Farr

Matt didn't tell me until breakfast that morning that he was going to go take care of Patrick for the day. I was against it. No way was he going over to take care of my arrogant oldest brother. I called Carla and told her so. She reminded me that Patrick was totally helpless, and besides, he'd changed since the crash. Since she was Matt's mother, I let it go, figuring she must know what she was doing. But I told Matt that if Patrick was the least bit abusive to call me, and I'd quickly go straighten him out.

Both boys had breakfast with John. Then Matt left the same time John headed out to work. I didn't have to be at the shop until ten, so I relaxed at the kitchen table enjoying my morning coffee. I thought about my little visit with Patrick down at Dan and Pete's right after Mom had died. (Size Matters chap.12) He wasn't an arrogant ass that day. Actually, he'd seemed like a nice guy. I wondered which one was the real Patrick.

Luke came in with Spike wrapped around his neck like a fur collar, holding on to the cat's front and back paws. The crazy animal was butting his head against Luke's. He purred louder as I scratch under his chin - the cat's chin.

Luke squatted and let Spike slide off, then sat down beside me. Spike jumped onto his lap and demanded more attention.

"At loose ends?" I asked.

"Yeah," he answered, absentmindedly stroking the cat.

"What would you think of stopping over to see how Matt's doing?"

"You mean like checking on how Patrick's treating him?"

I grinned. "You're too smart for your own good, Luke."

"You know I've often heard that phrase. What exactly do you mean by it?"

I looked at him, surprised. I shrugged. "Hey, it's better than calling you a smart aleck, isn't it, you cocky brat?" I had to mess his spiky hair.

He gave me the look and said, "You're good with words, Dad." Dumping the cat, he stood.

"Thanks, Tadpole."

He grinned and said, "I'm going over to Carla's."

"Let me know how things are going over there." I yelled to the closing door.

Matt

I went in determined to do only what was required of me. I'd be polite as long as Patrick did the same. At the same time, I was determined that there was no way I would let him verbally abuse me again.

To my surprise, he was polite and respectful, even to the point of saying I didn't have to do anything. Of course I knew if I took that choice, I'd certainly hear about it from my mother.

After I got him cleaned up, dressed, and fed, I got him settled in with a book in his special holder. I then pulled one of my text books out of my backpack and sat down beside him where I could turn the pages for him. Even though I was looking at my test book, my mind was analyzing the morning.

I guess that since Patrick trusted me to hold his balls, wipe his ass, bathe and feed him, he deserved my trust in return. I really began to suspect that he might be a nice guy when he got so embarrassed in the bathroom. He could have really demeaned me. I found a growing respect for him. He certainly wasn't the brash overbearing ass he'd been before. When he apologized this time, I could see that he meant what he said. He didn't ask me to forgive him, but he did want to make things right between us. I appreciated that.

As we talked to each other, I could see us possibly being friends - well, friendly at least. He was being so much like the rest of the Baileys that I wondered who he'd previously been. As we continued to talk I began to think that he might make a good stepdad - one that I could … uh … respect.

Around ten, we were both startled when there was a loud knock on the front door. I went into the foyer and opened it to find my little Luke standing there grinning at me. I grabbed him up as he leaped into my arms. After a welcoming kiss, I set him on his feet and heard him say, "Hi" as I closed the door. When I turned around, Patrick was grinning at us.

"Hi, yourself, Luke. How are you?"

The warm timbre of Patrick's greeting made me do a double take. It surprised Luke, too. He glanced at me then back at Patrick. "I'm - uh - fine, thank you. You look like you're doing a lot better than the last time I saw you," my little imp grinned and continued, "but of course you looked kinda dead then."

Patrick laughed. "Oh God, Matt, is he always impertinent?"

I grinned at Luke and said, "That's why I call him my little imp He's always impudent."

Luke looked from me to Patrick. "I see you two are getting along well enough to practice big words on each other."

Patrick laughed, shook his head and wheeled around to head back into the living room. We hugged again. "Is he for real?" Luke whispered.

I shrugged, and whispered, "Maybe."

