Changes

Changes 2/?

Liberty Ave
The Dinner

They arrived at the Dinner thirty minutes later, where they found everyone, except Lindsey, Melanie, and Gus. “Hey everyone.” Justin said, as they walked inside.
“Sunshine, how you doing?” Asked Debbie, as she came around the counter and hugged Justin, and then Brian. “What are you two doing here?”
“We have an announcement to make.” Brian said, interrupting Debbie.
“Really, what is it?” Debbie asked, in an excited voice.
“I’ve been offered a job in Washington.” Announced Brian.
“WHAT!!!” Everyone yelled. “HOW, WHY?”
“Calm down, and let him explain.” Justin said, in a forceful voice.
“Thanks.” Brian said, before turning back towards the others. “I got a call today from a CEO of an AD agency. They’re looking for a President and they offered me the position.”
“How much are they offering, and where is it exactly?” Asked Ted.
“It’s forty thousand a month and it’s in Cascade, Washington.” Answered Brian.
“Where the hell is that?” Michael asked, in a whiney voice.
“Washington State.” Answered Justin.
“Jesus, that’s like way up in the boonies. Why did you take the job?” Asked Michael. (I have to do something he can’t leave.) He thought to himself.
“But the money’s worth it. Besides, it’s near San Francisco.” Brian said, giving Justin an evil smile.
“What about your family and Gus?” Asked Michael. (That should get him thinking.)
“Well I don’t care what happens with my family, but with Gus and all of you, you can come visit any time.” Brian answered, giving Michael an evil look.
Before Michael could say anything else. “Brian, baby is thib gob going to make you happy?” Asked Debbie.
“The money and prestige makes me happy, but the place is an iffy thing.” Answered Brian.
Realizing he wasn’t going to get anywhere with Brian, Michael turned to Justin, “What are you going to do when Brian leaves?” Michael asked, giving him an evil smile.
“I’m going with him.” Justin answered, returning Michael’s smile.
“Honey, what about your family and school?” Debbie asked, in a surprisedce. ce.
“I’ll visit them and they can visit me during spring and summer vacation.” Answered Justin, with a smile.
"How about College?” Asked Debbie.
“I’m sure they have colleges in Washington.” Justin answered, trying to control his temper. (Why couldn’t they understand that Brian and he loved each other? He looked around. It might be a different kind of love, but it was what made them happy.)
Realizing they had gone too far that Debbie decided to change the subject. “When are you leaving guys?”
“We decided to fly to Cascade next week and look for a place to live first, and then hopefully by next month we’ll move for good.” Answered Brian. (Thank you Debbie for changing the subject.) Brian thought to himself.
“Would you like company on your trip?” Asked Emmett, giving them a smile.
“Yea, it can be a little vacation.” Debbie said, giving Emmett a smile.
“Guys, we’re not going to have a good time, we’re going to find somewhere to live.” Brian said, slowly wishing he were anywhere but there. Before anyone could say anything to that, Brian's cell phone rang. “Kinney.” Brian said, answering his phone.
“Yes, hello may I speak to Brian please.” Asked the voice on the other end.
“This is Brian Kinney, how may I help you?” Asked Brian.
“Mr. Kinney my name is Dr. Patrick O’Conner from Pittsburgh Memorial Hospital.” Answered Patrick O’Conner.
“How may I help you Doctor?” Brian asked, getting a strange feeling.
“I’m sorry to tell you this sir, but your wife and her friend were in a car accident…”
Before the doctor could say anything else. “What how did it happen, where are they, and how is my son?” Brian asked, trying not to imagine the worst.
“Calm down Mr. Kinney. I think you should come here and we can talk.” Suggested the doctor.
“I’ll be there in ten minutes.” Brian said, before hanging up.
“Brian what’s wrong?” Justin asked, seeing the look on Brian’s face.
“A doctor O’Conner called from the hospital, L…Lindsey, Melanie, and Gus were in a car accident.” Brian said, looking around.
“Brian, honey what are you looking for?” Debbie asked, in a quite voice.
“My keys.” Brian answered, in a distracted voice.
“Brian, baby you’re holding the keys.” Justin answered, in a quiet voice. (God please let everything be all right.)
“Right, guess I should be going.” Brian said, as he tried to get up.
“Brian, honey why don’t I drive you to the hospital.” Justin said, taking his keys very quickly.
