Misty Moonlight 6 
Six times six by eight. Nine years will decide your fate. Three times three will reveal the key 

Brian turned the small card over and over in his hand as if he would find some clue as to the cryptic words embossed on the front of the card in thick gold. In nine years he’d be thirty. He couldn’t imagine himself that old. Shit! Gus would be eleven and Justin, Justin would be eighteen. The idea that both he and Justin would then be an age divisible by three wasn’t lost on Brian. Nor was the fact that today was his twenty first birthday. Another age that could be divided by three. 

The card had been sitting on the table by his bed when he awoke. Gus came into his room pleased that he now could open the door all by himself. He’d graduated to a single bed a month ago. Brian now wondered if it had been a good idea, though with Gus constantly climbing out of the crib, he could have hurt himself.

Now bedtime was a longer ritual involving stories, drinks of water and trips to the bathroom before the small boy would settle down. And the morning meant that Gus could wake up and find his father without assistance. It also meant he could get into things if no one noticed he was up. Brian sighed and put his legs out of the bed, feet on the floor. “Hey Gus, it’s Saturday, you could sleep in.” Like that would ever happen Brian thought.

“Happy Birthday daddy.” Gus grinned and climbed up on the bed. “Can we have cake?”

“Not for breakfast Sonny Boy.” Brian smiled at his son and rubbed the soft auburn hair.

“Ice cream, ice cream, ice cream.”

“I think cereal and toast.” Brian stood and stretched. It wasn’t how he’d always pictured his twenty first birthday, that’s for sure. Gus launched himself off the bed and into his father’s arms. 

“Daddy, horsey ride.”

Brian put his son on his shoulders walked downstairs, making sure he ducked under the door frames.

“Brian, I’m sorry, I was going to get this guy up this morning.” Emmett said apologetically. “It’s your birthday; you should spend it doing what ever you want. I know you could use a few extra hours of sleep.”

“Yeah, it’s been a bitch the last few weeks. I can’t believe the exam schedule.”

“Well soon you’ll finish the year.” 

“Yes and starting another one. I’ve knocked six months off altogether doing the summer courses. At this rate I should get my master’s in four years instead of five.”

“And then what?”

“I don’t know. The recruiters for some of the more prestigious firms have been around already. I’m not sure whether I should commit to one this early.”

“Where do you want to live?”

“I’m not sure. I want to go back to Pittsburgh, at least for a visit. New York was nice but the warmth of California beckons. I guess it will depend on the offer and the company.”

“I’m going to miss you and Gus when you leave.” Emmett looked sad.

“Who said you couldn’t go with us. No matter where we go, Gus will need his Auntie Em.” Brian smiled at his friend. He knew that Emmett was attracted to him, but he didn’t feel that way about the outgoing man. Brian preferred to keep his distance and remain friends.

“That’s nice to know Brian.” Emmett went back to stirring the bowl of batter on the counter. “Now you just leave that boy down here and go back up to your room. I’ll see that he’s fed and dressed.”

“No, daddy stay wif me.” Gus said with his bottom lip protruding.

“I’ll stay with Gus.” Brian said. He really didn’t mind now that he was awake. Gus and his talk combined with Emmett’s prattle would keep Brian’s mind off of the fact it was his twenty first birthday and instead of going forward he seemed to be always three steps back from the goal he’d set himself when he was sixteen.

The phone rang and Brian reached over and answered it before Marc or Curtis woke up. “Hello”

“Brian, Happy Birthday dude. How do you like being a MAN” Michael shouted. His friend had turned twenty one a few months earlier.

“It’s pretty much the same as I felt yesterday Mikey.” Brian drawled. “How’s Vic doing?”

“He’s okay. He has good days and bad days. Today is a good day.” Michael hated that his uncle was ill. He was used to the man being vibrant and alive, the only father he’d ever known.

“Good, say hello to him for me.” Emmett and Gus were laughing at something, Brian tried to cover the mouthpiece of the phone but he was too late.
“Who’s there with you? I hear voices and a kid.”

“I do have a life Mikey and I do live with other people. It’s Emmett and Gus.”

“Oh, are they hot?”

“Not particularly, they aren’t my type.” Brian smirked.

