Date: Sun, 24 Jul 2011 03:13:29 -0700 (PDT) From: Trish Riddle Subject: A Voice from the Past Chapter 18 Warning: This story is fiction - all names were made up. So if there is anyone out there with these names, I don't know them. If you do not like the idea of male relationships, then you should not read any further. Some of the places that I mention, while they are real, I know no one who lives there. This being my first story, I appreciate the feedback that I have received so far. Please add the story title in the subject line. Good or bad,I would like to know that you are reading my story. I answer every email, so if you have emailed me and I didn't reply, then I didn't receive it; please try again. I also have a mailing list where I email my readers when I have posted a new chapter, as well as any new stories I may write. So if you would like to be added, let me know. With the next few chapters, some things may happen faster than they normally would, but for story line purposes this is how things will go. I want to thank Joe, for his encouragement to write my first story, and to get it posted. I also want to thank Jere for editing the story for me. In addition, I also want to thank Ansel for his help with the song in this chapter. Please do not use any words to the song, as they belong to him. *Authors note: I would like to thank one of my Facebook buddies, and faithful reader, for some suggestions with this chapter. Now the continuing story of Tony and Jason. A Voice from the Past Chapter 18 "Tony won't know anything about what?" Tony said, standing at the door. "Tony, what are you doing out here?" Andy said, looking between Jason and Mark. "Well, I was looking for Jason, and Mom said she saw him coming outside with you, and I didn't want any trouble," Tony said. "There is no trouble; we were just talking; we were about to come inside," Andy said, as he walked to the door. "Wait! What is it that I won't know anything about?" Tony said, looking around at the three men. "Baby, let's not get into this now; after the party, we will talk about this," Jason said. "Jason, I want to know what is going on," Tony said, getting upset. "Tony, we will talk about this at home; I want to dance with me man," Jason said, pulling Tony by the hand, taking him inside. They got to the middle of the dance floor, with Jason looking at Heather, as she went to the stage, from where she was going to sing their song. She took the stage, and began to sing. "Every time I see you, I think you are an angel sent from heaven. When you came into my lives, everything was down; You lifted things up and made life happy again. Now with your love, my spirit shall have flown; You entered my day in a magical way; My lost mind on the edge of nowhere. But with your love, sent from your angelic soul above, My mind shall open with memories we share. Fly by my side, as my spiritual guide; Share the hurt, the sorrow, and the pain. I'll walk ahead forward, though the path unsure; My angel, in my heart forever you shall remain. They say angels come from heaven; Their souls filled with love and grace. If I shall venture forward, toward my reward; I shall carry with me your angelic face. I think you're my angel, A heaven-sent soul, of no strife. Together we walk forward, Joined in love for our remaining life." Tony leaned in and kissed Jason, as the song ended to the sound of applause. "I love you so much; I can't wait till we are married," Jason said. "I love you too, baby; let's go home," Tony said. "You guys leaving now?" Andy asked, just as his cell phone rang. "Officer Cooper," Andy said. "Really? I'm here now; I have Mark with me; we will check it out." "What's going on, Andy?" Mark asked. "Someone reported a man in the alley, and he has been beaten up. Let's go," Andy said. "I'm coming, too," Tony said. "Tony, this is police business, so stay here," Andy said, as he and Mark walked outside, with Tony and Jason ignoring Andy's admonitions to remain inside. "There he is," Andy said. Andy knelt down and turned the guy over. "OMG! Tony yelled. "Tony, what is wrong with you?" Andy said, without really looking at the guy. "That..... that is....it's Jesse!" Tony said. Tony ran toward Jesse, who was lying on the ground, and knelt down, softly laying his head in his lap. "Jesse? Can you hear me?" Tony said, with tears in his eyes. "Jason, get Tony out of here, now!" Andy said. "Okay, Tony; come on, baby; let's let Andy do his job. I'll take you home," Jason said, taking Tony's hand. "No, I'm not going anywhere till I know he is going to be okay," Tony said. "Tony, baby, listen to me; there is nothing you can do; they need to get him to the hospital to make sure he will be okay. Let them do their job, and we will check on him tomorrow at the hospital," Jason