One Boy's Journey Chapter 42

Written by Brianna Demonet

The following six weeks were very busy for me. My days were filled with schoolwork, and my nights were filled with dance, gymnastics, and Hap-ki-do class. It felt great getting back into my summer routine.

I was getting a straight A in Constitutional Law, but it wasn't easy. All the phrases and definitions of the different words and terms were a lot to grasp. My regular school work was a breeze by comparison.

Emma, Lexi, and I usually spent the night together here or at Emma's house. Emma had a big birthday party at her place where all the girls came. Even Shelly showed up. Emma invited Cindy too, partly thanks for helping me out. Cindy and Cheryl are now a regular fixture with the girls!

Everyone had a great time. Taylor supplied extra rollers and a couple of hair dryers, and I brought mine. It was a great party.

I had one more week of class at UNLV and I would start my training for cheerleading.

John and I had planned a trip to the vineyard for 3 nights. We were both looking forward to the downtime.

Since John got back from Korea, he has been giving interviews for Kick magazine and Martial Arts monthly. He was even interviewed for Sports Illustrated magazine.

There was an article in the Las Vegas Times!

Between the interviews, work, and training, we barely had time together except on Saturday night.

The final exam day was in two days! I was excited about the class coming to an end. I had to go to campus for the final exam. I was the youngest person there. It was a 3-hour test, and it was a monster of a test.

When exam day arrived, I was so nervous I threw up before I left the house.

Martina drove me and waited for me outside. The test was multiple choice, with a lot of fill-in-the-blanks and 10 essay questions. I was intimidated by all the older people in the class.

I took a seat far back and started the test.

I never looked at the clock. I read through every question twice before I answered it. I finished my test early. I went through the test a second time just to make sure I didn't miss anything.

It was when I turned in my test I noticed there were over 100 students in the auditorium classroom. When I handed in my test I noticed only five other tests had been handed in.

Nice work this semester, Miss Stevens!

Thank you, Professor Patrick! I smiled and walked out.

Done already? Asked Martina.

I looked at my phone, I was in there for just over two hours. I guess so!

I guess it was an easy test!

I wish! I feel like I dumped half my brain in there!

We giggled together!

Come on we're meeting Vanessa for lunch, said Martina.

We met Aunt V and went to a little Italian restaurant around the corner from her office.

Well, how'd you do!? Aunt V asked

I'm not sure exactly! I think I passed!

How long were you in there? Aunt V asked

Two hours and 3 minutes! Martina responded!

Really! For a three-hour test? How many people came out before her?

5! said Martina proudly.

I feel like I left half my brain back there!

Welcome to college Ree! Aunt V said.

Aunt V and Martina laughed!

Don't worry; once you get through the fundamentals, it will get a little easier to understand, but the workload will be more intense!

Thanks! I said

We laughed again.

It felt great just the three of us having lunch in a social setting.

We got home and I took a nap! I was mentally drained! Thank goodness it's Monday I still have to pack and get ready for our trip to the Vineyard on Wednesday afternoon.

I finished a paper I started writing for US History and turned in two reading assignments for my regular school work on Tuesday.

Tuesday night, Aunt V helped me pack up. I noticed she wasn't packing up herself.

Aren't you coming with us? I asked her.

No, sweetheart, I can't. I have a lot of work to do and Taylor's mother isn't doing very well. So I want to be close to her.

Should we cancel? Taylor and Lexi are like family to me!

No sweetheart, there's nothing you can do! Besides, Lexi understands, and Gosh knows you need a break! Besides you will be back Sunday.

Wednesday at 11 am Yon showed up and picked me up. Yon drives a very nice Chevy Traverse. It wasn't as big as the Escalade but was nice and very roomy.

We both hugged and kissed Yon goodbye. John said this isn't the regular terminal!

No baby, It isn't! This is the charter terminal. It's for shorter flights to smaller destinations. I said.

Trust me, I'm a veteran of these flights. We'll be there in under four hours.

We landed in Napa Valley in less than four hours.

Hank and Caleb met us at the airport. Caleb was driving Cathy's Q7 Audi.