“Hey, maybe one of them could go for me. I have a week off, I could come and visit.”

“Not a good idea Mikey, I’m pretty busy. I go to school during the day and I work and study at night.”

“You must have some time off.”

“Yeah, I sleep.”

“You know Brian, this is stupid. You could be living here and taking some courses at the Community College if you want. I could get you a job at the Big Q. I’m an assistant manager now.”

“Much as working at the Big Q for the rest of my life makes my heart go all aflutter, I think I’ll pass. I’ll be finished here in two years, two and half at the very most.”

“Yeah, and then what, you’ll move to Alaska or something.” Michael groused.

“Too cold.”

“You know what I mean.” Michael paused. “I probably won’t even recognize you by the time you come back. It’s been more than two years Brian.”

“I can’t help it Mikey. I’m not made of money. I can’t just head off to Pittsburgh and fuck my job here whenever you get lonely. I have responsibilities and I intend to graduate at the top of my class. It’s the top grads that’ll get the best job offers.”

“I know, I know.” Michael said. “But I still wish you’d come home and visit. 

“Two years Mikey, that’s all.” 

Brian talked to his friend for another few minutes before hanging up. He always felt guilty talking to Michael. He hated not telling Michael and Deb about Gus. But that’s the way it had to be. He looked over at his son who was now standing on a chair next to Emmett. It seemed the two of them were baking a cake. Probably for his birthday. He should be happy seeing his son so full of joy, but he wasn’t. He was restless and lately he’d been wondering what life would be like if he had no responsibilities other than himself. He found himself now with not only Gus but Emmett to look after. Twenty one was just another fucking day he thought to himself.

Summer came and went with the same old arguments from Michael every Sunday accompanied by threats to get on the bus and come and visit. Brian thanked his lucky stars that Michael’s general dislike of leaving Pittsburgh and Debbie kept him from following through with his threats.

The one joy in Brian’s life was Gus and Justin. Gus he saw every day. Brian watched his son develop from a baby into a self assured little boy. Closing in on three, Gus could talk well and he’d even begun to read thanks to the time spent with Marc and Gus’ desire to learn everything he could. Gus was determined to be able to attend pre school after his third birthday. He showed Brian that he had the same drive to get ahead as his father, though for different reasons. Gus wanted to get ahead to be like his father. Brian wanted to get ahead so that he wouldn’t be like his father.

Justin, the three times a month that Brian talked to him meant everything to Brian. He looked forward to those days more than he realized. Justin was far ahead of his years intellectually. Even at nine he challenged Brian’s mind with his questions and his profound philosophies. Seven years had passed and yet with each full moon, both of them anxiously awaited the mists that heralded the arrival of the other. 

Justin often worried about whether Brian would be there for him. But Brian knew now that something far greater than Antiqua’s predictions was at work. He wasn’t sure what it was, but he knew that he and Justin had been linked and would continue to be linked for a long time.

It was November, Justin would be turning ten in a few days, but he was still nine the night of the full moon. All day Brian had been feeling uneasy. He wasn’t sure why. Gus, as if sensing his father’s mood, was on his best behavior and even volunteered to go to bed early. The moon was beginning to rise, but there was no sign of the telltale mist that would open the door to the other dimension. It was almost midnight when Brian, standing outside after pacing the length of the driveway and back a dozen times, saw the first of the mist. He stopped and waited. What he saw alarmed him. Justin lay still and pale in a hospital bed. He could see tear tracks staining his face. His arm was encased in plaster and there was a heavy bandage on his head. A nurse entered the room followed by a doctor. “He’s sleeping now.” The nurse commented.

“Finally, I didn’t dare give him anything. When did you say his parents will be here?”

“They’re on their way back from Jamaica now. They should be here first thing in the morning.”

“Did you find out who this Brian was that he keeps calling fore?” the doctor looked kindly on the sleeping boy.

“No, I didn’t. I asked the babysitter but he had no idea. He said the only Brian he knew was his friend from school and that Brian didn’t know Justin at all.”

“If he shows up, let him stay until the parents get here. He’s probably a family friend.” The two of them walked out of the room.

“Justin, Justin, what happened to you?” Brian whispered. 

