Chapter 12

^^^^^^^^

Lacy walked briskly along the street. She had taken the early shift at the diner and had stayed to help through the dinner rush. Now she was on her way home to Debbie's. She would have a bite to eat and fall into bed. She was very tired. With Drag Week came a lot of extra customers. The diner was very busy and she had had hardly a moment to sit down since she arrived for work at six that morning.

She stuck her hand in her pocket and felt the wad of bills. Drag Week also brought new clients to the diner and most of them were big tippers, even for breakfast and lunch. She continued walking with her hand around the bills. She'd have to get out her stash that she kept in her room and see how much her tips now amounted to. She managed to save most of the tips thanks to Debbie letting her live at her house practically free. It had been a while since she had counted up her savings.

She walked up the steps of the house to find the door flung open in front of her. She took a step back only to find a strong hand around her arm. She felt herself being yanked inside.

"It came today," Debbie said with a big smile plastered across her face.

"What came today?" Lacy asked with a frown. She rubbed her arm where Debbie had grabbed her. It better be something good.

"An envelope from Pittsburgh Institute of Fine Arts," Debbie said speaking each word with the next thing to reverence.

"Oh," Lacy said as she looked warily at the envelope in Debbie's hand.

"I remember when Justin got his acceptance. He was afraid to open it," Debbie chuckled. "How about you?"

"I'm not afraid of anything," Lacy stated, but she felt her stomach tie its first knot.

"Then open it," Debbie said handing the envelope to her.

"Um … I think I'll go to my room to open it."

"Don't you want to share with me? I'll be thrilled if you get in and I'll commiserate with you if you don't. We can have some rocky road ice cream either way."

Lacy had to smile. Food was always the answer as far as Debbie was concerned. Lacy loved her for that. She had a way of simplifying even the most complex things. Life would go on no matter what.

"I guess I could open it here," Lacy said fingering the envelope. She turned it over and ripped along the edge. "Here goes." She pulled out the stack of papers and opened them up. The top page had the PIFA letterhead and began, "Dear Ms Baldwin."

Lacy quickly skimmed through the letter. She felt the tears start to well up and she tried to take a deep breath, but that seemed impossible.

"Lacy, Lacy," Debbie was saying. "What is it? What did it say? Are you all right? Lacy?"

Lacy opened her mouth to speak but she couldn't form any words. She tried again, taking a breath and licking her suddenly dry lips. "I … I got in. I got early acceptance for next year. Or I can take a summer course if I want to."

"Oh, honey, that's great!" Debbie grabbed her and pulled her into a fierce hug that left them both breathless. "Let's go crack open that ice cream."

"I … I think I need to lie down," Lacy said shakily. "I need to … digest this."

"Sure, honey, you go on up. We'll have that ice cream later. I'm so proud of you," Debbie said giving Lacy's cheek a caress.

Lacy walked slowly up the stairs to Michael's old room. She wasn't sure her legs were going to carry her that far, but somehow she managed it. She flopped down on the bed and let the tears roll softly down her cheeks. She had done it. In spite of all the odds against her, she had got into PIFA. In spite of being a hustler and running away and living on the streets, PIFA had found her good enough to go to their school. She hugged herself, hardly able to grasp what this all meant.

It meant the possibility of a whole new life. She could go to school like a normal person. She could have a chance at a really great future. She could really make something of herself.

"No," she said aloud. She had already made something of herself. She had cleaned up her life. She had a place to live and a job and friends and … she even had her father back … sort of.

She wondered what her father would say when she told him. She smiled to herself. He was going to be so proud of her … and he had offered to help. She knew she couldn't afford the tuition and books without help from somewhere, and it really seemed like her father wanted to do that. He'd be there on the weekend and she would tell him. See if he really meant what he said. She hoped he did, but if not, she'd find a way to go to PIFA. It was her destiny. She just knew it.

She sat up and pulled her tips out of her pocket. She really needed to know where she stood financially now. Carefully she began counting the pile of ones.