Farr

I got a call from Luke a while after he left. "So, what's the word?"

"Patrick really is your brother," he replied.

"Of course he is. What are you implying?"

"Well, I know he looks like a Bailey, but I thought he might have been adopted or found under a rock the way he used to be. He's acting as nice as you and the rest of your brothers."

This I'd have to see for myself, but I put the thought aside and asked, "So are you coming home for lunch?"

"No, the three of us are going down to that pizza place on the corner. Dad, I actually shaved his face, would you believe?"

Patrick

I learned a new lesson from spending the afternoon with two teenagers. I'd forgotten the camaraderie, the love and caring that came with being part of a family. I'd missed out on a lot of family the last few years.

It was a warm, beautiful day in San Francisco. I couldn't remember the last time I'd really enjoyed getting out in the sun. Since my pants with the cutoff leg exposed a bit of skin, Matt found one of his old jackets and laid it casually across my lap as if I were taking it in case of a change in the weather. It effectively covered me.

The Pizza place was nearly five blocks from the house. The going was slow for the first block with my motorized chair. Matt suggested disengaging the motor and he'd push me - worked great. With Matt pushing it was just a matter of minutes before we arrived. The boys got us a table, moved a chair away and pushed me up to it. Ordering two medium pizzas, I was sure we'd be taking some home, but Luke's appetite was almost as big as Matt's.

Both boys were very solicitous, taking turns feeding me, wiping my mouth and holding my drink up for me to sip from a straw. An older woman came to the table and commented on how wonderful it was to see how well they were taking care of me.

Luke grinned, ever impudent, and said, "It's really fun taking care of my uncle. It's like having a grown up baby."

Matt agreed with Luke. I blushed and laughed, thankful they didn't get into details comparing how actually taking care of a helpless baby was so similar to taking care of me.

By the time we got back to the house I was exhausted. Matt lifted me from the chair and laid me on the bed. I was out like a light. I think I got more rest in that two hour nap than any full night since the crash. Luke decided to be my page turner while Matt puttered around in the kitchen. By the time Carla came home he had dinner ready and the table set. I couldn't say enough about the great day I'd had and the wonderful care. Carla didn't say much, but her self-satisfied smile said enough.

When we went to the table, Matt and Luke sat on each side of me, and like at lunch, saw to my every need. I think Carla was more impressed by watching them than by anything I'd told her.

Farr

I waited until seven before announcing to John that I was going over to Carla's. He'd kept his thoughts to himself when Matt announced that he was going to take care of my brother and wasn't surprised that Luke had followed a couple of hours later. I'd not heard from them since they headed out for lunch. I wasn't too worried about the boys, but I was really curious about this purported change in Patrick. Of course John insisted on going with me.

Just to be polite, I called Carla's cell and told her we were coming. She met us at the door with a big grin on her face. "You're not going to believe this if you don't see it with your own eyes," she said in greeting. We followed her to her den. There sat the two boys on each side of Patrick in his wheelchair playing a video game. Matt had taped a control to Patrick's hand where he could use his fingers to manipulate the buttons. It was apparently a car race.

Matt noticed us first and crashed his car when he glanced up. Luke, always responsive to whatever Matt does, looked our way and he too crashed, leaving Patrick victorious. He was laughing and bouncing on his seat yelling like a kid. When he noticed us, he quickly sobered and greeted us. Matt and Luke were still yelling that it wasn't fair since we'd distracted them.

Patrick held his hand out to Matt. "Please take this off so I can go talk to my brother."

Matt complied with a grin.

Patrick cuffed him on the shoulder. "Don't be impertinent. One imp's enough around here," he said, winking at Luke.

Luke looked up at us beseechingly and whined, "Dad, they've been picking on me all afternoon."

Patrick grimaced at him. "Puleez, like you don't live for it."

Luke wrinkled his nose at him. "Bully."

Patrick stuck his tongue out at him, then turned his chair towards us and said, "Hey, Matt, didn't you say you were going to put a pot of coffee on?"

