To Have & to Hold Forever
This story is a sequel to "Sickness & Health, Good Times & Bad", along with other stories in the "Together Forever" Series. You don't have to read those stories first, but this story will make more sense if you do.
Brian and Justin are established partners raising five children together.
I don't own the original QAF characters just the situations I create. No copyright infringement intended.
Chapter 32
Brian and Justin were lying in bed after giving their babies a late-night bottle. As usual Justin was snuggled against Brian's side. He titled his head to look Brian in the eyes.
"Don't you think a car is a little over the top for John's birthday. That is a very expensive gift."
Brian just shook his head.
"I never can understand why people think you are the nice one in our partnership. The kid deserves something good for his birthday. Plus, it is going to eliminate a lot of chauffeur service. He can take Gus, his brother and Josh to school and take himself to hockey practice."
Justin chuckled.
"I knew there was some benefit for you although you do very little chauffeuring. We'll have to make sure Bill and Mary are okay with this plan."
Brian shrugged.
"They can still do chauffeur service for Josh. We can get one of those car things that track when a car goes over the speed limit. I already looked into them. They can also track how many miles the user drives."
Justin smiled.
"I guess you are right. John is a responsible kid, and we can monitor his driving. He probably suspects a car is in his future with the new garage space being built.
Maybe we should get one of speeding car things for you."
"The architect is coming tomorrow with preliminary blueprints for us to look over."
Justin smiled. Brian simply ignored his comment about speeding.
"I hope I don't have to referee you and Granny too much."
Brian smirked.
"Just go to sleep Sunshine. Our babies will have us awake soon enough."
Justin chuckled but snuggled against Brian and settled down to sleep.
Lily and Liam had bottles around 3 AM. At 7:30 Gus knocked on the Master bedroom door and his Daddy told him to come in. Gus was happy to spend time with Daddy while Papa slept under his pillow.
When the first cries were heard on the baby monitor Justin moved his pillow and smiled at Gus and Brian.
"Did you guys have a good talk?"
Brian smirked.
"Sonny Boy, it sounds like your Papa was only pretending to be a sleepyhead this morning."
Gus chuckled but had a serious expression on his face.
"I was hoping we could have a talk Papa, but I guess we need to go take care of the babies."
Justin gave Brian a look and Brian nodded.
"Sonny Boy you have your talk with Papa. I can get Lily and Liam changed and I'll get John to help me give them their breakfast."
Brian left with the baby monitor and Gus snuggled against his Papa's side.
Justin put his arm around Gus and leaned over to give him a kiss on the top of his head.
"So Gus, what did you want to talk about?"
"Papa why don't Mama and Mommy love me anymore. They said they did, and I thought they did but now I think they just said it and didn't mean. Did I do something to make them not love me anymore?"
"Gus you are a wonderful boy! Anyone would be proud to have you as their son. Daddy and I love you so much and we are so happy that you live here with us. You have never done anything wrong.
Your Mommy has been sick for some time now. Sometimes people have something wrong with a part of their body and often doctors can fix what is wrong. Your Mommy has something wrong with her mind. That is one part of the body that it very difficult to fix when it is broken.
You know that Mommy hasn't been happy and hasn't really acted like she used to for a long time now. We all wish she could get better, and I think she wishes that also, but it is not really easy to accomplish. Things happened in your Mommy's life when she was a young woman that were sad and hurtful. It was a long time ago but that was the start of your Mommy being sick in her mind."
Gus was quiet while Justin hugged him close.
"I thought they would come visit me or I would visit them, but they haven't even called me."
"Gus, I'm so sorry that we didn't realize how much this bothered you. I think maybe Mama and Mommy wanted to let you settle in here before contacting you."
Gus nodded and was quiet again for a few minutes. Finally, he looked up into Justin's eyes.
"Suppose you and Daddy stop loving me. What would I do then?'
Justin pulled Gus into a full body hug.
"Gus, I cannot believe that would ever happen, but I understand it would concern you with what has happened with your mothers. So many people love you so much, you will never be on your own.
John and Peter care about you. Grandmom Jen and Grandpop Tucker will always look out for you. Grandmom Debbie and Grandpop Carl would never let you be on your own. Aunt Molly cares about you and Auntie Em is someone you can always depend on for love and support.