^^^^^^^^

"Brian, where are you?"

"I'm still at Kinnetik, Sunshine." Brian's last meeting ran late and Stacey Manning from N'rgy had called with a new proposal. She was so excited Brian could hardly get in a word. Then Bree had a slight misadventure with a juice box. Brian was due at the gallery by seven for Day Two of Drag Week. Not only were several original Justin Taylor canvases on display but many pieces by local artisans. It was arranged that the larger more ornate artwork would be on display at the Bloom Gallery and the smaller pieces and craft work would remain on display at the GLC. All items that were marked for sale could be bid upon in a silent auction, winners to be announced Friday at the theater before the review.

"I need you here," Justin wasn't really that nervous about his work; however, he was a bit skittish of a repeat of the previous night's abuse of his bottom. With his big bad Brian standing guard, no one would dare give him a pinch.

"Bree and I will be there in fifteen minutes," Brian said. "Are you sure Susan is coming to the gallery to pick up Bree?"

"Yes, she'll be here soon. The loft is too out of the way to go there first. She should be here any minute."

"Okay, okay, we're leaving now. Take it easy, Sunshine."

"Take it easy, my ass, and I mean that literally." Brian heard his loving spouse curse him six ways till Sunday as Brian burst out laughing and then cut the connection.

"Bree, we have to hurry. Your Daddy's behind needs protection." Brian cracked up with more laughter, as he scooped up his daughter and went out to the Jeep.

^^^^^^^^

"Justin?"

"We meet again," Justin chuckled as Susan joined him.

"Where's Bree?"

"Brian and Bree are running late. They should be here soon. Can you wait?"

"Sure."

"Susan, what does Craig think you're doing tonight?"

"Justin, I'm not going to lie to him. I told him how important this cause is, and about your involvement. I also told him how proud I am of you and of Brian. I do read the papers; I do know what's going on in this community. I don't turn a blind eye like your father does. I told him that I was picking up Bree then going to the loft until you come home."

"What did he say?"

"Nothing really. What could he say and not sound like a creep?"

"Creep?"

"You know what I mean. I took your words to heart, Justin. I won't risk Briana being hurt. If he asks for her then I'll get your permission to bring her to the house but for now, we do it this way."

"Thank you, Susan. I know how hard this is for you. Believe me, nothing would make me happier than my daughter having a healthy relationship with her grandfather but the alternative is not an option." Susan nodded her agreement. Neither of them wanted Briana to be hurt.

"And speaking of my little angel…" Susan turned toward the entrance to the gallery as Brian strode in with said angel in his arms.

"Ow! Hey, watch it," Justin groused as one of the bolder of the 'ladies' slunk by and goosed Justin.

"Guess we got here just in time, eh, Sunshine?" Brian and Susan broke out into giggles. Bree stretched out her little arms toward her daddy and Justin lifted her out of Brian's arms.

"I protect you, Daddy!" Briana exclaimed which only made Susan and Brian laugh louder.

^^^^^^^^

"Miss Devore?"

"Michael! How wonderful to see you, dear."

"Thank you. Nice to, um, see you. Did you get to see the Rage exhibit?"

"Not yet, will you escort me?"

"I, um, sure. This way." Michael and Divina walked the short distance to the section of the gallery that housed all things Rage. It was on permanent display at the Bloom gallery.

Divina closely examined the powerful imagery of Rage. The exhibit was of the first three issues that Michael and Justin ever produced. It included many of Justin's doodles as he and Michael were trying to perfect their Rage. The drawings were graphic and intense, filled with....rage. It was a powerful testimony to what Justin had experienced and to the political climate of that time.

Accompanying the display were 'Rageian' type illustrations, many drawn by Lacy. While not sexually graphic, they did bring home the point that life on the street was neither glamorous nor easy. The despair that Lacy and her fellow street kids experienced was evident in her drawings. No one looking at the posters and drawings could help but be affected by them. Divina was no different. She clutched at the scarf that was wrapped around her neck and pinned to her dress with a large brooch.