Welcome to Napa Valley Champ! Said Caleb.

Caleb and John shook hands firmly!

Congratulations on becoming a father! Said John

And you, you too, Hank! Or should I call you grandpa?

Thank you, son! Said Hank in his genuinely friendly voice. Let's get going to be a bit of a drive and the sun sets early here!

Ree told me about the sunrise and the sunsets here! Said John.

She wasn't lying about them said Caleb.

How's my Cathy and my nephew? I asked. Ryan is growing like a weed and trying to roll around. Cathy's doing great, she starts working part-time next week and Bree will be babysitting.

I won't lie it's been very busy, but I love it! May and Hank have been a big help!

Can John and I stay in the Cabin? I asked

Caleb and Hank laughed! Maybe after you two get engaged! Said Hank. Then I'll think about it! Besides Becky, Brianna, Ian, and their clan are already there.

John, I prepared the den for you. Ree will be in your regular room with Caitlyn. Dinner should almost be ready when we get there. So you'll need to change quickly. It's Korean night tonight!

John asked what we were having.

To be honest, I don't know, said Hank. She rarely tells me. I think it has chicken in it.

We laughed

I tapped John's shoulder and pointed out the window.

The scenery here never disappoints me. I've seen it a hundred times over the years and I'm always amazed by its beauty.

We got to the driveway. We'll be there in about five minutes, said Caleb.

John studied the scenery as we approached the house.

All this is yours? John asked sounding impressed!

Yes, my family built it over 150 years ago. We had it marked historical about two years ago. Almost 600 acres, Hank said Proudly.

It's beautiful! Said John. Ree you weren't lying!

I told you! I giggled.

May is excited about your visit. Don't be surprised, John, if she is a bit smothering at first. She's been preparing for this visit for two weeks now. Said Hank.

Don't worry, John, she doesn't bite! Said Caleb.

We were laughing as we approached the house. Caitlyn and Bree were waiting for us.

Ree!!!!! Caitlyn shouted as we got out of the car. She ran right into my arms.

Hi sweetie! I missed you I said as I hugged her.

You're big! Who are you? Caitlyn asked looking at John.

My name is John! I've heard a lot about you Caitlyn!

So you are my Aunt Ree's boyfriend?

I sure am! John picked up over his head then he hugged her.

Caitlyn squeezed her hug on him!

You're strong like my uncle Caleb!

You have a strong hug, too, young lady! Said John turning on his charm. It was the same charm I'd seen him use with his sisters. Caitlyn was taken with him.

We got in the house and we could smell the aroma from the kitchen. It smelled wonderful. Cathy and Becky were breastfeeding Ryan and James, and May and Ian were in the kitchen.

Honey, we're home!! Announced Hank.

May came out.

John stood tall before her and bowed. Thank you for inviting me to your beautiful home, in perfectly formal Korean.

It's a pleasure to finally have you here, champ! We are honored by your visit! May said in Korean.

Something smells wonderful! John said in English.

Dinner will be ready in about an hour! Go ahead and unpack and change. Hank will show you around. Please make yourself at home, said May smiling.

I hugged May. Hi Grandma! It's so good to see you!

You look a bit tired sweetie. May said.

It's been a busy summer so far I said in Korean.

Impressive!

I see you have been studying!

Yes, it helps to have a good instructor! I looked at John!

He's a handsome instructor too!

John and I got settled. I started laying out my dress and my waist cincher and slipped. I wanted to look as curvaceous as all of the women.

John knocked on my door.

Are you decent?

Come in!

I just wanted to make sure my shirt matched!

Is that all, I asked?

No, I wanted to give you something!

He approached me and kissed me. I immediately melted into his arms!

That should hold me back for a while! Said John.

Me too! But I am looking forward to a few more! I said.

I'm going to use the bathroom real quick and then it's yours, okay?

Sounds good hon! I said.

I took my time getting ready I wanted to look perfect for dinner.

John waited for me to finish getting ready. We walked downstairs together. I was formally holding John's arm.

