Coming Of Age 2Nd Love Ch 06

Chapter 6 -- Family Tension, the end or a new beginning

AJ had hit the breaking point -- "Elliot, you have absolutely no standing to dictate anything. I had hoped for once you would see that Syd and I were responsible adults and had everything planned out, get on board and not cause a fuss.'"

Elliot was not giving up ground -- "I have standing, I am her father and we will do it my way, or by God, I will go to court and stop you."

AJ was done and knew he had the law behind him -- "Stephen, I have everything outlined here in Sydney's will, our marriage license, and a summary of what I just mentioned. Do you have any questions for me?"

Stephen was stuck in the middle while trying his best to ensure he followed the law: "Mr. O'Brien, I wish we could all be as organized as you and your late wife were. What I have in front of me answers all my questions, other than the URN you would like Sydney's ashes placed in. I will get moving to ensure your wishes are carried out immediately. Is there anything else you need from me? Let me know which URN you would like."

Elliot was in the corner on the phone with his attorney. His frustration was climbing, and he was getting louder and louder. It was clear this was set to be an ongoing rift between AJ and Elliot. Charlene had moved over to her husband and was trying to get him to calm down. They needed to be united if they were going to change things. Gran held AJ's hand, telling him she would deal with Elliot.

AJ changed his focus to his beloved wife -- "Stephen, first please call me AJ or Skeeter. Second, is Sydney's body ready for viewing? I would like to say goodbye one last time before anything further happens. I would also like to give the students a couple of days to view and say goodbye as well, last night's vigil made me realize there are more members of our family on this campus than I realized."

Gran wrapped her arm through AJ's -- "I would as well, AJ, would you accompany me, I'm not sure I could do this without you there."

AJ kissed her cheek -- "Nice try Gran, that said we can sit together."

Stephen was fairly certain things were as they should be but wanted one last look to make certain -- "AJ, let me have a few minutes just to make sure she is ready for her final visitors."

Elliot finished his call and joined the others around Stephen's desk -- "Our attorney is drawing up papers to have control of this service taken away from you based on your grief and inability to discharge your duties as her executor."

Jonathan had had enough -- "Elliot/Charlene -- you two need to get a grip. AJ is Syd's husband and by law has care, custody, and control in this situation. I am a judge in this state and understand the law better than you do -- there is no judge in this state that I can't overturn if they happen to side with you. Your daughter outlined her desires in her will, are you going to disparage her last wishes with this fucking nonsense?"

Charlene saw red and started to rant. Gran stood up and got directly in front of Elliot and Charlene -- "You two need to listen and listen well. Charlene, I love you like you were my biological daughter -- let me ask you this -- 'if Elliot were the one that died and I came in and started in on your desires for his funeral because I am his mother how would you react? Exactly you would be appalled, pissed, and telling me to go to hell. AJ has been nothing but kind and accommodating. I am telling you both here and now -- back off and support your daughter's decisions or I swear to all that is good and holy you will not be happy with how I come down on the two of you."

Stephen came back in, noticed the tension but plowed forward; anyone wishing to say your final goodbyes please follow me. Everyone moved to the door except Elliot and Charlene.

AJ told everyone to go to the viewing and he would catch up -- "Elliot/Charlene -- I'm gutted by this tragedy, so I know this is very hard on you both. Let me finish please - after only 4 months of being a dad, I realize that I'm prepared to go first, I can't imagine losing one of the boys. I can only imagine what you are feeling. That said -- I am Syd's mouthpiece. There are things I don't want to do for this service but I'm going to man up because that is what SHE wants me to do, not what I want to do. These are her final wishes and I will not let you or anyone detract from them.

During the cancer scare, she put a great deal of thought into what her send-off would be and those wishes will be carried out. I hope you will get on board and not fight me on this because I want you to be part of our lives now and in the future. Rest assured, fight me on this and I will push back hard and I. Will. Win."

AJ moved to the viewing room to join the rest of the family and quietly said their goodbyes to Syd. AJ talked with Stephen about the final preparations and when to pick up Syd's ashes. As their conversation was winding down, Stephen handed AJ a small envelope. AJ opened the envelope and found the remaining items that were missing from the hospital - her charm bracelet and her diamond earrings.

