Coming of Age

JR got up crossed the room and hugged Jim tightly to him. With tears running down his face he croaked out – “Oh my dear boy, it has been more than 25 years since I saw you last. Your father’s funeral here in Pullman. Your mother disappeared with you and your siblings right after the funeral and we had no idea where you went. I should have seen the resemblance sooner.”

Jim was caught flat-footed. His mom told he and his siblings that their dad did not have a family that was still living. JR remained calm as the whole situation was seedy. The investigation of the ‘accident’ had revealed it was not an accident at all but a targeted hit. Jim’s mom got mixed up with the wrong type through their business, was ‘in dept’ and his dad had refused to pay for phony bills. They threatened the family but Finn stood firm in not paying. He had worked late at the office and on the way home his brakes failed, he careened off the road and flipped his car. It landed hood side down in the river and Finn drowned.

After the funeral, Ruth took Jim, Ted and Roberta away for a vacation and never returned. Jim recounted what he knew – they wound up in Neah Bay, his mom started going by Madeline (her middle name) and registered the kids for school under her new boyfriend/husband’s name Schuster. Both boys upon graduation reverted to Reed in honor of their father. With all the details it made sense how no one was able to find Ruth.

Jim and JR went for a walk to carry on the conversation in private.

Evelyn, JJ, Charlene, Elliot, Conor and Caleb had moved to the backyard to play. The grandparents wanted as much time with the two little monkeys as they could get.

In the house AJ and Scott’s siblings were scattered about the house talking and getting to know each other – Mel, Grant, Cheryl, Max, Steph, Eva and Mat were in one grouping talking about common interests and how little their lives intersected even though their professional lives should have brought them together at some point.

Melissa and Eva did recognize each other but could not place it until they talked about gymnastics – their daughters were in the same gymnastics academy. Melissa and Cheryl had run into each other at Bar Association events but beyond that had not run into each other even though they were less than 10 minutes apart in the Bellevue/Redmond area. It was clear that no matter how Scott and AJ wound up they were certainly on their way to becoming great friends.

Teddy, Becca, JT & Mo were quietly talking about the good old days. When Teddy and Becca moved to California the two couples had lost touch. It was a bit of a shock that they now only lived a mere 15 minutes apart. Now that they had reconnected, they would rebuild their old friendships.

Kevin, Gina, Scott and AJ were getting to know each other better. It was clear that Kevin and Scott had a lot in common and as they talked both Gina and Kevin were getting more comfortable with Scott. Gina continued to throw in pointed comments or questions to make it clear that her nickname of ‘Bear’ was well deserved – she was a mama bear when it came to AJ. Even though he annoyed the crap out of her growing up, she was always there to protect and defend him against anyone.

At one point during the huddle with Mo and JT, Teddy made a quiet comment – “I wish they would find wives and have each other on the side…”

AJ stood up, looked at his brother and Teddy shook his head and went outside to try and ground himself with his kids. He was trying very hard to get his head around this thing with Scott and this ongoing dialog between Teddy and JT was not helping one bit.

Becca watched AJ leave the house and decided that enough was enough – “Theodore Jonathan Reed, you are an absolute asshole. You assured Scott and AJ last night that you were behind them and now you are back to saying get married and fuck around with each other on the side. Can’t you see that they are in love with each other? I had my doubts in the beginning but I have watched the two of them together and if you would stop trying so hard to be the college version of yourself you would see it too.”

AJ’s departure now made total sense to Scott. They had been crystal clear with Teddy last night – say your piece and get behind us or get out. He was so done with the bullshit from his brother, that he jumped to his feet, grabbed Teddy by the collar and dragged him to his feet. Teddy was a bit stunned as Scott got right up in his face – “I’m only going to say this once, you swore last night that you were going to say your piece and get behind us or stay out of the way. Your running diatribe confirms you are the ass that I always knew you were – I choose AJ over you and as such you need to stay away from the both of us from this point forward.”

