Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 21:42:37 -0700
From: bryan wilson <wilson81abc@yahoo.com>
Subject: betting-on-love-and-life-28

This story is a work of fiction involving sex between consenting adult
males. If this disturbs you then leave now. I have no knowledge of the
sexual identity of anyone mentioned in this story, including any
celebrities. This is my original story, please do not copy duplicate or
repost anywhere without my express written permission. This is my first
attempt at writing all comments are welcome and will be answered.
wilson81abc@yahoo.com

I want to thank Jeansguy and Mark for all their hard work proofreading and
editing for me.

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End of 27:

Sean held out his hand, " It's great to meet you big brother Bill. " Sean
smiled that smile that melts my heart.


Bill cracked a smile and grabbed Sean into a hug. " It's nice to meet you,
Sean. "


Bill let go of Sean as mother cleared her throat, " I think that is enough,
William. " Mother cocked an eyebrow at Bill.


Bill looked at me and winked, " Okay, Mother. "


" Please come in everyone. " I led them to the front door and directed them
all into the den. " Let's talk in here. Would anyone like anything to
drink? " I asked, trying to be polite.


===============

Part 28



" That will not be necessary, Jerry. " Mother coldly stated.


" How about a scotch, Jerry? " Bill asked.


" Coming right up. " I walked over to pour Bill his drink. " Have a seat
everyone. " I poured a scotch for Bill and myself, then directed Sean to
sit behind the desk and then took a seat on the front corner of the desk.


" Now, what is so important that brings you here today, Mother? "


" This is a family matter, Jerry. I think you need to ask Sean to step out
till we are done. "


I sat there on the corner of the desk for a full minute staring at
mother. The room quiet as the tension level starting rising as fast as my
temper. I finally stood, set my drink on the desk and walked over next to
Sean.


" I made a promise to let you come into our home and listen to what you had
to say, Mother. But, I want you to understand right now, this is our home
and you will never sit there and tell me who can and can't be here. If you
can't handle that, I suggest you head back out that door and never come
back. " I placed my hand on Sean's shoulder to emphasize that I meant what
I said.


" Jerry Martin, I will not allow you to speak to me that way. " Mother
sputtered back at me.


" I don't care what you think you can allow me to do, Mother. I gave you
the ground rules for this meeting, if you don't want to talk, then I think
it's time for you to leave.  I started to walk around the desk to show them
out.


" Fine, Jerry, if that's the way you want to handle this. " Mother replied
rather rudely.


" That is how it will be, Mother. Anything you have to say may as well be
said in front of Sean. I have nothing to hide from him. "


" I doubt that very much, Jerry. Remember I know everything about you,
Son. " The words chilled my skin, the innuendo behind them seemed to hold
more to my mother for some reason.


" So, what can I do for you, Mother? " I asked with a quick to the point
question.


" Jerry, we are here as a family to give you the support and strength you
need. I know in my heart that this is not the life that you wanted. I also
know you are not happy and want something more for yourself. It's just that
you don't know how to go about it or how to ask for help. Your brothers and
I have come here to give you the opportunity to ask for our help, before
more drastic measures are needed. "


" What? What more drastic measures, Mother? " Bill jumped out of his chair
and was in front of mother. " You told me that Jerry wanted us here to ask
for our help. "


Sam ran over to mother's side, " Sit down, Bill. I believe after Mother has
her say, Jerry will be more than willing to ask us for our help. "


Bill shook his head and sat back down. " Go ahead, Mom. " Sam said as he
stayed at her side with his hand on her shoulder.


" As I was saying. " Mom scowled at Bill. " I think if you look in your
heart, Jerry, you will have to admit that I'm correct. This choice was
never the one you wanted. I think you were forced down this path and with
our help you can start down the right path for yourself. I have a lot of
help in place for you, Jerry, and the first step is for you to say you are
wrong. Then we can begin to help you make a better choice, I just hope you
can see that you are wrong and all I want is to help you. Can you see that,
Son? "


I sat there thinking about all that she said, and wondered. I felt Sean put
his hand on mine. " Is that all 'all' you came here for today, Mother? " I
asked trying to stay calm, before she brought out the real reason.


" Of course it is, Son. I am your mother and I only want the best for
you. " She snapped back quickly.


" Only the 'best' for me, Mother? You have a lot of nerve to use those
words, sitting there lying to all three of your sons. The only problem
there is, I know the whole truth. Sam doesn't care as long as he is the
center of your attention. I think your biggest mistake was lying to
Bill. He is an adult, Mother and has opinions and ideas all his own. Maybe
you should tell him why you are really here, and show him what you have in
your purse, before you count on his support. " I leaned back on the desk as
I stared her down.


Bill sat there shaking his head. " Would someone tell me what the hell is
going on here, I'm so tired of this dancing around the point you two have
going on. " Bill was pointing to me and mother.


" Would you like to 'put all your cards on the table,' as they say, Mother?
Or would you like me to tell Bill the whole truth, well Sam also, but he
could not care less about the truth, thanks to your poisonous words,
Mother. " I smiled at her, as I put her behind the eight ball.


Mother stood up and brushed her dress. " I will speak to William later,
right now he will have to accept my word on this. I need an answer from
you, Jerry. Will you admit you are wrong and ask us for our help? "


I started laughing and shook my head. " I will do just that for you,
Mother, if you pull that paper out of your purse and show it to Bill. " I
walked around the desk next to Sean and leaned down and whispered in his
ear, " Push that little button under the desk drawer, and relax, everything
is fine. " I kissed his cheek and just laughed again. " Well,
Mother. What's it going to be? "


Mother sat back down thinking, wondering if her plan was going to work. I
guess she decided that it would and pulled a court order out of her purse
and handed it to Bill.


" I already stopped at the sheriff's office and filed that, Jerry. I was
hoping that you could admit your mistake and it would not be necessary to
use it. " Mother smiled at me, as if she held the moral high ground.


Bill sat back in his chair as he started reading over the document. After
several minutes he gasped and dropped the papers on the floor. " Mother, I
..." Bill stopped and closed his eyes. " I can't believe you would stoop
this low. How can you even say the things you did and have this at the
ready? I'm ashamed to even say that you are my mother. " Bill stood and
headed for the door.


" No, Bill. You need to hear the whole story and the true depths of her
insanity. " I walked over and pulled Bill back to his chair.


I knelt down in front of Bill. " I know you are the oldest, my brother and
you always thought you were the one that was suppose to protect us. You did
a great job when we were kids, but it's time I stepped up and pulled back
the curtain on the fraud that mother had put on in front of us since I came
out. " I placed my hand on Bill's knee. " I can only guess the lies she
told you to bring you here, and before we go on, I want you to know I hold
no grudge against you, brother. Mom has lied to me for years, she has never
accepted me as a gay man as she claimed she did. Instead she has been
planning and hiding her true feelings, waiting to strike. Her attempt at me
using Brad and Mark, that almost cost her the life of her favorite son and
she still can't accept the fact she was wrong. Then to top it off, you have
read the papers yourself, how far she is willing to go. Do you know exactly
why she is willing to go this far, Bill? "


" She said you told her that you were confused and we all needed to be here
to help you. " Bill said as his eyes started to water.


