.”

            “Cant blame you,” Matt said, glancing around the room for the girls. Just then, a group of them walked in through the door, including Katie and Donna.

            “Here they are,” Matt said, poking Jake on his side, which got a huge reaction. Matt had forgotten Jake was so ticklish.

            “C’mon, don’t tickle me. I see them,” Jake said, trying to look as cool as possible. Matt noticed.

            “You look cool enough, chick magnet. Don’t try any harder or you might pass out.”

            Jake glared at Matt.

            “You’re a jerk, you know that?” Jake said.

            “I practice,” Matt said.

            “Class, can I have your attention,” Mr. Hertz said from the front of the room. Everyone groaned, which made the teacher laugh.

            “That bad of a Monday huh?”

            No one responded. He just shook his head and smiled, then started his lecture.

            Jake didn’t listen though. His eyes were on Donna, who was sitting about three seats in front of him and to the left. Even the back of her head looked beautiful. Matt glanced over and saw Jake staring.

            “Your boner is showing,” Matt said, snickering. Jake quickly looked down, and realized Matt was joking.

            “I taped it down for the occasion, so it can’t be,” Jake responded.

            “Did you really?” Matt asked, genuinely curious.

            “No, dumb ass. Now shut up before you get us in trouble.”

            Matt took an extra look just to make sure. Jake punched him in his arm.

            “Stop looking down there.”

            “Mr. Sands. Is there something you’d like to say?” Mr. Hertz asked from the front of the class, noticing Jake and Matt’s conversation.

            “Uh, no,” Jake said.

            “Good. If you fellas would keep your yap shut in the back, I’d appreciate it. I have a lot of interesting things to go over today,” Mr. Hertz said, getting back into the lecture. Jake just rolled his eyes.

            “Interesting my ass,” Matt said under his breath.

            “I heard that, Mr. Turner!” Mr. Hertz said, glaring at Matt. “If you don’t want to be here, you may step outside. Do you want to?”

            Matt played like he was considering it for a second, then with a smile said, “No, I’ll be fine. But thanks for asking, Mr. Hertz.”

            Mr. Hertz, who was a fairly easy going teacher, smiled back, then continued on. This time Jake and Matt didn’t try to talk again, but sat silently for the rest of the class period. Jake’s thoughts returned to Donna.

            The class ended at the bell, and all the students jumped up and rushed for the door. Jake and Matt walked out together, keeping an eye out for Katie and Donna. When they reached the hall way, Jake saw them walking down the hall.

            “There they are, c’mon, lets go,” Jake said, pointing them out. “You get to talk first.”

            “Why thank you, Jake. Aren’t you generous today,” Matt said sarcastically.

            “I try,” Jake said, just as they came up to the girls.

            “Hey ladies,” Matt said. The girls stopped talking and looked up at Matt.

            “We were wondering if we could talk to Katie and Donna for a second,” Matt continued, a smile on his face.

            The girls all giggled and smiled at Katie and Donna, who were trying not to blush. The two of them came over to Jake and Matt. Matt took the lead.

            “Donna, I don’t know if you’ve met my friend Jake here.”

            She shook her head so Jake stuck out his hand to her and she reached out and shook his hand.

            “Pleasure to meet you, Donna,” Jake said, trying not to let his voice shake. She smiled back at him.

            “Well,” Matt continued, “I would like to take you, Katie, to homecoming, and my friend Jake here would like to take Donna. So we were wondering if you two would be willing to go as a double date.

            “Uh, hold on a second,” Katie said, taking a step back with Donna, where they leaned their heads together and whispered to each other. Rather quickly, they returned.

            “Sure we’ll go with you guys,” Donna said. Jake smiled at her.

            “Can I get your number so I can call you up and talk to you about the dance and stuff?” Jake said.

            Matt rolled his eyes, “Jake has obviously gotten a lot of girl’s numbers before,” he said, laughing.

            “Shut up Matt,” Jake said. The girls laughed at the arguing boys. Jake pulled out a piece of paper and a pen he had shoved in his pocket for this moment. Donna slowly told him her number.

            “Thanks,” Jake said, returning the paper to his pocket.

            “I believe I already have yours, Katie. Right?” Matt asked.

            “Yeah, I think so. If not, you know where I live, you can drop by,” she said back.

            “Ok, well, we’ve got to be heading towards home. See you guys later,” Donna said.

            “Yeah, same with us. Talk to you soon,” Matt said.

            “Bye,” Jake said, and Donna flashed another smile at him. He almost fell over. She was so beautiful. When Katie and Donna had left, Jake and Matt turned and headed out the door towards Jake’s house.

            “Well, that went well, I think,” Jake said.

            “You did great,” Matt said, patting Jake on the back. Jake shrugged him off.

            “Well, how else was I supposed to ask for her number?” Jake shot at him. Matt just shrugged and smiled.

            “I was just messing with you. You really did do just fine.”

            “You think so?” Jake said, eager for encouragement.

            “Yep, just act yourself and you will do just fine on Saturday.”

            “I will have to practice that,” Jake said. Matt burst out laughing. They spent the rest of the walk discussing the plans for the dance. They narrowed it down to a few restaurants, and decided that they should dress the same. The only thing they couldn’t figure out was how to get a ride there. Neither of them wanted their parents to drive.

            When the boys walked in the door to Jake’s house, Mrs. Sands was waiting as usual.

            “Hello Matt, Jake. How was your day?”

            “Good,” both boys said together, then tried to maneuver around her and get up to Jake’s room.

            “Now, hold on, not so quick. Why are you two so jumpy?”

            Both boys shrugged, and Matt peaked a look at Jake to see if he was going to tell his mother about the dance. He realized Jake had no intention of doing such a thing.

            “Well,” Matt started and Jake groaned, which made Matt grin as he continued, “I just asked a girl to go to Homecoming with me, so I’m all excited about going to the dance on Saturday.”

            “Oh, that’s just wonderful Matt. And Jake? What about you? Did you ask someone?”

            “Yep,” Jake said, trying to end the conversation.

            “Oh! That’s so cute!” Mrs. Sands said, giving Jake’s head a pat.

            “Jeez mom, I’m in High School, seriously,” Jake grumbled. Matt laughed and patted Jake on the head too.

            “Aw, c’mon man, you are cute,” Matt said, trying not to laugh.

            “Shut up, both of you,” Jake said, heading upstairs. Matt turned to follow him giving Mrs. Sands a wink.

            “I’ll have some food for you guys in a bit,” she called after them.

            “Ok, thanks mom,” Jake yelled back.

 

            Two days passed quickly and Wednesday afternoon came before Jake knew it. Not much had developed since Monday, especially the upcoming dance driving situation, much to Jake’s disappointment. It looked like his mom was going to have to bus Jake, Matt, and their dates around in the family van. Not very romantic, in Jake’s view. When the two got home from school, they managed to sneak past the living room with minimal confrontation from Mrs. Sands. She had bugged Jake about the dance every chance she got, it was really starting to annoy Jake. Sarah suggested that Mrs. Sands sneak into the dance with Rudy. Jake had thrown salad at her.

            When Jake and Matt reached Jake’s room, they took their usual spots, Jake on the bed and Matt on the floor. They had barely settled down when they heard Mrs. Sands’ footsteps in the hallway. She peaked her head in.

            “Oh, and Matt, I forgot to tell you. You mom’s running a little late today so she wont be here until late.”

            “Ok, thanks Mrs. Sands.”

            She nodded, then shut the door on the boys. Matt leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes. Jake saw that Matt wasn’t feeling like talking, so he too laid down on his bed and closed his eyes. He started thinking about the dance and just how he was supposed to get Donna and himself there without parental intervention. He truly wanted to avoid his mom embarrassing him, which she would undoubtedly do if allowed to see Donna and him together that night.

            “How are we gonna get there?” Jake asked.

            “I dunno. We can worry about it later.”

            “What’s up dude, you don’t sound so great?” Jake asked.

            “Ah, I guess I’m just tired. Mind if I just rest here for a bit?” Matt asked, talking with his eyes closed.

            “Yeah, I do. How about you take the bed and you can sleep for a bit. I’ll just get going on my homework.”

            “You’d do that for me? Sacrifice your own bed?” Matt said with a grin.

            “Well, now that you mention it… I dunno…” Jake said, getting up off the bed. “It’s all yours.” He spread his arm out over the bed, as if he were a waiter presenting dinner.

            “Why thank you, sir,” Matt said, slowly getting up, then plopping down on the bed. He closed his eyes immediately and didn’t say another word.

            Jake watched him for a bit, wondering if he was joking around about something, then when Matt started to breathe heavily, he turned and headed over to his desk. He glanced down at it, noting that it was getting a little messy. He’d have to organize it when he finished his homework, he told to himself.

            Jake unzipped his backpack and withdrew his binder. Setting it down on his desk, he slowly opened it and stared down at the mass of homework that awaited him. He decided he didn’t want to do it. His mind drifted off to the dance again, and he didn’t try to stop it.

 

            Jake awoke with a start. He hadn’t remembered falling asleep, but that was obviously the case as he noted the large wet spot that had formed on his binder where his mouth had been. He glanced around his room to see what had woken him up. Matt had gotten up at some point and was no longer lying on Jake’s bed. Jake also saw that it was starting to get dark out.

            The sound of his door opening made Jake turn around. He saw Matt standing in the door way, looking slightly surprised.

            “You’re up.” Matt said.

            “Uh, yeah, it looks that way,” Jake said. He noted Matt was keeping his hands behind his back, as if he was hiding something. He decided not to mention it, yet. “When did you wake up?”

            “’Bout a half hour ago, I think. Hey, I gotta go use the bathroom real quick,” Matt said, obviously uncomfortable.

            “Hold on a sec. What do you have behind your back?” Jake asked, his curiosity getting the best of him. Matt looked down at the floor for a second, then slowly brought his hands out in front of him, revealing one of Jake’s diapers in his hands. Jake gasped, surprised.

            “Where’d you get that?” He asked, feeling anger creep into his voice.

            “I, uh, found it,” Matt said slowly.

            “You mean you dug through my drawers and took it out,” Jake said, sure he had not left any out. He had wanted to throw the extras away when he had gotten better, but his mom had told him to keep them around for a while just in case.

            “Yeah, I guess,” Matt said quietly.

            “Jeez, thanks for the privacy,” Jake spat out. He walked over to Matt and ripped the diaper out of his hands. He paused though, when he had it in his hands.

            “What did you do with it?” Jake asked, noting that the diaper was opened up and not new and crisp like it should have been.

            “I, uh…I…” Matt was squirming around. He felt blood rushing to his face and he felt like he was about to cry.

            “Did you try it on?” Jake asked. Matt slowly nodded, which made Jake squint questioningly at Matt.

            “Why?”

            “I dunno, I was curious I guess,” Matt finally said after pausing for an uncomfortable moment as he searched for words.

            Jake looked at him for a while, causing Matt to stare at the ground to avoid Jake’s stare. Finally, Jake turned and tossed the diaper in the garbage.

            “So, what do you think?” Jake asked.

            “Huh?” Matt asked, surprised by the question.

            “What did you think of the diaper?”

            “Uh, ok, I guess.” Matt was squirming, quite uncomfortable with the situation. “I, uh, gonna go use the bathroom.”

            Jake shook his head and turned back to his desk as Matt dashed out of the room and back to the safety of the bathroom.

            In the bathroom, Matt sat down on the edge of the counter and placed his head on his hands. He didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t think of a good excuse to tell Jake to explain why he had stolen a diaper and tried it on. All of a sudden, to Matt’s own surprise, he started to cry. And he couldn’t stop. The weight of the situation had suddenly fallen on his shoulders. The biggest secret of his young life was out. He didn’t want to go back and face Jake.

            As he sat there, tears pouring down his face, he considered ways he could escape out of the house with out being caught. None of the ideas worked out, though. He was stuck. And so he cried some more.

            It wasn’t long before he heard a knock at the door.

            “Can I come in?”

            Matt recognized Jake’s voice.

            “Yeah,” Matt said quietly.

            Jake slowly opened the door and peaked his head in. Matt looked over at Jake, and wiped the tears away from his face. Jake gently shut the door and took a seat next to Matt. They sat quietly for a while as Matt tried to slow down his tears. Jake hesitated, then put his arm around Matt and pulled him close.

            “It’s alright dude,” Jake said, “No need to cry.”

            Matt just shook his head, and tried in vain to hold back a new torrent of tears. Jake started to slowly rub his back.

            “It’s alright,” he said over and over. Finally, Matt stopped crying and breathed in deeply.

            “I’m sorry, Jake. I should have never been digging around in your drawers.”

            “It’s alright. You were curious. I mean, I wish you hadn’t, but what’s done is done. I’m not mad, I promise”

            Matt breathed in deeply through his nose, trying to clear it.

            “Aww, dude, that sounds gross,” Jake said, grimacing. Matt let out a small laugh, the kind of laugh that comes after crying.

            “Can I ask a question?” Jake asked.

            “Go for it,” Matt said, sniffing again.

            “Why did you try on one of my diapers?”

            Matt sat there silently. He didn’t know how to answer.

            “I…” Matt started, then stopped.

            “You, what…” Jake pressed.

            Matt knew this was a very important part of his life. He had the opportunity to open up to his best friend about his big secret. He just wasn’t sure if he had the courage. Finally, he decided to throw caution to the wind.

            “I…I like them,” Matt finally said.

            Jake didn’t know what to say at first. So he just sat there. He knew this must be very important to Matt, because he had never seen Matt cry like this before.

            “How do you mean?” Jake finally asked.

            “I dunno. Guess it’s always been a part of me. Just something about them. I dunno…” Matt mumbled.

            They sat there quietly, neither quite sure what to say.

            “It’s…it’s something I’ve hidden from the world my whole life,” Matt said, breaking the silence.

            “Your whole life?” Jake asked.

            “Yeah, I suppose. For as long as I can remember, there has been something mystical about diapers. Just hearing the word, or even better, seeing one, sends shivers down my spine. When I found out you had them, I had to try one on.” The words were spilling out of Matt now. He almost couldn’t hold them back.

            “So did you like them?” Jake asked?

            Matt didn’t answer right away, but instead stared down at his shoes. Finally, he answered.

            “Yes, I did,” He let out a little laugh. He suddenly felt free. “Yes, it was great.”

 

            Back in Jake’s room, the two friends were waiting for Jake’s mom to call for dinner.

            “I think I may know what you mean…kinda,” Jake said.

            “How so?”

            “Well, I mean, a few times while I was sick, I actually sorta enjoyed getting diapered.”

            “Really!?” Matt asked.

            “Yeah, I suppose. It feels good. I don’t know how to describe it. It’s just a very secure feeling. I honestly slept a whole lot better while I was wearing them. Just more comfortable.”

            Matt had a grin on his face as Jake talked. “Lucky,” he said.

            “Well, not quite, I was still sick. And having to actually need them wasn’t fun. I’ve enjoyed controlling when I pee again.”

            “Yeah, that’s understandable,” Matt said. “Hey, Jake…”

            “Yeah.”

            “Do you think I…I,” Matt paused and Jake waited patiently. Finally, Matt continued, “Do you think I could borrow one?”

            Jake thought about it for a minute and decided he didn’t really care. “Sure dude, go for it. Just don’t get caught. I’d rather your mom not know where you got it.”

            “Sure thing dude. Thanks!” Matt was smiling, and all the sudden he couldn’t wait to go home and experiment.

            “So you’ve really liked them your whole life?” Jake asked, a little curious.

            “Yeah, really. I remember when I stopped wearing them to bed. First grade. I was so disappointed, but didn’t let on to my mom. Actually I couldn’t. That was right around the time my dad was…well, you know.”

            Jake nodded.

            “Anyways, it feels weird to talk about this stuff out loud. Things I’ve held inside for so long.”    

            “Well, you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to,” Jake said.

            “No, it feels…good.”

            “Then continue,” Jake said with a wave of his hand and a smile.

            “Thank you master,” Matt said, bowing forward while sitting down. Both boys started laughing.

            “So why didn’t you just keep wetting the bed? On purpose,” Jake asked.

            “I’ve asked myself that many times. I wish that I had. I mean, I coulda just kept on wearing them for as long as I wanted. But the thought just didn’t occur to me. I stopped wetting, then a short while later, the diapers disappeared. Nothing said on the topic. I dreamed about them every night.”

            “Wait, how do you dream about diapers?”

            “Well, not about them specifically, but, like…Well, ok, one dream that I had a lot was of a ‘diaper man’ I called him. And he would come in my sleep and diaper me. I’d just dream of being diapered then wearing them. I can’t describe it too well. It’s a very specific…I dunno.”

            “I can sorta see what you’re saying. A ‘diaper man’ though. That’s kinda weird,” Jake said.

            “Yeah, I agree. I’ve tried to figure out where that came from. I’m not sure why I dreamed like I did.”

            “So do you still dream about them?”

            “Not as much as before, but yeah, sometimes I do. Though it’s usually a little different then it used to be.”

            “How so?” Jake asked.

            Matt didn’t reply right away. In truth, he was trying to figure out just how much he wanted to tell Jake. He decided that this part he didn’t want to talk about just yet.

            “Uh, I’d rather not go into it right now,” Matt said slowly.

            “Sure. I don’t wanna press you. But any time you want to talk, I want you to know I have an open ear.”

            Matt looked up at Jake. “Thanks, Jake. I…I really appreciate it. And, same to you. If you ever wanna talk about stuff, I’m here.”

            What probably would have resulted in an awkward moment was broken by the call from Jake’s mom that dinner was ready.

 

            Downstairs, Mrs. Sands was busily bustling around the kitchen trying to get the last bits of dinner ready. Mr. Sands was standing in the corner chopping up vegetables for the salad.

            “Jake, finish setting the table,” Mrs. Sands said when Jake and Matt arrived downstairs. Matt started to help Jake, but Jake told him to just sit and wait.

            When Matt sat down, Austin appeared from nowhere, it seemed, and jumped on Matt’s lap. Matt looked down surprised at Austin.

            “Hey buddy. How are you doing?” Matt asked.

            “Good!” Austin said enthusiastically.

            “Well, tell me why,” Matt said with a grin.

            “It’s a secret!” Austin said just as Jake walked by.

            Jake whispered in Matt’s ear, “Everything is a secret these days. It’s probably about Legos.”

            Matt laughed. “Well, Austin, you can tell me if you want. I promise it will stay a secret.”

            “Ok. If you promise, I will tell you.”

            “I promise,” said Matt, sticking out his hand around Austin so he could shake it.

            “Ok,” Austin said as he twisted around on Matt’s lap so he was facing him. He then leaned up and whispered in Matt’s ear. A grin slowly spread across Matt’s face. When Austin finished, he sat back, looking proudly at Matt.

            “Well well well, Austin. Congratulations!” Matt shook Austin’s hand again.

            “She’s very much on my mind,” Austin said in his most intelligent, rich man’s voice. He forgot he was supposed to be whispering.

            “What was that?!” Jake asked, “She?!!”

            “Doh!” Austin shouted, smacking himself on his forehead. Matt burst out laughing. He ruffled Austin’s hair.

            “Looks like the secret is out, Ladies Man.”

            “So tell, Austin, who’s the girl?” Jake asked, placing plates around the table.

            “Hannah,” said Austin, acting as if it was nothing.

            “I don’t remember having a girlfriend in first grade,” Jake said while handing Austin a pile of napkins to place. “Times are changing.”

            “Ha, if you only knew,” Mr. Sands said, laughing. Apparently he had been listening in on the conversation. “You can thank TV for that!”

            “Oh whatever, Rudy,” Mrs. Sands said to Mr. Sands, walking by with a steaming plate of spaghetti.

            Mr. Sands looked after her in mock shock. “What! Why else would a first grader have a girlfriend.” He winked at Mrs. Sands to let her know he was joking.

            She smiled then said, “Alright, sit up. Let’s eat! I’m starving.”

            Matt dug into the food with a content smile on his face. This was exactly why he liked hanging out over at Jake’s house. He loved their family. He wished he could have one. It got pretty lonely at his house with just him and his mom. It wasn’t that his mom didn’t try to make Matt happy, she did. But she was always so stressed out over work and such, that it seemed she didn’t have much time and was always slightly annoyed about something. Jake’s house was like a breath of fresh air.

            “I’m glad you could stay and eat with us, Matt,” Mrs. Sands said, breaking Matt from his thoughts.

            “Oh,” Matt replied, looking up, “Well thank you very much for having me. The food is great.”

            “Anytime,” Mr. Sands said.

            “So, how’s your mom holding up?” Mrs. Sands asked. “I haven’t had a good talk with her in a week or so.”

            “She’s doing alright. Just busy and stressed. As usual…” Matt said, not hiding his feelings very well.

            “Well, I admire her. She works so hard.”

            Matt nodded, taking a bit of food so he wouldn’t have to reply. Just then, Sarah walked in.

            “Mmmmm, spaghetti,” She said, setting her book bags down. “You guys didn’t wait for me?”

            “Nope,” Mr. Sands said, leaning back in his chair. “I was hungry.”

            “Love you too, Dad,” Sarah said, taking a seat at the table. “Hiya Matt.”

            “Hey Sarah,” Matt replied.

            “So, what’s new in my family?” Sarah asked, scooping up some food.

            Jake rolled his eyes. He leaned over to Matt and whispered, “She always has to talk. Watch, she will do it with food in her mouth, too.”

            “What was that, Jake?”

            “Nothing, sister,” Jake said, looking down at his plate, laughing. Sarah had talked with food in her mouth. Matt was trying his hardest not to laugh, so as to not be disrespectful.

            “Must be something in the food,” Mrs. Sands offered. Sarah grumbled a reply then started eating again.

            “So, when are we going to meet the woman, Austin?” Mr. Sands asked, putting a serious face on.

            Austin leaned back with importance. “Oh, I don’t know. We have to talk.”

            Mr. Sands let out a good hearted laugh. “Ask her out on a date.”

            “Rudy! Stop that!” Mrs. Sands said.

            “What’s wrong, honey. We met in first grade.”

            “We did not, stop making up stories, your going to confuse the kids.”

            “She just doesn’t want to admit that I got the first true case of cooties from her in first grade,” Mr. Sands said, eyeing Austin.

            “What’s cooties?” Austin asked.

            “A very very terrible thing. A disease. Makes your ears fall off.”

            “Woah, cool!”

            “No, not so. If someone has cooties, they have to be put away in a room for years and years until it goes away.”

            “Oh. Can you have toys in there?” Austin asked.

            “Nope, don’t want to give the toys cooties too.”

            “Wow, that sounds bad. How do you get it?”

            “Girls.”

            “Girls!?”

            “Yep. Watch out. Hannah might have it.”

            “Dad!” Sarah cut in. “That’s not nice.”         

            “Hannah still has ears,” Austin said.

            “It doesn’t affect girls the same way it affects boys. You can’t tell if a girl has it or not. Your mother looked perfectly normal.”

            Mrs. Sands rolled her eyes and got up to get more water.

            “So did you get it?” Austin asked.

            “Yep.”

            “Well, you still have ears.”

            “They are fake. Got ‘em made by a specialist in South America.”

            “Whoa, you have fake ears. Cool!” Austin said, genuinely impressed.

