Coming of Age - 2nd Love

True Healing

AJ -- "I guess I should have known that Syd would have told you about this place. you were more a sister to her than an aunt.

Why do they have to make things so hard?"

Evelyn and Jonathan returned to the O'Reilly's family room, where they found Charlene and Elliott standing with two large packages just delivered by messenger-- one for the O'Reilly's and one for the O'Brien's. There were two envelopes and two identical packages. Elliott handed Evie and JJ their envelope and both couples opened the letters, they were identical except for who they were addressed to --

Mr. Elliot Thomas O'Reilly & Mrs. Charlene Marie O'Reilly

Mr. Jonathan Aaron O'Brien II & Mrs. Evelyn Ava O'Brien

The formality of the opening caught off both sets of parents. They scanned down to the closing and knew things were amiss when they read the signature line --

Mr. Aaron Jonathan O'Brien

Mrs. Sydney Marie O'Brien -- deceased.

Master Conor Jameson O'Brien

Master Caleb Jeffrey O'Brien

JJ choked out, "I guess this is our fate. we should read the note."

We had hoped to give these to you on Mother's Day, but those plans were ruined when an impaired federal agent took our beloved wife and mother from us. Our backup plan was to give them to you yesterday morning before the service as a family grieving the loss of our beloved granddaughter, daughter, sister, wife, and mother. Those plans were dashed yesterday based on what we hope was meant as the best intentions from loving parents/grandparents, but at present, we are struggling to comprehend the actions and behaviors of all involved.

Please open the packages before continuing to read this letter. I know you all want to do this your way, but for the love of all that is good and right in this world please do as we ask.

The parents looked at each other and opened the packages. Inside there were several framed photos. The largest was a family portrait -- AJ, Syd, Con & Cale were all dressed in casual yet dressy attire. There were combinations of the family -- all four of them, AJ & Syd; Con & Cale; Syd, Con & Cale; AJ, Con & Cale, and then individual shots of each person. The photos were stunning, they showed a happy family, with their future bright and shining in front of them. Back to the note --

I, AJ, apologize for losing my temper yesterday, it was not what Syd would have wanted and I will carry that with me forever.

I will try explaining my actions so that you will understand my point of view, not that I am holding out any hope of reconciliation, as I am not apologizing for my reaction, I am apologizing for losing my temper. I truly hope you understand the distinction and will realize that my heart has been broken twice over the last two weeks -- losing the love of my life and then losing the two sets of parents that I was relying on to help me get through this utter pit of despair that I find myself sinking into at present. I am trying to keep my head above water but I feel you all keep pushing me under.

I understand your perspectives -- you believe you are trying to lighten the load and make things perfect, but you have driven a wedge between us in your efforts. To explain my actions from yesterday -- I hope you REALLY took some time and looked at those portraits, and now understand my dogged determination that the boys wear the outfits I left for them. They are the same ones they wore in that beautiful family portrait you now have. If you paid attention to the portrait, you would also see that for our final viewing with Syd, she was wearing that same wonderfully sexy, stylish, and stunning summer dress and I was wearing the same linen suit yesterday.

I was trying to keep that beautiful moment alive for as long as possible. The memorial service was for US, not anyone but US, that photo is who WE are, not some stuffy suit & tie family, I had to be true to MY family -- Syd, Con, Cale, and me.

Your lack of compassion and concern for me and my boys broke my heart, and to protect my heart from further damage and keep my head above water for the most precious gift Syd ever gave me I had to get away from the four of you. I hope and pray that you understand and care how much you hurt me with your actions and lack of support. I may not be the easiest person in the world to love but I know I give more than I ask in return. It has been a blessing and a curse -- a blessing because Syd and I had an epic love and she filled my heart with such joy because she understood I would die to protect our love and family. A curse because some take for granted that it will always be there, I will acquiesce to their wants and needs, and I typically do, but yesterday was a point where I had to put my family and its future ahead of four people, I love with all my heart.

By now, one of two things has happened -- my phone call with Mama and Pops went well and we are together or it went wrong and we are still separated. I pray it's the former but my broken heart tells me it is the latter. I do hope and pray with everything I have in me that I am wrong as I truly am not certain how much more I can take but I WILL continue -- my reason for living is now and forever more, Conor and Caleb O'Reilly.

