JUSTIN’S POV

I was sitting in the living room at Britin when someone knocked on the front door. We don’t have a lot of people just show up here. I hoped it wasn’t some salesman. I opened the door to find Gus standing there. I know I looked surprised because he still lives in Canada with the girls. I rushed him in, he looks like he hasn’t slept in a while.

“Hi Pop, I wanted to know if I could stay here for a while.” Gus asks.

“Gus this is your home. You're always welcome here.” I tell him.

Gus nodded but he looks like the weight of the world is on his shoulders. I tell him to go to his room and get cleaned up. Gus is 17 now and he stays with us whenever he gets time off from school. He should be in school now and he’s a little far from home. I want to talk to him. I gave him an hour, then knocked on his door. He was asleep. I need to call Brian.

Mia and Chad came through the door. I told them both to be quiet as they went upstairs. Gus was here and asleep. They agreed, even though I know they want to see him.

I guess I should catch you up on what is going on. Brian and I stayed together after I left. We had some problems at first, and life got in the way. I really thought it was over until he showed up one night after not speaking to each other much for three months. He told me that we either commit or he was done. He couldn’t keep running after me.

My answer was 'commit'. He was opening a small office in New York so that he could work from there. Ted told him being miserable wasn’t worth all the money in the world. We stayed in New York for two years and I found a career as an artist. Then I told him I wanted to live in our house. He told me that Cynthia wanted to take over the New York office and he wanted to go home.

We talked about what we wanted for the future. I told Brian I wanted to be a father. Brian told me he was willing. I wanted to adopt, too many children needed families and we had plenty to give a child. We found Mia first, she was sickly from her crack addicted mother. I fell in love with her large brown eyes. People overlooked her because she was three and had health issues.  We brought her home and got her healthy. She is now nine and completely Brian’s little girl. I wanted one more and the next year we found Chad. Chad was four and was hard to manage. His parents had  died when he was three. They had no relatives and were poor, so Chad was left with no one and acted out from being scared. We had to spend a lot of time with him. Chad is nine now too, but loves me best.

Brian distanced himself from Michael and Deb. Deb told Brian that he needed to think of Michael when he wanted to move to New York. Michael whined and complained that he should be first. Brian told Michael he had Ben for that. Michael was calling everyday and telling me that Brian shouldn’t have to give up his life for me. I told Michael that Brian shouldn’t have to give up his life for him. It got worse when Ben decided that he had enough and told Michael that he wanted to accept a position in Philadelphia. Michael told him they either stay in the Pitts or move to New York. Michael was not going to leave his home. Ben choose Philly. Michael and Deb called, demanding Brian be there for Michael. Brian stopped taking their calls.

Linds and Mel told Brian if he wanted to see Gus that he needed to help them financially. Mel told Brian that she had all the power to stop him. I was angry and called Linds to find out what they were thinking. Linds told me I needed to stay out of it, that only Gus’s parents needed to be involved.

Brian went to an attorney and found out he was still a father. Mel and Lindsay had never filed the paperwork. He made sure that the paperwork was immediately filed for custody. The girls wanted to fight, but with no money they couldn’t. They agreed to a custody arrangement, but wanted Brian to pay an outrageous amount for support. The judge told the girls that he would pay what any father would and that the girls would need to show how Gus’s support was spent. They could use it to pay house payments or bills because those provide for Gus, but otherwise it needed to spend it on Gus.

Ted was in charge of keeping the records of expenditures. The girls were pissed. I guess they wanted Brian to support the house. Gus told me when we adopted Mia that Mel told him she guessed his Dad had replaced him. Linds called to tell Brian he was being selfish. Brian told them both not to contact him unless it was about Gus.

I guess you could say we only have a few people left in the Liberty family. Ted stayed loyal to Brian. Michael tried to make Ted listen to how Brian should have supported him. Ted said nothing until Michael called Blake and told him that he should stop sponging off of Ted. Ted stopped talking to Michael after that. Deb made everyone miserable if they didn’t side with her son. My Mom told Deb to stop trying to coddle Michael. Deb told my Mom that she was one to talk. Deb said that she had to raise me when my mother didn’t take care of me. Mom told Deb to have a good life.

Emmett is the only one who tried to remain neutral. He finally had enough when Mel, Linds, Deb, and Michael tried to convince him that Brian and Ted were in the wrong. Drew told Emmett to get out before he had to get the football team to tackle them all for upsetting Emmett.

Deb has tried to talk to me, but when I didn’t seem sympathetic to her 46-year-old baby, she told me I was an ungrateful brat. I told her that her son fit that bill better. We all stopped going to the Diner.

Now I am worried about Gus. I know the girls give him a hard time. Mel is pissed because he reminds of her Brian and Linds is mad because she isn’t living in MY house. I need to call Brian, he is away on business in Chicago. I don’t know what happened but Gus had come a long way to get here.

Ted answered Brian’s cell. I tell Ted about Gus showing up but that I didn’t know why yet. He tells me as soon as Brian is out of his meeting he’ll get him to call me. I walk into the kitchen and start making dinner. I want to stay calm for Gus.

I hear the kids and can tell Gus is with them. He walks in and hugs me. I felt him shaking. I am going to kill the girls. I whispered in his ear that we can talk when his brother and sister go to bed but let’s eat now. Gus is pretending to be happy and smiling at Mia and Chad. He is also eating like there is no tomorrow. I really look at him and realize he is awfully skinny.

When the kids went to bed, I sit with Gus in the living room and tell him I need to know how to help him.

“Pop, Mel kicked me out. JR had all these people in the house for a party and the kids were drinking and doing crystal. I called the cops when I got home. The arrested JR and Mel went ballistic. She was in my room and throwing all my things around. Mom stood there and told me that I should have just called Mel, unless I was trying to hide that it was me who threw the party... I got JR in trouble. Mel said it was probably me who threw the party but wanted to get her child in trouble, then she said that I should leave. I walked out with what I had in my backpack and got a bus ticket. I had my passport because I never took it out after the last visit. I also had some money in there but the credit card Dad gave me was still stashed in my room,” Gus tells me.

“Why didn’t you call me or your Dad? We would have gotten you,” I ask him.

“Once I was on the bus, I knew I could get here,” Gus tells me.

“How bad is it really Gus? I know you told us they were still fighting but other than that you haven’t said much about it,” I ask him because I need to know what we are going to be facing.

“Mel and Michael treat me like everything JR does is my fault, and Mom is mad at Dad so she takes it out on me. JR believes Dad is the reason Michael is having problems. She has been a bitch for years. Mel doesn’t believe that JR could do anything wrong. When they kicked me out it was kind of a relief at first. Pop, I didn’t tell you guys because Dad doesn’t need to have to deal with them,” Gus is tired so I tell him to go to bed and we will go shopping to get stuff for him in the morning.

Brian calls me back and I tell him what I know. After getting off the phone, I need to check on my oldest son. I walk into Gus’s room without knocking and know that Brian is going to kill them. Gus is covered in bruises under his shirt.

Gus tells me this was from Mel. She was throwing things at him and he got hit by books and a paperweight. I almost told Gus he needed to watch the children because I needed to take a trip. Brian is coming home in the morning. Brian and I talked and Brian thinks Gus just ran away. I told him to finish his business and I would help Gus.

BRIAN’S POV

Ted told me that Justin called about Gus. I finished my meeting and called Justin back. Gus ran from the bitches of the North. I asked Justin how he looks and he said that he looks tired and upset. I was going to go home but Justin said that he could handle it for now.

I stopped talking to the girls when they tried to blackmail me for money. I told them I wouldn’t finance a move that took Gus from me. Mel told me that if I didn’t help, I could kiss any relationship with Gus goodbye. I told her to kiss my ass. I called a lawyer who told me later that the girls never filed the paperwork so Gus is still my son legally. Linds tried to say I owed it to her for all the times that she allowed me to be in Gus’s life. I hired a lawyer and made sure there would be no support without visitation and rights.

Ted surprised me, he told me to make sure they have to account for the money they spend. I told Ted that I would like him to be in charge of that, if he felt that wouldn’t hurt his friendship with Mel. Ted told me making sure money went where it belongs was his job and if Mel wanted to make an issue of it, she isn’t doing the right thing.

Mel hasn’t been much of a mother to Gus since the custody issue was raised. Gus told me nothing bad happened and he knew that Justin and I were here if he needed us.

Deb and Michael, who were already on my shit list, tried to get involved. Deb told me I was too busy fucking Justin and turning my back on people who took care of me. I told Deb that she needed to worry about her son not growing up. Ben called me to tell me that he was leaving and didn’t want me to blindsided. Michael started calling and harassing Justin. Justin, not one to care what is wrong in Mikey’s world, hung up. We had to have our numbers changed.

Emmett, Ted, Justin, and I are no longer welcome at Liberty Diner according to Deb. She tells everyone how we selfishly turned our backs on the family. Justin told me that he was fine with it, he could get better food at McDonald's. Emmett and Ted only went to meet up with the gang anyway.

Linds and Mel joined Deb and Michael in their crusade to bring me to heel. I have my own family and don’t need their shit anymore. I swear, if Gus is hurt in any way, Mel and Linds will pay for it.

TED’S POV

After the meeting, I call Blake and tell him that Gus showed up at Britin. Blake said he would call in the morning and see if Justin needed any help. Blake and Justin are really good friends. Blake wasn’t made welcome by Michael, Deb, or the girls. Justin told me if I didn’t hold Blake’s past against him than neither would he.

Michael took every chance to say something snide about Blake and try to play it off by saying he was kidding. I was done when he told Blake that he should sponge off someone else. I told Michael that Blake has a job and helps people like me get back their lives. Michael said that people like that should be left for dead, they’re a waste of time. I walked out of Deb’s and we have never returned.

Mel tried to get me to side with her, but I told her that Brian is not a bank and they could stop withdrawing from that account. Mel told me I need to get my priorities straight. I asked her what about hers. She then tried to tell me they couldn’t afford basic needs, and Brian, as Gus’s father, should help provide for him. I asked if Michael was helping. Mel said this isn’t about Michael. I told her as the mother of Michael’s child she should ask him. She told me if I didn’t talk Brian into helping that we were done as friends. I told her it was nice knowing her.

Blake called me to tell me what Justin discovered. Oh fuck me.

GUS’S POV

I am so tired. If you have ever ridden a bus you know it’s not the best way to travel. Pop is right, I should have called, but I needed time to think. I was angry at my Mom who stood there and did nothing. When Mel started ranting that I was just like my father, I yelled “What, born to support you?” Mel threw the paperweight she had in her hand. I don’t know who it surprised more, her that it hit me, or me that she threw it directly at me. The books were flying everywhere. One even hit Mom.

Mel and Mom have never gotten along. I spent most of my childhood being shuffled from one place to another. Mel hates my father and in turn blames me, because Mom still wants Dad. I don't get it, Dad is gay. He has never shown any inclination that women interest him. Mom seems to think that if she likes both, that Dad could too. Mom uses Dad as a way to get back at Mel.

I love how they both act like they are better than Dad and Pop. Pop told me that he and Dad used to have an open relationship. Pop said that they never would have made it at the time if they had been monogamous, because Pop was young and exploring his sexuality. To me that’s better than the moms and their constant cheating.

Pop is the one I talk to if it’s going to be bad. He’s more easy going and can be silly when you need it. When they adopted Mia and Chad I was only 10 and worried that Pop and Dad wouldn't have time for me.

Pop decided that he was going to show me he loved me. He arranged for the circus to come to Britin. In the front of the house was a banner that read “We love you Gus”. Dad told me next time just tell Pop my worries, so we don’t have circus animals in the yard.

Mia is my woman, our first meeting was her grabbing me and telling Dad her prince was here. Dad asked what about him, she told him “Silly, you're the king.”  Mia is so different from JR, Mia thinks I am the best brother in the world. If I am at the house Mia is with me.

Chad and I bonded over insecurities. I was afraid of losing Pop and Dad. Chad already lost everyone. When I met him he kicked me and I hugged him. We bonded in that moment.

Being boys we wanted to go do boy things, I took him fishing at the pond Pop put in the back of the house. Pop wanted a Koi pond we wanted to catch fish. I will never forget the look on his face when we walked up with a Koi on the hook. Pop smiled and said we were great fishermen.

He called and had a smaller pond set up closer to the house for the Koi. Then he had the workman make the other pond much larger and had it stocked with catfish and bass for us. Mia came and sat under the tree and read, she said Dad told her only little boys stink. Princesses cheer the one who catches a big one.

Dad looked at the big pond and told Pop that we must be heteros. Dad came out an hour later with sunscreen and towel and told Mia they were going to catch some rays. It was fun because Pop brought out lunch and handi-wipes. Pop got us worms for bait and told us that we need to clean up after touching them.

Pop can act prissy, but then he turns around and gets muddy with us. Dad will do anything to see Pop smile. I remember Chad, Mia, and I sitting in the house because it was raining, we were bored out of our minds. Pop tells us we are going to play car wash. He opened the garage doors and told us to run out to the end of the drive and run in the other garage door. We did it about a thousand times. Pop ran with us and we looked like drowned cats. Dad pulled up told us to finish because he wanted to go to dinner. We went to get pizza. Pop was in heaven, he told us that he has to sneak junk food. Dad said that explains the bubble butt.

I sat on the bus and felt sadness. I lost my Mom when she defended Mel and JR. I tried to like JR, but it's hard to like someone when you always have to take the blame for their mistakes. JR thinks Michael walks on water. I made the mistake of saying Michael needs to stop trying to make Dad take care of him. JR told me that my Dad is a slut who doesn't take care of anyone, only abandons them. I pushed JR out of my way. JR ran down and told Mel and Mom that I tried to hit her. Mel told me to get out. I was 12 at the time. I spent the night in the tree house in the yard.

I learned to keep my mouth shut and stay in my room after that. I figured out after a while that Mel would suddenly be nice before my visits to Pop and Dad. I wonder now if that’s why I kept things from Pop and Dad. She conditioned me by treating me well for a month before a visit.

I was changing my shirt, it hurt to lift my arms. Pop walked in and very calmly asked what happened. I wasn’t going to protect anyone any longer. I told him Mel threw things at me. The paperweight caused the worst bruises. I have quite a few bruises, Mel might not have touched me with her hands but she can aim.

Pop asked if I needed a doctor, I told him it hurts to lift my arms but I don't think anything was broken. He went to get some Tylenol and told me to get rest. Pop said we were going to a doctor and the police. He was pissed.

JUSTIN’S POV

I had to walk out before I reacted to this. Brian is going to explode, because Mel hurt Gus. Gus was the first person Brian ever loved more than himself. Brian and I would gladly lay down our lives for Gus, and the girls hurt him.

I call Blake because I need help. Blake sees all sorts of things in his work. Blake tells me he's coming over. He says he's going to let Ted know because Brian is going to rain fire on everyone that hurt his child and Ted will keep him out of jail.

Blake got to Britin and I met him outside. I grab him in a hug because he understands how hard this is. He asks if I called Daphne yet. I tell him I will when we get inside.

Daphne is a surgeon now and volunteers with Blake to provide care for people who won’t go to the hospital. Blake tells me he will call her. Daphne tells Blake she is on her way and we need a camera.

I wake Gus up and tell him that Daphne wants to check him over. He tells me he wants to forget it. I tell him this is so the girls will cooperate. Daphne checks him over and says she doesn't think anything is broken but Gus is going to get X-rays just to make sure. Blake says he will stay with the kids.

Daphne takes us straight in. Gus was run through a bunch of tests. When she was done she gives Gus some stronger pain medication. She tells me to take Gus home and put him to bed. She tells me there were no signs of continuous abuse. It looks just like Gus described it.