JR had returned with Jim from their getting to know you walk during this exchange. JR placed his hand on Scott’s shoulder – “Scott don’t do/say something you can’t take back.”

Scott was furious at this point, Teddy could do no wrong in their Dad’s eyes and he was beyond done – “Dad, is it time to walk away from you as well? AJ was clear about his willingness to hear everyone out last night and I am with him 100%. No one went there last night each and every person in this family told us to our face that you would support us no matter what. Now today, your son decides it's okay to go back on his word and talk trash behind our backs and you dare to tell ME to be careful about saying/doing something I can’t take back, yet nothing for your golden boy. Well, color me not surprised. I’m going to find AJ and we will be leaving. I hope you all drive carefully on your drive home.  By the way dad – consider this my two weeks’ notice, I can’t work for a hypocrite.”

JR tried in vain to keep Scott in the house but could not prevent him from leaving. Scott made his way out to the backyard and found AJ picking up his boys. Scott bade farewell to AJ’s parents/grandparents and thanked them all for coming over and being supportive. He did quip – “At least we still have a family that loves and supports us unequivocally. From the bottom of my heart, I love your son and will do everything I can to make him happy.” Scott received hugs and kisses from Evelyn, JJ, Nanny, Aoife, Charlene and Elliot as well as genuine welcome to the family comments.

Scott kissed AJ’s cheek and took Caleb from him; he took AJ’s hand in his and kissed it – “I love you and we should go home and spend time with the boys. If this is going to work, they will have to get to know me better.” The two men proceeded to the Tahoe, put the boys in their car seats and drove off.

The 'rents/grandmothers watched the pair walk off hand in hand. Now it was time to get to the bottom of the stupid that was going on in the house. When they opened the door and stepped inside there was a lot of conversation/yelling occurring. Most of it was directed at Teddy and JR. They were able to surmise that Teddy had run his mouth again, JR apparently tried to calm Scott down but supported Teddy. Becca and Mo were ready to bust their husbands’ heads and JT appeared to be trying to fade into the background. 

Evelyn jumped in loudly – “Ok so let me see if I have this straight – last night we all had our opportunity to bring things to AJ and Scott. There was a lot of dialog and Teddy you were called out by AJ for talking to JT behind their backs. You came into the house and committed to supporting them as they move forward. Today, you make the same or very similar comments that were overheard by AJ, then Becca called you out. Scott let you have it, JR you tried to calm Scott but said nothing to Teddy. Is that right?”

Mel jumped in – “Nailed it. Dad, you have always had Teddy’s back even when he is wrong. Let’s be crystal clear here – HE IS DEAD WRONG. You both blew it.

Keep in mind – AJ and Scott are attempting to make something work that neither of them saw coming. You two are so worried about your perspective that you are losing sight of the fact that our brothers have fallen hopelessly in love with each other. AJ has two small boys to look out for and needs his entire family supporting him, it appears he has 15 out of 16 that are here this weekend and Scott is only 3 out of 5.

This is not about us; it is about the love that they share and our ability to support them no matter what.

Grant and I are heading over to AJ’s to make sure they know we are in their corner. Evelyn, we will see you the week of Thanksgiving.” Mel and Grant made to leave.

Evelyn jumped in – “The Thanksgiving invitation is still open to everyone in this room with a caveat – if you aren’t able to support Scott and AJ then please find an alternative venue for your holiday. Mel, we will join you at AJ’s.”

The entire family made for the door, leaving JR, Teddy, Becca, JT and Mo standing there looking foolish. Eva could not just walk away so she returned and let her feelings be known – “You know, I have been on both sides of the straight/gay situation. I was married to a man for 12 years and have been with a woman for almost 2 years. I love(d) them both with all my heart. The thing that kills me with this is the four of you have been sexually and emotionally involved with both sexes. For you to miss this opportunity to love and support your family baffles me. JR, your youngest son is one of the most loving, awesome people I have ever met. I can’t believe you asked him to hold his tongue, HE WAS RIGHT you both were wrong. Get your shit together or lose those two forever.”

