Truth Be Told

Part Three 

 

“Hi, Brian,” sighed Molly.

 

“Hey, I’m glad you’re okay,” he said then handed her Gus’ toy so she could play with him.

 

She and Gus played for a few minutes and then…..

 

“Brian?” Molly said sadly.

 

“Yeah.”

 

“I’ve heard people say you never lie. Even when it is something that might make people sad or mad,” Molly said.

 

“No, I don’t,” Brian said looking around the room to see everyone watching and listening.

 

“Can I ask you something?”

 

“Sure.”

 

Molly took a deep breath, tears formed in her eyes.  “Is my Mommy dead?” she asked in a shaky voice.

 

“No Molly, she’s not.  The doctors are trying to help her,” Brian answered quietly.

 

“Really?”

 

“Yes, didn’t Justin tell you,” Brian looked to Justin.

 

“Yes, he did. But I thought he was trying to get me to stop crying,” she said. “Is she going to be okay?”

 

“I don’t know. The doctor’s have been working with her for quite awhile. That’s probably a good sign,” Brian said and lifted the matted hair off of Molly’s face with his thumb.

 

“She was hurt real bad. We were stuck in the car. She couldn’t move and I couldn’t open the door. The fireman had to get us out with a big, loud saw. It took a really long time. Mommy was awake at first. She kept saying everything would be okay and she loved me. She was bleeding a lot. She was getting cold. I tried to give her my sweater but my arm hurt too much. Then, she couldn’t talk much more, she told me she loved me and to be brave. She made me promise to tell Justin too.”  Molly turned to Justin.  “Mommy loves you and is very proud of you. She told me we have to stick together.”

 

Justin smiled with tears running down his cheeks and pulled Molly into a hug.

 

Everyone in the room had tears in their eyes too. Debbie ran out to the hallway then broke down in sobs.

 

Molly pulled away and turned to Brian.  “Do you think Mommy thought she was going to die? Is that why she asked me to tell Justin those things and told me to be brave?”

 

“Maybe, but that doesn’t mean she will die. Sometimes we get scared…” Brian tried to explain.

 

“Even adults?” interrupted Molly.

 

“Yeah, even adults. Sometimes we get so scared we say and do things that we usually wouldn’t, “ Brian said to Molly but his eyes were fixed on Justin.

 

“Like the night Justin was hurt. I saw you crying in the hall. I bet you usually don’t cry much,” Molly said.

 

“Yes, I was more scared that night than I’ve ever been,” Brian answered. “You’re right I usually don’t cry, especially in front of other people.”

 

“Why were you scared?”

 

“Because I thought I was going to lose Justin,” explained Brian. “But I was wrong he got better and he’s fine now. So will your mommy.”

 

“I feel like crying too. I’m very scared that my mommy will die. But everyone wants me to stop crying,” Molly said looking at Justin.

 

“Does crying make you feel better,” asked Brian.

 

“Yes. Did it make you feel better last year?” wondered Molly.

 

“I didn’t really know I was doing it,” he replied. “But if it makes you feel better then go ahead.”

 

“Justin doesn’t want me to. It makes him more sad.”

 

“No, Mol. Look at me. I’m crying too,” Justin reassured her.

 

Molly cried in Justin’s arms until she tired herself out.

 

“Mol, I think we should go back to your room so you can rest,” whispered Justin.

 

“Okay,” she sighed.

 

“Molly, Justin is quite tired himself. And his arm is starting to bother him a bit. Would it be okay if someone else took you back to your room?” Brian asked.

 

“Okay, would you?” answered Molly.

 

“Yes, I will but I’m sure your Dad would like to spend some time with you,” Brian replied.

 

“Well, I want Justin to stay with me and Dad is always picking fights with him. So he can stay here or go home. I don’t care,” said Molly.

 

Daphne noticed that Craig looked disappointed.

 

“Wait, are you and Justin still fighting?” Molly asked Brian.

 

“No, we aren’t fighting,” he answered.

 

“But Justin isn’t living with you anymore. You guys probably fight like Mommy and Daddy, huh?”

 

“No we don’t. Justin needed something that I couldn’t give him right now,” Brian tried to explain. “So he left. But that doesn’t change the way I feel about him.”

 

“Or the way I feel about Brian,” Justin added looking at Brian.

 

“Oh! I don’t think I understand,” said Molly through a yawn.

 

“That’s okay, most of the time I don’t either,” said Brian passing a sleeping Gus to Mel. He then carefully lifted Molly off the chair.

 

“Brian, did you cry when Justin left? Were you scared of losing him again?” asked Molly quietly, but everyone heard her. “And remember you don’t lie.”

 

“I’m not sure if I cried or not but I was sad and lonely. But then I realized that Justin and I will always be in each other’s lives.”

 

“But he is with Ethan now. He seems nice but I don’t think he tells the truth the way you do,” said Molly looking at Ethan.

 

“Few people do,” Brian replied as he adjusted the blanket around her to keep her warm.

 

Brian started to follow Justin out of the hall when Molly stopped him.

“Daddy”

 

Craig moved closer relieved, “Yes, Baby.”

 

“Goodnight,” Molly whispered and gave him a kiss.

