Summer House – 4 Author: Elsarose Plot bunny and collaborator: Judy Uhrich Justin had been living with John, Peter and Brian for two weeks. He still wasn’t sure about the living arrangements. Going to sleep each night in the large master bedroom was not conducive to good dreams. He felt too small and vulnerable in the room, so when night came and everyone went to bed, Justin would make himself a nest deep in the walk in closet. He figured it didn’t really matter. It wasn’t like he was doing anything wrong. Just sleeping where he felt safe, hidden from the wrath of his father. Brian was too busy to notice whether or not Justin’s bed had been slept in. He was up at dawn and out of the house, visiting various job sites. Justin looked after John and Peter, making sure they were up and fed before walking John to school. He and Peter would return home after a stop at the local Starbucks. He’d asked Justin about Daphne, but Justin hadn’t wanted to drag her into the mess he was in, so he refused to call his old friend. Secretly though, he was pleased that Daphne hadn’t forgotten him. What was interesting to Justin was the fact that Bear, as he now called him, spent so much time at the house. They talked a great deal; somehow having a kind of connection he’d never had with a man old enough to be his grandfather. Justin had never known his own grandparents. His mother had refused to discuss her parents and his father’s dad had died before Justin was born. His mother, Justin’s grandmother, had refused to associate with her son about the time Justin turned thirteen. He wasn’t sure why, but whatever had happened, his grandmother had been angry enough to move away. He hoped that Molly had been able to stay with the old lady, she was eccentric, but had always been kind hearted when he and Molly were growing up. He should have called when he was on the run, now he didn’t dare in case Craig had his own mother’s phone bugged. He wouldn’t put it past him. Daphne had spent the last few days grounded. She’d been caught sneaking back into the school and had refused to say where she’d gone. Both the Dean and her father had done their best to get it out of her, but she wouldn’t talk. Which was why she was confined to her room when she wasn’t in school. It didn’t matter to Daphne now that she knew Justin had someone like Brian on his side. She wasn’t sure how he’d fix things; she just knew that he would. “Daphne, it’s Justin isn’t it, you know where he is?” her mother came into her room, a tray with a plate of cookies and milk. Daphne was on her bed staring at the ceiling. Her father had taken her computer out of her room as well as her phone. “Pardon?” she asked sitting up. “I’m not hungry.” “I baked them fresh.” Her mother offered, sitting at Daphne’s desk. She ran her fingers over the various things on the desk. “I don’t have any secret hiding places, no hidden cell phones, no hidden computers, no decoder rings or owls ready to take messages to who ever I want.” “I hardly need to hear that tone of voice.” Daphne’s mother glared at her daughter. “I was merely being polite.” “You were trying to get information about Justin from me.” Daphne returned her mother’s glare. “I have no idea where he is. I told you and dad that.” “But dear, you skipped out of school and won’t tell us where you went. What did you expect us to think?” “I’d expect you to think that I skipped out of school. Didn’t you ever need to get away from school when you were a kid?” she flopped back on the bed not really expecting an answer. “If you’ve been in contact with Justin, you have to tell me. Your father needs to know. Mr. Taylor is worried about him and he knows that you and Justin are friends.” Her mother was trying to appeal to her sense of family loyalty. “That’s the whole point, Justin and I are friends and his father is a monster. I don’t know where he is, but even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you.” Daphne rolled over, burying her head in the pillow so her mother wouldn’t see her tears. She’d never been a defiant child and it hurt to have to say these things. She thanked the powers that be a thousand times over that Brian hadn’t let her know where they were living. Mrs. Chanders stared at her daughter’s back, shook her head and left the room. Her husband was waiting for her in the living room. “You can tell your boss that Daphne hasn’t heard from Justin. I’m sure that if she was lying I’d be able to tell. She skipped school because it was just that kind of day. We’ve all had them.” It pained her to have to tell her husband half-truths, but Daphne was right, Craig Taylor was a monster. She couldn’t in good faith have anything to do with putting Justin back in his clutches. Not for the first time did she wish with all her heart that her husband could escape from the slimy paws of Taylor Enterprises. Doug Chanders looked long and hard at the crystal glass of scotch, as if admiring the golden liquid. He didn’t answer his wife, there was nothing to say. He’d managed to get his family tied up with the Taylor’s. It was up to him to remove them from Craig Taylor’s evil wrath. He had no doubt that the answer he’d have to bring to work tomorrow, wouldn’t be the one Taylor was looking for. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ It was after eleven when Brian walked into the house. He’d been surprised to see Bear’s car in the driveway. The old man usually headed to his own place around nine each night. “Hey.” He said, not surprised to see Bear sitting on the porch. Bear never changed, he always said he did his best thinking sitting on a porch swing staring at the stars. “Thought you’d have gone home by now.” Brian took the rocking chair, stretching his long legs out in front of him. He sighed, he was tired. “You work too much.” Bear took a sip of a mug of herbal tea. Brian could smell the pungent aroma where he sat. “I work to make money for the kids, to keep the company going for our employees.” “You hide in your work Brian. I know, I used to do it myself.” He sighed. “The boy, Justin, he’s my grandson. Jenna’s son. I wasn’t sure, but I’ve had Luke do some checking.” “No shit.” Brian sat up straight. “Jenna is still alive, I kind of thought she died or something, you never talk about her.” “No, she’s still alive, though she hasn’t spoken to me since she was seventeen. Not that I haven’t tried, but I lost track of her. Life does suck on occasion Brian, just thought I’d mention that.” “Can I ask what happened?” Brian leaned forward, all thought of exhaustion pushed aside. “It was foolish, now that I think of it. At the time my whole world was crashing around me. My wife was dying, breast cancer, and Jenna was hurting as much as I was, only I was too much of a fool to realize. She began dating some questionable boys. There was one, Craig Taylor, who smelled wrong from the first moment I saw him. I’m not sure why, but the hairs on the back of my neck would bristle if he even came close. We argued about him constantly. On the day my wife died, it all came to a head. Jenna slammed out of the house, no doubt going directly to Taylor. His family was rich and powerful, I never saw her again. I admit I was too upset about my wife’s death to realize just what was happening and what I’d lost. When I finally came out of the funk I was in, it was too late. Jenna was well and truly gone. She wasn’t in Pittsburgh as far as I know. She’d just vanished. I went to the police and hired a detective, but nothing came of it. Life moved on. And then you and Claire came into my life and I vowed to be the kind of man I should have been with my own daughter.” His head was bent as he stared at a spot on the floor. Brian wasn’t sure what to say. What could you say to a man who had made a mess of things and knew it. “Bear, we have to talk to Justin, to tell him what you know. I know the kind of young man he is. He’ll understand, but not if you know you’re related and don’t tell him. He’s craving acceptance and family.” “Don’t you think I don’t know this Brian? But how do I start, what do I say? I’m an old man, I just don’t know.” He shook his head. “We’ll find a way Bear.” Brian reached out and patted the other man’s shoulder. “After all, you’re part of my family, we’ll do it together.” Bear thought for a moment. “We will, won’t we.” He smiled. “I’d better go home. Maybe tomorrow will be better.” “Yes, maybe it will.” Brian huffed. He stood up and stretched. “6:30 comes damn early.” “You know Brian, there isn’t much point in killing yourself working. It won’t help the boys or Justin if you have a heart attack or worse. Maybe it’s time you built yourself a summer house.” “Maybe it is.” Brian smiled. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for awhile. I know of a nice piece of property on a lake. Of course, some old fart would be my neighbor.” He teased. “You should be so lucky.” Bear laughed. “But consider doing it. The lake is a great place of healing. It would be good for all four of you.” “You’re just tired of fishing on your own.” Brian gave him a quick hug. “I’m thinking about it.