Ch. 18 Friends and Family

(Owen)

When Clare and I get inside I already see Fitz here sitting in the third row so we walk up and sit next to him, putting Clare in between us.

"Hey morning guys," Fitz comments with a smile. "Clare, thanks for encouraging Gaea to talk to me," he tells her, and now I'm confused.

"She told you? And given your tone right now, I'm sure that means you reacted maybe shocked or worried but supportive. You didn't run like she was afraid of?" Clare replies and now I'm totally lost.

"Well I was certainly shocked, but given the reason why she finally got up the courage to tell me, I tried to be extremely supportive. I really do like and care about her, maybe I even love her," Fitz responds and now I'm completely dismayed. I've known Fitz forever and he's had crushes, like the one on Clare, he's been on dates and had a few short-term girlfriends and a couple of ravine flings, but I've never even heard him utter the word love not to mention use it involving a girl he's with or likes.

"Ok, someone want to tell me what's going on?" I put in my thoughts before I go nuts trying to figure out what they're talking about.

"Well, it's Gaea's story to tell, but she did say that once she got up the courage to tell Mark then she would tell you with me there so you would know too," Clare comments and now I'm content yet curious.

"Alright, I understand," I reply and then the band begins playing music. I see the titles of the songs at the start which include I Have Decided and Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone), among others. I had heard Amazing Grace before but never with that extra part, and it takes me by surprise, but I enjoy all the music and the band is pretty good, although a few of the people are different from last week. And then Pastor James stands up after the music and announcements to do his talk.

Continuing on from last week, Pastor James talks about how God made Israel his people in the Old Testament and the sacrifices and rituals that went with that relationship. How there were men, and women like King David, Moses, Abraham and Solomon that were men after God's own heart, and how God came down in fire and clouds and the Holy Tent to be with his people, but ends by reminding us that we no longer live in the time of the Old Testament and that a relationship with God is intimate and personal and says next week he will delve into how and why that is. He prays and then the band plays one more song and I read it is 10,000 Reasons. I can see how joyful Clare is being here, and I decide that I don't mind coming to church with her and Fitz after all. He gives the blessing and then we are free to go.

"Good morning Fitz," I hear Pastor James say as he shakes his hand as we all go into the foyer. "It's nice to see you again Clare and Owen," he comments and I smile. "It's very nice to have you both back," he says shaking mine and Clare's hands.

"I'm happy to be back," Clare comments with a smile and I put my arm around her shoulders.

"You know, if you'd like to fill out a visitor's card with the email request you can get a gift and start receiving the church newsletter," Pastor James comments. "I believe we were out of cards last week," he adds and grabs a card off the welcome table handing it to Clare.

"Thanks," she comments pulling a pen out of her purse and fills it out at the table.

"It was nice to see you all and I hope to see you again next week," he comments and then walks on to more people coming out.

"I should get going. I'm meeting Gaea's family this afternoon since she met my mom yesterday. And unfortunately Steve," he comments, saying the last part under his breath but I hear him.

"Oh dear that's not good," I comment because I met Steve some when Fitz was living at home still and that was not a good situation.

"No, but it got her talking to me, and now she's introducing me to her family," he says. "I hope it goes well though, and her family isn't too bothered by me," he comments as Clare returns and I see her with a cd so that must be the free gift Pastor James mentioned.

"Why would they be bothered by you?" I question.

"It has to do with what she told me yesterday. She'll tell you soon I'm sure, but it has to be her choice man," he tells me and I nod. We fist bump and he hugs Clare and then he leaves and Clare and I head home.

When we get back to the apartment we decide to get changed and then we'll have lunch. We are both more comfortable changing in front of each other now so we start changing in the bedroom. I take off my shirt and see Clare taking off her dress and getting a different bra out of the drawer and I smile seeing her in just a lacy black bra and panties. She takes off the bra she was wearing that didn't have straps, but what surprises me is that she sighs when it comes off like she was in pain. She's more comfortable with me touching her and although usually I wait until she says something I walk up behind my beautiful wife and wrap my arms around her waist and hear a soft moan. I start to trail my hands up her torso slowly continuing as I reach her gorgeous large round breasts that I do enjoy touching and massaging when she lets me. I just brush my fingertips over her nipples and she squeaks.

"Ahh, no Owen stop," she says and moves my hands away and I pout slightly unwrapping my arms and grabbing a t-shirt to slip on.