Elliot and Charlene made their way in as everyone was stepping out. AJ wrapped up his conversation with Stephen, thanking him for his patience and help at this difficult time. As AJ stepped toward the door, Elliot and Charlene each took a hand, apologized to AJ, and then pulled him with them to Syd where they apologized to their wonderful daughter and said their goodbyes. The three walked out arm in arm and all was right again. Stephen told them the others had left and would meet them at AJ's home. The three thanked Stephen, Charlene, and Elliot apologized to him and they got into AJ's truck.

AJ took the long way home and stopped back by the park. He needed to spend a bit of time in 'their' spot and he wanted to share this with Elliot and Charlene. He took them down to the side of the river where he and Syd had all of their deep discussions and the boys were conceived. They talked, laughed, and shared memories of times with Syd. AJ was certain it was the right thing to do so that they could start to heal. AJ's phone buzzed; it was Eva -- 'Are you all still alive? No one's killed anyone, have they?'

AJ chuckled to himself and shot a quick reply -- 'We are heading back now; we needed time to get things squared away. All's good.'

Eva wanted to make sure that AJ was prepared for what was coming next -- 'Good, your fraternity and Syd's sorority sisters have invited the family over for some time with them. Food, drinks, and stories on the lawn at your frat. We'll meet you there.'

The texts went back and forth --

AJ -- 'fuck.'

Eva -- 'What?????'

AJ -- 'Who was there???'

Eva -- 'Brett, Chase and Trav.'

AJ -- 'who did the talking?'

Eva -- 'Trav'

AJ -- 'God help him if he tries to get me to entertain.'

Eva -- 'smiley face emoji.'

AJ drove back to the frat, he parked in the senior lot. No no bad brother as he didn't live in the house. Ooops. They could all get stuffed if they had an issue. He led Elliot and Charlene into the house where the house mom grabbed him and hugged him tightly. They conversed in French as she was a native and preferred to keep her business private.

Sandra the house mom absolutely adored AJ -- "Mon cher garçon - comment vas-tu?" (My sweet boy - how are you holding up?)

AJ, kissed her cheek -- "Maman, je tiens le coup. J'ai l'impression que ma lumière s'est presque éteinte. La seule chose qui me tient ensemble, ce sont mes bébés. (Mama, I'm holding on. My light feels like it has nearly gone out. The only thing holding me together are my babies.)

A tear slipped down Sandra's cheek - "Doux garçon, si tu as besoin de quoi que ce soit, fais-le moi savoir. C'était une belle personne et elle a toujours été très gentille avec moi." (Sweet boy, if you need anything just let me know. She was a beautiful person and was always very nice to me.)

AJ hugged Sandra tightly - "Elle était mon tout." (She was my everything.)

AJ was interrupted by Trav. He asked Sandra and AJ to join everyone on the front lawn for a moment of silence in honor of Syd, which AJ would never refuse, Sandra loved AJ like a son, so she would be there for him and say her goodbyes to that wonderful lady.

Trav shoved a microphone into AJ's hand and started speaking into the one he had in his hand -- "I know, bad form, my brother, you would have hidden and not agreed to this if I told you the truth. Can I have everyone's attention for a moment?"

AJ had turned and headed for the door, but his path was blocked by his and Syd's entire pledge classes. Most of the group had mics in their hands, AJ was getting a bad feeling about this -- "Trav, I'm going to kill you." AJ grabbed Trav by the neck and put him in a headlock.

Trav was struggling to pull away from AJ but to no avail -- "Thank you all for coming, ouch stop being so rough. This has been a crap few days, AJ quit being a dick. AJ and Syd's pledge class represented our houses in the moms' weekend celebrations earlier this spring. AJ seriously let go of my head. Amanda, would you come up here and help us out with Syd's part of these songs as she and AJ, dude enough already... Were the soloists in the win..."

Everyone was laughing, which was a good thing to help with the tension. AJ was still annoyed but he was grinning that gorgeous 'aw shucks' grin. He let Trav go.

Trav was more than a little turned on by the physical contact -- "That was entirely uncalled for. Hey, knock it off, I know you can kick my ass but stop. You know you are going to do this so settle down big boy. Thanks, Amanda. Without further ado or more abuse of my body by AJ here we go."

Trav handed the mike over and queued up the music.

