Another Chance - Book One
Chapter One: Heart Break
By Zarek Dragon
It was a cold January day when Jon Bolt drove to the tack shop to pick up a few things. The Montana roads were icy, but using a little common sense, Mr. Bolt had managed very well. The gear that he had ordered was in and he just finished loading it into the truck. As he was opening the door to the cab, a car going a little too fast started to slide. Mr. Bolt tried jumping out of the way but he didn't quite make it. He was struck and flew seventy-five feet, dying on impact.
The car was wedged under Mr. Bolt's truck. He tried to pull out but all he did was spin his tires on the ice. When the sheriff got there, they discovered that the driver had been drinking. He was taken to jail and the ambulance was called, even though they knew it was too late.
Over the next few months, 
Heather Bolt and Jim went through grief counseling. This seemed to help their spirits, but they would always miss their husband and father. The ranch hands did what they could to help the ranch thrive, but with Mr. Bolt gone, the business seemed to be disappearing as well. Heather tried to look for work in order to help make up for what the ranch was losing, but in the end, she had little choice but to start selling off parcels of the land.
It was the last day of school and he couldn't believe it, Jim just could not believe that they were leaving the home he had known all his life. The ranch had been in his family ever since it was founded in 1872 when his great-great-grandfather built it. Now his dad had been killed by a drunk driver and his mom just couldn't afford to keep it. She tried her best but little by little, the ranch disappeared.
The last parcel of land remaining had the house on it. When it was finally sold, she and Jim packed up what they still had and moved to another state. This state wasn't that far from their home, just a few hours' drive. Their new home is just below the Montana border in Cody, Wyoming. "I know you're upset Jim, but there really wasn't much I could do. Your father had taken out a loan and in another month the bank would have been taking the property from us. This way, I was able to make sure it went to some good people. Would it help if you knew that one person bought it so the ranch is still intact?"
Jim spoke for the first time since they got in the car, "I know, Mom, I'm just sad. I really miss Gold and Shadow didn't deserve what just happened."
Gold was Jim's palomino stallion. With selling the ranch, they had no place left for him to keep the beautiful animal, so after the parcel with the barn was sold, Gold was also sold as part of the effort to hang onto the house. Shadow was Jim's black Labrador retriever. The owner of the house they will be renting doesn't allow pets and Shadow was getting up there in age so nobody was willing to take her. She had to be put down.
"I know, Jim. I promise you, as soon as I can afford to buy another house, we will get another dog. And I'm sure there are ranches all around Cody, so maybe you can volunteer or something."
"Won't be the same. We got Shadow when I was five and she lived up to her name with me. I feel like I let her down. And I don't know that I want to ride another horse again. Plus, I'm leaving all my friends behind. You can't possibly think I'll be happy with this move."
"No, I'm not happy either and seeing you like this really hurts. But again, I really didn't have much of a choice. No one was hiring so I consider myself lucky to have found this jo
b. You'll make new friends, just give it a chance." Heather reached over to caress Jim's face but he pulled away and stared out the window. The trip was about two hours but was going to feel like it took all day to complete.
It was almost six when they arrived at their new home. Heather unlocked the front door and Jim went directly to his new room. Over the past month, what belongings they didn't need before the move were brought down and Heather had made several trips to set everything up. This past week, they were virtually camping in their old house using sleep bags. With it being the last week of school for this year, she wanted to wait before moving and tearing Jim's life apart even more.
Jim was laying on the bed when Heather came to look in on him, "You planning to hibernate in here all summer?"
"No, but I really don't know what else to do. I don't know anybody here or any places to go," Jim sulked.
"Well, you're fifteen years old now so why don't you go explore the area and see what you can discover. But not tonight, it's kind of late to be exploring a new area."
"Do I have to go out tomorrow? Can I have a couple days just to myself to grieve? I really miss her," Jim cried. Heather could see that he was trying to hold his tears back.
Sympathetically, Heather told him, "Sure you can, take this whole week if you want. You know though, Shadow wouldn't want you to be like this all summer, but a week or two should be fine."
"Thanks Mom, I love you," Jim said
"Supper will be ready in about ten minutes. I think we're just having sandwiches and salad tonight. You coming down to eat?"
"Yeah, I'll be down," Jim said.
