"What If"...

Sept. 11th Had Affected the Gang

(Also known as "The Day America Stood Still")

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It all started at 8:45am on September 11th, 2001. It was a day the gang of Liberty Avenue would never forget.

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Brian held Justin close as they watched the news on TV. The gang had come over to Brian's loft when they heard the news about the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. Then to make matters worse, the plane crash in Pittsburgh. Mel and Linds came with Gus, both women in a slight panic. Not too long after Brian had calmed them down, Michael, David, Debbie and Vic came. Ted and Emmett showed up an hour later, and finally it was Justin's family's turn to show up at the loft.

Now, all 14 people sat together, their eyes glued to the TV as they watched the disaster in New York and D.C. Gus and Molly ended up asleep in Brian's room, Molly not understanding what was going on and Gus far too young to even know what the TV was.

Mel held Lindsay as she cried silently for the dead. Emmett held onto Ted's hand, crying as well. Debbie, Vic, and Jen were sitting off to the side in silent prayer together. Brian had relinquished his hold on Justin not too long ago to Craig. Justin sat beside his father, curled up against his side as Craig rubbed his son's back in calming circles.

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Brian

I can't believe this. Who in their right minds could do such a horrible thing? So many people had died for what? Nothing. Not a damn fucking thing. What a waste of life. So many families left behind. How many mother's cried for their children? How many husbands mourned their wives? How many children are left orphaned? What could I have done? Not a damn thing.

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Michael

My God, this is horrible. So many people dead and for what? This is senseless. I just can't believe this is just so horrible. I'm glad I'm here with my family and friends. I wish there was something I could do. Maybe I should ask David if he'd go to the hospital with me so I can donate blood. Maybe the others will go with me. I'll ask them later.

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David

Poor Michael. He's so shaken up by all this, but then, so am I. We all are. I wish there was a way I could help all those people. Maybe I could drive to New York and offer my services. I know it wouldn't be much but it would be something.

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Justin

Why did this happen? What did we ever do to make those people want to hurt us? This is just so wrong. I'm glad my dad's here. For once, I'm glad he's here to hold me like he used to when I had a bad dream. I'm so scared. What if we're next? What if something happens to Brian, or my folks? What can I do?

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As they watched in silence, each questioned themselves over and over again. What can I do? Could I have helped stop this in some way? And each time, their questions kept coming back to two words: what if?

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