“ Brian watched Bear get into his truck and drive away before turning to enter the house. Inside everything was dark, only a few lights here and there had been left on, more as night lights than as illumination for doing anything. Brian checked on John and Peter, both of them were sleeping soundly, arms clutching their bears. He hesitated in front of Justin’s door. His hand touched the handle, but he pulled back. Justin was an adult; he didn’t need to check on him. But in the quiet of the night, Brian thought he could hear the whisper of a suppressed sob. He listened closely, his ear to the door. Sure enough, Justin was crying, no it was more than that, clearly the blond was in distress. Brian tried turning the handle, surprised to find that the door was locked. Now he hesitated, Justin apparently didn’t want anyone inside the room. Another cry, this time louder, made Brian’s decision for him. He pulled out his key ring, quickly selecting a thin tool he used to adjust locks on the job site. In seconds he was inside the room. He raced to the bed only to find it made up and untouched. Where the fuck was Justin? Looking around, trying to trace the source of the frantic cries, he settled on the closet door, pulling it open. Inside, a small nightlight showed Brian Justin, eyes closed in sleep, huddled in a corner, clutching his Brian bear to his chest, tears racing down his cheeks as he tried to bite back sobs. Falling to his knees, Brian moved so that he was close to Justin. “Angel, shhhhhssshhhh, Angel, it’s alright.” He slowly put his hands on Justin’s shoulders. “Angel, trust me, it’s going to be alright. Justin moved so quickly, Brian was knocked over. The blond clinging to him so tightly, he was sure the circulation in his chest would be cut off. Instantly Justin’s breathing slowed and he relaxed in Brian’s arms. Brian held the sleeping man, not sure what was happening. He looked around the closet. Gone were the belongings of George and Claire, instead there was a neat pile of Justin’s clothing on two of the shelves. Three pillows and a makeshift pallet on the floor was made from quilts and blankets gleaned from the linen closet down the hall. And then there was Brian bear, lying on a rumpled quilt, abandoned for the real thing. He rubbed Justin’s back, his chin resting on Justin’s hair as he tried to imagine what was going on inside the blond’s brain to make such an obvious sanctuary rather than use the room he’d been assigned. Brian closed his eyes, his day had begun early and it was now late. The warm boy in his arms tugged at his heart and he closed his eyes, thinking it was only for a moment. Only to open them six hours later, his head on a pillow, his arms still around Justin. “Brian?” Justin asked, his voice timid. “Is that you?” he could feel and smell the man he was in love with, but he didn’t want to open his eyes in case he was dreaming. “None other.” Brian groaned as he tried to sit up. “Cripes Justin, your sleeping arrangements suck.” “Sorry, I didn’t expect you.” Justin sat up, but couldn’t look into Brian’s eyes. Moving into the corner, he sat with his knees up, and rested his chin in his arms. It was then that Brian saw that Justin was fully dressed. “Justin, you’re dressed.” “So are you.” Justin answered, his chin moved up as he looked into Brian’s eyes with an unfelt bravado. “I’m dressed because I fell asleep holding you. You were having a bad dream. What’s your reason?” “I like to be prepared in case I have to leave suddenly.” “Oh, like if all of a sudden I booted you out the door?” “Something like that.” Justin’s head went down again. “It could happen.” “No, it couldn’t happen. It wouldn’t happen.” Brian reached out and touched Justin. “You have to know that, Angel.” There was silence for a moment. “I know that in my heart, but not in my mind.” Justin shuddered. “It always happened when I fell asleep. I’d try and try to stay awake, but after awhile, my eyes would close. The next thing you know, he’s sticking cigarettes on the bottom of my feet, or hitting me with his belt. He said it was the only way to get rid of the gay. When I’d least expect it, I’d feel pain. I’d feel pain and know it was bad to be gay. If I wasn’t gay, if I didn’t get hard when I slept, then it would be okay. I started wearing my clothes and shoes, that way, one day when I’d wake up, I might be able to run. And it worked. Molly got me out. I might not have made it if I’d had to stop and dress.” “Justin, come here.” Brian held out his arms. “I want to talk to you and I can’t with you sitting in the corner.” Justin looked at him, his eyes searching Brian’s before he crawled over to fold himself into the safety of the older man’s embrace. “There now, isn’t that better?” he asked, smiling when he felt Justin’s head nod. “I’ll tell you what. Tonight, I’ll sleep in the bed with you. No shoes, no shirts, sweatpants if you want, but that’s it. No one will hurt you. They’d have to come through me first, and Justin, that isn’t going to happen.” The boy could feel the strength of Brian’s body. His body was hard and well muscled, he smelled of hard work