Max and Josh - 22. Saying goodbye

Disclaimer: This story includes sexual and romantic situations between consenting individuals. Any allusion to illicit or illegal activity, sexual or otherwise, is used only for enhancement of the story line and not promotion thereof. Remember AIDS, HIV and other STDs are a very real threat, please always practice safe sex.

I can prove copyright on this story so please don't copy or remove this story for personal use without my permission.
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Max and Josh 22: Saying goodbye

It snowed the morning of the funeral. The little crystals melted on Max’s glasses and coat as he stood on the back porch of his aunt and uncles home. He had been up since six am getting ready.

Normally he wouldn’t have to be up so early but they had needed to get Mark something to wear to the services. When his parents changed his wardrobe they took everything that would have been appropriate.

Neither Max nor Mark had told Deborah or their grandparents what had been going on or that Mark was gay. They had decided that such a conversation was best delayed until after the services.

The two of them had fended off Deborah’s questions on why Mark needed clothes by telling her that nothing he had would fit. For a few moments neither of them thought that she would believe them. Max had never been good at lying to her and Mark had never been a good liar, period, but after a few minutes of her intense CSI look, (as Max called it), she smiled and told them to hurry.

It had been years since Max had lived in Chicago but he still knew his way around and the two of them had managed to find a Wal-Mart.

It didn’t take Mark long to pick out clothes. He had confided to Max on the way to the store that he still wasn’t feeling much concerning their deaths but Max was sure that once they were at the funeral home that things would change.

“Hey Max.” Mark’s hesitant voice pulled him out of his thoughts and Max turned to see Mark standing in the doorway to the house’s from the porch.

Mark looked very nice in his selection from earlier that morning. He wore a pair of black slacks, a dark blue shirt and black tie. They had looked for a dressy black coat or jacket but hadn’t been able to find one in Mark’s size. His short, bright red hair was still a bit damp from the shower, his breath misting from the cold.

“Hey Mark, is it time to go?” Max asked as he walked up and ushered Mark inside.

“Yea, Aunt Deb sent me to get you.” Mark said and Max noticed that he was shaking slightly. Max doubted it had anything to do with the cold.

Max nodded and the two of them went to the living room where the rest of the family was waiting for them.

“If you boys are ready we should get going, it’s nearly nine so folks should be arriving soon.” Maxwell said quietly.

His grandfather had become a rock for his mother and grandmother over the past two days. As the funeral drew closer both women became noticeably dourer. Several times Max had seen his mother crying, usually while looking at a picture of her sister. After the first few times he caught her Max took to being much more careful, she would always plaster on a smile and act as though she hadn’t been crying whenever he entered the room.

Max understood the sentiment behind the action but he didn’t think it was a good idea for his mother to bottle up her emotions.

Caroline was very stoic in her grief, at least on the outside. Like his mother, his grandmother could often be found staring at a picture of her departed daughter with a faraway look in her eyes. It often took calling her name several times before she would snap out of those moments.

Max did his best to help but he wasn’t sure what to do, having never had to deal with death before. He had observed his grandfather though, a quiet word and a gentle touch often helping and comforting the two women.

“We’re ready to go grandpa.” Max answered quietly.

Maxwell nodded and ushered the two women out into the cold, followed closely by Mark and himself.

Both Max and his grandpa had offered to drive to the funeral home but his mother wouldn’t allow it. She knew that her father didn’t often drive if he could help it and she worried about Max on the slick streets, even back home she was known to be a basket case when he drove in the snow.

The radio was on low but Max didn’t think anyone in the car was really paying attention to it. As he looked at each member of his family they each showed signs of being lost in their own thoughts. Max couldn’t blame them; he wasn’t listening to the radio either.

In reality Max was hoping the day went by quickly. He knew that it wasn’t the right kind of thought to have but he couldn’t help it. He wanted the funerals to be over so they could all begin to move on.

As he looked over to his cousin he couldn’t help but worry about what was going to happen to him now, if his parents had made any arrangements for his future.

Surely they had, Max thought; Max knew for certain that his mother put down in her will that he was to live with his Grandparents if anything were to happen to her while he was still a minor, if either of them were still living.

Still though Max couldn’t help but worry, if they hadn’t made arrangements for Mark, what would happen to him? Would he be put into the system, or would it be possible for his mother or his grandparents to take custody of him? He knew that Uncle Chuck had been an only child and that his parents were both dead so Max’s mother would be his closest next of kin.

Max was pulled from his thoughts when the van slowed to a stop outside of a large, two story Victorian style building. The cream color painted walls along with the dark green trim gave the illusion of a well kept home but Max wasn’t fool.

Despite the outer beauty of the large structure you could sill feel the pall of spent grief that lay over the too beautiful; too perfect structure.

The sign near the parking lot where they were read Pickett’s and Dove’s funeral home. His mother and grandmother looked on the verge of tears again and Mark’s trembling seemed to double as the five of them stood looking at the tall building.

As his grandfather took the two women by the hand and led them ahead Max put his arm around Mark’s shoulder and pulled him up close to his side.

“No one would blame you if you can’t walk in there Mark.” Max reiterated his mother’s words from a few days ago.

He watched Marks face for several moments and for a minute he thought Mark might actual ask to leave. He didn’t though. After a deep breath and several hard swallows Mark shook his head.

“No…I…I need to be here.” Mark answered shakily.

Max nodded and the two of them followed his mother and grandparents up the stone steps and inside.

The inside was a lot like Max had figured it would be when he first saw it. Floral patterned carpet, pastel wall paint, and light colored hardwood trimmings. All of it designed to be comforting and soothing; to make you forget that you were there to mourn a lost loved one.

“You must be here for the Blevins service, I’m Steven Dove.” A middle aged man in a charcoal grey suit and tie came up to the five of them as they entered.

“Yes I’m Maxwell Calvin; this is my wife Caroline and my daughter Deborah and my grandsons Max and Mark.” Max smiled as his grandfather spoke, ever the patriarch. Max was glad for it though.

“I’m very sorry for your loss. May I ask how you were connected to the deceased?’ He asked as he ushered them toward the podium with the sign in book.

“Ellen and Chuck were our daughter and son-in law and Mark’s parents.” Maxwell said as the five of them signed the book.

“I’m very sorry for your loss. My partner Randy wanted me to inform you that you won’t have to worry about any sort of financial obligations on our part. Mr. and Mrs. Blevins had their arrangements made and taken care of for quite some time.” Mr. Dove explained solemnly.

“Thank you, that is very reassuring.” Maxwell answered with a nod.

Max had to admire the older man even more. Maxwell was a very take charge person. Max knew that he was hurting but even through it he was able to hold his family together and take care of the details of a sad situation.

“If you’ll follow me I’ll lead you through to the parlor. Pastor Abrams is here and I believe he might have a few questions for you.” Mr. Dove said as he ushered them around the corner.

The parlor they entered was decorated the same way as the rest of the building they had seen. A tall, fake potted plant stood in each corner; several rows of chairs had been set up to face a wooden book stand and next to it a short podium with two urns, one white and one black.

Max stood behind with his mother and grandparents as Mark approached the two urns. Both were tall and cylindrical, though the black one was rounded around its middle and tapered toward the bottom. The white one was similar, being slightly wider around the middle than the rest of the body.

On either side of the urns was a framed photo, one of his Uncle next to the black and his Aunt next to the white.