            “Yep, see, I can wiggle ‘em. You can’t do that if you have real ears.” Mr. Sands expertly wiggled his ears, without twitching a muscle on his face.

            “WOW!” Austin shouted. “Can you take them off?”

            “No, the doctor super glued them on.”

            “Oh.”

            Austin,” Sarah said, “Remind me to talk to you after dinner, when our dear father isn’t around.” She turned and gave her dad an evil eye.

            Both Jake and Matt had been laughing so hard during the story, they were leaning over, trying to catch their breath.

            “Cut it out, boys. You’re just egging him on,” Mrs. Sands said, as she returned to the table.

            Mr. Sands grumbled something about someone losing their sense of humor, then continued eating his spaghetti.

            A while later, when everyone was clearing the table, the phone rang. Mrs. Sands answered it.

            “Oh, hello Mary…yes, good. And you?...” She took the phone out into the living room.

            “I wonder what this is about,” Matt whispered in Jake’s ear. Jake shrugged and continued putting plates in the dishwasher. A while later, Mrs. Sands reappeared in the kitchen and handed the phone to Matt.

            “It’s your mother.”

            “Hello?...Hi mom…” Matt too retreated to the privacy of the living room.

            “What’s up, mom?” Jake asked Mrs. Sands.

            “Not sure. Mary’s running a little later than she thought.”

            “Oh,” Jake said. He knew where this was going to go, but waited for Matt to get off the phone to say anything. Matt took a while. Jake’s family slowly cleared out after the cleaning was done. His parents retreated to his dad’s study to discuss something (Jake had a pretty good idea what the subject matter was going to be), Sarah went up to her room to attend to her studies, and Austin scampered up to his room to do whatever six year olds do, probably wondering about cooties and his dad’s ears. Jake took a seat at the kitchen table and waited for Matt, who finally showed up looking a little bit down.

            “Wanna head up to my room?” Jake asked.

            “Um, I don’t know. How about go outside for a bit. I need some fresh air.”

            “Sure, let me go tell my parents,” Jake said, then went and stuck his head in his dad’s study to let them know that Matt and he were going for a walk. He was surprised to find them sitting on the couch, laughing, and sipping on beer. They didn’t do that often. Must be a special occasion, Jake thought.

            “We’re going to go for a walk.”

            “Ok, honey. Don’t stay out long,” Mrs. Sands said.

            “What about homework?” Mr. Sands asked.

            “Done,” Jake replied quickly. He returned to the kitchen and nodded to Matt. The two boys headed out the door.

            It was only 8:30, but completely dark outside and street lamps cast an orange glow on the neighborhood. The boys walked for a while in silence. Jake lived in a nice neighborhood. Not rich, but still nice. Kids played outside during the summer until late and it was not uncommon for all the kids on the block to get together and organize some group game. On this night, a few people were out walking. Jake and Matt passed an older man dressed in a thick tweed coat and a cap walking his dog. As they went by, Matt stopped and gave the dog a pat on the head.

            “Nice dog you have, Sir,” Matt said.

            “Thank you. Ringo is his name. Getting older and slower now,” The man said in a thick Irish accent

            Matt knelt down and scratched the dog behind its ears. Ringo sat down on his haunches as his back rippled with pleasure.

            “I used to have a dog, but it died.”

            Jake remembered well. Matt’s dog was just plain awesome. It got killed by a car.

            “I’m sorry to hear it,” said the old man. “You should get another one. Every boy should have a dog. Sometimes there is no one else to talk to.” He gave Ringo a loving pat. Matt stood up and was about to thank the man for his time.

            “Hey, you know what. I have a friend who’s bitch just had a litter. I could maybe get a puppy for you if you’d like.”

            Matt’s eyes showed excitement. “Really? I…yeah. That would be awesome. I’d have to check with my mom and all, but I’d really like to have another dog.”

            “Well, do you live around here?”

            Jake spoke up. “No, sir, he doesn’t, but I do. I live over in that house there.” He indicated the house with his finger. “Just let us know if it’s possible and I’ll let Matt know.”

            The man smiled at the boys. “Sure, I’ll find out as soon as I can. So you must be Matt?” He said, sticking out his hand and shaking hands with Matt. “And you are?” the man asked, turning his attention to Jake.

            “Jake.” Jake said, shaking the man’s hands.

            “Pleasure to meet you boys. I’ll come knocking on your door soon, then.”

            “Ok, have a good night,” the boys said. Matt gave Ringo one last pat then the boys started walking again.

            “I hope my mom says yes,” Matt said after they had walked a distance.

            “Oh, she will. That’d be real cool. A dog would have fun out at your place, too.”

            Matt grunted a reply, then walked in silence for a while more.

            “So, where do you want to go?” Jake finally asked.

            “Oh, I don’t know. Wherever. Doesn’t matter.”

            “An adventure then,” Jake said.

            “We haven’t done that in a while.”

            Jake laughed. “I miss it. We had some good times out at your place, didn’t we.”

            Matt smiled, “Yep. So, my mom called.”

            “Yeah, what was that about.”

            “She’s seeing someone.”

            “You mean a guy?”

            “Yeah. A real dick. I’ve met him once. A total flake.”

            “Ug, sorry.”

            “Yeah, I am too. I can’t convince my mom that he’s not worth it.”

            “Well, maybe he’s not that bad of a guy. I mean, your mom is smart. She can smell a bad fish.”

            “No really, this guy totally sucks. Believe me.”

            “Ok, I’ll believe you,” Jake said, though he didn’t. He had seen this before in Matt when his mom had tried to see other guys. He knew Matt was bitter about not having a dad around, and he didn’t want some guy to show up in his life and try to be one. It made Jake feel very fortunate about his life, but very sad that his best friend was having such a rough go at it. “So what does this mean for tonight?”

            “I’m staying at your house.”

            “Oh,” Jake felt a twinge of disappointment that Matt didn’t seem too excited about it. But he knew Matt had been away from home all day, and was probably anxious to just get home to his bed. “What about your stuff?”

            “Well, that’s part of the problem. I don’t have any clothes to wear tomorrow.”

            “You could try to wear some of mine,” Jake said.

            “Yeah right. Your pants would be shorts on me.”

             “Hey! I’m not that small.”

            “I dunno…” Matt said, giving Jake a playful punch on the arm.

            “Well, you could wear my dad’s clothes.”

            “His shorts would be pants on me.”

            Jake laughed. “Well, length wise they would be fine, but you could fit two of you inside of them.”

            That got Matt laughing. “How is your dad so big and you so small?”

            “You’re asking me?” Jake laughed. “I didn’t choose my genes.”

            “I know, just joking,” Matt said, patting Jake on the back.

            The boys found themselves at the local park.

            “Hey, I know a spot behind those trees that we could go chill, if you want,” Jake said.

            “Sure, sounds good to me.”

            The boys made their way across the dark park. The playground was silhouetted by street lights and the baseball diamond looked lonely sitting next to it. They reached the end of the field, where it dropped down into a clump of trees. Jake led the way through the broken sticks and rocks, and after a while, they came out in a small clearing, where logs were set up in a circle.

            “Cool,” Matt said. “How come you’ve never showed me this before?”

            “Because I didn’t know about it. I trailed a group of seniors here last weekend. They were coming here to drink.”

            “Ah, it’s a cool spot.”

            “I agree. Here, let me show you something.” Jake looked around for a second, trying to remember something, then walked over to the edge of the clearing and moved a large rock.

            “Ha, its still here. Check this out.”

            Matt walked over and peered into what turned out to be a hole. A twelve pack of beer was laying in the hole, unopened. Matt looked questioningly at Jake.

            “Are we?”

            “You want to?”

            “I dunno. Have you had one before?”

            “I’ve tried one of my dad’s beers before. It tastes terrible.”

            “Well, let’s give it a try. Maybe you’re taste buds have matured already.”

            Jake glared at Matt for a second then knelt down and opened up the pack and pulled out two beers, handing one to Matt. They sat down on the nearest log and opened the cans. Jake took a sip and grimaced.

            “Ug, that’s gross.”

            Matt took a sip too. “Ah, it’s not bad. At least it’s still cold. That rock must have insulated it. I hear the way to do it, if you’re just getting used to the taste, is to just chug it and get the first can over with. After that it tastes better.”

            “Yeah,” Jake agreed.

            “Ok, pro, you go first,” Matt said.

            “Oh no, we go together.”

            “Fine, on three.”

            The boys counted down together, then turned the cans upside down and emptied them into their mouth. They were already good at chugging after the many nights practicing with soda. When they were done, Matt let out a loud belch, and Jake did soon after.

            “Not bad.”

            “Nope.”

            “Another?”

            “Sure.”

            Matt got up and walked to the hole. He grabbed two more beers and handed one to Jake.

            “Let’s not chug this one,” he said.

            “I agree.”

            They cracked open the cans and sat there quietly, sipping on the beer. They didn’t say much during the second round. Jake was content feeling older now that he had a beer in his hand, and Matt was thinking about life and diapers. Finally, Matt broke the silence.

            “You know why I wanted to go home tonight?”

            “No. Tell me,” Jake replied, suddenly feeling a little light headed.

            “I really wanted to try on that diaper tonight.”

            Jake burst out laughing, not realizing that Matt was being completely serious. He quickly realized that he was the only one laughing and saw that Matt was staring down into his can.

            “Sorry.”

            “That’s ok. I understand.”

            “No, really, I’m sorry. I…I don’t think it’s funny. I shouldn’t be laughing. I’m…I’m sorry.”

            Matt looked up at him, cracking a grin. “Dude, its ok. You feeling it?”

            “I’m feeling something, and it’s telling me to get another beer.” They both laughed.

            “Get me one too,” Matt said.

            Jake quickly returned with two more beers. “What about you. You feeling it?”

            “Yeah.”

            Jake tossed the beer to Matt, but his aim was a little off and Matt’s reaction time was a little slow, and the can thudded against Matt’s chest.

            “Nice throw,” Matt laughed.

            “Nice catch,” Jake returned. They both busted up laughing. Jake sat down next to Matt and they cracked opened their fresh beers.

            “Tastes about like water now,” Jake said. “I could drink this all night.”

            “Don’t, you’ll get sick. Saw my mom do it a few times back in the day. Didn’t look fun, or pretty.”

            “Well, I’m not so worried about the pretty part, but I’ll still be careful. You too.”

            “I will. Let’s stop after this one.”

            “Sure. Hey, so about tonight. Dude, you can still wear one.”

            “Really?” Matt’s eyes brightened.

            “Sure, you can just put one on after my parents go to bed, so they don’t catch you.”

            “You don’t mind?”

            “No, not at all. Whatever makes you happy dude. You’re my best friend. I’d give anything to see you happy.”

            “Thanks Jake. You’re awesome. To best friends then?” Matt asked, holding up his can. Jake lifted his up and the clashed their cans together.

            “Best friends.”

            The hit their cans a little too hard and beer splashed out. They watched the liquid settle into the dirt.

            “Casualty of war,” Matt said.

            Jake laughed. “You read too much. Hey, speaking of bed, what times is it?”

            Matt glanced at his watch. “9:30.”

            “Ok, we should head home soon. I got to be inside by 10:00 on school nights.”

            “Well, let’s just finish this can up then head home.”

            “Yeah. Man, I’m feeling drunk,” Jake said, then laughed. Matt joined in.

            “Feels good.”

            They sat there in silence for a while, when suddenly, they heard a shout. They turned around and saw, of all people, the lineman that Jake had run into in the hall a few weeks ago. Jake stood up to run off, but got up a little too quick and fell down to the ground.

            “What are you shrimps doin’ here?” the gigantic football player growled, thick anger in his voice.

            “We…w-w-were just…c-c-chilling,” Jake got out.

            “You guys better not have been drinking my beers.”

            Matt grimaced. “We might have.”

            The lineman leaned down and picked up the half empty 12-pack.

            “You drank half of ‘em, you little!” he snarled as he started to walk over to where Jake was laying. Jake scrambled up and Matt stoop up next to him.

            “Hey, stay back. Look, we’ll pay you for them,” Matt said.

            “You’ll do more than pay for them,” he growled. He gave Jake a shove, which sent Jake flying back a few feet and landing hard on the ground. Jake let out a groan.

            “You piece!” Matt screamed, and threw his mostly full beer can right at the lineman’s head. Matt played baseball. The can was right on and smacked the attacker right in the forehead. He staggered back a few steps, putting his hand to where the can had hit.

            “Oh, your gonna die now,” He grunted, then took a few steps. He must have been disoriented by the blow, though, because he stepped in the wrong direction, placing his foot directly in the hole. His whole body pitched forward, twisting his ankle with a sickening crunch.

            Matt moved quick. He ran to Jake.

            “Hey, get up man, let’s go. We’ve got to get out of here. I don’t know if his friends were with him or not.”

            But Jake wasn’t getting up. “I…I don’t feel so good, dude. I think I’m going to puke,” he mumbled.

            “Jake, listen to me. We have GOT TO GO! Now!”

            “Go ahead. I’ll just hide in the bushes or something.”

            “I didn’t know three beers could make someone this drunk,” Matt said, looking fearfully over at the football player. He didn’t look like much of a threat right now, rolling around on the ground, moaning, and holding his ankle. Then he heard a voice call out from not too far away.

            “Sean. Hurry up. We’ve gotta get to the party.”

            Matt swore under his breath. He looked down at Jake. He didn’t want to, but he knew he had to. Leaning down, he said, “Jake, put your arms around my neck and hold on, ok?” Jake loosely complied. With Jake’s hands securely holding on to Matt’s neck, Matt reached down and placed his hands under Jake’s arms and lifted him up. Jake was heavy, but not that bad. Manageable, Matt thought. Jake’s legs instinctively wrapped around Matt’s waist, putting his weight on Matt’s hips.

            “Ok, here we go,” Matt huffed, walking slowly up the hill. He reached the top just as he heard Sean’s football friends coming through the trees, looking for their buddy. Jake got easier to carry on the flat field, and Matt sped up to put more distance between him and the potential attackers. He thought about how weird this would look for someone walking by. A teenager carrying another like a baby. Jake had leaned his head against Matt’s shoulder. His eyes were closed.

            “Jake? Are you awake?” Matt wheezed between breaths.

            Jake mumbled a reply.

            “Ok, I’ll take that as a yes. I’m going to carry you over to the playground bathrooms and we will lock ourselves in there and wait for things to clear out. Ok?”

            “Sure,” Jake mumbled.

            Matt had to laugh a little. As bad as the situation was, he was certainly enjoying this. He could only have dreamed up something this good. He had realized how much he liked Jake in the past few days. It wasn’t sexual, but it was more than just friendship. Or maybe it was sexual. Who knew? He didn’t, that was for sure. Maybe it was just deep, deep friendship. He knew it was more though. Jake looked like a boy, hell, he was a boy still. Matt was starting to realize something about himself that was scaring him quite a bit. He had caught himself staring at boys now, and it was happening more and more often. He found them cute. And most of all, he wanted to see them in diapers. He dreamed about it, the part he didn’t tell Jake this afternoon. Scary, very scary. But, right now, he was drunk, and didn’t really care. Jake looked cute, and he was even cuter in his arms acting like a baby.

            Matt finally reached the bathroom. He looked back and heard loud cursing from the woods. He knew they had found Sean. He quickly set Jake down, who, for some reason, managed to stand up, though quickly sticking out a hand and leaning against the bathroom wall to keep himself up. Matt opened up the door and pushed Jake inside. Matt followed, then shut and locked the door. He doubted if Sean’s friends would come up here. They would most likely be occupied with helping Sean, and taking him to the hospital judging from the sound his ankle made when he tripped. That would be a hit for the football team, for sure.

            Jake had sat down and was leaning against the wall next to the sink. Matt took a seat next to him.

            Jake looked at Matt. “Sorry dude. I shoulda walked.”

            “No problem dude. You feeling alright?”

            “Yeah, I think. Just really drunk. You?”

            “I’m fine. You still gonna puke?”

            “Maybe.”

            “Well, let me know. I’ll help you get to the toilet.”

            “Dude,” Jake said, suddenly sitting up strait.

            “What?”

            “We have to get home. My dad’s gonna come out looking for us. He can’t find us like this.”

            “Well, how you suppose we’re gonna get home? You can’t walk too well right now.”

            Jake nodded. “Well, we have to try. I’d rather not get in trouble.”

            “Me neither, shall we try to walk? You can just lean against me.”

            “Ok,” Jake took a deep breath, “Let’s go.”

            He stood up and quickly searched for the support of the wall. He found it and leaned against it, his eyes closed.

            “Ug, too fast.”

            Matt laughed. “Maybe you should drink some water. I hear that helps.”

            “Ok, let’s get to the drinking fountain then.” But Jake didn’t move. Matt noticed a small wet spot on Jake’s jeans. Jake was still leaning against the wall with his eyes closed. Matt decided not to mention it. But all the sudden, Jake let go completely, the front of his jeans quickly turning a dark shade that spread down his legs. He didn’t seem to notice.

            Matt was mesmerized. He couldn’t seem to pull his eyes away. Jake must really have to go, he thought, as the wet spot just continued to grow. Soon Jake’s whole front and sides of his pants were completely soaked. Finally, Matt snapped out of it.

            “Uh, Jake?”

            He didn’t answer. Matt reached his hand out and shook Jake’s shoulder. Jake slowly opened his eyes.

            “What.”

            “You ok, dude?”

            “Yeah, I’m fine. Why?” Jake mumbled.

            “Well, you…uh, kinda pissed yourself.”

            Jake looked down at his pants and winced. “Damn. I didn’t even notice.”

            “Ok, before you fall asleep again, we are gonna start walking home,” Matt said.

            “Sure,” Jake replied.

            “Here, lean against my shoulder. Ok, let’s go.”

            Jake placed his arm around Matt’s neck, and they started walking. Negotiating the door, they stepped outside. Matt took a quick look toward the woods and didn’t see anything unusual. They set out down the street towards Jake’s house. A few cars drove by them as they were walking, and each car made Matt jump, thinking it was Jake’s dad out looking for them.

            Jake stumbled along with his eyes closed, leaning all his weight on Matt. It was quite a reach for Jake to put his arm around Matt and he was starting to slip. Matt noticed and asked Jake if he wanted to get carried again.

            “Do you mind?” Jake mumbled back.

            “Not particularly,” Matt said honestly. “‘Cept I don’t really wanna get my clothes wet.”

            “I’m sorry dude. I didn’t mean to wet my pants.” Jake said all this with his eyes closed, like he was half asleep.

            “Its ok, Jake. No worries. Here, stop for a second, and I’ll carry you the rest of the way.”

            They took a quick breather and Jake immediately sat down on the front lawn of someone’s yard. Matt sat down next to him.

            “If you just let me rest for a while, I’ll be able to walk home,” Jake said.

            “But the longer we wait, the sooner your dad’s gonna come looking for us.”

            Jake grunted a reply.

            After about a minute, Matt said it was time to go.

            “One more minute?” Jake pleaded .

            Matt laughed. “Then one more, right? No, we’re going now.”

            Matt helped Jake up and told him to grab around his neck. Then he lifted him up with a grunt and got him settled. He could feel Jake’s wet pants start to soak into his clothes.

            Matt started walking down the dimly lit road. He would’ve rather taken a route with not quite so many street lights, but decided that the quickest way was the best right now. Jake had fallen silent, or asleep, and Matt didn’t feel like talking, so they walked in silence. Jake was starting to get heavy, and when Matt looked up, he realized they were on Jake’s block. Matt stopped a house away from Jake’s and set Jake down. Jake didn’t say anything, but leaned against Matt and kept his eyes closed.

            “Look’s like your parents went to bed,” Matt noted.

            “Go in the back door,” Jake mumbled.

            “Is it unlocked?”

            “Yeah, should be.”

            They went around Jake’s house and into his back yard, Jake leaning heavily on Matt. They stumbled up the steps of the deck and Matt quietly opened the door. Once inside, Matt noticed a note sitting on the kitchen table. Jake was leaning against the counter with his eyes closed, and obviously hadn’t noticed the note, so Matt went over to read it. It was from Mrs. Sands and fairly simple. “Food in fridge if you want some. Hope you boys are safe. We have work in the morning so be quiet.”

            Matt stuffed the note in his pocket and guided Jake up the stairs. But Jake didn’t quite make it up the stairs. He sat down halfway up.

            “C’mon dude. We’re almost there,” Matt whispered.

            “I’m just gonna sleep here t’night,” Jake whispered back.

            “No, your not. Your parents will see you if you do that.”

            “Oh, yeah. Well, let me rest for a bit then.”

            Matt grunted, then leaned down and picked up Jake without asking and walked into Jake’s room.

            He laid Jake down on his bed and looked him over. He shouldn’t sleep in those wet clothes, Matt thought.

            “Jake?”

            “Yeah,” Jake mumbled.

            “Do you want me to put you in some dry clothes?”

            “Sure, I guess.”

            Matt shrugged, then leaned down, working Jake’s shirt off of his body. He looked down at his friend’s shirtless body. Jake was skinny, and you could see his ribs making soft curves on his chest. His arms and shoulders were small and undeveloped. Matt reached down and slowly unbuttoned Jake’s wet pants. He pulled them off Jake, leaving him lying on the bed in just his wet underwear. Jake’s legs were skinny, too, and smooth. Matt put his finger under the band of Jake’s briefs and pulled them down and off, leaving Jake completely naked on his bed. Matt took a second to take in Jake’s body. He had no hair around his small penis. He was still completely a boy. Then, Matt got an idea. He hesitated, then decided to throw caution to the wind.

            “Jake?”

            “Hmph,” Jake replied.

            “Do you want to wear a diaper to bed, so you don’t wet again?”

            “I suppose I should,” Jake mumbled.

            “Ok,” Matt said, then went over to Jake’s drawers and pulled out a fresh diaper. He took it back to the bed and opened it up. He bent down and lifted up Jake’s legs, slipping the diaper under Jake’s bottom. Setting Jake’s legs down, Matt then spread them slightly and pulled the diaper through Jake’s legs. He pulled it up tight against Jake’s boyhood and fastened the tapes.

            Matt took a step back and admired his friend. He noticed that he was “enjoying” the view very much. All the sudden, he wanted to be wearing a diaper too.

            “Jake?”

            “Yeah.”

            Matt was surprised to find that Jake was still awake. “Can I wear one of your diapers tonight?”

            “Yeah, sure. Go for it.”

            A big grin spread across Matt’s face as he went over and grabbed another diaper. He quickly stripped off his pants and underwear and laid down on Jake’s floor to diaper himself. All the sudden, Jake leaned over and looked directly at Matt.

            “You want me to help you with that?”

            Matt looked up surprised at Jake.

            “Uh, sure?” Matt got out. He wasn’t quite sure what to make of the situation. He was under the impression that Jake was still way out of it. Maybe he wasn’t. Jake climbed down from the bed and knelt down next to Matt.

            “Lay back and relax,” Jake said.

            For some reason, Matt found Jake’s undeveloped voice completely relaxing, and he laid back and just closed his eyes.          

            Jake told Matt to raise his bottom a bit, and he slipped the diaper under Matt. Matt lowered down again, savoring the soft feel of the diaper. Next, Jake directed Matt to spread his legs, which Matt did. Jake pulled up the diaper between Matt’s legs and brought it up to Matt’s belly button. It felt tight against Matt, but he didn’t mind. Jake finished fastening diaper then patted Matt lightly on the front of his diaper.

