Home is Where Your Heart Is -4
Plot bunny by: Judy
Author: Elsa Rose
Vic was the first to notice that Justin was more subdued than usual. He put it down to the time of year. It was almost Christmas after all, and Justin was estranged from his family. From some of the things Justin had told him, Christmas had always been a special time of celebration in the Taylor family. It wasn’t going to be easy for the blond this year. The older man knew that Brian had enough hang-ups about the holidays to fill a book, maybe even two. He doubted that his friend had explained any of them to the young man he loved.
Justin was trying to be his usual self. He didn’t want to trouble Vic with any of his problems. The man had more than enough to worry about with his health nor did he want Debbie to notice because she would not let up if she did. He also didn’t want Brian to discover what he was feeling because he’d try to fix it and that was definitely not on the agenda as far as Justin was concerned.
Determined to get Justin talking, Vic asked the boy to help him with the Thanksgiving dinner preparations. He thought that he could get him to discuss Christmas as they worked together.
“Hey Justin, are you busy tomorrow?” Vic asked. Justin was sitting or rather lounging on the sofa; his posture slouched so that it was almost bent in half. Vic already knew that Justin wasn’t scheduled for a shift at the diner and he suspected that the boy’s homework was done for the next two months if the amount of time he spent in front of the computer had anything to do with it. What Vic didn’t know was that Justin was mesmerized by his screen saver, which he created with dozens of photos he’d taken of Brian and mixed in with sketches he’d done and scanned.
“No, not busy,” Justin’s voice was flat. He kept seeing Daphne on the floor outside of Brian’s loft. She’d barely spoken to him since that night and he had been really worried about her.
“I don’t want to drag you away from your school work, but I could use a hand getting the dinner ready. I’m sure Deb has invited every friend and family member we know plus all of their friends too,” Vic chuckled. “Oh and Brian’s coming.”
“I know, he called me,” Justin smiled; having Brian call him occasionally was the one thing that made life bearable. Justin looked up at Vic. “Uncle Vic, what if something bad happened to a really good friend and you know the friend should maybe talk to someone about it but she won’t. What would you do?”
Vic stood quietly for a moment. He certainly wasn’t expecting this question. “Justin, we’re talking about Daphne aren’t we?” He moved over to sit beside him.
“Maybe.” Justin didn’t want to betray Daphne’s confidence.
Vic let it go, after all as far as he knew Justin only had one female friend that would confide in him. “What happened to your friend?”
“I think she was raped, but she says she wasn’t. She said she was at a party and things just got out of hand Besides, she kind of likes the guy. She didn’t mean for it to go as far as it did.” The words tumbled out of Justin’s mouth and he looked at Vic, his eyes imploring that he understands. “I mean it’s not like it was her first time . I was her first, but still... if she said no, then the guy should have stopped.”
Vic was trying to get his mind around the I was her first part that he barely heard the rest. “No one has any right to have sex with someone who says no.” The words were said softly, but with conviction. “Has Daphne been to the doctor?”
“She wouldn’t go.” The pretence of not saying her name had disappeared. “Brian and I both tried to convince her.” He shook his head. “Fuck, she’s pigheaded.”
“Did he use a condom?” Vic asked.
“I don’t think so. Daphne wasn’t sure. She gave me a line of shit (about) that he was healthy.”
“How the fuck would she know? Nobody knows.” Vic’s voice was harsh, his thoughts bitter.
“She says she knows.”
“I thought I knew the man who infected me. Apparently, I didn’t.” He looked at Justin, taking the boy’s hands in his. “Justin, you have to take her in to be tested. This isn’t something to fool around with. If you want, I’ll go with you both.”
“I’m not so sure I can get her there,” Justin sighed. “Sometimes life really sucks.”
“Bring Daphne over here tomorrow. She can help us in the kitchen and I’ll work my magic on her.”
“She’ll freak that I told you.”
“I’ll explain how I wiggled it out of you.” Vic leaned over and gave him a quick hug. “Now, I want to see that smile of yours, it’s gloomy enough around here.”