“Brian, Brian, are you there?” Justin said. He tried to sit up but cried out in pain. He began to cry. 

Brian, not even thinking if it was possible, stepped a few feet and was in the hospital room with Justin. He moved to the bed and gently gathered the boy in his arms. “I’m here Sonny Boy. What happened to you?”

“I fell out of a tree.” Justin said as he snuggled closer to Brian. “I’m glad you came. I knew you would make it all better. I was so scared. I really, really needed you Brian.”
Heavenly blue eyes looked into his. “You always said you’d be there if I needed you and you are. I love you Brian.” His eyes closed and he settled into a peaceful sleep, content that Brian would look after him.

Brian sat on the bed holding his blond boy and protecting him from the night demons of new places. He could see the yard where he’d stepped from. It looked strange watching it from this side of the dimensional window. Brian held Justin all night and when he heard the hospital stirring for the day, he could see the hint of sun rising at his side. He lay Justin back down, smoothed the blond hair back and kissed his forehead. “Later Justin” he whispered softly before stepping through the already disappearing portal.

As he walked back in the house, first to check on his sleeping son and then to crawl into bed for a few hours sleep, Brian realized what Antiqua had said. He was twenty one, that was three times seven and the key to Justin becoming part of his life in the real world became very clear. Only if one or the other of them needed the strength of the other would they be able to cross through the portal. Brian thought of his son sleeping on the other side and a tear trickled down his face before he fell asleep. He could never leave Gus no matter how badly Justin needed him.

Brian continued to focus on his schooling, barely taking time off to help the rest of the household celebrate the holidays. However, he did spend most of Christmas day playing with Gus and his new toys. Gus’ birthday was a larger affair than normal. He was turning three and he wanted some of the kids from the day care to attend a party. Emmett turned the dining room and sitting room into a gallery of Gus’ favorite Disney characters. He put on quite the party. The children had so much fun that three of the mother’s insisted that Emmett prepare their children’s parties as well. It seemed Emmett had found himself a new calling.

Gus was beyond excited when it was time for bed. The day had been exhausting for everyone in the household including Brian, who had acted in the role of mediator for the various turf war arguments that only three year olds can have. He tucked his son in and read him another chapter of Harry Potter. Brian thought the books were a bit too mature for Gus, but somehow Gus had found out about them and insisted that Brian use those books as his bedtime books. “That’s it now Gus, one chapter. It’s time you closed your eyes and went to sleep.” Brian kissed his forehead.

“Daddy, this was the best day in my whole life.” Gus said.

“Why, we’ve had the kids over before?”

“Daddy, it means I can go to preschool next week.” Gus grinned at him. “It’s a real school.”

“Gus you might be disappointed in preschool. I talked to the principal. They don’t teach you to read or print or anything.”

“Well what do you do?”

“You learn your colors and you play with the kids.”

“I know my colors and I play with kids now. I even read and I can print my name.”

“You’ll have to show them then.” Brian smiled.

“Maybe you can teach the other kids daddy.” Gus looked at Brian with hazel eyes identical to his fathers. “You know everything in the whole world. You can show them.”

Brian laughed. Gus thought he was some kind of super hero. “I don’t think the teachers at the preschool would appreciate me butting in.”

“Why not?”

“Besides Gus, I have to go to school myself. I’m still learning things.” Brian chose to ignore Gus’ question.

“Daddy how come you still go to school? You’re all growed up.” Gus had puzzled over this question before, but had never asked it of his father.

“Even daddy’s need to learn more things Sonny Boy. I’m going to school so that I can get a good job and make lots of money to keep you and Auntie Em in clothes and cookies.”

“Will you make lots and lots of money daddy?”

“I will make lots and lots of money Sonny Boy.”
“Will you buy me a mommy?” Gus asked in innocence.

“A mommy?” Brian stalled for an answer. “Gus you have a mommy already. She just wasn’t ready to have a little boy when you were born. So she did what any good mommy would do in that case. She let you go live with your daddy who loves you more than a whole bunch.”

“But you could live with my mommy and still look after me.”

“No I couldn’t Gus. I like living with boys not girls. It’s just the way I am. Some daddy’s like girls and some like boys. I like boys.”

“It’s a question for when I’m older right?” Gus said understanding.