Eva rejoined the family on their way to find AJ and Scott.

They all piled in their cars and headed over to AJ’s home. When they arrived, they found that the boys were not there. Mel and Grant were riding with Max, Cheryl and Jim. She leaned out the window for everyone to follow them. They made their way the short distance to Scott’s home. Max pulled in right behind AJ’s vehicle as they were getting ready to leave.

Evelyn was out of the car in a flash and at Scott’s window. “Skeeter I get that you are done with the antics but please don’t shut us out. Everyone is here to make sure you know they are not aligned with Teddy’s running diatribe, say goodbye before leaving for home and make sure you will be in Chelan for Thanksgiving.”

AJ smiled at his mom – “Mama, I know it is a Teddy/JT thing – yeah, I know JT didn’t say much but he supports his friend which I’m not going to lose sleepover. We had planned on coming to Thanksgiving but know there will be 4 of us, not 3.” AJ winked at his mom.

Mel was standing at AJ’s window. She shut the car off, opened the door and got Conor out of the back. Max did the same with Caleb and everyone went into Scott’s house. When Nanny walked in Scott looked her in the eye – “I dare you to find something in here that has man stink on it or would make you think I’m a slob.” Nanny kissed his cheek, she and Aoife started looking around.

The rest of the family told the two they were behind them being a couple. They were not at all supportive of them finding wives and keeping each other on the side. It was clear that everyone wanted them happy and if that was together then just be together. Over the next 30 minutes, everyone said their goodbyes and hit the road for home. Gina had made certain that Mo & JT were riding home with Teddy and Becca and they indeed were.

Evie, JJ and Nanny were the final group getting ready to leave. As Nanny said her goodbyes, she hugged Scott and let him know she had unfairly stereotyped him. They hugged and Scott let it be known that he had stereotyped her as well – he thought she would be a homophobic old lady but indeed she was a progressive loving grandmother. As they were saying their final goodbyes, the doorbell rang. JJ opened the door and in walked JR, Teddy, Becca, JT and Mo.

Scott was not happy with the lack of respect – “Really, you just walk in without being invited. You made it clear you did not support us, so leave my home before I throw you out.” Scott was visibly upset so AJ took his hand and turned him to face him, he held his face – “They aren’t worth getting upset over. I have spent the last 8 years letting a pedophile control my life. Don’t give up your power and let someone take you down a path that is not you.”

AJ turned to the 5 new arrivals – “I’m not sure how much more there is to say. You have stepped where you should not have stepped. Unless you are here to apologize and truly mean it, it would be best if you leave.”

JR took a step toward Scott and AJ stepped between the two men. JR let his displeasure be known with a scowl. AJ smiled and simply stated – “I know you are his dad but from what I now know took Teddy’s side in a situation where he was dead wrong. If you want to say something positive say it but don’t think for one minute I’m going to stand idly by and let you bully Scott.”

JR took a deep breath – “I’m not sure I like you very much right now.” AJ chuckled – “Well Mr. Reed the feeling is mutual. As Scott pointed out you were not invited in, it appears you are here to intimidate, so I will ask on the behalf of the homeowner for you to leave before law enforcement needs to intervene. Before you say a word, my dad is a judge in this state, my sister and brother-in-law are both lawyers. Suffice it to say – I understand the legal implications here and as the Chief of Police it would do you no good to have a sworn complaint thrown at you for trespass and physical intimidation. So, either get to groveling or step off.”

JR snorted and shook his head – “Scott you are never going to have a dull moment in your life. This one is a firecracker and one I will be proud to call son. I’m an idiot, you and your sister are right, I have ALWAYS sided with the jackass we call Teddy. I still don’t fully understand how you got here but as I told you before I have no problem with anything in your life. I am sorry that I asked you to calm down instead of ripping your brother a new asshole.”

