I can't believe this is happening to me, Taylor thought.

The audience section of the courtroom was full, mostly teenagers, their parents and a few lawyers. Taylor thought a couple of the people were reporters for the local papers, but he wasn't for sure. He kept looking around at everyone he thought had to go before the judge as he was going to have to do.

Taylor heard a loud rap and he looked toward the front of the room. He saw a girl he had seen at school being led by her mother through the thigh-high swinging doors in the middle of the partition that separated the audience from the actual court area. Taylor saw the unshed tears in the girl's eyes and he was sure he heard her fall apart before the main doors in the back of the courtroom closed.

Taylor sighed and felt his girlfriend touch his hand. He turned to look at her as she said, "It's going to be okay, Tay."

"I don't know about that. I talked to Dad last night, hoping he'd help make this go away like he did the last time. He told me to forget it and it was time I took 'responsibility for my actions'," he replied, placing a smartass twist on the quote from his and his father's conversation. "And I asked Jason Trevane about this judge since he had to come last week. He told me his honor up there is the ultimate asshole and wouldn't listen to anything he had to say."

"Why did Jason have to come to court?"

"He got his fifth speeding ticket and his dad did exactly what mine is doing right now....he made him come to court. The Honorable Judge Harden up there suspended his license for at least six months and ordered him to go to traffic school twice a month until the new court date. And he got community service hours on top of that," Taylor answered, shifting nervously when he saw Judge Harden's gaze fall upon him.

Judge Oliver Harden rapped his gavel. "Taylor Gryffen, step forward."

Erin gave his hand a quick squeeze as he got up and walked through the swinging doors to stand at the podium in front of the judge's bench. The judge kept looking down at something, moving papers around every few seconds. My file? Taylor thought.

"Mr. Gryffen, I'm disturbed by a few things in your file. It seems you should have come before this court several times before now. However, you never have. Do you have an explanation?"

Taylor shifted uneasily and thought, Uh oh. "No, sir. I’ve never received anything telling me I had to appear in court for anything until I received the summons for this court date."

Harden frowned for a split second and continued. "I see that three of your previous 'infractions' were speeding tickets, very high speeding tickets. The next one is a vandalism charge on Halloween of last year. Let's see, throwing eggs it says here. I don't want to hear of you being caught doing anything like that again. Understood?"

Taylor nodded. "Perfectly, sir."

"You're lucky I'm in such a good mood today, son. Don't ruin it for everyone else."

"Yes, sir," What the hell did I do????

"Now, concerning the next charge - another vandalism charge. I see you 'rolled' the high school with toilet paper." Harden looked up at him. "I have never understood what kids get out of rolling anything with toilet paper. Let's see, you also spread flour all over the yard in front of the school. Must have been a mess since it rained that night. You 'vaselined' the door knobs and handles on the outside doors, put up barricades in front of the entrances to the student and teacher parking lots with nuclear testing signs on them."

Harden laughed. "I have to admit, it certainly was creative."

He took his glasses off and turned serious in less than a split second. "I received a very interesting phone call before court began this morning. Do you have any idea who the phone call was from?" asked Harden, looking straight at Taylor.

Taylor just shook his head.

"Your father."

Taylor froze in place, getting a sick feeling in his stomach.

"A very nice man, your father. He explained he had a few things fixed in the past because he thought he was helping you. He's realized his mistake. He's paid for the damages in the past and he's paid to have the high school cleaned up as well."

"But, he thinks you need to be held accountable this time. And, some would say unfortunately for you, so do I. Especially this time. Now look.....I'm not stupid. I know you had help in doing all of this at the high school. If you tell me who helped you, they

will share the punishment and it may not be as severe."

Taylor stood straight and looked directly at Judge Harden as he said, "I did everything alone. I'm the one the police caught. No one else was there with me."

Judge Harden shook his head slightly. "Your loyalty to your friends is very commendable, if misplaced in this situation. All right, if you won't tell me who helped you, then I'm ready to pass sentence."

Harden wrote on something in front of him for a few minutes. Definitely my file, Taylor thought.

"Taylor Gryffen, you are sentenced to work five hundred community service hours at an establishment of my choosing."

"But--" Taylor began.

"One more word and it'll be one thousand," Harden said. "Now, I know you play football and basketball since I asked your father a few things about you. I know practice for both sports are after school, at least for a couple of hours each. So, you can work on weekends to begin with. And if you want to put in a few hours after practice is over, that's fine." Harden closed the folder in front of him and handed it to his clerk. "Today is Thursday. I'll leave this weekend to you. I'll call you by Sunday afternoon to let you know where you'll start working those hours off. Am I clear on all of this"

The look that Harden gave Taylor told him he'd better be clear on it. Taylor did the only thing he could.....he nodded.

"Good. I'll be seeing you when you've worked your hours." Harden rapped his gavel. His clerk handed him another folder and he immediately began to look through it.

Taylor felt numb as he walked through the swinging doors and toward the main doors. Erin took his hand when he got to her and they left the courtroom together.

"Taylor, where are we going?" Erin asked, as he turned onto the freeway.

"Downtown. I'm going to talk to my dad."

Erin heard the anger in his voice and looked at him, instantly seeing the anger growing. "I can't believe the judge did this to you. It's so unfair!!"

"Were you listening in there at all?!?!?!?"

Erin cringed. "Yeah, I was. I know your dad talked to the judge and tried to smooth things --"

"He told Harden to do this!" Taylor yelled. "He told him to do this to me! Jesus, what conversation in court were you listening to?!?!"

Erin became quiet as Taylor exited off the freeway and turned at the light at the end of the offramp to go downtown. A few minutes later, Taylor was driving into the parking garage of the high-rise where his father's company was headquartered.

They entered the elevator and he punched the button for the thirty-sixth floor. Taylor paced around the elevator car as much as he could, until the car stopped to take on more passengers. The new passengers took up the middle of the car, putting Taylor on one side and Erin on the other. Erin looked over at him and could see the anger continuing to build.

The elevator stopped at their floor and they hurried out. Taylor led her through the busy hallway that looked as if it were made of black marble. It probably is, Erin thought to herself. At the end of the immense hallway was a wall of glass with a huge set of doors in the middle of it. Across the top of the doors, wall to wall and etched into the glass, was the name GRYFFEN ENTERPRISES.

Taylor walked through the doors with Erin right behind him. He turned to the left and kept on walking, down another hallway. A couple of people they met in the hallway said hello to Taylor, but he just ignored them and kept walking. Erin smiled at them, trying to smooth things over.

They came to the end of the hallway and Taylor veered to the right, stopping at an enormous desk. He looked at the woman sitting behind it and asked, "Is the bastard in there?"

"Yes, he is, Taylor, but he's meeting with--- Taylor!!!!" the secretary exclaimed as Taylor left in midsentence and walked through the doors behind her into his father's office.

Taylor's father looked up when he heard the door open. The five men who were sitting at the table with his father also looked up, to see what the intrusion was.

Taylor looked straight at his father. "We need to talk. NOW!!!!"

Paul Gryffen stood up, walked to his desk, which was on the opposite side of the room than the conference table, and picked up a folder. "We can talk later tonight at home, Taylor. I'm busy right now." He returned to his chair at the table.

Taylor walked to stand at the opposite end of the table from where his father was sitting. "I don't think so. We talk now, before I get to the point where I never want to talk to your sorry ass again."

Paul looked at his son. After a few seconds, he said, "Gentlemen, excuse us for a little while. I'll have Rose call you when I'm finished here."

The men at the table quickly gathered their belongings and left the room. Taylor turned to Erin and said, "You'd better wait outside."

Erin nodded and quickly left, shutting the doors behind her.

"Taylor, I think I know ---"

"You think you know!!!!" Taylor yelled. "You know damned well why I'm here! I heard you had a little talk with Judge Harden this morning."

Paul walked around his son and went to his desk. "Yes, I did. I thought it was time you took a little responsibility for what you do. I asked him to be hard on --"

"Hard?!? You call five hundred hours of community service hard?!?! It's way beyond hard, Dad! It's not fair! It's overkill!! Have you ever heard of anyone getting that much just for rolling a house or something like that?"

Paul sat down in his chair behind his desk. He motioned Taylor to sit down in one of the chairs across from him. Taylor hesitated a few seconds and then sat down.

"I explained to Judge Harden about your speeding tickets, the Halloween incident and this latest one. He and I both decided although everything has been paid for and repaired, you should be held accountable. I told him I would leave the sentence entirely up to him, which he laughed at since I couldn't really tell him what to do in the first place," Paul said, smiling at the last part and hoping Taylor would, too.

Taylor just stood and walked to the doors. As he reached out to grab the doorknob, he stopped and turned back to his father. "Why did you do this?"

Paul stood and started walking toward his son. "Taylor --"

"No!!!!" Taylor exclaimed. "Don't try to pull that 'Dad' stuff now. You're a little late for that."

Paul froze in his steps.

"Let me guess, Dad," Taylor said, sneering the last word. "You saw a movie or something like that where the father realizes the mistakes he made with his son. So, he decides to try to make up for it and somehow, in the end, the father and son become closer and it's an incredible good ending."

Taylor turned and opened the door. Before he went through, he turned back and looked at Paul.

"Too bad this isn't the movies."

Erin sat quietly as Taylor got back on the freeway and began to make their way from downtown to her house, in one of the better suburbs. She looked over at him and put her hand on top of his, which was resting on the gearshift.

Taylor never reacted to her; he never took hold of her hand. She had tried to hold his hand when he came out of his father's office, but he shook her off and told her to leave him alone. He turned to look at her and he shook his head.

She took her hand off his but still looked at him. "Taylor, give your dad some time. He'll change his mind and fix this."

Taylor shook his head as he exited off the freeway. "Forget it. He'll never do that. I wouldn't put it past him to call Harden and have him increase my punishment."

Erin could see the anger return to Taylor's face and tried to hold his hand again.

"What is with you?!?!?!" Taylor yelled. "Jesus, we've been dating for over three months and all you want to do is rub up against me or try to fuck me!"

Erin jerked her hand back. "That's not true and you --"

"You know it is, so don't give me that!"

He was quiet for the rest of the drive to house, which seemed to take forever to Erin. He pulled up in front of her house, but he didn't turn his car off.

"I'm tired of this. All you want to do is make out or have sex or go out with those airheaded friends of yours or do something else entirely stupid."

"Taylor --"

"It's over."

Erin sat stunned for a few seconds. "You don't mean that. You're just angry about all --"

"I told you it’s over. There's no discussion on it," he said, finally turning to look at her. "I've been thinking about this alot lately. I'm just tired of it all. And I'm really tired of you."

Tears appeared in Erin's eyes but Taylor didn't care. "Get out and go inside. I need to get home."

Erin slowly opened the car door and got out. As soon as she shut the door, Taylor sped off. She stood in front of her house, watching until his car drove out of sight.

* * * * *

Oliver Harden pulled his Cadillac into his driveway and smiled. His nephew's car was in the driveway, still loaded down with boxes. He pulled into the garage, grabbed his briefcase and walked to his backdoor.

He walked into the kitchen to find his wife, Rachel, and his nephew, Kyran, sitting at the table in the dining room, talking. Kyran stood when he saw his uncle come through the door. Oliver put his briefcase on the table and walked over to stand in front of his nephew.

He looks so tired for one so young, Oliver thought. He's been through so much to be only sixteen. He's stared hate and rejection, and even death, in the face and survived it. But, how bad was he hurt? And how bad is he still hurting?

Oliver smiled and engulfed Kyran in a huge uncle hug. "Hey, Shortstuff."

On hearing his childhood nickname his Uncle Olie had given him, Kyran hugged back hard. Oliver held onto him tight as he heard Kyran sob. He looked over to his wife, but found she had quietly left the room. Kyran continued to cry and Oliver just held on until he was finished.

Kyran pulled back after a few minutes and sat back down. Oliver grabbed the nearest chair and sat down in front of him.

"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean --"

"Whoa, bud," Oliver interrupted. "Don't call me 'sir'. I'm not that egomaniacal military father of yours. I'm Uncle Oliver or Uncle Olie as you used to call me," he explained, laughing.

Kyran smiled and nodded. "Yes, sir -- I mean, Uncle Oliver. I just wanted to thank you for letting me come here to live. It's been so hard at home since Dad --"

"Hold on again. I know it's stupid to tell you to forget what happened, because you can't. I'm not going to be like your father. Granted, I may be tough on you on some things, especially school. But, I promise you, I will not do to you what he did."

"Are you sure you want me here? There aren't many people who would want their sister's gay son living with them. What will people say if they find out?"

Oliver looked at him and said, "Who cares. It doesn't matter what people say. And just for the record, you're not just my sister's son. You're my nephew.....my gay nephew."

Oliver kept looking at him, waiting for a reaction. He saw Kyran's eyes tear up again and he playfully tousled his hair as he used to do. Kyran instantly smiled.

"Did Aunt Rachel show you your room?" Oliver asked, standing up and moving into the kitchen.

Kyran shook his head, getting up to follow his uncle. "No, she wanted to wait until you got home. I put my suitcases in the guest room, but she told me that I wasn't going to be staying in there."

"Well, you're not," Oliver said, opening the refrigerator. "That's for guests. You're not a guest, you're living here now." He turned and handed Kyran a Dr. Pepper. "I've had the attic redone; had a couple of old walls taken out and it really opened it up. There's a bathroom up there and you've got a stereo and a television and, of course, a bed. So, you're going to be up there."

Oliver stared at his nephew's stunned face. "Uncle Olie, you shouldn't have --"

"Of course I should have!!! You need your own space. I remember when I was your age how much I wished I had my own huge room with everything I could put in it. And I know what kind of room your father had you in; it's too small for a toddler, let

alone a teenager." He smiled at Kyran and nodded toward the stairs. "Ready to see it?"

"I--I--I guess. Are you sure about this? Your attic is huge and I --"

"It's not my attic, bud," Oliver interrupted. "It's yours."

Oliver smiled and walked out of the kitchen, with Kyran following right behind. He walked to the stairs on the other side of the dining room and started his way up them. They met Rachel at the top of the stairs, just starting to come down.

"I made your bed and put some towels and washcloths in your bathroom," Rachel said, smiling at her nephew. "I'm going to start dinner."

Oliver made his way to the end of the hallway and up the second set of stairs. He opened the door at the top, turned on the light switch and walked in. Kyran followed him and stopped with his mouth almost hitting the floor.

The room was huge! From about the middle of the room to the right side of the room sat a couch and a chair, facing a huge entertainment center, which was already filled with a television, a VCR and a stereo. Kyran saw the remotes to each on the arm of the couch.

To his immediate left was the bathroom. He could tell it had a huge shower and plenty of room to maneuver. But, what was in the corner of the room from where he was, just inside the door, was what caught his attention: a new Bowflex and a free weight set.

Oliver saw what his nephew was looking at and smiled. "I know you played football and basketball and I know you enjoyed lifting weights, so I thought it would be easier to get them for you instead of you joining a gym. Of course, if you play football and basketball here --"

"I'm not."

Oliver looked at his nephew and saw the pain on his face. "Okay. Then I'm glad I went ahead and got them." He motioned to the door on the other side of the room. "That's your bedroom, of course. You can rearrange it however you like. You need any help bringing your stuff up?"

Kyran shook his head. "I think I can handle that part." He looked at his uncle and started to shake his head slowly. "I don't know how I'm gonna pay you back for --"

"Hold up again!" Oliver laughed. "You're not paying us back for any of this! Forget it, don't even think about it!" He went to Kyran and put his arm around him. "I know you said you could bring your stuff up here by yourself, but it won't take near as long with two people. Come on, let's get you settled in."

Kyran looked at the clock on his bedroom wall. It was 6:45 p.m. He and Uncle Olie had carried his stuff from his car to his room and he had started unpacking. At seven, Aunt Rachel announced dinner was ready. As always, it was delicious; Aunt Rachel definitely knew how to cook.

After dinner, he told them he was going to pick up where he left off before dinner. Uncle Olie went to his study to work and Aunt Rachel began to clean up the table. He offered to help, but she just told him to go on up and she would get it.

Kyran looked at the four empty suitcases on his bed and the full closet on the other side of it with a little bit of satisfaction. He went into his living room and picked up a box he'd put on the couch. He looked at the boxes he had put beside the weight set and thought, I thought I'd brought more stuff than this. He took the box he'd picked up into his bedroom and set it on the bed.

He took the alarm clock out of the box and placed it on the nightstand on the right side of his bed. He looked at the clock on the wall again and set his alarm clock by it. He took the four picture frames that were in the box and set them on top of the bookshelf, which was beside the door. He looked at the empty bookshelf and sighed.

"Anybody home?!?!" a voice called out.

Kyran poked his head through the door to see a man standing in the middle of the living room, looking around. "Uncle Tony?"

The man turned at the sound of his name and grinned. "Like what I did with the place?"

Kyran walked into the living room. "Absolutely!!! It's incredible! But, you shouldn't have. And Uncle Olie and Aunt Rachel shouldn't have. I don't deserve all of this. All I need is a room --"

Tony was across the room in a flash. "You do deserve this! Why do you think you don't deserve it?"

"I...I --"

"That's your father talking," Tony said, sounding disgusted. "He should have given this to you. You're his only son, for God's sake!" Tony hugged Kyran tight. "I'll not hear anymore of this 'I don't deserve this' crap. Got it?"

Kyran pulled back and nodded.

"You need any help?"

"No, I don't think so. I've got my clothes unpacked. It's just gonna take time to go through it. Is Uncle Olie still downstairs in his study?"

"Sure is."

"I need to talk to him about something."

Oliver was sitting at his desk and Rachel was reading by the window in the corner when Kyran and Tony walked in.

"Uncle Olie, I need to ask a favor. I know I don't --"

Tony smacked him on the head and laughed. "What did I just tell you!!"

Oliver smiled at his brother and motioned them to sit down. "What do you need, Ky?"

"I know we’re going to register me at school tomorrow. But, I was hoping I wouldn't have to stay the entire day. I'd like to find a job tomorrow if I could. And if I do, I can start this weekend and start earning my keep around here."

Kyran felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up at his Aunt Rachel, who was smiling. "Tony's here now, Olie. Tell him."

Oliver closed the book in front of him and returned it to its shelf. "You're not going to be working right now, bud."

"What?" asked Kyran, sounding confused. "But I've got to. How can I help out around here with the bills and groceries if --"

"Wait a minute," Tony interrupted. "Your parents made you help pay the bills and buy the groceries?"

"Well, yeah. I had to pay the telephone bill and the water bill. Dad thought I should earn my keep, so that's why I went to work when I was twelve. I'd be happy--"

"That bastard," Tony said, standing up and walking to the nearest window.

"Don't completely blame him. Elaine let it happen," Oliver said. "What about Andrea, Ky? She's what, fourteen? Is she working?"

"No, sir. Dad hasn't made her go to work yet."

"Don't call me 'sir'," Oliver said.

Rachel moved the chair Tony had been sitting in closer to Kyran and sat down. "Sweetheart, from what your mom told me and from what you've just said, you've worked full time since you were twelve, went to school and played two major sports. Did you have time to go out with friends or anything like that?"

"Not really. I just never had the time. That is, until I met Austin."

Oliver and Rachel looked at each other as Tony walked over to stand behind Kyran's chair.

"Ky, you don't have to tell us if you don't --"

Kyran shook his head. "You need to know." He paused for a few seconds. "And I need to tell someone. I haven't talked about it with anyone since it all happened." He shifted in his chair slightly. "When I met Austin, things changed. He was the best friend I never had. We were so close and he was the best thing that ever happened to me. I started to work fewer hours and lied about when practice was over so I could spend more time with him."

Rachel saw the boy's face begin to show pain. She thought she saw tears forming in his eyes. She took his left hand in both of hers.

"We found out about each other by accident. We were wrestling in the floor of his room and it just happened. We were inseparable after that," Kyran said, smiling at the memories going through his mind. "We were in my room, just fooling around. No one was supposed to be home for a couple of hours and we thought we were safe. We were wrong."

"We were just making out; that's it. That's all we were doing. Dad came home early and walked in on us. He hit the roof. He pulled Austin off the bed and threw him out of the house. And I mean he threw him; he never let him stand up. Then, he came back for me."

The tears were starting to fall. Rachel squeezed his hand. "Go on, but only if you can." She looked at her husband and then at Tony. She could see the anger building in both of their faces. Kyran went on. "I don't know how many times he hit me. He used his belt and his fists. It felt like it went on forever. I blacked out from the pain. When I came to, I was still on the floor and Mom was sitting on my bed, just watching me. I rolled over onto my back, God did that hurt. She just looked at me and told me that was what I deserved for making him mad and disappointing him again." Tears were running down his face. "She also told me Austin had been in a car accident on his way home. A drunk driver had hit him pretty much head on and he wasn't in good shape."

