“This is nice,” sighed Deb as her fingers tightened their hold on Carl’s.

 

“Yes, I am very relieved that we have come to a compromise about my job,” he replied.

 

“Me too. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for keeping Michael out of jail.”

 

“You already have.”

 

They smiled at each other and continued to walk through the park.

 

“I can’t wait until I can take my grandbaby for a walk here.”

 

“You’re going to be one feisty grandma,” chuckled Carl.

 

“Will I be less attractive to you when I become a grandmother?”

 

“Absolutely not! I love babies anyway. I hope to help you babysit as often as possible.”

 

“Great.”

 

“Isn’t that Kinney and Justin?” Carl said pointing to the play area of the park.

 

“Yes. Come on. Let’s go. I want to check on Sunshine.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Didn’t I tell you? He collapsed from exhaustion. He’s been going to school full time and trying to get caught up on everything he missed. Fucking Stockwell! Plus, he’s been doing the graphics work for Brian’s campaigns and trying to get the new issue of Rage finished. On top of all of that, or should I say bottom?  He’s Brian’s boyfriend. I would guess that would be the most tiring.”

 

Carl winced at the joke. “Deb, please, I have gotten used to seeing two guys kiss, but I don’t want to think about what they do in bed. Please.”

 

“HA! Okay, sorry.”

 

“Sweetheart, how are you?” Deb yelled, as she approached the teen. Justin was sitting on the swing next to Gus, while Brian pushed his son. She pulled him into a hug and he almost spilled the carton of milk he was holding.

 

“Hey, Deb, I’m okay except for the fact that you’re squeezing me to death.”

 

“I’m sorry, honey. Have you been taking it easy?”

 

“All I’ve done for days is sleep. I finally convinced Mr. Overprotective over here that I needed some fresh air.”

 

“Fuck you,” smiled Brian.

 

“Fuck you,” repeated Gus in a sweet voice.

 

“Oh, shit!” Brian sighed as he looked at his son.

 

“Shit!” The boy mimicked.

 

Carl, Debbie, and Justin laughed hysterically. Gus beamed proudly, he had made them happy.

 

“Knock it off. You’re encouraging him. Mel’s gonna have my balls in a sling after this.”

 

“Balls, balls, balls,” Gus repeated excitedly, as he went back and forth on the swing.

 

“What do I do?” Brian asked, with a horrified look on his face. “I can’t discipline him. He doesn’t even know what he is saying.”

 

“You were right, we shouldn’t have laughed. Just ignore it and he’ll stop. Eventually,” offered Debbie.

 

“I hope it’s before we take him home. I’ll go change him before we go.”

 

“I’ll do it,” offered Justin.

 

“No, stay here and rest. Hide and seek almost did you in.”

 

Brian scooped up his son and diaper bag and went to the change rooms adjacent to the kiddie pool.

 

“He enjoys fatherhood more than he thought he would. He was so confused after Lindsay talked him into it,” Deb chuckled. “When he told me, I thought he was crazy, but he proved me wrong.”

 

“All I know is the look on his face when he held Gus for the first time. I saw his soul in that moment.”

 

“I know you did, honey, and you and Gus have made such a difference in him, its incredible. I never would have thought that I would find Brian at the park with his lover and son on a Friday evening, but here we are.”

 

“I’ll tell you a secret. I think he’s a little jealous of how close Emmett and Gus are getting.”

“It’s only natural. They live in the same house,” said Carl.

 

“I know and Brian understands that, but I think he’s starting to see that if he doesn’t become the dominant male force in Gus’ life then Gus will find it wherever he can.”

 

Ben opened the door to the apartment and stopped. If he hadn’t known better, he would have thought he was at Deb’s. Confused, he went to the kitchen to investigate the wonderful aroma. He was surprised to find Hunter standing at the stove.

 

“Hello?” Ben asked.

 

“Hi. You’re home early.”

 

“Yeah, I was going to make dinner, but I see you beat me to it. What are you making?”

 

“Spaghetti. I’m not much of a cook so I’m cheating. It’s Michael’s Mom’s sauce, I found it in the freezer. I hope it’s okay that I used it?”

 

“That’s fine. Deb makes great pasta sauce.”

 

“I know I tried a little taste. It’s really good.”

 

“What’s the occasion? Why are you cooking?”

 

“Just that I’m happy that I’m back here. Also, that I must be getting better because it’s the first day since I went back to school that I wasn’t wiped when I got home.”

