Coming Out

Chapter 30

The next month flew by with everyone settling into a routine. Jennifer was finally released from the rehab after arranging a home health aid to come in everyday to help her get around. Brian and Justin managed to get their relationship back on track and were happier than ever. The only cloud hanging over everyone’s head was that Craig was still in his coma. The whole family took turns sitting with him and talking to him daily, trying to bring him back to them. Friday night came and it was Brian’s turn to go sit with Craig. As he walked towards the room, he was stopped by one of the regular night nurses.

“Brian, I was just getting ready to call your family,” she said as she approached him.

“Why? What happened? Is Craig…”

“He woke up!”

“He woke up? When? Is he alright? What happened?” Brian asked frantically, glancing over towards the room.

“He woke up about five minutes ago. The doctor’s in with him now looking him over. I don’t know if there are any complications yet. He seemed to be a little disoriented, but otherwise it was as if he woke up from a deep sleep. Do you want to call your family and tell them? You can use the phone at the desk,” the nurse offered.

Brian reached for the phone and dialed the house, letting it ring until he realized that no one was home. Remembering that Justin was going to take Jennifer to visit one of the neighbors he tried his cell, pissed off when it went to voicemail.

“Why doesn’t he ever remember to put that damn phone on?” he mumbled to himself.

“What was that?”

“Nothing, no one’s home. I’ll try again in a little bit,” Brian answered as he walked back towards the room to wait for the doctor. A few minutes later that man came out and approached Brian.

“Brian, it appears that Craig is on the road to recovery. He has no memory of the accident or the evening that lead up to it, and got very agitated when I explained what happened, but once I assured him that everyone was okay he seemed to calm down a bit. Were you able to contact Jennifer?” the doctor asked, making a few more notes on Craig’s chart.

“No, no one’s home and God forbid Justin ever remembered to turn his cell phone on. Can I go in and see him?”

“Yes, he’s anxious to see everyone. Just try not to tell him anything that would upset him right now and don’t stay too long. He needs to take it easy for awhile. I’m going to finish my rounds, then come back and check on him again. In the mean time if you have any questions, let the nurses know,” he turned to walk away, but stopped and looked back at Brian. “Oh, and congratulations, Brian. The worst is finally over.”

Brian watched the doctor walk away before quietly entering the room. Seeing Craig awake and looking around caused Brian to breathe a sigh of relief. For awhile they all couldn’t help but wonder if that was something they would never see again.

As soon as Craig noticed Brian, he smiled and reached out a shaky hand. “Brian, God it’s good to see you,” Craig rasped, his voice husky from all that he’d been through.

“Hey Craig, it’s good to see you, too. How are you feeling?”

“Like I was hit by a truck, which from what I hear isn’t too far from the truth. Tell me the truth, Brian, is everyone okay?” Craig asked, needing the reassurance.

“Everyone’s fine. Jennifer got banged up a bit, but she’s doing much better now. You were the one we were all worried about. I tried to call them and let them know that you finally decided to wake up, but no one was home,” Brian explained.

“And Justin forgot to put his cell phone on again, right?” Craig teased, his laughter turning into a groan. “Damn, I better not laugh too much right now. It hurts like hell.”

“I should probably let you get some rest. You’re going to need it, because once the rest of the family finds out that you’re awake they’re going to be racing to your bedside.”

“Tell them that they don’t have to race. Now that I’m back, I’m not going anywhere,” Craig replied just before drifting back off into a restless sleep.

Brian watched him sleep for a few minutes before slipping out of the room. He headed over to the nurses desk and spoke to the charge nurse.

“I’m going to go find the family and tell them the good news. You have my cell phone number and I never forget to turn it on. Call me if anything changes while I’m gone,” Brian said before walking out in search of his family.

As he pulled the jeep up in front of the house, he saw Justin helping Jennifer from the car. “Don’t bother getting her out.”

Justin jumped slightly, startled by Brian’s voice. “Brian? What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be at the hospital with Dad.”

“I was, and why wasn’t your cell phone on?” Brian asked as he leaned over and kissed his boyfriend.

“Shit, I forgot to turn it on again,” Justin replied, reaching into his pocket.

“Brian, what’s wrong? Did something happen with Craig?” Jennifer asked, suddenly wondering why he wasn’t at the hospital.