" She is partially right, Bill. I am confused. " Everyone looked at me like
I was about to burst into flames. " I am confused to why she would go this
far. " I reached down and grabbed the papers Bill dropped on the floor. "
But I have come to the conclusion that it boils down to plain old fashioned
greed. What she did not show you with this, " I waved the papers, " is her
trying to gain control of my business and my money. " I looked over at her.


" You, mother are an absolute disgusting human being. You have lied and
manipulated your way around all of us these years, to try and take
something that I would have given you if you only asked. Instead you have
betrayed my trust and love for a mother I had for you. "


There was a knock on the door, " Come in. " I yelled.


Kyle walked in carrying a folder with him and handed it to me, " Thanks,
Kyle. Can you keep an eye on Jack and ask Dad to come in here please? "


" Right away, Jerry. " Kyle looked at mother disapprovingly, using my first
name instead of sir in front of a group as he usually would.


" I have kept my word to Dad and allowed you to have your say, Mother. Now
it is my turn and you will give me the same courtesy I gave you. " I sat
waiting for her to answer.


She sneered at me for a moment, " I will not be spoken to like that, Son. I
am your mother and you will show me some respect. " Mother winked, trying
to push me into doing something rash.


" I have sat here and listened to the lines of bullshit from this woman,
Jerry. How in the hell can you want her in your house a minute longer is
beyond me. " Sean was standing behind the desk, red with anger.


I turned around and looked at Sean, he was more upset than I had seen him
since we met. " You mean 'our' home, Sean and don't worry, she will be
leaving soon. " I smiled at him, trying to calm him down.


As the words came together in his head, he took his sight off of mother and
looked at me and and the love returned to his eyes and he smiled at me.


Dad walked in the den and shut the door. Mother, Sam and Bill turned to see
a sullen father standing inside the door. " Jane, boys, how are you doing?
" Dad asked, but could tell by the mood in the room things had went bad
already.


Sam turned back towards mother and never said a word, always a momma's boy
till the end. Bill stepped over and hugged Dad.


" I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't know she would do anything like this. " He
started sobbing on Dad's shoulder.


" I know, Son. She has fooled all of us for a long time. I still love you,
Bill. " Dad kissed his cheek as he rocked him in his arms.


" I asked you in a little early, Dad. It seems that Mother is holding the
last piece of her puzzle close, I imagine in the hopes that the first part
of her plan worked. "


" I guess you need to finish this up then, Son. I can only imagine you are
ready to have her out of your house. " Dad replied.


" When I leave here, none of you will be here long. I will have that amoral
heathen locked away and the rest of you on the street. " Mother screamed as
she rose from her seat.


I bellowed, " Sit your ass down, Mrs. Martin. If you ever threaten anyone
in our home again, you will be sitting in a jail cell for the rest of your
life. " I stepped in front of her and glared her in the eyes until she
backed up and sat down.


Sam came over between us and pushed me back. " How dare you speak to her
like that, you ungrateful prick. She is only trying to help you be a real
man. "


" Oh Sam, you poor blind fool. If you didn't learn your lesson after she
was willing to sacrifice your life in the pursuit of her final goal,
nothing will. Now sit down, before I have Bill help you. I looked over at
Bill and smiled.


Sam then looked over at Bill and fell back in his chair and slumped down as
Bill gave him a threatening look.


I leaned back on the desk in front of Mother and Sam. " First of all
Mrs. Martin, your attempt to use your doctor 'friends' and that crooked ass
judge to pull this off is over. The judge has been removed from the bench,
by a Judicial panel and the doctors you used have had their licenses
suspended pending an investigation. Also, the shyster of a lawyer who drew
up these papers for you is now sitting in a jail cell next to Mark. Now, I
have a few things that I need you to understand, Mrs. Martin. I first want
to give you a restraining order that prevents you from coming within 500
feet of this house, Sean, Jack, Dad or me, as well as any of my business
offices. If you ever decide to break this order, I have the Governor's word
that you will be arrested and in jail until such time as a psychiatrist of
my choice decides you are of no danger to any of us. I also have a divorce
settlement that you will sign before you leave here, and in my opinion it
is far
 more fair than I would have been with you. " I held onto the last piece,
since she had not drawn her trump card yet.


I handed the file to mother then sat back on the corner of the desk,
waiting on her reply.


" I can't believe you are treating me this way, Son. I will not sign
anything without having a lawyer look it over for me. I'll fight your
father with my last breath, I'm not going to allow you to buy his way out
of this. He will not sit in the lap of luxury while I am forced into
poverty. " Mother growled at Dad.


" I am guessing that you want to try and hold onto that last piece of hope,
Mrs. Martin. I'm not referring to the hope that you will get anything more
from Dad, but that last piece of hope you are holding close to your
heart. "


" I have no idea what you are talking about, Jerry. " Not looking at me,
but at Sam trying to find the last of her support in the room.


" You are just going to keep this going no matter what I do aren't you,
Mother? I have tried to give you a way out to save some dignity, but you
will not budge and admit you were wrong. " I shook my head, knowing that it
would never be over where she was concerned. " I will give you one last
chance to reveal your last act of betrayal to your sons and show them how
far you were willing to go. Or you will leave me no choice on how I
proceed. "


Dad and Bill looked up at me and I had to shake my head at them as Mother
stared at Sam. I could not understand why she was being so stubborn on this
point, I knew what she had done and put a stop to it before she could even
get close to pulling it off, so why is she trying to hide the fact now?


Mother stood up but never looked at me. " Fine, but on one condition, and
it is not negotiable. "


" And what would that be? " I asked as I looked at the floor, dreading what
she was going to ask.


" That you at least allow me to see Jack..... "


Before she could say another word, Sean came up out of his chair. " There
is no way that is ever going to happen. I don't know what you think you are
trying to do, but I can guarantee that you will never see my nephew
again. " Sean was about to come out from behind the desk.


I stepped up in front of Mother, " You had to know that was never going to
happen. What else are you trying to hide with that impossible request? "


" Nothing, Son. I just fell in love with Jack, before you forced me out of
here, and I never got to say goodbye to him. " Mother started to cry, but
no tears were falling, she was avoiding looking at me.


" Well, I will never allow it and as you just heard, Sean is opposed to the
idea, so I guess we will have to handle this the hard way. I think it is
time for you to leave and try your last desperate act, Mother. " I stood
with my arms crossed in front of her, waiting for her to turn and leave.


" You would deny me this one small request? I just want to give him a hug
and tell him goodbye. I promise I won't say anything else to the boy. "
Mother started pleading.


