Ties of a Friendship

Chapter 17

It another busy morning for Adams-Fosters clan Jude had just finished taking a shower and eating breakfast he headed back upstairs to brush his teeth before school started, but when he walked in all of his siblings were in the bathroom all brushing their teeth and talking. Mariana was furious that she had to share a bathroom with everyone she wanted some space and when Jude walked in it pushed her over the top as she told Jude he had to leave the bathroom was full.

"Wait so are you going to tell Jude then?" Stef asked buttoning up her police uniform shirt.

Lena was putting the last of her foundation when Stef walked in the bathroom to grab her lipstick, "I don't know honey…I mean it's not my busy to tell Jude."

"But as his parents we should just let Trey keep his secret from Jude then?" Stef questioned Lena pressing her lips together to get her lipstick on both lips.

"Trey wants to be treated like a normal teen without the fact of people treating him special or weird…I can't blame him it's no one business whether he is dying or not."

"Except for family and…friends Lena!"

Lena finishes her foundation and puts on her lipstick before turning to face Stef, "Honey I know you want to tell him, but think of it from Trey's point of view. You could tell your friends, but what friends would stick around. Most time at first they're there for you, but the next they can't handle it! He moved for a fresh start and he got it whatever time is left he wants to enjoy it!"

"Are you saying that Jude wouldn't be loyal if he knew the truth?!" Stef asked her as head back into their bedroom.

"No I know Jude is loyal, but Trey probably told others and they left him. Can you imagine if you told your close friends that you're dying and they said will be by your side, but when push comes to shove they leave you?" Lena ask Stef she didn't say anything in response she just looked down, "Stef it'll be like if I was your friend and it was just you and your parents no one else. Now imagine if you told me and I supported you the first couple of months, but then I leave because I can't handle it even though you're dying! I said I can't handle it and leave that's probably what happened to Trey earlier on."

"I never thought about it that way, but he still should tell Jude though."

"I agree with you honey, but let him tell him in his own way and not by us forcing him to tell Jude or telling Jude ourselves."

"Okay fine…you're right!" Stef said giving Lena a quick kiss before walking out their room, "Alright you guys have about thirty seconds or me and Momma are leaving you guys and you all will be walking to school!" Lena laughs at her wife commanding the kids to hurry up, "That means Jesus and Miss Thang you two are the slowest let's goooo!"

Jude finished packing his bag as quick as possible he strap his backpack on his shoulders and walks out of his room he tries to make his way to the bathroom, but Stef came pushing all of the kids downstairs and out the door. Jude upset embarrassed that he didn't get a chance to brush his teeth before going to school.

He didn't talk much in the car because he didn't get a chance to brush his teeth and he didn't want his siblings to pick on him for his smelly breath. He was hoping maybe Connor would have some gum for him so he doesn't have to taste his own stinky breath. Once they got to school they all went their separate ways while Jude was quietly walking along the side of the school.

"Hey," Connor calls out to Jude walking up next to him.

"Hey…"Jude replied back, "um do you have any gum? I didn't brush my teeth this morning." He was little embarrassed to ask his best friend because he didn't want anyone to know especially not Connor.

"Exhale." Connor flatly stated to Jude.

"No." Jude thought Connor was out of his mind asking him to such a thing, but the look on Connor's face told him that Connor was for real he really wanted Jude to exhale his breath in his face.

"Come on." Connor tells him as Jude exhale his breath in Connor's face. Connor begins to laugh and backs up a bit gently covering his nose for a couple of seconds, "Oh my god that is disgusting."

Jude shoots Connor really look, "I told you!"

"I'm just kidding, but seriously you need some gum!" Connor teased him as Jude playfully pushes him. "Hey so you want to hang after school? Do our homework?"

Jude shrugs his shoulders and nods, "Sure. You wanna come over?"

"Sure meet you at the bench," Connor smiles back at Jude leaving him to go to his class.

After meeting up with Jude, Connor ran into Daria she was holding some textbooks in her arms. Daria gives Connor a kiss and he returns it as he grabs her textbook out of her arms and carries them himself.

