Devyn’s Struggle II
Published: 21 April 2025
Charlie was glad to have the weekend events behind him. He felt somewhat relieved to have Heather know his secret. Just having that one person know had made the secret a little lighter for Charlie.
“Thanks for letting me borrow your homework,” Sam said. He had just finished the homework assignment that was due on Monday. “I wouldn’t have gotten that done without…”
“Copying off me,” Charlie supplied.
“I didn’t copy. I just needed…inspiration.”
Charlie laughed. “Well, as long as your inspiration didn’t turn out word for word of what I wrote.” Charlie had made air quotes around the word inspiration.
“Of course not,” Sam said. He flopped down on Charlie’s bed. “Wasn’t this just an awesome weekend?”
“It was,” Charlie agreed.
“Heather seems to be really into you,” Sam said. He rolled onto his side so he could face Charlie.
“Um…I guess.” Charlie shrugged his shoulders.
“She was telling Lori how sweet you are.”
“She was?”
Sam nodded. “She likes you. Did you…um…kiss her?”
Charlie could feel the blush already starting. He did not want to answer Sam’s question.
“Oh, you did!” Sam’s voice rang with excitement for his friend.
“I didn’t say that,” Charlie said.
“It’s all over your face. You did. Did you do more?”
Charlie bit his lower lip. He knew the time was now. It was time to confess to Sam. Devyn was right; that Sam would understand. He was so cool with Devyn. “Look, Sam. Heather’s nice and all but…”
“Oh, dude. Come on, she’s awesome. She was really pretty at Homecoming. She’s got more of a figure than I ever noticed.”
“She does, but that’s not it. I well… I…” Charlie was just going to tell Sam, “Look, I’m…”
Charlie’s door burst open. Howard stood there glaring at Charlie and then over at Sam on Charlie’s bed.
“Hey!” Charlie protested. “You need to knock!”
“Get out,” Howard said, pointing at Sam.
“Fuck you,” Sam said.
“Fags are not allowed in this house,” Howard said. “I heard all about the… the… sick shit you were doing at that dance.” Howard looked from Sam to Charlie and then back to Sam. He took a few steps to stand over Sam. “You keep your perverted ass out of here.”
“This ain’t your house,” Sam said.
Howard grabbed Sam and roughly pulled him from the bed.
“HEY!” Charlie cried. “Let him go!”
“Get your hands off me!” Sam was trying to break Howard’s grip but was having no luck.
Howard punched Sam in the stomach. “I heard what you did, pulling my brother out there to have your filthy hands all over him.”
“It was just a dance,” Sam managed to get out between gasps.
“Let go!” Charlie hit Howard’s arm, causing the older boy to briefly lose his hold on Sam. “Get out of my room!”
Sam took the opportunity to pull out of Howard’s grasp. He then swung wildly and landed a glancing blow to Howard’s chin. He almost hit Charlie in the process.
“You fucking little prick!” Howard’s voice was loud in the bedroom.
“You’re a fucking duche bag!” Sam yelled.
“What is going on?” Barb’s voice came from the doorway. “Stop this nonsense!”
“He started it!” Sam said.
“What is going on in here? I could hear foul language all the way in the kitchen. This kind of behavior is not allowed in this house.” Barb turned her glare on Howard. “You are an adult. You know better than to act like this.”
“He attacked me,” Howard said.
“Bull Shit!” Sam cried.
“Samual!” Barb snapped. “Watch your language.”
“Sorry, but it is,” Same explained. “I was doing nothing.”
Barb let out a breath. “I don’t know who started it. I just know that now it is over.” She once again turned her gaze on Howard. “I’m not sure what has gotten into you. You should be setting an example for your brother, and this kind of behavior is not appropriate.”
“You don’t understand. You have no idea what happened at that dance.”
“I heard about the altercation in the parking lot,” Barb said. “I know neither of these boys were involved in that.”
“That was because of… of… Joe.” It was obvious that Howard had wanted to replace Joe’s name with some other word but had decided not to use that term with his mother there.
“Yes, I know.” Barb shook her head. “Ed Tanner has never liked Joe.”
“With good reason,” Howard said.
“I’ve never understood the dislike between those two,” she said. “Ed had picked on Joe a bit in school, but they’re grown men now.”
“Mr. Tanner has good reason to hate him. He’s not right. He’s a pervert.”
“Howard! You stop right there. His being gay is not a perversion. It is just how he is.” She turned her glare onto Sam and then Charlie. “You boys aren’t involved in that bullying and name calling, are you?” Her eyes moved back to Sam.
