Love Of Family - 18. Sorrow & Joy

Greg

Greg pulled his Silverado into the parking lot of the bank. After taking a minute to make sure his black hair looked good, the teen straightened his tie, locked the truck’s door, and entered the employee entrance. Once inside, he greeted a few people, then headed for his desk in the checking department.

“There’s one of my favorite kids.” Lyle walked up, and gave his Grandson a hug.

The two men had a code, if Greg was casually greeted, he could address the elder with the usual loving nickname. If the greeting was more formal, the teen followed up with an equally professional greeting. “Good morning Pap-Paw Ly.” The teen giggled, and squirmed as the older man’s fingers discreetly tickled his side.

“Greg, would you please follow me to my office.” The older man led the teen through a tiny maze of offices, and desks, before coming to his door. Lyle ushered Greg inside, then closed the door. The office was decorated in dark wood, and burgundy’s. A black leather office chair sat behind the massive desk. In front of it were two cushioned wooden arm chairs, with gold beaded lining. He motioned for the teen to sit, and handed him a cup of mocha cappuccino. “Greg, I’d like you to consider a promotion. The bank president’s been looking for a new personal assistant. The board recommended you.”

The teen gasped, and looked directly in his Pap-Paw’s eyes. For this exchange, he knew to be professional, on all levels. “Mr. Moore, I’m not really sure I’d be qualified. I’m sure there are others who’d be more experienced than me.” Greg paused, sipped his java, and continued. “I don’t mean to offend you with this question. Was I recommended, because I’m your Grandson? If so, I’m afraid I’ll have to decline this promotion.”

Lyle leaned back in his chair, with his hands behind his head. “Gregory Allman Wilmont-Stillman, do you really think I’d let you be promoted, if you weren’t totally qualified?”

The question, and use of his first, and middle names made the boy cringe. “I...I’m s….sorry, Mr. Moore, of course you wouldn’t use nepotism.” Greg silently kicked himself for even thinking that.

Lyle smiled, got up, and wrapped the teen in his arms. “Greg, as always, you’ve made me very proud. That was the response, and question I expected from you. It shows you care more about doing what’s right, than advancing your own agenda. That’s a personality trait that will take you much further in life, than taking something that’s offered, just because you want it.”

“Thank you Pap-Paw. I love you, and always want to make you proud.” Greg sniffled, and kissed Lyle’s cheek. “Wait, did you just call me Wilmont-Stillman?”

Lyle chuckled. “Yep, Lev told me the two of you decided on hyphenated last names, I thought I’d try it out. I think it suits you, and adds a little distinguished flare to your name. It’ll look great on a resume also.” The two men shared another hug. To answer your earlier question, there was no nepotism. I wasn’t even the one to recommend you. The president put your name out there, and provided the board with your credentials. After reviewing your accomplishments on paper, we compared it to a few others, then compared your work ethic, punctuality, and overall personality. Greg, you excelled in every one of the categories. I have to tell you, as one of your bosses, and your Grandpa I was beaming with pride.”

“Thank you, and I’ll gladly accept the promotion. Now, that I know I earned it, I’m grateful for the opportunity.” Greg managed to sneak in a quick, and playful tickle attack to Lyle’s sides. He couldn’t help giggling, when the older man jumped a bit, and boyishly giggled. “It’s good to know, I’ve got a ticklish Pap-Paw.” The teen snickered, and yelped when Lyle playfully smacked his ass.

“Get back to work, ya little brat. Oh, before I forget. You’ve got a meeting with Mr. Calhoun, at one this afternoon. And, Greg, don’t make plans for lunch, I’m taking us both out to the Italian restaurant across the street.”

Greg returned to his desk, and started preparing for the work day ahead. He discovered the shock of the offered promotion, was starting to wane. Being so used to his duties, the teen made quick work of sorting the paperwork. He always went by first come, first serve. Unless, one was flagged high priority. Greg’s day was going by so fast, that he realized it was just about lunch time, when he finally looked at his watch. He got to a good stopping point, made some notes, then shot a message to Lyle, and let the older man know he’d be heading over to the restaurant in just a few minutes. The raven haired young man grabbed his jacket, and headed for the exit. Right after he stepped outside, Greg got a reply from Lyle, informing him to get them a table, and that he’d be there in a couple minutes. The teen was almost to the restaurant, when he heard a loud scream. He turned, and ran towards the sound.