"So, I got up and went to the hospital. I knew Mom wouldn't drive me and I knew Dad would probably kill me if I asked him. No one tried to stop me as I left the house. I don't know how I made it to the hospital or his room in one piece so don't ask me how I did it. I just did." Kyran wiped the tears from his face, although more took their place almost instantly. "Austin's parents knew about us; we'd told them. They loved him so much and they accepted him and me, no matter what."

Kyran stopped and wiped more of the tears away. He tried to continue, but when he tried, he had to stop. He gripped Rachel's hand even harder. "He was laying there in that bed and I was helpless to do anything. Both of his legs were broken, he had a bunch of cracked ribs, his head was bandaged because it hit the steering wheel and he had alot of internal bleeding, which they couldn't stop. I, uh...I sat there with him the whole time. His parents tried to get me to see a doctor, but I said no. I didn't want to leave him."

Oliver walked around his desk and knelt down beside his nephew. Tony placed his hand on Kyran's shoulder and leaned forward on the back of the chair.

"A week," Kyran said. More tears fell and more emotion came to his face. He had to wait a few seconds more to go on. "I stayed there, beside his bed and holding his hand the whole time. I slept in a chair beside his bed and only got up to go to the bathroom. One night, I felt his hand tighten around mine. He --" Kyran faltered, but held on just barely. "He opened his eyes and was looking at me. He smiled as much as he could with a tube in his mouth, squeezed my hand one last time --" Kyran fell apart. Rachel quickly hugged him and held him.

"Come on, honey. Let's get you to bed," Rachel said, coaxing him out of the chair and toward the door, never letting him go.

"That son of a bitch!!!" Tony muttered.

"I told you earlier and I hate to say this, but the fault isn't entirely Bill's. Elaine stood by and allowed it to happen. He hardly knows how to have a life or a good time of any kind. But, he's definitely going to learn to live and have a good time, even if I have to take a leave of absence to make sure of it," Oliver promised, sitting down in Kyran's chair.

"Did you see his car?" Tony asked, moving Rachel's chair back to where it had been and sat down. "He's lucky he made it all this way. Nine hours in that car, it's a miracle."

Oliver agreed. "I know. I'm gonna take care of that tomorrow, after we get him registered for school."

"We're going to take care of it," Tony insisted. "He's my nephew, too. You fixed the upstairs and you're gonna give him an allowance. The least I can do is help get him a new truck or whatever he wants. So, don't try to argue with me."

"Okay, okay!" Oliver explained. "I don't feel like arguing about it. Do you want to go with us tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I do. I've already cleared myself for the day and if anyone needs me at any of the sites, they can page or call me." Tony was silent for a few seconds. "We're going to have a problem tomorrow."

Oliver looked over at his brother. "What kind of problem?"

"Kyran. He swears he doesn't deserve any of this."

"He doesn't!!!! It's not his fault his father's a --"

"No, no. I mean anything you've given him so far: the attic and all that stuff. He's definitely going to try to back out of us getting him a new vehicle."

"He deserves all of this and so much more. And he's going to get it, one way or another."

"You've got to be careful for a while with him. With us giving all of this and what we plan on giving him, he may become resentful."

Oliver was puzzled. "How's that?"

"I don't know if resentful is the right word. He's been without for so long and now we're just piling it on him. You have to remember he's really been ignored most of his life or he's been given the wrong kind of attention. Bill never spent time with him and I'm sure Elaine didn't. She's really only cared about Andrea; she got the little girl she always wanted and that left Ky out in the cold. We've got to be sure to spend time with him and do stuff together and make him feel he's truly a part of this family."

"Wow, you did get a little smarter when you got older, huh?" Oliver laughed. He paused for a few seconds and then said, "This is going to sound crazy, but it already feels like he's our son."

"How's Rachel handling it?"

Oliver leaned his head back. "She's been so excited for the last two weeks, since I told her he was coming to live with us. She laughed at me when I told her I thought she might be mad since we hadn't talked about it. She's the one who decided to redo the attic. Thank you, by they way. I forgot to tell you that the other day."

"You know you didn't have to. It was my pleasure." Tony looked at his watch. "I need to get home. I told Catherine I wouldn't be out too late."

Both of them stood up and walked out of the study to the front door.

"Why don't we have a family cookout Sunday afternoon?" Oliver asked. "Can Catherine and the kids make it?"

"I don't see why not, we're always at home on Sunday, so we'll be here. What time are you taking him to school tomorrow?"

"He's probably going to sleep late in the morning. He's got to be exhausted from the drive and what happened in the study. Say around eleven or noon."

Tony opened the door. "I'll come over around 10:30. I'll see you then," he said, closing the door behind him.

Oliver locked the door and climbed the two sets of stairs to Kyran's room. He walked through the living room of the attic and stopped at the door to Kyran's bedroom.

Rachel was sitting on the left side of the bed, watching her nephew sleep. She looked at him lovingly, all the while smoothing the hair along his forehead. Oliver stepped into the room and she turned to look at him. She got up from the bed slowly and went to her husband, putting her arm around his waist and his arm automatically going around her shoulders.

"What are you looking at?"

He motioned to the empty bookshelf. "Where's all his books? He loves to read; I thought we were going to have to buy a couple more of these things for all of his books."

Rachel looked at Kyran sadly. "I asked him about them. He said his father threw all of them out, along with most of his CDs. He only left home with all of his clothes, those picture frames and some other stuff he hasn't got unpacked yet."

Oliver led her out of the bedroom, turning off the light and closing the door behind them. They walked to their room arm in arm. "Take him to the mall on Saturday and tell him to get the books and CDs he wants. He's going to know happiness and what family is all about, no matter what. And I'll be damned if I allow anything to get in the way of it."

Just before he went to sleep, Oliver realized the picture frames on Kyran's bookshelf didn't have any pictures in them.

* * * * *

Taylor pulled his car into the student parking lot and parked in his usual space. His best friend, Jake Logan, was sitting in his truck in the space beside Taylor’s.

Both got out, grabbed their backpacks and started walking into school.

"Man, I heard what happened in court yesterday," Jake said, falling into step beside Taylor.

"Yeah, I was there. And is wasn’t fun. Hell on earth comes close, though."

As they walked into the double doors closest to the parking lot, they heard the first bell ring.

"I broke up with Erin yesterday, too."

"What?!?" Jake exclaimed. "Why?"

"She was becoming a really big pain in the ass. It was beginning to feel like we were married. I can tell you this, she has the part of a nagging wife down pat," Taylor explained, walking down the nearest hallway to the double doors to his locker. He stopped when he saw Erin was standing at his locker, waiting for him. Jake saw the same thing and walked to his locker, which was the one next to Taylor’s.

"Hey, Erin," Jake said, opening the door of his locker.

Erin just smiled at him. She looked back at Taylor as he walked up to her.

"What do you want?"

"I thought we could talk about –"

"We don’t have anything to talk about. I said it was over," Taylor said, opening his locker. "I told you it was over last night. For good. What part of that do you not understand?"

Erin stood in silence as Taylor unloaded his backpack and got his books out for his morning classes. As he shut the door, Erin began, "Taylor, I know –"

"Are you still here?!?! What are you, deaf?" He looked her straight in the eye. "There is no way in hell we’re getting back together….zero….nada….zilch." He turned to walk away but stopped and looked back. "Why don’t you just vanish and forget about us or just go somewhere and remember us or whatever you want to do. I’ve got news for you….all there’s ever going to be is memories of us. You’d better get used to it. I already have."

Taylor walked off, going to his first class. Jake looked at Erin with sympathy, but his loyalty to his friend won and he was off after Taylor in a flash.

Erin stood in the hall, watching Taylor disappear around a corner and feeling the tears beginning to fall again. A couple of her friends walked by and stopped to see what was wrong. She knew they were talking to her but she wasn’t listening. She allowed them to lead her in the opposite direction. She felt like her life was over.

Taylor had rounded the corner by the time Jake caught up with him. "Don’t you think you were a little hard on her?"

Taylor stopped in front of a classroom door. "If I want any advice from you on my love life, I’ll ask you for it. Until then, I suggest you stay out of it," he said, walking into the classroom and taking his seat toward the back in the second row. Jake followed him in and sat down in front of him.

Other students began to fill in the rest of the seats and his friends soon surrounded Taylor.

"Is it true?" asked Jason Trevane.

"Is what true?"

"About what Hardass Harden sentenced you to and you breaking up with Erin."

Taylor nodded to everyone who was looking at him. "Fortunately, it’s true about me and Erin. So, anyone who’d like to have a crack at her, go right ahead!" he laughed. "Unfortunately, it’s also true about what Harden sentenced me to do. He’s supposed to let me know where to start by Sunday."

"That royally sucks!!!" Melinda Roxon said. "Are you going to have to quit football or basketball to –"

"No way!" Taylor exclaimed. "I’ll work weekends to start and when the seasons are over, I’ll work during the week. The sooner I get it over with, the better." He looked at Jason and asked, "What time do the ball buses leave today?"

"Three o’clock."

Just as Taylor was about to say something else, the teacher, Mr. Schrader, walked in. "I believe we were discussing the French Revolution last time before we had to leave."

"Betty, could you please label and start a file on Kyran Hunter, until we get his files from his former school?" Principal Snyder asked his secretary.

Betty smiled at Kyran and said, "Absolutely. I’ll have it ready in a few minutes."

Snyder motioned them into his office. Oliver, Tony and Kyran sat down in the chairs in front of the principal’s desk as he shut the door and sat down behind his desk.

Tony grinned at the principal. "How you been, Stinky?"

Andy Snyder laughed. "I’ve been just fine!" He looked at Kyran and said, "Your Uncle Tony and I went to school and played football together."

Snyder’s face turned serious. "There’s just one thing on my mind. I talked to your former principal yesterday and she told me what happened when the other students found out you were gay. Now –"

"Is there going to be a problem?" Oliver asked, his judge voice and court face instantly appearing.

"Hold on, Oliver. You know me better than that. I just want Kyran to know if he chooses to be open about it, he can come to me if there are any problems like harassment or things of that nature. I wish I could tell you students here would treat you as they do each other if they knew. But, unfortunately, I can’t do that."

"That’s okay, Mr. Snyder. I already know that. I’ve decided not to tell anyone about me right now. And I’m not going to play football or basketball either. That should make things a little easier. I just want to settle in as a normal student, maybe go to a few ballgames, stuff like that. I just want to fit in here for now."

Snyder smiled at him. "I think we can handle that and help you along the way if you need it. I think that’s it for now. Oliver and Tony told me earlier they were going to take you somewhere this afternoon, so just come to see me Monday morning. We should have your schedule and books ready for you," he said, standing up and walking to the door. The three adults went through first and Kyran followed.

As Oliver, Tony and Snyder walked through the outer office and into the hallway, Kyran saw something on the bulletin board beside the door and stopped. When he’d finished reading the flyer, he turned to the secretary. "Um….Miss Betty?"

Betty looked up from her desk. "Please, just call me Betty."

"Is it okay if I take this?" he asked, pointing to the flyer he’d just read.

"Go right ahead. I can get another one easily."

"Thank you." Kyran removed the thumbtack from the top of it and took it with him as he walked out the door to catch up with his uncles.

He read it one more time as he walked to the main doors, where his uncles and Principal Snyder were waiting.

"What have you got there, Ky?" Oliver asked.

"It’s a flyer advertising about a center where kids can go for help or just to talk or whatever. They’re needing student volunteers."

"Susan runs that," Snyder said.

"Your wife?" Tony asked.

"Yeah. It’s been very successful since it opened up about a year ago. You wouldn’t believe the kids who go there, from both sides of the tracks and then some. Susan’s found kids talk better to people their own age instead of a bunch of therapists. And they’ve just put in a hotline for kids and teens to call if they need help."

"May I see that, Ky?" Oliver asked.

Kyran handed it to him as he said, "I’d like to volunteer if you think it’ll be okay with your wife."

"Of course it’ll be okay! She’d love to have you over there!"

"Ky, are you sure –" Tony began.

"I’m positive about this, Uncle Tony. I didn’t have anyone to talk to because my parents wouldn’t listen and I didn’t have friends I trusted enough to talk to very much. If I can be there for just one kid or two or three, then it’s worth it."

Oliver and Tony looked at their nephew with pride beaming on their faces as Snyder put his hand on Kyran’s shoulder. "I’ll have Susan give you a call sometime this weekend to talk thing over and set everything up."

"That’d be great! Thanks!"

"Did you know you had an adult moving in with you?" Tony asked Oliver, laughing.

They all laughed at Tony’s comment as Oliver, Tony and Kyran walked out the doors and to Oliver’s car in the parking lot.

"I’m glad you found this, Ky. This is just the thing I’ve been looking for."

"Another delinquent needing to work off community service hours?" Tony asked, getting in the car and shutting the door.

Kyran got in the back and Oliver slid under the wheel. "Not a delinquent, actually. Paul Gryffen’s son."

"You mean Paul didn’t get him out of this latest incident?"

"Paul actually called me yesterday before court and told me how he’d fixed things in the past and how he wasn’t going to do it this time. He thought his son should finally take responsibility for his actions. And he wanted me to be hard on the boy," Oliver replied, starting the car and driving out of the parking lot onto the street.

"What movie did he see?!?!" Tony chuckled. "How many did you give him?"

"Five hundred."

Kyran’s eyes widened as Tony whistled.

"Paul told me to make up for the previous violations, so I did. But, I don’t think he meant me to be that hard. Where do you think we should go first to look?"

"I called Doug Baker last night and told him we might be coming by sometime this afternoon to see if he likes anything he has."

Kyran was suddenly confused. "Where are we going?"

Tony turned his head around to look at him. "It’s a surprise!!"

For the next twenty minutes, Kyran rode in silence, trying to figure out where they were going. He felt the car slow down and heard Oliver turn the turn signal on. He looked up and saw they were turning into a car dealership. A big car dealership.

Oliver drove up to the front of the main building and parked in the only empty space left. A man walked out and came over to the car as they were getting out.

"Oliver, Tony, good to see you guys!" the man said, shaking their hands. He turned to Kyran and stuck out his hand. "Hi, Kyran. I’m Doug Baker."

Kyran shook the man’s hand, still confused. "How do you know who I am?"

"I talked to Tony last night and he said he and Olie might be bringing you by to pick out a new vehicle, if you find one you like."

"What?" Kyran asked, stunned. "But I don’t deserve –"

"Hey, hey, what did I tell you?!" Tony yelled.

"But my car is –"

"- is about to fall apart," Oliver finished. "It’s a miracle you made the nine hour drive yesterday without any trouble. So, your Uncle Tony and I decided to get you something else."

"You’ve always wanted a truck, haven’t you, Ky?" Tony said, lowly.

"How’d you know?"

"When you were little, all you wanted were toy trucks and no cars. Your dad didn’t really want you to have them, but we gave them to you anyway. It’s okay to admit you want a truck….we’re here to get you whatever it is you want."

Doug nodded and pointed to his left. "The trucks are down this way."

Doug, Oliver and Tony started walking in the direction Doug had pointed but Kyran didn’t move. Oliver stopped Tony and Doug and looked back at him.

"Ky, are you okay?"

"A white one."

"What did you say?" Doug asked.

Kyran looked at them. "Can I have a white one?"

Oliver smiled at him. "Absolutely!"

An hour later, Doug dropped the keys to Kyran’s new truck into his hand. "Have fun."

Tony shook Doug’s hand and Oliver followed right after him. "Thanks, Doug. You made this really easy."

"No problem," Doug replied, watching Kyran walk to his new truck, open the door and slide under the wheel. "He’s been through a lot, hasn’t he?"

Tony and Oliver moved to stand on either side of Doug. "And then some, my friend. And then some."

Oliver took the flyer out of his pocket as he sat down at his desk in his study. He opened the top drawer on his right and took out the top file. He opened the file as he picked up the telephone. He found the number he was looking for and dialed it.

It rang a couple of times before it was picked up and a female voice said, "Hello."

"Good afternoon. Is this the Gryffen residence?"

"Yes it is. This is Anne Gryffen. May I help you?

"Mrs. Gryffen, this is Judge Oliver Harden. I don’t know if your husband told you –"

"Judge Harden, it is so nice to finally talk to you. Paul told me all about talking to you. But, he’s not home right now."

"That’s okay, Mrs. Gryffen. I was calling to talk to Taylor. He wouldn’t be there, would he?"

"I’m sorry, but he’s at his football game right now."

"I should have remembered that. I was just calling to let him know where I’ve chosen for him to work his community service hours. Do you care to leave him a note for me?"

"Certainly. I’ve got a pad and pen right here."

"Just tell him to go and see Principal Snyder first thing Monday morning. I talked to him earlier today and told him to be expecting a student to come and see him. He’ll know why Taylor’s there and give him everything he needs."

Mrs. Gryffen was quiet for a few seconds. "I’ll make sure he gets it."

"Thank you, Mrs. Gryffen. I’m sorry to have disturbed you so late in the afternoon."

"Why, it’s no problem at all. I’ll make sure Taylor sees this note when he gets home tonight."

"It was a pleasure talking to you, Mrs. Gryffen. Goodbye," Oliver said, hanging up the telephone.

Oliver left his study and walked to the kitchen. Kyran was helping Rachel wash dishes from dinner. "Are you two ready to go?"

Rachel looked at her husband. "Ready to go? Where are we going?"

Oliver shrugged. "It’s a Friday night; still afternoon actually. You and I haven’t been out in a while and I’m sure Kyran would like to go somewhere instead of being cooped up in this house. Are you two up to it?"

Rachel and Kyran looked at each other, suspicion showing on both their faces. "I’m up for it if you are," he told her.

"Then let’s see what he’s got up his sleeve," Rachel said, grabbing a dishtowel to dry her hands. She handed it to Kyran. "You might want to go upstairs and get a jacket or something. It’s turning cold."

Kyran nodded, dried his hands and went upstairs. Rachel followed Oliver to the coat tree sitting next to the front door. He picked her coat off its hook and handed it to her.

"The mall?" she asked, humor dripping in her voice.

Oliver simply smiled. "Guilty. The mall doesn’t close until nine and it’s only 5:30."

Rachel put her hand on his forehead and then stepped back. "Who are you? Where’s my husband????"

He laughed. "I’m just fine! It’s just….it feels like we truly have the family we always wanted. You’ve been so happy since you found out he was coming…..I called your office last week to talk to you and wound up talking to Angie for awhile. She said it was like you’d become happier somehow and I knew what caused it. He’s only been here one night and I already feel like he’s our son. I feel more relaxed and I’ve decided to lighten my workload so I can come home early and spend time with you and him."

Rachel’s eyes widened and she backed up some more. "Now I know you’re sick! You’re talking about less work!!!"

He goosed her in the ribs and she giggled. "I’m being serious here," he said, with a huge grin on his face. "I really want him to know what a real family is."

"That’s fantastic, Olie. It really is. But, you need to be careful and take it easy on buying all sorts of things for him. He –"

Oliver held up his hands, stopping her. "Tony’s already told me about buying everything for him. I know. This trip to the mall will be the last for awhile. I promise!" He pulled his jacket off its hook and put it on. "Besides, I want him to recommend a couple of authors who write legal novels. I’m going to start reading again."

Kyran came down the stairs and Oliver asked him, "Do you want to drive and follow us or do you want to ride with us?"

"Is it okay if I ride with you?"

Rachel nodded. "Of course you can. Let’s go see what your Uncle Olie’s planned for us."

Twenty minutes later, they were walking through Dillards, making their way toward the mall entrance. Rachel told them she was going to look in the women’s department and she would meet them in the food court in a couple of hours. Oliver and Kyran kept walking into the mall as she went in another direction.

"I need your help with something, Ky," Oliver said, as he and Kyran entered the mall.

"I’ll help you with anything I can. But, why do you need my help?"

"Well, for a long time, your Aunt Rachel has been telling me I need to relax more and work less. I’ve decided it’s time to listen to her. And I always loved to read but I had to give it up when my law career began. So, I’m going to start again. I was hoping you could recommend some authors I could begin with."

Kyran noticed Oliver had stopped in front of a bookstore. Kyran saw it was a Barnes and Noble, which happened to be his favorite.

"The obvious kind of books you’d like to read would have to be legal novels and legal thrillers, right?"

"Of course."