I drove a sleepy Gus home. I pull up to Brian in the drive. He looks at me and I tell him to help me get Gus into the house. Brian was going to grab him around his waist and back I tell him be careful. Brian pulls him up gently. We put Gus in the downstairs bedroom. Brian lifted Gus’s shirt, looks at me and walks out.

He tells me to call Ted, and his lawyer, David. He wants pictures of the bruises. I told him Daphne took pictures but said that it looked like it was just what Gus said.

BRIAN’S POV

I don’t care that the girls might never have abused him before. I care that someone put bruises on my son. Justin told me we could call the police but he doubts much will be done. I know he’s right. I want the girls to suffer. Gus turns 18 in a couple weeks, so as far as going back to live with them, that’s not going to happen.        

Ted asked what I wanted done. I told him I need Cynthia here and to get Emmett. Ted called and Cynthia said she would catch the first flight out. David showed up and told me that we could go after the girls but my support was paid up and they aren’t entitled to any more from me. Gus doesn’t have to go back. I looked at David and said that even if Gus did go back, he owns the house. I put it in Gus’s name when I bought it. Ted asked if I wanted them evicted. I smiled and told him yes. I cover all my bases.

Justin came in with Mia and Chad. Mia, my princess, hugged me and asked if she could stay home with Gus. I told her that she should go to school, Gus was tired and he would be well rested when she got back. Chad told me that he wanted to go fishing. Justin ushered them off to the bus. When he came back he told me he wanted the girls to have to beg Gus to be allowed to stay in the house. I told him that could be arranged.

Justin went to tell our cook that Gus was here. I wanted to have a cook for all the meals but Justin only wants someone for early in the morning. He likes to have time for the kids in the morning. Linda, the cook, will prepare meals for all times of the day. We just have to reheat them from the freezer. Justin also likes to cook so we only eat those when he is busy painting. I know I am thinking of asinine things because I want to crash a freight train into Linds and Mel. I have to be there for Gus first. Plus, jail was kind of boring.

The phone rings and I pick it up, thinking it was Cynthia. Nope, it’s Debbie.

“Brian, you need to help us out. JR was put in jail because of the drugs at the party Gus had. Your son ran when the police came and now they think that JR was the one who threw the party. Michael told me to tell you that he wants you guys to go to Canada together to get JR out and find your troublemaking child for the girls,” Deb tells me.

“No,” I simply say.

“It is your son’s fault my granddaughter is in trouble, you owe it to us to help her out,” Deb tells me.

“I stopped owing you anything when you decided that my life belonged to your son. I think you mistake me for the kid who got the shit kicked out of him and ran to you for a safe haven from my personal hell. What exactly do I owe you for Deb, the fact your son can’t take care of himself? That he runs to you so you can scream us into submission? I don’t owe you shit,” I hang up.

The phone ring almost immediately and I answer, glad it’s Cynthia. She tells me Ted is picking her up and she’ll have him fill her in.

Gus came in and I got up and hugged him. He looks better this morning, I ask if he’s still sore and he tells me not so much. Gus tells me that he doesn’t want me to do anything to his moms, he was going to ask to come here anyway. I told him that I wasn’t going to physically hurt them or kill them. I just want them to know what it’s like to be kicked out of their home.

Justin came in with food for Gus and tells him it was the best offer from me he was going to get. Gus nods and asks about JR. I told him Deb made it sound like she was still in jail but they don’t keep minors that long. I would find out for sure, but that I only care what happens to the kids in this house.

I ask about school and Gus tells me that he finished most of his exams and other than one paper he was finished for the semester. Cynthia would talk care of getting his paperwork transferred to the school here.

Gus got up and said he was going to take a shower. Linds is calling now. I answer and she tells me that Gus needs some sports equipment and could we have Ted send the money for it. I ask what sport and how much. She tells me hockey and eight hundred should cover it all. I ask if it's true that JR was put in jail and that Gus took off. Linds stutters and I ask if he's home. She says he's just staying with a friend. I told her that Gus needs to call me first. I know they need the money for JR.

LINDSAY’S POV

We had to borrow money from Mel’s cousin Shelly to get JR out of jail. Shelly told us she wanted the money back by next week. Mel tells me to call Brian, since his son was the reason JR got in trouble. I call but have to make up a reason for the money. Brian stopped helping us with JR’s expenses when he and Michael fell out.

When we moved to Canada, we didn’t really check out the things required to get jobs. We found a loophole and were married so we could stay. Money became tight and I called Brian. I told him that if he wanted his son to have a roof over his head we needed help. Brian bought the house and provided support.

I wanted to make Brian pay for wanting to marry Justin. I took his son from him and got him to force Justin to go to New York. I waited for the break up. Michael told me that Brian and Justin had stopped talking for a few months. Michael and I were thrilled. I called to tell Brian it was better that he and Justin parted and now he needed to be there for Gus. Brian told me Gus had always been his first priority.

I got a call from Michael a few weeks later to tell me Brian was moving to New York to be with Justin. Michael and Deb tried to make Brian see that it was a mistake. They called and badgered him and Justin. Michael couldn’t understand how his best friend could abandon him. I wanted to yell at Michael and Deb that if they had tried to be tactful Brian could have been made to see it was the wrong decision.

Brian eventually found out we never filed the adoption paperwork. Mel thought Brian was too self-absorbed to notice. Mel and I needed money and she called Brian and threatened that he wouldn’t be allowed to see Gus unless he paid. Justin called me and told me that Gus was not a bargaining chip. I told Justin that he wasn’t one of Gus’s parents and to stay out of it.

Brian filed papers in court to have visitation and rights. We couldn’t fight him on it. Mel was ready to draw blood at this point. We asked for $8000 a month in support. Brian is rich and I felt he owed us the money. The judge looked over the paperwork Ted sent and told Mel and me that Brian should sue us for lying about the adoption and the amount of support he still provided. We were given $3000 a month.

Mel and Michael started a campaign to get the whole gang to be on their side. Emmett and Ted both walked away from Deb, Michael, Mel, and me. Mel claimed that Brian spoils Gus and that JR was left in the cold so Deb and Michael would be with her on this. Emmett told us all that if we wanted to fuck Brian over, we do it alone. Ted likes to lord it over us that he controls Brian’s money, and we have to prove why we need any extra money we ask for, in addition to showing how the support is spent.

Gus is like his father, he only cares about what he gets. He could have helped us get Brian to give more but he said that he wasn’t going to sponge off his father for us. I tried Justin, he is making it big in the art world and I know he hit the millionaire status. Justin can see through our lies and informed me that as the non-parent he didn’t owe me shit. I told him that I was going to make it impossible for him in the art world, I know artists and have contacts. Justin said that fucking Sam didn’t win me any points in the art world. That it’s a joke to everyone how some lowly gallery chick fell for Sam’s shit.

I wanted to prove to Justin I meant business. I called Sydney and told him Justin was telling everyone that Sydney’s gallery was a joke. Sydney told me that was funny, since Justin is having a show at his gallery next month. Sydney said Justin felt it was important to him that people knew Sydney was the first person willing to show his work.

I called Sam, hoping he would help me. Sam told me no pussy was worth pissing off an artist with Justin’s pull. I told Sam that he was bigger and had more influence. Sam told me that might have been true, but it isn’t going to win him any favors to go after Justin.

Mel asked JR what had happened at the party. JR looked at us and said she invited a few friends over and that it got out of hand. I asked if Gus was there. I know we blamed him but I wanted confirmation from JR. JR said Gus got people to bring the beer and drugs. Mel told her she handled Gus and would makes sure the blame fell on the right person.

I’m worried because we have to produce Gus and we haven’t seen or heard from him in two days. I tried to remember who his friends were. I went into his room and look through all the papers on the desk and floor. I couldn’t find anything to tell me where he would have gone. I asked Mel and she told me she didn’t care. I told her if we wanted money she needed to help me find him to talk to Brian.

JR told us that Gus doesn’t have friends. Gus is an asshole like his father and people avoid him. I called Shelly and asked if Gus came by. Shelly told me if he did she would have sent him home because she is tired of our drama.

I stayed with my boyfriend Gary last night after all the stuff that went on with the party. I needed peace from them all. I know that Michael and Deb are going to be here. No one hurts their precious JR. Mel told them Gus was to blame and that was all they needed. I want to leave but needed to be here so I can spin this to my advantage.

Mel and I are together only because it’s easier and we don’t really care what the other one does. I have Gary, who runs a small gallery. Mel is seeing some girl she met at a bar one night.

MICHAEL’S POV

When Mel called us, I told Ma to call Brian, his kid caused my Honeybun to get in trouble and he needs to help us. She told me that Brian told her he wouldn’t help. He better change his mind. I told Ma I was going to visit Brian and make sure he understands that he owes us for what Gus did.

Brian has been an asshole since he went back to his blond boy ass. Justin and I used to get along. I told Brian that it was a mistake to run after Justin again, that he needed to think about me and Ma because we have been there for him. I told Ben that he needed to help me convince Brian to stay here. Ben told me that a real friend would want Brian to be happy. Ben needed to see that Brian is only happy with us. Ben wanted to take another job, but I put my foot down. I wanted to stay here or move to New York. I mean Ben could find a job to support us there, and we could live with Brian till we had enough to support ourselves.

Ben told me to choose him or Brian. I told him that he needed to choose me or Philly. I don’t miss Ben, he took Hunter with him. Hunter calls but tells me he is busy and can’t visit right now.

I tried to get into Kinnetik and the security guy told me I needed to make an appointment. I told him Brian was my best friend and didn’t need to make an appointment to talk to him. I tried to argue with him but decided to try the fucking manor.

I borrowed Ma’s car to drive there. I also need to get Brian to give me money for my store. Ben was helping me keep it open but with him gone, I barely make enough to keep it open. I sold the house but we still owed a lot. I got a couple grand but not enough to do anything with. I tried to convince Emmett to room with me again. Emmett told me Drew was a better choice. I moved in with Ma.

Carl was living with her but they finally broke up for good when he told us that we needed to stop harassing Brian. Ma told him if he felt that way the door was in front, use it. Carl had his cop buddies help move him out. He is seeing some other woman now. Ma tried a couple times to get him back. Carl told her he lost interest when she stopped caring about the whole family and only cared about the infant that she bore. I told Ma 'fuck him'.

I got to Britin, or as I think of it, the house Justin sold his ass for. Cynthia answered the door. She came out and shut the door. I tell her to let me in, I want Brian to fix what his son did. She tells me to turn around and go home to my mommy. I try to get past her, but Brian’s toady, Ted, comes out and tells me I need to go straighten out my daughter and leave Brian out of this.

I tell Ted that my daughter is fine and Gus is the reason we are all having all these problems. Ted tells me history repeats itself. Mel and I need to realize no one gets in trouble unless they stay for it or cause it. That I need to stop being my mother and start being a parent. I tell Ted, JR is only 14 and innocent. Gus causes all the problems and tries to get JR in trouble. Brian can’t see his son is to blame. I want to say more but Ted tells me he doesn’t care what I say and to leave immediately or deal with the police.

I call Ma and tell her we need to get the money for me to help JR. She tells me she will borrow from the girls and the diner manager, but that Brian better help.

JUSTIN’S POV

I can hear Michael ranting at the front door. I try to go out there but Ted and Cynthia tell me to stay inside. Michael pisses me off more every day I know him. He sounds like Deb, JR can do no wrong, so let’s blame Gus. I love JR, but we don’t get along anymore since Brian wouldn’t help her father. She told me only people loyal to her dad and mom were her friends. I told her I would be there when she needed a friend.

Gus is my main concern. Mel turned into a bitch of epic proportions after they moved. She hates Brian and in turn dislikes me because I stayed with Brian. Linds, on the other hand, will be sweetness and light until you don’t give her what she wants. She tries to threaten my career when I tell her I won’t help her squeeze more money out of Brian. Sydney called and told me about her calling him. I told Sydney it’s a domestic issue. Sydney said “You mean she is mad she isn’t Mrs. Kinney?” Sydney has her number.

Ted and Cynthia got rid of Michael. I hug Ted and kiss Cynthia for the help. They didn’t think blood in the front yard would help the lawn look better. I ask who they thought would kill Michael. Ted says he was playing it safe by keeping both Brian and me inside.

I walked in and Brian asks if we were at fault for not trying to get Gus to live with us. I felt the same way. I tell him I'm sure what the answer is. It hurts to know that Gus was left so long with the bitches of the North. I sit next to him, hoping we can make up for the life Gus has endured at their hands.

Gus was standing at the door and told us that it wasn’t our fault, that we didn’t know. He kept it from us. I ask him why, we would have helped. Gus says it was because Mel and his mom would turn from shrews to wonder moms for about a month before each visit and he would forget the bad things. Then as he got older, he didn’t want to taint his time here.

I don’t say it out loud because Gus feels bad enough, but he should have told us. We could have gotten him away from them and let him be happy. I know Brian is thinking the same thing. Brian tells him it doesn’t matter now, but in the future that we need to know if something is hurting him. Gus agreed.

I want to have a fun day when the kids get home. I told Brian I was going to take the kids riding at the horse farm and since tomorrow is Saturday we are going to do what Gus wants. I don’t care if we go Kennywood, as long as Gus has fun. Gus smiled and said Kennywood. Brian groaned, he hate amusement parks. He will go, Gus and I will get Mia to convince Brian it’s what she wants to do. My little angel can work her Daddy.

The kids get home and drag Gus to the pond. Chad has the fishing equipment in the shed I put out there. He also made a worm bed. It’s nasty, but I agreed so I didn’t have to keep buying the damned things. I will be honest, it was fun to set it up and throw the worms in. Chad and I fish together when Gus isn’t here. Brian and little princess watch, but neither have any interest in fishing.

Linds doesn’t like that Gus, Chad, and Mia are close. She told Brian that it is causing all the problems with JR. She said I was intentionally discluding JR from my children. That we spoil them and JR is forced to sit on the sidelines. I told her JR would have been welcome but I don’t want Chad and Mia to endure another round of JR telling them they were charity cases we took pity on. Mia told JR her Daddies love her. Chad was the one who was really upset. He was worried that she was right and we would send him away again. Brian told me that JR isn’t to be around the kids anymore. Brian told me that Michael needs to take his daughter to do things. I wanted to try to talk to JR but she is Mel and Michael rolled into one.

I look outside to see how they are doing and my children are laughing and smiling at each other. I need to keep them that way. Linds, Mel, and Michael are going to pay for continuing to hurt Brian and Gus.

DEB’S POV

I asked everyone at the diner to help me get Michael to JR. Most of them pitched in a couple dollars. I wanted Michael to be able to fly there. I called Emmett and told him Drew needed to help out. Emmett told me since he was no longer family according to my edict, he wasn’t obliged to help, so I told him to fuck off and he hung up on me. Why can’t they see that Brian causes all the problems in Michael’s life? Now Gus is causing JR to have problems.

Linds said JR is in trouble because of the drugs the police found. Gus must be picking up Brian’s habits. My poor JR, Brian and Justin need to help me out. I was there for them. I was going to call Jen and tell her that she needed to convince them to help but I pissed her off. She wants to criticize me. Well, I took in her kid when she was too busy playing lady of the manor.

I call Mel and asked how JR is doing. Mel tells me that JR is upset that Gus left her holding the blame for his party. I tell her that Gus is almost 18 and is probably afraid of being jailed as an adult. They need to find him and make him tell the truth to the police.

I call Brian’s house again. I was going to give him an earful about his kid. Justin answered.