"I thought you were comfortable with me touching you Clare. You seemed to like it last night. What was your bra too tight? You sighed when you took it off," I comment as I change out of my good pants. The church we've been going to is actually pretty casual, but given that its church Clare and I have still been getting semi dressed up.

Clare blushes slightly before she speaks. "My breasts have just been really tender today. So getting my bra away from touching my nipples felt better. I didn't mean to push you away, but you touching me there hurt," she comments and then leans over kissing my cheek.

I'm not quite sure what to say, but comment, "so that just started today?"

"Yes this morning I guess, maybe it's just a symptom of PMS, although it's never happened to me before, but that stuff can change," she says, and because she said that I realize something. I've had two girlfriends, but I've never really had much experience when it comes to that time of the month stuff. I never lived with either girl, and Bianca is usually the tough girl so you never really know with her, but now I'm married, so I'm gonna be around for this type of stuff with Clare. This should be interesting.

(Gaea)

When Mark drops me off I kiss him goodbye and then get out of his car, unlocking my front door go into my house. I see my parents sitting at the table, and they seem like they've been waiting up for me, but not tired so they obviously did sleep last night.

"Gaea if you're going to be staying at other people's houses we want to meet them. We don't like not knowing where you are. You know what happened to you and your sister, we want to keep you safe," mom remarks in a harsh tone as soon as I'm in the doorway to our dining room.

"Actually Mark is coming over this afternoon because I'm going to introduce you guys to him. Although he prefers most people call him Fitz. And I'm sure Clare and Owen would be happy to meet you guys at some point too," I comment.

"Who is this Fitz character? How old is he? Are you sure he's trustworthy, especially around your sisters? I thought you stayed at a girl's house last night?" mom comments again and dad just sits there listening, it's almost like he shuts off sometimes.

"Clare is a really good friend from school, and I've told her and Mark, about what happened. She's the one that convinced me to tell Mark, and after meeting his mom yesterday I told him everything. He's 18 and he's my boyfriend," I say and I see mom with a dark worried look, and dad no longer shut off but like he's seeing Idony and I again at the studio. "It's ok, he didn't walk away, and he wouldn't do anything. He is extremely protective and I trust and feel safe with him. He's dealt with abuse and wouldn't hurt me or Idony, or even Kai or Ceres. He's been hoping to meet you all, and I was at his house last night, because we were talking, but he wouldn't take advantage of me. He's already told me that. He'll be over after church," I tell my parents hoping they understand.

"He goes to church?" mom questions and I'm a little surprised that this is what she got out of all of that.

"Yes mom, he does. And Clare and Owen have been going to the same church recently," I answer.

"Gaea," dad says, "why are you staying at this boy's house if he has already said he wouldn't take advantage of you?" he questions this time, and its soft spoken. He became that way after what happened while mom became over-protective.

"He took me there after I met his mom yesterday because I felt I needed to tell him about what happened, and then he made dinner, and then he told me about his own past. It was getting late, and I feel safe with Mark," I answer not quite sure what else to tell them.

"If he took you to his house after you met his mom, then does he not live with his family?" my mother questions, and now I'm getting annoyed. What is this 20 questions?

"No, he no longer lives at home due to problems with his step-dad and step-brother. He has his own apartment and has lived there for 6 months. We both realized it was time to go when his step-brother came back to his mom's house and so he took me to his apartment. I was there last weekend too. He was going to drop me off here that night but no one was here when we got back after Clare and Owen's barbeque and there wasn't a note. He didn't want me home alone, so he invited me back, but it was my decision," I tell them, and I see mom and dad look at each other, and then back at me, but they don't say anything.

"Alright well please tell us the truth if you're staying there again," dad comments this time, and I nod. "What time is he coming over?"

"He should be over about 1:30," I comment and they both nod. I think I'm finally free but when I get to the door mom speaks up once more.

"Check on Idony when you go up and let her know someone is coming over please," she comments. I nod but don't turn around and head upstairs to my room getting into clean clothes before I go in to see my sister.

(Adam)

After we both woke up and had a late breakfast Drew and I sat on the basement couch and began playing video games. Mom and dad had gone to church and then went out for lunch together, so we had the house to ourselves for the afternoon. But about 1 o'clock the basement door opens and in walks Clare and Owen.