"Have you ever seen the comic?" Michael asked assuming a negative response.

"To be honest, once they killed off Captain Astro, I never picked up another comic. But when I decided to participate in this fundraiser I thought I should catch up on a little light reading. I even rented 'Rage: The Movie'. I'm impressed."

"Really?" Michael became excited. He didn't think that Divina would go to all of that trouble. Divina, reading Michael's expression, understood this.

"I have a confession to make," Divina said dramatically. "Divina wouldn't be caught dead reading a comic." Michael looked crestfallen. "But Danny would, and he has." Using his own voice, Danny praised his son.

"Michael, it took courage to print this comic. To bring Rage to life so he and your other characters could tell this story. You and Justin should be very proud of yourselves."

Michael beamed.

"We are, sir, uh, ma'am, uh...oh shit," Michael was too embarrassed to figure out what to call Danny.

Danny switched back to Divina as she bellowed out a laugh. "Don't worry, my boy, I confuse myself. Now what does a lady have to do around her to get a glass of champagne?"

Michael gallantly led Miss Devore to the main gallery where Emmett's 'ladies' were at their beck and call.

^^^^^^^^

Susan had taken a quick look around. Several pieces of pottery had caught her eye and she made some bids. There was also a small canvas depicting a gleaming brass bed surrounded by palms. It was so beautiful that Susan wanted it for herself. It evoked romantic thoughts. Susan made a bid then she went to find Bree to take her to dinner and to the loft.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Craig paid a visit to the gallery. He pulled up just as Susan and Bree were being escorted to her car by Brian and Justin. Bree reassured her fathers that she would be good for Gamma Susan. They each gave her a kiss as she was secured into her car seat. Craig watched seeing Brian and Justin wave as they watched the car drive away. Justin gazed lovingly up at Brian. It reminded Craig of the loving gazes Jennifer used to give him so long ago. Brian smiled serenely at Justin then gently bussed the blond's temple. He took Justin's hand in his as they turned to walk back into the gallery. They looked so natural together and so in love. Craig shook his head then drove away.

*****

Some time later Brian noticed a familiar face enter the gallery. She looked around warily and took a few tentative steps. She stopped and stared at the crowds unsure what to do or where to go.

"Lacy," Brian said as he approached. "Come on in. It's good you made it." Brian had been told by Debbie that Lacy probably wouldn't attend.

Lacy smiled. "Thanks, Brian," she said softly glad to have someone to talk to. She felt as if she stood out like a sore thumb. She didn't have beautiful clothes like most of the people she saw around her, milling about the room. She was wearing simple black slacks with a white T-shirt and one of Debbie's zebra print shirts overtop. She had rolled back the cuffs and tied the bottom of the too large shirt around her waist. She looked quite exotic even though she felt awkward and out of place.

"You look very nice tonight," Brian told her.

She smiled. "Thanks. I didn't think I should come."

"Of course, you should. Your work is over there near the Rage stuff," Brian said pointing her in the right direction.

"I guess I should go check it out," she replied. "Thanks for talking to me."

"Lacy, you have every right to be here. Don't feel intimidated."

"I'll try," she replied as she walked towards the exhibit he had indicated.

She looked at the Rage drawings shown on moveable panels. They were so good, but all Justin's work was. She walked around the panels and saw some of her own drawings staring back at her. She smiled as she saw them framed. They looked so … professional. She could hardly believe her eyes. She had been afraid to come and look at them after she had made her selection of drawings to submit. She was afraid Mr. Bloom would look at them and tell her that they were incompetent trash that he wouldn't even consider displaying in his gallery. But then she had been accepted at PIFA and she wanted to see if they really had put her work on exhibition … with Justin's. And here she was, staring at her own drawings and they looked so good.

"Do you like what we did with them?" Justin asked as he came up behind her.

"They look so … good," she said rather breathlessly.

