LiL bros - 1. Chapter 1

Lil Bros Chapter One

NAPLES FLA. (1)

For the middle of May, Naples was a hot. It was the start of the summer and fifteen year old multi billionaire Michael Caine was spending the weekend with his little brother Tommy. Tommy wasn't his little brother for real, but Michael had joined the big brother program and over the past year had been given six little brothers, this was something that Michael enjoyed doing. So this weekend Michael was planning on taking Tommy sailing. He had called and gotten his boat ready so all he had to do was get Tommy and the day was theirs.

Michael Caine's life had been a good one, his parents had made their fortunes with Microsoft stocks and were CEO's of quite a few large companies, all across the country. When they had died, they both were owners of over twenty large companies and many subsidiaries with a wealth estimated at just over 35 billion dollars.

Then there was his past time of playing trumpet, piano and guitar. Michael was in school the day there plane went down taking everything he had loved. He was the all star player on the basketball team. He played baseball and lacrosse. Those were the sports he enjoyed.

The night after his parents died Michael was sitting at the end of the dock playing his trumpet, the sound was so solemn that those who could hear him playing could feel the pain flowing through the trumpet, making them hold each other close.

The triple funeral broke his heart, as he watched his family being lowered. The tears like a tap turned on fully, fell. For a week he didn't go to school, he found he couldn't face anyone. Finally back in school Michael got into the things. It during the Thanksgiving break when he signed up to be a big brother. It took a while for all the checks and paper work to be done, but he never gave up and soon he became a big brother.

Some of the kids in school spent time with Michael getting help with their homework. The evening homework sessions had started with Michael's best friend, a boy named Scott Parker. Scott was in most of Michael's classes and Michael had noticed that Scott was having troubles so he just offered him help one night. That one night turned to two and then it was every night. Soon others joined and Michael had set up his formal dining room as a study hall.

There were ten chairs and every night they were filled. Now Michael had n his days totally planned. For him it was school, then after classes it was over to one of his little brothers, five nights a week he would be at a different group home then on Saturday he would spend the day with Tommy.

Once he had spent a few hours with his little brothers he would go home and spend two hours helping his friends with their homework, at nine each night he would spend four hours doing his, so it was always to bed at one in the morning, only to start over the next morning.

Since Tommy had become his little brother, Michael had been teaching Tommy how to play the trumpet, and now Tommy was doing great, Then the school put on a spring talent show and Michael signed up for it. The day he signed up he asked Tommy if he would be in it with him.

They had a few months to practice so, Michael spent a few nights working on a new song for them, Michael would play the piano and they would sing together. Till the show happened Tommy and Michael spent every weekend practicing. For a seven year old Tommy had a great voice, but could he sing on stage in front of a lot of people.

The day of the talent show Tommy was with Michael sitting in the third row waiting their turn. Scott had met Tommy, but didn't know that he would be joining Michael on stage. Michael had talked to the teacher earlier that day asking that when their turn came that all lights be turned off and then as the music started they slowly come up to shine just on Tommy.

Tommy and Michael soon headed to the back of the stage, as they were up next. When the piano was rolled out and in place, the teacher announced them, and then the lights went out. With Tommy taking Michael's hand they made their way to the piano. With the first note the lights slowly came up as Tommy's soft little voice rang out, soon to be joined by Michaels. There song DO YOU WANNA BE MY BROTHER brought everyone standing, some even tears in their eyes.

Then it was time to announce the winners, Tommy and Michael were sitting behind the stage curtain when the teacher walked on stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, student I must say that this has been one of the best shows I have ever had the honor of hosting." The teacher spoke. For twenty minutes the teacher awarded the single female, single male and group awards. The hardest part of today's show is finding a winner for the duos, it is a tossup between Michael and Tommy and Stacy and Noel. So I ask you to cast your vote by applause. For the winner of the duos should it be Stacy and

Noel the applause there was good, so Tommy felt that we had lost then he heard the teacher for Michael and Tommy, to the students it was a no brainer the applause was loud and long. "Well it seems that you have all spoken the winner of the duos is Michael and Tommy. Come out here boys and take your bow."

That night after Michael had dropped Tommy off he realize just what the song had meant and so he was going to do it, he would see if his lawyer could start the paper work the next day, that would let Michael adopt Tommy.