“No ma’am,” Sam said. “Devyn is our best friend and Joe’s way cool.”
Barb started to turn back to Howard but was distracted by the chime of the front door. “I wonder who that could be.”
“Probably my mom or Steve,” Sam said. He followed Barb out of the room but paused to give Howard the finger when Barb’s back was turned to them.
It turned out not to be Sam’s Mom or Steve. “Don, what brings you over here?” Barb asked. Don Thompson was the town sheriff and, technically, Lee’s boss. Don was close to retiring, and everyone knew that when he did, Lee would end up with the job.
“Hi Barb. I’m going to need to talk to Howard,” he stated.
“He’s out on a call,” she said. “Mrs. Harper’s water heater went out.”
“I need to talk to Howard Junior,” Don clarified.
Barb looked from Don to her son, who had just entered the living room. “What about?”
“We got a report of him being involved in some vandalism,” Don said.
“There must be some mistake,” she said. Barb believed her son would never be involved in that sort of thing.
“I’ve been at the store all day until I just got home a few moments ago,” Howard said. “These twirps can tell you that.”
“Well, this didn’t happen today,” Don said. There seemed to be a slight curve to the man’s lips and a gleeful sparkle in his steel grey eyes.
“What do you think he did?” Barb asked.
“It appears he smashed the taillights on Joe Erikson’s truck,” Don stated.
“Bullshit!” Howard said. “He’s lying if he’s saying I did that.”
“Watch your language,” Barb said. She then turned to Don. “Joe must be mistaken.”
“Well, you see, there’s the thing,” Don said. “Joe never accused Howard.”
“Then why are you here?” Howard asked.
“It seems the evidence clearly shows you busting out both taillights with a ball bat.”
“What evidence?” Howard asked.
Don pulled out his phone. “This.” He held his phone out to Barb.
Barb looked at the video that was playing on Don’s phone. “Mr. Bradford sent that to us. It seems the bank’s security cameras picked it up.”
The video showed Howard appearing from the corner of the hardware store and walking across the parking lot. He then seemed to look around before using the bat to smash the first one and then the other taillight.
Barb looked from Don’s phone to her oldest son. “What the hell were you thinking?”
Sam looked from Barb to Charlie. He did not think he had ever heard Charlie’s mom use a four-letter word before.
Howard tried to stammer out some sort of excuse, but his brain would not produce one.
Barb turned back to Don. “Are you arresting him?”
“So far, Joe is not pressing any charges,” Don said.
“Howard will, of course, pay to have the truck fixed,” Barb said.
“I will not! He knocked over an entire display in the store. He’s crazy.”
“I do not see Joe doing that,” Barb said. Her voice was cold, but her eyes were smoldering with anger. “I’ll call Joe and let him know to drop off the bill.”
“I’m not…” Howard began but was promptly cut off by his mother.
“You are!” Barb’s voice was firm. “You will apologize to him, and you will beg him to not press charges. You will also pay him for the repairs. Do you understand me?”
“I… I…” Howard knew there was no way he was getting out of this. He was clearly there on the video, smashing those taillights. Why hadn’t he remembered about the bank having a camera? He had been so mad that he had not been thinking straight. Did he tell them now how he had seen Joe molesting Charlie? He glanced at his mom and did not believe she would believe him. He looked at Charlie and did not think the dumb little shit would back him.
“The only answer to that question is YES!” Barb’s voice was firm as she glared into her son’s eyes.
Howard looked down. He reluctantly muttered the response Barb was expecting.
Barb turned back to Don. “Thank you for bringing this to our attention,” Barb said.
“I thought you should also know that Howard engaged in an altercation at the high school,” Don said.
“He what?” Barb did not believe what she was learning about her older son.
“That’s a damn lie. I wasn’t there. You can ask anyone.” Howard knew there was no one that would say he was there except for Devyn. He did not believe that anyone would believe Devyn over Ted, Dale, and Mr. Tanner.
“It does seem there are conflicting stories,” Don stated. “According to one count, one student was attacked by two other students and Howard.”
“What student was attacked?” Barb asked.
“Devyn Roberts,” Don said. He chose to use Devyn’s former name as some people may not know about his recent name change. Don only knew because of Lee. It was Lee’s close friendship with Joe and the teenager that had Don coming to the Atwoods instead of Lee. Don had been turning over more and more of the responsibilities of his office to Lee.
“If Devyn reported it, it is true,” Sam stated.