said, hugging Tony. "Okay," Tony said, reluctantly. "Andy, take care of him, and call me as soon as you know something," he said. "Sure, just go and enjoy the rest of your evening with Jason," Andy said. Tony and Jason left; Mark had called for an ambulance. "Jesse, it's Andy; can you hear me?" Andy asked. "Andy....what happened? My side hurts real bad," Jesse said, gasping for breath. "Jesse, just lay still; help is on the way. Let's get you to the hospital, and then we can talk," Andy said, just as the ambulance arrived. Andy and Mark waited two hours before they got word that Jesse was going to be okay. He would have to spend another day in the hospital, but should be able to go home, if he would have someone to help him out, except he didn't have anyone, so who was going to be able to help him? He knew Jason would never go for that. ********** Dr. Barrett went into the waiting room to let Andy know Jesse would be fine, and he could question him now. "Andy," Dr. Barrett greeted. "Dr. Barrett, good to see you. How are you doing?" Andy asked, shaking his hand. "This is my partner, Mark." "I didn't know you were gay, too," Dr. Barrett said. "No... no... no... I'm not gay; this is my police officer partner," Andy said, his face turning a little red. "Oh, I'm sorry. Well, you can see Jesse now, but don't tire him out," Dr. Barrett said. Andy looked at Mark, who was still smiling at the doctor, thinking Andy was gay. "Shut up, and let's go talk to Jesse," Andy said. "What? I didn't say anything," Mark said, giggling. "I know what you're thinking, and don't even go there," Andy said, knocking on the door, and then entering. "Jesse, you feel like talking?" Andy asked. "I'll try," Jesse said, talking softly. "Why were you out in the alley?" Andy said, while Mark was just staring at Jesse. "The night after I showed up at Tony's and Jason's, I was really down, because I wanted Tony back; but after that night ,I knew I would never get him back, because I could see how much he loved Jason. So I went to Owens' to get something for dinner, and think about what I was going to do now. Then I saw him; he came out of the kitchen, and was walking my way. He stopped at the table, and started talking to me. I found out that he was the owner's son, only son to be exact. He introduced himself as Philip Alexander Owens III. I was lost in his eyes; I never thought I would love another, other then my Tony. I know he is not `my' Tony anymore. Well, anyway, he sat down, and we started talking. Then one thing led to another, and he asked me if I wanted to go to his place, and I said `yes'. We had a wonderful night of sex, and I thought that would be the last I saw of Philip, but it was like he became obsessive. He had to always know where I was. If he saw me looking at another guy, he would become angry. So, the other day, I told him I didn't want to see him anymore, and he became really angry. He told me if he couldn't have me, no one would. I went to talk to him, and he told me to meet him outside; we would talk there," Jesse said, stopping for a minute. "So, you are saying that he did this?" Andy asked. "I don't know; I think there was at least two of them, but they got me from behind, so I don't know for sure if he was one of them," Jesse said. "Okay, well, you rest, and we can talk more about this when you get out of here tomorrow," Andy said. "I don't know about that, because the doctor's want someone with me, and I don't have anyone," Jesse said. "Do you have a place to stay?" Mark asked, speaking for the first time. "No I don't," Jesse said, with tears in his eyes. "Okay, well you can come to my place, and we'll get you better, and go from there," Mark said, with Andy looking at him like he was crazy. "I can't stay with you; we don't know each other," Jesse said. "Why not? You know Andy don't you? And I'm a police officer. I'm not going to hurt you. I have a two bedroom place, and you need to rest, so you want have to worry that whoever did this to you will be able to get you again," Mark said. "He's right, Jesse; maybe you should think about it. I need to go call Tony; I'll be right back," Andy said, leaving Mark and Jesse alone. ************** Across town, sitting in a small café, Carol waited for Beth to arrive. She had asked Beth to meet her to discuss a very important matter. Carol heard the door open, and Beth walked in and took a seat across from Carol. "Okay, I'm here; what do you want?" Beth asked. "What I want to talk about stays between us," Carol said. "Just tell me what you want," Beth said, with a nasty tone. "I want you out of Jason's and Tony's lives. They are getting married, and starting a family, and they don't need you around interfering. This is what I'm offering for you and your daughter to leave town, and never contact