Priorities - Book Two

(A Crossover with Still Another Chance)

Author's Note:  When doing a crossover between two stories, every effort is made to keep the stories interconnected yet separate. In some cases this isn't prudent to the story-line. This chapter is one of those. The chapters Priorities Book II Chapter 20 and Still Another Chance 7 are virtually identical. Both authors contributed to the creation of the entire chapter. However, please read both stories, you may come across subtle differences. Also, this is a new format for the story, please drop me an email letting me know how you like it.

At 4:30am, Henri, Maurice, François, Ange and Marine were in the kitchen of the Boys' Home. Henri and François prepared breakfast for the kitchen crew and as they ate, together they set up a plan in order to make sure they had everything done for the wedding reception the following afternoon. Upon reviewing their preparations to that point, they determined that they could all use the day off. All but Maurice decided they wanted to go on the trip to Yellowstone. Maurice reminded them that they had a delivery of produce due that morning and agreed to stay behind and receive it, then make sure it was stored in its proper place.

They further discussed that they needed to close off the dining room and kitchen in the Boys' Home to make certain their preparations weren't discovered by those who shouldn't see them, and about 5:15am, Joe Bolt walked into the kitchen.

"I'm sorry, I overslept. I guess I'm not used to going to bed at 1:00am and getting up at 4:30." This caused everyone to laugh.

François said, "Why do you think most of us sleep some during the day?"

"I guess that makes sense," Joe averred.

Henri turned to Joe, "Do not worry about not being here this morning. With your help these past two days, I have been able to get us far ahead of the schedule I had created to make sure all the preparations were made before we needed to get to work on the wedding reception. I do need to ask you though, would you give permission for us to close the dining room and kitchen in the Boys' Home to all except those working on the preparation for the wedding?"

"Henri, when we said the kitchen was yours that included the dining area if you needed it. I'll lock the door on my way out, and then you have a key to relock it behind you. Oh, and Jim, Zac and I are making breakfast for the gang, over in the party barn, to give you a break. They are probably wondering where I am."

"Merci, Joe. Merci beaucoup," Henri said, giving Joe a hug.

Joe left to find Jim and Zac and inform them of the plans for the Boys' Home facilities, on his way out, he went to the dining room doors and locked them.

To give Henri a break, Jim, Joe and Zac prepared breakfast. They were almost finished when the boys started wandering into the Party Barn. Patrick commented that the dining room was locked. Jim explained, Henri declared the dining room and dorm's kitchen off limits to everyone except those preparing the food for the wedding. He stated that he wanted everything to be a surprise.

The boys took their seats and started chatting about what they wanted to see at Yellowstone. Jake said that he wanted to see Yogi and Patrick asked, "Did you know, they tried making another Yogi?"

"Seriously?" Xander questioned. "There can be only one Yogi, and he was awesome."

Jake claimed, "Yogi is smarter than the average bear."

"You've got that right, Little Dude," Xander agreed.

Trevor questioned, "So what happened?" He had a smile on his face, so Patrick suspected that he already knew.

Still Patrick replied, "They made a Boo-Boo." Everyone laughed.

Jake was sitting beside his buddy, Roger. He looked up and inquired, "Why did the chicken cross the road?"

Roger thought of several answers to that joke, but he didn't want to guess, in case he "broke" Jake's heart and guessed the right answer, so he just said, "I don't know, why did the chicken cross the road?"

Jake smiled really big and said, "He wanted to show the possum it could be done." Roger chuckled.

Then Jake surprised Roger by adding, "I heard that and everyone laughed, but I don't understand why it's funny."

Roger explained, "Have you ever seen all the brown animals lying dead on the road?"

Jake replied, "I've seen a few skunks and a bunch that Daddy said were possums. The skunks smell funny."

Roger stated, "Exactly, possums are not fast and tend to get hit by cars a lot. So, the chicken wanted to show him that it can cross the road. Does that make any sense to you?"

Jake didn't look like he fully understood, but he said, "I guess."

The food was ready and Roger went with Jake to help him get his food.  Several plates had been prepared with "puppy pancakes," and then there was plenty of bacon that could be added to the plate. Zac smiled when he heard Xander, "Awww, I almost don't want to eat the pancakes. They look too cute."