“Bull shit. That little… ass… is a known liar!” Howard had started to use the word fag but had changed it to ass. He knew his mom would only become more upset with him if he used that sort of language.
“He’s not!” Sam said, sticking up for his friend.
“You shut up!” Howard told Sam. “This isn’t any of your business.”
“Devyn’s my friend, and that makes it my business,” Sam said.
“Yes, we all know what kind of friends you are.” Howard’s voice was laced with his contempt for Sam and Devyn.
“Stop this, both of you.” Barb turned to Charlie. “Please ask Devyn to come by after school this week. I’d like to hear about the events. He can stay for dinner, and I’ll drive him home.”
“Um… sure,” Charlie said. He could see the anger in his mom’s eyes and was glad that it was not directed at him.
Charlie could still hear the loud voices coming from the living room. His mom seemed to be more upset by what Howard had done to Joe’s truck than his dad was. Although his dad had gone on about how Howard should be treating customers and the citizens of the town. “You’re not a stupid teenager. You’re an adult. You should be striving to be a respected business owner and community leader. You have so much going for you with your football status. You should be building on that. Don’t they teach you anything in those marketing classes? It was a big mistake for you to take this year off!” Howard Senior had barely taken a breath during his lecture.
“I’m thinking you should be checking to see if it is too late to register for the spring semester classes,” Barb said. “This year was supposed to be for you to learn the business so you could get more out of the courses you would be taking. So far, all I’ve seen is you making bad decisions and using this time to boss around your brother.”
“Someone has to keep him in line,” Howard said defiantly. “You have no idea what’s going on.”
“Don’t take that tone with me,” Barb snapped as she pointed a finger at Howard. “You’ve been treating Charlie like crap and that stops. This all stops. You either get your shit together or you won’t be working at the store any longer!”
Charlie had stopped listening when his dad had tried to calm his mom down. It was obvious she was on a tear now. Charlie was kind of enjoying his brother getting lectured like this. His parents had been so forgiving of every mistake Howard had made. Maybe now they were realizing how wrong they had been to lavish so much praise on him for his stupid football abilities. Maybe they were understanding that letting him get away with stuff had only given him a sense of invulnerability.
“Are they still lecturing him?” Sam asked in a text to Charlie.
“Yes,” Charlie sent back.
“It was so cool getting to see your mom tear into him. I’m glad I was there for that. The golden child has fallen off his pedestal.”
Charlie knew that Sam had good cause to not like Howard. Howard had always been a bully and a jerk to Sam. Charlie had not seen it before, but looking back, it had not just been an older brother teasing his younger brother’s friends. It had been Howard bullying Sam and putting him down. Charlie wished he had stood up to Howard more on Sam’s behalf. “It’s crazy how I… um… ignored how he was for so long. You tried to tell me he was a dick, but I just didn’t see it.”
“At least you do now,” Sam said. “Be sure to give me all the details tomorrow.”
“Sure,” Charlie agreed.
Charlie closed the thread with Sam and then went to his string of texts. He pulled up his last message to Devyn and shot off another. “You still up?” The reply came quickly, so Charlie guessed that Devyn had his phone in hand. Charlie tapped the call button. The phone barely had time to ring before Devyn’s sensual voice was there in Charlie’s ear.
“What’s up?” Devyn asked.
“Um, just wondering what you’re doing?” Charlie said.
“Just finished a talk with Joe,” Devyn said. “Now I’m just trying to relax on my bed. I’m tired but not sleepy yet. It was kind of an exhausting weekend.”
“Yeah, it was. I’m sorry we didn’t get to talk more.”
“Me too.” Devyn had wanted to talk more to Charlie, but the opportunity had never presented itself. There were too many people around at the game and at the bonfire Saturday night. Then Devyn had a rehearsal on Sunday and homework that he needed to do. Other than when the two had been alone in the restroom during the dance, there had been no private time for the two.
“Um… are you free some night this week?” Charlie asked.
“I’ve got another full rehearsal this week. You wanting to come out?”
“Um… actually, I want you to come over.”
“You do?” Devyn could not keep the surprise out of his voice. He knew that being around Charlie’s house would cause problems between Charlie and his brother. “I’m not sure about that.”
“I do want you to come over but… um… my mom instructed me to invite you over. The shit has hit the fan here.”
“What’s going on?” Devyn was concerned that something had come out about his and Charlie’s relationship. If Howard knew something or thought he knew something, then Devyn could see why things might be going to hell at Charlie’s house.