I think your Mommy and Mama's issues have very little to do with you and a lot to do with themselves and their own unhappiness. You know that Daddy and I do not yell at each other. We love each other and look out for each other. We love you so much. Don't ever worry about stuff all alone. You can always come to me and Daddy to talk. Daddy and I always talk to each other about what is bothering us. That helps us stay happy."
Gus had a genuine smile on his face. Papa was such a good listener.
"Thanks Papa. I always like to talk to you. I love Daddy but you are really the best at having talks."
Justin smiled and hugged Gus tightly.
"I love having talks with you Little Man, but Daddy loves you a lot and will always be ready to have a talk with you. I know you like Daddy to be proud of you. No matter what you talk to Daddy about he will still love you and be proud of you."
Gus nodded and Justin's stomach growled which made them both laugh. Gus said it sounded like it was time for breakfast and his Papa agreed. Justin felt horrible that he and Brian hadn't considered how Gus felt about being ignored by Lindsay and Melanie. Both men were just happy not to have to deal with either woman.
When Justin and Gus got downstairs Brian and John were feeding Lily and Liam. Brian said good morning and Gus hurried over to give his brother and sister a good morning kiss. Brian smiled at his partner and was not reassured by the look he got in return.
Justin made breakfast for the family. Peter appeared just as breakfast was ready. This was a camp day for Gus so after breakfast Justin supervised Gus getting dressed. Alice was doing chauffeur duty for Gus and her grandson.
Once Gus left Justin told Brian they had to talk. Once Cassie came on duty for Liam and Lily, the two men walked down to the study. The first thing Justin said was for Brian to stay calm. Then he told him about his "talk" with Gus. Just as Justin expected Brian was furious but also agreed that he and Justin hadn't considered Gus's feelings about being "forgotten" by his mothers.
Brian's immediate thought was to get Gus together with Lindsay and Melanie as soon as possible. Justin pointed out that with Lindsay's emotional issues and Melanie's unreasonable behavior, they couldn't be sure what the women would say to Gus. They might even try to make him feel guilty about choosing to live with his Daddy & Papa.
Brian nodded, agreeing with what his partner said.
"So what do we do Sunshine? We can't just continue to ignore how Gus feels."
"I think we need some professional help. I think we should contact Lena McCoy. She understands the situation."
Brian frowned.
"Sonny Boy didn't really like talking with her. I think he might feel like it is some kind of punishment if we try and have him meet with her."
Justin smiled and gave Brian a quick kiss.
"I agree. I just want us to call her and ask her opinion on how we deal with this mother issue. I don't want this to be an issue that affects the rest of his life."
"And by us, you mean you, correct?"
Justin chuckled.
"It can mean just me, but you might want to listen in, to hear what the Doctor has to say."
Brian looked dubious but gave a quick nod of his head to agree.
Justin emailed Dr McCoy's office to ask for a good time for a phone conference with her. Justin was surprised and pleased when Lena quickly responded that she had an open time in about 2 hours.
Both men did what helped ground them. Brian checked his Kinnetik emails and replied to the urgent ones. Justin spent time in his studio. They gave their babies bottles right before the scheduled call. Both Justin and Brian were as relaxed as possible for what they expected to be a difficult call.
The call started with Justin giving a synopsis of his "talk" with Gus. He let Lena know that they just weren't sure how to handle this issue with Gus. They didn't trust Melanie or Lindsay to respond in a positive manner to any requests from them to help.
Lena started out by saying she thought it was great that Gus felt comfortable sharing his feelings with Justin.
"I am so glad you gave me a call. I enjoyed talking with Gus and I am not surprised that he shared his feeling with his Papa. I could tell that Gus loved you both very much. His Daddy is his hero, and he always wants Daddy to be proud of him. He loves his Papa just as much and he looks to Papa to help him navigate through life. He shared that he and Peter always feel better after they talk to Papa. You guys really complement each other in Parenting styles.
I don't believe Gus really wants to spend time with his mothers. I think he is trying to figure out why they don't want to spend time with him. Everything tells us that Mothers mean love and comfort and when they don't provide that, it makes us wonder what we did wrong."
