Author’s Notes- I apologize for not developing the characters more. Before we proceed with what would have been chapter 3, let’s develop the characters. A lot of my hesitancy of discussing this was, I was fearful that the story would get flagged. However, the content in itself has very little to do with intimacy.
The Beginning-
I, 16 year-old River Brower spend my sophomore year at an Adolescent Treatment Unit (ATU) in Spicer, Minnesota. After being there for nearly a year everyone believes that I’m ready to move into a foster home.
Jerome, ATU Social Worker drives me to meet Regina Tower. The family includes Regina’s husband Bobby Joe (OTR driver), their 15 year-old son Mickey (9), and foster boys Troy (Sr.) and Guppy (Jr.). Regina welcomes Jerome, and I in the house. She says, “River, please have a seat. It’s nice to meet you. My husband, Bobby Joe is currently driving a semi and he’ll be back home tomorrow and you can meet him then.”
Jerome feels that I was acclimating to the new environment as he decides to leave after 45 minutes. I got to know Regina quite a bit, she explains that Bobby Joe makes is gone 1.5 day trips either 2 or 3 days a week. I end up finding out for the most part that Bobby Joe was very laid-back and even when he was home, Regina was always the one in charge.
Troy seems to be pretty arrogant. Please don’t even get me started on Mickey., He seems to think that the world revolves around him. He seems to be a little too nosy too. Meanwhile, Guppy is very laid-back. Overall, I develop a good bond with the family during my weeklong visit. I also end up meeting Cleveland who worked for the agency that licenses the Towers.
After the weeklong visit, I’m Thursday I return to Spicer for the next 5 days. Everybody is excited for me that my visit was a very successful one. Now it’s just a matter of time before I get discharged. My primary worker in Spicer created a goodbye book for me. It allowes the staff as well as other residents the opportunity to wish me the best.
I find out on Monday that Odell my County Social Worker would not bring me to the new foster home until at least Thursday. However, if there was a way, I could make it to the Twin Cities Wednesday afternoon, he would pick me up and bring me to the foster home. I end up calling my half sister Mary and ask her if it’s OK if I stay with her for Odell to pick me up. It really threw her for a loop and she was quite upset. However, she realizes that she can change her plans because she’s so excited that I’m being discharged.
Tuesday night, she welcomes me and takes me out for a nice BBQ dinner. She tells me how proud she is of me. We end up taking an Uber to see the latest Star Wars movie. I tried to call my twin sister Michelle, but her foster parents refused to put her on the phone. I even tried calling my mom and she refused talking to me too. I ask Mary what was going on and all she tells me was that my mom got served a court order. The rest of the night at Mary’s went well. She was at work when Odell came to pick me up
I walk to Casey’s the first day that I officially move in with the Tower family. I meet this nice guy. He says, “hey you, you look lost, you look like you need a friend, I’m Jaxon.”
I look at Jaxon and I laugh, “ well, yeah, I’m a Twin Cities boy in this small town Claremont Andi it definitely makes me feel lost. I just hope that I can survive here in Claremont. By the way, I am River and to be honest with you. I hope I don’t scare you away.”
Jaxon looks at me and says, “River, trust me you are definitely not scaring me away. But it is getting hot out here right now, so would you have a problem coming over to my place and getting to know me? By the way, we are across the street from each other and I know very little about that foster home you’re staying at. Can you please trust me?”
I nod my head and I bring him over to meet Regina. Regina tells me to enjoy my visit with Jaxon. She asks me to give her a call if I wasn’t going to be home for dinner. Jaxon’s mom Cindy Cone was very welcoming. She asked me how I was adjusting to the new foster home. I told her the truth that I just moved in today but the week that I was on my trial visit, everything seems fine. I later meet her husband, Ian and Jaxon’s identical twin brother Jacoby. Cindy tells me that she hopes that I make the Tower family look more approachable because they have a reputation of being snobs. The Cones are definitely an amazing family. They invite me out to dinner and I was kind of shocked that Regina was OK with it.
Over the next month before school starts, the Towers and I left for what was supposed to be a 3 1/2 week vacation to Florida. It was an amazing trip. However, about halfway through the trip we end up getting in an accident and we ended up returning home early. Jaxon brings me to his and Jacoby‘s job at Redland and I get hired on and they agree to bring me to and from work.
I’m kept home from school on the first day because Regina has to bring me in to meet the high school staff. Unfortunately, that meeting was not going to be until the second day of school. Vice Principal Trevor Mickleson does not think I was going to make it at Triton High School because of the year that I was in Spicer. I meet the EBD teacher April Daniels, and I find out that I meet with her each day during the first period. It was essentially a glorified study hall with 4 other students.
