Coming of Age

As AJ’s friends left, the parking lot erupted in chaos, screaming and yelling. They were getting nowhere.

Gina whistled much as AJ did when he wanted to shut things down. She was not nearly as loud but got the point across. “What on earth did you four do now? I would have thought the wedding fiasco would have taught us all that you can push only so far with Syd and AJ. The amount of pushing was directly related to how much influence Syd had on AJ. He does not suffer fools and it is clear to me that the four of you were all sorts of foolish, so spit it out.”

Charlene, Elliot, Evelyn and Jonathan stood there not saying anything which caused the rest of AJ’s siblings to launch into another tirade. Another earsplitting whistle and Gina blew – “I think I was pretty clear that the four of you needed to address the issues you caused. If you don’t want to lose the rest of your family start talking right now as I for one am ready to walk and never be part of this fucking disaster again. NOW!”

Elliot – “How dare you.”

Gina’s fiancé Kevin had had it – “Elliot, I would suggest you back off or I will lay your ass on the ground. I have stood by and let the lot of you treat AJ like a child for too long. That man was hurting bad enough before today and you obviously caused more by something you did. The only way to fix this is to come together as a family. If you don’t see that, then fuck you and the horse you rode in on. Shut it. Let me be crystal clear here – you speak to Gina like that again and you will be eating through a straw for the foreseeable future, am I clear?”

Nothing

Kevin stepped into Elliot’s personal space and got right in his face – “AM I CLEAR?”

Elliot – “yes”

The four parents stood there without talking.

Gran and Nanny started in with what they knew. By the time they had finished it was clear that the ‘rents had decided yet again they knew best what AJ, the boys and the service needed.

Stephanie, who was always at odds with AJ started in with – “Mom, you spoiled him and this is what you got. An entitled little…”

Chandler, Stephanie’s oldest daughter had had enough and let loose – “Mom what the hell is wrong with you? I have no idea why you have such an issue with AJ but you are so totally wrong about him. He is not entitled, he is not spoiled, he has been forgotten by this family. The three of you were out of the house when he came along and you assumed that he was catered to, spoiled and given everything he wanted. I love you Gigi and Papi but you ignored him, you were caught up in your lives and left Aunt Gina and Uncle AJ to their own devices. He is closer in age to Amanda and me than any of you, he is just like a brother to us and frankly, we treat him with more respect than anyone here does. Mom, don’t you dare interrupt me, I’m ready to kick your ass six ways to Sunday.

All of you treat him like shit and don’t even recognize it. He just LOST HIS WIFE for fucks sake and all you seem to care about is he is a spoiled entitled ass. Well, fuck all of you. None of you know what he is going through because you have not listened to a thing he has said.”

Amanda jumped in to help her cousin – “All of you need to look in the mirror. Which one of you lost your spouse 4 months after the birth of your child? That’s right not a damn one of you. Nanny / Gran you have lost your spouses and I know from having conversations with both of you that was hard but you both lost them when your kids were older. Put yourself in the position of walking to the door of the home you share with your forever love and having a police officer on the other side of the door tell you to get dressed so you can say goodbye to the one person you thought would be with you for the next 50+ years all the while holding your four-month-old son.

Dad, give me the keys, I for one am also done with this family for the time being. Keys. Anyone that wants to go with me pile in.”

Amanda, Chandler and most of their cousins piled into their suburban and headed out to their home in Redmond.

Nanny – “Well that was fun. Charlene / Elliot you have a houseful of guests so I would suggest that you, Evelyn and Jonathan head over there. I for one am going to head out, Aoife you up for heading to your house to raise a glass to AJ and Syd?”

Gran – “Yes, let’s take off. Son, I love you with all my heart but you continue to show your utter lack of respect for your daughter, her husband and children. AJ owes you nothing and it looks like the four of you have pushed him away again. Let’s hope he has it in his heart to forgive you again.”

The two grand dames took Jonathan’s keys and headed out. The ‘rents got in Elliot’s car and headed to the brunch. Leaving AJ’s siblings standing there not sure what to do.

Stephanie started – “Well that was fun. I can’t believe AJ…”

Jim her husband put a stop to it – “Are you kidding me right now. Our kids were right, we treat him like a spoiled brat and he has done NOTHING to deserve that. When did you become so callous that you are judging someone who just lost the love of his life?”

Gina – “You have no idea what happened to him as a kid, you were all too busy with your fucking lives to take notice. If he ever shares that with you, I hope you choke on it. Kevin let’s go I’m done with my sanctimonious asshole siblings.”

