Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:39:50 -0700 (PDT) From: Pete Bruno Subject: A Single Soul Chapter 13 NOTICE: This story may contain scenes of a graphical nature, which may not be legal in your area. If you are under 18, or if material of this nature is illegal in your present location, please leave now. If you continue to read, you are confirming that it is legal for you to view the material in these stories or story. This work fully protected under The United States Copyright Laws © 17 USC§§ 101, 102(a), 302(a). All Rights Reserved. The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the authors consent. (see full statement at the beginning of Chapter 1.) A Single Soul Chapter 13 "When I Look In Your Eyes" Authors Note: I recommend strongly that the reader view the video of Bobby Darin singing his song of the same name. The lyrics reflect a great deal about how Jim and Matt feel about each other. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjiUXXwIV08 Their week with Frank and Finn passed without incident; so, Jim and Matt moved all three boys, the dogs, and all their belongings back up to Jacksonville. They settled quickly into their already established routines with Becky, and the weeks leading up to the christening and birthday party went by almost before they realized it. Nobody saw or heard from Linda's mother during that time. Matt continued to update Denise with almost daily emails about all their activities. Her emails continued to be businesslike and a bit distant, although she did send a gift for the baby's upcoming christening and gift cards for both boys on their birthdays. Matt still expressed some concern to himself about Denise's seeming indifference; but, he didn't give it too much thought as he became more and more involved with the upcoming party and christening. Invitations were sent out. Jim's parents and two of his brothers plus Linda's younger brother, Sean, and his wife, all accepted and accommodations were made for them among Frank's, Finn's, Matt's and Jim's houses. Because Matty and Jimmy attended the same class at school, they were allowed to invite all of their classmates. Finally, Father Dave, who was scheduled to perform Kelly's christening on Sunday, gladly accepted his invitation to the party on Saturday. Jim and Matt each met with Father Dave privately on Friday to offer their confessions; then the three met together for an honest and candid discussion. "All right, guys. As you know, I received permission from each of you during your private confessions to speak frankly with the two of you, at the same time, about your relationship; so, I'm treating this discussion as an extension of those confessions," Dave said. Jim reached over to take Matt's hand in his and said, "Thanks for doing this, buddy; it makes me feel a lot better." "Matt," Father Dave began, "I admire you for trying to stay true to your vows with your wife; and I truly understand your dilemma about the conflict it has created for you with respect to your true feelings about Jim. As your priest and as a gay man, myself, I believe it's important the two of you understand that I notice things many others don't. I believe that you truly love each other; I can see it clearly every time we meet. "See, I was right about him," Jim said smugly and punched Matt lightly on the arm. "Yeah, big deal; even a stopped clock is right twice a day," Matt replied archly. "Well, I'm glad I could be a source of amusement for you two," Father Dave said a bit drily. "No, no!" Jim hastily said to Father Dave. "We mean no disrespect, at all. We both just got the feeling during our first meeting that you had figured us out," Jim explained ... "and we're both really happy to find out you're a kindred soul." "Well, I was fairly certain that I was correct in my assumptions about the two of you; but, I was waiting for you to tell me when you were ready, because I believe that's important. And, you each did so, in your separate confessions. I believe that all love is sacred, and your love is a matter of conscience; it is not for me to judge you, only God can do that." Father David continued. "Now, both of you have told me how strong your belief is in the greatest commandment and, personally, I believe that the two of you are expressing a true and simple interpretation of Christ's message. Therefore, when you are ready, I will bless your union ... necessarily in private, of course." "Thanks, Dave; that means a lot to both of us," Matt said. They continued their talk and, before saying goodnight, Jim and Matt stood to hug their new friend and confessor. ----- Saturday morning dawned sunny and