Ellen looked a lot like his mother, at least in the photo. She was tall and thin like his mother, though her hair was a darker shade of brown and straight as opposed to her sisters’ lighter color and curls. Their eyes were different too; where Ellen’s were blue Deborah’s were hazel. That was something that he and Mark had in common, they had inherited their mothers’ eyes.

Her eyes weren’t the only thing that Mark had inherited from her, Ellen also had been very fair skinned in life; she had always been pale and would burn easily if she stayed in the sun for too long.

Mark inherited his height, build, and hair from his father. Chuck had always been a bit on the short side and slimly built. In the picture they displayed Chuck’s hair, which had been streaked gray the last time Max saw him, was a bright, dark red, his brown eyes bright but hard.

Max watched as Mark lifted a shaking hand toward the urns as if to touch them. He stopped though just before he touched the shinning ceramic and let his hand fall back to his side.

As his shoulders slumped and started to shake Max stepped up and put a hand on his shoulder. Mark turned and Max saw the tears sliding down his face and he pulled the slighter boy into his arms and Mark clung to him and cried against his chest.

Max had figured that this is what it would take, seeing their remains, for it to really sink in for Mark. He led Mark over to the chairs and helped him sit down, talking comfortingly to him as he did.

His mom and grandparents sat down around them, laying a hand on his arm or shoulder in comfort.

Soon Mark had calmed down some, small tears were still dripping down his cheeks but he was no longer sobbing.

“I’m…I’m sorry…I thought I was ok…that I was prepared….but the pictures and the urns… and I just… I don’t know.” He said quietly as Caroline passed him a few tissues.

“It’s ok Mark, we understand.” Deborah said quietly.

The five of them sat silently for a few moments until a tall man in a dark suit came up to them.

“I’m Pastor Abrams; I’ll be presiding over the services today.” He introduced himself and held out his hand to no one in particular.

Maxwell though stood and took the man’s hand.

“I’m Maxwell Calvin, Ellen was my daughter. This is my wife Caroline, my oldest Deborah and her son Max. This is Mark…Ellen and Chuck’s son.” Maxwell introduced each of them.

Pastor Abrams smiled genially at each of them as they were introduced but once they got to Mark his face turned serious. He stepped forward and put a hand on Mark’s shoulder.

“I’m very sorry for your loss my boy,” He said and Mark nodded, “I was wondering if you or some member of your family would like to say a few words. I was asked to give a short eulogy and prayer but I wasn’t notified of anything further.”

Mark look terrified at the idea and shook his head.

“I…I don’t think I can.” He answered quietly, looking pale.

“I understand, if you change your mind or if any of you would like to say anything please let me know.” Pastor Abram’s said before walking away.

Soon after, people began to file into the parlor. Many of the people seemed to know Mark but only a very few did he know, each offered their condolences to him then addressed the rest of them before moving toward the urns or taking a seat.

“Do you even know these people?” Max asked him quietly during a pause in the line of mourners.

“I know of several of them, but I’ve only ever met a handful of them. I recognize most of them as dad’s coworkers, dad used to host dinner parties for them. A few of our neighbors are here and those ladies that just came in are members of moms’ book and bridge club.” Mark answered as he motioned to a small knot of middle aged women walking up to them.

Mark actually smiled and stood up as the women came up to where they were sitting. Many of them hugged or gave him a kiss on his cheek and each offered condolences. One lady in particular seemed to squeeze him especially tightly and when she let go she took his hand and Mark turned to introduce her.

“This is Arlen Watkins, mom’s best friend. Mrs. Watkins these are my grandparents Maxwell and Caroline Calvin, my aunt Deborah Calvin and my cousin Max; he was named after our grandpa.” Mark said with a small smile.

Arlen was a short slight heavy set black woman, her hair seemed too gray for her age and the near black eyes were soft, but assessing.

“It’s very nice to meet you all, even in such terrible circumstances. I was devastated when I heard the news. I do hope you all are doing well.” She said solemnly as she shook each other their hands.

She exchanged a few words with each of them before turning to Max.

“You seem like a very stout, very sturdy young man. I want you to take care of this one,” She said as she pulled Mark to her side, “I’m very fond of him.”

“I’ll do my best ma’am, I promise.” Max answered sincerely.

“Very good, now Mark when you get a moment I want you to give me a call. I have some things that your mother gave to me to hold and I think they belong to you.” Arlen said before giving Mark another kiss on his cheek before walking away.

“What stuff could she have for you I wonder?” Max said as he watched Arlen walk away to join her knot of middle aged women.

“I have no idea. I’ll have to talk to her and find out, I guess.” Mark replied as he sat down shakily in his chair.

The next half hour went in much the same way, dozens of strangers coming up to Mark to offer their condolences. From what he could tell his cousin seemed to take it well, once or twice he knew the people he was talking to and they would exchange a few words.

As the people took their seats Max kept his ears open, wondering who these people were and what they had to say about his Aunt and Uncle. Most of what he heard he was expecting, what fine upstanding citizens they were. He heard about his uncle was a wiz at business, (never once did he hear mention of what the man actually did though), several details were passed around about aunt Ellen’s dinner parties and her skill as a hostess; and her mean bridge games.

One thing that surprised him though were how few details any of them knew about Mark, many of them seemed to express surprise that Mark was even there. Max assumed that when his parents started their *conversion* tactics that they had even started cutting Mark off from the outside as much as possible.

“Ladies and Gentlemen I would like to thank you all for coming today. I think I can speak for Mr. and Mrs. Blevin’s family when I say that it is very touching to see how well loved and how many lives these two people touched in life.” Pastor Abrams voice pulled Max out of his thoughts and brought his attention around.

“I would like everyone to bow their heads in a short moment of prayer before we continue.” He asked.

Max said his own set of prayers as those around him listened to Pastor Abrams and as amen was spoken around the room he lifted his head to the pastor again.

The Pastor didn’t read any scriptures or anything but spent quite some time talking about his Aunt and Uncles achievements in their professional and personal lives. He spoke of how they were devoted companions and loving, doting parents to their only son Mark.

As the Pastor’s eulogy came to a close he asked if anyone would like to say any words about the departed. It didn’t surprise Max that no one stood up, it seemed to him that very few people there were any kind of friends to his aunt and uncle; it was as if the majority of them only came because it was the proper thing to do.

The few people Max identified as having true feeling of grief were too misty eyed and choked up to think about saying anything, his own family included.

Max had kept his eyes on Mark throughout the eulogy and as the Pastor spoke more and more tears flowed down his face, his hands shook violently and his face became much paler…and his eyes never left the urns holding his parents ashes.

“I think we might want to get Mark out of here after this mom.” Max whispered to his mother as the Pastor asked for another prayer.

Deborah leaned forward and looked at her nephew for a moment before nodding her agreement.

After the closing prayer everyone stood up and many began to file out of the parlor. A few people came up to Mark to again offer their sympathies but Mark was so out of it now that it fell to Max and his family to thank them and usher them away.

As the last of the attendants filed out of the room a tall, slim man with a close trimmed brown beard stepped forward, a glossy wooden box in his hands.

“I’m Randal Pickett; my partner Steven met you earlier. I am sorry I couldn’t be in attendance…I had an urgent matter to tend to.” He said to them as he placed the box on an empty chair and shook their hands.

As Max shook the man’s hand he couldn’t help but notice a silvery wide banned ring with a very small diamond set into the band on his ring finger…the same kind of ring he had seen on Mr. Dove’s hand earlier that day.

“It is quiet alright, we understand.” Deborah said quietly.

