Struggling Forward - 15. Life Goes On

Life Goes On:

The weeks following the arrests of Rudolph and Penelope continued weighing on Kyle and Kaleb, in a way they blamed themselves that Chris had no blood-related family. Blu and Davis did their best to ensure the boys understood they bore no blame in Mr. Van der Berg’s death, however, the weight of their parent's crimes left a cloud of darkness looming eerily over the boys. Reporters and news crews showed up at the strangest of places and occasionally camped out on their lawn looking for an interview.

Kyle’s sleep was anything but normal, one morning he gave up even trying and was standing at the dining room window as he drank his coffee. He spotted one of the National news crews pulling up at the curb, he sighed knowing that they would all have to pass by the crew to go to school in a few short hours. Kyle turned and headed upstairs to check on Blu. Kyle still felt guilt over Blu’s injury, he did, however, cut back on hovering over him so much, he didn’t want his fiancée feeling uncomfortable around him.

Kyle slipped quietly into the room and sat on the edge of the bed, he brushed some hair out of Blu’s eyes kissing him lightly on the lips, “Morning Babe, time to wake up.”

“Mmm…that’s my second favorite way to wake up,” Blu said smiling, his eye still closed.

“Well, we have visitors again so make sure you’re dressed before you head downstairs again. The vultures can’t leave us alone,” Kyle said as he cursed Rudolph and Penelope in his mind.

“I’ll give them something to report about,” Blu said threw the covers off. He pushed Kyle off of the bed and got up, stretching, “You get James’s paper yet?”

“Yeah, I read it a few hours ago. It’s on the kitchen table, I made a second pot of coffee for all of you,” Kyle yawned showing a fatigued look on his face, “Will life ever be normal for us again?”

Blu stepped closer to Kyle, “Yes, it will Blondie, but right now you have too many clothes on…” he took Kyle’s coffee finishing it off then put the empty mug on the night table. Blu slipped his fingers under the hem of Kyle’s shirt whipping it up over his head, he kissed Kyle’s neck, biting, nibbling then soothing the same spot with his tongue. He hooked his fingers in his fiancee’s boxers and pulled them down forcing Kyle to step out of them. Blu then pushed Kyle down on the bed climbing over the top of him, “what were you saying?” he asked nibbling on Kyle’s ear. He ran his tongue over the magnificent body displayed in front of him, from the neck down to the nipple, taking it between his teeth and gently pulling on it.

“God, Babe, as much as I would like to do this we can’t it’s a school day, I need to warn Kaleb and Davis of our unwanted guests,” Kyle kissed Blu then he slid out from under his fiancée, “Get a shower and I’ll go wake the horndogs.”

Blu quickly got off of the bed grabbing Kyle’s wrist, pulling him back to him, “DAVIS!” Blu yelled out.

“WHAT?” a voice bellowed back.

“WE HAVE COMPANY AGAIN!” Blu answered warning him.

“Motherfuckers!” they heard either Kaleb or Davis stomp down the stairs.

Blu turned his sights on the good-looking man in front of him, “Warned! Bed or shower, I’m also a horny horndog this morning,” he said as he stroked himself in front of Kyle, his eyes watching Blu’s movements.

“Shower, we can deal with your problem and clean you up at the same time,” Kyle took Blu’s hand leading him into the shower. Kyle set the water temperature before they stepped in, “Now where were we? Oh ya, you seem to have a slight problem,” Kyle reached out placing some shower gel in his hand then wrapping it around Blu’s engorged member. “Hmm… yes, I think this will be easily cured,” Kyle said as he stroked Blu’s cock. “Have I told you how beautiful you are lately?”

“Hnsf…ffi…hmmm,” Blu mumbled with his eyes closed.

Kyle picked up the pace, the stroking definitely was doing its job, as Blu’s body tensed, “Enjoy the moment Babe, I love you more than I could ever tell you.”