The next day I go to school and meet with Mrs. Daniels. She tells me that they determined my year in Spicer and my living environment my freshman year of high school made me 5 classes behind. I find out that I have to take a full year of biology and history, and a semester of Health, Speech, and PE. She explain a more about how I would be graded in her class. She also stressed how I needed to seek out support anytime I needed it adjusting to the new school and new community.
There was about 10 minutes left in first period and she realizes that I didn’t have my schedule. She calls the office and within a few minutes, she introduces me to Marty who is supposed to be my guide. I’d be lying to you right now if I didn’t think that Marty was hot. However, I’m in the closet and I’d rather have a friend than to tell him how I feel about him.
Marty ends up bringing me to meet Mr. Casanova, who is our psychology teacher. Mr. Casanova excuses us from class because he knew that the tour would probably take an hour. Marty and I got to know each other pretty well. I learn that he was on student council and he’s also a center on the Cobra’s basketball team. It was an amazing first day of school and the very few people that I spoke to seemed to be pretty nice.
Over the next several months, I’m adjusting to Claremont, my job at Redland, and even Dodge Center. I was thinking about joining the baseball team and no one at the Towers wouldn’t even support me. Jacoby was kind enough to help me get in shape and prepared for the season. I also enjoy writing, and I become part of the student newspaper.
Larissa Mickleson was a substitute teacher who fills in for Mr. Casanova at least once a week. It just seems weird to me that she was giving me a lot of attention. Not unwelcome attention just seems weird for a substitute teacher. I heard that she was in a bowling league too. Even this girl named Malia gave me a lot of attention. If I didn’t know any better I would’ve thought she wanted me to be her BF. But she really wasn’t my type, she just seems like a best friend or sister.
One night while I’m at work, I’m approached by Sharon, who works in the closing department. She says, “River, you really look like a nice kid. I know it’s your junior year in high school and I’d like to set you up with my daughter. Cameron.” I was beyond perplexed.
I end up calling Cameron and we end up meeting for ice cream. She brings along her cousin Katie. Katie is a very hot ginger girl. Truthfully, I was way more interested in Katie. Cameron brings me home and I wish both of them a good night. It was quite obvious that I would probably never speak to Cameron again. Yes she was a nice girl, but I couldn’t call her and tell her that I crushed her cousin more than I did her. Neither Cameron and I ever spoke to each other again except she would wave at me from time to time in the hallway at school.
Around Thanksgiving, I find out that I will be getting a roommate, and his name is Chaz. Chaz is a sophomore and honestly, he is the real life version of Zack Morris. However, he’s more of a horn dog and likes to chase after teenage girls. At least at that point, he was the nicest foster boy in that home.
It’s winter break and I’m expecting to go home to stay with my biological family. However, I find out that my family‘s Christmas has been canceled because my mother is currently in the psych ward. I am not allowed to stay with the Tower family and they had me sent to stay in a respite foster home for 5 days. It was the worst Christmas and birthday ever.
Around Valentine’s Day, I walk into my bedroom, not realizing that Chaz is in there with his girlfriend. When I walk in the room, his girlfriend throws a tampon at me and asks me to get out of the room. I figure it’s best for me to grab one of my books, and as I’m doing it, Chaz comes up to me, pushes me against the wall, gives me a blackeye and calls me the biggest homo that he’s ever met.
Bobby Joe finds out about the situation and he doesn’t believe that I’m straight. He asks me if I was in Spicer because I was gay. I really want to laugh at him and I really want to call him an idiot. However, I just decide to tell him the truth, I was not in Spicer because of my sexuality. I tell him that Odell’s supervisor wasn’t in the mood to put me in another foster home until I receive behavioral treatment.
Over the next few weeks, I could sense a lot of tension in that foster home, and I did not feel safe at all. Oh, I forget to mention that Regina was in a bowling league with Abby Love and Larissa Mickelson. She has no positive things to say about Larissa.
I go into work on this Thursday night and I find out that I was essentially the customer service employee of the month. Then later that night, I find out that all my belongings have been set on fire and their Towers kick out of their home. I’m really glad that the Loves end up taking me in that night.
The next day, I am very shocked to see Larissa at the Loves. When I find out from Larissa that she’s taking me in, I start crying. I say, “would it be too late for me to consider trying out for the baseball team? Or am I making a huge mistake?”
