Seeds of Jealousy

Brian



I know this is tearing Justin apart. It’s killing me, too. After the gang left last night I held him in my arms, letting him cry until he finally fell asleep, exhausted.



“You alright, Sunshine?” I ask.



“Not really. I can’t believe they can’t do anything, that she can just take them and leave. I wouldn’t have dreamt of running off with them; it’s just wrong. I know it’s got to be hard on you as well. I mean, she is your friend and she lied to you about your daughter and then pulled this.” He snuggles into my arms.



“Yes it’s hard, but it’s even harder to see you in so much pain. I was there when they were born. I was there to see the look of love on your face as they each took their first breath. I was there when you first held them, Justin, and I’ll be here when you hold them once again,” I reassure him.



“I know. I just hope it’s not too long,” he whispers as the phone rings.



I glance at the clock and note that it’s now 3:15 as I lean over to pick it up.



“Hello,” is the automatic response.



“I’m looking for a Mr. Brian Kinney.” The voice doesn’t sound familiar.



“You got him. What can I do for you?” I look at Justin.



“My name is Sara. I’m a nurse at Buffalo General Hospital in New York. I was told by your daughter to call you. I am taking care of your wife and children.” I stand up.



“What? My kids? Are they okay?” I look at Justin who is now standing as well.



“Yes, sir. There was an accident involving your wife’s car and a bus. I’m afraid the driver’s side took the majority of the impact. Thankfully, the twins were in car seats. Brianna has a sore neck and a bump on the head, and a few cuts from her window, but other then that, the kids are great.”



I look to Justin. “The kids are okay.”



He falls to the couch.



“Sir, your wife…”



I don’t let her finish. “Let me talk to Brianna,” I demand.



“Yes, sir.”



I keep my eyes locked on Justin’s as the phone on the other end changes hands.



“Daddy?” Brianna’s tearful voice comes through the line. “I told her it was wrong. I told her I wanted to go home. I told the nurses to let me call you. Dad, she scares me. I have never seen her like that. She wouldn’t let me call you. Daddy, please, I need you here, please.”



Her tears trigger my own. “I’m on my way, sweetheart. Don’t tell your mom you called us. Are Justine and Aidan okay?”



I look to Justin who is putting his shoes on, handing me mine.



“Yes, they’re fine. Some of the woman from the bus are helping me with them until you get here.” She sniffs.



“Okay sweetie, Justin and I are on our way. Don’t tell your mom,” I tell her again.



“She hasn’t woken up, Daddy.” She sounds so lost.



“Okay, Peanut, we’re on our way.”



“Please, hurry,” she says before hanging up the phone.



“The twins are fine. She is fine. It sounds like Dee is still unconscious. We need to go now,” I tell him unnecessarily. He’s already heading toward the loft door.



Once we’re in the car, I pick up my phone and push speed dial 5.



“Kinnetic,” Cynthia answers.



“Cynthia, I need a favor. I need to meet up with the jet to take Justin and me the closest we can get to the Buffalo General hospital in New York. Brianna called. They were in an accident,” I explain in a rush.



“Sure, Brian, just a sec.” She puts me on hold a few minutes. “Okay it’s waiting for you. Call me and let me know if everything is okay.”



“The kids are fine. Dee I’m not sure about.”



She gives us her best wishes before hanging up.



I throw a concerned look in Justin’s direction. He looks like he’s ready to jump out of the car. “It’s okay, Sunshine. They’re okay. We’ll be there shortly.”



He nods his head.



We arrive at the airstrip to find the jet waiting for us. We quickly board and take our seats, awaiting take-off.



“It won’t be long, Justin.” I bring his hand up to kiss the back of it.



“I know. I’ll just feel better once I have them in my arms.”



I nod my head in agreement because I feel the same way.



“Justin, we need to talk about Dee. If she dies, the twins will go to you, just like Brianna will go to me.” I take a deep breath, turning away. “I don’t want her to die.”



“Neither do I, Brian. I’m angry with her, but I’d never wish her dead. If she does live through this, though, she’s going to need to get some professional help. I don’t want to take the kids from her, but I don’t trust her with them. Especially now.” He squeezes my hand.



“I don’t either. I love her dearly, but I just don’t think she has been in her right mind lately.”



“I don’t think she’s been in her right mind since I’ve met her,” he says, trying to lighten the mood.



It’s good to see even the slight smile he’s offering, but I’d prefer to see the one that earned him his nickname. “Well, when it comes right down to it, no one in this fucked up family is completely sane.” That worked, his smile brightens, even if it’s just for a moment.



The remainder of the flight is spent in silence as we both think about what awaits us.



After landing in Buffalo, we hail a cab to take us to Buffalo General Hospital. As it pulls up to the ER doors, Justin practically flies out of the vehicle.



I pay the driver quickly before following Justin inside. Together, we head to the triage desk, hoping to learn the fate of everyone involved.