A Memory Returned

Author’s Note: Daphne lives with Justin in New York. Dante’s is a made up restaurant that Daphne works at. Thanks for all the reviews, and the new part will be up asap.
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“I remember our dance...” Brian was prepared for anything, except that. He had mostly given up on Justin ever being able to remember their dance at his high school Prom.

Not knowing how to respond but knowing he should say something, Brian said, “How did this happen?” Justin’s reply surprised him. “A girl Daphne and I used to know named Sam, sent me a tape of the Prom.”

He paused, and then continued. “But that’s not what really helped me to remember our dance. I played some of the tape and when it got the part where you walked in, I pressed the 'Pause' button.”

When Justin didn’t continue, Brian said softly, “Continue.” So Justin did. “I began to get a headache, one of the worst that I have had in a long time. I didn’t get up and take my pills.”

Brian swallowed, but didn’t reply. Justin went on anyway. “Something was happening to me. I sat there and closed my eyes, hoping that the pain would go away. It didn’t go away. It got worse.”

Justin stopped to get up and get a bottle of water. Then he continued. “The first image that came to me was of Daphne looking up at something, then tapping my arm and pointing behind me.”

Justin took a sip from the bottle and then he set it down, continuing. “The second one was of when I turned around and saw you walking toward us. I was stunned.”

Justin laughed softly. “The third one was of you looking at me. Then suddenly, everything else faded away and we were dancing. I had started crying and smiling, as I began to finally remember everything.”

Brian let out a slow breath and then he said, “Would you like me to come to New York? We can talk about the Prom, or anything you need to talk about.” Justin had been in New York for a year.

He and Brian haven’t seen each other since the last night they spent together before he left. Sure, they talked on the phone a lot and e-mailed all the time, but it just wasn’t the same as seeing the person you love.

Justin was silent for a moment, trying to decide if Brian showing up was a good idea. After several minutes of silence, he finally said, “Yeah, I’d like that.” His answer was spoken softly.

They talked for a little while longer, and then Brian said that he needed to go back to sleep. Justin said, “Sure. I love you Brian, good night.” Brian said, “Love you too, Sunshine. Call me if again if you need me.”

There was silence for a moment, and then Brian said, “I’ll get a plane ticket on-line, and I'll be in New York by tomorrow afternoon or tomorrow night.” Justin made a noise in disagreement.

Then he said, “Why don’t you drive here? It’s only a six hour drive from Pittsburgh, to here.” Brian paused for a moment. “Fine, but I’m only doing this to save some money.”

Justin smirked and then said mockingly, “Right.” Moments later, the two lovers hung up. Justin got up after hanging up his cell phone. He slipped it into his pocket and grabbed his keys.

Opening the door and stepping out of the apartment, Justin closed and locked the door. He pulled his cell phone out, and dialed the number to the restaurant Daphne worked.

The phone rang several times, and then she picked up. “Dante’s, how may I help you?” Justin smirked. “Daph, I know that you get off work soon, so I’ll swing by and pick you up. What time does Dante’s close?”

Daphne smiled as she listened to her best friend. “I close up in thirty minutes. You can come inside and wait if you want. I just have one last couple to wait for to finish their meal.”

Justin said, “Okay, I’ll see you in ten minutes, then.” The two friends hung up, and Justin unlocked the door to his car, and slid inside. He closed and locked his door again, and put his seatbelt on.

Then Justin slipped his keys into the ignition. Backing out slowly, he was glad he had decided to keep his car. The cost of getting a cab to go everywhere, almost made him broke.

Ten minutes later, Justin was pulling up to Dante’s. He turned off the car, took off his seatbelt, and then got out of the car. Locking the doors, Justin slipped his keys into his pocket.

Walking inside Dante’s, he made a beeline for Daphne who was talking to some customers. However, as Justin got closer, he heard her say, “Mr. Taylor! What a surprise! What are you doing here in New York?”