“Much older Sonny Boy.” Brian ruffled his son’s hair. “Now go to sleep.”

“I love you daddy.” 

“I love you too Gus.” Brian kissed his son again, made sure he was tucked in with his teddy bear and left the room.

The night of Brian’s twenty second birthday found Brian dealing with a flu stricken child, a term paper due and the realization that the money he’d earned and saved before he’d arrived at Dartmouth, was almost gone. His room and board had been paid for with his work in the Orchid House and while Marc and Curtis were very generous with Gus and more or less had provided Emmett to help care for Gus, Brian still had things to buy, gas for his car, insurance, things for Gus, medicines and daycare and now preschool. He was almost broke and he still had at least eighteen months before he was finished with school. If he didn’t get his Masters he could be finished in nine months, though he’d been guaranteed a spot in the Masters program because of his superior grades.

After changing Gus’ bedding again as well as Gus and tucking him in once more, Brian was not feeling in the mood to even think of his birthday had he remembered it all.

Six times six by nine – some love is oft divine – life now looks bleak – though good fortune you seek

The words flitted through Brian’s brain like some god forsaken song, over and over until Brian wanted to shout ‘I got it already’. The cryptic message stopped as suddenly as it began and Brian relaxed. It wouldn’t be a birthday without Antiqua’s little ditties he thought wearily. He couldn’t see the clock from where he was sitting in Gus’ room. Painfully he stood and stretched. Gus appeared to be sleeping peacefully now, the sheen of fever sweat was gone and the boy’s color was good. 

Brian wasn’t sure what he was going to do to earn some money. It had to be fairly substantial money in a short amount of time. He couldn’t spare time away from Gus any more than he already did and his studies were reaching a crucial moment when a break would seriously harm his grade point average. Brian could hardly stop working in the Orchid House, Marc and Curtis more than repaid him for those hours. He was stumped. He had enough money to keep him in gas until the end of the month. The preschool fees for Gus needed to be paid and they were talking about requiring six months in advance for the next year of preschool. Gus would be heartbroken if he couldn’t attend. Brian knew the boy wouldn’t understand that it cost money to do things like attend preschool.

Brian lay down on his bed and thought about the offer that had been made to him last week. He’d turned it down, but maybe he should reconsider. It would only be on an on call basis and his schedule would be respected. The most he’d be expected to stay would be an hour and if he could give the client his money’s worth before that, well he could leave. He wasn’t sure he could do it though. What if he ran into someone he knew or worse yet, what if word got out that he was hustling his ass for money, no matter how classy the outcall service was.

Of course if he worked it through the next few months and stopped when the fall semester got underway, he’d have more time and could make enough money that it should keep Gus in preschool and him in gas for another year. And with luck that year would be the last. The recruiters for the big companies had been sniffing around. Brian knew he’d get a good offer.

He wished he had someone to discuss his predicament with. Justin was too young and wouldn’t understand and if he told Marc and Curtis, they would only want to give him money that he hadn’t earned. Mikey would never even consider letting Brian peddle his ass and Vic would listen and tell him no as well. It could be dangerous. But this outcall company had a good reputation. Maybe he could get them to agree to something different, something that would disguise who he was. He was going to have to take someone into his confidence. He’d need help to pull this off. Brian decided he would have to talk to Emmett.

It was two days before Brian found Emmett alone in the house. Gus was in preschool and Brian had come home from school early due to a cancelled lecture. “Hey Emmett, grab a coffee and come and sit down.” Brian invited.

Immediately Emmett knew something was up. Brian didn’t invite him to drink a coffee with him ever. “Okay Brian, spill.” Emmett said as he slid into his chair, the fragrant coffee almost spilling.

“I’m going to just say this straight out. I found a job I think I can do. It doesn’t take up much of my time and it pays well. I’m almost out of money and I need to get some in the bank to make through the next year. Gus has another year of preschool fees among other things.”

“I just thought Marc and Curtis gave you money.” 

“No, I work for our room and board in the Orchid House and doing a few other things, but for all my other expenses I’ve been living off of my savings. I’m not about to ask Marc and Curtis for any money. They’ve done enough.”

“I completely understand” Emmett said.

