Coming of Age - 2nd Love

True Healing Begins

As AJ's friends left, the parking lot erupted in chaos, screaming and yelling. They were getting nowhere.

Gina whistled just as Trav had done to shut things down. She was not nearly as loud but got the point across. "What on earth did you four do now? I thought we all learned our lesson from the fiasco that was their wedding, we can push but only so far, and NOW, without Syd as a buffer, have you learned nothing? You know AJ does not suffer fools and it is clear to me that the four of you were all sorts of foolish, so spit it out."

Charlene, Elliot, Evelyn, and Jonathan stood there not saying anything, which caused the rest of AJ's siblings to launch into another tirade. Another earsplitting whistle and Gina blew -- "I think I was pretty clear that the four of you needed to address the issues you caused. If you don't want to lose the rest of your family start talking right now as I for one am ready to walk and never be part of this fucking disaster again. NOW!"

Elliot -- "How dare you."

Gina's fiancé Kevin had had it -- "Elliot, I would suggest you back off or I will lay your ass on the ground. I have stood by and let the lot of you treat AJ like a child for too long. That man was hurting bad enough before today, and you obviously caused more by something you did. The only way to fix this is to come together as a family. If you don't see that, then fuck you and the horse you rode in on. Shut it. Let me be crystal clear here -- you speak to Gina like that again and you will be eating through a straw for the foreseeable future, am I clear?"

Nothing

Kevin stepped into Elliot's personal space and got right in his face -- "AM. I. CLEAR?"

Elliot -- "Yes"

The four parents stood there without talking.

Gran and Nanny started in with what they knew. By the time they had finished, it was clear that the 'rents had decided yet again they knew best what AJ, the boys, and the service needed.

Stephanie, always at odds with AJ, started on her mom -- "Mom, you spoiled him and this is what you got. An entitled little..."

Chandler, Stephanie's oldest daughter had had enough and let loose -- "Mom, what the hell is wrong with you? I don't give a flying fuck about your issues with AJ but I will tell you and everyone else here -- none of you save Auntie Bear know who he is and none of you have taken the time to figure it out. AJ is so far from being an entitled, spoiled, and privileged person it is humorous at best and fucking insane at worse none of you see it.

The two of you were out of the house when he came along and you assumed that he was catered to, spoiled, and given everything he wanted. I love you Gigi and Papi, but you ignored him, you were caught up in your lives and left Aunt Gina and Uncle AJ to their own devices. He is closer in age to Amanda and me than any of you, he is just like a brother to us and frankly, we treat him with more respect than anyone here does. Mom, don't you dare interrupt me, I'm ready to kick your ass six ways to Sunday.

All of you treat him like shit and don't even recognize it. He just LOST HIS WIFE for fucks sake and all you seem to care about is he is a spoiled entitled ass. Well fuck all of you. None of you know what he is going through because you have not listened to anything he has said."

Amanda jumped in to help her cousin -- "All of you need to look in the mirror. Which one of you lost your spouse 4 months after the birth of your child? That's right, not a damn one of you. Nanny / Gran, you have lost your spouses, and I know from having conversations with both of you that was hard, but you both lost them when your kids were older. Put yourself in the position of walking to the door of the home you share with your forever love and having a police officer on the other side of the door tell you to get dressed so you can say goodbye to the one person you thought would be with you for the next 50+ years all the while holding your four-month-old son.

Dad, give me the keys, I am also done with this family for the time being. Keys. Anyone that wants to go with me, pile in."

Amanda, Chandler, and most of their cousins piled into their Suburban and headed to their home in Redmond.

Nanny was clearly done with the shite from her son and the remainder of his family -- "Well that was fun. I'm sure by now that you have a houseful of guests, I would suggest that Charlene, Elliot, Evelyn, and Jonathan head over there. If you need help, give me a call and I'll head over, but I am going to head out, Aoife, you up for heading to your house to raise a glass to AJ and Syd?"

Gran could not fathom being around her son and daughter-in-law -- "Yes, let's take off. Son, I love you with all my heart, but you continue to show your utter lack of respect for your daughter, her husband, and children. AJ owes you nothing and it looks like the four of you have pushed him away again. Let's hope he has it in his heart to forgive you yet again."