Charlie could hear the worry in Devyn’s voice. It gave Charlie a warm feeling in his belly to know that Devyn was concerned about him. “Howard’s in deep shit with the parents,” Charlie explained. He then proceeded to tell Devyn about Don Thompson coming by and the evidence of Howard busting out Joe’s taillights.
“Wow, Joe didn’t tell me any of that,” Devyn said.
“Mom and Dad are royally pissed at him. They’ve been lecturing him for… like two hours.”
Devyn was glad that Howard was receiving some sort of punishment for what he had done to Joe’s truck. “So why does your mom want me to come over for dinner?”
“Oh, Sheriff Thompson told her that Howard was involved in an attack on you with some students. Is that true?”
Devyn had purposefully been trying to downplay Howard’s involvement in the harassment for Charlie’s sake. He guessed now that there was no point in doing that any longer. “Yes, he was involved. We’ve had a couple of altercations this semester.”
“You didn’t say anything,” Charlie said. “I’m sorry. Why didn’t you tell me about Howard attacking you?” Charlie was a little hurt that Devyn had not confided in him.
“Well, the most recent one was Friday,” Devyn explained. “We’ve not had a chance to talk. Before that… well, he’s your brother, and I just didn’t want to be the cause of there being a rift between the two of you.”
Charlie swallowed down a lump. Devyn was always thinking about how others would feel. It seemed the guy was always putting someone else’s feelings ahead of his own.
“Any rift between me and Howard is on him. I’m sorry he’s been a dick to you.” Charlie was kicking himself for not realizing how his brother had been harassing Devyn.
“You have nothing to be sorry for,” Devyn said. “It’s on Howard and not you.”
“He’s such a homophobic dick,” Charlie said. “I wish he’d just go back to school. Life would be so much easier if he weren’t here.”
Devyn had to agree with that. If Howard had not been at school on Friday, Devyn was certain that he could have managed Ted and Dale. He’d probably still end up in deep shit with Tanner but at least he would have had the satisfaction of kicking Dale and Ted’s combined asses.
“So, other than Friday, there were more times Howard did stuff to you?” Charlie felt bad that his own brother had been going after Devyn. How could he, Charlie, ever be out to his family if his brother were attacking one of his best friends for being gay? He did not believe it would make a difference. It might make things worse for both him and Devyn.
Devyn sighed. He had so not wanted to tell Charlie about Howard’s harassment. He had wanted to play that down, but he guessed now it was out of the bag. “He never liked me coming over to your house,” Devyn said. He proceeded to tell Charlie about the altercations in the driveway at the Atwood home. Then he told him about the run-in with Howard and Dewayne when he and Julie had gone for ice cream. “Then on Friday…”
“Shit, there’s more!” Charlie realized his fingers were curled into a fist. He was beginning to loathe his older brother.
“Yes, it was this run-in that promoted my new haircut.”
Charlie listened as Devyn told him about being ganged up on by Dale, Ted, and then Howard. It was kind of amazing to Charlie that it took three boys to take on Devyn. Charlie knew just how strong his brother was from the years of football training, and he knew Ted and Dale were built, too. “They’re pussies,” Charlie stated when Devyn had finished. “They couldn’t face you one at a time, so they ganged up on you.”
“I’ve been able to handle them one on one.”
“To get blindsided like that. I am sorry, Devyn. I’m sorry my brother’s a prick and that… that you had to put up with that.”
Devyn could hear the sincerity in Charlie’s words. “Thanks.”
“It isn’t fair.”
“I agree with that, but you know, in a way, they did me a favor.”
“What?” Charlie had not kept the shock out of his voice.
“I got lots of compliments about my new cut.”
Charlie giggled. “Well, you did look hot in the tux and with that new haircut.” Charlie paused before he added, “I bet it looks even better when you aren’t wearing the tuxedo.”
Devyn chuckled. “I’d like to show you just how good or bad it does look without the tux.”
“Oh no, it looks good. You always look good. I can’t wait to see you when… um… we’re alone.”
“I can’t wait to be alone with you either,” Devyn said.
“So can you come over one night this week?” Charlie knew he and Devyn would not truly be alone at his house, but he wanted to see Devyn. Maybe they would get a little alone time in his room when they were doing homework.
“Sure,” Devyn said. “I’m supposed to have detention for what happened on Friday…”
Devyn’s words were cut off by Charlie. “Tanner gave you detention! That dick head! None of that was your fault.”
“He hates me or Joe…maybe both of us,” Devyn said. “Joe said he was going to take my detentions.”
Charlie laughed. “Oh fuck. I’d love to see Tanner’s face when Joe is sitting in for you in detention.”