I turned to look at Sean, but could feel the answer was no before I
turned. He was about to say something but I held up my hand. I walked
around the desk and turned my back to the room and stood between them and
Sean. " I will not allow her the chance, Sean, but there is something else
that I don't know about that she is hiding. I need you to ask her some
questions, leading her to believe you are going to agree to her request. I
need to look into her eyes, I know I shouldn't but I can't help the feeling
that I need to know what it is. " I whispered into his ear.


" You know I can not even think about her being near him, Jerry. I will
give it a shot, but I can't promise you I won't jump this desk and throw
her out the front door. " Sean didn't even blink or take his eyes off
mother.


" I know Sean, I will be the first one to help you if this doesn't give me
any answers. " I smiled at him and nodded my head as I turned around and
walked back around the front of the desk and stood in front of her again.


" Do I have your word that you will say nothing else to Jack? " Sean asked.


Mother looked up at him, with a glimmer in her eye that Sean might be
considering letting her see Jack. " Yes, I will not say anything to him but
goodbye. Can I also give him a hug? " She asked quietly, not expecting a
yes answer.


I positioned myself on the desk so she had to look just above my shoulder
to look at Sean and as I looked at her and studied her face I finally got
the glimpse I was wanting.


" I'm a little apprehensive about this, Mrs. Martin, but if I have your
word that you will not say anything to Jack about anything else I guess I
could allow it. " Sean was about to groan in his reluctance to allow her
near Jack.


" I will not say anything to him, if you would at least allow me the chance
to say goodbye to him and tell him that I love him. " Mother was getting
emotional and had all but forgotten about me.


I felt all the blood drain from my face, the terror swept across my mind
and I could hear the screams in my mind. ' NO NO NO ' over and over, I
could not focus on anything, the room spinning as I lost all sense of
myself. I tried to push myself up from the desk, it took all the strength
and concentration I could find to even get to a standing position. I turned
and faced Sean, " What the hell is wrong, Jerry? " I could hear the words,
but they did not make any sense to me.


The sound of the word being yelled 'NO' in my head was deafening. I could
not hear anything else around me, but the word No. Sean had pulled me back
behind the desk and got me in the chair, " Jerry, answer me. What's wrong?
" He kept asking as I sat staring into nowhere.


I heard Sean yell to Dad, " Get Kyle in here now, we need to call the
ambulance. " I reached out and grabbed Sean's arm and shook my head no. "
Bill. " Was all I was able to get out.


" Bill, he wants you. " Sean was looking panic stricken.


Bill walked behind the desk and knelt down to look me in the eyes. " What
the hell is wrong, little brother? " Bill took my hand.


I stared a minute at Bill, trying to get my thoughts gathered into a
coherent thought. I barely got it out as a whisper, " Get Dad and Sam out
of here. " I pleaded with Bill as I looked at him.


His look was nothing but a question as he stood and walked off. I heard him
grab Dad and Sam and take them towards the door, the both of them arguing
with Bill. I pulled Sean down in front of me, " Sean, I love you more right
now than anything in this world, but I need you to leave and keep everyone
out of here. "


Sean's face froze, " No Jerry, I will not leave you alone with her. What
the hell did you see? "


" Not now, Sean. I have to end this now and I do not want anyone outside of
this room to know what is said. "


" I will not leave, Jerry. You can try and throw me out of here, but I am
not leaving you alone. I promised you and I am Not breaking a promise to
you. " I could see the love in his eyes as he spoke.


My head sank as the tears started pouring down my face. " Then make me one
more promise, Sean. Promise me that you will never repeat a thing you hear
in here, or do anything to anyone. "


" Oh my God, Jerry. What has she done to you? " Sean was about to make a
run for her as I grabbed his arm.


" Promise me Sean. We can't do this without each other, it is going to take
the strength of both of us to get through this. " I never looked up to see
his face as I pleaded with him.


Sean knelt back down in front of me and took my face in his strong hands
and began to wipe away the tears. " I promise, Babe. " I looked up finally
to see the strength I needed to face the evil that sat on the other side of
the desk.


" Can you pour me a scotch first? " I asked Sean with a half ass smile on
my face.


" Sure, Jerry. " He stood slowly, not taking his eyes off me as he stepped
over to the bar. I don't think he was truly sure I wasn't going to do
something foolish.


I closed my eyes and heard the scotch pour into the glass, I then heard
Mother stand and before I could stop myself I yelled. " Don't you dare take
another step, you evil twisted monster. " I did not move as I waited to
hear if she took another step.  She stood still, I could only imagine not
knowing what to do since she could not see my face. " Sit back down now,
and do not say a word to me until I finish what I have to say. "


Sean stepped back in front of me, I opened my eyes and took the drink from
his hand as he stared at her and was paying no attention to me. Unsure of
what I was thinking or where this was going.


I took the whole drink in one swallow and slowly let out an, " Ahhhh. "


I spun around in the chair to face her as I set the glass on the desk. "
After I was alerted to what you were up to with the courts I did not think
you could be any worse of a person. I was wrong, but wrong in more ways
than I could ever imagine being. Not only were you trying to lock me in an
asylum and take everything I have worked and planned out for years, you
have been after my soul. Do you have any idea the pain you have caused me
over the years? Can you understand how far I almost went, how close I came
to becoming just like you in search of revenge? " I was really not even
looking at her, I could not even come close to letting her see how badly
this affected me.


" I never imagined that a person could get this low, to do what you have
done, and to your own son. Even you can not believe in your mind that it
was okay to do this. What were you thinking to bring yourself to even
contemplate this, let alone go through with it? "


She sat there studying me, either not willing to talk or afraid to. " I
have no idea what you are going on about, Jerry. " She was trying to hide
her thoughts as she answered me.


I slammed my hands on the desk and stood up, " You will never admit it, but
I know exactly what you have done. Not only have you lost me as a son, you
are responsible for four other ruined lives. I have taken my revenge on
them for years, and for nothing. "


" You did not do what I think you have done, Jerry. You promised me and
your father you would never do that to us again, not after all the trouble
you caused. " Mother was getting agitated.


" That I caused? How, Mother, how can you even get those words out of your
mouth? I placed my trust in you, you were suppose to protect me, I was only
a child and you destroyed that, the unconditional love I had for you. Gone
all gone, and for what? Just because you could not handle my choices? Of
all the petty inexcusable reasons, Mother. "


" I did protect you Jerry, I was trying to protect you from this life. I
was trying to bring you back to a wholesome lifestyle. One like your
brothers had and you could be proud of. "


I sighed, " I don't even know what to do with you. I promised Dad that I
would make sure you were always safe, but I just don't know if I can do
that. I don't know if I can even begin the thought of forgiving you, let
alone letting you go on as if nothing happened. "


" You will do just that, Son. I know...." She tried to continue.