Blu was at the edge, he was about to go over, but he wanted more. Swatting Kyle’s hand away, he dropped to his knees taking Kyle in his mouth quicker than the man could protest. If Kyle thought he was choosing the easy way out this morning, he was out of his mind. Blu was going to do everything to put a smile on his man’s face even if only for a little while. He looked up at Kyle, mischief in his eyes, and used every trick he’d discovered that would get Kyle to let go. Kyle’s fingers twisted in Blu’s hairs taking hold as his head continued to bob. Blu’s eyes stared straight into Kyles, waiting for the right moment when Kyle had that look in his eye, Blu grabbed himself, stroking in rhythm with the movement of his mouth. Blu smiled when he knew he had Kyle’s attention focused on what he wanted and doubled his efforts. Kyle mumbled unintelligible nonsense as he thrust his hips. Blu could feel his balls pull up, his stomach warmed as his release shot from him washing down the drain with the water. Kyle thrust his hips one last time as he released his seed, his body felt like it became made of rubber, the boys finished washing each other and got dressed before heading downstairs for breakfast.

Kyle walked down the stairs holding Blu’s hand as they walked past the living room the television cut to breaking news, ‘Hi this is Julie Chow reporting live in front of Remington Manor in Monterey, California, with breaking news. Today the FBI brought formal charges against Penelope Remington in the murder of her parents Caleb and Margarette Gates. Her parents were oil tycoons who founded Gates Oil Ventures that operated out of Galveston, Texas. Their bodies were discovered after an alleged home invasion by James Jessup, a family employee. Mr. and Mrs. Gates was found executed with a single gunshot wound to the head in their residence. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available… This is Julie Chow reporting for WKKV-TV we bid you good day.’ Kyle stood in the doorway stunned, “I… I…” Kyle leaned dazed against the wall, “She killed Gram and Gramps?”

“Shit,” Blu muttered, carefully he guided Kyle to the kitchen having him sit down at the breakfast table. He grabbed a glass of water putting it front of Kyle. He kissed the top of Kyle’s head, “Blondie, sit here, I’ll be back in a minute, don’t move baby.”

Blu ran upstairs, with a fist he banged on James’s door, Davis came out of his room to see what the fuss was, “Davis, everything just got worse, where’s your man?” he asked thumping on James’s door again.

James opened the door wiping the sleep from his eyes, “What’s all the banging about Son?”

“Did you fucking know?” Blu spat.

“Know what?” James had a confused look on his face.

“Penelope killed her parents. Did you fucking know?” Blu growled, “because Kyle just found out through Breaking News on the god damn television. I had just got him settled down, now he’s in the kitchen shaking like a leaf, crying like a baby. He’s absolutely fucking destroyed James.”

“Fuck!” Davis gasped then his bedroom door slammed.

“Shit,” James muttered as he slammed his fist against the wall, “I was trying to protect the boys, I didn’t want them to get hurt worse than they already were.”

“Yeah well your plan went to shit, I can’t handle Kyle by myself, James, Davis is barely hanging on to Kaleb. Now, this?” Blu said stomping away.

Davis’s door flew open and Kaleb stormed down the stairs pushing Blu out of the way fury emanating from his body, “Kyle where are you?”

James walked past Davis’s room where he was still standing, “Come on Son, our family needs us now more than ever,” Davis nodded as James continued to the kitchen.

When the others reached the kitchen they found Kaleb hugging Kyle. Kyle was still sitting in the chair Blu had placed him, sobbing, “She… she’s a monster… Gram and Gramps loved us… Why?”

Blu and Davis stood back watching their other halves with tears in their eyes, they felt like failures, the two people they loved the most in this world and there was nothing they could do to take their pain away.

James walked over to where the boys were kneeling down and wrapping his arms around the boys, “I’m sorry boys, I tried to keep you from getting hurt worse,” James held the boys as they both cried. “You are right though Kyle, your Gram, and Gramps loved you both more than life itself. Every time they visited with you they had a twinkle in their eye that you both placed there, even when Kaleb plucked your Gram’s flowers.”

“I didn’t pluck Gram’s flowers,” Kaleb said defensively as he wiped tears from his face.

“YES YOU DID,” Kyle and James shouted at the same time.

Blu and Davis tried to hold back a laugh as they went to the three, “Blondie, do you think you can get through school today? If not stay home and I’ll get Charlie talk to your professors. I’d stay but I have an exam.”

Kyle sniffled, “I don’t think I can deal with school today, Babe. Kaleb, are you going to be okay with school?”

“I’m going, cooking makes my bad days better,” Kaleb wiped his eyes as he gave Kyle one last hug. “Love you, Kyle,” Kaleb stood up and headed off to get ready for class.

“Do you mind if I catch a ride with you guys, so I can leave the SUV for Blondie and James?” Blu asked Davis, “If I finish before you guys I’ll just call James to come get me,” Blu turned to James, “if that’s okay with you?”

