Emerge Victorious

Chapter 12

“Candy,” Lindsay said standing up as the girl entered the waiting area on the hospital floor. “Is there any news?”

“She’s awake. She wants to go home,” Candy said wearily. She sank down in a chair next to Lindsay. Lindsay sat down beside her and took the girl’s hand.

“If she wants to go home, that’s a good sign,” Lindsay said gently.

“Maybe,” Candy conceded, “but she’s getting weaker. I can see it.”

Lindsay looked into Candy’s eyes. She could see the worry and sorrow and hurt that were all contained inside the girl. It was a lot for someone so young to have to endure.

“But she’s all right for now?” Lindsay asked.

Candy nodded. “But one of these times…”

“Oh, honey,” Lindsay said pulling the girl into a hug. Something had to be done to make things right for this sweet girl.

 

*****
 

“Are you going into Pittsburgh?” Bobby asked Brian as he sprinted from his side of the cottage to the Kinney-Taylor side. He had his cell phone to his ear while trying to put on his jacket and stuff papers into his briefcase.

“Whoa! Slow down,” Brian said as he grabbed the briefcase just as Bobby was losing it to gravity. “Yes, we’re leaving as soon as her majesty is ready.”

Bobby ended his call then sat on a kitchen chair. “Sorry. This guardianship for Candy has been a hurry up and wait situation. One minute I think it’s all settled then the next Janet can’t decide what she wants to do. But this latest incident has pushed her over the edge. She wants to meet with me and Lindsay tonight.”

“Is she...?” Brian couldn’t say the words. Janet and Justin were about the same age. Brian was horrified at the thought of someone so young dying.

“Not just yet but I don’t think she’ll make it to the new year,” Bobby said in a low voice. Bree and Justin were coming out of her bedroom.

“I’m ready, Dada!” Bree said cheerfully. She was dressed up for Halloween as a fairy godmother, complete with wings and magic wand. Her Auntie Emm found a faux fur cape that would keep Bree warm but allow for the wings to protrude. She twirled around so that her Dada could get the full effect.

“Look at you!” Brian exclaimed then bowed low. “My lady, your chariot awaits. Go get your trick or treat bag.”

“Okay, Dada,” Bree said as she ran back to her room for her treat bag.

“Aren’t you usually the fashionista?” Bobby asked Brian as Justin went to get his jacket.

“Bree wanted to surprise me so Daddy got to do the honors this time,” Brian answered cocking his head toward Justin. “You want a lift into the Pitts?”

“Yeah,” Bobby said. “Do you mind? You can drop me off at the loft then get me on your way home, if it’s not too much trouble.”

“No, trouble,” Justin replied. “We’re going to bring Bree to my father’s house. She’s going to have dinner with them and then they’re going to take Bree trick or treating.”

Bobby smiled; he was happy Justin took his advice. Even if Craig wasn’t accepting of Brian, Bree needed her Gampa in her life.

“We’ll probably hang out at the diner or the bistro while we’re waiting. Call us when you’re ready,” Justin said. “Is Patrick going trick or treating with John?”

“No, my little man has declared he is too old for such childish inclinations. He and John are going to the movies to see some gory horror film. PG, of course.” Bobby smirked.

“Too old? He’s what, going to be ten in four days? Oh yeah, that’s old, he’ll be needing a cane soon,” Brian snarked. “Let’s get this show on the road,” Brian commanded as they all were ready to go.

They called out their goodbyes to John and Patrick then piled into Justin’s Jeep for the drive into Pittsburgh.

 

*****
 

“Do you think they’ll be okay?” Justin asked as he opened the door to Emmett’s bistro on Liberty Avenue.

“Who, Bree and Craig or Janet and Candy?” Brian responded with a question.

“Yes,” Justin said as they took a small table out back. It was a little chilly but Emmett had the gas heaters going to take advantage of the clear weather. They made themselves comfortable as a waiter came over to take their order.

“Craig may be an asshole but he’s not going to do anything to spoil Halloween for Bree, especially after his little faux pas at the zoo. As for Janet and Candy, the best we can hope for is peace of mind for Janet and a permanent place for Candy to live. If the gods are with us that should happen tonight.”

With the arrival of their dinners, Brian and Justin settled back for a quiet evening.