The two Grand Dames took Jonathan's keys and headed out. The 'rents got in Elliot's car and headed to the brunch. AJ's siblings were left standing there not sure what to do.

Stephanie started -- "Well that was fun. I can't believe AJ..."

Jim, her husband put a stop to it -- "Are you kidding me right now? Our kids were right, we treated him like a spoiled brat and he has done NOTHING to deserve that. When did you become so callous that you are judging someone who just lost the love of his life?"

Gina was on the verge of a smack down -- "You have no idea what happened to him as a kid, you were all too busy with your fucking lives to take notice. If he ever shares his pain with you, I hope you choke on it. Kevin let's go I'm done with my sanctimonious asshole siblings."

Stephanie -- "How dare you."

Gina spun and hit her sister between the eyes -- "You fucking condescending bitch, you have hated him since he was a kid and I don't understand why. You make it sound like Mom and Dad gave him and me everything we wanted, we didn't have to lift a finger around the house, that our lives were sunshine and roses.

You were married with a kid by the time he was 4, I was 10 and JT was 14. There were 3 different childhoods in our house growing up. You and Cheryl, new parents, eager, didn't know what they were doing, JT and me, old hat, knew what was going on and had fun doing it, and then AJ, late in life baby, the same age as grandkids, no timeless energy.

I know I run to AJ's defense every time there is family drama, but I know the real deal when it comes to him, none of you cared to see what happened. I would bet you a million dollars Steph that if you took a moment to think about someone other than yourself, thought about AJ as a human being and not your spoiled baby brother you would KNOW what happened to him when he was a kid. I think all of you could figure this shit out if you dared to care about AJ and put our kid brother first for once in your lives.

Kevin, I need to go before I say something I regret and betray the one person in this family who always has my back. I really hope you all take the time to believe in your kid brother and put him first for once."

Gina was in tears as she and Kevin left for home. She loved her family, but how could they not know, it was right there in front of all of them. She was 18 when it happened and she figured it out even though she was a senior in high school, self-absorbed, and focused on getting out.

Cheryl, Max, Stephanie, Jim, JT, and Mo stood there in stunned silence.

Stephanie was incredulous -- "I can't believe she hit me. I know I deserved it, but I still can't believe she hit me. What should we do, go over to the O'Reilly's and help the 'rents or head over to your house JT?"

Max was not excited about the option but knew it was the right thing to do -- "I think we need to go to the O'Reilly's and help the 'rents for an hour and then head over to JT and Mo's for drinks. That way the kids can chill at our house and not yell at us anymore."

They headed over to Charlene and Elliot's place. They jumped in and helped their parents with hosting duties. They made sure that everyone knew AJ sent his regrets but was struggling today and needed some alone time.

Evelyn pulled Steph aside and asked her what happened to her eye. Steph explained that she and Gina had a difference of opinion and Gina had rightfully slugged her for being a bitch and horrible sister. Steph asked her mom when AJ had changed from a fun-loving little kid into a guarded and sullen one. Evelyn thought about it for a moment and let her know it was the summer before he started high school and quit playing baseball.

Stephanie was beginning to piece it together -- "Mom, wasn't that the year the hotshot player from Wenatchee helped the coach with AJ's team?"

Evelyn was distracted -- "I'm not sure, Jon AJ's last summer playing baseball was there a kid from Wenatchee that helped with AJ's team?"

Jonathan was not sure where this was going -- "I'm not sure, we were traveling a lot that summer and AJ was spending that time with his friends while we were gone. Why do you ask?"

Stephanie was now convinced she knew what happened to AJ and she was torn apart by it -- "No real reason other than Gina and I got into it at the church over AJ and his antics today. She called me out on some things and I'm trying to connect the dots."

Stephanie excused herself and stepped outside for some privacy. She called AJ and got his voicemail. "AJ, I know today has been a shit show and I know that we have not always gotten along that well but I need to see you. Give me a call so we can meet. I know I don't say it enough or even show it, but I love you Skeet."

Trav was over the moon -- "Where the hell are you, the gang wants to hang and we aren't going to take no for an answer. AJ, answer me, I need my bro, I don't care if you need me but I need you."

