Runaway Life
Chapter 12
September had come and gone. October started off with warm days and cooling nights. The Anderson household plus one ex-hustler runaway had fallen into a quiet routine. Each day John and Bobby went to work. Hunter went to the farm for his sessions with Bill and for his regularly assigned chores. The Farm was officially shut down for the season but it still required farmhands to tend to the animals throughout the winter and there was the last harvest of the year to send off to market. It was becoming abundantly clear that Hunter wasn't going to return to Pittsburgh anytime soon.
Bobby kept up his weekly reports to Ben and Michael. It was difficult to keep them from driving up but they understood how important it was to Hunter to keep their distance for a little while longer. Brian did as he promised, distracting Michael and keeping Debbie from getting arrested. Hunter's bruises and ribs had healed and along with Claire's good cooking, Hunter was looking like any other teenage boy. He was beginning to feel like it too, if the increased noise level was any indication. Even Bobby was feeling like his old self, although John wasn't thoroughly convinced that Bobby was as okay as he claimed to be. There was still something Bobby had to do, to face up to the demons that had plagued him for so long. But Bobby wasn't quite ready yet. He still met with Bill but it was more like a meeting with an old friend rather than a counseling session.
Bill assisted Bobby with his research into home schooling and online courses so that Hunter could finish high school. Hunter was seriously considering a career in counseling but for now he had a career in farming and was doing a very good job of it. So good that Steve and Bill put Hunter on the payroll. Hunter decided that with a regular paycheck coming in, he'd save up for a laptop so he could finish school. And he wanted to pay Claire rent. In lieu of rent, Hunter helped out Claire around the house, keeping the yard and barn spick and span and with any other job Claire had for him. Hunter felt better about himself especially when he accomplished something. And then there was taking the time to walk through the woods, watch the leaves change color and skipping stones. Hunter was getting very good at skipping stones.
Before it became too cool for an outdoor barbecue, Claire suggested a family get together with the Liberty Avenue contingent along with the Morrisons. Bill agreed with Claire that it might be easier on Hunter to reintegrate into the family as a whole rather than one on one. The Andersons and Bobby would run interference if necessary.
The plan was relatively simple. Brian and Justin would drive up Friday night. Brian had already made arrangements with the local market to have the extra food delivered so that Claire wouldn't have to cart all of it home. The clan would converge early Saturday afternoon while it was still sunny and warm. They'd spend a nice afternoon getting to know one another then leave the following morning. Lindsay had an important opening so she and Gus would not attend. As much as Brian wanted Gus there, it was better he stayed home for this one. Come Thanksgiving Gus would be there. Carl and Debbie would bring Ben and Michael. Jennifer would travel with Ted and Emmett. Again, the Andersons were creative with the sleeping arrangements. Hunter would give up his room to Debbie and Carl. He, Ben and Michael would spend the night at the cottage; to be alone as a family if only for the night. John, Bobby, Brian and Justin would bunk up in the barn loft. They had plenty of sleeping bags and it wasn't that cold at night yet. That left John and Bobby's room for Jennifer. Temmett would camp out in the living room.
John had a special surprise for Hunter. In all the talks that Bobby and Hunter had, Bobby found out what kind of watch Hunter had lost. It still bothered Hunter that his watch was stolen. It wasn't very expensive but it was a gift from Ben and it meant a lot to Hunter. It also had an inscription which made it easy to identify. John had a theory that the watch was of little use to the kids that mugged Hunter except for maybe some quick cash if pawned. John checked out all the pawn shops within a ten block radius from where Hunter was attacked. Sure enough, John found the watch and bought it back. John had it cleaned and serviced and planned to give it to Hunter at the barbecue.
Bobby was a little apprehensive about his parents meeting the Liberty Avenue part of the family. Carl, Jennifer, as well as Ted, Ben and Michael were all tame compared with Emmett and Debbie. He wasn't sure that Emmett's flame and Debbie's exuberance wouldn't scare the life out of his mother and father. Bobby knew that Rachel could handle it but he asked if her kids could stay home for this party. Rachel agreed. She laughed loudly at Bobby's description of Debbie and Emmett and thought no one could be that out and proud. Bobby assured her that his description was nothing compared to the real thing. Rachel said she'd be there to make sure their mother didn't faint into the coleslaw.
Everything was well thought out, or so it seemed.
Brian and Justin left Pittsburgh about one in the afternoon to miss the traffic and get to the Anderson's early enough just in case there was any last minute shopping or cleaning Claire had to do. It was going on four when they hit the interstate turn off and they drove leisurely through the town.
"Justin, pull over."
"What?"
"Pull over." Justin slowed and pulled the Cherokee to the side of the road.
"Isn't that Bobby's car?"
"Where?"
"Over there, near the gate for the cemetery. I wonder why he's going to the cemetery."
"Brian, are you sure that's Bobby's car?"
"Looks like it. Wait. Yup, can't miss that red hair. Stay here. I want to make sure he's okay."
"Brian."
"Justin, trust me. John's been worried about his redhead. I just want to make sure everything's all right." Justin gazed into Brian's eyes. He knew that Brian had no designs on Bobby. He and Bobby had become good friends.