 

“Goodnight,” Craig smiled. “I’ll be out here if you need me.”

 

“I’ll be staying with her,” Justin snapped.

 

“Well, if you need a break,” responded Craig.

 

“I think we should go, she’s falling asleep,” Brian interrupted.

 

“No, I’m not,” Molly said through another yawn and snuggled into Brian’s shoulder.

 

Brian followed Justin to Molly’s room and gently set her down on the bed. Justin started to tuck her in.

 

“Will you stay with me?” she pleaded.

 

“Yes,” answered Justin stroking her cheek. He turned to Brian, “can you tell the nurse where I am in case there is any news?  Thank everyone for coming. I’ll call when I know more.”

 

“We’re not going anywhere. Well, maybe Lins or Mel will take Gus home, possibly Vic too. But the rest of us are here to stay,” Brian answered.  “I’ll make sure they find you with any news. Do you want me to get Daphne or what’s his name to come sit with you?”

 

“No. I’d like to be alone for awhile,” he looked at Molly who had already fallen asleep.

 

“Okay. But someone will come check on you in a bit,” Brian said and started for the door but he almost ran right into the nurse.

 

“Good. She’s asleep. How did you get her to calm down?”

 

“Brian did,” Justin said pointing to Brian.

 

“Thank you.”

 

“No problem. If they need anything there’s a whole room full of people that would love to have something to do,” Brian told her before he left.

 

She smiled. “Are you staying?” she asked Justin.

 

“Is it okay?”

“Of course. I’ll get you a cot,” she answered heading for the door.

 

“No. I won’t be sleeping tonight,” he replied sadly.

 

“Is there anything else I can get for you then?” she asked sympathetically.

 

“No thanks.”

 

“I’ll be in and out but if you need me just push the button.”

 

In the hall she saw Brian drinking from the fountain.

 

“Excuse me.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Is there a problem with the father that we should know about?” she asked.

 

“As far as I know, he has been pretty good to Molly.  He and Justin don’t usually talk. She seems to want Justin with her right now. She doesn’t like it when Craig fights with him so she asked. Craig to stay in the waiting room,” explained Brian.

 

“So if she wants to see him, there is no danger?” the nurse asked.

 

“No. I don’t think so. But maybe it should be Molly’s decision right now.”

 

“Thank you. And you are?”

 

“I’m Justin’s b…. uh, friend. Well I guess you should know instead of wondering. Justin and I used to be… together,” Brian explained and watched for her reaction.

 

“I knew that lady in the waiting room looked familiar. I’ve seen her at PFLAG meetings,” the nurse said. Then her eyes widened. “That’s Justin Taylor. I can’t believe I didn’t make the connection. He looks good, really good. I was his nurse for a couple of nights last year when he was still in a coma. I went on maternity leave before he woke up. But I kept thinking about him. I used to call my co-workers for updates. He looks wonderful. I can’t believe there was no long term damage.”

 

“There is a little. His drawing hand isn’t as strong as it was but it’s getting better,” answered Brian. “And he gets headaches, especially when under stress. So could you keep an eye on him too?”

 

“Sure.”

 

“Do you have a relative that is gay?” wondered Brian.

 

“Yes. My step-son. I married an older man with teenage children. After working with Justin I joined PFLAG and now even my stick in the mud husband goes with me. We want to understand Kyle and do what we can so what happened to Justin won’t happen to him or anyone else.”

 

Brian smiled, “maybe you could tell all of that to Justin when things calm down. I’m sure he’d like to know. It would make him feel better.”

 

“Now I remember you. You look a lot better, too. Did you say you guys broke up?”

 

“Yeah about six weeks ago.”

 

“I have a feeling you’ll find your way back to each other. I remember you sitting there watching him. You obviously love him very much,” she stated.

 

Brian looked away.

 

“A friend who was his nurse when Justin finally woke up, told me that you were who he asked for. She thought it was so romantic,” the nurse continued with a smile.

 

“Yeah, well I couldn’t face him. I only came here when I thought he would be asleep. He had to track me down after he got out. Another example of why I’m not the right person for him,” Brian said and looked to the end of the hall.

 

“Is the reason Justin and his father argue because he’s gay?” asked the nurse.

 

“Yes and about me. Craig really didn’t approve of Justin being with someone so much older. He thought I turned him gay. He kicked Justin out of the house almost two years ago and they haven’t spoken since. Craig only visited Justin once while he was in the hospital. I found him yelling at him about ruining his reputation because of the publicity. Thank God, he was still in the coma and didn’t hear him.’

 

“Oh, what a …” she started.

 

“Exactly,” smirked Brian.

 

“I had better get back to work but my name is Sarah and if there is anything I can do for you or for Justin please let me know,” she smiled.

 

“We’re just worried about Molly. Is she really going to be okay?” Brian asked.

 

“Physically she will be fine. In eight to ten weeks her arm will be as good as new. Psychologically and emotionally will be harder. She’s been through a trauma.”

 

“Yeah and what if Jennifer doesn’t make it?” Brian said sadly.

 

“I remember Justin’s mother and how I admired her strength. She’s a strong lady,” offered Sarah.

 

“Yes, we’ve butted heads a few times. She’s tough but reasonable. I wish my mother was like her,” Brian admits.

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