The following is a work of fiction. Any similarities are entirely fortuitous. The story may contain profanity and references to gay sex. If such content offends you please leave now. The author retains all rights to the story. Do not copy or use without written authority from the author. Write Bobby at this address with your comments.

Tyler:

"I can't believe I agreed to this," I whispered angrily. "I mean, there's no way we can afford another child."

"Just relax and let me worry about the fin-"

"Tyler and Jared Delfino-Young," the judge said, interrupting mine and Jared's conversation. "Based on the evidence brought before me I am granting you temporary custody of Torry Robles. Since you both have been through this system before I'm assuming you know how everything goes?" In fact, this was the same judge that dealt with our case when we adopted Travers and Keegan.

"Yes, your honor," Jared and I said in unison.

"Very well then," The judge lifted her gavel. "Temporary custody awarded." Then slammed it down.

My husband and I walked out of the court room with the social worker and Torry. He seemed extremely nervous to be here, but who wouldn't be? We thanked the worker and then were on our way. Several times I tried to make conversation with Torry, but he just sat in his seat and stared out the window all the way home. Travers and Keegan greeted us when we walked through the front door. Torry was taken aback by this gesture and tensed up immensely.

"Guys, why don't you take Torry up to his room?" Jared suggested.

"Okay, dad," Travers said.

Jared and I went into the kitchen and poured ourselves a drink. The silence between us was killing me. Since last week when Jared reported child abuse, our relationship suddenly went downhill. It really took a turn for the worse when he announced he wanted to adopt Torry. I wouldn't have minded talking about adopting him first, but Jared just jumped right into it. The only reason I went to the court room today with him was because I felt bad for Torry. Only a few days ago, Torry's social worker brought him to our house to get acquainted with us. Keegan took an instant liking to him. Travers did too, but age-wise Keegan was more enthusiastic.

"It was sure nice of your mom to give up her room." I said, trying to start a conversation.

"It was sure nice of her to move out." he replied. "I love her, but she can be irritating if you live with her. Anyways, at least she moved in with people like her."

"Yeah, I'm surprised her girlfriends suggested the move. I hope she can stay there without fault." And that was it. That was our conversation. Jared took his drink into the living room and stayed there until Torry came downstairs. I announced that we should all go shopping to get Torry things he'll need. Travers and Keegan came barreling down the stairs after hearing we were leaving the house.

Jared drove us to Target. The entire time I was trying to help with picking clothes, Jared was deliberately snubbing me. Even when choosing bathroom items I was being completely ignored by both Jared and Torry. Travers and Keegan noticed this as well. They kept giving me questioning looks during the trip. When we got back home things didn't change. I was really starting to get pissed off. I don't know what I did to deserve this. Dinner was when things got really tense. I baked chicken, made mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans. I filled my plate with my sharing of food, but forgot to pour gravy on my potatoes.

"Jared, would you pass the potatoes, please?" I asked him.

His eyes never left his plate. He kept chewing his food even though I asked him a direct question. I couldn't believe it. Keegan got up from his seat and brought me the gravy boat. Anger fueled inside of me, but I held off. I held off until we were alone in the bedroom I mean.

"Do you have a problem with me?" I cornered him in the bathroom so that he couldn't just walk away.

"No," he flatly said. He tried walking past me, but I pushed him back.

"I want to talk about why you've been ignoring me since we got back from court." I loudly said.

"And I'm saying there's nothing to talk about. I'm just doing what you were doing to Torry. It's obvious you don't want him here." he lashed out.

"What? Why would you say that?" My face must have been priceless after his remarks.

"Because you obviously did not want to adopt him. Then you treat him like a foreign object in our house!" Jared yelled.

"What the fuck are you on!? I've been trying to talk to him since we left court! The only problem I had with adopting him was how our finances were going to be affected." I argued. "I think he is a great boy."

"He doesn't even think you like him! Maybe you should start caring for other people instead of yourself." With that, he shoved past me and stormed out of our room, but I was not finished with him yet. Before he could make it to the stairs, I blocked them.

"How dare you say that to me! Who cooks dinner five times a week? Who does the laundry every two days? Who keeps this gigantic house immaculate? Me, Jared, that's who! And I sure as hell don't complain about having to do all that work either." I said seriously. Anger was seething in my words.

"Who brings in the most money to keep you happy? Who allows you to buy whatever the hell you want to?" he shouted. His face was turning more and more red. Mine couldn't have been too different.

"Um, excuse me, but I work just as hard as you do. I make enough money for all of us as well. I thought everything was a split decision between us? Now all of a sudden you allow me to spend money?"

He looked ready to explode. "Get out of my way, Tyler." he grumbled angrily.

"No, we aren't finished here!" I said thunderously.

"I said move!" He screamed his words at me and also pushed me hard enough to send me careening down the stairs. I tried grabbing onto the rail, but it was no use. The landing at the bottom was worse than the entire way down.

