Coming of Age

Family tension

Elliot – “I have standing, I am her father and we will do it my way or by God, I will go to court and stop you.”

AJ – “Stephen, I have everything outlined here in Sydney’s will, our marriage license and a summary of what I just mentioned. Do you have any questions for me?”

Stephen – “Mr. O’Brien, I wish we could all be as organized as you and your late wife were. Based on what you outlined and the laws in this state, I will get moving on carrying out your wishes immediately. Is there anything else you need from me?”

Elliot was in the corner on the phone with his attorney. His level of frustration was climbing and he was getting louder and louder. It was clear this was going to be an ongoing rift between AJ and Elliot. Charlene had moved over to her husband and was trying to get him to calm down, they needed to be united if they were going to change things. Gran was holding AJ’s hand and telling him she would deal with Elliot.

AJ – “Stephen, first please call me AJ or Skeeter. Second, is Sydney here as I would like to spend a few minutes with her?”

Gran – “I would as well, AJ would you accompany me, I’m not sure I could do this without you there.”

AJ – “Nice try Gran, but yes we can sit together.”

Stephen – “AJ, let me have 15 minutes just to make sure she is ready for her final visitors.”

Elliot finished his call and joined the others around Stephen’s desk – “Our attorney is drawing up papers to have control of this service taken away from you based on your grief and inability to discharge your duties as her executor.”

Jonathan had had enough – “Elliot/Charlene – you two need to get a grip. AJ is Syd’s husband and by law has care custody and control in this situation. I am a judge in this state and understand the law better than you do – there is no judge in this state that I can’t overturn if they happen to side with you. Your daughter outlined her desires in her will, are you going to disparage her last wishes with this fucking nonsense?”

Charlene saw red and started to rant. Gran stood up and got directly in front of Elliot and Charlene – “You two need to listen and listen well. Charlene, I love you like you were my biological daughter – let me ask you this – ‘if Elliot were the one that died and I came in and started in on your desires for his funeral because I am his mother how would you react? Exactly you would be appalled, pissed and telling me to go to hell. AJ has been nothing but kind and accommodating. I am telling you both here and now – back off and support your daughter’s decisions or I swear to all that is good and holy you will not be happy with how I come down on the two of you.”

Stephen came back in, noticed the tension but plowed forward. Those of you that would like to say your final goodbyes please follow me. Everyone moved to the door except Elliot and Charlene, AJ told everyone to go ahead and he would catch up – “Elliot/Charlene – I know this is very hard on you. After only 4 months of being a dad, I realize that I’m prepared to go first, I can’t imagine losing one of the boys. I can only imagine what you are feeling. That said – I am Syd’s mouthpiece. There are things I don’t want to do for this service but I’m going to man up because that is what SHE wants me to do, not what I want to do. These are her final wishes and I will not let you or anyone detract from them. She put a great deal of thought into them and they will be done. I hope you will get on board and not fight me on this because I want you to be part of our lives now and in the future. Rest assured, fight me on this and I will push back hard and I will win.”

AJ moved to the viewing room to join the rest of the family and quietly said their goodbyes to Syd. AJ talked with Stephen about final preparations and when to pick up Syd’s ashes. Stephen handed AJ a small envelope that contained a couple of things that had not been removed when Syd had been hospitalized, which AJ was thankful had not been lost. He had received her engagement and wedding rings and the Celtic cross she always wore but her charm bracelet was nowhere to be found. It was in the envelope and would be added to the jewelry box that was holding the other items that were important for Syd’s legacy.

Elliot and Charlene made their way in as everyone was stepping out. AJ wrapped up his conversation with Stephen, thanking him for his patience and help at this difficult time. As AJ stepped toward the door, Elliot and Charlene each took a hand and apologized to AJ and then pulled him with them to Syd where they apologized to their wonderful daughter and said their goodbyes to her. The three walked out arm in arm and all was right again. Stephen told them that the others had left and would meet them back at AJ’s house. The three thanked Stephen, Charlene and Elliot apologized to him and they got into AJ’s truck.

AJ took the long way home and stopped back by the park. He needed to spend a bit of time in ‘their’ spot and he wanted to share this with Elliot and Charlene. He took them down to the side of the river where he and Syd had all of their deep discussions and the boys were conceived. They talked, laughed and shared memories of times with Syd. It was a good thing to do so that they could start to heal. AJ’s phone buzzed; it was Eva – ‘are you all still alive? No one’s killed anyone have they?’

AJ – ‘we are heading back now; we needed some time to get things squared away. All’s good.’

Eva – ‘good, your fraternity and Syd’s sorority sisters have invited the family over for some time with them. Food, drinks and stories on the lawn at your frat. We’ll meet you there.’