Kyran walked into the store and immediately went to the fiction section. "One of the most popular legal novelists is John Grisham. He’d probably be the first one someone would recommend. His first four or five novels were good but his last few haven’t been that great," he said, looking in the bookshelves and stopping when he’d found what he was looking for. He picked up The Firm, A Time to Kill, The Pelican Brief and The Rainmaker and handed them to Oliver.

"Keep going."

"Grisham’s okay. But, I found a book in the school library once by a guy named William Bernhardt. He’s written six or seven books based around the same group of characters. He’s a lot better than Grisham if you ask me," Kyran noted, moving to his left and stopping. He picked up five books and added them to the ones he’d already given Oliver.

"I’m going to put these up at the counter and look around. Look around and see if you can find something you want."

Kyran nodded and started to wander farther into the store. Oliver put the books on the counter and asked the employee to hold them for him. He turned around to see Kyran walking up the stairs to the second level. Oliver smiled when he saw the sign at the bottom of the stairs indicating the science fiction, fantasy and computer sections were upstairs.

Oliver browsed through the aisles and bookshelves, choosing a few more books that caught his eye. He made his way to the stairs and made his way up. He stopped when he came to the top and saw Kyran sitting in a chair, reading a book. He also saw four hardback books and a couple of paperbacks at his feet.

Oliver quietly made his way between the two bookshelves closest to him on his left. When he came to the end of the shelves, he was just behind and to the side of Kyran. He walked up to him and asked, "Find something you like?"

Kyran jumped up out of the chair as if he’d been shot. "You scared me to death!"

Oliver laughed. "Couldn’t help myself. Are these all you want?" he asked, indicating the book Kyran held and the ones in the floor.

"Oh, no. I was just looking at those." Kyran held up the book in his hand. "This is the one I want. I’ve been waiting on this one for over two years." He handed it to his uncle and picked the other books up off the floor. "It’ll just take me a minute to put these back."

When Kyran returned in less than a minute, Oliver handed the book back to him. "One of your favorite authors?"

Kyran’s eyes lit up and he nodded. "And one of the best in the business."

"The Path of Daggers by Robert Jordan," Oliver observed.

"This is the eighth book in his series. I had all the others in hardback awhile back. Are you ready to go?"

Oliver looked at him and saw the regret and pain on his nephew’s face. "Yeah, let’s go. I think the guy at the checkout counter may think I’ve disappeared."

Oliver paid for his and Kyran’s books and they headed back out into the mall. They walked down one wing of the mall and back again, stopping every now and then at a store that caught their attention. They started down another wing of the mall, just talking and laughing. They passed another music store and Oliver saw Kyran look at it as he had the other two.

"Wait a minute," Oliver said, stopping. "Tony told me about this singer he thought I would like. Sarah McLan….Sarah….."

"Sarah McLachlan?"

"You like her?"

Kyran’s eyes lit up again. "Oh, gosh yeah! She’s incredible!"

Oliver motioned and they walked into the music store. Kyran scanned the shelves of CDs and found what he was looking for. He picked up a CD and looked at it for a few minutes.

"Is that it?"

Kyran was startled but handed the CD to his uncle. "Um, yeah, that’s her newest CD. It’s really good, one of the best I’ve ever heard. They have her last album, too, if you want to try it," he said, picking up another CD and holding it out to Oliver.

Oliver looked at his nephew who was holding the CD out to him and who was looking everywhere except at him. Oliver took the second CD and asked, "Anything you want?"

"No, not right now."

"Are you sure?"

Kyran nodded as Oliver looked at his watch. "We’d better hurry. We were supposed to meet Rachel five minutes ago."

Oliver paid for the CDs and they quickly made their way to the food court, which was on the second floor in the middle of the mall. When they got there, they looked around for Rachel, but couldn’t find her. They bought two drinks and sat down at a table to wait for her.

"Uncle Olie, do you think it would be okay to call Mrs. Snyder when we get home?"

"I don’t see any problem with it. Are you wanting to get started that badly?"

Kyran paused for a few seconds before he replied. "Yeah, I am. I’ve always been a great listener and I think I can help someone if they need it. I’ll never know if I don’t try. And I need to know I can be there for someone like you and Aunt Rachel and Uncle Tony have been there for me."

"I know that probably sounds corny and weird coming from a teenager."

"Actually, it’s a wonderful thing to hear; that you want to help others. But, remember, Aunt Rachel, Uncle Tony and me are always going to be there for you, no matter what. You do this because you want to, not because you think you owe us something."

Rachel came walking up, winded, all the bags she was carrying weighed her down. She looked at her husband and nephew. "Sorry I’m late."

Oliver and Kyran just looked at each other and laughed.

* * * * *

"Mrs. Snyder?"
Susan looked up from her desk. "Kyran?"

"That's me."

She got up and walked over to him. She held out her hand and he shook it. "It's nice to meet you." She motioned to one of the chairs in front of her desk as she shut her office door.

Kyran sat down in one of the chairs as she returned to hers behind the desk. "Andy told me about your situation last night after you called."

Kyran nodded. "I didn't want any secrets or anything that could come out later and cause problems."

"That's a good idea. Exactly what do you want to do here?"

"I want to be here if someone needs to talk…..about anything, it doesn't matter. I'll sign whatever or promise whatever to make sure they know I won't talk about or repeat anything anyone says." He paused for a few seconds. "I didn't have anyone to talk to, so I'd like to be there for someone if they need someone to be there."

Susan smiled at him, standing up. "I think you're going to fit in just fine here. Come on, I'll show you around."

They walked out of her office and she gave him the grand tour. The building was larger than Kyran thought it to be. Susan showed him the rooms that had been built and furnished nicely in the middle of the building. The rooms had two couches, opposite one another with a table in between. Some were set along opposite walls or some were set in opposite corners. There were twelve of the rooms in all.

Susan showed him the four great rooms that had more couches and tables with soft drink machines, TVs and radios. Kyran figured out there were six of the smaller rooms in two rows and the great rooms were at the corners.

She started walking back to her office, but stopped at the double doors just a few feet from the great room nearest her office. "We just added this," she said, opening one of the doors and walking in.

The room was big, running from the double doors down to Susan's office. There were two rows of tables that ran beside each other to the middle of the room. Telephones were placed on the tables, about halfway down each row.

There were four people in the room, who stood when they saw Susan and Kyran walk in.

"Everyone, I want you to meet our newest volunteer." She smiled at Kyran and pointed each one out to him. "The blond surfer-looking guy there is Daniel. And yeah, you guessed it, the next two are twins," she laughed. "That's Bryan and Matt. And last, we have Cynthia. Guys, and gal, this is Kyran."

Each of them came to him and shook his hand and told him it was great to have him on the team.

"Can you guys show him the ropes?" Susan asked. "I've got to go and get some paperwork ready for another volunteer."

"Paperwork?" asked Cynthia. "You have to keep paperwork on volunteers now?"

"No, not on regular volunteers. This guy isn't a regular volunteer. He's going to be working his community service hours off here."

"You're going to let a delinquent work his service hours off here?" one of the twins asked.

"Matt, who do you think we're here to help? You know that as well as I do. But, he's not a delinquent and it wouldn't matter if he were. As a matter of fact, his family is very well known in this city and a lot of other places."

"Who is this guy?" Daniel asked.

"His name is Taylor Gryffen."

Kyran saw the four volunteers almost go into shock. Susan didn't give them time to come out of it. "I've got to get the paperwork done before he gets here." She looked at her watch. "It's nine o'clock; he's supposed to be here at noon and I haven't even started. Kyran, it's still pretty early, most kids don't come in until the afternoons. Just jump in where you think you're needed. If you have any questions, just ask one of these guys or me."

Susan left and Kyran turned back to his fellow volunteers. "Since I'm new here and in town, who is Taylor Gryffen?"

Daniel sat down in his chair and leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. "He's the most popular guy in school, if you're going to Breckenridge High. He's the start quarterback on the football team and one of the stars of the basketball team. He's -"

"He's an asshole!!!" Cynthia yelled. "You look 'asshole' up in the dictionary and his picture's right there. He thinks he's a gift to all of us for some reason. He'll come in here and assume he's in charge."

Kyran walked over to the table against the wall opposite the double doors. He opened the small refrigerator and took out a little carton of milk. He opened it and said, "Then we'll just have to make it clear he's not in charge. I really don't care who he is or who he thinks he is. When he's here, he's here for someone, not himself. We're not here to serve him and we'll just have to make sure he knows that."

He drank the little pint of milk all at once and threw the carton in the trashcan sitting beside the table. He turned back to the other volunteers, who were just looking at him.

"Are you serious?" Bryan asked, sounding stunned.

"Absolutely. Why wouldn't I be? Let him bring his attitude in here. We'll adjust it for him."

A chime sounded.

"Someone just came in," Cynthia said, talking to Kyran.

"Do you mind if I take this one?" Kyran asked.

None of them minded and he left the room and walked to the front door. When he got there, he found a guy sitting in one of the chairs in the waiting area. When he saw Kyran come through the door, the boy jumped up. "I was wondering…..hoping….."

Kyran smiled at him. "Need to talk?"

The guy nodded. Kyran stuck out his hand and the guy shook it. "I'm Kyran."
"David."

"Come on back, David. We've got a room we can talk in, just the two of us or we have what we call a great room, where it's completely open. It's up to you."

"The room where it's just the two of us, if that's okay."

Kyran led David down the hallway he'd just came down. When they came to the great room, Kyran stopped and opened the last door on his right before they had to turn down the next hallway. David walked in and sat down on the couch that was sitting on the other side of the room in the corner.

"Hold on a sec, David. I'll be right back."

A minute later, Kyran walked into the room and locked the door. He sat down on the couch opposite David and placed two soft drinks on the table between them.

"I hope you like Dr. Pepper."

David nodded, reaching out for one of them.

"David, listen for a minute. We'll talk about anything you want to, you're calling the shots. I do want you to know whatever you tell me is in the strictest of confidence. I know I sound like a therapist," Kyran laughed, saying the last part. David laughed, too. "I promise you, I'll never say anything about what we talk about. If you want me to sign something, I will."

David shook his head. "I believe you."

"Cool. Now, did you just need to talk in general or was there something specific?"

A couple of hours later, David looked down at his watch. "Whoa, it's almost eleven thirty. I've got to be at work at noon."

Kyran wrote his phone number down on a sheet of note paper that was on the table and handed it to David. "That's my number. My uncle just had a separate line put in for me. Call me if you need to, no matter what time."

David took the piece of paper and stood up. "Thanks, I'll do that. Do you think we could talk again next Saturday?"

"Sure," Kyran said, standing and unlocking the door. "I'll be here after school if you need to talk during the week, too." Kyran walked out the door and immediately ran into Susan.

"Susan, are you okay?" Kyran asked, David standing just behind him.

Susan was laughing. "I'm fine, I'm fine. Hi, I'm Susan," she said, talking to David.

"Hi. I'll seeya later, Kyran. Thanks a lot."

"Take it easy, David. I'll talk to you later."

Susan watched David walk down the hallway and turn toward the front door. "Well, you seem to know what you're doing. How'd it go?"

"It was great. It took a little while for him to relax and really start talking, but after that, it went great. Did you need something?"

"Yes! Yes I did! Jeez, I'd forget my own head if it weren't on my shoulders. Taylor Gryffen is in my office and I was about to show him the ropes, but I got a phone call. I've got to go downtown for a meeting and the others are all busy on the hotline. Could you show him around and watch things until I get back?"

"No problem, go ahead. Take your time. We'll be okay."

"Thanks, Kyran. My beeper number is in my Rolodex if you need me," she called out, walking down the hallway and out the front door.

Kyran turned and walked in the opposite direction. He peered through the windows in the double doors of the hotline room. The four volunteers he'd met earlier were busy on their phones. But, there were two new volunteers that must have came in while he'd been talking to David.

He walked down the hallway to Susan's office. He looked in and saw the newest 'volunteer' looking at the books in one of the shelves behind Susan's desk.

Kyran knocked on the door a couple of times. The guy turned around and looked straight at him. As soon as their eyes met, the world froze around them.

Taylor had gotten up out of his chair and started looking around the office as soon as Susan left. He looked at the frames on the wall, some containing pictures, others containing her diplomas and awards. He moved around the desk and started scanning the books in the bookshelf.

He heard a couple of knocks on the door and turned around. When he saw the guy's eyes, time slowed down. Taylor didn't know how long they stood there, just looking at each other. It felt like forever.

Oh my God. His eyes. He's gor-, Taylor shook his head, cutting the thought off before it was finished. I did not just think that. I did not!!!!

The guy in the doorway took a step back and shook his head, too. "Um, I'm Kyran Hunter. Susan had to go to a meeting downtown and she asked me to show you around."

"Great. The sooner this thing gets started, the sooner I can get it over with," Taylor said, walking to the door.

Kyran gave Taylor the same exact tour Susan had given him earlier that morning. He tried to remember everything she said, but he had to make the parts up himself he couldn’t remember.

They ended the tour with Kyran showing Taylor the hotline room. All of the volunteers were still busy on their phones and only looked up to see who had entered the room. Kyran looked at Taylor's expression, but couldn't quite make it out.

The chime sounded. Kyran tapped Taylor's shoulder and motioned for him to follow him. As Kyran shut the door to the hotline room, Taylor asked, "What was that chime?"

"Someone just came in. Come on."

Kyran and Taylor walked to the front and found four people waiting. One of the girls walked to them when they appeared around the corner. She stuck her hand out to Kyran and said, "I'm Anna. Are you the new guy?"

Kyran shook her hand. "Yeah, well, I'm one of them. This is-"

"- Taylor Gryffen. We know each other. I'm surprised you're here, Taylor. I guess what I heard was actually true. Having fun yet?"

"It's good to see you, too, Anna," Taylor replied, sarcastically. "I haven't been here long and just got the tour. So, I haven't done anything to -"

"Then it's time you did something." Anna turned to the girl behind her. "Come on, we'll talk and let Ryan go with Taylor."

The girl followed Anna down the hallway opposite the one Kyran and Taylor had come down and into one of the individual rooms.

"How do I do this?" Taylor asked, sounding a little scared.

Kyran looked at him. "It's easy. Just take him to one of the rooms or one of the great rooms and talk to him. No, don't talk to him. Listen to what he has to say and talk with him. Take it one step at a time."

Taylor was silent for a few seconds and then looked over at the boy Anna had called Ryan. He motioned with his head toward the same hallway Anna and the girl had walked down and Ryan followed him.

Kyran turned to the man who was wearing a business suit and carrying a briefcase. He walked up to the man and stuck out his hand. "Hi, I'm Kyran Hunter."

The man shook his hand and smiled. "Gary Blaine. It's nice to meet you, Kyran. Is Susan around? I was supposed to have a meeting with her."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Blaine, but she had to go downtown for a meeting."

"How long has she been gone?"

"For about forty-five minutes." Kyran heard the telephone ring behind him. "Do you care to come back to Susan's office so I can get that?"

Blaine nodded and followed Kyran to Susan's office. Kyran picked up the phone and said, "Breckenridge Teen Center."

"Kyran, this is Susan. I just wanted to let you know I'm on my way back."

"That was a quick meeting."

"There wasn’t' a meeting. I completely misunderstood. Gary is coming to meet me there."

"I know, he's already here."

"Tell him I'm on my way and that I'm sorry for the mix-up. I should be there in about twenty minutes."

"No problem, I'll just show him around and try not to make a fool out of myself."

"Thanks again, Kyran. I'll be there as soon as I can."

Kyran hung up the phone. "It seems Susan got her wires crossed and thought your meeting was downtown. She's on her way back and she's only about twenty minutes away. I can show you around until she gets here if you like."

"Absolutely. I was going to ask her to give me a tour after I give her some good news, but now would be fine. It'll also give me a chance to talk to a volunteer or two and see how things are going."

Kyran motioned to Blaine's briefcase. "You can leave that in here if you'd like." Blaine handed the briefcase to him and he set it under Susan's desk. "You may want to talk to another volunteer besides me. I just started this morning. I'll show you the hotline room first since that's where most of the volunteers are right now."

Kyran gave his second tour of the center, this time in reverse. Blaine asked a few questions while they were in the hotline room, where all six lines were still busy. Cynthia gave Kyran a thumbs up as he followed Blaine out into the hallway.

Kyran and Blaine were talking in the great room beside the hotline room when Susan walked up to them. "Gary, I'm so sorry! I thought for sure your secretary told me our meeting was in your office."

Gary smiled at her. "Don't worry about it. Kyran gave me a tour of the place and I like what you've done so far."

"Thank you. It took a lot of work, but it's really starting to take shape. Do you want to go to my office and give me the bad news?"

"Bad news?" Gary asked. "I don't have any bad news."

"Oh," Susan said. "Then why did you need to see me?"

"I actually have good new, very good news. It concerns a couple of the ideas you submitted a month or so back about expanding this place."

"I know it was a bit much since we've only been open a little more than a year. But, I think this would be a great place for kids to come and have a good time on weekends and -"

"Everything's approved."

Susan stopped, shock showing on her face. She looked at Kyran and asked, "Did he say what I think he said?"

Kyran saw excitement replace the shock on her face. "If you heard him say "everything's approved" then you heard right."

Gary laughed at her when she turned back to him. "Put your plans together and get estimates on everything and get it all to me when you can," he said. He looked at Kyran and asked, "Would you go and get my briefcase?"

Kyran went to Susan's office and returned to the great room, where Susan and Gary were still talking.

"- is very pleased with what you've done here. He's read your monthly reports and respects your ideas. He loved them all and immediately approved them. When everything's up and running, he wants to come and see it all," Gary said, taking his briefcase from Kyran. He sat it down on the table in between him and Susan and opened it. He took out a large manila envelope, which looked like it was about to burst, and a large folder in the same shape and handed them to Susan. "He also wanted me to tell you if you have any more ideas, whatever they are, to write them up and send them to me. I'll make sure he gets them."

Susan nodded, still slightly speechless. "Thank you, Gary. Thank you so much."

Gary closed his briefcase and stood up. "It was my pleasure. I wish I could stay, but I've got to get back to the office. Call me if you need anything." He turned to Kyran and shook his hand. "Thanks for the tour, Kyran. Susan, you'd better hang on to this one for as long as you can. I have a feeling he's going to be a good one."

"I've already had that same feeling. And he's only worked here for one day!" Susan replied, laughing.

Gary left and Kyran sat down where he'd been, watching Susan open the overflowing folder. "Susan, can I ask you something?"

"Hit me."

"Who is "he"?"

Susan looked at him and grinned. "You would ask the one question I can't answer. Oh, I know who he is. But, he wants himself, his corporation and his funding to remain secret for now. I take it you figured out we're privately funded when you got here this morning."

"Yeah. It's pretty easy to see. The building is brand new and you've got the best furniture and equipment for the rooms there is. I didn't think you could do all of this, even if you had state and federal funding. Can I ask what you've got planned?"

Susan smiled and patted the cushion beside her, where he immediately sat down. She pulled out some papers from the folder, handed them to him and began to explain her plans.

When she was finally finished, all Kyran could say was "Wow."

He thought for a few more moments. "This is an awesome idea, Susan! Kids will love to come here!"

"You think so?"

"I don't know about high school kids. Some of the younger ones might. But, I'm sure elementary school kids will love it. A huge dance floor, a DJ, pool tables, video games, movies, outside and inside basketball and volleyball courts…what's not to like? Are you going to build it here?"

Susan nodded. "There are six more two-acre lots around us for sale, so I thought it would be great to build it here. We're in a great location with quite a few neighborhoods and schools within easy distance to us. And if kids need to talk while they're here, then the Teen Center is here for them."

Kyran and Susan heard the chime sound and Kyran stood. "I'll get this one."

"Can you keep this quiet for now? I need a little time to go through all of this and to start to get things together."

"I can do that. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd better get to the front," he said, leaving Susan to her work.

When he got to the front, Kyran found a teenage girl waiting. Kyran smiled at her. "I think you may want to talk to a girl, right?"

The girl nodded, slowly.

"How about I take this one," Anna asked, walking up with the girl she'd been talking to. The girl thanked her and left. Anna looked at the girl who had just came in. "Hi, I'm Anna."

"Marie," the girl replied.

Anna looked at Kyran. "You and I need to talk when we're both free," she said, leading the new girl down the hallway she'd just came down. Kyran looked after them to see Taylor and Ryan coming toward him.

Ryan slapped Taylor's hand before he left. Kyran looked at Taylor and asked, "How'd it go?"

"Let's get something to drink and I'll tell you all about it."