"So how was weekend over Jude's?" Daria asked him as she wraps hands around his left arm feeling his tone arms. "I know it was as good as being with me, but hopefully you two made up. After all you guys are best friends after all."

"Yeah it was cool we had fun…" Connor replied he thought about the kiss that happened over this weekend with Jude, but he would never tell Daria that only one person other than himself and Jude included knows, "We had a talk he was just feeling like I was neglecting him after all the stuff he's been through and my father trying to keep us from being friends then I'm hanging out with you now you know it is sometimes friends get jealous, but I promised him I won't forget him."

"Good. You're such a sweet person Connor. So can we hangout today?"

"Sorry I can't I already promised Jude we'll hang out and do our homework since we haven't really hung out that much lately," Connor tells her. Daria was a little disappointed, but she understood.

"Okay so we'll meet up before you leave and have alittle make out session then," Daria said moving closer to Connor before kissing him again. "Oh before I forget Taylor and I are going to teepee a friend's house. Well we're going to sneak out tonight you and Jude should come that way we can all hang out!"

"Okay I'll ask him!" Connor replied as they continued to their class.

During middle of the day Lena had accompany Stef and Callie to her custody hearing. Once Callie left Lena and Stef were walking next to the beach up to the school. Monte ran into them and Stef invited her to dinner much to Lena's surprise as she already had invited Trey prior.

Once Monte left Lena turns and faces her wife as Stef shrugs as if she didn't know what she did wrong, "What? Honey it's just a dinner so what she's your boss she doesn't bite."

"Yes, but I invited Trey over tonight as well."

"Well the more the merrier am I right?" Stef jokes with Lena until she saw someone on the beach walking, "Speaking of Trey…isn't that him?"

Lena turns around to see if it really was Trey. It was Trey he walking along the beach seems like he was in deep thought, "Yeah it is I wonder what's he doing here he knows that Jude is still in school at this time of hour."

"Yeah, he's probably just enjoying the beach we should go over and talk to him," Stef tells Lena heading off in that direction before Lena could stop her.

Trey was walking across the beach looking down at his foot every time he took a step in the sand. Stef finally caught up to him and calls out his name he looks up to see both Stef and Lena walking towards him.

"Hi Mrs. Adams-Fosters!" He greeted both women.

"Hello Trey mind if we talk to you?" Stef asked him.

"Sure."

"Lena told me about what happened when she saw you this weekend," Stef tells him cutting right to the chase. Trey was a little embarrassed about this weekend. Stef places her hand on his shoulder, "Hey it's nothing to be ashamed about. I'm just concerned about Jude. Lena told me that Jude doesn't know and…"

"…It worries you." Trey cut her off, "I get it. You're probably here to tell me to cut ties with your son so I won't hurt him in the long run." Trey looks away from both women and kicks up a little sand from his feet.

Stef looks back at Lena with a sadden look that was not Stef's attention at all.

"I get it the dying kid is too much and we don't want anyone to be hurt affect…" Trey pauses and take a deep breath before exhaling, "I get it there's no hard feelings I can tell Jude I'm moving away again-"

"Wait!" Stef stops him, "No Trey you misunderstood me." The boy looks up at her with confusion, "I don't want you to stop being his friend I'm saying it's not good to keep this secret from him. I know my Jude he is loyal to his friends Connor's a testimony to that. I'm just saying as his friend you should tell him he does have the right to know and I know that you're scared that he might not want to be your friend, but you don't have to worry about that. I just don't want a surprise to catch Jude off guard either he doesn't do so well with tragedy him nor his sister Callie."

"Trey, Stef just wants you to tell Jude, just don't wait too long or have him hear it from other people it'll hurt him, the sooner the better."

"I understand I will tell him, but not now I need time to think if that's okay?" He asked them they give a gentle nod. "Thank you…so can I still come over for dinner tonight?"

"Of course I except to see you 6, dinner will be at 7," Lena reminded him. "Oh shoot I have to get back to work!" She kisses Stef and waves bye to both her wife and Trey.

"Well I better be heading back myself," Stef said giving Trey a pat on the back, "You take care of yourself and see you later tonight."