Mr. Pickett offered a few words of sympathy before opening the wooden box he had sat down. The inside of the box seemed to be lined in purple silk over two padded slots. Very carefully he lifted the two urns and set them down into the box before fastening the lid.

“I am very and truly sorry for you loss young man….I lost my parents when I was fifteen so I know the kind of pain your feeling. I won’t tell you that it goes away but over time it does hurt less…even if it doesn’t seem that way now.” He said quietly to Mark as he passed the box to him.

Mark opened his mouth to try and speak but nothing seemed to come out, after a minute he stopped trying and swallowed hard and gave the man a nod.

“Would you like these photos as well?” Mr. Pickett asked but Mark shook his head.

“No sir…I have smaller copies of them at home.” Mark replied quietly as he held the box close to him.

Mr. Pickett nodded and left them alone.

“Come on Mark. It’s time to go.” Caroline said as she came up to her grandson and guided him out.

Max watched Mark carefully as they walked, Mark’s head was down and he was trembling ever so slightly as he carried the wooden box with his parents’ remains.

“Mom I think you might want to call that lawyer and see if we can reschedule for tomorrow or something. I don’t think Mark can take it right now.” Max said quietly once they had Mark loaded into the van with his grandparents.

Deborah glanced discreetly though the window at his nephew and saw tears falling onto the wooden box, saw him shaking, and agreed.

The ride back to his aunt and uncles went pretty much like the ride to the funeral home. Everyone was quiet and lost in their own thoughts. Max’s thoughts turned much as they had the past few days, wondering what would happen to his cousin now.

Once they were ensconced in the house again each of them drifted off on their own. Max wasn’t sure where his mom and grandparents had gone exactly once he had changed he camped out in the bedroom with Mark.

Sitting in the uncomfortable desk chair he watched Mark on the bed. He hadn’t changed out of his clothes and still held the wooden box on his lap.

Max knew that he needed to do something but he worried about pushing Mark too much. In the end he decided to risk it and stood up and went to the bed.

“Come on Mark, you need to get changed and then you should lie down for a little while. You’re looking beat.” Max said quietly as he eased the wooden box from Mark’s grip.

Max set it down on the table then went to the closet and pulled out some clothes for his cousin. He turned to find Mark standing by the bed, clad only in a pair of black briefs, his eyes on the wall holding the family photo.

Max lay the clothes down on the bed and put his hands on the sides of Mark’s neck and turned the boy’s face to look at him.

“Mark…I need to know that you’re ok. Do I need to go get Mom?” He asked, his eyes locked with Mark’s glazed ones.

After a moment Mark seemed to snap out of whatever trance he was in and focused on Max.

“I’m…I’m fine…I’m ok. I…I just want to lie down.” Mark said as he stepped out of Max’s grip and pulled the clothes on that Max had brought him.

Once he was dressed Max pulled back the covers and Mark crawled under them.

“Will you stay here with me…?” Mark asked quietly, worriedly.

Max smiled slightly and put his glasses down on the nightstand and slipped under the covers with Mark. Max moved closer to him and Mark tucked his head under Max’s chin and closed his eyes.

When Max woke up he found that Mark had rolled away from him and curled up in the blanket. It was still early in the afternoon so Max decided to let him sleep for a bit longer and rolled out of bed and headed downstairs.

He found his mom and grandparents all sitting in the living room. The women were playing a game of cards while his Grandfather worked a word search puzzle. Max found the scene to be oddly surreal and yet comforting at the same time.

“How is he doing?” His mother asked as he sat down with them.

“Ok now, he’s sleeping. Earlier though it got a little dicey, he sort of went into this catatonic like state for a few minutes. I snapped him out of it but I think he’s gonna need to be watched over the next few days.” Max said wearily.

He was very aware of three sets of eyes watching him. He figured they were thinking that they were putting too much pressure on him, that he couldn’t take it. He could though, he was just tired and he missed Josh. He hadn’t talked to him since coming up to Chicago and he missed him.

“We’re really asking too much of you Max, it’s not just your responsibility to watch out for Mark. We’re his family too.” His mother said worriedly as she put a hand out on his knee; Max didn’t know if he imagined the guilt in her voice or not but it didn’t matter.

Max sat up a little straighter and all but physically shook himself and looked up to meet her eyes.

“I’m fine mom. Don’t worry about it. You’re not asking me to do anything; I’m doing it on my own. Besides, I’m the best person to help him through this.” Max replied with a casual shrug. It wasn’t a big deal and he didn’t want his family to make it into one.

“If you’re sure dear…but if you need anything or start to feel overwhelmed all you have to do is let us know.” Deborah said and Max smiled and nodded.

“Can I use the phone? I’d like to call Josh.” Max asked quietly.

“Of course, use the phone in the kitchen. I also took your advice and called the lawyer, he’s agreed to meet us tomorrow at noon. It took some doing but once I put your grandfather on the phone the conversation went much smoother.” She replied and Max headed to the kitchen to make his phone call.

                                                          *         *         *

“Josh honey, phone for you.” Josh’s mother called him from the kitchen.

Josh smiled and handed his cards to his cousin Marley.

“Deal me out Marley, and if I’m not back when the hand is over just skip me.” He said as he stood up and headed toward the kitchen.

“Hurry back Joshua, you’re an easy bluff.” Phoebe, Marley’s twin sister, called after him.

His aunts, uncles, and cousin had come in early to spend time with the family and he was currently embroiled in a game of cards with his cousins. Phoebe and Marley were ruthless when it came to any kind of game.

Personally he blamed that on their mother. He had heard horror stories of Aunt Marion’s competitiveness when she was in High school. Lindsey and Evelyn were much more laid back about it though.

“Who is it Mom?” Josh asked as he finally pushed his way past his two uncles and into the kitchen.

“It’s Max; you can take the cordless upstairs if you need to. I’ll make sure to keep everyone down here.” She replied with a smile.

Josh couldn’t help the smile when he heard it was Max. He knew that things up in Chicago must be pretty bad at the moment but he was still happy to hear from him.

“Hey babe, hold on a sec till I get up to my room. My whole family is here.” Josh chuckled and took the back stairs two at a time till he was up in his room.

“Ok Max, I’m in my room, we can talk now.” Josh said a little breathlessly as he sat down at his desk.

“If you want to spend time with your family I’ll call back later. I know you only get to see them once or twice a year.” Max’s voice was tired and heavy and Josh ached to reach out and hold him.

“Not a chance babe, they’ve been here since the day after you left, I’ve spent plenty of time with them and I’ll have plenty more later. I want to talk to you. How are things going up there?” Josh replied and he heard Max sigh happily from the other end of the line.

“It’s been…ok here, I guess. Mom and my grandparents are taking it pretty hard, and Mark is something close to a wreck. It didn’t sink in I think till today, for a minute there I didn’t think we’d make it into the funeral home.” Max replied and josh was a bit stunned that the funeral was today.

“How are you holding up, you sound pretty tired?” Josh asked, unable to keep the concern out of his voice.

“I am pretty tired. I’ve sort of become Mark’s rock since we’ve been here; not that I’m complaining or anything. That’s not really why I’m tired, I’ve been splitting a full size bed with him since we’ve been here so the tight fit and unfamiliar bed aren’t too conducive to sleep.” Max’s answer was tinged with a laugh and Josh smiled at it.

“Since the funeral was today when do you guys think you’ll be back? I mean what happens to Mark now that his parents are gone?” Josh wondered, he was in a hurry to see Max but he was also curious about Mark’s wellbeing, he knew that Max cared a lot about him.

