Thank you to everyone who read or left kudos for the last section. You are all wonderful. This was originally one long chapter. But as I crept closer to 8000 words, I decided to break it into two parts.

Chapter 65: After

Still September 4, 2010, late morning at Ross.

"I'm sorry that we dropped all of that on you," Matt told Tyler once they were left alone in the private dining room. Claire and Vivian went to the restroom. Justin and Austin also allegedly left for the bathroom. However, Matt feels they're probably making out in the coat closet.

"I haven't left for the bar, so I think we're OK." Tyler joked, taking a long drink of his orange juice.

"It was still a lot." Matt is worried about sending Tyler back into rehab. This may have been why he agreed with Austin to wait until Justin returned to have this conversation.

"Your mother really tried to kill Austin?" Tyler asked.

"Yes, as a baby and maybe more recently. She at least made threats about him." Matt answered truthfully.

"Which is why he's with Vivian now?"

"Yes. This is also why Tiffany is in Chicago. Victoria can hold a grudge."

"That's obvious. Why didn't Victoria try that with me?" Tyler asked.

"She couldn't mess with the Meeds. She still can't. At least not directly. Although I do wonder if her buying Isabella is just another part of her normal pettiness."

"Possibly."

"You should come with us to London. I think Daniel would want to see you. He does ask about you." Matt realized too late that he probably shouldn't have said that.

"You're still in contact with Daniel. Why?"

"Work and Austin. He helped me with the Tiffany situation. Just so you know, Amanda knows about Austin."

"I figured she would since his boyfriend lived with her until a couple of days ago. Especially if Daniel already knew before me."

"Austin asked him not to say anything to you. Technically, Amanda lives at Vivian's sister's house. I'm just saying if you need to talk to somebody, she is available." Matt said just before their server arrived with coffee, hot chocolate, and house beignets.

Xxx

Meanwhile, in the Men's restroom at Ross:

"You didn't have to follow me unless it was for another reason," Austin remarked as soon as he was sure they were alone in the men's restroom.

"I'm not going to make out with you in the bathroom. It's completely unsanitary," Justin commented.

"We did before you went to London." Austin shot back.

"That was when you still lived with parental figures that hated me. I think I have my own room at your house now. Vivian even told me to bring an overnight bag again." Austin couldn't help but laugh at that.

"That's her sneaky way to get us to sleep in separate rooms."

"Obviously, that didn't work Thursday night, but I appreciate the closet space and private bathroom." Justin joked.

"You definitely need your own sink for your toiletry products." Austin joked right back.

"I really do have to go to the restroom. However, I wanted to see how you're feeling first."

"I'm still trying to figure that out. Tyler stayed very quiet. I'm not sure how he's really feeling about this. Maybe Tyler just said he wanted a relationship with me to be polite. He's definitely ambivalent about going to London." Austin explained to his boyfriend.

"DJ says that he's the quiet uncle."

Justin tried to reassure Austin.

"I just remembered Tyler is DJ's uncle. Although how much have they interacted?" Austin asked.

"They met each other last spring. They also spend some time in person at the wedding. But in between, there have been many emails and text messages. DJ believes he does better with written communication after having to go back to rehab in the spring." Justin explained.

"What about Daniel and Tyler?" Austin asked, curious about Tyler's relationship with his other brother.

"The occasional phone call and email conversation. Daniel hasn't been talking to Alexis that much either. In that case, he doesn't want to do anything to accidentally raise her heart rate."

"That makes sense. This family seems extremely incestuous."

"You were already aware of that." Justin joked.

"I feel like it just slapped me across the face. Especially now that I know about the twins. I almost wanted to tell Tyler about them after he was noncommittal about going to London to see the babies once they're born."

"I think the goal is for us to be there while they're being born."

"Unless Amanda goes into labor during fashion week instead." Austin feels like that's a possibility.

"Look, just start slowly with Tyler. Text Tyler pictures and things like that." Justin suggested.

"Like from the yacht party Monday," Austin remarked.

"Perfect. You can do a group text including DJ and Brianna."

"That's a good idea."

"I do have them occasionally." At that, Austin leaned over to kiss him. Unfortunately, Justin pulled away reluctantly after a few minutes.