“Of course that’s fine Son,” James said as he waited for Davis’s answer.

“You know that’s fine with Leb and me,” Davis nodded.

*****

The next Friday when the boys all returned from school, they were greeted by an overly enthusiastic Khan and everyone knew why. Khan’s human Grandpa was there to spoil him, Doggy Treats for days.

“Hey Dad, James,” Blu called out throwing his bag on the floor next to the door as he kept walking to the couch to give his Dad a hug.

Kyle’s mood was a little lighter, “Hi Dad, James, how was your day?”

“It was good, the drive wasn’t too bad, where’s Kaleb and Davis?” Doug asked.

“So it’s a business visit then?” Blu chuckled.

“Unfortunately, it’s more of an update,” Doug grimaced, the expression James held wasn’t any more encouraging.

“Yeah, the others have work tonight, will it take long, they have a few hours before anyone has to leave,” Blu told his Dad.

“No, I’ll make it quick for now, then in the morning after you’ve all had a chance to process the information we can talk properly.”

James stood up and walked to the laundry room door and banged loudly on it, “You two, out here NOW!” He walked back into the living room and sat down as he was followed by Kaleb and Davis, who were adjusting themselves as they sat down.

Blu shook his head, while the pair sat down unabashed by their actions. Kyle grinned from ear-to-ear his tongue poking through his teeth at Davis and his brother.

“Shut it or we’ll use your desk again,” Kaleb glared at Kyle.

“Eww… yuck… I’ll drop it,” Kyle grimaced thinking what Kaleb and Davis may have done in his office, “We’re good.”

“Okay boys, that’ll do, and for Christ’s sake Kaleb at least disinfect your brother's desk afterward,” Doug said, “I’ve come up for a visit, there have been some developments you need to know about concerning your trust funds.”

The boys leaned on the table interested to hear what Doug had to say.

“I’ll get right to it, the IRS has been brought in by the FBI, they have frozen all funds, assets, and business entities. This includes your trust funds until a full audit has been done. You are not in trouble, but because there has been some hanky panky with the trusts, it’s in your best interest. The government has made sure your schooling has been paid until the end of this school year. Lily, James, and I have put in a request to be the executor of your trusts to take control away from Rudolph and Penelope’s accountant, once the audit is complete and the request goes through the court it will be unfrozen. Kyle, you should be of age to be in control of your trust by then.” Doug paused trying to read the faces around the table. Even though now probably isn’t the best time to bring up his next little nugget but he thought “In for a penny…”

“There’s more, from the forensic audit from our accountant, it seems that they had caught on to the audit of Kyle’s trust. They then moved on to pilfering from yours Kaleb, since your’s had already been audited and reported as clean,” Doug said sadly.

“THOSE MOTHERFUCKERS!,” Kyle slammed his fists on the table, “They should’ve shot the assholes instead of arresting them. Nobody in their right mind would miss them.”

‘’Blondie,” Blu said standing, trying to get Kyle to calm down some, “sit, sit, you need to settle down. Let Dad finish.”

Kyle stormed out the front door to where the Television Reporters have maintained a vigilance at the boy's house.

Kaleb looked out the window wide-eyed, “Oh my, this is gonna be interesting.”

Blu frowned, pleading with his Dad, “Please there has to be something we can do Dad, they just keep hounding Kyle and Kaleb. Davis and I are at our wits end to help them, every time they lose interest something else happens and they are back to camping on our lawn again. They had nothing to do with the any of it, can’t we get a restraining order or something,” Blu paused taking a deep breath, “yesterday Kaleb caught one of those bottom feeders going through our trash. It wasn’t even out on the street.”

James stood up and sighed as he headed out the front door as Kyle’s arms were flailing as he shouted. James placed a hand on Kyle’s shoulder catching him off guard, he swung around landing a fist on James’s jaw.

“James, I didn’t mean it,” Kyle broke down in tears, “I’d never intentionally hit you,” Kyle collapsed to his knees sobbing.

James rubbed his chin as he knelt down scooping Kyle in his arms, “It’s going to be okay Son,” he said as carried him into the house slamming the door behind him. James placed Kyle on the couch, leaving to get a damp rag to clean up Kyle’s face. Blu rushed to Kyle’s side the moment he was on the couch wrapping all his limbs around his fiancée letting him sob. At this point, Blu had no idea what to do except let Kyle know he was there.

