The Nature of Things

Chapter 21

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Emmett answered his door to find a crying Justin standing out in the rain.

"Justin, honey, what's wrong?"

"I don't know if what I think I remember is real or if I'm just fucking hallucinating, Em."

"Come in and tell me what it is."

Both men shrugged off the chill that had somehow made it's way into the Pittsburgh summer. Once inside Emmett made tea and tried to calm Justin down enough to talk. An hour later Justin told Emmett the details of the dream.

"Honey, you have to talk to Brian."

"But what if it isn't real? What if I'm just projecting all this shit that happened to Molly onto myself?"

"Then go see a therapist or a hypnotist. But you have to figure out if it's real. You can't just let it go, he could do it again."

"I have a better idea."

"What?"

"I'm going to the source. I'm going to see Casey."

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Brian paced his office trying to figure out what was different with Michael.  It was something about the way he wouldn't look him in the eye or how he avoided Brain's touch. The Michael he knew and loved was not the man that had sat in his office that morning.

Picking up the phone he called Ben.

"Did you know that Michael is back?"

"What? When?"

"Today. He stopped by the office. He hasn't called you?"

"No."

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Michael sat outside of his mother's trying to decide if he wanted to risk going in to see her. He was just about to start the car when she came outside and got in the passenger's side.

"Do you plan on sitting out here all day or would you like to come in and have some ziti?"

"Hi, Ma."

"Hi, Ma? Is that all you have to say after not calling me and worrying me to death for the last month? Where the fuck have you been?"

"Shit, Ma, I didn't mean to worry you, but I needed some time alone."

"Time alone is one thing, but disappearing and not even letting your partner and your mother know where you are is a little much, Michael."

"I'm sorry." He kissed her cheek lightly.

"That's better, now come on in and I'll make you something to eat."

"Thanks, Ma."

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Justin asked the guard at the desk if he could visit with Casey.

"I'm sorry, but he already has a visitor."

"Can I wait?"

"Are you on his list, sir?"

"Probably not, but it's really important that I talk to him."

"I'm sorry sir, but if you aren't on his list, I can't let you in."

"Please? I just need to ask him a question."

"I'm sorry, sir, the rules are made for a reason."

"Can I leave him a letter? Or at least get the address to write to him?"

"I can give you the address to the jail and his cell number, but I can't accept mail for him."

"Thanks, that would be nice."

"You're welcome. Have a seat, I'll look it up and print it out for you."

Justin sat back down and was growing restless when he looked up to find his father coming from the visitation room.

"What the fuck are you doing here?"

"Justin?"

"Dad, so nice to see you again. Who are you visiting?"

"Ummm...." Craig stammered.

"Let me guess, the Prince of Wales, or maybe Grandma."

"Actually it's none of your business. Now if you'll excuse me, I have an

appointment."

"Sure, nice to see you too, Dad."

Justin waited until Craig was out of sight before turning to the guard.  "Excuse me, can you tell me who that man was visiting?"

"Mr. Taylor? He was visiting Casey Adams."

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