 

“That’s great,” smiled Ben. His mind was racing. Hunter had actually called the apartment his home. I am so glad he thinks of it as his home, thought Ben.

 

“It’s time I started to help out more around here. I’m not very good at laundry. When I was living on the street, I made sure all of my clothes were dark colors so I could do them in one load at the laundromat.”

 

“Well, thank you. I appreciate that you want to help out more. The three of us could discuss it, if you would like. Don’t worry. Michael is very good at laundry. The first thing I want to do is teach you a little about being HIV positive and staying healthy. I’ve done a lot of research on the subject. I don’t want to seem like I’m trying to stop you from doing what you want to, but I really hope you don’t go back to hustling.”

 

“I know you don’t want me to infect anyone,” said Hunter.

 

“That’s definitely an issue, but I’m more concerned about you. If you start to eat right, exercise, get plenty of sleep and keep the right frame of mind, you could stay healthy for a long time. Until there is a cure.”

 

Hunter made a face. “Does this mean I have to start eating tofu? Because I’m not sure it’s a fair trade off. I hate that stuff.”

 

Ben chuckled. “No, you don’t have to eat tofu, but it’s good for you. Have you tried any of the soy beverages I have in the fridge? They’re flavored so they taste like fruit, chocolate, vanilla, or whatever. Try a few and let me know which ones you like and I’ll get more of those. They are a great way to boost your nutrition.”

 

“I saw those at the store. They’re way too expensive. If I’m not going to hustle, I’ll have to find another job.”

 

“First of all, you don’t have to worry about paying for your food, board, or anything like that,” said Michael, joining the conversation.

 

“Hey, I didn’t hear you come in,” said Ben, as he went to kiss his lover.

 

“Smells great,” Michael said as he went to the stove.

 

“Hunter made it.”

 

“Really? That’s cool of you. Thanks. I hope that you’re serious about the not hustling thing.”

 

“We understand that you’ll want your own spending money. However, why don’t you take a few more weeks to settle into school and get your strength back,” explained Ben.

 

“Whenever you’re ready there are some jobs to choose from, until then we can give you some spending money.” Michael continued.

 

“What kind of jobs?”

 

“Ma could get you a job at the diner. I worked there when I was your age and Justin has on and off for a few years.  Maybe Em could use some help with the catering business. Then there’s always the store. It would be nice to have someone else who could help out, especially after the baby is born.”

 

“I still can’t believe you’re having a baby with a dyke,” said the teen.

 

“Lesbian,” Michael corrected. “I’m starting to get excited. The heartbeat was so much stronger at the last doctor’s visit.”

 

 

 Brian slammed into the diner cursing.

 

“What’s the matter?” Deb asked, concerned that Justin was sick again.

 

“I just got another fucking speeding ticket,” he snapped.

 

“Oh, thank God.”

“Thank God? Thanks Deb.”

 

“Sorry, but I was scared it had something to do with Justin.”

 

Brian’s anger visibly deflated. “You sure know how to put things in perspective,” he sighed.

 

“Sorry.”

 

“It’s the second one in a month.”

 

“Then slow down,” warned Carl, who was eating pie at the counter.

 

“You guys really do have a quota, tell me the truth,” Brian said.

 

“No, we don’t, but there are times when we crack down because the public is getting a little too heavy footed.”

 

“I’ve had four parking tickets, too. Fuck! Deb, could I get a crappy coffee to go, please?”

 

“No, but you can have a wonderful fresh cup of deluxe roast. It’s delicious.”

 

“If that gets you through the day,” mumbled Brian.

 

She put a cup in front of him and slapped the back of his head. “I heard that.”

 

Brian smiled. “Bye.” With that he was gone.

 

Carl watched him go with a pensive look.

 

Daphne was standing at the counter of the apartment she shared with Justin. Dylan was sitting at the little table, waiting for his lunch. 

 

“I am so relieved that the bio-chem exam is over.  I think I did fairly well. What about you?”

 

“I didn’t find it as difficult as I thought it was going to be.”

 

“I’ll check and see if the prof has posted the grades yet,” Dylan said, as he went to the computer that sat on the desk.

 

“Okay,” she replied.

 

“They’re here. I got an 89.”

 

“That’s great. Congratulations.”

 

“Do you want to tell me your student number or would you rather look yourself?”

 

“I trust you. 782-549-316.”

Dylan scanned the screen and stopped. An indifferent look came across his face. “You got 96. The best mark in the class.”

 

“Oh, cool. Thanks for looking. Lunch is ready. What would you like to drink?”

 

“Soda or whatever you have.”