Best Regards,

Mr. Aaron Jonathan O'Reilly

Mrs. Sydney Marie O'Brien -- deceased

Master Conor Jameson O'Reilly

Master Caleb Jeffrey O'Reilly

As the 'rents were reading the letters, Gran and Nanny arrived -- they had received similar packages with letters inviting them to a barbecue at AJ's home. He would have a car service pick them up at 3 PM that afternoon. He had not given them the address and it was made clear the driver would watch for cars following them and if that were to occur, they would be taken back to Gran's home.

Gran spoke first -- "Elliot, my dear boy, I have just one question for you -- If you were to be able to go back to yesterday morning with a fresh set of eyes would you support your son?"

Elliot had tears in his eyes -- "How was I supposed to know what was behind those outfits?"

Nanny saw red and raised her voice

-- "You all should not have to know what the reason for something is to support your family and their decisions. When has AJ done ANYTHING to harm anyone?

NEVER. You all should know by now he has a good head on his shoulders, is passionate, kind, and caring, and has the biggest heart in the world. Right now, that big heart is in despair and you all crushed it even more by not supporting him."

Gran finished -- "I was so hoping he would be here with the boys, but I'm guessing his call with you two did not go well as he is not here. I wish I could see the future as I would have done much more to prevent you from doing what you all did yesterday. AJ deserved your unconditional love and support and got what he usually does -- conditional love and support on your terms. Hopefully, time will heal these wounds and you all need to proceed on his timeline, not yours. If not, you will lose them forever. Lindal, we need to get back to my house and get ready for a barbecue."

Evelyn was holding back tears. "When you see AJ, please make sure he is okay and make sure he knows you both love him and are in his corner."

Charlene jumped in -- "Tell him that we love him and are sorry."

Evelyn shook her head -- "Do not do that. Aoife is right, we need to let him come to us in his own time. We are on the outside looking in with no right to say or do anything and we certainly can't ask him for anything. We were wrong and if we want him back, we must bide our time and love him enough to lose him if that is what will make him

.

JJ hugged his wife and agreed with her -- "Mom, please take care of him. We got lost in our grief and need to control things; we lost sight of the man AJ has become. Now, it's time to let him heal however he needs to and if that is without the four of us, that is on us. I know he has the biggest heart of ANYONE I know and I must trust that he will open it up to us again and we have to be better."

Back at AJ's home.

Eva sat next to AJ and they talked for an hour about everything that was going on, how AJ was holding up, what was next, and what support he needed from Eva and the girls. It was clear to Eva that the phone call with his mom and dad was a huge blow for him. He wanted this behind him so he could focus on healing, as AJ put family above all else, and his family was not whole. Eva asked if she needed to do anything to help with the barbecue later that day, and AJ assured her, he had it all under control. This was supposed to be a family gathering where they (Elliot, Charlene, Pops, Mama, Conor, Caleb, and he) would go out on the water and spread half of Syd's ashes, but that was not going to happen, now it would just be a partial family get together.

AJ had sent packages to all his siblings and Eva, similar to Nanny and Gran's. There was transportation arranged for each family to and from his home so no one had to drive and they could get a little wasted if they felt like it. AJ's phone pinged letting him know that the caterer was there to get going on the setup. He and Eva got up and headed to the driveway alongside the main house to open that gate, allowing access to the backyard patio for setting up.

As they walked toward the gate, Eva held AJ's waist tightly to her -- she wanted to make sure he knew he was not alone and could rely on her for love and support. No words were needed and AJ put his arm around her shoulder and squeezed her to his body, a non-verbal thank you for the unconditional love and support.

After they let the caterers in and showed them where to set up, they went and sat on two lounge chairs near the pool house. AJ texted Julia and Trav, checking on the boys, and asking if they could give him another 30 minutes. They both quickly responded -- ABSOLUTELY if you will do us one favor. They asked if they could have their wedding here on the lawn instead of at his parents' home and he readily agreed.

AJ took a deep breath and asked Eva -- "What is your mom up to?