Larissa frowns and says, “River, you’re not in Claremont anymore. You’re in West Concord, you will no longer be near the toxicity. Also if you have any problems with anyone living with the Towers, my dad is going to nip it in the bud. Yes, I’m going to support you as you try out for the team. I’m not going to give up on you, you’re gonna be part of this family for life. Leah and both my mom & dad will love you too.” smile and I hug Larissa. I start crying.
I say, “I’m a big time failure and a loser. I only have three friends and two of them are the twins and the other one is Marty. your dad even called me a failure because of where I lived last year. Plus, I have this very big secret that I really can’t share with anyone.”
Larissa says, “as far as your secret goes, just know that I will be there for you when you’re ready to share it with me.” I nod my head and smile. Larissa says, “I’m going to schedule you to meet with a therapist. I’m also going to have you meet with a psychiatrist and I’m pretty sure that she will take you off your meds. You are not a loser cause and I know that you will start loving yourself sooner than later.” I smile.
Larissa and I go over her expectations of me living with her. She was definitely more laid-back than Regina and Bobby Joe were. I start crying when I realize that I may have to quit my job. She says, “Jeanette and I are very good friends. She’s aware of you living here and she’s asking to have you transfer into her department. She says you will only be working weekends after you make the baseball team.” I smile. “We really need you to start driving, get a permit, and get your license. We can worry about that next week. Don’t worry, between Leah (will be starting there next week) as well as the twins, you will definitely be getting to work,” says Larissa.
I find out that she and Leah live catty lives corner from the Loves. We walk over to their house. I walk in and realize that Leah and Marty are waiting for me to move in. Leah comes to me and gives me the biggest hug. She welcomes me to the family. She ushers me down to my new bedroom. She leaves me in the room alone with Marty. Marty and I talk and he comes out to me. I am nowhere close to coming out to him or anyone else. But I definitely do feel pretty safe no longer with the Tower family.
It take me a couple weeks to adjust to living in West Concord. I’m glad that I no longer have to stock the diapers at Redland. I’m adjusting well to the electronics department as well as being a back up cashier. Leah and I get along very well as she and I often work together in electronics. I end up making the baseball team as a centerfielder and I dominate on the mound as a southpaw. Everyone on the team and especially the coach are very happy that I did so well my first season ever playing. A lot of it is self-confidence and a lot of it has to do with tons of practice and even the guidance from Jacoby.
As far as Chaz, Guppy, Mickey, and Troy go, I may hear an occasional snicker from them. But I hardly ever see them. As the baseball season continues, I had a lot of girls show interest in me. I never went on a true date with a girl after the one with Cameron. Every time I hang out with girls it was always a group setting.
The only exception was Katie as we became very good friends. She is actually the first person I came out to and she was very accepting. It’s actually a blessing that I never asked her out because she only likes girls. At this point, she’s out and I’m not.
Towards the end of the year, Vice Principal Mickleson calls me to his office. He says, “River, I’m very proud of you as you proved me wrong with my projection of you. You’re more confident of yourself and you’re academically and athletically a star. Keep it up!” I smile and shake his hand. He says, “I wish I could’ve done something sooner, I knew things weren’t working out for you with the Towers. My hands were tied, please don’t take what I’m gonna say the wrong way, it was a blessing that you were kicked out out of their house. That was the only way that my daughter and granddaughter could take you in.” I totally understand where he’s coming from. I tell him that it doesn’t matter because at the end of the day, life is full of struggles and adversity,
The day that I finish up my junior year, I come home and realize that there’s a new social worker at the door. It wasn’t Odell, it was Courtney,my new social worker from Dodge County.
Courtney tells me and Larissa that my mom‘s parental rights have been terminated. I had no idea what that meant. Courtney explains that there’s a 99% chance that I’ll remain a ward of the court. She said there’s a one percent chance that somebody would be willing to adopt me.
I ran across the street crying and knock on Marty’s door. Abby opens the door telling me that Marty went shopping. She asks me to sit down and she brings me some milk and cookies to calm me down. She says, “I’m assuming that you’re not taking it well that your mom‘s parental rights got terminated.” I start shaking and continue to let my eyes flood the table with tears. Abby hand me a box of Kleenex.
Abby says, “I know that you feel all alone in everything. But just be honest with yourself, isn’t it actually a blessing that her parental rights got terminated? You haven’t seen her in more than a year. She hardly talks to you and really in all honesty her parental rights should’ve been terminated probably 5 years ago.”