AJ – ‘fuck.’

Eva – ‘what?????’

AJ – ‘who was there???’

Eva – ‘Brett, Chase and Trav.’

AJ – ‘who did the talking?’

Eva – ‘Trav’

AJ – ‘God help him if he tries to get me to entertain.’

Eva – ‘smiley face emoji.’

AJ drove back to the frat, he parked in the senior lot. No, no bad brother as he didn’t live in the house. Ooops. They could all get stuffed if they had an issue. He led Elliot and Charlene into the house where the house mom grabbed him and hugged him tightly. They conversed in French as she was a native and preferred to not have everyone know her business.

Sandra – “Mon cher garçon - comment vas-tu?” (My sweet boy - how are you holding up?)

AJ – “Maman, je tiens le coup. J'ai l'impression que ma lumière s'est presque éteinte. La seule chose qui me tient ensemble, ce sont mes bébés. (Mama, I'm holding on. My light feels like it has nearly gone out. The only thing holding me together are my babies.)

Sandra - “Doux garçon, si tu as besoin de quoi que ce soit, fais-le moi savoir. C'était une belle personne et elle a toujours été très gentille avec moi.” (Sweet boy, if you need anything just let me know. She was a beautiful person and was always very nice to me.)

AJ - “Elle était mon tout.” (She was my everything.)

AJ was interrupted by Trav. He asked Sandra and AJ to join everyone on the front lawn for a moment of silence in honor of Syd. Which AJ would never refuse and Sandra loved AJ like a son so she would be there for him and say her goodbyes to that wonderful lady.

Trav shoved a microphone into AJ’s hand and started speaking into the one he had in his hand – “I know, bad form my brother. That said I know you would have hidden and not agreed to this if I told you the truth. I would like to get everyone’s attention for a moment.”

AJ had turned and headed for the door, but his path was blocked by both his and Syd’s entire pledge classes. There were mics in the group and AJ was getting a very bad feeling about this. “Trav, I’m going to kill you.” AJ grabbed Trav by the neck and had him in a headlock.

Trav – “Thank you all for coming, ouch stop being so rough. This has been a crap few days and AJ quit being a dick. AJ and Syd’s pledge class represented our houses in the moms’ weekend celebrations earlier this spring. AJ seriously let go of my head. Amanda, would you come up here and help us out with Syd’s part of these songs as she and AJ, dude enough already. Were the soloists in the win.”

Everyone was laughing, which was a good thing to help with the tension. AJ was still annoyed but he was grinning that gorgeous ‘aw shucks’ grin. He let Trav go.

Trav – “That was entirely uncalled for. Hey, knock it off, I know you can kick my ass but stop. You know you are going to do this so settle down big boy. Thanks, Amanda. Without further ado or more abuse of my body by AJ here we go.”

Trav handed the mike over and had the music queued up.

This car is automatic
Systematic
Hydromatic
Why it’s a Grease Lightning (Grease lightning)

I got chills they're multiplying
And I'm losing control
Cause the power you're supplying
It's electrifying

You better shape coz I need a man
And my heart is set on you
You better shape up
You better, to my heart I must be true

You're the one that I want
The one that I need
Oh yes indeed

Why it's a Grease lightning (grease lightning)
We'll get some overhead lifters
And some four barrel quads oh yeah
(Keep talking whoa keep talking)
Fuel injection cutoffs and chrome-plated rods oh yeah
(I'll get the money I'll kill to get the money)

With a four-speed on the floor, they'll be waiting at the door
You know that I ain't braggin she's a real pussy wagon
Grease Lightning
Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go

Go Grease Lightning you're burning up the quarter-mile
Grease lightning go grease lightning
Go grease lightning you're coasting through the hit lap trial
Grease lightning go grease lightning
You are supreme the chicks'll cream for grease lightning
Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go

Summer loving had me a blast
Summer loving happened so fast
I met a girl crazy for me
Met a boy cute as can be
Summer days drifting away to oh oh the summer night

Tell me more, tell me more
Did you get very far?
Tell me more, tell me more
Like does he have a car?

She swam by me she got a cramp
He ran by me got my suit damp
I saved her life she nearly drown
He showed off splashing around
Summer sun somethings begun but oh oh the summer nights

Tell me more tell me more
Was it love at first sight?
Tell me more tell me more
Did she put up a fight?

It turned colder that's where it ends
So I told her we'd still be friends
Then we made our true love vow
Wonder what she's doing now
Summer dreams ripped at the seams but oh those summer nights

Tell me more, tell me more

AJ hugged Amanda and thanked her for filling in. AJ hugged every one of his brothers and sisters. As he got to the end of the group of girls, he saw two of the three sisters that had been in the accident with Syd were trying to blend into the wall. It was obvious they were out of sorts. AJ didn’t understand what was going on. Alisha bolted past AJ and down the steps. Annie was crying but hugged him tightly. – “I’m so sorry, Syd would still be here if we didn’t guilt her into going with us.”