"Oh, my God!" Travers exclaimed, running to my side. "Tyler, Tyler, are you all right?" He kneeled next to me and cradled my head in his lap.

I groaned out in pain. "Go get some pain killers," Jared said. He helped me stand up then helped me walk into the living room.

"Get away from me!" I growled.

"Tyler, I am so sorry. I wasn't thinking and I...I just want you to know how sorry I am." Jared apologized sincerely.

"Get away from me now." I viciously muttered.

"Here, Tyler," Travers handed me a cup of water and two pain killers. "Jared, maybe you should go upstairs."

Jared looked at Travers surprised that he said such a thing. He reluctantly nodded then walked away. I swallowed the two pills and closed my eyes. A blissful sleep soon took me over.

* * * *

Travers:

"I'm telling you I've never seem them like this before. It kind of scares me." I said to my boyfriend. "And I still am in shock that Jared pushed him down the stairs."

"That is really harsh," Trevor sighed. "Do you think they'll get a divorce?"

"God, I hope not. I'd hate to have to choose who to live with."

"Yeah, that would really suck."

"I just can't wait for this day to end to find out what they're gonna do. I overheard them saying they'd talk about it tonight." I explained, resting my head on Trevor's shoulder.

"Well, they're obviously in love so maybe love will stay true in this."

"One can only hope." I sadly said. "But speaking of homes, how's the foster place?"

"It's different, I mean, I don't hate it, but I don't think I'll be getting used to it any time soon." Trevor said.

"You know I'd love for you to come stay with me, but with the way things are now and then with Torry moving in I just don't think now's the best time."

"To be honest, Travers, I wouldn't want to move in with you anyways." he said coolly.

"Huh?" I sat up and frowned.

"Babe, don't take offense. The only reason I wouldn't take you up on that offer is because we're still so new into our relationship. We would get annoyed with each other in a matter of days then probably end up breaking things off. I do not want that to happen." Trevor casually explained to me. "Besides, I'd much rather have our own place some day."

I couldn't hide the grin on my face nor my reddened cheeks. "You're so amazing."

"Not half as you are," He leaned in for a kiss. Since I've come out at school things haven't been that bad. Sure, a few names here and there and some stares on rare occasion, but nothing serious. And I've grown much more comfortable of showing Trevor affection out in the open.

"I should be getting you home," I aversely said. I took his hand in mine and led him to my car. A few days ago, Tyler began to let me drive it to and from school until I get a good feel on it. Honestly, I already know how it drives.

Dropping Trevor off at the foster home was such a hard thing to do. Watching him walk into the house was an even harder thing to do. But the hardest most miserable thing I had to do was drive away from the house. I felt so bad for him, but there is literally nothing I can do. He had an excellent point about not moving in with me. He doesn't annoy me now, don't get me wrong, but I think I might get annoyed by just having someone else in my room constantly. My room is my sanctuary. It's my place where I can go and cut myself off from the rest of the world at least until dinner.

As I was driving home I failed to notice that the speed limit changed from forty-five to forty. I noticed the red and blue lights flashing behind me though. I signaled and pulled off onto a cross street. I was suddenly deathly afraid.

"License and registration," the cop said. He didn't even say please!

"Y-yes, sir," I stuttered, reaching into the glove compartment for the registration and insurance card.

"Do you know why I pulled you over?" he asked coldly.

"No, officer, I don't." I stated truthfully.

"The speed limit through here is forty. I clocked you at forty-three."

I had to almost catch my jaw from dropping to the floor. "Forty-three?"

"Are you back talking me, son?" I averted my eyes from his glare and just shut up. He walked back to his squad car. I must've sat there for at least ten minutes until he walked back up to my side.

"Officer, I'm sorry for speeding, but since I was only going three over the limit, could you possibly let me off with a warning?" I nervously asked him.

"No," he said loudly. "You broke the law and now you're gonna have to pay the price. Sign in the red box." I took the clipboard from him and read the ticket. "What are you doing?"

"I'm reading my ticket. I know I have that right."

"Just sign the damn ticket!"

I ignored him and just kept reading. When I finished, only a minute later, I signed in the red box and handed him back his clipboard. "There you go,"

"Here's your copy," he said. "Court date is a month from today." He walked back to his car and sped off.

I couldn't believe how rude that cop was to me. I can't even believe I got pulled over for going only three miles over. Tyler will definitely not be happy about this, but what am I to do?

* * * *

Tyler:

"I'm going in front of the district board next week. Will you be there?" I asked Jared.

"Sure, I'll be there." he quietly responded.

"So, Torry, how was school?" I asked. Travers and Keegan were being unusually quiet so I figured I'd try to liven things up a bit.

"Okay," he said.

"Keegan, how about you?"

He sadly looked up at me. "It was fine,"

"Travers?"

