Family Matters

Chapter Two

Brian laid back on his bed, looking at that picture of Gus from his bedside table. He glanced up at the door when he heard Justin come in.

"She's down," Justin said, going over to the dresser and getting undressed, pulling on a pair of pajama pants. He came over to the bed and got in next to Brian. Brian leaned over the bed, putting the picture away and shutting off the light, laying back and opening his arms. He smiled when Justin migrated into them, and wrapped them around the blond. Justin rested his head on Brian's chest.

"I'm sorry I was so out of things today … I had a lot on my mind," Brian said, reaching up and running his hand through Justin's hair.

"Don't worry about it, Bri. I know that these next few weeks are going to be really tense for you. Just remember that I'm here, okay?" Justin said, looking up at him.

"I'm just nervous about seeing him. I mean, what if he doesn't want to see me? God only knows what kind of shit Mel's been putting into his head," Brian said.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Brian, Gus is a big boy now. He's not the baby that he was the last time you saw him. He's almost 18. I think he's old enough to make his own decisions," Justin rationalized.

"Yeah, what if he decides not to see me?"

"I'm sure he's got lots of questions about why you were never in his life, Brian. I'm sure he won't refuse to see you," Justin said, laying his head back down. Brian put a finger under Justin's chin, forcing him to look at him. He leaned down, placing a gentle kiss on Justin's lips.

"When did you get so smart?" Brian asked, a small smile on his lips.

"I learned from the best," Justin smiled, laying his head back down on Brian's chest, snuggling in close. "Now, go to sleep. You can worry more in the morning," Justin teased.

"You know … he graduated from high school last week. I can't believe I missed all those years in his life. I should have fought Mel harder-" Brian started, but was cut off by Justin.

"And do what, Brian? Technically, you have no rights to him. Melanie could have had you arrested or put some kind of a restraining order on you. Not to mention, you could have scared Gus. I think 18's a good age, Bri. He's old enough to understand," Justin said. Brian sighed, nodding.

"I guess you're right," he said.

"Of course I am. Now, get some sleep, okay? Don't stay up all night beating yourself up," Justin ordered. Brian chuckled quietly, closing his eyes and falling asleep.

-----

Gus sat in his bedroom on top of his bed, glancing at the many pictures of himself and his mother that stared up at him from his bedspread. He sighed, pushing them off the bed and onto the floor. He got off his bed and grabbed a bag from his closet. He threw a good amount of clothes and other things he'd need into the bag. He tip-toed past his mom's room and into her office. He opened up the safe where she kept his birth certificate, taking it. He headed downstairs into the kitchen, grabbing a notepad out of the drawer by the phone and scribbling a note to his mom. Grabbing his car keys, he went outside, getting into his car. As he started the car, he took a final look at his home, backing out of the driveway. He pulled out his cell phone, dialing his best friend Jeff's number.

"What?" came the sleepy answer.

"Jeff? It's Gus," Gus said, driving down the street.

"Gus? What the fuck is wrong with you, asshole? It's fucking … 3am ! I was having a really great dream about fucking Gale Harold," Jeff complained. Gus laughed, shaking his head.

"I know what time it is, Jeff. Look, I just did it. I left home."

"No shit!" Jeff sounded more awake now. "You really did it? Why didn't you tell me that you were going to do it today?"

"I didn't know it was going to be today. I was just sitting in my room, and I decided that it was time."

"Wow … where are you going?"

"Pittsburgh . I'm gonna find my dad. Find out why he didn't want me."

"How the fuck are you gonna get to Pittsburgh ?"

"My mom's been hiding these checks that have been coming for me monthly. I accidentally opened the envelope once. Since then, I noticed that once a month, the same envelope comes. But the check was made out to me. I found out mom's been putting them into the bank. So I got the account info, and went and had a debit card made," Gus explained.

"Holy shit. Where are the checks coming from?"

"I'm guessing my dad. I didn't get a good enough look at the check before mom came home.

"Maybe he feels guilty about abandoning you. Maybe he's not such a bad guy after all," Jeff suggested.

"Whatever … I don't want to think about that right now. All I care about is getting to Pittsburgh," Gus said. He bit his lip. "Hey, Jeff? I have a favor to ask you."

"Honey, I'm already on my front lawn with a bag packed. Birth certificate and all. It's fucking cold out here … hurry your ass up."

-----

Melanie rolled over and smacked her alarm. She laid back in her bed and stared at the ceiling. She had a strange feeling in her gut. Like something wasn't right. Getting out of bed, she went down the hall to Gus' room. She knocked.

"Gus? Are you awake?" she asked. When she got no response, she opened the door, surprised to see the empty room. She noticed the pictures of her and Gus on the floor. Turning around, she ran down the stairs and flung open the front door. Gus' car was gone. Panicking, she ran to the phone to call his cell. That's when she noticed the note.

Mom,

I know that I left a lot earlier than I had planned, but the time just felt right. Don't worry about me, I'm a big boy … I can take care of myself. I found out about that bank account that you were putting money into … so don't worry, I'm not broke. I hope you're not angry … but I just have to go to Pittsburgh … I just have to know. I have my cell phone, you can call it. But, please don't call my dad and tell him. I think the element of surprise is much better. I'll be fine, stop worrying. I love you, mom. Whatever happens, remember that.

Love, Gus.

Melanie read and reread the note. She picked up the phone, dialing Gus' cell phone number.

"Mom … I was wondering how long it'd take you to call me," was Gus' answer.

"Augustus Peterson-Marcus! How could you just leave like that? Do you have any idea how worried I am right now?" Melanie yelled.

"Mom, calm down … I'm fine!"

"Gus … what …"

"I'm going to Pittsburgh , mom, okay? I just … I have to know this, okay? I have to talk to him. Find out why he never wanted me, and get some closure."

"But, you can call him from here and do that, Gus."

"But that's not the same, mom. Don't worry about me, okay? Jeff's with me … we'll be fine," Gus assured Melanie. Melanie sighed, sitting down at a table.

"Okay … you're definitely his kid, you're stubborn like hell. Just … remember that I love you, Gus, okay?" Melanie said.

"I know, mom. I love you, too. Now, I'm gonna get some sleep, and Jeff's gonna drive, so I'll talk to you later, okay?"

"Okay … be careful. And call if you need anything," Melanie said. She heard Gus' okay before he hung up. She sat there, holding the phone for a few moments.

"Oh, Gus. I hope you don't hate me when this is all over with," she said out loud to her empty house.

End Chapter Two
09-21-05