Not saying a word Brian just go up and walked out, without looking back to see if Justin was following him.
Giving everyone a sympathetic look Justin took off after him. “Brian hold up.” Justin called, running after him.
But Brian didn’t stop he just continued walking to the car, but couldn’t get in because Justin had the keys. A minute later Justin opened the door, they both got in, and drove to the hospital. They arrived at the hospital five minutes later, and just before Justin could stop the car, Brian was out and running toward the hospital.
He was met by a nurse, “Where’s my son?” Brian asked, as he grabbed the nurses’ arm.
“I’m sorry, who are you sir?” Asked the nurse. Before Brian could say anything.
“I’m sorry, but a doctor O’Conner called saying that our friends were in a car accident.” Justin said, as he walked in.
“Why don’t you sit down, and I’ll get the doctor.” The nurse said, in a quiet reassuring way.
“Thank you.” Justin said, as he guided Brian to a seat and helped him sit down.
It was two minutes later when a man walked up to them, “Mr. Kinney?”
“Yes, how is my son and his mother?” Brian asked, not even bothering to shake the doctors’ hand.
“Let’s take this somewhere private.” Doctor O’Conner said, as he showed them to a room.
“Doctor, just tell me how they are?” Brian said, trying to control his anger.
Taking a deep breath, “Mr. Kinney I’m sorry to tell you that your wife and her friend didn’t survive the car accident.” Doctor O’Conner said, in a quiet voice.
“What happened?” Brian asked, stunned.
“They where hit by a drunk driver.” Answered Doctor O’Conner.
“Shit.” Justin whispered, taking Brian’s hand.
“Wh…what a…about my son?” Brian asked, trying not to lose control.
“He’s upstairs with a nurse being looked over by one of the pediatricians.” Answered the doctor. “I would like to see my son.” Brian said, letting out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding.
“Of course, please follow me.” The doctor said, as he got up.
He turned to Justin, “I’m sorry, only family.”
“He is family, he’s my partner.” Brian said, not even looking at the doctor, which made him miss the look of shock and surprise on the doctor’s face.
A minute late they reach the pediatric ward where they were meet by the pediatrician. “Mr. Kinney, I’m doctor John Anderson.”
“How’s my son?” Brian asked, not even letting the doctor finish.
“He was lucky Mr. Kinney.
Thankfully he had his seat belt on and only sustained minor cuts and bruises.” The doctor answered, as he showed Brian and Justin to the room where Gus was.
Walking into the room the men saw Gus lying on the hospital bed, thankfully sleeping soundly. Sitting by the bed Brian took Gus’ small hand into his and just waited for him to wake up. It was five minutes later when Gus began to stir from his nap and woke up with a cry.
“Shhhh, its ok Sonny Boy, daddy’s here.” Brian said, as he stroked Gus’s hair.
“Daddy?” Gus whispered.
“Yea, baby it’s me.” Brian whispered, as he kissed him.
“I want mommy.” Gus said, as he began to cry. Not knowing what to say Brian turned toward Justin, with a pleading look on his face.
“Gus honey, mommy and mom can’t see you because they were hurt very bad so you’re going to stay with dada and me.” Justin said, with a sad smile.
“Will I be able to see them?” Gus asked, in a soft voice.
“We don’t know honey, we’ll have to talk to the doctor.” Justin answered, trying to hold back the tears.
“I should call the guys and tell them what happened.” Brian said, as he took out his cell phone.
“I’m sorry sir, but you can’t use your cell phone here.” A nurse said, as she walked by.
Putting his cell phone back into his pocket, “I’ll be back in a minute.” Brian said, before walking out.
“Daddy?” Gus whispered, looking for Brian.
Trying to hold back tears. “He went to call Grammy Debbie, Uncle Michael, Vic, and auntie Em.” Justin said, as he petted Gus’s hair.
Meanwhile, Brian was outside calling the family to tell them what happened and that he was going to stay in the hospital to make sure that Gus would be ok. After calling the family, Brian decided to call Jonathan Springer and see if he could reschedule everything for a later date.
“Good morning, Cable Agency, Paula speaking. How may I help you.” Asked Paula.
“May I please speak with Mr. Springer?” Asked Brian.
“May I ask who’s calling?” Inquired Paula.
“My name is Brian Kinney, and Mr. Springer hired me for the President position.” Brian answered, trying to keep the annoyance out of his voice.