"Hey guys what's up?" I ask and pause the game.

"Decided to come over to visit, haven't really just hung out here in a while," Clare comments sitting down next to me and Owen next to her.

"That's true, so how's the apartment?" Drew asks before I get a chance to.

"It's great to have a place to go for ourselves. Not run into my family all the time. I'm mean I love them, but I like having our own place," Owen comments.

"You guys were so sweet to give us the apartment and I really like it. It's cozy and quaint. I would like to paint it at some point though," Clare remarks, and I remember that Bianca and Drew hadn't gotten to painting it when it was theirs cause they hadn't moved in so the walls were still all white for the previous tenants.

"Maybe we can paint certain parts of it. I'm sure my parents probably have some wall paint around at home we could use," Owen comments.

"If we turn off the video game the four of us could play a board game together if you guys want," I suggest and we look at each other and everyone nods in agreement. "Ok cool, you guys choose a board game and I'll grab us some snacks," I decide.

"I'll come help," Clare offers so we both head upstairs. When we get up there I get out paper plates and cups while Clare begins getting out some snacks from the cupboard. She's been over here enough being my best friend that she feels right at home and knows where everything is. And it's nice to have that back this afternoon.

"My best friend is married and living in her own apartment with her husband. I know I should probably be used to that by now, but it's still hard to wrap my head around. Especially given we are still in high school," I comment thinking out loud.

"Sometimes it is for me too, and yet it's probably one of the best things to ever happen to me," Clare comments with a smile. And then she turns around standing on her tiptoes trying to reach a bag of chips in the pantry, but when she pulls the one she wants a second bag falls with it in front of her. Now normally its annoying when something falls of the high shelf, but to my surprise Clare whimpers when the bag falls and I cock my head at her.

"You alright?" I ask curiously.

"Yes, that just hurt," she comments turning around and I see she's biting her lip and has tears in her eyes.

"I've never known a chip bag to hurt before," I comment, not quite sure what happened.

"It wasn't so much the chip bag itself, more where it hit me that hurt. And Adam I know you have the mind of a boy, but you have the body of girl, and you're my best friend so I'll just tell you. This morning my breasts started feeling really tender, so anything that touches them, even my clothes, has been hurting some. I figure it's just a symptom of PMS, although it's a new one for me," Clare tells me.

I'm not quite sure what to say but finally something occurs to me while Clare continues looking at me. "I'm sorry Clare, that's got to be tough. I do hope it stops soon. I actually get some pain and tenderness at times too, now that I'm on hormone therapy," I tell her.

"Thanks Adam, and I hope yours isn't too bad. I had actually forgotten you started that. Besides the pain how is it going?" she asks and seems to be feeling a little less sore now going back to what she was doing.

"It's different, and the pain can be rough, but I'm glad I'm on them," I tell my best friend, and I'm glad we can tell each other pretty much everything. We finish grabbing snacks and then head back downstairs, and sitting down the four of us start the board game.

"So what do you have planned for your birthday?" Clare asks once we've started playing.

"Not much really, probably dinner and a movie with my family that weekend like every year," I answer thinking about it.

"When's your birthday dude?" Owen questions after his turn.

"May 24th, two weeks from this Saturday," I answer him.

"We could probably do a small party or something Adam, have some of your friends over, come on it'll be fun," Clare says getting excited. She always did enjoy birthday parties.

"Ya maybe, we'll see," I comment. "Besides you guys, most of my friends aren't around anymore so it'll probably be very small," I remind her.

"You have friends Adam, and even if it is small, it'll still be good," Clare comments but I make a face and she doesn't bring it up again. I think about she said and wonder if now that Bianca and I have started a real friendship if she might come, and I look forward to hanging out with her again. I know I should probably tell Clare about Bianca and I hanging out, but it's only been once and I don't want to rush it so I don't say anything, yet.

We continue playing and then my parents get home and invite Clare and Owen to stay for dinner. They do and then leave just after dinner.

"You know we could talk to mom and dad about having a party for you here," Drew comments once we are downstairs again. "I mean I know not all your friends are still around but you have Clare, and now Owen, me of course, and I'm Dallas would come down for the weekend if you asked. Plus this could be a way to get Bianca to come over again, maybe I'd get a chance to talk to her," my brother comments and I realize we are both thinking about Bianca. Oh boy, this should be interesting.