Stephanie – “How dare you.”

Gina spun and hit her sister between the eyes – “You fucking condescending bitch, you have hated him since he was a kid and I don’t understand why. You make it sound like mom and dad gave him and me everything we wanted, we didn’t have to lift a finger around the house that our lives were sunshine and roses.

You were married with your own kid by the time he was 5, I was 10 and JT was 14. There were 3 different childhoods in our house growing up. You and Cheryl, new parents, eager, didn’t know what they were doing, JT and me, old hat, knew what was going on and had fun doing it and then AJ, late in life baby, the same age as grandkids, no timeless energy.

I know I run to AJ’s defense every time there is family drama but I know the real deal when it comes to him, none of you cared to see what happened. I would bet you a million dollars Steph that if you thought about AJ as a human being and not your spoiled baby brother you would KNOW what happened to him when he was a kid. I think all of you could figure this shit out if you cared to take the time to put our kid brother first for once in your lives.

Kevin, I need to go before I say something I regret and betray the one person in this family that always has my back. I hope you all take the time to believe in your kid brother and put him first for once.”

Gina was in tears as she and Kevin left for home. She loved her family but how could they not know, it was right there in front of all of them. She was 18 when it happened and she figured it out even though she was a senior in high school, self-absorbed and focused on getting out.

Cheryl, Max, Stephanie, Jim, JT and Mo stood there in stunned silence.

Stephanie – “I can’t believe she hit me. I know I deserved it but I still can’t believe she hit me. Do we go over to the O’Reilly’s or head over to your house JT?”

Max – “I for one think we need to go to the O’Reilly’s and help the ‘rents for an hour and then head over to JT and Mo’s for drinks. That way the kids can chill at our house and not yell at us anymore.”

They headed over to Charlene and Elliot’s place. They assisted their parents with hosting duties and made sure that everyone knew AJ sent his regrets but was struggling today and needed some alone time.

Evelyn pulled Steph aside and asked her what happened to her eye. Steph explained that she and Gina had a difference of opinion and Gina had rightfully slugged her for being a bitch and horrible sister. Steph asked her mom when AJ had changed from a fun-loving little kid into a guarded and sullen one. Evelyn thought about it for a moment and let her know it was the summer before he started high school and quit playing baseball.

Stephanie – “Mom, wasn’t that the year the hotshot player from Wenatchee helped the coach with AJ’s team?”

Evelyn – “I’m not really sure, Jon AJ’s last summer of baseball was there a kid from Wenatchee that helped with AJ’s team?”

Jonathan – “I’m not really sure, we were traveling that summer and AJ was spending a lot of time with his friends while we were gone. Why do you ask?”

Stephanie – “No real reason other than Gina and I got into it at the church over AJ and his antics today. She called me out on some things and I’m trying to connect the dots.” What she didn’t say was that she was pretty sure she knew what happened now.

Stephanie excused herself and stepped outside for some privacy. She called AJ and got his voicemail. “AJ, I know today has been a shit show and I know that we have not always gotten along that well but I need to see you. Give me a call so we can meet. I know I don’t say it enough or even show it, but I love you Skeet.”

Trav – “Where the hell are you, the gang wants to hang and we aren’t going to take no for an answer. AJ answer me I need my bro, I don’t care if you need me but I need you.”

AJ – “We are out at the house on Hunts Point.” AJ gave them the address and directions, he sat on the lawn watching the waves. The home was not done but was close – the finishes and furnishings were to be done around Thanksgiving but he would be staying in the guest house with the boys as that was complete. It was a property that Syd purchased with a small portion of her grandfather’s estate that had been left to her in its entirety, which was a huge bone of contention within the family but afforded Syd a great deal of freedom and now AJ and the boys.

AJ had a blanket on the lawn and was enjoying the afternoon with his boys when his closest friends arrived. He sent a text as to where he was on the property. The eight friends walked around the side of the main house and found AJ beyond the pool with the boys.

Cyn – “I knew Syd came from money but holy leprechauns.”

AJ – “Why do you think Charlene and Elliot hated me so much. They thought I was after her money which, just like you I had no clue about and could give two shits about. She was my other half and completed me in a way I have never known. Then the ‘rents decide they know the best and try to control everything. It has been one fight after another since Syd died.

I talked to the attorneys this week and everything she had was left to me. I have them put a trust together for the boys but honestly, I would give it all away to have her back.”