“I don’t know. We are supposed to meet with my aunt and uncles attorney tomorrow. I guess we’ll find out then if they’ve made any sort of arrangements in their will for him. If they haven’t then I don’t know what’ll happen to him.” Max’s voice was low but Josh could still hear the worry in it.

“I can ask my Aunt Erica if you want; she’s a lawyer so she might know something…and I can call you back later.” Josh offered, hoping to alleviate some of Max’s worry.

”That would be great. I’d really like to know what could happen to him.” Max’s voice was earnest and a bit lighter than before.

“I’ll get on it as soon as I head downstairs. Right now though let’s talk some more. I miss you.” Josh said and Max laughed slightly.

“I’ve missed you too. I’ve been thinking about you ever since we dropped you off at home the other day. I’ll be so happy when I can get back to you, no matter what happens here.” Max’s statement made Josh’s face heat up in a blush.

They talked a while longer, Josh trying to keep things easy and mellow, trying to keep Max from worrying about what was going to happen with Mark or when they’d be able to see each other again.

“I better get going now babe, I need to wake Mark up and get some food down him. I’ll call you later though. When is a good time?” Max asked, sounding as reluctant as Josh did to end the conversation.

“Anytime is good really but the place will be emptier around nine or so. Aunt Erica, Uncle Nathan and Evelyn are staying here with us; Uncle Nathan is bunking in with me.” Josh replied and Max laughed.

“Uncle Nathan, isn’t he the Army guy, tall and real buff?” Max asked and Josh smiled.

“Yea that’s him. Not that it matters, not only do I have you but his married to my Aunt…it would be weird to think about him like that…pervert.” Josh joked and Max laughed harder.

“I didn’t mean it that way you sicko, I just thought it was funny. He is probably used to sharing close quarters with a bunch of guys, who knows how many of them are gay or straight or whatever and now he’s sharing a room with, his gay nephew. I dunno, I just thought it was funny.” Max chuckled again and Josh shook his head.

“Yea I dunno how he’d react if he knew I was gay. I haven’t told anyone yet…don’t know if I’m going too or not.” Josh answered worriedly.

“Like I said before I left babe there’s no rush. I’d like to meet your family though if I get back before they leave, just as a friend if nothing more.” Max’s voice was casual but Josh could hear the seriousness of it. Josh had met almost all of Max’s family…Max would like the same experience.

“I think that can be arranged but I think for now you need to go get Mark up. I’ll talk to you in a few hours…I love you.” Josh said sincerely.

“I love you too babe.” Max replied quietly but equally sincere.

Josh waited till he heard the click of the phone hanging up on Max’s end before he hung up and headed back down stairs.

His feet had barely hit the linoleum in the kitchen before he was ambushed by Evelyn. The surprise was enough to make Josh back paddle, resulting in him landing butt first onto the hard wood stairs, is head would had made the same impact if the hand not holding the phone hadn’t grabbed hold of the railing.

“OWWW, what the hell was that for Evie?” Josh asked as he looked up at his smiling cousin. Evelyn, or Evie for short, was the youngest of Josh’s four cousins; just five years older than him.

“Oh Joshy don’t be so mean, I was just wondering who you were talking to is all.” Evie answered sweetly as she batted her dark lashes at him.

Evie and Josh were easily recognizable as family, they had the same shade green eyes, black hair, and their complexions and facial features were very similar. It had been said on numerous occasions that they could pass for siblings. Josh though would always be mistaken for being older given that he stood a good seven inches taller than her.

“Did you have to ambush me at the stairs to find out?” Josh replied as he struggled up to his feet, Evelyn for some reason was standing extremely close to him.

“No, but I thought it would be more fun that way. Plus I figured you be more apt to answer if I asked you away from the rest of the family.” She answered with that innocent tone she was famous for.

“And what made you think that?” Josh asked in return as he put the phone on its base.

“Because it was obviously either important or personal since you went up to your room to talk to whoever it was. I’m just curious as to if little Joshy is hiding a relationship from the rest of us.” Evelyn inquired mischievously.

Josh rolled his eyes a bit at her statement, the way she talked made it sound like it was some big conspiracy.

“First off, do you have to call me little Joshy? Lets face it here cousin, I’m a head taller than you so you, in fact, are the short one; freakishly short for our family actually and you’re only five years older than me so I think you can call me by my name now, without the Y at the end.

Secondly it was both important and personal but I am not hiding anything or anyone.” Josh replied with a grin, sure the last part wasn’t entirely true but still…close enough.

“Ok first off cousin I am not short, I am normal height for a girl my age. You sir are abnormally tall, especially for this family, which means you, sir, are the freak, not me. As for the name thing…I only call you Joshy because it is a term of endearment, really.

Secondly you are a very bad liar, epically bad actually. Its ok, I get it, totally. I mean, I have issues talking to my boyfriend around mom and dad, I can’t even imagine how awkward it would be around the whole family, especially for you.” Evelyn said flippantly.

Josh immediately panicked and Evelyn was quick to catch his stricken look.

“Oh don’t look like that, I was only playing. You’re so shy and all, I hope whoever you’re hiding is good at opening you up.” Evelyn said, mistaking Josh’s panic for aggravation.

Josh let out a breath he wasn’t aware that he was holding. He had completely mistaken what she was talking about.

“What did you think I meant?” Evelyn asked suddenly, taking in Josh’s sudden relief.

Josh did a back paddle as fast as he could, covering his reactions with a wide, phony smile.

“Nothing, I knew what you were talking about.” Josh lied quickly.

“Oh no, don’t even try little cousin. Now if you didn’t think I was talking about your shyness issues then what would you think I was talking about, what else did I say,” Evelyn asked herself as she started to pace around the kitchen, “Lets see I talked about talking to my boyfriend around my parents…and how hard it would be for you to talk to a girlfriend around the whole family.” She muttered to herself and Josh was about to have a panic attack…Evie was about to figure it out.

“Only…only I didn’t say girlfriend…I was talking about talking to my boyfriend and said how hard it would be to do that around the whole family…especially for you…I never mentioned girlfriends, I just inferred it…and then you looked like you were about to have an anxiety attack.” Evelyn said, more to herself than to him, before she suddenly stopped in her tracks and turned to look at Josh…realization all over her face.

“Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod. It’s not a girlfriend; it’s a boyfriend….OMG, OMG, OMG. You’ve got a boyfriend, Joshy is gay.” Evelyn exclaimed loudly, a smile on her face.

Before Josh realized he was moving he was at her side and clapping a hand over her mouth.

“Are you insane? You don’t just shout that kind of thing.” Josh whispered even though he knew it was unlikely that anyone had heard her.

Behind his hand Evelyn opened her mouth and licked across Josh’s palm, causing Josh to pull his hand away in revulsion.

“Boy you remember the last time you did that?” Evelyn asked as she cocked an eyebrow.

Josh did remember, vividly. He had been five and Evie ten, she had been singing and Josh was annoyed by it so he clapped a hand over her mouth, and she bit his fingers.

“Yea I remember, but licking…seriously? That is childish.” Josh retorted, his predicament momentarily forgotten.

“No more childish than you clamping a hand over my mouth, rude much by the way.” Evelyn huffed.

“I wouldn’t have had to if you weren’t screaming my private business at the top of your lungs.” Josh retorted. Evelyn just rolled her eyes.

“Oh come on Josh, you and I both know that we are the only ones who heard that.”

“That isn’t the point.” Josh snapped.