“The thing is, you know my hours, I don’t have a lot of time. So this job is not something I want broadcast and I need some way for me to do it without anyone knowing who I am. I don’t want to find myself in a boardroom someday face to face with some guy I fucked for money.”

“Well Brian, if you’re naked there isn’t a lot you can do to disguise yourself.” Emmett thought for a moment. “Of course there are a couple of things that you could do.”

“What?”

“People who use – well guys like you – they don’t spend a lot of time looking at their faces. But they do notice some things. So if for instance you always wear glasses, something distinctive in a frame and if you have a big ass tattoo somewhere very obvious. Somewhere that could be seen in a boardroom…..” Emmett let his voice trail off.

“I’m not getting a fucking tattoo but the glasses sound good.”

“This is just for the summer right? Kind of a summer job?” Emmett asked.

“That’s the plan.”

“Then what you need is a removable tattoo. They’re kind of like the ones you used to get as a kid in bubble gum. I think maybe a big ornate dagger or something. I’d have it go up the inside of your arm and have it trail down into your hand. That way a few years from now if you ever run into someone that knew you this summer. Your hands wouldn’t be tattooed and they would think it was a coincidence that you looked similar.”

“That doesn’t sound too bad.” Brian said.

“Yes, they last quite awhile even with showering. If you bought a few of them, I could put it on you as the other one wears off and by fall, you could just use the remover and it’ll be all gone.” Emmett paused. “You might also want to talk with an accent. You could pretend you were from Hazelhurst. I’m sure I could have you talking southern well enough to fool some horny guy.”

“Emmett, I have to ask. You seem kind of cool with this. I mean I thought I’d get at least a little bit of flack.” Brian looked at his friend in wonder.

“The thing is Brian; we all do what we have to do. I know that this isn’t the best way in the world to make money. I’m sure you’ve thought of all the negative aspects. And you know enough to know that you have to be ‘safe’ when you’re doing it. I’m just happy that you think well enough of me to know that this will remain between the two of us and I think you’re smart to let me know about it. That way I can always make sure your back is covered.”

“Thanks Emmett, I appreciate this. If you could track down the tattoo things, I’ll let my contact know I’m available.”

“This is the only way isn’t it Brian?” Emmett wanted to reassure himself.

“It’s the only way I can think of Emmett.” Brian looked sad for a moment. He looked at his friend and smiled a half smile. “I have to do this for Gus. I want the best for him.”

Brian’s hours were so erratic that no one in the household paid him any attention when he’d come in late or leave suddenly in the afternoon after receiving a phone call. The tattoo that Emmett had found was an eight inch long dagger twined with roses. A huge gaudy thing that would be sure to be noticed. Brian also wore ‘Buddy Holly’ glasses and a fake nose piercing ring. He gelled and styled his hair in spikes. If it hadn’t been for his body and his large always ready dick, he would never have made it the first few weeks. He was not only making decent money from the outcall service, but he was raking in the tips as well. A side of the business he hadn’t thought about. 

One night coming home from a trick, Brian pulled into a parking space at a convenience store. He was about to get out of his jeep, when the mists began to swirl and he realized it was a night for meeting Justin. It was the first time in all the years they’d been meeting that Brian had forgotten the blond. 

Justin was sitting down by a lake. He was ten now though he looked younger. His feet dangled toward the water and Brian could see that his face was bruised. “Hey Sunshine, what happened to you.”

“Hey Brian, it’s just the usual assholes at this camp. It doesn’t change much except they get bigger and meaner.”

“How bad are you hurt? Do your parents know?”

“I’ll live. My father told me to be a man, my mother cried and Molly doesn’t give a shit, she’s too young.”

“I wish there was something I could do.” Brian said.

“Hey, what happened to your hair?” Justin asked changing the subject. “And is that a tattoo?”

“It’s fake, I just wanted to impress someone.” Brian moved his arm so that the colors didn’t show.”

“Brian, you know you can’t really lie to me. I know the tattoo is fake, but you’re trying to make yourself look different aren’t you? Kind of like a disguise.”

“Did I mention that you are far too smart for your own good?”

“You might have.” Justin kicked his legs, his toes brushing the water. “You know just having you here tonight makes me feel a lot better. I’m glad this was one of our nights and I get to see you two more times while I’m here.”