Teddy stepped forward – “Which he, Becca and Mo did after everyone left. I blew it, I made my decision long ago and chose a life with Becca which is/was and always will be the right decision. I will admit my stance is based solely on ‘what could have been with JT’ had I chosen differently. Seeing him again brought up all the old conflict and instead of dealing with that I meddled in your business.”

JT stepped forward – “AJ/Scott – I stood by and let it continue because I’m an idiot and thought it my place to question your decisions. It’s not and I’m sorry for not standing up and kicking his ass. I’ve been a shit big brother to you AJ and it stops today.”

Mo and Becca stepped around their idiot husbands and said together – “If you will have us, we’ll dump these idiots for the better brother.”

Mo continued – “AJ in all seriousness, you are the best O’Brien I know. You put family first and foremost, you put your needs behind everyone else, you make sure that everyone is taken care of, you love us all unconditionally even when we don’t deserve it. Don’t shut us out, please.”

Becca took Scott’s hand – “Scooter, you are the kid brother that I never had, you are the best man I know and that is a tall order. I should have handled my outburst better but it was clear that AJ had heard Teddy’s mouth running yet again and I blew a gasket.”

AJ took Scott’s hand and told those gathered – “Give us a minute. JR, I swear to all that is good and holy you are going to be the death of me, what?”

JR smiled, shook his head and grabbed both men in a hug – “God you are annoying, all I was going to say is I love you son and God help me I believe YOU are going to be a permanent fixture in my son’s life.”

AJ punched JR in the gut, hard enough to elicit an exhale of breath but not hard enough to hurt too badly – “Well color me surprised Scott, I think your daddy done got a crush on your man.”

Scott was still not in the mood to play nice – “You all have given me some things to consider. I’m not ready to forgive and forget, the two of you have long been aligned leaving Mel and me with the leftovers from dad. I was not asked to but I changed my career to make sure dad was not alone after mom died and you went on with your merry little life. Dad, you joke about AJ being a pain in your ass but what you fail to recognize or acknowledge is that you and Teddy have been a pain in my ass for 25 years and I’m not sure an apology for your recent behavior is going to set the scales right.

I will always love you as my dad and brother but I can’t say I like either of you right now. Being around AJ and knowing his story is giving me the strength and courage to stand up for what I want and need. Right now, that is some respect and distance. Let me get my head right and my personal life sorted, then I will deal with you both in due course.”

Teddy stepped toward Scott, with AJ stepping between – “AJ for God’s sake I’m not going to hurt him, I just need to talk with him.”

AJ smiled his best smile – “Teddy, it is obvious to me that you don’t listen to anyone. If you did, you would know by what Mo said earlier, that I put family first and foremost. Scott is family, his actions and the love he has shown me tells me he is part of me forever. As such I will not allow anyone to hurt him, it is clear you have and you are not respecting his ask for time.

Having been raped repeatedly at the age of 13, I know a bully when I see one and you Teddy are a bully used to getting your way. All Scott is asking for is time to get his head straight with all that has gone on in his life. That is much less an ask than you are asking for forgiveness for being a judgmental prick.”

JT stepped in – “Teddy we have shared a lot in our lives including being shit for big brothers. I was not there for AJ when he was growing up but I committed to being there for him going forward so I’m telling you here and now don’t push it or you will have to deal with me as well.

AJ/Scott, I am truly sorry for my part in all of this mess. I realize I have done nothing to earn your forgiveness but I will guarantee you I will work my ass off to show you the love, kindness and generosity that my brother exhibits every day. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I hope to see you for Thanksgiving and yes mama I know the rules. I love you both.”

Mo stepped forward and pulled AJ into a hug – “Skeeter, I love you with all my heart. You are truly special and I hope you continue to heal and grow your love with your other half. Scott, you have a winner here. You hurt him and I hurt you.” She kissed them both on the cheek and elicited a smile from both with the last comment.

Becca pulled Scott and AJ into a hug – “Scooter, I mean it when I say you are the best man I know, at least for now. AJ is giving you a run for your money. I love you and AJ as Mo said, you hurt him, I hurt you.” She kissed them both on the cheek, grabbed Teddy and pulled him toward the door.

