I Do Again

Chapter 9
 

Waking up alone, Reid walked out of the bedroom to find Luke sitting in front of their new widescreen TV watching news footage of the explosion in Greece. “Why are you torturing yourself?”

“I have to watch, otherwise I won’t believe it.”

“Has the woman from the American Embassy called?”

“Not yet, but it’s only a matter of time.”

“Luke, you’re usually the optimistic one around here. Try not to be so negative, think positive thoughts instead.”

“Reid, I know this sounds crazy, but I know.”

Reid had experienced, and observed, the close bond between Luke and his parents. There was no question about how deeply they loved their son and he them. It hadn’t taken a long time for them to let their love spill over to include Reid. Once they had accepted him, he felt like part of the Snyder and Walsh families immediately, despite his inability to admit it out loud. Reid wanted to argue further with Luke, but looking at the scene of devastation on the screen, he had a sense that his young partner was right. If they had been in the hotel... he just couldn’t imagine them walking out.

The landline rang, interrupting Reid’s thoughts. He hoped it hadn’t disturbed Ethan as he was still asleep and, thankfully, completely unaware that anything was wrong.

Jumping at the phone, Luke grabbed it before the second ring.

“Hello.”

....

“Yes, that’s me.”

....

“I understand.” He was stone-faced. As unlike the Luke Reid knew, and loved, as it was possible to be. Moment by moment, as the conversation continued, the pain creeping into Luke’s expression was becoming more obvious with each passing second.

“Where did you find them?” Reid felt his stomach turn. He stood, wrapping his arm around Luke’s shoulders and holding him close.

....

“I see. That makes sense.”

....

“I need them back here as soon as possible. I’ll be sending my company’s private jet, with someone I trust to accompany them home.”

....

“No, that won’t be necessary. I need them here right away.”

....

“Thank you for all your help.” The cold, hollow tone of Luke’s voice left Reid feeling helpless. He couldn’t fix this. They weren’t critically injured. He might be able to work a miracle under that type of circumstance, but this was different. He couldn’t breathe life back into the mortally wounded although he never wanted to more than he did at that moment -- for Luke. Everything about his life was for Luke.

Luke hung up the phone then immediately pulled out his cell, arranging in less than two minutes for World Wide’s private jet to bring his parents home for the last time. He then contacted one of his grandmother’s most loyal employees and requested he accompany Lily and Holden. There was no doubt he would take the journey -- anything for the Walsh and Snyder clan.

When he finally disconnected, Luke put his cell phone back into his pocket. He turned to look into Reid’s eyes. Reid was shocked to see no moisture, no redness, just dark circles plastered below Luke’s lower lids. “I need to tell Ethan and the girls, but first I have to get Abigail and Aaron here. I don’t know about them, but I need to see my parents to truly believe it’s them.”

“Luke, are you sure?”

Nodding, Luke’s knees began to give way and Reid quickly grabbed him, guiding Luke to the sofa. “I need to see them.”

“To make sure there’s no doubt.”

“The woman from the embassy was certain, but I need to see them.”

“It might not be a good idea.”

“It’s probably not, but I’m going to do it anyway.”

“You know I’ll be with you the whole time. There won’t be any arguing the point.”

“I know, and I was hoping you’d say that.”

Reid cradled Luke against his body. He soon felt his young lover’s shoulders begin to shudder and then the soft sobs followed. Instinctively, Reid held Luke closer. “I’m here for you. I’ll never leave your side.” Whispering the words of support into Luke’s ear, Reid felt tears escape his own eyes. The first people who had accepted him unconditionally as a son were gone. He’d only had them in his life a short time, but they would be missed forever.

The two clung to one another, neither truly facing the overwhelming reality until...

“Luke, Reid, why are you both so upset? Did someone get hurt?”

Pulling apart, Luke stared at his little brother. “Ethan, why do you have to be so smart?”

“Because Mommy and Daddy are smart. I get it from them.” He smiled at Luke. “And you too.”

Ethan’s semi-toothless smile spread across his face. “Why are you and Reid sad? I’m a big boy. I can go stay at Grandma Emma’s if you need to be sad alone.”

Mimicking Reid, Luke quickly swiped his eyes dry. “We’ll be okay. We’ll all be okay, but you may have to stay at Grandma Emma’s for a little while.”

“Luke, you still didn’t tell me what happened.”

Turning off the news, Reid took Ethan’s hand in his. It didn’t feel as strange to hold the little boy’s hand as he thought it would. “Ethan, there’s a whole lot of things Luke needs to talk to you and your sisters about. Let me help you get dressed.”

“I can make you both sandwiches. Because of you and Luke I can do that now.”

Staring at his brother, Luke drew Ethan in for a gentle hug as Reid still held the tiny hand. “Ethan, you’re the best.”

“You too, Luke. And Reid’s the best too. I like being with you guys.”

“Oh God.” It came out as barely more than a breath, but as Luke gazed at Reid, his eyes now red and moist, reality struck them both.

Squeezing Luke’s hand with his free one, Reid looked at Ethan. “Listen, kiddo, it looks like we may be spending a lot more time together than we first planned.”

“Yay!” Ethan jumped up.

Luke just squeezed Reid’s hand in return. “I know we’ll have to talk about this when we’re alone.”

Shaking his head, Reid lowered his eyes. “But not now.”

“No, not now.”

Leaving Luke on the sofa, Reid took Ethan to the guest room, realizing it might not be just a guest room for much longer. His head was spinning and he felt nauseous. Life with Luke had been perfect, but now, with one phone call from the Embassy, it had all gone to hell.

A flash of Damian crossed Reid’s thoughts and it frightened him. He wanted to get into his brain and wreak havoc. He’d never thought that about anyone before. Reid knew he’d never do it, but he’d never felt so protective of anyone in his life before either.

He heard Luke enter their bedroom and close the door. The next few days would change all their lives; the problem was Reid couldn’t see how it could ever be for the better.

[TBC]

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