“I like to see you too Justin.”

“If I don’t like kill myself or anything, I can be a counselor here when I’m thirteen. My dad thinks that’s just wonderful. But my friend Daphne said there is an art camp that I can go to next year. You have to be at least eleven. I’m going to work on my mom and see if I can go there.”

“I hope you can go there Justin. You should be allowed to develop your talent as an artist. You can never be too young to start developing a talent.”

“Brian, are you sure you should be doing what you’re doing. I mean is it really important for you to make money this way?”

“Justin, you don’t know what I’m doing. I’m doing what I have to. Gus needs things that I can’t buy him if I don’t.”

“Brian, I don’t know what you’re up to, I just know it’s hurting you inside. I can see that. It was hurting you last month and it’s worse this month. I know you think I’m a little kid, but Gus would hate to have you hurt inside. There is nothing that he could want that would be worth it.”

“He wants to go to preschool Justin. He’s three, he doesn’t understand how much money it costs.”

“Well, Mom takes Molly to a co op preschool. I bet there’s one where you live. She works there one afternoon a week in exchange for a big part of Molly’s fees.” Justin looked at Brian closely. “One afternoon a week isn’t bad Brian and it would make the sad go away from your eyes.”

“I’ll think about it Justin.” Brian knew that Justin was right. Working for the outcall service was slowly killing him inside. He was returning to the kind of person he’d been before Gus. Someone who didn’t let himself have any feelings. And that couldn’t be a good thing.

“Brian, you know it’s okay if you mess up some time. Gus and I will always love you.” Justin looked directly at his older friend. 

“Thanks Justin for being my friend.” Brian sat in his jeep quietly contemplating what Justin had said. “I guess you should head back to your cabin soon.”

“I suppose so.” Justin was reluctant to leave Brian, yet even at his age he knew he couldn’t say anything more. Ultimately it had to be Brian’s decision.

Brian drove home slowly thinking all the while about what Justin had said. He knew deep down that the young boy’s words were true. Everyone was in bed when he arrived home. Brian checked on Gus who was sleeping soundly. He turned off the monitor because he knew Emmett would have it on in his room and he wanted his friend to sleep in. Brian would hear Gus if he needed anything in the night or Gus would come and find Brian. At three he was very independent.

He took a long hot shower and scrubbed the entire tattoo from his arm. As the color from the tattoo ran down the drain, Brian effectively put what he’d done in a separate compartment in his brain. First thing tomorrow he’d let them know he was no longer available. He knew he’d probably forfeit the money he’d earned tonight because he didn’t give proper notice. But he didn’t care about the money any more. Somehow he and Gus would make out just fine. Brian felt that the both of them were lucky to have Emmett to watch Gus during the day and to be such a good friend as well.

Two days later Emmett commented on the fact that Brian had been home more. “Not going out tonight?” he asked Brian as the two of them walked slowly behind Gus who was chasing a butterfly on the wide expanse of lawn.

“No, I’ve decided that life is too short to spend it doing something that I hate. Gus and I will deal with being short of funds this year. It’s really only a year. I should have a decent job as soon as I graduate.”

“I’m glad Brian that you made this decision.” Was all Emmett said before running after Gus. Brian watched the two of them chase each other and the poor butterfly until the small creature lifted up high and disappeared over the tree tops.

As September approached Brian wondered how he would break it to Gus about not being able to attend preschool full time. One night at dinner with the entire family, the problem was solved.

“Daddy, am I going to a real school next week?” Gus asked.

“No Gus, you aren’t even four yet. You have to be five to go to a real school.” Brian answered.

“Gus I thought you liked going to preschool.” Marc said. He could tell by the way Gus had asked the question that the young boy wasn’t happy.

“Grandpa Marc, preschool is for babies. They don’t teach you good stuff.” 

Brian laughed. “What kind of good stuff do you want to learn?”

“Honey, you learned all about color last year.” Emmett said.

“Auntie Em, I already knew my colors. You taught me colors and way better ones then preschool, like bubblegum pink, and lavender and fuchsia.” Gus grinned at him and then at his father. Brian wasn’t too pleased with Gus’ choice in colors once Emmett had finished with him. 

