Another Chance

Disclaimer: This story is fiction. Some of the things that happened or will happen with Jim are inspired by bits and pieces of my life. The character of Joe was inspired by a very, very dear friend who I love with all my heart. Parts of both characters are fictional as well. All other characters were made up and any similarities are just coincidental. This is gay romance between teenage boys, there may be sex, but for the most part, it's their true love of each other so if that offends you, please discontinue reading. Also, if it is illegal for you to read such material, you have been warned. Continual reading could cause a knock at your door. And you can always contact me at zarek@roadrunner.com mailto:zarek@roadrunner.com with suggestions or concerns. Thoughts and suggestion are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible.

I hope you're enjoying it so far and that the story draws you in wanting more. Some people have noticed that this story was "inspired" by another story, a great story, here on Nifty, "Riding Lessons" by Andrew Todd. I hope I don't step on anyone's toes and you give this story a chance. While there may be some similarities, I believe there will be enough differences as well. Mr. Todd was given my rough draft before I made my first submission. He was flattered by the fact I like his story and wanted to refer to it. He's also flattered by those who wrote him to "warn" him about this one. All I can say is, I'm glad you are loyal to him and I hope any references I use do his story justice. If you feel that I let his story down in any way, shape or form, please call my attention to where I did.

Unless someone expresses a concern over the longer chapters, I'll try to continue with them at this length. Still need someone to ask Dusty where I can go invest some stock in tissues.

AND, if you enjoy the stories on Nifty.org, please give a donation to help cover their expenses. While the site is currently free, only donations from loyal fans can help keep it that way. Any amount will help.

Another Chance

Chapter 23

In school, Joe started getting love notes in his locker. He accused Jim of doing it, but Jim denied it. Joe even asked for Jim's homework so he could compare the writing. When he knew it wasn't Jim, he went to Zac next. The notes were left every day, sometimes twice a day. Joe had no idea who had been sending them.

Vince Abrams was busy at the ranch. He made some suggestions to Jackson to which Jackson told him to take whatever steps were necessary. Security that Jackson had before was basically a service that came out when there were normally no ranch hands around. Jackson said that he would discontinue that service when ready and told Vince to hire his own, however many he needed. Vince started making calls to fellow soldiers he knew who were no longer serving and needed a job.

"So, what are you thinking?" Jackson asked him.

"Well, during the night, Security just needs to be security. I'd like the uniforms to be black military style BDUs. During the day, I want security officers around, but not so easily spotted," Vince said.

"When I worked at Second Chance, Sarge had the security officers work as ranch hands as well. Is that what you're thinking?" Jackson asked.

"Yes, but I want the actual hands to be able to tell without it being obvious to just anybody," Vince said.

"Well, I could order special shirts that are identical but blend with what the hands wear. Some people might notice the identical shirts, but only the really observant ones. And when you're ready to go full swing with security, we can have a staff meeting. Closest I've had to that is the Christmas party."

"Shirts might work. Are we talking like a t-shirt or a button up?" Vince said. Jackson and Vince continued talking about plans for Security. Over the next two weeks Vince needed to talk to each person he had called and find out who would be better as overnight and who would be able to be ranch hands.

Jackson also discussed the fact that he would be hiring a couple of people to work this ranch to replace the ones heading to help with the rescue as well as maybe another person or two for the rescue once he got it rolling.

As the end of January was nearing, the new house and office were completed. Jackson and Ryan started moving in. Vince had been conducting the interviews and had most of his security team planned.

Saturday, Jim and Zac were a little surprised when the first lesson that Vince gave them was how to properly clean their firearms. He told them that since the firearms have never been cleaned or fired, they would need to be cleaned of anything from being shipped to the gun store. Also, once they started firing them, they would need cleaning after use. Since Joe didn't have anywhere else to be at the time, he sat in on the lessons. He also helped clean the weapons.

When the boys got home, their mothers asked what they learned. "How to clean the pistols and rifles. Hope you don't mind, but I got to help," Joe said.

"No, I don't mind at all. Be good for you to learn. Once your adoption is finalized, we'll possibly get you a rifle and pistol, too," Mrs. Bolt said. Joe smiled.

Monday, Joe found another note in his locker. He showed it to Jim. "Dude, either this note was written by a guy or some girl is trying to disguise her hand writing."

"Any idea who?" Joe asked.

"No idea. Only two people in this school that I know are gay and one bi. You and Zac, and then myself. Though since I met Zac, I might as well just claim to be gay. He's the only one I'm interested in," Jim stated.

