Sickness & Health, Good Times & Bad

Post 513, the story starts after Justin spent 18 months in NYC before coming back to Pittsburgh 6 months later. Justin & Brian's relationship remained intact during the NYC sojourn. I do not own the characters just the situations.

Chapter 51

Justin stood in the entrance hall for a minute looking at the closed door to the dining room. He didn't feel right about eavesdropping on John's tutoring session so he walked back to the kitchen.

Gus was standing by the patio doors forlornly looking out at the rainy weather. "I guess we won't be able to swim today. I don't like rainy days."

Justin smiled. "I like the occasional rainy day. I think its fun to stay in the house and relax, maybe take a nap."

"I'm a big boy Papa. I don't take naps any more. Naps are for babies."

Justin chuckled. "I like to take a nap sometimes. You are just in the no nap stage of your life."

Alice chimed in. "You know Gus the rain makes things grow on the farm and in our own garden here. So rain is a good thing."

Justin laughed. A curious Alice looked over at him. "What's funny about that Justin?"

"My grandmother, who I am pretty sure never set foot on a farm, always used to tell us kids that rain was good for the farmers."

"Well it sounds like your grandmother knew what she was talking about eve if she didn't have first-hand knowledge of farming."

Gus looked over at his Papa. "Is Grandmom Jen your grandmother Papa?"

"No Gus. Grandmom Jen is my mother. I was talking about her mother."

Gus was wide eyed. "Grandmom Jen's mother! She must be really, really old."

"She is pretty old Gus. She lives in California with Grandmom Jen's sister. I haven't seen her for a long time but when I was a little boy like you I always used to be happy to go and stay with her."

Alice said that today was a good day to make soup so she was going to go to the store and buy the ingredients to make vegetable soup. She asked Gus if he wanted to go along and he thought that sounded like fun.

Alice called the cottage and asked Charlie to pick up her and Gus by the garage door so they wouldn't get too wet.

Once they left Justin went over by the door between the kitchen and the dining room. He still felt some guilt but he also wanted to find out what was being said by Ron Kramsie.

As Justin got close to the door he realized it was not firmly closed. He gave it a gentle push and the door opened just a crack. He couldn't see inside the room but could hear pretty clearly what was being said.

Ron Kramsie was speaking. "You got all your homework problems correct. I don't understand how you could have so much trouble with these same types of problems on the placement test and now be able to get them correct."

"After the test I realized I had a problem with these types of math problems so I went over them in my old Math textbook and I asked my brother to help me learn how to solve them. Peter is really smart."

"Yes I know your brother is smart, I saw his placement test scores. Peter didn't by any chance solve these problems for you, did he?"

"No of course not. I did my own work."

"I hope that's true."

Justin could hear the annoyance in John's reply. "I am not a liar! I'm not sure why you would assume I am lying."

"We talked about this yesterday when I explained to you what we needed to accomplish in these tutoring sessions. Having seen a report of your previous school year I think I am justified in being cautious about your academic prowess. Your uncles and I have both seen the report and are concerned about you being conscientious with your school work. The staff at the Academy is not going to allow the same behavior as you exhibited at your last school."

Justin has heard enough. He swung open the door, startling both Ron and John. "Ron! I am going to have you stop you there. Brian and I have no reservations about John' intelligence or his behavior. You have no right to speak for us. Particularly since what you said isn't true."

Ron replied with a condescending smile on his face. "Mr Taylor I know you have seen the same report I have from John's previous school year. Mr Dennison told me that he discussed it with you and Mr Kinney."

"You and Ed seem to feel this report is something that was delivered to him on the top of a hill carved onto stone tablets. In our opinion that report does not tell a complete story. We are aware that John had issues at the school in Mt Lebanon but we believe there were extenuating circumstances the report does not address. We specifically requested the report be kept confidential."

"Mr Taylor, I understand that family members sometime have a hard time evaluating issues that other family members might be dealing with but Mr Dennison and I are professionals. We thought you understood by his discussions with you and Mr Kinney the situation we are addressing here with John."

"I personally have no issues with John. I have serious issues with the report and what it does not address. I understand that John and Peter were dealing with a neglectful, drug addicted mother and her perverted, drug addicted companion.