. I got a letter from her attorney requesting my presence at a trustee meeting on Wednesday."

Eva laughed uncontrollably for what seemed like 5 minutes. AJ was annoyed -- "What the fuck is so funny?"

Eva was finally able to control herself -- "Well, Mom and Dad set up a trust that supports the medical community through fundraisers, donations & the trust's vast amount of money. It is a non-profit and provides funds around the world. Mom is the Chair of the Trust and Syd was the vice-chair set to take over when she graduated from college. My guess is you will now be set to take over in place of Sydney given your desire to be a doctor and Mom's desire to have someone in the family run the trust, she certainly will not let Elliot or Charlene take it on and I told her in no uncertain terms back when she settled on Syd that I was not the right person for the role. I am involved in the fundraising and love that but have no desire or expertise to speak on anything medical."

AJ was not prepared for that -- "Well fuck me sideways..."

Eva interrupted -- "While that is an enticing offer, I just don't think I could fuck my sister's husband -- too weird."

AJ choked -- "Nasty ass bitch, that is not what I meant and you bloody well know it. So, there is no way out of doing this, Aoife is a force of nature and she knows I can't say no to her. FUCK."

Eva was doing her best to control the smile on her face -- "AJ, if you truly don't want to do it, tell her, and she will come around. Albeit you will likely be out of her will."

AJ smiled his crooked smile -- "That might be enough for me to say no. I don't want/need anything from her."

Gran kissed AJ on the cheek -- "Who dear?"

AJ looked up and saw Gran and Nanny standing there with shit-eating grins on their faces.

Gran could not resist poking AJ -- "Do you honestly think Syd would not have me involved in purchasing and renovating a home like this? She was more than a granddaughter my dear boy."

Eva rolled her eyes -- "Don't I know it? She was the daughter you always wanted."

Gran was not in the mood -- "Okay, settle down there, missy. I have a daughter but you are right Syd was a kindred spirit and if you would get those nickers out of your ass long enough to look at the two of us, we are the same person, I just have more flair than you do my dear."

Eva snarked -- "Well hello to you too." Eva got up, hugged her mom, and kissed her cheek. "You know I love you but if you try to strong-arm AJ, I'll hurt you."

Nanny chuckled -- "Ladies, put the claws back."

AJ changed approaches -- "So Gran, what the hell are you up to with this trustee meeting you want me to go to."

Gran enjoyed making her grandson uncomfortable -- "My dear boy. You are Syd's sole beneficiary, so by all that is good and holy you are taking her place on the board and will take over when you graduate from college. This is the first meeting you will attend as the Chair-elect, fuss a bit, then accept that you want to do this not only for me but for Syd and most importantly yourself."

AJ stood there with his mouth wide open. He had no words at the moment. His Nanny looked at her watch and declared there are still miracles in this world - @ 1:30 PM on Sunday, May 17, 2015, Aaron Jonathan O'Brien was speechless. The banter continued between the four until they were interrupted by AJ's friends.

Trav grabbed Nanny and twirled her around kissing her on the cheek - "Nanny, if you will marry me, I'll ditch the fiancé and we can run away together."

Nanny kissed him on the cheek -- "You big flirt, I'm not sure I could keep up with your sexual exploits. You seem to be randy enough that you need both Julia and AJ to satisfy your substantial

appetite."

Everyone was in tears, they were laughing so hard. Trav was beet red and didn't know what to say. Julia had to ask -- "Why do you say he needs both me and AJ to satisfy him?"

Nanny winked at her -- "Well my dear I assumed you ok'd the coupling, this one here is a bit of a screamer when he reaches his climax and I'm not that naïve to think two people of the same sex can't have fun together and still love someone else."

Brent yelled, "Nanny, you are very progressive for someone your age. I knew I loved you. So Trav, you are a screamer -- is AJ a good lover?" Trav stood there with his mouth agape.