Jake looked at Xander and informed him, "They're not really puppies, and they taste delicious." Xander chuckled.

As they sat back down, Roger thought Jake looked like he got a bright idea. The boy turned to him and almost shouted, "The possum didn't think one could cross the road, because so many were hit by cars."

Roger began to chuckle, "Now you got it."

As the boys ate, Jim and Zac prepared a big lunch that wouldn't need to be kept cold. Once breakfast was finished, everyone loaded into the motorcoach, until they ran out of room. Joe was getting ready to grab his SUV to help haul the extra, but a second motorcoach pulled in. Brock Radcliffe VII was driving. Brock VIII, who was spending time getting to know his boyfriend's new brother looked at his dad, shocked, "Did you just buy this?"

The older Brock admitted, "No, this is just a loaner, that is until they finish the one for the Boys' Home, including adding the logo. I knew that not everyone would fit on one, so I thought a second one would make things easier."

Zac kissed Jim and told him to have fun, and to say "hello" to Yogi for him. As Jim started getting in the motorcoach, Jackson told Zac that he should go with them. "No, Jackson, I have a ranch to run," Zac argued. "Most of the help is going to Yellowstone, and someone needs to take care of the horses."

Jackson debated, "You go have fun with your boys, I can watch the ranch today."

Zac shook his head, "You should go be with your new son. Besides..."

Zac didn't get to finish that, Patrick stuck his head out of the coach, "Papa, Dad said that you're not coming..."

"Someone has to take care of the ranch," Zac answered.

Chris walked over, "You should go. I can take care of the ranch."

Zac felt bad because Chris has been virtually running the ranch by himself for the last few days. "Are you sure, Chris? I'm starting to feel like we are taking advantage of you."

"It's not taking advantage when I offer," Chris protested. "But in all fairness, Chelsie and I would like to go camping before school starts back up."

"OK, thanks, Chris," Zac accepted. "Jim and I will cover your shifts so you can enjoy being with Chelsie." With that, Zac got in the motorcoach, along with Jackson. Part of him still felt guilty about leaving all the work to Chris.

When they got in the coach, surprisingly Trevor and Roger were not sitting together. Roger was sitting with Jake and one row behind Roger the seat next to Trevor was vacant. Jake was smiling; he didn't know why, but he always seemed to enjoy being with Roger.

When he saw Xander walking down the aisle, Trevor called him over and invited Xander to sit with him. Xander sat, happy that Trevor wanted to sit with him; he was still a bit concerned that after he'd told Trevor about what had happened to him with his father, Trevor wouldn't want to be his friend any longer.

All the boys and some of the adults were in the King's motorcoach. Those that didn't fit into the first one boarded the second one. Patrick stood at the front and said, "As we head to Yellowstone, I want to point out a few facts that I learned in school. Yellowstone was the first ever national park when it became one on the first of March in 1872. And if you feel a rumble, that might not be your stomach. There are between a thousand and three thousand earthquakes a year."

Alex asked, "I remember hearing that Yellowstone is an active volcano, is that true?"

Patrick nodded his head, "That is true, although it hasn't erupted in supposedly over a hundred seventy thousand years. But it does have several geysers, like around three hundred. Old Faithful is the most well-known, but not largest geyser, in the park. It earned its name by consistently erupting on an average of every ninety-two minutes." Buster was proud of how Patrick shared what he learned in school, and since Buster was part of the class when Patrick learned about the national park, he was even more proud. He had to share his feeling with Jim and Zac. Patrick continued talking about the things he had learned.

Xander raised his hand and when Patrick asked if he has a question, Xander asked, "You seem to know a lot about this place. You said that Old Faithful isn't the largest, but do you know the name of the one that is?"

"That's a good question," Patrick replied. Buster whispered, more to himself, that Patrick knew the answer, but Patrick looked thoughtful. He finally replied, "The largest geyser is known as Steamboat Geyser, but it can be over a year between eruptions. When it does erupt, I understand that it is spectacular, sending water almost twice as high as Old Faithful."

Xander smiled, "You are correct. You are a smart young man."

When Patrick sat down, Trevor started talking to Xander.

In the seat behind Trevor, Phoenix was sitting with Eric, but Eric was looking through a magazine. "What are you reading?" Phoenix asked.