Justin took Brian's hand and gave it a squeeze.
"Brian was raised by a very cold mother and an abusive alcoholic father, so we understand how hard it is for a child to try and understand why their mother doesn't take care of them. We are concerned how this will impact Gus for his whole life.
More than anything Brian and I want Gus to have good memories of growing up. We want him to know who much we love him and how important he is to us. His Mommy is dealing with her own issues from childhood abuse. His Mama and Brian have never gotten along. I can't help feeling that Gus's resemblance to Brian is difficult for her to deal with. On my side I feel like it makes me love Gus even more because he is so like his Daddy."
Lena was quiet for a moment before replying.
"That is helpful information. I did wonder what happened with Gus's Moms. He had good memories of life with them but then it all seemed to fall apart. I am going to honestly say that Gus is lucky to have the two of you. You provide so much love and security to Gus. I think he worries that somehow that will stop just like the love and security his mothers used to supply.
I know that Gus adores his Grandmom Jen. It is amazing to me that a step grandmother is so involved in his life. He explained about her love family theory which I think is wonderful.
Justin, my suggestion would be to subtly highlight what an important role your mother continues to play in your life. He knows Grandmom Jen is Justin's mother, but he may not make the connection that she has always been there for her children. On the opposite side your father ended his relationship with you.
That will clearly show him that some parents can and should be a part of your whole life, while other parental relationship end.
Grandmom Jen also provides a feminine element to Gus's life. It is important for him to have good relationships with women and men."
Brian chuckled.
"We have a new addition to our family unit that provides more feminine influence."
Justin smiled at his Lover.
"My Grandmother has moved here from California. Right now, she is living in our pool house. We are about to begin building an additional garage building with an apartment for Granny on the second floor of the building.
Granny and Gus have become good friends. Gus loves to read aloud, and Granny enjoys him reading to her. Brian has some concern about Gus's fascination with old ladies."
Lena laughed.
"Gus told me that he helps Papa create art by reading to him. That makes him feel like an important part of your life. One of the things that really disappointed him about his Mommy was her refusal to allow him into her art space.
I think Granny provides another example of someone who love people for their whole life. He needs reassurance that relationships can continue for a lifetime.
I believe you guys are doing everything right with Gus. He is smart little boy so be cautious about delivering the message about lifelong relationships. It would be wonderful for him to have some relationship with Lindsay and Melanie but only if you can be sure it will be a positive experience.
I would recommend some way for him to interact with his sister. He does miss her and also worries about her being properly cared for. Thank you for reaching out to me. Feel free to email me with any questions you have going forward.
I admire you both for all you do for Gus and for your nephews. They are lucky boys to have you in their lives."
Justin thanked her and was surprised when Brian thanked her as well. Once they disconnected the call Justin turned to kiss Brian who wrapped his arms around his Sunshine.
"Justin. I know I could never have this life without you. I don't say it often enough, but I love and you and thankful for you every day.
Gus is lucky to have you in his life."
"Brian we are lucky to have you in our lives, all of us from Granny to the babies. You show us so much love and protect us all."
Soon both men found themselves without any clothes. Brian grabbed lube out of his desk drawer. Justin was on all fours on the floor and Brian was fucking his ass. Both men were smiling and thinking this was the perfect way to get rid of stress.
Once they cleaned up and redressed, Brian and Justin walked down to the family room. Alice was back from delivering the boys to their day camp. She let Brian and Justin know how nice she thought the camp was and how excited Gus & Mark were to join in with the other kids.
She also let them know that the dining room was all setup for their meeting with the architect. Charlie had left a "wish list" for the new garden shed part of the new building.
They looked outside on the patio Cassie and Granny were sitting in chairs & chatting. Cassie's daughters along with John and Peter were in the pool. Liam and Lily were up in the nursery napping. The baby monitor rested on a table beside Cassie's chair.
Brian and Justin stepped outside and heard their daughter announce she was awake, needed a clean diaper and was hungry through the monitor. Cassie said she would go up and get the babies just as Alice came to the door to say the architect had arrived.