"That's because they are good," Justin said and smiled at her.

"Thank you so much," she managed to get out before she grabbed him in a hug and felt the tears start to fall. "I owe it all to you."

"No, no, you don't. You have talent and you have worked hard to develop it."

"I know, but your encouragement made it all possible."

"You deserve all the good things that have happened to you, Lacy."

Lacy released Justin and wiped at her eyes. "Thank you so much."

"Have you looked at the silent auction bids? Your three pieces each have bids. That's a good sign."

"They do?"

"Yes, they do. Other people appreciate your talent too."

"Justin, I need to talk to you. Is there somewhere where we could have some privacy?"

Justin looked at her wondering what was going on. He could understand tears of happiness, but there seemed to be something else behind them, something bubbling just under the surface. "I can't be away too long, but come into Sidney's office." He took her hand and led her across the gallery and back to Sidney's office. Brian watched them go. He had known something was up as soon as he had talked to the girl.

Justin led Lacy inside the office, switched on a light and gently pushed her onto the couch. He sat down beside her.

"Maybe we should do this some other time," Lacy said trying to stand up.

Justin took her hand and made sure she stayed seated. "Tell me what's troubling you."

"I … I got accepted to PIFA today," she blurted out.

"You did? That's fabulous." He pulled her into a hug. "You should be very proud."

"I am, but…"

"But what?"

Lacy pulled away and sat with her elbows on her knees. "You know I've been working to get into PIFA ever since you first let me help you with the old theater." Justin nodded. "I can't believe that I have finally achieved my goal."

"Then you should be happy."

"I am, but my finances are…"

"I can help you with…"

"No, no, you've done so much for me already."

"But if you need money, I have plenty."

"Thanks for the offer, but it's another offer that's worrying me."

"Who? Debbie?" Justin asked.

"She offered to help too, but I can't take her money after everything she's done for me already. It's my Dad."

"Did he offer to help?" Justin asked. He knew Lacy had begun to reconnect with her father.

Lacy nodded. "He said he'd be happy to pay my tuition."

"Then what's the problem?" Justin asked with a frown.

"When you told your father you were gay, he kicked you out, didn't he?" The history of Brian and Justin was well known, almost legendary, to anyone on Liberty Avenue.

Justin nodded. Then it dawned on him. "You haven't told your father that you're gay, have you?"

She shook her head. "I'm so scared that he will react the way your father did."

"But he's not my father," Justin replied. He couldn't keep the bitterness out of his voice. He sincerely hoped Lacy's father wouldn't react the way his had. "He seems to want to get to know you, so maybe your sexuality is just a small part of the whole picture."

Lacy looked up into Justin's eyes. She hoped he was right but she was afraid. "Your father has never forgiven you, has he?"

Justin shook his head and then he straightened. "I don't need his forgiveness. I have no reason to want it. I haven't done anything except be what I'm supposed to be. I'd like his acceptance, but I won't beg for his forgiveness." Justin ended with a look of defiance on his face. He had lived without his father all these years, and he could live the rest of his life without him too.

"I wish I could be that strong."

"You are that strong, Lacy. I see it in you all the time. You'll go on and be fine with or without your father. But I know it will be better if he does accept you."

Lacy nodded. "I hope that will happen."

"I want you to know that if your father does turn away, you're still going to PIFA. I'll loan you the money or Brian's foundation will set up some kind of scholarship, but you're going!" Justin said emphatically.

Lacy grinned. "You always know the right thing to say. You're my inspiration."

"Someone said to me a long time ago that I should be the best homosexual that I could be, and I say the same thing to you, be the best person that you can be and everything will be all right."

"Thank you, Justin."

"No problem. Now let's get back to your adoring fans. I'm sure the people who have bid on your work would like to meet you. I'll introduce you." Justin took her hand and led her out of the office flicking off the lights as he closed the door. They walked together out into the brightly lit gallery with all their friends and family and admirers of their work around them

Return to Oh My Papa