AJ instantly understood why Alisha had bolted. AJ pulled Annie into a tight hug. He turned around just as Trav started babbling again.

AJ – “Honey, will you do your boyfriend a favor and stop talking for a minute?”

Trav turned bright red and just stood there with his mouth hanging open. AJ continued – “damn I’m going to have to remember that one to get motor mouth to shut up in the future. I don’t want to bring this celebration down but I need to say something that may do just that. First, I have to say thank you, honey, your stunt did get me in a better mood.”

AJ kissed a red-faced Trav on the lips, everyone was laughing and enjoying Trav’s obvious discomfort, except Jer who was a shade of jealous. “Man, this is fun seeing you sweat. Jer come on up here and I’ll kiss you too, will that wipe the sour expression off your face?”

Jer flipped him the bird, so he walked down the steps and kissed him on the lips and then proceeded to kiss Cyn on the lips and whispered in her ear – “maybe we can get together for a threesome.” Cyn nodded that she was up for that as AJ headed back to the top of the steps.

“Ok, so I did all that to lighten the mood further as I need to say something to everyone here. I know you all should know this but I want to say it again as I don’t believe Alisha nor Annie were at the service last night.” AJ paused to make sure he had everyone’s attention.

“Hey madam Kappa, Gina yeah you, eyes up here. AJ chuckled as his sister mouthed fucking dick. I’m going to be VERY direct now and before anyone says anything – it’s a curse. ABSOLUTELY NO ONE here is at fault for Syd’s death. She went to celebrate of her free will. A high government agent killed here when he chose to drive intoxicated. Alisha, Annie you are not to blame. You were victims too and we are all so grateful you are here with us today. When you see Melissa make sure she knows that too. Please don’t carry this with you any further, know that Syd loved you and was where SHE wanted to be.”

AJ had walked down to each of the girls and hugged them. As he proceeded to the steps, he called out Trav again – so honey, where’d you go? Oh there you are, what songs are you asking me to sing and for how long?”

Trav – “Thank you all for being here and listening to the tribute to Syd. The officers of both houses would like to have AJ sing a few of Syd’s favorite, hey stay away. Why are you being such an ass today? It would be great fun to have you sing for all of us to enjoy. AJ stop it. Would everyone like to hear AJ sing some additional tunes?”

AJ – “Or would you prefer to watch me and Trav make out?”

There were mixed responses from the gathered crowd. As AJ cornered Trav, Julia stepped between the two and AJ came to a screeching halt. Julia hugged AJ and whispered to AJ – you can make out with him later I see he is boned up about the possibility.

AJ picked Julia up and swung her around in a circle. In addition to being Syd’s Gran, Julia was also AJ’s big sister in the fraternity, they were thick as thieves and the only reason Trav got a date with her. Trav hugged his fiancé and whispered to her – “thanks for saving my ass baby.”

Julia chuckled and responded – “I understand that is set to be given away to AJ at a naked boys weekend. AJ be gentle, I want him to be able to walk afterward.”

AJ – “No promises on his ability to walk after I see to him. Ouch. Maybe you don’t need to marry this jackass now, give me some time and I’ll be back to a point where I would make a good husband to you.”

Julia – “You’re just lucky I like you and I can’t wait that long; I’ll be showing before you’re ready to make an honest woman out of me.”

Trav – “What the hell did you just say?”

AJ – “Honey, she said you are going to be a dad, you can still be my boyfriend Julia said so... By the way Julia, congratulations and to be clear you’re the one that has been having naked lady weekends for the past 4 years and apparently corrupted my girl as well.”

Julia – “You can’t corrupt the corrupted and which one of us has kids? Why were you trying to hurt my fiancé and that fine piece of ass you will get to tap later?”

Trav – “Back the truck up dear, you’re telling me you are pregnant and is that why you are pimping my ass out?”

Julia – “Yes, we are having a baby in January so we will be getting married in a couple of weeks at the courthouse. Not pimping you out perse, just breaking the ice and making sure that AJ knows exactly what you want him to do to you during naked guys' weekend. So, AJ why don’t you go sing while I make out with Trav.”

AJ – “Yes ma’am. By the way – you can get married at our ranch in the barn – dad’s a judge and he can perform the ceremony. Syd’s memorial service is next Saturday, will 2 weeks after that work?”

Julia – “That would be awesome, just family and a few friends.”

Trav – Tears running down his face – “yeah Skeet that would be grand.”