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That morning when Debbie arrived to pick up JR, she rang the doorbell. JR opened the door a few minutes later. Still in her pajamas and her hair unbrushed. Debbie did her best to keep the smile on her face as she leaned down to give her granddaughter a hug and kiss.
"Mommy has a headache. I was laying bed with her when the doorbell rang."
"Did you have your breakfast Honey?"
JR shook her head so the two of them headed to the kitchen. Debbie couldn't help gasping. The sink was piled with dirt dishes. The floor almost covered with crumbs and dust. She wiped a space on the table for JR to sit and have her breakfast.
Debbie was surprised that the refrigerator did contain some eggs and juice. She washed a frying pan, dish, and glass. While JR ate scrambled eggs with toast and jelly, Debbie loaded the dishwasher and turned it on. She gave the floor a quick sweep and started a load of wash.
Once JR was finished her breakfast. They went up to her room. Debbie brushed JR's hair and helped her get dressed. They gathered the dirty clothes on the floor and put them in a bag.
"Honey I think tonight you can stay with Grandpop Carl and me. That will let Mommy get a good rest. You get Mr Rabbit and go downstairs and wait for me."
JR grabbed her favorite stuffed animal.
"Joey will there too, right?"
Debbie smiled. "Yes Honey. Joey will be there I bet he will be excited that you get to stay with us overnight."
Once JR went downstairs, Debbie knocked on the master bedroom door before going inside. Lindsay was laying on the bed, her face turned towards the wall. Debbie let her know she would keep JR overnight. Lindsay thanked her and when Debbie asked if there was anything she could do for Lindsay, she said she just had a bad headache but was sure it wasn't serious.
Debbie said to let her know if Lindsay needed anything. As she walked downstairs Debbie tried to come up with some plan for JR's care. She wanted to keep the little girl with her but knew she just wasn't up to taking on a small child fulltime. She also wasn't sure Melanie would agree to give up custody.
She found Lindsay seesawing behavior unnerving.
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Brian, Justin and Granny came into the house. Alice let them know she had shown the architect to the dining room and she would be bringing in tea, cookies and cake for their meeting. Before Brian could open his mouth Alice looked at him and said bottles of water were already in the dining room. Justin chuckled which earned him a swat in the ass from his partner.
Granny smiled. "We will eventually convert you to tea."
Brian smirked. "Doubtful Granny."
His reply made her chuckle and warmed her heart since he called her Granny. The architect had already set up his chart stand. Currently he had a rendering of the proposed exterior displayed.
The architect got a little nervous as Granny, Brian and Justin all carefully examined his drawing of the exterior. Justin objected to the shape of the tower windows. Granny wanted clear glass railings on the large deck overlooking the pond & woods. Brian hated the "cutesy" garage doors, meant to look like barn doors.
The architect got busy taking notes. He knew from the work he had done on the house addition that Brian and Justin had very definite ideas. The addition of Granny who made it clear she had her own ideas was just a little frightening.
Alice brought in the refreshments, but the architect didn't have much time to eat or drink anything. The ideas from his three clients came fast and furious. There were a few discussions about changes. Those discussions enabled the architect to take a few sips of tea or have a few bites of a cookie.
Justin realized that instead of being an arbitrator, between Brian & Granny, he was odd man out. Brian and Granny seemed to outdo each other on adding or enhancing features. When Brazilian hardwood floors were mentioned. Justin pointed out that this was an apartment over a garage, Granny told him it was "her home and she wanted what she wanted".
Justin pretty much gave up trying to be the voice of reason. The architect pointed out that all the additions and enhancements were greatly inflating the cost of the project, but Granny just waved a hand at him and said she didn't care about the price, just her own comfort.
Two and a half hours later the architect left with lots of notes. He had been amazed by some of Mrs Endicott's requests, but she told him that her comfort was important to her, and cost was not a major consideration. He already knew, from the house renovation, that Brian was never interested in cutting corners. Justin had mostly just smiled and rolled his eyes. There was no need to referee between his partner and his grandmother. They were kindred spirits.
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When Debbie got home, Joe was waiting to take JR to the playground. She was delighted to go with Joey. Debbie decided to call Melanie at the law office.