" NO! You never get to call me that again. As of this moment the son you
had is dead, you killed him all those years ago. I will not hear those
words come from your mouth again, that word is reserved for a parent who
has actually shown me the love that a parent should show their child. "


" This is how we are going to handle this, you will sign anything Dad puts
in front of you in regard to the divorce. You will not argue, moan or
challenge one thing he outlines in the decree. You will never ever mention
anything that you know about me or my business to anyone. If I find out
that you have opened your mouth, I promise you that not even Sean will be
able to keep his promise to me. I want you to stay away from Bill and Sam,
I do not ever want you near their children. I will not have you in that
position again that you could harm anyone in this family. And lastly, I
want you to to tell Sam exactly what you have done and you will do it right
here before you leave this house. I want all ties between you and him
broken. These terms are not negotiable and I am giving you 15 seconds to
make your decision. "


I grabbed Sean's hand as I looked up at him and tried to steady myself
waiting for her answer. Sean ran his hand over my head and down my cheek as
he kept his eyes lock on mine and we waited.


" No, that is not acceptable. I can not be pushed out of their lives like
that and I won't be. " She replied bluntly.


" Fine, then I will turn this over to the police and you can tell everyone
standing outside that door what you have done and see just how welcome you
will be in their homes. " I stood up and headed for the door.


She grabbed my hand, " You can't do this to me, Son...Jerry. You will leave
me with nothing. "


" I'm suppose to care? How can you think that I would give a flying damn
what you have or don't have. This is about making things right, and it
would be right to have you out of the lives of children that you could
destroy. " I pulled away from her.


I opened the door, " Come back in please, I think we are done here. " I let
them back in and shut the door and took my seat back behind the desk.


" My tries at a resolution to this matter have reached an impasse and I
have decided that legal action will be the best way to resolve all the
matters that are before us. Most of these you know, the last one might be a
little difficult for you to hear, but I think it is in your best interest
to hear. Or at least the best interest of your children to hear just what a
decrepit person that she is. " I pointed at her.


" Don't do this, Jerry. I promise you I will tell them, but not like
this. " She started crying.


" I 'm sorry, I can't believe a word that comes out of your mouth. You have
abused that privilege for the last time. They will hear it and hear it now,
it is up to them to decide if they want anything to do with you. " I got
back up out of my seat and had Sean sit down as I poured myself another
drink, to steady my nerves.


" We are all aware of the events of '98, well except Sean. " I turned and
smiled at Sean.


" I guess you are going to get a crash course on what makes me, me. It
seems that it was not the idea of the four individuals I have blamed all
these years. There was someone else behind it from the beginning. This evil
uncaring piece of work you call Mother was responsible for the whole
thing. She paid them, paid them and put me on the sacrificial altar. All in
an attempt to force me into to being afraid of my homosexuality and try to
make me straight. I have made promises and I am having a hard time right
now honoring them, but I highly advise you to distance yourselves from her
and keep your children as far away as you can. She has not one moral fiber
in her and I don't believe she would blink an eye at the idea of harming
any of the kids. "


Everyone sat motionless, like all the air in the room had left and no one
knew what to do. I felt arms wrap themselves around my shoulders as Sean
leaned down to bring his lips to my ears. " You are the most courageous man
I have ever known Jerry Martin, I don't know about the rest of your family,
but I think you are an angel right here on Earth. "


Dad stood up and turned and walked towards the door, he seemed like he was
lost, a blank expression on his face. One I have never seen before, one of
a defeated man.


" Dad? " Bill spoke. " Where are you going? "


" I have to step out of here a minute, Bill. I find out the woman I have
been married to for ages is a monster, and my son has lied to me. "


" Mr. Martin, I can not believe that you are going to turn your back on
Jerry. The man who has talked to me the last few weeks about the love and
support of a family, and you are going to walk away from a son who needs
you now. I may not know the whole story, Mr. Martin, but I can tell you
that it took a lot of strength for Jerry to do what he just did. I believe
he had the right to know the truth, no matter what promise he broke in the
process. Jerry has shown me more love in caring than I have experienced in
my life, and for the head of his family to turn his back on him now is
unacceptable. I have not seen anyone in this family show Jerry any concern
or love in the last three weeks. Is he the only one that is suppose to show
that to this family? Is he not entitled to the same in return from all of
you? The respect I have for him has gone up yet again, that he shows only
concern for others, while never seeking out any for himself. I want you all
to
 know, I pledge my life to make him happy, to give him what he has tried to
give everyone he has ever met, love. I love him more than I have loved
anyone, and from now on you will all have to deal with me if you can't find
it in your hearts to give him the love that he has shown you and he
deserves for himself. " Sean was mad, and was taking no prisoners, I
swelled with a bit of pride as he stood there demanding the respect of my
family, even as we were in the middle of a tempest.


I reached over and grabbed Sean's hand, " You are amazing, Sean. You are
really coming into your own and I love you all the more for it. " I stood
up and looked at the family. " First off, Mrs. Martin, as to the power of
attorney papers you have kept close to your heart, you can throw them in
the trash. They were never any good and even less so after they were
dismissed by a judge with a bit more brains than the one you used. I want
you to get up, head for the door and never, and I can not stress this
enough, Mother. You are to never darken my doorstep ever again, because of
the mess you have caused, I will be working for years to clean it up. If
you so ever try to come back into my life, I promise you now, I will not be
so forgiving. "


I turned to Sam, " Sam, I don't know if you truly believe the path she led
you down or if you went along because you needed her approval so much, but
the choice right here is yours and yours alone, if you want to continue
being my brother than I will be thrilled to have you in my life. If on the
other hand, your head is still stuck with her, then the same goes for you,
you're no longer welcome here in my home or my life. "


" Bill, I know we have drifted a bit over the last few years, but I don't
believe for a minute that you want to back away from me now. I would love
to have you, Sarah and the kids in my life. "


" Dad, I am sorry that I broke that promise, but I knew there was something
she was hiding and I had to know. You know what I have done, you of all
people should understand now that in part I was in the wrong and will have
to make amends. If you can't get past that fact, then I guess I
understand. It won't make it any easier, but I do understand, Dad. " I hung
my head and waited for their replies. Sean pulled me up and wrapped his
arms around me.


" Don't worry, Jerry. No matter what, I will be here for you. More than
anything in this world I want to be here for you, and you alone. " Sean
whispered in my ear as the tears fell down my face.


I felt someone step up behind me and put their arms around me, " I'm sorry,
Jerry. I would never leave you, bro. I would be honored to still be a part
of your life. I promise you that we will never drift apart again. I would
never stand with that evil monster against you, Jerry. I still can't
believe what she has done, and how calm you are. Are you sure you are going
to be alright? " Bill asked with obvious concern in his voice.


" I'll be fine, Bill. Thanks to this wonderful man. " I looked up at Sean
and he blushed just slightly.


" Well, as soon as this is over I want to sit down and get to know all
about this wonderful man. " Bill said to both of us, and I swear I could
hear the smile in his voice.


" You will regret this, damn you Jerry. I will not be thrown aside like you
don't even know me. I am your Mother and come hell or high water I will
bring you down. There is no way I am going to allow you to leave me sitting
in the poor house, while you move that gutter rat and his ungrateful nephew
into this house. " Mother was on a tirade as my anger level reached an all
time new level.