I understand that the guidance counselor that worked with John called his mother, Claire, and she agreed to come and meet with the counselor the next day. I understand that the counselor called Claire a few more times and got no replies to any of his message. I understand that he let the matter drop and did not report this to anyone."

"Mr Taylor we are all dealing with issues in our lives. I know you are trying to do your best by Mr Kinney's nephews but I don't think it is helpful to supply them with excuses for their bad behavior."

Justin took a deep breath. "Not sure what issues you are dealing with but my issues includes dealing with a self-satisfied butthead like you and an arrogant, conceited goofball like Ed Dennison. I am not trying to give John excuses I am trying to make you understand the reasons behind his past behavior. Both Brian and I told Ed that we did not want that report freely shared because we didn't want people to have a pre-conceived prejudice against John.

You were hired to teach John Math and History. You appear to feel your job is to do something else. Which means you're fired. Gather your possessions and get out of our home."

"Mr Taylor you…."

Justin held up his hand. "I want you to stop talking and start walking. Even though you didn't do what you were hired for I will pay for two days of your time but get out now!"

Ron grunted in disgust and gathered his books and papers and stormed out of the dining room and slammed the front door as he exited the house.

Justin sat at the table and just looked across at John. After a couple minutes John spoke. "I guess Peter said something to you."

Justin shook his head. "I asked him what was going on because I could tell something wasn't right but you wouldn't talk about it. Peter said he couldn't betray the promise he made to you. He did suggest that if I wanted to know what was going on in here I should listen in; so I did."

John nodded. "I'm a little surprised Peter didn't say more. He thinks you have the answer to everything. Are you angry with me?"

Justin sighed. "Nope not angry just disappointed with Brian and me."

"Why would you be disappointed in you and Uncle Brian?"

"We are doing something wrong. We want you and Peter to feel safe and secure and to know that we are on your side. Obviously we have failed."

John didn't say anything for several minutes. "I do believe that you are on my side."

Justin slowly shook his head. "Then why wouldn't you tell us about this goofball tutor. I asked you a couple times, I knew something wasn't right."

John stood up and moved around the table to where Justin was sitting and sat down on the chair beside him. "He was a teacher and someone you hired. He kept talking about that report and how you and Uncle Brian knew about the report and knew my behavior last year was unacceptable. "

"I still don't understand why you wouldn't just tell us about what he was saying?"

"Because I thought maybe he was right and I didn't want you to tell me you believed what was in that report. I was afraid to find out you were disappointed with me."

Justin pursed his lips and let out a long breath. "Oh."

"It's not your fault. I don't even really think it is my fault. I think this is something else we blame my mother for."

Justin smiled. "However we do need to keep working on this trust thing."

John smiled back and nodded. Justin stood up and looked out the window, lost in thought.

"We may have to rethink this whole Washington Academy thing. People are telling us what a great school it is but everyone I've met there is a butthead."

"Coach Logue is a good guy and he works at the Academy. Patrick really likes going to school there."

Justin asked John to email his coach and ask him to call Justin. When Joe Logue called Justin explained his dilemma with the people he had dealt with at Washington Academy. The coach suggested he talk with the headmaster, Norm Mooney, who he said was a really good guy.

Justin was just finishing his call with Coach Logue when Alice and Gus returned from their shopping trip. Charlie helped bring in the bags from the car before heading back to the cottage.

Alice pointed looked at the clock and then at John. Justin just shook his head and mouthed "Later" in her direction. John offered to play video games with a delighted Gus who happily ran down the hall to the media room a chuckling John following behind him.

Justin brought Alice up to date with what happened and as he expected she was furious. Next he Brian and told him about his confrontation with Ron Kramsie and his phone call with Joe Logue. Brian said he would make an appointment with the Headmaster for later in the day.

Brian gave Carole the job of making the appointment and told her not to take no for an answer. Unfortunately Carole had no success against the headmaster's secretary who said he had no time to see anyone today or tomorrow.

Carole felt like she could not tell Brian that no was the answer she had so she headed for Cynthia's office.

"Cynthia I have a big problem."

Cynthia put aside the report she was reading. "What's up?"

"Brian told me to get an appointment this afternoon with the headmaster at Washington Academy and to not take no for an answer. His secretary told me he has no free time either today or tomorrow. Brian will freak when I tell him!"