 

*****
 

Thanksgiving turned out to be bittersweet for the families of Edna’s Treasures. The boys had planned their usual Thanksgiving feast. Emmett and his men were already in residence at their own cottage helping with the preparations. Bree was in Pittsburgh celebrating an early Thanksgiving with Craig, Susan, Molly and her family. It was a compromise that the major parties had agreed to. The day before Thanksgiving, Brian picked up Bree after school then drove directly into the Pitts dropping her at her Auntie Molly’s apartment. That evening Bree and the Brenners went to Craig and Susan’s for their Thanksgiving. The next day Bree would go back to Edna’s Treasures with Jennifer and Seth. Molly, Owen Jr. and Taylor would celebrate Thanksgiving with Owen Sr. and his family. The rest of the family would caravan to Edna’s Treasures for the big family dinner. It all seemed so simple.

Mother Nature had other plans.

“I don’t fucking believe this!” Brian cursed loudly as he walked his mug of coffee into the sun porch. At the moment the porch was anything but sunny. A freak blizzard was raging outside.

“Shit!” Justin exclaimed as he joined his spouse in the porch. “No one’s driving in this.”

“Fuck! Bree’s stuck in the Pitts,” Brian said mournfully.

“She’s with Molly, she’ll be all right,” Justin said trying to calm the beast.

“But she’s not here. Maybe it’ll clear up,” Brian said hopefully.

“Don’t think so,” John said as he walked in.

“Where have you been?” Brian accused. “And what happened to your early warning system?” Brian grumbled pointing a finger at his brother.

“Hey, I’ve had other things on my mind. Predicting the weather is not my priority,” John snapped back.

“Time out!” Bobby announced as he and Patrick joined them. “First off, has anyone listened to a weather report or called someone in Pittsburgh to check it out there?” he asked reasonably. Getting three negatives, he scowled then led the boys into Brian and Justin’s kitchen. While John prepared more coffee and hot cocoa, Brian began breakfast. Bobby turned on the weather report.

“Well that doesn’t sound very promising,” Justin deadpanned after hearing about the storm. The snow had no intention of letting up anytime soon. “I guess it’s just us for Thanksgiving.”

“Us too!” Emmett shouted as he, Richie and Drew pushed their way through the door, stomping the snow off their boots. They were followed closely by Rachel, George and her girls who were home for a visit. Emmett and the guys piled their goodies onto the kitchen counter. Rachel shoved the ham that she was contributing to the feast, into the oven.

“What a mess!” Rachel exclaimed as kisses, as well as hot beverages, were passed around. “What’s his problem?” she asked her brother when she took a good look at Brian’s face.

“Bree’s stuck in the Pitts,” Bobby explained. Rachel nodded then gave Brian a hug in sympathy.

“She’ll be fine,” Rachel said. Brian shrugged then began plating up breakfast for the family present.

Throughout the day, Brian resisted the temptation to call Bree every five minutes. Some time during dinner Justin called his sister then put his phone on speaker so that everyone could call out a greeting.

“I love you, Dada!” Bree shouted loud and clearly into the phone.

Brian choked a bit but then responded, “I love you too, Squirt. You be good for your Auntie Molly.”

“I will. Love you, Daddy!”

“Love you, Baby Girl, and we’ll see you as soon as we can.”

Phone calls were made to the rest of the family including Gus who was with his mother. The boys were placated for the moment. Dinner continued as did the storm.

 

*****
 

Christmas was approaching and Brian was knee deep in Kinnetik business and snow. The winter that had started off fast and furious appeared to be continuing that way. The snow clearing crews of the All Things Happy Garden Center were in continual operation. Both Todd and Brian were pleased to hire on extra help. Donald proved to be worth his weight in gold keeping their trucks and equipment in tip top condition. His reunion with Faith and Hope had its great joys and pitfalls. Hope was ecstatic to have her father back home and safe in spite of the limp. Faith had to get used to having her husband living with them on a permanent basis. She needed to stop her incessant flirtations. It was a rocky first month for all of them. Donald found it difficult to get over the fact that his loving wife was harboring fantasies involving the man who signed his paycheck. After he had a heart to heart talk with Brian and witnessed Justin in one of his more playful moods cop a feel of Brian’s ass, Donald was able to concentrate on his job and his marriage.

The holiday season was marred by one more crisis. Bobby’s prediction that Janet wouldn’t see the new year rang true. Janet died peacefully at home surrounded by the family that had adopted her and her daughter. With her mind at ease that a loving guardian would keep her daughter safe, Janet closed her eyes, never waking again. Candy was almost inconsolable but Lindsay and JR kept close. With their constant steadfast support and love, Candy was able to make it through the funeral. She had no idea that Brian and Justin paid for the arrangements, only knowing that someone kind had paid the bills.