“Thanks Uncle Vic, for being so easy to talk to.” Justin hesitated, “Uncle Vic, Brian wasn’t too excited about Thanksgiving dinner.”
“He never is. Brian doesn’t like family holiday celebrations. He never has even when he was younger. It hasn’t gotten any better now that he’s older. “
Justin snickered, “Brian doesn’t like being viewed as older.”
“Well life sucks, he’s getting older, we all are,” Vic laughed. “He had a crappy childhood, you’ll have to get him to tell you about it sometime.”
“Yeah, like that’s going to happen anytime soon,” Justin grumbled. “As far as I know, he all but hatched fully grown, handsome and horny.”
“Sounds like the impression Brian would like to give.” Vic stood up. “I have some pictures in an old album over there. Not that I’m actually giving away secrets here, but if you happened to stumble on it... well, what can I say?” he laughed. Justin had leapt up and was rummaging through the haphazard stack of books and magazines in the small bookcase. He triumphantly held up a well-worn photo album. “I found it,” he crowed, taking the book over to the chair by the window.
“I’ll bring you a glass of milk and some cookies.” Vic headed to the kitchen. Justin was going to discover a lot more about Brian than he realized.
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Daphne had spent the two weeks since her encounter at the party worrying. She didn’t want to talk to Justin about it but it was driving her crazy. She had no close girlfriends, so she did the only thing she could think of. “May I speak to Brian Kinney please?” Daphne asked Cynthia, Brian’s assistant.
“Can I tell him whose calling?” Cynthia asked.
“Tell him it’s Daphne,” her voice shook. She was in a phone booth near Brian’s offices. She almost hung up, but remembered she’d given her name; he’d only ask Justin why she called if she hung up now.
“Hey Sweetness,” Brian said when he answered the phone. “What can I do for you?”
“I kind of need your advice.” Daphne stumbled over the words. “Can I talk to you, I mean in person?”
“Sure, I have half an hour before my next appointment, do you know where my office is?”
“I’m across the street,” Daphne replied.
“Come on up then.” Brian hung up and then quickly called out to Cynthia to put off his next appointment for twenty minutes to half an hour.
“Daphne.” Brian stood up and went around his desk when Daphne walked in. He gave her a quick hug and led her to the sofa in his office. “Sit down, do you want a soda or water?”
“No, nothing.” She smiled up at him nervously. “Remember the other night?”
As if he could forget, Brian thought. “Yes.”
“Well, I’ve been thinking. I think I need to see a doctor. I think maybe I do.” She wrung her hands.
“I agree,” he said. “Do you want me to make an appointment?”
“I don’t want my mom to know.” She brushed away a tear. “If I go to my family doctor, he’ll tell her.”
“Why don’t I have Cynthia find a doctor, a woman’s doctor.” Brian hesitated, “Is that what you want?”
“I guess.” Her lip trembled.
Brian stood up. “Give me a minute.” He kissed the top of her head and left the office to talk to Cynthia. He was back in a few minutes. He didn’t have to explain things to his friend and employee, she’d do as she was asked and grill him later. “Cynthia will let us know.” He sat back down beside Daphne. “Are you feeling ill, is that why you want to see someone?”
“Not exactly.” She sighed. “I’m late.”
“Late?” Brian asked and checked his watch. “It’s only two.”
“No, I’m late, my period is late. I should have started two days ago.” She started to cry. “I’m never late.”
“Uh, well what about with Justin?” Brian had no idea when she and Justin had been sexually active.
“Justin used a condom. He used two condoms, I made him use two and they were really strong and had spermicide.”
“Geeze, that must have been fun.” Brian resisted the urge to laugh. He could only imagine his blond boyfriend having hetero sex with two condoms, two heavy-duty ones at that.
“Brian, excuse me.” Cynthia stood inside the door. “I’ve made an appointment for Daphne for this afternoon.”
“Fine, give us the details.” Brian accepted the paper she handed him. “Reschedule my two o’clock for tomorrow, or you can handle it in my place.” He stood up. “Come on Sweetness, we have a lady doctor to see.”
“Brian, are you coming with me?” Daphne stood up.
“Sure, I can use the fresh air.” He grinned at her. “Come on, I’ll even buy you a latte afterwards.”