            “There you go.”

            “Thanks,” was all Matt could say. He was feeling complete bliss.

            Jake got up and climbed back into his bed.

            “You’re not gonna sleep on the floor, are you?” Jake asked.

            “Uh, well, I guess I don’t have a sleeping bag.”

            “We could share the bed tonight, if that’s ok,” Jake said.

            “Sure, I don’t mind,” Matt said, then climbed up next to Jake, who pulled the covers up. Matt rolled over and faced Jake.

            “Are you feeling alright?” Matt asked.

            “Yeah, I’m feeling better. Just really tired. Matt?”

            “Yeah.”

            “Thanks for helping me out tonight. I’m sorry I got so drunk.”

            “Oh, that’s no problem. Neither of us knew what to expect. I just think your more susceptible to getting drunk, being smaller,” Matt said gently.

            “Yeah, must be. So, you’ve seen me naked now.”

            “Aye, and you me.”

            “True. This would be really weird if we weren’t drunk,” Jake said.

            “Maybe. But we’re best friends, remember, so it’s all good,” Matt replied.

            “Right. Well, in that case, can you hold me?” Jake asked.

            “Anything for you, buddy,” Matt said with a smile. Jake rolled over so his back was to Matt and Matt put his arm around Jake and pulled him close. Jake snuggled back against Matt’s neck and both boys closed their eyes. Matt savored the feeling of Jake against his body with the front of his diaper pressed against Jake’s diapered bottom, and Jake felt completely comfortable in Matt’s arms with the secure feeling of his diaper wrapped tightly around his middle. Both boys fell asleep quickly.

 

            Jake awoke early. He had forgotten to close the blinds on his window and the morning sunlight was streaming into his room. He lay still for a minute savoring the beauty. There is something about the feeling of just waking up that is magical. The world looks fresh, like the night had washed away all that could be wrong. It even has its own smell.

            Jake tried to roll over, and found he couldn’t. Suddenly the night before came flooding back to him, as did a headache. Suddenly his head was pounding with a ferocity he didn’t think was possible. He could feel every beat of his heart pump blood through the veins in his head, and each pulse sent a shock of pain that made him wince. He slowly unwrapped Matt’s arms from around him and sat up. He looked down at Matt and was immediately glad that he had woken up before his mom had come in. What she might have found would have taken some explaining.

            He stumbled over to his chest of drawers and pulled out his pajama pants, slipping them over his soaked diaper. He slowly made his way to the bathroom where he leaned against the counter and tried to tame his wild headache. Filling a cup with water, he gulped it down. He glanced down at the small digital clock that sat in the corner by the toothbrushes. It was blinking 12:00. The power must have gone out briefly during the night, Jake noted.

            Jake went back to his room and found Matt still sleeping soundly. Jake found that now he wasn’t so comfortable with the idea of crawling back in bed with Matt. He wasn’t sure why he had did that the night before. Not only that, but he had let Matt put a diaper on him, and he had diapered Matt. Jake shook his head in disbelief. He took a deep breath and sat in Matt’s usual spot on the wall. He leaned back, trying to will his headache away. It wasn’t working.

            Jake closed his eyes and found the hardness of the wall annoying. He looked up at Matt and found the fact Matt was sleeping in his bed annoying. The sun, that, just a few minutes ago was beautiful, was shining in Jake’s eyes, and he found that annoying. “This is going to be a terrible day,” he thought.

            He decided he needed to get out of his wet diaper. That might make him feel better. So he slowly got up, which immediately made his head feel worse, and went to retrieve another diaper. He stripped off his pants and wet diaper, depositing it in his trash can, and sat down on the new diaper. He pulled it up between his legs and was immediately comforted by the feel. He fastened the tapes and put back on his pants, then lay back on the floor and closed his eyes. Why, exactly, had he done that with Matt last night? Did this mean he was gay? No, no way. He was in love with Donna. Or, at least, he thought she was beautiful. Love was probably too strong a word. But he really hadn’t minded seeing Matt naked last night. And, come to think of it, Matt had seemed really happy diapering him. Was Matt gay? And what was this whole deal about him liking diapers?

            These thoughts whirled around in Jake’s head for over a half hour until Matt made a noise and rolled over. Jake hadn’t come to a satisfactory conclusion concerning yesterday’s events. He decided to let it rest and talk with Matt about it later. For now, Jake thought it best that Matt get up and out his diaper before his mom came in.

            He pulled a dirty sock out from under him and threw it at Matt. It had no effect. Jake mumbled a curse word under his breath, then got up to wake Matt up.

            “Matt, wake up,” Jake said, leaning over and talking directly into Matt’s ear. Matt didn’t stir. Jake shook Matt’s shoulder and that did the trick. Matt rolled over and looked up at Jake.

            “Hey.”

            “Good morning sleepy head,” Jake replied, returning to his wall seat.

            “What time is it?”

            “Time for you to get out of that diaper. I don’t want my mom to catch you.”

            Matt allowed a small grin to grace his face as he reached down his hand to feel his diaper.

            “Oh yeah, I forgot I was wearing one. No wonder I slept so good.”’

            Jake just shook his head. “I have a nasty headache.”

            “Your first hang over. Congratulations.”

            Jake glared back at his grinning friend.

            Matt laughed, got out from under the covers, and sat on the edge of the bed, staring at Jake.

            “What?” Jake asked.

            “Nothing.”

            “Are you going to get that off?” Jake said, nodding towards Matt’s diaper.

            “Eventually. I’m enjoying it too much right now.”

            “Weirdo.”

            “Whatever. You know you like them too.”

            That shut Jake up and made him start thinking all over again. It was true, he did sorta like them too. This was just too much to think about with a headache. Matt yawned, which made Jake yawn too. 

            “Well, I suppose we should get ready for school. Who wants to take a shower first?” Matt asked.

            “I’ll go first. Set out some towels for you or whatever.”

            “Sure,” Matt replied, laying back down on the bed with a yawn.

            Jake walked to the door then paused.

            “Hey.”

            “What?” Matt sat up on his elbows.

            “Sorry for acting weird last night,” Jake said quietly.

            “Do you think you acted weird last night?” Matt asked.

            Jake waited for a second. “Yeah, I think so.”

            “Its only weird if you think its weird. I thought last night was fun. And just because we slept in the same bed doesn’t mean we’re gay.”

            “What?” Jake blurted.

            “Aw, c’mon. I know what’s on your mind. You’re worried about our little diapering episode and sleeping in the same bed.”

            Jake looked down at the floor. “Well, you have to admit it was a little weird.”

            “Sure, it was a little weird. If our friends found out about it, they wouldn’t talk to us again. But they won’t find out, and it doesn’t matter. If you had fun then in no way was it weird,” Matt said, then laid back down.

            Jake nodded and walked out the door.

 

            Sarah dropped Jake and Matt off at school after the two had eaten breakfast and gotten ready for school. They walked into school in silence, Jake thinking about how absurd the last night had been, Matt thinking how cool it would be if he really did get a dog from the old man they had met. In the skylight, they joined their usual group. What the group was talking about jolted both Jake and Matt from their reverie. Something about Sean, the star football player.

            “Hey Matt, did you hear about Sean?”

            “Huh?” Matt replied, blinking in surprise. Jake felt like he was going to throw up. Luckily, he wasn’t going to have to talk.

            “Ah, no, what about Sean?” Matt finished.

            “Apparently, he broke his ankle last night, the whole school’s talking about it.”

            “No kidding, how’d that happen?” Matt asked.

            “Don’t really know. The rumor is some freshman tripped him or something.”

            Matt actually laughed. Jake wanted to cry.

            “How could a freshman trip Sean. That dude is ginormous.”

            The group nodded in agreement.

            “He was probably out doing something stupid, and his friends are trying to cover for him,” one of the group said.

            “Most likely,” said another, “But, if he was tripped, I’d like to shake the hand of whoever did it to him. Sean’s a big ass hole.”

            “I wonder if he’ll still be able to go to Homecoming.” Matt wondered.

            “Probably, on crutches though. He might be back in school tomorrow.”

            The bell broke up the speculation.

            Stupid Thursdays, Jake thought as he walked off to class. He was doomed, he was sure of it. If Sean came back to school today or tomorrow, his homecoming dreams were as good as dead, as was he. Sean would surely recognize him, then proceed to pound…

            Jake walked right past his class room. He noticed a few classrooms later. Damn…something. He couldn’t think of what to damn, so he just gave up and rushed into his class just in time. Damn science rooms. There, he smiled for the first time that morning.

            The rest of the day was uneventful. Sean didn’t come back to school and Jake was still alive when he and Matt walked home from school.

            “Oh man, Matt, we’re dead,” Jake said as soon as they left the school.

            “Possibly,” Matt said slowly, as if he had to think about it.

            “Possibly?! Man, he’ll kill us as soon as he sees us.”

            “Relax, Jake. No one is killing anybody. Sean is dumb, but he’s not that dumb.”

            “C’mon, you know I didn’t mean actually killing us. But, now that I think about it, we would probably rather be killed than live through whatever he’s going to do to us.”

            “Have you ever considered taking up smoking marijuana?” Matt asked.

            “What?” Jake returned, surprised.

            “Cause you could really use something to help you chill out.”

            “Matt, I’m not joking about this.”

            Matt was silent for a while. “I know. But still, I don’t think anything bad is going to happen. If he beats us up, we can just spill the news that he beat us up over a 12 pack of beer, which he is not supposed to have, under the law and under his football contract. If the coach or principle finds that out, he won’t be playing sports again for our fine high school. So, like I said, he’s not going to touch us.”

            “Wow, that was a lot of words,” Jake said.

            “Well, I’ve been thinking about it all day,” Matt replied.

            “Tell me about it. Might as well have not been in class today. Couldn’t concentrate.”

            “Yeah, same here. I finally came to that conclusion about five minutes ago.”

            “Well, that makes me feel a lot better. I might be able to enjoy dinner now.”

            “Did you recover from your hangover?” Matt asked.

            “Yeah, bout lunch time.

            “Not bad.”

            “Sooner woulda been fine with me,” Jake replied.

            Matt laughed, “I’ll bet.”

            When the boys reached Jake’s house, Mrs. Sands was waiting for them.

            “Hi boys!” She said with a smile.

            “Hi mom.”

            “Hi Mrs. Sands.”

            “Matt, I was thinking…” She paused for a bit. Jake took the opportunity.

            “That’s a change,” He burst out laughing. Matt tried to hold his in.

            “Jacob!” Mrs. Sands exclaimed. It only made things worse, Jake fell to the ground, laughing so hard he had tears in his eyes. Mrs. Sands play kicked her son in the stomach. Matt finally gave in and laughed when he saw Mrs. Sands wasn’t mad. He would’ve been surprised if she was. He didn’t think he’d ever seen either of Jake’s parents mad.

            “Just for that, you can help me cook dinner tonight,” Mrs. Sands said, reaching down to help Jake up.

            “Aww, mom.”

            “Don’t even start. You deserve it.”

            “What are we having?”

            “Pizza.”

            “Ohhh, cool. I have to cook pizza?”

            “You think I’d let you cook anything I was going to eat?” Mrs. Sands asked with a smile.

            “Thanks mom,” Jake muttered.

            Mrs. Sands reached out and gave Jake a hug. “You can make the salad, sweetie.”

            “Gee, mom, that’s swell!” Jake said with fake enthusiasm.

            “I gotta stop letting you be around your dad, I think,” Mrs. Sands said with a wink at Matt. “Now, Matt, what I was trying to say was I called your mom and she is going to bring in your clothes for tomorrow tonight, so you don’t have to worry about bringing them to school. And you can just stay here after school tomorrow until the dance.”

            “Sounds like a plan,” Matt said. “Thanks for figuring it all out for me.”

            “My pleasure. Jake, you can start on the salad in about an hour,” Mrs. Sands said as she turned and walked into the back yard.

            Later that evening, after Matt had left, Jake was sitting up in his room, trying to concentrate on homework. He wasn’t doing that well. He decided he was just going to go to bed, even though it was only 8:30.

            Jake walked downstairs and found his parents lounging in the living room. He cleared his throat to get their attention.

            “Yes, honey?” Mrs. Sands said.

            “I think I’m just going to turn in for the night,” Jake said.

            Mr. Sands glanced at his watch. “You haven’t been to bed this early in a while. You feeling alright?”

            “Yeah, I’m fine. Just tired.”

            “Ok, well, sleep well Jake,” Mrs. Sands said.

            “Goodnight,” Mr. Sands said.

            “Goodnight,” Jake replied, then headed back upstairs.

            When he was in his room, he quickly got dressed then headed into the bathroom to get washed up. He looked at his reflection in the mirror and wondered if Donna found him attractive. He guessed not. She was probably going with him to the dance out of pity. They had talked a few more times since Monday, but not about much, just dance plans. He didn’t get the feeling she liked him. But, Matt had said… He decided he’d just see how the dance went, and you never know, maybe they could continue to date after the dance. The thought made Jake smile. His friends might actually think he was cool if he had a girlfriend.

            Jake went back to his room and as he was climbing into bed, the thought that maybe he should wear a diaper to bed crossed his mind. Ah, what the heck, he told himself, as he went over to his drawer and grabbed a diaper. As he was returning to his bed to put it on, he heard a knock on the door.

            “Yeah?” Jake asked.

            “It’s me,” came the reply through the door.

            “Come in dad.”

            Mr. Sands walked in.

            “Hey, Jake, I was just checking to see how you were doing.” Mr. Sands said.

            “Doing fine, why?”

            “Just wondering if you were healing up fine from being sick. You had any more wetting problems?” Mr. Sands asked, nodding toward the diaper in Jake’s hand.

            Jake glanced down at it, remembering that he had it in his hand. “Oh, well, kinda. I had one on last night, it was a good thing I did too, would’ve been a really wet bed this morning.”

            “With Matt here?” Mr. Sands asked.

            “Ah…” Jake paused, realizing he might be in a hole with this one. “He knows, so I didn’t really mind.”

            “Well, that’s good. So you’re wearing another one tonight?”

            “Yeah, figured I would, just in case.”

            “Not a bad idea. You need some help with it?”

            Jake wasn’t sure what to say. He didn’t really want help with it, but then again, it would be kind of mean to so no.

            “Yeah, sure,” Jake finally replied.

            “Well, I don’t need to. I’m sure you can do it,” Jake’s dad said, noticing that Jake was uncomfortable about the idea.

            “No, no. Its ok,” Jake said, laying down on the bed and handing the diaper to his dad, who walked over and took it from him.

            “So, you excited for tomorrow?” Mr. Sands asked, as he pulled down Jake’s shorts. Jake closed his eyes and hoped that little Jake was, and would stay, asleep.

            “Yeah,” Jake replied.

            “Going to be able to sleep?”

            “Probably not, but can’t concentrate on anything, so I figured I’d just try to sleep.”

            “Well, if you can’t, you’re welcome to come down and watch the tele with me.”

            “Thanks dad, I just might,” Jake said.

            Mr. Sands slipped the diaper under Jake who was lifting up his middle.

            “Down,” Mr. Sands said.

            Jake let his bottom down, enjoying the soft feel of the diaper. Mr. Sands pulled the diaper up through Jake’s legs brought it up tightly against Jake’s groin and fastened the tapes. Jake wasn’t sure if he’d ever been diapered tighter.

            “There, how’s that?” Mr. Sands asked.

            “A bit tight, but it will loosen up.”

            “Sorry.”

            “No, it’s ok. You did a good job dad,” Jake said smiling up at his dad.

            Mr. Sands patted his son on his leg.

            “Well, you sleep well, and if you can’t, come on down.”

            “Ah, hell, I’ll come down now. No way I can sleep.”

            Mr. Sands eyed Jake carefully. “You don’t talk that way around your mother. She’s not going to like it.”

            Jake realized what he said, “Sorry dad, slipped out.”

            Mr. Sands shrugged his shoulders and started to walk out of the room. “I don’t care. You’re old enough to decide how you talk. I’m just warning you not to do that around your mom. I can’t guarantee she won’t slap you.” Mr. Sands turned his head and winked at Jake.

            Jake laughed, got up and slipped back on his sweats and followed his dad down stairs to the living room.

            “So you’re not going to bed?” Mrs. Sands asked when Jake entered the room behind Mr. Sands.

            “Missed you guys too much up there,” Jake said, then sat down on the couch next to his mom.

            “Oh, how sweet,” Mrs. Sands said, ruffling Jake’s hair.

            “Aw, mom! I just combed it,” Jake joked.

            “Stop it you two, I’m trying to watch this,” Mr. Sands said from the easy chair next to the couch.

            Jake settled down on the couch and turned his attention to the TV. He wasn’t much of a TV person and couldn’t stand to watch the thing unless it was “That 70’s Show” or “King of the Hill”. The shows were so superficial and he thought all the beautiful women on the shows just gave girls too much to live up to, and it gave the guys too much to expect. Not every girl was going to be as pretty as the woman on TV. He could rant for hours about TV, but decided to not think about it now and just relax. He curled up on the couch and leaned his head against a pillow.

            “Where’s Austin?” Jake asked.

            “He wasn’t feeling well, so I sent him to bed about an hour ago. Hope he didn’t get sick from you,” Mrs. Sands said.

            “I doubt it.”

            “Probably just a cold,” Mr. Sands put in.

            “Well, I sent him to bed just to be safe. And he fell right asleep, so it was the right choice.”

            “Good job, mom,” Jake mumbled.

            “Damned right,” Mrs. Sands replied. Jake giggled.

            “Jan, I just got through telling our son to watch how he talked. You’re not setting a good example,” Mr. Sands said, though he was trying to hold back a smile.

            Mrs. Sands breathed out heavily, “Humph, well, what can ya do.”

            “Damned right,” Jake laughed. Mrs. Sands gave him a soft swat on his bottom.

            “Diapered up, huh?” She asked.

            Jake shrugged and turned his attention back to the TV.

            “How many do you have left?” Mrs. Sands asked.

            “A few.”

            “Are you going to need some more?”

            “Probably.”

            “Well, just don’t go using them too much. I don’t want to have to potty train you again,” Mrs. Sands said.

            “Wouldn’t that be interesting,” Mr. Sands grumbled, “a 14 yr old getting potty trained.”

            “I just might make you,” Jake said with a grin.

            “Nope. You’re ‘damned’ good mom will have to take care of that,” Mr. Sands said, winking at Mrs. Sands

            “I’m sure we have nothing to worry about,” Mrs. Sands said.

            Jake started to feel sleepy on the comfortable couch and the next thing he knew, he was being carried up stairs by his dad. He kept quiet and laid his head down on his dad’s shoulder. Mr. Sands laid Jake down on his bed then pulled the covers up. He bent down and gave Jake a kiss on his forehead.

            “Goodnight buddy,” He whispered.

            “G’night dad,” Jake whispered back.

            Mr. Sands walked out of Jake’s room and quietly shut the door.

 

            Jake woke up early the next morning. He sat up in bed and looked out his window. It was beautiful out. Jake opened up his window and stuck his head out into the fresh air and breathed in deeply. He smiled. It was a good sign, he decided. The dance would go well.

            After enjoying the morning feeling for a minute or so, Jake hopped out of bed and wandered downstairs. He found his mom ironing his suite.

            “Good morning mom.”

            Mrs. Sands put down the iron and walked over to give Jake a hug.

            “How ya doing?” She asked as she held him close.

            “Good,” Jake replied.

            “My God, you’re almost as tall as I am now, you grow last night?”

            “Uh mom, thanks, but being as tall as your shoulders doesn’t count as being almost as tall as you. When I reach your eyes, you can say that,” Jake said.

            “It’ll come too soon,” Mrs. Sands said, releasing Jake, who went to go fix some breakfast.

            “Almost out of milk, mom,” Jake said, eyeing the remnants of a carton.

            “Ok, I’ll get some more tonight. So, have you guys decided where you’re going to dinner?”

            “Randall’s,” Jake replied.

            “A steak house, huh. Where you getting the money?” Mrs. Sands finished ironing Jake’s clothes and was hanging them up in the coat closet.

            “I have some money saved up.”

            “Well, we can probably help you out a little bit.”

            “I’d appreciate it,” Jake replied, gulping down some orange juice as he headed upstairs to get cleaned up.

            In his room, he quickly stripped off his pj’s and noticed that he had wet his diaper during the night. He shook his head in dismay, then took it off and walked into the bathroom with some fresh clothes. He showered quickly and was soon waiting for Sarah down in the living room.

            When Jake reached school, he took his spot next to Matt in their circle.

            “Sean’s back,” Matt whispered in Jake’s ear. Jake froze.

            “Where?” he whispered back.

            “Behind you.”

            Jake slowly turned his head and looked behind him. He saw a group of football players crowded around a wall and in the middle, he saw Sean sitting, his right leg in a cast. Jake groaned and quickly turned back to the circle.

            “Oh man,” he mumbled under his breath.

            “I heard them talking,” one of the group piped up. “They says they gonna find whoever did it and beat em up.”

            “I feel sorry for the poor fool who tripped Sean,” said Matt, waited a second, then gave Jake a playful punch in the arm. “So Jake, you’d better start running.”

            The whole group laughed.

            “Jake Sands tripping Sean, now that would be the day,” some smart ass said.

            Jake didn’t bother to stick around. For one, he was scared, and second, he was mad now. Smart asses. He walked off, the opposite way from Sean and his groupies. He could hear laughter behind him.

            “Aw, now you done went and got him sad,” someone said.

            “I was just joking, man, jeez.”

            Jake was walking down the stairs to the café when he saw Donna walking up. His eyes brightened.

            “Hey Donna.”

            “Hiya Jake,” Donna said, hopping over the dividing rail. Matt, who had just started to walk after Jake to comfort him, saw Donna and turned back to the Skylight with a smile. Good for Jake, he thought.

            “I was just going down to get a cinnamon roll,” Jake lied, “you want one?”

            “Sure,” Donna replied.

            They walked down and entered the breakfast line.

            “So, you hear about Sean?” Jake asked, in an attempt to start conversation.

            “Sure. Sounds pretty bad.”

            Jake almost laughed. Oh man, if she only knew, but all he said was, “Yeah. Hope he heals in time for the end of the season.”

            “Oh, that’s not gonna happen,” Donna said.

            “Oh?” Jake replied dumbly.

            “With a fractured ankle like he’s got, he’ll be lucky to be back before the end of wrestling.”

            “Oh.” Jake couldn’t think of anything else to say. He felt like crying again.

            “So you got any idea who did it to him?” Donna asked.

            “No. He probably just did it on accident and is trying to blame someone.”

            “Yeah, probably.”

            Jake bought to cinnamon rolls and they took a seat at the table.

            “So how come you ain’t talking with your buddies?” Donna asked.

            The question caught Jake off guard. “Ah, I dunno. Didn’t feel like it.”

            “You don’t look so good. You feeling alright?”

            “Not really, to be honest,” Jake said slowly. “I think I’m just a little nervous.”       

            “Nervous…about what?”

            Jake was kicking himself for being so dumb. Why couldn’t he talk to girls right? God, this was a mistake. He shouldn’t even be going to the dance.

