Reassurance

I took a soft wash cloth from the side table along with some antibacterial soap and gently began washing Jessie's back. The top of his shoulders seemed to be the only thing left untouched by the attack. I traced each lash, bruise and cut gently, removing the dirt and dried blood. Softly rinsing the soap from his back, I didnt want to reopen the ones that had already started to heal over.

Once his back was clean, it still looked bad, but was less so than it had originally looked. Again I traced his back with my finger this time, I couldn't help leaning forward and kissing each one. Jessie tensed up a little, I think more from my kisses than pain.

Turning on the shower hose nozzle and wetting his head , I pumped shampoo into my hand and gentle washed his head. He softly groaned in approval. A good sound and sign he was relaxing finally.I handed him a dry rag to dry his face and ears. He softly thanked me.

I sat back in the tub resting a little, enjoying the comfort of the hot water. Noticing Jessie I leaned forward and pulled him back into me. He stalled at first but gave in quickly. Cradling him with my arms , I thanked him again for all he did.

" It.. was my first as well." he mumbled slouching his shoulders. His ears turned bright red.

" What? " I didnt clearly hear him

" I said it was also my first time. So ..."

I hugged him resting my head on the side of his. " I'll make sure Blake pays for this, and I'll make things up to you." I assured him.

" I can't stand how weak I am, I'm sorry . I promise he will never hurt either of us again. Especially not you. I'll become someone who you can be proud of " He was adamant about it , the look in his eye when he turned to face me showed me he had finally grown up.

Cupping his face in my hands, I moved my face closer to his, I kissed him deeply.

" I'll hold you to your promise, and I'm already proud of you" Tears streamed down my face.

We finished our bath, Jessie got out first grabbing a towel from the table wrapped himself up. He motioned for me to turn around and in doing so he gently washed my back. He lathered my hair and scrubbed my head, the massage of his finger tips was relaxing sending tingling waves across my body. Rinsing my hair he bent down and kissed my forehead and handed me a wash cloth to wipe my face dry. He walked to the closet door and picked up my robe. He held a towel open for me and braced me as I got out of the tub. My balance was better now, he dried me off and drapped me in my robe. He even pulled my hair out for me . He truly was a great and gentle guy.

By now the sun was bright out, the storm clouds from the night before were all gone, leaving only puddles to remind us they were there. The aftermath of my horrible driving was evident in my yard. My gate was in the middle of the drive and Jessie's truck was damaged and covered in mud. I pinched the space between my eyes and decided to have another cup of coffee before starting the day.

I hollered at Jessie and told him to come to the kitchen so I could bandage his back. He had slipped on a pair of my mens pj pants and came strolling into the kitchen from my spare room.

Sitting on a stool next to my bar he turned his back to me . I opened a med kit I retrieved from my pantry and I applied ointments to the open wounds. For some odd reason I began to talk about my life. Jess sat there and listened.

" I didnt have what you would call a great child hood. Raised by anyone other than my parents. After high school ,I left home, I went to work saved and bought the land here. " I explained while taping gauze to his back.

" I hired contractors to come out and build my cabin. I didnt want to rely on their money. I did want to finish school though but the only place that offered the course I wanted was the Academy. I pulled a few strings and had a fake birth certificate made saying I was a guy so I could attend school. I started wrapping up to lessen the breast area and cut my hair off. This is my life in a nut shell. Sorry it took so long to tell you." I placed the last bandage on his back.

"Done"

" Thank you, for taking care of me and for telling me."

I shook my head and gathered things up to put them away. Jess slipped a t shirt on and walked around to help me clean up.

" I suppose it's my turn to tell you about what happened with me and Blake."

For some reason my stomach ached. I didnt want to think about the possibility of him being gay. Was I being selfish. Despite my thoughts we made our way to the couch and sat down. I cleared my head and opened my mind. I wanted to hear his story and find my place in his life.