This was Friday and Heather Bolt would be starting her new job on Monday. She was working in a law office and would leave at 8:30 every morning and not get home until almost six at night. It made her feel sad that she couldn't be home to help Jim get over his loss. She wasn't even sure that she could if she had been home.
All day Saturday, Jim sat in his room. When Heather looked in, he was staring at a picture of Shadow. This made her want to cry but she held it in and went about tweaking things to make the house feel more like a home. Jim came down for meals but as soon as he finished, he went straight to his room. Sunday was no different.
Her first day returning home from work, Heather went to Jim's room to check on him but he wasn't there. She didn't know if she should be relieved or worried. She fixed supper and ate. Jim still wasn't home. Then around eight, Jim came strolling in the door. "I'm glad to see you went out. I fixed supper but it's probably cold now."
"I'm not hungry." was all that Jim said. He went up to his room, Heather followed him.
"There were no dirty dishes, did you even eat today?" she was starting to worry.
"Yeah, I took an apple with me. And some nuts." Jim replied.
She declared, "You need more than that. Did you meet any new friends?"
"No, and I doubt I will." Jim snapped.
"Excuse me, you were gone all this time and didn't meet anybody? You were so outgoing in Montana. I'm sure you'll make some friends, if you try. You may even make a new girlfriend or boyfriend."
"That was in Montana, and it helped that we were one of the wealthiest families in the community. Everybody wanted to hang with me. Now I'm starting my sophomore year at a new school with no friends and the only one that loves me is you."
"You have to give them a chance, Jim. Just be yourself. I'm sure you'll make lots of friends, you'll see."
Every day that first week, Heather returned home to find Jim not there. She wasn't sure when he left, as far as she knew he could have been leaving as soon as she went to work or right before she came home. There were never any dirty dishes or any other sign that Jim had eaten breakfast or lunch.
Every night, Jim returned home late in the evening. Some nights it was just after eight and a couple nights it was even as late as eleven. Heather always asked her son if he made any friends. He always seemed to get upset and tell her no. She was really wondering where he was going if he wasn't meeting anyone and what did he do all day. When she asked Jim, all he would say is "stuff."
At night, she could hear Jim crying into his pillow. He tried to muffle it so she wouldn't hear him, but she did. Her heart was breaking and she wasn't sure how to help. Should she try counseling again? Whom should she talk to? And where was Jim going all this time?
Summer had ended and school was starting. Heather knew Jim would at least meet kids in his class, but she was worried. Jim had always been so outgoing; now he just seemed so withdrawn and depressed. They both had been to counseling after the death of her husband, and that helped at first. But with this move, Jim seemed to be pulling further and further away.
What his mom wasn't aware of was Jim wasn't putting his best effort in school. This was the fourth week of school and on Tuesday they had a test in algebra. The paper was handed 
back on Wednesday. Math had always seemed to come easy to him, but when Jim got his paper back, he saw a big red F, the first one he had ever gotten. Dusty Bear came over to Jim's desk. Jim could tell from his complexion that Dusty was a Native American, probably from a local tribe. Dusty had long black hair that reached halfway down his back. His eyes were dark but kind. "That grade sucks. If you would like, I got a perfect score and I'd be happy to help you?"
"I appreciate the offer, but I don't care," Jim stated.
"Fine, dude, but if you ever change your mind, all you have to do is ask. My name is Dusty, by the way."
"Thanks, it's not like I don't know this stuff, I just don't care," Jim was sullen.
Dusty looked at Jim, he saw sadness in his eyes, "Whatever dude, you keep pushing everyone away, you'll be all alone. I don't know what happened to cause this, and if you don't want to tell me, it's none of my business. But when you're ready for a friend, several of us are here, waiting."
"You're right, it is none of your business, but the fact is, I lost my dad and had to move away from my friends. I don't want to make new friends and end up having to leave them, too," Jim revealed.
"That's so sad dude, I can understand your feelings. Plan to have lunch with me tomorrow and we can talk," Dusty offered. "Even if something happens where you do move away, there's this new technology called the internet and we can stay in touch."
Jim actually smiled a little, "Alright, we can do lunch, maybe it'll help the pain start going away."
"Now, about that test?" Dusty smiled.
"I could have gotten an A, but I didn't even try. I don't really need help with math, but it couldn't hurt."
Every night since school started, she would ask about his classmates. That night was no different but again Jim didn't seem interested in talking about any of them. "There's not a pretty girl or a cute guy in your class?" she inquired.