"Okay. I'll be here if you need me." Justin smiled for Brian.
"I always need you. I won't be long. Besides, now you can play that awful CD you just bought and as loud as you want." Brian gave Justin a kiss. Justin shooed Brian out of the car.
It wasn't too difficult for Brian to find Bobby. The sun was waning but it's light reflected off of Bobby's red hair like a beacon. Brian found Bobby kneeling at a grave. In between sobs, Brian could hear Bobby saying he was sorry.
"Bobby?"
"Shit! Brian. What the hell are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same."
"I...I had to come..." Bobby couldn't finish. He sat down on the grass and continued to cry. Brian sat and drew the redhead close, cradling him between his long legs.
"What's wrong? Whose grave is this?" Brian asked softly.
"Jimmy. Steve's son."
"Shit."
"You know the story?"
"A little. He was caught trying to rob a convenience store and killed."
"Yeah. But what you don't know, what Steve doesn't know is that I was with Jimmy. Earlier, that night. We were just a bunch of kids goofing off. Jimmy dropped me home then they drove off looking for some place to rob. I could have been there. I never saw Jimmy again. This is the first time I've visited his grave."
Bobby sniffled a little more then sighed. Brian tightened his hug.
"And you still have dreams about Jimmy?" Brian was an expert on haunting dreams.
"I didn't for a long time. I thought I got over it."
"But Hunter's little problem awakened them again."
"Yeah. How'd you guess?"
"It happens to me sometimes. Just when I think I've gotten over the bashing, something happens and I have nightmares. I've never told Justin. He doesn't need that shit from me."
"So when he has the bad dreams, you cuddle with him and chase away his nightmares."
"I guess so."
"And who chases away yours?" Brian shrugged then wiped away a stray tear from Bobby's cheek.
"Hard to imagine a big bad top like Brian Kinney cuddling with a little blond twink," Bobby smirked.
"Brian Kinney does not cuddle. And Justin Taylor is no twink, but don't tell him I said that," Brian chuckled.
"My lips are sealed."
"Bobby, you need to talk to Steve. Tell him how you feel. He's a good man. He'll understand."
"I want to Brian but I'm scared and ashamed."
"You have nothing to be ashamed of. You were just a kid. And I can't believe that Bobby Morrison, defender of homosexual straight men, dart frog warrior, asshole priest fighter, and attorney to wayward ex-hustlers, is afraid of anything." Brian thought a minute then continued. "Bobby, was Jimmy all that bad?"
"No. He was real wild at times but he could sure play baseball. That's how I knew him."
"Then that's what you tell Steve. Tell Steve you knew the good Jimmy and that he made sure you got home before he decided to rob that store. Give Steve that much."
"Damn."
"What?"
"Now I know why that blond of yours is so hung up on you. You're a good man, Brian Kinney."
"We won't let that secret get around, now will we? Can't ruin my asshole rep."
Brian and Bobby shared a laugh then helped each other up.
"Come on, old man. I bet Justin's wondering what's going on. You know, you, me, a cemetery."
"Watch it with the old shit. We're about the same age. You okay to drive home?"
"Yeah, I am, thanks. And thank you for listening and the cuddling."
"I don't do..."
"Tell it walking, old man. Your secret's safe with me."
"Come on, Red. I think I can smell Claire's cookies baking. Justin will be hungry."
"When is he ever not hungry?" Bobby gave Brian a kiss on his cheek and the two friends walked back to their cars.
As Brian got back into the Cherokee Justin turned down the music.
"Everything okay?"
"Yeah." Brian pulled Justin as close as he could and gave him a deep kiss.
"What was that for? Not that I'm complaining."
"I don't know. Something I needed to do. Drive. I bet there's cookies at that thar farm." Justin laughed then gave Brian his full Sunshine smile. They drove to the farm with Bobby close behind.
*****
It didn't take long to get settled into the farm. They had cookies with Claire, Hunter and Bobby. John came in while they were still eating them. No mention was made of the cemetery scene from earlier. Once the cookies were eaten, Brian said he wanted to go down to the stream for a smoke. Justin decided to stay behind and see what he could do to help Claire get ready for the massive onslaught the next day.
Beau met Brian at the door wagging his tail for all he was worth. He followed Brian as they made their way down to the stream. Brian dropped down onto the big rock and lit a cigarette. He heard a little rustle behind him but ignored it wanting to be alone. He needed to think about what had happened with Bobby in the cemetery.
Someone cleared their throat and Brian turned slightly to see who it was. Hunter obviously didn't understand Brian's need to be alone.
"So, what is it, littlest hustler?"
"Why do you call me that?" Hunter asked.
"Force of habit."
"Brian, I need to talk to somebody."
"You have Bobby and John and Claire and Bill and "
"I get the picture, okay! But what I need to know I can't ask them."
"I thought you'd be past wanting advice about sex at this point," Brian retorted.
"I could probably teach you a thing or two," Hunter shot back.
Brian raised an eyebrow and then chuckled. "So what do you want to ask?"
"It's about Michael and Ben."