"As much as I enjoy kissing you, this is not the place. I'm going to use the restroom, and then we'll go upstairs to say our goodbyes before returning to your house. I am looking forward to spending the day with you."

"And testing out my king-size bed again? Vivian is heading over to the hotel to give Mercedes emotional support. Or potentially keep her from punching out her soon-to-be ex-husband. It really could go either way." Austin commented.

"I don't think you're joking about that."

"I'm not."

XXX

Meanwhile, in the Women's restroom at Ross:

"You didn't have to come with me to the restroom. I wasn't going to stop at the bar on the way back." Claire remarked as she put on A fresh coat of lipstick.

"I really do have to use the facilities. Besides, they know not to serve you. Wilhelmina gave the entire bar staff your picture." Claire realized Vivian wasn't joking about that.

"She would. Where is she?" Claire asked.

"Quality time with Jade, possibly so Marc and Cliff can start packing."

"I should volunteer for that next weekend. Jade is such an adorable baby." And unfortunately, all of Claire's grandchildren are far away right now. At least she'll see Alexis junior later this month. The rest were in London, and she wouldn't get to see them until Christmas.

"I doubt that they'll turn down free childcare. You should offer to help," Vivian suggested.

"Did you ever feel like you made the wrong decision?" Claire asked.

"I deeply regret the several years I spent dating Wilhelmina's asshole father. Thankfully, I ended that before the wedding."

"At least you realized it was a mistake while you still had time to do something about it." Claire was never that lucky.

"True, but I wasted a lot of time."

"You made the best decision you could have at the time,"

"So did you. Don't second-guess yourself because the second person that found herself in your position made a different choice. Tiffany's circumstances were different than yours."

"She wasn't clinging onto a marriage that was always falling apart. You chose Monique and got rid of the asshole husband. Tiffany chose to fake a miscarriage to keep Austin safe."

"And you hid in South Dakota for several months and gave Tyler up for adoption because it was the best option." Of course, Vivian knew the details. Monique probably told her.

"I could've done what you did. I could have lost the husband and kept the child."

"Maybe if you did that, Victoria would have targeted you. What if games are pointless. I have a lot of regrets, such as not getting Britney away from my ex-husband before he drugged her and forced her to get pregnant against her will." Unfortunately, Claire Mead knew the details about that situation because it was all over TMZ at this point. "But if different choices were made, I wouldn't have Jamie."

"I'm still shocked she didn't have an abortion."

"Honestly, I am as well. But Britney is happy with the choice she made because she has the best grandbaby in the world. Britney loves Jamie, but she just can't raise them. Not with all the trauma that the ex put her through." Vivian explained.

"Point."

"We all have regrets, but we can't change the past. We just have to move forward." With that, Vivian left her to use the facilities.

XX

A little while later, back in London

The fiancé: How are you doing?

Betty: I'm not crying, so better than I expected. I'm glad we were able to talk. Did you know that Bobby and Hilda are trying to get pregnant?

The fiancé: I heard some things, but I wanted her to tell you. I'm happy for her.

Betty: I am, too, after what happened earlier this year. I think that is making her more at peace with the Amanda situation.

The fiancé: I think the fact she knows that we are helping Amanda with the twins to make sure Victoria stays the hell away is assisting.

Betty: I didn't really talk about that with Amanda there. But honestly, I'd rather her be there. She intervened when things got a little too awkward. She even had questions preprepared that really helped us talk to one another.

The fiancé: I'm glad.

Betty: It really did get awkward. We kept changing the subject. But Amanda helped us stay focused.

The fiancé: This surprises me, but Amanda is good at these things. I'll be home in a little bit. I'll bring home dinner.

Betty: I love that you always bring me food, but we could cook something. We also need to pick up more ice cream for Amanda.

The fiancé: Not today. You're emotionally drained. However, we can do brunch tomorrow.

Betty: You know me too well.

The fiancé: I really do. I love you, and I'll be home soon.

Betty: I love you too.

Xxxxx

Baby boy: Hey, just to let you know, we survived brunch. Nobody ended up at the bar, so I consider that a win.

