TJ's journey to love - 7. Chapter 7

I distinctly remember throwing this in the trash. I picked up the box and there was note underneath it.

TJ,

Get over yourself and see what the boy has to say.

Grandpa Ron

Well I guess I’ll see what’s inside. I got my pocket knife and sliced the tape. Neatly packed inside was a wrapped package with an envelope on top that said: Please read me. I pulled the letter out:

Dear TJ,

This is not how I envisioned telling you what happened between Sebastian, Dylan and I. First, there has been a secret that I have been holding onto for a while, I am gay and in love with your brother Beau. There I said it, what a relief this is for me. See it was the secrecy of me being gay and dating Beau that was used against me. Sebastian caught us getting custard at Rita’s and saw us kiss. I didn’t know he was there until a couple of days later when he stopped me in the hall and said I know all about you mister jock. I didn’t know what he was talking about until I started to walk away and he said say hi to your boyfriend Beau for me. I froze and was trying to figure out how he knew. We tried to secretive as I wanted to protect your brother. In short Sebastian blackmailed me and threatened to out us both unless I participated in a threesome. I hopping it was with you, I knew I could tell you about the blackmail, the threesome wouldn’t happen and you’d finally see what a jerk he was.

I got a text with the time and place for the event. I drove and parked around the block as you weren’t there yet and it was Sebastian’s house. As I was walking up Dylan pulled into the driveway looking like the skank he is. I turned around and walked back to the car. I sat in the driver seat and contemplated telling you right then; I was holding my phone and had your contact information up. I got a text asking where I was and better not back out. Sebastian then sent a picture of Beau and I in a compromising position. I knew had to protect your brother and do the unthinkable and prayed Beau would forgive me and I would have to come clean with you about the blowjob and Sebastian cheating on you. I took my time walking over and into the house. I guess you could say my timing for starting things was perfect because you walked in the door right after Dylan started to blow me.

When I went home I cried a lot as I know you hated me. Mom came in and asked me what was wrong. I started to tell her the whole story and I watched her get angrier and angrier. She told me I first needed to come clean to Beau which I did. I didn’t know Sebastian was coming to your house until we showed up at the same time. I should have left because maybe one on one you and I could have talked. When you refused to see me I didn’t know what to think. Beau understood after reading the messages and your mom and grandparents told him not to do anything rash.

Mom also got a little revenge and it might make you smile. Since mom is the head legal counsel for Shady Grove Adventist Hospital she gets to weigh in on new hires. They were vetting folks for the new Chief of Surgery and Sebastian’s dad Dr. Corse was in the pile and was a highly rated and top candidate for the job. Mom gets one veto and doesn’t have to offer explanation and she tossed him into the trash.

I have tried to talk to you but you won’t give me the time of day. I should have come to you sooner but your dad said he was going to take care of explaining it this past summer. He landed up being deployed and that talk didn’t happen. Beau and I hoped when he returned he would talk to you. I still love you as a brother. Beau is the love of my life and it tears me up that we didn’t tell you and that you are angry with me.

Beneath the box is a packet sealed by mom certifying all that I told you is true. I’ve included screen shots and the picture that Sebastian sent.

I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me. I made a mistake and I am paying for it.

Love you brother.

Lucas

What the fuck! I will kill Sebastian if this is true. I pulled the box out and saw a yellow envelope with Aunt Katie’s handwriting.

Please read this TJ. Lucas is hurting more than you know. You are a son to me and I can’t lose you.

Love,

Aunt Kat

I ripped open the envelope and pulled out the pages and they were neatly organized; Aunt Kat the organized lawyer. I read the text messages between Sebastian and Lucas. The more I read the more I realized that I was wrong about Sebastian. Sebastian set-up Lucas; alienates me from my friend and then wants drag my brother down too. I was fuming when I was done looking at the messages. I needed to calm down so I decided to open the package. Inside was a picture frame with collage of Lucas and I since we were babies. It was then I knew what I needed to do. I ran down the stairs in search of mom.

“Grandpas’ where is mom?”

“She took Beau to the doctor to have his nose re-bandaged as it started bleeding and Grayson went to.” Grandpa Tony said

“Man I just had the ultimate idea and want to ask her permission.”

“What idea is that?”

“I want to surprise Beau and have Lucas here for Christmas.”

“I take it you opened the box” Grandpa Ron remarked

“Yes I did. I am angry at Sebastian and I need to make things right.”

“Ok I have an idea, let’s ask your other grandparents if Lucas can stay over there and surprise Beau. I know flights will be expensive since its Christmas and last minute so we need to do this ASAP.”

I called my other grandparents and they were ecstatic to say the least. I needed to make a call and walked into my room. I decided to cut the middle man out and called Aunt Kat

“Hello?”

“Oh my god Uncle Brayden you’re home! How did you manage that?”

“TJ, son how I’ve missed your voice. I was given leave for grievance since your dad and I were so close. I want to offer my condolences to you. I’ve talked with your mom but she wasn’t sure you’d be ready to talk me yet.”