"Why does it have to be so hard?" Joe asked.

"Unfortunately, there are too many people like Alejandro in this world, or Spermy," Jim said.

"Who is Spermy?" Joe asked.

"I decided that the way your dad has treated you, he was basically just a sperm donor. Hence, his new name is Spermy, as far as I'm concerned," Jim explained.

Joe smiled and said that he liked the name. Dusty walked up to them. "Valentine's Day is approaching, you and Zac have any plans?"

"Not that I know of. It's a Friday this year, so we might go out," Jim said.

"What about you, Joe? Have you found anyone yet?" Dusty asked.

"No, but someone keeps leaving these in my locker," Joe said showing the note. "Wasn't you was it?"

"I wouldn't do that," Dusty stated.

"Joe does have someone that he's interested in," Jim started.

"Don't you dare say any more!" Joe warned.

"Who are you interested in? I promise, I won't laugh," Dusty said.

"Thanks, Jim!" Joe said and headed for homeroom.

Jim walked in and headed for his seat. He looked at Joe and said, "Didn't mean to make you mad, Bro. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything."

"I'll forgive you this time," Joe said, then smiled. Jim liked seeing Joe smile. Joe has a great smile.

Before they went to the cafeteria for lunch, Joe went to put his books in his locker. He found another note. This one read, "You are so cute, like a teddy bear. I'd love to cuddle with you." Joe looked around, he didn't see anyone that looked suspicious. He did see Jim closing his locker, but knew it wasn't him. Jim walked over to Joe.

"Ready for lunch? I'm buying as my way of apologizing," Jim said. Joe showed him the note. Jim said, "Whoever wrote it is right. You are cute like a teddy bear. Heck, if I weren't dating Zac, I'd want to date you."

"With Mom adopting me, though, that would be weird," Joe chuckled.

"True, but whoever you end up dating better consider themselves dang lucky."

They went to the cafeteria and got their lunches. Jim saw Dusty and Cheyenne just sitting down and went to join them. Joe followed. As they got to the table Dusty looked at Jim. "What took so long, Dude, you're usually here with me, not after?"

Jim looked at Joe. "I got another note," Joe said. Dusty smile. "You know who it is, don't you?"

"I might, but I'm not sure. The handwriting does look familiar, though," Dusty said.

"Who is it?" Joe demanded.

"Won't say in case I'm wrong. I can ask who I think it is to find out," Dusty offered.

"It's not Cheyenne is it? Are you playing a joke on me?" Joe asked.

"What?" Cheyenne said when she heard her name.

"No, it's not Cheyenne. Want me to ask him?" Dusty said.

"No, I'd be embarrassed." Joe told him.

About that time Zac came over. "Embarrassed about what?"

"Never mind. Jim can tell you on the way home," Joe replied.

"Nope, Dusty and I are going to martial art class tonight. Be the two of you heading home." Jim stated.

After school, Jim got in the backseat of Dusty's car until they dropped Cheyenne off. As they pulled away and headed for the dojo, Jim looked at Dusty. "So, who do you think is writing the notes?"

"Not saying, I could be wrong. Who does Joe have a crush on?" Dusty asked turning the tables.

"Not my place to say, and I promised him that I wouldn't." Jim responded.

"Fair enough, can't blame you for keeping a promise. I have my suspicions, and if I'm correct, they are the same person. DANG!" Dusty suddenly exclaimed.

"What? You forget something?" Jim asked.

"Yea, I was going to ask Zac if the two of you had plans for Valentine's. I'm throwing a party and invited several people from our classes. I'm hoping that the two of you and Joe come," Dusty stated pulling into the dojo lot.

"Well, I'll ask Zac and if we don't have plans, expect us," Jim said getting out of the car.

After training, Dusty dropped Jim off. He was walking in the door as his mom was putting supper on the table. He set his book bag down by the steps and sat down. Mrs. Bolt looked at Jim. "Got a phone call today. Was told that your grades are slipping in Algebra."

"What? My grades aren't slipping," Jim said.

"I was told that instead of an A plus, you're only getting an A." Mrs. Bolt said. Joe noticed that she was trying to keep a straight face, but Jim was surprised by the accusation and didn't notice.

"I've gotten hundreds on all my homework and the last test we took, I didn't miss any and even got the extra credit correct," Jim said defending himself. Joe started cracking up.

"Bro, if you saw the look on her face as she was telling you, you'd have known she was pulling your leg." Joe said as he giggled.