Michael knew that it wouldn't be easy and that there might not be a chance he would get it, but he was going to try. Then it was summer, Michael spent more time with his six little brothers. They all came to Michael's baseball games and cheered him on.

September came and it was time to start school again. Michael hadn't heard anything about his chances to adopt Tommy, and he was starting to have his doubts. He was once more practicing is trumpet sitting out on the docks. Though the longer he had to wait the sadder his playing got.

Basketball was back and Michael was elected team captain, so he practiced harder and longer. He still spent time with his little brothers. Christmas time Michael spent with Tommy and New Year's alone then it was back to school. Basketball was heating up and Michael was leading the team to the top. The team had clinched the city title and now it was April again and the state finals were coming up. Michael worked with the team even harder than before wanting the best for his school that they could give.

Some of the team had heard rumors that the other team was planning on something, but they couldn't find out what. Then came the day his lawyer showed up. "Michael I'm sorry but the judge won't sign off on you adopting

Tommy. He doesn't think you can handle it." His lawyer said.

"That's dumb; you and I both know I can take care of him." Michael snapped back.

"I know Michael, but we have to follow with the judge's decision."

"Okay."

That night Michael took his trumpet and sitting on the dock spent the night playing sadly. Scott found him there at midnight, he could hear the sound of the trumpet and he waited till Michael had finished playing before he said anything. "Hey Michael, that was to sad, dude, you got to play something rad." Scott said.

"Don't want to, life just sucks." Michael whispered.

"What could be so bad that it brings down the best dude in Naples?"

"Remember Tommy?"

"Yeah what about him, he's not been hurt has he?"

"No, the judge says I can't adopt him. Fuck Scott I got everything needed to make him happy."

"Hey we all know that, hell man most of us owe you for helping us last year and even this year hell I would be failing if it weren't for you."

"Thanks, but you did most yourself."

"Well cheer up, you still get to see him and who knows what will happen. Now come on go home and get some sleep we have a big game coming up and it won't do if our captain is a walking corpse."

"Yeah see you at school tomorrow."

"Sure just be kewl, okay,"

The following Friday was game day Michael could hear the crowd as they found there seats, Michael had always had six seats saved for his little bros. The others had all changed and the coach had made his little speech, pepping us all up. Michael was about to lead the team out when Scott and his brother Richie stopped me. "You dude have to wait till your called Tonight is a special night for us all and you made it happen."

"We all made it happen, we're a team."

"Just relax bro tonight is going to be special okay."

"If you say so."

"We do, just come when your name is called."

"Sure."

Michael sat back down as the brothers left the locker room, leaving the door open. He heard a cheer as the team ran out onto the court, then it was silent. "Hey people, how are you all doing tonight?" That was Scott's voice. "Tonight we all want to win, but no matter what happens, we will all have enjoyed ourselves. However tonight we want to honor someone special. Someone, who for over a year has given of himself without asking for anything in return, A few weeks ago, I learned that this friend was turned down from adopting a young boy because the judge thought he couldn't handle it. This team, the students and a few boys in group homes think he is the best friend we could want. He is the big brother we all wish we had, so tonight before the game I wish to honor our Team captain. So with your hands together please bring out our team captain Michael Caine." Hearing his name called Michael stood and walked out only to see everyone standing cheering him. His team mates formed an arc with the coach at the center standing in the center of the court.

"Would Tommy Hunt please come out and give us a hand." Michael watched his little bro come running out to stand beside Scott and Richie. "Michael you have been a friend to a lot of us, and so to honor you tonight we wish to tell everyone that you are the best big brother that we could want, so please accept this award in honor of all that you have done. Tommy, would you please hand this award to Michael your big brother."

"Uh huh." With the award in his hands Tommy walked up and holding it before him read the words on it. "This is given to the worlds’ best big brother anyone could ask for. The Best brother is Michael Caine now and always."

"Thank you all for this, I really don't think I deserve it there are others out there doing more than I could ever do."

Handing the award to Tommy, Michael asked him to hold it for him then picking him up Michael sat him on his hip and carried him back to his seat. "This game is for my bros, all of you," Michael said as his stood and went back to his team.

The start of the game was fast paced both side scoring quickly then it was Michael taking his team into the lead with eight points, just five minutes before half time Michael had the ball and had just release the ball when he screamed as one of the opposing team trying to block him hit his wrist harder than he should have causing it to snap. Falling to his knees Michael cradled his arm just as the ball sank through the hoop giving his team a ten point spread.