" Would you do the honors, Sean? " I winked and him and drifted my head to
towards the button under the desk drawer.


" My pleasure, babe. " He reached down and pushed the button.


Kyle came rushing in the door, with his hand in motion toward the inside of
his jacket. " I think we have someone that needs help finding her way to
the door, Kyle. I want word to everyone on the property that she is never
to gain entry here again, and if she is spotted anywhere close to the
property, they are to call the sheriff and have her arrested. "


Kyle grabbed her by the shoulder, " Let's go Mrs. Martin, I think you are
being asked to leave. " He tried to turn her towards the door.


" Take your hands off me you hired goon, and you, you ungrateful spawn of
Satan, I will see you burn in hell. I will find someone to help me bring
you down, someone will understand how sick you are and come to my aid. "
She was screaming as Kyle pushed her out of the den.


Sam stood up and looked down at the floor, " Jerry, I never hated you and I
really don't know why I helped her, but I am sorry. I think I need a little
time to get my head on straight and find a way to make this all up to
you. Can you give me that time? "


" I understand, Sam, take all the time you need. I will always be here, but
please remember, if you decide to be in my life it comes with the condition
that Sean and Jack are included as well. "


Sam seemed a little shocked by my request, " Of course Jer, I wouldn't
expect it any other way. "


Dad cleared his throat in the back of the room, " Boys, can you give me and
Jerry a few moments? "


Bill and Sam looked at one another and replied in unison, " Sure Dad. "
They turned and headed towards the door.


" Sean, I could use a private moment with my son. " Dad asked in a meek
tone, not sure that Sean would grant his request.


Sean looked at me then turned towards Dad, " With all due respect
Mr. Martin, there is no way I am leaving him alone with you. Whatever you
have to say to him can be said to both of us. " Sean squeezed my hand and
my heart swelled a little more for him.


" I think it will be best if Sean stays, Dad. From now on he will be
involved in every aspect of my life. " I stood and waited for Dad to accept
my decision.


" Fine, Son, but I am only agreeing to this because it is your home. I
really think this should be between just you and I. " Dad said with a bit
of defiance in his voice.


" Well, Dad, after what you've just done, I think it is best if I have
someone in the room that is on my side. "


" Son, I'm sorry for what I said. I was just overwhelmed with your mother's
actions and all I could think about was that I never imagined after all we
went through that you would ever do that again. When you told us what you
had done, I was worried I would lose you, and this time, not be able to
pull you back. I know what she did was inexcusable, but I had placed a firm
belief in the fact you would never break that promise to me. I could not
forgive myself if I lost you like that, Son. I remember all too well the
hell you went through and our recent talk about it, and I know just as well
as I'm standing here that it will soon be the only thing that you will
think about. I don't want this take over your life, not now that it is
looking so much better for you, and Sean. "


" I know what you are saying, Dad, but I knew she was hiding something and
you heard her, she is never going to give up. I was trying to stay in front
of her without taking time away from my new family. It is not fair to them
to have to deal with my past and my psychotic mother. Do you not think they
have been through enough? The past may be on my mind, but I will not let it
mess up my future. Mother will pay for what she has done, and I will make
amends for everything I have done. Their innocence is still not as clean as
everyone wants to think, they are still responsible for the pain they
caused and I will never forget that, but they had choices to make and they
made them. This issue will be resolved in time, but it will be on my terms,
until then they will have to suffer with the knowledge of what they have
done. Any one of them could have come clean about the details at any time
since it happened, yet they have kept their secrets. When the time
 comes, I will face them, " I turned towards Sean, " and with Sean by my
side I have no doubts I will come out of this better than I have ever
been. "


I took a deep breath, " Now if no one has anything else, I would like to go
visit with Bill and Sam before they leave. "


" I'm ready, and again I'm sorry for turning my back on you, Son. " Dad
spoke with a tear running down his cheek.


Sean and I walked around the desk and I stopped and hugged Dad, " I know
Dad, let's forget about it and move on. We have enough to deal with when it
comes to mother. " We headed out into the kitchen, Bill and Sam were
sitting at the table talking when we came in. " Can I get anything for
anyone? Something to drink or eat? "


" I could use something to eat. " Sam sat at the table smiling.


" As usual Mr. Always hungry. What would you like? " I asked smiling at
Sam.


" Anything you got handy Jer, I'm not picky. "


" Make it two, Jer. " Bill added.


I worked on some sandwiches as Sean and Dad joined Bill and Sam at the
table. They were all talking and Sean was filling Bill in on how we met and
Vegas and all about Mary. Bill and Sam listened intently as Sean told his
story, I watched with hope that Sam would really accept this and remain a
part of my family. I placed the plates on the table for Bill and Sam, then
turned to get a cup of coffee for myself. Kyle entered the kitchen and
pointed his head towards the office, I knew he needed the privacy to inform
me of something serious.


I walked over behind Sean and leaned down to whisper, " Join me in the
office please. "


" Would you gentlemen excuse us for a moment, if you need anything, Dad
knows where everything is at, please help yourselves. " Sean got up from
the table and followed me into the office.


As we walked into the office, Kyle gave me a look as Sean followed me in, I
just shook my head and continued in and sat at my desk.


" What's up, Kyle? " I asked, letting him know he could continue with Sean
in the room.


" Your Mother, she is sitting in her car at the front gate and refuses to
leave. I need to know what you would like me to do. " Kyle shuffled on his
feet a bit waiting for me to answer.


" Well, what would we do for any other person that is trespassing? Call the
Sheriff's office and let them handle her. " I smiled at Sean.


" I will get right on that, Jerry. I also want to increase security
downtown, since you will be down there this week. "


" I think that is a very wise idea, Kyle. It will be a short week though,
we will be out of here Thursday. "


" All the plans are ready, Jerry. " Kyle smiled.


" I need a couple cars ready for this evening too, Kyle. Bill and Sam are
going to need a ride home and I need to go downtown to meet with Michael
and George. "


" I will have them ready and waiting for you, Jerry. "


" Thanks, Kyle. Let's head back out and entertain the two biggest
knuckleheads I know, Sean. Just remember, don't believe anything they
say. " I laughed as I grabbed Sean's hand and we walked back into the
kitchen.


As we passed the bedrooms, a scream came from Jack's room. Sean stopped in
his tracks and turned and ran into Jack's room, there Jack set up in bed
screaming for Mary. Sean ran in and grabbed Jack and wrapped him in his big
secure arms, rubbing his back and he talked quietly to him.


" It's okay Little Man, shhhh you will be fine now, Jack. " Sean was trying
his best to comfort Jack.


" I want mommy, where is mommy? " Jack kept screaming.


The more Sean tried to calm Jack down the louder he got. Sean was having a
hard time as he tried his best to ease Jack's feelings of loss. I walked
over to the bed and sat down so that I was behind Jack and started running
my hand up his back.