Jason again," Carol said, sliding a piece of paper to Beth, with a large dollar amount on it. "Is this for real?" Beth asked, and started to laugh. "You think just because your husband is some hot shot lawyer that you can buy me off. Jason is my son, and I'm not going anywhere. "Yes, you will. If you and your daughter leave town, never bothering my boys again, then you get the money. But this is a onetime offer; if you spend all the money, I'm sorry, but you still stay away from my boys," Carol said. "Your boys! I'll have you know that one of them is my son; you can't tell me what to do, and who I can and cannot see," Beth said. "Listen, you have had nothing to do with Jason for the last couple of years. You are not the one who heard him cry when Tony was trying to calm him down, because his family didn't love him. You were not here showing him the love he needed. So, yes, they are my boys, " Carol said. "If I do this, when do I get the money?" Beth asked. "As soon as you agree, I will get the money, and then I want you gone. You can call Jason to tell him you are leaving, but do not say anything about the money," Carol said. Beth sat there for a few moments, and finally said, "Fine; I will leave, I don't want to cause any more trouble for Jason. Will I be able to contact him at any time in the future?" Beth asked. "I don't know; we will see how things go; just let them get their life started, and settled in with the babies; then we will see," Carol said. As Beth got up to leave, Carol grabbed her by the arm. "Don't cross me, because you will not like the consequences." Beth jerked her arm free and left the café. Carol watched as she left, fuming at what this woman had brought her to do to get her out of her son's lives. *************** As Jason was driving them home, he could tell how upset Tony was. He knew that he had nothing to worry about; Jesse was Tony's first love, so it was natural that he would be concerned for him. Jason reached over, and began rubbing Tony's thigh. "Baby, everything will be okay?" Jason said. "I can't believe what I saw. He was just lying there, helpless. That is not the Jesse I knew, and......" Tony stopped, before saying what he and Jason both knew. "Baby, I know a part of you still loves him; but I'm not worried about losing you," Jason said, with a smile. "Your right, Jason; you will not lose me. Jesse was my first love; and, yes, a small part of me will always love him; but I don't want to be with him. Now we need to talk about what was happening before Andy got the call," Tony said, putting his hand on top of Jason's hand. "Oh, that; well I found out that Mark told Andy that he's gay, and has always had a crush on you," Jason said. "What? Are you kidding me? He hid it well," Tony said, with a giggle. "You're not mad?" Jason asked. "No, sweetie; I can't help how Mark feels; I just know how I feel, and who I love, and he is sitting here beside me. We are getting married, and we are getting two wonderful babies, that I will love as they were my own," Tony said. But I hate the circumstances surrounding us all right now. Losing their mother in the process is not what I want to happen." As Jason parked the car, he got out and ran around so he could open the door for Tony. He helped Tony out, taking his hand, as they walked up the stairs hand and hand, pausing at the door to steal a kiss. As Jason opened the door, he heard the babies crying, and looked at Tony with a sad look. "Mary!" Jason yelled, as he ran up the stairs two at a time. "Jason, you check on the babies; I'll look in on Mary," Tony said. As Tony ran into Mary's room, he pulled out his cell phone, and called an ambulance, then Heather. "Hello," Heather answered. "Heather, I need you to come over and watch the babies; we came home, and Mary needs to go to the hospital; it doesn't look good," Tony said. "Okay, AJ, I'll be right there," Heather said. "Tony, I've got the babies calmed down; what's going on?" Jason said. "Baby, I called an ambulance; Mary is real weak, so I think we need to get her to a hospital," Tony said. "Jason," Mary said, with a weak voice. "Mary, Tony has called an ambulance, so we can get you to the hospital." Jason said, taking Mary's hand. "I'm scared this is the end," Mary said, with tears in her eyes. "Mary calm down; let's get you to the hospital, and see what the doctor has to say," Jason said, with tears in his eye as well. "Call Cal... call Calvin; you need to sign the papers to adopt the children. I have signed everything I need to sign," Mary said, stopping to catch her breath. "I'll call me now, and see if he will meet us at the hospital. Jason and I have Heather coming over; she will sit with the babies, so we both can go to the hospital," Tony said, as he went to call Calvin. "Calvin Winston," the