A Midsummer Storm

Chapter 15

Graduation day. Two long years. Adam had liked Orlando. Tim had taken him to some cool places while they were there. But he knew they'd be packing up soon and leaving town. Here he was a college graduate. Even if it was a technical school. Seeing Tim and the entire Shadow Wolves Motorcycle Club sitting in the audience made him smile. Especially that one particular face.

Hearing his last name made him cringe. Being handed his diploma gave him an odd sense of pride and accomplishment. He had done something. They asked him if he would, he studied hard, and he not only graduated, but he had graduated at the top of his class. On one hand he was sad to be leaving Orlando. On the other, he was very excited to be seeing New Orleans.

In the last three months of his therapy with Mr. Hanks and Mr. Weaving, Adam had come an even greater way. He had almost no problems with Tim touching him, although they had not had sex yet. There were still a few more sessions left before they were set to leave and Tim wanted them to finish those before they tried. Adam was more comfortable with the crew touching him, like when Rob gives him hugs or squeezes his shoulder, but strangers or people he doesn't know well he's still very stand-offish with.

The graduates took their diplomas and certifications and were finally able to leave the stage. As soon as he saw Tim, his pace increased until the tall brunette engulfed him in his arms. Adam slipped his arms around Tim's neck as he fought tears.

"Congrats Adam!", "Good job, man!", "Congratulations!", "We're so proud, bro!" could be heard but the only voice that mattered to him was "I'm so incredibly proud of you, Sugar Pie. I knew you could do it!"

"So, what now?" Abe inquired as the group slowly made their way out to their bikes.

"We've got some business to take care of. Should only take a day at most. Then we'll pack up, which will only take half a day or so, and should be ready to roll out after that." Chance explained.

"Understood. We'll be ready by then." Abe nodded.

"Remember, the drive is roughly nine hours with no stops. We know we'll have to stop for fuel and of course meals. We're figuring on at least twelve hours. We've already got a nice house rented for a month for our short stay." Chance stated, "Anything you need to carry that won't fit in your saddlebags, you can put in the van."

"Thanks." Nate smiled.

"Let's go celebrate Adam's biggest accomplishment to date!" Austin exclaimed, flashing the blond a toothy grin.

Adam laughed and buried his face in Tim's arm.

"Follow me, everyone!" Tim exclaimed before climbing onto his bike.

Adam climbed on next before Tim started it up. He still couldn't believe it. A college graduate after all. 'You're needed around here, boy.' he vividly remembered his dad had told him when he asked about going to college like Chris. That brief conversation had taken away any glimmer of hope he had of a better life. Then these outlaw, murderous bikers broke into his home.

They treated him with dignity and respect. They treated him like a human being right from the beginning. He felt more like family with them than he ever did with anyone whom he might share DNA with. The only people who had ever encouraged him were these outlaws. How messed up was that? Sure, they asked him to go to school to learn how to work on motorcycles because that's what they needed. But they were trying to make him a part of their group.

They all came out to see him graduate. They all stood and cheered as loud as they could when his name was called. They took him in, took care of him, bought him clothes when they didn't have to. They gave him a home and a family. They gave him things he had wanted and needed for a very long time. If working on their bikes was the least he could do for them, then so be it!