warm with every indication that it was going to be hot; but with two pools, the tents, and the ocean across the street, there was little cause for worry. Naturally, both eight-year-old's were bouncing off the walls in anticipation of their party. The family began arriving about 0900 hours. Becky was on duty for Kelly; so Matt took care of settling in everyone. Around noon, Jim caught Matt upstairs and pulled him into the bedroom, hugged him tightly and kissed him. Then, he looked deep into Matt's eyes and said, "I'm sorry to break the rules; but I just had to thank you for everything and tell you how much I love you." "Jim, you take my breath away, and I love you just as much," Matt said, and kissed him back. Whenever Jim held Matt in his huge arms and looked into his lover's eyes, Matt became a boy again, and all the pain and disappointments of life just vanished for a few precious moments. But, he pulled back and said, "Let's go, partner; we have a party to pull off." Jim, Matt and the boys stationed themselves downstairs, greeting guests and making sure everything was ready for the party. Sean and his wife, Jane, pulled into the driveway; so, Jim took them over to Finn's to unpack and get settled. By 1100 hours, all the guests and most of the family had arrived, including Jim's parents and Father Dave. The boys' classmates weren't expected until noon. Because they had hired caterers to work the grills and a bartender to make sure no one was without a drink for very long, the hosts began to enjoy themselves. Just before lunch, Matt was checking on the grill when he noticed a commotion at the side gate. Then he heard Matty calling very loudly for his Dad. When Matt focused on the gathering, he saw who he knew could only be Linda's mother, Mrs. Butler, standing solidly and holding her arms around Matty tightly. Matty was obviously terrified and struggling to free himself. As Matt rushed to Matty's assistance, the woman pulled a gun from her purse and aimed at him. All eyes suddenly riveted on the scene. The outside guests stood silently, watching the drama unfold. "Okay, Ma'am; please just let the boy go and we'll work this all out," said Matt, trying to defuse the situation as quickly as possible. "No way!" she screamed. "This is all your fault, Matthew Leo! Now get my other grandson and bring him to me! Now!" "Mrs. Butler, that is not going to happen," So, please, let me take Matty and then we can talk this out." When he later recounted the scene to Jim, Matt said that he didn't even recall the sound of the gun firing. He just suddenly felt a burning pain in his shoulder that knocked him to the ground. Gazing up in shock from the ground, he recalled Jim's mother-in-law framed by the bright blue sky, and pointing the gun at him again. Then he saw Father David suddenly appear behind her. The priest knocked Mrs. Butler's gun hand upwards; then he wrenched the pistol from her grip and knocked her to the ground. He told Jim that sounds from the commotion began to seep slowly into his consciousness. He vaguely remembered staring almost incomprehensibly into the faces of pale-faced Jimmy and Matty, tears streaming down from their wide, terrified eyes. He said he seemed to hear people screaming and the wailing of approaching sirens. Then, he remembered clearly focusing on Jim's face, also pale and wide-eyed with concern. He felt Jim's strong arms enfolding him, and his fears subsided. Slowly he began to orient himself and heard Jim's confident voice. "Matthew. It's okay, buddy. You're gonna be fine," Jim told him with obvious concern in his voice and a deep love for Matt in his eyes. Matt noted that Jim was pressing a towel over the wound in his shoulder to try to slow the bleeding. He also recalled never breaking eye contact with Jim, as if holding Jim in his unwavering sight would quickly make everything better again. "I'm fine, Jimmy," Matt said to his lover; "it only hurts a little bit. I'll be fine." Then he passed out. Matt came to on a gurney, being fussed over by EMT's, he remembered seeing the police take the crazy woman into custody and, handcuffed, herding her into a police cruiser. Most of the family hovered nearby and Jim stood close beside him. "How the fuck did she find us!?!" Jim shouted at no one in particular. Even through the drowsiness of the pain medication, Matt saw recognition flash across Jim's eyes. Jim jerked his head to look across the pool and angrily stared directly at Sean, who immediately panicked and began backing away. Jim was around the pool in a flash and grabbed Sean by his shirt front. "You fucking piece of shit! You told her where we were!" Jim pulled his