Date: Sat, 29 Dec 2001 21:33:30 -0600 From: dede nolan Subject: Decisions/No More Secrets Chapter 12 Disclaimer: This is a fictional story. I do not know any of the celebrity characters, nor do I have any real insight into their sexual preferences. This story contains homosexual themes, so if you are underage or offended by such topics, please read no further. Comments to Dannibailey@hotmail.com Chapter 12 You could only imagine what was going through Justin's mind as he helped his friends carry the small white coffin to the front of the cathedral. He had prayed that he would not to be asked to be a pallbearer. It was pushing the limits of what he thought he could do, but it was not something he could easily turn down. Justin solemnly returned to his seat. "Gary, I'm doing the part of the eulogy, wasn't that enough?" knowing that he really had no choice. "Justin, you're closer to him than just about anybody. You've known each other for years. If it wasn't so important to him, he never would have asked you." "I know," Justin said guiltily, "but this is just so hard. We're talking about a child. A child that had his entire life in front of him." Justin's eyes filled with tears. "Why him, why now?" "I don't think we'll ever know those answers Justin, all we can do is be thankful that he didn't suffer and offer our support to those he left behind." Justin leaned over and kissed your cheek. "Do you think about what it would be like if it had been Mandi or Kyle?" "All the time. I haven't thought of much else since the accident." Justin reached over and held your hand tightly as Mandi squirmed on his lap. It was a beautiful ceremony. Classmates, many of whom were in attendance, brought in pictures and small bouquets trying hard to comprehend the situation they were faced with; the loss of a friend, a teammate and one of the most well liked and compassionate kids at the school. He had touched more lives than you had realized. When it was time for the eulogy, Justin rose slowly and made his way to the podium, stopping briefly to bring his 2 fingers to his lips, kiss them and then gently touch the tiny casket. He inhaled deeply, looking towards his own two children and with a crack in voice he began. "When I was first asked to do this, all I could think about was all the things we were gonna miss. The things that we wouldn't have any more. I realized I was looking at things the wrong way. Instead of being angry at what was taken away, why wasn't I grateful for the things I had been blessed with. For ten years, I was able to see his smile, a smile that could light up a room. For ten years I could watch his parents grow with pride at each of his many accomplishment. For ten years I could get excited each time his grandfather showed me a new picture of him." "I was with him for his first steps, the first time he rode a bike and his first concert." Justin smiled widely before continuing. "Not to mention his first appearance in a courtroom, where he totally embarrassed me. Those are memories I have to cherish for the rest of my life and I am so proud to be a part of them." "Anthony Justin Wright was a great kid. He was the child I never had until we were fortunate enough to adopt. He was like my son, just as his dad Anthony was the brother I never had, and his grandfather Johnny was the part time dad I needed during those "eventful" teenaged years." "AJ's life my have been short, but anyone who knew him knows that he lived it to the fullest. The spirit of who he was will never leave us. We remember you today AJ, not with regret, but with joy, knowing our lives were just a little bit better because you were a part of it." Justin paused for a moment then looked upward. "I love you AJ. Make sure you save me a spot up there." As Justin walked back to his seat choking back tears, he stopped and hugged both Johnny and Anthony and the rest of AJ's grieving family. Under the circumstances they were holding up well. Losing a child in an accident was always devastating, but Anthony had taken some comfort knowing that it had been quick and that AJ had not suffered. JC held tightly to Ryan throughout the service. All he could think about was how close they had come to being in this exact situation. In his mind, he had played over and over that day at the cove. Ryan's lifeless body in Danny's arms. JC's rush back to the villa in a desperate attempt for help. All of them taking turns trying to breathe life back into Ryan while they waited for the emergency crew to helicopter over to the island, and the most disturbing memory; the look on Danny's face after 20 minutes of trying and no apparent success. But fate had other plans for Ryan. On the flight back to the mainland, Ryan had started breathing on his own and by the time they had landed at Delos, he was tired and scared, but his injuries were nothing that some stitches and some time in a cast wouldn't heal. To be honest, Ryan had bounced back far quicker than JC or Danny, who