“Hello Deb, if you're calling to tell us how we are the giant evil, hang up now,” Justin isn’t going to tell me what I can do.

“I want to know why Brian can’t be bothered with finding his kid. Gus needs to tell the truth, if he goes to jail it’s his own damned fault. JR doesn’t deserve to take the blame for Brian’s fucked up son. You also need to help Michael get to Canada so he can help his daughter,” I tell him. I wait for Justin to answer me.

“Is that all Deb, or did you need to blame us for world hunger, and Gus for the Gulf War. I mean we obviously are powerful enough to make innocents do our bidding. You know what, why don’t you ask Mel why Gus looks like someone beat the shit out of him. Ask JR what the hell she is doing with Crystal Meth in the house at 14. Where the hell were Linds and Mel when this was all going on? I mean, it was a school night, and there is a raging party going on at 8 at night. Gus was at hockey practice until just before the police came in, but you know, we demons can be in two places at once. Do not call here to complain to me that your grandchild is as innocent as your son. It doesn’t work with me.” Justin says as he hangs up the phone on me.

I don’t believe a word of what he said. Linds is right, Justin became famous and wants to forget all of us who helped him.

BRIAN’S POV

Justin was watching the kids outside, Ted and Cynthia were working it out so I could take time for Gus. I hear Justin’s voice slowly rising and walk out to see him getting angrier at the caller. I bet it’s Deb. Justin talks down to Michael and Linds. He doesn’t even talk to Mel. With Deb, it’s a slow burn. Obviously the demon reference meant she blamed me or Gus. I was about to take the phone but he hung up. I walk behind him to comfort him. Justin is laughing. He turns and says it’s like Deb can’t believe her DNA could possibly do any wrong.

I wonder if Deb sees her life clearly. She was screwing a future Drag Queen and got knocked up. Her family disowned her. She took Vic in and treated him like a child. When Vic left she made it all about her and that he should include her in every aspect of his life. When Vic told her he needed a life of his own she told him to fuck off. She lies to her own kid, telling him his father was married to her and died in the war. Tells Michael he’s gay, and proceeds to keep him under her thumb. When Michael got into trouble, she needed to have me to blame. Michael met David, a doctor, and suddenly I was keeping Michael from a real relationship. Hell, when Justin and I had problems the first time, she told me that I should tell Justin what I couldn't tell Michael. I was Michael’s friend, I wasn’t in love with him.

I think she expected me to wait for Michael in the end. She was actually the one who told me to let Justin go when he left. Deb told me that I needed to let Justin find out who he is without confusing him. I almost listened. I stopped calling and so did Justin. Thank God for Ted. I was sitting in my office, depressed, when he told me to go and straighten out my life, with or without Justin, but sitting in Pitts moping wasn’t the answer. I got up and went to the person I wanted a life with. Deb was furious and wanted me to stay for Michael.

I tell Justin we need to take the kids and have fun.

GUS’S POV

Chad and I were done fishing, so Pop asks if we want to go riding or if we want to save it for Sunday. I think he remembered I was still sore. Mia votes for swimming in the pool. I could deal with that. I tell Pop I want to keep a shirt on because I don't want to worry Mia and Chad. Pop says whatever makes me comfortable is fine.

Dad comes out to play in the pool. I think he just wants to make sure the kids don't bump into me too much. I swim for a while then get out to sit with Pop. He will tell me what is going on.

Pop says everyone is up to the usual, blaming me or Dad. He tells me that they all need to look at themselves. I know Mel and Michael well enough to know that they are going to blame us. I stopped giving a shit about it after I turned 12. Michael is still trying to get my Dad to want him. Mel wants to prove that she has the bigger dick. Dad doesn't feel the need to play their childish games anymore.

JR is jealous of my dads because they care. She wants Michael to be more like them. Instead of seeing Michael for who he is she plays into the crap that my dad is really the problem.

Pop tried to include JR, but she wanted everyone to suffer for Michael. I protected Chad and Mia, JR turned it into me wanting to make sure Dad spoiled me for siding with him and 'the brats'. I gave up on her. Mel doesn’t pay enough attention to JR. If she did she would have noticed JR is on every drug she can get. JR is also screwing anybody that supplies her. I know they won’t listen because they view me as trying to make JR look bad.

Uncle Blake and Justin know about it now. I might not like JR but she is still my sister. Blake told me I can't save someone until they are ready. Just be there when they fall and hope you can help. I don't want to wait till she dies. Blake said he would try but not to be shocked when JR tells them I’m lying.

I think it’s time for me to stop trying to save the world and save myself.

BLAKE'S POV

Gus worries too much, he needs to think about himself. Justin is worried about JR and Gus. I told him that all we can do is tell Mel and Lindsay and hope they care enough about JR to listen. Justin snorted and said somehow JR will make it Gus’s fault. I’ve been around long enough to know he speaks the truth.

JR is young to be using, but unfortunately age is relative when you start abusing. I can't help that I want to stop her before it gets any worse but the Novotny gang listens to no one unless you agree with them. I guess I need to get Emmett, they won’t listen to Ted.

When Emmett arrives he hugs the kids and grabs our princess, she has everyone wanting to do her bidding. Emmett tells us about Deb’s call. We tell him about JR. He promises to try but feels the same as we do.

Brian actually said he would call. He wants to lay it out to the girls and tell them they have 48 hours to vacate the house. Brian is pissed. I look at Justin and he is smiling.

BRIAN’S POV

I care that JR is going down the wrong path, but Gus is more important to me. I walk back into the house and call the munchers. Luckily Linds answers.

“Have you found my son?” I ask, because I want her to get caught in her lie.

“Gus is trying to hide from trouble Brian. I need your help Peter,” Linds pulled out that card.

“Sorry Wendy, but the help is going to have to come from the bitch you married. I’ll give you a hint, Gus came home to me. I want all of you out of Gus’s house by tomorrow. Tell Mel when she tries to fry my balls that she needs to check out the agreement you signed about the house. If Gus doesn’t live there, you bitches are out,” I really enjoyed that.

“Brian, calm down, we didn’t cause this, Gus did. You need to understand the pressure we have been under, Gus is impossible. He causes problems then blames everything on JR and Mel. We need to sit down together and talk about getting Gus some help,” Linds has apparently lost her mind.

“Instead of helping Gus, why don’t you get your delinquent daughter JR into rehab before she OD’s. Take my advice and have her tested. I am not kidding about you getting out of the house. David will be delivering the eviction notice today,” I’m done.

I hang up on Linds, David gets paid enough to take care of them. I told him to make it as embarrassing as possible. I want to make sure they never fuck with my family again. I look at the door, Justin is standing there. He closed the door and told me I need to relax before the next round.

EMMETT’S POV

I told Drew I was going to check on the Taylor-Kinneys. Drew told me to tell Brian he had a team that could help if they need it. I love Drewsy. I got to the house and went to check on my children. Drew and I want to adopt too. I want a princess of my own. I told Justin we were going to adopt. Justin said to look at the children who needed caring parents, not just the babies. Justin would adopt like the Jolie-Pitt's if he could.

Princess Mia is excited to have Gus home. She tells me that Drew and I need to come to Kennywood tomorrow. I tell her Drew and Brian would rent the whole park if she wanted them to. Mia says no, that all children should be able to play with her. I told her that we would purchase everyone a ticket. I can’t help it, she is my baby. I tried to convince her to live with me but she told me Pop and Daddy would cry if she left. I told her she was right. Mia told me that I should adopt a girl her age then they could have slumber parties. I might just do that.

When Blake explained about JR, I knew we could try. Michael is like Deb, he makes JR blameless. I wrote them off when they wanted me to chose between them and Brian and Justin. I am not going to write off the people who stood by me when I needed them. Deb and Michael were too wrapped up in their own dramas and told me to get over my problems.

Brian took off to call Linds and Justin told me he was going to take care of Brian. I told him to have fun. They deserve to have a good time. I called Drew and told him I wanted to rent Kennywood tomorrow but Princess Mia want to let other kids in. Drew told me he would call his team mates and we could have a family day at the park.

MIA’S POV

My people do things for me. Daddy said that being a princess means my disciples have to do what I say. I want to make Gus happy. He is so sad, but I just know that we can make him happy again. I tried to like his other sister JR, but she hurt Chad and I told her she needed to leave my family alone. Pop said that JR was jealous of our family and I said that if she wasn’t a meany she could have been a part of our family.

Daddy and Pop disappeared but Emmy is here and he makes everything I want come true. Drewsy told me as long as I’m happy Emmy is too. I told Drewsy that he need to get me a girl to play with. He told me he was going to make that happen. I told Pop they were getting me a girl and he said I needed to help her when she came. I told him that I would. Pop smiled and it made me feel really good. I told Pop maybe he could smile for JR, she needs to feel good about herself too.  

LINDSAY’S POV

I hope Brian isn’t serious about kicking us out. I went to Mel’s office to look for the paperwork on the house. I found it and looked through the lease. Shit, Brian really listed Gus as the owner, it's held in trust by Brian and Justin, until Gus is 18. I need to try to stall until Gus is the owner. He wouldn’t  kick us out. Brian can also demand back rent if we stay without Gus. Good Lord, we would owe 12 years of rent. Mel fucked us by kicking Gus out.

Mel walks in and asks why I am in her office. I hand her the house paperwork. She reads it and says that Brian can threaten all he wants, if he kicks us out she is going to make sure Gus gets the maximum sentence for having the party. I hope she is right and Brian will back down.

I let her know that Brian’s lawyer is on his way. Mel says she is a lawyer too. She’ll deal with him. Mel is okay as a lawyer but she doesn't have a great win to loss ratio. Mel has also lost clients because she isn’t very personable. She tells them that she knows better what to do then they do, and they need to trust her. She was let go from the first two firms she worked for because she told clients that they needed to give the wife a better deal. She tells everyone it’s discrimination because she is a woman and a lesbian.

JR has been in her room since we got home. She told us that she was tired from the ordeal she went through. JR'S story is falling apart. First she says Gus had his friends bring the drugs, then she says that Gus doesn't have friends. I know he wasn’t home during the party, but we depend on him to take care of the house. He should have been home. JR has never been trouble, but Gus treats JR like a stranger, while he treats Justin’s adopted brats like family. Gus wouldn't do anything to get Brian to support us. JR thinks of the family and even tried to be nice to Justin’s kids. The kids told Justin she was mean to them. Brian told me if JR wants to visit Michael needs to take care of her.

I decided to get my ducks in a row. If Brian succeeds in throwing us out I want to have a place for me to go. I call Gary and tell him I am ready to move in with him. Gary says he can’t move me in, his sister doesn't want anyone to live in their apartment. I tell Gary to grow some balls and tell her it's not up to her. He tells me that he feels we aren’t ready for that level of commitment. I tell him that either he is with me or it's over. He says he guesses that we are over. I was going to say more but he hung up.

I need to get Gus to stop his father.

JR’S POV

Man I feel like shit. It’s been a few days since my last fix. It feels like ants are all over my skin. I tried to call Trace, he’ll usually fix me up. He's not answering. I can't get out of the house. Mommy dearest is too busy trying to prove Gus is the cause of the party. I didn't want to deal with them so I lied. I knew Gus would be out late at his practice and figured with no one home I could have a party. I was high and didn’t realize the party was getting out of hand. I knew Mama and Mommy wouldn’t be home till late. I figured that they would blame Gus, since he should have been home by the time the police showed up. The moms think Gus is like Brian, but Gus is too busy trying to be good to do anything fun.

Mama is always busy playing house with her new whore. She only comes home in time to go to bed. She wouldn’t even know what goes on in the house. It makes it easier to make it look like Gus does the stuff she gets pissed about.

Mommy wants live up to her parents standards. She told me Brian purchased Britin to try to stop us from moving to Canada. She wanted to live there but Justin told her we would be living under his rules. Mommy doesn’t understand why Brian would let Justin make the rules.

Dad doesn't visit because Brian isn't willing to separate from his money to help. Ben left Dad in the lurch and Dad needed his friend. Brian told him he was too busy to be there for Dad. Dad was always taking care of Brian, but when Dad needed him, Brian wouldn’t lift a finger. I told Dad he should tell Brian to kiss his butt. Dad is too nice, he told me you don’t turn your back on your friends. Dad thinks that Justin didn’t want anybody interfering with Brian.

Grandma told me family should help each other. She said Brian forgot Dad because he was too busy screwing Justin. She was the one who provided both of them a home and love, and now they treat her like a stranger. My Dad isn’t even invited over to the big house. Grandma tried to talk to them about how important Dad was to Brian and he told her that he doesn't owe her anything. Brian is really rich but can’t spare a dime for his family.

Gus and I used to like each other, but he would rather spend time with the brats. I started hating Gus after he was allowed to visit his Dads by himself. They sent him first class tickets to see them. Dad can't afford to fly me to Pittsburgh. He asked his best friend to help but Brian told him he isn’t a bank. Dad said Justin keeps Brian from helping.

Justin tried to pretend he cared, but the minute his children got upset I was sent home. I loved Justin before he replaced me with that little princess Mia. I was upset they have all this stuff and I don’t have as much. If any of the other kids look at stuff, it was bought for them. I was never given more than a couple of things, and only if I was with them.

When I asked why Brian sued them for custody of Gus, Mama said it was to cause trouble in our house. She said it’s because Brian likes to lord over her that Gus is his child. She was trying to keep a roof over our heads, Brian told Mama that she and Mommy could get jobs if we wanted to have a place to live. Mama refused to work somewhere that was not up to her standards. She and Mom told Gus and I that daycare would eat up the money they would bring in. Brian of course, provided for Gus, but not the rest of us.

I need to do something. I have the shakes now and I still feel like bugs are crawling all over me. Dad can’t see me like this.

MEL’S POV

Brian thinks that he can kick us out. I won’t let him tell me what to do. He is probably going to send that asshole David to try. I think David will have to work overtime to get us out. I was protecting my daughter from the shit Gus did. I can make them bring Gus home if they want to play hard ball. I talked to the police and they said if Gus was involved they can get him back here. I told them Gus took off to Pittsburgh. I even gave them Brian’s address, I hope Brian enjoys the police carting off Gus.

The doorbell rang and I wanted to be the person to answer. David is standing there and I see a moving van outside. I invite David in and tell him the moving van could leave, we will not be moving. David tells me it was for Gus’s things. I ask if Gus is going to try to run from the authorities. David says no, Gus went to his fathers when I kicked him out. I share the information that I gave the police and tell him Brian should be expecting a visit.

DAVID’S POV

I like my job and do it well. I told Brian that Mel will try to counter us using Gus. She always has when we back her into a corner. Brian told me to get proof Gus couldn’t have been responsible. I sent my investigator here to look into everything and to interview the people at the party. I told the investigator to turn over the information to the police and to me.

I smile back and tell Mel to read the investigation, that I have time. She starts to read it but tries to say that we are setting up her daughter. She gets to the interviews and goes silent. All the kids were interviewed with their parents present. Every interview says that JR was the person who threw the party and invited a young man named Trace to the party. Trace has charges of possession and trafficking on his record. Trace, who is 19, is also JR’s boyfriend at the moment. Mel tells me she needs to talk to JR.

She can talk all she wants, the police told us they didn’t see any reason to bother Gus. I save the last page of the report. JR was tested when she was brought the station and it isn’t good. Brian told me to make sure they read the report. I couldn’t get a copy but was able to read the results from my side of the desk. Brian said that he informed them this was an issue but thinks that they won’t believe him.