Going to the locker room he searched and found the first aid kit using his left hand he pried it open and took out some bandages. He was trying to wrap his wrist when the team came in. seeing Michael sitting there trying to fix his wrist Scott and Richie came over. "Hey dude what happened." Richie asked.

"That guy busted it with his foul, now get me something to keep it stiff and help me wrap it up we have another half to play."

"You can't play like that; hell the coach will sit you on the bench."

"I can't do that, I promise six boys this game was for them."

"Well I guess we gotta help you then, we will try and keep you clear, but you take it easy and as soon as the game is over you get it fixed."

"Don't worry I will. Now let's go win the game."

"For the brothers," the team chorus, "for Michael, let's kick ass."

The second half started with Michael sitting out the first ten minutes, then it was his turn on the court. The ball passing back and forth then over to Michael who with his left hand took off, he could see two of his team mates behind him, his left hand shot was up when he felt himself once more falling and heard a whistle blowing. Michael didn't know if his shot went in or not. All he knew was he couldn't breathe to well. Then he saw Tommy kneeling there crying. "Come on Michael get up."

"It's okay Tommy, Michael will be alright. Just let us get him some help. Why don't you keep his award until he gets home, then you can take it over to him."

"I want to go with him."

"No buddy, we all have a game to finish, and he did say this was for you and your brothers."

"Win it for Michael now, it don't matter to me he is my friend and my brother."

"Okay lil guy let's talk to the team, you wanna come with me?"

"Uh huh."

Michael did not learn who won the game until three days later when the coach came in, and behind him were his team mates. "Well Michael it seems like you're going to live which is good, I don't know what the team would do without you." The coach spoke.

"They make a good team." Michael replied.

"Michael, you are the team, we your friends couldn't have made it without you. Oh there is someone here who wants to see you also." Richie interrupted.

"Sure bring them in."

The team parted and standing there was Tommy. Michael couldn't help but smile, soon Tommy was laying at Michael's side snuggling close. "You gonna get better Michael?" Tommy asked.

"You bet buddy, the doc says I gotta be here a week then I can go home." Michael answered.

"Good, that means we can spend weekends together again?"

"Yes, I would like that, now why don't you and the others take off and maybe Scott and Richie will bring you back tomorrow."

"Okay, hurry and get well."

"With you around I have no choice. Now go before the home says we can't be together."

The rest of the week went fast and still the doctor wouldn't release Michael. They wanted to keep him another three days which didn't sit well with Michael, but he kept his tongue and stayed though he didn't have to stay in bed, so he was able to take his brothers and team mates down to the cafeteria for ice cream. They all wanted him to come home and back to school, but Michael told them that until the doctor said he could he was stuck.

The day came when Michael was released. The team coach was there to pick him up, on the way the coach told him that he was to rest, but he was to be at school on Monday. The house was an awesome sight when Michael got home. After the coach had left Michael sat and played his piano one handed for a while then laid down and slept for a bit then he tried playing his trumpet, but he didn't have the strength, he knew that it would take a while to get his lung back in shape.

Monday morning Michael woke early and after a shower he dressed and headed out to school. He only had three blocks to go so it was good for him to walk. The fresh air was great as Michael stepped out the door; he could see everyone getting ready to head out to school or to work. It was a good thing that School was almost over for the year that would let Michael heal totally.

As Michael caught up on his school work the others were planning a victory celebration. Scott had gone out and gotten Michael's lawyer to reapply for Tommy's adoption, but this time Scott had lots of people to help him. He had the students sign a petition saying that Michael would be a great brother for Tommy, Richie and the rest of the team had talked to their parents who had talked to others and they all agreed to help.

Tommy spent weekends with Michael, usually they would stay close to where Tommy lived, there were times when Tommy spent the weekend at Michaels place, and that was either watching movies and eating pizzas or swimming and having hot dogs on the patio, Scott and Richie were over a lot making sure the Michael never over did it, if they couldn't be there then it was the Archer brothers, nothing like five rowdy boys playing in a pool to wake the neighbors.