(Fitz)

I get back to Gaea's house about 1:30pm after I've gone home to change from church, and as much as I've told Gaea I'd be happy to meet her parents and her siblings as I'm walking up to the door I'm realizing I'm pretty nervous. I ring the bell and it's answered a moment later by a little girl who I assume is Gaea's sister Ceres. She's got pretty long blonde hair and a very sweet smile.

"Hi," she says and I realize she's quite bubbly. Maybe this won't be so bad after all.

"Hi, I'm Fitz, I'm here to see Gaea," I comment and then kneel down and put out my hand. She shakes my hand enthusiastically and then I see feet approaching at this angle. I look up and see a tall man now standing behind Ceres. I let go of her hand and stand up straight and put out my hand again. "Hello sir, I'm Fitz, is Gaea here?" I ask not quite sure how else to introduce myself.

"Yes Gaea told us you were coming over this afternoon, I believe she's upstairs in her room. Come in," he comments and doesn't actually shake my hand so I drop it and follow he and Ceres inside and stand in the entrance taking my hand again.

"What kind of name is Fitz?" Ceres asks once we're inside, and I look down at her.

"It's a nickname, because my last name is Fitzgerald," I comment. "My first name is Mark, but I don't really like people calling me that," I comment, and then I see Gaea come down the stairs followed by a little boy I assume is Kai. Gaea walks up to me and although I can see her father watching us she puts her arms around my neck so I wrap my free arm around her waist and we greet with a sweet kiss. Nothing over the top, there are young children here but enough to show her family and her that I'm not a monster and I care, I hope anyway.

Gaea pulls away fairly quickly but I know why. "Mark, this is my little sister Ceres, my younger brother Kai, and my father Gage," she tells me and I smile.

"Yes I met Ceres at the door, and I introduced myself to your dad, it's nice to meet you Kai," I reply kindly.

"Hi," he waves shyly and hides behind Gaea a bit holding onto the skirt of the very pretty blue dress she's wearing. And then all of a sudden Ceres begins to pull on the hand she's been holding to get me into their living room, so I let her laughing slightly with Gaea. Her father and brother follow us, and Ceres sits down on the couch still holding my hand so I sit down and Gaea sits next to me. And then her mother steps in the room as well walking right over to me.

"I'm Aspen, Gaea's mother, you do realize she is only 17 and is still young. How old are you?" she says in one breath standing in front of me with her arms crossed.

"Mom!" Gaea states quickly and sounds somewhat embarrassed.

I stand quickly, with Ceres still holding my left hand. "Gaea it's okay. It's nice to meet you Mrs. Kessler. Yes I know that Gaea is 17, and I know about what happened to both Gaea and Idony," I say and then I notice a head peak around the corner of the doorway, and I assume this is Idony. "I would never take advantage of Gaea, and I'm sorry she ever had to go through what she did. And I am 18 years old ma'am. I will be 19 later this year," I comment.

Aspen doesn't say anything else just looks at me another moment and then takes a seat in a chair by her husband. "I'm sorry," Gaea whispers in my ear as I sit down again.

"It's alright," I tell her. And then I feel a tug on my left hand.

"Fitz do you want to see my room?" Ceres asks excitedly and I look at Gaea who just smiles and then at her parents quickly who nod but her mother gets up at right away. Ceres stands and pulls me with her and again I laugh following her up the stairs. We get to the hall and she pulls me to the second door on the right and opens it turning on the light and on one whole side all I see is pink and butterflies as I walk in with her ahead of me still latched to my hand. I look around now and see that the other side of the room is painted green and has soccer balls and other soccer pictures and stuff on his side.

"Do you like it?" Ceres asks knocking me out of my thoughts.

I smile and then kneel down next to her. "It's very nice," I comment. "So what's your favourite thing about butterflies?" I ask and I feel someone standing behind me now.

"They are so pretty and they can fly," Ceres tells me excitedly and she's just so sweet without being annoying. She shows me some of the butterfly things she has and the dragonfly pillow someone got her, and then her mom suggests we go back downstairs.

"Mark would you like anything to eat or drink?" Gaea asks as we head toward the dining room this time.

"Just water is fine, thanks gorgeous," I comment sitting down, and as Ceres still has my hand I decide to pick her up and sit her on my lap at the table. I know this may not be the most thought through idea, given her parents apparent dislike of me, but it works. Both of Gaea's parents sit down and then Gaea comes in with some glasses of water and sits next to me. Idony and Kai both sit at the table as well but are furthest away from me.