“Yeah, I’m not too sure how that is going to go over,” Devyn said. “Lee kept things from escalating at the dance, but if Tanner and Joe are alone… well…”
“My money is on Joe. Damn, I’d like to see him take Tanner down and down hard.”
“I just want Tanner to back off and leave me alone. Terry told me to watch my back with him.”
“Terry? You and he are talking again?”
Devyn told Charlie about the meeting with Terry at the game. “He seems to be reaching out for a friend. I think he’s figuring out just how unloyal some of those so-called friends are. I also think he’s got something going on at home. I’m just not sure what. He seems… well… not himself.”
“You know he did try and get Ted and Dale to back off me behind the Feed and Seed. His Dad’s been doing those long-haul runs. He’s probably been trying to work, go to school, and take care of stuff at their place.”
“That sounds like a lot,” Devyn said.
Charlie shrugged his shoulders even though Devyn could not see him. “I guess.”
They talked a bit longer before calling it a night. Charlie undressed for bed. He heard his phone vibrate and picked it up. He had a message from Devyn. “Here is how my haircut looks out of the tux.” Charlie studied Devyn’s smiling face in the attached image. The guy was damn attractive. The selfie did not do justice to Devyn’s eyes or his inviting lips. Charlie started to put down his phone and felt it vibrate again. He looked at the message. It was just another image, but this one caused Charlie’s eyes to pop. Devyn was only wearing his sexy underwear. It even looked like he was half hard inside the tight-fitting white and blue underwear. Charlie felt himself growing fully erect.
Charlie’s fingers had trouble typing back a response. “HO Shit! You are so hot!”
“You are too… it’s your turn.” Charlie read the words from Devyn. He held his phone out and took a selfie of his face. He sent it off to Devyn.
Charlie went back to the picture of Devyn. His eyes looked at the bare chest and the flat belly. It looked like Devyn was more muscular than the last time he had seen him naked… or almost naked. Charlie had not been given much of a chance in the loft of the carriage shed to study Devyn’s body.
“I need more,” Devyn’s next message stated.
Charlie had already stripped down to his briefs. He felt weird about sending off a picture of himself, but Devyn had done it. Charlie held his phone out further and snapped another picture. He sent the picture off to Devyn.
Devyn: that’s a nice chest
Devyn: makes me want to lick those little nipples
Charlie: stop it you are getting me…you know
Devyn: i like it when you are…you know
Devyn: i like tasting you when you are…you know
Charlie: i like that too
Charlie: i like everything we do together
Devyn: me too
Devyn: i wish I could lower those white briefs
Charlie: oh shit
Devyn: i like what’s inside there
Charlie: it’s hard now
Devyn: i like it hard
Charlie: me too
Charlie: i mean when you are
Devyn: can’t wait until we can do more than just text
Charlie me too
Devyn: good night
Charlie: night
A series of emojis followed. Once the messaging was over, Charlie went back to looking at the picture of Devyn. He could not wait until they had some alone time so that he could slide down Devyn’s briefs. He wanted to taste Devyn again. He wanted to feel Devyn’s hardness against his lips and taste his pre-cum on his tongue.
Charlie pushed down his briefs and took his erection in his hand. He continued to look at the sexy picture of Devyn as he stroked. He thought about how good it felt to touch Devyn’s tan skin. How good Devyn tasted on his tongue. Charlie wanted to feel Devyn in the bed next to him. He wanted to feel Devyn’s erection in his hand. He wished it were Devyn who was masturbating him. It felt so good when Devyn stroked him. It felt even better when Devyn put him in his mouth and sucked him. “Oh, gawd, Devyn.” Charlie could feel his climax building. He could feel his balls pulling up and then he felt his teenage cock begin shooting ropes of cum. They splattered on his chest and stomach as he rode the wave of pleasure.
Devyn got a little teasing about being a “king” on Monday, and he had expected that. What he had not expected was the support from the other students and the teachers. He received more apologies from other members of the football team. Kevin had spoken for them a few weeks ago, but now it seemed the rest of the team felt they needed to say it for themselves.
Devyn felt Tanner glaring at him throughout the day, but he was never alone. It seemed there was either a group of students or teachers around him. He believed it was either Mrs. Jones or Mr. Hanks behind the teachers. He was not sure what was up with the other students.
“They just know you have been mistreated, and they are making up for it now,” Julie told him after lunch as they went to Algebra.
“I guess. I just well…” Devyn’s voice trailed off. He felt odd with everyone watching him.