“He’s got you there.” Curtis observed.

“I want to learn numbers and read bigger books and stuff like that.” Gus declared. 

“But Gus, you read now.” Brian looked confused. Gus was growing up far too fast.

“I read baby books that you buy me. I want to read books with more words in them. Bigger words, scrumptious words. I want to read Harry Potter all by myself. I want to learn about computers and how they work.”

“Gus, that’s pretty ambitious for three.”

“Daddy I’m three years and eight months, that’s almost four.”

“Who is this kid and what happened to that cute little baby I brought home from the hospital yesterday?” Brian teased.

“Daaaaaddddddy” Gus shook his head.

Curtis burst out laughing. “I might have a solution for you Brian. But it’s a big step.”

“What’s that?”

“There is a study program beginning this September for children like Gus who are highly motivated and intelligent. It will combine a higher degree of learning with interaction with other children in games, sports and activities geared to their ages. Too many children who have high IQ’s spend all of their time buried in books and don’t develop the social skills that are important as they reach maturity. The only draw back is that once enrolled they would want him to continue for the entire year. There are similar studies being done at Carnegie Mellon and in New York. There is a possibility that if Gus is accepted he could transfer to one or the other cities when you graduate and get hired by some firm. I know you’re champing at the bit to be on your own.”
Brian looked thoughtful. “It would mean that Gus would never be part of a regular school system.”

“That’s not entirely true. For his early years yes, but they gradually plan to interact more with the school system as the children get older. However he will never actually attend a regular high school full time.”

“What about cost?”

“If Gus is accepted in this experimental program, there will be no cost to the parents. The funding is being provided by grants from various people in the private sector and the government as well.”

“How do I start the process?” Brian asked.

“I’ll talk to the professor in charge tomorrow. He’ll call you and make the arrangements to see Gus and evaluate him. It’s a very informal proceeding though it will get more intense later.”

“Thanks Curtis, I appreciate it.”

“A real school Grandpa Curtis?” Gus asked with a smile.

“A real school, where you learn real things along with children just as intelligent as you are.”

“Cool beans” Gus replied. 

“I guess that says it all.” Emmett laughed along with the others.

It wasn’t too many days before Gus left for the University each day along with Brian and Curtis leaving Marc and Emmett at home alone with Cherry. Emmett spent a lot of time with the old cook learning some of the tricks of the trade and he began to work in the Orchid House as well. He could see that his days were numbered. His days of live in ‘nanny’ were coming to an end. Gus was in school most of the day and when he wasn’t in school he began to spend his time at his computer. Trips to the park and exciting downtown shopping trips on the bus were seldom taken.

Marc and Curtis had planned to head for their Arizona condo as soon as the winter break started. So Brian wasn’t surprised to find their bags packed and at the door one day when he arrived home. 

“You’re leaving early this year.” Brian observed.

“Yes, I really need to get into that nice desert warmth.” Marc was looking cold and frail from his spot by the blazing fire.
“We miss you when you’re gone.” Brian said and sat down at his old friend’s feet and let the heat from the fireplace envelope him.

“I want to give you something Brian. It’s from Curtis and I.” he handed Brian an envelope.

“Marc what is it?”

“Open it and find out. And Brian, I want you to listen to something, a man needs to know when to ask for help.”

“What do you mean?” Brian said as he carefully opened the envelope. “Geeze Marc, there are a lot of zeros on this check. I can’t accept this.”

“Remember what I just told you Brian. Curtis and I know you need more money to finish out your MBA. We want to do this for you. You and Gus are family.”

“I’ll only accept it if you’ll consider it a loan. I want papers drawn up and everything.” Brian blinked away the tears that were threatening to fall.

“Agreed.” Marc said and he laid his hand on Brian’s shoulder. “Brian, Curtis and I, we love you like a son, we want you to remember that.”

It was then that Brian laid his head on Marc’s knee and cried for what he’d done and for the unspoken love and forgiveness in the man who held him.

Gus’ fourth birthday party started out unlike any child’s party Emmett had ever seen. He had five friends over from his new school, all of them were somewhat shy and all of them were only interested in discussing the latest innovations in home computers. That is until Emmett fed them all enough fruit punch and began to play games, insisting that they all had to play.

