Jolan's Path - Chapter 68

The following story is fictional and is intended for an adult audience. It is not meant to suggest anything about the sexuality of Justin Timberlake or any other celebrities included in this story. This story is fiction, meaning not real. It's all for fun. If you are under age, it is illegal in your country, or you don't like stories about gay sex, please stop reading this now.

Chapter 68

Justin sat on the front porch, his arms wrapped around Jennie's sleeping form.

She'd fallen asleep in his arms, watching the fire crew across the street.

Jennie was covered in a thick blanket, the early morning hour bringing a frosty chill to the darkness.

It was four o'clock in the morning, Justin and Jolan having arrived about a hour earlier.

The Cutter's Bluff volunteer fire department had quickly gained control of the fire, only the roof and one top floor bedroom damaged.

Jolan stood on the porch, against the front railing, looking across the street to his former home.

The fire trucks were cleaning up, their hoses being packed up.

They'd battled the blaze for about an hour and a half, finally extinguishing it a half hour ago.

Cory was walking across the street; Lonnie, Bill Carson and Sheriff Walker on both sides of the young deputy.

The four men walked up onto the porch, Cory's Uncle Carl smiling at the sheriff.

"It's finally out, Stu?"

"Yeah, Carl. Wasn't too far advanced. It was a good thing the young lady was up and spotted the blaze, otherwise the whole place would have been consumed." the sheriff said, looking towards the sleeping Jennie.
"Any idea on the cause?" Lynn asked, wrapped in a heavy coat, she and Cory's aunt handing the men steaming cups of coffee from a couple of Thermoses.

The men thanked them, the sheriff looking at Jolan.

"It was arson, that's for certain. Gas cans were found in the backyard, plus a ladder was left extended to the window of the burned bedroom. Someone was dead set on burning your home to the ground, Jolan. And they didn't care if they left any signs of arson. I think it was a message for you."

Justin's eyes went to Jolan, the young man looking at the sheriff.

"I'm certain it was, Sheriff Walker. And I believe they wanted it destroyed before I entered it. My past is waiting for me in that home, Sheriff."

The sheriff nodded, looking at Cory and Bill.

"Cory's told me as much, son. I'm going to post security checks in the evenings around the place. We'll try and keep it secure until you decide to enter."
Jolan nodded, thanking the sheriff.

The fire chief came up to the house, the sheriff sending Bill back to Jolan's home with him to finish up the paperwork.

"Someone's was dead set on you not going into that house, Jolan." Cory said, Jolan looking at him.

"Yes, Cory. They wanted to stop me from remembering. But burning my home won't achieve that. I am destined to remember."
Cory nodded, looking again at Justin.

Lynn was looking at Justin and Jennie as well.

"She's finally asleep, Jolan. I think you better bring her back upstairs, Justin. She needs her warm bed." Lynn said, Thelma agreeing, Jolan walking over to his sister.
"Let me, Jus." he said, leaning down and picking her up with ease, her head curling against his chest.

Justin stood, Jolan smiling at him, the young man following Lynn and Cory's Aunt Thelma into the house.

Justin watched him leave, his eyes turning to Cory, Lonnie and the sheriff.

"Thank you all for everything tonight." he said, Lonnie smiling at him.

"For Jolan and you, no thanks required." Cory said, the sheriff nodding his agreement.

"So who do you think is behind this fire?" Justin asked, the sheriff looking at him.

"Probably the same people who hurt that young man the last time." Sheriff Walker said, Justin looking at him.

"What happened here that night? I'd like to know everything." Justin asked, Carl handing him a hot cup of coffee he'd poured out of a Thermos.

Carl began to answer Justin's question, the sheriff looking at him.

"No one knows, Justin. I was home here that night. Thelma and I were both home, watching television all evening. We didn't see or hear anything. The next morning I grew concerned when I saw Joel's front door wide open, and the papers still sitting on the porch. Thelma and I walked over and found the house completely empty. They were all gone. I just don't understand what happened to them. It wasn't like Joel to just disappear."

Justin nodded, sipping the warm liquid.

"I checked with all the neighbors, no one hearing or seeing anything that night. Chet Ryerson remembered seeing Joel driving home from work around five that evening, but no one remembers seeing anyone after that." Sheriff Walker said, sipping from his cup.