They walked down the hallway Taylor had just came down to the great room at the end. Taylor went to one of the soda machines and came back with two cans. "I hope you like Dr. Pepper."

Kyran took the can Taylor held out to him. "I love it."

They sat down on the nearest couch, one at each end, and turned toward one another.

"So, how'd it go?"

Taylor opened his can and took a drink. "It was hard at first. I just sat there as he started to talk, determined to be bored to death. It turned out we had a lot in common, sports and stuff like that. I realized I liked talking to him and listening to him and helping him. This place may not be as bad as I thought it would be."

"You've never had anyone to talk to before, have you?"

Taylor looked at Kyran as he was taking a drink. He's fine as -. Taylor shook his head, again stopping the thought before it was finished. He thought for a few seconds and looked at Kyran again to find him staring at him. "You're right about that. I've never had anyone seem to care about what was going on with me."

"What about your family and friends?"

"My parents are off in their own little worlds, my dad with his company and my mom with her society friends. My brother Tim is at Stanford, so I don't get to talk to or see him very much. My sister Dyan is just in seventh grade, so she's got her own little world, too."

"My friends are another story. I know some of them are around me because I'm popular; at least they think I'm popular. This may sound dumb, but when I'm with a lot of my friends sometimes, I feel like I'm alone." He paused for a few seconds and continued. "I guess I could talk to them, but I don't want what I talk about spread across school; and that would happen in a minute if I talked to them."

Taylor laughed. "This probably sounds stupid, like a spoiled little rich kid crying about his world not being perfect."

Kyran disagreed. "Not really. I'm just listening to a friend talk about something that's been on his mind for a while. At least, I hope I can consider you a friend."

"Absolutely," Taylor said, taking a drink but feeling a little uneasy and not sure why. They sat in silence for a few minutes, taking drinks every now and then.

"Where do you go to school?" Taylor asked, breaking the silence.

"I start at Breckenridge High on Monday."

"Did you just move here?"

"Yeah, I got here Thursday."

The two continued to talk, getting to know one another and laughing at each other. They didn't hear or see Anna and another boy walk up.

"Hey, Taylor. You take this one," Anna interrupted. "I want to talk to Kyran for awhile."

Taylor looked a little irritated but stood up. He looked at Kyran. "Talk to you later?"

"Sure."

Taylor and the boy walked to the room on the corner and Anna took Taylor's place on the couch.

"He's a real jerk, isn't he?"

"Who? Taylor?" Kyran asked, confused. "I think he's a nice guy. We've been talking and getting to know one another. He seems pretty cool."

"Boy, he's got you fooled! He's a jerk, through and through. Are you going to Breckenridge High?"

He nodded and Anna continued on. "He'll probably never talk to you or acknowledge you exist when we're at school. I've known him since kindergarten and we were good friends all through school. That is, until we got to high school. He started playing football and basketball and started hanging around the cliques associated with those sports. He turned from his friends who weren't part of the in crowd. Taylor changed. He-"

"Are you sure about that?"

"What?"

"What was he like before high school?"

"Well, he was funny, sweet, nice…..why do you ask?"

Kyran set his empty can on the table in front of them. "Because that's the guy I've been talking to for -" He looked at his watch. "- for the last two hours. He was nice, funny, crazy's more like it." He looked straight at her. "Are you sure he changed or did he let the people he hung around with make him feel he had to change? It seems to me he put on a mask of some sort around those people. He's still the same person, he just doesn't let it show."

Anna looked at Kyran, stunned. "And just how old are you?"

"Sixteen. Why?"

"Because you sound like you've been to college and got a degree in psychology or something!" she laughed. "I'd never looked at it that way."

"Sometimes it's hard for someone to have their own identity. I'd say that's even harder when you're in athletics. As a matter of fact, I know it is. Your teammates expect you to act a certain way and your parents and friends do, too. A lot of people have to compromise and try to be the person everyone wants them to be and put who they really are in a back corner somewhere."

"You're going to fit in here nicely, Kyran. And I won't tell anyone."

"Won't tell anyone what?"

"That you're gay."

Kyran froze. Anna put her hand over his and said, "Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me. My brother is gay, so I know a little about it, from talking to him."

Kyran released the breath he was holding. "Is it that obvious?"

Anna shook her head. "No, it isn't. You act straighter than most guys I know. I can just tell, now that I know about Rick; that's my brother. Hey, I've got an idea. Why don't I -"

Kyran laughed. "I don't think so! I know what you want to do and I don't think so. Not right now anyway."

Susan walked up to them. "Do you guys care to help me? I need your help with a few things."

Kyran looked at Anna as they both stood. They followed Susan to her office.

* * * * *

"Hey, Kyran. How's your first few weeks been?"

Kyran turned to see Taylor standing beside him. He smiled at him and opened his locker. "Not bad. Still adjusting." Kyran saw Taylor was wearing his football jersey. "Got a team meeting after school?"

Taylor took his backpack off his left shoulder and set it in the floor. "I think that thing gets heavier every day. Yeah, I've got to be down to the lockerroom in a few minutes. You're coming to the game tonight, aren't you?"

"I don't know. I hadn't really thought about what I was going to do since Susan has to be out of town."

"Come on, it's the biggest game of the year; we're playing Battleroad Academy. It's going to be a great game."

Kyran put his books in his backpack, closed his locker and looked at Taylor. Taylor was smiling at him.

"Okay, okay. I'll be there. It starts at seven thirty?"

Taylor nodded. "It's great to know you'll be there. I'll have at least one person cheering me on when I screw up." His expression changed. "You will cheer for me when I screw up, right?"

Kyran knew Taylor was teasing. "Of course. I'm your friend and I'll always cheer you on…..even if you throw the ball away, fumble it, stuff like that," he replied.

Taylor playfully punched him in the shoulder. "Gee, thanks a lot." He picked up his backpack and put it back on his left shoulder. "You want to go and get something to eat after the game."

"Yeah, sure."

"Cool. Meet me at the outside door of the lockerroom after the game's over. I'll come out as soon as I can."

Jake ran up and grabbed Taylor's arm. "Come on, we're gonna be late." He looked at Kyran and frowned.

Taylor and Jake walked off but Taylor turned back. "I'll see you tonight!" They turned and left.

Jake and Taylor walked to the lockerroom in silence. Jake stopped him before they went into the lockerroom. "What's up with you?"

"Excuse me?"

"For the last few weeks, you've blown off plans with us…..you remember us, your teammates. At first, I thought it might be a girl, but it's not."

Taylor stopped him before he could say anything else. "I'll do whatever I damn well please. That means I hang with who I want to, I act the way I want to and pretty much do what I want. If you've got a problem with that, tough!"

Taylor walked into the lockerroom, leaving Jake outside the door.

Kyran watched Taylor and Jake walk away from him, until they disappeared around a corner. He sighed and smiled. He put his backpack on his right shoulder and walked to the nearest door, making his way outside and toward the student parking lot.

He felt someone hit him on the arm. He looked to his left to see Anna walking beside him.

"What are you doing tonight?" she asked.

"I'm going to the football game. Taylor asked me to come and I told him I would," Kyran answered, walking around a corner of the school and seeing the student parking lot come into view.

"Really?"

Kyran heard the amusement in her voice. "Yes, really. We're going to go and get something to eat after the game, too."

"You're kidding!"

"Nope."

Anna was silent as they walked the rest of the way to the student parking lot. Kyran unlocked the driver side door of his truck and open the king cab third door. He threw his backpack behind his seat and shut the third door. Anna leaned up against the driver side fender and Kyran saw the look on her face. He shut the door and leaned up against it.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

She turned to look at him, her face serious. "You're gonna get hurt, you know."

"What?"

"Taylor, that's what!!!" she exclaimed. "I've watched the two of you lately. The two of you have gotten to be good friends…..are you sure that's all you want, though?"

Kyran's expression darkened slightly. "Don’t worry about it. I can handle it," he said, reaching to open the door again.

Anna put her hand on his arm to stop him. "Kyran." He turned to look at her again. "How strong are they?"

Kyran dropped his head. "Strong. And they're getting stronger."

"He's not gay, Ky."

"I know," he replied, lowly. "Want me to give you a lift home?"

Anna smiled. "I thought you'd never ask."

"How long has he been in there?" Anna asked, fidgeting again.

Kyran laughed at her. "About two minutes more than when you asked the last time. He'll be out here soon enough. You don't have to stay, you know." He motioned to the crowd around the outside door of the lockerroom. "You don't have to hold my hand."

Anna gave him a sarcastic look as Cynthia walked up to them.

"What are you two standing around for?"

"Waiting for Taylor to come out," Anna answered. "At least, Kyran is. I'm waiting along with him."

"I'm telling you, I can wait for him by myself!" Kyran grumbled. "Cynthia, do you care to give Anna a ride home?"

Cynthia shook her head. "No prob. Come on, let's go," she said, grabbing Anna by the arm. Anna gave Kyran a look that told him he would regret doing this.

"Who said I was going anywhere?" Anna asked, irritated.

"I did," Kyran said. "And I mean it. Go on, I'll see you at the center tomorrow."

Anna reluctantly left and Kyran leaned up against the wall, waiting on Taylor and his mind was beginning to wander.

"Hey, Ky."

Kyran turned at the sound of his nickname to see Taylor standing by him. "Man, you're quiet! I'm sorry, I was a thousand miles away."

"Were you alone?"

Kyran looked at Taylor, puzzled. "Huh?"

"Don't worry about it. Can you do me a favor?"

"You want me to watch your stuff," Kyran said, pointing to the mesh bag with Taylor's uniform and pads in it, "while you go and meet your adoring fans?"

Taylor laughed. "Yeah."

Kyran grinned at his friend. "Sure. Take your time, too. I'm not in any kind of hurry."

Taylor lifted his bag and set it closer to Kyran. He leaned toward Kyran and whispered, "I am."

He smiled at Kyran as he turned and disappeared into the crowd. Kyran stood in place, speechless. No, he didn't say what I thought he just said. He thought for a few seconds. Did he?

Taylor came back after only a few minutes, but his expression had changed. "Change of plans," he said.

"That's okay. We can get out some other night if -"

"No, no," Taylor interrupted. "I told mom and dad we were going to get something to eat. So, she wants us to go to our house to eat with them."

"Sounds okay to me."

Taylor looked at him, surprised. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, it's okay with me."

Taylor grabbed his bag and they started walking to the student parking lot on the other side of the school, where everyone had to park for the football games.

"Is there anything special you want to eat? Mom and Dad are already on their way home, so I can call them if we need to," Taylor remarked as they reached his car.

"No, whatever you've got is good enough for me."

Taylor unlocked his trunk, threw his bag in and shut it. "Where's your truck?"

Kyran motioned toward the far end of the parking lot. "I had to park kinda far out. I was running a little late."

As he had been answering the question, Taylor had unlocked his car. "Get in and I'll take you to it. Then you can follow me home."

Twenty minutes later, Kyran pulled his truck in behind Taylor's car in Taylor's driveway. Kyran got out of his truck slowly, not taking his eyes off the house in front of him.

"Kyran, you okay?"

"Uh, yeah. It's just your house." Kyran paused for a few seconds. "It's huge!!!"

Taylor took his bag out of his trunk and Kyran followed him into the house. A woman wearing a t-shirt and shorts was coming down the huge winding staircase as they walked in the front door. A man appeared through the doorway to the left of the front door and Taylor handed his bag to him.

"How'd it go tonight?" the man asked.

"It took a little while for us to settle down, but we won."

"When he decided to stay in the pocket longer and to run the slant, everything settled down," Kyran interjected, on impulse.

Taylor looked at Kyran, surprised. "You didn't tell me you knew a lot about football."

Kyran shrugged and smiled. "You never asked."

The woman had walked to stand in front of them as they had been talking. "Reeve, why don't you go and put Taylor's clothes in the washer and then join us in the kitchen. Paul should have the food almost ready," she said.

Reeve nodded and left the way he came, taking Taylor's bag with him. The woman smiled at Kyran. "Hello, Kyran. It's nice to finally meet you."

"Finally?"

"Taylor has been talking about you since he started working at the teen center. We've heard nothing but great things about you."

Kyran looked at Taylor and could have sworn Taylor was blushing.

"I'm going to go and change clothes," Taylor said, making his way to the staircase.

"I'll take Kyran to the kitchen. Come on down when you're finished," Taylor's mom said, putting her arm around Kyran's. She led him through the doorway Reeve had come through into a large living room. They turned toward another doorway to another room and Kyran said, "I hope you didn't go through a lot of trouble, Mrs. Gryffen."

"Please, call me Anne," she replied. "And it's no trouble. My husband loves to cook and he just had a grill put in our kitchen. He's been looking for a good excuse to fire it up to cook burgers and steaks. When Taylor told us the two of you were going out to eat after the game, Paul, Taylor's dad, jumped at the chance. And don't let the house and cars and everything else fool you. We're people who like the simple pleasures in life, like hamburgers!!!"

She was laughing as they walked through the dining room and into the kitchen. A man was standing at the other end of the kitchen with his back to them. Kyran could hear the meat sizzling on the grill and could tell the man was flipping something over.

The man turned when he heard the laughing and smiled. He laid the spatula he had in his hand on the counter beside the grill behind him and wiped his hands on the apron he wore. He shook Kyran's hand and said, "Hey, Kyran."

"Hi, Mr. Gryffen."

"Please, call me Paul. I have to hear "Mr. Gryffen" all day at the office and it gets old," Taylor's dad said, grinning. "It's nice to finally meet you. We've heard a lot about you."

Kyran couldn't stop from smiling. "That's what Mrs. Gryf--Anne told me. But, whatever Taylor's told you, the bad stuff is all lies."

Paul laughed as he turned back to the grill. Anne touched Kyran's arm and he turned to look at the bar that sat in the middle of the kitchen and ran the length of the room. The end they were at had plates, glasses and silverware set out for five people.

Kyran sat down on the stool at the end of the bar on the side he was on, leaving the stool at the very end for someone else. He turned the stool back around and saw Anne walk around the bar to the large stainless steel refrigerator on the other side of the room.

"We've got Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, Coke and milk."

"Dr. Pepper," Kyran said, watching Paul flip the burgers and steaks on the grill again.

Anne shut the refrigerator and walked to sit down on the stool beside Kyran's. She handed him his Dr. Pepper and said, "I always told Paul he should get a job at a fast food place; he's great at flipping burgers."

They all laughed as Taylor and Reeve walked into the kitchen together. Taylor walked to the end of the bar and leaned up against the corner next to Kyran. Reeve opened a cabinet beneath the bar on the other side of Anne and took out two platters. He walked over to Paul and placed them beside the grill. He looked at the settings on the bar and looked back at Paul. "You still haven't learned where to put the silverware."

Paul shrugged as he moved some of the burgers and steaks to the platters. "You know I've never been good at that kind of thing." He grinned. "Must have been my teacher."

Reeve jabbed him in the ribs as Anne laughed at them. Reeve went to the refrigerator, took out some containers and set them on the bar between the plates. "There's tomatos, lettuce and cheese ready to go. I had just put them in the refrigerator when Anne and Paul came home."

Paul carried the two platters to the bar, set them down and sat down on the stool at the end of the bar. Kyran though he saw Taylor's face darken when he saw his father sit down. But, his face immediately brightened when Kyran touched his arm. He walked around his dad and sat down on the stool directly across from Kyran. The boys didn't see the amused look pass between the adults.

"Okay, dig in," Paul announced. "There's plenty for everyone."

Taylor got up and opened the cabinet behind him. He put a bag of hamburger buns on the bar and opened the refrigerator again. "Dad, Reeve, what do you want to drink?"

Both told him whatever he came to first. He grabbed three cans of Dr. Pepper and set them on the bar. He returned to the refrigerator and shut the door. When he sat down, he put the ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and steak sauce in front of him.

Paul looked at his son with a lopsided grin. "Now?"

"Now," Taylor laughed.

Each one dug in and they were soon eating and talking the time away. Kyran began to relax and open up and was soon laughing and telling jokes along with the rest of them. Time seemed to pass quickly and Kyran looked down at his watch. "Oh, man! It's almost twelve thirty. I need to get home."

"But you haven't been here that long," Taylor said, sounding disappointed.

Paul looked at his watch, too. "That was fast. We've been sitting here since ten o'clock. I've got to be in a meeting early in the morning, so I'm afraid that's it for me, too."

They began to clean up their plates, but Reeve told them to leave them and he would take care of them in the morning. Reeve stayed in the kitchen as the others made their way through the dining room and living room to the front door.

Anne and Paul started up the stairs when Taylor said, "I'm gonna walk Kyran out."

Both of them stopped and watched Taylor follow Kyran out the front door. Anne put her arm around her husband's waist and laid her head on his shoulder as his arm went around her.

"Do you think he knows?" Anne asked.

"It depends on which one you're talking about," Paul answered. He looked down at his wife, kissed her and led her upstairs.

Taylor walked beside Kyran all the way to his truck, their hands brushing up against each other a few times.

Doesn't mean anything, Kyran thought.

Kyran opened his door, but looked at Taylor before he got in. "I had a good time tonight."

Taylor smiled. "So did I."

Kyran looked at him for a few seconds and said, "You're nothing like what I've been told."

Taylor looked at him, puzzled.

"A couple of people told me a few things about you and I can't believe they were talking about you."

"What did they say?"

"Let's see…..you're a jerk, an asshole, a guy with a chip on his shoulder the size of-"

"Okay, okay!" interrupted Taylor. "I get the picture."

Kyran just smiled. "None of that is true. I don't know who they were talking about, but it's not you."

"Yeah, it is."

"What?"

"All of it's true," Taylor said, uncomfortably. "I was like that; every bit of it and more. But, now, everything's changed. I feel better than I ever have and things have never been better. And it all started when I started working at the teen center. There's something else that happened, too, but I'm not too sure of that yet."

Taylor laughed. "Before I started there, I was cussing it up and down and the judge who was making me go there, too. But, when I started and got into the flow of things, I realized I enjoyed it. And then there's you…..we've only known each other for

a little over a month and I feel I can talk to you about anything. I'm getting along with my parents more now than I ever have, which is a vast improvement if there ever was one."

"Then I'd say you've changed…..for the better. Or, you're finally acting like the person you've always been but didn't let it show. I hate to leave, but I need to get home. Seeya at the center tomorrow?"

Taylor nodded. "I'll be there."

Kyran turned to get in his truck but Taylor grabbed his arm and stopped him. Taylor turned him around to face him.

"What's wrong?"

Taylor shook his head. "Nothing." He put his hand behind Kyran's head, pulled him forward and kissed him.

Kyran was stunned as Taylor's lips touched his. He let go and melted into it. But, a split second later, he pulled away, with tears in his eyes.

Taylor looked at him, concern showing in his eyes and face. "Are you okay? I'm sorry if -"

Kyran shook his head. "There's nothing wrong!!! Oh God, Taylor, if you only knew how long I've waited and wanted that to happen!"

"Then what-"

Kyran kissed him. "I don't want you hurt." Kyran turned quickly and got into his truck. He backed out of the driveway and sped off, leaving Taylor stunned and watching him drive out of sight.

As soon as Taylor walked in the front door of the teen center, Anna pounced.

"We need to talk," she said, grabbing him by the arm and pulling him into the nearest talk room. She locked the door and asked, "What the hell did you do to him?!?!"

"Excuse me?"

Anna walked to stand directly in front of Taylor. "You know what I'm talking about. Kyran walked in here this morning and wouldn't say a word. I asked him if you two had a good time last night and he wouldn't say anything. He was practically crying!!!" she exclaimed. "What did you do?"

Taylor stared her straight in the eye. "Whatever happened last night between me and Kyran stays between me and Kyran."

"Then I suggest you fix this, whatever it is you did." She unlocked the door but stopped before she walked out. "I warned him about you. And I warned him about letting his feelings become too strong for you. I wish I had warned him a lot more."

Anna walked out, leaving Taylor alone. He sat down on the couch behind him, his elbows on his knees and his face in his hands. He felt the tears begin to form in his eyes. He heard the door close and lock again, but didn't look up.

"I don't want to hear any more of what you think, Anna."

"Unless something's happened that I don't know about, I'm not Anna."

Taylor looked up to see Kyran leaning on the door. He jumped off the couch and grabbed him in a huge hug. He backed off and led Kyran to the couch.

"I need to say something to you," said Taylor, as both of them sat down.

"Taylor, you -"

Taylor stopped him. "No, listen. I need to apologize for last night. I shouldn't have kissed you. It was the wrong thing to do." He paused for a few seconds and then continued. "The last few weeks being around you have been some of the best of my life."