Hilda: I'm glad. Things went relatively OK with us as well. I was also told to go to you for all the wedding planning stuff.

Baby boy: I agreed to help with the wedding since they need somebody who is actually in New York to do the legwork. I'm not even starting on until after the ball is over with. We have more than a year until the wedding.

Baby boy: Actually, not even till after the babies are born. Maybe even longer since Daniel and Betty will have to get used to co-parenting babies with Amanda.

Hilda: They really are going to be involved?

Baby boy: I think that was always the plan no matter what. Daniel and Amanda really are best friends. Marc is a little worried he's taking his spot.

Hilda: Understandable.

Hilda: Are you still heading over to Austin's house?

Baby boy: Yes. Just for the sake of honesty, we will be there alone. Vivian is heading over to see Mercedes because the first visit with Chad and the kids went badly.

Hilda: It's OK. I trust you.

Baby boy: We're teenage boys. Should you trust us?

Hilda: If I asked you how far you have gone with Austin, would you tell me the truth?

Baby boy: Oral but just recently. Not farther, not yet. Please don't ask for specifics. However, we did use condoms.

Hilda: By recently, do you mean Thursday night?

Baby boy: Yes.

Hilda: I'm not going to tell you not to go further because that would make me a humongous hypocrite. You know I try to avoid that. I was pregnant with you by your age.

Baby boy: I know. I just want to take my time. It doesn't feel like before. I think I rushed into things. In hindsight, I know I wasn't ready.

Hilda: Because you were trying to prove to yourself you were Santos' son. You weren't ready for what you did.

Baby boy: It didn't mean anything. What I do with Austin does matter. I just like falling asleep next to him.

Hilda: I love just sleeping next to Bobby. It's one of my favorite things. I'm texting you sleeping next to him.

Baby boy: I'm not going to ask why you guys are back in bed. It's better that I don't know.

Hilda: It really is. Just let me know when I'm picking you up tomorrow.

Baby boy: I will.

XX

A little bit later

Tyler: I just had brunch with Matt and our newly discovered half-brother.

Amanda: I was expecting this text message. DJ told me what was happening. He is friends with Austin and Justin. He's thrilled that both will be back in October for a little while. There are also plans for everybody to be here for fall fashion week (which actually happens in spring) in addition to the Christmas holidays. But we might be going to New York. It depends on how I feel.

Tyler: That makes sense. They're all about the same age. My half-brother is the same age as my nephew. Neither of which I knew about this time last year.

Amanda: Do you need a meeting?

Tyler: Probably. There's one in an hour, about two blocks from here.

Amanda: You should go.

Tyler: Have you been going to meetings in London?

Amanda: Yes. I started going once I realized I still wanted to drink even though I was pregnant. I knew I couldn't drink for the twins. I didn't want to put that all on Betty and Daniel. They've already been doing so much for me.

Tyler: That makes sense. Austin wants to have a relationship, but it's my choice.

Amanda: And how do you feel about that?

Tyler: It will probably be easier to have a relationship with Austin than with my other three siblings. I'm still slightly upset at Daniel for how he initially treated me.

Amanda: That's understandable.

Tyler: Although him taking care of you is helping me get over that.

Amanda: I'm glad I can help with that.

Tyler: Alex is really sick right now, and I don't want to add any more stress to her. I just really want her to get better.

Amanda: Maybe deep down, you're worried she won't get better, and you'll lose her. So, it's better that you do not make that emotional investment now.

Tyler: You might be slightly right about that. When did you get so wise?

Amanda: Probably about the time I started seeing a therapist.

Tyler: You're seeing a therapist?

Amanda: Your aunt suggested it. No one knows about that either. So, keep it to yourself. I haven't even told Marc or Daniel.

Tyler: I'm glad you trust me with this.

Amanda: So why would it be easier to bond with Austin than Matt? I thought you guys were doing pretty good before I left. There were even pizza nights.

Tyler: But then you left. I was furious at him for the way he just let your relationship implode. He was a bit of a jackass about the twins' DNA.

Amanda: I will not deny that, but in hindsight, he was slightly more upset about his mom getting involved the way she did. I don't think he knows how to deal with her.