"So no one saw Jolan or Jennie playing outside, or anything?" Justin said, surprised at that.

"Well, Jolan was home sick from school that day. So if he was sick he wouldn't have been outside. Jennie went to school, that checked out, leaving there at three forty-five."

"Jolan was home sick?" Carl asked, this news new to him.

"Yes, that checked out. His father had called his school that morning around nine-thirty stating that Jolan had been sick all the night before with a virus and wouldn't be in." the sheriff said, folding his arms.

"That's not right, Sheriff Walker. " Cory said, the sheriff looking at him.

Justin looked intrigued, looking between both men.

"I spent the night before with Jolan, he and I going to a double feature at the Belmont. We were out till almost eleven. He wasn't sick at all, just his usual happy boisterous self." Cory said, looking confused.

"You're right, Cory. I saw him the next morning, picking up the papers off the porch. He was smiling, yelling good morning to me and waving his hand. He didn't look sick then." Carl said, looking at his nephew.

"That's odd don't you think, Sheriff?" Justin said, looking at the older man.

"It seems confusing alright. But the school verified that Jolan hadn't been at school all that day. His father had called to inform them." the sheriff said, scratching his head.

Justin folded his arms, his thoughts confused as well.

"So Jolan was missing all day from school. Jennie wasn't. Jo's father was seen coming home from work, and Jennie seen leaving school. What about Jo's mother?"
"Melina was last seen by Chantal Mason at Rhonda Lynn's beauty parlor getting her hair cut around three o'clock. She walked home from there. That was the last anyone's seen of her. That morning she taught her usual morning class." the sheriff said, those events etched in his sharp mind.
Cory nodded, looking at the sheriff.

"Class? Jo's mother was a teacher?" Justin asked, that fact unknown to him.

"She taught art classes at Ryerson Public School. Melina was a gifted sculptor." Cory said, smiling at Justin.

"So Jolan was home alone all day, his mom coming home around three-thirty, Jennie around four and his dad around five."
The sheriff nodded, setting his finished cup down.

"That's about right time wise, Justin. So the last any of them were seen was around five. Whatever happened, happened that evening."
"I don't think so, Sheriff."
All of the men turned, looking towards the front door, Jolan standing in the doorway.

"Jennie in bed, Jolan?" Justin said, Jolan softly smiling at him.

"Yes, she's sound asleep. Lynn's letting her sleep in. The ladies have started getting breakfast together. You're invited as well, Sheriff."
The older man smiled, accepting the offer.

Jolan walked out of the house, up to the porch railing, his eyes looking across the street at his darkened home.

"I don't think it began that evening, Sheriff. I think I was in my own nightmare all day."

Justin's arm went around Jolan's shoulder, Jolan's grey eyes meeting his.

"Being close, so close to home, I feel it Justin. I feel the pain."
Justin's arm tightened around Jolan, the young man staring out into the dawning gloom.

"You need rest, Jo. You've had hardly any sleep for the last two nights."
Jolan broke from Justin's hold, looking again across the street at his parents' home.

His eyes moved, looking towards his friends.

"I wasn't sick, Sheriff. Cory is correct in that regard. That day--from what I remember in my dreams at least--I believe I didn't go to school because I was stopped from going."
"Stopped?" Justin said, worry in his eyes now.

"Yes, Justin. Someone stopped me. For I feel in my heart that whatever happened to me in that house started that morning after my parents and Jennica left. I was alone--and I was the first one attacked. I think it began with me. My family walked into my nightmare."

Justin so wanted to pull Jolan into his arms, the surroundings nixing that from happening.

Jolan looked into Justin's eyes, seeing his yearning love.

"You think that's what happened, Jo?" Justin said, looking at him with concern.

"I think there's only one way to find out, Jus. I have to go into that house. I have to feel my past."

Justin nodded, looking at Cory.

"Is that wise right now, Jolan? You're tired and they've left quite a mess upstairs over there. Let us clean it up a bit first."
Jolan looked back at the fire trucks, seeing them pulling out from in front of the house, Bill walking back towards them.

"I'm going there this weekend, Cory. I have to find out what's in that house. What it means for me."

Cory walked over to his friend, putting his hand on his shoulder.

"And we'll be right beside, you my friend. We all know what going there means to you. I only hope that you'll find what you seek, Jolan."
Jolan looked at his friend, seeing the concern and love in Cory's green eyes.