"It's a car magazine," Eric replied. "Once I turn fourteen, Dad was talking about taking me, and possibly you, to get my learner's permit. He said that when I get my license, he will take me to get a car."

Phoenix was looking at the magazine, "Is that the car you plan to get?"

Eric laughed, "I wish. That's the Fenyr SuperSport. While twenty-five will be made this year, only one will be sold inthe U.S. And it's like three million dollars for it."

"It's a cool looking car," Phoenix commented. "Check out the doors."

Eric nodded, "Yeah, I like them."

Suddenly Phoenix exclaimed, "Whoa!!! It can reach sixty-five miles an hour in only 2.7 seconds and has a top speed of two hundred fifty. I like this car more and more. I may see if I can find this on the internet and make it my desktop image."

Eric grinned, "I'm going to start saving. By the time I have that kind of money, they may be selling more of them in the U.S."

Phoenix chuckled, "Or you could go to Dubai, buy one and import it here."

Back at the Ranch, Maurice was waiting for the delivery of the produce. Sitting on a chair outside the rear door to the kitchen, Maurice heard before he saw a truck driving up. As it arrived, Maurice noticed the name "Wilkin's Produce" on the side.

When the driver exited the truck, Maurice thought he'd seen an angel from heaven. The young man he saw was tall, had dark hair and was built like he worked a lot outdoors. Until then, Maurice really hadn't paid much attention to what he might like in a man, but this young man fit the bill in every way.

As he approached, the young man put out his hand to shake and said, "Hello. My name is Brian Wilkin, I'm here to deliver the produce you ordered."

Maurice was frozen in place. As much as he wanted to, he was unable to move... unable to speak.

Brian, not knowing what to think, lowered his hand. He stood there for a moment until he realized why Maurice might be frozen in place. He took a good look at the man and liked what he saw; deciding not to make an issue of Maurice's action... or lack of it, Brian turned and opened the doors of the truck, allowing one to slam open creating a loud noise.

This broke Maurice out of his trance. He realized what must have happened and walked over to Brian. "I am so sorry, I just had never seen someone as beautiful as you." He immediately realized what he'd said and knew if Brian took it wrong there could be trouble. "I'm sorry, that was the wrong words, my English isn't that good."

Brian smiled, knowing Maurice was using his accent to mitigate his faux pas. "It's okay, you're not so bad yourself. My name is Brian, Brian Wilkin, in case you didn't hear before."

"Oh... hello Brian, my name is Maurice." Maurice offered his hand which Brian shook, a smile on his face.

Brian went into 'business mode' and showed Maurice the produce they'd ordered. Maurice was impressed with the quality of the product and made a comment to that effect. Once everything was unloaded, Maurice said, "What are these? We didn't order any fruit."

Brian explained, "My father thought you might enjoy a little extra for your first order. He was certain it wouldn't go to waste."

"I am certain it wont with all the boys around," Maurice replied.

"I thought the Home wasn't opening until the first of August," Brian inquired.

"It's not, but there are a lot of youngsters here for the wedding. The entire party is about forty people."

Brian decided to go for broke. "Maurice, what do you have planned for the rest of the day?"

"Honestly, nothing. The rest are gone to Yellowstone and are not expected back until late this evening."

Brian actually blushed when he asked, "Would you like me to give you a tour of our town... and the farm?"

Maurice smiled and said, "I think I would like that... very much."

Warning: mention of intergenerational rape scene begins here.

Once they got going, Trevor turned to Xander and said, "You were brave enough to tell me about what had happened to you, so I feel it's only fair that you know about what happened to me."

"You don't have to... I mean, you can if you want," Xander replied.

"No, it's okay. I want to tell you so you know that I do understand what you went through. See, it started when I was about four. My dad used to tie me to my bed, naked. After a week or so of doing that, he came into my room one night and stuck his dick in my butt. That went on every night for about a month, then one night he came into my room, I was tied to the bed like I usually was, but he had a couple of his friends with him. That night I don't know how many times they raped me. They kept going even though I was crying and asking them to stop."

Xander had tears running down his face as he asked, "What about your mom? Didn't she do anything?"