"Why do you keep asking me that?" Jim asked. "I'm not interested in anybody in that school like that. There is one guy who wants to talk about my problems and we're having lunch together, tomorrow. Aside from him, everyone treats me like I'm a freak, I'm the new guy."
"I'm sure they don't think that, you just need to get to know them. You are a very handsome young man. If anything, they are in awe of your beauty." Jim was handsome, too. He stood five foot nine inches and weighed around 140 pounds. He had brown hair and the prettiest blue eyes. When Jim smiled, he lit up the room.
"You're just saying that because you're my mom. Back in Montana I was practically a celebrity. I could be with anybody, but here, I'm nobody."
"Because you're not allowing anybody in," Heather wanted to scream some sense into him, but she remained calm. "Jim, I wish you'd just give this place a chance. I have to take off work for a meeting with your principal tomorrow. You have any idea as to why?"
"What? I swear, I didn't do anything? Why would he want to see you and not even talk to me?" Jim was surprised. He thought it might have been about the F, but didn't want to say anything.
"He didn't say why, but I could hear concern in his voice when he called me. Maybe it's because you're not socializing?"
"Honest Mom, I haven't a clue. Maybe that is it, but it's not entirely my fault."
"Well, I guess I'll find out tomorrow," Heather stated.
The next day, she went to her meeting with Principal Duncan. "Is everything alright at home?" was the first thing he asked.
"That depends on your definition of ‘alright'." Heather started, "Jim lost his father about eight months ago, we had to sell the horse that he raised since it was born and now we moved into a new home. When we moved, we had to put Jim's dog down and he had to leave all of his friends. Under the circumstances, our home is about as right as it can be. I wish I could change what has happened, but we have to deal with what we can."
"Mrs. Bolt, I'm sure under the circumstances, you're right and this may seem trivial, but I'm a little concerned about Jim. I've seen his transcripts from Montana. Jim was a straight A student. Now, I don't think we're any tougher than Montana, and like I said, this may seem trivial, but in algebra, Jim's only getting a B. Any other student and I would think that was great, but for a student who always got straight A's, that sends off a warning bell."
Heather was perplexed, "That doesn't make sense, math was always Jim's favorite subject and he's getting a B? How are the rest of his classes?"
"Well, it was his algebra teacher that brought this to my attention, so I talked with his other teachers. Most of them say that he's just barely doing enough work to maintain an A. They also said that he's quiet and withdrawn. Whenever another student approaches him, he seems to either shut down or push them away. Jim seems like a good kid, but he's definitely still troubled over his losses."
"He's been to counseling after he lost his father and that seemed to help. We've been discussing that maybe we should see another counselor. I just don't know where to begin," Heather offered.
"Perhaps that would help, but unless Jim is willing to open up, I don't know. I do have a list of a few therapists that you may be interested in trying. They range from a counselor to a psychiatrist, but any of them are approved by the school. I'm sure one would help. There's still time for him to maintain his straight A status, but that's not as important as Jim, himself."
"Please, I would love that list. Any suggestions that would help are also appreciated."
"Well, I'm sure you're doing what you can. We all need some help sometimes. I'll have my secretary get the list for you and if there is anything that I can do to help, just let me know. You are a lovely lady, Mrs. Bolt, thank you for caring enough about your son."
That night at supper, they were having chicken breast served over rice with broccoli on the side. Jim was picking at his food. "How was lunch today?"
"It was alright. Dusty and I talked about what happened to Dad. I told him about Shadow, and he told me that he lost his Mom when he was born," Jim stated. "He wants to have lunch with me every day for a while. He thinks it'll help."
"It couldn't hurt. How are you doing in algebra?" Heather asked out of the blue.
"I think I'm doing alright. I know I'm not failing," Jim said. Then he thought for a second. "Is that why Mr. Duncan wanted to see you? I swear I'm not failing algebra, Mom."
"No, you're not failing any of your classes, but from what Mr. Duncan tells me, you're not putting your best effort in, either."
"I got an F on one test, otherwise I'm getting mainly A's and a few B's," Jim said defensively.
"He didn't even tell me about the F. What happened? Math has always been your best subject."
"I don't want to talk about it. I just hate this school and other than Dusty, no one there likes me."