"I don't want to remember the pain, Cory. But I know I must. Whatever happened to me there I'll have to endure. And I know I'll make it through all of it with all of your love and help."
Lynn and Thelma had walked out of the house, hearing the conversation, Lynn looking at Jolan.

"You need some hot food into you, son." she said, her arm going around Jolan, Justin smiling at his mother's nurturing way.

"Alright, Lynn. I am a bit hungry."
"And you're also tired. I'm putting you to bed right after."

Jolan smiled, nodding at her smiling face.

"Alright, Mom."

Lynn smiled, leading the young man into the house.

Jolan sighed, wiping his mouth with his napkin, setting his fork down, smiling at Thelma Hamilton.

"That was delicious, Mrs. Hamilton."
"Jolan, it's Thelma, always has been." she smiled, her hand on his shoulder, Jolan smiling at her.

"Thank you, Thelma. That hit the spot."

She smiled at Jolan, pouring him another cup of coffee, then making the rounds around the table.

Everyone thanked her, Sheriff Walker passing on another cup of coffee.

"I need to be off. Wonderful as always, Thelma. Ya give my Sharon a run for her money in the kitchen. But don't tell her that, or I'll be eating oatmeal for a month."
Thelma laughed, slapping the man's shoulder.

"Mum's the word, Stu." she smiled, the sheriff rising from his chair.

"See you later at the station, Cory?" he said, putting his hat on, Cory nodding at him.

Bill rose as well, handing Justin a set of keys.

"My spare set. I'll be on patrol all day, but home in time for lunch. Lee Daniels comes in and stays with Sid mornings."
"Thanks, Bill." Jolan said, smiling at him.

Bill winked, walking out of the kitchen with the sheriff after farewells exchanged.

"So breakfast is finished, time for shuteye, young man." Lynn said, Jolan smiling at her.

Justin smiled at his mother, looking towards Jolan.

"You heard Mom, Jo."

Jolan laughed, smiling at Justin.

"I know, I know." he said stretching his tired arms.

"There's a spare room right next to Jennie's, Jolan. Top of the stairs, first door on your right." Thelma said, Jolan thanking her.
Justin looked at his lover, so wanting to follow him up there.

But he knew it would spark interest, Justin remaining seated.

Jolan rose, saying goodbye to everyone, heading for the stairs.

"Need help with the dishes, Mrs. Hamilton?" Justin offered, Thelma smiling at him.

"No son, that's okay. Thank you for offering though. My nephew and husband always do them."
Cory smiled at his aunt, picking up plates, rising out of his seat.

Thelma sat down beside Lynn, smiling at her.

"Besides, I'm sure you'd sooner be upstairs with your man."
Justin looked surprised, looking at Cory's aunt and uncle.

"You've got a lousy poker face, son. Thelma picked up on it right away. It took me a little longer." Carl said laughing, Justin blushing.

"I don't hide it very well." he said softly, looking towards the living room doorway.

Thelma patted his arm, Justin looking at her.

"I've known that boy since he was seven, Justin. I saw the love in his eyes, and I saw where he looked. It was easy to see the same in yours. No worries, your privacy is safe. Jolan's like family to us. You're welcome here the same as he."
Justin smiled, thanking her, getting up from his chair.

"I'll just check on him and make sure he's settled in." he said, walking out of the room.

"Settled in? Is that what they call spooning now?" Carl said winking at his wife, Lynn laughing.

Thelma blushed, slapping her husband's arm.

"To the sink, sweetie. Time for loving after."
Lynn laughed again, Carl chuckling as he headed towards Cory.

Justin walked up the stairs, stopping at the first door on the right.

He opened it quietly, finding the room empty.

He looked surprised, then thought for a moment, closing the door, walking over to the next one.

What he saw when he looked in brought a smile to his heart.

Jennie was sound asleep, her brother's arms wrapped around her.

Jolan was sleeping as well, Jennie's head laying on Jolan's chest.

Justin smiled, walking softly into the room, shutting the door silently behind him.

He moved around the bed, gently laying down beside his lover, snuggling against him.

Jolan's arm on instinct moved, pulling Justin closer to him. wrapping around him.

Justin smiled, laying his head beside Jennie's.