Taylor stood and walked around as much as he could. "I've always had feelings for guys but I always thought they'd go away. I shoved them to the back of my mind, tried to forget them and convinced myself they weren't there." By this time, Taylor was pacing back and forth in front of the other couch on the other side of the table.

"I've had girlfriends. Quite a few of them actually. But, the thoughts and feelings were still there. I tried to…you know…with girls. But that never happened either. And I'm proud of the fact that I don't look at other guys in the showers anymore. I always thought I could convince myself I was straight."

Kyran smiled as Taylor kept pacing and talking.

"I broke up with Erin because of those feelings. Well, that was part of it. Part of it was from being so pissed at Judge Harden for what he sentenced me to at the time. The anger I had gave me the excuse to do it." Taylor saw the expression on Kyran's face. "What?"

Kyran resisted the urge to laugh. "Nothing."

"So, there I was. I was doing great. I admitted those thoughts and feelings to myself. I decided to keep them to myself and not let them affect my life. But, then I met you." Taylor returned to sit beside Kyran on the couch. "And I'm so glad I did. You've changed my life and me so much. From what I told you last night to not wanting any other guy ever again."

Kyran looked at Taylor when he heard the last part.

Taylor nodded. "That's right. You are the only one I want. Period." Taylor took Kyran's hands in his own and looked into Kyran's eyes. "I know this started out as an apology and has become a declaration of some kind, and I'm sorry about that. I want us to still be friends and if you ever want anything more, all you have to do is tell me. But, if you don't want to have anything to do with me, then I'll respect that."

Taylor began to stand and release Kyran's hands. But, Kyran held onto Taylor's hands and pulled him back down. He leaned over and kissed Taylor lightly. Kyran felt Taylor stiffen in surprise. He pressed his lips harder into Taylor's and Taylor melted into the kiss.

Kyran pulled back and grinned. "I want something more. I want to be with you."

"Um…yeah, um…" Taylor faltered. He smiled. "Man, that was easier than I thought it was going to be."

"Wow, you're practically speechless! This is a first!" Kyran exclaimed.

"It's just…after last night, I was afraid I'd went too far and scared you off, let alone thinking, and hoping, of having a chance with you."

Kyran kissed Taylor again and laughed. "My Aunt Rachel was up last night when I got home. I thought I had a pretty good face on, not showing what I was thinking or feeling, but she saw right through it. She stopped me before I went upstairs and asked me what was wrong. I couldn't lie to her."

"I told her everything; about meeting you, getting to know you, having feelings for you and what happened before I drove off last night. I couldn't let anything happen between us because I didn't want to see you hurt or lose you."

Taylor stopped him by kissing him. "You're not going to lose me. I know I'm only sixteen and I've got a long way to go, but I've never felt anything so sure in my life. I'm afraid you're stuck with me for a long time."

Kyran shook his head. "You don't know what I'm talking about. I need to tell you about someone."

"Hey, I -"

Kyran put his fingers over Taylor's mouth. "There's only been one other person in my life. I want us to be completely honest with each other about everything. That's why you need to know what happened between me and Austin."

Kyran told Taylor everything he told his family, leaving nothing out. Same as the time before, the tears and emotions poured out, from both of them. By the time Kyran finished, Taylor had leaned back on the couch arm, stretched out and had pulled Kyran to him against his chest, holding him as he'd been talking.

Kyran slowly stopped crying. "We never did anything but kiss, hold hands and cuddle when we got the chance. I thought he was the best thing that had ever happened to me." Kyran looked into Taylor's eyes. "I was wrong. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

"When I first started having feelings for you and I admitted them to myself, I felt like I was betraying or cheating on Austin. I told Aunt Rachel that and she pretty much set me straight, so to speak. I know I can't dwell on the past and I have to get on with my life. I'll understand if you don't want to be a part of my life after you I've told you all of this. You probably think -" Kyran said, trying to get up but being held in place by Taylor's arms.

"Where do you think you're going?" Taylor asked. He looked at Kyran, with tears in his eyes. "I know now, more than ever, I want to be a part of your life and want you to be a part of mine." Taylor wiped the tears away from Kyran's face and kissed him again. "Spend the night with me tonight."

Kyran tried to pull back, but Taylor still held him tight.

"What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"

"Are you sure you want me to stay with you tonight?"

Taylor looked confused, but laughed when he realized what Kyran was talking about. "We've got a lot of talking to do. There's so much more I want to know about you, your family and stuff like that. And I think we may want to take this slow and set some limits; just at the beginning. Is that okay?"

"It's perfectly okay. It's not I don't want to sleep with you or have sex with you…I do." Kyran giggled. "I think you're gonna think this next part is going to sound weird and corny."

"No, it's not. Trust me on that. Go on."

Kyran laid his head back down on Taylor's shoulder. "I don't want to just have sex with you." He nuzzled and kissed Taylor's neck. "I want to make love to you. I want us to both the ready and to be sure. I told you it sounds weird."

Taylor tightened his arms around Kyran and laid his cheek against Kyran's forehead. "That's the best thing I've heard in a long time."

A knock on the door startled them, both of them standing up. They laughed at each other and Kyran unlocked the door. Anna was standing there when he opened the door.

"Everything okay?"

Taylor came up behind Kyran, slipped his arms around him and said, "Everything's perfect."

"Yeah," Kyran said, smiling.

Anna looked uncertain for a few seconds, but nodded. "Good. Make sure it stays that way. Now, could you help us; we're getting swamped out here!"

The rest of the day, everyone in the center was busy on the phones or talking to someone. Kyran helped Susan put more of her plans together, trying to get everything ready to send to Gary Blaine.

Day turned into night and things began to slow down. Around eight o'clock, Susan called all the volunteers to the great room beside the hotline room. All ten volunteers who were working that day, some Kyran had yet to meet, piled onto the couches and into the chairs.

"I have some very good news," Susan began. "Kyran knows what I'm about to tell you. All of you know I had bigger plans for this place, beyond this counseling center. So, I made a few suggestions to the liaison between me and our financial backer. He made sure our supporter heard my suggestions and upon Mr. Blaine's tour and recommendation, the suggestions I made have been approved."

The volunteers began talking and cheering at the same time. Anna punched Kyran in the arm.

"Ow!"

"You could have told me!"

Susan quieted them down. "I've got some of the preliminary plans on paper. I really want your input and suggestions on this. I want this place to be where anyone who wants to come can and have a great time. I told Mr. Blaine I would try to have everything to him by Thanksgiving. So, we have about three weeks to put everything together."

"I'm going to be busy with architects and lawyers and whoever else for the next few weeks, to get all this stuff together. So I'm going to have someone who can kinda be in charge around here and who you can bring your suggestions and ideas to so they can bring them to me. Kyran, do you mind being that someone?"

"I'd love to. But, don't you think you should have someone doing that who's been here longer than I have?"

Kyran's fellow volunteers, even the ones he had yet to meet, disagreed with him. Susan smiled. "There you have it. Will you do it?"

Kyran accepted. "Absolutely."

"Great!!!! I'm going to put up what I've already got planned on the bulletin boards outside my office. I want all of you to take a look and if you have any ideas, bring them to Kyran and he'll get them to me."

All of them heard the chime. Susan looked at them. "Those of you who've been here since this morning, go home. You've been here long enough. The rest of us can handle everything until we close up."

Taylor and Kyran smiled at each other as all the volunteers stood and started to separate. They both said goodnight to Anna and Susan and walked to their vehicles, both of which sat side by side in the parking lot.

"Do you want to go with me to get some clothes or do you want me to just meet you at your house?" Kyran asked, unlocking his driver side door.

"Is it okay if I go with you?"

"I was hoping you were going to say that." Kyran got in his truck as Taylor got into his car.

Kyran took his time driving home, not wanting to lose Taylor along the way. About fifteen minutes later, Kyran pulled into his driveway, with Taylor right behind him.

Kyran waited for Taylor to get out of his car and walk up to him. He saw the look on Taylor's face and asked, "Nervous?"

"A little." He looked at Kyran. "A lot."

Kyran took Taylor's hand and led him around to the back of the house. They found Rachel in the kitchen when they walked in. She turned when she heard the door open and smiled when she saw Kyran and Taylor walk in, holding hands.

Rachel dried her hand, walked to them and hugged Taylor. Taylor was surprised at first but then hugged her back. When Rachel pulled back, she looked at Kyran and said, "He's cute. Definitely a keeper."

"Aunt Rachel!!!!"

Rachel laughed as her nephew blushed.

"I'm going to stay at Taylor's tonight. Is that okay?"

Rachel's expression changed.

Taylor held up his hands. "I can promise you nothing is going to happen except a lot of talking, about a lot of stuff. And my mom and dad are going to be at home; not to mention my little sister. I'm sure they'll have something for us to do."

"Okay. But, be careful," Rachel said, returning to the dishes. "Just tell your uncle before you leave, though." She looked back at them. "And have fun!"

Both of the boys smiled. Kyran took Taylor's hand and led him through the house and up to his room. Taylor stopped when they walked into Kyran's living room.

"Wow! You have a cool room!"

"Thanks. Hold on a sec while I get my stuff together," Kyran said, walking into his bedroom.

Taylor walked to the couch, sat down and stretched out. He looked around the room, noticing the weight set in one corner, the bathroom and the entertainment center in front of him. He saw the CD part of the entertainment center was empty.

His dad threw all of his CDs away, Taylor thought. What an asshole! I need to get him some to replace them.

"Ready to go?" asked Kyran, walking out of his room with a sportbag hung on his right shoulder.

Taylor got up and followed Kyran downstairs and back into the kitchen. Rachel was sitting at the table, reading a newspaper. Kyran sat his bag beside her chair. She looked at him and said, "Don't forget to tell your uncle."

"I was saving that for last. Is he in his study?"

Rachel nodded. Kyran turned and walked out of the kitchen, making his way to his uncle's study. He stopped at the double doors, looked at Taylor by his side and knocked.

A voice on the other side of the doors told him to come in. Kyran opened the doors and walked in, with Taylor right beside him.

"Uncle Olie, I'd like you to meet someone."

Oliver looked up. Taylor gasped.

"Well, Mr. Gryffen. It's so nice to see you again," Oliver said, sitting back in his chair.

"Judge Harden, sir, I…uh…"

Kyran took Taylor's hand into his own. "Now, Uncle Olie. Don't terrorize him. I just came in to make sure it was okay to spend the night with Taylor." Oliver's expression began to darken and Kyran jumped in. "And before you say anything, there won't be any sex involved. I swear it."

Oliver leaned forward on his desk and was silent for a few seconds. He looked at Taylor, his court expression instantly appearing. "If you hurt him, so help me, I'll --"

"That's not going to happen, sir," Taylor said. "I'm sorry to interrupt you, but that's the truth. I've just admitted to myself that I'm gay. I'm new to this, but I do know one thing. I care very deeply for Kyran and I would never intentionally hurt him." Taylor looked at Kyran. "It's that simple."

Oliver watched the boys for a little while and then broke the silence. "Kyran, would you leave Taylor and me alone for a few minutes. I need to discuss a few things with him."

"I don't know," Kyran said, sounding unsure.

"Go on," Taylor said, squeezing Kyran's hand before letting it go.

Kyran looked at Oliver. "Be nice." He turned and left the room, shutting the doors behind him. He resisted the urge to go back in and went to the kitchen. His aunt was still reading her paper.

"Want something to drink?" Kyran asked, opening the refrigerator.

"Hand me a Sprite," Rachel answered. "Where's Taylor?"

"Uncle Olie wanted to talk to him about a few things," Kyran said, sitting down in the chair opposite Rachel and setting her Sprite above her paper on the table. He opened his can of Coke. "I hope Uncle Olie isn't being mean. I want to go back in there so bad."

Rachel opened her Sprite. "Give your uncle a little credit. He won't terrorize him. At least, not much!" Rachel laughed.

"Thanks for being so comforting," her nephew said, grinning.

They talked for a few minutes and Taylor and Oliver walked into the kitchen. Oliver got Taylor and himself a drink from the refrigerator and told the boys to have a good time. Oliver left the kitchen to return to his work in the study. Rachel kissed both of the boys goodbye and they walked to their vehicles in the driveway.

About twenty minutes later, they walked into the front door of Taylor's house. Paul and Anne were coming down the staircase when they walked in.

"Hey, Kyran," Paul said, reaching the bottom of the staircase.

"Hey, Mr. Gryf--Paul."

"I asked Kyran to spend the night. Is that okay?" Taylor asked.

"Absolutely!" Anne replied. "We're glad you came, Kyran. Do you two want to watch the University of Tennessee basketball game with us?"

"I think we're just going to go up to my room and hang out for awhile. We might come down later," Taylor said, walking to the staircase.

Paul and Anne watched the boys walk up the staircase. When they disappeared at the top, Paul said, "I guess they both found out."

"Do you think we should tell them we know or should we wait and let them tell us?" asked Anne.

"Let's wait and see what happens," Paul replied, walking into the living room. "Now, come on or we're going to miss the opening tip."

Taylor opened the door to his room and walked in. It was Kyran's turn to say, "Wow!!!"

"You like?"

"It's incredible!" Kyran said, setting his bag on the bed. "You've got a pool table, a huge entertainment center, a hot tub…all in your room! What's not to like?"

Taylor had walked to his closet and opened the door. "Why don't you put on some music or find something on television while I change," he said, walking into the closet.

Kyran walked to the entertainment center and started to look at Taylor's CDs. He found quite a few he had had at one time and a dull longing hit him for a second. He decided to change, so he took a pair of shorts and a shirt out of his bag and changed quickly. He went back to looking at Taylor's CDs and was about to pick one out when Taylor's arms encircled him.

"Can't find anything?"

Kyran laughed. "I was just about to." He opened the glass door of the CD part of the entertainment center and pulled a jewel case out.

"Sarah McLachlan. Nice choice. Do you really like her?"

"Oh, definitely!" Kyran replied, putting the CD into the CD player and waiting for the music to start. "She's one of my favorites."

When "Building A Mystery" began to play, Taylor led Kyran to his couch in front of the entertainment center. He pulled Kyran down to him and they were sitting like they had been at the teen center earlier in the day.

"Who else would be on that favorite list of yours?"

Kyran relaxed and moved to where his back was against Taylor's chest and his head was on Taylor's shoulder. "Well, there's Sarah, Janet Jackson, N Sync, the Backstreet Boys, Savage Garden, Tori Amos, Alanis Morissette, and there are others. I like to think I like a wide range of music."

"I've never listened to Tori Amos before."

"You don't know what you're missing. She's incredible. She takes a little getting used to but she's simply amazing. I'll get you one of her CDs for Christmas or your birthday or something."

They kept talking, Kyran in Taylor's arms, for hours. They shared histories, likes, and dislikes, dreams and everything else they could think of. Then, they discussed what they had meant to all night.

"No sex…at least for right now," Kyran stated.

"Exactly. Just kissing, making out and cuddling every chance we get and nothing else unless we both agree."

"Since you're so popular, and you know you are, no public affection. That's the obvious one. But, there are a couple of things you're going to have to do."

"Like what?"

"Like going out with your friends and teammates. I saw the look Jake gave me in the hallway yesterday. And I've heard a couple of guys saying you're not hanging out with them anymore, like you used to do."

"But I don't want to get out with them now that I have you."

"I feel the same way. But, you're going to have to for appearances. I know how teammates can be when they find out you're gay. My teammates didn't like it at all."

"What did they do to you?!" Taylor asked, protectively.

"Nothing. But, they were planning on it. I know they were. I'm just glad I got out of there before they did do something." Kyran looked at his watch. "It's almost midnight. Maybe it would be better if I stayed in a guest room because of your parents and your sister."

Taylor tightened his arms around Kyran. "I don't want you to sleep in a guest room. I want you here with me."

Kyran broke Taylor's embrace and sat up. "I’m being serious."

Taylor stood up. "So am I," he said, walking out of the room.

Kyran quickly followed him. Taylor walked down the stairs faster than Kyran thought possible. Taylor was already in the living room when Kyran caught up with him.

"Mom, Dad, we need to talk."

Paul tapped a button on the remote, turning the television off. Taylor walked to the couch and sat down beside his mom.

"What's wrong, honey?" Anne asked.

"Taylor, you don't have--"

"Yes, I do," Taylor interrupted. He looked at his parents. "There's no easy way to tell you this, so I'm just going to come out and say it." He paused and looked down for a few seconds. He raised his head and said, "I'm gay."

Both boys braced themselves for the explosive reactions they both expected.

"We know," Paul said.

"Huh?" Taylor asked, shocked that his parents hadn't exploded. "You know?"

Anne took Taylor's hands in her own. "We've known for a while now."

"How?"

"It was little things at first. You never really paid any attention to the girls you would have over. You just wanted to be with your friends more than your girlfriends. Then, when you started working at the teen center and started talking about Kyran, it started to gel," Anne explained, still holding her son's hands in her own. "The final piece fell into place last night when we were eating in the kitchen. We saw the way you looked at him and the way he looked at you."

Kyran had walked to stand behind Taylor. Anne looked at him and smiled. "It was so funny to see the way the two of you tried to hide what you were feeling from us and from each other."

"The only thing we want is for you to be happy," Paul added, leaning forward. "Are you happy?"

Taylor looked at Kyran. "The happiest I've been in a long time."

"Then that's all that matters." Paul paused. "We are concerned about a few things, though."

"We've already talked about that ourselves," Kyran said.

"No sex for now and probably not for awhile. And we're not going to be open about it yet. Someday, but not now," Taylor tacked on. "Kyran's family knows about him and I didn't want to have to sneak around. That's why I told you."

Paul stood up. "We're glad you did. Come on, I'm hungry," he said, walking toward the kitchen. The three of them followed him and found him taking containers out of the refrigerator. Taylor and Kyran opened the cabinets and got out plates and glasses while Anne got the drinks.

A few minutes later, after nuking the food in the microwave, they all sat down together again. But, this time, Taylor and Kyran sat side by side, as did Paul and Anne.

"Where's Reeve and Dyan?" Taylor asked, taking a bite of his hamburger.

"Reeve went to his granddaughter's in Atlanta. Her birthday is next week and we gave him the week off," answered Paul. "And Dyan is staying at Erica's house tonight."

"Now I remember what I wanted to tell you all," Anne said. "Tim called today. He'll be home the Tuesday before Thanksgiving." She looked at Kyran. "I know it's still a few weeks away, but do you have any plans for Thanksgiving? We'd love for you to come eat with us."

"I'm not really sure what plans Uncle Olie and Aunt Rachel have yet. They haven't said anything."

"Well, if they have their dinner early in the afternoon, then you can come here that night," Paul supplied. "We don't eat until around six or seven."

"I'll find out what their plans are and let you know."

"Are we going to have the usual crowd this year?" asked Taylor.

"As far as I know," Anne said, taking a drink of her Coke. "That means we'll have about thirty or forty. I need to talk to Reeve when he gets back about what we're going to have to eat."

"Thirty or forty?"

They looked at Kyran, who had surprise all over his face. Taylor laughed. "That's nothing. We've had a lot more than that before. Both Mom and Dad's families come for Thanksgiving and both sides are huge."

"We need to call everyone to see exactly who is coming so we'll know what we need," Paul suggested.

"That's a good idea. I can start doing that tomorrow," Anne said, standing and taking her dishes to the sink.

"What time is it?" Kyran asked, following Anne to the sink.

Paul looked at his watch. "Almost one thirty."

"We've got to be at the center at ten in the morning," Taylor said, jumping up.

"You two go on to bed," Anne told them. "We'll clean this up."

Before Kyran could say he would help them, Taylor grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the door. They walked through the house and up the stairs to Taylor's room.

Kyran walked into Taylor's bathroom while Taylor set the alarm clock and turned the covers down on the bed. A few minutes later, Kyran walked out of the bathroom to find Taylor in bed, waiting for him. Taylor smiled at him and patted the space next to him.

Kyran walked to the edge of the bed. Taylor held out his hand and Kyran took it in his. Taylor pulled Kyran to him and threw the covers over both of them. He kissed Kyran and put his arms around him. Kyran laid his head on Taylor's shoulder and his arm across his chest.

Taylor kissed Kyran's forehead. "Good night."

"Sweet dreams," Kyran replied.

Taylor tightened his arms around Kyran as they both fell asleep.

* * * * *

"Is everything ready, Susan?"

Susan put the paper she had in her hand in the folder and closed it. She looked up at Kyran and smiled. "That's it. Everything's ready to go. And I'm going to get it to Gary a couple of days early, too."