Mel comes back with Lindsay and tells me she knows that Gus was involved, and none of these were reliable witnesses. I guess they live in the land of denial. I tell her and Lindsay that they need to get a copy of the drug test done on JR from the police if they think she is innocent. Mel tells me that it is none of my business. She wants to know what I came here to do. I tell her that today I am removing Gus’s possessions from the house and giving them the next two days to vacate. After that the locks will be changed. Mel tells me she will not allow us to remove any items from the house. I knew she was going to possibly do this, so I call the police officer waiting outside.

MEL’S POV

When David came in and handed me that report, I knew they were going to make it look like JR was at fault. I told Linds to get in the room with me. We need to stand together, David was going to have to work to get us out. Linds was on the phone with her fuckbuddy. Linds said she was breaking up with him. She wanted us to look like good parents and having people on the side looks bad. Whatever, he is probably tired of her.

I know the police gave JR a drug test, but I know my daughter is clean. David told us we had to be out in two days. Well it takes longer than that to get an eviction notice and I told David I wouldn’t allow anything to be removed from the house. David asked me if, as a lawyer, I read the contracts before I signed them. I told him fuck off. He said that the lease was broken the minute Gus was told to leave HIS house. According to the agreement they can kick us out right now.

I know that he is telling the truth but I need to play for time. JR can leave Canada in my custody but I have to bring her back for any hearing. I can have her community service transferred to wherever we go. David made a phone call and went to the door. The fucker brought a police officer along with the paperwork for the removal of us from the premises in two days. I told them that we have two days and we are going to use them. They need to leave. The officer tells me that Gus’s father gave permission to remove Gus’s possessions.

I didn’t fight them on it. They had a list of items that belong to Gus. Linds led them to the room.

LINDSAY’S POV

I ask David if he can call Brian and tell him I need to talk to him. David calls and hands the phone to me.

“Brian, you need to give us more time. I agree Mel shouldn’t have kicked Gus out. We were just frustrated that JR was taken into custody and they wanted to charge her with possession. I know that Gus wasn’t trying to get anybody in trouble, it was just a party that got out of control. If you make us leave we are going to need some help,” I tell him. I even make sure Brian knows that Gus just made a mistake.

“How about NO, or maybe, NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. I figure you stood there and watched our son get hurt, let your bitch of a wife kick him out, and want to follow the loser train by blaming Gus. I am going to sit at home while you figure out where to go. Scrape up some change and catch a bus like our son had to do. Tell Smelly Melly that I have pictures taken by my lawyer of Gus on the day he arrived, and in court they won’t make her look good. I will do one thing, only if you read the drug test results on JR.” Brian isn’t giving in on this.

“After I read it what will you do?” I’ll read it.

“I will pay for the treatment your daughter needs. Blake is willing to work at getting the police to get her community service transferred to his treatment center. JR is still a minor and the charges aren’t going to be steep. Blake thinks that he could work it so that it’s expunged when she turns 18. That my ONLY offer, talk it over with Mel and let Blake know. Bye now, and don’t call for any other favors.” Brian hangs up.

I go to see Mel and tell her what Brian said. Mel asks the officer if he can get us the information. He calls in and comes back to tell us we need to go to the station to get the particulars, but yes it’s positive. I think I picked the wrong ship to side with.

MICHAEL’S POV

I was willing to take a bus to JR, no one would help out with more than a few bucks. I called Emmett and asked if I could borrow his car. I also needed to borrow the money for the gas. Emmett laughed and hung up. I wanted to call Ted, but he is acting like I’m not his friend. I called Hunter but he said he needs to pay for college. I told him his sister is in trouble. Hunter told me she has been trouble for a while and to open my eyes. I hung up on him.

I called Justin and told him that if it was one of his children he would want people to help. Justin told me that he pays attention to his children, and would know before they needed the help. He did tell me he would let Brian know I called. Hopefully Brian will call back soon.

BRIAN’S POV

I am sitting in my home office going over the projects I have for Leo Brown. I hear a knock and see my princess and Blake. Blake asks me if I have a minute. I tell him I do. I ask Mia what she needs she tells me that Justin needs a map of Kennywood printed out. Justin and his planning. I go and print it out for her. She climbs in my lap and rubs our noses together. My princess wants something.

“What do you want?” I ask her.

“I want a puppy, but Pop says you are the master of the kingdom and I have to ask you.” Mia tells me.

“Why do you want a puppy?” I know she and Chad will probably get one no matter what I say.

“To be the royal dog, silly. I want one of those little black and white ones. I think they are from Boston,” Mia has been on the computer again.

“Let me talk to Pop, and if you agree to take care of it. I mean cleaning up pee and poop. It does not mean get Gus to do it for you. We will think about it,” I never say yes right away because she knows that it’s a done deal.

“Daddy you are so silly, you can just hire a maid to clean it up. I want to dress it and love it,” Mia tells me, then runs from the room.

“I guess you get a dog and a maid. The princess has spoken,” Blake says while laughing.

“Probably. But you know, what do you do when she asks for things? Did you need something?” I ask Blake.

“I want to talk to you about JR. I know you aren’t thrilled with the girls or the Novotny's right now, but JR is going to need help if what Gus and David told us is any indication,” Blake would do anything to help someone who was in the situation he had been in.

“There isn’t a lot I can do. Michael won’t listen if we say anything about JR. Mel will make it out to be us trying to make JR look bad. Linds is too self absorbed to care. What are you suggesting?” I want to help her, but it isn’t my choice.

“I can get her transferred to my hospital. It’s her first offence and it isn’t dealing, it’s using. The police and the DA would probably work with me to avoid the paperwork. I can look into getting it expunged when she is 18. There is no guarantee, but it’s better than having to rely on the court and a judge. She will have to finish the program and will be required to have regular testing. I can try to get her in at a discount, if I offer to counsel extra patients pro bono,” Blake has apparently given this a lot of thought.

“Blake, I can offer it, but until they admit she has a problem, they will turn us down. As far as paying for the treatment, I will. I want her to get treated. I care about her, even though she changed and started hating us. I’ll let you know if we can get them to agree,” I tell him.

Blake gets up and tells me that he is going to talk to Cynthia about seeing what we would need to do. I do care about JR, she might have made Gus’s life hell, but she needs help if she is trading sex for drugs at 14.

David called to see if I would talk to Linds. She is still trying to make this Gus’s fault. Gus was at hockey practice when the party was going on. I told Linds what I was willing to do for JR. Linds seems to think I owe her something. I hope Smelly Melly enjoys the results from the police.

JUSTIN’S POV

Chad and I wanted to plan out rides at Kennywood. Drew called to tell us that the park is a go for tomorrow. Mia demanded that kids be allowed in with us. Drew said the players and him were going to pay for all the people who come and also pay for anyone who comes to the park for the day. They didn’t want to announce it because the park would be mobbed. Anybody who comes will be told at the gate they won free passes to the park for the day.

Mia went to see Brian, she wants a dog. I don’t have a problem with it but she needs to ask. Brian would argue with me. I was answering the phone thinking that it was Drew again. Nope it’s Michael. He called Emmett trying to borrow Emmett’s car and money for the trip. Emmett laughed and hung up. I guess it was my turn. He wanted me to sympathize with the plight of fathers. I told him, I pay attention to my kids and would notice if something was that wrong. He was going to go on so I played the Brian card. I told him I would let Brian know. I will, but Michael is kidding himself if he thinks Brian is going to help.

Gus came in and grabbed a sandwich, I asked him earlier about the weight loss. He told me that during hockey season he loses a lot of weight and will gain it back since he isn’t going to be playing. I always thought they gained weight. I really need to find out. I’ll talk to Drew. Gus is still having trouble telling us things.

GUS’S POV

The first thing you have to know about Pop and amusement parks is that he loves them. Second is, he is a planner. If he had a way to time each ride and how long it takes to get from one to the other he would. Mia and I are used to this. We try to mess with his plans once we get there. After we ride every ride we will have two hours of unplanned time planned. See what I mean about the planning. He also brings snacks to avoid having to stand in line for food. Lunch is planned for 12:50pm because everyone is leaving to go back riding and the place will be less busy. He always saves the water rides for after lunch be cause we can cool off. Can you tell we do this a lot?

Mia told me she was going to ask for a dog from Boston. I tried to tell her they are called Boston Terriers. She said “Okay so they're from Boston right?” I just told her sure. I came in to get a sandwich. Pop asked about my weight. I lose weight during hockey season because it helps you move faster. I have to consume less carbs and more protein so that is why it looks like I’m smaller. I figure he’ll ask Dad or Drew and then he’ll be okay.

My mom has been calling my phone, I haven’t answered her. I am still pissed about her blaming me. She didn’t even question it. I expect it from Mel or Michael, they blindly pass the blame. I want to help JR, but how do you help someone who hates you?

Dad came out and told us that he offered the deal Blake made for JR. I hope they do it. She needs help and to get away from that loser Trace. I worried that she would get pregnant. I found out that Mom got her on birth control. I asked Mom if the pills protect from diseases too. She told me it was just in case JR started experimenting. I wanted to tell her she left the experiment stage last year. I just hoped JR didn’t catch anything.

Chad came in with Emmett. Chad makes everyone go fishing. I told Justin the fish were going to outgrow the pond. Chad watches fishing shows so he catches and releases. Emmett, funny enough, likes to fish. He keeps the big ones and cooks them for Drew. Emmett tells us Drew is coming over. He and Emmett are foster parenting and wanted everyone to meet the new kids. I think that Drew is going to have to be the rational father because Emmett is going to spoil a kid to death.

EMMETT’S POV

Drew called while me and my fishing buddy Chad were trying to land the granddaddy of all catfish. Chad and I have seen it surface once in awhile and it’s big. Chad is the one that actually made me want to be a father. He came into the family, scared and needing to be loved. He was hostile with everyone except Justin at first. I think Brian’s size scared Chad. Me, I came in the way I always do, talking and fluttering around and we heard Chad’s first laughter. Justin told me to keep it up because it’s the happiest Chad had ever been.

I also found out that Chad loves fishing. Justin fishes but he rather paint and Brian doesn’t have the patience for it. I was raised fishing. Chad dragged me to the new improved pond, we fished and Chad told me he likes to listen to me talk. Mia made me jealous I didn’t find her first.

I told Drew we should adopt and he told me go for it. We have been working on it but I wanted to wait till we had news. Our friend Lorie told us that if we foster for abandoned LGBT children we could have a child in our home as soon as we got through the multitude of paperwork and home inspections. We got through it and Drew got the call today that they have 2 boys and a girl who need a home. I was going to try to get a younger child, but this to me seems more important. Justin and I both know what it’s like to be told to leave home.

I told Drew to say yes. He is going to pick up the kids they are between 15-17. I told everyone I want their opinion but I really just want the family to meet the newest members. Drew arrived and I went outside to meet them. The two boys are Dylan and Max and the girl is Linda. I started talking a mile a minute telling them that we have to go shopping for clothes and they can decorate their own rooms and we are going to Kennywood tomorrow so I hope they don’t mind. Drew told me to breathe. The kids laughed.

I brought my new family into meet everyone. Linda asked Justin if he was the artist Justin Taylor. Justin smiled and told her yes. Justin asked if she likes his art or was she an artist. Linda wants to be an artist but also loved Rage when Justin was doing it. Justin told her Rage was stopped due to differences in opinion. The boys were quiet and Brian came in and they were staring. Brian still has it. Chad asked if they wanted to see the grounds and if anyone likes to fish. Brian rolled his eyes. Max told Chad he’d like to try, he’d never been fishing. I think that Max has a best friend for life. Mia decided that a boy was just as good as a girl and told Dylan he could play with her. Gus told Dylan that if he didn’t Mia would keep at it until he did.

Justin took Linda with him to his studio and was telling her she was welcome to come over if she wanted to paint or draw with him. I love this family. Blake, Ted, Brian, Drew, and I sat around the table together. Ted asked if we should be taking the kids to Kennywood on their first day in a new home. Drew said that they needed a fun day, each kid was kicked out of their home for being gay. Brian asked how we ended up with three. Drew said that he would have taken them all if he thought we could handle it. The social worker said Dylan had been there for almost a year, Drew wanted to help him the most because he turns 18 next year and would have aged out of the system.

Drew originally want one child but he said he met the three in different interviews and asked the social worker how it worked. She told him that the kids get placed fast because no matter how advanced the world became, most people still don’t adopt or foster these kids. Blake told Ted that he wants to look into the program. Ted said whatever he wanted was fine.

I can’t wait to take them home.

CHAD’S POV

I told Dad when I grow up I want to do fishing shows. Dad said he would buy the boat. Pop told me that we could film episodes and post them. That is why I have the best parents in the world. Drew brought the new kids and Max told me he would try fishing. I told him all about my idea for a fishing show. He told me that he could help if I want him to.

Max asked about the family. I told him the one him and Dylan drooled over is my Dad. Pop is the the artist. Ted is my dad’s accountant and Blake is a counselor. I also told him that Emmett may seem a little excitable but he will do everything to make someone happy. Drew can seem serious but he just thinks before he talks.

Max told me that he was kicked out of his house for being gay. I told him that in our houses nobody cares about that. Treat everyone well and you will get treated well. I told him that my parents died when I was three and Pop saved me. I got to work teaching Max how to fish. We were sitting there and I told him feel free to talk or ask questions. I’m like Drew, I like to think.

Emmett and I have been trying to catch the fish we call Grandaddy. Wouldn’t you know it, Max caught him. I told him to keep reeling, I needed to get his Dad.

EMMETT’S POV

Drew told me to take it easy on the kids. Dylan told me that he loves to shop with me. Linda wanted art supplies, on the way to the stores she asked if Justin was serious about letting her work with him. I told her Justin loves to create and would love for her work with him. Max, after catching Grandaddy, told us Chad wants his help with his fishing post.

I think my new family is going to be fabulous. We loaded Linda down with everything she would need for art. Dylan and I shopped for clothes, and Drew took Max to sporting goods. I was looking at a shirt that would look good on Max, when we ran into Jen. She was looking for a new pair of shoes. I introduced the Dylan and Linda to Jen. Jen treated them like they were hers. She told me to give them her number if they needed anything. I told Jen we were all going to Kennywood tomorrow for an outing. Jen checked her appointments and said that she would bring Molly. Linda could have a friend at least a little closer to her age, Molly still liked to act like a kid even though she wasn’t. Molly grew up to be a sweetheart and will probably be at my house to welcome my children.

Being a new Dad is fun.

BLAKE’S POV

Mel got the test results and told me thank you but she would help her daughter. We tried but they will have to live with it. I only want the offer on the table. No kid should be a statistic. I told Ted and he said that we tried but Mel wasn’t going to give us the satisfaction of being right.

I told Ted I really wanted to look into the foster parenting of LGBT teens. Ted works a lot of hours and small children would need us for more personal care. A teen needs us to love them and give them a home. Ted handed me the card Drew had for the social worker and told me to call Monday. We could at least get started.

TED’S POV

I wouldn’t mind a teen, I love Chad and Mia, but Justin works from home and can give small children more attention. A teen like Hunter was just needs to know they are wanted and we are  willing to take care of them and be there for them. I don’t see us taking on three at once but one would be something we could do. I want to be able to participate in their lives. That is half the problem with Mel and Linds, they left the kids to fend for themselves.

JR was a sweet little girl but turned into her mother. I wanted to tell Blake even if they agree that JR isn’t going to go quietly. JR is on her way to being Michael.

Linds is calling again. I debated the merits of changing my number. I answered only to get it over with.

“Ted. Finally someone answers. I have been calling Gus all day. I don’t know if you know that Brian is trying to throw us out on the streets or not, but I think that it’s unfair to make us the bad guys,” Linds really needs to find someone who believes this shit.