Jennie's arm moved, her hand going to Justin's shoulder.

Justin smiled at her, her eyes closed.

He felt the Dragos siblings' love surround him, Justin closing his eyes.

Within moments he was sound asleep.

About half an hour later, Lynn quietly walked into the room, smiling at the touching scene.

She moved silently around the bed, pulling a blanket up over all three.

Jennie moved a bit, a small smile coming to her lips, Justin's arm going around her in his sleep.

Lynn smiled, seeing Justin's protective love surrounding the girl.

Lynn quietly looked out the bedroom window, the house across the street coming into view in the early morning sunlight.

She stared at it a moment, then moved to the window pulling down the shade, the room darkening a bit.

"Time enough for the oncoming pain, children. For now, love surrounds you. My son's love will carry you through it all, both of you." she softly said, walking quietly out of the room, silently shutting the door.

Jolan's eyes opened, looking towards the closed door.

He sighed softly, his paining heart surrounded by Justin's love.

He closed his eyes, walking through his opening past in his mind.

His vision took in a young man standing in the darkness.

The man smiled, his voice lifting Jolan's pain.

Jolan opened his eyes, finding himself alone in bed.

He looked around the room, stretching.

Glancing at his watch, he slowly climbed out of bed, stretching more.

Ten-thirty his watch said, Jolan shaking the sleep from his mind, focusing on the bedroom door which was opening.

Lynn's head popped into the room, her face smiling at Jolan.

"Ah, you're up. I was hoping you'd sleep till lunch. How do you feel?"
"A lot better, thanks. I feel like I have some energy again."
Lynn smiled at him, opening the door wide.

"Where'd Jennie disappear to?"
"She's downstairs with Justin and the gang. They're playing lawn darts out on the front lawn. She woke up around nine, Justin as well. Everyone showed up in the last hour or so."
Jolan smiled, sensing that his lover had slept beside him.

He'd caught a whiff of Justin's cologne in the bed when he'd woken.

He was also happy that his friends were all here.

Jolan asked Lynn where the washroom was, he wanting to freshen up.

She showed him the bathroom at the end of the hall, leaving him to do his business.

Twenty minutes later, Jolan walked out of the house onto the front porch, his surprised face greeted by some large smiles.

Two young men had their arms around him, hugging him tightly.

Jolan smiled, looking into Stephen and Jonathan's bright eyes.

"Well this is indeed a surprise." Jolan said, his eyes moving to Randall and Lisa, who sat on a settee smiling at him.

"We thought you needed our support." Randall said, Jolan meeting his eyes.

"This is wonderful. I'm so glad you're all here." he said smiling, Lisa smiling at her husband and at Jolan.

She had had numerous conversations with her husband all week, seeing the man coming around to Jolan's importance in Justin's life.

The talks had resulted in Randall's decision yesterday to drive up and give Jolan Justin's family's support.

Jolan walked over to them, hugging Lisa and kissing her cheek.

Randall stood up, Jolan pulling him into a hug.

At that moment Justin walked up onto the porch, Jennie at his side, the two smiling.

Randall felt Jolan's love surround him, the older man hugging the younger tightly.

"I'm glad you're all here." Jolan said, Randall smiling at him.

Justin had a tear in his eyes, seeing the look of acceptance on his father's face.

Jolan's love had won over his father's heart.

Justin sensed it wasn't a complete victory, but there was respect and friendship now in his father's eyes.

"Isn't this a surprise, Jo? I was totally thrilled when I saw them pull up into the yard with the guys." Justin said, Jolan smiling at him.

"The first surprise of the day." Jolan said smiling, Jennie wrapping her arm around him.

"Morning, Jolly. I've been having lots of fun with the guys. Chace and I beat Chris and Josh three games to one at darts!"

Jolan smiled, moving towards the railing.

"Chris is here too?" he said loudly, looking out on the lawn.

"Damn straight, Kiddo!" Chris yelled, waving at him from across the lawn.

Jolan smiled widely, seeing Britney as well, her hands waving wildly.

She and Chris were playing darts with Joey and Lance.

"The gang's all here." Justin said, wrapping his arm around his lover.

Jolan smiled, looking into his blue eyes.

"Feeling better, Jo?" Justin said, Jolan smiling at him.

"Sleeping with you and Jennie, how couldn't I?"