"Yes officer! Take Mrs. Adams-Foster."

Once Stef left Trey heads over to the tree his favorite spot. Normally he'll be school, but he took a break and decided to spend the day relaxing on the beach. He pulls out a notebook and opens it he written down plans and things to remember and finally he has a section that titled "Family and Friends" He flipped to his Mom page were he wrote his mom a letter it was his way of making peace with her. He flipped until he reached Jude Adams-Fosters he hasn't written anything yet for Jude, but he promised he would.

He flips to another page and begins to write:

I'm close to dying I can feel it each day and it if I was truthful I wish I didn't have to die, but it's not my decision to make. My mom wants me to fight and I am fighting to live a better day than the day I had yesterday or the day before. I know she's upset, but I don't want her to exhaust herself on spending money for false hope. I wish I could make her understand she wants the best for me and I want the best for her too, but when my time comes I know I would have lived life to the fullest. The hard part about dying is that you meet new friends see meeting Jude Adams-Foster is an interesting development in my plans I wasn't really looking for a new friend, but he was in the bookstore and something about him reminded me of myself back in the day.

I feel bad because I'm dying and his Moms knows and I feel like I'll mess up our friendship and all the good work I've done because I kept this secret from him. Am I wrong for not telling him? Matter of fact am I wrong for not telling anyone? What to do? I guess I would have to tell his Moms knows and I can't keep it away from him maybe I'll tell him tomorrow. Yeah tomorrow sounds good.

Trey continued to write and toss his ideas on paper just to get all his emotions out. It was like emotional therapy for him he no longer wanted to be upset he just wanted to live happy with no regrets.

Towards the end of school day Jude went to his locker and got the book he needed for his homework and headed outside to meet up with Connor at the bench like they agreed. Walking outside to the bench Jude catches Connor making out with Daria at the bench he told Jude to meet him at. He didn't want to be rude so he didn't walk no further Connor and Daria spotted him and waved at him. He waved back as Connor got up and walks over to Jude.

"Hey you ready?" Connor asked him. Jude nods and they head to his home. Jude wanted to say something, but didn't. "Man I thought school would never end sometimes it can be boring! Am I right?"

"Um…yeah sometimes it can be especially with all the homework they give us nowadays," Jude added on.

"So once we finish our homework we can just hang out and play some video games or watch a movie how does that sound?" Connor asked.

"Sure depending on how much homework we have!" Jude chuckles as Connor joins in the laughter as well.

"But first things first you got to brush your teeth when you get home!" Connor joked with him again Jude gently pushes him, "I'm joking man I'm just messing around! Next time I'll have gum ready for you!"

"You're jerk you know that?"

Both boys headed to Jude's room to study and work on their homework. While doing their homework Connor and Jude were playing footsies when Jude stopped studying to ask Connor a question.

"So what's the deal with Daria?" He bluntly asks Connor.

Connor looks up from his homework and looks directly at Jude, "What do you mean?"

"Are you guys gonna like…keep hanging out?"

"Well I think it's good cuz…my dad is cool with us…"

"Because you have a girlfriend…"

Connor had a brief moment of silence before answering his friend, "Well we all have fun don't we?"

"I...mean I guess…"

"So Daria and Taylor are sneaking out tomorrow night and they're going to teepee some girl's house…and they want us to come!" Connor explains to Jude, but before he could reply Jesus came in and kicked them out of the room. "Well I guess we're heading downstairs then?"

"Yeah come on we'll finish our homework faster downstairs than up here…" Jude tells him before shooting Jesus a look.

Annoyed with his older brother Jude and Connor headed downstairs to the dining room. They sat down and begin to start on their math homework. Just as they started Lena came in the dining room with plates.

"Oh sorry guys I have to set the table," Lena tells them.

"We're eating in here?" Jude asked Lena with a confused face.

"Monte and Trey are coming to dinner."

"The principal is coming here?"

"Yeah you want to stay Connor?" Lena smiles asking the young thirteen year old.

"No thanks!" Connor answers shaking his head no he was not conformable being at dinner with their principal.