“I can understand Uncle Bray. I’ve been a bit of an asshat lately. Dad definitely would have checked me by now.”

He laughed. “Your dad took crap from no one and was never afraid to voice his opinion. I am surprised that with how outspoken he was he moved up the ranks mighty fast. Enough of that… do you want to talk to Lucas? I heard what happened between you and I am guess you want to talk.”

“Actually no it’s more of an idea I had and I know it’s late and will be expensive but I wanted to surprise Beau with Lucas for Christmas.”

“I see, you are a smart man Tristan Michaels. Let me talk with Aunt Kat and see what we Collins are doing for the holiday. I will call you back. Love you son.”

“Love you too Uncle Bray. Just let me know please.”

“I will goodbye.” He ended the call.

I was pacing around the room and my phone rang.

“Hello Aunt Kat”

“TJ I take it you opened the box and read everything.”

“Yes I did and that’s when I decided Lucas needs to be here.”

“What a romantic you are. I know they set a date to open gifts over Facetime. This is even better. Did your mom agree to this? I called and she didn’t answer.”

“Well not exactly. I talked to my grandparents and we wanted to surprise Beau.”

I filled her in on all that had happened with the fight with Beau, running away and getting into Julliard.

“We TJ you have defiantly been on a downward path. Your mom and I talk several times a day and she has filled me in. I am glad you realize you need help. I am happy you got into Julliard. You’ve always been talented and I know that your father shared that dream for you. As much as he and Brayden talked about it I think they would have stormed the school if you didn’t get in. Now back to the trip, it is a wonderful idea. I booked a flight for all of us to come but I am not telling Lucas, Kelly or Jordan where we are going as to not spoil the surprise. My kids can’t keep a secret if their lives depended on it. Well maybe Lucas but the twins… not so much. We will get in Christmas Eve and where do you think we should stay till we can come over?”

“We usually go to mass on Christmas Eve. Wait who am I telling you guys are usually with us.”

Aunt Kat laughed.

“I need to talk to my grandparents and find out. Maybe I should surprise him after church?”

“Do this, talk to your mom and have her call me. We’ve planned secret things before and I am sure we can work this out”

After we hung up I was feeling better and happy. I ran downstairs and everyone was back.

“How did it go Beau?”

“Well the doctor confirmed nothing was broken and told me not to fight with whoever did it as it almost was completely broken and might have needed surgery but he splinted it and I need to go back again in a few days for a checkup.”

What a punch to gut that was.

“Mom can I talk to you privately please?”

“Uh sure, Looks like I missed a call from Kat.”

“Mom now please”

“What the hurry? Beat someone else up while I was gone?”

“Haha… don’t quit your day job.”

We walked out to the garage and shut the door. I explained to her how I read the letter and evidence. I told her my idea and how I talked to Uncle Brayden and Aunt Kat and they were coming Christmas Eve with Kellan, Jordan and Lucas. Mom was shocked but happy and said she would take care of it all.

Christmas Eve arrived I had no clue how my surprise was going to unfold. All mom told me was she had it handled. Beau was upset as he tried calling Lucas all day and it went to voicemail. Mom told him they had to start a new tradition as we weren’t there anymore and maybe they were busy.

We all went to church earlier than usual. Everyone was decked out in their Sunday best and looking really sharp. We walked into church and that’s when Mom took the lead and said follow me and lead us to a spot and asked everyone to sit. I watched her send a text really fast. We sat there talking and all of a sudden Uncle Brayden broke the silence.

“Hello Michaels and Frazier families. I hope you don’t mind us Collins joining you?”

Beau’s head spun around fast hearing Uncle Bray but he didn’t stop there. When he caught sight of Lucas his whole face lit up

“You’re here.”

“Yeah I am” Lucas replied.

They hugged and did a quick peck on the lips.

“All you Collins clan fall in”

Everyone sat down and Beau went and sat next to Lucas. I smiled.

After mass, Lucas and Beau walked out together.

“How long are you in town for?” Beau asked

“A week or so is what were told this morning” Lucas replied and he glanced at me

“All right, I am going to drive with Kat and Brayden so they don’t get lost. TJ take my car and head home; Dad would you ride with them to keep them in line.”

“Most certainly.” Grandpa Joe replied

We headed home and I watched from my rear-view as Beau rested his head on Lucas shoulder. I think this was the only time Beau wanted to sit in the middle.

We arrived home and dinner was just about done. Mom started it before we left.

While everyone was getting settled at the table Beau spoke up.

“Mom thanks for getting Lucas here.”

“Well hate to break it to you. It wasn’t me it was TJ.”

“TJ? You did this for me?”

Beau jumped up and ran around the table and gave me a kiss on the cheek, hugged me and told me over and over he loved me.

“Better be careful Beau might make Lucas jealous”

“I don’t love you like that, you moron.”

Everyone laughed.

As we ate Beau had the biggest smile on his face. He would look at me and then at Lucas. I could then see how much he really loved Lucas. How did I miss this before?

After dinner I looked at Lucas and said we need to talk.