fist back to deliver a hard blow into Sean's terrified face; but, Frank, who happened to be standing nearby with Finn, jumped onto Jim's back and wrapped both arms around the big man to try to restrain him. "No, Jimmy, let it go, please," Frank said calmly and soothingly. Sean and his wife both broke into tears and began stuttering apologies. "You son of a bitch! Jim ranted on. How could you do this to me, to my son, and to my friend!?!" Jim could not contain his anger. "I'm sorry, Jim; she's my mother!" Sean cried, trying to explain himself, but barely managing through his ragged emotions. "She tried to kidnap my son and tried to kill my best friend!" Jim screamed at him. "I'm sorry, Jim, I'm sorry! She said she just wanted to see her grandchildren! I didn't think she would do something like this," Sean said weakly. "I trusted you, you son of a bitch! You knew what she was up too, just weeks ago!" Jim roared, referring to the woman's prior stalking maneuvers around Jim and his family. Now, I want you gone, and I mean like ten minutes ago! You are to never come near my family again! Do you hear me!?!" Jim screamed with a deeply flushed face and trembling voice. "Jim," Matt called over from the gurney. "Let it go, please. I'm fine; they said the bullet went straight through and did hardly any damage." Frank released Jim as Jim turned and looked anxiously across the pool at the sound of Matt's voice. "No, Matt! I trusted this piece of shit, and look what's he's done!" He turned back around to Sean and said, "Why the fuck are you still here!?!" Sean and his wife just turned and stumbled away, with Finn following them. Frank herded the terrified boys over to see Matt, to show them he was alright. "Dad, you were so cool; you weren't afraid at all," Jimmy gushed with a trembling voice. "Yeah, Uncle Matt; I'll never be afraid of anything, if you're around," Matty added, equally upset. "Well, thanks boys. Now, listen to me. These folks are taking me to the hospital to check me out; but you need to stay and have your party with your friends. That's an order, troops," Matt said with a grin. "Yessir," the boys said in unison. Once again, Matt was amazed at how resilient these two boys seemed to be. Jim would not leave Matt's side and rode with Matt in the ambulance to the hospital, while Frank and Father David stayed behind to try to re-ignite the party. First, they took a few moments to go inside the house with Matty and Jimmy to talk about what had happened and to assure the youngsters that Matt was fine and would probably re-join them shortly. As the hospital doctors worked on him, all Matt could remember was looking into Jim's eyes and concentrating on feeling no fear and no pain. As he was already aware, the bullet had passed through his shoulder and did no major damage. After sewing up the wound and giving Matt some antibiotics and pain pills, he was released to Jim's care. As he drove Matt home, Jim said with tears in his eyes. "Matty, I'm so sorry this happened to you. If something worse had happened to you, I don't know what I would've done," Jim said, and reached over for Matt's hand. "Jim, its fine, baby, really. But, I think we need to find Sean as soon as possible. He must really be a wreck and, even though he should've never told his mother, he really couldn't have known she would do something so crazy," Matt said calmly. Jim lightly squeezed Matt's hand and said gently, with obvious love in his voice, "You called me `baby'." "I know," Matt said, almost as if he were uncomfortable. "Sorry `bout that; but, every day you become a bigger part of my life, again, and ... well...I just couldn't help myself," he finished lamely. "Don't be sorry. Every night, when I tell you goodnight, I call you `baby' in my head," Jim said quietly. It was his turn to be vulnerable. "Man! For two big, tough Marines, we sure seem to be turning into two big, girly men," Matt said with a laugh. Jim then said to him, "Y' know; you're right about Sean. When I stop to think about it, he just lost his brother and sister in a car accident, and then his mother went bat-shit crazy. He's probly just totally confused, call Finn and see if you can find out where they went." Matt made the call. "They're still at Finn's house. They were both so upset that Finn didn't have the heart to send them away, yet. He wanted to wait and talk to you, first. Dave is with them right now, while Finn and Dad are manning the boys' party," Matt said. "All right, Captain; I guess you're right. If you can forgive them, I guess I can too," Jim said. "Let's go talk to 'em before we go home," then he added, "I wish I could kiss you right now, Matthew