Susan stood and grabbed her coat from the hook on the back of her office door. "I'm going to take this to Gary before he leaves the office. If you need me, just page me or call my cell phone."

Kyran walked Susan out of her office and to the front door. As soon as the front door came into view, the chime sounded and Kyran saw his Aunt Rachel walk in.

"May I help you?" Susan asked.

Rachel smiled. "You already have. I need to talk to my nephew and you brought him with you."

"Mrs. Harden?"

Rachel nodded.

Susan shook Rachel's hand enthusiastically. "I'm so happy to meet you. I just want to say Kyran is probably the best volunteer I have. I don't know what I'd do without him."

Rachel's face beamed. "Why, thank you. His uncles and I are very proud of him."

"I wish I could stay and talk with you, but I have to be downtown as soon as I can. It was a pleasure meeting you," Susan said, making her way to the door.

"Likewise," Rachel replied, watching Susan walk out. She turned around in time to see Taylor walk up and stand beside Kyran.

"Hey, Aunt Rachel," Taylor greeted, smiling.

She smiled back at him. "I'm glad you're both here." Her tone changed. "Something's came up. I need to talk to Kyran and he'll probably want you to hear this, too."

"What's up?" Kyran asked, worried at his aunt's change of tone.

"Is there somewhere we can talk alone?"

Taylor led them to the nearest talk room. Rachel sat down on the couch closest to the door. Kyran waited for Taylor to lock the door and they sat down together on the other couch.

"I talked to your mom this morning, Kyran."

"Is everything okay?" Kyran worriedly asked.

"Everything's fine. She called to ask if it would be okay for them to come here for Thanksgiving."

Taylor looked at Kyran, just in time to see a little color drain from his face. "Is Dad coming, too?"

"Yes. But, I told Elaine I would ask you first. If you don't want them to come, then they won't come."

Kyran sat in silence for a few moments. "Tell them to come." He looked at Taylor. "I know what you're thinking. I'll be okay."

"I know you will be. And I'm going to be there to make sure you are. I know you're not supposed to invite yourself to anything, but I'm going to be rude this time. I'm going to be there with you."

"No. I know you want to be there. And I want you there. But, you've got a lot of family coming and you need to be with them." Taylor began to disagree but Kyran stopped him. "I'm serious! I'll be fine. You be with your family and I'll call you if something happens."

Taylor didn't look too happy when they walked out of the talk room. They heard the chime sound and looked down the hallway toward the front door to see a boy walk in.

"I'll take this one," Kyran said, kissing Rachel on the cheek. "I'll see you at home tonight." He turned and walked down the hallway to the boy who had just walked in.

Rachel touched Taylor's arm, breaking his gaze from watching Kyran walk away.

"I was hoping he'd tell me to tell them to stay at home," she said.

"Me, too. Please call me if anything happens, no matter what."

"Believe me, I will."

"When will they be here?"

"Tomorrow."

Taylor looked at her. "How long will they be here?"

"Until Saturday or Sunday. So, about five or six days. He's going to need you a lot in the next week or so. I know he thinks he fooling us by looking strong, but he's still hurting from what his mom and dad did." Taylor could see the anger appear in Rachel's face and could hear it in her voice.

"All he has to do is call me. I'll be there in a flash."

Rachel hugged him. "I know. I need to get back to the office, so I'll talk to you later."

Paul and Anne walked into Taylor's room and found him on his couch, stretched out and looking at the ceiling. Paul sat down in the chair sitting perpendicular to the couch and Anne sat beside their son.

"What's wrong, Tay? You weren't at dinner and you haven't said a word since you got home."

Taylor looked at his parents and sighed. "I'm just worried about Kyran."

"Is there something wrong between the two of you? Did you have a bad fight?" Anne asked.

Taylor smiled a little. "No, everything's fine. His parents and his sister are coming to visit for Thanksgiving tomorrow."

"He doesn't live with his parents?" asked Paul.

"No, he lives with his aunt and uncle. I haven't told you that."

Both his parents shook their heads.

"He lives with his aunt and uncle because his parents basically threw him out after they found out he was gay." Taylor told them Kyran's story as he had been told. When he finished, his parents sat in silence for a few seconds.

"Dear God," Anne muttered, with tears in her eyes.

"The bastard! Kyran is his son!!" Paul yelled.

"I talked to Rachel a few minutes before she left the center after she told Kyran about them coming. She was hoping he'd tell her to tell them to stay away. But, he didn't. I told him I'd be there beside him the whole time, but he told me to be with my family and he'd call if anything happened or if he needed me. Rachel said she'd do the same if he didn't," Taylor said, his voice full of worry.

"Then that's what you've got to do," Paul said. "I know it's hard to stay away when you know you've got to be there. If he calls, then we'll go get him and bring him here. And I mean "we". I'll go with you. Maybe I should call his uncle and talk to him about a few things that could happen. What's his uncle's name?"

"You already know him, Dad. This is so ironic or something like that." Taylor laughed. "His uncle is Judge Harden."

"You're kidding! That's hilarious!"

"I know."

Paul stood up. "Then I'd better call Judge Harden tonight," he said, walking out of the room.

Anne patted her son's knee. "It's going to be okay. Come on, it's getting late. You'd better go to bed."

After his mom left and he changed clothes, Taylor crawled into bed. He wrapped his arms around one of his pillows, imagining it was Kyran. He fell asleep.

Kyran paused and braced himself before he opened the door to the kitchen. He'd been dreading this moment all day. Taylor had hardly left his side at the center the whole day. Taylor tried to convince him to let him come home with him, but Kyran had resisted.

I have to do this on my own.

Kyran took a deep breath, opened the door and walked in. His sister Andrea was looking in the refrigerator. She turned to see him walk in and ran to hug him.

"Hey, Shorty!" Kyran said, hugging his sister to him. "You haven't changed a bit."

"Yes I have!"

"Let's see…yeah, I can see it now…you have a zit right there on your chin."

Andrea's hand flew to her chin. Then she slapped Kyran on the arm. "I do not!"

Kyran laughed. He put his arm around Andrea and they walked out of the kitchen. They walked through the dining room toward the living room on the other side of the front door. Kyran noticed the suitcases sitting by the front door as they passed them as they walked into the living room.

Oliver and Rachel were sitting together on the loveseat opposite the doorway Kyran and Andrea were standing in. Kyran and Andrea's parents were sitting on the couch sitting perpendicular to the loveseat and facing the television.

Elaine and Bill turned when Oliver and Rachel turned their attention to them. Elaine stood and walked to hug her son.

"Hey, Mom," Kyran said, hugging and kissing Elaine…but noticed how stiff her hug really was.

"Hey, sweetheart. How are you doing?" Elaine asked, pulling back out of the hug.

"I'm doing okay." Kyran looked at his father, who was still sitting on the couch. "Hello, sir. How are -"

"Take my and your mother's suitcases up to the guestroom. And take your sister's to your room. She can sleep in your bed and you can sleep down here on the couch," Bill informed him.

"Andrea can sleep in my bed. But, I'll sleep on the couch in my living room," Kyran said, turning and leaving the room. He picked up the three suitcases and started up the stair, with Andrea right behind him.

Elaine returned to sit by her husband on the couch. Bill looked at Oliver. "I hope you made him get a job to help out around here."

"He's working at a teen center, Bill," Rachel said.

"Is he getting paid for it?"

"No, he's volunteering."

"Then he has to quit immediately! He needs to pay his way around here and for that truck sitting -"

"I don't think so."

Bill looked at Oliver as if he'd been slapped when Oliver interrupted him. "What do you mean "I don't think so"? He'll work as long as he lives under my roof!"

"That's just it, Bill. He's not under your roof. He's under mine. He worked enough while he still lived with you and now he deserves to have a life and a little fun. So, things are going to stay the way they are. End of discussion." The tone of Oliver's voice hit Bill like a ton of bricks. But, he dropped the subject.

Bill looked at his watch. "It's getting late. I think we'll go to bed."

They all stood and walked up the stairs together. Rachel explained she had put clean sheets on the guest bedroom bed and to wake them up if they needed anything during the night.

All of them walked up to Kyran's room. They found both Kyran and Andrea already asleep. Elaine shut the door to Kyran's bedroom and walked to stand behind the couch to look at her son. "They both look so tired."

"It was a long trip for Andrea," Rachel said, putting a nightlight in a plug in close to the bathroom door. "Kyran has been working hard in school and at the teen center. And he's been spending time with Taylor, so he's bound to be tired."

Oliver saw Bill's expression darken as Rachel talked. Bill moved closer to the door but stopped. "It's too much. He doesn’t need, or deserve, all of this." He turned and walked out. Elaine looked at her brother and sister-in-law and then followed her husband.

Rachel kissed Kyran on the forehead and left the room. Oliver stood over Kyran, watching his nephew sleep peacefully. He leaned down and kissed Kyran on the forehead, just as Rachel had, and pulled the sheet and comforter up to Kyran's chin.

Oliver walked to the door and reached to turn the light off. He looked back at his nephew. "He deserves more than this. And I'll be damned if he doesn't get it." Oliver turned out the light and shut the door.

"Susan, can I ask a favor?"

"Sure, Kyran. What is it?"

"I was wondering if I could use your computer and your Internet connection to check my email. I haven't checked it in over a month and I know it's got to be backed up."

Susan looked up at him. "Of course you can use it. I've got to go and see what's needed in the soft drink and snack machines." She got up out of her chair. "Take your time and have fun," she said, smiling and walking out of the office.

Kyran sat down and activated Susan's 'Net link and her browser. He pulled up his email address carrier and logged in for the first time in over a month. He started reading over his messages, replying to a few friends who were wondering where he was and deleting the ones he didn't need or want to keep. He never heard Taylor walk in and come up behind him.

Taylor reached around and put his hands over Kyran's eyes. "Guess who."

Kyran smiled and put his hands on Taylor's. "Hey, you."

"I didn't know you were an Internet junkie."

"I love it. My old high school had a network installed in the library a couple of months before I came here. I came up with so many excuses to go to the library, it isn't even funny. I was just starting to really learn about it when I came here. I hadn't realized how much I missed it until Anna said something about her email." He shut the browser and terminated the connection.

Kyran got up out of the chair and was immediately engulfed in a hug.

"I was worried about you all night last night and all day today. I hate not seeing you at school very much during the day."

"I'm okay," Kyran said, hugging back.

"How'd it go last night?" Taylor asked, breaking the embrace.

"Better than I thought," Kyran said, walking out of the room with Taylor right beside him. "Dad was very short and to the point, as always. But, he was colder than normal, if that's possible. And we only said a few words to each other. Mom was almost the same way. She tried to hide it, but it was still there." They walked to the great room beside the hotline room and sat down on the nearest couch. They sat on opposite ends and stretched out their legs on top of one another.

"We're going to have to be careful, you know," Kyran said.

"What do you mean?"

"I know you want to show public affection as much as I do, but you know we can't. At least, not right now. So, we've got to be careful what we do around each other. Someone could have came by the office and saw us hugging and then we'd probably be up shit creek without a paddle."

Taylor frowned. "Okay, okay. I'll watch what I do from now on." He stopped for a second and then changed the subject. "How was your sister?"

"Andrea was just like she was before I left home. She's nutty as ever. It felt good when she ran up and hugged me." Kyran looked at Taylor. "But, something's going to happen."

"How do you know?"

Kyran shrugged. "It's just a feeling I have. A gut feeling. And especially the way my dad looked last night, something is definitely building. He's always looked stern and angry at the same time, if that makes any sense. But, when I looked at him and he looked at me last night, it just seemed more intense. He couldn't hardly stand to look at me. So…he'll explode before too long."

"Then I need to be there," Taylor said with concern in his voice.

"I wish you could be there, but I can't let you be there."

"Why not?!" Taylor exclaimed. "I love you! I should -" Taylor stopped when he realized what he had said.

Kyran reached for Taylor's hand where Taylor had his arm laying on top of the back of the couch. "I love you, too." He laced his fingers through Taylor's. "But, if you were there, he'd go after you. He'd find a way to hurt you through me or the other way around. I don't want you hurt. I'll call if something happens."

Taylor pointed with his free hand to his and Kyran's hands laced together. "You're getting on to me about public affection?"

Kyran heard the sarcasm in Taylor's voice and laughed. The chime sounded and both got up and walked to the front of the building. Neither one saw Anna on the other side of the room, smiling.

"Grandma?"

The little old lady standing in the doorway reached up and patted his cheek. "Of course it's me!" she laughed. "Is dinner ready?"

Kyran grinned and leaned down a little to hug her. "Almost. Aunt Rachel, Aunt Catherine and Mom are in the kitchen trying to get everything together. Uncle Olie, Uncle Tony and Dad are in the living room watching a football game," Kyran answered, shutting the front door when his grandmother, Betty Harden, walked into the house.

She sat her suitcase down and looked at him. "How are you? And don't lie to me!"

Kyran sighed. "I'm okay."

"You're father being a hardass again?"

Kyran simply nodded. Betty put her arm around Kyran's and slowly started walking toward the kitchen. "I talked to Rachel last week and she told me about Taylor. So when do I get to meet him?"

Kyran stopped before they got to the kitchen, about halfway through the dining room. "So you're okay with me being…" Kyran's voice trailed off.

"…okay with you being gay?" Betty finished. She took his head in her hand, pulled him down and kissed him on the cheek. "You're my grandson. Now and always, no matter what." Her face darkened. "Your parents and I need to have a talk. And I'm sure they're not going to like what I have to say."

"Why didn't you just come with Mom, Dad and Andrea? You're house is just an hour away from theirs."

"Because your father and mother didn't tell me they were coming. Rachel called me and told me and I needed to take care of a few things before I could come." Betty's expression lightened and she smiled. "You never did tell me when I get to meet Taylor. Rachel said he's a real cutie!"

Kyran laughed and walked his grandmother to the kitchen doorway. They found the three women in the kitchen with their backs to them.

"Kyran, who was at the door?" Rachel called out, still thinking he was at the front door.

"A surprise," Betty said.

Rachel, Catherine and Elaine turned in surprise. "Betty!" Catherine said. "Why didn't you tell us you were coming?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise," Betty said, walking over to Catherine and wiping the flour off her daughter-in-law's cheek.

"Gran, I'll take your suitcase up to my room," Kyran said, still in the doorway. "You can have my bed, Andrea can sleep on my couch and I'll sleep on the one couch down here."

"Thank you, Kyran. Where's Andrea, Greg and Nick?"

"They're upstairs playing in my room."

"When you go up, tell them dinner will be ready in about twenty minutes. And if you don't mind, tell the gentlemen in the living room, too. Just don't tell them I'm here."

"Yes, ma'am," Kyran said, backing out of the doorway, watching his grandmother take control.

True to her word, twenty minutes later, Kyran called everyone into the dining room. The large dinner table was loaded down with food and had place settings for the adults. A smaller table had been set up next to the large table for Andrea and Tony and Catherine's two young boys, Greg and Nick.

Oliver and Tony were shocked to find their mother standing by the table when they walked into the dining room. They both immediately hugged her and fussed on her for not telling them she was coming. The look she gave Bill told him to stay away. He sat on the far end of the table from her, hardly ever looking her way.

Betty sat at one end of the table with Oliver sitting at the opposite end. She had Kyran and Rachel sit at her right and left and the others sat where they wanted. Andrea helped Greg and Nick get their plates and food and they sat down at their own table.

The rest of them loaded their plates down and dug in. With good food comes good conversation and both tables were soon buzzing. Seconds, thirds and even fourths made the rounds. Conversations crossed the table and Kyran tried talking to his father, but Bill cut him off every time. Kyran could see Oliver and Tony becoming annoyed, but he didn't see Betty becoming enraged. She never allowed Kyran to see it.

Betty looked at Kyran and grinned. "You never did tell me when I get to meet Taylor."

"Oh, Betty! He's a cutie! Kyran did really well with this one," Rachel laughed.

Bill pounced. "So, is this Taylor the guy you're whoring around with now?"

The room fell silent.

Oliver began to say something, but his mother cut him off. "No, Oliver. Not with the little ones in the room." Betty stood up and walked over to Andrea. "Andrea, take the boys back up to Kyran's room and play with them. Go on, hurry."

Andrea looked at her father and her brother and hesitated for a moment. Then, she quickly took hold of the boys' hands and led them upstairs. When she heard Kyran's door close, Betty whirled around to look at Bill.

"How dare you!"

Bill stood up. "I don't have to listen to the ramblings of some old woman who needs to be put out of my -"

"SHUT UP!!!" Betty bellowed, walking to stand in front of him. "You're going to listen to everything I have to say. You may not like it, but I don't give a damn what you like or don't like. I'm not one of your soldiers you can order around."

Shock registered on Bill's face but anger soon replaced it. He began to move toward Betty, but Tony had moved to stand beside his mother.

"I wouldn't do that, Bill. Stay right where you are," Tony said, protectively.

"What is your problem?" Betty asked. "When I first met you, you were one of the nicest people I had ever met. Then, you decided to enter the Marines and it changed you. Why? What happened?"

"What happened?!" Bill inquired. "The best thing that ever happened to me, that's what happened. The Marines showed me how to be a man, how things should be and how things were going to be."

"Did they also show you how to abuse your children?" Catherine spoke up, everyone hearing the anger in her voice.

"He deserved it. And more," Bill replied, his voice hard and stern. "He's nothing but a queer, useless and not worth anything."

"You don’t know how bad I wanted to beat the hell out of you when I found out what you did to my grandson," Betty said, lowly. "Let's be honest, I couldn't put a dent in you. I did think about having someone do it for me, but then those maniacal Marine friends of yours would probably go on a rampage." Betty shifted her gaze until she was looking at her daughter. Elaine hadn't moved and still sat in her chair.

"And there you sit, trying to be overlooked and trying to block this out. Not this time."

Elaine looked at her mother. "Mom, I didn’t do anything -"

"You've got that right!" Betty yelled, moving to stand directly across from her daughter on the opposite side of the table. "You didn't do anything! You did nothing to protect your children. No, you didn't do anything to protect your son. You knew he was beating him over absolutely nothing, yet you stood by and let him do it. And you even went along with some of it. And don't try to deny it. I know what you told Kyran after he woke up from the beating his father had given him." Elaine's eyes began to shed tears as her mother yelled at her.

"I thought your father and I raised you to be a strong woman, who could stand up for herself and whoever she cared about." Betty looked Elaine straight in the eye and put as much venom and anger in her voice as she could. "For the first time, I'm glad your father is dead. It would break his heart to see what you've become."

Elaine winced visibly at her mother's last comment.

"What did I do?"

Everyone looked at Kyran when he asked the question. He stood up and walked around the table to stand before his father.

"I did everything you wanted me to do. I played football and basketball and I worked to help around the house. Everything you ever asked me to do, I did, no matter how much I hated to do it. What did I do wrong?" Kyran asked, his voice close to breaking down with emotion.

"You weren't the best," Bill said, needing no time to think about it. "You should have been the star quarterback of the football team and the star guard of the basketball team. But, no…you had to be second best at everything."

Anger flared in Kyran's face and voice. "Well, I'm sorry! I tried my hardest at everything I did, just to please you! I was hoping I would get some kind of compliment or something out of you for working so hard. But, the harder I tried, the harder you got. I'm sorry, Dad." Kyran paused. "I wish I could be the son you want me to be. But, I can't," Kyran said, lowly.

"You're right about that. You'll never be the son I want you to be. All you'll ever be is a useless queer."

"I'm sorry I'm gay, Dad," Kyran said. He immediately stopped after he said that for a few moments and dropped his head. He raised his head back up and everyone could see the anger and hurt in his eyes. "No! No, I'm not! I'm gay, Dad! That's who I am! And I like who I am!" Tears were falling down Kyran's cheeks and his voice was close to breaking again. "I'm not going to change just because you want me to. I'm sorry if you don't like that and I'm sorry you and your little Marine friends have a prob-"

Before anyone could move, Bill struck out. He had punched Kyran twice in the stomach and twice in the face before Oliver and Tony restrained him. Kyran had fell to the floor. Betty, Rachel and Catherine moved to him quickly. Blood was pouring from his nose and lip. Betty could already tell he was going to have at least one black eye. Kyran was crying and Betty hugged him to her, trying to comfort him.

Oliver and Tony held Bill by the arms and Elaine had gotten up from her chair and was holding her husband around the waist, trying to help hold him back.

Kyran clung to his grandmother as he still cried and looked at his father with fear. Bill was still struggling against Elaine, Tony and Oliver. When he finally stopped struggling, they let him go and backed away from him.