“Linds, you and Mel need to start packing. Brian isn’t kidding. You should have planned for eventually moving out. Brian only bought the house so Gus had a home. Mel should be ashamed of herself. You and Mel need to stop trying to blame everyone else, including Gus, for your lack of parenting. I know that you called for a reason, so get to it.” I tell her.

“We need Gus’s support check earlier, tomorrow if possible. Maybe you could give us the next two months. Brian didn’t think about how we are going to make it. I wanted to ask Brian if we could use his loft for a while till we get on our feet,” Linds must have forgotten Gus is 18 next week.

“I would love to help you but you know Gus’s last support check is the last one Brian owed you. As for the loft, Brian would burn it to the ground with you and Mel in it if you moved in there. Find a new bank, the Taylor-Kinney bank is closed.” I hang up.

I decided this can wait till tomorrow. I got roped into Kennywood by Chad and Mia. I don’t mind, their the first kids that find me funny.

KENNYWOOD

GUS’S POV

Pop went over the schedule at the house, in the car, and at the entrance. Mia told Pop that we get it already. Dad huffed a laugh. Dad told Pop that he and Chad can stick to the schedule but Princess and Gus were on their own schedule. Pop went to find Blake, he will humor Pop.

We all headed for the different areas, Justin, Chad, and Max went for the roller coasters. I do those last with Emmett. Emmett screams all sort of weird southern phrases during the ride and it makes it fun. My absolute favorite was “Jumping Jesus on a pogo stick,” every time we descend a steep incline. Dad takes Mia to the kiddy rides since she isn’t tall enough for most rides yet. I like the Auto Race and Ted comes with me. Ted and I do that and Gran Prix, Ted said that is as exciting as he gets. I make Ted go on the Paratrooper because he screams like a girl.

We all meet up at Pedro’s for Mexican because Dad refuses to feed his kids junk food before riding again. Ted suggested we get there at 1pm because Pop will be looking at his watch when we walk in. Mia tells Dad she wants Deep fried Oreos and everyone but Dad perks up. Emmett tells his kids if they want something don’t be afraid to ask anyone.

We ended the day at the water rides and Pop hands his messenger bag to Dad. Dad doesn’t ride anything that will mess with his hair. We are soaked and Pop hands out towels. Did I mention he’s a planner?

BRIAN’S POV

I did go on rides, just not all of them. Emmett took off with Mia, so I took Drew and Linda we rode all the roller coasters together. Drew has been dividing his time between his team members and us. Mia needed me to ride the kiddy ones with her. It’s been good to see them all racing around having a good time. Gus is having fun and not worried for the first time in days.

Ted told me about Linds and I have to wonder how you forget your kid’s birthday, and the fact that if I have him I shouldn't be sending his support to them. Blake said at lunch they probably assumed that I would forget. I have to give it to them, they are willing to try anything. Michael and Deb called all day yesterday. They alienate everyone but you better help when they order. Jen joined us with Molly, and Molly took the kids with her. Gus loves Molly, she turned out beautiful and turns heads. Molly doesn’t really notice.

We were all going to go eat dinner before heading home. I was carrying Mia, and Justin, Chad, and Gus were talking about tomorrow. Justin told me I have the day off, I don’t ride horses. I need to go to the breeder I found and get a puppy for my princess. I asked Gus what he wants to do for his birthday, yes, I celebrate birthdays. Gus told me that he wanted a small party at the house.

Michael is standing next to the car when we get out of the park. I hand Mia to Justin and tell him to take the kids and go ride with Blake and to send Ted over here.

“Michael, you should have come to the park, everyone got in free.” I tell him as he stands there scowling at us.

“I have better things to do. I want to talk to your son. JR is in trouble and your brat needs to tell the truth. I also need you to leave the girls alone. You’re kicking my kid out of her house. Where do you think they are going to go? You need to do right by me, you owe it to me,” Michael says, as clueless as always.

“It’s not your business what I do with the house I paid for Michael. A house that is in Gus’s name. A house that he was thrown out of. If you're so concerned, go buy them a home and help them move. Wait, you don’t support your own kid. Don’t you think you owe it to Mel and JR to support your child? I mean I paid through the nose for mine. Which benefited yours. I mean, between three of you, none of you pay as much as I did. Get this through your head, and tell your mother and the munchers to learn to help yourselves. I no longer need to pay for friends,”  I tell him.

“This is different Brian, JR is in trouble. Instead of helping you are making it worse. Where are they going to go?” Michael acts like I am the one who should take care of his kid.

“Well, they could get on a bus like Gus did when they kicked him out. I mean, my son, who had bruises from Mel, had to sit on a bus for hours by himself. I figure the three of them could handle it better. JR might have a problem, no Crystal Meth on the bus, but she likes to throw parties maybe she can invite her dealer and get everyone high with her. I need to take care of my family, good luck with yours.” I tell him before I head to Ted’s car.

“What happened to you Brian, I used to be able to depend on you. When did you become so selfish?” Michael yells.

“Always have been and always will be Michael.” I tell Ted to drive.

MICHAEL’S POV

Mel called to tell me to get my best friend under control. I couldn’t believe it when they told me Brian is throwing them out. Mel said David is supposed to throw them out tomorrow. I told her not to worry I would get Brian to listen. He acts like he isn’t going to do it, but I know he’ll change his mind before it happens.

I go back to Ma’s house. She called and said she needed to see me. I got home and she is pacing the living room. She asked if Brian is going to help. I told her that he is being an asshole, but he will probably leave the girls alone. Ma said that she is in trouble at work. I ask her what happened.

“I was asking everyone to help me get you to JR. I’m always there for everyone at the diner, they could help me. A bunch of queens complained to the manager that they came to eat not be begged for money. I got a write up and have been suspended for a week. I have money saved so I’ll be okay, but I can’t give you the money to go.” Ma tells me.

I tell Ma that it’s bullshit they complained. I’m going to have to tell Mel I can’t help. I could try Ben, see if he would help. I mean JR was like a daughter to him too.

DAVID’S POV

I called Brian and reconfirmed he wanted them evicted. Brian said yes. He told me they wanted Ted to give them two months child support. I know Mel isn’t that stupid. I called the locksmith and the police to ask for a couple officers to be on the scene. I also wanted them there on the walk through, I have movers to pack their stuff for them. Brian wants the house appraised and sold. The money will go into Gus’s trust.

I called Jen and asked if she could come for the walkthrough. She is going to send another of her agents. She told me that it was a bad idea to have her and the girls in the same room. I wonder how Mel ever made it out of law school. I mean Brian hid nothing, she signed to get a house but didn’t read the lease. Maybe she thought she could get Gus to sign the house over to her later. I feel sorry for any child that came from these two.

I was just about to go to bed and there's a knock on my hotel door. I open the door to Lindsay.

LINDSAY’S POV

I was trying to find a way to stop the eviction. I called my parents and they told me they would send enough to get to Pittsburgh but I would need to find a place to go. I told them to send me the money. I called Ted to see if we could get the child support. I didn’t think Brian would stop the money, but he did, because Mel kicked Gus out. I would need to take JR with us, Deb wouldn’t take just me in.

I wonder if I could work on David. I mean Brian isn’t going to come and see we were kicked out. He is depending on David to do it. David isn’t a bad looking guy, he reminds me of Ted. I get dressed up, make sure the slit in the dress rides up my thigh. If he doesn’t offer to help, I could always seduce him.

As I was leaving Mel looks and asks where I am going. I told her to try to talk to David. Mel asks “How, by fucking him to submission?” Mel is still upset about the test results. She talked to JR, and JR said that she only tried it on the night of the party. They stayed in the JR’s room and talked, but I didn’t really care.

I called all the hotels close by and found David. I went straight to his room and knocked. He opened the door and just looked at me.

“David, I wanted to talk to you about the silly eviction. I thought maybe you and I could work it out. I am willing to do whatever we need in order to get Brian to change his mind. How about I come in and we talk about it?” I smile and wait for him to invite me in.

“David, are you going to say anything?” I ask.

We are both still standing in the hallway. He keeps staring at me and I can’t figure out what’s wrong. Maybe he is just considering the options.

“We could probably talk more privately in your room,” I tell him.

“I was waiting for you to show more leg. Hell Lindsay, you should have worn a trench coat, I mean are you offering yourself in exchange to keep the house, or is it more money? I need to be able to keep it straight. No, you can’t come in, and you should be making better use of your time, you only have till 9 am to get out of the house. Night now.” David tells me as he shuts the door in my face.

I was standing there and I hear him locking his door. Well, I’m not giving him a choice, he is going to help us. I start knocking loudly and telling him to open the door. Someone from hotel security walks up and tells me that I need to leave. I try to tell them that their hotel guest invited me but was upset with something I said. They tell me the guest called down and asked that I be removed from the hotel. Well what are we going to do now?

MEL’S POV

Linds is fooling herself if she thinks she is going to get help from David. He only looks out for his client.

I talk to JR when the test results are given to us. JR swears that she only tried drugs at the party. She tells me that Trace was just a friend and she didn’t know he was dealing. I ask how she met him. She says he picks up a friend after school and she was with them and met him. JR has been shaky since she got home but it’s probably from having to be in jail. I tell her that we need to make sure that she isn’t caught doing anything again. It would look bad to the DA. I ask if she understands. JR snaps and yells that I need to lay off her.

I need a break, I called one of the paralegals and asked if my clients could keep the eviction from happening. She said that with a lease that clearly stated without the owner in the house, the client could not live there, no not much could be done. Well, they can threaten all they want, we are not leaving. Brian owes me this house for all the pain he caused in my marriage.

I call Layla to see if she is free for the evening. She tells me to come over. I told her I was only going to be able to stay for a couple of hours.

JR’S POV

Mama wouldn’t stop asking questions and I need to find Trace. She walks by my room and yells that she needs to go out for a while. Thank God. I get dressed and call Trace again. He tells me he’ll fix me up, I just need to do him a favor. I tell him to come get me.

When I get in the car Trace tells me he needs me to deliver for him. He tells me that the police are watching the people he supplies. It was easy, I just walked over with the stuff in my purse and we exchange the stuff and they pay me. We had been going around for about an hour. I tell him I need a fix, he says after this last drop. He hands me a bigger handbag, this was his largest drop. The guy is a new dealer. I walk up and tell him I was here with Trace. The guy asks if I am a bit young to be a dealer, I lie and say that I do this all the time.

I look back at Trace and it’s like the world explodes. The police are everywhere. Trace is telling them he didn’t know I had drugs he was just offering me a ride. I tell them Trace didn’t tell me what was in the bag. The guy who was arresting me asks what I thought he meant when he asked if I was a dealer. I told him I want a lawyer.

TED’S POV

David calls to tell me about Linds. I guess she is willing to try anything. I tell David that I will tell Brian. Brian is in the car. He has been silent since we left the park, he keeps messing with his phone. Michael and Deb really did a number on him.

We are on our way to meet everyone for dinner. I should have asked Justin to let Mia or Chad ride with us. The kids can snap Brian out of a funk. Brian is looking at his phone, I hope he isn’t going to call any of them.

“Do you think I should get two puppies, one for Chad and one for Mia?” Brian asks.

I guess Brian has better things to worry about. I relax, apparently he has been checking out the puppies on his phone. Here I am worried that Michael hurt him, and he is trying to decide how many dogs he should get.

“I think you should ask Chad if he wants the same kind of dog. Gus actually likes cats. I think if you get them all together when they are babies they will actually get along.” I figured he is okay, forget the idiots.

BRIAN’S POV

I wrote Michael and the funky bunch off a long time ago. I don’t sit and worry about them. I do want to make sure Mia has her puppy. My kids make me happy and I want them happy. I was looking and thought about Chad. Chad always asks for fishing equipment but I wonder if he wants a dog. Ted made a good suggestion. I’ll talk to the boys.

We get to the restaurant, everyone is seated and eating. Justin asks the waitress to get Ted and me our orders. I ask Chad if he wants a dog. He says he’d like a golden retriever. He heard they like water and would probably be fun to take fishing. I should have just looked for dogs to take fishing. I turned to Gus and ask if he wants a pet too. Gus shrugs and says to animals are a lot of work. I told him if he wanted a cat they are less trouble. Gus tells me that he wouldn’t mind if I don’t.

“You know they shed, right Dad?” Gus the smart ass.

“Keep it out of my closet and we’ll be fine. I wonder if they come hairless,” I was just kidding.

“Sphynx do,” Justin tells us.

I look up the cat, It’s not pretty but no hair. I ask Gus if he wants one. He tells me sure. I look for a breeder. They cost one to two grand, but my suits cost more. I guess my day is planned and Drew tells me he wants to come.

I heard Ted in the car but they are no longer my problem. I figured tomorrow that we could go phone silent. I want my family to stay out of this mess. I tell Ted we offered help but they don’t want it. After tomorrow Ted can deal with them or not. Ted tells me that he’s been done since the whole thing started.

MICHAEL’S POV

I’ve been trying to figure out how to get the money to see JR. I told Mel that she works, where is the money she makes? She told me they have expenses and Gus always needed things for sports. I told her that she should have made Brian take care of that. She said she treated the children equally, unlike my best friend.

Ma went to talk to her manager about the whole suspension. She told me if he lifts it she could help. Ben changed his number. I was sitting reading Rage when my phone rings, it’s a number I haven’t seen before so I answer. It’s some cop in Canada saying that JR was arrested tonight for dealing and they need a parent. I tell them they must have the wrong number, my daughter is with her mothers.

JR gets on the phone and tells me she was set up. I ask where Linds and Mel are, she told me they left her at home. They aren’t answering so she had to call me. I get the number and tell the cop I’m going to try and reach Mel. He better treat my daughter right, Mel is a lawyer and will have their asses. He tells me to have them contact him as soon as find someone.

I call both numbers and no one is answering. What the hell, they left JR at home alone.

JUSTIN’S POV

The kids were passed out when we got home. I wanted to join them. Brian was going to work for a couple hours, then he was off for the next week. I want to do something fun for Gus. I look at my ringing phone. Michael needs to back off. Brian has been nice but he is at the end of his rope.

I pick up the phone and before I can say anything Michael starts, “Justin, look, all differences aside, I need you to help me get to JR. She was arrested tonight for dealing with some guy. I can’t find the girls and the cop I talked to told me that someone needs to be there. You need to help,” Michael is as demanding as ever.

“Amazing. Gus, the one who is being accused of causing everything, hasn’t been in trouble once. Your sweet innocent little girl lands in jail twice in one week. Are you seeing the pattern yet? Your daughter is in trouble Michael and no one else caused it, she did. Mel and Linds are completely useless, who leaves their 14 year old at home alone at night after she has already been in trouble?” I tell him hoping he sees his daughter needs help.

“It’s not JR, some guy who deals took her along for the ride. The police are trying to make it that she was dealing too,” Michael learned parenting from Deb.

“Wake up and help your kid Michael,” I tell him.

I am not going to keep arguing with him. I hang up and tell Brian what is going on. He laughs and says he wants to check if my ass got any bigger from all the junk food. I run, he chases. My family has better things to do then save the unsaveable.

LINDSAY’S POV

I got home and as usual Mel left the house, at least she took JR. I needed to pack a few things just in case. I went to Gus’s room to see if there was anything I could use. It looks strange that there is nothing but the bed and the desk left. I check to see if he left anything behind. I was looking in his desk and found a credit card. I could use that to pay for a place to stay. Brian gave this to him for emergencies, this is an emergency.