Sunday nights Michael would take Tommy home, and then would walk home, sometimes Billy would walk with him other times it was Peter, both would talk and joke. Once home Michael would grab his trumpet and practice either boy sitting there listening sometimes they would just head on home. The last week of school was exams and since Michael had missed a bit of school he had to do them. On the last day of school Michael was sitting in his home room alone, since classes had ended he was just putting his books away when he saw Scott, Richie, Matt and the twin Archer brothers come in. Scott and Richie held Michael to his chair as Matt tied a blindfold over his eyes. "Uh guys what's this, what are you up to?"

"Michael you gotta trust us, we will not let anything happen, now Peter take his bag, Billy you get the door, with that Scott and Richie took Michael's arms and slowly led him out of the class room he couldn't see anything, but soon he felt the sun hitting his face. "Guys this isn't funny anymore, you going to tell me what you're doing?"

"Nope."

The boys led Michael across the school yard and still he couldn't see anything, the boys were all talking, so Michael didn't hear anything but them. Soon he was being pushed into a seat and the blindfold removed. Looking around Michael saw the bleachers were crowded with people. The soccer field was packed with students and their parents. There was a stage set up in front with the Principle, the basketball coach, and a few other teachers, behind them Michael could see his lawyer and a couple other people he didn't know. Sitting back he looked around and saw Darnell, Jacob, Aston, Tyrone and Wesley sitting there, the only one missing was Tommy and in a way that was upsetting to Michael.

"Can I have your attention please?" The principle started. "Today, the last day of the school year, and usually we would end the day with just a bell and a good luck for the next year. However this year we are going to Honor our basketball team, who for the first time in ten years have given us the state championship. However there is more than just that, we are going to honor a student who showed courage and love for his team. Who went out of his way to make this day happen people I give you the basketball team of the year." with that the whole team stood and walked onto the stage. And then each team member received the basketball championship medal. Then they all walked back to their seats. "Now to the second honor I Award to Michael Caine the MVP of the year. Michael, please would you come back up."

Michael walked back on stage to a resounding applause from his team mates receiving the award Michael went back and sat with his mates. "Now I ask that Judge Montoya and Mr. Crimmins to please step forward." With that the principle sat and the Judge and Michael's lawyer came forward. "People there aren't too many in this world who give up most of their time to spend being a friend to those who need it." The judge spoke. "At the beginning of the year I turned down a petition for adoption, I felt that the applicant was too young, and then I received over seventeen hundred names and a new petition for the adoption to go through. Courage comes in many forms, we all watched the final game and saw that of all the boys out there one stood out, even when he was hurt all he cared about was the game. Soon after he re-entered the game he was set upon and taken out, we have since learned that despite all that he still had the courage to give the team credit for winning, we learned that he also continued to share with his brothers. People I am here to award To Michael Caine the Champion of the year award, and to award him his wish and dream. Would Thomas Hunt please come forward and bring his big brother with him." Turning Michael saw Tommy walking down between the rows of seat to an applause that rocked the soccer field. Stopping beside Michael, he waited for him to stand. Then together they walked up onto the stage. As they stood before the judge and lawyer Michael felt like this wasn't happening. "Michael Caine and Thomas Hunt usually I would not consider allowing this petition to happen, but do to the amount of support that has been given to you both, I have gone and signed off allowing Thomas Hunt to become the brother of Michael Caine. Thomas, do you wish this petition to happen."

"Yes sir I do." Tommy spoke.

"Michael Caine, do you wish this petition to happen."

"I do sir, he'll have the best home any little brother could ask for."

"Then it is an honor and a pleasure to say that as of this moment Thomas Hunt you are the brother to Michael Caine, do you wish to have you last named change to fit your new life?"

"Yes I, you mean wow, I mean yes sir I do."

"Very well then I bless you both and wish you all the happiness you can manage." With that the Judge handed Michael the adoption papers. "Take your brother home Michael."

With that Tommy and Michael Caine turned and started off the stage. The basketball team was there and hoisted both boys onto their shoulders as the crowd applauded the high school band playing DO YOU WANNA BE MY BROTHER. The team carried both boys the three blocks to Michael house where they say that the street had been blocked and there were people around large barbecue's there was a band just setting up. "Welcome home Tommy this is a party for the two of you sponsored by the high school and your friends here in the community.

The party was great Tommy and Michael were the center of attention, the band had everyone dancing together. Tommy in his own little way danced with Michael a few times. Soon it was all over and the street was back to normal. Tommy had fallen asleep leaning against Peter as Michael danced with one of the girls from his class. Billy Archer came up to Michael after his dance and motioned him to join him and his brother. Seeing Tommy out like a light he walked over and bending down carefully picked him up and started walking to his house. "Peter my keys are in my right front pocket can you dig them out?"