“Then what is the point?” Evelyn asked gently.

Josh huffed for a second but realized that Evie wasn’t going to have at him for being gay.

“I don’t have one ok? I overreacted. It’s not some huge secret I don’t guess. Mom and dad and our grandparents know…I’m just gun-shy about telling the rest of the family.” Josh admitted as he slumped into a chair by the small kitchen table.

“Ohh so you admit it. Come on spill, I want to know who he is and how it happened.” Evelyn said as she took a seat across from him.

Josh rolled his eyes but he knew that he couldn’t get out of it.

“Can we move this up to my room please? I’d like to avoid anyone else finding out.” Josh said and Evelyn grabbed his hand and drugs him up to his room.

“Spill Joshy.” She said simply as she sat back on his bed.

Josh took his desk chair and began to regale his cousin with his story. By the time he was finished Evie was beaming.

“OMG that is the sweetest story I have ever heard. And this Max dude…he sounds hot…please tell me you have a picture of him. I need to see him.” Evelyn said and Josh was struck with the realization that he didn’t have a picture of Max.

“No…no, I don’t but he wants to meet everyone if he gets to come home in time before you guys leave. He’s in Chicago right now, his Aunt and Uncle just died so he had to attend the funeral.” Josh said before explaining the situation more fully.

“That’s so sad for him; it must be hard loosing family like that; especially for his cousin.” Evelyn’s voice was quiet and pensive.

“Yea I can’t even begin to imagine what Mark is going through.” Josh replied equally quiet.

The pair was quiet for a few minutes before Evelyn spoke up again.

“I guess we better get back downstairs before everyone wonders where we got to. I really think you should tell the rest of the family. I mean, it’s not like were gonna disown you or something. I mean, it’ll be a bit of a shock but no one will really care or treat you any differently.” Evelyn said as she stood up and stretched.

“You’re probably right Evie…I guess I’m just a bit of a chicken. I also don’t want to risk making anyone uncomfortable. Especially not Uncle Nathan.” Josh replied quietly, which made Evie laugh.

“Jeez Josh, you’ve got some weird issues. How in the hell would any of us be uncomfortable. You will always be sweet, lovable, freakishly tall little Joshy. If anything the rest will be happy that you’ve found someone special.

As for Dad, don’t even sweat how he’d feel. He is so lack about sexuality I think you could probably proposition him without offending him.” Evelyn laughed but Josh grimaced at the joke, it was a messed up visual.

“I dunno, maybe. Look I’ll think about it. Just don’t push.” Josh said and Evelyn rolled her eyes as they headed downstairs.

                                                       *         *         *

Mark smiled as he ate with his family. He was still upset but it was hard to slip into depression when he was sitting and talking with the four of them. Instead of cooking, his Aunt had sent for Chinese which was his favorite take out of all time.

“Hey Red, stop hogging the Kung Pao Chicken.” Max said as he tossed a piece of sweet and sour pork at him, minus the sauce of course.

Mark smiled at the old nickname and pulled out a few pieces of chicken before passing the carton down to Max.

“Happy now Tree hugger?” Mark asked with a smiled, thinking back to the summer he and Max had spent with their grandparents when they were kids, Max had spent so much time in the woods that their grandfather had taken to calling him Tree hugger.

The family laughed at their antics and the two of them shared reminiscent smiles, thinking back to when things were simpler.

Mark felt better now than he did earlier that day. He was still very much aware of the box upstairs in his room that held his parents ashes but he was trying to keep from thinking about it too much, at least for now.

When dinner was done Mark helped clean up and Max went off to call his boyfriend Josh.

“Aunt Deb, can I talk to you for a bit?” Mark asked as the two of them finished putting the food away.

Earlier that afternoon when he woke up alone in his room Mark had allowed himself to have a break down. He’d all but lost it, crying and rocking back and forth on his bed, he didn’t know what to do now, he was lost and scared and didn’t know what in the hell was going to happen to him now that he was an orphan.

By the time Max had come up to wake him he had managed to get himself under control and make a few meager plans. First thing he needed to do was talk to his Aunt.

“Of course Mark, let’s go into the living room and have a seat.” Deborah replied with a smile.

“Actually can we just talk here? It’s private.” Mark asked as he walked over to the small kitchen table.

Debbie just smile but didn’t ask as the two of them sat down.

“I was wondering if…I mean, I know it’s just you and Max and everything…I was hoping though that if mom and dad didn’t leave anything about me in their will…If…if I could come and live with you and Max?” Mark stuttered out quietly.

Deborah sat quietly for a moment. In reality she planned on having Mark come and live with her and Max anyway. If his parents hadn’t made any arrangements for him, Mark coming to her actually made things much easier.

“I mean if you’d rather that I not it’s ok…I could ask Grandma and Grandpa. I wouldn’t really mind living in Kentucky…they could probably use the help around the house.” Mark said after a few moments of silence, misreading his Aunt silence for a rejection.

Noticing her nephews choked, hushed tone Deborah rushed to reassure him. She reached out and took one of his hands and then reached out with the other one to wipe the tears out the corner of his eyes that threatened to spill over.

“I am sure that your grandparents would love to have you live with them but it’s too bad for them because you are going to come and live me and Max. I know Chuck had no family and I doubt very much if they had left guardianship to anyone else and if they had I will do my best to work it out…Both Max and I would love to have you come and live with us.” Deborah said quietly.

Mark smiled slightly and looked to his aunt.

“Really, are you sure? I don’t want to be a bother or be in the way.” Mark said quietly, sounding like a small child instead of a seventeen year old.

Deborah stood up and pulled her nephew with her and hugged him close for a few minutes before letting him stand at arms length, her hands on his shoulders.

“You will never be a bother or in the way. I may have never told you this but I always thought of you as another son given how well you and Max got along, always so much better than him and Eric. I would be happy, and Max ecstatic, to have you come and live with us.” Deborah choked up a bit at the mention of her oldest son but powered through none the less.

Mark’s eyes teared up some more and pulled his aunt close and cried gently against her shoulder.

They stood there quietly for a little while until Max burst into the kitchen, a small smile on his face. He stopped short when he saw the two of them standing in the middle of the floor hugging, Max’s happy look turning concerned in a heart beat.

“What’s going on? Is something wrong?” He asked as he walked up to the pair.

The two of them broke apart and each wiped away their tears as they turned to Max.

“No honey, nothing’s wrong, we were just talking. Mark asked if he could come and live with us if no provisions had been made for him. And I, of course, agreed.” Deborah said and Max smiled again.

“Ok, we can go with that, although I know that there is more to it than that but I won’t pry. Anyway I’ve got some pretty decent news. I talked to Josh earlier and explained the situation and he talked to his aunt, who’s an attorney, she said that if no provisions were made then Mark would most likely be placed with his closest related next of kin, which is you mom.” Max said with a smile.

Mark smiled too and hugged his cousin tightly, already feeling better about the future.

“I told you cuz, I’m not going to let anyone take you away now that we’ve got you back.” Max said quietly as he hugged his cousin tightly.

                                                       *         *         *

Josh smiled as he leaned against the kitchen counter. The smile hadn’t left his face since he had hung up the phone a few hours ago with Max. Max had been so happy to get the information Josh got from his aunt.

Aunt Erica had been more than happy to discuss the situation with him and pass on some advice. She asked a lot of questions about Max, who he was and how long they had been friends etc, etc.

Josh chalked up her curiosity to the fact that he very rarely talked about his friends. Evie may have been a little flighty at times but he didn’t think she would have mentioned Max to her.