I got on the computer to use the card to arrange for a hotel. I booked it for a week. Then I went to the Western Union site to see if I could send money for other things. Western Union wants all credit card users to call, so that won’t work. Well, people don’t pay attention when you use the card, we’ll just use it to pay for gas. I’m going to cash in the ticket my parents sent for money. I feel better now that I have a plan.

My phone has been ringing off the hook. It’s Michael. I just ignore it, he is probably queening out. If they kick us out, I need to be ready for it.

MEL’S POV

Layla and I had a fun night. I was tired, so I told her I was going to stay and sleep for a couple hours. I wanted to be ready for David in the morning. I wanted to try to find a way to beat the clause. I think that I can use that Gus is still a minor under my care. I didn’t tell him he couldn’t come back, I just told him to leave. It's not my fault that Gus ran to that asshole.

My phone kept going off and Layla asked me if I needed to talk to Michael. I told her just ignore him. I wasn’t in the mood for him. She was looking through it and said that there was an unknown number. I shrugged and said it was probably a telemarketer.

I woke up around two in the morning and decided I better get home. I was halfway there when Michael called again. I don’t really want to listen to him. I pull up to the house and see a police car in the driveway. If David is trying to show his muscles at two in the morning he can turn around and go. I was determined to show him that you don’t fuck with me.

The officer was on the porch knocking, I come up and ask what he needs. I tell him that two in the morning is not a good time for social calls. He asks if I have a daughter named Jenny Rebecca Novotny-Marcus. I told him yes. He told me that she was arrested tonight for dealing and needs a parent to come to the station.

JR is at home. I left her earlier. I tell him she is in bed, he tells me that she must have left sometime tonight. I ask him to wait, I would go get her so we could clear this up. I walk in the house and up the stairs. I knock on JR’s door, no answer. I opened it and turned on the light, she isn’t here. I go to Linds's room and she is passed out, looks like she took something to sleep. I shake her until she finally wakes and ask where JR is. She took a minute and then asks if she was with me.

The officer waited for me to come back and says that someone needs to go to the station. He was making a courtesy call, they have only gotten ahold of JR’s father, but he couldn’t come. Shit, Michael is going to blame us. I tell him that I will be on my way.

MICHAEL’S POV

Ma came back and I told her about JR. She asks where the girls are. I tell her I have been calling all night and no one is answering. Ma tells me that her boss is willing to lift the suspension if she does her job and doesn’t beg money from anyone. Ma says she told him she just asked, she didn’t beg. He told her that if she wants to work that she needs to understand the rules.

Ma says she is going to pay a personal visit to the all the boys. They need to help JR, she bets that the guy tricked JR, and JR didn’t know what was going on. She told me that Mel and Linds are in trouble now because they should have been home.

Gus started this with the party, but the girls need to take some of the blame. I should get a lawyer and sue them for JR and then they can pay me support. I call the cop back and find out that they finally found one of the mothers. I ask if she is there, he told me not yet. I tell him to tell who ever turns up that I need a phone call. I also tell him that Gus Peterson-Kinney was the one who caused the party that got my daughter in trouble in the first place and they needed to get him instead of my daughter. He says I need to understand that the first charge was using and the second was dealing, and that people don’t usually end up with two charges in two days if there isn’t a problem.

I tell him to stick to his job and find out the truth, my daughter was arrested for a party with beer and drugs, not for doing the drugs.

“When you talked to the mothers, did they tell you that Jenny was drug tested and the test was positive?” The cop asks me.

“I was told there was just stuff at the party and JR’s brother threw the party,” I tell him.

“The other child, Gus, was at school and then hockey practice all day. He wasn’t there, so how is he responsible for a party? We talked to all the kids that were at the party, Jenny is the one who threw the party, and the man she was arrested with tonight supplied the drugs. We tested the kids and only a few were positive, one was your daughter. Those are the facts Mr. Novotny.” I don’t believe him. I tell him to have the person who shows up call me.

DEBBIE’S POV

I will wake up the entire world, they are going to have to tell me to my face they won’t help. I have been there for all of them. They need to stop being selfish. I got to Drew’s house, I had to knock a few time to get someone to answer. Drew answers.

“Deb is there some reason you're here this late or early I guess.” Drew asks.

“I need Emmett to help Michael. JR was arrested tonight and no one is helping her,” I tell him.

“Deb, I’m not going to wake up my house. We have kids sleeping here. Look I will give you the money but you need to leave everyone alone. You and your son have pissed them all off,” Drew left me standing at the door.

Drew hands me five hundred dollars and tells me not to disturb anyone else. I tell him if they had helped before now none of this would be necessary. I tell him I’ll wait till morning, but he needs to tell them I expect everyone to answer me.

I got home to Michael sleeping with the phone in his hand. I covered him up and figured we could deal with it in the morning.

BRIAN’S POV

Justin took the kids to go horseback riding for the morning, I told him I was rounding up the animals. Emmett and Drew showed up and their kids wanted to go with Justin. Emmett said he would go with them, but he isn’t riding any animal that smells. Justin told him he could sit outside the corral and watch Max, Dylan, and Linda get lessons.

Drew waited till we were on our way to pick up the pets, then he tells me what happened with Deb. I tell him it was nice of him to help. Drew tells me he just wanted Deb off his porch. I get where he is coming from. I used to give them money so they would go. I stopped when Michael bought a bunch of action figures instead of paying his rent. Deb will at least tell you the truth.

We picked up the animals, the breeder for the Sphynx said that the puppies would be too rambunctious for the kitten, but to get them to spend time together. It will make for less havoc in the house. Drew bought one of the kittens and a Boston Terrier for his house.

Ted calls and says Deb was out and had already accosted Blake this morning. Ted and Blake were going to see Ted’s mom this morning, and when they opened the door to leave, Deb arrived. Ted told me she wants us to help JR. Blake gets on the phone and tells me she was coming to my house next. I sped up, Justin will murder her.

JUSTIN’S POV

We got home from the stables and there is Deb. I don’t want her talking to Gus. She is looking at him and I can see she is trying to make this his fault. Fuck her.

“Deb, what a pleasant surprise. Let Emmett take the kids in and we can talk,” I want the kids away.

“Who the fuck are all these kids? Emmett did you grow a twat and spit out teenagers?” Deb asks Emmett.

Max and Dylan look at her, not sure what to say. Gus whispers to them, I assume telling them who she is.

“Deb actually I am fostering these three. Dylan, Max, and Linda this is Debbie Novotny. Deb, my children.” Emmett introduces them.

“Emmett, maybe you could have waited until we help Michael to adopt kids. Michael and JR need help,” Deb tells him.

“Deb, I can do as I please, and I wanted to be a father and I got three wonderful children. JR has her own family and all you four do is complain till the cows come home. You want to help your granddaughter, open your eyes,” Emmett turns away from Deb and tells all the kids to go in the house.

“I want to talk to you Gus. You need to help your sister. She shouldn’t be held responsible for your fuck ups,” Deb yells at Gus.

Emmett slams the door after getting them all in the house. I turn to her about to say something when Brian pulls up. I walk around Deb and to Brian. He hands me a box and tells me the supplies are in the car but to go in with the puppies and kittens. I want to say something but I know that Deb has selective hearing. I mean you tell them JR is doing drugs and they seem to turn off their hearing aids, you know, their ears.

BRIAN’S POV

I want Justin inside, he looked like he wanted to find a large stick and start beating Deb with it. Drew asks me if I want him to stay.

“Nope. I have been dealing with the Novotny clan and their way of racking up ‘you owe me’ for years. I decided that love wasn’t worth the amount you paid for it. If I have to owe someone for loving me than I am done with that person,” I make sure I say it very loud so Deb hears me.

“Brian, JR is in trouble. I am here as a concerned grandmother. She needs help and I’m only asking for help, it's what any good parent would have done. I know that if it was one of your children, you would expect everyone to help. I hope you aren’t as heartless as this to a child,” Deb is really laying on thick.

I hear a commotion by the door, I look up and see Drew carrying Justin back in the house. Justin is cursing up a storm. Deb needs to be careful around Justin, he takes people criticizing my parenting personally. I was watching to make sure Drew had Justin contained.

“Ma'am, you need to not make my Pop mad. I don’t like people hurting my Pop. My Dad cares about everyone and you are rude,” Chad tells her.

“Look, your Dads aren’t willing to help my son and his daughter. I just need them to give us a way to get to my granddaughter,” Deb tells Chad.

“Well my Dad’s work, maybe you need to tell your son to get a job and he can learn to take care of himself. I mean is he really young and can’t get a job?” Chad asks.

“My Dads make sure we have everything and they don’t depend on others for it. Maybe my Dad could help your son learn that parents take care of their kids. He should find a good job, so he could take care of his kid,” Chad tells her.

“I need to speak to your Dad and you should be inside. I’m sure Justin has cookies or something for you sweetheart,” Deb tells him.

Chad shrugs and goes back in the house. I will give Deb one thing, she wouldn’t be nasty to my kids. I have stayed out of this mess because of Gus. If I went near Mel she would have worse than bruises.

I think Deb needs to see something. I ask her to come in the house. I walk in and Emmett tells me that Drew has Justin in his studio with Linda. I ask Gus to come to the living room.

“Deb, I want you to look at something and then I am going to give you enough to get YOU to Canada. You need to find out the truth, from them. I will not finance Michael, he will probably spend it on another toy,” I tell her.

Gus comes in the room. I tell him to take his shirt off. The bruising is at the stage where it looks worse than it did before. The blood has pooled and is almost black in some places.

“What the fuck happened to you?” Deb asks Gus.

“Mel happened, this is what I got when JR got in trouble. I had nothing to do with the party or anything else that went on, I was at school and then hockey practice,” Gus tells her.

Deb tries to hug Gus, but he backs away and leaves the room. I leave Deb to draw her own conclusion. She assumes the girls tell her the truth. I assume she sees what Mel did to Gus as abuse. Let the girls try to spin this one.

“I am going to give you five hundred like Drew did, and like Drew asked, don’t bother me or my family anymore,” I hand her the money and lead her to the front.

DEBBIE’S POV

I sit in my car, and all I could see was Brian’s face when Gus took off his shirt, and I remembered the bruises that Jack used to leave on Brian. Mel better stay out of my way. Does she hurt JR? I decide I’m going to go up there, Michael needs to open his store and start making money. I wish Carl would still talk to me. He could at least find out what is going on.

I get home and there is take-out on the kitchen table, Michael is looking at some box, while eating.

“Michael, what are you looking at?” I ask him.

“It’s an original Captain ASTRO action figure. I couldn't believe it a guy came in the shop and wanted to get rid of it,” Michael is smiling at me.

“Well that was nice of him to give it to you,” I tell him.

“I wish! He let me have it for three hundred. It’s worth about eight hundred to a collector. It was a great deal,” Michael tells me.

“You're gonna sell it to someone for eight hundred. That's a really good deal,” I tell him.     

“No way. I've wanted this forever,” Is he kidding me?

I walk past him to the cookie jar where I put the money Drew gave me and it only has a hundred left.

“Michael, where did you get the money.” I ask him.

“From the shop,” He tells me, lying like it’s no big deal.

“Don’t lie to me. Did you take the money from the jar?” I ask him.

“Don’t worry I’ll pay it back later Ma,” Michael thinks this is okay.

“It was money I had to ask for so that we could go to JR. You need to sell that fucking toy. Your daughter needs us. Fucking grow up and take care of your responsibility,” I can't believe this.

I almost lost my job, I have been running everywhere trying to get help, and he buys a fucking toy.

“That isn't enough to help anyway, so why does it matter that I used it? I was thinking we could hire a lawyer and get custody of JR. Mel and Linds let Gus get away with getting JR in trouble. Neither of them were home when some guy took JR out joy riding. She wouldn’t have gotten in trouble if it wasn't for all of them,” Michael tells me.

I look at this grown man and realize my mother was right. She told me that you reap what you sow, then she kicked me out.

I left and worked my ass off for my kid. I let Michael get away with everything, always blaming anybody but Michael, and now I have a son who expects everyone to take care of him. I need to apologize to Brian and the others for blindly making them take care of Michael. Gus looks like he was hit by a truck and I’m standing there going on and on about how Brian doesn’t care. It looks like we don’t care instead.

I am going to make it right. Michael can take his toy and shove it up his ass.

DAVID’S POV

I walked up to the house and knocked. No one answered. I told the locksmith to open the door. The officer walked in first and called out. No one answered. I told the movers to start removing the contents. They asked where I wanted the stuff, I told them just put on the lawn. The girls should have taken care of it, but instead they take off.

They were done in four hours. The locksmith changed the locks and I had an alarm put in. It would have been fun to see the girls try and stop us. I was walking out when a lady walked over and asked if this was a yard sale. I told her no it was an eviction. The owners of the stuff need to pick it up. She told me she would watch the stuff and let the girls know when they get here. Don't you just love nosy neighbors. I watched her walk to the group of women who had been watching us all morning.

I left the investigator to take pictures.

MEL’S POV

It took all night and half the day  to get JR processed. I used the credit card Linds brought to get JR out of jail. JR told a cop she was a dealer. I told them she is 14 and the guy was 19, I wanted him charged with kidnapping. They said we could have done that if JR hadn’t admitted to knowing what she was doing. They filed the paperwork, but told me not to expect much. I asked the officer if we had to leave the area, as long as they had a way to reach us, could JR go with us. He told me that as long as she reports to a parole officer and was available to testify we could. I needed to know what they were going to pursue. He told me it was up to the DA but they were really after Trace and JR could get her charges lessened if she testified against him. I told him she would.

“You two have been bitching about money, how did you get me out if we are so poor.” JR sneers.

“I borrowed the money from Gus,” Linds tells us.

“I guess he finally realized he has a family. Well at least he is good for something,” JR better lose the attitude.   

We arrive to our house, only it looks like someone put everything on the lawn. I walk up to the house and try to unlock the door. The fucker changed the locks. I can’t believe this, they could have waited till we got here. I turn to look and see the bitch from across the street walking over.

“Hey, some people came and put this stuff out here. I came over to find out what is going on. He said that you were being evicted. I thought you were having a yard sale. I watched your stuff so no one would take it,” She thinks she is being helpful. The bitch just came to gloat.

“Why don’t you just walk back to your house and mind your own fucking business,” I tell her.

“Well I was trying to be helpful. It’s not my fault you can’t take care of yourselves,” She tells me.

She turnd and walks back to her house where the other nosy bitches are waiting. I tell Linds to call around and see if we can get a mover and storage for everything. It took about an hour to find a company, they wouldn’t take the credit card but Linds had some cash from the ticket her parents sent and I use the rest of the money we had in our account. It just paid for a month.

We took clothes and any paperwork we needed and got back in the car. I drive us to Shelly’s house. She tells me to take my drama to someone else’s house. Linds tells me that we could go to Pittsburgh, she rented us a hotel. JR will be summoned to court and I told the officer that we had to leave and gave him Deb’s address to reach us. He told me if they had to come find us, JR would be remanded to the a juvenile detention facility. I called to let him know where we would be.

Linds took over driving, she used the credit card for gas and food. Gus owes us for all the trouble we’ve been going through.

BRIAN’S POV

Justin was pissed when I came up to see him. I tell him the kids didn't need to see him in his queening glory. He tells me that he was just going to straighten out Deb’s perception of my parenting. I say Chad did that for him, and tell him what our son said to her. I decided to relax the twat before he tried to sneak out and go posse on the Novotnys.

I was coming down to check on the animals and check emails. My cell was on my desk, it had an alert about my credit card. I spent close to four thousand on the pets. I called the card company and gave them my information. The woman on the phone told me it wasn’t the pets, it was because the card my son has had some unusual purchases.