"Joe's right. Only thing I've been hearing from any of your teachers or Mr. Duncan is how good you are doing. I just couldn't help myself." Mrs. Bolt said as she smiled at Jim.

Jim looked at his mom. "You are definitely my mom. Sounds like something I would do. At least I get it honest."

"I would hope I'm your mom. I went through a thousand hours of labor having you."

"You do realize that would have put you in labor almost forty-two days, right? I don't think I would have waited that long to come out." Jim said.

"Ok, I was really only in labor for six hours, but boy did it feel longer. Then when they placed this handsome baby boy in my arms, it was love at first sight."

"He was handsome as a baby? What happened?" Joe kidded.

"What do you mean, what happened?" Jim asked. Joe just laughed. "Sure you only gave birth to one son, Mom?"

After dinner, Jim started doing his homework. Joe pulled his out, too. "Mom said that I could wait until you did yours," Joe explained.

"Doesn't surprise me. We have a cool mom." Jim said. Joe agreed. "Valentine's Day, Dusty is having a party. Don't know if Zac already has plans, but if not, we'll probably be going. Dusty said you're invited, too."

"Is it a couples' party?" Joe asked.

"I don't know, but he said that he invited several of our classmates," Jim informed him.

"Well I guess we'll have to see what Zac has planned, then."

Almost on cue, Zac walked in the door. "What's up?" Jim asked.

"You have anything planned for Valentine's?" Zac asked.

"We were just discussing it. How about you?" Jim responded.

"Well, Dusty called me. He invited me to a party," Zac said.

"He doesn't waste much time, does he? I told him that if you didn't have any plans, we'd go."

"Cool, what about you, Joe?" Zac asked.

"Guess I'm going to Dusty's party."

Vince had his security set up and running. By day, the team roamed the grounds, and blended in with the other hands. While Vince decided to nix the idea of identical shirts, he and Jackson did come up with a way that the hands could identify security if the need arose. At night, security wore the black BDU and roamed the grounds. Both day and night, there would be horses at the ready for patrol or emergencies.

Every day in school, Joe found notes from his secret admirer. Most of them talked about how attractive Joe was, but a few said that they would meet at the party if he came. This got Joe more excited. The last note that Joe received was on Valentine's Day. Joe showed it to Jim.

The note read, "Really hoping to see you at the party, tonight. I'll be the one holding the teddy bear with the green shirt."

"Guess you find out who it is tonight," Jim said. "I just hope whoever is writing these isn't playing a joke. That would be cruel."

"I'd be crushed," Joe said.

"I know, Bro. I hope you won' need me, but I'll be there for you if you do," Jim offered.

Joe was happy when school finally let out. When the boys got home, he hurried with his homework. "Relax Bro. Party doesn't start until seven. I'm sure whoever sent the notes is just as nervous as you."

"You really think that? Why would they be nervous? They know who I am!" Joe said excitedly.

"But they don't know if you'll show up. They don't know if you'll like them, too. They don't even know that you're gay. They are probably thinking, what if that cute handsome teddy bear Joe is straight and turns me down. What if he teases me?" Jim told Joe.

"Even if I were straight, I wouldn't tease them," Joe said.

"I know that, but they don't. I bet he's trying to figure out the best outfit to look presentable," Jim assured Joe.

"I know what I'm wearing, the green shirt that you gave me for Christmas and black Levi's."

"Excellent choice, if you ask me. I'm wearing a blue western shirt, myself and my best pair of blue Levi's."

Zac walked in the door at six. He looked at Jim and smiled. "Dude, your fly is open. Is that an invite?" Jim looked down and quickly zipped up his fly. Zac walked over and kissed him.

Joe came down the stairs. "I don't think I'm going. My stomach is tied in knots and I feel like I'm going to throw up. You guys go ahead and just let me know who it is."

"Oh, no. You're dressed and ready, you're just nervous. Bet you a hundred dollars that once you find out who it is, you'll feel better," Jim said.

"You think? I feel like my heart is in my throat and I can't breathe," Joe exclaimed. Jim gave him a hug,

They got to the Dusty's place and Joe was in awe. "This place must have cost a fortune."

"Dr. Bear does make good money, that's for sure," Jim said.

"Yea, but at least he and Dusty aren't snobbish about it," Zac added.

"No, quite the opposite, actually. Friendliest rich people I know," Jim said.

"You know a lot of rich people?" Joe asked.

"What about CJ?" Zac asked.