"Maybe that's because you keep pushing them away. I know that other students have tried being your friend, but Mr. Duncan says that you just shut down or push them away. I'm glad that you finally opened to Dusty, maybe you can others? Mr. Duncan gave me a list of counselors. Would you like to talk to one of them? I know you're hurting, and that hurts me. If you want to go back to Montana and live on the street so you can be with your old friends, I'll do that. Problem is, I don't know how we would eat and winter isn't that far away."
Jim bowed his head and started to cry. Amongst his sobs, he said, "I'm so sorry, Mom. I never wanted to hurt you." She got up, walked over and placed her arms around him, pulling him close.
"I know Jim, so you want to look and see if there is a counselor you might be interested in?"
"If it'll help. I'm tired of feeling this pain all the time. And I'm tired of hurting you," Jim said. "I literally feel like my heart's been ripped from my chest."
"I know you do. I miss Shadow, too. She wouldn't want you to keep hurting. Let her go and just remember the good times she brought into your life. On the plus side, I got a promotion at work. This Saturday I'll be looking at houses to buy. If you want to help me pick out the perfect house for us, you're more than welcome to join me."
"Can I think about it?" Jim asked.
"Sure you can, honey, you don't have to decide until I pull out of the driveway. I would like for you to go, though."
Friday at lunch Jim and Dusty talked. He told Dusty about the conversation with his Mom. "I think my dad might be on that list of counselors the school has. He's a great counselor, well psychiatrist, actually."
"Well, that explains you," Jim said and actually laughed.
"What's that supposed to mean? Hey wait, was that an actual laugh?" Dusty asked.
"Look what you've done for me, already. What's your dad's name? I'll tell Mom that I'd like to see him. I'd also like for you to go with me as a friend."
"Dad may want to see you by yourself the first time. If he does, I'll wait in the lobby for you, otherwise, I'd be happy to sit with you."
A girl from Jim's science class walked over, "You're the new guy, aren't you? Your name is Jim, right?"
"Yeah, that's me," Jim said.
"This is Cheyenne. She's my girlfriend," Dusty offered.
"Jim and I have science together," she said looking at Dusty. Then she turned to Jim, "Some of the kids say that you're standoffish. You don't seem that way to me."
"Thank Dusty for that. I was pushing people away and he wouldn't have any of that. We've been talking and I'm starting to feel better."
"Feel better about what?" Cheyenne asked.
"Lunch is almost over so we don't have time to talk about it now, but Dusty has my permission to tell you everything. Not sure I'm really ready, but maybe I should start getting to know my class mates."
It was Saturday, Jim decided to try and make his Mom happy so he went with her. As she drove, Jim told her about his conversation with Dusty and Cheyenne. He told her that Dusty's dad was on the list of counselor's and that's who he wanted to see. Mrs. Bolt just smiled and told him that she was glad he was finally opening up. "You watch, before the end of the month, you'll have dozens of friends. If you don't, I'll buy you a new car."
"Umm, Mom, that wouldn't be a fair bet. I could sabotage it to get that car," Jim said.
"I know, but I'd have to believe you really tried before I would buy it," Heather assured.
"I have a better idea. If I have a dozen or more friends by the end of the month, I'll serve you breakfast in bed the following week. If I don't, you serve me." Jim offered.
Heather leaned over and kissed her son's cheek. He made a fuss like he was getting too old for that but she didn't care.
They got to the first house they were to look at and the realtor wasn't there. Her teenage son was waiting. "I'm Zac, my mom's running late. She's with a client showing another house but she asked me to show you around. She'll be here in about half an hour to answer any questions."
This kid looked to be fifteen or maybe sixteen and had jet black hair. When his hazel eyes met Jim's, Jim's heart skipped a beat. "Do you live close by?" Heather asked.
"Just across the street," he said pointing, "Would you like to see inside, I have the combination to the lockbox for the key?"
"Yes please," was all Heather said. She noticed that Jim's spirit lifted some more. Jim was finally showing signs that he was heading back to normal.
The house was huge. The kitchen was the same size as the one where they currently lived, but this house had a dining room as well. Their current home didn't. The front room had a big picturesque window.
When they went upstairs, there were three bedrooms, each with their own full bathroom. The smallest room was bigger than the master bedroom where they were living. Mrs. Bolt could tell that Jim was falling in love with the house. The fact that Zac lived across the street didn't hurt, either.