had been deeply effected by the accident. Both of them had been overly protective of Ryan in the weeks following their return to the States. Fortunately in time, they realized that the accident was just that; an accident, and there was really nothing that could have done to prevent it. As they filed out the church following the ceremony, Britney reached for Justin's hand and squeezed it tenderly. "Sweetie, that was beautiful. I'm so proud of you. I know how difficult that must have been, but you know how much it meant to Anthony." "Thanks Brit, and you're right. That was really tough. AJ meant the world to me." She kissed his cheek. "I know he did. He meant a lot to all of us." She paused for a moment, not really sure if she should continue or not. "Listen Justin, after the burial I need to talk to you and Gary for a few minutes." Concern immediately covered Justin's face. "Why, what's wrong?" Britney reached over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. Looking into his eyes she could not help but remember the 14-year-old who had been her first love. She had loved him all these years. At first, wanting desperately to be with him, and then realizing that was a dream that would never be fulfilled, she became one of his closest friends. How odd she thought, as she reminisced, that part of her dream would come true, just in a way she had never imagined. "J, nothing is wrong. I've needed to discuss something with you guys for a while, but with AJ's accident the timing just hasn't been right." "Are you sure?" he asked cautiously. "Lordy Justin, relax. Not all news is bad news." "Sorry, I'm just kinda on edge lately" he confessed. She hugged him tightly "How about you and Gary come over around seven. We'll throw some steaks on the grill and we can all just unwind for a while." "Sounds great" Justin admitted, "but ummm I'll take care of the grilling. You know cooking is not one of Joey's stronger areas. "Good, I was hoping you'd volunteer and bring some champagne. We may want to make a toast, you never know." Justin shook his head. Britney had confused him. On his face, a slight smile surfaced. Hell, Britney always confused him. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Justin sipped slowly on a glass of sweet tea as he carefully watched the steaks sizzle on the built in gas grill. He was incredibly grateful that this week was behind him and he could spend some quite time with you and the kids. "How are they doing?" you asked as you slipped up behind him and wrapped your arms around his waist. "I'd say we got about another 15 minutes to go for ours and 25 for Joey's." Justin made a disgusted face. "How that guy can eat a steak well done is beyond me, but then Joey's eating habits have always been a bit odd." "Excuse me?" Britney interrupted. "Joey's eating habits are odd? This is coming from a guy that STILL eats Captain Crunch every morning." "That's not odd" Justin argued. "Lots of people eat cereal for breakfast." Britney laughed loudly. "Not at 31, and certainly not Captain Crunch." Justin grabbed a towel from a nearby lounge chair and snapped it loudly and dangerously close to Britney's backside. "Justin Randall, you are so damn lucky you missed." Justin smiled widely. "No Brit, you're lucky I missed. And for the record, I missed on purpose." He sat down on the lounge chair and pulled her onto his lap. "So what is it that you need to talk to me and Gary about." She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. "I love you Justin." He had heard it a million times, but there was something in the tone of her voice that was different this time. Justin picked up on it immediately. "I love you too, Brit, you know that, but what's bothering you." She remained in his lap but sat back a bit so she could look at him while she was talking. It was then you both noticed the tears forming in her eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself and then spoke. "Do you guys remember the discussion we had while I was pregnant with Samantha?" "You mean about you carrying a baby for me and Gary?" Justin asked. "We were floored when you offered." "Well, I told you guys that I needed some time after Sam was born before I could go ahead with that. The doctor suggested that since we had NO idea if arrangements could be made when the timing was right, that you and Gary have your sperm frozen and then scheduling would never be an issue." You smiled. "I remember very clearly that the visit to the doctor wasn't exactly Justin's cup of tea." "You got that right." Justin admitted. "Some smart ass nurse is standing there with my "donation" making jokes about how much she could sell it for on E-Bay!" You and Justin both laughed loudly, but Britney's demeanor hadn't changed. "Guys, I've changed my mind. I really thought 2 years down the road, that I'd be ready for another pregnancy, but that's not the case. I'm sorry." You looked at Justin and the disappointment was evident on his face as he