Chris and David Uhle came to town on the Monday a week after the Fourth of July and the day after Jason Taylor went home. I wished they could all have been here for the Fourth because it was such a great celebration, but they couldn't, so we had to make the best of it. We were just glad they were here. The first big surprise was Chris. He and I stay in pretty close touch through email and phone calls and whatnot, so I knew he was making progress with his physical therapy and his workouts. After they got working with him, and he started making so much progress, the doctors decided that, yeah, he has cerebral palsy, but it's only about a tenth as bad as they had originally thought. Who knew? If Chris's daddy hadn't set him up with that intensive physical therapy at the University of Montana, or if that boy hadn't had the balls and the grit to work hard at his PT, he might have spent the rest of his life slumped over in a wheelchair. There he came, strutting across the Emerald Beach airport, backpack over his shoulder, limp free. Goddamn! We closed in on each other, and we grabbed each other in a monster hug. Chris literally lifted me up off my feet and swung me around a full 360 degrees. I used to lift him up out of his wheelchair and set him on the toilet. I used to lift him up and set him in the bathtub. Now he was twirling me around the airport. My God! And I felt the muscles in that boy's body through our tee shirts. He was a damn telephone pole, his muscles were so hard. He's going to be in a bunch of pictures, that's for sure. I had taken all those ones of him that the UCP had used for fundraising. Well, that was the "before." This trip was going to be the "after." Chris and I spent a lot of time talking the week he was here. I already knew all about "the Jennifer incident," as he calls it, but he still wanted to talk about it. "You know what the bottom line on the Jennifer incident is, Bubba?" I asked. "No, what?" "You fucked. And you fucked up, fucking. But I agree with you. You are not 100% to blame. She might have been on the pill and thought she was protected, but you'll never know for sure. You thought you were sterile, but you didn't have real medical evidence that you are. She said you're the daddy, but you didn't have a DNA test. But let's assume you are the daddy and that she had an abortion instead of a natural miscarriage. Does that make you sad? Unhappy? Depressed? Mad?" I asked. He grinned wide. "No. Just the opposite, I guess. "I'm feeling relieved that I won't have the responsibility of being a father at my age, but I'm really confused about the moral aspect of abortion. If Jen had an abortion, it wasn't my decision, so I can't blame myself on any moral grounds. I still wonder about it, though. I probably would have paid for an abortion, if that's what they wanted me to do," he said Chris and I were naked, sitting on the side of the pool when we were talking about that stuff. I reached down and took his balls in my hand. He didn't pull away or resist. He has complete trust in me. "I guess these things really do work, after all," I said. "If you keep doing that, you're soon going to see how well they do work," he said. I laughed, but I let his balls go. "Bubba, you got to put the Jennifer incident behind you," I said, and I pushed him into the pool. When I got in the water, he jumped me, and we wrestled. Let me tell you something. That boy is as strong as I am, and it was pretty much a dead heat between us. What a difference two years and a million hours of physical therapy can make. The week that Chris and David were there was pretty much "juggle week" for some of us. Denny, Murray, and Pete went to work as usual, but me, Tim, and Justin had some juggle room. Poor Brian didn't have any juggle room. He had to be at work from eight to five, and he wanted so bad to be with us, he could taste it. He was already taking Friday off of that week to go camping with us, but he had already made up that day on a Saturday. His boss had been cool with that. "Call in sick tomorrow," I said to him one day. We wanted to go to the water park and other local attractions the next day with Chris and Dave. "No. I'm not sick. I'm not going to lie, Kyle," he said. "I'm not set up like you guys. I don't get paid by the hour. They'd still have to pay me if I call in sick, and I'm not going to do it." "Suit yourself. I mean, I can understand your thinking, but how much time are you going to be able to spend with your Montana brothers?" I asked. "I don't know, but I'm not going to lie to get more," Brian said. "So shut up, and stop putting guilt on me." You have to admire that in the boy. I don't know if I'd have had that attitude or not, but I sure do admire him for having it.