" It's okay Little Man, you let it all out, we all know how much you miss
your mom, and we all miss her too. "


Jack twisted in Sean's arms and jumped at me, as I was barely able to catch
him in his quickness. He grabbed a hold of my neck and about squeezed hard
enough to make it hard to draw a breath. " I know, Little Man. We are all
here for you and I promise you that we will not leave you for a long, long
time. " I actually believed the words as they came out of my mouth, the
future was beginning to look bright once again.


Sean sat there rubbing Jack's back as he began to calm down and the tears
slowed. I could see the worry in Sean's face as he realized how hard that
Jack was going to take losing Mary, and he knew that pain and was gathering
the strength to help Jack fight his way though.


Jack loosed his grip a bit and leaned back showing his tear stained face
and the pain in his eyes that only a child could show. " You promise me,
Uncle Jerry? " He asked as he sniffled through the question.


" I promise, Little Man, except for work I will be here for you and Uncle
Sean and if I have to go out of town for that, you and Uncle Sean are
coming with me. " I smiled at Jack and kissed his cheek. " That's if Uncle
Sean wouldn't mind coming along with me. " I looked over Jack's head into
Sean's eyes, with almost a pleading question in my eyes as I said it.


" Well, I don't know about Little Man here, but I would love to go with you
anywhere you will let us go, Jerry. " Sean took his hand off Jack's back
and touched my cheek as I saw a tear run down Sean's face.


Little Man in a very calm and clear voice said, " I'm going too. " He
stared at me and Sean.


I rubbed the top of his head, " Then it's settled, when I go out of town, I
will have company with me. " I hugged Sean and in turn with Jack between us
he was in on it also. I whispered in Sean's ear, " I so love you, Sean. "


I released Sean and pulled Jack up in my arms as I stood up from the bed. "
I have a surprise for you Little Man, How would you like to meet my
brothers? " I asked him.


" You have brothers, Uncle Jerry? " Jack asked, a little surprised.


" I sure do, Little Man. Two of the best brothers anyone could ever have. "
I turned towards the door and there stood Dad, Bill and Sam. I blushed as I
saw the smiles on their faces. " Of course, they can be a big pain
sometimes. " I smiled as I headed out of the room.


We filed back into the kitchen, Sean behind me with his hand on my
shoulder. He stopped me in mid walk, " Thanks, Jerry. " I turned to face
him.


" None needed, Babe. I will do anything to help you with what needs done. I
have promised you I will not step on your toes on this, if I can help and
you need it I am here. If you want to handle it yourself, just let me know
and I will back off. "


" It may not be needed, but I think you deserve that and so much more. "
Sean leaned down and kissed me, the feeling of love touched me somewhere
between my heart and my soul. As the kiss ended, Sean left his lips just
barely touching mine as the smile crept across his face. He stood back up,
leaving me in a daze. He grabbed my shoulders and turned me towards the
kitchen and gently pushed to get me moving.


Sean walked me to my seat at the table and sat me down and took his seat
next to me. Still lost in the feeling of that kiss, it was like a haze and
I couldn't find my way out. Then I heard Dad calling my name, " Jerry, you
with us, Son? "


" Yea, sorry, Dad. Just something on my mind. " I smiled over at Sean.


I turned Jack around in my lap. " Little Man, these two, " I pointed at
Bill and Sam, " are my brothers, Bill and Sam. Brothers, this is Jack
Austin. " I rubbed the top of head, " The bravest Little Man I know. "


" Hi, Jack " Bill and Sam said in unison.


Jack pulled closer to me and buried his face in my chest. " It's okay,
Jack. They might be uglier than me, but they are good guys. " I laughed as
I got dirty looks from both my brothers.


" Listen guys, I know you came in with you know who, but I have a car ready
when you want to leave. If you would like to stay for dinner, I can get
this little chef here in my lap to make us something on the grill. " I
bounced Jack to let him know I was talking about him.


" I can't do that yet, Uncle Jerry. I not allowed to use the stove. " Jack
said as he kept his face in my chest.


I leaned down closer to his ear, " Then I say we have Uncle Sean cook on
the grill and you can help me here in the kitchen. "


Jack sat up and looked over at Sean then lean up close to my ear, " I think
that's a good idea. "


" I think I will have to wait till the next time, Jerry. I need to be
heading back home soon, this was not a planned visit and Sarah will be
worrying. " Bill said with sadness in his voice.


" I believe I will have to head out with Bill too, I wasn't expecting to be
gone all day today either. " Sam looked down at the table.


" No problem, brothers. We will have more opportunities to enjoy a weekend
dinner, and you can bring the wives and kids with you. I think Little Man
here would truly enjoy that. " I hugged Jack and tickled him a little under
his arm.


" Why don't you go over and talk to Uncle Sean about cooking out on the
grill tonight, Jack. " I slid him out of my lap and onto the floor and he
took a few steps and jumped into Sean's lap.


" Why don't we plan a get together for the 4thof July, I can have have some
tents set up for all the kids and the bedrooms for the adults. Make it a
long weekend and a family gathering all in one. "


" Now that sounds like a plan, Jerry. I would love to bring Sarah and the
kids. " Bill sounded happy with the idea.


" Count Jeannie and the kids in with me on that one, Jerry. " I think Sam
sounded more excited.


" I will get everything arranged and let you all know soon. " I leaned
forward so that only Bill and Sam could hear me. " I have to go out of town
this weekend, " I motioned towards Jack, " but I will let you know the
details next week. "


" We will be waiting, Jer. " Bill answered for him and Sam.


" Great, now let's get you two on your way. I don't need two sisters-in-law
mad at me. " We got up from the table and headed for the front door. Once
outside, Dad hugged both Bill and Sam and I stepped up. " Please keep in
contact, Bill. You know you can call me anytime and for anything. "


" I will Jer, I will be waiting to hear from you next week. Love ya bro. "
Bill hugged me.  " If this fool of a brother of mine gives you too hard of
a time, Sean, just give me a call. I will tell ya how to handle him. " Bill
laughed and hugged Sean.


" If Dad's ideas don't work, you're first on my list to call, Bill. " Sean
almost blushed as he said it.


Bill knelt down in front of Jack, " Be good there, Jack and we will see you
in a few weeks. " Bill stuck his hand out, Jack had his arms wrapped around
Sean's leg giving Bill the once over. Jack started to take Bill's hand,
then suddenly jumped into his arms and gave him a hug. Bill hugged him back
after he regained his form after the surprise.


" Sam, take care of everyone and give, Jeannie and the kids a kiss for
me. " I hugged Sam.


" Can do Jer, you take care of that little one and we will see you in a few
weeks. "


He rustled the top of Jack's head as he stepped up to Sean. " It was a
pleasure to meet you Sean, I will see you in a few weeks. " Sam shook
Sean's hand, not showing as much acceptance as Bill had.


Bill and Sam got in the car and headed down the drive, I sighed a little
and turned to head back in the house.