When Mel came on the line, Debbie told her about Lindsay being in bed when she arrived to pick up JR. She told Mel that she was going to keep JR overnight. She wasn't sure what Mel would have to say but Debbie was determined to keep JR.
"Thanks, Deb. I'm not sure what is going on with Linds. She stopped going to the therapist. Says she doesn't need her anymore. She has also cut back on the meds she has been taking. Linds said they were affecting her creativity and she needs to get together enough paintings for a show at the Bloom Gallery.
I know she hasn't met with Justin and Sidney, but she is acting like the show is a sure thing. I can't imagine what will happen if they don't agree to the art show. The mood swings are getting worse and honestly, I just don't know what to do. I can't force her to go to therapy or take her medication."
Debbie was surprised by Melanie's candor and uncertain how to respond.
"I wish I had something helpful to say Mel. I know you must be having a hard time. Hopefully Lindsay will realize she needs to go back to the therapist."
Debbie was shocked to hear Melanie sobbing into the phone. It was a couple minutes before Mel could talk.
"I worry that the stress of dealing with JR is making Linds worse. I know it isn't fair to JR to deal with the mood swings. She obviously can't understand what is going on and she misses Gus much more than I thought she would. They always squabbled so much.
Linds won't even leave the house anymore. She says she is afraid of running into her parents. She claims she saw them at the supermarket. I doubt they were there but if I disagree with anything Linds says she claims I'm not supporting her. Things just get worse and worse.
There is no way I can afford day care, but I know I have to find a way."
"Let me check around for daycare options. Maybe I can find something that Carl and I can pay for."
"I'd really appreciate that Deb. I know it's not your responsibility, but I am out of options. The only thing I ask is you don't involve Brian and Justin. I just can't be indebted to them anymore than I already am, I just can't!"
Debbie had no intention of going to Justin and Brian. They had enough on their plate. She was still amazed that Brian was happily raising five children.
She assured Melanie that she would not approach the boys and they said goodbye. Debbie sat there for several minutes not sure how to proceed. She would have to talk to Carl tonight to see if he had any ideas about daycare.
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When a bemused Justin, with Brian and Granny, emerged from the dining room into the family room, Gus was happily feeding his brother while John fed Lily at the opposite end of the sofa. Granny came over and sat beside Gus with a big smile.
"Gus, you are such a wonderful big brother. Your Papa was not at all happy when his sister arrived. I'm sure he never fed her a bottle."
Brian chuckled at the annoyed look on Justin's face.
"Granny, you know I love Molly, but she was pretty annoying as a child."
Granny chuckled.
"Annoying to you Darling Boy because she took some of the spotlight off of you."
Gus was fascinated by what Granny had to say.
"How old was Papa when you first met him?"
"Gus, I was in the room when your Papa was born. I know you find it difficult to believe but Grandmom Jen was my baby. The youngest of my children. When she was waiting for Justin to be born, I came to stay with her.
I was the first person to hold your Papa after his mother. I loved him at first sight and have loved him ever since. As much as I love your Papa, he was not nearly as good a big brother as you are."
Brian came over to look at his two sons.
"Sonny Boy, your brother and sister already know how lucky they are to have you as a big brother. Someone who will love them and be ready to help them for their whole lives."
Gus didn't say anything until Liam finished his bottle. He had a serious look on his face. Brian took Liam and put him in the bassinet and John put his siter in beside him.
Gus looked over at his Daddy, his expression still serious.
"Daddy, suppose I stop loving Liam and Lily? You say I will love them for their whole life but maybe I won't."
Brian and Justin looked at each other. Granny was shocked by what Gus said. She put his arm around him.
"Gus, Sweetheart. Why would you think you would ever stop loving your brother and sister?"
Gus had tears starting down his cheeks.
"Well Mommy and Mama have stopped caring about me. They didn't take care of me and haven't called or anything since I came to live with Daddy and Papa."
Granny pulled Gus into her lap.
"Gus something is wrong with your Mommy and Mama. You are a wonderful boy. It is normal for people to love their family for their whole life. I have loved your Grandmom Jen since I first held her in my arms and the same for your Papa. I may not have seen him as often as I liked but I have always loved him.