"Aah."
"What do you think they would say if I told them I wanted to work here and live here?"
Brian studied Hunter's face as the boy joined him on the rock. "Is that what you want to do?" he asked.
"Yeah, I think so."
"Then do it."
"But what about Ben and Michael?"
"They'll be upset. Hell, Michael flies off at the slightest thing. He's the son of a fag hag and a drag queen. What would you expect?"
"I I don't want to hurt them. They've been great to me."
"But sometimes you have to do what's best for you," Brian said pointedly.
"Is that what you did?"
"Yeah, my family life sucked almost as much as yours," Brian said honestly. "I decided I was getting away from them if it was the last thing I ever did."
"How did you do it?"
"Education."
Hunter snorted. "I can't go back to that high school. They all hate me and shun me or call me names. What's the point anyway? I have HIV."
"Ah, the HIV card."
"What what the fuck is that supposed to mean?"
"You should do what the fuck you want to do. The only person you can really rely on is yourself, not Mikey or Ben or Bobby or your fucking mother. Stand on your own two feet."
"It's hard to do that," Hunter said trying not to cry.
"I didn't say it was easy. Doing what you know is right for you is never easy, especially if it doesn't go along with what your family wants."
"What did your family want for you?" Hunter asked changing the topic until he got control of himself.
Brian snorted. "You mean other than for me to rot in Hell?"
"They they didn't say that, did they?"
"I think those were my mother's exact words a few weeks ago."
"Fuck! And I thought my mother was a bitch! But what about when you were my age? What did they want back then?" Hunter stood up and started skipping stones.
"You mean way back in the Iron Age?" Brian joked. "Let's see; my father expected me to join the union just like he had." Brian watched Hunter skip some more stones. "You're pretty good at that."
Hunter grinned. "Bill taught me one day and I've been practicing ever since. There's a real skill to it."
Brian noted the words Hunter used and smiled slightly. "So what are you going to do with your skills if you stay here?"
"I've been working at the farm. It feels good to see what I accomplish each day. Bill says I make a good farmhand."
"Farmhand! Hmm. Not your ordinary career choice these days. Ben and Michael will be pleased," Brian said sarcastically. He knew Hunter was a bright boy, but farm work was hardly challenging.
"See, I knew they'd be mad at me."
"What they think is irrelevant. Do what you have to do."
"What I want to do is stay here, work on the farm, and take correspondence courses. Eventually I'd like to become a counselor here. If I live that long."
"Of course, you will," Brian said quickly. He hated to hear Hunter talk about dying. "That sounds like a plan."
"Do you think they'll let me do it?"
"Ben and Michael? Why wouldn't they let you do it?"
"Michael wants me to be a doctor or some fucking high brow thing like that."
"If you want something different, go for it. It's your life."
"I was thinking about talking to them about it this weekend."
"Sounds good to me. And stick to your guns," Brian added knowing how Michael could make a person feel guilty. "Can you show me how to do that?" Brian asked picking up a stone.
"Sure," Hunter smiled showing Brian how to position his feet and hand.
After several tries Brian got one to skip across the water. "You're a good teacher. Patient and helpful. I could see you making a decent counselor."
Hunter smiled as Brian skipped another stone. "You're a good student. And a good listener."
"Who'd a thunk?" Brian laughed.
"I think dinner's probably ready. We should go back."
"Yeah," Brian agreed. He laid an arm across Hunter's shoulders as they headed back to the house.
Brian and Hunter were approaching the house when Hunter noticed Brian's week's worth of a beard and mustache. Hunter found it very attractive but then again Brian could go around naked or dressed in a potato sack and Hunter would find Brian attractive. Shaking the myriad of Brian visions from his head, Hunter ventured a comment.
"Brian?"
"Yes." Brian heard the sarcastic tone in Hunter's voice and braced himself for one of Hunter's come ons.
"What's with the fuzz on your face? Blondie have a thing for bears?" Brian's death glare was Hunter's answer for the last comment. But Hunter was never ever really frightened of Brian, no matter how many death glares were shot in his direction. Hunter was uncharacteristically patient when it came to Brian. Finally his patience was rewarded.
"Woke up late one morning and didn't have time to shave. By late that night I had some real heavy growth going on. I was too tired to shave that night and the next day was Saturday, so I kept it."
"And what does blondie think about it, not that his opinion matters." Hunter smirked, he felt, not saw the glare. But Brian was an expert on keeping little blond teenagers on their toes. With his best cruising for tricks, take no prisoner smile on his face, Brian let Hunter know just how appreciated his beard was.
"Justin's become very creative in preventing beard burn." Brian laughed, Hunter scowled.
As Justin greeted them at the door, Brian started stroking his beard still with that smile on his face. Confirming Justin's appreciation for the fuzz on Brian's face and to further increase Hunter's scowl, Justin sidled up to Brian and pulled Brian down by his nape for an intense kiss.
Hunter huffed passed them and grumbled, "Get a room! Shit, a whole fucking weekend with them fucking. I'm going to be traumatized for life." Hunter pulled the lovers, who were still sucking face in the doorway, into the house and slammed the door.