Changes 3/?

“One moment sir.” Paula said, putting Brian on hold.
A minute later, “Brian hello, how can I help you?” Asked Springer.
“Jon, I need to reschedule our appointment for another time.” Brian said, wishing he were back with his son.
“Can I ask why?” Inquired Jon.
“A friend of my was in a car accident with her lover and our son. They didn’t survive but thankfully he did, so that leaves me to take care of the funeral arrangements, pack up the house and get everything sorted out.” Explained Brian. “I also have to make arrangements about my son.
“I’m sorry for your loss. How long would you need?” Asked Jon.
“I would say about a month.” Answered Brian.
“Why don’t you take at least two months.” Offered Jon. “Are you bringing your son?”
“Thank you Jon, and yes.” Brian said, before hanging up.
A minute later Brian walked back into the hospital room, where he saw Justin holding Gus in his lap. “Is it all right to hold him?”
“The doctor said it was fine.” Whispered Justin.
“Daddy.” Gus whispered, when he heard his father’s voice.
“I’m here baby.” Brian said, as he took Gus from Justin.
It must have been an hour later when the rest of the family arrived at the pediatric ward where they found Brian and Justin sitting with Gus.
“How is he?” Debbie asked, as she walked in carrying a bag of clothes.
“He’s doing all right, but he keeps asking for Lindsey and Melanie.” Justin said, as he continued to rock Gus.
“That’s understandable.” Debbie said, in a sad voice. (Poor baby, losing his mommies at such a young age. Oh god, the baby.) She thought to herself, as she looked at Gus.
“Why don’t you both get something to eat and we’ll stay with Gus, until you come back.” Emmett said, as he saw how tired they both were.
Just then a nurse came in. “I’m sorry but visiting hours are over.”
“Can I please stay with my son?” Brian asked, putting Gus back into bed.
“I’m sorry sir, but without the doctors ok you’ll have to leave too.” The nurse said, with a sympathetic look.
Without saying a word Brian left the room and went to look for the doctor, who he found in another room. While Brian went to get the note from the doctor the rest of the family left for the night
“Excuse me doctor.” Brian said, as he walked into the room.
“Yes Mr. Kinney, how may I help you?” Asked Doctor Anderson.
“I was wondering if I could stay with Gus?” Inquired Brian.
“Of course.” Doctor Anderson said, with a smile. He then took out a piece of paper and wrote a note to the nurse.
Taking the note, “Thank you, doctor.” Brian said, before leaving.
Walking back into the room he found Gus in Justin’s arms, with tears running down his face. “What happened?”
“After you left he woke up and began to cry for you.” Answered Justin.
Without saying a word Brian took Gus from Justin and began to rock him back to sleep. As Brian was rocking Gus, the nurse walked in, but before she could say anything Brian handed her the letter from the doctor. Taking the letter, the nurse gave Brian an evil look before walking away.
“Well that was rude.” Justin said, as the nurse disappeared.
“Leave it alone.” Brian said, not even looking up from Gus. A minute later Gus was asleep and Brian put him back into bed.
While Brian was taking care of Gus, Justin went to one of the nurses, “Excuse me.” Justin said, as he walked up to the nurse’s station.
“Yes sir.” Said one of the nurses.
“I was wondering if you have a cot that my friend and I can sleep on?” Asked Justin.
“You can use the bed next to the other one.” Answered the nurse.
“Thank you.” Justin said, before going back to the room.
“What did the nurse say?” Brian asked, as Justin walked into the room.
“We can use the beds in the room.” Justin answered, before going into the bathroom to change.
While Justin was changing, Brian was sitting with Gus to make sure he didn’t wake up crying. A minute latustiustin walked out of the bathroom freshly washed and changed into a shirt and pants. After Justin left the bathroom and sat down next to Gus, Brian went in to freshen up. It was a minute later when Brian came out refreshed, changed, and ready for bed.
At five o’clock in the morning Gus woke up crying and wanting his mommy. “Shhhh, its all right baby, daddy’s here.” Brian said, as he scooped Gus out of bed.
“I want mommy!” Cried Gus.
“I know baby, but mommy can’t come.” Brian whispered, trying to keep the tears from coming.
“Why?” Whispered Gus. Not knowing what else to do,
“Gus, baby mommy and mama were in a car accident and were hurt very bad.” Brian said, as he held Gus.
“Will they be better soon?” Asked Gus, looking at his father.
“No baby, they won’t. They’re in heaven now.” Brian answered, in a soft voice.
“When will they be back?” Asked Gus, not understanding that his parents had passed away.
“They won’t be coming back, they’re with God now.” Brian said, knowing that was the only explanation that would serve for now.
As soon as the words were out of Brian’s mouth Gus began to cry, wanting his mothers, which woke Justin.
“What happened?” He asked sleepily.
“I just told him about Lindsey and Melanie.” Brian said, as he stroked Gus’s hair.
“Couldn’t you hold it off?” Justin asked, as he sat next to Brian.
“No, he kept calling for them, so I had to tell him.” Answered Brian.
Before Justin could say anything else a nurse walked in, “Is everything all right?”
“Yes, he just had a bad dream.” Brian answered, while putting Gus back into his bed. When that was done both men got back into their own beds and tried to go back to sleep.