spoke. "Look Brit, you have no reason to apologize. It was a generous offer, but we understand. It just wasn't meant to be." "Justin, what I'm trying to tell you is that I couldn't wait the two years. I've been trying for the last 3 months but none of the attempts were successful. I didn't want you guys to be disappointed each month, so I decided not to tell you until I knew for sure." "Knew for sure?" you asked cautiously, not convinced that you comprehended what Britney was really saying. "Lordy, you guys are thick-headed. I'm pregnant!" Justin hugged Britney tightly, then put his hands around her waist and helped her stand, all the while never removing his eyes from yours. He walked slowly over to you and cupping your face in his hands brought his lips gently to yours. "Do you fucking believe it?" he asked softly. You didn't answer but pressed your lips hard against his and kissed him passionately. "Well, I'm gonna guess she told you?" Joey teased as he opened the sliding glass door carrying a bottle of champagne and glasses. "Well kinda babe, but not all of it" she said winking at her husband. "How about opening that champagne. I think they might need drink." Joey popped the cork and poured the bubbly liquid into five glasses. "So what's the rest of it?" Justin asked eagerly. "And what's with the five glasses?" The patio door opened and out stepped a very handsome yet distinguished man. Joey did the introductions. "Justin and Gary, this is Dr. Steven Albright." You both shook the young man's hand and exchanged greeting, still not exactly sure why you were being introduced. "I guess you guys are kinda waiting for an explanation" the doctor mentioned as he noticed the quizzical expression on your faces. "I'm not only Britney's obstetrician, but I'm also a genetic engineer. Basically, I created the embryos that Britney is now carrying from genetic materials from both of you. The babies are yours. For a lack of a better way of putting it, Britney is an incubator, giving the embryos a place to develop and grow "And I'm jealous," Joey chimed in. "I hope you like the color blue." "A son?" Justin asked in a barely audible voice. Britney took his hand and placed it on her stomach. "You weren't listening Justin. Two sons. You're having twins." You said nothing, totally lost in a moment of time that you hoped you would remember for the rest of you life. You and Justin were having children. Not that you didn't love Mandi and Kyle deeply, but it was an overwhelming to realize you and Justin would now be parents to your own children. "Gary, you okay?" Brit asked still holding Justin's hand. The sound of her voice snapped your attention away from your drifting thoughts. "Oh yeah, I'm fine, but I'm gonna take Joey up on that offer. I think a little champagne is just what I need about now." Justin smiled as he made his toast. "To our kids. All of them." Then laughing, "How many does this make? I think I've lost track." Joey was busy counting on his fingers. "Hmm, 4 for Chris, 1 for us, 1 for Danny and Josh and 4 for you guys. Looks like ten to me." You shook your head in disbelief at the thought of you and your close group of friends now being the parents of 10 children. Then it struck you. "Hey, I have a toast too. To Dr. Albright, Britney and Joey, who have just given us the most precious gift imaginable. Thanks, you guys." To be continued can all just unwind for a while." "Sounds great" Justin admitted, "but ummm I'll take care of the grilling. You know cooking is not one of Joey's stronger areas. "Good, I was hoping you'd volunteer and bring some champagne. We may want to make a toast, you never know." Justin shook his head. Britney had confused him. On his face, a slight smile surfaced. Hell, Britney always confused him. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Justin sipped slowly on a glass of sweet tea as he carefully watched the steaks sizzle on the built in gas grill. He was incredibly grateful that this week was behind him and he could spend some quite time with you and the kids. "How are they doing?" you asked as you slipped up behind him and wrapped your arms around his waist. "I'd say we got about another 15 minutes to go for ours and 25 for Joey's." Justin made a disgusted face. "How that guy can eat a steak well done is beyond me, but then Joey's eating habits have always been a bit odd." "Excuse me?" Britney interrupted. "Joey's eating habits are odd? This is coming from a guy that STILL eats Captain Crunch every morning." "That's not odd" Justin argued. "Lots of people eat cereal for breakfast." Britney laughed loudly. "Not at 31, and certainly not Captain Crunch." Justin grabbed a towel from a nearby lounge chair and snapped it loudly and dangerously close to Britney's backside. "Justin Randall, you are so damn lucky you missed." Justin smiled widely. "No Brit, you're lucky I missed. And for the record, I missed on purpose." He sat down on the lounge chair and pulled her onto his lap. "So