“Nothing’s wrong, Jennifer. He’s awake,” Brian exclaimed, unable to hold back his excitement.

“What? He’s awake? Oh, Justin…he’s awake!” Jennifer cried as she reached for her son, pulling him into the car for a tight embrace.

Justin hugged his mother back, saying a silent thank you to the man above for bringing his father back to them. He pulled back moments later, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. “We have to get to the hospital.”

“Jump in the back, Justin. I’ll drive,” Brian offered as he went around to the other side.

After making a quick stop to pick up Molly, the four of them headed to the hospital, their excitement building with every mile. When they reached Craig’s room, the charge nurse was just coming out.

“Thank goodness you finally got them here. He’s been asking about all of you. Since he’s been in a coma for so long, he’s still pretty weak. I’m going to limit you to one at a time, and please, only stay for a few minutes. He needs his rest so he can get well enough to go home where he belongs,” the nurse winked at them before giving them some privacy. As happy as she was that her patient was getting better, she knew that she would miss the Taylor family when they were gone.

“Mom, you go in first. This has been hardest on you. We’ll wait out here,” Justin said as he pushed her wheelchair towards the door.

Jen wheeled herself in to see Craig sitting up in bed, watching her.

“God, you are a vision. Even more beautiful then I remember,” Craig rasped, holding out his hand to her.

“Oh, Craig,” she cried as she wheeled herself over to him, cursing her condition for impairing her movements.

They embraced awkwardly for a few minutes before Craig pulled back. “Look at you. I’m so sorry this happened. I don’t remember anything about the accident, but the nurse filled me in on what happened as best as she could. I wish I could have been there for you while you were going through your recovery, or even have taken your injuries for you,” he said softly, a tear slowly escaping and rolling down his cheek.

“It’s okay, Craig. The important thing is that we’re alright. We’re both here and that’s all that matters,” Jennifer replied, her voice cracking with emotion. “I was beginning to think I would never see you like this again. I’ve missed you so much.”

“I love you, Jennifer Taylor. I don’t know if I ever said that enough to you before, but after this, I’m going to make sure to tell you that every chance I get.”

“And I love you too, Craig Taylor. More than you’ll ever know.”

They continued to talk for a few more minutes, reassuring each other that everything was going to be okay, before Jennifer noticed how tired Craig was getting.

“I better let the kids come in because you need to get your rest. I’ll be back first thing in the morning,” Jennifer promised, placing a kiss on his hand before turning her chair to leave.

“I’m counting on it,” he called to her with a smile.

Craig closed his eyes for a moment, trying to stay awake to see his children. Jennifer was right; he was tired, but not too tired to see his family. He heard faint footsteps and looked up to see Molly approaching.

“Come here, baby doll,” he said, opening his arms as she came running to him. He took her in a strong embrace, fighting back the tears once again.

“Daddy!” Molly cried, trying to find comfort in her father’s arms. “I’m so happy you’re awake. I’ve prayed every day that you would wake up.”

“I’m sorry that I had you so worried. I never would’ve left this world without walking you down the aisle and holding my first grand child. I love you, sweetheart. Don’t ever forget that, okay?”

“I love you, too Daddy. I can’t wait until you are back at home with us.”

“It shouldn’t be too much longer now. I’m feeling pretty good right now, just a little tired, but soon I’ll be as good as new,” he assured her, pulling her back into another embrace.

“Mommy said I couldn’t stay too long, but I don’t want to go. Can’t I stay here with you and make sure you’re alright?” Molly asked her lip quivering as she tried not to cry.

“No sweetheart, they won’t let you stay. You can come back tomorrow, I promise; and maybe by then I won’t be so tired,” Craig offered, hating to see his baby so upset.

“Okay, but I will be here tomorrow. I’ll send Justin in now. I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you, too baby doll,” Craig replied, wiping away his tears as she walked away.

“Dad?” Craig heard from the doorway. He looked up to see Justin standing there, every emotion written on his face.

“Come here, Buddy.”

Justin walked over to the bed, tentatively. He was almost afraid to breathe for fear he would wake up and it all would be a dream. His father would still be in a coma or worse yet…he couldn’t even think about that.

“It’s okay, Justin. I know I must have scared everybody, but I’m going to be alright now. I’m sorry for the hell I caused. I guess you had to pick up the role of man of the house while I was here, huh?”