Josh smiled as he watched his parents snuggled up on the couch together. They were sleeping on the pull out couch while Erica and Evie took their room, which left Uncle Nathan to bunk with him.

He had offered to bunk in with Evie sighting that it wouldn’t be the first time that the two of them shared a room but Evie had shot the idea down, insisting that Josh snored and would keep her up all night.

Shaking his head at his own thoughts Josh told his parents goodnight and headed upstairs to bed.

Josh didn’t mind bunking with his uncle but he still tried to make sure that he was changed before his uncle came in to bed. It was more of a confidence issue that anything else. His uncle was a large, well built man and Josh couldn’t help but feel a little self conscious around the older man.

Josh knew that he was more than attractive but he just chalked it up to another one of his issues.

He had swapped his jeans for a pair of pajama pants and had just pulled off his shirt to swap it out for a tank top when his uncle came into the room. Josh blushed when he let out a wolf whistle, which made his uncle laugh.

“Boy you have got to grow out of that shy streak of yours. You are far too handsome of a guy to blush every time you get a compliment.” His uncle said as he sat down in Josh’s computer chair.

Josh just shook his head as he pulled his shirt on and sat down on his bed.

“Complimenting is one thing, you wolf whistling like an old school cartoon character is another thing.” Josh defended as he gave his uncle a halfhearted glare.

Despite how messed up of a thought it was, Josh could admit that his uncle was an attractive man. He was built along the same lines as Max, thickly muscled and wide through the shoulders. His hair was buzzed close like Joshes but he knew it to be a little salt and pepper when he let it grow out.

“What, that was a compliment. You’ve grown pretty substantially in the three years since I saw you.” The older man replied with a smile and Josh nodded.

“Thanks Uncle Nathan, I try. You should meet my friend Max though, he’s the built one. He’d even give you a run for your money.” Josh was bluffing of course but it was still fun to mess with him.

“Yea this Max kid, I’ve heard a lot about him. He’s the one that’s up in Chicago right now right, his Aunt and Uncle just died, right?” Nathan asked and Josh nodded.

“Yea I thought so, Erica told me about it. It seems like a pretty stand up fella. He is right, good guy and all that jazz. No drugs or drinking, no temper?” His uncle asked seriously and Josh stared at him in confusion.

“Yea…yea he is a great guy. Stand up to the highest degree. He even volunteers on a counseling hotline. And I doubt he has even smelled alcohol much less taken a drink, he hates to even take pain killers (Josh had found that out after Max’s hospital stay), and no temper…well unless he is trying to be protective.” Josh explained carefully, wondering what his uncle was getting at.

“That’s good, very good in fact. I know it isn’t my place but I wanted to make sure that the boy dating my only nephew was on the straight and narrow, no pun intended.” His uncle said with a smile and at the word ‘dating’ the bottom seemed to fall out of Josh’s stomach.

“How…how did you know?” Josh asked quietly after a few minutes.

“Evie, of course. You know what a motor mouth she is. She didn’t mean to let slip but me and her got to talking while you and Erica were talking. I told her what you two were talking about and she started going on about how you two had talked earlier and she said that she hoped everything was going to be ok because you’d be upset if something happened with your boyfriend.

When she realized what she had done she turned white as a ghost and clamped a hand over her mouth before she started rambling ‘oh my gods’ and apologies into the air. She really was, and still is a basket case. I told her I would talk to you though and get it worked out.” His uncle said with a small smile that managed to put Josh at ease.

Josh ran a hand over his face and buzzed down hair, breathing a small sigh of relief. Part of him wanted to be mad at Evie but in reality he knew this was bound it happen. Sweet, well meaning and laid back Evelyn would be his coming out catalyst.

“Yea after I got her somewhat calmed down and got her talking she let it out that you were worried about me finding out. You got any particular reason for that?” Nathan asked with a curious lift of his eye brow and Josh paled.

Josh tried a few times to speak but just as he was about to get something out his uncle interrupted him.

“You don’t have to say anything. I’ve already got it all worked over in my head and I want you to know that I’m not mad or upset at you. I can understand it. I’ve been married to your aunt since before you were born but we’ve hardly ever spent any time together and with me being in the military and all the propaganda they spew out I can understand it.

I want you to know though that I think that DADT shit is just that, a huge heap of bullshit. I myself have personally met and served with gay guys and they are every bit as committed as their straight comrades and I consider myself lucky to know them.” Nathan said seriously.

“I didn’t think you have issues with me being gay…not really. I guess I was just worried about making you feel uncomfortable, bunking in with me you know.” Josh said quietly, still a little too worried to meet his uncles’ eye.

Nathan though just smiled and got up to walk over to his nephew.

“Stand up Joshua.” He told him and even though the sudden command made him a little shaky Josh stood up anyway.

Once he was standing, his uncle, with a very pointed look, pulled off the white t-shirt he wore and exposed his well muscled and slightly furry chest. Josh just blushed and swallowed hard, both actions making his uncle chuckle. Deciding not to let him panic too much Nathan reached out and wrapped his arms around his nephew and drew him into a tight bear hug.

Josh’s breath hitched for a moment before the meaning of what his uncle was doing sunk in and he wrapped his arms around him and hugged him back.

“Now, did that feel like I was uncomfortable?” Nathan asked as he pulled back and let his arms fall from around his nephew.

“No Sir…thanks.” Josh said with a smile.

Nathan punched his nephew in the arm lightly before pointing his finger at him what Josh was sure was supposed to be a menacing fashion.

“Don’t you sir me boy, I work for a living.” Nathan growled but the look on his face made it sound comical instead of threatening.

Josh tried not to laugh anyway.

With their little moment passed the two of them returned to their respective beds and laid down. Once Josh clicked the light off though, his uncle spoke up again.

“You should know something Josh and I’m sure you do know this already but I’m gonna reiterate it just incase. There are a lot of nasty bastards out there. For every decent, stand up individual in the world there are five evil sons-of-bitches.

I want you and this Max to be careful; there’s a lot of discrimination out there, lots of violence. I won’t sugar coat it. You two need to watch out for each other, keep each other safe. You got me?” Josh couldn’t see his face but he could hear the seriousness in his uncle’s voice.

Josh sat up and reached over and put his hand on his uncle shoulder and squeezed it tightly. Nathan reached up and put his hand over his nephews and squeezed back.

“Thanks Uncle.” Josh said quietly.

“You’re welcome nephew.” Came Nathan’s gruff reply.

                                                         *         *         *

Max sat in the small waiting room with his family, waiting for Mr. Connors to arrive. The office was pretty quiet, given that it was a Saturday; only a single secretary was there since Mr. Connors hadn’t arrived yet.

Though he tried to hide it, Max was bored. Other than being moral support for Mark he didn’t see any reason for him to be there, there was no way that his aunt and uncle had left anything to him.

Max didn’t even think that Mark needed him there, perhaps it was just a good front but Mark seemed remarkably composed given the chaos of the last week.

“Quite unprofessional, I understand that it is a Saturday but really…he could at least have the decency to show up on time for the appointment.” Max smiled when he heard his grandfather grumble under his breath. Their appointment was for nine o’clock; it was currently two minutes from nine thirty.

“Calm down Maxwell, I’m sure he is on his way.” This time Mark was the one to snicker as his Grandfather was quietly reprimanded.

They didn’t have to wait much longer though, just as the clock ticked passed nine thirty the door opened to the office to admit a relatively short, thin and balding man in a gray over coat.