 

They sat down to eat. Daphne smiled as she watched Dylan take a bite of his sandwich, unaware that his mood had changed dramatically.

 

“I told you I didn’t like anything on my sandwich,” he snapped. “There’s mustard on this.”

 

“I asked you if you wanted mayo. When you said no, I asked if you wanted mustard and you said yes.”

 

“I did not.”

 

“There’s no use arguing about it. I’ll make you another sandwich.”

 

“No, I’ll eat it.”

 

When they finished, Daphne got up to clear the table. “What are you doing for the weekend?” She asked.

 

“Nothing specific. We could go to the movies,” he suggested.

 

“That sounds great. I’m free either Friday or Sunday.”

 

“What’s happening Saturday?”

 

“Justin and I are going to an art exhibit. It’s a tradition with us. We go every year.”

 

“JUSTIN! JUSTIN! JUSTIN! I’m so tired of hearing about Justin.” He blared.

 

“What?” Daphne asked confused.

 

“All you ever talk about is Justin. Why don’t you fuck him and get it over with.”

 

“He’s gay,” she laughed.

 

“I know. But for some reason you still follow him around like he’s some kind of God. You are definitely a fag hag.”

 

“He’s been my best friend since we were in kindergarten. Nothing and no one will ever or has ever been able to change that. For your information, we did sleep together. He was my first.”

 

“You fucking slut. Why don’t you go off with your little queer genius? I’m sure he’s as smart as you are. Then you can be happy and challenged together.”

 

“Dylan, I don’t know where this is coming from.”

 

“You think I’m an idiot.”

 

“No, I don’t.”

 

“I’m out of here, Bitch,” he growled. He took the plates out of her hands and slammed them against the wall. Pieces of stoneware flew in all directions. The door slammed in his wake.

 

Daphne was left standing in her kitchen with silent tears trailing down her cheeks. She was stunned. She had no idea what had led to such an outburst. Dejectedly, she quietly cleaned the shards of ceramic that surrounded her.

 

Jennifer rushed through the row of cars in the parking garage. I hate these places ever since… No! Don’t go there, she thought to herself. It was too late. Disturbing images flashed through her head. She started to jog a little in an effort to get to her car as fast as she could. She crossed a lane without looking and a car screeched to a halt. Startled, Jennifer spun around and lost her balance.

 

“Are you alright?” Asked the driver who was now crouched beside her. “Should I call for an ambulance?”

 

“No, I’m okay. I just twisted my ankle a little. I’m sorry that I ran out in front of you like that.”

 

“You should be more careful, I barely stopped in time. Here, let me help you up. We’ll see if you can stand on it.”

 

Jennifer slipped off her shoe and let the man help her up. With a slight wince she took a few steps. “Thank you for your kindness. I’ll be fine now. I’m sure you’re busy.”

 

“I would really feel better if you’d let me buy you a cup of coffee in the hotel’s café. You’re trembling. You shouldn’t be driving in this state.”

 

“I will wait until my nerves settle, but…”

 

“Good. We agree. Here, I’ll help you over to this pole and then I’ll take a minute to move my car out of the way.”

 

Several minutes later, the new acquaintances entered the café. With the man’s help, Jennifer made it to a table and with a relieved sigh, got her weight off the ankle. 

 

“Was something wrong? You seemed to be distracted and in a hurry when I almost killed you.”

 

Jennifer blushed ashamed at her behavior. “Not really. I just get very uncomfortable in parking garages. I must have scared you, too. You look like a very successful man and I went and totally disrupted your day.”

 

“That’s okay. I am very happy that we met despite the circumstances.”

 

He’s flirting with me, Jennifer’s mind was racing. What do I do? It’s been a long time. He is nice and very charming. Not to mention handsome. Jennifer smiled.

 

“I’m just having a bad day. I am in the middle of a divorce and my soon-to-be ex-husband is making things as difficult as possible. He has been drawing out the financial settlement for over a year now.”

 

“That’s too bad. Maybe he realizes what he is losing.”

 

“Not likely. My daughter tells me he found a young ‘friend’ quite awhile ago.”

 

“Have you found someone new?”

 

“Me? No, I haven’t even been on a date since we separated,” she laughed.

 

“What a relief, I hope you are willing to change that fact soon.”

 

“My friends have been trying to get me to go out, but I’m not sure I’m ready.”

 

“You’ll never know until you try. How about I take you to dinner tomorrow evening?”

 

“I would like that, but I have to work tomorrow night. I’m showing a house.”

 

“You’re in real estate?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.