"Idony, this is Mark, my boyfriend, although he prefers being called Fitz. Mark this is my other sister Idony," Gaea introduces us and I take a sip of my water now.

"Hi Idony," I greet politely. Idony gives me a slight smile but doesn't look up.

"Mark, you seem like a nice young man, but I'm sure you understand why we are so protective of all of our children. Now are you in school or have a job or any prospects for the future?" Aspen asks, and I notice that Gage is very quiet and seems to just prefer listening and watching.

"I actually didn't finish high school due to some difficulties in my past, but I work at a coffee now, and I have for over a year now. I have my own apartment that I've been in about 6 months, and I'd like to get work in architecture some day," I comment. "I know I'll have to go back to school for that but math was always one of my better subjects when I was in high school," I tell them.

"Do you have the support of your family?" she questions again and this is the one I was kind of dreading.

"My dad left when I was young, but my mom is still here and we get along pretty well. I go visit her when I can, and I introduced she and Gaea yesterday. But she lives with my step-dad George and my older step-brother Steve and I don't get along with either of them. I wish my mom would just leave but she refuses and I can't force her, so I try to see her when they aren't at the house," I answer and as I'm talking I feel Gaea take my hand and I hold tightly without hurting her because I know bringing up Steve is a bad subject after yesterday.

"Ok, you guys have all had a chance to meet and ask Mark 20 questions about his life. You can see he's a good guy, and obviously Ceres likes him," I laugh and smile at Gaea's little sister, "and I like him, and I trust him completely. So I will tell you guys from now on if I'm staying at Mark's but I am 18 years old, and I'm ok after everything, so please don't be hard on him anymore. He's been completely honest with you all. So now I'd like to spend time with my boyfriend," Gaea announces to the whole table, and I squeeze her hand gently in reassurance and smile as she stands up.

I stand with her with one of my arms tightly around Ceres and then I place her on her feet beside me. "It was very nice to meet you all," I comment and follow Gaea toward the front door. I'm not quite sure where she plans on us going, but I'm guessing she just wants to get us both out of the house. We turn around and I see Ceres standing in front of me when I look down.

"You'll come back right?" she asks looking almost upset like she's afraid of me leaving.

"Yes I'm sure I'll be back," I tell her with a soft smile, and she bursts into excitement jumping up and down, and I've never seen anyone so excited that they'll get to see me again. I look at Gaea a moment and then she lets go of my hand and I kneel down in front of Ceres. "It was great to meet you," I tell her and she throws her arms around my neck and I'm shocked but hug her back gently, before I stand up again.

I smile at everyone as they don't really say much and I'm just about to step toward the door, when Gage steps up to me. He leans over and whispers in a harsh voice, "If you do anything to hurt any one of my children, I will hurt you," he tells me before pulling back. I'm sure some of his reaction has to do with natural fatherly-instincts on wanting to protect his children, especially his girls, but given what this family has been through, I know he's even more protective. I nod slightly and then Gaea and I leave and I close the door behind me and shudder slightly.

"I'm sorry about that. Now I'm sure you can tell why I was avoiding having you meet my family," she comments as we walk to my car. "What did my dad say?" she asks.

"It's really okay, I know they are just protective, and I can understand Idony's shyness. Ceres is a great little kid, very bubbly and energetic. I don't think I've had anyone so excited that I'd come see them again, and you and she made it easy to be there. I guess Kai is shy? And your dad was just being protective, don't worry about it," I comment starting to drive, and I decide to just head over to the Dot for a little while.

"Yes my mom is over-protective as always, and my dad sort of shuts down in a way. Ya Ceres has always been bubbly, and Kai is shy until he gets to know you and then you wish you had a remote to turn him off. Yep, I'm not sure if Idony will ever be the same again, or feel comfortable around people in general. But really what did my dad say, I'd like to know," she tells me.

"Ok, makes sense, and if you insist, he said he'd hurt me if I hurt any of his children," I tell her and I hear a small gasp, and look over seeing her eyes widen slightly.

"I'm sorry for that Mark, you never deserve that, you are not the monster they are so afraid of," she tells me and takes my hand and kisses my cheek as I pull into the Dot parking lot.