"Well okay study out back please?" Lena asked the boys setting the table. The boys quickly gathered the books and head out back.

"Looks like you're having some company for dinner tonight," Connor replied sarcastically, "I mean the principal wow and I wonder how Trey is going to react to another family dinner?"

"I'm sure he'll be fine this time. It's having the principal over that'll be the weird thing."

Heading out back the boys ran into Mat and Mariana making out annoyed again Jude suggested them to head into the living room. Again heading back inside to the living room Stef Lena and Callie were occupying the space much to Jude's annoyance once again. Connor told Jude that he was going to head home. Jude walks him out to the porch.

"There is nowhere to be alone in this house!" Jude tells Connor annoyed and frustrated with being kicked out of every space him and Connor tried to occupy.

"Hey you know if we sneak out tomorrow tonight after teepeeing we can hang out…by ourselves," Connor tells him. Jude was thinking about it he hasn't had that much time with Connor for awhile it would be the perfect time.

"I'll think about it…"

"Well okay then I'mma get going I'll talk to you later!" Connor tells him as he takes his leave from the Adams-Foster's home.

Jude sighed and sat outside on the porch. He wanted to hang out with Connor, but all of this just made him more confused than anything. Should he go and sneaking off so he can hang out with Connor or should he stay home. Maybe he could discuss his thoughts with Trey when he comes over.

Trey finally got home after his day on the beach he wanted to change his clothes and take a fresh shower for the dinner tonight over at the Adams-Foster's home. When he opened the door he tosses his backpack next to the door and stretches feeling stiff from sitting down for so long.

"Trey is that you?" His mom called out to him.

"Yeah mom it's me I'm back! I'mma about to keep change and get ready for dinner with Adams-Fosters tonight!" Trey announced to his mom.

"Oh really? You forgot to tell me!"

"Sorry mom you know I forget, but don't worry about cooking anything tonight!" Trey tells his mom heading upstairs.

"Well thank goodness I didn't start then I guess I can hang out with John then since you're going to be busy at the Foster's home," She replied sarcastically.

"Do I detect some sarcasms mother?" Trey asked stopping half way up the stairs.

"No never," Again she spoke with sarcasm, but she changed her tone quickly, "but seriously at least call when you make it over there and back please?"

"Okay I will!"

Within a couple of minutes Trey was changed and ready to head over to the Adams-Foster's home. His mom had already left. In the kitchen she left a bottle of wine for him to give the Adams-Fosters. He grabs the bottle and makes his way out of the house he locks the door behind him and heads off.

Lena was in the kitchen preparing dinner she was nervous trying to make sure everything was okay for dinner. Stef wasn't worried as much she was sitting at the kitchen table talking to Lena. Jesus had told them he was going out with the wrestling team so he wouldn't be at dinner and Lena remember that Trey was coming over having two guest was driving her crazy.

"Lena everything will be fine," Stef reminds her.

"Easy for you to say you're not cooking tonight I am!" Lena replied, "Beside I just want to make a good impression make sure nothing will go wrong."

There was a knock at the door Lena was about to answer, but Stef decided to get up and answer. She opens the door to see Trey standing there with a bottle of wine in his hand.

"Good evening Mrs. Adams-Fosters," He greeted her handing her the bottle of wine.

"Thank you Trey…please come in," She extended the door for him to come in. "Dinner will be ready shortly."

"No rush at all I was glad I wasn't late I was hoping I wasn't," He laughs as he head to the living room.

"Kids! Trey is here come down and greet him!" Stef called out to the kids as they walked downstairs.

"Hey there Trey!" Jude greeted him first.

"How's it going Jude?"

"The same as usually," They both shared a chuckle as Callie comes up from behind him, "You remember Callie of course."

"Of course the sister that protect her own I could never forget how do you do Callie?" He extends his hand to shake hers she slowly accepts the handshake.

"I'm fine how are you?"

"No complaints of course!"

Mariana gives him a flirty look to which he blushes, "Hi there cutie!" Mariana greets him, "It's good to see you again."

"It is a pleasure to see you as well."

"Such a gentlemen…"

"Yeah and you have a boyfriend," Jude reminds her.