Trevor, also with tears running down his face said, "No, she was usually too high or too drunk to even care. Anyway, after a few months of this happening almost every night, I actually kind of got to liking it. I don't know if that made me weird or not, but I did. The next September I started Kindergarten.

Even though I was going to school, my dad still kept fucking me every night and on weekends he had his friends come over.

One day after Christmas break, the teacher asked us all what we did for our vacation. When it came my turn, I said, 'Nothing much, just lay their as my dad and his friends had sex with me.'"

It took a few minutes for Trevor to compose himself before he continued, "They took me to the school counselor and I told her everything that had happened to me over the previous year. After school, I was taken home by a policeman. When dad saw that he drew a gun and tried to take me from the cop. There was a lot of shooting and in the end, both my parents were dead and I was sent to the orphanage where I met Roger.

"At first I didn't want to be around anyone, but he kept on trying to be my friend. I guess over time, it worked because after that we were best friends the whole time at the orphanage."

When Trevor had finished, Xander was openly crying. He said, "So, you had it way worse than I did, but you got through it. You do understand where I was coming from last night. Thanks Trevor."

The two hugged and realized they were arriving at Yellowstone.

In the row in front of the pair, Roger was holding Jake as he cried silent tears for what his love went through. He'd told Xander more than he'd even told his family.

End of Scene

The motorcoaches approached the parking area to Yellowstone. Once parked and everyone had disembarked, Zac asked, "Do we want to go as one group or split up, then meet back here for lunch?"

"Papa," Patrick began, "Would it be alright if the younger generation went off as a group?"

"That sounds like a splendid idea," Zac agreed.

Brock Radcliffe VII added, "But everyone grab two bottles of water to take with you. I'm sorry that they are room temperature."

"Yeah," Grandpa Nate exclaimed, "I won't mention Patrick's name, but someone insisted that we have the fridges stocked with Coke for lunch. I think he was just wanting to increase his stock.

Jake looked at Jim and asked, "Do I get to go with Roger?"

Jim was about to say something when Xander stepped up, "If Little Dude wants to go with us, I will take responsibility for him."

Jim looked at Jake and said, "You have to mind Xander, you understand?"

"Thank you, Daddy," Jake grinned.

Before the boys took off, Zac reminded everyone, "Be back here at one for lunch."

Maurice couldn't keep his eyes off of Brian as they drove from the Ranch toward the farm Brian's father owned. He had never seen anyone who he felt so attracted to so soon after meeting them. As they drove, Brian kept up a constant description of what they were driving by or who owned this or that. Maurice didn't hear a word of it.

When they had stopped at a light, Brian finally got Maurice's attention. "Are you okay?"

"Uh... Oui... I mean, yes."

"I've been asking you a question and it was like you were a thousand miles away."

Maurice's face flushed, "I'm sorry. I... what was the question you wanted to know?"

"I asked..." it was now Brian's turn for his face to flush, "I wanted to know if you were... um... Oh hell, are you gay?"

Maurice wasn't sure what to say. It was obvious by the look on his face that he had never expected that question; let alone so soon after meeting Brian. Maurice stared at him, but before he could respond, Brian's expression changed.

"It's okay if you don't want to say. I finally came out to my parents last night... actually, they told me they knew. I've known since I was like 14."

Maurice smiled inside, "Why would you ask such a question?"

Brian interpreted this to mean that Maurice wasn't and was offended by being asked. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have even asked, but... the way you looked at me when we first met... I thought it was because you were interested in me."

Realizing what his reply could have meant, Maurice felt terrible. "Pull to the side of the road."

Brian was now very upset with himself. He had obviously read Maurice very wrong and now he didn't even want to be around him. With a tear running down his face, he pulled to the side of the road.

Once stopped he turned to apologize to Maurice but before he could get the words out, he found Maurice's lips fastened to his and a tongue running over his lips. He opened his mouth slightly and felt Maurice's tongue inside his mouth.

When the kiss ended, Maurice said, "Brian, I was just very surprised by that question. Yes, I am gay, but I only told my family yesterday. I am interested in you, very much so."

Brian was so happy as he resumed his trip toward his father's farm. Brian's father, Edward Wilkin or 'Big Ed' as he was known to his friends, was there when Brian pulled the truck into it's space. "I see you brought a friend, Brian."