"Get out. And don't come back. I don't want you near here and I don't want you near Kyran ever again!" Oliver said, the rage resounding in his voice.

"Gladly," Bill said, walking toward the stairs. When he was about to start upstairs, he stopped and looked at Kyran with spite on his face. "You're not my son. As far as I'm concerned, my son is dead." He walked up the stairs.

Betty looked at Elaine as she started to come toward her and Kyran.

"You, too, Elaine."

Elaine stopped. As her mother's words hit her, she almost broke down. But, she held herself together and followed her husband upstairs. Betty was still hugging Kyran, who was still holding on to her and crying.

"Oliver, Catherine, Tony, help me take Kyran into the living room. Rachel, he's been talking about Taylor. Call him," Betty said, still holding her grandson.

Rachel walked into the kitchen and picked up the phone.

"Taylor, are you all right?"

Taylor was sitting in the bay window in his father's library, looking out the window. He turned to see his brother Tim standing over him.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Why do you think something's wrong?" Taylor asked.

Tim looked at his brother, amused. "Well, let me see…you've hardly said a word all day, we've not had a decent conversation since I got here, we have a house full of people and you've avoided talking to them all day. You're usually talking up a storm. Something's up. What is it?"

"I'm just worried about my b--a friend, that's all. He's having it pretty rough right now."

"Must be some friend for you to ignore your family for almost three days."

Taylor smiled to himself. "The best. And then some."

"Taylor," a voice said, coming from behind Tim.

They both looked to see Reeve standing in the doorway. "There's a telephone call for you," Reeve stated. "Rachel Harden."

Taylor jumped up and hurried to the door. "Transfer it to the phone in my room and ask Dad to come up." He hurried out of the room, ignoring his family he met on his way up to his room.

Taylor almost knocked his bedroom door off the hinges and ran to the phone sitting on the nightstand beside his bed. He picked up the handset and hit the TALK button.

"Rachel, it's Taylor. What's happened? Is Kyran okay?" Taylor asked, fear and worry in his voice.

Just a minute later, Paul rushed in, with Tim right behind him, as Taylor placed the handset back on the base. Taylor looked at his dad. "We have to go. Now."

"Bad?" Paul asked, with concern.

"Bad enough."

"What's going on?" Tim asked, dumbfounded.

Paul walked out of the room, followed by his sons. "Taylor's b -- one of Taylor's friends is in trouble. We're going to get him and bring him here," Paul answered, as they reached the bottom of the stairs. "Tim, go and get your mom for me."

"But-"

"Go."

After Tim had left to find his mother, Paul looked at Taylor. "I had Reeve move my Tahoe out front so we wouldn't be blocked in, just in case this happened."

Tim returned, with Anne following him. She looked at Taylor and instantly knew what was going on. "Tim, stay here. We'll be back as soon as we can."

Paul, Anne and Taylor walked to the door, but Tim stopped them before they left. "What is so special about this friend? I don't mean to downplay Taylor's friends, but-"

"He's my boyfriend," Taylor interrupted. "Well, he's going to be when we finally decide to make it official." Taylor walked out the front door, followed by Paul.

Anne looked at her oldest son. "We'll talk when we get back. Keep this to yourself for the time being. And if anyone asks where we are, and they will, just tell them we had a little emergence and we'll be back as soon as we can." With that, she walked out and shut the door behind her, leaving Tim confused and speechless.

As soon as Paul stopped in front of the Hardens' house, Taylor was out of the vehicle. He noticed a car behind Kyran's truck he didn't recognize. His parents' car, he thought. He ran up on the front porch and reached to open the door, but it opened before he could grab hold of the doorknob.

Rachel stood in the doorway. Taylor could tell she was upset and had been crying. He walked in and hugged her. "How is he?"

"He's still upset. He's been crying and asking for you. We cleaned him up, but he's still tore apart. He's in the living room, with his grandmother."

Taylor walked into the living room as his parents made it to the front door. He heard Rachel welcome them and shut the door. But, he had eyes only for the two people in the living room.

Kyran was lying on his side on the couch. A woman was sitting on the edge of the couch, holding Kyran's hand. The woman looked at Taylor when he walked to stand beside her. Kyran looked up at him and his face lit up.

"Well, Rachel was right," the woman said, standing up. "You are a cutie!"

Taylor smiled and was shocked when the woman hugged him, hugging him hard. She pulled back and put her hand on his cheek. "You take care of my grandson," she said, leaving the room.

Kyran sat up and Taylor pulled him up to him, encircling Kyran in his arms. Taylor felt Kyran sob and start to cry again. He hugged Kyran tighter and felt a tear fall from his eye.

Taylor pulled away from the embrace to look at Kyran. His face darkened when he saw the cut on Kyran's lip and where his nose had been bleeding. And, he could see that Kyran could end up with a black eye. Taylor leaned in and kissed Kyran lightly on the lips, not wanting to hurt the cut on his lip. Taylor gently wiped the tears from Kyran's face and led him to the couch.

"Is he still here?" asked Taylor, pulling Kyran down beside him.

Kyran nodded. "Yeah. Uncle Olie told him to get out, but Aunt Rachel convinced him to let them stay until tomorrow or the next day, because of Andrea. Aunt Catherine took the boys and Andrea to her and Uncle Tony's house for the rest of the day. They didn't let anyone see me, which is good. Andrea doesn't need to worry about this."

"You're coming to my house and staying there until they leave." Taylor lightly laughed. "I guess that's pretty clear, but I wanted to say it."

Kyran looked at Taylor and smiled, but his eyes began to tear up again. Taylor took his hand. "What's wrong?"

"I'm just so glad you're here."

"I should have been here when it happened," Taylor said, his anger showing on his face and in his voice.

"There was nothing you could have done. And he might have gone after you. I didn't want you near him. If one of us had to get hurt, I'm glad it was me," Kyran said. He looked at Taylor and tried to smile again. "I don't ever want you hurt."

Taylor shook his head. "You always care more about what happens to other people before you worry about yourself." Taylor caught movement out of the corner of his eye and looked at the doorway. Another woman he had never seen before was at the foot of the stairs. She looked into the living room and then walked away, toward the kitchen.

Taylor leaned over and kissed Kyran on the forehead. "You going to be okay for a few minutes?"

Kyran nodded. Taylor got up and Kyran stretched back out on the couch. Taylor left the living room and headed to the kitchen, where he heard voices coming from.

When he stepped into the kitchen, he looked at Rachel. "Can you get some of his things together for me?"

"Absolutely."

"I'll help," said the woman who Taylor had just seen at the foot of the stairs and who he guessed to be Kyran's mom.

"Like hell you will," Kyran's grandmother said, getting out of her chair at the small table. "I'll help Rachel. You've done quite enough already."

"Betty, maybe-" Rachel started.

"No," Betty interrupted. She walked to stand in front of her daughter. "I don't want you anywhere near him." Betty and Rachel left the kitchen as Elaine stood there, embarrassed and hurt.

"Paul, is it okay if Kyran stays with you for a little while longer than we discussed?" Oliver asked. "Something else may come up that I'll have to explain later."

"Of course he can," Anne said, answering before her husband could. "He can stay as long as he needs to."

Paul agreed. "That's fine. I don't think I have to ask if this something else is a bad one."

"You're right about that," Tony commented, his expression hard.

Taylor left the kitchen and returned to the living room, to find Kyran asleep. Taylor sat down in the floor in front of the couch and just watched Kyran sleep. He didn't hear Betty walk into the room. He jumped when she touched his shoulder.

Betty smiled at him as he stood. "Kyran's things are ready."

"Thanks." Taylor leaned down and kissed Kyran lightly on the cheek. Kyran opened his eyes and smiled at him. "Time to go."

Kyran sat up and then stood. Betty hugged her grandson and kissed him. She held Kyran's face in her hands. "What happened today will never happen again. I swear it."

"So do I," Taylor added.

The three of them walked into the dining room together. They found everyone who had been in the kitchen had come into the dining room. Everyone hugged Kyran and even Elaine tried. But, Kyran shied away from her, with hurt and betrayal in his eyes and in his expression.

Paul, Anne, Taylor and Kyran started toward the door when a voice said, "I never want to see you again."

Everyone looked up at the stairs to see Bill standing there, staring at his son. Kyran flinched under his gaze. Oliver, Tony and Paul moved to stand around Kyran as Bill walked down a few more stairs. Taylor moved closer to Kyran's side and put his arm around Kyran's waist.

Bill looked at Taylor. "So, you're the new fling." Bill looked at Paul. "And you must be the "proud" father," he sneered.

"I'm very proud of my son," Paul said, not hesitating to reply. "I love my son. He will always be my son, no matter what. He is gay. And he's still my son. Nothing has changed."

"Seems like you're in the minority again, Bill," Tony said.

"The hell I am!" Bill yelled. "Almost everyone believes the way I do! People love to say they don't hate queers, but they do." Bill looked at Kyran. "I never want to see you again. I never want to hear your name again. I'm going to forget you even exist. As far as you're concerned, your father is dead…and so is my son."

Kyran's eyes had filled with tears but he held them in check. He never took his eyes off his father.

Taylor moved to stand in front of Kyran and grabbed his hand tight. "His father is the one that never existed. From what I've been told, and granted, it hasn't been a lot, you've never been a father. You don't know how to be one. You can stand there, as proud as you think you are and you can stand in your uniform whenever and think you’re a good man and a good father."

"But, the fact is, you could never be a good father. You beat your son because of who he is and what he is, when all he has ever tried to be is what you want him to be. You always found something wrong with everything he did and never supported him in anything. That gives you an automatic "F" on being a father, as far as I'm concerned."

"And you may think you're a "man" because you're a Marine. That doesn't give you the right to call yourself a man. You have to earn that. And you haven't come close. You wouldn't know how to be a man if you had to. You're probably going to be one hell of a man one day, but you have a very long way to go."

Rage appeared on Bill's face and had gotten worse as Taylor continued to talk. Bill started walking down the stairs, but Oliver moved to stand at the bottom, blocking his way.

Taylor wasn't finished. "Kyran will never have to worry or think about you ever again. You've caused him enough heartache and pain to last a lifetime and beyond." He turned to look at Elaine. "Both of you."

Elaine flinched at Taylor's words. Betty nodded in agreement. Elaine walked to the stairs. Oliver moved out of her way and she walked up to her husband. Betty walked to stand by Taylor and Kyran. She looked up at Bill, challenging him to do something.

Bill looked at his mother-in-law with contempt. He looked at everyone else with the same look until he looked at Taylor and Kyran. His look turned to hate. "You can have him. I sure as hell don't want anything else to do with him." Bill turned around and walked back upstairs. Elaine looked at all of them quickly, then turned and followed her husband.

"Well, the next few day are going to be so much fun," Betty said, sarcastically. She looked at Taylor. "Get Kyran out of here."

Betty hugged her grandson one more time and Rachel followed her. Kyran looked at both of them and said, "I'm sorry about all of this. I wish I could-"

Betty put her hand over Kyran's mouth. "None of this is your fault! I won't have you blaming yourself for any of this." She looked at Taylor. "Take care of my grandson."

Taylor picked up Kyran's bag and threw the shoulder strap over his shoulder. "That's not going to be a problem. He's in good hands."

Kyran hugged all of them and walked out with Taylor. Oliver and Tony shook Paul's hand and Rachel and Betty hugged Anne.

"Thanks, Paul," Tony said. "I'm glad Ky has Taylor."

"We're glad of the opposite," Anne said. She told them all goodbye again, promised to call Rachel and Betty later that night and followed Taylor and Kyran out to Paul's vehicle.

Oliver looked at Paul. "I'll talk to you later about that thing that may come up."

Paul nodded. "I should be at home all day and all weekend. Call me if you need anything else." After Rachel and Betty thanked him one more time, he walked out and shut the door.

Betty and Rachel walked back into the kitchen. Oliver and Tony followed them, sitting down at the small table. Betty sat down in another one of the chairs as Rachel got them drinks from the refrigerator and sat down in the last chair.

"There's at least one good thing that's going to come out of this," Tony said, opening his drink. "Bill will finally leave him alone."

"Is that really a good thing?" Betty asked. All three of them looked at her, stunned. Betty waved her hands. "Wait a minute, that didn't come out right. I meant Kyran will not have a father anymore. Bill will still physically exist, but his role of father will be gone."

Betty looked at both of her sons. "Both of you are going to have to take that role upon yourselves; Oliver more than you, Tony."

Oliver looked at his brother, who nodded back at him. Oliver looked at his mother. "It's something we gladly accept."

"Good. I knew both of you would say that. But, it feels good to hear you say it." Betty looked at Rachel. "That means you're going to be thrust into the role of mother."

"It's a role I've always wanted," Rachel said, looking at Oliver sadly. "I want it."

"Well, you're going to have a little help if you need it, just as soon as I move here."

All three sat in silence for a few seconds before Betty started laughing. "Don't hurt yourself with excitement!"

The three of them came out of their astonishment and quickly let Betty know they were excited she was moving close to them.

"Rachel may need help every now and then. And Oliver has Tony to help him," Betty explained. "I never see or talk to Elaine and we live in the same town. Kyran and Andrea tried to come over to see me when they could, but they were both busy. And I'm tired of being far away from most of my family." Betty smiled. "I think Paul and Anne will give us all the help we need, so we should be all right. And with Taylor beside him all the time, Kyran should be okay. It's just going to take time."

"Bill's going to disown him," Oliver added.

Tony, Rachel and Betty fell silent and looked at him.

"You think he'll go that far?" Rachel asked.

"Further, if he can find a way," Betty answered. "We heard what he said. He doesn't want anything to do with Kyran. He'll find a way to make sure Kyran can't have anything to do with him."

"He's too young to be going through this," Rachel said. "He's too young to have to even think about any of this, let alone go through any of it."

"He'll make it," Oliver said, confidently. "He's strong. If he needs help, and we know he will, then he has all of us to lean on."

"It's going to take a lot out of him through this and what's going to come," Betty said. "Like Oliver said, he's going to make it. Through love…and tears."

"Paul, go and make sure no one is around the front door," Anne said, getting out of the vehicle. "I'm sure Kyran just wants go up to Taylor's room and be alone with Taylor for awhile."

"Thank you, Anne. For everything," Kyran said, getting out of the vehicle. He tried to get his bag from the back, but Taylor had beaten him to it.

"Don't even think about apologizing "for all of this trouble", young man," said Anne, with a warning tone. "I won't hear of it." She looked to see Paul motioning to her from the front door. "Come on, let's get you inside."

The three of them hurried into the house. Paul told them he'd take care of the family as Taylor and Kyran practically ran up the stairs to Taylor's room. Anne followed them after Paul walked toward the dining room.

Taylor was walking into his closet with Kyran's bag and Kyran was sitting on the couch. Anne went and sat down beside Kyran and put her arm around him. "All of this is going to work out. I know it probably feels like this is some kind of nightmare."

"The worst nightmare I've ever had," Kyran said.

"It's going to stop and it's going to be over. And you can finally relax and live a little." She leaned toward him and whispered, "And I'm sure Taylor already has plans for that!"

She and Kyran laughed as Taylor came out of his closet. Taylor sat down on the other side of Kyran as Paul and Reeve walked in with two trays, both heaped with food. They set the trays on the table beside the door and walked to stand behind the couch.

"I told everyone Taylor wasn't feeling well and would be staying up here and he's not to be bothered," Paul said.

Anne noticed something in Paul's expression and asked, "What's wrong?"

"Don't worry about it right now," Paul replied. "We'll take care of it later."

Anne stood up and walked with her husband to the door. Reeve followed them but turned back around before they left the room. "If you need anything, just buzz the kitchen."

Taylor nodded and the three adults left the room, shutting the door behind them. They started walking toward the stairs when Anne asked what was wrong again.

"Tim told your parents and mine about Taylor and Kyran," Paul answered.

"I told him to keep it to himself for the time being!" Anne fumed. "Have they told anyone else?"

Paul shrugged. Reeve shook his head. "Not as far as I know. I got them to promise not to until you could speak with them."

"Everyone is sitting down to eat in a few minutes, so we'll take care of it after dinner is over," Paul informed them, all three of them reaching the bottom of the huge winding stair case.

"We need to include Tim in that discussion," Anne added. "Reeve, we want you there, too."

"Of course." He looked at his watch. "It's time to eat. I'll go and make sure everything is ready."

When his parents and Reeve shut the door behind them, Taylor slid to the floor in front of Kyran. He reached up and pulled Kyran's head down to him and kissed him. Taylor pulled back and looked straight into Kyran's eyes. "Listen and listen carefully. This is probably going to sound lame or something, but I'm going to say it."

"Under no circumstances are you to try to commit suicide or anything else to hurt yourself. I've seen the news, talk shows, after-school specials and whatever else about people who go through stuff like this…they try to commit suicide or whatever else comes to their minds. You are, under no circumstances, to even think about thinking about doing something. I'm going to be right by your side for the next few weeks every day to make sure you're all right…you'll probably get sick of me," Taylor explained, with tears forming in his eyes.

Kyran took Taylor's hands in his own and held them in his lap. He smiled down at Taylor and said, "I could never get sick of you."

Taylor quickly stood up and pulled Kyran to him. He engulfed him in a huge hug. "I just found you. I'm not about to let you go."

Kyran and Taylor clutched the other to himself hard, determined to show the other how he felt. The hug ended and Taylor led Kyran to the table where Paul and Reeve had set the trays of food.

"I don't know why I'm so hungry," Kyran said, shoving a fork full of food into his mouth. "I just ate about two hours ago."

"With everything that's happened since then, it's understandable," Taylor said, taking a drink of his Dr. Pepper. He looked at Kyran and felt his anger return when he saw the cut on Kyran's lip. "Are you sure you're okay? I mean, maybe we should take you to the hospital, to get you checked out. He could have done something when he punched you. And maybe you should have that cut on your lip checked out."

Taylor didn't have to say who "he" was, but Kyran flinched slightly when Taylor talked about what happened. Taylor saw the flinch and grabbed Kyran's hand. "I'm sorry. I'm just worried about you."

Kyran started laughing and Taylor looked at him, not knowing what he said that was so funny.

Kyran got his laughing under control. "I'm sorry. It's just I had a flash of the tough, macho asshole of a football and basketball star you're supposed to be. Don't ask me why…it just popped into my head!" He smiled. "I'm okay. Grandma is a nurse and Aunt Rachel is a doctor. They went over me pretty good before you got there." Kyran still saw the doubt on Taylor's face. Kyran stood and, this time, pulled Taylor to him. "I'm going to be okay. It's just going to take a little time. But, with you and my family beside me, I'm going to make it," Kyran said, hugging Taylor hard.

Dinner was coming to an end. The regular dinner table had been removed and two longer tables had replaced it because of the more than thirty people eating Thanksgiving dinner. As at Kyran's dinner, the children sat at one table, but so did the adults that didn't get a seat at the other table.

Both tables were piled with food. No one had to ask for anything special. If they wanted one certain thing, it was already there. Many complimented Reeve and his staff on the food and they accepted them all with modesty.

When dinner was over, the kids begged to go swimming in the heated pool. They were joined by quite a few of the adults. Those who didn't swim took their drinks to sit beside the pool, thankful it was an indoor pool. The kitchen staff began to clear away the dishes and to put the leftover food away.

Paul led a small group of people from the dining room. Reeve left some instructions with the staff and quickly followed. He was the last person to come into the study, so he shut the doors behind him. Paul and Anne's mothers were sitting in the two chairs in front of Paul's desk. Their fathers were fixing drinks for themselves at Paul's minibar.

Paul and Anne were sitting in the bay window on the other side of Paul's desk. Tim was standing between the chairs where his grandmothers were sitting, a hand on the back of each chair. The grandfathers, with drinks in hand, walked to stand by their wives. Reeve walked to stand beside Anne.

"What's wrong with Taylor?" Anne's father asked.

"There's nothing wrong with him, Norman," Paul answered. "He's truly happy for one of the first times in his life."

"Like hell there's nothing wrong with him!" Paul's father exclaimed. "He thinks he's gay."

Anne shifted next to Paul. "He doesn't think he's gay. He knows he's gay."

"It's this "friend" of his," Marcia, Paul's mom said. "He has Taylor confused. There's no way our grandson could be gay."

Cora, Anne's mom, spoke up. "We could get him some help, some counseling. I've read about this group called Exodus that's had some-"

"I don't think so," Anne interrupted. "My son will not be brainwashed."

"I didn't say anything about having him brainwashed," Cora defended. "If we get him some counseling, we can fix this. He's just confused."