voice answered. "Calvin, Tony here; I'm calling, because we are taking Mary to the hospital...it doesn't look good, and she wants you to meet us there, so Jason and I can sign the paper to adopt Tyler and Tammy," Tony said. "Man, I hate to hear that; I'm on my way over; I'll meet you there. I don't know if Mary told you, but she has signed everything she needs to sign. So when you and Jason sign, I will file the paperwork, and you two will be proud parents of twins," Calvin said. "Okay, Calvin see you there," Tony said. Tony walked back into the room, and Jason gave him a look, and Tony knew what that look meant. He didn't want Mary to see his tears, but there was nothing he could do; the tears fell. Hearing the ambulance, Tony went downstairs to let them in. Heather had shown up at the same time. "Mary's upstairs; she will be at the second door on the right. Heather, thanks for coming; I don't know how long we will be gone. The babies are asleep, and should sleep all night. Call if you need anything," Tony said, hugging her, and fighting the urge to break down. "Tony, things will be fine here; I'll stay as long as you need me. I know where everything is, and it will be fine," Heather said. "Okay, thank you, honey," Tony said, as they were bringing Mary downstairs. "Mary, we will meet you at the hospital," Jason said, still holding her hand. Mary's hand slipped out of Jason's hand, as the EMT took her outside. As they close the doors to the ambulance, Jason broke down. "This is it; I know it she will never be at this house again, and will never see her babies again," Jason said, breaking down completely, and Tony and Heather hugged him. "Come on, baby, let's get the hospital," Tony said, helping him up. By the time Jason and Tony arrived at the hospital, Calvin was already there, as well as Tony's parents. "Calvin, thanks for getting here so quickly," Jason said, shaking his hand. "Mom, Dad, this is Mary's lawyer, Calvin Winston, Calvin, these are my parents, Carol and William Cooper," Tony said. Yes, I know Calvin; how are you doing?" William said, shaking his hand. `William, sorry we are meeting again under these circumstances. Mrs. Cooper, it's a pleasure," Calvin said. "Mom, Dad, what are you doing here?" Tony said. "When Heather told us you called, we knew that we needed to come here and be with you boys," Carol said, hugging Tony. "Thanks, Mom. I think Jason is going to need us all," Tony said, looking at Jason staring out the window. "Calvin, where are the papers Jason and I need to sign? Jason, baby, come here so we can sign the adoption papers. Jason walked over and sat down at the table. He picked up the papers that needed to be signed, and, as he did, the tears started falling. "I will love Tyler and Tammy with all my heart , but I hate having to lose Mary in the process," Jason said, as he began signing the papers. Tony took Jason's hand, and kissed his cheek, just as the doctor walked in. "Tony, Jason, are you here to see Mary," Dr. Barrett asked. Jason jumped up. "Yes, is she okay?" he asked. "She is real weak, I'm sorry to say this, but she doesn't have too long. I will say 48 hours, but it could be sooner. The cancer has spread quickly, so there is no way of telling. You can go in, but only a couple of you at a time; she needs her rest. Tony, I suggest that you let Jason go in first, so he could say goodbye to his friend." ********** "Hey, sweetie," Jason said, bending down, and kissing Mary on the cheek. Hey, Jason; I guess this is goodbye," Mary said, crying. "Oh, Mary I hate this; I wish you could see Tyler and Tammy grow up. If I could take your place I would..." Mary cut him off. "Nonsense, Jason, I don't want you to talk like that. I will watch over you and my babies. You and Tony will be wonderful parents ; I believe that . Mary started coughing a lot, and then it happened... the machine flatlined, with Mary's eyes closing. The doctors and nurses came running into the room to see what was going on. Dr. Barrett was telling everyone what to do, while Jason just stood there. "Jason, you need to leave," Dr Barrett said. Jason just stood there, as if he didn't hear the doctor talking to him. "Jason, I need to check on Mary; go to the waiting room; I'll be out when I can," Dr. Barrett said, as he walked Jason to the door. Half an hour had passed since Jason entered the waiting room and told everyone how Mary had flatlined and that it didn't look good. Tony was holding Jason in his arms, while softly kissing him on the cheek. The door opened, and the doctor walked in. Jason jumped up and crossed the room. "Doctor, how is she?" Jason asked, knowing, in his heart, what the doctor was about to say. Tony grabbed his hand. "I'm sorry; Mary just passed away." Dr. Barrett said. To Be Continued.........