We had a lot of fun with Chris and David, and they were both just as at home and at ease with us as they were last summer. "Tell us about your boyfriend," Brian asked David one night in the den. We had finished our evening snacks and were just sitting around. "What do you want to know?" Dave asked. "What's his name?" Brian asked. "Sean. Sean McCollum," Dave said. Justin lightly kicked Brian, who was sitting on the floor in front of Justin, in the back, when Dave said his boyfriend's name is Sean. "Stop it," Brian said to Justin, pretending annoyance. "Not all Seans are the same, you know." "I hope not," Justin said. "I know what you're talking about, Jus. Kyle told me all about your Sean. Dave's guy doesn't fit any of the stereotypes," Chris said. "He's a real good kid, and I like him a lot. Our whole family does, in fact." "Well, that's good to hear," Justin said. "What did you mean by him not fitting the stereotypes?" "I meant he doesn't act gay," Chris said. "Well, Sean Kelly didn't act gay, either. He acted crazy," Justin said. "That's not what I picked up from what Kyle told me," Chris said. "Do you think Sean Kelly acted gay?" Justin asked Kyle, rather incredulously. "No. No more than I do or you do," Kyle said. "What do you mean by stereotypes, Chris?" Brian asked. "Well, from what Kyle said, I got the impression that your Sean was out of control when it came to sex. Isn't that one of the gay stereotypes?" Chris asked. "Unfortunately it is," I said. "And shows like 'Queer as Folk' tend to reinforce that. That's not the only one that reinforces stereotypes, though. Did any of you see 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy' the other night? A lot of those guys embody gay stereotypes." "Brian and I saw it," Tim said. "Where was I?" Kyle asked. "I think you were in the study working on your pictures with PhotoShop, on the computer," Tim said. "I thought it was pretty funny. Just like that guy on 'Will and Grace' is funny. Jack. His real name is Sean Hayes, by the way, not that that means anything." "I'm thinking 'Sean' might be a gay name," Justin said. "Bullshit, Justin. Isn't there a Justin on 'Queer as Folk?' If Sean is a gay name, then Justin is, too," Dave said. He was clearly annoyed. "Settle down, li'l brother. I was teasing you, man. Don't take offense at nothing I say," Jus said. "Sorry, Bubba," Dave said. "Dave, Justin really was teasing you, but he gave a very good example in miniature of how stereotypes work. We know of three guys with the name Sean who happen to be gay. Hell, I don't know if that man on TV is gay or not, but he is, in the minds of the viewing public. If some members of a group have a certain characteristic, such as the name Sean, then people begin to assume that everybody with that characteristic is a member of the group. Unless we tell them, most people don't think we're gay," I said. "They think I am," Murray said. "Why do you think that's true, Bubba?" I asked. "Because I'm the way I am. I'm effeminate, and people know I'm gay because of that," Murray said. "My physics teacher last year is very effeminate, and he's married with six kids," Chris said. "All of us know effeminate men who aren't gay, don't we, guys?" I asked. "They say they're not, but maybe they really are," Justin said. "That could be, Jus, but I doubt it," I said. "I think the entertainment industry tends to take advantage of effeminate guys to make money, especially in comedy. Do y'all know who Steven Cojocaru is?" "That's the guy with the scarecrow hair on 'The Today Show,' ain't it?" Kyle asked. "Yeah. Well, he's a lot more than that, but that's one way to describe him," I said. "He's very effeminate, but people love him because he's so funny. And so smart, too." "He's the one who talks about celebrities and fashion?" Justin asked. "Yeah," Kyle said. "I know who you're talking about. He IS funny," Jus said. "I like watching him, and I don't even care which ladies' shoes are popular. I'll bet you he'd love to get ole Matt Lauer in the sack." We all laughed. "You think Matt's gay?" Kyle asked. "Hell, no, I don't think Matt's gay. But I tell you what. That Matt is fine, for an old guy," Justin said. "Cojocaru is using his effeminacy to make a ton of money," Rick said. "He probably shows more gay stereotypes than just about anybody. He has effeminate mannerisms, his speech sounds gay, he loves fashion and shopping. I don't know anything about his personal life, but it wouldn't surprise me if he loves to dress up outrageously, to dance, to go out clubbing, and to do interior decorating. But guess what, guys? Some straight men like to do those things, too," I said. "Not only that, a lot of gay guys don't enjoy those things. Dave, are your gay rodeo buddies like him? Do they like to do those things?" "No way," Dave said. "But they're gay, aren't they?" I asked. "Yes, sir. They say they are, but nobody could tell just from looking at them or talking to them. Most of the guys who are finished with high school work on ranches or drive big trucks for a living," Dave said. "The thing is, guys, being gay isn't about the stereotypes. It's about who you love in that special way. I read a little excerpt from Cojocaru's memoirs on the 'Today' website a few months ago when it first came out, and he says in that book that he was made