Unknown to the family, Hobbs had discovered that although Janet made Lindsay the primary guardian, Justin was named as back up. Hobbs had contemplated fighting it, but was encouraged by his family not to pursue it. They were satisfied that the girl in question was living with a respected member of the community and adjunct professor at PIFA. The fact that Lindsay was a lesbian was conveniently overlooked. Hobbs was pleased that he no longer had any obligation, financial or otherwise to the girl. He was free to concentrate on getting himself back in his wife and wife’s family’s good graces. And if all else failed, he continued padding his nest egg.

 

*****
 

“Damn, Sunshine, that was another good one,” Brian panted as he tried to catch his breath.

The families of the conjoined cottages opted to spend New Year’s Eve at home. They celebrated quietly with a simple meal, fine wine for the adults, and they allowed the kids to stay up to see the ‘ball’ drop. Shortly after Christmas, Gus went to New York to spend the rest of his winter break with Ray. Bree managed to stay up long enough to say ‘Happy New Year’ to her brother via the phone but never made it to midnight. Patrick just about made it to midnight then fell asleep in his father’s arms. John and Bobby bid Brian and Justin good night then retired to their side of the cottage.

Brian rolled off Justin, propping his head on his arm to watch Justin catch his own breath. The curtains on the window were open enough to allow a few rays of moonlight into the room. The light made the sweat on Justin's skin glow. Brian felt himself fall in love all over again. He thanked the gods that his family was healthy. He shuddered at the memory of Janet’s recent death and the girl who almost became an orphan, all alone in the world if it wasn’t for Lindsay.

“I’m here,” Justin whispered as if he could read Brian’s thoughts. He reached up to tug gently on a lock of Brian’s hair. Justin snaked his hand behind Brian’s neck to bring him down for a kiss.

“I love you,” Justin murmured against Brian’s lips. Brian, responding to the kiss, made love to his Sunshine, reaffirming his love for Justin and their life together. As the clouds drifted across the sky, the boys made love then held each other close as they fell sleep.

 

*****
 

“Do you think you have everything?” Lindsay asked.

“I didn’t have very much,” Candy said rather sadly. “Neither did mom.” She looked around the loft, remembering that she and her mother had been happy there … for what little time they’d had. “I have my clothes … and this,” Candy said holding out a small box towards Lindsay.

“Is that your mom’s?” Lindsay asked as she took it from Candy.

“No, it’s mine. Mom gave it to me a couple of years ago. We didn’t really have money for it, but she wanted me to have it. Open it.”

Lindsay flipped the lid open. Music began to play from the box. “Is that ‘I love you just the way you are’? Lindsay asked.

“Yes,” Candy replied with a wistful smile. “When I started going goth, I know mom didn’t like it, but she never disapproved of hardly anything I ever did. We found this in a store not long after. She insisted on getting it for me … because she said it expressed how she felt about me. She loved me however I was … and I loved her too.”

“I know you did, sweetie,” Lindsay said holding out her arms for Candy to receive a big hug.”

Candy felt tears flood through her and she sobbed on Lindsay’s shoulder, crying for her mother and their too short time together. Lindsay held her tight until the sobs started to subside. “You and your mother had a very special relationship,” Lindsay whispered.

“Yeah, we did,” Candy agreed. She stepped back and wiped her face. It was always just us. I don’t know what to do without her.”

“Yes you do,” Lindsay stated firmly. “Your mother wanted you to be everything you could be. She was so proud of you at The Emerging Artists Show. I thought her chest would burst with pride.” Candy smiled. “You’re going to go to school and do extremely well there, because we all know how smart you are. And you’re going to continue with your art and with working on Rage. You’re going to be just fine.” Candy tried to smile again. “But that doesn’t mean that you’re going to forget your mother. She’ll always be with you in spirit.” Candy nodded. “Are you ready to go, sweetheart?”

Candy zipped the suitcase that they had been filling. Then she took the music box from Lindsay. She looked around the loft once again. Even though she had been living with Lindsay since her mother’s death, this place was still home. Her last memories of her mother were here. She wasn’t sure she could leave them.

“Are you okay?” Lindsay asked when Candy just stood staring into the loft.

“I don’t know if I can leave. That’s like the end … of everything.”