            “Jake?”

            “Huh?” Jake looked up.

            “Nervous about what?”

            “Oh, you know. The dance and stuff,” Jake said, trying to find his feet again.

            Donna got up and walked over to Jake’s said of the table. She sat down and put her arm around him.

            “Jake, no need to be nervous about that. We’re gonna have fun,” she said softly. “Relax.”

            Jake didn’t relax. His whole body was taught. A girl had never been this close to him before.

            “Jake, relax. Seriously.” Donna started to lightly rub his back. Jake tried his best to calm down. Donna’s touch felt wonderful, he had to admit, and he felt all his muscles relaxing.

            “There. That’s better.” Donna said, giving him a small hug. She turned back to her roll.

            “Thanks,” Jake mumbled.

            “My pleasure,” Donna said with a smile. Jake almost choked on his roll.

            “Hey, so I’m sorry my mom has to drive tonight,” Jake said.

            “Aw, that’s no problem. How else were we supposed to get there? None of us can drive.”

            “True. Still, it’s annoying.”

            “Well, it was either your mom or Matt’s mom, and she obviously can’t do it. I’m not worried in the slightest,” Donna said.

            “Ok, good,” Jake replied.

            “You worry too much Jake.”

            “Why do you say that?” Jake asked.

            “Well, you never smile, ever. I’ve never seen you just let go and have fun.”

            “Well, the only time you’ve seen me is in class,” Jake said.

            “True. But still, the only time you ever half relax is talking with Matt.”

            “He’s about the only person I know at this school.”

            “And that’s what we’re going to fix. It’s good to have a best friend, but you’ve gotta have other friends too. You can’t just always rely on Matt. He doesn’t do that to you.”

            Jake didn’t say anything. What she said was true. Matt had other friends. “Thanks doctor,” Jake said with a smile.

            “That’ll be 100 dollars,” Donna said, “Where’s your wallet?” She asked as she reached her hand down and patted Jake on his back pocket.

            Jake laughed. “I’ll pay you later, if that’s ok.”

            “I’m glad I’m going to the dance with you, Jake,” Donna said.

            Jake looked at her and smiled. “I am too.” Jake replied.

            Just then, the bell rang. Jake smiled at Donna, then got up, grabbing their two trays. They walked out of the café together, Jake dumping the trays in the nearest garbage.

            “So, we’ll be by your house around 5?” Jake asked as they were about to go their opposite ways.

            “Sounds good. See ya then.”

            “See in 6th, actually,” Jake corrected.

            “Right,” Donna said, shooting Jake one last smile, before she walked off down the hall. Jake stood there for a moment watching her go.

            “How’d it go?” He heard a voice ask from behind him. He turned around to find Matt standing there with a smile. Jake smiled shyly down at the ground.

            “Good,” he mumbled, as he and Matt started to talk up the stairs.

            “Hey, sorry about what those guys said earlier,” Matt said.

            “No need for you to apologize, you didn’t say anything,” Jake said.

            “Well, they are my friends.”

            “Don’t worry about it, Matt. But thanks for saying something, ‘cause they are extreme ass holes.”

            “Aw, they aren’t that bad. You just gotta get to know them.”

            Jake didn’t say anything, deciding that what Matt said was true.

            “Well, next time you hang out with them, call me up, then I’ll get to know them better,” Jake said finally.

            “Will do,” Matt replied. “Well, I’ll see ya in fourth.”

            “See ya Matt,” Jake said, walking off for his science class. God, he hated science class.

 

            The rest of the school day was very unimpressive. Jake spent most of the day lost in his thoughts and almost slept through lunch when no one woke him up when the lunch bell rang. Not even his teacher. He had woken up to an empty classroom. Not the most satisfying experience in the world, but he still managed to get some lunch. The boring day was about to change though, and not quite in a way Jake would have liked it. It happened when Jake and Matt were walking out of the 6th and final period of the day. Jake ran into Sean. Literally.

            He hadn’t seen Sean sitting on the ground outside of Jake’s Japanese history class and Jake had tripped over Sean’s plastered leg, which was jutting out into the crowded hallway. He landed with a thud on the thinly carpeted hallway. He looked sideways, ready to apologize to whoever he tripped over and he looked directly into Sean’s face, which didn’t dawn recognition for a few seconds, but when it did, Jake almost wet himself.

            Sean’s face twisted into a grotesque illustration of anger, saying “You” in a slow, sinister voice. Jake didn’t move, frozen in fear. Matt grabbed Jake by his arm and hauled him up just as Sean was reaching for his crutch.

            “C’mon, Jake, let’s go,” Matt said, dragging Jake down the hallway. Sean was struggling to get up with one of his football buddies leaning over asking Sean what he was trippin about.

            “That’s the kid who tripped me,” Sean yelled. It seemed the whole hallway froze, and silence followed. Matt didn’t stop walking, trying to get Jake to hurry up.

            “Come back here and get what’s coming to ya,” Sean yelled after them.

            Both Matt and Jake turned around and Matt yelled back, “Forget it, Sean. You know exactly what happened, and don’t start anything or you’re gonna be done in and you know it.”

            A few students in the group that had gathered around to watch laughed and made cat calls.

            “Terry, go get ‘em,” Sean ordered his teammate. Matt and Jake turned to run, but instead ran headlong into Jim, who put a strong hand on each of their shoulders, stopping them cold.

            “What’s going on here?” Jim asked, in a calm voice.

            “Jim, stay out of this,” Sean said, finally on his feet, and hobbling over, Terry by his side.

            “No. You have something you need to take care of, you can do it outside of school. This is no place for this kind of confrontation, and you know it.”

            “Shut up, Jim. And stop using big words, you don’t even know what they mean.”

            “I wouldn’t want these two frosh to beat you up in front of all these people, Sean. I’m just trying to help you out,” Jim said sarcastically. “Now turn around and leave.”

            Sean took a swing with his crutch at Jake, who was still cowering under Jim’s grip. Jim let go of Matt, reached out and grabbed the crutch and ripped it from Sean’s hand, getting Sean off balance and making him reach out for the wall for stability.

            “Oh, you’re getting it now,” Terry said, and took a step forward.

            “Stay where you are, Terry,” A new voice said. Everyone recognized it. It was the school security officer, Mr. Young. No one messed with Mr. Young. The guy was huge. No, beyond huge, an ex marine, which normally would’ve made him a guaranteed hard ass to high school students, but not in Mr. Young’s case. The guy was nice and had the respect of all the students. So, no one messed with him. Terry froze, of course.

            “Terry, Sean, you’ll will come with me. Jim, I will talk to you later, and please escort these boys out.”

            “Ok,” Jim said, turning Jake and Matt around and starting to walk toward the exit.

            Sean and Terry started to follow Mr. Young the opposite way, but Sean turned around and yelled, “You’d better watch out, lil’ boy. You gonna get it.”

            “Keep your mouth shut, Mr. Harding,” Mr. Young said quietly. “Now, come along.”

           

            Once outside, Jim released his grip on Matt and Jake and both turned to face the cross-country captain.

            “Hey, ah, thanks Jim,” Matt said.

            “You guys want to tell me what’s going on?” Jim asked.

            “Um, it’s a long story,” Matt replied.

            “Well, how about I give you two a ride home and you can tell me.”

            Both boys nodded and followed Jim to the school parking lot. When they reached the car, Matt and Jake waited for Jim to open the door, standing on either side of the back doors.

            “What, I’m not your chauffeur. One of you take shotty,” Jim said, getting into the car. Since Jake was on the passenger side, he stepped up and jumped in the front passenger seat while Matt got in the back.

            “All right, where am I going?” Jim asked.

            “My house,” Jake said quietly.

            “Ok, that’s a start. Now where is this house?”

            Jake gave him directions and Jim pulled out of the school parking lot.

            “Ok, start talking. Jake, right?” Jim said, glancing over at Jake.

            “Yeah, and that’s Matt in the back.”

            “Glad to meet ya guys,” Jim said. “Look like good runners. Should drop by the coach’s…”

            “Yeah, yeah, we know,” Matt said, laughing.

            Jim looked in the rearview mirror and smiled back at Matt. “Already told you that, huh?”

            “A few times.”

            “Well, I’m sorry,” Jim said, chuckling softly. “Now, the story, Jake.”

            Jake cleared his throat, trying to sound older in front of the senior. It didn’t work. Jake told a short version of the events of the night in question, enough for Jim to figure it out. When he was through, they were sitting outside of Jake’s house.

            “Hmmm,” Jim mumbled thoughtfully, “very interesting.”

            “What are you going to tell Mr. Young?” Matt asked from the back seat.

            “Oh, I’m don’t know quite yet. I’m pretty sure Young can figure out when I’m lying, so I’m not too keen on the idea of telling him a story, but I might have to in this case.”

            “Why?” Jake asked, rather dumbly he thought afterwards.

            Jim looked over at Jake, “A few reasons. But the one that matters now is that if I tell Young the truth, you guys will be in a whole lot more trouble with our buddy Sean. He’ll be twice as mad when he won’t be able to compete for the rest of the year because of the alcohol charges.” He paused. “And you can probably figure out what that means for you.”

            Suddenly, Jake had to pee very badly. He tried to think of something else to get his mind off of his contracting bladder.

            “So, you guys going to Homecoming?” Jim asked.

            “Yeah,” both boys said.

            “Together?” Jim said. The boys laughed.

            “Kinda,” Matt said, “double dating.”

            “Well, that’ll be fun. But…” Jim paused. Jake started to squirm in his seat. He really had to use the bathroom now.

            “Just a word of warning,” Jim continued, “Sean is going to the dance. I recommend staying far away from him and his crew. I don’t want problems.”

            “Well, it might be hard to avoid,” Matt said.

            “I’ll keep an eye on it and be ready to step in,” Jim said.

            “Well, I’m not sure you can stop Sean and Terry if they really want to hurt us,” Matt said.

            “Yeah, you may be right. I’ll alert the staff there. Mr. Young will be there too. We’ll all be looking out for you guys. I’m just a little worried about after the dance, is all.”

            “How so?” Jake asked, deciding that taking part in the conversation would help reduce his growing need to take a piss.

            “Who knows that these fools are planning. All I know is they are gonna try something. And I’m gonna try to stop it if I can.”

            “Why, may I ask?” Matt said. “You don’t really know us.”

            Jim paused, deciding what to say. “Well, Sean’s a…I’ve never liked him. And, he has no reason, really, to mess with freshman who are,” Jim paused looking over at Jake, “quite a ways smaller than him.”

            Jake was squirming again, and almost reached his hand down to pinch off the oncoming flow.

            “You ok there buddy?” Jim asked.

            Jake looked up at him, embarrassed at having been caught.

            “Yeah, I’m fine,” Jake said quietly. “But, I am going to run in and use the bathroom.”

            Jim laughed good-naturedly. “Ok fellas, I’ll see y’all at the dance. Have fun at dinner, ok?”

            “See ya Jim,” both boys said as they climbed out of the car. Jake ran up to his house while Matt turned around and waved as Jim drove away, smiling and shaking his head.

            Mrs. Sands was waiting inside the door as Jake burst in.

            “Who was that in the car?” She asked.

            “Jim,” Jake said as he ran past her.

            “Who’s that?”

            “Ask Matt,” Jake said as he closed the bathroom door, quickly unzipping his pants and relieving himself.

            “That was close,” he mumbled to himself.

            When he exited the bathroom, Matt was talking with Mrs. Sands.

            “So who was this Jim?” Mrs. Sands was asking.

            “Cross-country captain. He’s a senior,” Matt replied.

            “Why did he take you guys home?”

            “Ask Jake that,” Matt said, nodding to Jake.

            “Jeez, it’s hard to get a story from you guys,” Mrs. Sands said with fake annoyance.

            “We’ve been trained in anti-parental-interrogation techniques,” Matt said with a smile as he headed into the kitchen, mouthing silently to Jake as he passed not to tell Mrs. Sands the truth.

            “He was trying to get us to turn out for cross-country,” Jake told him mom.

            “Bribing you with rides, eh?” Mrs. Sands said, shaking her head and following Matt into the kitchen. “You boys hungry?”

            “Starving,” Matt replied.

            “Well, I don’t want to get you all filled up before dinner, but I have some sandwiches left over from yesterday you can have. You guys be ready to leave by 5, ok?”

            “Yeah mom,” Jake said, grabbing a sandwich for Matt and himself, then heading

 off toward his room, Matt in close pursuit.

            In Jake’s room, the boys munched on their sandwiches in silence. Finally Matt said, “You really had to pee there, huh?”

            “You have no idea,” Jake said.          

            “Still a little weak?”

            “Yeah, probably.”

            “Hope that doesn’t bother you tonight,” Matt said.

            “Well, don’t jinx me,” Jake replied, laughing, but inside he was a little bit afraid. That would be absolutely terrible. Pissing his pants at a dance, he could honestly think of nothing worse that could happen.

            “You could always wear a diaper to the dance,” Matt suggested with a smile.

            “Bet you’d like to,” Jake replied.

            Matt laughed, “You bet. Don’t know if Katie would allow it though.”

            “You never know,” Jake replied.

            “Maybe someday,” Matt said, rather wistfully.

            Jake looked at Matt with his eyebrows raised. “Ew, Matt. Control the hormones buddy.”

            “What?” Matt said innocently.

            “You keep thinking about Katie and diapers and before you know it, you’ll be pitchin’ a tent.”

            “Too late,” Matt said, smiling.

            “Ug! Don’t tell me that,” Jake laughed, throwing a sock at Matt. It landed on Matt’s sandwich. Matt delicately picked it off the food and dropped it too the floor.

            “Way to ruin my sandwich,” Matt said, sniffing his sandwich and making a gross face.    

            “Aw, c’mon, it’s fine,” Jake said. “Here, you can have mine.” He offered his sandwich to Matt, who denied it with a wave of his hand.

            “Never. I’ll just suffer.”

            “Now I feel all bad.”

            “That’ll be the day,” Matt replied, taking a bite.

            They finished their food then started to get ready for the dance.

           

            It wasn’t long before they were climbing into the van and driving towards Donna’s house. Both boys were in their best clothes. Mrs. Sands had convinced the boys not to rent tuxes, but even without those, the boys looked great.

            “Well, you guys should have a great time. Very handsome, I must say,” Mrs. Sands said from the driver’s seat, glancing in the rear view mirror.

            “Yeah, should be fun,” Matt replied. He looked over at Jake. “Nervous, man?”

            “A bit,” Jake replied, straitening his tie. “You?”

            “Yeah.”

            They spent the rest of the drive in silence, and before long, they pulled up to Donna’s house.

            “Well, here we go,” Jake said, then climbed out of the van and walked up to Donna’s front door. He knocked, then took a step back. The door opened and Donna’s mom peaked her head out.

            “You must be Jake?” She said.

            “Yes, Ma’am,” Jake said, and put out his hand, “Good to meet you.”

            “You can call me Hannah,” Donna’s mom said as she shook Jake’s hand. “Donna will be ready in just a few minutes, why don’t you come inside.”

            “Sure,” Jake said, then followed Hannah into the living room. It was a nice house, very clean, with every thing seeming to be in its specific place. There were a few pictures on the wall of Donna and her other siblings, a brother and a sister. Both looked younger than Donna.

            “Should I take off my shoes?” Jake asked.

            “Oh no, that’s alright. Go ahead and take a seat, Donna’ll be right out.”

            “Ok, thanks,” Jake said, then sat carefully on the leather couch. Must be expensive, he thought to himself. Hannah had left the room and Jake sat on the couch wondering what to do. He felt uncomfortable in his dress shoes. He never wore them, preferred bare feet, in fact. He stretched his toes out and winced, noticing that his shoes were getting a bit small. He closed his eyes and leaned back.

            “Don’t go falling asleep yet, sleepy head.”

            Jake sat up quickly. Donna was standing in front of him. Jake’s jaw almost dropped. She looked stunning. Donna was dressed in a long red dress that came down to her ankles, where black high-heels graced her feet. He slowly looked up at her.

            “You look…great,” Jake got out, standing up.

            Donna giggled, “So do you, Jake.” She reached out and took his hand. “C’mon, my mom wants to take pictures.” She led Jake into their back yard. Hannah was waiting for them with the camera.

            “Why don’t you guys go stand by the cherry tree, ok?” Hannah motioned with her hand. She held up the camera as Jake stood beside Donna and put his hand around her waist and pulled her close. They were about the same height, Jake noticed.

            “Oh, you two look so cute,” Hannah said.

            “Mom,” Donna moaned.

            “Well, it’s true,” Hannah said, laughing. “Now smile,”

            Hannah snapped a few pictures, then they headed back inside and to the front porch.

            “Now you two have fun and be safe,” Hannah said as Jake and Donna walked toward the car.

            “Will do,” Donna called back over her shoulder. “Love ya.”

            “Love you too, hun,” Hannah said back, standing on the porch and waving as they climbed into the car.

            “Hi Donna,” Jake’s mom said as Donna climbed in, “I’m Jake’s mom.”

            “Hi Jake’s Mom,” Donna replied with a smile.

            Mrs. Sands laughed. “You can call me Jan”

            “Good to meet you,” Donna said, as she buckled in next to Jake in the back. “Hi Matt.”

            “Hey Donna.”

            “We picking up Katie next?”

            “That’s the plan, I think,” Matt replied.

            Jake sat next to Donna, trying to think of something to say. His brain seemed to be dead. Soon the silence in the car was getting oppressive.

            “So,” Jake said.

            Donna laughed. “So…what?”

            Jake smiled, “I don’t know. Just had to say something.”

            “So, Jake, you have any brothers or sisters?” Donna asked.

            Jake went on to tell her about his family, then Donna talked about hers. Donna’s parents were divorced. Her dad lived down in Nebraska and they hadn’t seen him in years. Hannah had stopped expecting child support checks from him long ago. They’d heard somehow that he was now busy working in a supermarket, stocking shelves. Donna didn’t seem bitter at all as she told her story. She definitely didn’t use it as a reason to feel sorry for herself. She said she had a brother and a sister. Her brother was 7 and sister 12. Jake mentioned that maybe someday Austin and Donna’s brother could play together, being around the same age.

            Their conversation continued until Jake’s mom reached the restaurant. They had picked up Katie along the way and Matt and Katie had dived into their own conversation.

            They climbed out of the car and crowded around Mrs. Sands who was leaning out of the window.

            “Thanks for the ride, Mrs. Sands,” Matt said,

            “Yeah, thank you,” The two girls joined.

            “Thanks mom,” Jake said quietly.

            “You all are very welcome. A pleasure, believe me. Now, Jake, call me when its time to get picked up, ok? You got the cell, right?”

            “Yep,” Jake said as they turned and started to walk towards the restaurant.

            “Hey, Jake, come here a second,” Mrs. Sands called after them.

            Jake turned, looking questioningly at his mom. She waved him over.

            “Be right back guys, go ahead and head in,” Jake said as he started back towards his mom.

            Mrs. Sands got out of the car as Jake approached. She wrapped Jake in a big hug.

            “Just wanted to say I love ya, Jake. And I’m proud of you. You’re growing up to be a very fine young man.”

            “Love you too, mom,” Jake said, his voice muffled by his mother’s sweater.

            His mom kissed him on his forehead, then Jake stepped back.

            “Ok, I’d better get in. Have fun with dad tonight,” Jake said with a wink.

            “Now, you watch you’re self Jacob,” Mrs. Sands said with a stern face, then broke and laughed. “I will, believe me.”

            Jake shook his head with a smile, waved again, and walked in towards the restaurant.

 

            “Well, that was good, wasn’t it?” Katie said as the four walked out of the restaurant an hour later.

            “Yeah, thanks Jake,” Donna said, wrapping her arm around Jake’s.

            “Anytime,” Jake replied.

            Dinner had gone well. The steaks were superb and conversation hadn’t lulled. They all had consumed a large amount of soda; the restaurant offered free refills and who was going to deny such a lucrative offer?

            The school was only about two blocks from the restaurant, so they had decided they could just walk and not bother anyone with giving them a ride. The sun was just starting to set as the four crossed the street and headed towards the dance.

            Katie burped loudly, “Ug, I’m stuffed.”

            “You’re excused, Katie,” Matt said, laughing.

            “I can’t help it when I eat so much,” She said, patting her stomach.

            “Beautiful sunset, huh,” Matt said.

            “Yeah,” Jake agreed. He secretly loved sunsets. He didn’t really like to tell anyone, being that it was sort of a girly thing, but he loved just sitting outside and watching the sunset. There was something powerful, not to mention beautiful, about it. He pulled Donna in closer as they walked.

            “How’s the suit feel on you?” Donna asked.

            “Oh, the suit’s fine. It’s the shoes that are uncomfortable. Can’t stand dress shoes.”

            “Yeah, know what you mean. I can’t stand these high-heels.”

            “Well, we might just have to dance bare-foot for a while,” Jake said, looking over at Donna and smiling. She smiled back.

            They reached the school, showed their school ID’s to get in, and the girls checked in their coats at the coat-check. They could feel the bass from the dance music throbbing throughout the school. Up ahead, a curtain marked the entrance to the dance, which was being held in the skylight. The four freshmen nervously walked up. This was, after all, their first high school dance.

            “Well, here we go,” Jake said, as the pushed aside the curtain and stepped into the mass of moving bodies.

            It was dark in the skylight. Bright white lights flashed from the balcony. The theme had something to do with winter, Jake guessed, as confetti slowly fell from above and paper cutouts of snow covered hills and trees covered the walls. The flashing spotlights hitting the confetti had quite a mesmerizing effect, and Jake stood with Donna just watching it for a while.

            “Pretty cool, huh,” Jake said.

            “Huh?” Donna yelled. “I can’t hear you.”

            “Oh,” Jake paused, then leaned over and said loudly in her ear, “Looks pretty cool huh?”

            “Yeah,” Donna shouted back, the smiled. “Let’s dance baby!”

            Jake took her hand and led the way over to where Matt was dancing with Katie and all of Matt’s friends and their respective dates. Jake was a little apprehensive about the whole dancing thing. He wasn’t sure what to do, or how to do it. He decided just to do what everyone else was doing and have fun. It didn’t take long to get the hang of things, and soon Donna and Jake were dancing away, having a great time. It was interrupted by a strong hand on Jake’s shoulder, though.

            Jake looked around and saw Mr. Young standing behind him. He motioned with his finger for Jake to follow him.

            “I’ll be right back,” he told Donna, and followed Mr. Young.

            When they were in the hallway and the music was a little quieter, Mr. Young stopped and turned to Jake.

            “How’s the dance so far, Mr. Sands?”

            “Ah, good,” Jake replied nervously.

            “Just wanted to say I don’t want any trouble tonight.”

            Jake knew what he was talking about. “Sir, if there is any trouble, I can guarantee I won’t be the one causing it.”

            “Good. Stay away from Sean for a while, ok?”

            “Believe me, I’m trying,” Jake said, flashing a quick smile.

            “I’ll be up on the balcony, just come get me if you think there is anything going on. I’ll keep a close eye on Sean and his buddies.”

            “Thanks,” Jake said.

            “Well, get back in and dance,” Mr. Young said, patting Jake on the shoulder.

            “Thanks sir,” Jake said, and hurried back into the skylight. He quickly found Donna.