AJ ignored Brent and asked Julia where the boys were, she told him they were in the house with Carrie and Maddie. AJ let Eva know he was not happy he didn't know they were here and he headed for the house to check on the boys and greet his 'nieces'. The girls squealed when AJ walked through the door and hugged him tightly. Carrie being the motherly type -- "Uncle AJ, how are you doing? I'm sad about Aunt Syd and it sucks knowing she won't be around anymore; I want to make sure you are taking care of yourself; we all need you."

AJ hugged her tightly -- "Nut, I'm upright which means I have what it takes to be ok and good. I'm not going to lie to you, my heart is a bit busted right now."

Carrie and Maddie hugged AJ tightly and let him know they would do anything he needed them to. He asked them if they would watch the boys for a bit longer, as he needed to talk with their mom. They agreed, and AJ kissed their heads and went to find Eva.

When he had tracked her down, he pulled her into the boat house for another quick conversation -- "I need your insight on what to tell your mom about this trustee thing. I want to do it for Syd, but I'm not sure I'm in a great head space, what do you think?"

Eva smiled and shook her head a bit -- "AJ, be serious, you are going to tell her you will do it so stop fussing and get on board. You are the logical family member. What I would do if I were you would be to tell her you will take over when you are done with Medical School, not just college, that way you can focus on getting that done quickly."

AJ hugged her and thanked her for the advice. He knew she was right about the fact that he would be doing this, but the delay would be good for his sanity. Before he could escape the pool house, Eva fixed him with a stare -- "Originally I was not sure you would ever consider this but given the reveal Lindal provided about you and Trav, I'm more hopeful that you are open-minded about possibilities."

AJ looked at her like she had three heads -- "What are you talking about crazy lady?"

Eva smiled -- "Well, you have an admirer and this person is male, he is struggling with his attraction to you and is not sure you would ever consider him for a life partner. Could you see a male as your next partner?"

AJ was frustrated -- "What the fuck? I have not even interred Syd's ashes and you are asking me about my next great love. No, no; let me finish. I never expected to be here, I expected to die in Syd's arms at the age of 100, but that was not in the cards. I'm not remotely ready to consider anyone at this time but to answer your ultimate question would I consider a same-sex marriage, it's clear to me that I am bi-sexual so I would be stupid and a bit hypocritical to think that a life partner had to be female."

AJ and Eva came out of the pool house to a backyard full of family. That conversation took longer than 30 minutes. AJ welcomed his siblings, their spouses, and their kids individually and let everyone know that food was ready at their leisure, this whole affair was country casual despite the surroundings. AJ started getting questions about what happened with the 'rents so he stepped up on the diving board and got everyone's attention without his customary whistle.

AJ looked beaten -- his friends and family were getting more and more concerned about his mental health as he stood there saying nothing. Steph moved to the diving board with him and pulled him into a hug, whispering in his ear -- 'today just do you, whatever that is that will make you happy TODAY. You can deal with all of us and the 'rents at your leisure. I love you, kiddo.' She kissed his cheek and said out loud -- "you got this Skeet."

When Steph stepped down everyone in the backyard was standing with their mouths open -- AJ began "Shut your mouths you'll catch flies. Yes, Steph and I have a détente going now. I will do my part to keep it in place but that is not what everyone has been asking me, so here goes.

You all got letters apologizing for my behavior yesterday and letting you know how sorry I was for putting additional burden on anyone, what I didn't get into was the why behind it all."

AJ detailed the entire affair, trying to paint the 'rents in the best light possible. He made sure to state emphatically that in retrospect he knew they were trying to do the best for him, the boys, and Syd's memory. He further explained the significance of the outfits -- Syd's dress, his linen suit, and the boys' linen shorts and shirt.

He addressed his health, both mentally and physically -- despite his physical in Chelan, he knew both were continuing to decline. He acknowledged he would be setting an appointment with a professional tomorrow to help him deal with everything that has hit him in the last 2 weeks. AJ thanked everyone for coming on short notice and just being his family.

He stepped off the diving board and was met with hugs, kisses, and love that he needed from the most important people in his life. It all helped fill his tank enough to go and talk to the 'rents then and there. After all the hugs and kisses were complete, he pulled Gina aside and asked her to keep an eye on the boys. He needed to go and deal with the 'rents. She tried to talk him out of it as he seemed lighter than he had since Syd's death.