Truth Be Told

Part One

 

“Where’s  Brian?” Michael asked Hank the bartender.

 

Over the loud thumping music he read Hank’s lips more than heard him say “Where else?”

 

Michael rushed to the opposite side of the club and into the backroom. Moans and groans filled the air.  Michael scanned the room. “Hey Todd! Have you seen Brian?”

 

“Hi,” said Todd and pointed Michael in the right direction.  Michael continued the search and spotted Brian leaning against a ledge some guy bent in front of him.

 

“Mikey,” Brian said calmly.

 

“Come on, we have to go!” said Michael.

 

“I’m kind of busy here.”

 

“It’s about Justin,” Michael replied.

 

Terror replaced the pleasure in Brian’s eyes “Is he alright? Is he hurt?”

 

“Well, not exactly….”

 

“Then it’s not my problem. Go find the banjo-picker.”

 

Michael leaned over and whispered into Brian’s ear.

___________________________________________________________________________________________  

 

Brian slammed the jeep into the parking space and immediately jumped out.  He almost ran to the emergency room main entrance.  Michael followed, trying to keep up.

 

“Fuck! Hasn’t he been through enough,” hollered Brian. “He can’t take much more.”

 

“He’s strong, he’ll be okay,” answered Michael.

 

They made their way through the halls. Brian slowed as he passed the chair where he sat devastated and as scared as he’d ever been almost one year ago. Michael nudged him to keep going.

 

They rounded another corner and saw Vic talking with Lindsay and Mel. Gus was sleeping in his stroller next to them.  They seemed very serious but looked somewhat relieved to see Brian rushing toward them.

 

“Where’s…?” Brian started to ask.

 

Lindsay pointed to the left before he even finished the question. Brian saw Ted and Emmett staring across the room at Deb and Justin.  She was trying to comfort him.  Then he saw Ethan who watched cautiously as Brian neared.

 

Brian stopped when Justin turned to look at him.  Their eyes met for a long moment before Justin’s strong, brave face started to crack. His emotions, fear, saddness, and pain bubbled to the surface.  He gasped trying to regain his composure.

 

Brian lifted his arms invitingly and before he could stop himself Justin buried himself in Brian’s strong embrace. The tears came easily now that he felt safe.  Brian held him tight and rubbed his back. He looked to Deb.  “any more news?” he asked.

 

“No,” she said sadly. “But it doesn’t look good.”

 

“Has anyone called Daphne?” Brian wondered.

 

“She’s on her way,” answered Ethan.

 

Brian nodded as Justin stiffened in his arms after hearing Ethan’voice. It pulled him back to reality and he started to calm himself. He used the same techniques he used to get past the anxiety attacks from the bashing. Brian recognized his efforts and loosened his arms.

 

Justin lifted his head and apologized to Brian and thanked him.  He started to turn away as the awkwardness they had felt around each other for the last six weeks returned.

 

Emmett, Lindsay and Debbie looked somewhat heartened by the display of affection and understanding but saddened by the fact that it didn’t last.

 

Brian held Justin’s head in his hands. “You are not going to have to do this alone. You have a large family now. We all care about you very much and we’ll do whatever we can to help.  That’s why we’re here. Look around, we are all here.”

 

“I don’t think I can do this,” Justin gasped.

 

“Yes you can. Take it one step at a time.  Where’s Molly?” asked Brain.

 

“She’s in surgery,” mumbled Justin.

 

“What?  I thought she wasn’t hurt that bad?” Brian exclaimed.

 

“She broke her arm. They wanted to set it surgically,” explained Deb.

 

“Did you get to see her?” Brian asked Justin.

 

“No, but Debbie did. She got here first,” said Justin.

 

“You can tell she’s Sunshine’s sister. That’s one brave little girl,” Deb replied smiling.

 

“And you both get it from your mother, Justin. I remember holding you in that damn parking garage covered in your blood. I was sure you were gone.  That you’d never be the same again or worse. And look at you, your perfect and beautiful again.  There is still hope,” Brian said encouragingly.

 

Justin offered him a small smile.

 

“Justin.”

 

“Daph, I’m so glad you’re here,” Justin said rushing over to her.

 

“Justin, Brian is right.  You remember when Molly was born and there was a problem.  They thought your Mom wouldn’t make it.  Your Dad even came to get you to say goodbye to her. And then less than two months later she was hiking with us for wilderness camp.  She’s a fighter, Justin,” Daphne said with tears in her eyes.

 

“I’d sort of forgotten that,” Justin replied.

 

From further down the hall, Justin heard a familiar voice yelling.  “My wife and daughter were in a car accident.”

 

Justin stepped out into the hallway, “Dad.”

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