He saw a woman, desperately clinging to her purse. One mugger held a knife to her throat, and a second one was about to pull the coveted object from her weakening grasp. Greg didn’t think about the danger he might be facing. The young man took off at full speed, and knocked the first mugged to the ground. Then, he turned to face the second one, holding the knife.

“Alright hero, back the fuck off, or I cut her.”

Greg was at a bit of a loss for what to do next. With tears in his eyes, the raven haired teen reached in his back pocket. He reached in his back pocket, pulled out his soft black leather single fold wallet, and retrieved the cash inside. Greg held it out towards the knife wielding mugger. “Look, no one has to die. You’re wearing a mask, and can’t be identified. Here’s one hundred, and fifty dollars. Please, take it, and let her go.” Greg was so focused on the knife, that was dangerously pressed against the sobbing woman’s neck, he’d completely forgotten about the second man. That is, until he felt a sharp pain that suddenly came from just under his ribs. The teen gasped, and instinctively put his hand to his side, then fell to the ground.

The Ranch

Brandon, and Levie were busily mucking out the stalls, when Bill came to them.

“Guys, I’d like you to meet Jayde. She wants to speak with an owner, about a job. Since you’re the only one available Lev, your Bropops said they’d back any decision you make.”

“Umm, Bill, are you sure you don’t need a trip to Shady Pines? Who are you talking about?” Levie giggled, and ran behind Brandon, before the older man could get his hands on the playful teen.

“Oh, hell the fuck no baby bro. I’m taking Greg’s line. I’m not a human tickle shield.” The blonde chuckled, reached behind him, and began tickling the red head’s sides, and stomach. Instantly, the younger teen was wriggling, and doubled over. His signature giggles, and cackling filled the barn. An unfamiliar male’s laughter joined in. Brandon, and Levie turned to see who the melodic laughter belonged to. They saw a beautiful teenage girl, abut their age. Hiding around the corner of the barn entrance. She was just a tad shorter than Levie, with blonde curly shoulder length hair. Her eyes were a soft baby light blue, and had a cute nervous smile

“Hi, I’m Levie, this is my brother, Brandon.” The teen’s enthusiastic, and bright smile immediately put the newcomer at ease.

“Umm H...hi. I’m J...Jayde.”

Levie looked at Brandon, who was standing beside him, with an open mouth. He looked in Brandon’s eyes, and knew this girl was the one the older teen was waiting for. With a soft chuckle, Levie gently pushed his brother’s mouth closed. Suddenly, Levie fell to his knees, and let out a painful wail. At the same time, both Triton, and Neptune started kicking up a terrible fuss, and frantically whinnying.

“Lev, what’s happening?” Brandon was the first to recover. The teen quickly got to his knees, and cradled his hysterical little brother.

Tears streamed down the cheeks of both teens. Levie couldn’t will himself to speak. Bill, and Jayde began doing what they could to calm the crazed horses.

“Should we be calling a doctor, or something?” Jayde asked. She didn’t know why, but she could feel a connection to the two boys on the ground starting to grow. When she looked at Brandon, that connection was already strengthening.

“Let’s see if he can come out of this. I’ve never seen this happen to him, except with Triton.” Bill said, and pointed at the white stallion. “Lev saved him at birth from a bobcat.”

“It’s okay Lev, you’re in a safe place. C’mon baby bro, you can work through this.” Brandon tried to comfort the teen in his arms.

Finally, Levie was coming around. He looked at everyone, and the two horses. He slowly got to his feet, and opened the stalls. The two horses walked up to Levie, and hugged him on both sides. “You two felt it, didn’t you boys?” Both horses snorted, and nodded.

“D...Did they just hug him, and answer his question?” Jayde asked in amazement.

“If you stay around, which I hope you do, you’ll get used to it.” Brandon said, then blushed from what he’d blurted out.

Levie walked the two stallions back to their stalls, once everyone had calmed down. “I’m sorry for worrying you guys. Jayde, you’re hired. Anyone who can stay that calm, after witnessing that, deserves to work here. Besides, unless I’m completely off, you and Brandon are gonna eventually make an amazing couple.” The red head took a moment, and gave Jayde the signature Levie hug.

“That means you’re now, and forever, Lev’s sister.” Brandon smiled, and gave Jayde his hug.