"OK, no I don't know a lot of rich people, and maybe they're tied with CJ on the friendly part, just not so much on the rich part. I really don't know how much either of them have, though," Jim said.

Dusty greeted them at the door. "Come in. You're the first ones to show up."

"I think I'm going to be sick," Joe said. "I'll wait in the truck."

Joe started to turn around but Jim grabbed him and hugged him. "It's just nerves, Bro. I promise, you'll feel better, soon."

Jim had been in Dusty's house several times, and Zac a time or two. Joe was in awe of the place. "Feel free to grab something to drink, we have punch, soda or water. At seven, snacks will be set out."

Jim went to pour a glass of Coke and a man he hadn't met walked over. "Never seen you here before," Jim said out of curiosity.

"This is my Uncle Darry. He's my mom's brother. He stopped by on his way home. He was visiting a friend in Ohio. He lives in SoCal," Dusty said.

"Nice to meet you Uncle Darry," Jim said.

"You too. You must be Jim. Dusty has talked a lot about you. Must say that he seems really impressed by you." Jim blushed a bit.

"Dusty is great. Did he tell you about how we became friends?" Jim asked.

"He did a little bit. He didn't want to give too much detail because he didn't feel it would be right without checking with you," Uncle Darry said.

"Dusty's cool, I wouldn't have minded," Jim told him.

"Well, aside from his girlfriend, you're the one he talks constantly about. He really holds you as a great friend."

"HE is the great friend. If it wasn't for him, I'm not sure what I'd be like," Jim countered.

"He saw something special in you. He told me that you were greatly depressed?"

"That might be an understatement, but yeah. Felt like I had lost everything," Jim said with a little sadness in his eyes. "Now I feel like I have almost everything. Those that I lost can never be replaced, but they live within my heart."

"Well, I'm glad you pulled through. Dusty thinks highly of you, so you must be a cool young man. I'll be around until tomorrow, you ever want to just chat, swing by, or call. Enjoy the party," Uncle Darry said before walking around to meet other guests.

"Isn't he great?" Dusty said. Dusty pointed at the door. "Look!" Joe's secret admirer had just walked in carrying a five foot tall teddy bear wearing a green shirt. Joe didn't miss it either, nobody could miss THAT teddy bear. Joe just stood there and let his secret admirer come over to him.

"You look handsome tonight," The secret admirer stated.

"Thank you, so do you. Shirt matches your eyes," Joe said as he pointed at the shirt the boy was wearing.

"So does yours. Hope my notes didn't scare you. I was attracted from the moment you first walked into homeroom. I didn't know if you were gay or not, so I was really scared about coming and exposing myself."

"I know the feeling. I felt so sick to my stomach that I almost didn't come," Joe admitted.

"I'm glad you did. I would have been disappointed if you hadn't. I think I threw up twice, but I had to be here, especially after that last note."

"Well, that is definitely a big bear," Joe joked.

"I wanted to make sure you noticed me. Bear is yours if you want it. I've kissed it every night since I bought it, and I named him Joe."

"Only way I will take it is if I can buy another one for you. But you need to keep this shirt and I'll get one for this bear," Joe said. "And I want to give this bear your name. You can name the one I give you Joe."

"Are you sure you want to spend that much? I'm afraid to tell you how much the bear cost me, but you are worth far more."

"It's the only way I'll take the bear from you," Joe stated again.

"Well the bear cost me over a hundred dollars."

"You spent THAT much. I'm flattered, I'm really, really flattered. I'll order one when I get home. And I'll get a sky blue shirt to match your eyes," Joe said.

"I'd like that. Then when I'm at home sleeping, I can cuddle with your bear and you can cuddle with mine."

"Which name would you like me to put on it?" Joe asked.

"Well, you know, my dad and mom call me Cornelius, but my friends call me Buster. I prefer Buster," Cornelius said. "You can call me any name that you like."

"That's a bit long. And I felt an attraction to you that first day, too, any name that you like," Joe said and smiled.

"Your name should have been Teddy, but then, you are much cuter than a teddy bear. And I love your smile. Can I kiss you?" Cornelius asked.

"You better kiss me, Buster, after all you put me through with your notes," Joe stated.

"I'm sorry, didn't mean to cause any problems." Cornelius said.

"No problems. Just anxiety trying to figure out who was leaving me notes. Now, shut up and kiss me." Cornelius put his arms around Joe and pulled him close. They pressed their lips together and kissed.

Jim and Dusty had been watching the whole time. Zac came over and joined them before Cornelius gave Joe the bear. "That's who I thought was leaving the notes," Dusty said.