The back yard was massive. The house sat on fifteen acres of land. The property wasn't a ranch, but for starting over and getting another chance, this property was massive. Zac and Jim went out and played in the back yard as Zac's mom pulled up. Heather continued looking around the house as she walked in. "Hi, I'm Marilyn, did Zac show you around?"
"He did a wonderful job. My only concern is why is this house selling so cheap?" Heather asked.
"The family needs to sell it fast. It's been on the market for a couple years and if they don't sell it soon, the bank will be auctioning it off. All they are asking is to pay off their bank loan plus my commission. I can't go any lower unless I waive my share."
"I wish I knew this house was for sale when we moved here," Heather stated.
"Well, they were asking for $300,000 until three days ago. You're the first person to look at it since they dropped it. I was about to put an ad in the paper when you called me."
"I'd been saving for a down payment. I have the $50,000 that they are asking saved up. And I saw a glint of hope in Jim's eye."
"I do have two other houses that we can look at if you'd like before you decide."
Just about that time, Zac and Jim came inside. "What do you think, Jim? Want to check out a couple more houses?"
"You can. Zac asked if I'd like to go see where he works. It's some ranch close by."
Zac chimed in, "You don't mind, do you, Mrs. Bolt?"
"Not at all. I'll just go with your mom and check out these other houses, but I'm leaning towards buying this one." For the first time since they left Montana, she saw not a hint but an actual smile on Jim's face.
"We're just looking at the other houses as a formality, right? Based on your son's face, I have a feeling you'll be buying this one."
"Yeah, he loves this house. I don't even need to see the others to know I want this one. He's had it so rough. If living here helps, I'm all for it. And it looks like the boys hit it off, too. Thanks for ‘being late'."
"After talking with you on the phone, it was my pleasure. Zac was reluctant to do it, but I promised him half the commission if he did. He's been a loner ever since his father left. This could be good for both of them."
Jim climbed into Zac's truck. It was a beat-up old ‘98 Dodge Ram. They drove a few miles out of town and turned onto a dusty road. Jim read a sign saying Another Chance Ranch. "This is where the ranch starts," Zac stated.
"How long is this road?" Jim asked.
"We have two miles until we get to the main ranch. The property extends another thirteen miles past. The owner is friends with a guy who runs a ranch and a horse rescue. He's talking about doing the same, but horse rescues aren't always easy. Sometimes the horses are so bad off it makes you sick to your stomach, other times, you grow too attached to the horse, it tears you up when they leave. Oh, the ranch just bought a new horse and it's being delivered today. Wanna see it?"
"We can," Jim stated not sounding too enthused. While Jim was excited about learning more about Zac, he wasn't sure he was ready to see another horse yet. His mind started thinking about Gold.
As they pulled in, the horse trailer was just being opened. All Jim could see was the tail end, but that was enough for him to know it was a palomino quarter horse. This started breaking Jim's heart as he thought even more about Gold. "That's one beautiful stallion." one of the workers said. "Any idea who'll ride him?"
A tall thin man walked up. "Don't rightly know just yet. People that owned him said they've never been able to ride him since the day they bought him. We may just use him for stud service." They backed the horse out and Jim couldn't believe his eyes. He thought maybe his mind was playing tricks on him. If that wasn't Gold, he sure could pass as a twin. The horse seemed a little agitated and started to rear. The rancher holding the lead lost his grip and the palomino started running around the corral. Suddenly he turned and started heading towards Zac and Jim. "Watch out!" Zac advised but Jim had jumped into the corral. He was sure that he was safe.
The palomino stopped in front of Jim and just nudged him. "Will you look at that?" the tall thin man stated. Jim just hugged the big horse and started to cry. "Young man, do you know this horse?"
"I sure do. He was mine but we had to sell our ranch in Montana and I had to get rid of him. He was my best friend," Jim said with tears running down his face.
"Sold him about six months ago?" the man asked. Jim just nodded. "So, I'm guessing that you're the only one he's let ride him. Are you working anywhere?" the man asked.
"Not at the moment, but I do have school." He still had his arms around the stallion as if he was never letting go again.
"Zac normally works on the weekends and some nights. His mom asked him to do a favor today or he’d have been here earlier. Would you be interested in working weekends and maybe a few nights when you can?"
"Would I get to work with Gold?" Jim asked.