“Don’t like being the center of attention,” Julie supplied.
“Yeah, it’s a little odd.”
“You’re in the play; you’re homecoming king, and you are just a good guy. Get used to it!”
Devyn chuckled. “Yes, Your Highness.”
Devyn had to admit it felt good to be accepted by so many of the students. He wished it had been this way all year, but he guessed it was better late than never.
“That was one awesome dance,” Danny told Devyn after their Algebra class. “I can’t believe I danced with a dude.”
“Yeah, and you’re a lousy dancer,” Kevin said.
“No. You were the crappy dancer,” Danny shot back.
“You two just need more practice dancing together,” Devyn said.
“It was so odd,” Adam stated. “You’re the gay guy, and you were the one dancing with a girl, and we were all dancing with guys.”
“You need to get to class!” Tanner barked at them when he saw them grouped together.
“He’s been a total ass to everyone today,” Justin stated.
“Yeah, sorry, guys,” Devyn said. “You might be… um… paying for being out there on that dance floor with me.”
“He needs to get over it,” Danny said. “I’d do it again… well, maybe with someone besides Kevin.”
“Screw You!” Kevin cried. “You were lucky to be dancing with a stud like me.”
Their laughter got louder, and that brought Tanner back down the hall. “GET TO CLASS!” Tanner’s voice echoed as he barked at them.
“Damn he is pissed,” Justin stated.
“We’d better get to class,” Adam said.
The group broke up, and they hurried to their classes. Devyn found that he still had a group that escorted him to his class.
Devyn was glad that Monday was drawing to a close. He appreciated everyone’s support but wanted out of the spotlight. Devyn stopped with Sam to grab some stuff out of their lockers before heading to the buses. “You know, I understand it started out as a bad year for you, but I think everyone has come around.”
“Yeah, I just am not sure why everyone is… um… so insistent at following me everywhere.”
“You’re a good guy,” Sam said. “Besides, you’re the king.”
“Knock that shit off,” Devyn said. “I’m just me. I’m the same guy I’ve always been.”
“Yeah, but now you have like a… um… following.”
“It makes no sense,” Devyn said.
“Well… it… um…”
“Do you know something, Sam?” Devyn questioned when Sam seemed hesitant.
Sam was about to answer when Randy, the quarterback of the football team, stepped up to Devyn’s locker. “Can I have a word?”
Devyn was once again struck by how damn attractive Randy was. The guy had perfect bone structure. His lips were full and just seemed to be begging to be kissed. His chin was strong, and his blue eyes were piercing. “Um, sure,” Devyn said.
“I know Kevin kind of apologized for the whole team a while back. I also know other members have finally stepped up to tell you they are sorry.” Randy paused and then continued. “I am also sorry.”
“Randy, you never really did anything,” Devyn said.
“That’s what I’m sorry about. I lead the team, and I should have stepped up. I should have told everyone to back down, and I didn’t. Standing by and letting bad shit happen is almost as bad as doing the bad shit.”
Devyn did not know how to respond to that. Perhaps everyone could have done more to stop the bullying from escalating. “You’re doing it now.” Devyn placed a hand on Randy’s arm. He could feel the hard muscle under the quarterback’s shirt.
“I want you to tell me if those two jerks do anything to you,” Randy said.
“You mean Dale and Ted?”
Randy nodded. “I told them to back off and leave you alone. We need them on the team, but they are not irreplaceable. That stupid fumble that Ted made reminded me that they are good but not great.” Randy then seemed to be sizing Devyn up. “You ever considered coming out for the team?”
“ME?” Devyn’s voice cracked, showing his surprise.
Randy’s eyes traveled over Devyn’s body. “You’ve got a nice build. I bet you would be good at the game.”
“Randy, I am so not into football. I mean I know some basics but not enough…”
“You can learn, dude,” he said.
“Thanks, but after this play thing is over, I need some downtime.”
“I hear you,” he said. “Just keep it in mind.”
“Thanks, Randy.”
Randy started to turn away and then turned back to Devyn. “Oh, and at the next dance, save one for me.”
“What?” Devyn could not believe he had heard correctly.
“Don’t get too excited. It’s just a dance. I want everyone to see that I am fine with you.”
“Um…thanks.” Devyn did not know what else to say. He watched as Randy strolled down the hall. He could not help but check out the guy’s broad shoulders, the narrow waist, and the way the guy’s tight pants clung to his thighs and showed off his rock-hard ass. It might not be too bad dancing with a stud like Randy. The guy was hot, and maybe Devyn would get lucky, and it would be a slow dance. It might be fun close dancing next to that sexy body and holding that jock in his arms. Devyn could not help but wonder if Randy might be gay. Maybe he was bi-sexual? Devyn let out a sigh and then hurried to catch his bus.