what is it that you need to talk to me and Gary about." She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. "I love you Justin." He had heard it a million times, but there was something in the tone of her voice that was different this time. Justin picked up on it immediately. "I love you too, Brit, you know that, but what's bothering you." She remained in his lap but sat back a bit so she could look at him while she was talking. It was then you both noticed the tears forming in her eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself and then spoke. "Do you guys remember the discussion we had while I was pregnant with Samantha?" "You mean about you carrying a baby for me and Gary?" Justin asked. "We were floored when you offered." "Well, I told you guys that I needed some time after Sam was born before I could go ahead with that. The doctor suggested that since we had NO idea if arrangements could be made when the timing was right, that you and Gary have your sperm frozen and then scheduling would never be an issue." You smiled. "I remember very clearly that the visit to the doctor wasn't exactly Justin's cup of tea." "You got that right." Justin admitted. "Some smart ass nurse is standing there with my "donation" making jokes about how much she could sell it for on E-Bay!" You and Justin both laughed loudly, but Britney's demeanor hadn't changed. "Guys, I've changed my mind. I really thought 2 years down the road, that I'd be ready for another pregnancy, but that's not the case. I'm sorry." You looked at Justin and the disappointment was evident on his face as he spoke. "Look Brit, you have no reason to apologize. It was a generous offer, but we understand. It just wasn't meant to be." "Justin, what I'm trying to tell you is that I couldn't wait the two years. I've been trying for the last 3 months but none of the attempts were successful. I didn't want you guys to be disappointed each month, so I decided not to tell you until I knew for sure." "Knew for sure?" you asked cautiously, not convinced that you comprehended what Britney was really saying. "Lordy, you guys are thick-headed. I'm pregnant!" Justin hugged Britney tightly, then put his hands around her waist and helped her stand, all the while never removing his eyes from yours. He walked slowly over to you and cupping your face in his hands brought his lips gently to yours. "Do you fucking believe it?" he asked softly. You didn't answer but pressed your lips hard against his and kissed him passionately. "Well, I'm gonna guess she told you?" Joey teased as he opened the sliding glass door carrying a bottle of champagne and glasses. "Well kinda babe, but not all of it" she said winking at her husband. "How about opening that champagne. I think they might need drink." Joey popped the cork and poured the bubbly liquid into five glasses. "So what's the rest of it?" Justin asked eagerly. "And what's with the five glasses?" The patio door opened and out stepped a very handsome yet distinguished man. Joey did the introductions. "Justin and Gary, this is Dr. Steven Albright." You both shook the young man's hand and exchanged greeting, still not exactly sure why you were being introduced. "I guess you guys are kinda waiting for an explanation" the doctor mentioned as he noticed the quizzical expression on your faces. "I'm not only Britney's obstetrician, but I'm also a genetic engineer. Basically, I created the embryos that Britney is now carrying from genetic materials from both of you. The babies are yours. For a lack of a better way of putting it, Britney is an incubator, giving the embryos a place to develop and grow "And I'm jealous," Joey chimed in. "I hope you like the color blue." "A son?" Justin asked in a barely audible voice. Britney took his hand and placed it on her stomach. "You weren't listening Justin. Two sons. You're having twins." You said nothing, totally lost in a moment of time that you hoped you would remember for the rest of you life. You and Justin were having children. Not that you didn't love Mandi and Kyle deeply, but it was an overwhelming to realize you and Justin would now be parents to your own children. "Gary, you okay?" Brit asked still holding Justin's hand. The sound of her voice snapped your attention away from your drifting thoughts. "Oh yeah, I'm fine, but I'm gonna take Joey up on that offer. I think a little champagne is just what I need about now." Justin smiled as he made his toast. "To our kids. All of them." Then laughing, "How many does this make? I think I've lost track." Joey was busy counting on his fingers. "Hmm, 4 for Chris, 1 for us, 1 for Danny and Josh and 4 for you guys. Looks like ten to me." You shook your head in disbelief at the thought of you and your close group of friends now being the parents of 10 children. Then it struck you. "Hey, I have a toast too. To Dr. Albright, Britney and Joey, who have just given us the most precious gift imaginable. Thanks, you guys." To be continued