Justin smiled, realizing Jolan had known he'd been there beside him.

Jolan leaned in kissing his cheek, whispering in his ear.

"You leave an intoxicating aroma, my beautiful angel." he said, licking Justin's earlobe.

Justin sighed, feeling the love and passion flowing from his lover.

Jolan's lips met his briefly, knowing no more could be done.

"Hey get a room, horndogs!"

Jolan laughed, turning and seeing Chris and Britney standing on the porch, both smiling at them.

The rest of the guys were climbing the steps, Jolan pulled into hugs by everyone.

Justin smiled, seeing his old bandmates' and friends' love for his man.

He knew Jolan had everyone's support, that they were all here for him.

The last person Jolan hugged was Britney, the woman kissing his cheek.

"Missed ya, sweetie." she said smiling at him, Jolan smiling a wide toothy smile.

"Oh yeah, right!" Jolan said, bursting into laughter.

She looked surprised by his reaction, as did all the others.

Jolan continued to laugh, Jennie laughing as well.

Britney smiled at the young woman, Jennie's face beaming with happiness.

"And what's so funny, little angel?" she said, Jennie smiling at her.

"Jolly's been playing around. He's so clever and devious!"

Jolan smiled, his laughter under control.

Justin smiled, seeing his man so happy, that bringing a wider smile to his face.

Britney looked at Jolan, the young man smiling and walking up to her.

"Sorry, Bitzy. I'm not laughing at you. Just at the absurdity of how easy it was."

She folded her arms, looking at him in confusion.

"How easy what was?"

Jolan smiled, his smile totally flooring everyone.

They'd never seen so much happiness on his face.

"How easy it was to lead him to your love."

Britney looked stunned, Jolan's eyes moving.

"Well the horse has been led to water, and he's drinking of your love. Right, horsey?" he said, smiling at someone.

Everyone's eyes were focusing on who Jolan was looking at.

If Britney was stunned, Chris was flabbergasted.

Chris stared at Jolan, his eyes large with surprise.

"You know?!!!!"

Jolan laughed, his smile not changing.

"Hell, I set it all up! Why do you think I offered you up that night at Justin's to drive her and the kids home?"

Chris looked totally shocked, Britney staring at Jolan as well.

His grey eyes moved between the two.

"That evening at dinner I saw the searching looks you were both giving each other. It had been a day of revealing love, both of you hoping for something yourselves. I saw love on the threshold of revealing itself. I took it upon myself to initiate its birth. Let's just say I induced labor."
Joey erupted into laughter, a few others joining him, seeing before them what was happening.

"I believe you have something you'd like to tell all of us?" Jolan said, his arm pulling Justin against him again, Justin looking at his lover with surprise, his eyes then focusing on his dear friends Chris and Britney.

Britney moved to Chris, his arm going around her, she smiling at him.

"Britney and I have fallen in love. I've never met anyone who brings me so much joy and happiness." Chris said, his eyes filled with tears.

Britney leaned forward, their lips meeting.

Everyone looked on in silence, their faces covered in smiles.

"I love you, Chris. Here in front of all our old friends I'll state that truth." she said, Chris smiling widely.

His eyes moved, looking at Justin.

"I love her, Justin. I hope you're okay with that?"
Justin's eyes were filled with tears, the man moving forward, wrapping his arms around both of them.

"Of course I'm okay with it! I'm so happy for both of you!" he said, half crying.

Jolan smiled, feeling the joy filling his lover's heart.

There was no anger or envy in Justin's soul, only the love and happiness he now felt for his friends.

Everyone surrounded the new couple, both hugged and congratulated by everyone.

Jolan stood back, smiling at the two surrounded with love.

Justin walked up to him, Jolan smiling at him.

"And why didn't you let me in on it?" he said, smiling at him as he took him into his arms.

"Love is singular, Jus. It needs to develop on its own. I think I know how they've spent the last week."
Justin smiled, kissing him tenderly.

"In love, just like me."
Jolan smiled, looking at the new couple.

Chris and Britney walked over to them, smiling together.

"You're one of a kind, Dragos. Your mother was so right."

Jolan smiled, staring at his friends.

"We all long to find love, Chris. For some of us, it takes forever for us to see what's right in front of us. For others it's like a lightning bolt. Our hearts ignite with unbelievable happiness. I see that look now in both of your eyes."
Britney tearfully smiled, moving and wrapping her arms around the young man.