and sunshine and something else that Justin couldn’t define, but knew he craved it like heroin. “Are you sure?” he asked. “I’m sure.” Brian answered, not sure at all, but willing to try anything to make this bundle of nerves in his arms to feel comfortable sleeping in a regular bed. “Now why don’t you tidy up here, shower and join me in the kitchen for breakfast.” “I can cook.” “So can I.” Brian tilted Justin’s chin up. He brushed his lips tenderly over Justin’s. “Let me take care of you, at least for the next hour. You can put your prickly Angel suit on when the boys get up.” Justin giggled. “I don’t get prickly. Well, maybe a little. It’s just that it isn’t good to get close to someone, even the kids, and especially Bear, and well, you. I mean I might have to leave, or you might want me to leave, and well, if we were close, somebody, me, might get hurt.” His giggles were gone, replaced once again by silent sadness in his blue eyes. “I used to think like that.” Brian admitted. “Even though Bear and Claire did their best to make me feel differently. “I still feel that way occasionally. I mean, look what happened to Claire. I loved her and now she’s gone.” “See what I mean?” Justin sighed. “But that isn’t going to stop me from loving. I’ve loved Bear since I was five or six, I’ve loved the boys since the day they were born. And I kind of love you too.” He smiled at the shock in Justin’s eyes. “I’m not saying I’m in love with you. Just that I love you. I’m not sure how or what it means, so don’t see things that aren’t or maybe won’t be there. But whatever happens. I would be a fool not to accept my feelings. Just like you’d be silly not to accept yours. It’s all part of life Angel.” “Do you love me like a boyfriend?” Justin ventured. “I love you like a friend and you’re a boy. I told you, don’t see things that aren’t there now or maybe ever. Let’s just take one day at a time Angel. We’ll have this discussion in five years or so. The answers might surprise you.” He kissed the end of Justin’s nose. “Go have a shower.” “Okay.” Justin pulled out of Brian’s arms, already thinking about the night ahead. It was better than cotton candy. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Later that day, Brian was heading to his truck, having just checked on one of the job sites. His head was down as he read a message on his Ipod touch pad, consequently he didn’t see the two men who appeared from behind a stack of lumber and grabbed his arms. “Mr. Taylor wants to see you.” One of them growled. Brian sighed, rolled his eyes and then with a suddenness that the men were unaware of, he freed himself, kicking them both in the groin. “Tell Mr. Taylor to go fuck himself.” Brian picked up his Ipod from where it had landed, dusted it off and continued to his truck. He got in, turned it on and headed out to find Craig Taylor, enough was enough. He’d known where to find the man since he’d first arrived back with Justin. Luke had made sure of that. It was always good to know where one’s enemies hung out. Not surprising, the gate of the Taylor estate was open. No doubt expecting the arrival of the two thugs along with Brian. Before he left the truck, Brian called Luke to let him know what had happened and where he was. It was good to cover all of his bases. “Hey Taylor, you wanted to see me.” Brian drawled, having let himself into the house, finding Craig’s den down the hall from the front door. Craig looked startled, his face paled as he watched Brian stroll in obviously alone. “Mr. Kinney, let’s make this short. Have my son Justin returned to me immediately and I won’t press charges.” “Oh, and what charges were you considering pressing?” Brian smiled, his smile cold. “Kidnapping and statutory rape.” Now Brian did laugh out loud. “You just do that Taylor.” He turned to walk out. “DON’T TURN YOUR BACK ON ME.” Craig shouted. “STOP RIGHT THERE.” “Or what, you’ll beat me like you did your son?” Brian snorted. “I wouldn’t try it if I were you.” “He is an abomination. As his father, it is my duty to chastise him.” Craig had stood up behind his desk. In a few long strides, Brian was in front of him. He grabbed Craig’s shirtfront, lifting the smaller man up onto his toes. “And I suppose it’s my duty to beat the shit out of you.” Brian threatened as he shook Craig Taylor. “The only abomination I know is you. You are an abomination as a man and a parent.” He shook him again, the fabric in the shirt ripping. A smell rose and Brian knew the man had pissed himself. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, taking a couple of quick pictures. “What, what are you doing?” Craig stammered. “I thought Justin might be interested in seeing his monster of a father at his questionable best.” Brian threw the man down, turning to walk away as Craig stumbled backwards. “Don’t bother trying to get Justin. He’s well protected and has friends. Friends who won’t be quite as nice as I am if they have to come here.” “This isn’t over Kinney.” Craig began, struggling to regain the upper hand. Though with wet trousers and a torn shirt, it wasn’t easy. “No, I don’t suppose it is.” Brian was at the front door. “But if I were you, I’d drop it. Justin is more of a man than you’ll ever be. Just be glad he doesn’t press charges against you.” He was driving through the gates when the car, holding the two men who’d tried to drag him to Taylor’s, approached. Brian honked his horn and waved. It was time he made sure that Justin and the boys were moved to another, more safe, location. It was time to build his own summer house. On the drive back home, he called Luke to arrange for a twenty-four hour watch on the house. It was going to take a couple of days to make the arrangements for his family’s safety. “While you’re at it, can you get in touch with Marjorie Taylor? Justin tells me she has a place in North Carolina. I want to make sure she understands to protect Molly.” “Will do, Brian.” Luke said. He and Brian continued to review the work he was doing for another few minutes before he disconnected. He was a block from the home he shared with his little family, when he noticed he was being followed. I can’t fucking believe this, he thought to himself as he pulled over. Brian was never one to shy away from a fight. He got out of his truck and ran back to the car behind him. “What the fuck do you want?” he said, teeth held tightly shut, green eyes flashing. “Brian, Mr. Kinney, it’s me, Daphne. I saw you go through the intersection and I had to follow you. It was like, perfect or something. Is Justin still okay, I really want to know. I worry about him.” “Daphne, Justin is fine.” “I wanted you to know that his father is planning something. He knows about you. I heard my dad mention your name.” “He knows about me all right. We’ve had a talk.” Brian stood straight and looked around. The street was deserted except for a woman walking her dog. “If you want to see Justin, get in the truck. I’ll take you to him. You can visit for half an hour and then I’ll bring you back to your car.” “Oh thank you, thank you, thank you.” Daphne said as she jumped from her car. Brian was unsure he was doing the right thing, but he thought Justin should realize that he wasn’t as alone as he thought he was. He had a friend out there who loved him and worried about him. It was worth the risk for the two friends to meet up again. “Uncle Brian, who’s the lady?” Peter asked, meeting them at the door. “This is Daphne, a friend of Angel’s.” Brian said. “Where is he?” “Justin is in the kitchen. We’re making cookies, animal cookies, with sprinkles and everything.” “Nice, I love Justin’s animal cookies.” Daphne beamed. “He makes the weirdest animals.” “Yeah, he made me an elaphalion.” Pete giggled as he took Daphne’s hand. “Come on, I’ll show you.” Brian watched them disappear through the kitchen door. He followed slowly, unsure of Justin’s reaction. Inside the kitchen he saw Justin and Daphne staring at each other. “Well.” She said. “You don’t look too bad.” “You look okay too.” Justin said, his voice shy. “I’ve missed you.” “I’ve missed you too.” She replied and then flew across the room and jumped on him, her legs around his waist as she laughed and cried and kissed her friend. “Wow, she’s really, really weird.” John said to his brother. “Is she Justin’s girlfriend?” “No silly, she’s just a friend. Justin is Uncle Brian’s boyfriend, not Daphne’s.” Peter reached for a cookie that was cooling on a rack. “I love this kind.” He bit off a head, chewing comfortably while he watched Justin and Daphne. Brian stood still, in shock from the words he’d heard. “boyfriend?” He was too old for the blond, not to mention too old for boyfriends, no matter what age they were. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Later that evening when dinner was over., Bear came into the living room where Justin was watching television and handed him a photo album. “What’s this?” Justin asked. “It’s some photos of my family.” Bear sat down beside him. “I think there’s someone in those pictures who is close to both of us.” “No kidding.” Justin turned the pages. “Hey, this little girl looks a lot like my sister Molly. She has the same funny hair.” “That’s my daughter Jenna when she was two.” “No kidding.” Justin turned the pages, as he continued he became aware of what he was seeing. “Bear, Jenna is my mom.” His voice whispered. “I think so too.” Bear sighed. “I guess I’m your grandpa.” “Yeah, I think you are. I’m gay you