 

“Yes.”

 

“How about the day after that?”

 

“I’m not showing a house that night, but…”

 

“Great it’s settled, we’ll go to Papagano’s.”

 

“This is all happening so fast. I don’t even know your name.”

 

“Nathan Proud.”

 

“Jennifer Taylor.”

 

Brian was sitting at his desk when he heard a knock at the door. “Come in.”

 

“Cynthia mentioned that you wanted to see me,” said Ted.

 

“Right. I was wondering if you would mind looking into the different medical insurance coverage we should be considering.”

 

“Sure. What are you looking for and what kind of budget is the agency looking at?”

 

“I’m not really sure. I would like you to get information on as many choices as you can and then we could narrow it down from there.”

 

“Sure.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

Ted turned to leave but stopped when Brian cleared his throat.

 

“Theodore, make sure you take into account Justin’s medical history, Vic’s HIV and your history as well. I want the policy to include everyone.”

 

“Understood.”

 

Justin raised his head and opened one eye. “Phone,” he mumbled.

 

“I know, answer it.”

 

“I don’t live here anymore, you answer it,” said Justin before turning over and burying his head under the pillow.

 

Then why the fuck are you here, thought Brian. “What?” He barked into the phone.

 

“Brian?”

 

“Lindsay, what’s wrong? Is Gus okay?” Brian demanded.

 

“Yes, he’s fine, but I need you to come get him. We are at the hospital.”

 

“If he’s fine, why are you at the hospital?”

 

Justin moved the pillow from his head.

 

“It’s Mel. I think she might lose the baby,” Lindsay said, her voice cracking.

 

“Fuck, I’ll be right there. Did you call Michael?”

 

“His number isn’t programmed in my phone and I am having trouble remembering it.”

 

Brian could hear that she was barely holding it together. “I’ll call him. We’ll be there soon.”

 lang=EN-CA>“What?” Justin asked after Brian hung up.

 

“Lindsay needs me to come get Gus. Mel might be having a miscarriage,” explained Brian, dialing Michael’s number and getting dressed at the same time.

 

“Michael, no I don’t need a ride and I’m not drunk. Listen to me. Lindsay just called from the hospital, it’s Mel. There is something wrong with the baby… Well, I WAS trying to tell you. Do you need a ride?… Okay, I’ll see you there.”

 

When Brian turned around Justin was fully dressed and waiting for him.

 

A kind, middle-aged nurse pointed them towards Lindsay. Turning the corner they saw Lindsay talking to Gus, who was obviously not cooperating. When the boy noticed his father he started to run.

 

“Daddy.”

 

Brian pulled his son into a hug and gave him a kiss. They walked until they were standing with Lindsay.

 

“How is she?” Justin asked.

 

“I don’t really know. They took her to the trauma unit,” Lindsay said, before bursting into tears.

 

Justin took Gus and Brian wrapped his arms around her, trying to comfort her. He was still trying to calm her when Michael and Ben rushed in.

 

“What happened?” Michael asked.

 

Lindsay took a deep breath, wiped her eyes, and turned to face everyone. Debbie and Vic were making their way down the hall.

 

“I woke up and she wasn’t in bed. I thought she was in the bathroom so I just went back to sleep again. About half an hour later I woke up and she still wasn’t in bed. I got up and the bathroom was empty so I thought maybe Gus had another night terror and she was with him, but Gus was sound asleep. I started to look for her and found her at the bottom of the stairs in a puddle of blood,” said Lindsay, crying again.

 

Michael slowly slumped into a chair. Ben sat next to him rubbing his back.

 

“What did the doctor say?” Deb asked quietly.

 

“Nothing, I haven’t heard anything. Riding in the ambulance scared Gus. While I tried to calm him, they had me leave the trauma room.”

 

Michael leaned back in his chair, rested his head on the wall, and closed his eyes.

 

Emmett rushed toward them, “What happened? When I got to the house there was blood on the floor. The paper boy said an ambulance brought someone here.”

 

“Lindsay found Mel at the bottom of the stairs.”

“Why didn’t I hear her fall? Ever since Gus was born I’ve been a light sleeper. I don’t understand how I didn’t hear it. She could have been lying there bleeding for hours.”

 

An uneasy silence fell over the group as they waited. The only sounds that could be heard were Lindsay’s sniffles as she rested her head on Brian’s shoulder and Justin trying to keep Gus entertained.

 

“Ms. Petersen?” Said a man with brown hair and glasses.

 

“Yes,” answered Lindsay. Standing up.