Daphne stood up and looked shy. “Thanks Brian, Justin is so lucky to have you as his boyfriend.”
Brian didn’t correct Daphne; in fact he barely winced at the word boyfriend. He did make a note to find a better word for whatever he and Justin had.
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Justin lay on the bed in his room staring at the ceiling. He called Daphne’s place twice, but her mom said she was napping and that she’d come home with a headache, so Mrs. Chanders didn’t want to wake her.
When his cell phone rang, Justin jumped in surprise. He checked the time; it was barely six thirty. “Hello, Daphne?”
“I hope not Sunshine,” Brian drawled. “Are you hungry?”
“For you, always,” Justin chuckled.
“Well that goes without saying. I was thinking more like pasta at the Factory.”
“You don’t eat pasta after seven.”
“It’s only six thirty, are you going to argue about this all night?”
“No, I’d love to go out for dinner.” Justin grinned; he loved when Brian surprised him. “I can be ready whenever you get here.”
“I’m downstairs.”
“Asshole, why didn’t you come up?” Justin laughed and raced out the door. He bounded down the stairs and leapt into Brian’s arms. “You’re kind of amazing.”
“Yes, so I’ve been told,” Brian replied tongue in cheek. “Hey Deb, I’m taking this guy off your hands.”
“Bring him home before midnight,” Debbie called out from the laundry room. “He’s got work to do with Vic tomorrow.”
“Slave labour?” Brian laughed. “You should know better.”
Justin hit him on the arm. “Stop it, I like cooking with Uncle Vic. He’s teaching me a lot of things. Besides, I’m making stuff for you to eat.” He wiggled his eyebrows and grinned. “I’m being boyfriendish.”
“You’re a freak,” Brian said with a laugh. “We’ll talk about it.”
“What?”
“Boyfriendishness,” he snickered and held the door open for Justin to go through first. His hand found the back of Justin’s neck and Brian steered the blond toward his Jeep. “We’ll eat first, talk later.”
“What about fucking?”
“I’m sure we can fit that in as well.” Brian opened the Jeep door and then unable to resist, claimed Justin’s lips for his own leaving them both breathless. “You know that I’m not boyfriend material don’t you?” he whispered softly when they broke apart.
“No, never heard it said before.” Justin reached up and kissed Brian’s nose before slipping into the passenger seat of the Jeep. He couldn’t help grinning as he watched the man he loved walk around to the other side, a puzzled look on his face.
Brian smiled to himself and started the Jeep. He needed to talk to Justin about something serious later, but for now he’d let him be carefree and full of fun. Later would be time enough to grow up.
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“I DON’T FUCKING CARE. I WON’T LET IT HAPPEN.” Justin stormed around the loft kicking anything that got in his way. He felt sick to his stomach and regretted eating all the pasta that he had. He glared at Brian each time he circled the room and then continued. “HOW CAN YOU EVEN THINK THAT THIS IS A GOOD IDEA? HOW CAN DAPHNE THINK THAT IT’S A GOOD IDEA. I FUCKING HATE YOU BOTH.” Justin burst into tears and slowly let himself melt into a heap in the middle of the floor, he couldn’t stop crying and he felt like an idiot. It wasn’t really about him, but he was acting like a two year-old and he knew it.
Brian watched from his perch on the top step to his bedroom. He was naked and was beginning to feel the cold of the room, but he didn’t want to leave Justin long enough to grab a pair of pants. Instead, he sat there smoking, his cigarette tasted like dirt, the smell of stale wine in his nostrils. Justin’s hysterics appeared to be diminishing and Brian stood up. He walked over to his blond not quite boyfriend and bent over offering him his hand. He didn’t say a word just held it out. There were no more words to offer up and they both knew it. Justin had heard the finality in Brian’s tone as he explained what was going to happen. He hadn’t known this man long, but he did know him well enough to realize when he was beaten.
Justin let himself be pulled into Brian’s arms. He rested his head against the older man’s shoulder absorbing the strength he found in his touch. “It really sucks doesn’t it?” Justin asked finally.