“Umm, before we do anything else, I need to tell you all something. It may affect the way you feel about me.” Jayde closed her light blue eyes, and softly cried. She was really hoping this wasn’t gonna be like everywhere else. She’d specifically chosen the Stillman’s because she’d heard it was owned, and operated by openly gay men.

“If you’re talking about being transgender, it doesn’t matter one bit.” Levie said before he felt another pain in his heart.

This time it was both Brandon, and Jayde cradling the teen.

“What’s wrong bro?” Jayde asked. She was surprised how quickly she took to referring to Levie as brother.

“It’s my fiance, Greg. He’s been hurt, badly. I can feel it.” Just then, Brandon, and Levie’s cell phone’s started ringing. Levie handed his to Bill, and Brandon answered his. The calls didn’t take very long.

“Lev was right, Greg’s been stabbed. He was on his way to lunch with Pap-Paw Lyle, when he heard a commotion. He stopped a mugging, and quite possibly saved a woman’s life. Pap-Paw’s with him now, they’re heading to the hospital. Uncle Stu said to tell the person at the ER desk, we’re to meet him in the family waiting room.” Brandon, Levie, and Jayde said goodbye to Bill. The boys ran for Lev’s jeep. When they got there, they noticed Jayde wasn’t with them.

“Yo, Sis! I know you’re brand new to us, but haul your ass over here. You’re part of the family, and in this family, we all support each other. Getting to know you, and anything else can be done over time.”

The blonde girl just shook her head, and ran over to join the other two teens. “Are you sure your family won’t mind?”

“They’ll be glad to welcome another family member.” Brandon shocked the young lady, when he leaned over, and kissed her cheek. “It doesn’t hurt, that you’re a beautiful young woman. And, one I’d love to get to know better. Lev, are you okay to drive?”

“I’d be more comfortable, if you drove.” Levie looked in the glove box, and made sure his new .45 was in it’s holster, and the safety was on before they left the ranch.

“Was that a gun in there?” Jayde had never been around any firearms before.

“Yes, it was. I’m a certified firearms trainer. As soon as possible, you’re gonna join your new boyfriend, and brother, Greg for lessons.” Levie chuckled when he looked back and saw the girl’s expression.

“Keep one thing in mind Jayde, Levie’s a force of nature. He can be a total bad ass one moment, then sweet, and loving the next. Just remember, he’s also incredibly ticklish.” Brandon chuckled, when he felt Levie’s playful punch on his arm.

“Be glad you’re driving big bro, otherwise, I’d have Jayde tickle you.”

“Are you two always this playful with each other? I mean your fiance’s been stabbed and in the hospital.”

“I know it looks like we don’t care. However, it’s either we crack jokes, or we’re broken down, and sobbing. Considering, I’m driving, jokes, and being playful are much better. We’ll both be sobbing at the hospital. We’re also a very physically demonstrative family when it come to affection. The Bropops, mine, and Greg’s parents, Mam-Maw, and Pap-paw all hug, kiss, and tickle us.”

“That sounds amazing. I’ve never had a loving family. I’ve been in and out of foster care. No one wanted me, once they found out I’m trans.” Jayde wiped her tears.

“You’ve got an entire family now Jayde. All you have to do, is love, and accept us. We’ll always have your back.” Levie reached back, and grasped his new sister’s hand.

“Well then, I can’t wait to meet my new family. I just have one question. What, or who….”

“Are Bropops?” Levie, and Brandon finished Jayde’s sentence in unison. The jeep was filled with blended teen laughter. “Jaycepop, and Troypop are the Bropops. They’ll be tickled pink if you start calling them that, or if you’re comfortable with it, call them the Dads too.”Brandon, and Levie proceeded to explain the family, and the dynamic. “Oh, and make sure you call my parents, Mama Linda, or Mom, and Papa Tom, or Dad. Then there’s Mam-Maw Ev’lynn, or Ev, and Pap-Paw Lyle.” Brandon added in at the last minute.

By the time the trio arrived at the medical center, Jayde was crying happy tears, and in awe of the love that poured from the hearts of the two boys she’d just met. She couldn’t explain it, but she knew in her heart, she and Brandon were meant to be. Usually, she’d be scared, and run from those feelings, but this time, was different. She resigned herself to the fact, she’d found her forever family, and home with this amazing blended group of people, and horses.