AJ wanted to be alone but didn't at the same time -- "We are out at the house on Hunts Point." AJ gave them the address and directions; he sat on the lawn watching the waves. The home was not done, but it was down to the interior finishes, woodwork, and final touches -- the finishes and furnishings were to be done around Thanksgiving, but he would be staying in the guest house with the boys as that was complete. It was a property that Syd purchased with a small portion of her grandfather's estate that had been left to her in its entirety, which was a huge bone of contention within the family but afforded Syd a great deal of freedom, and now AJ and the boys, who was AJ kidding he had turned his trust fund into nearly the same amount of money Syd had but tried to pretend he was just a farm kid at heart.

AJ had a blanket on the lawn, enjoying the afternoon with his boys when his closest friends arrived. He sent a text as to where he was on the property. The eight friends walked around the side of the main house and found AJ beyond the pool with the boys.

Cyn was bowled over -- "I knew Syd came from money but holy leprechauns."

AJ chuckled -- "Why do you think Charlene and Elliot hated me so much? They thought I was after her money which, just like you I had no clue about and could give two shits about. She was my other half and completed me in a way I have never known. Then the 'rents decide they know the best and try to control everything. It has been one fight after another since Syd died.

I talked to the attorneys this week and everything she had was left to me. I have them putting a trust together for the boys but honestly, I would give away her money and mine to have her back."

Julia and Brent were putting out the pizza and other food, they stopped and grabbed. They were going to have their send-off.

Jer wanted to do something to help -- "AJ, you and the boys can crash with me and the family. It doesn't look like the house is ready for you."

AJ was truly touched -- "Thanks Jer but the guest house over there is completed, furnished, and ready to go. It has 4 bedrooms/3 bathrooms/living/dining/kitchen/family room. It's only 3500 square feet, I guess it will do for now."

Trav knew AJ's family was wealthy but damn -- "What the fuck dude? Your guest house is as big as my parents' home."

AJ was not pulsed -- "The main house is about 12,000 square feet, and did I mention that I just inherited everything Syd's grandfather left her, and if I'm being honest, I couldn't spend my trust fund and what I've made from it. Please keep all of this to yourself as I don't want the boys to be targets. I knew Syd had inherited money from her Grandfather, but I had no idea how much, it was never a consideration. Also, none of my family have this address and I want to keep it that way."

Everyone agreed with AJ's request as they began to serve up and eat. A silence fell over them as they ate, admiring the view and enjoying the company. AJ was mulling something over in his mind, he needed to talk to someone and who better than those friends that were closest to him.

AJ waded in with his friends -- "Okay, so I have something that I need input on and usually I would ask my parents but as I'm not speaking to them, I need advice." Collective nods were given so AJ continued -- "while I was with the lawyers this week, they had a settlement agreement the federal government put forward. It was several billion dollars for Syd's wrongful death. The individual who killed her was an undercover federal agent who was high on cocaine, and they wanted to settle quietly and quickly.

I don't give a damn about the money, I already have more than I will ever spend but the attorneys are telling me to sue for substantially more than they offered. Syd was a wealthy, promising doctor, loving wife, and mother. The lawyers are laying it out as -- Syd had years of income potential, denying her husband and boys the opportunity to truly know her, which they are stating should be worth way more than the offer. What do you guys think -- do I unleash the attorneys or do I just settle and move on?"

AJ was met with stunned silence. Chase finally found his tongue -- "Skeet, I don't know what the right answer is but if it were me, I would want to inflict pain and damage. Get the biggest damn settlement you can, set you and the boys up for life, and donate the rest if you choose. Just make sure the lawyers get a retainer, not a percentage."

The rest of the group found their voices and agreed with Chase. AJ's friends and family believed it was important to send a message that you need to be accountable for your actions and to be responsible when getting behind the wheel.

AJ talked to his friends about the internment, the scattering of ashes, and whether he was overreacting to the 'rents. They were split on this topic, but they all encouraged AJ to think long-term as the boys would need their grandparents to be part of their lives. That said, they knew it was time to make sure there were boundaries and the constant interference had to stop and stop immediately.