Cynthia nodded. She knew that Brian had been unhappy about his meeting with the Dean of Admissions and that John was due to start his tutoring sessions this week. She realized something must have gone wrong with the tutor and Justin probably called Brian to let him know.

Cynthia knew that if the meeting was a request from Justin than Brian would flip out if Carole told him she couldn't arrange it.

Cynthia picked up the phone. "Let me give it a try before we disappoint the Boss."

Carole listened fascinated to Cynthia's side of the conversation.

"Hello this is Cynthia Brownell from the Kinnetik advertising agency. I'm calling on behalf of my employers, Brian Kinney and Justin Taylor. They would like an appointment to see the headmaster sometime this afternoon."

"Yes. Mr Kinney's assistant did call you to ask for an appointment. She did tell me that the headmaster had no time to see them."

"Are you familiar with Kinnetik? We are the largest advertising firm in Pittsburgh and one of the most successful on the east coast."

"Of course you understand that we have quite a few contacts with newspapers in the area. Most of newspapers' revenue comes from the ads they run. Kinnetik arranges those ads for our clients so we play a large role in newspaper profits."

"Yes I'm sure you are busy but if you could just bear with me for a few minutes I would appreciate it."

"Thanks you. Now I don't want you take what I say next as any kind of threat. I am simply want to impress upon you how important this meeting is to my employers. They are most unhappy with their experiences with your school and their attempt to enroll their nephews for the coming year."

"They have both spoken with your Dean of Admissions and his attitude is one of the things they are most unhappy about. Brian and Justin are determined to talk to someone about their experiences today. If they are not able to speak with your Mr Mooney then we will be making an appointment to meet with someone at the Pittsburgh Press."

"As I said, it is not my intent to threaten you. I am merely explaining to you what the options are. Either Mr Mooney makes time to talk with Brian and Justin or we are sure we can have a reporter listen to their issues. Your school touts an open, accepting atmosphere and a strict anti-bullying policy. My employers feel very strongly that they were not treated in an open and accepting way by employees of the Washington Academy. They think this could make a great expose for a local newspaper."

"Yes I can hold for a few minutes."

Carole was wide eyed as Cynthia turned to her with a smile. "We're in for sure!"

Cynthia hummed a little tune as she waited on hold. "Yes, I'm still here."

"This afternoon at 3PM, I think they will work perfectly for Brian and Justin. Thanks you so much for your cooperation. I certainly appreciate your help. Good bye."

Cynthia chuckled as she hung up. "That poor woman isn't sure what hit her. She just isn't prepared to play hardball in the majors."

Carole laughed. "That was amazing. Thanks for your help. How did you ever learn to do things like that?"

"Pay attention to Brian. I learned everything I know about intimidation from him."

Carole was still laughing when she walked back to her desk and smiling when she told Brian that he and Justin had a 3PM appointment with the headmaster at Washington Academy.

Brian was delighted and Carole did admit that it was Cynthia that was able to get the appointment. Brian laughed and said that made him proud.

Brian called Justin and let him know to meet him at the headmaster's office at 3PM.

Claire woke up feeling really good. The three oxy tablets she took last night helped her sleep really soundly. She started her day with two more oxy. She got ready for work and out to the bus stop on time.

When Claire got to the dental office her day started to go downhill. She found it hard to concentrate and found herself asking callers what they wanted a few times before being able to make or change appointments or answer routine questions.

Claire sat staring at a patient's chart for several minutes until Sally walked up and asked her what was wrong. "Nothing. Not sure why I just kind of spaced out for a minute."

"Are you feeling okay? You seem kind of off this morning."

"I feel fine. Just had an off moment."

Sally sat beside Claire. "It is not just one moment. You have been acting spacy all morning. Are you on any kind of … medication?"

Claire knew what Sally meant; she was asking if Claire was using drugs. "I'm not aware of being spacy."

"Really Claire? I heard you ask Mrs Sessa three time the date and time she wanted for her appointment."

"I didn't realize I was under such close scrutiny."

"Claire this is not a good time to be sarcastic or self-righteous. You need to go home today and if you are having these same issues Thursday we may need to part ways."

A startled Claire grabbed her purse and headed out to the bus stop. Joan was surprised to see her arrive home so early. Claire told her mother she had a migraine headache and had asked to come home so she could lay down in a dark room and try and get rid of the headache.