“Yes,it does. But you have to think about your friend Daphne and how much it sucks for her.” Brian’s hand rubbed circles on Justin’s back as he thought about what it was going to mean to him as well. He’d made the offer without actually thinking it through and while Brian didn’t regret it, he knew he should have worked out the consequences first. “Daphne actually likes the guy who took advantage of her.”
“That’s bullshit,” Justin spat.
“I certainly can’t figure out the mind of a woman and I doubt very much that you can either. All I can say is she likes him and she feels that she was just as much responsible for what happened as he is.”
“But that’s so not true.”
“But it’s what she thinks is true. It makes her happy to think it, why should we argue otherwise?” Brian sighed. It didn’t make much sense to him either.
“Can’t she just talk to him? It’s his problem too.” Justin was reaching for any kind of solution.
“Apparently, it was a farewell party for him. He’s heading off to boot camp and then to Iraq. He has some kind of idea that it’s the manly thing to do. Daphne says that she’d never tell him when he’s under the pressure he is.” Brian pulled back and looked at Justin. “She hasn’t told her parents who the father is. Her father and this guy’s father are enemies. Again no explanation.”
“And her father is going to make her have an abortion.” Justin looked into Brian’s eyes for confirmation of the truth of this statement. “Just because it’s going to reflect badly on him.”
“It’s either that or she’s out on the street.”
“He does know that it’s 2005 doesn’t he and not the fifties?” Justin wanted to scream.
“Justin, we don’t know how this man thinks. He’s not from a background that makes any sense to either of us. Neither you nor I want Daphne to be homeless and I don’t think she should abort the baby if she doesn’t want to.”
“But what you’re offering her is just so much bullshit. You’re gay and she fucking well knows it.”
“Of course she knows it and she isn’t happy with my solution. It’s the only one I can come up with. If she was eighteen then maybe her father wouldn’t have as much influence, but she isn’t.”
“What about me? She’s my friend,” Justin offered, even though his voice trembled.
“Justin, it isn’t something that will be permanent. It’s not like I’m going to ever be married anyway.” Brian shrugged. He ignored the look on Justin’s face that told him the blond had hopes that they would be together. “This way she can go on my medical insurance at work, so the expenses of having a baby will be looked after. She can continue to go to school and finish up the year.”
“Like Saint James will let that happen.”
“The Academy won’t have much to say about it. If you’ll recall Daphne was on a school supervised celebration when the deed happened. I’ll have my lawyer point that out if there’s any problem.” He tilted Justin’s head up and kissed him tenderly, “So what’ll it be, best man or maid of honor? I figure you qualify for both.”
“You’re a fucking asshole.” Justin’s voice was muffled in Brian’s neck.
“But just think how much more interesting it is being the asshole you love,” Brian chuckled when Justin startled and looked up at him.
“You know I love you?” Justin asked almost breathless.
“You do, don’t you?” Brian asked.
“Of course I do. I mean it’s not just some kid’s crush, it’s real.”
“And you know this how?” Brian cocked one eyebrow.
“Because you’re a part of me, I’m not complete when you aren’t with me. I think about you all the time. There’s lots of ways I know that I love you.” Justin batted his blue eyes and grinned. “And you’re a really hot fuck too.”
“Brat,” Brian laughed. He realized that the levity that was part of their relationship had been re-established and that suited him just fine. “You know there’s going to be a lot flack about this.”
“No shit.” Justin looked around the loft. “Maybe I could hide out here for a few weeks.”
“No can do,” Brian laughed. “Besides, I’m going to have to move somewhere with more room. There’s no way I’m sleeping with Daphne and she can’t sleep on the sofa for the next nine months.”
“You can sleep on the sofa,” Justin said with a grin. Like that would ever happen.
Brian only glared at him with his patented Kinney stare. “Tomorrow we house shop.”
“Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. You’re going over to Deb’s and I’m cooking with Vic.”
“I guess house hunting will have to wait.” Brian walked over to the sofa pulling Justin along with him. “It doesn’t matter. Daphne isn’t going to say anything until she starts to show. She’s going to let her father think she’s done the deed. It’ll be easier that way.”