fun of mercilessly when he was a kid in school. Now, the same characteristics that people made fun of him for in school are making him millions. "The same is true of Richard Simmons, the exercise guy. He's from New Orleans, and he and my dad went to the same high school. He and my dad weren't in the same grade, but they knew each other. Richard Simmons was picked on quite a bit in school, but now he's a millionaire. Who's laughing now?" I said. They were all quiet, but I couldn't tell if they were thinking about what we had been talking about or if they were bored to death. "Who wants to go for a swim?" Kyle asked, and they all said they did. They went out to the pool. * * * The days with Chris and Dave went by all too fast. Before we knew it, it was Friday. We ended the week with a camping trip to Dune Island. It was the height of the tourist season, so we couldn't go to our usual place near the ferry dock. We had to go somewhere nearer to the middle of the island where tourists don't go. It took us two trips in The Clay to get over there on Friday morning, and Kyle had to go back again that afternoon to get Brian, Denny, Murray, and Pete when they got off work. We took the dogs, of course, and they were totally at home in that environment. Kyle had made hamburger patties for us the night before out of ground beef and bulk sausage, with a touch of Italian breadcrumbs and ketchup, and he mostly cooked them in the oven at home. When we were in camp, he cooked them the rest of the way on the fire, and those were probably the best hamburgers I have ever had. Kyle cooks with sausage a lot, and it's always excellent. "That food was mighty good tonight, Kyle," Rick said. We were lying on the beach naked. Kyle had his head on Tim's chest. They looked like they were completely relaxed and totally attuned to each other. It wasn't anything, really, but, at the same time, it was everything a partnered relationship should be. "Thanks. I was hoping it would be fit to eat," Kyle said. "Well, it was," I said. "More than fit." We were all very full, and it was nice to lie in silence on the beach, listening to the crash of the surf and watching the stars in the sky. The lights from the city pollute the night sky at home, but out there on Dune Island the stars are bright. We were facing south, and I don't really know the constellations in that direction all that well. Lying flat on the ground next to Rick, I had a sense of the earth rotating for the first time since I had done that when I was a little boy. The older guys and I had had a couple of drinks before dinner after Kyle came back with Brian and the others, and those, coupled with the wonderful meal, had made me very mellow, indeed. I thought about the boys who were spread out around me. It was an incredible assortment. I tried to mentally picture a chart of the relationships among us. In my mind, I pictured a paper chart with all our names written in a circle. The black lines between two people were primary relationships, the blue lines were strong secondary relationships, the red lines were weaker secondary relationships, and the green lines were exploratory relationships. It was mind-boggling. In a little while, I felt Rick slip into sleep next to me. It was warm, but the sea breeze that had kicked up that afternoon was still coming in. The dogs were quiet, the boys were quiet, and it was as though we were all united as children of Mother Earth. "Did you see that?" Brian asked. "What?" Justin asked. "That shooting star. Look! There goes another one," Brian said. "Oh, cool," Tim said. "That's the first one I've ever seen. I've heard about them all my life, but I had never seen one before just now." "There it goes again," Kyle said. "Every one is unique, Bubba," Brian said. "They're meteors, and what we see are the trails left by the meteors when our atmosphere heats them to incandescence. It's not the same one every time." "What I want to know is, who's jerking off the moon to make all those shooting stars? And where is he, anyway?" Justin asked. We all laughed, including Rick, who must have only been dozing. "Buddy, you're not serious, are you?" Brian asked, with concern in his voice. "Of course not, Little Buddy. I know they don't come from the moon. They come from the sun," Justin said. "Justin, we have to have a serious talk about this," Brian said. "I don't know that much about astronomy, but . . ." "Brian, he knows," Tim said. "He just got you last, man." "Darn!" Brian said, and we all roared with laughter. Justin and Brian almost never do that to each other, but Brian was so cute in the way he reacted. "Have y'all digested enough to do some playing?" Kyle asked. "Volleyball or charades?" "Charades," we all said in one voice. "Okay. Rick and I are the captains. We'll pick up teams," Kyle said. That was Friday night on the island. The rest of the weekend went more or less the same way. We ate, we played in the water, we played on the beach, and we spent private time with our partners, those of us who have