            “What was that about?” She asked with concern.

            “Ah, nothing. Just something that happened earlier today.”

            “Something I should know about?” Donna pressed.

            “Not right now. I’ll tell you later if you like.”

            “Ok,” Donna said with a smile, then started dancing again. Jake joined in.

            Jake kept looking around for Sean, or Jim, but couldn’t find either of them. That worried him a little bit, he’d rather keep Sean where he could see him. He was suddenly angry that he had to worry about this, especially during the dance.

            “Saw Mr. Young talking to you,” someone yelled in his ear. He turned and found Matt next to him. Jake nodded.

            “Well, don’t worry about it. You’re worrying, I can tell. Nothing’s going to happen.”

            “I hope not,” Jake replied.

            “You’re paranoid. Just relax, have fun.” Matt nodded, then stepped away.

            Matt’s right, Jake thought. Nothing’s going to happen. Well then, back to dancing. Just then, he saw Sean walk, or more like hobble, in through the curtain, his date trailing close behind. Terry and his date followed with a few other football groupies. Jake was about to look away when Sean looked directly at him. He paused, then started to head toward Jake, pushing his way through the dancers. He walked over to Jake, who was shaking, though he was trying not to show it.

            “I don’t forget,” Sean said, winked, then walked away.

            Jake shuddered.

            “What did he want?” Donna asked.

            “Can we head outside for a bit? I could use some fresh air,” Jake said.

            Donna shrugged. “Sure, why not.”

            Jake led the way to the exit doors. He swore he could feel Sean’s eyes on him. They quickly stepped outside and Jake walked over to a grass patch about ten feet away. He sat down. Donna paused, then sat too, quite close to Jake. She put her hand on Jake’s leg.

 

            Sean watched Jake leave. He nudged Terry.

            “He’s leaving.”

            “You think for the night?”

            “Possibly. It’s now or never.”

            “Well, what do you want to do?”

            “Go get him. Let’s sneak out the side door so no one notices we’re leaving and find him and see what he’s up to.”

            Sean and Terry started to walk away.

            “Hey Sean,” Sean’s date called after him, “where you going? We just got here.”

            “Shut up. I’ll be back.”

            They continued walking, past the curtain and out the side door. Sean grabbed the door just as it was about to shut.

            “What?” Terry asked, confused.

            “Give me you’re watch.”

            “What? Why?”

            “Just do it.”

            Terry reluctantly took off his watch and handed it to Sean, who stuck it in the door to keep it open.

            “Don’t want to have to go back in through the front.”

            Terry nodded. They walked away. The staff manning the front door didn’t notice a thing.

 

            “So then, you wanna tell me what up?” Donna asked Jake, sitting beside him on the hill.

            “Fine then, story time.” Jake said, then told her the whole story, not just the abridged version he had told Jim in the car, ending with Sean’s sinister comment inside.

            Donna was quiet for a while. Finally, Jake got restless for a response.

            “What are you thinking?”

            “Well, on one hand, I want to tell you not to worry and that we should just go dance and have a good time, but on the other, Sean sounds like he is serious. And I’m not sure what to do about it.”

            “Yeah,” Jake said. Donna placed her hand on his leg again and started rubbing. Her hand was moving slowly up. Jake looked down at it, then at her. She was smiling at him.

            “I say we have some fun. We can worry about Sean later.”

            Jake smiled back, “Sounds fine to me.”

            “Good then.” Donna crawled on top of Jake and pushed him down on to the soft grass. Jake looked up at her, unexplainably scared. She softly put her hands on his shoulders.

            “Relax.”

            So Jake did. Donna leaned down and kissed him. Jake hesitated, then started to kiss back. He put his hands up on her waist and slowly worked his way up to her breasts as they kissed.

 

            “Oh, isn’t that cute,” Sean muttered, watching from the corner of the school. “Go get the car, Ter, and pull in right here. Then I’ll wait in the driver’s seat, while you go get Jake. Throw him in the back or something, then we’ll hightail it out of here.”

            “What, you just want me to go grab him?”

            “Yeah.”

            “Well, that girl that’s on him is gonna recognize me.”

            “Fine, wear this,” Sean said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a ski mask.

            “Came prepared huh?”

            Sean nodded silently. “He’s gonna pay for what he did to my leg.”

            “Well, technically, he didn’t do anything.”

            Sean looked at Terry scornfully. “Don’t turn on me, Ter. He drank you’re beer too.”

            Terry laughed, then got serious. “We’re gonna be in huge trouble by what we’re doing, you realize?”

            “No, we’re not. No one’s out here, and you’ve got the ski mask. We’ll be fine.”

            “Well, what are you gonna do to him after we…we, ah, get him?”

            “Not sure yet. Now, go get that car.”

 

            After about five minutes of kissing, Donna lifted her head and smiled down at Jake.

            “You’re a great kisser.”

            Jake smiled back. “As are you.”

            “You ever kissed before?”

            Jake shrugged his shoulders. “Not really.”

            She reached down and straitened his hair. “Well, a good night for the first time, then.”

            “Yeah,” Jake replied. Donna stood up, and Jake climbed up after her.

            “Oh, you got some grass on your back,” Donna said. “Turn around.”

            Jake did and Donna brushed off his back.

            “There. Ok, now, shall we go dance?”

            “Sounds like a plan,” Jake said, and they headed back around the school to the entrance.

 

            Sean and Terry were sitting in Terry’s car on the side of the school in the bus pull-in.        

            “There he is,” Sean said, remarkably calm. “Ill pop the back. Just throw him in there.”

            “I’m nervous,” Terry said, his voice shaking.

            “We’ll be fine. Now hurry, or you’ll miss him.”

            Terry shuddered, pulled on the ski mask, and stepped out of the car.

           

            Donna and Jake were walking on the grass next to the school holding hands. Jake felt great. He couldn’t believe he had just made out with the girl he was crazy for.

            “We’re gonna have to do more of that after the dance,” Jake said quietly.

            “You liked it huh? Of course, Jakey. We’ll have fun.”

            “Jakey?” Jake said, smiling shyly at the ground.

            “You like it?”

            “Sure why n…”

            Jake didn’t finish what he was saying. He saw a masked figure running fast toward him.

 

            “Run Donna!” Jake shouted, then turned and ran. He didn’t get far. Terry sprinted fast and grabbed Jake by the waist and pulled him up as if he were cradling a football.

            “Put him down!” Donna screamed at him, flailing wildly with her hands, trying to hit the masked man in the face.

            Terry slapped Donna in the face, hard. She went down temporarily. Terry didn’t waste a second and ran with Jake, who was trying helplessly to get free, punching Terry continually in his stomach. Terry reached the car, opened up the trunk and threw Jake inside. Jake immediately tried to crawl out. Terry connected with Jake’s face with a back hand. Jake reeled back, falling hard into the trunk, dazed. Terry slammed the trunk and dived into the passenger seat, slamming the car door as Donna ran up, tears streaming down her face and screaming, and smacked her hands against the window.

            Sean turned the other way so Donna couldn’t see his face and burned rubber out of the bus lot. He quickly turned onto a residential street and slowed down.

            Terry slowly took off the ski mask, breathing hard.

            “Didn’t want to hit the girl.”

            “You had to, don’t worry about it,” Sean said, looking strait ahead.

            “Well, what do we do now?”

            “We pull into this alley. Tie the kid up, then go back and enjoy the dance. We can deal with him later.”

            “She’s going to go back in and tell everyone what just happened.”

            “And we never left and weren’t involved. Don’t worry.”

            Sean stopped the car. “My backpack still in here?”

            “Yeah, back seat.”

            Sean reached back and opened it, pulling out a handgun.

            “What is that?” Terry said, not hiding the fear in his voice.

            “You know what it is. Just to keep him quiet. Don’t worry, not shooting anyone tonight.”

            Terry shook his head slowly, and they both climbed out of the car.

           

            In the trunk, Jake was shaking his head, trying to clear it, still smarting from the backhand he’d received. He couldn’t see a thing, and was having trouble orienting himself. He felt the car stop and hear the doors open and shut. He braced himself for what was to come. He was too scared to think of what to do, and just curled up and closed his eyes.

            Sean opened up the trunk and Jake was lit by the dim light coming from a nearby garage. He slowly looked up to find Sean and Terry staring down at him. He noticed that Sean was pointing a gun at him.

            “Pl-please,” Jake got out. “D-don’t sh-shoot me”

            “D-don’t sh-shoot me,” Sean said back with a snear. “I’m not gonna, as long as you do as you’re told. Now turn over with you’re hands behind you.”

            Jake did as he was told, rolling on to his stomach and putting his hands behind him. The trunk was small though, and he couldn’t completely stretch out. His legs were bent up at the knees. He was shaking uncontrollably.

            “Tie him up,” Sean ordered, still pointing the gun at Jake.

            Terry reached into the trunk and pulled out a coil of rope. He unwound it, reached down and wrapped it around Jake’s hands.

            “You got another bit of rope?” Sean asked.

            “Yeah, I think so.”

            “Good, use it for his legs.”

            Terry rummaged around some more, pushing Jake around a bit, and finally came up with some more. He quickly tied up Jake’s ankles.

            “That’ll do. See ya in a bit, sweetheart,” Sean said, and slammed down the trunk. Jake was again blinded by the darkness. He heard the car doors open again, assumed correctly that Sean was hiding the gun, then heard footsteps receding. He lay there, trying to fight back the tears that were screaming to get out. He honestly didn’t know what to think. Sean and Terry had gotten to him despite the promises of Jim and Mr. Young, and now he was in a car trunk, tied up. He was afraid and mad. Mad that Sean had ruined his perfect night with Donna. Finally he gave up and let it go, crying hard with his face lying on the cold steel of the car trunk.

 

            Donna had sprinted after the car for a block, but had given up, finally falling to her knees and crying, staring desperately down the road at the disappearing car.

            “What the hell am I going to do,” Donna muttered to herself. She never used swear words, but this seemed like an appropriate exception. “Mr. Young, gotta tell Mr. Young.” She wiped her eyes, and stood up, brushing off her dress. She noticed she had scuffed it on the ground.

            “Those bastards,” She said, then ran unsteadily off toward the school, finding running with any speed impossible in high-heels.

            She burst in through the front door and ran right into one of the teachers at the ID check. It happened to be Mr. Hertz, their history teacher.

            “Whoa there, honey, slow down.”

            Donna was crying uncontrollably again. “Mr. Young,” she breathed, “Gotta get Mr. Young.”

            Mr. Hertz nodded to one of the other teachers, who sprinted off to find Mr. Young. Mr. Hertz looked back at Donna and recognition donned.

            “Donna, what is wrong.”

            “They…they got Jake.”

            “What do you mean, they got Jake?”

            Donna tried to reply, but couldn’t.

            “Ok, let’s head into the office, and you can sit down and tell it all to Mr. Young.”

            He walked Donna into the main office and had her sit in one of the chairs that lined the wall. He handed her a tissue, which she used to quickly wipe up her face. A few moments later Mr. Young burst in through the door.

            “Ok, what happened?” He asked, breathless.

            “They got Jake,” Donna said quietly, finally controlling her tears.

            “We need more than that. Who did? What happened?”

            “We…we were out back and as we were walking in, some guy in a mask grabbed Jake and threw him in a car, and then drove away.”

            “Did you recognize who it was?”

            “No, couldn’t see because of the mask. The driver wasn’t wearing one, but I didn’t recognize him.”

            “Ok, Mr. Hertz you stay with this young lady and call the police, I’m going to go look for Sean.”

            “Sean?” Mr. Hertz questioned. “He’s involved?”

            “Most likely,” Mr. Young said, then hurried out of the office.

 

            Sean and Terry walked quickly back to the side door which was still propped open with Terry’s watch. Terry pulled it out and put it back on his wrist as they stepped back inside the school. Sean looked quickly around the corner toward the front of the school. The girl who had been with Jake burst in the door.

            “Quickly,” Sean said, sliding out of the hallway and past the curtain, Terry close behind. They walked moved through the crowded skylight back to their dates, who were now standing next to the refreshment table.

            “See, no one will notice.”

            Just then one of the teachers from the front walked quickly up to the balcony and yelled at Mr. Young.

            “Just act normal,” Sean told Terry. “They’ll question us for sure. Just say we’ve been in here the whole time”

 

            Matt was starting to wonder where Jake and Donna had gone. He glanced at his watch. They had been gone about 20 minutes. He leaned over to Katie and asked her if she knew where Jake and Donna had gone.

            “No idea. Why?”

            “They’ve just been gone for a while. Wondering what they are up to.”

            “Oh, I’m sure they are just making out somewhere,” Donna said with a laugh. Matt laughed nervously.

            “I hope,” He said, then started to look around for Jim. He spotted him slow dancing with his date over in a corner.

            “I’ll be right back,” Matt told Katie, and walked over to Jim.

            “Hey Jim.”

            Jim looked around, annoyed at having been interrupted. He saw it was Matt and relaxed.

            “What’s up, Matt?”

            “Well, probably nothing to worry about, but Jake and Donna went off about 20 minutes ago, and haven’t come back yet. I’m just getting a little nervous.”

            “Hmmm, well, I’ll go tell Mr. Young, tell him to keep an eye out or something,” Jim said, then walked off toward the balcony. Matt shrugged, then went back to Katie.

            A minute later, though, Jim came rushing back down the stairs and over to Matt.

            “He’s not up there. Apparently there was some emergency he had to attend to at the front. I’m going to go check it out.”

            “So am I,” Matt replied, and Matt and Jim moved as quickly as possible through the dancing students. Katie looked after them for a moment, then followed.

            As they went around the curtain, the saw Mr. Young walking quickly in their direction. Jim waved him down.

            “What’s up?”

            Mr. Young looked over, saw Jim and started to say something, then noticed Matt and Katie, and motioned Jim over.

            “Jake is gone. His date’s in the office all shook up. I’m going to find Sean and talk with him.”

            Jim nodded silently, then started to walk toward the office as Mr. Young hurried on past the curtain.

            Matt shot a confused look at Katie, then took off after Jim.

            When they reached the office, Katie saw Donna, let out a gasp, and ran over to her, throwing her arms around Donna.

            “What happened?”

            Donna was crying again.

            “Someone took Jake,” she sobbed.

            “What?!” Matt almost yelled.

            He felt a Jim’s hand on his shoulder.

            “Relax. We’re doing all we can.”

            “No way, I’m going out there.” Matt tried to back out of Jim’s grip, but found he couldn’t.

            “No, Matt. Take a seat. Let Mr. Young and the police handle this. I don’t want anyone getting hurt,” Jim said in a calm voice.

            Matt gave in, and walked over to where Donna and Katie were and took a seat.

 

            Mr. Young quickly spotted Sean, chatting with Terry and their dates. He walked over.

            “How’s the evening going, fellas?” He asked.

            “Pretty good, Mr. Young. How has yours been?” Sean replied.

            “Good until about 10 minutes ago. We need to talk. Now.”

            Mr. Young started to walk towards the front office. Sean followed, motioning Terry to come along.

            When they reached the office, Mr. Young walked strait to the back and opened the door to his office, letting Sean and Terry walk in. Matt glared at them as they walked by.

            Sean and Terry stood while Mr. Young took a seat at his desk.

            “Sit down, boys.”

            They did in the two office chairs that were facing the desk.

            “You boys left the dance at all tonight?”

            “No sir, been inside since we came,” Sean said.

            “When did you arrive?” Mr. Young pulled out a notebook and started to write down Sean’s answers.

            “Oh, about 45 minutes ago.”

            “Are you aware that kidnapping in Minnesota can bring you a minimum of 20 years of prison time?”

            “Uh, yeah, I think I knew that,” Sean said. Terry was nervously playing with his tie.

            “What car did you fellas drive tonight?”

            “We came in mine.”

            “You, Terry, and you’re two dates all in the same car?”

            “That’s correct, sir,” Sean replied, sounding a bit smug.

            “And where is it parked?”

            “In the parking lot.”

            “Well, let’s go have a look, shall we?”

 

            The tears had stopped and now Jake was starting to get uncomfortable. Even if he was small, he was not small enough for this trunk. His knees were starting to ache, his back was cramping, and all the soda he had drunk at dinner was starting to fill his bladder. He tested the ropes and couldn’t budge his wrists or his ankles. No way he was getting loose. He tried thrashing about for a bit and half heartedly called for help, but it was clear no one was around to save him.

            He tried to find the most comfortable position. He pulled up his knees and bent forward, straining his shoulders a bit as his hands tried to come around. He tried to relax. Staring into the darkness of the trunk, he watched the shuddering orange and white shapes dance across his vision. Funny how you can still see things even when there is no light.

 

            Mr. Young circled around Sean’s car, looking for signs of fowl play. He couldn’t find any. As he finally gave up the car as a significant clue and waved everyone back to the school, three police cars sped into the parking lot, screeching to a halt at the front of the school. Mr. Young hurried over to meet them and directing Sean and Terry to wait on the curb.

            Mr. Young briefly went over what had happened with the officers, and one of them walked over to Sean and Terry. He asked a series of questions, but with Sean answering them all, the officer found no reason to keep holding Sean and Terry.

            “Well, I guess you fellows can go back in a dance. I want you to check in with me at the front desk before you leave for the night ok? I’ll be there.”

            “Sure thing, Officer,” Sean said, then he and Terry quickly went back into the school.

            The officer returned to the other officers and Mr. Young.

            “So you’re pretty sure those two are involved?”

            “As sure as I’ve ever been, Detective,” Mr. Young replied. “It’s just too much of a coincidence with what happened this afternoon.”

            “I agree,” the detective responded. “Jerry, Fisher, go out in the car and run the neighborhood for anything suspicious. Keep your windows down and listen. If they got him somewhere, you maybe can hear him.”

            “Yes sir,” The two officers said, then hurried back to their patrol car.

            “I’m going to go talk to the girl with Mr. Young. Hudson and Wiles, keep the front door covered. Everyone who comes in, check them out good and keep an eye for this Sean fellow. I’m not done with him yet.”

            “Sure thing, Detective.”

            The detective nodded to Mr. Young, and the two walked briskly back into the building.

            When they reached Donna, she was leaning back against the wall with an ice pack to her face where Terry had slapped her.

            “Donna? I’m Detective Summers.”

            “Hey,” Donna replied quietly.

            “I need you to describe the car, ok? Can you do that?”

            Donna nodded. She felt numb, finding that she could barely remember what the car looked like.

            “I don’t remember much, for some reason. But it was a small, boxy car. Like a Toyota I think.”

            “What color?”

            “Ah, black or brown. Couldn’t tell in the dark.”

            “Ok, keep that ice on.” Detective Summers turned and told the police officers waiting at the door to get on the horn and tell Jerry and Fisher the info on the car.

            “Tell them to get back to us as soon as they find something.” Summers turned back to Mr. Young. “Well, if this is indeed a kidnapping, which it’s starting to look like, we need to contact the FBI.”

 

            Sean and Terry walked quickly back to the dance.

            “I want to leave right now,” Terry said. “It’s only a matter of time before they find the car, man. We need to go.”

            Sean didn’t say anything, walking over to their dates, who were now dancing with other people. He pulled them aside and told them they were leaving. The two girls shrugged.

            “You are a bunch of assholes,” One of them told Sean.

            “I’ll make it up to you,” Sean said, leaning over and kissing the girl. She smiled up at him.

            “You’d better.”

            Sean turned and nodded to Terry and they returned to the curtain.

            “Well, do we try the same way out?”

            “Yeah, quickly though, those cops are everywhere.”

            Sean peaked his head out of the curtain, and watched one of the cops hurry out the door to a patrol car, the other was walking into the office.

            “Ok, now.” Sean said, then hurried into the hall way and out the door, Terry close behind.

           

            Jake was squirming about in the trunk. He was regretting drinking all that soda at dinner now. He felt tears start to flow again as a feeling of helplessness washed over him. He had to pee so badly and there was nothing he could do about it. He felt the pressure build suddenly and couldn’t hold on any longer. The urine escaped quickly, soaking Jake’s suit. He felt the wetness creeping up his shirt as well. He laid his head on the cool metal of the trunk bed and felt hot tears streaming down his face. The warm urine quickly cooled off and Jake’s clothes suddenly felt very heavy and confining.

            “I just need to fall asleep. When I wake up, it will be all over,” Jake whispered to himself. He closed his eyes and shivered, suddenly feeling cold. He tried to relax. Then he heard footsteps approaching quickly. The car doors opened, and he heard the trunk click. A shuffling sound approached, and Jake guessed that was Sean walking weird with his broken ankle. The trunk opened and Sean stared down at Jake.

            “Whew, it smells in here. Hey Terry, looks like the little baby pissed himself.”

            “Dang it, not in my trunk.” Terry walked over and peered into the trunk. “He’s soaked. Couldn’t hold it, huh?” Terry asked down at Jake.

            Jake just stared up at him, crying silently.

            “Well, don’t just stand here, let’s go,” Sean suddenly said, slamming the trunk back down and climbing into the car. Terry followed suit.

            “Where to?” Terry asked from the driver’s seat.

            “Well, we shouldn’t go to either of our houses. They will look for us there.”

            “That’s comforting,” Terry muttered. Sean glared at him.

            “Just start driving. I’ll think of something.”

            They drove in silence for a while. Terry’s hands where turning white from gripping the steering wheel so hard. He noticed that his arms where shaking too.

            “Jesus, I’m nervous. I need a cigarette.”

            Sean nodded and pulled out a pack from his coat pocket, tapped out two and stuck them in his mouth. He lit them both and handed one to Terry, who gingerly took it and inhaled deeply.

            “That’s better,” He said, smoke drifting out of his mouth.

            “My grandpa has a cabin,” Sean said slowly. “He’s never there. We could probably use that.”

            “Ok, where is it?”

            “Out by the resort on Fish Lake.”

            Terry nodded and sped up the car, taking another drag on the cigarette.

            In the trunk, the vibration of the car was making Jake sleepy. He closed his eyes and in a minute was asleep.

           

            After about 15 minutes of driving, they were nearing the lake cabin. Up ahead, Sean noticed a supermarket and got an idea.

            “Pull in here,” He said.

            Terry did, driving into the nearly empty parking lot. Sean got out of the car and walked as fast as he could into the store. About five minutes later he reappeared, holding a package in his hands. He climbed back in the car.

            “What’s that?” Terry asked, and Sean threw it on his lap. “Diapers?”

            “Yep.”

            Terry looked at Sean quizzically, then realized what Sean had in mind and laughed. “This will be fun,” he said, then pulled out of the parking lot and continued down the road.

            “Right here,” Sean said suddenly, about five minutes down the road.

            Terry screeched to a halt and turned onto a dark road. Trees blocked any moonlight from getting in and the car’s headlights lit the road ahead, making the trees glimmer in the eerie light.

            “Kinda scary,” Terry said.

            “Pussy,” Sean replied. “Here, pull into the drive way.”

            The cabin was about 50 feet from the edge of the road, surrounded by tall pines. The moon filtered through the tall trees bathing the clearing in a dim white glow. It didn’t look to be in very good shape. The white paint was chipping off the sides of the cabin and a portion of the porch was caved in. The windows where all boarded up.

            “Jeez, you were right about him never coming out here.”