Matt stood up and roughed up Patrick's hair as he said, "Jeez, give you an inch and you take up the whole road." He gave us each a hug as he headed into the kitchen. Carla was standing to one side just looking like she couldn't believe what she was seeing. I felt the same way.

We adults sat at the table. Luke brought a mug with a straw and set it in front of Patrick. He looked at us with one of his ornery expressions and explained, "Invalids get served before the guests."

Patrick growled at him with a grin. "You just wait. I'll show you who's an invalid."

Luke backed into John, saying, "Daddy, save me from the big bad man."

John swatted his butt. "Behave. Go watch TV or play with Matt."

Meanwhile Matt had served his mother and us. He took Luke by his neck and guided him out of the room. Sometimes it's hard to believe that Luke really is seventeen. He's a changed boy since he's decided it's okay to be sexually aggressive with Matt. Even though he was acting like a little kid with Patrick, he's matured so much.

John

Patrick had a definite twinkle in his eyes, along with a big affectionate smile on his face as he watched the boys leave the room. He looked at us and said, "Who would have believed. God… this morning I was scared witless that the day was going to be a disaster. Let me tell you, Matt is one hell of a great kid. He did things for me that George has a difficult time doing, but I promised him I wouldn't speak about those things, so let me just say, I have nothing but admiration for him. And Luke - I'd like to adopt him myself. Can't help but love the boy."

Carla was happily smiling, but Farr was still looking doubtful - puzzled. Patrick either didn't notice or he simply ignored it. "Frank, I had my head stuck so far up my ass that I couldn't see that everything you told me about Matt is true. I deserved every bit of the humiliation that he put me through. It's a sad thing to have to admit, but I'm glad I crashed my car. If I hadn't, Dad probably would never have said the things he did when he was talking to me while I was in the coma. If I weren't in casts where I have to be dependent on others - like a helpless newborn baby, I wouldn't have had the chance to get to know those two boys in the other room. And of course I wouldn't be apologizing to you. Frank, you're one hell of a guy. I admire you, your spunk, and your fearlessness. I'm glad you are my brother, and I hope that we can get to know each other better." He looked at me. "John, I'd like to get to know you, too, the man my brother chose to be his life partner."

I smiled at him, impressed with the change. But Farr was still looking doubtful.

"Are you for real, Patrick," he asked. "Or are you putting on a show for us?"

Patrick studied his cup for a moment, then looked up at Farr. "I can see why you would doubt me. Hell, I can't blame you. I'd doubt me too, after all the shitty attitude I've given you. Well, I guess that only time will convince you. I'm determined to not fall back into my lawyerly attitude. And truthfully, I think I'll be a better lawyer without it."

Carla

I was delighted to see Patrick getting along so well with my son and Luke. I couldn't believe he was actually playing a video game with them. I was even more delighted to see the other changes in him. As I watched the two boys joking and laughing with him while feeding him, I thought back to the man I'd first met. He'd been so self assured, but when around his brothers rather arrogant and aloof. I was amazed at how I'd ignored that part of his personality, and I wondered if he'd fall back into it when he got out of the casts. I prayed not; I like this man so much more. I started planning how to reinforce the change.

I'd shooed 'the boys' out of the kitchen and started cleaning up. Lost in my thoughts, I was surprised when my cell chimed. It was Farr announcing that he was stopping by. I quickly wiped down the counters and went looking to find 'the boys'. I stopped in the doorway to the den and watched open mouthed as the three of them played a video car racing game.

When the doorbell rang, I rushed to answer it and pulled two surprised men into the den to see that astounding sight. I'd been impressed at the dinner table, but seeing the camaraderie between the three was even more impressive. I watched Farr. At first he was surprised and then I could see the doubt and distrust in his expression.

Patrick ignored it and led us all into the kitchen. He was so enthusiastic about getting to know Matt that if Matt hadn't been right there, and if I hadn't seen how he took care of Patrick, I would also have doubted Patrick's sincerity.

John helped Matt get Patrick ready for bed while I sat at the table with Farr and Luke. I have really learned over the time that Matt and Luke have been together to admire the protectiveness Farr displays concerning my son and little Luke. We've become good friends during that time, and I have come to realize that that protective nature extends over me, too.