“Damn snow,” he muttered as he brushed snow off his jacket, “Rebecca can you remind me to fire my snow removal service, I had to dig my car from under two feet of snow.”

“Yes Mr. Connors, by the way your nine o’clock is here.” The secretary replied as she came out of her office to introduce them.

Mr. Connors looked up as she spoke and his pale green eyes landed on Maxwell, whom had stood up on Mr. Connors entrance.

“Yes…yes so sorry I’m late, I was detained; I do apologize. You must be the er…gentleman I spoke to last night?’ He said as he held out a hand to Max’s grandfather.

The slight paleness that came over Mr. Connors face coupled with the delicate stress he put on the word gentleman made Max wonder exactly how the conversation between him and his grandfather had gone.

“Yes I am. You spoke with my daughter Deborah first of course.” Maxwell said as he dropped the other man’s hand and motioned to his daughter.

“Yes of course. Now if you would all like to move into my office we can discuss Mr. and Mrs. Blevins’ wills.” Mr. Connors said as he led them down the hall.

“Wills, plural, as in more than one?” Max couldn’t help but pipe up curiously.

Mr. Connors waited until they were closed in his small, slightly stuffy office, and had relieved himself of his coat and sat down before answering.

“Yes, wills, as in more than one. Mr. and Mrs. Blevins each had a separate will to cover their individual interests.” He answered as he took a seat behind his shiny hard wood desk.

“What about their joint interests?” Caroline asked and Max shared the confusion that was evident in her voice.

“They had no joint interests. A number of years ago, three or four years I believe, they came to me to help them separate their interests; finances, bank accounts, and property. I believed at the time that it was a prelude to divorce proceedings but obviously I was wrong.” Mr. Blevins replied as he pulled two folders from the filing cabinet by his desk.

“What about me, aren’t I considered a joint interest?” Mark asked quietly and Max reached forward to rest a hand on his shoulder. Somehow it had been silently decided that Maxwell, Mark and Debbie would take the three seats in front of Mr. Connors desk while Max and his grandmother stood behind them.

“Yes…well. As to that, it is somewhat complicated,” Mr. Connors paused here and took a deep breath, as though steeling himself before he went on, “I am not sure how to explain so I will just tell you like it is. When Mr. and Mrs. Blevins came to me to separate their estate and re-write their wills Mr. Blevins made no mention or provision for you in his will.”

“I’m not mentioned anywhere, at all, in my fathers will.” Mark stated quietly and Max felt him tremble under his hand and squeezed his shoulder tightly.

“That is outrageous, what in the hell was he thinking, not mentioning his own son in his will.” Maxwell exclaimed loudly, causing his wife to rest both her hands on his shoulders.

“I am afraid that I cannot claim to know Mr. Blevins thoughts on the matter, I was never informed. The only mention of Mark in his will is that once the house is sold that the profit goes to Mark. It is the one thing that is similar between the wills.

The rest of Mr. Blevins holdings, his listed possessions, bank accounts and property are to be turned over to another individual whose name I cannot disclose as a matter of privacy. I will inform this person in due course.” Mr. Connors stated calmly but his eyes never left Maxwell and Max could see the glint of worry and fear in them.

Maxwell though was turning red in the face and opened his mouth to speak again but to everyone’s surprise Mark intervened.

“Can we please hear the contents of my mothers will?” Mark asked as he laid a hand on his grandfather’s knee, his tone was low and heavy but tinged with a deep sadness that prevented any anger from being spoken.

“Yes, of course. Mrs. Blevins will is rather straight forward. Save for the following items she has left everything she owns to her only son Mark, to do with as he sees fit. There is a file with a list, photos included, of these items. The rest she has stated in a video tape that she asked be screened during this session. Do you feel capable of watching this video?” Mr. Connors asked Mark.

“Yes, I am. But I am not sure about the rest of my family.” Mark said as he looked around at all of them

The each exchanged looks and with a communal nod they all agreed.

“If Mark is willing to watch, then so are the rest of us.” Maxwell spoke firmly.

“Very well.” Mr. Connors turned around to a small TV that sat behind his deck and pushed the play button on the VCR bellow it.

They all waited with a held breath until the video started. Max had to smile as his Aunt’s image came onto the screen, she was a very beautiful woman and it was easy to see how she was related but as she spoke it was easy for them to hear the sadness in her voice.

“Hello everyone. If you are watching this tape than I am sorry to say that I am no longer with you. It also means that I have gone to my grave without righting the wrongs I have committed in my life, against you; my family, especially you, my darling boy.

I will not detail here the events of the last few years; those are instances only for you to reveal should you choose so, my dear. I need you to know though that I am terribly sorry for everything that happened and I apologize for not being strong enough to stop it, to rectify the situation. I was weak and scared and ashamed. I did not do all I could have to smooth your life and what I did manage was a pittance. I won’t ask your forgiveness because I don’t deserve it…I want you to know though that I do now, and always have, loved you dearly.” Mr. Connors had to stop the tape here because at her admission of loving him Mark broke down in to tears, sobbing quietly against Maxwell’s shoulder as his aunt, cousin and grandmother rested a hand on his back.

“I’m sorry mom…so sorry…I didn’t mean it…any of it…I’m so sorry.” Max heard him whispering into their grandfathers’ coat and Max knelt down behind him and wrapped an arm around Marks shoulders.

“It’s ok Mark…it’s alright…she knows now. I know it’s not the same but she knows.” Max whispered as he ran a hand up and down Mark’s arm.

Under his family’s ministrations Mark slowly calmed down and he was able to speak again when Mr. Connors spoke up.

“If you’d like we can postpone this for another time, after the holidays perhaps.” He offered quietly.

“NO…no I’m fine…we’ll finish this now.” Mark said his voice thick from crying, as he wiped his face with the handkerchief his grandmother handed him.

Mr. Connors looked doubtful but when no one objected he started the video again.

“I’ve written a letter to each member of my family; it is my hope that each of you will read them. They are partly apology and partly something else. I am not completely sure what but I was driven to write them.

I also want each of you to have something, if not to remember me by then to sweeten your memory of me.” The video of his aunt smiled coyly for a moment before turning somber again.

“To my older Sister Debora: I know your love of silver jewelry so I leave you the entirety of my silver jewelry collection, there are many lovely pieces, including a hand engraved sterling silver cuff, three pairs of silver earrings, one set with moonstones, one with sapphires, and one with emeralds, as well as a beautiful sterling silver and emerald ring. The collection is stored in the red jewelry box in the dresser of my room.

You are free to do with the collection what you please but it is my hope that you will keep at least the items I have listed here because I believe not only are they the most beautiful of the collection but also because I think that you’ll love them as I have.” Max looked to his mom and saw the silent tears streaming from her eyes but she stared determinedly at the screen.

“To my mother and father, whom I love dearly and have missed these many years. I leave a collection of photo albums. These albums contain copies of pictures and several mementos collected during Mark’s childhood.

I want you to have these because I know you have always deplored that fact that you never had many pictures of Mark when he was a child. It is my hope that you will enjoy them.

Dad I would also like to have a collection of antique hunting knives that I bought several years ago but never had the courage to send to you.

Mom I know that you love nature photography so I want you to have a collection of pictures by Galen Rowell. I don’t know if you’ve heard of him or not but he is a rather famous and skilled nature photographer. The pictures are reproductions and stored in an album that can be found with the photo albums I’ve specified.

