Blasts From the Past

Epilogue

The day before the Edna’s Treasures contingent was scheduled to go home, the Munchers made a surprise visit to Penn with JR. The girls managed to put their arguments on hold long enough to bring some of the practical items that Gus and the boys seemed to have overlooked. Namely sheets, pillows and other bedding and towels. They inspected the laundry facilities that were in the basement just in case Gus had any questions. They also found a pay launderette close by just in case the machines broke down or were all in use. The moms also opened an account with a small 24 hour grocer that was within walking distance of the residence so that Gus could buy whatever he needed. After helping him get settled, Gus took his mothers and JR on a tour of the campus, his little part of it, anyway.

While Melanie and JR were in a cafeteria line getting lunch, Gus and his mother were having a chat.

“Mom, you and Mama Mel all right?” Gus asked with some trepidation.

“For now,” Lindsay said curtly.

“Why, Mom? I don’t understand what sets you two off all the time,” Gus said with concern and worry in his voice. “I don’t want to come home on weekends to find out I’m a product of a broken home.”

“I’m sorry, Lambskin. I have no idea how we get like that. I guess we’re both so stubborn.”

“Mom, Dad is the most stubborn person I know, and he and Justin never fight like that.”

“No, your father would just push Justin away. They never got the chance to fight.”

“Not anymore. They fight, they work it out and then they make up. Boy, do they make up!” Gus and Lindsay laughed. "Mom, I mean it. I’m worried. Do you think counseling might help?”

“Maybe, Mama Mel has mentioned it. I guess this time it’s been my fault. Mel has really been trying,” Lindsay admitted.

“Please, Mom, I love you both so much,” Gus pleaded.

“I love you too, sweetheart,” Lindsay said as she hugged Gus close.

“A little help here would be nice,” JR snarked, laden with a tray of sodas, and trying to prevent things becoming too mushy. She knew that when the moms were going to say their goodbyes later on, it was going to get REAL mushy. Gus jumped up to help his sister as Lindsay stood to assist Mel with her tray of food. The moms exchanged a warm smile, leaving Gus with hope that they’d be able to patch up their differences, again.

 

*****
 

“So you really like Schmandon’s proposal?” Brian said into his phone. He was in his room making phone calls while the family was preparing to have dinner together. They would take Gus to his room to officially check in tomorrow then the Moms and the family from Edna’s Treasures would head home.

“I do, Brian,” Ted said with as much confidence in his voice as he could muster. Any wavering could be a fatal mistake as far as Brian Kinney was concerned.

“Does he at least look any better?” Brian asked, rolling his eyes.

“Bri, Brandon asked me where the local 12-step meeting was held and the names of some local gyms. He’s getting himself in shape.”

“Okay, I’m convinced, and his proposal looks sound. I’ll be back in the Pitts next Monday, we’ll discuss it then. Email me what you have so far on the Lethal research. I’ll look that over on the weekend.”

“No problem, Bri. Um, how’s Penn and Gus?”

“Expensive! The college hasn’t changed much and Gus is sopping it all up like a sponge. He’s really excited.”

“As he should be. I’ll see you next week, Bri.”

“Yeah, have a good weekend, Schmidt.”

“You too, Boss.” As Brian snapped his phone shut, Gus came into the room.

“Hey, Pop, we’re starved!”

“Okay, Sonny Boy, I’m ready.”

“Cool!”

The family had a leisurely dinner with their college man.

The next morning the family was all standing in front of Gus’ building saying their goodbyes.

“You have everything, Gus?” Mel asked as she reached up to give him a kiss to his cheek.

“Yes, Mama.”

“I’m going to miss you, Lambskin,” Lindsay said softly with tears in her eyes and a big hug for her son.

“I’m going to miss you too, Mom.”

“I have one word for you, Gus,” JR said with a smirk.

“What is it?”

“Condoms!”

“JR!” Gus, Lindsay and Mel shouted. JR and Gus giggled.

“You can call me anytime, Buddy,” Justin said as he also gave Gus a warm hug.

“Thanks, Justin, and thank you for, you know,” Gus said with a shy smile. Justin smiled warmly in return.

John, Bobby and Patrick, in turn, wished Gus well with hugs and pats on the back.

“This is it, Sonny Boy. You’re on your own for a few weeks until you come back for your birthday.”

“I know, Pop.”

“Behave yourself.”

“I will, Pop.”

“And no tricks after midnight!” father and son said as one then laughed and hugged.

“I’m so proud of you, Sonny Boy,” Brian whispered as he kissed his son’s head.

“I love you, Pop.”

“Love you too, Sonny Boy.”

Bree pushed forward, learning to be assertive at a very young age when surrounded by so many taller people.

“GUSSSS!” Bree wailed as she held up her arms. Gus immediately picked up the petite child. “Oh Gus, I’m going to miss you,” Bree sniffled.

“I’m going to miss you too, short stuff.”

“You promise to come back?” The tears began to slip down Bree’s cheeks.

“I promise and you’re coming to my birthday party, right?” Gus asked, as his bright hazel eyes gazed into her soulful violet blue ones.

“I am,” Bree cried as she wrapped her arms around her brother’s neck.

“Baby girl, it’s time to go,” Justin said gently.

“No, I want to stay with Gus,” Bree cried.

“You can’t, sweetheart. Gus is going to college and you’ll be starting school soon.”

“But I don’t want Gus to go away.”

“He’ll be back,” Justin said as he untangled her arms from Gus’ neck.

“I love you, Gus,” Bree wailed as Gus waved goodbye, a sad look on his face as he realized he was now truly on his on.

“I love you, Bree.”

Brian snapped Bree into her booster seat, whispering comforting words to his seemingly inconsolable daughter. Bree’s nose was pressed to the window, her little palms, against the glass. Gus reached to touch the glass.

Brian started up John’s Navigator and began to slowly pull away from the curb. Bree began to sob in earnest.

“GUUUUSSSSS!”


-TBC-

Return to Blasts From the Past