"I'll second Chris' observation. You're one of a kind, alright. The most loving kind!" she said in tears of happiness, Jolan smiling as she hugged him tightly, Jolan feeling her crying against his chest now.

Jolan gently broke her hold on him, guiding her into Chris' waiting arms.

Jolan smiled seeing tears in Chris' eyes as well.

"Okay, we're getting overcome with love. Let's have some fun."
Everyone nodded, Jolan smiling again.

"So is it Bitzy and Chitzy from now on?" he said, Joey bursting into laughter again.

"More like Bitzy and Shitzy!" he said, Chris glaring at his friend.

The two were in motion right away, Chris chasing Joey off the porch, tackling him on the front lawn.

Everyone erupted into laughter, Jolan joining them, watching the two wrestling across the lawn.

Jolan spotted something, grinning.

He walked down off the porch finding the switch.

Within moments Chris and Joey were screaming.

Water erupted all around them, Jolan having hit the sprinkler switch.

"Ahhh!!! That's freezing!! It's like ice!!" Joey yelped, both men on their feet in a flash, Chris and he soaking wet.

Jolan smiled, hearing the roaring laughter from the porch above him.

The two soaking wet bandmates' eyes went to him.

Jolan smiled, both seeing glee and happiness in his grey eyes.

"It's so ICE to see you guys again!" he said, erupting into laughter, Joey and Chris both bursting into laughter as well.
Justin stood on the porch smiling, seeing his lover's bonding way with his friends.

Everyone sat down to lunch; Lynn, Thelma and Jennie putting out a big spread.

Chris and Joey had changed into dry clothing, sweatpants and sweatshirts, provided by Cory and Carl's closets.

Jennie beamed at Chace and Justin's praiseful compliments, Jolan nodding his praise to her.

Everyone filled their plates, the chatting joyous and happy.

Joey, who usually was deeply involved with his plate, was quietly looking at Jolan.

"Lonnie told us about the house, Jo."
Jolan nodded, smiling at his friend.

"Yes, it was so fortunate that Jennie was awake at that time." Chace said, smiling at the young girl.

Jolan looked at her, Jennie's eyes meeting his.

"It wasn't luck or chance, my friends. It was destiny." Jennie said, Jolan staring at her.

"What do you mean, Jennie?"
Jennie looked around the table.

"I had a dream about Mom last night, Jolly. She told me in my dream to watch the house. I woke up right after that. That's how I ended up looking out the window at that moment and seeing the flames. I think Mom saved our home."
Everyone looked surprised, their eyes on the young girl.

Jolan's hand went in hers, Jennie softly smiling at him.

"She watches us, Jolly. She's our guardian angel."
Jolan smiled, a tear showing in his eye, Jennie wiping it away.

"Yes she does, Jennie. Her love and Dad's surround us."
Jennie smiled, Jolan looking around the room.

"I think it's time I visited my home. I don't care what shape it's in, I'm more concerned with its mood."

Justin looked at Jolan with worry, Jolan smiling at him.

"I have to do this, Jus. You knew it would come down to that. To me walking my past. It starts over there, across the street."

Justin nodded, everyone looking at the young man with deep compassion.

"I feel all of your love, everyone. It will walk with me."

"It'll be more than our love, Jolan. We're coming with you!" Joey said, others agreeing.

Justin looked around the table, seeing everyone's determined looks.

Lonnie looked at Ally, the lawyer smiling at him.

"We've all felt the giving love surrounding you, Jolan. It's time we give some back. We'll all have your back."
Jolan smiled, seeing everyone's giving hearts.

"Thanks, everyone. I feel totally safe now."
Everyone smiled, going back to their lunch.

An hour later, Jolan stood on the front porch again, surrounded by his friends.

He walked down the steps, slowly walking across the empty street.

Justin was at his side, Jolan feeling his love.

On his other side walked Jennie, surrounded by Chace and Josh.

Jolan smiled, knowing his sister was protected.

Everyone else followed behind, the group silently watching Jolan slowly walking towards his home.

Jolan stopped on the sidewalk, the front walk in front of him.

He stared forward, looking at the front porch, seeing a large wooden door leading into the home.

His head moved, looking around the yard, seeing a large oak tree on the right, its shade covering half the yard.