I want each of you to have these items because they concern something that you love, and in hopes that you’ll know that you were never from my thoughts.” Caroline was crying silently by the time the image of his aunt was done speaking, Maxwell was too but Max noticed that the man didn’t try and wipe his tears away, he let them slide down his face without interference, as though he wore them with pride.

“To my nephew Max,” Max’s head and eyes snapped to the monitor at this, even after hearing everything else he hadn’t expected to receive anything from his aunt, “I admit that I do not know much about the young man you have become and I am sorry that I won’t be able to see the man you will grow into.

I do know what kind of child you were, you always loved books and loved to read and be read to. I doubt you’ll remember this but when you were little I would visit you and your mother. Several times I would read to you, and Mark, until you boys fell asleep together in bed. I leave you a copy of Aesop’s Fables, I don’t think you ever understood the stories but I know you always loved them.

It’s my hope that you’ll read them again one day for yourself and recover another, happier memory of me to replace the negative ones I have left you with.” Max had to forcibly stop himself from sobbing, it was true that he didn’t remember, at least not fully, but as the recording went on Max’s thoughts were assaulted with half formed images and memories of laying in bed next to Mark, warm in their pajamas and under the blanket, Aunt Ellen’s voice washing over the two of them.

“Mark…my sweet boy. I know nothing I can say can ever make up for what has happened these last few years. I can apologize though in hopes that one day you can accept it.

I am sorry for how you were treated these last few years, I was scared and weak and ashamed and because of all that I allowed you to be mistreated. I tried, in small ways, to treat you well, to show you that I loved you. I am so terribly sorry for everything. I’m leaving you everything that I can to do with as you please, and I hope that you will be able to use it to fashion a happier life.” Mark started crying here again, and shaking violently, and Max pushed away his own confliction and put his hands on Marks shoulders.

“You know by now that your father has left you nothing and made no provisions for you in his will, but I have in mine and given that you are still underage I hope my sister will consent to be your guardian until you turn eighteen.” The video of Ellen smiled slightly and Mark, Max, Deborah, Maxwell and Caroline all joined her.

After saying another goodbye, Aunt Ellen’s face faded from the screen as the tape fuzzed out and Mr. Connors turned the tape off and turned to them.

“Now Ms. Calvin I understand that you live in Indiana, I do not however know the circumstances of your life so do you believe yourself capable of taking on the extra responsibilities of an additional minor child?” Mr. Connors asked and Deborah cocked an inquisitive eye at him.

“I am a Doctor Mr. Connors and while my life and finances were questionable for a short while after my estrangement from my sister they are more than worked out now. I am amply capable of caring for my nephew.” She replied with a sweet smile.

“That is very good. Now I’ll need you to sign some paper work but for it to be official it will have to be mandated by a judge, even though you are the only next of kin, and chances are I won’t be able to get you an appointment until sometime in mid January.” Mr. Conner said as he passed a small stack of papers to Deborah.

“What happens to Mark until then?” Max asked, worried.

“Mark is free to come and stay with you, that is the papers that I am having her sign; that your mother has been named his guardian in accordance to your aunts will and that she has agreed. You just need a judge’s ruling to make it official.” Mr. Connors said as Deborah passed the papers back to him.

“And that’s ok even if we live out of state?” She asked and Mr. Connors nodded.

“What about school, is mom able to enroll him in school before the court date?” Max asked, worried.

“Yes, I’ll give you a copy of the needed documents. Now we need to discuss the house and the money that you’ve been left.” Mr. Connors said as he opened the folder he had removed from his desk earlier.

“Mom left me money?” Mark asked, a little disbelieving.

“Yes. In addition to the house and the items listed, of which I have a list here, there is a bank account containing two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.” The five of them let out a loud, collective gasp at these words.

“My mother never worked a day in her life, how in the world did she get that much money?” Mark asked, more to himself than anyone else.

“I do not know. All I know is that she brought me the appropriate paperwork for the account and the properties, including the furniture in the house, to be placed into a trust, with your Aunt named as trustee, until you are eighteen years old.” Mr. Connors replied as he rifled through the paperwork in the folder in front of him.

“What does that mean exactly, being named as trustee?” Deborah asked, confused.

“To put it simply you have to approve any and all actions concerning Mark’s monetary inheritance until he comes of age. I can’t however turn over anything to you until after the court date confirming Mark’s custody. I’ve got some paperwork here if you would like to read up on it.” Mr. Connors said as he passed a small stack of paper to Deborah.

“Would I be able to sell the house, with Aunt Deborah’s approval?” Mark asked quietly, causing them all to turn to look at him.

“Yes I see no reason why not, you might have to approve the decision with the court and the money for the sale would be added to the trust.” Mr. Connors replied and Mark nodded mutely.

“In addition to the trust Mrs. Blevins also wanted me to inform you that she had placed fifteen thousand dollars into a personal savings account she opened with you when you were thirteen and when you turned seventeen she had her name removed from the account.

She placed the money there to help with any expenses there might be in moving to your aunts and also for you to purchase anything you might need or want to make yourself more comfortable.” Mark started then smiled slightly at this.

“I had completely forgotten about that account, I opened it to put my allowance and chore money in it. Not that it ever saw much money.” Mark said quietly.

“These are the letters that Mrs. Blevins have left for each of you,” Mr. Connors said as he pulled four envelopes out of the folder and passed them to the five of them before passing the folder to Mark, “In here is detailed the location of the items your mother left to your family and those she would like you to keep, photos included.” Mark took the letter and folder and held them tightly.

“If we have any questions can we call you?” Deborah asked and Mr. Connors answered with a nod.

“Yes ma’am you can, here’s my card,” He said as he handed her a business card off his desk, “As soon as the offices open up again I’ll get the ball rolling on getting your court date for Mark’s custody, you’ll have to come to Chicago I imagine, but I don’t foresee any issues, you’re financially secure and there are no other living relative other than your parents and I doubt they would contest custody.” Mr. Connors said, directing his last sentence to Caroline and Maxwell both of whom shook their heads.

“Thank you for your time Mr. Connors, we really appreciate it.” Deborah said as she extended her hand.

Mr. Connors shook hands with each of them and Maxwell shuffled them out of the office.

                                                         *         *         *

As they rode back to the house Mark tried to sort out his conflicting emotions. Part of him felt relieved he was going to stay with Max and Aunt Deb, two of the people he loved most in the world.

At the same time though he felt anxious, worried. He suddenly felt like he had so much to do. He needed to find the items that his mother wanted his family to have, find the stuff that she wanted him to keep…and figure out what to do with it.

He needed to figure out what to do with the house and the furniture, he needed to start thinking about packing and he needed to talk to Mrs. Watkins about the things she had for him.

Though he was anxious about moving, Mark was also kind of eager to go. He was sure his family wanted to get home and was kind of eager to see what it would be like living with Max and aunt Deb; meeting Max’s friends…making his own.

“Just think about it Mark, pretty soon you’ll be on your way home with us, me and you living together like brothers…just like when we talked about when we were kids.” Max’s low voice broke through his thoughts and he smiled at the images that it brought back from when he and Max were boys, playing during holiday visits, swimming in the lake when they visited their grandparents for the summer.

For now, just for a few moments, Mark closed his eyes and rested his head on Max’s shoulder with a smile and just let all the turmoil from the past week melt as older, better memories came back to him.

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I want to thank Rush for her work in editing, without her I would be nowhere. As always, I love to get your thoughts and opinions so feel free to email me at allenarcane88@yahoo.com, drop me a PM, write me a review or visit the discussion forum.

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