AJ stepped up to the front of the porch – “I guess I’m singing again. Please pardon the pain in your ears for the next few minutes.”

AJ looked toward Trav looking to see how many songs he had expectations of and got nothing. He was occupied with Julia and just holding and kissing her. “I don’t know if I’m supposed to keep this a secret or not but Trav and Julia are getting married in three weeks and are having a baby in January.”

Trav – “What the hell AJ?”

AJ – “Sweetie – after all the crap from you today I think you should stop spewing and kiss that girl. Anyway, singing right are you sure you want to hear…”

Trav – “Just fucking sing already, we all love you, you have a great voice and apparently entered into a wet t-shirt contest that we didn’t know we were having.”

AJ – “What?”

AJ’s pledge class doused him in water as he was finishing his bantering with Trav. AJ was soaked with a big bucket of water unexpectedly by his pledge brothers. Everyone was trying to make this a lighthearted deal and they felt it had gotten entirely too dramatic.

AJ – “Fuuuuccckkk. Shit, that was cold, why the hell did you just do that?”

Brent “you were getting way too serious and we wanted to have a good time and lighten up.”

AJ agreed to sing for a while but only if a dry shirt and shorts would be provided. His brothers went and got him some dry clothes, in reality, it was only a pair of shorts and a towel. They held the towel for AJ to change behind and his undies were wet too, so he dropped those and slide the shorts on, which were a bit big and rode low and stayed on because of his big bubble butt but you could definitely see his tattoo and some of his pubes.

AJ – “What are you trying to do to my moms? They have to be mortified because their boy is standing up here showing his junk to the crowd?”

Steve – “Everyone in the world knows you aren’t shy about your body, so suck it up, big boy.”

AJ grabbed Steve’s belt and put it on so the shorts would stay on his body and walked to the edge of the porch where he got help from Steve to make sure most of the tattoo was visible and no pubes were showing.

AJ returned to the center of the porch and realized he had no idea what was loaded on the sound system. “Hey, honey, what’s the song list, or do I just have to play name that tune as the songs start?”

The music started and the first song out of the gate was – ‘sold’, followed by ‘move ya body’ which the younger crowd was all in on this one but the ‘adults’ were a bit dubious. The list was varied – ‘redneck woman’, ‘tequila makes her clothes fall off’, ‘how do you like me now’, ‘don’t stop believin’, ‘all you need is love’, ‘drop it like it’s hot’, ‘salt shaker’.

Someone yelled out – “it looks like popo is going to shut us down.’

AJ kept singing. Jer and Cyn went over to the police officers and showed them the permit signed by the police chief and the president of the university. The officer made it clear they were not there to shut it down; they were just making sure things were ok. Everyone should enjoy themselves and not cause issues. AJ was dancing, singing and having a great time on the outside. On the inside, he was struggling but he was going to just deal with it later.

When ‘brown-eyed girl’ came on AJ changed the words so they matched Syd’s blue eye color. Everyone was dancing around and having a great time. AJ acknowledge the parents and grands leave but the rest of the family stayed. All of his siblings and spouses had attended WSU and were part of the Greek system. His brother was a member of his house, AGR and his sisters were all in Syd’s house Kappas. Mo was a AGD and Max an ATO and Jim a Betta.

As the next song queued up, AJ stepped over and flipped the music to a different input so everyone could listen to someone the actual singers and he could mingle. He talked to a lot of people that afternoon and thanked them all for coming. Brett and Chase had enlisted their Beaus, Steve and Brent to try and get AJ drunk. Again, he was ahead of them, constantly topping off other folks’ beers and never drinking from his cup.

When the four musketeers cornered him, AJ flatly stated “I love the game and enjoy you trying to get me drunk. That stated I’m too emotional right now to be drinking and don’t want to ruin things for everyone.” He hugged each of them and squeezed their asses which elicited moans of ‘yes finally’, ‘tease’, ‘more please’ and ‘thank you’.

Steve attempted to take the belt from AJ but wound up with his shorts and underwear around his ankles. AJ kissed his cheek – “dude you brought me shorts that are too big. You should have known better than to try taking your belt back. You know I’m quicker and stronger. If you want to look at my junk, next time just ask.”

Steve – “we have all seen it. I would prefer to get my hands or mouth on it.”

AJ – “what is it with all you Greek boys – wanting to play with junk”

Brent – “You are such an ass, you know why all the Greek boys want to play with your junk – you’re hot, hung and simply a nice fucking guy. Anyone male or female with a pulse would want to play with your junk.”

AJ – “You know how to flatter a boy. I’ll consider the fab four’s proposal of playing with AJ Jr. and let you know. Are we good?”

The musketeers – “Always”