" It's a start Jerry. " Dad said as he put his arm around my shoulder.


I stopped and looked at Dad. " Well, Dad. I never noticed an ending for
there to be a start. When did I lose them? "


I walked in the house, leaving as Dad was saying something, but not paying
any attention. I walked into the den and decided to call Michael and let
him know I would see him and George in the morning. I was too drained
emotionally to head downtown this evening to join them.



****Sean**** " You know he is not dealing with this very well,
Mr. Martin. " I stated after Jerry walked in the house and away from me and
his father.  " I know Sean, and damn me and my stupidity may have pushed
him even further. I'm not sure what to do for him though, after what
happened to him before, I'm not sure he can handle this. " Mr. Austin stood
and stared at the house.


" I don't want to be nosy about his past, Mr. Martin, I'm sure he will tell
me when he is ready. Should I be worried? " I turned and faced Mr. Martin.


" Sean, right now I don't know. You know how strong he is already, but with
that strength can often come weakness. Just be there for him if it shows, I
know and have seen the love he has for you. I think with that love and
Kyle's help he will make it, but the problem is keeping an eye on him. I'll
have to speak with Kyle, maybe he can help while Jerry is at work. I think
this weekend will be some needed time away, Sean.  Help him keep himself
focused and don't allow him to think about what could have been. "


" I think Jack is our best bet for that, Mr. Martin, but I can't tell him
that, Jack would say it in a minute to Jerry. I guess I'm just going to
have to make sure they spend a lot of time one on one. " I frowned a
little, not used to sharing Jack's attention, but I knew that I would have
to learn.


" You're right, Sean. I think that would help keep Jerry's mind focused on
the good things in his life more than anything. We will have to get him to
finish his plans to end this soon though, if he doesn't, it will occupy
every minute of his day. "


" Then I think you need to have a talk with Bill and Sam and make sure they
keep up their end of this. If not, I will not allow them to start something
they are not willing to continue with. "


" I will be speaking with them both this week and this weekend while you
three are gone. I'll make sure they understand and if there is a problem,
to stop it now before it gets back to Jerry, or you, Sean. " Mr. Martin
smiled at me for the first time since his lack of judgment in the den.


We slowly made our way in the house and found Jack and Kyle in the kitchen
in a heated conversation about cooking. Jack trying his best to tell Kyle
about all that he had done in the kitchen today with Miss Jackson.


I nodded towards Jack while looking at Mr. Martin, " Would you like to head
out back with Mr. Martin while I get things ready to cook on the grill,
Jack? "


Jack jumped down from the table and ran over to Mr. Martin and grabbed his
hand. " Lets go, Mr. Martin. We can get in some time with the cars before I
have to cook on the grill. " Jack pulled him out the door faster than the
smile shot across my face.


Kyle was about to get up and I decided to have a talk with him, " Kyle, can
we talk for a minute? "


Kyle sat back down at the table and gave me a questioning look. " Sure,
Sean. What's up? "


I twisted my hands together as I tried to find the right words to use with
Kyle, Jerry was in my head again, the idea flashed as I was fighting to
continue. " Mr. Martin and I think that Jerry might have a hard time this
week dealing with the information he found out about his mother. I was
wondering if maybe you could keep an eye on him at work the next few days,
I know you keep an eye on him, but I was thinking an emotional eye. If you
notice him drifting off topic or being withdrawn you could lead his
thoughts back towards Jack. Until this weekend when we can get away from
here and I can get him to talk about his plans to deal with this. "


Kyle leaned back in his chair a bit, thinking about my request. " Sean, you
are getting close to a line that I try to stay away from when it comes to
Jerry. I understand what you are trying to do, but if he thinks we are
plotting against him, he could be pushed even farther and none of us would
like that outcome. "


" I know what you mean, Kyle. " I sat there thinking, almost forgetting
that Kyle was sitting at the table. " Maybe I can broach the subject this
evening, to keep us out of trouble. "


Kyle stood up from the table, " I will do what I can, Sean. Just remember
though, I am just an employee and there are things I will not do. "


" Kyle, I have only known you a few weeks, but I do know that you're more
than an employee to Jerry. I also know that you see that too, and I for one
am glad that he has you to watch over him. "


I think Kyle actually blushed for a moment then started towards the office,
" Thanks, Sean, and you are correct, but if you repeat that I will deny
everything. " I think I even heard a laugh as he walked away.


I sat there at the table thinking about Jerry, how could I help him? I
guess the first thing to do was just be there for him. I knew Jerry held a
lot of secrets to himself and I was going to have to be cautious
approaching them. I thought I was carrying a lot of baggage, I realized
that even someone like Jerry could be carrying just as much, if not more
than me. Lost in my thoughts of Jerry, a man I could see myself loving for
the rest of my life, I felt a pair of hands grabbing my shoulders and
caused me to almost jump from my seat.


" What you thinking about, Babe? " Jerry asked with more love in his voice
than I had heard in ages.


" Do you have to ask, Jerry? " I smiled.


" I do, cause your back is to me. " Jerry laughed.


" You still don't need to ask, Jerry. I was thinking about you. " I blushed
a little and my smile grew across my face.


Jerry came around to the side of the chair and knelt to look me in the
eye. " Is everything okay? " I saw the concern spread across his face as
the words slipped from his mouth.


" Relax, Jerry. It is all good, my friend. " I placed a hand on his cheek.


" Thank God, Sean. I could not take any more bad news today. " Jerry fell
back on his ass as he sat on the floor.


I slipped out of my chair and pulled Jerry into my arms. " I will never
hurt you Mr. Martin, actually I could never hurt you. It would be like
ripping my own heart out, and I could not do that to someone I love. " I
kissed the top of his head.


I pulled Jerry off the floor and continued to hold him as I stroked the
hair on the back of his head. " Let's get dinner started, then I think it's
an early night for everyone. "


" You're right Sean, I think we all are in need of a long rest. I'm just
not sure if that will be possible for me. "


I tightened my grip on him, " Sure it will, Jerry. " I hoped he knew what I
meant.



****Jerry**** I stood there holding Sean, not wanting to let him go. I was
comfortable in his embrace, strong and safe. This new dimension of Sean had
a smile on my face, the confidence as he was beginning to accept his new
life. Sean pulled me away from his soft warm embrace, " Let's get some food
cooking before I need to run to Mickey D's. " Sean laughed as we started
working to pull dinner together.


" I know, my man needs his meat before he shrivels up and blows away. "


Sean worked getting the steaks ready and then slipped out the back door to
fire up the grill. I was working on the rest of the meal, more on
automatic, not even paying attention to what I was doing. I was standing
cutting up some vegetables when Sean came back in the house. I heard Sean
yell my name, but didn't quite understand why. " Jerry, what the hell did
you do? "


I heard his yelling and he grabbed my hand. He wrapped a towel around my
hand and pulled me over to the sink.


I looked up at Sean, " What's wrong? " I just stared at him, not
understanding what was wrong.