Cathy started taking pictures as soon as we reached the bottom of the stairs.

May was smiling like the proud grandmother I always wanted. Hank had his arm around May, looking on with a similar grandfatherly pride.

I want to be in a picture! Shouted Caitlyn.

Caitlyn had a Korean dress that matched Cathy's red dress. She stood between us.

John, we welcome you to our home. We are so glad you could visit us this weekend. Said, Hank

Come on everyone, let's eat!

John whispered to me and asked, is it always like this?

Only when we have guests! I said.

John sat to my right. I knew he would.

We said grace and started chatting about everything. John was the biggest subject of the dinner.

May and Hank wanted to hear all about Korea and the tournament. John was modest as always.

Come on, John, there has to be more to the story! Said Caleb.

It's a long story!

I'm not going anywhere said Caleb.

Neither am I, young man! And if you want to eat more than peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, you'll talk! May said smiling.

Okay, you win! Said John.

I started martial arts when I was 3 years old. I've been competing in this tournament since I was 9 years old. I've had my share of success in it over the years.

Over the last three years, I faced the same boy. In the previous two years, I lost the match to him by never more than 2 points, and the US team had never won the 17-year-old division.

Over the past year, I trained with my dad's oldest friend, li Sun Moon. He trained me in Jun-ki-do. I was already a black belt in Hap-ki-do and Tai-kwon-do. I'm also a black belt in Tai-boxing.

From the time wrestling was over in high school, Master Moon and I spent every extra minute we had training me. My family has competed in this tournament for over 40 years. We have many champions on the Korean side of the tournament, as do our friends and closest competition to the Lee family.

Ji-Ho Lee hasn't lost a match since he was 9 years old. He's a highly decorated martial artist. This was the first year the US team had a fighting chance to win.

I changed my fighting strategy and decided to take Ji-Ho the distance. Ji-Ho always tried going for the knockout and a quick match. We went almost a full three rounds. Each round is 3 minutes.

At the start of the third round, I changed from fighting right-handed to left-handed and was doing pretty well, gaining points for my team. Ji-Ho caught me with a kick to my stomach and almost knocked me off the platform.

As I caught my balance Ji-Ho backed up three steps.

Ree yells remember the diner! I regained my focus, and as he charged me for a powerful kick, I took one step, jumped up, and landed a Superman punch in his face.

Ji-Ho attempted to get up but was unable to stand! It was a Technical knockout. A knockout against my greatest rival and a friend.

That must have been some fight! Said Caleb.

It was I have it stored on my tablet and phone! I said.

I guess we're going to have to watch it after the sunset. Said May.

We continued to chat through dinner about the new house my parents were moving out of. May and Becky wanted to know about dance recital dates.

Cathy and Becky drilled me in my law class. Caleb and Hank talked more with John about sports.

The baby slept through dinner. It was a very good family dinner.

After dinner, Bree, Cathy, and I did the dishes together. Bree was relentless with comments about John. Cathy was a little bit more reserved. To be honest I enjoyed their teasing. I knew it meant they cared.

That's a fine young man you have their Ree! Said Bree.

If I was in high school he would be my boyfriend! Said Cathy.

Well, ladies, he's mine, and I'm not sharing him! I said.

We laughed. We finished the dishes and wiped up everything. May brought out the wine. Caleb, be a dear and fetch some glasses, please.

Sure, Mom. Caleb said to May affectionately.

I'll give you a hand said Hank. I grabbed a blanket from the closet and took John's hand.

I led him to the porch. We grabbed a porch swing and sat on the front porch.

What are we doing Ree?

You'll see! The show is about to start.

Soon everyone was cuddling under a blanket.

Becky and Cathy were breastfeeding James and Ryan.

Caleb cuddled close to Cathy, you could tell he treasures her and their son. Bree and Becky cuddled together and Ian cuddled with the girls. Hank poured wine for all of us, and then May cuddled up to him.

It's starting John, just look!

The sun's rays began to shine through the mountain mist as the sunset started. John pulled me in close. I wrapped my arms around him. John ran his fingers across my bare leg through the slit in my dress. I love the way he touches me.