Lindsay nodded. “I understand. I didn’t know whether I could stand to be in my house because of the memories of Mel and me. But I came to terms with it. It’s my home, and I want the good memories along with the bad. I’m sure you can come back here if you need to feel close to your mother.”

Candy stared at Lindsay. The situations weren’t the same at all. But somehow she understood what Lindsay was getting at. “I’ll be okay,” Candy said softly. “I’m ready to go.” She placed her suitcase on the floor and pulled the handle out. Straightening her shoulders she walked to the door of the loft. She turned back for a last look at the place that had been her home with her mother. Lindsay opened the door of the loft. “Bye, mom,” Candy whispered before she followed Lindsay out into the hall.

 

*****
 

“Have you enjoyed the holidays together?” Donald asked as he and Faith enjoyed a glass of wine over dinner.

“Of course,” Faith replied.

“Hope seems happy,” Donald said.

“She missed you terribly.”

Donald nodded. “I missed her too, and you, of course.”

“Our lives are getting back to normal,” Faith stated.

“I get the feeling that you were quite happy without me,” Donald surmised aloud.

“I, um, I found it difficult to be on my own with just Hope. I’m sorry for some of the things I did.”

“I do love you, Faith,” Donald said sincerely. “Do you still love me?’

“Of course.”

Donald took a sip of his wine. He was happy to be home, happy to be with his family, but things certainly weren’t the way they had been. He wondered if his gimp leg and his rather menial job displeased his wife, who always wanted to advance in society. He had hoped that coming home would be enough, but maybe it wasn’t. He liked his job at the garden center. He wished Faith could be more content.

“Daddy!” Hope called running down the hall from her bedroom. “Come play Scrabble with me. I bet I can beat you.”

“I bet she can too,” Donald said as he pushed his chair back from the table. He slowly got to his feet flexing his bum leg. At least his daughter was happy to have him home.

 

*****
 

“Brian,” Lindsay said into the phone.

“What’s up?”

“I thought I’d let you and Justin know that Candy cleaned out the loft today. She’s upstairs unpacking right now.”

“So, I guess we need a new tenant for that apartment,” Brian replied.

“Don’t be in a hurry,” Lindsay warned. “Candy found it pretty difficult to leave the loft. She feels like she’s leaving the memory of her mother behind.”

“So you don’t think I should rush to rent it again?”

“No, she may need a few trips back there before she can really let it go.”

“Duly noted,” Brian said. “How’s she doing otherwise?”

“It’s hard. She’s still pretty emotional, even though she tries not to be.”

“What about you?”

“Me? I’m fine.”

“I know it must have been difficult … your first Christmas without Melanie,” Brian explained.

“Not as difficult as I thought it would be. Looking out for Candy and spending time with family and friends made it much easier than I expected.”

“That’s good.

“Yes, yes it is,” Lindsay agreed.

“You’re doing great, Linds,” Brian told her.

“I am,” Lindsay said decisively before she hung up. And she really meant that. She was pretty proud of how she had managed since Melanie had left.

The phone rang seconds after she hung it up.

“Hello,” Lindsay answered it.

“Mommy, it’s me,” JR said.

“Hi, sweetheart. How are you doing?”

“I’m good. How are you?”

“Just fine.”

“Did Candy get moved in?” JR asked.

“Yes, she upstairs unpacking. It was awfully nice of you to offer her your room.”

“I know Gus will be coming home, so I thought you should keep his room for him.”

“You want to stay with your dads,” Lindsay said knowing that was JR’s wish.

“I do, mom. I really like it here, and I think it’s the best arrangement.”

“Especially when your mother didn’t even come to see you over the holidays,” Lindsay said with accusation in her voice.

“She offered to fly me out to Portland, but I didn’t want to go. I guess she’s happy with her new life.”

“I guess she is,” Lindsay replied, the bitterness clear in her voice.

“You’re going to be okay, aren’t you, mommy?” JR asked.

“I’m just fine. Better than ever now that I have company here in the house. Candy and I get along really well.”

“That’s good.”

“You’re not feeling left out, are you, sweetheart?”

“No, mommy. I decided to stay with dad, and I want Candy to have my room. I’m fine.”

“Have I told you lately how much I love you, and how proud I am of the wonderful girl you’ve grown into?”

“Not recently,” JR said. Lindsay could hear the smile on her daughter’s face.

“I should tell you more often then. I love you bunches.”

“I love you too, mommy. Happy New Year.”

“Happy New Year, sweetheart.

 

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