I just stood there silent, and I look at her and I smile, I say, “thank you, Abby for listening. I truly appreciate it. I better get across the street before Larissa or Courtney get angry with me.” Abby signals me to sit down and then her cell phone rings. She tells Larissa that I am there and that I will return there when I’m ready to. Abby and Larissa end the phone call. Next thing I know Marty comes in the house and gives me the biggest hug. I notice a bag of Chinese food. I can definitely smell war wonton soup, and I start to smile. Abby hands Marty some plates and silverware, and we head to Marty’s room to enjoy the festive food.
I sit down smiling and say, “Marty, thank you very much for doing this for me obviously, you and your mom must have known what was going on. I don’t really know what I would do without you, your parents, Larissa, Leah, or even Katie.” I pause for a second. I don’t know if you know this, but Jacoby & Jaxon are moving to Arizona because of their dad‘s new job. They leave in two weeks. So it’s just really been a rough day.”
Marty looks at me. He says, “River, I know that you’re upset that 2 of your closest friends are moving. We’re all going to miss them. Larissa and my mom are working on a going away party for them. It’ll be three days before you go to your editors camp in the Twin Cities. Just remember, just because somebody’s moving away doesn’t mean that he will never see them again. Your friendship is very strong with them and you will stay in touch with them.” I smile.
We end up enjoying our dinner and he comforts me pretty well. I finally decided to return home and I speak to Larissa. She asked me to sit down and she says, “I know that you’re upset about Jaxon and Jacoby moving. I also know that you’re upset about finding out that your mom‘s parental rights were terminated. I just wanna let you know that nothing changes with your living situation here. You are part of our family whether I decide to adopt you or not, you will always be my son and Leah will always be your sister. Remember, it’s not always blood, it’s love.”
I get up smiling and I decide to hug Larissa. I ask her if it’s OK if I’m not ready to call her mom. She tells me that she would prefer that I call her mom, but she understands why I don’t at this point. My phone rings and I realize that it’s Katie as she’s confirming our bowling and movie night. I finally end up meeting Katie‘s girlfriend Shea. It’s pretty obvious that they really care about each other. Therefore, I can’t wait until I have a relationship with a guy that makes me that happy.
The rest of the summer really moves along pretty fast. By the time Jacoby and Jackson left, I wasn’t taking it so bad. I knew it was as hard for them as it was for me, but I knew that we would always stay in touch. When I return from my internship, I found out that Marty has been dating a guy for the past month. I just accept it. I wasn’t ready to come out to him so it’s fair for him to date somebody else. All I could do was support my best friend.I quit my job at Redland because I got a paid internship at a radio station in their promotion department as well as a part-time job at a nearby newspaper. I was so ready to begin my senior year of high school.
During the last week of summer break, I started having these bizarre dreams. I kept on dreaming every night that I was in a courthouse and I was getting adopted by Larissa. I woke up each morning pretty sad. I kept it a secret from everyone because I was afraid that people would be upset with me.I was a little withdrawn, and Larissa simply told me to bring it up at the next therapy session. My therapist Tabitha was very understanding. She did not pass judgment. She recommended that I remain patient.
Our senior year was going pretty well. Nearly 6 months ago, I never thought I was going to drive. However, I got a lot of support and I was able to get my license on my first attempt. Leah and I were able to share her station wagon. I have been off medication for 4 months now.
One day in late September, I go to the Claremont Casey’s and I notice that Marty‘s boyfriend Barry was kissing another guy. I want to go over there and punch Barry. Instead, I nearly got pulled over 3 times as I was rushing over to Marty’s house to show him pictures of the kiss. Marty is pretty upset. I support him as best as I can, and then I realize that I was ready to date him when he was ready to date me. However, I still need to come out.
I’m continuing with my internship and my other part-time job. Running the school newspaper is a little hectic. Between Leah, Katie, and even Marty, I have a very strong team to help me run the paper. I even start sending college applications out and I fear failure with the SAT and ACT tests. I know it’s a longshot, but I’ve submitted applications to Warren Wilson College in North Carolina as they are a very LGBTQ+ accepting college as well as as a couple in Canada. I’ve even submit one to the University of Minnesota Duluth. At this point, Marty applies at University of Minnesota, Duluth and Warren Wilson College. I know it’s too early to know for sure. But it’s better to be prepared for life than not to be.
It’s now weeks away from my 18th birthday. Katie asks me why I haven’t come out yet. I simply tell her that I need to be an adult before I broach the subject. She understands my point, and she also reassures me that everything will be fine when I do come out. She even tells me that my 18th birthday will be more special to me than Marty’s, Leah’s, and even hers.
I’m sorry if this chapter was too long. Hopefully I was able to appropriately develop the characters pretty well. And as I promised, the next chapter will be a continuation of the scene at the Hilton.