"That doesn't mean I can't look!"

Brandon was the last to greet him, "Good seeing you again Trey."

"Likewise, I hope you're working on some classical pieces I would love to hear you play if you don't mind?"

"Well I'm doing band practice tonight you're welcome to stay for that."

"Excellent, nothing like dinner and some music after!"

Stef went back into the kitchen where Lena was still finishing up cooking she had bowls and dishes ready to be place at the dining room table.

"Trey arrived first and he brought us some wine!" Stef tells her wife, "Such a thoughtful young man."

"Yes he is." Lena answered back looking at the dish she just took out of the stove, "Honey take these two the dining room Monte will be here any minute by now!"

Soon dinner was prep and ready everyone was seated waiting for dinner just as Lena brought the last dish the doorbell rings. Lena quickly places the dish down reminds everyone to be on their best behavior and heads for the door. She opens the door and Monte smiled holding champagne for the adults. Lena quickly opens the door for her to enter.

"Lena…wow this home is lovely I can tell you have an eye for design so warm I love it!" Monte tells Lena handing her the champagne.

"Thank you so much," Lena escort Monte to the dining room where Stef and the kids were sitting down at the table waiting for Monte and Lena, "Of course you know my wife and our kids…this is Trey Jude's friend. We had already invited him for dinner if that's okay."

"The more the merrier I always say!" Monte said as Trey gets up to greet her, "Monte Porter."

"A pleasure Ms. Porter Trey Parker," He took her hand and shook it as they sat down.

The dinner was interesting Mariana was putting up a good argument about firing Timothy and the school. Brandon found out he can still go on tour. Mariana also announced Callie going joining the dance team much to the embarrassment of Callie. Trey told them that he was finishing up school earlier this semester and invited them all to come which the family agreed.

When dinner was finished Jude and Trey stayed behind to clean the kitchen up. Brandon had a late night band practice. Callie and Mariana went out back to practice dance moves. While the kids were all occupied Lena join Stef and Monte in the living room to talk.

Trey noticed Jude was in deep thought while they were cleaning the kitchen.

"Hey Jude is everything alright?" He asked him cleaning off a dish.

"Yeah I'm just thinking is all…" Jude replied.

"Is it about Connor again?" He asked place the plate next to the other clean dishes.

"Yeah…sometimes I don't know what to do with our friendship you know?"

"Yeah I do, but you guys can't avoid the issues both of you have between each other you need to talk and like ASAP!" Trey tells Jude, "I mean he is your best friend and I get it the friendship with someone is more important than the relationship, but it's going to come back and hurt both of you I'm just saying."

"You're right…"

As the night grew on Trey and Jude went to listen to Brandon's band. Trey thought it was cool that Brandon was able to play between classical and rock and roll and indie music. Once he was finished Jude walked him out where he bid a goodnight to Monte and the Moms.

"Thanks again for having me over," Trey tells him.

"Thank Momma she loves you!" Jude tells him as they share a laugh.

"Hey remember what I said talk this out before it gets worst okay?" Trey reminds him as Jude nods, he rustles his hand in Jude's hair before heading off home.

The next day went on like any other Jude still hadn't made up his mind about talking to Connor or sneaking out even though Connor and the girls wanted him to. He told them that he would think about it if he could, but he didn't want to promise something especially if he knew he might back down. Today he just wanted some thinking time and he told Connor he'll talk to him later as he heads home.

Connor was walking Daria home talking and a few times making out. Daria asked him if Jude changed his mind about sneaking out he told him he didn't know. He was hoping Jude could since he and Jude did make plans to hang out later on that night. Once Connor got to Daria's house they made out a little bit more before she left into her house. Connor smiled to himself and made his way to his home when he ran into Trey.

"Trey!" Connor called out to him as he turns around and waves back at Connor, "How's it going?"

"It's going fine. How are you?"

"It's going okay school, Dad, Daria, Jude the usually of course…"

"I see you talked to Jude about you know what?" Trey asked him. Connor was silence Trey could tell this was a defense reaction something to protect Connor from what he's feeling inside. "I'll take that as a no then?"