"Make you a deal, obviously the horse loves you as much as you love him. I'll pay you sixteen dollars an hour and you'll work Saturday from six until three and Sunday from six until noon. You can also pick up a few nights a week as your schedule allows. You'll get paid each week and you can give me whatever you feel you can afford and we'll keep track. Once you've reimbursed me what I paid for Gold, he'll be yours again. And as long as you're using the horse for the ranch, we'll supply feed and board even after you own him. In the meantime, he'll be yours to use on the ranch. I will expect you to work hard."
"Sir, if it means I have my best friend back, you won't find a harder worker," Jim started to cry more as he couldn't believe what had just happened. There wasn't any hesitation, Jim shook hands accepting the offer. Zac led Jim to the office so he could fill out his new hire paperwork. Once it was complete and the owner looked it over he told them that Jim's mom would need to sign a few spots since Jim was still a minor. After that, Zac and Jim headed back to Zac's house.
As Jim and Zac entered the house, Heather was signing some papers with a cashier's check sitting beside Zac's mom. Without looking up, she said, "House across the street is ours as soon as I finish signing all these papers."
"Great, Mom. How much will your payments be, if you don't mind my asking?" Jim asked.
"The house was low enough that what I was expecting to put as a down payment covered it. We won't have any mortgage or payments, so you needn't worry about us losing it and having to move again."
"How'd you manage to save that much? I thought you didn't have anything left from selling off the ranch." Jim wasn't sure if he should be upset that his mom had that money all a long or happy that they had this new house and would never have to worry about moving from it.
"I saved the money back from the parcel we sold with the house. The bank took most of the money we received from selling the property, but I managed to save enough. I didn't want to use it unless absolutely necessary so we would be able to get our own house again. I just thought I needed to have more of an income to cover payments and all." She said as she signed the last page. Then she looked up at Jim. "Have you been crying? Are you alright?"
Jim hugged his mom, "I love you Mom, and you won't believe it. I'm going to be working on the ranch with Zac and that isn't even the best part." Jim relayed the events of the day and how Gold came up to him. He told her about the offer that was made for him to get Gold back.
"That's wonderful, Honey. Does that mean I get my happy-go-lucky son back?" she asked. Jim cracked a smile.
"I still miss Shadow and always will, but yeah, I think I'm the happiest I've been since we moved," Jim responded. Zac walked over and put his arms around his mom as they watched Jim and his mom interact.
"Well, once we move in, you can get a dog or puppy," Heather promised.
"I can never replace Shadow," Jim said solemnly.
"I'm not asking you to replace her. She will always have a spot in your heart. But I know Shadow would want to see you happy with another dog. It can be any dog that you want. Do you want another black Lab?"
"I was thinking maybe a golden retriever or a yellow Lab," Jim said.
"We'll see what we can find, I want you to choose a dog or puppy that will make you happy," Heather stated. "I'm so proud of you. I know it's been rough on you but you're finally making friends at school, you had that spark back in your eye when you were talking about Gold. And now maybe you can find yourself someone special."
Jim was a little embarrassed with his mom saying that in front of Zac and started to blush. He thought Zac was very attractive but didn't know how Zac would react if he knew Jim was bi-. "You mean a girlfriend, right?"
"Doesn't matter to me, could be a girlfriend or boyfriend as long as whoever makes you happy."
"Did I hear her right? Did she just say a girlfriend or boyfriend?" Zac asked. He turned to Jim, "I'm guessing then, that you're bi-sexual?"
"I wasn't planning to let you know yet, but yeah. Hope it doesn't upset you that I am," Jim said. "I'm hoping we can still be friends."
"Dude, it doesn't upset me at all. We can be friends. I felt so attracted to you and I've wanted to kiss you many times today, but I wasn't sure how you would react," Zac explained. "Oh and by the way, I am gay."
"I definitely wouldn't have minded; I've wanted to kiss you, too. Now that we're neighbors, maybe we can hang out and see what happens," Jim grinned. "Wait, did you just say that you are gay?" Zac smiled.
"Just don't break my boy's heart," Heather warned. "He's already had a lifetime's worth." Jim started blushing again.
"Mrs. Bolt, is it alright if Jim spends the night. I know we just met and all, but Jim will be starting to work at the ranch in the morning and it'll be easier to go from my house than for me to come pick him up. It'll also give us a chance to talk some more."
