Better than myself Part 21

(Sequel to As a Man)

Disclaimer: I don't own anything, I'm not making any money, and all the wonderful characters belong to the lovely JE. I would borrow Ranger for awhile, though.

Jason's POV

JJ has been doing much better than anyone expected, I was horrified to hear some of the details of what Thomas put him through. I will never understand someone who wants to hurt children. Thomas' death went a long way in making him feel safe. I was not sorry to hear about the "accident", the police quickly ruled it as a break in gone wrong. I will never ask for the truth of what happened. I never need to know. I just have to remember what Ranger (not Ricky, I am trying, he asked me not to call him Ricky, it just brings back horrible memories) said to me before he left Boston, "I wish I could have prevented anything from happening to JJ, that is the guilt I have to live with. But I will do anything in my power to make it right, to make sure JJ doesn't end up like me."

Like him? I would be honored if my son could be the man that he is. I know that Ranger went through the things JJ did and so much more, I am surprised that he isn't more damaged. That just is a testament of the strength of my brother. He doubts it and brushes it off by saying things about just being the muscle; however I know he is so much more, I wish he was able to see what we do. Stephanie will be a big help in making him see that. Being the only woman who ever broke through that carefully built wall around his heart, she is capable in making him see how much he is, how important he is.

The way that he has taken care of JJ, there hasn't been a night that went by without a phone call or an IM between them. I know they have had talks about what happened, talks that JJ would not be able to have with anyone but someone who went through it too. Ranger likes to be closed off and private, so what he has given to my son, just of himself means the world to me.

JJ is usually so even tempered, so I was shocked when the news of Ranger's planned move, sent him into a total melt down. He feels like Ranger is abandoning him, by going so far away. At 10 years old, he cannot understand that Ranger is trying to finally find a home. So, right now my son is sitting in his room playing video games, I wanted to take it away from him and make him talk. But something we have learned in therapy was that JJ has had so many choices taken away from him, that we have to let him make choices and know that he has control over something. The same thing with his tantrum, I just wanted to make him stop throwing things and screaming, but because he always felt he needed to be perfect, it was okay to let him be out of control for a bit.

Cami and I are sitting in the kitchen discussing what to do about JJ and how to make him feel alright about Ranger's moving away. She is having a little trouble dealing with the news of the move herself, Tank decided that he wanted to go with his family, so he is going to Atlanta, also. I can see past the brave front she is putting on, she has finally found someone. The way they looked at each other and how careful he was with her, there is something special between them. I know they are both denying it-but he is accepting her as she is and makes her smile. Cami is my wife, but beyond that she is my oldest friend and I just want her to be happy.

What is keeping us in Boston? Our jobs? I am selling my share of Father's business to his partner, so I will be unemployed for awhile, Cami, she can practice family law from anywhere. Cassie, our oldest, is so busy at the Art Institute; we might as well live miles away, for as often as she comes home. Flights are easy to book, and my brother has his own plane, so that would take care of those worries.

Now my relationship with Eli, it can withstand the distance, he isn't in Boston a lot anyway. His freelance writing gig, keeps him traveling and he never felt the need to really set up roots anywhere. He can stay with us in Atlanta just as easy as Boston.

In explaining my plans to Cami, she looks a little stunned, but does agree that a fresh start might be what the entire family needs. She doesn't mention being closer to Tank, but I have known this woman my entire life; I can tell what she is thinking.

I run up the stairs and knock on JJs door, another thing I am trying to remember, not to just barge in, I announce myself and sit on the chair.

"JJ how do you feel about the Braves?" He looks up, but doesn't say anything. I think the blank face can be inherited, or is it learned; either way JJ has the look down.

You can't really be subtle with a 10 year old, so I ask him, how he would feel if we all moved closer to Atlanta? Finally a smile. "Really Dad? Can we? That would be awesome! Let me be the one to call him!"

He high tails it down the stairs, but runs back up asking for my cell. I hand it over to him, and just ask him to let me talk to Ranger when he is through.

I go downstairs and Cami is on the house phone, probably with Tank. I am thinking that this is a great idea; maybe it is finally time for me to get to know my baby brother.

A/N: I have an emotional chapter coming up, so I wanted to do something else a little lighter for this one. If anyone has any ideas of any emotional issues I still need to touch on, please let me know, so I don't forget anything.

Thanks for all of your reviews and suggestions, please continue.