I love you and I know I will love you as long as I live. Don't let the mistakes of others make you doubt the people who really love you!"
Brian and Justin hurried over and knelt on the floor in front of Granny and Gus. Brian leaned forward to give Gus a kiss.
"Sonny Boy, you need to listen to Granny. She knows what she is talking about. You know I always tell you the truth. I loved you from the first time I held you in my arms and I will love you until I die. There is nothing you could ever do or say that would make me stop loving you."
Justin had a huge Sunshine smile on his face. He gave Gus a quick kiss and gave Granny a kiss on the cheek.
"Granny, thanks for telling Gus about love. I have always loved you and I always will. Some of my best childhood memories are of spending time with you and Granddad. It was always so great to spend time with you. When Gus gets excited about spending time with his Grandmom Jen it always makes me think of how I felt when I visited you."
Granny looked directly at Gus.
"My sweet boy, don't confuse like with love. Sometimes people do things you don't like or don't understand but love continues. Real love is forever. You have to careful not to allow your disappointment with your Mothers' behavior to doubt the people who truly love you and take care of you.
Your Daddy and Papa love you more than they love themselves. They would gladly sacrifice their life to save yours. I absolutely believe that to be the truth. You know that your Grandmom Jen talks about a "love family" and that is what we are all lucky enough to be part of. A family joined by love. Everyone in our family loves you for the sweet, wonderful, amazing boy that you are. You must always count on that fact and never, ever doubt that it is true."
Granny gave Gus a tight hug. Brian and Justin were relieved to see the smile on Gus's face. Brian actually leaned down and kissed Granny on the cheek. She gently patted his arm and smiled.
Granny looked down at Gus, genuinely concerned with how he was feeling.
"Gus, do you believe what I've told you? Are you going to trust all the love that is concentrated on you?"
Gus smiled. He felt happier and more secure than he had for a long time.
"Granny you made a lot of sense. I know Daddy and Papa love me, but I was afraid they might stop loving me. You explained to me about loving people for a long time. You have lived for a long time, so you know what you are talking about. Thanks for explaining things to me."
John came over from watching the twins settle in the bassinet.
"Gus, I understand how you feel. My Mom stopped taking care of Peter and me. Our Dad left a long time ago. We thought we might have to depend on strangers to take care of us.
We were really lucky that Uncle Brian and Uncle Justin said we could come here and live with them. It was hard to really trust them, to believe they would take care of us. When we first came here to stay Peter and I were afraid it wouldn't last. We were afraid the Uncles would get tired of taking care of us.
We all know that didn't happen. We love Uncle Brian and Uncle Justin, and we know that they love us. Grandmom Jen has been so awesome to us. It took us a while but now we know that the Uncles will always love us and we will always love them. Just like Peter and I love you."
John was surprised and pleased when Uncle Brian put his arm around his shoulders. It was brief but it meant the world to John because he understood what a big thing that was for Uncle Brian to do. He knew Peter would be sorry he missed this family moment since this was a class day for him.
Brian suggested to his Sonny Boy that this might be a good time to get into the pool. Gus was happy to agree. John, Brian and Gus all went upstairs to change. Justin sat down beside Granny and put his arm around her.
Alice and Cassie had been in the kitchen, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. Cassie just said she was going to take Lily and Liam up to the nursery. Alice came over to the sofa.
"You better be careful how you tell Jennifer about how those girls have upset Gus. She will be ready to kill them and personally I wouldn't blame her. Elizabeth you were wonderful with him, and John really was the icing on top of the cake.
Justin, you and Brian are the best dads in the world, it is disgusting that Lindsay and Melanie would cause Gus to doubt that you would always love him. That is all on them. Don't you or Brian doubt you are doing all the right things with all your children!"
Justin smiled at Alice.
"Thanks Alice. You and Charlie give us so much support and I hope you know how much Brian and I appreciate all you do."
Alice leaned down to give him a kiss on the cheek.
"Charlie and I talk all the time about how happy we are that we decided to come here to work for you and Brian. It provides us with a great deal of pleasure to be part of this household."
Alice spotted Charlie outside and said she was going out to bring him up to date on "family news".