This car is automatic

Systematic

Hydromatic

Why it's a Grease Lightning (Grease lightning)

I got chills they're multiplying

And I'm losing control

Cause the power you're supplying

It's electrifying

You better shape coz i need a man

And my heart is set on you

You better shape up

You better, to my heart I must be true

You're the one that I want

The one that I need

Oh yes indeed

Why it's a Grease lightning (grease lightning)

We'll get some overhead lifters

And some four barrel quads oh yeah

(Keep talking whoa keep talking)

Fuel injection cutoffs and crome plated rods oh yeah

(I'll get the money I'll kill to get the money)

With a four speed on the floor they'll be waiting at the door

You know that I ain't braggin she's a real pussy wagon

Grease Lightning

Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go

Go Grease Lightning you're burning up the quarter mile

Grease lightning go grease lightning

Go grease lightning you're coasting through the hit lap trial

Grease lightning go grease lightning

You are supreme the chicks'll cream for grease lightning

Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go

Summer loving had me a blast

Summer loving happened so fast

I met a girl crazy for me

Met a boy cute as can be

Summer days drifting a way to oh oh the summer night

Tell me more, tell me more

Did you get very far?

Tell me more, tell me more

Like does he have a car?

She swam by me she got a cramp

He ran by me got my suit damp

I saved her life she nearly drown

He showed off splashing around

Summer sun somethings begun but oh oh the summer nights

Tell me more tell me more

Was it love at first sight?

Tell me more tell me more

Did she put up a fight?

It turned colder that's where it ends

So I told her we'd still be friends

Then we made our true love vow

Wonder what she's doing now

Summer dreams ripped at the seams but oh those summer nights

Tell me more, tell me more

AJ hugged Amanda and thanked her for filling in, then AJ hugged every one of his brothers and sisters. As he got to the end of the group of girls, he saw two of the three sisters who had been in the accident with Syd trying to blend into the wall. It was obvious they were out of sorts, AJ didn't understand what was going on, Alisha bolted past AJ and down the steps. Annie was crying but hugged him tightly. -- "I'm so sorry, Syd would still be here if we didn't guilt her into going with us."

AJ instantly understood why Alisha had bolted. AJ pulled Annie into a tight hug. He turned around just as Trav started babbling again.

AJ needed to say a few things -- "Honey, will you do your boyfriend a favor and stop talking for a minute?"

Trav turned bright red and just stood there with his mouth hanging open. AJ continued -- "Damn I'm going to have to remember that one to get motor mouth to shut up in the future. I don't want to bring this celebration down but I need to say something that may do just that. First, I have to say thank you, honey, your stunt did get me in a better mood."

AJ kissed a red-faced Trav on the lips, everyone was laughing and enjoying Trav's obvious discomfort, except Jer who was a shade of jealousy. "Man, this is fun seeing you sweat. Jer come on up here and I'll kiss you too, will that wipe the sour expression off your face?"

Jer flipped him the bird, so he walked down the steps, kissed him on the lips, then kissed Cyn on the lips too, and whispered in her ear -- 'maybe we can get together for a threesome.' Cyn readily agreed that she would be up for that. AJ headed back to the top of the steps.

"Ok, so I did all that to lighten the mood further as I need to say something to everyone here. I know you all should know this but I'm going to say it again as I don't believe Alisha nor Annie were at the service last night." AJ paused to make sure he had everyone's attention.

"Hey madam K, Gina yeah you, eyes up here.

I'm going to be VERY direct now and before anyone says anything -- it's a curse. ABSOLUTELY. NO. ONE. HERE. is at fault for Syd's death. She went to celebrate of her own free will. A government agent killed her when he chose to drive impaired. Alisha, Annie, you are not to blame. You were victims too and we are all so grateful you are here with us today. When you see Melissa, make sure she knows that too, please don't carry this with you any further, know that Syd loved you and was where SHE wanted to be.

-- so honey, where'd you go? Oh, there you are, what songs are you asking me to sing, and for how long?"

Trav was out of sorts, his best friend had turned the tables on him -- "Thank you all for being here and listening to the tribute to Syd. Both our fraternity and Syd's sorority leadership got together this morning to put this fun in the sun day together and we would like AJ to sing a few of Syd's favorite songs. Hey, Stay Away. Why are you being such an ass today? It would be great fun to have you sing for all of us to enjoy. AJ stop it. Would everyone like to hear AJ sing some additional tunes?"