partners, at least. We were nude the whole time, and it was truly a pristine paradise. There were a couple of instances of brotherly disagreements, just as there are at home, but none of them ever came to blows. With the exception of Kyle's body-slamming Justin into the wall outside our bedroom the first Sunday morning Jus was with us, none of the kids have ever gotten into physical altercations, that I know of, at least. They argue and fight sometimes, as brothers will do, but, by and large, they get along well. I hope Denny and Murray are learning how to lead from Kyle and Justin because Rick and I will be counting on them to replace Kyle and Justin, once those two move to New Orleans. * * * "You guys have charged my batteries again," Dave said to me on Sunday morning. It was early, and he and I were the only ones in the kitchen. "Good," I said. "I hope you'll come back next summer, or sooner," I said. "I'd like to live here," Dave said. "Well, it won't be the same pretty soon," I said. I got tears in my eyes. "I know," he said. "But, Kevin, it will be. You and Rick made them. Or enabled them, anyway. And you guys will continue to do that. I just know it." "I hope so, Dave. I don't know how Rick and I are going to stand them going off, though. It's going to be so hard," I said. "They're not leaving. They're just going away for school," Dave said. "I know, but they won't know the new guys and all. I mean . . . I don't know," I said. "I can understand, Kevin. I really can," Dave said. * * * We put Chris and Dave on the plane to South Florida, and then we hustled home to see our Big Four off to New Orleans. They had packed up a lot of their stuff, and they were taking it to their new home. The backs of Kyle's Land Cruiser and Justin's pickup truck were full. We tied a tarp over the back of the pickup in case they encountered rain, which they almost certainly would. We had sorted the stuff carefully, putting the things that would get messed up most by rain in Kyle's truck. They weren't leaving for good. They were just going over there so Tim and Brian could attend the orientation at Tulane and so Kyle and Justin could register at UNO. They would be back in a couple of days, but it seemed like it was a dress rehearsal for when they would leave our home for good. Rick and I both lost it as we told them goodbye. "Why are you crying? We're not leaving yet," Kyle said. "I know, but it's the first step, man. You're taking most of your shit," Rick said through his tears. "Do you want us to leave it here?" Kyle asked. "No. Of course not. What y'all are doing is the right thing," Rick said. "Rick, we'll be back Wednesday, man," Kyle said. "I know you will be," Rick said. "I'm just being too emotional about this. Y'all have a safe trip." Rick wiped his eyes with the backs of his hands. "Bye, Bubba. See you Wednesday," Kyle said, and he kissed Rick on the cheek. They took Trixie with them. Brian said he wanted her to get used to their new digs, but he also wanted Krewe to get used to being without him and Trixie. We had Krewe on a leash when we were outside telling them goodbye, and Murray was holding the leash. When the two vehicles left, Krewe took off running, and Murray couldn't hold her back. The leash slipped out of his hand. Krewe ran down the street, ninety to nothing, but, of course, she couldn't keep up with the two cars. When the cars were out of sight, she came home, panting and walking slowly. It was as though she knew that they were moving out. She had what I took to be a sorrowful look on her face. Her boys were gone, and they had taken her partner with them.
Saying goodbye to Chris was very hard for me. I didn't know when I'd ever see him again. He said he wants to come visit us in New Orleans, but people say that kind of stuff all the time without really meaning it. "Let's set a date," I said. "Kyle, we can't. I don't know what school's going to be like, and I also don't know when we can afford it," Chris said. "Afford it? I'll buy the fucking tickets, man," I said. "We can't let you buy our tickets, Kyle," Chris said. "That wouldn't be right, man." "Chris, I can afford it. I have the money," I said. "Yeah, but that's your money," Chris said. "You earned it." "Christopher Uhle, you have never impressed me as being a dumb boy. In fact, just the opposite. I think you're pretty smart, so let's examine this thing logically, okay? I've got money, and it belongs to me. I can spend it any way in the world I want to, including giving it away to a total stranger if I want to, to make myself happy. Right? Are you with me so far?" I asked. "Kyle, I know what you're going to say," Chris said. "No, you don't. Shut up. Okay? So. I got this money to spend to make me happy. One of the things that makes me the happiest is having two bum-fuck rodeo cowboys from Montana come see me. I don't know why that makes me happy, but it does. They're both ugly as shit, but there's no accounting for taste. Whatever the reason, it makes me happy to spend time with them. Iono. So, to