Tyler: I am aware, but he didn't even try to apologize. It wasn't until today that I realized he let you go to keep you safe. Do you know what Victoria did to Austin before he was born?

Amanda: Trust me, I know. I probably know more about the dirty details than you do.

Tyler: I doubt that. She has a PI watching Matt, and he's changing his phone number weekly.

Amanda: I knew about the phone part but not the PI. I know she would have done the same to me if I had stayed with Matt in New York regardless of the twins' paternity. It was safer for everyone involved that I left. Besides, I heard Matt might have a new boyfriend. I'm in favor of anything that would make Victoria cry.

Tyler: He says Cory is just a friend right now. That neither one is in the headspace for a new relationship. When I saw his new condo after brunch, Matt told me he still loves you but is not sure you are suitable for one another.

Amanda: At least I have that.

Tyler: Have you guys talked to one another since June?

Amanda: Not directly. Initially, that was because I didn't want to talk to him. Lately, we used Daniel as an intermediary so it wouldn't get back to Victoria. That makes even more sense now that I know about the private investigator. That woman is unhinged.

Tyler: Smart. However, I feel that the two of you really need to talk.

Amanda: Why? It's over. Maybe it would be different if the twins were his, and we would still have to be co-parents, but they are not his children. We should make a clean break. Especially considering what Victoria is doing.

Tyler: You still need closure. And I think you're only going to get that if you have an honest conversation with one another. I'm sure your therapist would agree with me.

Amanda: Possibly. Unfortunately, it's challenging to talk with Victoria monitoring all our conversations. Or at least trying to. Daniel can barely keep up with the new phone numbers. I'm sure they're only talking to one another because Matt still owns part of the company and Austin.

Tyler: Matt is coming to London next month.

Amanda: What? Why?

Tyler: Partially to look into the expanding Player into the UK market as a digital publication. He's also there to chaperone the study abroad trip for Justin, Antonella, and Austin. Vivian wants them to do it but is way too busy to chaperone. Matt volunteered to do it.

Amanda: It would also be an excellent opportunity to bond with Austin. Also, DJ would love to see his friends. He's been moping since Justin left Tuesday.

Tyler: It would be. That's why I was invited to come too.

Amanda: You should totally come. I really want to see you. I can take you to all the best restaurants even if I am a whale by then. Also, if you're here, maybe I can talk with Matt about how things went wrong. I think mistakes were probably made on all our parts.

Tyler: Still mostly his.

Amanda: And that wretched mother.

Tyler: Extremely wretched.

Tyler: I haven't decided if I want to go to London. I don't feel good about a woman I don't even know paying for the trip. Austin's new foster mom Vivian Windham West is sponsoring the entire thing.

Tyler: If I think about how Austin's mom just left him here, I will need a meeting immediately.

Amanda: Then have Matt pay for it. I need you here. That probably corresponds to when I'm going into labor. I'm already terrified. I need as many support people as I can get. Spencer and Marc will try to be here, but I would love it if you were here too.

Tyler: I'm sure you'll feel better after birthing class today. Are you starting today?

Amanda: Yes, we leave in like an hour. It's why I never went back to my house. We tried to start last month, but all the sessions were full because we signed up too late. I hope the babies don't show up too early.

Tyler: They'll show up exactly when they need to.

Amanda: Yes, when you're in London with me. Please come

Tyler: Fine, I will go on the trip with Matt and Austin just to see you.

Amanda: Thank you. If I really am going to talk to Matt, I need you there.

Tyler: I'll be there.

XXXX

A little while later, back in New York.

Marc: I'm never moving again. This is it. I am growing old in the new house because I'm so tired of the boxes.

Hilda: Isn't most of your stuff still in boxes from the last move?

Marc: Yes, but I have Jade to pack for. How can somebody who hasn't even been alive a year yet have so much stuff?

Hilda: Babies need three of everything. It's because of all the throwing up.

Marc: Unfortunately, they are less tidy about it than most models.

Hilda: You could get rid of the stuff she doesn't need anymore.

Marc: I plan to give away all the tiny outfits and anything Jody picked out. However, to do that, I have to pack it up first.

Hilda: You could burn all of Jody's stuff.