I asked her to hold for a second. I went up to Gus’s room and ask how much he had spent on his card. Gus said he left it in Canada, in his desk. Mel threw him out with only what he had with him, she didn’t even let him take any of his things. I pick up my phone and wanted to know what the charges were, I have a feeling the girls are using it. She tells me there was a charge of five thousand at a police station in Canada, several restaurant charges and there have been multiple charges at gas stations. I ask where the last change was. She tells me the last one was at the Pennsylvania state line.

She then tells me there is a fifty dollar hold on a hotel room at the Hilton. I tell her that my son just now told me he lost the card a week ago. I needed the card reported stolen. She says that they would freeze the card and investigate it. I tell her to call if they need information.  

I call the police and report the card stolen and tell them the person using the card was not given permission to use it. He asks if I had any idea who had the card. I gave him the girls names. I also let them know they reserved a room at a hotel.

The credit card company called back and said the police station in Canada was able to give them the person who signed the card, Lindsay Peterson. I tell them I reported it stolen and that she didn’t have permission to use it. Linds really thinks I’ll cover for her.

I was going to get coffee when the doorbell rang. Great, Deb’s back. I told her to go to my office and shut the door. Justin isn’t a charitable mood right now. I threw a shot of Beam in my coffee, because God only knows what she wants now.

“Brian, I came here to return the money you gave me and to apologize for the things I said. I could only see that my granddaughter was in trouble. I know it’s not going to change anything I did. I can’t help what I felt, they’re my family,” Deb looks like she is on the edge.

“You held everyone responsible for Michael’s fuck ups, and then we are supposed to put our lives on hold every time something is wrong in Mikey’s life. I am expected to drop everything, including Justin, to make Michael happy. I wanted to be happy, have a family and a life of my own. You wanted me to take care of a grown man. It is going to take a lot more than apologies and tears Deb,” I want her to understand that I won’t be there for Michael anymore.

“I understand. I’m going to help JR, but not the girls or Michael. JR needs the help. Like your little cutie said, they’re adults and need to learn to take care of themselves. I hope you and Justin will forgive me some day for not thinking about you or anybody else but Michael. I am going to tell Michael to find a place to live and to start learning some responsibility,” Deb tells me.

“Good luck. A lot of Michael’s problems stem from everyone letting him get away with doing things. I’m just as responsible. Instead of making him face everyone with his mistakes, I covered them. I stopped because of Justin. Michael expected that if he called, I would answer. I did and Justin was the one left in the cold because of it. I won’t let it happen anymore,” I have this need to make it right, even when they are in the wrong.

“Deb, it’s about to get worse. Linds stole Gus’s credit card and used it to get JR out of jail and they have been charging up a storm. They are in Pennsylvania now. Linds will probably be arrested when she shows up at the hotel. I don’t know what is going to happen to JR since the money for her bail was paid with the card. I can call Blake and David to see if they know what will happen,” I want her to know the facts.

I called Blake and David. Blake said he would be on his way. David told me that he would send Katie, she specializes in fraud cases and would be better at the facts. Mia comes flying in with her puppy in her arms.

“Daddy, I think Buttercup needs a tiara. I tried to put mine on her but it keeps falling off.” Mia tells me. She turn and sees Deb who is still crying. “Hello, I’m Mia, Princess of Britin, at your service. Do you need a hug?”

Mia always wants everyone happy. She hands me the puppy and runs to hug Deb. Deb tries to wipe her eyes. Mia kisses her cheek and asks for a tissue.

“Did that help ma'am? If you want we can have a tea party together and I can cheer you up. My Pop is really good at that to, he can smile his big sunshine smile for you,” Mia is a doll.

“I miss his smile. Do you know I named him Sunshine? It was the first time I saw your Pop. My name is Deb you can call me that, or Nana if you want,” Deb looked at me before she offered the Nana and I nodded.

“I have to clean some things out of my house first princess, but if your Pop will let me, I would love to spend time with you,” Deb tells Mia.

“We have to watch Chad fish, but other than the icky worms, it’s not that bad. I’ll tell my Pop I want to spend time with you. Daddy and Pop want me happy and I want everyone else happy. I need to take Buttercup and work on an outfit. Daddy can you call Emmy and tell him I need to dress Buttercup?” Off goes the tornado that is Mia.

“Deb, IF Justin agrees to let you spend time with our kids, you need to understand that any campaign for Michael needs to be left at your home. My children are not to be hurt. I will make it my life’s goal to destroy anyone who cause them any harm. Gus is included in this. I don’t know a lot of what happened when he was in Canada with the girls, but it wasn’t sunshine and roses. If you still think Gus is to blame, for ANY of this, leave and don’t come back.” I tell her.

I tell her I will get her some breakfast. Justin is in the kitchen and looks like he is going to storm my office. He told me if I forgive Deb it’s my business, but his children are not going to be near her.

“Justin, I’m not ready to forgive her. She is Deb, she can’t see past what she feels and somewhere in there is the woman who loved us. She’s been a bitch and I really don’t know if she can change but I want to give her a chance. She knows that if she hurts the kids she will be gone. It’s the one thing she has never done through all this,” I tell him.

“I don’t know Brian, I miss the woman who took care of me, but I don’t want my children exposed to Deb wanting everyone to take care of Michael,” Justin loves her even when he doesn’t like her.

“She has been warned. If you need to talk to her, go in there. I won’t stop you. I’m not going to blindly trust her if that is what you think, but I think we have to give each other second and third chances, and we will eventually get it right. I will promise you that she is out of our lives permanently if this just another attempt to get help for Michael,” I tell him.

Justin tells me that he needs to think about. Mia runs in and tells Justin the puppy escaped. I ask where and she scratches her head and said that she maybe tried to give it a bath but the bathtub was too big. Justin asked where she tried to give it a bath. She looked at me.

“Daddy, I wanted to make sure Buttercup was clean. I took him outside to Pop’s pond. I don’t think Buttercup liked the fish biting him. I only put him down so I could tell the fishes to let me use the water. I turned around and Buttercup was gone,” Mia tells me.

“I think I found Buttercup, Princess.” Deb is holding a wet puppy in her arms.

Deb asked for a towel and dried the puppy off. She and Mia were sitting on the floor with the puppy and Mia giggled that Deb and her should make the outfits for the puppy. Deb told her that she could sew and Mia could design the outfits.

“One chance, that’s it,” Justin says. I hope we don’t regret it.

BLAKE’S POV

I called Carl and asked for some advice. He is still there for us. I told him what we knew. Carl told me to let him call and see what could be done.

“We have a problem Blake, Lindsay used a stolen credit card to pay for JR’s bail. They are going to have to bring JR in. I asked if they could transfer her to my care. The officer, Scott, told me that he could, but the bail is the issue right now.” Carl tells me.

I ask Carl to give me a minute and I would get back to him. I called Ted.

“Ted, I know you said not to get involved but Brian asked me to help. Linds paid JR’s bail with Gus’s credit card. Brian reported it stolen. Carl is willing to have JR remanded to his care. The bail is going to have to be paid,” I tell Ted.

“Are you sure you want to get involved? I know you want to help people, but all Deb, Michael, and the girls have done is given everyone hell. I’ll support you, but understand that it will probably bite us in the ass. Use our card, I’ll pay it. Tell Carl they need to get that girl some help,” Ted tells me he loves me.

“Carl, can they take my card to pay the bail. I don’t want to do it if it gets Linds out of trouble.” I tell him.

“Linds used a stolen card, it doesn’t matter if you pay the charges for JR, Linds still committed a felony. Let’s get the bail paid and I have to get a parole officer and a caseworker for her. Are Michael and Deb any help in this?” Carl still loves Deb but he isn’t willing to put up with her son.

“I think Michael finally did something Deb won’t forgive. I don’t have the whole story, but I know she is at Brian’s house right now,” I always liked Carl, and Deb was a better person when she was with him.

JUSTIN’S POV

I really want to tell Deb to get her ass out of my house and never return. Mia is making that impossible. Mia loves everyone and doesn’t see the flaws. If you're nice to her and the people she loves she gives you a chance. I ask Mia to give me and Deb a minute alone. She smiles and kisses me and says to be nice to Miss Deb.

“Deb, I don’t trust you. I can’t say it any clearer. I have spent the last 8 years being told that we don’t support your son, and we don’t care about family. While you spouted that wisdom, you turned your back on me and my family. I love the woman who took me in and was there for me. I hate the woman who figuratively used a bat on Brian and I every time your son was upset. I can’t sugar coat how I feel, because at least Hobbs didn’t pretend to care. If you are allowed around my children, there is not going to be any mention of Michael, Linds, Mel, or JR to them. I will not have Gus being blamed for JR doing stupid things or the fact that he was a bank for the bitches from Canada. JR is not welcome at my house unless she gets her act together and starts telling the truth. Michael is not welcome at all. If that is understood I will allow you to be around my kids. If one hair is out of place, I will see Hell rain on your head. Do you understand?” I want her to shit or get off the pot.

“I understand. I won’t hurt the children. I may have done stupid things but I would never allow a child to be hurt,” Deb tells me. I know she wouldn’t hurt my children on purpose but Deb says things without thinking.

We go back to Brian’s office and Katie is there. Blake was just coming in the door and Ted is behind them. Ted sees Deb and looks at me. I tell Deb to go ahead.

“Michael did something to piss her off. She is all apologetic and wants to make amends. I don’t believe her, but I guess we have to wait and see,” I tell Ted.

“She told Emmett that Michael spent the money Drew gave her. She wanted to return what she had and pay back the rest. Drew told her not to worry about it,” Ted tells me.

“What did Michael buy?” I ask.

“An Original Captain Astro doll. You know it is a find. It’s worth a fortune and Mikey had to have it,” Ted tried to imitate Michael at his whiny best.

BRIAN’S POV

Katie came in ready to help. I sat Deb down and explained what had been going on. Katie wanted to know if we wanted to pursue charges of abuse on Gus. I told her that was up to Gus. Katie told me she would have to contact the DA, they would pursue it.

She asked if JR and Mel knew Linds was using Gus’s card. I told her Mel would but JR probably wouldn’t have questioned it. Mel could be charged if any video surveillance has her using the card. I told her I want them both charged. She asked about the bail. I told her it was five thousand. She said the only issue will be that JR will have to be taken back until her bail is paid.

Ted interrupts and seem a little wary.

“Blake and I paid the bail. Blake talked to Carl and he is willing to have JR remanded to him,” Ted looks like he is waiting for an explosion.

“Ted it’s your money and I never asked anyone to take sides on this. How is that going to work, Mel and Michael have custody?” I need all the facts.

“The police in Canada want Trace, not JR. JR is still going to be charged but it will be as a minor. She will be expected to appear in court and Carl can get her sentenced here. He was able to get the police to agree, as long as JR doesn’t get in anymore trouble. Carl is talking to the parole officer assigned to JR. If Mel and Linds are sent to jail than JR is going to need someone to assume custody. Carl is recommending it not be Michael or you, Deb. He wants someone who can be impartial, and not automatically try to blame someone else,” Blake tells me.

“I won’t take her in this house. I can’t do that to my family,” I tell them.

“Carl called Ben. He is moving back to the area. He told Carl because they are still close but he didn’t want to deal with Michael. Hunter is staying in Philly because he is in college. Ben agreed but told Carl he’ll only do it if Michael gets supervised visitation and isn’t allowed to come to his home,” Ted tells us.

I watch Deb to see how she is taking the news. She is looking at the floor and finally looks at Ted.

“Is Ben happy?” She asks.

“He met someone new and they have been together for two years. They are moving here because the guy, Brad, is being transferred here for a promotion. Brad wants Ben to work part time and take care of himself. Brad is now the VP of Operations for Liberty Air. Carl has meet him, said that he takes care of Ben and is putting Hunter through college. So yes, his life is very happy,” Blake tells her.

“I am going to ask Michael to leave my house. I think it’s time I do what everyone has been telling me, make him face his responsibilities. He has his store, and can stay there until he finds a place to live. I also want to prove that I can trusted to be any part, big or small, in your lives. I can’t cut Michael completely out of my life, but I can stop letting him get away with things.” Deb tells us.

“You need to do it for you too, Doll. You’re killing yourself for your son, who would let you work yourself into a grave. I hope you really follow through,” Carl tells her as he walks in.

“Carl it’s great to see you. I should have listened when you told me. I’m a stubborn old broad,” Deb tells Carl.

“Ben’s husband Brad is sending Ben early to be here for JR. The Child Advocate is going over the requirements for them to have custody. If Michael is really out of your house, he can’t provide a place for JR to live that is acceptable, so he won’t be able to fight it. Deb, if you let Michael stay with you, he can probably get custody, and all the work Blake and I put in will be for nothing,” Carl tells her.

“He needs to leave. Can I get an officer to help me? I can tell him, but I can’t get him out on my own,” Deb asks.

“I’ll have two of my officers help you. You need to get your locks changed so he can’t get back in,” Carl tells her.

“I’ll handle that Deb,” Justin tells her as he goes to call the locksmith to meet Deb at her house.

Carl, Blake, and Deb leave to handle things. Ted sits down and waits. I ask him if he needs something else. Ted said no just waiting for me to berate him for helping. I rolled my eyes and told him he could wash my car if he needs to be punished.

LINDSAY’S POV

We finally got to Pittsburgh. I am ready for a hot bath and soft bed. I wake up Mel and JR telling them we need to check in. We walk to the reception desk and I tell them that I have a room reserved under Lindsay Peterson. She is clicking away and tells me it will be just a minute. Another employee comes up and asks us to follow him. We are walked into the manager’s office. Two police officers are there and tell us we are being arrested for Credit Card Fraud. I tell them my son gave us permission to use the card. He told me that I can tell it to the detective in charge.

Mel is yelling she didn’t know that I was using the card without permission and demands to be released. A third person tells JR that she needs to come with her. JR shrugs and leaves with her.

I told the cops they need to call my son. He can clear this up. The cop tells me he was just sent to pick us up, I need to tell the detective in charge. Mel tells me to shut up. I tell her to fuck off. Her kid is the reason our lives went to shit. If she and JR weren’t so demanding we could have lived well off of Brian. Mel tells me if I had learned not to let every dick I saw get in my snatch and paid attention to the kids we would have been better off. I lunge at her and we hit heads. The officer told us to sit in our seats.

I was raging all the way to the station. I picked a father who could support us. She picked a father who can’t even take care of himself. I realize that I am going to have to let the rats go down on the ship alone. I’ll apologize to Gus and tell him I should have listened. I’m sure if I play enough of the victim that even my Peter will forgive me. First I need to get out of this ridiculous charge of fraud.

MEL’S POV

If the bitch thinks I’m going down for this she is crazy, I try to remember if I used the card anywhere. I know I used it at the gas pump and I was the one who paid for food at Burger Queen. I didn’t sign any receipts because the purchases weren’t that high. That leaves them with burden of proof.

I ask the officer in the interrogation room where my daughter is. He told me that Child Services has her at the moment. A detective name Logan comes in with a laptop and sits across from me. I told him that I didn’t have any knowledge that Linds didn’t have permission to use the card, and that she purchased everything.

“Melanie, it’s not nice to lie to me. I want you to watch something,” Logan turns his laptop and there is surveillance video of the two purchases.

“It was maybe forty dollars in purchases. That is a misdemeanor and who would prosecute that?” It’s true, I would be asked to pay it back and any cost the court charges, but that is it.