“Yeah, right. He’s going to want to take her to the clinic himself.”
“No he isn’t, I’m going to convince him you should take her.”
“How the fuck are you going to do that? You don’t even know the man.”
“Now that’s where you’re wrong Sunshine. We go back a long way, Daphne’s father is one of the oldest clients of the firm. He was the one who asked me for advice about his daughter. Of course, I didn’t let on I knew the circumstances. Considering that she is definitely preggy, I’d say she and her fuck buddy have had it off before the big night that we were witness to.”
“This is becoming more than confusing.” Justin wanted to kick something. “Daphne is my best friend. She’s never said anything about having sex with anyone. She’s never even said she was seeing anyone. I mean we tell each other everything.” He wanted to cry, he felt betrayed and angry and disappointed all at once, with an overlaying feeling of worry.
“Justin, do you tell Daphne every little thing that you do?” Brian asked. He could remember being seventeen, it was a long time ago, but the pain he’d felt was just as real then as it was now.
“Yes.” Justin’s bottom lip quivered. “Maybe. No.”
“Confused much, Sunshine?” Brian put his arm around the younger man again and held him tight. Neither said a word and Justin had time to think about what he said with the added bonus of Brian’s protective and strong arms keeping him grounded.
“So you really think that this is going to work?” Justin asked.
“No, I don’t think it’s going to work,” Brian huffed. “But what the fuck, it’s not like it’s actually going to hurt. Besides, it has the added bonus of fucking with everyone’s mind who thinks they know me.”
“Yeah, there’s that,” Justin admitted. “I guess that’s kind of worth it. Michael’s head is going to explode. Can I be there when you tell him?” Justin giggled.
“You’re still a kid,” Brian laughed and shook his head. “Daphne and I will get married as soon as we can so things can be all nice and legal. You will be our best person and Cynthia will be the other best person. Daphne will continue to live at home until she shows or until her father drives her nuts, whichever comes first. “
“I guess she’ll be moving in soon,” Justin snickered. “Her dad is a real nutbar and this isn’t going to help.”
“Nope, you and I need to house hunt.” Brian kissed Justin on top of his head. “Yet another way to fuck with the local’s heads.”
“I think you’re kind of having fun with this.” Justin looked up and into Brian’s eyes. He continued to look until Brian finally drew him back to the moment.
“Justin, this isn’t going to hurt us is it?” Both Brian and Justin were surprised at the tremor in the older man’s voice when he asked the question.
“Well,” Justin said his voice serious. “Do you still like guys?”
“I’m gay, what do you think?”
“And are you and Daphne going to consummate your marriage?”
“Not too fucking likely.”
“Am I still your boyfriend?”
“Who said you were my boyfriend?” Brian was grinning.
“Just testing.” Justin returned his grin.
“Yes, you’re still my boyfriend, even though I think that I’m too old for you and you’re definitely too young for me. Boyfriend is soooooo high school.”
“Well, I’m still in high school. I go with what I know.” Justin shrugged. “It’s not like you’re about to marry ME!”
“Good point, but I would if I knocked you up?” Brian laughed. “I’m a responsible boyfriend.”
“To get back to the topic at hand,” Justin said as he rested his head on Brian’s chest. He loved the smell and taste of the man, (the taste of him) and the sounds that his body made. “It won’t affect our relationship and I’ll help you and Daphne in every way I can.” Justin hesitated, “Does this mean we get to keep the baby?”
“We?” Brian’s eyebrows were raised.
“Well, there is going to be a baby,” Justin said. “And Daphne wants to finish school. I mean she’s way smarter than I am without even trying. I have to work to keep my grades equal to hers. Daphne’s going to want to take that free ride she has at Dartmouth. She earned that scholarship.”
Brian actually hadn’t thought about that aspect of being a husband. He certainly had no plans on being a full-time father. For one thing, it was hardly fair to Gus, although he wasn’t sure of his reasoning but he didn’t want to admit all of this to Justin. The boy was still young and idealistic and he wouldn’t understand just why he had no intention of being a full-time father. “I guess we’re going to have to cross that bridge when the time comes.” Brian tilted Justin’s head up. “Want to fuck, after all my days as a single man are limited.”