A rope swing hung from a branch, a slight breeze making it sway.

He looked to the left seeing a small garage, a basketball hoop attached to its side.

His grey eyes took in everything, his head slowly moving around.

"Are you alright, Jo?" Justin said, standing beside him, staring around himself.

To Justin, it looked like a beautiful home, the signs of children and a family showing through.

"It's a beautiful house, Jo."
Jolan nodded, Justin beginning to walk forward, Jolan seizing his arm.

"Don't move another step, Justin."
Everyone beside him and behind him looked surprised, hearing a seriousness in Jolan's voice.

"Step back right now, Jus. Everyone else too. Jennie, move back with Chace and Josh."
Jennie nodded, looking in her brother's eyes.

"I feel them, Jolly. They're there."
Jolan turned, looking into her softly glowing eyes as Jennie stepped back, Jolan's eyes looking at Chace.

"Whatever happens, get her out of here."
Chace nodded, Jolan's voice edged with uncertainty.

His and Josh's arm went around the young girl.

Jolan looked at his Jus, Justin reluctantly moving back.

Jolan stood alone, staring forward.

The street was silent, the only sound a distant church bell ringing two o'clock.

Jolan took a deep breath, stepping forward.

He took about three steps, then stopped.

He instantly heard it.

A soft bell lightly tinkling.

And then a low sound that almost sounded like a whimper.

His head moved, looking towards the right side of the house.

He saw something that he couldn't believe would be there.

And then all hell broke loose.

Justin heard the soft tinkling himself, and then he saw the instant darkness.

The whole house seemed to be instantly enveloped in a black cloud.

The cloud--if that's what you'd call it--moved forward hitting Jolan squarely in the chest.

Jolan went sailing through the air, flying backwards.

He sailed through his friends, crashing against one of the vans across the street with great force, his body crashing to the ground.

Jolan lay on the street on his stomach, motionless.

Everyone was on the move, Justin ahead of them, rushing towards his Jolan.

Chace and Josh sprinted across the road, Jennie in their arms, her feet not touching the ground, heading for the safety of the Hamilton home.

Justin reached Jolan, gently turning his body over, the man bleeding from a gash on his forehead.

"Jolan speak to me! Wake up, my love!"
Lonnie had his cell phone out, dialing 911.

Joey and Lance were by Justin's side, their eyes filled with concern.

Justin gently rubbed Jolan's chest, his lover gasping a little, his grey eyes slowly opening.

Justin saw a lot of pain in them, and something more.

Justin saw fear.

"Jus. . .it was. . .it was waiting. . .the pain. . ." Jolan said, beginning to move a little, his hand going to his chest, a deeper gasp coming from him..

"Don't move, Jo. Help is coming." he said, his eyes filled with tears.

"Keep away. . . the house. . .keep everyone. . .."
Justin nodded, his eyes moving back to the house.

The black cloud was gone, the house as it had been before.

Everyone stared as Justin did, shock on all their faces.

Justin looked down at his Jolan, seeing the tears in his eyes.

"My  pain. . .it's so real. . ." he said, gasping.

"Please remain still, Jo." Justin said, leaning down and kissing his lips.

Jolan looked into his tearing blue eyes.

"The Shadowing. . .it's there. . .it's stopping me from. . ."

Jolan gasped, his eyes closing.

"Jo. . . Jo talk to me. . ."
Justin's voice was only met with silence.

Standing on the front porch, Jennie gazed at her brother laying on the street in Justin's arms..

A tear ran down her cheek, Chace's arms still wrapped around her.

"I'll save you, brother. Just as you did me." she said, Chace and Josh exchanging looks.

The silence was broken by the sirens coming down the street.

End of Chapter 68

A chapter of dawning love. ending in tragedy.

I hope I surprised you with Chris and Britney.

I just felt they'd be perfect for each other. . .opposites attract as they say.

What happened at Jolan's home?
Seems that something, or someone, doesn't want him going near the place.

Is the Shadowing involved?
Is Jolan's own magic going against him?

Jennie seems to be aware of what's going on.

Let's hope she can shed some light on that to her friends and Justin.

Up next: the aftermath of Jolan's attack, and the day dawns on Jolan's trial.

Hugs, Angel.

email:  music-fan-1@hotmail.com