know.” Justin thought he should get that out of the way now. That way he wouldn’t be disappointed if the old man rejected him. “I know.” Bear shrugged. “We’re all made up different. It doesn’t make you any less of a grandson.” He reached over and gave Justin a quick hug. “Welcome to the family.” He sat for a moment. “I haven’t spoken to Jenna since before you were born. What’s happened to her. I just can’t imagine her allowing that bastard to treat you the way he did.” “Mom is kind of a gentle person.” Justin began. “It’s hard to explain, but she just doesn’t see things that upset her. It’s like she lives in a whole other world where Craig is the King of all things wonderful.” “She’s been like that since the day the two of them met.” Bear looked sad and his finger traced a line down the face of his daughter’s picture.” With a snap of the album, Bear closed it. “Enough of that. I’m happy to discover I have a grandson and a granddaughter. It pleases me no end. You are one great kid.” He beamed. “Now I have something to live longer for.” Justin flushed. “I like it that we’re related too.” He sighed. “Does Brian know?” “He knows I think it’s a possibility. He’s in the family room with the boys, let’s go and tell them, shall we?” “Okay.” Justin was suddenly shy. “Do you think the boys will mind? I mean you’re kind of their grandpa, they might think I’m butting in.” “The boys won’t mind in the least. They love you Justin. We all love you.” Bear stood up. “Do you want to look at the album any more?” “No, I don’t think so. Mom and I, we’re not really close.” He couldn’t help but think of the nights he’d lain crying from the beatings his father had given him. And the fact that not once had she looked in on him. If it hadn’t been for Molly, he would have given up life long before she’d sprung him loose. “Bear, I would like to talk to Molly though. If there’s some way we can get in touch with her without my father finding out.” “Brian is working on that.” Bear smiled at his grandson. “He’s working on that, as well as getting you back in school to finish your grade.” “I know, he thinks I should apply for Universities.” Justin shrugged. “I don’t know. It seems like an impossible dream.” “Nothing you want is impossible, Justin. You have both Brian and I behind you. We’ll both see that you are able to reach whatever goals you have.” “I need to do it on my own, Bear. I need to know that I count as a person. These last few weeks living here with the boys and Brian., I feel like I’m just coasting through life. It was nice at first. I mean, at least I could kind of sleep at night. And I love it that the boys look to me for guidance. But I’m almost eighteen. I need to find my own way.” “Everyone needs to do that, Justin. But you can find your own way with the help of people who love you. That isn’t a wrong thing to do.” “It’s a lot to think about Bear. I’m tired. Maybe I’ll talk to Brian and the boys later. If you want to say something, I don’t mind. But I kind of need to process everything.” He gave his grandfather a hug, one that was filled with promise. “I’m glad you’re my grandfather.” He whispered. Brian was surprised that Justin hadn’t come in, as he usually did, to spend the last of the evening with the boys. But when Bear walked into the family room, he knew that the old man had finally told Justin they were related. “How did it go?” he asked. “Better than I expected.” Bear sighed as he sat in a rocking chair. “He’s gone to his room, he needs some time to think.” “About his room.” Brian began. “I’m sleeping there with him from now on.” “You are?” Bear’s eyebrows rose. “Do you think that’s a good idea? Justin is the kind of boy who won’t do well with a casual relationship. He needs more than that.” “I know. This isn’t about sex. It’s about what he needs. He’s been sleeping in the closet, terrified of the night. I had no idea. I can’t let that continue. I care about him.” “How much do you care about him, Brian?” Bear whispered. “More than I expected to care for anyone.” Brian looked over at the boys who were giggling about something they were watching. “Time for baths and bed, boys. Justin is resting, so it’s your old Uncle Brian who’s in charge.” “Cool” John got up. “Will you read us a story?” Brian laughed as he stood up. “Don’t worry about Justin Bear, I won’t ever hurt him. I promise you that.” Bob watched Brian leave the room with the boys. He let his mind wander over the days since Justin had come into their lives. Little things he hadn’t noticed before about Brian, made him realize that the boy had some kind of hold on his friend. It was a good hold. Brian was softer, if that was possible. And there was a special glint in his eyes that Bob hadn’t seen in a long, long time.