Date: Sun, 13 Jun 2010 12:13:51 -0400 From: mark corlis Subject: Taking Stock Epilogue Taking Stock Epilogue By Mark Corlis Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved The next five years were a whirlwind of activity for Taylor and Jordan. The ranch hosted hundreds of displaced teens and expanded to accommodate the influx. Homeless gay kids from across the country were sent there, and found a safe environment that allowed them to build their self esteem and achieve all they were capable of. Jordan became their biggest cheerleader, remaining intimately involved in the treatment of every boy that entered the grounds. Leonard and Carl remained at the administrative helm, seeing that the facility's day-to-day needs were met. They also got involved with the kids, becoming the ranch's de-facto grandparents. Their loving ways were well liked among the residents, and many remembered them for years afterward. Vin's art program exceeded all expectations. A good portion of his students had serious potential and went on to prestigious programs. Some received scholarships that he endowed himself, his faith in his students never wavering. Thad was invaluable as the organization's legal leader. He went to court many times to defend the rights of the ranch's kids, maintaining a win percentage that was the envy of his peers. Some of his cases set precedents that were used in cases across the country and peers trying to change hate related legislation sought his counsel often. He and Vin adopted two more boys, and all became regular visitors to the Bryant household. Lila worked hard to keep the money coming into the Hope Ranch. Her natural charm made all fundraising endeavors a rousing success. Her favorite times were those spent with her grandchildren playing on the beach. They were the apple of her eye and became the focus of her life. She and Denton did get together, but she refused all offers of marriage. They did fall in love, however, and spent ten wonderful years enjoying each other. Denton succumbed to a heart attack after that, leaving his wealth evenly split between his son Sam's charities and Jordan's ranch. The love between Taylor and Jordan knew no bounds. Every day was treated as an adventure, enhanced greatly by the two little gifts Ashley had given them. Despite their best efforts, they weren't able to save Pete and Ashley's relationship. They sent them to college together, but the teens grew apart and separated amicably. Pete got a degree in social work and went to work for his brother right out of school. He eventually married and had a family of his own. The first six years of the twins' lives were never dull. Their daddies marveled at how quickly changes occurred and how fast they became little people. Before they knew it, Jake and Emmy were carting their backpacks up the steps to their first day of kindergarten. Jordan watched with tears in his eyes as the two bravely broke away from him and joined the other nervous children heading to their classroom. He sat outside the school for some time until he was satisfied that his charges had settled in okay. Fate is sometimes unkind, and it threw a nasty curve later that morning. While driving to the ranch after seeing the kids off, a semi truck lost its brakes and careened head on into Jordan's Lexus. Between the speed and the weight of the load it carried, Jordan never stood a chance. He died on impact. Taylor was never quite the same after that day. He remained strong for Jake and Emmy, but the fire in his eyes was quelled. It took months for him to be able to think of Jordan without breaking down, and the family rallied around him to take up the slack. He did come out his doldrums, and the memories of the man he loved sustained him for the rest of his life. He poured himself into the ranch, stopping at nothing to make sure his lover's dreams became reality. Under his guidance, the ranch achieved new heights and won many prestigious awards. Taylor chose to accept only one award personally. The state of Florida's Medal of Freedom, its highest civilian honor, was bestowed upon him for his tireless efforts. His reasons for accepting in person, however, were far beyond basking in the glow of the honor. He was determined to keep the focus on the person that mattered. Donning his best tuxedo, he ascended to the podium where he stood below an enlarged photograph of his lost love. "I would like to thank you for this extreme honor," he began, "but I am not worthy of it. The house, and all of the accomplishments of the young men who have come through its doors, have little to do with me. They do, however, have everything to do with the man that showed me how to live." "Jordan Maxwell was a boy in a man's body when we met. He was shy, and lacked self confidence. Inside, though, was the brightest, most giving soul I have ever encountered. I really believed I had it all, but he showed me I had nothing that mattered. My world revolved around me, and I'd forgotten how to love." "Jordan changed all that. He taught me so much, but I think the most important thing I learned from him, was to love not only him, but also everyone around us. On his behalf, I thank you and hope everyone here will learn from his wise ways." He spent a good amount of time at Jordan's grave, telling him all about things at the ranch and how proud he'd be of the children. It gave him peace to tend to the site and talk to his lover. In memorial to him, the Hope Ranch was renamed Jordan House. ****** Jake and Emmy grew up to resemble their biological parents. Both had light blond hair, but Jake's eyes were green and Emmy's a vibrant blue. They depended on each other greatly, and rarely fought. Their relationship with Taylor stayed close and loving after Jordan's death, and they loved hearing their papa tell stories about him. The kids were as different as night and day, though. Emmy was