"Dad, this is Maurice; Maurice, this is my father, Big Ed Wilkin. Maurice is working at the Boys' Home."

The two shook hands as Maurice said something that upset Brian, "I'm actually here to cook for a wedding, I actually live in Rapid City, South Dakota."

Brian's heart fell when he heard that statement. Maurice saw this and immediately went over to Brian and wrapped him in his arms. "Brian, let us just see where this goes, we can decide what, if anything, can be done then."

Over the next several hours, Brian took Maurice and showed him the farm. Ed was in the kitchen in with his wife, "They look good together, don't they Mary? The look in Brian's eyes when he introduced Maurice to me... he looked so happy."

"I'm concerned though, Ed. Maurice doesn't live here."

"As Maurice said, they need to see where their relationship leads, if anywhere. I'm just happy Brian is happy at the moment."

Xander asked, "You want to ride on my shoulders for a bit?"

Trevor chuckled, "Whoa, Jake. Where did you get such a fine stallion?"

Jake responded, "Him not a stallion, Him is Xander."

Roger explained, "But Xander is giving you a horsey back ride."

"Oh," Jake giggled. "Xander makes a good horsey."

Xander smiled, "I'm glad you think so. I must say, I am the happiest that I have ever been. I never thought I could be this happy."

"I know the feeling," Trevor stated, giving Xander a wink.

The boys ran off to visit Steamboat Geyser. Patrick was reading a sign and said, "According to this sign, Steamboat Geyser hasn't erupted since September of 2014, but I read that it can go again as soon as four day, or as long as fifty years between eruptions."

"Yeah, unfortunately," Xander agreed. "Does anyone have a smart phone I can borrow?"

Patrick asked, "You don't have one?"

Xander shook his head, "No, and I'm not sure I will be able to get one."

"I'll talk to Dad," Eric offered. "I don't think he will have a problem with you having one. For now, here's mine."

It didn't take Xander long to find what he was looking for. When he did, he said, "Here, this is an image of Steamboat when he erupted in July 2013."

All of the boys agreed, but Trevor asked, "This is spectacular. How do you know so much about Steamboat Geyser?"

Xander looked down, "The man that abused me worked for the National Park and he taught me a lot about it. I was supposed to be here on that third day of September in 2014, with my class but because I didn't..." Xander paused, "please him enough the night before, he locked me in my room. That night, he told me that I missed a spectacular show by Steamboat and now, I may never get to see it. Then he told me to please him properly or I wouldn't get any supper."

Some of the boys were confused with what Xander had said. They were unaware of the abuse that he suffered from his father. Xander looked at Trevor and Trevor stated, "They don't know, and never will unless you feel like sharing it. It's no one else's place to say anything, and I promise you, no one else will unless you give permission."

Xander simply thanked Trevor and then said, "For those of you who don't know, I was taken from my father because he abused me for being gay." Then with some hesitation, he told the same story that he shared with Trevor.

Patrick walked up to him, and offered, "You are safe now, and I can understand why you were an asshole when we first met, I am also glad that you are opening up and allowing us to be friends. I do have a question for you." Xander was nervous, wondering what Patrick might ask. He felt relief when Patrick inquired, "Your class was coming to see Steamboat on the day he erupted, was there any clue that he might?"

"Cistern Lake was almost completely drained," Xander answered with a smile. "A day or two before Steamboat spouts off, the lake is nearly dry. That's the only clue he gives, too."

"Wow!!!" Patrick seemed excited, "they didn't tell us that at school. Thanks for sharing." Patrick gave Xander a wink, indicating that he didn't mean just about Steamboat.

The boys headed back to the coaches. They arrived a few minutes before one, but none of the adults were around. Roger suggested that they start setting up the food. They pulled out a few fold-up tables and Roger set the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on one, dividing them by the jelly on them. Some have grape, some had strawberry and some had apple butter. Patrick opened a few bags of chips, and Trevor started bringing out the Cokes. He pulled out enough for everyone to have one.

The adults arrived right at one and Patrick admonished them, "Papa, Dad, you always told me, if I am not at least five minutes early, I'm late."