“I plan on being your piece on the side for a long, long time,” Justin giggled, but his hands were busy opening Brian’s jeans. He never turned down a chance to have sex with the man he loved. He was seventeen after all.
“What time is dinner?” Justin asked. He and Vic were putting the finishing touches on the vegetables they’d peeled. They had been working since six in the morning. Justin was sure he’d never seen so much food in his life and he definitely figured there was about three times too much for dinner.
“Everyone should start arriving about three. Dinner will be at five,” Vic said. He bent down to check on the turkey in the oven. “Will you baste him while I get the last pie started.”
“Sure.” Justin had given up arguing about the basting of the humongous turkey. This had to be the zillionth time he’d stuck his head in the oven to baste the fragrant juices over the turkey’s skin. He had new respect for what his mother had gone through each Thanksgiving, although she’d never made lasagne as part of the meal. “So, do you think Brian will be here at three?”
“He hasn’t arrived early in fifteen years,” Vic laughed. “But then he’s never had a blond attraction either.”
“He’s kind of my boyfriend, but he doesn’t like to think he is.” Justin grinned to himself. The memory of the previous night still lingered in every part of his body.
“Brian makes his own rules.” Vic shrugged. This young kid had already gotten past a lot of Brian’s rules and walls. “You’ll learn.”
Justin managed to escape from Vic by one thirty. In spite of Debbie’s warnings that he wasn’t supposed to mess up the bathroom he ran up stairs for a quick a quick shower and to change his clothes.
Standing in the shower, Justin was enjoying a fantasy of Brian joining him when the shower curtain was pushed back and the man himself stepped under the warm water. “Brian.” Justin’s eyes gleamed.
“Shhhhhh,” Brian warned. They both knew Deb would not be pleased. He looked down at Justin’s engorged cock, the boy’s hand still holding it. He sunk to his knees releasing the teen’s cock for a second before letting his mouth take over where his hand had been.
Justin’s leaned his head back and let the water rain on his face. He could barely comprehend that it was Brian kneeling in the shower, the feel of his mouth on his cock, his hands cupping his balls and his finger teasing his hole. Justin desperately wanted to prolong these sensations, but after all he was seventeen, going on eighteen. He still young enough that he could quickly become overwhelmed with the flood of sensations caused by his lover’s warm mouth as it enveloped his hard cock. In no time at all his balls contracted signalling to the man kneeling before him that he was going to orgasm and sure enough, Justin did, shooting his cum into the back of Brian’s throat. His hands clutched Brian’s hair, his balance was unsteady under the onslaught of the tremors and the steady beating of water, not to mention Debbie pounding on the bathroom door.
“Get the fuck out of there Brian Kinney. I know what you’re up to,” she bellowed.
Brian looked up at Justin and grinned, but not before licking his lips. “I bet she doesn’t,” he whispered before standing up and kissing Justin with passion, his own stiff cock pressed tight against the boy’s belly.
“I can’t believe you did that in Deb’s house,” Justin whispered. “But fuck it was hot.”
“I aim to please.” Brian moved out of the shower as Justin reached down and turned the taps off before he accepted the towel that was offered. Debbie was pounding on the door again. Brian finally pulled it open, his own towel wrapped around his waist. “Hey Deb, can’t a guy grab a shower, it’s not like we were wasting water, we shared.”
Debbie stood, hands on her hips speechless before reaching up and clouting Brian on the side of the head. “Get your clothes on Asshole, everyone is here.” She turned to Justin, “And you Sunshine, make damn sure that bathroom is cleaned up,” she harrumphed and turned on her heel.
Brian carefully closed the door of the bathroom but not before he noticed how Justin turned beet red with embarrassment. “Brian she’s going to kick me out. She said no sex in the house.”
“She isn’t going to kick her little Sunshine out.” Brian slipped on his clothing and then leaned in toward the mirror to check his hair.
“How do you know?” Justin pulled on a clean pair of pants.
“I just know.” Brian grinned, kissed Justin on his nose and disappeared through the door. “Make sure the bathroom is tidy Sunshine.” It was the last words Justin heard before the door swung shut again.
