Truth Be Told

Part Eight

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Brian was restless. He'd been through every magazine in the room. He tried to get the TV to work, but only got the weather channel. He played with Gus until he fell asleep again. He counted the floor and ceiling tiles about seven times each. He even sorted the contents of his wallet. Mel smiled when she saw a picture of Justin and Gus shoved into a back compartment.

He never felt this uncomfortable around the gang. All that time and energy spent keeping his real feelings and true self hidden and protected was wasted. Everything had been revealed here tonight. Well, not everything but everything that was important. It had all been spilled out onto the waiting room floor. Now, everyone knew how he felt. That he was a coward, to scared to take another chance. Yes, they all knew, everyone knew except the one person who should know—Justin. He felt raw, exposed and uncertain of how to proceed. He wasn't sure how to salvage what was left. Would they all fall back into old ways after awhile, if he put back his mask and pretended that this hadn't happened. He always told the truth but now what he was comfortable with was gone. All he was left with were his thoughts and they weren't good company, right now.

It's only a matter of time now, thought Brian. Before long, he'll know too. But then what? Am I ready for a real relationship? Monogamy? There's no way in hell I can pull that off. Maybe it doesn't matter. He might not be willing to put up with my shit any more. I wouldn't blame him!  And then there's Ethan, Justin already
chose him once. Does he love him or love the words he spouts. Does he still love me? Is he IN love with either of us? Brian sighed, these thoughts or more specifically doubts were the reason for his belief in fucking, not love. He stood and stretched, looking around the room. This was his family, the only one that counted and yet, he felt an outsider and always had. They would turn on him at a moments notice and often did, yet he stayed loyal to them. After all, they were all he had.

Vic was asleep across four chairs near the window. Emmett had covered him with his ridiculous blue furry coat. The way it bunched up on Vic, it looked like the cookie monster was trying to hump him. Ted raided the gift shop before it closed, he returned with one bag of chips, gum, licorice, hard candy and chocolate. The other bag was filled with all kinds of magazines, crossword puzzle books, comics, three decks of cards, and a few travel sized board games.

Ted and Ben were engrossed in a game of chess. Mel was working on a logic problem book. Good luck, thought Brian. In a corner, Emmett and Daphne discussed the celebrity fashions in the In Style magazine. Michael was reading a comic book, checking out the competition. As a peace offering, Deb gave Craig a deck of cards. He played solitaire about ten feet from where Deb played a game herself, neither willing to play with the other. Lindsay was reading Parents magazine. Brian scanned the cover and hoped she was reading the one about potty training. Everyone was occupied with something, but nothing seemed to entice him, he felt alone. He needed Justin, but Justin didn't need him now. Justin didn't need his problems. He had too much to deal with already.

Brian started thinking about what he could do for Jennifer, Molly and Justin, when they were able to leave but would Justin want his help? That was the question.

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Justin watched Molly sleep.  She seemed so small in the hospital bed. I have to be here for her. I haven't been a very good big brother for too long now. She needs someone she can count on, Lord knows that's NOT Dad. Will I be able to help her? What if Mom doesn't make it? Dad could keep her away from me. How would I stop him? There's only one way I can think of, but I really don't want to. I have to do something. But what?

Justin quietly rose from his chair, walked toward the waiting room. Looking around,  asked Daphne "Where's Dad?"

"I don't know, bathroom or cafeteria, I guess. He left his coat."

"Would you sit with Mol for awhile? I want to talk to Melanie?" Justin asked.

"Sunshine, here sit down. Have some of this sandwich and a bottle of water," Deb said, pulling to a chair.

"I'm not hungry."

"You have to eat, Baby. Here try this one it's good," Emmett offered him half of his sub.

"No Thanks."

"Justin, you have to keep your strength up," said Lindsay.

"Will you guys leave him the fuck alone. He'll eat when he's hungry. He's not going to feel any stronger if he pukes again," snapped Brian.

"I'll have something later. I promise."

"We're just worried," sighed Deb.

"I know and I appreciate it," said Justin offering them a little smile.

"Mel, can I talk to you," Justin asked and pulled out his wallet. He handed her a twenty. "I think I'm going to need a lawyer," he admitted.

"I don't want your money, Justin. I'll do whatever I can to help. Want do you want to know?"

"If Mom di…uh…doesn't…make it," Justin faltered on the words, he took a deep breath and continued. "What happens to Molly? Will I even be able to see her? My father has tried to keep us apart before. Would he be able to now."

"Didn't your mother tell you that she named you as Molly's guardian when she redid her will after the divorce?" Asked Mel.

"That's legal. She said something about this, but I thought it was more of an emergency contact for the school.  Do you mean I would have custody? What about Dad?"

"You would have primary custody. Your father would have visitation rights but you would be the one to make decisions and take responsibility. I thought you understood all of this. Do you even want that kind of responsibility? You're so young to take this on. We could probably make a deal with your father to reverse it. He could have custody and you could have visitation rights."

"I think that would be best," said Craig from behind them.

"Luckily, it's not up to you. Of course, I want to take care of Molly. I just hope that it doesn't come to that. Mom is who she really needs," stated Justin.

"Justin, how are you going to care for a child all by yourself. Your…Boyfriend!" Craig had a hard time saying the word. "He seems `selfish' to use Daphne's word. He's not going to want the hassle. Let me do it. I can manage..."

"First of all, Molly is NOT a hassle, she's my sister and I love her. Second of all, I won't manage her, I'll be there for her and help her and I WILL enjoy our time together. Third, Ethan doesn't matter. We're through. What he wants or doesn't want is of little interest to me. If I wanted to be with someone who would try to control me, I never would have left your house."

"So you are going to do this all alone?" Questioned Craig.

"If I have to."

"I'll take you to court," snarled Craig. "There's not a judge in this city that will give a child to a nineteen-year-old faggot, with brain damage."

Justin gasped.

"I fucking warned you," yelled Brian as he stalked toward Craig. Justin stopped him by standing between the two men.

"If you want to play dirty and start using family secrets, so can I. Mom and Molly's safety and well being are the one things that could  make me talk. If you want to fight we can, but I'll destroy you before I let you get Molly," Justin explained in a voice that was so calm it startled his friends.

Craig's eyes widened and stepped back. "That won't matter now. It was a long time ago. No one would believe you."

"You know how you were always so proud of how smart I was. Well, you're right, I was a smart little boy and I was also a boy scout. And all smart little boy scouts are always prepared. I am more than prepared to end this quickly."

"Justin is there something I should know?" Questioned Mel.

"I'll tell you if I have to," answered Justin, looking at his father.

"Justin, you have to listen to reason. How are you going to go to school and take care of your sister? I want to."

"Don't push me Dad. Whatever loyalty I had for you ended when you didn't come see me in the hospital."

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