“Yeah, well I had Brian to help me. I don’t know what I would have done without him,” Justin admitted quietly.

“Well he’s part of this family now. How is everything at home? Have you been keeping up with the chores?”

“Of course, but I’ll be happy to hand them back over to you once you’re all better, and I’m not just saying that because I’m a typical teenager who hates to do work around the house,” Justin teased.

“I bet,” Craig chuckled slightly. He winced in pain, the strain of seeing everyone taking its toll.

“I better let you get some rest,” Justin said noticing his discomfort. “I love you Dad.”

“I love you, too Son. Could you send Brian in for a minute? There’s something I want to say to him. I’ll see you tomorrow; and thanks again for taking care of our family.”

“What else would I do?” Justin replied rhetorically.

Craig settled back in bed, his fatigue actually making him dizzy. All he wanted to do was go to sleep, but he really needed to talk to Brian before he did. He opened his eyes when he heard Brian approaching.

“Hey Craig, you look exhausted. We should really get out of here for now,” Brian suggested.

“In a minute, Brian. I want to thank you for helping Justin take care of things. He told me that he doesn’t know what he would have done without you. You have definitely proven that you’re a member of this family,” Craig said with a smile.

Brian blushed at the praise. “After all that you and Jennifer have done for me, there was no way I would’ve stood by and done nothing when they needed me. You’ve made me feel like I was part of the family since day one and I’ll never be able to repay you for everything you have given me,” Brian said honestly.

“You don’t owe us anything, Brian. I’m glad that we were able to help you out when you needed it, although there is one thing you could do for me.”

“Just name it,” Brian assured him, curious as to what Craig wanted.

“Promise me that you won’t hurt my son.”

Brian felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. Was it possible that Craig figured out what was going on between them? Was he going to have to move out after everything that had happened? After he and Justin just worked things out between them? He took a deep breath before responding. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“I think you do,” Craig replied softly. He sensed that something was going on between them for weeks before the accident, but he wasn’t sure how to confront them, or if he even wanted to. He’d his suspicions about Justin for a few years now and always hoped he was wrong. Not because he had a problem with his son being gay. He just didn’t want him to suffer from all the intolerance in the world. Once Brian moved in, he started picking up on things and knew that his suspicions were right. Brian’s reaction just confirmed them.

“Look, Craig…”

“You don’t have to say anything right now, Brian. I just wanted you to know that I know what’s going on. My son is free to live his own life anyway that he chooses. I just know how hard it was for Jennifer and me in the beginning, and we weren’t seventeen. Be careful with him. He gives himself freely and I don’t want to see him hurt. Or you either for that matter. Understand?”

“Yes Sir,” Brian replied confidently.

“Now take my family home so I can get some sleep. I have a little more recovering to do before they’ll spring me from this place. I’ve wasted enough time here, don’t you think?” Craig teased.

“That you did,” Brian smiled, giving his hand a firm squeeze before leaving him to rest.

Craig was asleep before Brian even walked out the door.

“He’s sleeping now. I guess we better get going,” Brian suggested as he walked out into the hallway.

They made their way home, excited by all that had happened that day. Once everyone was in bed for the night, Justin tiptoed into Brian’s room and crawled into bed behind him.

“You seemed awful quiet tonight. Is everything okay?” Justin asked; his arms wrapped around his boyfriend.

Brian turned over, facing Justin before he spoke. “Your father knows about us.”

“What?” Justin exclaimed.

“Shhh…no need to wake up the women of the house. I said he knows about us,” Brian repeated again.

“Oh my God! What did he say?”

“He asked me not to hurt you. Well, actually he said he didn’t want to see either one of us hurt. He also said you were free to live your life anyway you choose,” Brian explained.

“Wow, I can’t believe he’s okay with this. I was sure he would’ve thrown our asses out if he found out,” Justin replied in confusion.

“Your family always seems to amaze me.”

“Our family, Brian. It’s our family,” Justin corrected him.

“You know I love you, right?”

“I know. I love you, too. In fact, if we’re really quiet, I could show you just how much,” Justin replied seductively.

“Oh, I can be really quiet,” Brian assured Justin as he rolled on top of him and kissed him deeply.

Justin returned the kiss with everything he had before pulling back. “Make love to me, Brian.”

“Anything for you, Sunshine,” Brian replied, before following through on his promise.


End of part 30
5/8/04

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