As they were leaving, Farr went into Patrick's bedroom. I was a bit fearful of Farr verbally attacking Patrick, but when he returned, he was smiling when he said that he thought his big brother really was back.

Patrick

My God, if I'd realized how much I'd lose as I transformed into the penultimate lawyer, I swear I'd have stayed on the farm. In all the time I'd been around the family since Farr and John had partnered, I don't think John had said a dozen words to me. When he volunteered to help Matt get me to bed, I wondered what he was up to. I need not have worried, because he was simply being friendly.

When Matt took me into the bathroom, John stood outside the door and inquired about the time frame for cast removals. I sat on the toilet and pissed while I told him that my forearm cast was being removed tomorrow. After Matt helped me back into my chair, I asked him to please brush my teeth. I'd intentionally not mentioned it that morning, but they were feeling really fuzzy. The boy is amazing. Matt carefully did it while John watched from the doorway. When he finished, he stood back and asked, "Did I miss anywhere?"

I ran my tongue over all my teeth, then shook my head. Matt grinned and held a glass to my mouth as he said, "Then spit."

I spat and glanced up at John who was looking almost reverently at Matt. I caught his eye and grinned at him. While Matt rinsed and filled the glass with water, I asked, "What? You've never seen someone get their teeth brushed?"

John shook his head. "You two are the same guys that were butting heads a few weeks ago, aren't you?"

Before I could answer, Matt said, "Well, I am, but I think someone has possessed Patrick's body. This guy is a good guy. I even suspect that he might make a good stepdad."

Tears sprang to my eyes. Hell, I haven't cried since I was six years old. John's expression turned to dismay and Matt whirled to look at me. I must have been a sight with foam around my mouth and tears streaking down my face. Matt quickly wet a cloth, wiped my mouth with it and then offered the glass of water for me to rinse with. As he held the glass for me to spit into again, he said where only I could hear. "Well, you would."

Damn, it only brought more tears. "I'd be happy to claim you as my son, Matt. You're really a super dude."

He started laughing as he wiped my cheeks. "Patrick, that's so passé."

John just shook his head and smiled.

Carla

George showed up a few minutes before I left the next morning. He had Patrick sitting at the kitchen table sipping coffee through a straw when I came in to fill my travel mug.

"Did you get your emergency taken care of, George," I asked.

He smiled. "Sure did. Thanks for giving me the time."

I glanced at Patrick. He had an eyebrow hiked. I ignored it, got my coffee and kissed him before heading out the door.

As I drove to the hospital, I suddenly remembered today's the day for Patrick's forearm cast to come off. 'It'll be so good to feel his touch again. Even a one arm hug is better than none. And it's only a couple of weeks more before the other arm cast comes off.' I craved to be held with both his arms again. When I parked in my space at the hospital, I pulled out my phone and called George to remind him. He thanked me again for letting him off yesterday. "It only happens once a year, George."

"Yes and the twenty-fifth time was really special. Thanks again."

Patrick

I'd told George about Matt laying me over the counter to wash my back and his comment that it would also be easier to clean me in that position after using the toilet. George tried that and commented that it was much easier on him because of his height.

His cell rang while I was lying on the counter. With a hand on my back, he talked to Carla while I listened. When he closed his phone, I commented, "So, your emergency was your twenty-fifth anniversary, huh."

"Yep." He then sighed before getting back to washing me. "You know, it seems like just last week that we met."

"Well, congratulations."

"You're in a much better mood this morning." He slapped my naked butt making me grunt. "What brought it on?"

"Would you show a little respect, please?"

"Now there's a word I didn't know was is your vocabulary."

"Yeah, well… a lot has changed."

"Oh? Tell me."

"Well, for one thing … I found my humanity."

"That needs some 'splaining."

I don't know what it is about George. Maybe it's just the camaraderie that we've developed. Whatever… I found myself telling him my life story, ending with having so much fun with Matt and Luke yesterday. "You know, George, I don't remember the last time I had fun. It had to have been before I started high school."