“Shh...” Blu said quietly holding onto Kyle, he rested his cheek on top of Kyle’s head which was buried in his chest, occasionally leaving a gentle kiss there to give comfort. James came back with a damp cloth handing it to Blu, who gently wiped Kyle’s face. James sat in the recliner watching how distraught Kyle was. “James, could you please have Dad cancel Kyle’s lessons for the next few days? His planner is in the top drawer of his desk?” Blu asked James over the top of Kyle’s head, then kissed it before pulling Kyle tighter. He gently rocked his fiancée as he started to calm down. James nodded his head as he went to find Doug.

Kaleb came in and sat on the arm of the couch beside his brother unsure what to do for him, he hesitated as he went to touch his shoulder. Cautiously setting his hand on Kyle’s shoulder, Kaleb worried how he would react, “Kyle I love you, but you don’t have to carry the weight of this mess on your shoulders. We are in this together, even Davis and Blu,” he squeezed Kyle’s shoulder a little tighter knowing he wasn’t going to get hit and gave a sad smile to Blu as he watched his brother.

Blu mouthed a ‘thank you’ to Kaleb still holding onto Kyle who’d calmed down somewhat, but the sobbing had left him with a violent case of hiccups. Blu went to stand to get Kyle some water, but Davis came walking in the room with a pitcher of iced water and four glasses. The adults were nowhere in sight letting the boys catch their breath.

“Kaleb, if you don’t feel you can go to work, get Dad to call in for you surely they would understand. They certainly wouldn’t want the bad publicity if any of those news vans followed you.” Blu told him, “What about you Davis?”

“I already called in, not that I imagine any of my clients would care to argue,” Davis replied trying to add a little levity to the mood.

Kaleb nodded and quickly found Doug before he returned to his perch beside Kyle. “Dad’s taking care of it, I think the four of us need to stick together, we’ll give each other strength when the others are weak,” Kaleb sighed as he remembered how much Kyle protected him growing up, wishing he was able to do the same for his brother.

“I’m going to take this one up to bed and snuggle, feel free to join us we can all lay and watch a movie or something,” Blu said as he extracted himself from Kyle, then pulled him from the couch.

Kaleb took Davis’s hand as they followed behind Blu and his brother. He whispered into Davis’s ear, “You don’t mind us staying with them, do you? I want to be there for Kyle, he always was there for me and now it's my turn.”

“I’d be disappointed if you felt any other way Leb,” squeezing Kaleb's hand as they lazily climbed the stairs to join Blu and Kyle.” James and Doug watched the boys as they showed how much they had grown as a family. Both adults were proud of the four young men, they were feeling a little helpless at the moment. The ongoing struggle these boys were facing was insurmountable, they were young and dealing the best way they knew how, but it all just keeps piling up.

*****

Less than a week later there was a knock at the front door at 6:45 am. Khan stood at the bottom of the bed growling, Kyle sat up rubbing his eyes trying to gain his faculties as his baby continued growling with his hair standing on his back. Kyle crawled out of bed pulling on a pair of sweat-pants, they both walked downstairs, Kyle glanced out the window seeing a Sheriff standing at the door. Kyle ordered Khan to ‘sit,’ as he opened the door, “Can I help you?”

The Sheriff remained straight-faced, “Is this the Remington residence?”

“I’m Kyle Remington, my brother Kaleb lives here also,” Kyle looked at the Sheriff questioningly.

“Can you get your brother? I need both of you present,” the Sheriff had an apologetic look on his face.

Khan steadfast watching the Sheriff as Kyle ran upstairs, returning with a disheveled looking Kaleb at his side.

“You’ve been served,” The Sheriff handed the official documents to Kyle and Kaleb as he turned walking away.

Kyle closed the door as they stared at the documents, after reading them they were subpoenas for their parents trial in less than a month. The trial was being held in California at the Federal Courthouse not far from their parent's house.

Almost immediately the phone rang, “Did you just get a visit?” Chris asked.

Kyle nodded not even realizing he was doing it, “Ya, I guess the assholes get their day, huh?”

“I guess,” Chris mumbled into the phone, “I’m not looking forward to going back there.”

Kyle sighed, “Either are we, but hopefully this will be our last time going back there. We will do this as a family, together.”

“I like the sound of that, as a family,” Chris’s mood lightened knowing none of them were dealing with this by themselves, “I’ll see you guys soon,” the phone disconnected.