Leo, because you really do make me a better person." When they walked into Finn's kitchen, Sean leapt to his feet, looking like he was preparing to bolt. "I'm sorry, Jim; but Finn wanted us to stay for a little while and Father Dave was just having a talk with us. But, we'll be going now. Let's go, Jane, and thanks a lot Father; you've been very kind," Sean said. "No, Sean, Jane; please stay where you are," Jim said, as he walked over to his very nervous brother-in-law. He took Sean in his arms and hugged him. Sean and Jane, both, began to cry. "Sean, it was Matt who convinced me to forgive you; and he's right. You have always been like one of my own little brothers, and I can't hold you responsible for what your mother did. I'm real sorry for what I said to you earlier, and I figured, what the fuck? Oops, sorry Father," Jim said shooting a contrite look at Dave. "If Matt said we should forgive you, I sure as heck can't argue, because he's the one that got shot." Jim released Sean and both he and Jane went to Matt and hugged him carefully. "Matt, thank you. I've been at my wit's end trying to figure out what to do after all that," said Sean. "Jim is the only family I have left." "It's okay, Sean; really. I understand how torn you were. And we should all forgive your mother, because she is ill, clearly. But, you need to understand that Jim and I will never allow her anywhere near us or our children," Matt said this very firmly while looking at Jim, who nodded his agreement. "I understand, Matt, I really do. As a matter of fact, I really don't wanna be around her much right now, myself," Sean said. "Okay then, said Dave cheerily, let's everybody get freshened up and head next door and join what's left of the party." Sean and his wife went up to their room to make themselves presentable, while Dave asked Matt and Jim to join him in the hall. Dave stood before the two Marines, placed a hand on each man's shoulder, and said a quick, silent prayer to himself. He stepped back, blessed the two men aloud and made the sign of the cross. Father Dave looked at them, his eyes wet with tears. "There have been very few times in my life as a priest that I have ever witnessed a truer and more pure act of Christian charity and love, as I did just now. I am so very honored and humbled that you consider me your friend," the priest said. "Thanks, Father, But, you need to hold on to that thought, because there might be some rough times ahead. And we're going to need your help and prayers in sustaining our faith," Matt said. "I'm not worried, Matthew; you are truly a good soul and I have every confidence that you will handle the upcoming situation with the love and compassion you showed today." When the group made their way into Frank's backyard, all of the adults stood in uncertain silence. They all saw Sean and Jane walk through the gate with Father Dave, Jim, and Matt, his arm in a sling. Matt made eye contact with his father, who smiled as he went to the arriving group and hugged Matt and Jim at the same time. "You boys never fail to make me proud of you." Jim's parents and two brothers hugged Matt and then Jim. "Matthew, how can we ever thank you for saving our grandson," Jim's mother said. "It was nothing, Mrs. Flannery. Jim would have done the same for my Jimmy," Matt replied. "Matt, don't you think it's time you started calling me `Bonnie' and not Mrs. Flannery? You're an adult and I've known you since you were eight years old." "Okay, Bonnie it is," Matt answered and kissed her on the cheek. Jim's dad grabbed Matt's hand, shook it vigorously and said, "And I'm `George' from now on, Matt." Matt smiled and said, "Yessir." Matty and Jimmy saw their fathers arrive and had immediately rushed to greet them. J immy started to launch himself at his father, but screeched to a stop; so Matt put an arm around the boy's shoulders and said brightly, "Are you having a good time, Sport?" "Yeah, it's been great Dad. How's your arm?" he asked anxiously. "Just a little flesh wound. It'll be fine in no time. So, what have you guys been up to?" he asked the boys. "Man, it's been great! Uncle Finn gave us all boat rides and we've been swimming and eating, Jimmy said. "But, we saved the cake until you two got back," Matty quickly added. "Okay then, let's cut the cake. But, first, your Dad and I wanna give you our presents," Matt said. "Michael, Brandon, let's do it," he hollered to Jim's two brothers. "It's show time!" Michael and Brandon walked into the garage and returned wheeling two, matching mountain bikes, except for the colors. The boys gasped and yelled in unison, "Thanks, Dad!" They ran to the bikes and stood