As Devyn approached the main entrance, he saw Joe walking into the office. He had wanted to talk to him before he went in to see Tanner. He hoped that Lee knew what was going on. Did he try and get to Lee and then get home? No, Joe had told him to get on the bus and go home with Travis. He needed to let Joe manage Tanner. Maybe he should have always let Joe manage Tanner.
Sally was a bit surprised when she saw Joe walk into the office. “Hi Joe,” she greeted. “What brings you to school?”
“Hi Sally, how have you been?” Joe asked politely.
“Doing fine,” she answered.
“How about your husband? What has Roy been up to these days?”
“The same old thing for him,” she answered. “He’s just taking care of the farm. He doesn’t think he put up enough hay for the winter. He has more cattle this year than normal. He bought several from that farm estate sale in the summer.”
“I always have extra,” Joe said. “Tell him to get a hold of me if he runs short. He can buy some hay off me, or if he wants, I’d be interested in buying his cattle. I wouldn’t mind expanding the herd a bit.”
“I’ll let him know,” she said. “Now what can I do for you?”
“Oh, I’m here to serve a detention,” Joe said casually.
Sally laughed but realized Joe was not joining in the laughter. “Um, what?”
“It appears Devyn has a detention to serve, so I’m serving it for him.”
“Oh, well, Ed isn’t here yet. He was… um… well he normally…”
“What does he normally do with Devyn?”
“Well, I… um…”
“Come on, Sally. What’s the protocol these days?”
Sally sighed. “He normally has Devyn in his office and lectures him. He… um… sometimes has him copying the student handbook. You know the school rules and stuff.”
“Is that all he does?” Joe’s blue eyes met Sally’s brown eyes. “I’ve heard he’s been getting rough.”
“No… well… not that I’ve seen. I mean not physical. There has been… um… verbal abuse. I’d let you know if it went beyond that.”
Joe nodded. “So, is he normally in Ed’s office?”
“Yes, and here’s the handbook.” Sally passed Joe the book that Devyn had previously used to copy from.
“Thanks. I’ll just wait for him in his office.” Joe moved around the counter that separated Sally’s desk and the other offices from the waiting area.
“Do you need paper and a pen?” she asked.
Joe’s lips twitched. “I’m not planning on copying, shit.”
“Um, Joe,” she began as Joe was about to enter Tanner’s office. Joe paused and looked at Sally. “I know you and Ed never got along. Should I… um… call someone?”
“Don’t worry, Sally, I’ll keep my temper this time.” Joe stepped into the office.
“Is that Roberts kid in the office?” Tanner barked at Sally when he entered the office.
“You mean Devyn?” she asked innocently.
“Who the hell else would I mean? He’d better have his ass in that chair or there will be hell to pay.” He did not give Sally time to respond before stepping into his office and slamming the door.
Ed Tanner stopped in his tracks. “What the hell!”
Joe was sitting behind the principal’s desk. “Hi, Ed. I hope you don’t mind. This chair is more comfortable than those others. Plus, I needed to use your computer and printer.” Joe took a little satisfaction at the stunned look on Ed Tanner’s face. The look did not last long. It was quickly replaced with an angry scowl.
“What the fuck are you doing?”
“Oh, I just needed to print off some material,” Joe said casually.
“Why the fuck are you here?” Tanner’s jaw was clenched, and both hands were clenched into fists.
“I was sitting in for Devyn’s detention. By the way, his name is Devyn Erikson Vitanova. Be sure to remember that.”
“Well, then where is Vitanova?” Tanner spat.
“He’s on the bus with his brother. They’re on their way home.” Joe somehow managed to look up at Tanner without appearing to look up at the man standing in front of the desk.
“Well, since he didn’t show up, I guess I’ll just expel him.” Tanner had an almost gleeful glint in his eye.
Joe stood up. He faced Tanner with only the large executive-style desk between them. “No, you won’t. You won’t expel him, suspend him, or give him any more detentions.” Joe picked up the packet of pages he had printed and slid them to Tanner. “You need to read your job duties. I think you might have them a bit confused. You don’t get to bully, verbally, or physically assault a student. That shit stops now. This stupid, childish grudge you have stops now. It was never with Devyn, anyway. It was with me.