Ultimately AJ decided to stick with the plan of keeping the two tasks to just him and the boys, but he would reach out to both sets of parents in the next few days and start the healing process.

AJ looked at his phone when his sister called and was shocked that Steph had bothered to call him. He was never really sure why the two of them didn't get along other than he was the male version of Steph - they were both stunning, with medium brown hair with tons of natural highlights, deep blue eyes, tall, muscular, and incredibly smart. He listened to the voicemail and was caught off guard by the ending -- 'I know I don't say it enough or even show it, but I love you Skeet.'

AJ needed to go and meet Steph -- "Julia, I hate to ask this but I know you will stay sober. Will you watch the boys for an hour? I need to deal with my sister."

Julia was all in -- "Trav and I will be honored -- he is staying sober too and practicing. We have one on the way soon."

AJ called Steph back. She picked up on the first ring.

Steph was relieved and stressed at the same time -- "AJ, thank you for calling. Can we meet at Bridle Trails in 15 minutes?"

AJ was intrigued, unsure where this could head -- "Yeah, I'll be there. Steph, thanks for reaching out, I love you too."

AJ hung up before Steph could respond. They both headed for their cars and were off to their meeting place. They pulled into the parking lot at almost the same time. They got out of their cars and stood looking at each other.

Steph wasn't sure where to start -- "I'm sorry."

AJ was stunned -- "For what?"

Steph dove straight in -- "For missing the fact that you were raped when you were 13 by a trusted adult and that I have been shit for a big sister."

AJ's nightmares were coming true -- "What are you talking about?"

Steph knew she had only moments to put AJ at ease -- "AJ, I have a black eye from our hot-headed sister, she called me out today for being a lousy bitch of a sister to you, and missing what was right in front of everyone's face. I spent the next hour racking my brain and then it hit me, before you went into high school, you changed drastically. You went from a kid that loved baseball, that was carefree, open, loving, and downright AWESOME. To a sullen teenager who was afraid of his own shadow. Quit baseball, spent time alone, dove headfirst into self-defense, and in general did not like to be touched. I've been a PA for 15 years and should have seen the signs sooner."

AJ stood in stunned silence. Gina was the only one that figured it out and now he was being confronted by the sister that hated him. What the fuck is happening in my life. "I can't believe she betrayed me like that, she swore she would never say anything."

Steph didn't want this to go sideways -- "AJ, Gina did not betray your trust. I finally pulled my head out of my ass and thought about someone other than myself for a few minutes and it all clicked. I have not said anything to anyone and I won't. This is your story, not mine, but I had to find you, apologize, and let you know that if you need anything, I will be there for you. I'm so sorry I wasn't before."

AJ was relieved -- "Steph will you walk with me for a while?"

The two set off on the trails. They talked about everything. AJ confided that he was still in denial about what happened, he was pissed that he let someone take his love of baseball away, that he allowed himself to be repeatedly raped and manipulated. They talked about why they were the two siblings who were most at odds and agreed it was because they were basically the same person. They agreed to do better with each other. Try harder and be there for each other. AJ confided that his frustration with the 'rents stems from them being obtuse about what happened. He didn't understand how anyone in the family didn't see that something changed and felt he wasn't worth anyone's time as no one seemed to care except Gina.

Steph didn't try to explain it away, she simply stated we all got caught up in our shit and didn't see you suffering. We should have, but AJ you should have said something. What happened to you was a crime and NOT your fault. You buried it and did not talk about it because you felt it made you weak, and somehow you asked for it and let it happen. He was 19 and you were 13, that's a huge age difference, illegal regardless, and if I remember correctly Oliver was a big kid and you weren't.

AJ felt like he had been slapped in the face when she mentioned Oliver Jones' name. He had buried it for so long that it caused him to physically recoil and throw up his lunch.

Steph was now in PA mode -- "AJ, you need to find some help to deal with this or it will kick your ass for the rest of your life."

The two siblings circled back to their cars and agreed to keep talking.

AJ was glad he had someone else to talk to -- "Steph, thanks for reaching out, know that I will talk with the 'rents in a day or two after I cool off but I could not stand by and let others dictate my life any longer. I love you and I don't let you know that enough either."