Everyone was stealing kisses as the sun slowly set. We stole a few kisses. It felt exactly as I imagined. I felt up John's stomach. It was pure rock. All his training made John more toned and tighter than ever.

John played with my naval piercings. I was crazy with desire for him. My thoughts raced about being intimate with him. I felt my panty liner getting wet.

Do you always have wine at night? John asked.

Yes, it's kinda a tradition for most vineyard families. If you're above the age of twelve you can have a glass of wine with dinner or afterward. Explained Hank.

This is our way, wine is our life. This way our children learn about wine. European vineyards have practiced this custom for a thousand years.

I must say your wine is very good. My Korean family farms are mostly rice. However we do make our rice wine, but not for retail sale. John said.

Rianna says your Korean family has a very nice estate in the hills North of Seoul, said May.

Yes, it's been in our family for over 200 years. My Aunt Soo-Min and her husband own it now. It's a labor of love for them.

Just like us May! Said Hank.

I would love to visit it sometime. Hank and I haven't been back to Korea in over twenty years. Things here keep us pretty busy.

You and your family are welcome to join us here! I would love to see your parents again.

So would I, say Hank

Well if you decide to visit Korea you should give me a call. I'm sure I could arrange a visit for you both.

Thank you, son! We'd be honored to visit your family's home.

My parents will be honored by your invitation. John bowed his head to May and Hank.

As the sun disappeared over the mountains, the show was over. We all started getting ready for bed.

Bree, do you need any help with the kids? I asked.

No, not anymore. Cathy, Caleb, and Becky bought us two Artic Cat Prowlers side by side. They seat four people!

They are much more comfortable than the quads said Becky! We laughed.

You have quads? Asked John

We sure do Hank. They're much cheaper than horses!

You ride? Asked Caleb

A little! Said John Las Vegas is a big off-road recreation Meca!

Ree rides pretty well! Said, Hank

You? On a quad? John asked stunned.

I learned when I was younger in Ohio I worked on a dairy farm for two seasons.

You never cease to surprise me, Ree!

We laughed.

The only people here who don't ride are Becky, Caitlyn, Violet, James, and Ryan.

But I can drive the prowler! Said Becky.

We laughed again.

Tomorrow, I'll give you the grand tour, John! Said Hank.

Only if I ride a quad, said John.

Done said, Hank! Breakfast is at 8 am. John and I went upstairs to get ready for bed. I let John use the bathroom first and started to change.

Caitlyn was excited to be sleeping in the big house tonight. She was really excited about sleeping with me!

I'm so excited for my first sleepover! She said.

Me too kitty!

My mom bought me this! She showed me her nightgown. It was an adorable pink night dress that hung down below her knees.

I put on my pink baby doll nightie and my mules. I tied my hair in a high ponytail.

Can you do my hair like that?

I sure can! I tied her hair up like mine. Come on it's time to brush our teeth.

I walked across the hall and we bumped into John!

John froze up seeing me in my nightie. I forgot my robe.

Hi Johnny! Said Caitlyn.

Hey, kiddo! He picked her up over his head and spun her around.

Whee!! Said Caitlyn.

My sisters love it when I spin them around, too!

You have a sister?

Two! And they are pretty just like you!

Can I see a picture of them?

Tomorrow kitty! Right now you need to brush your teeth!

Yes sir!

Sir! I like that! Goodnight Caitlyn!

Caitlyn, go brush your teeth; I'll be right in.

Caitlyn walked into the bathroom.

Wow! Ree you, you look...

Pretty, Amazing, beautiful, sexy!!!

All of the above! Said John.

John leaned down and kissed me! We kissed deeply. It was a very deep longing kiss. My left leg went up and my toes curled.

Mmmm!!!! Goodnight John!

Gah, Gah, goodnight Ree!

I turned back at him and flipped my hair. He beamed a sexy smile at me.

Caitlyn and I brushed our teeth together. I used cold cream and washed my face with it.

Can I try some?

Sure sweetie!

I put her on the footstool and showed her how to wash with the cold cream.