Tanner crossed his arms across his chest. “You think you have any authority here? This is my school. I run it how I want.”
“You always liked being a bully. This must be the perfect job for you. You can bully kids that can’t stand up to an adult. Grow up, Ed. Your issue is with me. So, let’s get it out there. You’re a homophobic dick. You’ve always been a homophobic dick. What is it that you are so afraid of?”
“You’re pathetic. You don’t scare me. You’re a fucking little fairy. You were a fairy in school and you’re still a fucking fairy.”
“Damn Ed, we’re adults and you’re still resorting to name-calling. It seems you’re the pathetic one. Yes, I’m gay. I’m not ashamed of it. In fact, I’m proud to be a gay man. I’m also proud of Devyn for being himself.”
“He’s a troublemaker just like you were,” Ed stated.
“The trouble I got into was due to bullies like you trying to pick on a small gay kid. I stood up to you back then…”
“Yeah, and I kicked your ass.” The sneer on Tanner’s face told Joe just how much the man had enjoyed beating on Joe.
“Yes, you did, and it burned your ass whenever Dan would stick up for me.”
“Don’t mention his name!” Tanner’s hands were clenched into fists.
“You know his death should have brought us closer together,” Joe said calmly.
“You tried to manipulate that whole situation. I know exactly what you were trying to do with his kid. You wanted to make him over. You wanted to turn him into a fairy like you, but it didn’t work.”
“I just wanted to be there for Danny,” Joe said. “I think Dan would have wanted that.”
“Well, at least that boy came to his senses and has steered clear of you.”
Those words stung Joe a bit. He hoped that Danny had not stayed away for the past year because of Joe being gay. He had always downplayed it so as to not make Danny or Danny’s mom uncomfortable. Danny had seemed good with Devyn, and he seemed fine out there on the dance floor with his friend. “Danny’s almost a man now. He can decide who he wants to be friends with, and it seems he and Devyn are friends.”
“I’ll be having a talk with that boy.”
Joe shook his head. “Look, lay off Devyn. No more detention. No more physical abuse. If you touch either of my boys again, it won’t be a little skinny Joey coming after you. It will be me and trust me I will put a boot so far up your ass, that it will take the jaws of life to remove it.”
Tanner’s eyes looked Joe up and down. He took in the broad shoulders and the powerful chest. Tanner stood up straighter to prove he was a couple of inches taller than Joe and sneered at the other man. “That’s big talk for a fairy.”
“I mean every word of it. I’m not that skinny little kid, Ed.”
“I was a Marine. I can mop the floor with you any day of the week.”
Joe moved around from behind the desk. He got closer to Tanner. “You mess with either of my boys, and you will find out just how unprepared the Marine Corps has made you to take on this fairy.”
“You were a pussy then and you’re still a pussy,” Tanner spat.
“Let me be clear,” Joe said. “Don’t touch Devyn again. Don’t lecture him about school rules, and don’t threaten to try and break up his family by calling some friend at Family Services.” Joe paused, and his eyes met Tanner’s. “You aren’t the only one with friends. You might not like the investigation that I’d launch.”
“If you think that deputy dipshit has any…”
“Lee is a damn good cop, but I was not referring to him. My friends are a little higher up in the halls of justice. I also have friends that are overly concerned about financial statements and auditing. I hope you’ve kept excellent records for that small business you run.”
The two men’s eyes locked. Joe thought for one moment that Tanner was going to throw the first punch. Joe was going to let him get the first strike, so the man had better make it count.
The knock at the door caused Tanner to look away from Joe’s cold gaze. “WHAT!”
Sally opened the door. “I’m getting ready to leave,” she said. She looked from one man to the other. “Is everything alright?”
Joe smiled and turned towards her. “Just fine. I was just explaining to Ed that Devyn would not be showing up for any of his detentions.
“Oh,” she said. She looked from Joe to Tanner and then back at Joe. “Does that mean you two are done?”
“I think I’ve been very clear,” Joe said. “Haven’t I, Ed?”
“Just get out!” Ed said.
“Be sure to read through those printouts,” Joe said. “They might help you understand your responsibilities and duties.”
“When Hell freezes over,” Ed snarled.
“Just trying to help, Ed.” Joe turned to Sally, who was still standing in the doorway. “How about I walk you to your car?”
Joe moved past Ed Tanner and out into the outer office and then into the hall. Joe held the door open for Sally.
“Thanks, Joe,” she said. “For just a hayseed farm boy, you turned out to be a gentleman.”
“Ah shucks ma’am,” Joe drawled.
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