Justin turned to Granny.
"You were wonderful today. Gus only confided in me this morning. Brian and I were so upset and unsure about how to address this issue. Gus really took what you had to say to heart.
I hope you understand how special it was for Brian to kiss you. He won't say the words, but that kiss says he loves you and is thankful for your help."
Granny leaned into Justin.
"I am so happy that I could repay all the support and love you and Brian have given me. I am so grateful and happy to be here. I know this is where I belong."
Brian, Gus and John reappeared in swimsuits, and everyone headed outside.
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Melanie, under pressure from work and home expenses, to produce more income, didn't get home until close to 8 PM. The house was in darkness except for a small, timed light in the first-floor hall.
She was glad that Debbie had kept JR for an overnight. She called Lindsay's name but got no response. She slipped off her shoes and went upstairs. First, she dropped her briefcase in her home office. She went into a dark master bedroom. Mel could just make out Lindsay in the bed.
"Linds, are you okay?"
"I have a bad headache. I need to be left alone."
Mel took a deep breath.
"Honey, did you eat anything today?"
"I can't I feel too bad. My head is throbbing."
Maybe you have a headache because you haven't eaten anything?"
Lindsay sighed dramatically.
"You're a lawyer, not a doctor. I just need to be left alone. Try to keep JR quiet when Debbie drops her off."
"Debbie asked to keep JR overnight since she has tomorrow off from the diner. How about I fix you some herbal tea and toast?"
Another dramatic sigh.
"Did you come home just to nag at me? I need to be fucking left alone. Can you try and think about what I need rather than what you want?"
"Lindsay, I am trying to get you to eat something for your own good. You can't just not eat anything. I really think that is why you have a headache."
"LEAVE ME ALONE!"
Mel left the bedroom and resisted slamming the door. In the hall she realized she was still carrying her high heels. She dropped them on the floor and went down to the kitchen.
Since Lindsay said she saw her parents at the grocery store she had refused to go shopping. Melanie found a can of split pea soap in the cupboard. She wondered why they had ever bought it since no in the household like split peas soup. Figuring beggars can't be choosers, Mel emptied the contents of the can in a pot and started to heat it on the stove.
She made some toast to go with the soup, since there were no crackers to be found. She opened a bottle of beer and decided the soup didn't taste too bad. Melanie couldn't bring herself to believe that the Petersons were actually at the same grocery store as Lindsay. She found herself smiling, thinking that if she believed Lindsay's parents were stalking her, Mel would find a way to let Jennifer Taylor know about it. Mel knew that while she and Lindsay were not exactly Jennifer's favorite people, but Jennifer absolutely detested the Petersons and was appalled by how they had treated their daughter.
Mel put her bowl in the dishwasher. Turned off the lights and went upstairs. She decided to sleep in Gus's room for the night. When she went into his room and saw so many of his things there, she was overwhelmed by regret and disappointment about how things turned out with Gus. She hated to admit how much blame fell on her shoulders. Her dislike of Brian and her jealousy of his successful life had colored her relationship with her son more than she liked to think about. She couldn't sleep in this room.
She grabbed some extra pillows and blankets from the linen closet and went downstairs to sleep on the living room sofa. Mel spent most the night tossing and turning and trying to find someway to get her life back on track.
She awoke the next morning to the smell of fresh brewed coffee. She slipped on a robe, which she usually left in the first floor bath, and walked out to the kitchen. Lindsay was fully dressed and making waffles. She turned with a smile.
"Good morning. Thanks for letting me rest lest night. I feel great. Got up early and went to Giant Eagle. I know my parents never get up and out early. I knew it would be safe to grocery shop."
Mel decided to just let the whole "parents at the store" thing go. She went over and filled a mug with coffee. In the refrigerator was a container of her favorite Irish Cream coffee creamer. She let herself believe this positive mood swing was a good thing.
They had a pleasant breakfast together and Mel left for the office in a great mood.
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When Carl got home, Debbie was busy making dinner. Joe and JR were playing a board game. JR ran over to Grandpop Carl who picked her up for a hug and kiss. He went out to the kitchen for a hug and kiss from a bigger girl. Joe said something to JR which had her looking out to the kitchen before they both burst into laughter.