Marc: I wish I could, but Cliff won't let me. He says it's better to give it to charity. Only my stuff is going to Jamie because I won't let the baby be contaminated by Jody.

Hilda: As you should.

Marc: Although I'm still throwing away the really hideous stuff. I'll just make a cash donation to make up for it. Even poor people should be dressed well.

Hilda: You're trying, at least.

Marc: Also, I couldn't live out of my suitcase. Too many wrinkles. So, I did unpack most of my clothes. They now all have to go back in their garment bag for transport to Queens.

Marc: We have to get as much stuff done now as possible because there's only gonna be a little window between Fashion Week and the Paris photoshoot.

Hilda: I get that. After Fashion Week, I promise I'll come help. I would've come this week, but I had a video conference with Betty this morning.

Marc: Which is more critical. Even Amanda was done with you two acting like toddlers.

Hilda: Amanda really was live texting you the entire time.

Marc: Cliff, but he tells me everything. He let me sleep in today before packing hell began.

Hilda: Good boyfriend.

Marc: I'm too exhausted to even correct that.

Marc: So, do you feel better now that you've talked to your sister.

Hilda: Yes, although I'm worried about her. Her boss is kind of a dick.

Marc: We are all now aware. According to Monique's old contacts at Isabella Press, they're looking into legal action for the Alexandria lingerie situation.

Hilda: I am not surprised. They're horrible.

Marc: So horrible, and I get to spend Monday with them.

Hilda: I know. Justin will be there as well. Please keep an eye on my child and his boyfriend.

Marc: Is this to protect them from the vultures or keep them from having sex in one of the closets?

Hilda: From the vultures. There alone at Vivian's condo right now. They don't need to sneak around in broom closets.

Marc: At least they'll be fewer splinters this way.

Marc: they may not be doing that. I feel like he would tell me if it's gone that far.

Hilda: Justin says they're not there yet, but oral happened Thursday.

Marc: Be grateful you have the type of relationship where he can tell you these things. I have a restraining order against my mother. And my father has been long gone.

Hilda: I know.

Marc: I want to be like you when Jade is a teenager.

Hilda: I promise to help you get there.

Marc: You are a good person and have a good family.

Hilda: I realized that now.

XXXX

a little while later.

Betty: Should I worry about my fiance throwing up during the childbirth video?

Hilda: So, did I. I don't think it was 3rd trimester morning sickness. He also fainted when he found out about Amanda being pregnant. This is an improvement.

Betty: Point.

Hilda: I'm glad you're text messaging me like this.

Betty: I'm happy you're responding.

Betty: Amanda really wants a cesarean. She's also cursing Daniel for the egg splitting.

Hilda: She's having fraternal twins. That means Daniel had nothing to do with it, even if Daniel was the biological daddy.

Betty: I'm not going to tell her that now. I'll get her ice cream when we get out of here.

Hilda: Smart.

Betty: I miss talking to you like this.

Hilda: So do you. I'm sorry I didn't try to fix things earlier.

Betty: I understand. Just try to do better from now on.

Hilda: I'm trying.

Betty: Although please realize you will get angry text messages about my boss every day.

Hilda: I look forward to it.

To be continued

I just want to remind you that you will not see everything once again. This story is already too long, and I don't want to lose sight of the main characters. That's also why you didn't see more Mercedes and Chad child custody drama. I love my original characters, but I think that might just be me. So I'm going to try to dial them back.

I've decided to view this story more as a spinoff than the continuation of the original series. So we have new cast members in London and new cast members in New York to fill out the ensemble. The weekend I was proofreading this chapter, I went to AWESOME CON. I sat on a panel about the importance of side characters. I see now that most of the original characters are side characters that I brought in to flush things out now that the original cast is split between two countries.

So my headcanon is that after his father's death, Justin engaged in some behaviors that weren't healthy for a 13-year-old, including sexual activities with those girls. He tried to conform to hetero-normal behaviors after losing his father, who believed those things were important. He regrets what he did, mainly because he wishes he had done those things for the first time with Austin now. I won't give specifics because writing about the sexual activities of 13-year-olds is a little creepy for me. However, Justin came out of it before going all the way. Now at 16, almost 17, he is very grateful for that.