by, with obvious pride, as all of their classmates filed by with a chorus of "oohs" and "aaws." Jim and Matt smiled at each other, silently agreeing that they had made the best choice for gifts. Becky then approached with Kelly in her arms. The baby was dressed in a white sailor's suit, complete with hat. Matt burst out laughing at the sight of Jim's face as she handed him his son, "Where in the ... ," he quickly censored himself, "did this come from?" he asked, looking with some disdain at the baby's Navy attire. "Denise sent it. She thought Kelly should start training early," Matt said and laughed again. "Well, I'll send her a `thank you email', of course. I'm just glad that he's growing fast, so we won't have to put up with Navy clothes for very long," Jim added. "Hey, it could've been worse. What if she'd sent an Army uniform?" Father David put in with a grin. "Please, Father: I just went to confession," Jim said. The rest of the evening was special. Everyone partied with gusto and the boys had a ball opening all their gifts. Near the end of the festivities, the local police stopped by to ask Matt the questions they couldn't while he was being administered to at the hospital. They informed Matt and Jim that Mrs. Butler had been denied bail, not only because of what she had done but also because she'd committed the act while under a restraining order. Sean, Jane, Frank, Finn and David remained after the police left. Sean informed Jim and Matt that his mother had called him from jail, but he had refused to answer her call. He added that his father was on the way down from New Jersey; he could deal with her. Sean said, "Jim, Dad feels awful about what's happened. I didn't know this, but he filed for a divorce just last week. He asked me to tell you how sorry he was and that he really wanted to call you and tell you personally, but he didn't want to upset you anymore," Sean added. Matt looked at Jim and Jim simply nodded. "Sean, please call your dad and hand me the phone," Jim said. Sean did as instructed and handed over the phone when his Dad answered. "Hello, Dad, its Jim..." "No sir, there's no need for you to apologize. I know you didn't have anything to do with this..." "No sir, Matt's fine and so are the boys. I, that is Matt and I, want you to know that you're welcome here anytime to visit; but, please understand, the invitation is for you alone..." "Yessir. I'll hand you back now to Sean, and when you get done with your business at the court tomorrow, please give Sean a call. Yessir, no not at all, sir; goodbye," Jim said and handed Sean the phone. Jane came over and hugged Jim, "Y'know, you really are a saint," she beamed at him. "No, not really," Jim replied, "just trying to do the right thing." With all the extra people spending the night, Jim and Matt were `forced' to bunk together. After everyone had gone to bed, Matt and Jim were just crawling exhaustedly into the bed, when they heard a light knock on the door and Jimmy's voice saying, "Dad?" "Yeah, Sport, come on in," Matt replied. The door opened and there stood both Matty and Jimmy in their pajamas (being worn under protest because of the guests), looking kind of sheepish and a bit unsettled. "What's up, guys?" Jim asked. "Well, we couldn't sleep ... and ... well ... we were wondering if, maybe..." Matty stammered. "Would you two like to bunk with us tonight?" Jim asked, already guessing the problem. "Yeah, Dad, that would be great," Matty grinned and both boys jumped onto the bed with their Dads. Good thing it's king-sized, thought Matt to himself. "Jimmy, you're gonna have to be careful of my shoulder, okay, Sport?" Matt said. "No problem, Dad, Matty and I can squeeze in the middle," the boy replied. "Okay, then. Hey wait, are you boys too old now to kiss your dad's goodnight?" Jim asked. "Nope," the boys said in unison, as they leaned up and kissed their Dad's cheeks. Then Matty climbed over his buddy and kissed Matt on the cheek, saying, "And thank you, Uncle Matt, for saving me today." Matt smiled through the sudden lump in his throat and choked out, "You bet kiddo." Frank had taken the baby monitor for the night, so Matt and Jim wouldn't be disturbed by it. All four of them quickly fell deeply asleep and hardly moved until morning. Around 0630, Frank quietly entered the bedroom, looking for more diapers, and saw Jim, Matt and the two boys snuggled up and sleeping soundly. He simply smiled, retrieved the diapers and backed quietly out of the room. Later that morning, everyone gathered at Father David's Mass for Kelly's baptism. Jim held Kelly, while Matt and the other two boys sat in the front row. Joining them was