Marilyn piped up, "And my room is right beside Zac's so if you're worried about anything…"
Zac interrupted, "Please Mom, we just met. It's not like we're going to do anything."
"Please, call me Heather. It's fine by me this night," Heather responded, then looked at Zac's mom. "How long until we can start moving in?"
"Well, officially, you can't start until everything is legally in your name, which will take a few weeks, but the previous owners don't mind. You can start moving in once the utilities are switched to your name if you like."
"Can't do that until Monday," Heather commented.
Marilyn offered, "We're having a cook-out for dinner tonight. Since Jim's staying the night, he's already been invited. Would you like to join us, too? Since we're going to be neighbors, perhaps we can talk, as well."
"On one condition," Heather stated.
"Which is?"
"Once we get moved in, you come to the house warming party I intend to throw."
"Well, that's easy, of course I will attend. And I'm sure Zac won't mind helping you move, would you, son?"
"I'd be happy to help you move. You're a sophomore at Cody High, right?" Zac asked looking at Jim.
"Yeah, why?" Jim was wondering what Zac was thinking and how he knew.
"Cool, I'm a junior there. I figure after school Monday, you can ride with me and we can grab a load of stuff in my truck." He looked at Heather, "If for some reason you don't have the utilities in your name, don't tell Mom, but I'll still start moving things in. I know how to get the key." He smiled.
"I'm right here, goofball," Marilyn said. "Besides, I'm giving her the key now. I trust her."
"Would it be alright if we took another look at the house? I'd like to visualize how I want to set up my room," Jim asked.
Marilyn handed Jim the key, "Just give it to your mom when you're done. I think there are other keys in one of the kitchen drawers."
Zac looked at Jim, "Mind if I tag along? I'm curious as to which bedroom will be yours."
"Is it alright, Mom?" Jim asked.
"Sweetheart, you don't need to ask, I trust you," Heather responded.
As Jim and Zac headed over to Jim's new room, Heather was chatting with her soon-to-be new neighbor. "Mrs. Schoen, may I call you Marilyn?"
"Please, all my friends do," Marilyn responded.
Jim and Zac walked into the empty house. Jim turned on a dime and Zac ran into him. Jim grabbed him and started kissing. Zac responded by slipping his tongue into Jim's mouth.
"I've been wanting to do that all day," Jim said as they parted.
"So have I. And that was the best kiss I've ever had," Zac said, slightly out of breath. What he didn't tell Jim, that was his first real kiss.
Jim looked into Zac's hazel eyes and moved in for another kiss. Zac wrapped his arms around Jim and held him tight like he never wanted to let go. "It'd be cool if just the two of us could sleep here tonight. We could throw a couple sleeping bags on the floor and kinda camp here."
"Yeah, that would be cool, but I don't think either of our moms would allow that," Zac stated.
"Probably not, but we can always think about it," Jim said as he headed upstairs.
The Master bedroom would be Heather's and Jim took the bedroom facing the backyard. As he looked out the window, Zac saw a tear run down his cheek, "I take it you're think of what's her name, Shadow?"
"Yeah, she would have loved that yard," Jim said.
Zac moved close and put his arm around Jim. He pulled him close and started rubbing his back with his left hand. "I'm sure she would. You obviously cared a lot about her and I'm sure she was very special."
Jim placed his head on Zac's shoulder and just sobbed. Zac moved his right hand to the back of Jim's head and just held him. It seemed like hours, but Jim stayed there being held for just several minutes. When Zac let him go, Jim apologized. "I'm sorry, I must seem like a little kid right now."
"No, you just seem like you lost someone special and needed to cry. Do you feel better?"
Jim looked directly into Zac's eyes and said, "Yeah, I really do. I've cried many times over losing her, but that's the first time I actually felt relief from crying."
"Good, then getting a wet shoulder was worth it," Zac chuckled.
Jim grinned and said, "I'm sorry about that, perhaps we should head back over so you can get a dry shirt."
"We don't have to head over yet. Have you figured out where everything will be going?" Zac smiled.
"I think so. My bed will go here, my dresser can go over there, my desk there, and my TV there," Jim said point to various parts of the room.
"Sounds like you have it all planned. So, you wanna head back over, or would you like to chat or whatever?"
"I'd like to chat, but we can do that tonight. I think we should head over so our moms don't send a search party over," Jim stated.
"Yeah, we've been gone for almost an hour. They might be starting to worry."