"He isn't confused," Reeve said, jumping into the conversation. "Taylor knows exactly who he is and what he wants. And, as far as he's concerned, he has what he wants…he's with Kyran."

Tim was about to say something else, but Reeve cut him off. "I'm not finished. Taylor used to be one of the most self-centered people that I'd ever met or seen. He just didn't care about anyone or anything. He didn't get along with his parents, he terrorized little Dyan and he resented the fact that Tim left…his only confidant." Reeve saw the look on Tim's face. "Tim will agree with me…he knows it's all true."

"Taylor has changed so much in the last couple of months, it's almost scary. He isn't the self-centered little brat he once was. He has a fantastic relationship with Dyan now. He even apologized to her for all the mean things he ever did to her. He and his parents are closer now than ever before. He and Tim had an all right brother relationship before Tim left for Stanford. Believe me, if Tim had been here for the last couple of months, they would be closer now than most brothers ever are."

Reeve walked around to lean on the front of Paul's desk, between the chairs where Cora and Marcia sat. "I'm not going to lie to you and tell you it's been easy coming to grips with all of this. It hasn't been easy. It's been so far from easy; hard as hell doesn't come close. Do you think it's been easy on Paul and Anne since they realized it and Taylor told them? They put on a good front, but it's still hard. They've seen what gays have to go through when they're open about it and they're scared for their son and they're scared for Kyran." He glanced back at Paul and Anne still sitting together in the bay window. They knew they were caught.

Reeve turned back around. "It's hard. I know. I've been here since before Paul was born. I watched him grow up and get married and have three beautiful children. I love them as if they were my own grandchildren and more besides that. It's hard on anyone who finds out his or her child, grandchild or whatever is gay. It would have to be. Why do you think that is? Is it so hard to think a man can love another man like a man loves a woman? For almost everyone, yes, it is."

"You're being called on to throw out the window everything you've been told about gays…how wrong it is, they'll burn in hell, yadda, yadda, yadda. See, I don't buy that. It makes no sense whatsoever. Does God forgive a murderer sitting on death row who repents, is baptized and believes in all his heart the teachings of Jesus? We're told God does. But, he'll condemn someone for loving someone else? Doesn't that contradict what we're taught about God, how God loves us and how he'll forgive us always? He puts conditions on his love and puts restrictions on those we love and how we love them. I don't think so. That doesn't sound like an all-loving God to me."

Everyone could hear the emotion in Reeve's voice, the anger and frustration building. And he wasn't finished.

Reeve looked at all of them standing in front of him. His gaze lingered on Cora and Marcia, but all could tell he wasn't very thrilled with them.

"A family's love is supposedly unconditional. A mother's love beyond that. And a grandmother's beyond even that." He stared at Cora and Marcia again and they shrunk into their chairs. "But, families take their love and support away, usually at the first sign of something they don't like." He paused for a few seconds, looking as though he was carefully considering his next words. "Taylor is still your grandson. He always was and he will always be. He is still the same person inside he was. The way he acts on the outside has changed and he's finally allowing his true self shine. But, he is truly the same person and he is still your grandson."

"If you cannot accept him for who he is, and I say "who", not "what" because he is not a "what", then that's your problem. I will not stand for you to treat him like an outcast or like he has a disease of some kind." He leveled his gaze on Cora and kept it there. "As for Exodus, never speak of them again. They don't have a clue as to what they're doing. They like to think they're doing good, but Exodus is just a glaring example of how much farther we have to go."

Reeve turned to look at Marcia with the same icy stare. "As for Kyran, listen because I'm not repeating this. I'll be damned if another bad thing is said about that child. I don't even want anything hinted at. He has been through more in his sixteen years than you have your entire lives. None of you know what that child has been through. I don't know all of it, but what I have heard makes me sick and outraged, which doesn’t' even come close, that anyone would have to go through any of it."

"I suggest each of you rethink what you were going to come in here to say and do. Then I suggest you rethink each of yourselves. A family depends on it." Reeve stood and turned to Paul and Anne. "If you'll excuse me, I have matters to attend to." Paul could only nod as Anne had tears in her eyes.

Reeve turned back around and saw Norman and Evan bow their heads quickly. Cora and Marcia had tears in their eyes and tried to shrink further into their chairs. Reeve took two steps and stood in front of Tim, who still stood between the two chairs.

"This conversation should never have taken place," Reeve said. "We owe this to you. It was not your place to tell anyone about Taylor and Kyran. The only person who has that right is Taylor or Kyran or both of them. I thought I knew you, Tim. But, somehow, this has made me think I don't know you at all."

Tim met Reeve's gaze but quickly wilted. He stepped back, stung by Reeve's words, and Reeve left the study thick with silence.

* * * * *

"Ky, there's only five more days until Christmas. You haven't asked for hardly anything. Surely you want more than you've asked for," Taylor said, hanging the shirt he'd tried on back on the rack.

They had come to the mall to do some shopping and to get out of the house. Both had most of their Christmas shopping finished. They just wanted to spend the day together because everyone had been keeping an eye on Kyran during the weeks of Thanksgiving.

"I have what I want," Kyran said, walking around the clothes display to stand next to Taylor. "I'm part of a family, Taylor. For the first time in my life, I feel so loved, there's no way to describe it. I don’t' have to worry about my father hitting me or my mom just standing there, allowing it to happen. I have the family I've always dreamed about and I'm a part of it." Kyran paused. "But, that's not the best part."

Taylor looked up from the shirt he was looking at.

Kyran looked around and quickly kissed Taylor and grabbed his hand. "You're the best thing I have this Christmas."

Taylor looked around just like Kyran had. He quickly hugged Kyran to him and whispered to him, "I love you."

Taylor broke the hug, too quick as far as both of them were concerned.

"You're going to have to tell me something you want for Christmas!" exclaimed Taylor, walking out of the mens' section. Kyran followed him and they both started walking toward the mall. When they entered the mall, Kyran's eyes immediately went in the direction of the bookstore. Taylor saw it and steered his way in that direction.

"Come on, tell me a couple of books you'd like to have and let me get them for you. I've only got two things for you and I'm running out of time!" Taylor said, stopping Kyran in front of the large open door of the bookstore.

Kyran smiled. "I'll think about it. Now go on and get to Blockbuster Music or Camelot. I know you want to go, so go on. And take your time. I'll be in here for awhile."

Taylor squeezed Kyran's hand. "You're going to tell me what books you want when I get back."

Kyran laughed. Taylor walked on into the mall. Kyran walked into the bookstore and went directly to the stairs that led to the sci-fi/fantasy section on the second floor. Kyran thought that Taylor would be gone for a little while, so he picked out a couple of hardcovers and paperbacks and sat down in the comfortable chair at the end of the row he was standing in.

Kyran settled down and opened the first book that was on top of the small pile he'd brought with him from the shelves. He never noticed Taylor come up the stairs and quietly walk to the next row beside him. Taylor could see the books Kyran had and quickly wrote them down on a small notepad he had in his pocket.

Afraid of getting caught, Taylor slowly backed down the row and walked back to the bottom level. He sat down on the bench in the middle of the mall wing, facing the bookstore. He took his cellular phone out of his pocket and quickly dialed a number.

It rang twice and then a woman answered, "Hello."

"Rachel, it's Taylor. I just wanted to let you know I got the titles of a few more books for Kyran."

Rachel laughed. "I was just about to call you! We've lucked out. Andrea called Betty this morning to talk to her for a little while and asked what we were getting Kyran for Christmas. Betty told her about us trying to get him to tell us what books or CDs he wanted, but he wouldn't say anything. Have you noticed how organized Kyran is?"

"Have I?" Taylor laughed. "He's reorganized all my CDs, rearranged my closet, even…wait a minute…he kept a list of his books and CDs, didn't he?"

"Yes, he did! And, Andrea got her hands on it when asshole threw Ky's books and CDs out. So, she's going to a friend's house to fax it here to Oliver's study in about an hour."

"That's fantastic! We're cutting it pretty close, you know."

Rachel agreed. "I know. But, Ky's been so stubborn about not telling us anything, so something is better than nothing."

"I'd love to go with you to get some of the stuff on the lists, but he'll think something's up, especially if I disappear for an entire day. Why don't you call my mom? I'm sure she'd love to go with you. And I'm sure she'll add to the list if she has a chance."

Rachel and Taylor both laughed. "I'll do that," Rachel said. "I hate to run, but I've got to meet Oliver at the courthouse in an hour. You and Ky have a great rest of the day."

"Oh, don't worry, we will. Bye." Taylor ended the call after Rachel said goodbye. He stood and walked back into the bookstore with a big smile and a very satisfied look on his face.

Taylor opened his eyes to see Kyran looking at him with his head propped up on his hand. Kyran was tracing the contours of Taylor's chest with the tip of his fingers. Taylor snaked his arms around Kyran and hugged him to him.

Kyran kissed Taylor and said, "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you, too," Taylor replied, smiling. Kyran put his arms around Taylor and laid his head on Taylor's shoulder.

Taylor sighed. "I wish we could stay here in bed together all day. But we can't. We promised Oliver and Rachel we'd come over as soon as we woke up and get dressed."

Kyran tightened his arms around Taylor and stretched. "I don't want to move."

"I don't either. But you know we have to." Taylor pulled away reluctantly and got out of bed. He leaned back over and kissed Kyran. "You take a shower in my bathroom and I'll take one in mom and dad's."

"Okay," Kyran said, not moving out of bed.

Taylor walked around his bed and into his closet. When Taylor disappeared into his closet, the bedroom door opened and someone ran in. A body jumped in the bed with Kyran and tried to start tickling him.

Kyran started laughing and started tickling the girl who had jumped into bed with him. "Don't think about tickling me, Dyan! You know it won't work!"

Dyan, Taylor's younger sister, giggled. "Okay, okay!" Kyran continued to tickle her and she begged him to stop.

Kyran stopped tickling her and they both fell into laughing fits. Taylor came out of his closet to find his boyfriend and his kid sister laughing in his bed. Taylor smiled and thought how lucky they were Dyan understood what was between Kyran and himself. They were lucky that most of their families understood. It was almost too good to be true. Except for Tim.

"Excuse me!" Taylor said, smiling. "Would you stop and get cleaned up!"

Kyran and Dyan looked at him. Kyran looked at Dyan and they both said, "Party pooper" in unison. Kyran and Dyan got out of bed as Taylor left the room.

Taylor walked into his parents' bedroom to find his mom finishing her makeup at her dresser and his dad walking out of the bathroom. Anne turned to Taylor. "Is everything ready?"

"I talked to Rachel last night. She and Betty were upstairs putting the books and CDs in the shelves. Oliver and Tony were putting the computer together. Catherine and the boys were downstairs wrapping some last minute gifts. So, I think everything is in place. I can't think of anything else." He laid his clothes on their bed. "Kyran is getting ready in my bathroom. And Dyan is already dressed."

Paul picked his watch up off the nightstand and put it on his wrist. "Then we'll go on over there. You guys get ready and come on over. And don't take all day," he said, jokingly.

Anne laughed. "Take your time, but hurry."

Taylor laughed and walked into the bathroom.

Half an hour later, Kyran and Taylor walked out the front door. The garage doors were open and they got in Taylor's car.

"Where's your dad's Tahoe?" Kyran asked, noticing Paul's vehicle was gone.

"He had to go somewhere. He told me where before I jumped in the shower, but I can't remember where he said he was going. Mom and Dyan went with him. But, they'll be back tonight for our Christmas here," answered Taylor, backing out of the garage and into the street.

Minutes later, Taylor parked in front of Oliver and Rachel's house. Tony and Catherine's car and Betty's car sat in the driveway. When Taylor and Kyran got out of the car, the front door of the house opened and two little boys rushed toward them. Taylor caught Greg and Kyran caught Nick just before the two boys crashed into them.

"Hey, you two!" Taylor laughed, tickling Greg. The little boy giggled and his brother giggled, too, when Kyran tickled him. Catherine was waiting at the door and quickly closed it once they were in the house.

"Why did it have to turn so cold?" she asked, helping Taylor and Kyran with their coats after they set the boys down.

"That's easy, Mommie!" Greg laughed. "So it'll snow!"

Taylor, Kyran and Catherine laughed as the boys ran into the living room.

"Kyran, come here and look!" Nick yelled.

Kyran smiled and walked into the living room. Nick ran to him, grabbed his hand and led him to the Christmas tree. Nick and his brother had pulled a few gifts out and wanted Kyran to see them.

Catherine and Taylor stood in the doorway, watching as the twins proudly showed Kyran some of their packages. Taylor smiled. Catherine touched his arm. "Everyone is already upstairs. They rushed up there when they saw you drive up out front."

Kyran walked up to them. "I'm going to get something to drink. Do you two want anything?"

Both Catherine and Taylor shook their heads. Kyran walked through the doorway and to the kitchen. Catherine hurried to get the boys and they quickly climbed the stairs, followed by Taylor.

Kyran came out of the kitchen. "Aunt Catherine, where is every-" He stopped in midsentence when he saw that Catherine was nowhere to be seen. He walked into the living room, but found no one there. He walked to Oliver's study and again found no one there.

Where is everyone?

Kyran climbed the stairs. He looked in the guest bedroom and Oliver and Rachel's bedroom, finding no one. He walked back into the hallway and noticed the door to the small stairway to his room was open.

What are they up to? Kyran slowly walked up the stairway. He opened the door at the top of the stairs and walked into his room.

The lights came on and everyone yelled, "MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!"

Greg and Nick ran to him and hugged him. Betty and Rachel were next, both hugging and kissing him. Dyan and Anne followed them and Oliver, Tony and Paul just hugged him.

"Why all this?" Kyran asked.

"Because you deserved to be surprised on Christmas Day by your entire family," Betty said, speaking for everyone. "That's why we did it. Taylor's going to show you this part of your Christmas while the rest of us get breakfast ready."

Everyone started walking out of his room, intending to leave Taylor to show Kyran part of his Christmas. The twins, on the other hand, didn't want to go. Kyran and Taylor both promised them they could sit with them at breakfast and when the presents were opened.

Taylor and Kyran found themselves alone.

Kyran looked at Taylor. "You knew about this."

"Of course I knew," Taylor laughed. He walked to stand beside a huge sheet that was covering something on the wall opposite the entertainment center and sitting beside Kyran's weight set. "This is the first part of your Christmas." Taylor grabbed the sheet and pulled it away.

Kyran gawked. A new computer, with everything Kyran could think of, sat in a computer cabinet, begging to be turned on. Kyran walked to it slowly, reaching out a hand to touch the tower, making sure he wasn't imagining it.

"It's ready to go, anytime you are," Taylor said. "Your Internet account has been set up…all you have to do is log on and set a few things up."

"They shouldn't have done this," Kyran said, lowly.

Taylor picked up a remote off the top of the computer cabinet. "This isn't all." He pointed the remote toward the entertainment center and pushed a button.

Music flowed through the speakers and into the room. Kyran recognized the music of Sarah McLachlan and his favorite song, Angel. Kyran turned to look at the entertainment center. He saw the CD cabinet part of it full of CDs and saw a CD spinner on the top of the center, not full but very close.

Taylor took Kyran's hand and led him into his bedroom. Taylor turned the light on. Kyran instantly saw the two new bookshelves, one on each side of his bed, full of books. Kyran looked to his right and saw the first bookshelf that had been in the room and another one beside it. The original bookshelf was full and the new one had just a few on the top shelf.

"How?" Kyran asked, still not believing what he was seeing. "Why?"

"Well, you're first question…we found someone who had a copy of those inventories you kept of your books and CDs. So, that's how we did all of this."

"Andrea."

Taylor smiled and nodded. "Yep, that's her. And for your second question…we're your family. You told me you had the family you had always dreamed about. But, I now realize you don't really know how a true family is supposed to act. This is just a taste of how a family works, especially at Christmas time. You're a part of this family. And in case you haven't noticed, and I know you have, we're one family. There aren't two families here today. There's only one. And that's the way I like it."

"It's the way I like it, too," Kyran said, walking to his nightstand. He opened the small drawer and took out a small package.

Kyran sat down on the bed and patted the spot to his right. Taylor walked over to the bed and sat down beside Kyran. Kyran handed him the package.

"I want you to open this one now."

"Are you sure?"

Kyran nodded. "Definitely."

Taylor slowly ripped the paper from the package and was holding a small velvet box. He opened it and found two rings inside. Taylor had never seen rings like the ones in the box. Two hands held a heart and the heart had a crown on top of it.

"I bought these for the both of us," Kyran explained. "They're called Claddagh rings. The hands represent friendship and the crown loyalty." Kyran took one of the rings out of the box and slipped it on his ring finger on his left hand. He took Taylor's left hand in his right hand and took the other ring out of the box. "The heart signifies love. And if you wear it with the heart towards you," Kyran said, showing Taylor the ring on his hand, "it means you belong to someone." The heart on Kyran's ring was turned toward him.

"It's not much. And I wanted to get you something from the heart, that shows you how much I love you," Kyran said, wanting to put the ring on Taylor's hand. But, he was hesitating.

Kyran looked at Taylor. Taylor's eyes had joined Kyran's eyes in the tear department. He took his hand out of Kyran's and held it out.

"Heart towards me."

Kyran smiled and slipped the ring onto Taylor's ring finger, the heart toward Taylor. Taylor leaned forward and kissed Kyran and ran the backs of his fingers down Kyran's cheek. "It's a perfect fit."

Kyran giggled. "I measured your finger when you were asleep a few weeks ago."

Taylor laughed. "Sure, go after me when I can't defend myself!"

"Couldn't help it," Kyran replied, smiling.

"The only bad thing is, my present to you is still in my room at home. We'll have to wait until tonight for me to give it to you," Taylor said, getting up and leading Kyran toward the bedroom door. They were almost to the door leading downstairs when Kyran stopped him and hugged him.

"I love you, Taylor."

Taylor hugged him hard. "I love you, too." He pulled back and smiled. "Now, come on. We'd better get downstairs. We have to eat breakfast and then open all the gifts in the living room. Mom and Dad brought all the gifts from our house, so we'll be opening gifts for hours."

"Surely there aren't any more for me. I got all this!"

Taylor smiled, mischievously. "That's what you think." He grabbed Kyran's hand. "Come on."

They walked down the stairs and when they reached the bottom, the twins pounced on them. Kyran carried Nick and Taylor carried Greg to the table, which was piled with food. Places had been made for everyone around the table and everyone sat down.

Taylor and Kyran sat the twins in their laps and helped the boys get their plates ready and then fixed their own. Tony and Catherine tried to take their boys so Taylor and Kyran could eat in peace, but they wouldn't hear of it…"they" being Greg, Nick, Kyran and Taylor.

Talking and laughter soon joined the sounds of silverware on dishes and ice jingling in glasses as everyone began to eat. No one could tell Anne, Paul, Dyan and Taylor were another family. As far as everyone at the table was concerned, there was only one family sitting at the table.

Taylor and Kyran helped Greg and Nick with their food as they ate. Catherine, Anne, Rachel and Betty were busy making plans to hit the malls the next day for the big "After Christmas" sales. Paul, Oliver and Tony were being somewhat secretive about what they were talking about, so the only thing anyone heard was little bits and pieces. Taylor, Kyran, Dyan and the twins were having their own conversations and their own fun.

After everyone had his or her fill, Betty stood up and happily announced it was time to open presents. Greg and Nick laughed with glee and dragged Kyran and Taylor, by the hand, into the living room. Dyan and the adults followed them, laughing at the two teenagers being dragged around by two toddlers.

Kyran and Taylor sat beside each other in front of the Christmas tree, trying to keep Greg and Nick in their laps until everyone sat down. Rachel and Catherine sat on the loveseat and Oliver and Tony sat in front of them in the floor, leaning back on the loveseat. Betty and Anne sat on the couch, with Dyan and Paul sitting beside each other in the floor, leaning back against the couch.

Once everyone was settled into their places, Taylor and Kyran let the twins go. They immediately began passing gifts out, working up a storm. Greg made sure his presents were sat in front of Taylor and Taylor's presents were beside him.

"So we won't get mixed up!" Greg giggled. Nick did the same thing with his and Kyran's presents. Once the gifts were all handed out, and everyone had a huge pile of gifts, the twins jumped down into Kyran and Taylor's laps.

Nick and Greg didn't wait for anyone to tell them to start and tore into the first present they could get their little hands on. Everyone smiled to see the little boys laugh in delight when they finally got the paper off and got into their presents.

No one looked out the windows to see what was happening.

It was snowing.