“You're right about that, but your wife said you knew and forced her to help you. She says she was afraid of being beaten like you did to her son if she didn’t listen. I only came in to let you know what we have. It’s pretty cut and dry. Your wife can cry abuse but she was filmed too and we didn’t see any signs of duress. She is going to have to prove it,” He tells the officer to take me to a cell.

Linds thinks she can blame me. I’ll get her back for this.

GUS’S POV

Dad told me that my mother was going to try to call me. I was told what was going on. I told Dad that she stood by and allowed me to be thrown out, I guess I can stand by and let her deal with what she did.

Pop and I are taking the Sphynx to the vet. He wanted to know what kind of care it would require. He said that winter in Pitts couldn’t be good for a hairless animal.

Pop asked if I was okay. I told him I have to think of myself. I’m glad Ben is going to be there for JR. I know he won’t let her play him the way Michael and the mothers do. I asked if he believed Deb and he told me he is waiting for her to follow through. He can’t erase the last eight years. He admitted just like me, how do you let someone go who you once loved.

We got to the vet and, Vinny, my cat, is in perfect health and the vet wants to schedule regular visits because Vinny can have problems in the future. Pop asks about the cold. The doctor told him you dress him in sweaters. Pop started muttering that hopefully Armani doesn’t make cat suits. I burst out laughing. Pop was like “You know your Dad, nothing in his house comes from Big Q or chain stores, or Lord help me, the mall." Pop is trying to do a queening Dad. It’s fun to watch.

On the way home I see a call come in and answer it.

“Gus you need to help us. Tell your father you told me I could use the card. I could get put in jail for this. You wouldn’t want to do this, I know Justin put you up to this,” My mother can make it sound like she is innocent.

“Mom, I am willing to do for you exactly what you did for me. You should have called Mel before you committed a felony, maybe she could have tossed your room and thrown you out. Bye Mom,” I hang up the phone and lower my head, she’s my mom.

I feel the car stop and I lean over and cry into Pop’s shoulder. He tells me nothing was my fault, it was all them, and if I need to talk he’ll listen. Vinny mews at me and I smile. I looked at Pop and said we should buy matching sweaters at the Big Q for the animals. Pop tells me to look up, I do and we’re in the parking lot.  He told me Big Q is Dad’s punishment for allowing Deb in the house.

MICHAEL’S POV

I was munching on the stuff in the refrigerator and watching the Avengers. I could clean up a little, I made a mess in the kitchen. No, I don’t feel like it, Ma can do it. I tried to call Mel and Linds but they aren’t answering. I should open the store, but I’m having a crisis and need to be home. It’s also because I am almost two months behind on the rent and I am hiding from the landlord.

Ma comes in and behind her are two cops. I wonder if it’s about JR.

“Michael, I need you to pack your belonging and leave,”

What the hell is she saying?

“Ma, I live here. You can’t kick me out,” I tell her.

“Actually, I live here, you simply stay here for free. These gentleman will stay with you until you leave. You only have an hour,” She walks into the kitchen and starts cleaning.

I look over at the cop and figure I can fight Ma on this later. I grab some clothes and my comics, the Captain Astro action figure, and leave. I sneak in through the back door of the shop and lay on the couch and read my comics.

JR’S POV

The lady from Child Services tells me that until my mothers were finished I had to stay here. I ask to call my Dad. She handed me the phone.

“Dad, you need to come to the police station. Mom and Mama were arrested for using Gus’s credit card,” I tell him.

“JR, I can’t afford to come to Canada,” Dad tell me.

“We’re in Pittsburgh, they were arrested at the hotel here. I’m stuck here with some woman from child services. They’ll probably let you get me,” I tell Dad.

“I’ll get there as soon as I can. When did you leave Canada and why didn’t someone call me. I deserve to know these things,” Dad rants.

“Just get here Dad,” I hang up and tell her my dad is on his way.

MICHAEL’S POV

I call Ma and get sent to voicemail.

“Ma, I need you to come with me to the police station in Pitts. JR is there and Linds and Mel got arrested for using Brian’s emergency card. I need to be able to tell them you and I will take care of JR in your house. Call me, it’s an emergency,” I tell her.

I got on the bus and rode to the station. I ask to see my daughter. They take me to an interview room. JR is sitting there biting her nails and has makeup on, she looks like a whore in that makeup.

“I’m Michael Novotny, JR’s dad, and I want to take my daughter home,” I tell her.

“Good afternoon, My name is Gina. We need to talk about the process on allowing JR to leave with you,” She is so polite.

“I have partial custody, that’s all you need from me. You need to let me take my daughter out of here,” I tell her.

“Unfortunately Mr. Novotny, JR is in custody here because she has charges pending and we need to establish her case. She is being put on parole here until the hearing and with a positive test for drug use, she will need to complete a rehab program. I will also have to visit the house that she will reside in to make sure it meets our standards,” She tells me.

“We’ll be living with her grandmother and JR doesn’t do drugs. It’s a big misunderstanding,” I tell her.

She opens her file and pulls out a paper. I read that JR has tested positive.

“JR, is this true?” I don’t believe it.

“I was doing some Crystal that night so yeah it’s true,” JR shrugs and acts like it’s not a big deal.

Gina asks me if my mother recently changed her mind about my living with her.

“We had a disagreement, but she won’t turn me out. She will look after JR and me,” I tell her.

“She was contacted, per Carl Horvath’s instructions, and said you didn’t live with her and wouldn’t in the future. If you want custody you need to find suitable housing. There is an offer to take JR, from Ben Bruckner. He has a house and is able to pass the requirements. It might be good to take him up on the offer. It will keep JR out of foster care,” She tells me.

I tell her I will be back. I ask where Carl is. I go to his office and see him sitting at his desk.

“I need Ben’s number. If he is willing to help me with JR, I need to talk to him about where we are going to live,” I tell Carl.

“Ben is willing to help JR but it has nothing to do with you. I was asked to tell you, he won’t have contact with you and you can still see JR. He will arrange supervised visitation through your mother or child services, but he doesn’t want any direct contact with you,” Carl tells me.

“I won’t let him take her if I can’t live there too. I’ll tell child services about his HIV,” I threaten.

“They already know Michael. Ben’s new husband is willing to help clean up your daughter’s mess. Do you realize the fines she is going to have to pay? It’s obvious to me that getting a doll is much more important to you than your daughter, but they aren’t going to let you take her to live in your shop. For once, do something for your daughter. Let Ben help her,” Carl gets up and leads me out.

“Brian will help me,” I tell him.

“Brian isn’t going to help you. You burned that bridge too many times. Grow up and realize you need to take responsibility of your life. Be a father and offer your child a chance to change before we find her in an abandoned building, dead from an overdose,” Carl shuts the door in my face.

I don’t care what they think, if Ben wants to take in JR, he is going to help me too. I call Hunter and tell him I need Ben’s number. Hunter tells me he promised not to give it to me.

“He is trying to take JR from me Hunter. I can’t take care of my daughter if I don’t know where she lives or even who this guy is that Ben married,” I tell him.

“Brad is the guy who took care of Ben and I. He makes sure we are taken care of and doesn’t have excuses for why he can’t get over a relationship that never existed. I love you Michael but I can’t let you drag us down into your gutter,” Hunter ends the call.

I call everyone on my phone list and no one answers. I go to the desk and ask to see Mel or Linds. He tells me they are still in processing and until it’s done, only their lawyer will be allowed to see them.

I walk back into the room with JR and tell her to go with Ben until I can work out something. I told her to call me as soon as she has the home phone number. JR tells me she doesn’t want to go with Ben, he abandoned us. Crap, I guess I better tell her the truth.

“Ben got a job offer in Philly and I told him I wouldn’t go. I told him he was no longer allowed to contact you if he left me. I wanted him to stay and thought it would keep him from leaving. Ben left but told me that he wanted to see you. I got your Mama and Mom to help me block him. I didn’t want him to be allowed to see you if he wasn’t going to stay with me,” I tell her.

“GET OUT, I HATE YOU. YOU TOOK BEN FROM ME AND DIDN’T EVEN GIVE ME A CHOICE IN IT. HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO ME? I’VE SUPPORTED YOU WHEN EVERYONE TURNED AGAINST YOU AND YOU FUCKED ME OVER. ALL THREE OF YOU. I HATE ALL OF YOU,” JR is yelling loud enough that a cop comes in.

Gina asks me to leave the room. I watch as she talks to JR. JR tells her that she refuses to have anything to do with me. I know she is upset but I wanted to punish Ben, not her.

BEN’S POV

I see Michael and hear JR. Brian and I talked on my way here. JR is in trouble and Michael is doing his usual.

“Ben, we need to talk. I can agree to let you take JR but you need to help me too. I mean we were married and JR is our daughter,” Michael whines at me.

“You don’t have a choice Michael. I know Deb finally kicked you out. Do you have a place to live or even a prospect for a place?” I ask him.

“If you’ll help me I could find a place. I could move in with you till I do, you owe me,” Michael must really think I would still fall for his shit.

“Michael, I divorced you because I don’t want anything to do with you. I will help with JR because I never wanted to leave her. You forced that on me. I need to get to her. Excuse me,” I walk in to see JR.

JR gets up and runs to me. I miss her, she is the reason I stayed as long as I did. The social worker, Gina, tells me that she needs to see where we are going to live and will allow for an emergency foster order. We walk out Michael is gone, no surprise there. I look at this child and see JR is trying to grow up too fast. Brad has a soft spot for kids and was willing to help me with her. He told me his only condition was that I didn’t let Michael suck me in his vortex.

I still remember the day I left. Michael threatened to take Hunter, who was 18 already. When that didn’t work, it was JR. He told me he wouldn’t allow someone who could abandon his marriage to abandon his daughter. I tried to talk to Mel and Linds but they said that Michael’s decision was final. I left with Hunter and other than trying to get money, that was all Michael called for.

I meet Brad three years ago. It took me time to trust in relationships after Michael. I used my HIV as the reason he wouldn’t want me. He told me I would have to do better than that. I eventually started to trust him and we were married a year later. The relationships are like night and day. Brad and I take care of each other and there is no one else in the relationship. I blamed Brian for keeping Michael childlike. Brad told me that Brian let go of Michael when Justin came but Michael tried to strangle hold Brian. Brad hasn’t meet them yet but maybe it’s time.

LINDSAY’S POV

I called my mother and told her that she needs to help unless she wants to read it in the paper or see it on the news. She told me she would send a lawyer for me. I decided to play abused housewife and that I was only following Mel’s orders.

Anton, Mother’s lawyer, arrived and asked for a private room. He was looking over the evidence.

“Lindsay, can you get Gus to say that he gave you permission to use this card. Even though it’s Brian Kinney’s card, Gus is the card owner,” Anton asks me.

“Gus isn’t going to help me. He lives with his father and won’t go against him,” I tell him.

“You said that you felt helpless to Mel, and that was why you used the card, fearing abuse?” He asks.

“Yes. Mel abused my son and kicked him out. She is very volatile if she doesn’t get her way,” I cry a little.

“Do you have any proof of abuse on Mel’s part towards you?” He asks me.

“I don’t have bruises if that’s what you're asking. She is emotionally abusive to me,” I tell him.

“Anyone ever witness her do anything to you?” He needs to stop asking questions and help me out.

“No, but abusers don’t advertise,” I tell him.

He starts looking at the charges and tells me he needs to view the surveillance tapes. He leaves me in the room for a hour and comes back.

“Linds, I suggest you plead out and offer the restitution. Nothing in the tapes I viewed suggest anything but a car ride was going on. The most damaging is the tape of you shopping at a superstore. You're the one that was shopping they were trailing behind you. Mel even tried to put some of it back, you looked like you were arguing with her. Also according to the timeline you were alone when you booked a hotel. The police said that you offered the card, not Mel. Mel is going to be charged with aiding because she was with you and used the card also,” Anton tells me.

“Can’t my parents just pay it back? I mean they don’t want people to know about this. It’s not even all that much money,” I tell him.

“You charged close to ten thousand, even saying it was for gas doesn’t explain all of it. Five thousand for Jenny Rebecca Novotny-Marcus’s bail. You spent close to a thousand on a shopping spree. Nothing you purchased was necessary, and a judge wouldn't allow that as an excuse. Gas and food could be essential. Even with all that, the card was stolen, that is what the Judge and the DA are going to look at. If you plead out, there is a good chance you’ll get the minimum sentence of 10 months in jail and 3 to 4 years of probation. If you choose to fight you're going to need a lawyer better than an appointed attorney,” He gets up to leave.

“You're not going to help me?” I ask.

“I don’t fight for client who can’t win. Your mother only paid for me to come down and advise you,” Anton walks out.

GUS’S POV

JR went to stay with Ben and Brad. She rebelled a little, she was having issues with kicking the drugs. She testified against Trace and was given probation as long as she stayed clean and out of trouble. She didn’t want anything to do with Michael and the moms. After a while she agreed to see her dad, but hardly talked to Michael when he was there. We still aren’t close, but it’s better than it was. Ben talks to everyone, but he got a life outside of Liberty Avenue now and said he wanted to keep his new life. JR loves Brad. He doesn’t bullshit, he tells you the truth, and she was told so many lies it was hard to forgive the people that told them.

Mom went to jail for 10 months and while there met some guy on line. He owns a bunch of used car lots and wanted a wife with breeding. He is the kind of guy who likes to show off. He told me he could get me a good deal on a car. Dad told him his son isn’t going to get a clunker. Mom calls once in awhile but she tells me that she is busy with social events.

Mel only got probation but couldn’t provide for JR, so she went back to Canada to her girlfriend. She divorced mom while mom was in jail. Mel doesn’t talk to us. Ben said she talks to JR but when she tried to convince JR to come back JR told her no. Mel never fought it.

Deb stayed out of Michael’s affairs and learned to live her life. Carl who was single started hanging out with her again. Deb said they are going to give it time. Carl wants to make sure that they don’t fall in the same trap again. It took almost a year before Pop and Dad stopped being wary of Deb. She proved that she would care for Michael but not excuse his behavior. Mia helped the most, she named Debbie her Queen. Pop looked at Dad and said “That makes you married to Deb,” After Pop said it, he told Dad nevermind, that was to sick to contemplate.

Mia is still our angel, she and Dylan are always plotting new lines of clothes for the dogs. Chad told them to leave his dog alone. I let them dress Vinny, he needs all the warmth he can get.

Chad and Max started a fishing show on YouTube. It didn’t get a lot of hits at first. Then his dog, Trout, knocked them in the pond together and was swimming around them. Trout caught a fish on camera. Now they try to get Trout on their shows. Drew started to drive them around to lakes and streams so they had other places to film.

Linda started registration for colleges. She wanted to study Art and maybe teach one day. Pop got her to apply at PIFA. Linda was scared to show her work. Pop showed it to his old professor, they encouraged her to apply. Emmett was thrilled.

Michael is still whining that no one cares for him and everyone abandoned him. He started dating a guy named John. John works at the Big Q and is a manager there. He and Michael live together, John believes everything Michael tells him. Michael tried to introduce John to the group at the diner. Everyone was polite but no one wants to fall in with Michael again.

Pop and Dad had fun trying to train Buttercup. Vinny and Trout house trained easily. Buttercup is stubborn. She would look at you while peeing on the floor in front of you. Mia told Pop that Princesses don’t clean pittle. Dad cleaned it up even though he said he wouldn’t. Buttercup finally started using the bathroom outside. We all breathed a sigh of relief. Michael still tried to talk to Dad, but Dad would let him yap and just told him bye. Pop would just walk away.

As for me, I finished high school and started college at Carnegie Mellon, I wanted to study Architecture. Dad told me to go for it. Pop always wants to know if I’m okay or not. I told him I came to my safe place when I came home.