The night before Justin had been brought back to Debbie’s house two minutes before midnight. Since then he was either sleeping or kept so busy he didn’t have time to think. Now standing in the small steamy bathroom, Brian’s mouth still achingly recent on his cock, Justin had a few moments to realize just what the next few months were going to bring. Brian would be married. His best friend since they were in kindergarten together would be married. In a way, Justin felt like he was losing both the man he loved and the friend he adored. They wouldn’t need him anymore, there was a baby coming and the next few months would be full of the drama of the whole thing. It was then that his cell phone rang.
“Justin?” Daphne hesitated. “Justin, I know you answered the phone. Why haven’t you called?”
Justin debated disconnecting and then he said. “You could always call your fiancé. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind talking to you.”
“You don’t have to be pissy,” Daphne said. “Brian is just helping me out.”
“So I heard.” Justin sat down on the floor of the bathroom, not noticing the cold air return vent near where he sat that would allow his conversation to be heard clearly down in the living room and kitchen.
“Justin, you have to understand, my dad wants me to have an abortion. I can’t, I just can’t do it.” Daphne began to cry, even though she did her best not to let Justin know.
“You’re almost seventeen, he can’t tell you what to do,” Justin spat.
“Yes he can, you know how he is.”
Justin knew that Daphne’s father intimidated his friend as well as her mother. It was the reason why she strived to be the best she could be for daddy dearest, a man who Justin couldn’t stand. “I don’t know why you let him treat you this way,” Justin’s voice was bitter. “I had to find out from Brian that you like this guy who all but raped you. What the fuck is up with that? I thought you were my friend.” Justin’s tone of voice was low, his words melting into the general conversation downstairs where everyone was catching up on each other’s lives.
“Justin, I couldn’t tell you. I tried... you know I tried, but with all your problems, I just couldn’t bring myself to add to them.” Daphne was clearly crying now. She hated that they weren’t getting along.
“YOU’RE FUCKING MARRYING THE MAN I LOVE,” Justin screamed. “YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO BE MY BEST FRIEND. HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL WHEN I FIND OUT THAT YOU ARE NOT ONLY MARRYING BRIAN, BUT THAT YOU’RE PREGNANT. FUCK DAPHNE, AND I’M SUPPOSE TO JUST GO ALONG WITH IT WHILE YOU TWO ARE JUST GOING TO CARRY ON LIKE NOTHING IS OUT OF THE ORDINARY; JUST YOU AND BRIAN AND THE BABY. WHAT THE FUCK ABOUT ME?”
Justin’s lowered his voice as Daphne continued to talk to him and she tried to make things better between them. Meanwhile, downstairs an all encompassing silence fell over the room. All eyes sought out Brian who had been holding Gus.
He looked at the group, analyzed the accusations he saw reflected in their eyes, and decided that he didn’t need to listen to any of it. “Well, I guess you all have lots to talk about over dinner.” He stood up, kissed Gus on his forehead, handed him back to Lindsay, and walked out the door where he stood for a moment in the cold while lighting a cigarette. “Nice going, Sunshine,” he muttered as he climbed into the Jeep. He was almost to the corner when he looked in the rear view mirror and saw Justin, with no coat, hands in his pockets and his head down apparently dejected. He was walking away from Debbie’s, kicking at fallen leaves on the sidewalk.
Sighing heavily, Brian turned the Jeep around and drove toward the kid he loved, although he still wasn’t sure why, or even how it had happened. Pulling up beside Justin he rolled down the window. “Get in,” he barked.
“Fuck off,” Justin said. He hadn’t even looked over. He knew it was Brian, like he knew it was daytime. It was just a fact of life.
“Get your ass in the Jeep. I’ll buy you a chicken sandwich at the golden arches.”
“Two, I want two.”
“Two fucking chicken sandwiches.” Brian suppressed a grin. Justin was way too easy, though he tried not to be.
Justin ran around and climbed in the Jeep. He looked over at Brian and said, “So I guess they won’t forget this Thanksgiving dinner anytime soon.”