Taylor in a female body. She was bold and audacious, taking on what she saw as injustice at every turn. Jake, however, was quiet and shy. He had trouble making friends and never fell into the popular crowd. Many students chose to pick on him because of his shy nature. Emmy, of course, stood by him and defended his honor. His main joy in life, helped along by Vin, was his art. By the age of fifteen, the boy had become an adept at painting, drawing, and sculpting. It consumed his world and became the outlet he needed to deal with the confusing changes occurring within him. At the eighteen, the twins were ready to enter college and take on the world at large. Emmy decided to follow Taylor's example and major in finance. She hoped to take over Jordan House one day and felt her degree would give her the best possible base to achieve that goal. Her excitement grew as the time to leave drew closer. Jacob was the opposite. Choosing to follow his love of art was a foregone conclusion, a decision supported by everyone around him. He showed no excitement, though. As departure day came nearer, he spent more time holed up in his studio than ever. His withdrawal did not go unnoticed. "Any idea what's up with Jake?" Taylor asked Emmy one morning at breakfast. "You know how he is, daddy," she answered. "He's probably just nervous about going away to college." Taylor considered the option, but knew in his heart that wasn't the issue. "I don't think so, Em. Something's been eating at him for months and, no matter what I try, he won't talk about it." Emmy sighed because she knew her father was right. She had a good idea what was up, but without verification, she couldn't say anything. Rising from the table, she hugged Taylor and kissed his forehead. "Don't worry, daddy. I'll go talk to him and see if I can figure out what's up his butt this time." Taylor snickered, and then gave his a daughter a stern look. "Go easy on him, Em. I don't have a clue what's bothering him, but he needs to come to me on his own. Do not, under any circumstances, try to force it out of him this time. I know how you can be with him, so promise you'll tread lightly." Taking on her most angelic look, Emmy said, "Me be forceful? You must have me confused with someone else. I'll be the dainty southern belle I always am." Taylor laughed and playfully swatted her on the arm. "Get outta here and see if you can help your brother." Em grinned and set out for Jacob's bedroom. She hadn't been in the room for some time, and what she found shocked her. Clothes were strewn about the room, covering most of the available floor space. For the normally neat freak Jacob, this was vastly out of character. The man himself was still asleep, buried under a mountain of blankets. He was generally the first to rise, enjoying the quiet time with Taylor. What caught her attention the most was the painting displayed on an easel beside the room's lone window. The subject was dark, clearly a young man caught in a whirlwind of some kind. His eyes were haunted, painted wide in a series of black and gray shades. This was unlike anything she'd ever seen her brother produce. It cemented her desire to unravel this mystery. Taking a hold of the covers, she jerked mightily, bringing her comatose brother immediately to life. "What the fuck, Em?" he asked angrily. "Time to get up, brother. You and I need to talk." "Not now," he said angrily. "Go away and maybe we can chat later. I'm going back to sleep." Emmy balled up the covers and threw them well out of Jake's reach. "No sir, we'll be talking now. Everyone's been walking on egg shells around you for months and it's gonna stop today. So it's time to spill your guts, little bro." Jake sighed and covered his eyes with his arm. "Emmy, I know you mean well but I promise I'm okay. There's nothing to discuss." Emily gave her brother a stern look before losing her cool. "You are such a damn wimp, Jacob Bryant. Just tell him already for God's sake!" The frank words stunned Jake. He was silent for a few moments. "You have no clue what you're talking about, Em." "Oh, but I do, Jacob," she shot back. "I can't believe you'd think he'd have a problem with it! Don't be a damn fool, brother. Talk to him and I think you might be pleasantly surprised." Before her brother could respond, she turned and left the room. His sister's words swirled around in his head for several long minutes. He knew she was right, and felt guilty for all the worry he'd caused his family. With a heavy heart, he got up and made his way to the bathroom. Freshly washed and clad in his favorite board shorts, Jacob made his way downstairs in search of his father. He found him on the veranda reading over some papers and drinking a cup of coffee. "Morning, dad," he said softly. Taylor set his papers aside and greeted his son warmly. "Morning, Jake. Sit down and join for me a cup of coffee." Jacob reluctantly obeyed, dreading what he knew he had to do. Crossing his legs, he fidgeted with his bare big toe while Taylor fixed his coffee. It was a habit the family knew well. With trembling hands, he took a sip of the hot liquid. Taylor watched quietly until he could stand it no more. "Anything you wanna tell me, son?" he asked. Jacob looked at his dad and began fidgeting with his toe again. "I'm sorry," he said. Taylor moved his chair closer and put his hand on Jake's shoulder. "You have nothing to be sorry to about. I won't push, but if you need to talk, I'm always here to listen and I won't judge. Take your time and when you're ready, I'll be right here." Jacob watched silently as Taylor moved to leave, but grabbed his arm at the last second. "Please stay," he asked. Taylor nodded and retook his seat. He fought to keep quiet while he watched a battle rage within his son. Finally, the boy appeared ready to speak. "I've got something to tell you," he began. "Dad, I'm...I'm... THE END?