"And that's who Joe has a crush on. I hope those two are as happy as you and Chey," Jim said.

"Me and Chey? What about you and Zac? You two are so meant for each other and I see the love between you," Dusty argued.

"And we see the love between you and Cheyenne, especially when she was in the hospital," Zac countered.

"OK, I hope they have a love like the four of us," Dusty agreed.

"Not sure about Buster, but Joe definitely deserves it," Jim smiled.

Jim walked over when Joe and Buster stopped kissing. He put his arm around Joe. "Glad you stayed now?"

"I am so glad you wouldn't let me back out. Thank you so much, Bro," Joe said hugging Jim.

"Yeah, thank you for being there for him," Cornelius said.

"Guess the bear has to ride home in the back of the truck," Zac said.

"If it's all the same, I have my mom's car. I can take him home. You're welcome to follow," Buster offered.

Joe looked at Jim. "It's your call, Bro, but if he goes to the house, Mom will want to meet him," Jim responded.

"I wouldn't have a problem with that. I'm sure Mom will love him."

"I'd love to meet her, too. She must be a really special lady," Cornelius stated.

"She is," Jim and Joe said in unison.

Everyone had fun at the party and Dusty was pleased with how things went. As guest started leaving, Uncle Darry walked over to Dusty. "This was a good party. I especially liked the kid who got that bear."

"That's Jim's brother. He was a foster brother, but Jim's mom filed for adoption," Dusty informed him.

"That's cool. Once the guest have all disappeared, I'll help you clean up."

Cornelius and Joe walked over to Zac and Jim. "Buster has to be home in less than an hour, so we're heading home if you want to follow." Joe said.

"No, we trust you, and Buster's already shown good character. We'll see you when we get home," Jim said. Joe smiled grabbed his bear with his left arm and Buster's hand with his right. They said good bye to Dusty and Cheyenne.

Jim walked over to Dusty. "Enjoyed myself, the party was awesome, but Zac and I want to head somewhere to send a few minutes alone since we won't have Joe with us."

"Thanks for coming. Seeing Joe and Buster was worth throwing the party. If the party ended at that moment, I would have been pleased that I threw it," Dusty responded.

"Love that kid, but glad when I get alone time with Zac, too," Jim stated.

Zac and Jim headed out the door. As they got in Zac's truck, they noticed Dusty was starting to send everyone else away. They drove out to the park and sat. "I have something for you, but wanted to wait until we were alone," Zac said.

"I have something for you, also. It's laying on my bed," Jim said.

"It IS, or it will be?" Zac said with an evil grin.

"It is," Jim told him and then kissed him.

Zac opened his door and got out. He flipped the seat forward and pulled out a present. After putting the seat back and climbing in, he handed it to Jim. "Happy Valentine's Day," Zac said.

"Just being with you made it special, this is just the cherry on the top," Jim said as he opened his present. It was a stuffed blue dragon.

"Since you have all those dragon statues in your room, I thought you'd like it," Zac said.

"Like it? I love it. And the fact that it came from you makes it even more special," Jim said as he gave Zac another kiss.

"It's not as big as Joe's bear," Zac said jokingly.

"That bear is almost as big as Joe," Jim chuckled. "Let's head home so I can give you yours."

Joe walked in the house with Cornelius. "Jim, you've changed," Mrs. Bolt said with a surprised look on her face.

"Mom, this is Buster. He is the one who has been leaving the notes in my locker," Joe said.

"Nice to meet you Buster. I've actually heard quite a few nice things about you," Mrs. Bolt said.

"You have? How?" Buster asked.

"I really can't discuss it, but I've talked with your dad in prison. I work for the law office handling his case. He's really proud of you," Mrs. Bolt said.

Cornelius looked down, "I know he is. And I'm sure he'd love to meet Joe."

Jim and Zac came home, said their hellos and went upstairs. When they got to Jim's room, Jim picked up the package and handed it to Zac. "I hope you like it."

"Unless it's a turd, I'll love it just because it came from you," Zac said as he opened the gift. At first, all he saw was a man's necklace chain. He pulled it up and there was a silver horse hanging from it. "This is perfect. I love you so much."

I have created a mailing list. If you would like to be added to it to be informed of new submission, please contact me at zarek@roadrunner.com mailto:zarek@roadrunner.com . For those that tried zarek@woh.rr.com mailto:zarek@woh.rr.com , I apologize. I used this email for over 12 years, but it was discontinued 2 years ago. I still have a habit of writing it.