            Sean nodded. “There is a shed behind the cabin, let’s put the little piss-pants in there for now. I’m hungry. I’ll bet the ol’ man has some food inside.”

            Terry pulled around to the back of the cabin and came to a stop. The shed Sean had mentioned wasn’t in any better shape than the cabin. The door was ajar and tall weeds were growing everywhere. The two climbed out of the car and went to the trunk. Terry opened it up.

            “Looks like he’s asleep,” Terry said.

            “Let’s just take him in the house, then. Go ahead and pick him up.”

            “Then I’ll get all…wet,” Terry complained.

            “Do it,” Sean said, and turned and headed toward the cabin.

            Terry shook his head, bent down and lifted Jake out of the trunk and followed Sean.

            Sean tried the door and it opened. He walked slowly in a switched on the light. It lit up the cabin, revealing a surprisingly clean living area. A small kitchen area was to one side with a sink, a counter, and some dirty dishes laying about. The other side of the cabin was furnished with a couch and an easy chair circled around a pot belly stove, whose chimney jutted up through the roof. A rug filled the center of the room. On the walls hung old paintings, apparently of the lake.

            “Pretty nice,” Terry commented, laying Jake down on the hardwood floor.

            Sean nodded, already rummaging through the cupboards looking for food.

            “Well, he’s got some crackers in here, and…” Sean reached further back and pulled out a half full bottle of Bushmills. “Some whiskey.”

            “Good. I could sure use a drink,” Terry said, walking over to Sean. Jake was still sleeping. They each took a few gulps from the bottle, then set it on the counter.

            “Now, let’s have some fun,” Sean said. “Terry, you think you could run out and get those diapers?”

            “Sure,” Terry said, walking outside.

            Sean stepped over to Jake and bent down. He brushed Jake’s hair clear of his forehead.

            “Now then, little buddy. We’re going to have quite a night,” he whispered. He gently reached down and shook Jake’s shoulder. Jake grunted and tried to roll over, then opened his eyes.

            “Good morning,” Sean said, laughing.

            “Screw you, Sean,” Jake mumbled.

            “Oh, an attitude. We’ll have to fix that. Now, Jake, right? That’s your name?”

            Jake didn’t say anything, just staring coldly into Sean’s eyes.

            “Well, Jake, here’s the deal. We aren’t going to hurt you. We’re just going to have some fun, ok? So if you just do as you’re told, tomorrow morning, you’ll be free, ok? But if you try anything, I’m going to make this night a living hell for you, you understand?”

            Jake tried to look away, feeling like crying again. Sean shook his head, then stood up and walked over to the whiskey.

            “What something to drink?”

            Jake nodded, noticing that his mouth was very dry and not recognizing that the bottle Sean was holding was alcohol.

            “Good, take a sip of this, it will make you feel better.”

            Sean bent down and held the bottle to Jake’s lips and poured some in. Jake swallowed deeply, then the strong flavor of the whiskey hit the back of his throat. He almost spit it all out, but managed to swallow.

            “What was that?!” he sputtered.

            Sean laughed heartily. “Bushmills, my friend,” then took another drink himself. “Here, have some more.”           

            Jake shook his head, “No, thanks.”

            “Oh, I think you will,” Sean said, putting the bottle to Jake’s lips again and pouring it in. Jake had to swallow to keep from drowning. His whole body shuddered as his stomach convulsed, trying to reject the foreign liquid. He didn’t spit it out though, and after a moment, started to feel good. A warm feeling spread throughout his body. He laid his head back down on the ground.

            “Good stuff, huh?” Sean said, as Terry came back in the door, carrying the diapers and his backpack. He set the items down and grabbed the bottle from Sean, taking a big gulp.

            “Now,” Sean continued, “we should get you out of these wet clothes. I’m going to untie you, ok? But if you try anything, remember, you are going to regret it.”

            Jake nodded, suddenly not that scared anymore. He recognized the feeling he was getting, remembering the night with Matt and the beers.

            Sean was working on the knots, trying to untie Jake. After a few minutes of fumbling around, he finally freed Jake’s legs and began working on his wrists. Jake waited patiently for Sean to finish, looking around the cabin trying to recognize where he was at. He was about to give up when he recognized the paintings on the wall. Fish Lake! He thought excitedly. What morons, this was the most obvious place to take someone. The rescuers would find Jake in no time, if there were any rescuers. They’d be out looking for him, wouldn’t they? Jake, who was rarely religious, decided now was a good time to play the ol’ God card. He closed his eyes and said a quick prayer, asking for a quick rescue and minimal torture. When he opened them, Sean was standing up, brushing off his hands, proud of his handling of the knots.

            “There, you’re free.”

            Jake slowly sat up, flexing his muscles and trying to get out the kinks that had formed from his ride in the trunk.

            “Here, have another drink,” Sean said, handing Jake the bottle. Jake took it and glared up at Sean, trying to hold back the urge to throw the bottle back at him, maybe knocking him out or something. Jake decided it was not a good idea, and took a sip instead. He grimaced, trying to hold the alcohol down.

            “God, what is this stuff,” He coughed.

            “Welcome to the world of hard A, Jakey,” Sean said.

            “What is up with Jakey?” Jake replied, and Terry laughed. Sean turned around and glared at Terry.

            “Oh, you’re about to find out. Now, take off that coat and your shirt,” Sean said as he took a step toward Jake. Jake did as he was told, not quite sure what to expect. When he had his shirt off, he sat looking up at Sean, waiting for more instructions, shivering. It was cold in the cabin. Sean noticed the shaking.

            “Terry, can you go find some fire wood and bring it in here. I think he keeps a pile of it out by the shed.”

            “Why am I doing all the work here,” Terry grumbled, then headed out the door, Sean giving him an evil eye the entire time.

            Sean turned his attention back to Jake, who was still sitting on the floor, rubbing his bare arms, trying to generate some heat.

            “Ok, go lay down on the couch,” Sean said, pointing to the couch. Jake slowly stood up, noticing his wet pants again. They were really getting uncomfortable now. He walked over to the couch and lay down on his back, looking up at Sean.

            “Now, Jakey,” Sean said, talking as if he was talking to a baby, “let’s get you cleaned up.”

            Jake looked up at Sean, bewildered. Was this the same Sean who was always rough and tough. Man, this guy was messed up.

            Sean slowly reached down and grabbed a hold of the fly on Jake’s pants. Jake’s hands instinctively flew down and tried to push Sean away. Sean pulled his hands back.

            “Tsk tsk tsk, not good, Jakey, not good at all.” Sean walked over to where they rope was laying on the ground and picked up a piece. Jake groaned.

            “I told you to cooperate, but if you don’t want to, I’ll make you.”

            Sean roughly grabbed Jake’s wrists and pulled them up above Jake’s head, quickly wrapping the rope around a heavy oak side table that was next to the couch and tying Jake’s wrists to it. Jake tried to pull his hands away, but it was useless. A wave of fear washed over Jake and he shuddered again, looking with pleading eyes up at Sean.

            “What’s wrong, Jakey? You scared?” Sean said, smiling. “Now, you do as you’re told from now on, or I’ll bring pain into this. You understand?”

            Jake looked away.

            “Do you understand,” Sean shouted, making Jake jump.

            “Yes,” Jake mumbled.

            “Good,” Sean said, “Then let’s continue.”

            Sean bent down and untied Jake’s shoes, pulling them off. Then he pulled down the fly on Jake’s pants and slowly started to peal the wet cloth off, leaving Jake in just his soaked white briefs and his socks. He was getting colder, shivering constantly. Sean looked down at Jake, admiring his handy work.

            “We’ll get a fire started in here, and you’ll warm up,” Sean said gently, reaching down at brushing Jake’s hair from his eyes. Jake stared up at him, truly confused. Sean was nice one moment, then terrifying the next.

            “Now Jake,” Sean continued, bending down and looking strait into Jake’s eyes. “You wet your pants. Grown up boys don’t do that, do they? So if you wet you pants, that must mean that you’re not a big boy, are you?”

            “But you had me…” Jake started to say. Sean reached down and put a finger to Jake’s mouth, silencing him.

            “Shhhhhh. Just be quiet. We have something that can help you out, since all you are is really a baby.” Sean reached down and ran his hand down Jake’s stomach. “You’re even all smooth like one,” Sean said softly.

            Jake shivered again with Sean’s touch. Just then Terry burst through the door, a large bundle of wood in his arms. Both Sean and Jake jumped at the loud noise.

            “Terry! You scared me,” Sean said, turning away from Jake quickly.

            Terry stood there looking from Sean to Jake and back. “What were you doing?” He asked Sean.

            “Oh, just having a talk with our buddy Jake.”

            Terry looked back down at Jake, noticing his almost naked state, shook his head, then walked over to the stove.

            “Help me with this fire, Sean,” Terry said.

            “Forget it, Ter. Don’t tell me what to do,” Sean snarled at Terry, then walked over to the cupboard, rummaged around for a second, then returned with lighter fluid. He tossed it to Terry.

            Terry quickly set up the wood, sprayed it down with fluid, then lit it, slamming the door shut as flames erupted from the soaked wood. He stepped away from the stove, brushing off his hands.

            “There, it will be warm in here in no time.”

            “Good good,” Sean said, then turning his attention back to Jake, “Let’s finish what we started over here. So like I was saying, you being a baby and all, we’re going to have to treat you like one. Terry, would you hand me one of those diapers, please?”

            Terry nodded, a strange smile on his face, as he walked over to the package, noticing they were baby diapers.

            “You sure these will fit?” He asked.

            “Well, they are the biggest size. Let’s find out,” Sean replied.

            Terry pulled one out then handed it to Sean. Sean held it up to Jake’s face.

            “This will help with you’re little pants wetting problem,” Sean said, smiling down at Jake, who looked fearfully up at the diaper. It certainly was a baby diaper with colored designs on the front. Sean laid the diaper on Jake’s chest as he reached down and slipped a finger under Jake’s underwear, slowly pulling down on them. A rush of cold air hit Jake’s wet genitals as the briefs were removed. As if his boyhood wasn’t already small enough, Jake felt his penis and testicles shrink away from the cold.

            Sean finished removing the wet briefs and dropped them to the ground.

            “Now, a little something to clear you out,” Sean said, pulling a pill bottle from his pocket and removing something. Jake eyed him carefully, feeling slightly dazed, not quite sure how to respond to the vulnerable position he found himself in. Terry also looked on in wonder, staring at Jake’s naked body.

            “Now,” Sean said with a smile, “knees to your chest.”

            Jake lifted up his knees as far as he could, his bottom lifting off the couch under him. Sean reached down and Jake felt something pushed up his butt, he immediately tightened up, but too late as Sean reached back with a smile.

            “Now, let’s get you all diapered up, ‘cause you’re going to need it soon.”

            Jake didn’t like the way that sounded. Sean picked up the diaper and unfolded it, putting the back end under Jake’s bottom.

            “Down,” Sean commanded, and Jake let his knees down, recognizing the soft feel of the diaper beneath him. This one felt different though. It was much thicker and softer than the kind he had worn at home. Sean pulled up the front of the diaper tightly against Jake’s crotch, and Jake felt his genitals pressed against his body. As Sean taped up the diaper, snuggly up near Jake’s belly button, Jake recognized the feeling of security wash over him. Something about a feel of a diaper. Jake couldn’t quite describe it. Even in such a terrible position, the diaper was relaxing. Weird.

            Sean patted the front of Jake’s diaper, smiling. “There, all set.” Sean stood up and walked over to the kitchen area, taking another drink from the bottle of Bushmills. Terry didn’t seem to want to move though, and he stood there staring down at Jake. Finally, he snapped out of his daze and walked over to Sean, taking the bottle from him and drinking deeply from it.

            Jake lay there dazed. Was this it? They were just going to diaper him? This was nothing new to Jake and, in fact, he didn’t even really mind diapers anymore. He glanced at Sean and Terry, who were talking quietly on the other side of the one room cabin. Deciding that they had nothing else planned for the moment, he closed his eyes and tried to relax. The cabin was starting to warm up and Jake was actually feeling a little tired. If this was being kidnapped, it sure wasn’t that bad.

 

            “Well, where the hell did they go?!” Mr. Young roared at the group of staff that were huddled around in a circle near the front door. Mr. Young never used swear words, and each of the teachers cringed. Mr. Young turned in disgust and stomped back outside, where a growing number of police cruisers where collecting.

            “They’re gone then?” the lead detective asked Mr. Young as he approached a group of police officers.

            “Yeah, it appears so. Must have slipped out a side door or something. Sean’s car is still here, though, so another car must have been involved. Get one of your men to identify the other suspect’s car. His name is Terry Manning.”

            The detective nodded to an officer, who scurried off to a cruiser and began talking on the radio. After a few minutes, he returned, giving the license plate number to the detective.

            “Is it out on the network?”

            “Every cop in this state is on the lookout for this car, Sir,” the officer replied.

            The detective nodded, then turned back to Mr. Young. “Well, there isn’t much else we can do for now. Let’s get back in and talk to their dates.”

 

            Matt, Katie, and Donna were all sitting in the office. Both the girls had been crying, but seemed to have their emotions under control at the moment. Matt was getting restless.

            “I don’t see any reason to sit here and wait. Let’s go. I can’t be in this office any longer or I’ll go crazy,” Matt said, standing up.

            “Well, where do you want to go?” Katie asked.

            “Anywhere, I don’t care”

            “None of us have a car,” Donna whispered, trying not to start crying again.

            “Then let’s walk. We can go get something to eat at the 7-11 or something.”

            “7-11, huh?” a voice said. Jim stood in the office doorway with his date. “You guys think you should be leaving?”

            No one said anything.

            “Listen, Jim,” Matt finally said, “we want to do something about this. Sitting here doing nothing is killing me. I want to go find Jake myself.”

            “And how do you think you’re going to do that?”

            “Havn’t figured that out yet…you, ah, could help us.”

            Jim looked quickly around to see if any one of importance was listening. He leaned over and whispered something into his date’s ear. She nodded, but did not look happy.

            “Ok, wait here for ten minutes, ok?” Jim said, then turned and walked out of the door, his date close behind.

 

            What seemed like a lifetime later, Jim reappeared in the doorway.

            “Ok, let’s go. Follow me and don’t say anything.”

            The three freshmen got up and followed Jim out of the office.

            “I’m going to get these people some fresh air,” Jim told the teachers at the front door as they walked passed.

            “Don’t go far,” one of them said, “The officers might want to talk to you folks.”

            “We’ll be back soon,” Jim replied as they walked out of the door. They weaved their way through the mass of flashing police cruisers and walked down to the empty baseball diamond.

            “So what’s the plan?” Katie asked as they walked across the wet grass toward the street.

            Matt paused, staring out at the cars driving past beyond the outfield fence.

            “Where’s your car, Jim?”

            “Over in the annex parking lot. Let’s just get in the car then we can think about our plan.”

            Matt nodded, then trudged after Jim, the girls in close pursuit.

           

            “I don’t know where they are,” Sean’s date said, chewing gum obnoxiously. “They said they were leaving, but they’d come back.”

            Mr. Young paced the floor in front of the two girls, barely restraining his annoyance. “And what about you?” He asked, pointing to the other girl

            “Same as Trish. They didn’t say where they were going. What, are they in trouble or something?”

            “Never mind,” Mr. Young spat. “Stay here until I come get you.”

            “But I have to use the bathroom,” the girl named Trish whined.

            “Forget it,” Mr. Young said as he left the room with the detective, slamming the door behind him. “Cheerleaders,” He muttered outside the door. “Never liked ‘em, never will.”

 

            Jake awoke with a start. How long had he been out? He glanced around the empty cabin. Where had Sean and Terry gone? The fire in the stove had started to go down a bit and Jake shivered, looking down at his mostly naked body. He noticed the diaper and realized he hadn’t gotten a good look at it yet. It looked like a baby diaper, with childish designs on the front. Rather sad, he thought, that he could still fit into one of these.

            Jake noticed a constant tapping sound coming from the roof. He looked up quizzically. Must be raining, he decided. On one side of the room, a door was open, uncovering what looked to be a coat closet. Jake eyed the clothes hanging on the rusted metal bar that ran the length of the closet. Old man clothes, he decided. There was a hat and a thick tweed coat, also a few assorted flannel shirts. Jake felt cold again and found himself wishing for that warm looking coat.

            Jake groaned suddenly, and tried to lean forward, only to restrained by the rope that held his wrists back. A sharp pain shot through his stomach and Jake felt his bowels contract. What the world? He thought. Then he remembered what Sean had done before he diapered him. What was it he had put in him? Jake shifted his weight around, trying to find a more comfortable position. He felt the need to release his bowels grow considerably with ever second. A second contraction washed over his tired body and he squeezed his cheeks together in a desperate attempt to hold back what was trying to escape. Jake realized he wasn’t breathing, and took a deep breath and looked quickly again around the cabin.

            Just then, the door open and Sean and Terry burst in, dripping rain water over the hardwood floor. Terry set down a large case of beer on the counter.

            “Aw look, he’s awake,” Sean said, walking over to the stove and opening it up. “And we need to put some more wood in here.”

            Jake looked up at Sean desperately as he felt tears well up in his eyes. He did not want to poop his diaper in front of these freaks. He concentrated all his efforts on trying to relax his aching bowels.

            “He looks like he’s in pain,” Terry said, laughing.

            “Ah, the pill doing its work, then?” Sean asked, joining in with Terry’s laughter.

            Jake felt the hot tears roll down his face. Finally it was too much. He felt the pressure suddenly build again. His whole body was gripped in one large muscle contraction. Jake jerked forward fast, stretching the rope that held him back. His mouth was half open as he stared into space and felt his bowels finally release. It was so powerful, Jake almost felt outside his own body, as if his body was a separate entity and Jake was just observing the spectacle. The warm soft excrement shot out and quickly spread around inside the diaper. Jake was straining forward against the rope, mouth open, gasping for air, oblivious to the roars of laughter from Sean and Terry.

            “That is incredible,” Sean chocked out between laughing. “I had no idea it was that powerful.”

            Terry was leaning against the counter, laughing uncontrollably.

            “That’ll teach him not to mess with me!” Sean laughed triumphantly.

            Jake continued to be haunted by the effects for a full five minutes, as wave after wave demanded to be released. When he was finally done, he laid back down, breathing heavily, hot tears streaming down his face. He felt the nasty excrement squish around as he leaned back. He turned to his side and looked through his tear blurred eyes at the too laughing devils, each cracking open a new beer. He closed his eyes and silently cried himself back to sleep.

 

            “Where did Jim go?” Mr. Young yelled at the teachers. A few students had ventured out past the curtained dance floor and were noticing the growing spectacle taking place at the front of their school. They stared on as Mr. Young yelled.

            “Mr. Young, please, keep it down. We don’t want the whole school finding out about this right now. Like we said, Jim left with the rest a little bit ago. Said he was getting some fresh air.”

            “For Christ’s sakes, you guys can’t keep anyone inside. First Sean and Terry, and now Jim.” He slammed his fist down on the table in frustration. The teachers backed away from him. Mr. Young slowly looked up and breathed in deep. “Sorry. Ok, I think I need the fresh air. You guys are doing great, please forgive my anger.” With that, Mr. Young walked briskly out the front door.

 

            Matt, Katie, and Donna sat in Jim’s car, staring out into the dark parking lot. It had started to rain.

            “Ok, I honestly don’t know what to do,” Jim said quietly. “I want to help Jake as much as you, but we need to be realistic about it. We don’t know where he is, so we have no place to go.”

            Jim stopped talking and the car fell silent except for the constant tapping of the rain. Matt started to drum his fingers on the arm rest.

            “Well, I guess we can just sit here then,” Matt said.

            “Wonderful idea,” Katie said sarcastically from the back seat.

            The silence returned. An oppressive silence. Jim shifted around uncomfortably in the driver’s seat.

            “I guess there is something we can do. It’s not much, but it might be a start.”

            “What are you thinking?” Matt asked.

            “Well, I have a friend. He’s an older fellow, used to be on the police force but he’s retired now. He’s kind of, ah, my mentor, I suppose. I’ve known him all my life. A family friend. And I’ve always gone to him when I’ve been really confused and didn’t know what to do. This would be one of those times.”

            “What could he do to help us?” Donna asked.

            “Not much, but he might be able to give us some ideas. He used to be a policeman, so he could help…maybe.”

            “Well, it’s better than nothing. Where does he live?” Matt asked.

            “It’s a weekend, so he’d be out at his lake cabin on Fish Lake. He’s always out there on weekends.”

            “Why?” Katie asked.

            “Not sure really. I think it’s because he needs a break from his wife. They’ve been married a long time, and that’s probably one of the reasons why they have stayed married. He goes out there to keep his sanity.”

            “What does he do out there?”

            “Paints. He’s an artist.”

            “Well, let’s give it a try,” Matt said.

            Jim nodded, then pulled out of the parking lot.

 

            Art sat in his chair in front of the television reading the newspaper. He glanced up at the screen, noting how pointless TV was. The clock on top of the television read 11:00. Art stood up, folding the newspaper and placing it on his chair, then walked over to the window. It had started raining sometime in the last hour.

            “You gonna go fishin’ this weekend?” his wife, Rosie, called from another room.

            “Yeah,” Art replied, his rough voice resonating in the small room. He had a thick Irish accent that had stuck around since his child-hood. He had grown up in Ireland with his grandma. Art had moved to the States when he was 18 to attend college.

            “When ya going?”

            “Dunno. Now, I suppose. Gotta make sure the cabin is closed up so this rain don’t get inside.”

            “Well, you give me a call when you get there, then.”

            “Sure.” Art walked over to the coat rack and removed a coat, hat, and gloves. He stepped into a pair of boots then walked out the door, slamming it behind him. Suddenly, he turned back and opened the door, remembering something.

            “Rosie? You ever talk to the Stewards about their pups?”

            “Yeah, they said we could have one. Got too many running around and want a good home for ‘em.”

            “Sure, I’ll go pick it up tomorrow then.”

            “What’s the dog for again?”

            “That boy I met the other day. I tol’ ya about him, remember? He lost his dog, and I said I’d get him one.”

            “Oh! I forgot. That’s sweet of you.”

            Art scowled, as he always did when he was embarrassed. “Well, I’ll be seeing you then. Sunday afternoon.”

            “Ok, have a good time and don’t forget to call.”

            Art grunted a reply, then stepped back outside into the rain. He got in his car, an old rusted Cadillac, and pulled out of the driveway. He flipped on the radio and leaned back in his seat, relaxing for the drive. He pulled out a pack of Marlboros and slipped a cigarette into his mouth. He lit it and gently breathed in the relaxing toxins. He rarely smoked, but rainy days seemed to beg for it. He slowed the car down to a stop at an empty intersection and looked around at the dark houses. Each house had a life. It was an interesting thought and Art loved to let it run wild in his mind, making up stories for every house he saw. What families lived there? What happened in the families? The laughter, the tears. Such a powerful story, the story of life.

            He wasn’t sure why, but getting that boy a dog had become a mission in his life. He wanted to add some happiness in this stranger’s life. He thought back on his childhood. It wasn’t a good one by any stretch of the imagination. His grandma had been one of those old-guard type, very strict and expecting unbending respect from children. Art remembered very little happy moments from his younger years and if he could add some happiness to another boy’s life, it would somehow make up for the lack in his.