It feels greasy!

It's supposed to! Now let it sit for a minute. She waited patiently for a minute.

Now wet your hands and rinse your face over the sink. Rub your hands together in between rinsing your face.

Good! Keep going until you don't feel any cold cream on your face.

For a six-year-old girl, she did a pretty good job. I touched up a few spots and showed her how to pat her face dry.

She felt her face.

My skin is so soft!

That's why we girls use it! To keep our skin soft and young-looking!

I'm asking my mom for some!

Ree, can you show me how to use lipgloss?

Sure we'll try some in the morning!

Thanks, Ree!!! She hugged me.

We went back to the bedroom and I tucked her in and kissed her forehead. I got in bed and we were out.

The following morning I woke up early. I locked myself in the bathroom and did my dilation therapy. I was probably doing a little more than just dilating. The kiss John gave me in the hallway was still on my mind. I changed my panties and liner.

I took a shower and ran into John again!

Morning baby! He kissed me again. He grabbed my ass and squeezed it a little. It felt wonderful.

I can't get over how beautiful you are!

I blushed and tilted my head.

Gosh, I love you, Ree!

I love you too Johnny!

I love the way you say Johnny!

Easy cowboy May is already up. Besides we have to go downstairs. It will be sunrise soon. You gotta see it at least once.

I'll be there in a few minutes Ree!

Oka,y I'll have your coffee waiting!

I wore my Mustang sweat pants and my sports bra and hoodie.

As I was changing Caitlyn woke up.

Come sweetheart it's time to wake up.

Caitlyn put on pajama pants and a robe. I held her hand as we went downstairs.

May was already in the kitchen starting the coffee.

Morning Grandma! I said.

Morning Grammy said Caitlyn with a hug!

Good morning girls! Sleep well?

I slept like a rock! I said.

How did you sleep pumpkin? Asked May looking at Caitlyn.

I slept great grammy!

I made homemade hot chocolate for you, Caitlyn; be careful. It's very hot.

Morning May! Said John

Morning handsome! Would you like coffee or hot chocolate?

Who are you calling handsome? Hank asked with a smile.

I called John handsome because he is. But now that you're here... May handed Hank a cup of coffee and kissed him.

Okay, I'll forgive you, this time! My love! He returned to May's kiss.

Hank, show John where the blankets are. Just as we were taking our seats on the back porch, Caleb and Cathy came down with Ryan; he was cooing.

Ree, can you take Ryan for a minute?

I walked over and took Ryan in my arms. He cuddled right under my breast. He was waving his hands gently at my breasts.

Cathy opened her robe and exposed the opening of her nightgown.

Okay, I'll take him, Cathy said.

Caleb carefully wrapped Cathy and Ryan in the blanket then went back into the kitchen and brought Cathy some tea.

John and I snuggled with each other.

Caitlyn asked can I join you?

Sure kiddo! Said John and he lifted the blanket and let her sit next to him. She snuggled up tightly to John.

You're warm! Said Caitlyn

So are you! Said John, he kissed her forehead.

Hank and May were smiling.

Moments later we heard the prowlers approaching.

Here comes the Stapleton clan! Said Hank, I'll be right back!

Need some help? Asked John.

Sure, come on, Handsome! Hank said as he smiled at May.

When they appeared, Violet was on John's shoulders, and Hank was carrying a half-sleeping James.

Morning everyone said Ian.

Ian sat Becky and Brianna down Violet ran and hugged me. She went over to May, climbed under the blanket, and snuggled with her. Ian and Hank came back with coffee and chocolate milk for Violet.

Brianna held James as Ian sat between them. I saw John studying the situation. He didn't say a word, just smiled.

May always want grandchildren. She asked me to think of her and Hank as grandparents, and I do! But it appears she went from zero to five in a matter of months.

We settled in as the sun started rising. John was watching everyone. I nudged his ribs and nodded towards the ridge line of the mountain.

That's a beautiful sunrise! Said John.

There's nothing like it anywhere else! Said Hank. I grew up watching them and never got tired of them.