 

“I’m Dr. Winter, I need to know if you have the authority to make decisions for Ms. Marcus, legally?”

 

“Yes, I do but I forgot the paperwork at home. I think it might be on file with her obstetrician, too.”

 

“That’s alright. I’m willing to let you take responsibility, if you are.”

 

“How is she? How is the baby?” Lindsay asked, too scared to hear the answers.

 

“Will the baby live?” Michael asked.

 

“To be honest, at the moment, I’m not certain either of them will make it. She has lost a lot of blood and is still bleeding some. The chances of her carrying to term at this point are very slight. She needs emergency surgery immediately. It is my opinion that Melanie requires a medical abortion and possibly a hysterectomy.”

 

Lindsay gasped, “There is no way to save the baby?”

 

“You have the choice of waiting to see what happens. She has not gone into premature labor yet. We could give her blood and wait. I am doubtful her body can sustain a pregnancy and if the hemorrhaging  gets bad again, she could bleed out before we could do anything.”

 

“Bleed out?” Deb asked.

 

“That is when you lose so much blood so quickly it affects your internal organs. Your body starts to shut down, the result is coma or death,” said Brian pulling Justin into his arms.

 

“That’s correct. Ms. Petersen, I understand that this is a very difficult decision, but the sooner we proceed with the surgery the better her chances.”

 

“We discussed this and she made me promise to choose the baby over her. I did the same thing when I was pregnant with Gus.”

 

“I understand, but I really don’t believe that is your choice in this case. I would give the baby less than a 20% chance and Melanie probably wouldn’t survive the delivery,” explained the doctor. “Her best chance is to do this while we have some control over it.”

 

Lindsay turned away and stared out the window. No one knew what to say.

 

“I think you should sign.”

 

Lindsay turned to see Michael standing there with tears in his eyes. “It’s the only choice,” he continued.

 

“I know, but she’ll never forgive me,” sighed Lindsay.

 

“Yes, she will honey. I have dreamed of a grandbaby but it’s not going to happen right now,” said Deb, then she grabbed the doctor’s clipboard and handed it to her. “Sign.”

 

As she signed she looked to the doctor. “Please don’t do the hysterectomy unless it is absolutely necessary.”

 

“I’ll do what I can.”

 

Everyone sat uncomfortably waiting for news. Gus was tired and nothing pleased him. Lindsay stared off into space. Approaching her, Justin spoke.

 

“Lindsay, why don’t I take Gus home? He’s cranky and tired. He must be getting hungry too.”

 

“Uh…Okay. That would be great,” she answered.

 

“I’ll go with him and bring you back some clothes. Anything else you want or need?” Emmett asked.

 

“Clothes would be great and something to pull my hair back. Shoes. Oh, and bring the legal papers. There is a copy in the front hall desk.”

 

“No problem,” said Emmett.

 

“Wait! There is no car seat here,” she said.

 

“I was planning on taking the bus,” replied Justin.

 

“There you go the bus will… The bus?” Said Emmett with a horrified look.

 

“It will be fun. You’ll see,” smiled Justin. “Say bye to Mommy, Gus. We are going to go home for a little while.”

 

Lindsay hugged her son in her arms. “I’ll see you later, Gus. Be good for Justin. I’ll see you later, baby. Baby,” she repeated and tears started to flow again.

 

Brian took his son out of his mother’s arms and handed him to his lover. “Go,” he said after he kissed them both.

 

The teen carried the crying baby down the hall. Following Justin, Emmett carried the boy’s jacket, teddy, and blanket. Lindsay sobbed in Brian’s arms.

 

“Ms. Petersen?”

 

“Yes, doctor. How is she?” Lindsay asked when she looked up to see the doctor.

 

“She is in the ICU and she’s stable. I was able to stop the bleeding. The pregnancy was no longer viable. You made the correct decision. There was damage to the placenta. It never would have proceeded much further.”

 

“So she is going to be okay?” Lindsay asked hopefully.

 

“Barring unforeseen complications, yes. Unfortunately, it was necessary to perform the hysterectomy. I left the ovaries however.”

 

“Oh, God! She’ll never have another chance,” gasped Lindsay.

 

“Ms. Petersen, I understand your concern but this could have been much worse. The blood loss was substantial.”

 

“Thank you, doctor. I AM very thankful that she will be okay.”

 

“I’m sorry for your loss,” he replied, and then turned to leave.

 

“Thank you. When can I see her?”

 

“The nurse will come get you when she is settled,” he added before he left.

 

 

 

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