Jim's sister, who was one of the Godmothers, plus Sean and Jane. After the reading of the gospel, Father David called the participants for the baptism to the front of the church, at the baptismal font. Kelly was dressed in the same christening gown that Matty had worn at his baptism. They decided ahead of time that Matt would hold the baby and take the lead, because there were two godfathers. Jim's sister held the candle. When the time came for Matt to hold the baby over the font for the water to be poured over his head, Sean assisted Matt, because his arm was in a sling. After the baptism was completed, Father David held the baby up and introduced him to the congregation. He handed Kelly back to Matt, and walked to the pulpit for a short homily. "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen. My brothers and sisters in Christ, today we witnessed the washing away of original sin by the Sacrament of Baptism, and we welcomed James Kelly Flannery Junior into our Christian community. And although this is Kelly's day, there is something extra special to tell you about today. What comes after Baptism is living one's life in the way Christ wanted us to live. It is easy to go through the motions of being a Christian, attending Mass, saying prayers and receiving the sacraments; but, actually living your life in the way Christ wished us to, is very rare indeed. Many of you here today know the story of why Captain Leo has his arm in a sling; but, what you don't know is that only hours after he was wounded while protecting his friend's son, he and Chief Warrant Officer Flannery forgave everyone involved. They were more concerned for their transgressors than they were for themselves. In Romans, it is written, "Putting aside fears, prejudices, resentments and hatreds and showing Christian love and compassion for all people is the mark of true children of God. Anger, hatred, harsh words, retaliation and revenge only result in more of the same. Only love can conquer evil." For me, and I know the same is true for both Matt and Jim; one of the most important teachings is from the Book of Matthew. Matthew records these words of Jesus: 'In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you.' The incident in which Matt was wounded was the second time I have witnessed these two men live up to these teachings. Now, as we send this beautiful baby into the world to live his Christian life, I cannot think of two better examples of living the way of Christ than that of James and Matthew. Not many people know that I was, at one time, a Navy Chaplin. I served in the first Gulf War. I have met and ministered to many men in the service of their country, and I can say, without reservation, to Mr. & Mrs. Flannery and to Mr. Leo, that your sons are a credit to you, to your parenting, and to the uniform of the United States Marines that they proudly wear ... and, finally, I am humbled to be called their friend." Jim and Matt were completely blown away by Father David's words, and, apparently, so was the rest of the congregation, because the church erupted in applause when Father David finished. Later that afternoon, after all the pictures were taken and the guests were enjoying the catered luncheon, Jim's Commanding Officer pulled him aside. "Gunner, I was incredibly impressed by the priest's words today. This is not something I would normally say to one of my men, but I, too, am impressed by the way you handle yourself, your family and your job. I'm glad you included my wife and me in your celebration," his CO said. "Thank you, sir. This is all a bit overwhelming. All I'm interested in is doing my job and taking care of my boys," Jim said. "Well, take it from me, Gunner. You do both, exceptionally well, and you make me look good in the process. Now, remember, this is just between you and me, dog face. Got that?" He winked conspiratorially at Jim. "Oorah, Sir! Said Jim. Matt was making the rounds of the baptismal guests when his cell phone rang. Looking at the caller ID, he was shocked. "Denise, are you all right?" he asked. "Sure, Matt; there's been a change. I'll be home tomorrow. Can't talk now, running for the plane, I sent you an email," she said, and her line went dead. To be continued... To be continued... Author's Note: Thanks to all of you who have written to tell how much you're enjoying the story, I hope you stay tuned. Also, a special thank you to my editor who makes this story readable. For all the readers enjoying the stories here at Nifty, remember that Nifty needs your donations help to provide these wonderful stories. How about sending them $5 Bucks, just think of it as buying a hot magazine!