Joe told JR that even though Carl and Debbie were pretty old, he thought it was nice they were still romantic. That is what made them both laugh when Carl kissed Debbie.
Joe didn't remember his mother and stepfather ever hugging or kissing much. It was so obvious to him how much Debbie and Carl cared for each other.
The four of them had a fun dinner filled with laughter. Debbie was happy that Joe was able to get JR to eat things that she normally refused. Similar to the big boy appeal of his cousins to Gus, JR loved spending time with her Joey and was happy that he seemed so glad to interact with her. For his part Joe missed having siblings and he was amused by the little girl and enjoyed spending time with his Little Miss.
Debbie got JR settled into bed before coming back downstairs. She and Carl went out in the kitchen to have some decaf coffee and talk about daycare options. Carl had gotten some recommendations from his co-workers at the precinct. The cost was still more than Debbie could afford to pay. She was adamant that Carl not kick in for the expense of JR's care. They both knew that Michael should be the one providing financial assistance but neither of them saw any point in mentioning that fact.
Joe was in the living room reading. He could hear the buzz of conversation from the kitchen. He put down his book and walked out to the kitchen. He smiled when the kitchen conversation stopped. He sat down at the table with Debbie and Carl.
"I know you put a lot of the money we get from my mother's estate into a bank account for me."
Debbie nodded.
"We want you to have a little nest egg to start life with. Ted helps us with safe, steady investments. Why is there something you want to buy?"
Joe shook his head and smiled at Debbie. She was so rough around the edges but so soft inside. Debbie was nothing like his mother, she couldn't afford to be as soft and trusting as his mother had been. No one could best Debbie in the loyalty and love department.
"I want you to take some of the money you get each month and pay for Little Miss's daycare. She deserves better care than she is getting at home. I worry about her."
Debbie was quiet but her eyes filled with tears. Carl put his hand on Joe's arm and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"You are a fine young man, but JR is not your responsibility."
"I wasn't Debbie's responsibility or yours but here I am. I thought we were family and family should help family. I'm fond of Little Miss but she is crying out for someone to care. I know how that is, just wanting someone to care about me.
I didn't really envision that person being a foul mouthed, loud talking waitress but there she is, sitting across the table."
Debbie came around the table to give Joe a hug. Joe took her hand and looked directly in her face.
"Use some money for Little Miss, PLEASE. It will make me feel good to help her out. You know like a pay it forward thing. She deserves a better start in life than she is getting at the moment. I think we can all agree on that."
Debbie resumed her seat, across from Joe and Carl.
"If your uncle finds out he may not like it. He could start trouble about you staying here. I don't want that to happen."
Joe smiled at her.
"No, we don't want that, for sure. I don't think my uncle cares enough to want to make trouble for us. If he does try anything I think we just need to sic Brian on him."
Debbie and Carl chuckled. They remembered Brian demolishing Joe's uncle at their meeting.
Joe took Debbie's hand. "Use the money for Little Miss!"
Debbie sighed and nodded her head. Carl put his arm around Joe and pulled him close.
"Kiddo, you shouldn't think about having to pay anything forward. Debbie and I are really glad you are here with us. We care about you and enjoy spending time with you. You should never feel that you owe us anything for having you here with us. It is truly a pleasure for both of us."
Joe didn't say anything but looked very pleased.
The next morning Debbie took JR to scout out a couple daycares before meeting Michael for a lunch at Mickey D's. JR was very excited about going to daycare and having kids to play with. Once they picked up her Daddy, JR kept up a monolog on staying with Grandmom & Grandpop, finding a fun daycare with Grandmom, how happy she was to have other kids to play with.
Also, she let Daddy know how much fun Joey was and how he pushed her on the swings at the playground. JTR informed her father Joey pushed her for a long time and never said his arm was tired like Daddy sometimes did. Joey played card & games with her and sometimes he would even play dolls with her but not every time she asked him to play.
Debbie chuckled at JR's stories and the aggrieved expression on Michael's face. She was pleased that Michael concentrated his attention on JR at lunch and spent time with her in the playland.