Julia and Brent were putting out the pizza and other food they stopped and grabbed. They were going to have their own send-off.

Jer – “AJ you and the boys can crash with me and the family. It doesn’t look like the house is ready for you.”

AJ – “Thanks Jer but the guest house over there is completed, furnished and ready to go. It has 4 bedrooms/3 bathrooms/living/dining/kitchen/family room. It’s only 3500 square feet, I guess it will do for now.”

Trav – “What the fuck dude? Your guest house is as big as my parents’ home.”

AJ – “The main house is about 12,000 square feet and did I mention that I’m now worth hundreds of millions. By the way please don’t repeat that as I don’t want the boys to be targets. I had no idea how much money Syd had, it was never a consideration. This address is confidential, our families don’t have it and right now I want to keep it that way.”

The gang all agreed with AJ’s request and they began to serve up and eat. A silence fell over them as they ate admiring the view and enjoying the company. AJ was mulling something over in his mind, he needed to talk to someone who was better equipped to help him than those friends closest to him.

AJ – “Ok, so I have something that I need input on and usually I would ask my parents but as I’m not speaking to them, I need advice.” Collective nods were given so AJ continued – “while I was with the lawyers this week, they had a settlement agreement the federal government put forward. It was several billion dollars for Syd’s wrongful death. Apparently, the individual that killed her was an undercover federal agent that was high on coke and they want to settle quietly and quickly.

At the end of the day, I don’t give a damn about the money, but the attorneys are telling me to sue for substantially more than they offered. Syd was a wealthy, promising doctor, loving wife and mother. She had years of income potential as well as denying her husband and boys the opportunity to know her, which they are stating should be worth way more than the offer. What do you guys think – do I unleash the attorneys or do I just settle and move on?”

AJ was met with stunned silence. Chase finally found his tongue – “Skeet, I don’t know what the right answer is but if it were me, I would want to inflict pain and damage. Get the biggest damn settlement you can, set you and the boys up for life and donate the rest if you choose. Just make sure the lawyers get a retainer, not a percentage.”

The rest of the group found their voices and agreed with Chase. The intent was to send a message that you need to be accountable for the actions you take and to be responsible when getting behind the wheel.

AJ talked to his friends about the internment, the scattering of ashes and whether he was overreacting to the ‘rents. In the end, there was support on both sides of the issue. They encouraged AJ to think long-term as the boys would need their grandparents to be part of their life. That said they knew it was time to make sure there were boundaries and the constant interference had to stop and stop immediately.

Ultimately AJ decided to stick with the plan of keeping the two tasks to just he and the boys but he would reach out to both sets of parents in the next few days and start the healing process.

AJ looked at his phone when his sister called and was shocked that Steph had bothered to call him. He was never really sure why the two of them didn’t get along other than he was the male version of Steph. Objectively they were both stunning, with medium brown hair with tons of natural highlights, deep blue eyes, tall, muscular and incredibly smart. He listened to the voicemail and was caught off guard by the ending – ‘I know I don’t say it enough or even show it, but I love you Skeet.’

AJ – “Julia, I hate to ask this but I know you will stay sober. Will you watch the boys for an hour? I need to deal with my sister.”

Julia – “Trav and I will be honored – he is staying sober too and practicing. We have one on the way soon.”

AJ called Steph back. She picked up on the first ring.

Steph – “AJ, thank you for calling. Can we meet at Bridle Trails in 15 minutes?”

AJ – “Yeah, I’ll be there. Steph, thanks for reaching out and I love you too.”

AJ hung up before Steph could respond. They both headed for their cars and were off to their meeting place. They both pulled into the parking lot at almost the same time. They got out of their cars and stood looking at each other.

Steph – “I’m sorry.”

AJ – “For what?”

Steph – “For missing the fact that you were raped when you were 13 by a trusted adult and that I have been shit for a big sister.”

AJ – “What are you talking about?”

Steph – “AJ, I have a black eye from our hot-headed sister and she called me out today for being a lousy bitch of a sister to you and missing what was right in front of everyone’s face. I spent an hour racking my brain and then realized that before you went into high school you changed drastically. You went from a kid that loved baseball, that was carefree, open, loving and downright AWESOME. To a sullen teenager that was afraid of his own shadow. Quit baseball, spent time alone, dove headfirst into self-defense and in general did not like to be touched. I’ve been a PA for 15 years and should have seen the signs sooner.”