Teddy stopped at the door – “I’m truly sorry for being an ass now and in the past. Please don’t shut me out, even though you both have every reason to do so. Give me a chance to make it right.”

JR was still standing there shocked and dismayed – “Son, I don’t understand how today went so wrong. It did sure as shit and I know I played a big part in it. I’m truly sorry for my behavior today and how I played favorites in the past. I don’t have the right to ask or expect you to give me a chance to change but I’m asking anyway. I love you with all my heart and all I am asking you to do is allow me to show you I too can change. You both know where to find me. AJ, you have turned this family upside down in a few months, my son fell in love with you, you brought my long-lost nephew back, you shined a light on my idiocy and you challenge me to be a better man. Syd, thank you for bringing this Tasmanian Devil into my life.”

JR grabbed the door handle and AJ placed his hand on top of JR’s – “Hold the phone here old man. What the hell did you just call me?”

JR looked completely caught off guard by the proximity as AJ had been clear across the room – “Tasmanian Devil – you know the cartoon character that is a whirlwind of destruction but all good destruction as it turns out every time.”

JJ, Evie, Nanny and Scott were all watching the exchange very closely. Initially, they were concerned that AJ was going to blow a gasket but it was clear that something else was happening.

AJ pulled JR into a tight hug – “Syd, where are you? I know you are here somewhere.”

Everyone was looking at AJ like he had lost his mind. Syd showed herself to AJ, she was standing just behind JR, who AJ released and unceremoniously moved aside – “My love, what are you doing now?”

Syd smiled at AJ – “I thought I had done all the work to get you two together but you both are a bit stubborn and pig-headed.”

Scott called out – “I resemble that remark but it’s not fair for you to put all this bullshit on us.”

Syd stifled a laugh, barely – “Calm down big boy, you are showing your stubbornness again. As I was saying before being so rudely interrupted, hold the phone, Scott, you can see me, can’t you? Finally, you wiped the crap off your eyes after pulling your head out of your ass.”

AJ laughed – “Syd play nice. You are the one that has pushed us together, you can’t take offense when it finally happens.”

Syd shook her head – “I’m not offended that it happened, I’m offended that the lot of you are such pains in the ass that you can’t just love and let live. JR get Teddy in line; JJ get JT to stop being his usual asshole self. Nanny and Mama – slap some sense into all of them. You all know I’m right – AJ and I were meant to be and so are AJ and Scott. Stop the damn fighting and questioning and just love them for God’s sake and by the way, he is getting as annoyed as I am. I gotta go and please don’t keep screwing things up.”

AJ and Scott turned to their parents and asked if they had all heard Syd. They indeed had all heard her and committed to doing as she asked. It was high time the families came together and stopped the insanity. AJ and Scott kissed Nanny, Mama and Pops as they left for Chelan.

JR lingered a moment – “I don’t understand exactly what happened there but it is clear you two saw Syd, I only heard a voice. The same voice that told me to be kind to her Tasmanian Devil. When she said that, I knew she was right you are a Tasmanian Devil – always moving, where it doesn’t seem humanly possible for someone to be, but a heart as big as all outdoors. I’m going to head out and leave you two alone. Again, I’m sorry and I will work to do better.”

AJ hugged JR and Scott shook his hand. It was clear Scott had more to consider before he was ready to let bygones be bygones. JR, JJ, Evie and Nanny said their goodbyes and left the young men alone.

Conor and Caleb were asleep on a blanket next to the sofa. They were out for the next hour. AJ pulled Scott to him, he kissed him deeply causing them both to go a bit weak in the knees. They continued to kiss and explore each other’s bodies with their hands. They both were hard as nails but were in no hurry to move to outright sex. Scott eventually pulled back and asked AJ if they could talk for a while. He needed AJ to be a sounding board and help him let this crap with his family go.