            He had been friends with Jim for quite some time. But Jim was grown now, and was heading off to college. Art’s job was done, and he knew it. This other boy just might be able to fill the void that Jim would leave in his life.

            Art took a long drag on the cigarette and watched the smoke drift out the open window and into the soft glow of the street lights. He pulled out of the intersection and drove toward his cabin.

 

            It was starting to stink in the cabin and Sean and Terry were getting drunk.

            Sean and Terry had been drinking silently for a while. It looked to Terry like Sean was thinking hard and he had decided not to ask him about it. Plus, he was too drunk to really want to think too hard anyways.

            Suddenly, Sean sat up strait, a crazed look in his eyes.

            “What?” Terry asked.            

            “Holy shit.”

            “What?!” Terry said, a little more urgently.

            “We’ve gotta roll, dude. What have we been thinking. We are done if we get caught.”

            “Well, c’mon dude, I thought you knew that. We kidnapped a kid for Christ’s sakes.”

            Sean looked up at the ceiling and let out what sounded like a lion’s roar. “Clean up the empties, Terry, we are getting out of here.”

            “What about him?” Terry asked with a shaking voice, nodding towards Jake.

            Sean looked over at Jake like noticing him for the first time. “How would I know? We just gotta leave, that’s all I know.” Sean started running around collecting the empty beer cans. Terry watched him for a moment, then joined in.

            They got the cabin fairly clean in a minute and Sean headed toward the door.       

            “Let’s go.”

            “You gonna drive?” Terry asked, fear in his eyes.

            “Well, you gonna walk?” Sean yelled, the walked out the door. Terry didn’t give it a second thought and ran out after Sean, leaving the door open behind him.

            Jake had woken up at the sounds of Sean yelling, but had kept silent and still. He watched them leave, then closed his eyes as he felt hot tears roll down his face. He struggled one more time to free himself, found it useless, and submitted himself to the acts of fate to get him out of this situation.

 

            Terry got in the car just as Sean sped out of the dirt lot. He gripped the sides of his seat in terror and leaned back, closing his eyes just to hide from the frightening trees flying past the glare of the headlights.

            Sean shook his head violently, trying to clear his vision. He couldn’t stay focused on any one point. Well, he was just going to have to make do. He made it to the highway and hit the accelerator, spraying gravel as he turned onto the asphalt.

            After a while on the highway, he fell into a sort of zone. He drove on, but he felt his eyes struggling to stay open. He was getting tired. He looked over at Terry and found he was passed out, his head leaning against the window. He stared at him for a while, suddenly having trouble piecing together the different parts to the night. Why was he here in this car all drunk?

            Sean suddenly realized he wasn’t looking at the road and quickly turned his focus back to the front. He saw a tree coming right for the car, approaching with amazing speed. His reflexes took over and he swerved the car back in the direction of the road. The car bounced off the shoulder and back onto the highway. It was then that Sean saw the headlights. He closed his eyes and flinched, gripping the steering wheel in terror as he felt the oncoming car collide with his.

 

            Back at the high school, Mr. Young was running out of patience and ideas. He was talking with the city police chief and the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Unit director.

            “What’s the plan?”

            “Well, we’ve got nearly every unit in the state searching for the vehicles. We really don’t have much to go on here, Sir. So we’re just waiting for a tip, really.”

            “A Tip?! A tip? That could take days!” Mr. Young growled.

            No one said anything.

            “Have we notified the parents?”

            “That’s what’s got to happen,” the FBI agent said. “Mr. Young, why don’t you go coordinate that inside. We’ve got this handled for now.”

            Mr. Young glared at him, not moving.

            “He’s out-of-state, Young. Just do it,” The police chief said gently to Mr. Young.

            Mr. Young gave the agent one last menacing look, then stomped off inside.

            A few minutes later, Mr. Young returned.

            “All taken care of,” He said. “A cruiser is on the way to Jake’s house. I told the officers just to keep the parents there. The officers will stay there and can tell Jake’s parents if anything happens. We’ll bring them in when we need them. Another cruiser is going to make a round and notify Sean and Terry’s parents.”

            “And the others?”

            “Jim and the young ones aren’t technically involved. You know its best not to have crazy parents slowing down the operation. It doesn’t help.”

            The agent nodded. “Thanks, Young.”

            Mr. Young nodded, then started pacing around. He noticed a young police officer running up to the group.

            “Chief, chief. Just got a report,” the young man panted as he ran up to the police chief, the agent, and Mr. Young.

            “Slow down, Gerry. What’s up?”

            “There’s been a vehicle collision out on the Fishlake highway. Some old man found it. One of the vehicles involved fits the description of Jim’s and he swears the other car belongs to his grandson…Sean Harding. Though, he can’t…he can’t, ah, recognize the driver or passenger of that car. They’re too messed up, as he put it.”           
            “Jesus Christ,” Mr. Young breathed.

            “Is there already personnel on the scene?”

            “They’re almost there, sir.”

            The police chief nodded. “Well, folks, let’s roll out there and see what we can find,” he said calmly. He started walking towards his cruiser, the FBI agent and Mr. Young close behind.

            “Gerry, I want five units to go with me,” the chief yelled at the young officer. “Organize it.” He turned to the FBI agent, “You want to bring your crew?”

            The agent shook his head. “I’ll go out, but doesn’t sound like we need all the gear.”

            The chief nodded and got into his car. Mr. Young got in the back and the agent in the passenger side. The chief flipped on the siren, then sped out of the parking lot with five cruisers in tow.

 

            Art was the first one to find the wreck. It was ugly, and Art even briefly considered moving on past it, leaving it for someone else. It sure didn’t look like anything was moving and Art didn’t feel like finding death tonight. But he stopped and it was worse than he thought. He knew who they were.

            He had called it in right away, briefly thankful that his wife had made him get a cell phone a month ago. He gave the location and a description of the cars at the prompting of the operator. He wasn’t sure why they wanted car descriptions, but he complied. They wanted him to stay on the line, but he wanted to go check on the occupants of the cars, so he hung up on the emergency personnel, grabbed a flashlight, and walked slowly over to the smashed cars.

            It was then that he noticed Jim. He felt a sinking feeling in his stomach as he walked over to Jim’s car. He flashed the torch around the inside of the car and saw four kids. He quickly ran over to the driver’s side. He yelled Jim’s name for a moment, but received no response. Finally, he reached down and checked for a heart beat and was flooded with relief when he felt a feeble pulse flow through Jim’s arm.

            The boy in the passenger seat didn’t look too good. The dashboard of the car had been smashed forward, trapping the boy in his seat. Suddenly, the boy moved, leaning his head back and trying to find the source of the light.

            “My God, boy. Are you alright?”

            “I…I don’t know,” Matt mumbled.

            “Well, you don’t try to move, ok? Help is on the way. You’ll be out of this car in no time.”

            Matt looked up at the old man talking to him, trying to focus his vision. Finally, the colliding images focused into one.

            “I know you,” he said.

            Art stepped back, startled. “What’s that?”

            “I…know you,” Matt repeated with trouble. “You were going to give me the new dog.”

            Art stared for a moment, then realized the boy was right. It was the same kid from a few nights ago.

            “Ah, yes. Well, I haven’t forgotten the dog. In fact, I should be getting it tomorrow.”

            “Really?” Matt said, a sliver of a smile creeping onto his face.

            “I wouldn’t lie to ya. I’ll make sure you get it, don’t you worry.”

            “Thank you,” Matt whispered.

            “Now you just rest,” Art said.

            Matt nodded, not bothering to reply.

            Art flashed the light into the back seat of the car and cringed. He saw two girls. They almost looked as if they were sleeping on a long drive, actually leaning against each other, their heads meeting in the middle. Art quickly opened the door and checked their pulses. They both had them, stronger than Jim’s even. Art sighed with relief. Looked like everyone in this car was alive.

            “Now the tough part,” Art whispered. He had intentionally saved the other car for last. He knew it was Sean’s car, and from the looks of it, he knew what he would find would not be good.

            He took a deep breath, then trudged through the gravel over to the car. The driver’s side window had been busted out and Art peaked his head inside, moving his flashlight around on the contents of the inside. He quickly pulled his head back, covering his mouth to try to control his quivering stomach. He’d definitely just lost a grandson. He wasn’t sure who the other boy was, but he didn’t look good either.

            Suddenly, Art found himself angry. He gave the side of Sean’s car a swift kick then walked back over to Jim’s car. He had seen what was inside of Sean’s car. Beer, and lots of it. He knew what was to blame for this. So his worst fears about Sean had come true. Sean’s carelessness had finally hurt someone else, and bad. Art felt like he’d let Sean down. He had tried to help Sean, but Sean wouldn’t listen to him; laughed in his face, in fact.

            Art heard sirens in the distance, and went over to his car and turned on his headlights to mark the spot. He didn’t have to wait long as a fire truck and two ambulances came speeding up to the scene.

           

            Mrs. Sands was getting nervous.

            “Why haven’t they called yet?” she asked out loud.

            “Probably just staying out a little bit later,” Mr. Sands said calmly. He was a bit worried too but figured it wouldn’t help Janet to show it.

            They both jumped when a knock came at the door.

            “They must be home,” Mrs. Sands said. “Must’ve just gotten a ride from someone else.”

            “Wonder why they aren’t just coming in, then,” He said, laying his book on his lap.

            “Well, I’ll go open it,” Mrs. Sands said, getting up off the couch and walking out of the living room.

            Mr. Sands heard her footsteps walk down the hall and the sound of the door opening. He heard the sound of voices, then a moan and a loud thump. He jumped up from his seat and sprinted to the front door.

            He saw his wife leaning against the wall on the ground and two police officers standing on the front porch, illuminated by the porch light.

            “What’s wrong, officers?” He asked, trying his hardest to keep his voice steady.

            “There’s been a kidnapping, Mr. Sands, and you’re son is involved.”

            Rudy felt weak and put out his hand on the wall to steady his shaking body.

            “Involved how?” Rudy asked slowly.

            “He’s missing. Let me assure we, we are doing everything we can. In fact, we are currently working on a tip right now that will conclude this hopefully within the next few hours.”

            Rudy nodded, then reached down to help his wife stand back up.

            “Honey, get up. I need you to help me here.”

            Mrs. Sands looked up at her husband, tears flowing down her face. She nodded, and slowly pulled herself up.

            “We don’t want you to do anything, Mr. Sands. Just stay here. We will stay here too, to keep you updated on what is going on. We’ll just be out in our cruiser.” the officer motioned toward the street. “Come out and get us if you have any questions, and we’ll notify you as soon as something happens.”

            “Who do you think took my son?”

            “Well, some students at the school, actually. We are quite sure your son is safe, sir. We just need to find him.”

            Mr. Sands nodded, then led Mrs. Sands back to the living room, helping her sit on the couch.

            Mr. Sands heard quiet footsteps behind him and quickly turned around, finding Austin standing in the doorway.

            “What’s going on, dad?” Austin asked.

            “We’re not sure, buddy. Something happened to your big brother.”

            Austin’s eyes got big and he ran over to his dad. Mr. Sands picked him up and held him close.

            “Is he ok?” Austin asked.

            “Yes, son, he is. He’ll be back in just a few hours, I promise.”

            Austin nodded.

            “Is mommy ok?”

            Mr. Sands looked down at the couch.

            “Well, are you ok, honey?”

            Mrs. Sands nodded. “I guess if its just kids from his school, they couldn’t have done that much harm. I mean, they’re still kids too, in a way.”

            “I hope so,” Rudy said, then took a seat on the couch next to Janet, placing Austin between them.

           

            Art was feeling useless. He was leaning against the side of his car watching the wreck get cleaned up. He had never seen so many police vehicles at a crash, and he was getting the feeling that something more was going on here. That would explain why the cops had questioned him so hard about another boy. It seems someone else was supposed to be involved.

            But now, no one was talking to him and he knew there was nothing more he could do. Jim and the other three kids had been taken to the hospital in the city. He would have to go there later tonight to check in on them, he knew. But now, he just wanted some quiet time to try and deal with everything he had seen tonight.

            Art finally pushed himself off his car and walked over to the cop who had questioned him.

            “Sir?” he asked.

            Mr. Young turned around. “Yeah.”

            “I think I’m going to leave, if that’s ok. It doesn’t seem like you guys need me anymore.”

            “Um, yeah, that’s probably ok. Is there a number we can reach you at if we have any further questions?”

            “Yes,” Art replied. “You can reach me on my cellular phone.”

            He told the officer the number, then headed back to his car. He wondered where to go. He supposed he could still drop by the cabin briefly before he headed into the hospital. He could sure use a drink of that Bushmills right now. He shuddered at the thought, considering the cause of the horrific scene back there. The cabin for an hour, he decided, then to the hospital.

            Art lit a cigarette then got in his car, slowly pulling past all the flashing lights and onto the open highway.

            A while later, he arrived at the cabin and stopped the car in the usual spot. As he got out of his car, he noticed fresh tire tracks on the wet ground. He looked toward the cabin and saw a thin sliver of smoke drifting out of the chimney. The lights were on and the door was half way open.

            “What the…?” he mumbled to himself, then walked briskly to the cabin door, pushing it the rest of the way open and stepping inside. He immediately covered his nose from the smell.

            “Jeez, smells terrible,” he said out loud. He looked around the cabin and froze when he noticed what was on the couch. He walked quickly over to the couch and knelt at the side of the young boy who was tied there. Art felt the sinking feeling in his stomach for the second time that night.

            He surveyed the boy, mostly naked except for a diaper, which was stained from use. That would explain the smell, he thought to himself. The boy’s chest rose and fell slowly, controlled by the slow rhythm of restful breathing. At least he was a live, Art thought, but who knows what else he went through. Art looked at the boys face and almost started to cry as he noticed the bright streaks from tears that ran down from the closed eyes. And then recognition dawned. This was the other boy who he had talked to the other night. This also must be the boy that the police were looking for. Good God, and in his own cabin too.

            Art reached into his pocket, retrieving his cell phone to call the police. He was about to dial when he had second thoughts. First, the boy. The boy needs to be cleaned up. Who knows how long it would take the police to take care of that, they would be so interested in asking those questions.

            Art got up slowly and walked over to the kitchen area, retrieving a knife. He proceeded to cut off the rope that tied the boy down. When he was finished, he gently shook the boy’s shoulder. The boy didn’t respond. Art shook a bit harder, and the boy groaned and tried to roll over. Art kept his hand firm on the boys shoulder.

            “Son, you awake?”

            Jake heard the voice, but couldn’t understand what it was saying.

            “Son, wake up,”

            There it was again. Jake suddenly opened his eyes and sat up quickly, remembering where he was. He looked around his surroundings, fear plastering his face.

            Art watched the boy, who looked like a scared animal stuck in a cage, and felt hot tears well up in his eyes.

            “Son, its ok. You’re safe now.”

            Jake looked toward the voice and focused his vision. He found a kind looking old man looking at him.

            “W-who are y-y-you?” he stuttered.

            “My name is Art. Remember me? I talked to you and your friend the other night about getting the dog,”

            Jake stared at him for a second, faintly recognizing him.

            “What are you doing here?” Jake asked, his small voice shaking.

            “This is my cabin. What’s your name again, son? Sorry, my memory isn’t as good as it once was.”

            “J-J-Jake.”

            “Ok Jake, you look like you could use a shower. You smell a bit funny,” Art said, forcing himself to smile.

            Jake looked down at the diaper and grimaced, remembering the pain from earlier.

            “Yeah, I’d say so,” he whispered.

            “We need to notify the police, but first I’m going to let you get cleaned up, ok? You got a long night ahead of you.”

            “What happened to, t-t-to Sean and Terry,” Jake asked, almost crying again.

            “You’ll find out soon enough, son. It’s not good. But the main thing is you’re safe now, ok?”

            Jake nodded. For some reason he felt he could trust this man. He looked up into the kind face and felt the stress from this whole crazy night sort of slide off him. He felt himself collapse back onto the couch as crying overtook him.

            Art watched the boy for a moment, shuddering there on the couch, and finally couldn’t hold himself back. He reached down and picked the boy up, holding him close and gently rubbing his back.

            “Go ahead and cry it out, Jake.”

            Art turned and took a seat on the couch, cradling Jake on his lap. Jake wrapped his arms around Art and hid his face in the comforting flannel shirt, not bothering to try and stop crying. He was exhausted emotionally and physically.

            Art didn’t want to, but he couldn’t help himself. He finally let his own tears go. He hadn’t cried in years, but this was too much. He leaned his head down on Jake’s matted hair and cried. He slowly rocked back and forth.

            The two stayed this way for a good ten minutes before Art finally cried the last of his tears. He leaned back and felt better. Jake slowed to a stop too and looked up at Art. Art reached down and wiped the tears from Jake’s face.

            “Feel better now?” Art asked with a smile.

            Jake nodded. “Why were you crying?”

            Art shook his head. “I don’t know, son. I’ve seen too much tonight for even an old man like me to handle.

            “Thanks…thanks for helping me,” Jake said quietly, looking away.

            Art hesitated, then reached around Jake and hugged him again. “You helped me too, son.” Art took a deep breath, then slowly picked Jake up off his lap and stood him up on the ground. He surveyed the boy standing there. For some reason, he looked so young. Maybe it was the diaper, but the boy didn’t look older than ten or eleven.

            “You need to get that diaper off and you need a shower, Jake,” Art said with a smile.

            Jake looked himself over. “Yeah, I guess I do.”

            “Tell you what, I have half a shower in the bathroom you can use.”

            “What’s half a shower?” Jake asked.

            “You’ll find out,” Art said with a smile. “Come on now.”

            Art led Jake by the hand to the bathroom.

            “See, it’s just a shower head here in the bathroom. The water just drains down here in the middle, but there actually isn’t a separate stall.”

            “Yeah, that is half a shower.”

            “There is some soap over on top of the toilet. Make sure to wash yourself good. I’ll get the stove going in here so it’s nice and toasty for ya when ya get out.”

            Jake nodded, “Thanks.”

            “Why don’t you go ahead and get that diaper off now and I’ll take it out to the trash. I don’t want it getting all messy while the shower is on.”

            “Not sure if it can get any more messy,” Jake said with half a smile.

            Art felt relieved. If the boy can smile, he’ll be ok.

            Jake undid the tapes that secured the diaper and it immediately fell down between his legs. He picked it up and carefully handed it to Art, grimacing as he analyzed its contents.

            “Who knew you had that much inside ya,” Art said with a smile.

            Jake giggled, only slightly embarrassed to be standing naked in front of this stranger.

            Art looked over the naked boy. “And I’d say you got quite the clean up job to do. Good luck, son,” Art said with a wink.

            Jake looked down at his body, seeing and feeling the waste caked to his middle. Art stepped outside the bathroom and started to close the door.

            “Art,” Jake said suddenly.

            Art paused and peaked back in the bathroom.

            “Thanks again.”

            “No problem, Jake.”

            Art shut the door. After a second, he heard the water turn on and a loud squeal echoed inside the bathroom. Art chuckled lightly.

            “Cold!” He heard Jake yell.

            “Give it a second,” he called through the door, then turned and took the messy diaper outside to the trash. Back inside, he quickly washed his hands and started to build the fire up in the stove. He went and filled up the kettle with water and placed it on top of the stove. He figured the boy could use some hot-chocolate to relax.

            Soon, the cabin was well heated and Art heard the water turn off in the bathroom. He walked over to the closet and retrieved a large towel. He knocked lightly on the bathroom door.

            “Got a towel for ya, Jake.”

            Art opened the door a bit and handed the towel inside.

            “No such thing as hot water out here, huh?” Jake asked from inside.

            Art laughed. “No, but the cabin’s all warm now and I got some hot-chocolate to help ya warm up.”

            “Oh, I love cocoa,” Jake said as he stepped out of the bathroom, the large towel wrapped around him.

            “Be careful not to get lost in that thing,” Art said with a smile.

            Jake looked down at himself couldn’t help but laugh. He must look funny in this thing. Only his head popped out the top, the rest of his body was covered in the thick towel.

            “Not sure what we’re going to do for clothes, Jake. I think those are yours over there, but they are all wet.” Art motioned toward a pile of clothes lying by the couch.

            Jake nodded. “Yeah, I wet them earlier when I was stuck in the back of the car.”

            Art grimaced. “The trunk of the car, huh,” those bastards, he finished under his breath.

            Jake nodded silently, remembering that part of the night.

            “Its weird, I was never that scared,” Jake said.

            “Well, you’re a brave boy, then, Jake.”

            “I suppose I was scared, actually, when Sean pointed the gun at me. I nearly passed out when he did that.” Jake was speaking slowly, not really looking at anything. Art noticed that his eyes were sort of glazed over.

            “Anyone would be scared with a gun staring at them, Jake. You’re still brave in my book.”

            Jake looked up at Art, who silently nodded.

            “Hey, how about that hot-chocolate?” Art said, trying to get the boy to smile again. “Why don’t you just sit in front of the stove here while I make it.”

            Jake nodded, then went and sat on the couch by the stove, watching Art move around the cabin fixing the cocoa. After a bit, he handed Jake a steaming mug. Jake took a sip and savored the sweet flavor in his mouth.

            “It’s good cocoa. Thank you.”

            Art sat down next to Jake with his own mug. “You’re welcome, Jake.”

            The two sat silently for a minute.

            Jake had a million questions flying around in his head and he was bursting to ask them, but he wasn’t sure if Art wanted to answer a bunch of questions. Jake never really liked older people, but Art seemed to be different. Special, in a way.

            “Something on your mind, Jake?”

            Jake laughed sarcastically, in spite of his respect for Art.

            “Sorry,” Art said quietly, “I know you do. I just want you to know that you can tell me.”

            Jake immediately felt bad. “I know. It’s just that…”

            “What?”

            “There is so much in my head, I don’t even know where to begin.”

            “Choose anywhere. It will all flow from there.”

            “Can I ask you a question,” Jake asked, looking up at Art.

            “Sure, Jake, anything.”

            “Well, a bunch of questions,” Jake smiled lightly, then began. Who’s cabin was this? Why did Art come out here? Why did Sean come out here? What was Art’s connection with Sean? Why was Sean so mean? What had happened to Sean?

            Art answered all the best he could except the last. He wasn’t sure if Jake was ready to find out about the wreck. Jake could tell something was wrong when Art sat silently instead of answering.

            “They were drunk,” Art said finally.

            “Yeah, they were,” Jake agreed quietly.

            “And they drove.”

            “I heard them drive away, yeah.”

            “Before I came out here, I found a car wreck a few miles down the road.”

            “Sean?”

            Art paused. “Sean, yes. And Terry. And another car.”

            “Oh,” Jake said. “Were they ok?”

            Art was relieved Jake hadn’t asked about the other car. “Everyone in the other car survived. Sean and Terry weren’t so lucky.”

            “You mean they…t-they died?” Jake asked, his voice shaking again.

            Art just nodded.

            “I’m sorry,” Jake said.

            “Why? They hurt you,” Art replied.

            “Well, Sean was your grandson. That can’t have been easy to find him.”

            Art sat quietly for a moment, sad about Sean but also amazed at the intelligence of Jake.