AJ stood in stunned silence. Gina was the only one that figured it out and now he was being confronted by the sister that hated him. What the fuck is happening in my life.

AJ – “I can’t believe she betrayed me like that, she swore she would never say anything.”

Steph – “AJ, Gina did not betray your trust. I finally pulled my head out of my ass and thought about someone other than myself for a few minutes and it all clicked. I have not said anything to anyone and I won’t. It is not my story to tell but I had to find you, apologize and let you know that if you need anything, I will be there for you. I’m so sorry I wasn’t before.”

AJ – “Steph will you walk with me for a while?”

The two set off on the trails. They talked about everything. AJ confided that he was still in denial about what happened, he was pissed that he let someone take his love of baseball away and that he allowed himself to be repeatedly raped and manipulated. They talked about why they were the two siblings that were most at odds and agreed it was because they were the same person. They agreed to do better with each other. Try harder and be there for each other. AJ confided that his frustration with the ‘rents stems from them being obtuse about what happened. He didn’t understand how anyone in the family didn’t see that something changed and felt he wasn’t worth anyone’s time as no one seemed to care except Gina.

Steph didn’t try to explain it away, she simply stated we all got caught up in our shit and didn’t see you suffering. We should have but AJ you should have said something. What happened to you was a crime and NOT your fault. You buried it and did not talk about it because you felt it made you weak and somehow you asked for it and let it happen. He was 19 and you were 13, that’s a huge age difference and if I remember correctly Oliver was a big kid and you weren’t.

AJ felt like he had been slapped in the face when she mentioned Oliver Jones’ name. He had buried it for so long that it caused him to physically recoil and lose his lunch.

Steph – “AJ, you need to find some help to deal with this or it will kick your ass for the rest of your life.”

The two siblings made their way back to their cars and agreed to keep talking.

AJ – “Steph, thanks for reaching out. Know that I am going to talk with the ‘rents in a day or two after I cool off but I could not stand by and let others dictate my life any longer. I love you and I don’t let you know that enough either.”

Steph – “AJ none of us know what you are going through as we have not walked in your shoes. That said, you need to figure out a way to communicate better and not assume we don’t care just because we have sucked at showing it in the past. I’m here and willing to meet you more than halfway.

I know you don’t want to hear this because I wouldn’t. You need to talk to a professional about what happened. I’m sure it is impacting you in ways you don’t realize. You did nothing wrong; this is about healing and being right for you, Conor and Caleb. Any time you need me, call and I hope you know this but given our ups and downs I want to say this again, ‘our discussion remains completely between us, it is your story to tell or not’.”

They hugged and bid their goodbyes. Both had lots of missed calls, texts and messages. Stephanie called her husband Jim and went over to JT and Mo’s place to catch up with her siblings.

AJ headed back to his house, friends and boys. He was at a loss for words or thoughts. Steph was right, they were at each other all the time and it was truly because AJ was the younger male version of his sister. Listening to their other siblings complain about each other it was typical sibling shit, but he and Steph it was like arguing and yelling at yourself and needed to change.

AJ thought about his childhood and realized he had shut her out when things went sideways with Oliver. He became distant with everyone and in retrospect, Steph reacted the worst of all his siblings. Both Cheryl and Steph were physically old enough to be his mom; their daughters were 3 and 4 years younger than he. Maybe Steph is right, I need to talk to a professional about what happened. It has been an issue for long enough, he decided there and then that he would address this head-on.

AJ stopped at the grocery store on the way home and loaded up for the months ahead. He made sure to get all the basics and enough food for the entire gang.

AJ arrived back at his and Syd’s new home to find that everyone was chilling out on the grass. The guys were screwing around on the lawn; the girls were playing with the boys.

AJ – “Guys, a little help here please. There are more bags in the car if you would bring them in so we can have something to eat.”

Trav – “Skeet, what the hell. Did you buy out the entire store? We aren’t going to eat all of this.”

Chase – “Hey dumb ass, AJ and the boys will be here beyond tonight. It’s not all about your stomach pretty boy.”

Trav grabbed Chase in a headlock – “You think I’m pretty? Why are you looking at the straight guy with lust on your mind?”

Brent – “Trav you are far from straight. I know you like girls but I also know you have been lusting after AJ for years. Have you been able to get in his pants yet? You spent almost a week with him in Chelan.”

Trav blushed crimson and gave Brent a shove. Let’s get the car unloaded – “I don’t kiss and tell.”