Brian sat back in a corner of the family room and watched the antics of the children as they morphed from brainiacs to regular kids at a birthday party, laughing and having fun. Emmett was amazing; he could be four and he could be twenty, it was all in what he was at the moment. Brian managed to get some interesting photos of all the goings on to give to each child to take home and to send to Marc and Curtis.

Later that night when Gus was tucked into bed tired and happy with his day, Brian put on his warm jacket and stepped onto the balcony overlooking the side yard. He took out a cigarette but didn’t light it. Justin didn’t like him smoking. He said it bothered his breathing even though they weren’t really in the same dimension. The mist swirled and Brian grinned as Justin came into view. He was sitting at the top of the stairs at his parent’s house. They must have been having a party of some kind and he was watching. “Caught you” Brian whispered. 

Justin jumped and smiled at him. “Hi Brian, Mom and Dad are fighting, I’m listening.”

“I thought they might be having a party.” 

“No, that’s what they’re fighting about. They went to a party last night and Dad was fooling around with some other lady.” Justin got up off the top step and walked back to his room. “They’re in the kitchen yelling. They think I can’t hear them.”

“Well, you shouldn’t listen.”

“I know, but I was waiting for you and I was bored.” Justin sat down on his bed. “Do you know that for five and half months of every year we are only eleven years apart?”

Brian laughed. “It did escape my notice.”

“So you aren’t a lot older today for instance.” Justin said satisfactorily.

“I suppose that’s true.” Brian smiled at him “And your point is?”

“I just wanted you to be aware of it. That’s all.” Justin said.

“Why?” Brian was certainly puzzled.

“Brian, I know that there will come a time when it’s important.” Justin laughed. “Hey today was Gus’ birthday. Did he have a party?”

“You’re changing the subject but yes, he did have a party.”

“I love birthday parties. What kind of cake did he have?”

“They made birthday cupcakes with Emmett. Each kid made two and decorated them and then they traded. Gus put two candles on each of the cupcakes he made so he could blow out the candles.”

“Hey that’s pretty cool for a bunch of nerdy kids.” Justin said with a grin. “Emmett must have had his job cut out for him with that bunch.”

“Are you calling my kid a nerd?”

“Yeah, he is sooooo a nerd.” Justin struck a pose. “I on the other hand, am brilliant and cute and an artist”

“And full of it too.” Brian laughed. 

“Brian, I like boys.” Justin blurted out.

“I like boys too.” Brian said not getting it.

“Brian, I liiiiiiiiike boys.” Justin said.

“Oh” Brian replied. “Well you’re a little young to decide that for sure.”

“How old were you when you knew you liked boys better than girls?” Justin asked his face smug.

“I --- I –“ Brian hated to admit it, but he didn’t remember a time he didn’t know he liked boys better.

“I thought so.” Justin said with satisfaction. “I just knew you liked boys better than girls too.”

“Well, yes I do. For eleven you’re pretty tricky aren’t you?”

“I have to be. Do you know what would happen to me if anyone knew I thought the guys in my class were hot? Geeze, I’d be dead meat.”

“Yes, it isn’t a good idea to tell anyone at your age. For one thing the adults wouldn’t believe you and for another your school chums would probably kill you.”

“I know, but I had to tell you. I was tired of keeping it a secret and I knew you wouldn’t mind if I told you.”

“I’m glad you did.”

“Now we really can get married.” Justin laughed at the look on Brian’s face. “I didn’t mean now. I’m just a kid and that’s like sick.”

“You’ll meet some hunky guy when you’re older and laugh about your marriage fantasies to me.”

“I think I will meet lots of hunky guys when I’m older but I will still want to marry you.” Justin looked at him from under his eyebrows. “Annnnd you promised me you’d marry me.”

“Geeze Justin, that was a few years ago. There is also the little problem of us being in two different worlds. A rather large problem.”

“That’s okay; we’ve got lots of time for you to figure it out.” Justin crawled under his bed covers. “I’m going to sleep now Brian. I love you.” he blew a and kiss and giggled at Brian who couldn’t resist and blew a kiss back to him.

“Good night Brat.” Brian said. “See you tomorrow night.”
tbc