He also looked up at me, but with fear. "My day was good,"

"Well, since everybody's day was decent, how about we go to the movies tonight?" I suggested. No one said anything. All eyes were downcast on their plates. I couldn't figure out what was wrong.

"I got a ticket!" Travers suddenly blurted out.

"For what?" I asked, trying to keep my cool.

"I was going forty-three in a forty zone. The cop was being a total jerk!" Travers quickly explained.

My anger dissipated. "He wouldn't let you off with a warning?"

"No, I was being extremely polite and I only asked him once to let me off."

"Fuck, well, I'll call Austin and see if he can write it off." I sighed in frustration. "God, I can't believe he wouldn't let you go."

"Yeah, well, I'm really sorry about it." Travers's voice was filled with regret I could tell.

"Don't worry about it, but just watch it next time, okay?"

Later that night after tucking all the kids in, Jared and I were to have a serious discussion about what's been wrong with our relationship lately. I am just dying to find out what's going on with him. But unfortunately for me, Jared was sleeping when I went to bed after cleaning the kitchen. He lucked out this time.

Thursday-Next Week

"Tyler Delfino," the superintendent started, "We have noticed that your sick days have already been used up and you have even gone past your limit."

"Yes, ma'am," I said, trying to be as calm as I could. "All those days were used for extremely urgent matters though."

"I have your papers here, I know." she said. "And although you have had a rough year that is no excuse to not do your job. The board has considered suspending you of your job and banning you from this district."

"Mrs. Harper, I know that I have been the least-" I was suddenly cut off by the opening of the rooms' doors. In walked Mr. Danforth with a serious expression on his face.

"Mrs. Harper, how are you?" he asked casually.

"I'm fine, Danforth, but would you mind telling me what you think you're doing here?" Mrs. Harper irritably asked him.

"I'm here to defend Tyler." he stated. He didn't wait for her response. Instead, he began to defend me. "In my hand I hold 139 letters from Mr. Delfino's students explaining why they think he is a great teacher. Mrs. Harper," He handed her the folder containing the letters. "If you went to the high school and asked any of his students, or even his sons' friends, you would hear the same thing: that Tyler is a great teacher." I was touched by Mr. Danforth's words. I was even more touched by the letters that my students wrote for me. If I make it through this with my job, I will be sure to reward my classes.

"I'm touched by your outpouring of compassion, Mr. Danforth, but the fact remains that Mr. Delfino has been absent far too many days for one semester."

"Mrs. Harper, if your oldest was raped, would just go to work the next day and hope that he gets over it? If your youngest was kidnapped, could you go to work the next day and not think of him or if he's...even alive?" I inhaled sharply. "If you can tell me yes to either of those questions I will call you a liar. I stayed home because I had a responsibility to my children. And if that gets me fired, then you can guarantee that I will take this to court. But don't take that as a threat. Take it as a promise." I looked behind me and gave a weak smile to both my tear-shedding sons. Mr. Danforth took a stand next to me.

"Mr. Delfino, after reviewing your records and these letters, I have decided to place you on a thirty day probation. Should you be absent from school for any reason your certification in the district will be terminated. I'll see you in thirty days." Mrs. Harper as well as the other board members stood up and left the room.

Today has been one of the worst days of my life and the only people in this room now are Mr. Danforth, Travers, Keegan, my parents, and Trevor. My husband is nowhere to be seen. He promised he'd be here today, but I guess that was asking too much.

Back at home, I made the boys some lunch. Jared wasn't home and there wasn't any note or anything to let me know where he was. He told me that he took today off to be at the meeting with me so I know he can't be at work; unless he lied. Around seven o'clock he walked into the house, two hours after he gets off from work. The boys and I were just starting dessert when he walked in.

"I'm home," Jared said.

"Great," I whispered. Later when we were in our bedroom, I decided we needed to speak more than three words to each other. "How was work?"

"It was boring. I almost left early." he replied.

"So, care to tell me why you missed my meeting with the board today?" I so badly wanted to yell, but I kept my cool for now.

"We need the money. I didn't think you'd mind." he said as casually as ever.

"What!?" I shouted. "Today was one of the most important days of my life! I almost lost my job today! When I needed you most you weren't there. What am I supposed to think of you?"

"You don't have to think anything."

"You even lied to me and said you took today off to be there with me."

"Tyler, just shut the fuck up. I'm so sick of having to deal with you." I could tell he meant his words. They were filled with such anger and resentment.

I picked my jaw up from the floor and blinked back the tears that threatened to escape my eyes. "Fine, you don't want to deal with me? I want a divorce." I stormed out of our bedroom slamming the door behind me. I decided to go outside for some air to try and calm my nerves. When I stepped through the front door there was a brick. Tied to that brick was a note.

'anger is red blood is blue watch your back tyler because were coming for you'

* * * * * * * * * * * *

THERE IS ONLY ONE CHAPTER LEFT!!!

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