As Zac and Jim walked into Zac's house, Marilyn looked at them. "What happened to your shirt?"
"That's my fault. I was looking out my bedroom window and started thinking about Shadow. Zac held me as I cried," Jim volunteered.
"Well I hope you feel better. From looking at Zac's shirt, do we need to take a mop over there?" Marilyn kidded.
Jim smiled back, "No, I think Zac's shirt soaked it all up."
Zac piped in, "I'm gonna go change my shirt. Jim, are you coming?"
"Don't be too long, you need to start the grill before too much longer," Marilyn stated.
Jim flopped onto Zac's bed as Zac pulled off his shirt. Jim couldn't help but stare at the six-pack starting to form. He smiled and then absentmindedly started licking his lips. "I take it that you approve?" Zac inquired.
"Hell yeah, I do. Riding horses definitely looks good on you."
Zac smiled, "Can't say that it's all from riding horses. Lifting the bales of hay, mucking the stalls, and all the physical demands of working on a ranch help."
Much to Jim's dismay, Zac pulled a dry shirt on and headed to start the grill.
The cookout was a lot of fun and when it was over, Heather hugged and kissed Jim. She told him to enjoy himself but be on his best behavior. Jim thought she should make up her mind, but didn't say anything. He just chuckled.
"I'll get the dishes in the morning, boys, I'm beat. Whatever you do, don't stay up to late, you got that? What time do you have to be at the ranch in the morning?" Marilyn asked as she headed upstairs. It was just a little after eight.
"We have to be there at six," Zac said. After she went upstairs, Zac looked at Jim. "Feel like doing something nice?"
"What, do the dishes for your mom?" Jim inquired.
"Yeah, you wanna wash or dry?" Zac responded.
"I should wash and you dry. After all, you know where everything goes so it'd be easier for you to put it away."
"Good point," Zac stated as they headed to the kitchen. The boys continued talking while they cleaned up. Once the dishes were done, they headed to Zac's room.
Zac stripped down to his boxers without even thinking. Jim just stared and hadn't even take off his shirt. "I'm sorry, I normally sleep naked since I'm normally alone. Want me to put some sweats on?" Zac offered.
"No, I like what I see now. I just wasn't expecting to see you to get almost naked," Jim said starting to take off his shirt.
Zac smiled, "Well, you can strip down to your boxers too or I can lend you some sweats, whatever makes you comfortable."
"My boxers will be fine." Jim said as he lowered his jeans.
"Bed is big enough we can both sleep in it, or I can set up an air mattress," Zac was trying his best not to scare Jim off. Part of him wanted to fool around with Jim, but he didn't want to take a chance of ruining what looked like a promising relationship.
"Bed will be more comfortable, I think. It's not like we're gonna do something. I feel I can trust you."
"I'm glad and hope I never do anything to lose that trust. By the way, that was an amazing kiss earlier. Hope you don't mind that it was my first," Zac finally confessed.
"Really? When you kissed me back, I couldn't tell that. I really enjoyed it," Jim said.
"I just did what felt right. I think that I feel a strong connection with you. I hope I don't scare you, and if you don't want to answer, you don't have to, but have you ever been with anyone?" Zac asked.
"I'm with you now, I've been with my mom," Jim saw the look on Zac's face and it hit him what Zac was asking. "OH, no, I've never been with anyone that way. I've kissed and made out, but I've never even jerked off with anyone else. I'm happy to say that I'm a virgin. I'm guessing since you've never kissed that you haven't either."
"No, I'm waiting for someone special," Zac answered. "Once you give your virginity, you can never get it back, so I want to really care, maybe even love the person that I give it to."
"That's cool, I like that answer. Hope you don't mind, but we have to get up early tomorrow, so I'd like to go to bed."
"Yeah, it'll be time to get up before we know it. We can talk more then." Zac said as he started getting into the left side of the bed. Jim climbed into the other side. "Sorry, I should have asked which side you prefer. You are the guest."
"Surprisingly, I've never really slept on a side, per say. I have a twin bed, and I'm kinda on both sides. I sleep on my left side though, so when I wake up, if you're still there, you'll be the first thing I see." Zac smiled. Jim gave him a kiss and laid his head on the pillow. Zac grinned and stared at Jim as he also put his head on a pillow. It didn't take long for both boys to be asleep.