The two talked about everything that had happened in the last 24 hours, the past few months and all about their lives before they had met. It was clear they had similar upbringings, a love of life, hard work, working out and both had a strong vision for the future. AJ was going to be a doctor and Scott was committed to getting his law degree.

They talked about their relationships with their older brothers, parents and siblings. Both being the youngest in their family the interactions were very similar. Scott let AJ know he envied his relationship with Gina, he so wished he had had that in his life. What they both shared was a contentious relationship with their older brothers. JT and Teddy are very similar people and the shocking part of it all was they had been lovers while in college. Head spinner that one.

The boys started to stir, Caleb sat up and rubbed his eyes – “dada, uppy”. AJ picked him up and cuddled him for a bit when Caleb pushed back a bit and pointed to his shorts – “wet”. Conor sat up – “dada, uppy”. Scott picked him up and he pitched a fit, yelling “dada, dada, dada.” Scott smiled and handed him over to AJ. Conor got his cuddles in and also expressed he was wet.

He then turned to Scott and stretched his arms out – “uppy”. Scott was done for; tears were running down his face as he pulled Conor to his chest – “Looks like we need to head to your house so we can get them changed and fed.”

They put the boys back in the Tahoe and made their way to AJ’s house. As they were taking the boys out of the car Brett, Brent, Chase and Steve walked up to them. AJ closed his eyes and shook his head – “Oh lord give me the strength to deal with these four women from the neighborhood welcome committee.”

Chase hugged his big – “Fuck you, you turd. Women, screw off you know perfectly well that we are all well-hung, virile, hot and horny MEN. To that end, how was popo?”

Scott laughed out loud from the front of the vehicle – “Chase you are such a little girl – ‘popo’ really? Can’t you come up with a better nickname?”

Chase just smiled – “Popo, you walking funny yet? I can’t imagine a tight virgin ass dealing well with the slab of meat AJ is packing in those shorts.”

AJ stepped in before this got too far out of hand – “Boys, where my dick has or has not been, is none of your business. As with all of your antics of the summer I’m not playing your games. If you all can’t behave then saunter back to whence you came.”

Brent was annoyed with the party pooper – “Oh my god, you have become such a stick in the mud. Lighten the fuck up and have a little fun for a change. You have a fucking hot ass boyfriend, you have gorgeous friends , two of the most adorable little guys in the world. Quit being such a 50-year-old man, act your age.”

Chase hugged AJ and whispered in his ear loud enough for everyone to hear – “I guess it’s his time of the month.” Which elicited a smack to the back of the head from Brent. “Ouch. God needs to remind me why I love you. All of that aside, Brent is not wrong, you are acting like someone more than twice your age and half your fun. What’s that look for?”

Brent had the most god-awful look on his face – “He may be cute as all get out but he just peed on me. Uggghh. Here take him, come on AJ he’s yours.”

AJ was laughing his head off – “Dude, just take him in the house and I’ll get him changed, there is no reason for both of us to be wet. No, just do it.”

They all made their way inside. It turned out that both Brent and Scott were wet. AJ had diapers, wipes and fresh clothes ready by the time Scott had Conor’s diaper off. AJ looked at the others – “Really? Not one of you could be bothered to strip Caleb. What are you afraid his dick is bigger than yours already?”

Scott laughed – “knowing their father has a huge dick, it’s something they should worry about.” As the words came rolling out of his mouth, he looked up at the 4 men standing there staring at him. Brett was the first to react – “Scott how was it? Is he any good in the sack? Trav said he was but I don’t buy it. Big, dicked dudes typically think just because they have a big dick they don’t need to try.”

Scott was brought back to the present as Conor peed all over him. He left him unattended/undiapered too long. AJ already had Caleb changed and re-dressed. He moved Scott out of the way and finished up with Conor. AJ took the diapers to the pail, the clothes to the laundry room and came back to 5 men just staring at each other.

AJ snickered to himself; he was certainly not getting in the middle of this conversation.