            “He was my grandson, Jake. And I’ll miss him, I suppose. But we were never close. I’m not close with his father either. I’ll go to the funeral and all, but to tell you the truth, I’m not devastated. Sad, yes. I wish we could have had a different relationship. But we didn’t, and that is that.”

            Jake felt sorry for Art. Jake hoped when he was old, he would be close with his grandson. On a whim, Jake suddenly leaned against Art. Art reached his arm around Jake and pulled him in close.

            “There is something else you should know, Jake,” Art said slowly.

            “What?” Jake replied quietly, closing his eyes as he relaxed in Art’s arm.

            “I know Jim.”

            “Jim? The one that goes to my school?”

            “Yeah, that’s the one.” Art paused, wondering how to go on. “Who was that other boy with you a few nights ago?”   

            “Matt.”

            “Right. Well, Jake, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you need to know. Jim and Matt were in the car that Sean hit.”

            Art felt Jake tighten up.

            “Are they ok?”

            “Kind of. Matt was awake when I got there. But I fear he is going to need some surgery. He didn’t look too good. Jim was passed out, but alive. There were also two girls in the back. I’m not sure who they were.”

            “Katie and Donna, probably,” Jake whispered, his voice shaking.

            “They were also alive, but passed out. They all got transported to the hospital. We can go to see them later tonight if the police will let you.”

            Jake was having trouble comprehending what Art had just told him. Why were Matt and Jim and the girls out on this highway? They must have been coming to save me, Jake decided.

            “You ok, Jake?” Art asked softly.

            “I guess. I’m more worried about my friends then myself now.”

            Art gave him a squeeze. “That just shows how good you are Jake. I think its time now.”

            “Time for what?”

            “Time to call the police. They were looking for another person at the wreck, and I think that was you. They said you might have been with Sean.”

            Jake shuddered at the thought of being in the car with them at the time with the wreck.

            Art pulled out the cell phone and made the call. He gave them the directions to the cabin then hung up.

            “Get ready for a sensory overload, Jake,” Art said. “You should get some clothes on before they get here.”

            Jake nodded.

            “Not sure what you’re going to wear though,” Art said slowly, looking around the cabin. “I could fit you out in some of my extra pants and suspenders, but you’d be quite the sight.”

            Despite how he was feeling, Jake giggled at the image that made in his head.

            Art walked over to the closet and started rummaging around.

            “Ah ha!” he said suddenly.

            “What?” Jake asked, watching from the couch.

            “I think I found something. I forgot about the box that was left here when I bought the cabin. It has a bunch of old clothes in it. We might find something that will fit you.”

            Jake shrugged. “It’s worth a try.”

            Art reached up to the top of the closet and pulled down a large box. He brought it over to the couch and set it down. He opened it up and started pulling out items.

            “Well, let’s see. An old dress. How about that,” Art said with a wink.

            Jake laughed lightly, “Anything else?”

            “Picky, are we?” Art said with a laugh. He dug around in the box for a while and finally pulled out a pair of worn jeans. He held them up.

            “These will probably work. Might be a bit big, but they’ll do for now.”

            Jake nodded. Art tossed him the pants and a flannel button down shirt that had been at the top of the box.

            Jake looked over to the bathroom. “Should I change in there?”

            “If ya want. It’ll be a bit cold and wet though.”

            Jake shivered at the thought.

            “I’ll go wash our mugs while you change by here, ok?”

            “Sure,” Jake said.

            Art collected the two mugs and the pot of water and walked over the sink. He whistled softly while he washed the dishes. Jake watched him for a moment, the stood up, letting the towel fall to the ground. He pulled on the jeans, zipping and buttoning them up. They felt weird with no underwear on, but they’d do. He put on the shirt, then walked over to Art.

            “There, how do I look?” Jake asked with a smile.

            Art looked over at him and smiled. “You look like I did when I was a boy,” he said softly.

            Jake suddenly remembered a question he had been wanted to ask.

            “What sort of accent do you have?”

            “Irish, me laddy,” Art said, putting on an even thicker accent.

            Jake laughed. “It sounds cool. Is that where you’re from? Ireland, I mean.”

            “That was a long time ago, but yes.”

            “Why’d you come over here?

            “Well, for a lot of reasons, but mainly, I had too many bad memories hiding away on that island.”

            “Like what?”

            “Well, besides my bitch of a grandma…” Art said with a wink.

            Jake laughed at the forced joke, but could tell there was more.

            “Is that all?”

            Art set the clean mugs down on the counter, then turned slowly toward Jake.

            “No, that’s not all. Let’s go sit on the couch and I’ll tell you the story while we wait for the coppers.”

            They walked over toward the couch and took a seat. Art leaned back and prepared himself to speak of something he hadn’t let himself think of in years. Before he could begin, though, Jake nudged him.

            “Art?”

            “Yes, Jake?”

            “Uh, could I, maybe, uh…”

            Art smiled. “Spit it out, son.”

            Jake looked away, trying to hide his embarrassment. “Could I sit on your lap?”

            Art’s face softened. “Of course, son.” He reached over and picked Jake up and set him down on his lap. He reclined on the couch and let Jake lean against his shoulder.

            “Tonight was not the first time I’ve seen death,” he began. “A long time ago, when I was a child, a little younger than you.” He paused here. “Well, how old are you?”

            “Fourteen,” Jake replied.

            “Hmm, well, when I was eight I lost my parents. Have you ever heard of the IRA?”

            “I think so. That’s the terrorists in Ireland, right?”

            Art laughed lightly. “Terrorists…I suppose. There is more to it than that. But we’ll save that for another time. Well, I was living in Belfast at the time with my parents in a small apartment in the city. At this time, tensions were pretty high between the IRA and the Brits.”

            “The Brits?” Jake asked.

            “The British occupiers. They claimed Northern Ireland as their own. The IRA wanted them out. Anyways, those details aren’t that important. On a particular Tuesday afternoon one summer, a few dozen IRA soldiers decided to attack a British outpost in Belfast. My parents and I happened to be returning from the market when the attack happened. My parents were caught in the cross fire. Both shot and killed right there in front of my own eyes. The only reason I survived was of this old man. He saw me standing dazed in the middle of the street staring at my parents. Well, he ran out to and tried to grab me and bring me to safety. Unfortunately, he too was shot. As he was going down, he reached out and grabbed me and pulled me under him. I had tried to struggle and get out from under him. But he held me there and whispered in my ear as he was dieing. He told me to stay under him until the shooting stopped, then I could go. I was so scared I didn’t even think of doing anything else. Well, he died, right there on top of me. But I stayed. It was the longest two hours of my life. I don’t think I’ve ever been that cold as I was then. Finally, the shooting stopped and things quieted down. I got out from under the old man just in time to see the Brits load my parents into a truck full of bodies and drive away.

            “I lived for a few weeks by myself, living off of what we had in our apartment, but eventually I ran out of food. I started steeling food to feed myself and, as is to be expected, got caught. They sent me to my grandma and I lived with her until I was 18. Then I hightailed it out of Ireland and started my life over here in the US. And well, I guess that’s my story.”

            “Is that why you helped me? Cause of that old man that helped you?” Jake asked quietly.

            Art didn’t respond right away. Instead he gently ruffled Jake’s hair. After a moment, he spoke. “You’re not the only boy I’ve tried to help. You know Jim?”

            “Yeah.”

            “Jim and I have been good friends for quiet a while. You’ll have to ask him about it sometime.”

            “I will.”

            “I think…I think it’s just that every time I see a boy in trouble, I see myself. And I know I probably would’ve died if it weren’t for that kind old man. So I suppose I owe it to all the boys I know that need help…to help them. Everyone has a reason for living, Jake, and I think that’s mine.”

            “If you don’t mind me saying,” Jake said slowly, “I think it’s noble of you.”

            Art hugged Jake close. “Well, it’s nice to know I have your support.”

            “You still gonna get that dog for Matt?”

            “Oh yes. Have it all set up, just need to pick it up and deliver it to…Matt? That’s his name, right?”

            “Yeah, Matt. My best friend.”

            “Good, good. Yep, he should have it in a day or two.”

            “After tonight…and the…the wreck. I suppose he’ll need the dog’s company.”

            “I think so. He’ll need you too, Jake. You’ve been through a lot tonight, but Matt’s gonna need your help.”

            Jake just nodded. He could hear sirens in the distance, getting closer every second.

            “Well, here they come. Get ready for the questions. Be honest.” Art set Jake down on the couch. “I’d better go meet them.”

            Art started to head for the door.

            “Art,” Jake said.

            Art paused. “Yes?”

            “I’m going to see you again after tonight, right?”

            “Of course, son. Of course. I live right by you, actually, so anytime you need help, or just someone to talk to, you stop by.”

            With that, Art turned and walked out the door. Jake sat forward on the couch and rested his head on his hands, trying to prepare his tired body for what was about to happen.

 

            The next afternoon, Jake walked through the front doors of the hospital and up to the receptionist’s desk.

            “Matt Turner’s room, please.” He asked the kind looking lady sitting behind the desk.

            The lady typed into her computer for a second, then looked down at Jake. “You a friend of his?”

            “Yeah,” Jake said, nervously tapping his toes. He was scared. His parents had told him Matt was ok, considering the circumstances, but Jake was still afraid what he would find.

            “You alone?”

            “Yeah,” Jake replied. His parents hadn’t wanted to leave him, but he told them he needed to talk with Matt alone. He wasn’t ready to tell his parents everything that had happened and he wanted to have an honest talk with Matt. So his parents just went for an earlier dinner and would pick Jake up when he called.

            “Room 319,” the nurse finally said.

            “Thanks,” Jake mumbled, the walked off toward the elevator. When he reached the third floor, he searched around for a bit and found Matt’s room relatively easily. Standing outside the door to room 319, he took a deep breath and ran his fingers through his hair. It was getting long, he would have to cut it soon. Jake calmed his nerves as much as possible, then stepped into the room, closing the door carefully behind him.

            Matt was asleep in his bed. He had one leg in a cast, which was raised above his body. The rest of him was clumsily covered with a thin blanket.

            Jake walked quietly over to the bed, not wanted to wake Matt. He took a seat in the chair next to the bed and turned to look out the window.

            “You going to say hello?”

            Jake jumped and turned around quickly.

            “Didn’t know you were awake. You nearly scared the piss out of me.”

            Matt smiled. “Thanks for coming.”

            “It’s the least I could do. How are you?” Jake asked, genuine concern marking his face.

            “Relax, Jake, I’m fine.”

            “Well, your leg…”

            “…is broken. That will heal though.”

            Jake nodded. “Anything else?”

            “Yeah, a bit. Rather ironic, actually.”

            Jake looked at him quizzically.

            “Well, apparently, when the front of the car pinned me, I got bruised up pretty bad. Bruised my bladder, or so they tell me. Can’t tell with this tube in me.” Matt gestured down underneath the blanket. “The short of it is, I’m going to have to wear ‘protection’ for a month or so after I get out of this hell hole.”

            Jake didn’t quite know what to say, so he took the safe way out. “I’m sorry.”

            Matt laughed softly. “You don’t find that ironic at all?”

            “How so?” Jake said, confused.

            “Remember the secret I told you a while ago about liking…liking, ah, diapers?”

            “Of course.” Jake sat silently for a second, then slowly started to nod his head and a smile barely crossed his face. “Ok, I get it. Wasn’t sure what you meant by protection. So, good for you, I guess?”

            “Meh,” Matt shrugged. “Guess I won’t mind it that much.” Matt winked at Jake.

            Jake laughed for a moment then fell silent. “Matt, we need to talk.”

            Matt laid back down and closed his eyes. “Yeah, we do.”

            “You go first, tell me everything that happened last night,” Jake said slowly.

            So Matt did. The whole drama at the school, them driving out to Jim’s friend’s cabin, the crash.

            “I don’t remember much after that. Except for one thing.”

            “What’s that?”

            “You know that man we ran into a few nights ago that promised me that dog?”

            Jake smiled. “Yeah, I do.”

            “Well, he was the one that found us.”

            Jake nodded slowly, “That makes sense.”

            “Huh?” Matt asked.

            “Tell you in a second. What about the man?”

            “Nothing, I suppose. Except that he said he still was going to give me the dog. I can’t wait,” Matt finished with a smile.

            “It will be cool, huh. Having a dog again.”

            “Yeah,” Matt said softly. “Well, your turn.”

            “Ok.” Jake took a deep breath, “well, I was making out with Donna on the lawn.”

            “What?” Matt said, laughing. “You got a piece of Donna! Congrats.”

            “It was not a ‘piece’. C’mon, Matt.”

            That just made Matt laugh harder. Jake finally shook his head and smiled. “But she did taste good, I suppose. Hey, speaking of Donna, how is she? I heard…”

            “Yeah, they were in the back. Luckily, both Donna and Katie are alright. They were actually sent home last night. They just got knocked unconscious so you’ll be able to kiss her again soon,” Matt said with a wink.

            Jake sat back relieved. He had been worried about that.

            “Well, continue. After the smooching…”

            So Jake continued: the trunk, the gun and rope, the cabin, the diaper, the drinking, Art, and, finally, the police. But he left out most what happened when Art had rescued him. For some reason he wanted to keep that part to himself. He felt it was special, in a way. He had never felt the way he had with Art, and he wanted that feeling to stay his secret. Anyways, he was sure Matt would get to know Art real soon, so he could find out for himself.

            Matt looked sympathetically at Jake when he was done. “I’m sorry that all happened to you, Jake. We tried our best to save you, but…” Matt just gestured to his leg and the room.

            “I know, Matt. Believe me, I’m eternally gratefully for what you did. If I can ever repay, I will,” Jake said.

            “We’re best friends, Jake. You’d do the same, I’m sure.”

            Jake nodded.

            A nurse poked her head in the room. “Matt, you’ve got another visitor,” she said with a smile.

            “Send ‘em in, by all means,” Matt said with a wink towards the nurse.

            “Hitting on the nurses, eh?” Jake whispered to Matt after the nurse left.

            Matt smiled. “Gotta keep myself busy.”

            “Can I come in?” a deep voice with a thick Irish accent said from the door.

            Jake immediately looked up and almost ran to the door, but he stayed seated, not wanting to take the moment away from Matt. Art stood in the doorway, a big grin on his face. He was holding a leash which was connected to a small puppy who was sitting on his haunches nervously eyeing the room.

            “You’re here?” Matt said, hardly believing his eyes.

            “I told ya I’d bring the dog, didn’t I?” Art said with a smile. He bent down and picked up the puppy and brought it over to Matt. He leaned down and set it next to Matt, giving Jake a wink on the way down.

            Matt fell silent and gently picked up the puppy. He leaned in to inspect it and the puppy immediately gave Matt a big lick on his face. Matt pulled back, laughing.

            “I think he likes ya,” Art said, taking a seat in the other chair.

            “Thank you,” Matt whispered.

            “Aw, I think the owners are the ones that want to thank you. They had so many of these things, they were trying their best to get rid of them. They’re glad at least one made it to a good owner,” Art said. “I’m Art, by the way. You’re Matt, right?”

            Matt nodded and held out his hand. Art leaned forward and shook it gently.

            Just then the nurse poked her head in again. “Sorry about this, Matt, but visiting hours are over.”

            “Aw,” Matt whined.

            “No ‘aws’, Matt, they’ve gotta go,” the nurse said, gesturing towards Jake and Art.

            Art stood up and took the puppy from Matt. “Good seeing you again, Matt. I’ll visit you again soon and bring her back.” Art nodded at the puppy in his arms. “I’ll let ya keep her when you get out, ok?”

            Matt nodded. “Thanks.”

            Jake walked over to Matt and patted his shoulder. “I’ll try to come in tomorrow if I can.”

            “No need,” Matt said.

            “Naw, I want to, you being my best friend and all. Have fun with the nurse,” Jake said with a smile.

            “That I can do. See you guys.” Matt said, laughing.

            “See you then,” Jake said as he walked toward the door with Art.

            “Jake,” Matt called to the door.

            Jake paused, then turned around.

            “Yeah?”

            “Just wanted to say that I’m glad you’re ok. I was…I was worried. You gave us all a good scare.”

            Suddenly, Jake felt like crying. He quickly coughed, trying to cover his feelings. He looked toward Matt and found he couldn’t make his voice work. He wanted to say something, but decided he’d just have to give Matt a hug to show how he felt. Jake walked over to Matt and gingerly gave Matt a hug.

            Matt saw the tears in Jake’s eyes and gave him a comforting pat on the back. “You get going now, dude, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

            Jake nodded and hurried out the door.

            Art was waiting in the hallway. He put his arm around Jake and the two of them headed for the elevator.

            “I checked on Jim,” Art said as they stepped in.

            “Yeah? How is he?” Jake choked out.

            “Ok, considering. He broke a few ribs and actually stayed unconscious until this morning. The docs say he is fine, though.”

            Jake nodded. “I’ll have to visit him tomorrow.”

            “He’d appreciate it,” Art said.

            They rode in silence until the doors opened with a ding. They walked through the lobby and toward the door. They stepped out of the building and into the gathering dusk.

            “I’m glad it’s over,” Jake said.

            Art patted him on the back. “If nothing else, it makes for a great story.”

            “I suppose.”

            Art and Jake rounded the corner of the building and stopped cold. A brilliant sunset flooded the sky. Bright pink clouds shimmered in the orange sky.

            “Would ya look at that,” Art breathed.

            “Beautiful,” Jake quietly.

            “Ain’t it?”

            They stood silently for a few minutes, just enjoying the show. The puppy didn’t seem to find much interest in the spectacular of color, though, and started running around and tugging on the leash.

            “Well, I guess the girl wants to go. I gotta get home anyways, ‘fore the wife locks me out for the night.”

            Jake laughed. “See ya soon, Art.”

            “I’ll look forward to it,” Art said and started walking down the sidewalk. Jake watched them walk away, Art and the puppy silhouetted by the sunset. The puppy was still hopping around and kept bouncing against Art’s leg.

            Jake laughed and was about to head back to the front stairs to wait for his parents when a car pulled up to the curb.

            Rudy leaned his head out the window, “You want a ride?”

            Jake smiled. “Sure.”

            He ran over to the car and climbed in the back seat. Austin was sitting in back already and scooted over to make room for Jake.

            “Where’d we pick up this guy?” Jake asked, giving Austin a wink and giving him a gentle noogie.

            “Who?” Rudy asked, glancing back from the front seat. “Who’s that? Sweetheart, do we know this fella in the back seat,” Rudy said to Janet.

            “Hey, you know me, dad,” Austin pouted, crossing his arms.

            “Nope, never met you in my life. But I suppose we have room for one more kid.”

            “Rudy!” Mrs. Sands warned with a half smile. “We went back and got Austin while you were with Matt. I don’t want to cook tonight so we’re going out for dinner.”

            Jake put his arm around Austin and pulled him close. “Glad you came along, lil’ bro,” he said.

            Austin leaned back and snuggled against his big brother’s shoulder.

            “Where’s Sarah?” Jake asked his mom.

            “Working. She wanted to come, but I told her you wouldn’t mind,” Mrs. Sands replied.

            “Why would I mind if she couldn’t make it?”

            “Well, you know…last night and all,” Mrs. Sands said slowly.

            “Mom, while I do appreciate it, the sooner you guys can forget that you are ‘supposed’ to be worried about my mental condition after last night, the better. The extra attention is killing me.”

            Mrs. Sands reached back and patted her son’s knee. “Cant help it honey, we love you.”

            “I love you all too,” Jake said softly.

            Mr. Sands looked into the rearview mirror and gave Jake a smile. “What do my dependents want for dinner?”

            “Pizza!” Austin yelled.

            “Pizza it is. How about this, Austin, you and I will have an eating contest. Whoever eats the least amount of slices pays.”

            “You’re on!” Austin said excitedly. “Last time I had pizza at school, I ate 3 pieces.”

            “Hate to break it to you, buddy, but dad could eat five times that much,” Jake said with a smile.

            “How much is that?” Austin asked.

            “A lot,” Mrs. Sands said.

            “Well, I suppose if they run out of pizza, I could always eat Austin,” Rudy said.

            “Nooooo!” Austin screamed.

            “Fine then, Jake will have to do,” Mr. Sands mused.

            “Rudy, seriously,” Mrs. Sands said. “You’re scaring Austin.”

            “Hey, you’d eat them too. Kids taste good and I’ve seen how you get when you get hungry,” Rudy said, winking back at Jake.

            Jake laughed softly. He leaned back in his seat and stared out the window, happily listening to his family poke fun at each other as he watched the last glow of the sunset fade away.

           

            A few weeks later, Jake and Matt were walking home from school. Jake walked slowly so Matt could keep up with his crutches.

            “When do you get the cast off?” Jake asked.

            “Another month, or so I hear.”

            “Chicks dig it though,” Jake said. “I see them all crowding around, babying you and such.

            Matt laughed. “Ain’t nothing wrong with that. Speaking of chicks, how are things with you and Donna?”

            Jake shrugged. “Dunno. We watched a movie last night.”

            “Aw, that’s cute,” Matt said, giving Jake a soft punch.

            Jake shook his head and smiled. “Something like that. Did you hear about Jim?”

            “About him missing the rest of the cross country season?”

            “Yeah. Bet he’s bummed about that.”

            “Probably. He’ll be able to handle it though, knowing Jim.”

            “Yeah.” They two walked silently for a few minutes. Neither of them wanted to bring up the next logical topic: Sean and Terry. There had been a memorial service for them today, but word on the street was not many had shown up. Jake thought that was sad, but understandable. He sure didn’t go.

            “So, you sick of those diapers yet?” Jake asked, breaking the silence.

            Matt smiled, glancing over at Jake. “Heck no.”

            “You’re weird,” Jake joked.

            “Whatever, you know you liked them too.”

            “True, I suppose. But not as much as you.”

            “Fair enough,” Matt said.

            “Oh yeah, how’s the dog adjusting?” Jake asked.

            “Good. She loves the property,” Matt replied.

            “You name her yet?”

            “Yeah. Lacy.”

            “Lacy?”

            “Yeah. What?”

            “That’s such a terrible name.”

            Matt glared at Jake.

            “Hey Jake? You growing? You seem taller?”

            “Really?” Jake replied, a little embarrassed with the excitement he showed.

            Matt looked him over. “Ah, never mind, I was confused. I forgot I have to lean down to use these crutches. Made an optical illusion.”

            Jake playfully gave Matt’s crutches a kick.

            “Hey, not fair!” Matt said with a smile. “Anyways, you’re so cute the way you are, all small and such. You’re like my little brother.”

            “Only problem with that is I’m infinitely more intelligent than you,” Jake replied.

            “Believe what you want, I suppose. Aw, I’m just kidding you, you know that.”

            Jake smiled. “I know.” He paused for a moment. “But, that doesn’t change the fact that Lacy is a terrible name for a dog.”

            Matt laughed. “Fine, you can call her what ever you want when you come over.”

            “Now that’s more like the nice and courteous Matt I know,” Jake said, giving Matt a pat on the back. They fell silent, both enjoying the warm day. Jake was looking forward to the weekend. He was spending the night at Matt’s tonight and Saturday he was supposed to go on a date with Donna. His experiences last month had changed his outlook on life. He appreciated what he had a whole lot more now. His family, his friends, that old man named Art. Jake was happy and life was good, indeed.