Jim chuckled, "So we are late, huh? First, we are the parents, so whatever punishment you planned for us, expect to receive yourself. Second, yes that is a good rule of thumb for most things, but not always necessary. If you would have been here a little late, as long as you weren't too late and were having fun, we would have excused you."

Patrick grinned, "Well, your punishment was going to be having to hug me and Jake, but if you don't want to... I can hug Jake."

"Sometimes, I wonder if you aren't secretly Jim's birth son," Zac chuckled as he hugged Patrick.

Patrick looked puzzled, "Is that even possible with him only six years and three days older than me?"

Xander laughed, "Not highly likely. So, um... what exactly is apple butter?"

Jim answered, "Easy answer is, it's basically really thick applesauce. You make both the same way, but you cook apple butter a lot longer, getting rid of most of the liquid."

Xander looked a little surprised by the answer, "I think I will try one."

Zac nodded his head, "Help yourself. We made forty of each type, so you may have up to three sandwiches, if you want."

"But," Xander started, unless I miscounted, there are forty-one of us here."

Jim smiled, "And there will probably be sandwiches left. We figure the teens will eat their share, but Jake, may only eat one or two, and some of the adults. After everyone has had their share, or what they want of it, we will let any boy still hungry finish them."

"Ah, that makes sense," Xander acknowledged.

After everyone ate, the remaining sandwiches were put away, the trash was taken care of and the tables were folded and put away. Grandpa Nate reminded everyone to be back at the coaches by six so they could go to supper.

The boys hiked to see Old Faithful just so they could see at least one geyser spout off. Xander put Jake on his shoulders so the little one could have a good view. When Old Faithful shot her water, Jake got excited and started to clap. Xander almost dropped him, and Jake started to cry. "Are you alright?" Xander was frantic.

"What did you do to my brother?" Patrick seemed pissed.

"Other than almost drop him when he let go of my hands and started clapping, nothing," Xander said, defensively.

"Jake?" Patrick asked.

Jake cried, "I almost fell and I got scared. Xander didn't let me fall."

"I'm sorry I got upset, Xander," Patrick apologized.

"I'm glad you got upset," Xander stated. "You wouldn't have been much of a match against me, but the fact you were ready to try to protect your brother, I am glad Little Dude has an older brother who cares for him that much."

When they got in the coaches to head for dinner, Trevor was sitting with Roger, and Jake was sitting with Xander. Patrick asked Jake if he wanted to sit with Scott so he could talk with Xander. Xander asked, "Are you planning to tell me how you were abused?"

"Nope," Patrick shot back. "I had very loving parents. I am no longer with them because they were killed in a car accident."

"Oh," Xander looked sad, "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Yeah, I wished that it didn't happen, but at least I was lucky enough to find another family with as much love."

Xander was puzzled, "So, why did you ask Little Dude to sit somewhere else so you could sit with me?"

Patrick looked down, "I feel bad that I didn't hesitate to yell at you when I thought you hurt Jake. I

should have simply asked what happened, first."

"I'm glad that you care that much about your brother. See, I am the younger brother and when I asked my brother to help me, he didn't want anything to do with me. He said that I deserve getting fucked up the ass for being a fag." Xander noticed a tear running down Patrick's face.

Upon their return, Garrett was seen talking to Brock VIII, then the pair went to see Brock VII. After a few moments discussion, Garrett and Brock VIII hugged. Brock got into his father's coach and Garrett, along with his now fiancée, Eric Pressman walked over to Trevor and Roger.

"We've decided we're going to spend the night here, after all, the wedding is tomorrow," Garrett explained.

Trevor had a huge smile on his face when he said, "That's cool. I'll go ask Joe if you can use the room next to ours, that way we can get together and talk a bit tonight before bed. I'm tired after the long day, but I do want to find out from you how things are going with your new cousin."

With that, Trevor secured permission for the pair to use the room from Joe Bolt. They went back to their respective rooms with the promise of meeting shortly.

I want to thank all of those who have done the kindness of sending feedback on this story, it's the best payment a writer can hope to received, good or bad... comments are always appreciated, or to be added to my mailing list for future postings, you can email me at True Fan

The Author would like to extend his heartfelt thanks to The Story Lover for his tireless efforts to improve the look and feel of this story and it's presentation.