June 30, 2003
Monday

It was around nine o’clock in the morning when the nurse walked into the room to check on Gus. As the nurse was looking him over, Brian woke from a deep sleep when he heard voices coming from Gus’s bed. Getting up Brian walked toward the bed were he stood and just watched Gus.
“He’s doing really well. I’m sure you’ll be able to take him home in a couple more days.” The nurse said, as Brian walked up to them.
“That’s great.” Brian answered, giving Gus a loving smile.
“I’m sorry about your wife and friend.” The nurse said, after a minute of silence.
“She wasn’t my wife, we were just friends.” Brian answered, not even looking at the nurse.
“Really, then how did she have the baby?” Inquired the nurse. Turning around Brian gave her a weird look.
“You’re a nurse and you don’t know how babies are made?” Brian asked, in a sarcastic voice.
“Brian honey, don’t antagonize the nurse.” Justin said, as he took Brian’s hand.
Right after the words came out of Justin’s mouth the nurse gave them both a dirty look, and then she just walked out of the room. “What the hell was that all about?” Justin asked, after the nurse had gone.
“That was a homophobic bitch.” Brian answered, not even looking up from Gus.
It was five minutes later when the doctor came in to check on Gus and see if he could be discharged. “How’s he doing doctor?” Asked Justin.
“He’s doing very well. We’ll be discharging him tomorrow.” The doctor answered, giving Gus a smile.
As the doctor was walking out, “Doctor O’Conner I don’t want one of your nurses near my son.” Said Brian.
“Why and which nurse?” Asked Doctor O’Conner.
“She’s blonde haired and because she a homophobic bitch.” Brian said, in a hard voice.
“I’ll see what I can do.” The doctor said, before disappearing out the door.
“Why did you do that?” Justin asked, after the doctor had gone.
“Because I don’t want some homophobic bitch near my son.” Brian answered.
“Brian don’t curse.” Justin said, as he sat next to him.
Before Brian could say anything the family came in, “How’s he doing?” Debbie asked, as she walked in.
“He’s doing all right. They’re letting him out tomorrow.” Brian answered, with a small smile.
“That’sderfderful.” Emmett said, as he walked towards the bed.
Looking down he smiled when he saw that Gus was awake and looking at everyone. “How are you doing Gussy?”
“I’m ok auntie Em.” Whispered Gus. “But I’m sad.”
“I know baby, but you still have your daddy and Justin.” Emmett said, giving Gus a loving smile. “I know.” Gus said, smiling too.
While Emmett was talking with Gus, “Why don’t you two go home and get some sleep.” Debbie said, after taking Brian and Justin aside.
“I don’t want to leave him alone.” Brian said, as he watched Gus and Emmett.
“He won’t be alone, we’re here.” Debbie said smiling gently.
“Ok, but let me tell him.” Brian said, as he walked back to the bed. “Gus, daddy and Justin are going home for a few hours, so we can get some sleep and then eat.”
“Nonononono, you can’t leave me!” Cried Gus.
“Gus baby, daddy needs to get some sleep and eat.” Brian said, in a calm voice. “But guess what, Grammy Debbie and auntie Em are gonna stay with you.”
“Will you come back?” Gus asked, in a whisper.
“Of course baby, we’ll definitely come back.” Answered Justin. “In the mean time you get to play with auntie Em.”
“Ok.” Gus said, giving his father a smile.
“Great, we’ll see you in two hours.” Justin said, as he took Brian’s hand.
Walking out of the hospital they bumped into Michael and Ben who were walking in. “Where are you two going?” Asked Ben.
“We’re going home to get some sleep and then something to eat.” Answered Brian.
“We were just going to see how Gus was doing.” Michael said, wishing that he was some where else. (I liked Gus, but he’s not mine. Now due to the car accident, I’ll never know my baby.) Michael thought to himself.
“That’s great. We should be back in two hours.” Brian said, before he and Justin walked away.
“They look so tired.” Ben said, as he and Michael got into the elevator.
“I know, but hopefully they’ll get some sleep.” Michael said, as the doors slid shut.

TBC