"We're cool," Connor answered, "I just need to find some time to hang out more with him so he doesn't feel like I'm abandoning him."

Trey rolled his eyes in annoyance at Connor being so impossible right now. "You think hanging out with your girlfriend is the reason why Jude feels like you're abandoning him?"

"Sorta I mean I know my Dad can be super scary, but I think he'll come around."

"You don't sound too sure about that Connor. I'm not going to force you do anything, but I do know you can't live in fear…and that includes your dad. We can't let our parents dictate our lives. This is your life live it with no regrets before you have them."

They walked up to Connor's home. Trey didn't realize how close he was to Connor's place a few walking distance, but still amazing. They heard the door open to see Connor's dad Adam standing there looking angry for whatever reason.

"That must be your father Mr. Stevens?" Connor gives Trey a nod, "Man he seems scary man."

"Connor!" Adam walks out towards the two young boys, "Whose this?"

"I'm Trey Mr. Stevens," Trey extends his hand to shake Adams he felt as if Adam was going to break his hand.

"It's nice meeting you Trey," Adams said letting go of his hand before turning his attention to Connor, "You're late! Hurry up and get inside and do your chores."

"Yes sir…" Connor gives Trey a quick look and heads to the house.

"Sir it was my fault I'm sorry I was talking to Connor I didn't know!" Trey tells Adams who gives his suspicion look, "Is something…wrong sir?"

"Nothing…I'm just wearying of people around my son. It was nice to meet you Trey." Adam tells him and walks away going back to his home slamming the door behind him.

Trey could see how Connor was scared of his father. Adams very presence just strike intimation and fear. Trey didn't want to get on his bad side. He headed home ending his long day he greeted his mom and headed upstairs to his bed to sleep.

That night Jude decided to sneak out to see Connor and the girls. Jude waited when his family wasn't paying attention as he snuck out he grabbed his bike and headed towards the meeting area. Connor, Daria, and Taylor were already there waiting. Daria and Taylor explained their friend Brooklyn hates her parents and for her birthday present they were going to teepee the house.

Jude thought it was stupid, but it did seem fun for some time having fun with his friends even if teepeeing is wrong. It was some of the best fun they had until the lights of Brooklyn's home turn on and they all gather their bikes and rode away to nearby tree area so they wouldn't get caught.

When they got settle Daria and Connor went behind some brushes making out. Jude finished settling his bike as he went over to the bench where Taylor was sitting down at.

"Where they'll go?" Jude asked Taylor.

Taylor shrugged, "Who knows. Maybe there having sex."

"There having sex?!" Jude was shock that Connor and Daria were having sex he felt angry that Connor would do something like that to him.

"Not yet, but Daria is dying to lose her virginity," Taylor explained to Jude as he relaxed from hearing that Connor hadn't had sex with Daria yet, "At least that's what she told me." Jude just sat there thinking as Taylor tries to kiss Jude he backs away.

"I'm sorry…" He tries to explain himself.

"It's okay."

"It's just that I-"

"It's cool. You have a crush on Connor."

Again another person who knew this was a record for Jude. He did have a crush on Connor, but he would never want to act on them. Before he could explain any further Connor and Daria came back.

"I should go home," Jude stated to his friends.

"Wait we're we going to…" Connor was disappointed that Jude wanted to leave so soon.

"We not."

Taylor suggested that they should break into her house and get some booze so they can all out make out as she gestures to Jude as Connor looks at him with a grin. Jude reluctantly agrees. As they enter Taylor's home Connor suggest they should get some beer Jude stopped him but the girls goes to Taylor's dad liquor bar as they all take turn taking a sip of whiskey. Taylor's dad woke up running down the stairs they all ran and as they were running Taylor's dad came downstairs with his gun Connor looked back and pushed Jude knocking him to the ground. All Jude heard was a gunshot go off and everything went dark.

At Trey's home Trey's mom was awoken by Trey spazzing out he couldn't catch his breath barely. She called calls the ambulance quickly. Trey tries to calm himself, but he couldn't, get a clear thought in to calm down as she tells him she's right here that it'll be okay. She hoped…