Up in her bedroom Claire took a couple more oxy tablets and got into bed.

A little before 3 PM Brian pulled into the parking lot at Washington Academy. He had just taken out his phone to text Justin and see when he would arrive when Justin pulled into the parking spot next to the Corvette.

The two men exchanged a hello kiss and headed into the school. The headmaster's assistant gave them an unhappy look and told them to have a seat. Brian had told Justin how Cynthia had gotten them the meeting so they weren't surprised by the assistant's attitude.

Norm Mooney walked out of his office and came over to the waiting area chairs. "Mr Kinney and Mr Taylor, I'm Norman Mooney."

Brian and Justin stood up with their hands extended. Justin smiled as he shook the headmaster's hand. "We're Justin and Brian."

The headmaster returned the smile. "I'm Norm. Please come into my office."

Norm indicated 2 guest chairs for Brian and Justin and he sat behind his desk. "I feel I should let you know that I have talked with Ed Dennison and also had a call from Joe Logue. So I have some idea about your concerns."

As they had planned Justin calmly explained their unhappiness over the report results being shared with the tutor after their request to keep the report private. He also mentioned how they completely disagreed with how Ron Kramsie had spoken to and treated John.

The headmaster occasionally nodded as Justin spoke. "I understand your feeling completely. Ed Dennison and I have discussed this situation and we agree that it probably wasn't a good idea to make that report available to John's Tutor."

Brian raised one eyebrow. "Probably?"

"I don't think we should get bogged down in Monday morning quarterbacking."

Brian stared into Norm's eyes for a moment before he took a deep breath. "Justin and I are NOT Monday morning quarterbacking. We are very aware that report does not give an accurate description of John. Mr Dennison went against our express wishes so please don't try and whitewash that with bullshit about Monday morning quarterbacking."

"Well, of course, Ed Dennison doesn't have the benefit of you experience with John. You must realize that often parents and guardians have a difficult time evaluating children honestly."

Justin put a hand on Brian's arm before he spoke. "We do understand that which is why we suggested Ed talk with Coach Logue. Since the coach is part of Washington Academy we thought he could offer valuable insight into John's character. Mr Dennison refused to talk with him."

The headmaster was looking increasingly uncomfortable. "I wasn't aware you had made that suggestion."

Brian chimed in. "Are you aware that your Dean of Admissions is a pompous, self-important buffoon?"

Norm sighed. "I know Ed can be a bit pompous but he is devoted to the welfare of the students of this school. I have examined the placement test scores of your nephews. John's scores for math and history are just slightly under a passing grade. I am prepared to waive the need for tutoring and re-testing in his case."

New it was Justin's turn to look the headmaster in the eye before replying. "You misunderstand us Mr Mooney. We are not looking for special treatment, we are looking for fair treatment. I understand you are defending the reputation of your school and your employee. However I think your confidence in Ed Dennison is misplaced.

Brian and I want that report kept confidential and we want a new tutor for John. A tutor who is not coming in with any preconceived ideas about his pupil!"

The headmaster was happy to agree and bring the meeting to an end. Silently he was cursing Ed Dennison who he had been trying to get rid of for a couple years. Unfortunately the Dean of Admissions had a lot of support from the board of trustees.

Brian arrived back at the house well before his more cautious SUV driving partner. He found John in the media room watching a video with Gus and asked him to come down to the study.

"So Kiddo as you know Uncle Justin and I just met with the headmaster at Washington Academy. He was very cooperative and tomorrow you get a new tutor. He also agreed that the bullshit report needs to be kept under wraps since it does not really accurately describe you."

"That's great Uncle Brian. I appreciate you and Uncle Justin going to bat for me."

"We are on your side. We need you to try and trust us a little more. I understand that it is hard for you given how adults in your life have not been very supportive. Please let us know if there are any issues with this tutor."

"I know you and Uncle Justin are on my side and Peter's but it is hard to really believe it. Mr Kramsie talked so much about that report from the old school district and said you knew all about it. I know now I should have told you about it."

Brian smiled. "That's all over and done with. We just hope going forward you can start to feel you are not as alone as you were in the past. Why don't you go back to watching your video while I get some work done."