make myself happy, I spend money on airline tickets so they can come visit me to make me happy. That's the way it is," I said. "Kyle, you are such a bullshit artist," Chris said. "I know I am, Chris, but I'm not bullshitting right now, okay? I really do mean that. I'm rich, Chris. I've never said that to you before, and I probably won't ever say it to you again, but it's true. I've got just a whole lot of money that I've inherited. The cost of sending your asses around the world ten times wouldn't even put a dent in what I've got. Hauling your asses from Missoula, Montana, to New Orleans is a spit in the bucket, man. And I'm serious," I said. "I understand, Kyle. Now. I'm going to have to get back to you about the dates, though," he said. "Yeah. You got to find out about tests and such. And that might be a problem for one or more of us, too. But we'll work it out," I said. "Bottom line, though, bro, y'all are coming for Mardi Gras. You got to see that." I gave him the dates, and he said he'll be there. He couldn't speak for Dave, but he'll get with him about it. * * * We left for New Orleans right after lunch on Sunday. It's about a five-hour drive, maybe a little bit more, depending on traffic, but we would get there before dark. That would give us a chance to unload the two trucks while it was still daylight. Craig and Cherie and Rob were at Grandma and Grandpa's house, waiting for us. They had Beach with them, and she and Trixie had a grand reunion. It had just been a couple of weeks since we had seen them on the Fourth, but I noticed a bunch of changes in Rob. He was walking way better, for one thing, and he called the puppy "Beesh," instead of "Be," like he had at our house, and you just knew Beesh was his playmate and friend. They were so cute together. Two little puppies, really. Beach licked Rob on the face, though, and I didn't like that. "I saw it, Kyle. I'll break her of that this week," Brian said. I licked Brian on the face, and he laughed. "You are so gross," Bri said. "That's the second time you've done that to me." "See what I mean?" I asked. "You have no idea where this tongue of mine has been, do you?" "I know, Bubba. I know," Brian said, laughing. For the first time ever, Rob recognized me, and he called me Ky. KY! Shit, I blubbered all over the damn place when he said that. He ran to me. Oh, my God! Ky! He could say "mama" and "da-da" real clear, and he called Grandma, "gram" and Grandpa, "gramp." He was definitely learning fast. Craig and Grandpa helped us move our stuff into the apartment. The stairs are pretty steep, and I made sure I was right behind Grandpa every time he took up a load. I had a load myself, of course, but I was ready to drop all of it in a heartbeat, even a computer, if it looked like he was going to fall or something. He never missed a step, though. He must be in pretty damn good shape for a fifty-eight-year-old man. Sunday night we had a family party, of course. I mean, it wasn't a party in the sense that we invited other people over, but there was some very good food and lots of laughing and fun. We got to talking about Tim and Brian's orientation. They had to be there at nine o'clock the next morning for orientation to Tulane College. That's when it got complicated. Turns out, Tim and Brian are going to Tulane College, which is just a part of Tulane University. Grandma and Cherie went to Newcomb College, which is the girls' part of Tulane University. Tulane College is all boys, and Newcomb College is all girls. But they're all in the same classes together. And they live in the same dormitories. I don't get it, but I don't have to. I guess they have it all figured out. * * * The next morning we got up at seven o'clock. We were in our apartment, and we didn't yet have a bite to eat up there. We had a key to the main house, and the entry code to the security system, so we went down there and let ourselves in. On the table was this note: Dear boys, Ed and I had a great time last night with all of you, and we are so excited about your moving here that we can hardly stand it. There are precooked bacon and sausage in the cold-cut tray in the refrigerator, and please make yourselves eggs and toast and anything else you want for breakfast. I don't cook, but we'll work it out so that we eat together from time to time. We love you boys, and we are so happy you'll be living here. Love, Grandma Beth "Did y'all see this?" I asked, as I passed the note to Tim. He read it and passed it on. "Let's get busy," I said. We made us a very big breakfast, and we were going to need it, too. We had a lot to do, that day and the day after. * * * "So. I take it that it was a successful trip?" Kevin asked Wednesday night after we got home. "I'd say it was for Kyle. Rob knows his name and can almost say it. That ain't true for the rest of us," Justin said. "You don't know Kyle's name?" Denny asked, quick as lightning. "Shut up," Justin said, and we all laughed. "I meant, Rob doesn't know our . . ." "I knew what you meant," Denny said, "in