Justin froze where he was. He stayed silent and listened when his father began to speak. “I live here in New York, Danni-” Daphne interrupted. “It’s Daphne, and have you spoken to Justin lately?”

The person that was with his father, straightened up some, and Justin saw that it was a woman. Craig began to speak, and Justin waited to see what he was going to say.

“I have no idea who you're talking about. Now bring me the check so that we can leave.” The woman who was sitting with Craig stared at the young woman who was talking to her boyfriend.

“Craig? Who is this girl?” Daphne turned her attention to Craig’s companion. “My name is Daphne, and I’m Mr. Taylor’s son’s best friend.” Craig muttered, “I don’t have a son…”

Craig’s companion, Daphne, and Justin all heard what he said. Daphne glared at Craig. “Mr. Taylor, Justin is gay, get over it. He is never going to go to Dartmouth. He is never going to be straight. Why can’t you accept him like he is?”

Craig stared at Daphne for a moment, before jumping to his feet and shouting, "BECAUSE IT’S SICK! JUSTIN WENT OFF WITH THAT FUCKING CHILD MOLESTER, AND HE RUINED MY FUCKING FAMILY!”

Daphne was about to comment, when Craig continued. “HE’S A DISGUSTING PERVERT, WHO CHOSE HIS DISGUSTING LIFESTYLE OVER HIS OWN FLESH AND BLOOD FAMILY!”

Justin knew that Daphne was about to go off on his father, so he quickly stepped in. “Hello Craig. I see you haven’t changed. I only have one question for you. Why didn’t you come see me in the hospital, to know if I was still alive?”

Craig turned around to face his son. The woman he was with did the same, and so did Daphne. “Justin!” Daphne exclaimed, surprised. She hoped he hadn’t overheard what Craig had said.

"BECAUSE I DON’T CARE IF YOU DO DIE! YOU’RE A FAG, AND A CHILD MOLESTER JUST LIKE KINNEY. ALL OF YOUR KIND DESERVE TO DIE. THAT HOBBS BOY WAS RIGHT. YOU SHOULD GET AIDS AND DIE.”

Justin stared at his father for saying that. “Where did you hear that?” Craig smirked. “Your mother told me what the Hobbs boy said to you at that place where he had community service.”

Justin paled, and Daphne feared that he was going to faint. Turning to Justin’s father, she said, “Your total is thirty dollars and fifty-eight cents.” Craig quickly dug his wallet out.

He pulled out the amount needed, and flung the money at Daphne. Turning to his companion, he kissed her and then said, “Come on Michelle. Let's go. We don‘t want to be anywhere near these kind of people.”

As Craig and his girlfriend reached the door, he turned back to his son and said, “You are no longer my son. You haven’t been ever since you decided to give up your family to live in sin. You’re dead to me.”

Then they left. Justin fell into a nearby chair, and Daphne rushed over to her friend and hugged him. “Don’t listen to him, Justin. He’s an asshole. Craig doesn’t know what he’s missing out on.”

Justin was silent for a few minutes, and then said, “Thanks Daph. Let’s go home now. I’m sure you’re tired after working all day.” Daphne smiled and nodded. She locked up, and then they walked to Justin’s car and headed home.

Once the two friends arrived at the apartment and walked inside, they headed for their separate rooms. “Don’t pay any attention to what he said, Justin. Craig is just trying to make you as unhappy as he is.”

Justin walked over to his best friend and hugged her. “I love you Jus,” Daphne said softly. Justin nodded. “I love you too, Daph.” Then the two friends went into their own rooms.

They each took turns in the shower, changed into some comfortable clothing and crawled into their beds. As Justin lay in his bed, he remembered that he hadn’t told Daphne that Brian would be there tomorrow.

Justin shrugged. “Oh well,” He said softy. Daphne and Brian got on great, so it didn’t matter. With a smile, he whispered “Goodnight,” to the picture of Brian that sat on his bedside table.