The next thing I knew Dad and Kyle were standing behind me and all I could
hear was the sounds of them yelling at Sean. I looked down in the sink and
there was blood dripping off my hand that had soaked through the towel Sean
had wrapped on my hand . I pulled myself out of the haze, " Kyle, call
Dr. Chase. Dad, take Jack back outside please. " I was calm and direct as
they stood there staring at me. " Now, if you all don't mind. "


Kyle and Dad took off to do as I asked as Sean stood to my side and put his
arm around my shoulder and pulled me into him. I leaned into his chest, "
I'm sorry, Sean. "


" Shhh, Babe. It was an accident, Doctor Chase will get you fixed up. "
Sean whispered as he laid his head on top of mine.


I could only hope he was right, I don't even remember what I was thinking
when I cut my fingers, and why didn't I feel any pain? Did it have to do
with, her, that evil beast that calls herself my mother? I tensed as I
thought about her, how could she have done this? How do you decide to turn
on your own child like that? All these years that has occupied my time and
my life, how it consumed my every waking moment. The time I put into
exacting my 'revenge,' and all the while it evaded the one person that was
most responsible.


" Let it go, Jerry, she is not worth worrying about. Don't allow her the
honor of having this control over you, you are too special to allow her to
be any part of your life. Just concentrate on us, Babe, I'm not going
anywhere. " Sean pulled back from me and looked me in the eye. " See for
yourself. "


I started to look deep in his eyes, lost in the beautiful green that moved
like small pools of emerald water. I stayed right there, I could not and
would not look any deeper, for there in those eyes I could see what Sean
meant. " I don't have to Sean, I can see it just in your eyes. I won't go
any further, but I thank you. " I put my good hand on his face as I leaned
forward and kissed him, lingering in a lip lock for several minutes till we
heard someone clear their throat.


" Excuse me, Jerry. Doctor Chase will be here in about 15 minutes. "


" Thanks, Kyle. Can you pull a serving table into the living room? It might
make things easier on the doc. "


" Sure, Jerry. Are you alright? " A quiet slip of a question, but filled
with worry.


" Yes, Kyle. More right than I have been in years. " I leaned in and kissed
Sean again.  Kyle headed to the front porch to await Doctor Chase, " Can
you do me a favor and ask Dad and Jack to come inside, Sean? "


" You sure about that? I don't want them to start any trouble with you,
Jerry. "


" Yes, I saw the look on Little Man's face and I want him to know I'm
fine. Besides, Dad will just have to get over it, he needs to realize that
he is not at the top of my list right now. "


Sean walked out the backdoor and talked to Dad as he picked Jack up and
started back towards the house. I could see the questioning look on his and
Dad's face as they walked back into the kitchen.


Jack ran over and grabbed my leg, " Are you awright Uncle Jerry? " He asked
as he looked up at me.


I knelt down and looked at that wonderful angelic face. " I will be Little
Man, but this. " I held up my hand, still wrapped in the towel, "is what
can happen when you don't pay attention to what you are doing. "


Jack looked me in the eye as he pondered what I said. " I guess you're
right, but you scared me, Uncle Jerry. "


" I'm sorry Little Man, I never meant to scare you. " I hugged Jack as a
tear ran down my cheek. " I would never do anything to hurt you, Little
Man. Just remember, always pay attention to anything you are doing, and you
can avoid things like this. "


" I will, Uncle Jerry. " Jack said into my neck as he hugged me.


I released Jack and stood up and nodded to Sean to take Jack in the other
room. As they walked away I turned to Dad. " Dad, I want to tell you that I
love you, but..." I stopped and took a deep breath.


" Go on, Son. " Dad stepped closer to me.


" Don't get me wrong, Dad, but I don't ever want to hear you yelling at
Sean like that again. I think after what happened today, we have a lot to
work out. Sean may have only been here a short time, but he has never
turned his back on me like you did today. Then to hear you and Kyle yelling
at him, let's just say I was not happy. " I looked at Dad and hoped he
understood why I was feeling so angry with him.


Dad turned and stepped over to the sink and looked out into the backyard. "
You're right son. I'm sorry for raising my voice at Sean, he was trying to
help you, I was... " Dad stopped and just stood there for a minute. " This
may sound self serving, but I was in Dad mode, but I guess after this
afternoon's fiasco, I do have some rebuilding to do with you. "


" I wouldn't say rebuilding, Dad, but we do need to have a talk and you can
help me figure out how to clear up how I handled the past. " I stepped up
behind him and place my hand on his shoulder.


Dad placed his hand over mine, " I guess we do have a mess to clean up,
don't we? "


" Yes we do. Even if it is not a mess of our doing, I think I am just as
much to blame for the continued hurt and pain. "


" Excuse me, Jerry. Doctor Chase is here. " Kyle interrupted from the
kitchen doorway.


" Thank you, Kyle. I will be there in a minute. "


" Soon as Sean and I get back from Florida, we need to sit down and figure
out what needs to be done to settle this, Dad. " I turned and headed for
the living room.


When I approached the living room I heard Doctor Chase talking to Sean and
Jack. I knew Doctor Chase had taken an immediate interest in Jack, he loved
kids and was always talking about his four children, non-stop if you didn't
keep him on topic.


" I'm glad you could make a house visit, Doc. Isn't that against AMA rules
these days? " I asked trying to keep the mood light.


Doctor Chase nodded his head and smiled. " It is, Jerry, but I just add the
fine to your bill and everyone is happy. Now let's get down to business. "
Doctor Chase rose off the couch and approached me, the smile leaving his
face.


I sat in the high back chair in the corner and Doctor Chase moved the
serving tray table that Kyle had moved into the room beside me. I laid my
hand on the table, Dr. Chase began removing the towel to examine the
cuts. " Damn, Jerry. What the hell were you doing? " Dr. Chase asked.


" I was cutting up some vegetables for dinner and I lost my concentration
for a minute, and you see the results of that. "


" I think that we can get this sutured up and maybe not even much of a
scar, Jerry. So, what was on your mind that caused you to mistake your
fingers for a carrot? "


" Family, and that's all I have to say about that. " I was not in the mood
to think about what I had learned and especially not with Dr. Chase.


Dr. Chase focused on his work as I sat there and thought about the trip
this weekend, I could not wait to get Jack on the plane and head to
Florida. Kyle slipped in the room and stood behind Dr. Chase and gave me
his infamous look.


" What's up, Kyle? " I tensed as I tried to prepare myself for his answer.


" Relax, Jerry, or this will look like a tic-tac-toe game. "


" Sorry, Dr. Chase. "

" Sheriff Jenkins is at the gate, Jerry and he would like to have a word
with you. "

=========================

Thanks for reading everyone, I hope to keep up the schedule of posting at
least 2 chapters a month.  If I can get one out sooner, you know I will get
it posted as quick as I can.  If I can't please be patient and I will get
them out as quick as I can.

Take Care

Bryan