the seconds before I got you last." We laughed, and I think that might have been a first. "You stepping out to play with the big dawgs, Denny?" Justin asked. "Maybe," Denny said. "Will you let me play, Jus?" Justin laughed. I know he really likes Denny, and they were cute sparring together. "I don't know about you, Denny," Justin said. "I think you might be too smart for your own britches, Bubba." "I doubt that," Denny said. * * * I get very bored very easy at work. I mean, a lot of what we do is just hanging around waiting for a call for room service or a bell to help somebody check in or out. Tim is content to read books, and I read some, too. But that really bores me. I need human contact. Somebody was hitting the bell at the desk. That meant they needed one of us. I jumped up to see what it was all about. The one hitting the bell was Mr. Rooney. "Kyle, I need a runner. Can you do it?" he asked. "Yes, sir," I said. "I need you to take this package to the Goodson Building," he said. "Will you do that?" "Yes, sir. I'm glad to do it," I said. "I'll do anything you tell me to do." Shit, I would have taken it to Alaska to get out of that place that afternoon. It was so dull, I couldn't stand it. "It goes to Kevin's office," he said. "Yes, sir," I said. I hauled butt to get out of there. I told Tim where I was going, and he told me to have a good time. He was reading some muscle-ass book about the economy, or some shit like that, and he was cool. That book would have put me to sleep on page two, but he likes that kind of stuff. I didn't ask him about the book because I really didn't want to know. I took the package up to Kevin's office. I was in my uniform, and I had my badge displayed the way we're required to do it, so the security people didn't challenge me. They didn't search the package, either, which I thought was probably a mistake. It had a GE seal across the regular envelope seal, though, so maybe that was why. I didn't know. I got through the receptionist on the strength of my uniform and badge, and then I went into Miss Mary Ann's office. Finally, somebody recognized me and knew who I was. She was all over me with hugs and kisses. "Can I get you something? Water? Juice? Coffee?" she asked. "No, ma'am. I just need to give this thing to Kevin," I said. "Well, go on in. He's on the phone, but . . .," and then she shrugged. I opened the door to his office, and his face lit up. He was happy to see me. He pointed to the sofa across from his desk, and I sat down. "When, Tyrone?" Kevin asked. When I heard that, I knew we were fixing to get us a new brother. That was very cool with me, and I'm sure my face lit up. "Kyle Goodson just walked into my office, and he heard me ask you that. I wish you could see the look on his face," Kevin said. Pause. "I know. Of course, the four older guys are going to be leaving pretty soon for college, but we'll manage. So, bring him over this afternoon. Rick and I get home around 5:30. Is that too late for you?" Pause. "Good. We'll see you then," Kevin said, and then he hung up. "Hey, Bubba. What's up?" "Mr. Rooney told me to bring this over to you," I said, handing him the package. "What is it?" Kevin asked. "I don't know. He didn't say, and it's sealed up. Why don't you open it?" I asked. Kevin felt it. "Naw. I know what it is. It's his business plan. They're not even due until next week," Kevin said. "He's got the eager-beaver syndrome. He could have just put it in the courier for me." "Well, I'm glad he didn't. It gave me a chance to get out. I was bored to death in that place," I said. "Well, you and I can have a little visit. That was Tyrone Williams on the phone. He's got another boy for us. He's going to bring him around this afternoon," he said. "This one is actually a local. His name is Brink Johnson. Do you know him?" Kevin asked. "Oh, hell yeah, I know Brink. Does he know about the gay part?" I asked. "He knows," Kevin said. "So is Brink gay?" I asked. "He says he is, and he should know, don't you think?" he asked. "Yeah, I reckon he should," I said. "I'm a little surprised, is all." "He came out to his parents at the start of the summer, and he's been living with his grandparents most of the time since then. Now the grandparents want him gone," Kevin said. "Explain this to me, Kevin. How can parents just say to a kid, 'We don't want you anymore,' and suddenly the kid has to go to foster care? I'm not talking about how they can do it emotionally. I'm talking about how they can do it legally. I mean, don't get me wrong. Brink Johnson is a great guy, and y'all are going to love him. But don't his parents have a legal responsibility to take care of him?" I asked. "Tyrone and I talked about that one time because Rick and I had the same kinds of questions. Brian's a perfect example of that. His parents just told him to leave," Kevin said. "According to Tyrone, the state has the legal and moral obligation to protect a kid. If parents absolutely don't want their own kid anymore, then that kid's in danger. A lot of