Neither do I Dad! Said Cathy.

I love them, said Bree.

That reminds me your Dad and Danielle still need to visit us someday soon. Said Hank.

I know! He and Danielle are all over the place traveling. Said Bree.

Your mother should come for a visit, Bree!

I will invite her up soon.

Make it harvest time! I'm sure she'll love dancing in the grapes.

Who's ready for french toast? Asked Ian as the sun cleared the mountaintop.

Me!!! Caitlyn and Violet said.

Ree! Give me a hand. Asked Ian.

Absolutely Chef!

Chef? Asked John.

Oh! I didn't tell you! Ian is a certified Chef with a bachelor's degree in culinary arts.

And a Bachelor's degree in business management, too, thank you! Said Ian.

I was getting to it, Chef! I said.

Now I am very impressed! Division 1 athlete and multiple degrees! Do you speak Korean too? Asked John in a joking manner.

No, but I speak Spanish fluently! Ian said in Spanish!

Very impressive John responded in Spanish!

Everyone smiled and laughed as Ian and John did their friendly back and forth!

All right you two! Hank said in Spanish. We have a hungry group. Let's get moving, andele!

Cie senor! Said Ian.

John, Caleb, and Bree come with me! Said Hank.

John and the Barn

Hank took us to the barn, where he kept the quads and the equipment.

This is a nice shop! I said.

I do most of my own maintenance. I save a lot of money that way. Like I said they're much cheaper than horses! But not nearly as loveable. I taught Cathy to ride when she was 6 years old! She was a natural!

After she learned to ride, I couldn't get her off a horse. I miss my horses, but I don't miss the veterinary bills or cost of feed. I especially don't miss cleaning up after them.

Are you sure you can handle one of these? Hank asked John.

I'm good! John checked the oil and gas. John started it up.

John stopped the quad a little hard with the brakes.

Hank, do you have brake fluid? The brakes feel spongy?

Are you sure? Hank asked.

I opened up the brake fluid cap and looked in it, pretty sure! I'm going to need a Ten-millimeter wrench too!

Hank stood back. He was amazed at the way John knew his way around the quad.

You need some help?

Nope! I got it! Try now, Hank!

Whoo!!! It will stop on a dime now! How'd you know?

My uncle has a construction company and his son races Quads. I have been fixing things since I was old enough to hold a wrench. My family is big into the do-it-yourself thing.

John ended up bleeding the brakes on all four quads.

You want to look at my tractor next? Hank asked.

Maybe later! I said

They all laughed!

Caleb stood there watching. You remind me of Papa! He and Bree can fix almost anything!

Bree! Really?

Oh yeah, she's a wizard with cars! So is my sister Terri!

It's true, Terri and I are pretty handy with a wrench! I'm sorry to say I didn't notice the brakes. That's impressive! Bree said.

Thanks. I said... What kind of cardo you drive? Asked Bree.

2014 Civic SI.

You work on it?

It had a blown engine when I bought it. I bought a used engine. Dad and I rebuilt it and ported the head and intake manifold. It's got a performance cam, a bigger turbo, and a big exhaust system.

I only raced it once at Las Vegas Speedway. It will run 13.5 in the 1/4 mile. I don't street race it. I like my cheap car insurance! It's my baby! I baby it.

My Dad said if I graduate college and don't get any tickets or trouble with it, he'll give me his 1989 Toyota Supra Targa Turbo. We restored that one together.

89 Targa Turbo! That's a rare car! Said Bree.

You really do know cars! Said John.

I wasn't always a girl! But my love for cars never went away, said Bree.

You should see her Camaro! Said Caleb.

What year?

69 SS/RS 350. I finished it a couple of years ago. It was a long process to restore it. But it's perfect now.

Engine? Asked John.

LS-7 427. It's about 750 horsepower. And 6-speed manual transmissions, and Ford 9" rear end with 3.31 traction lock.

Ian has a restored 67 SS 396 Chevelle.

Come on, guys, breakfast is going to get cold, and we have a tour to start. Hank said.

We all headed inside just as breakfast was being served.