The boys all laughed at Trav. Jer shook his head and smirked at his longtime friend – “Boys with that response it is clear that Trav got a taste of AJ and he liked it.”

AJ had unloaded his first round of bags and was back at the Tahoe where everyone was still making fun of Trav. He was not amused with the antics and let them all know the bags weren’t going to unload themselves. He smacked Trav’s ass and said loudly – “Let it be known that yes indeed I’d tap that and enjoy every minute of it.”

The guys stood there in shocked silence. What the hell AJ just said that he had tapped Trav’s ass. Trav was having all sorts of fits – his mouth was moving but no words were coming out – Guppy talking.

AJ spun around – “What the hell is wrong with you guys?”

Chase yelled after AJ – “You just said you had sex with Trav.”

AJ – “Damn for a communications major you are not very good at listening. I said, ‘I’d tap that’… not ‘I tapped that’. That is a big difference folks.”

Chase – “Then why is Trav guppy talking?”

AJ – “I have no idea, Trav why are you ‘guppy talking’?”

Trav – “You caught me off guard, not something you typically joke about.”

With that save Trav grabbed a handful of bags following AJ into the guest house. He whispered to AJ – “Why would you say that out loud around the hen house? They aren’t going to let it go.”

AJ smiled and shook his head a bit – “Trav I’m sorry if I embarrassed you but I enjoyed exploring with you. Your fiancé permitted us and we tried it out. I don’t think either of us is ready to chuck girls and get married but I do think more naked fun with you is in my future if you are up for it and I wanted to get a reaction out of you.”

Trav – “Holy shit, who are you, what have you done with my best friend AJ? Is this an invasion of aliens?”

AJ – “Fuck off dickhead. I talked with my sister and I realized that thing we talked about in my past has been keeping me from being honest and open about my feelings, wants and desires. Well, no more. I am sorry if I embarrassed you. If you don’t want to explore anymore, I’m good with that too, I just need you to stick with me as my best friend.”

Trav – “I’m not going anywhere and I’m definitely in for more naked fun…”

The guys got the Tahoe unloaded and the items stored away as more pizza, salads & soda were delivered. Julia and Cyn brought the boys in so they could all eat. AJ laid a blanket on the floor in the family room for them to play on while the group of friends sat, ate and continued their good time.

AJ had purchased beer and wine – he was now 21. Julia had just taken a sip of the red wine (her doctor told her an occasional glass would not hurt the baby, just be sane about it) when she coughed and sputtered out “FUCK.”

Cyn was next to her and immediately reached for her stomach. “What’s wrong, do we need to go to the hospital?” Which set Trav off running around looking for his keys and phone.

Julia – “Everyone settle down. Trav, hey honey I’m fine.” She turned to AJ, stood and hugged him. “AJ, I’m so fucking sorry. I’m your big sister and I fucking forgot your birthday. I took a sip of wine and it hit me you turned 21 this past Sunday.”

A chorus of expletives rang out around the house, most about AJ’s birthday but one voice was directed at Julia and her scaring the crap out of her fiancé. He was not amused.

Trav – “What the fuck Jules. You scared the shit out of me. What were you thinking?”

Julia – “Babe, I love you with all my heart but fuck off. I didn’t call, didn’t text and I forgot to do something for AJ. I know this past couple of weeks has been a shit show but that is no excuse for me to forget to celebrate my brother’s life and what is still good in it. So go fuck yourself for the foreseeable future, you ain’t getting near all of this fabulousness.”

Brett – “Jules don’t threaten him with that, he’ll just ask AJ to tap that ass as he grabbed Trav’s ass.”

Trav turned crimson again and was left standing with his mouth open.

Julia – “AJ, would you? I mean with all the baby hormone shit going on, I’m not sure if I’m ready to deal with a cock anywhere near me.”

Trav was annoyed – “Ok so let’s get some things straight here. You will be putting out and you will LIKE IT. Secondly, AJ said he’d tap my ass not that he did tap my ass. If he, had I’m sure I would still be walking funny.” Trav looked at AJ and shrugged with the question of – ‘do we’? AJ shrugged conveying ‘I don’t care’.

With that non-verbal exchange, Trav walked over to AJ grabbed his neck and pulled him into a deep passionate kiss. They were both instantly hard and trying to outduel the other for dominance in the other's mouth.

Julia gasped – “Fuck me that’s hot. AJ, can we use your spare room? I need Travis right now.”