"Sure."

With Tommy tucked into bed Peter and Billy said good night and left, Michael showered and climbed into his own bed pulling the sheet up and soon drifted off to sleep, only to wake up when he felt Tommy come in and slip under the blankets. The morning came and both boys were snuggled tight in Michael's bed when the phone rang. Reaching over he grabbed it. "Morning?"

"Yeah it is, you and your bro awake yet?"

"We are no thanks to you Scott, what's up?"

"Well we wanted to know if you were going shopping today, mom says she will take us all."

"Well yeah, someone needs clothes, but give us about an hour to eat and dress."

"What you guys still in bed?"

"Yeah, I found a leech tight to me this morning."

"Well stop playing with around and get your butts up or I'll come get it up."

"Okay we're up."

Slapping Tommy gently on the butt Michael sent him off to dress and get ready for breakfast. Michael dressed, then went to the kitchen and poured two glasses of orange juice, setting one on the table he drank his and set out a couple bowls, "Tommy you want Cheerios or fruit loops?"

"Fruit loops please."

Pouring him a bowl of fruit loops and cheerios for himself the two sat at the counter and ate, then Tommy put everything into the dishwasher. They had just gotten their jackets and shoes on when Michael saw Scott and Richie walking up the stairs. "Okay guys we're ready. Let me grab my keys and cards. Then we can go."

"Kewl, morning leech, you have a good sleep?" Scott asked from the front doorway

"Uh huh."

"Good now let’s go shopping. Mom says she will buy us lunch."

"Kewl. Let's go, come on Michael hurry up." Tommy hollered.

"I'm coming just let me lock up." Michael called back.

It only took us a few minutes to get to the mall then it was trying to find a parking place that was close to the doors. They ended up further away than Mrs. Parker wanted, but soon they were all inside. Scott and Richie took off with Tommy taking him to the arcade where the three spent an hour playing and just having fun. As they were playing Michael and Mrs. Parker went looking for something special that Tommy could wear anytime he wanted.

The three boys joined Michael and Mrs. Parker in the food court where they all had a smoothie and fries. Then Mrs. Parker led the way into Sears, grabbing two carts Tommy climbed into the one Michael was pushing as they rolled the aisles looking for some up to date clothes for him. With the carts full of jackets, jeans and all the other things a boy needs including pajamas. The clerk at the front took one look at the two full carts and instantly called for help smiling at Tommy who was now standing on the front holding on tight. "Are you having fun little one?" She asked.

"Uh huh."

"That is good, looks like these are all for you, what did you do toss out all your other things?"

"Nope, I got a new bro and he said I needed clothes."

"That is a kewl brother you got, well should we bag all this for you?"

"Uh huh."

I don't think Michael thought about what it would cost to fully dress a young boy with everything he needed. When the girl was done and everything was bagged and back in the carts Michael just handed over his card and then waited as clerk ran it. After the shopping it was time for lunch so Mrs. Parker took the four boys to the restaurant and soon four boys were eating cheese burgers and fries, with another smoothie for all.

Lunch over and all the bags in the car Mrs. Parker dropped Tommy and Michael off at home. Scott and Richie wanted to stay, but their mom said no that tonight they had company coming and the boys had to be there. Tommy and Michael spent the rest of the afternoon and night taking the tags off the clothes and washing them. The first load, were the pajamas and house coat along with his undershorts and socks. Then it was jeans and jackets, by the time everything was dried, folded and put away Tommy was getting hungry again, so Michael went in and quickly did up some soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. With those on the table and a glass of milk for them both they sat and ate. After dinner Tommy went into the front room and started looking through the movie collection that Michael had, finding the Harry Potter movies he took the first one out and looking at Michael asked if he could watch it whim him. "Sure Tommy, why not turn it on and I'll close the curtains."

"Okies."

That was how the two spent the night, snuggled up watching Harry beat back Voldemort. Soon Tommy was sleeping his head resting on Michael's shoulder, With the movie over Michael carried him to his bed and tucked him. Then Michael himself went to shower and bed. As Michael fell asleep he could feel the smile on his face. He felt complete, now he had a family again.

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