times there's a history of abuse or neglect. Not always, and I don't know if that's the case with Brink or not. But if they waited until the kid was abused before they did anything, how bad would that be?" "I see your point. So they just sent Brink to his grandparents?" I asked. "Well, actually, I think they might have kicked him out, and he went there because he didn't have any other place to go," Kevin said. "You know who that family is, don't you?" I asked. "No. What do you know about them?" Kevin asked. "They own about ten radio stations on the Emerald Coast, from here to Pensacola," I said. "And a whole bunch of rental property, too. We're not talking about poor people here, Kevin. These people are rich." "You expect people with money to be a little bit more enlightened than that, don't you?" Kevin said. "Maybe so, but evidently these ones aren't," I said. "His dad is a country singer. He's got a band that plays at some of these clubs around here, and he's recorded several albums, too. Or at least he used to have a band. I guess he still does." "Are they friends of your parents?" Kevin asked. "Not really. They know 'em, but they're not really friends. Mr. Johnson's on his fourth wife, and that kind of thing don't really go over that big with my parents and their friends," I said. "I don't think Brink's got any brothers or sisters, or, if he does, the daddy don't have custody of anybody but Brink." "Now that you mention it, Tyrone did say he's been staying with his step-grandparents. So they must be his stepmom's people," he said. "They're really not Brink's flesh and blood, so that makes a little more sense." "How old is Brink? About fifteen?" "He's sixteen, and evidently he's been dating an older guy" Kevin said. "And the guy's his stepuncle. His stepmother's younger brother." "Whoa! This is complicated. Is the law going to go after the stepuncle?" I asked. "I asked that same question, but evidently the boyfriend isn't that much older than Brink, and he joined the army. So he's out of the picture, now. Tyrone said that typically if the younger party is at least sixteen, they look the other way unless his or her parents insist they prosecute. So, apparently, that's not an issue," Kevin said. "Yeah, but what about the incest?" I asked. "I don't think they consider stepuncles being with stepnephews incest. Plus, that assumes they were having sex, which we don't really know. Anyway, though, it's a complicated mess, for sure. But Brink's coming this afternoon, and we're going to welcome him as our new brother, now, aren't we?" Kevin said, grinning. "You know we are, Bubba. By the way, I know not to tell all this stuff about Brink to the little boys, but is it okay if I tell the big boys?" I asked. "Why don't you wait a while to do that, like maybe until after y'all go off to school," Kevin said. "Go off to school." That doesn't sound as harsh as, "Leave home," and I like that way of putting it much better. That's the way I'm going to think about it. We're just going off to school. We'll be back. * * * That afternoon Mr. Tyrone showed up with Brink Johnson. Brink was absolutely scared to death, but his eyes lit up a little bit when he saw me and Tim and Brian. He also knows Denny and Murray from school, so he calmed down pretty quick. "Are you in foster care, too?" Brink asked me, as soon as we could get away from the grown-ups to show him the place. "No. I'm nineteen years old. Tim, Justin, and I just live here because this is our family. It's kind of a long story, but Tim and I have parents in the area. You'll meet 'em. They're over here all the time. Justin is twenty, but he used to be a foster kid. Now he just lives here. He and Brian are a couple," I said. "And you and Tim are, too, right?" he asked. "Right. Look, don't be scared, okay, man? You've come to a very happy home, and you're going to be very happy here. The four of us are fixing to leave for school in about three weeks, but we'll be back plenty, that's for sure. Denny, Murray, and Pete are great guys, and you'll love 'em, but you'll especially love Kevin and Rick. They don't come any better than those two guys, Brink," I said. "Did you know I'm gay?" Brink asked. "Nope. I didn't have a clue," I said. "Good," he said. "Let me tell you something, son. I know where you're coming from with that, but around here being gay is what's normal. You've come to a totally different world than you ever knew before, and I mean it. You won't see any rainbow flags or any of that shit around here. What you'll see is a group of gay men living a very ordinary, a very normal, a very masculine life together. There's a lot of love in this place, Brink, and I don't mean sex. I mean pure love. We just happen to be gay," I said. "Kyle, I think you and I come from similar kinds of families, to a point. I mean, as far as the money is concerned, at least. I've always had everything I wanted except one thing," he said. "What's that?" I asked. "Love," he said. "Well, you've come to the right place for that," I said. |