AJ was in a teasing mood -- "or would you prefer to watch me and Trav make out?"

There were mixed responses from the gathered crowd. As AJ cornered Trav, Julia stepped between the two and AJ came to a screeching halt. Julia hugged AJ and whispered to AJ -- you can make out with him later, I see he is boned up about the possibility.

AJ picked Julia up and swung her around in a circle. In addition to being Syd's Gran, Julia was also AJ's big sister in the fraternity, they were thick as thieves, and the only reason Trav got a date with her. Trav hugged his fiancé and whispered to her -- "thanks for saving my ass baby."

Julia chuckled and responded -- "I understand that is set to be given away to AJ at a naked boys' weekend. AJ be gentle, I want him to be able to walk afterward."

AJ smiled and kissed Julia's cheek -- "No promises on his ability to walk after I see to him. Ouch. Maybe you don't need to marry this jackass now, give me some time and I'll be back to a point where I would make a good husband to you."

Julia swatted AJ's ass -- "You're just lucky I like you and can't wait that long; I'll be showing before you're ready to make an honest woman out of me."

Trav was excited and nervous all rolled into one -- "What the hell did you just say?"

AJ was on a roll -- "Honey, she said you are going to be a dad, you can still be my boyfriend Julia said so... By the way Julia, congratulations and to be clear you're the one that has been having naked lady weekends for the past 4 years and corrupted my girl as well."

Julia smacked AJ's chest -- "You can't corrupt the corrupted and which one of us has kids? Why were you trying to hurt my fiancé and that fine piece of ass you will get to tap later?"

Trav was flabbergasted with his fiancé pimping him out -- "Back the truck up dear, you're telling me you are pregnant, and is that why you are pimping my ass out?"

Julia chuckled at the incredulous tone -- "Yes, we are having a baby in January so we will be getting married in a couple of weeks at the courthouse. Not pimping you out perse, just breaking the ice and making sure that AJ knows exactly what you want him to do to you during naked guys weekend. So, AJ, why don't you go sing while I make out with Trav."

AJ was grinning like an idiot -- "Yes ma'am. By the way -- you can get married at our ranch in the barn -- Dad's a judge and he can perform the ceremony. Syd's memorial service is next Saturday, will 2 weeks after that work?"

Julia was taken aback -- "That would be awesome, just family and a few friends."

Trav was still trying to process everything -- Tears running down his face -- "Yeah Skeet that would be grand."

AJ stepped up to the front of the porch -- "I guess I'm singing again. Please pardon the pain in your ears for the next few minutes."

AJ looked toward Trav to determine how many songs he was expected to sing, he got nothing, Trav was occupied with Julia and just holding and kissing her. "Given my boyfriend is now sucking face with his fiancé, I don't have any reason to keep this a secret but Trav and Julia are getting married in three weeks and are having a baby in January."

Trav snapped out of it -- "What the hell AJ?" Everyone on the lawn was laughing and congratulating Travis and Julia.

AJ was all sweetness and smiles -- "Sweetie -- after all the crap from you today I think you should stop spewing and kiss that girl. Anyway, singing right, are you sure you want to hear..."

Trav was playfully annoyed -- "Just fucking sing already, we all love you, you have a great voice and entered into a wet t-shirt contest that we didn't know we were having."

AJ had no idea he was about to get doused with water -- "What?"

AJ's pledge class doused him in water as he wrapped up his bantering with Trav. AJ was soaked from head to toe with a big bucket of water. Everyone was trying to make this lighthearted occasion and felt it was entirely too serious.

AJ did not have time to move -- "Fuuuuccckkk, shit that was cold, why the hell did you just do that?"

Brent was sure to explain what was up -- "You were getting way too serious and we wanted to have a good time and lighten up."

AJ agreed to sing for a while but only if a dry shirt and shorts were provided. His brothers went and got him some dry clothes, in reality it was only a pair of shorts and a towel. They held the towel for AJ to change behind and his undies were wet too, so he dropped those and slid the shorts on, which were a bit big and rode low and stayed on because of his big bubble butt but you could see his tattoo and some of his pubes.

AJ was unimpressed -- "What are you trying to do to my moms and grands? They will be mortified because their boy is standing up here showing his junk to the crowd?"

Steve was trying hard not to laugh -- "Everyone in the world knows you aren't shy about your body, so suck it up, big boy."