Keeping You a Secret
Beta: Helen 
Banner: Helen
Proofed: G.M.

Joan’s Pov

 I was surprised by the phone call I got from Brian at 9 in the morning especially on a Saturday. He is worried about Justin. After finally getting him too calmed down enough to tell me what happened, I told him that I would be home within the next hour and he better have Justin back there. 
Now, to think I had some form of an idea would be wrong and completely a lie. I had no idea, but I knew Justin was only 16 and they both still had two years left of high school and separating them would only hurt them in the end. I remember when Brian first broke up with Ben he was hurt but I think it hurt more that he lost his best friend. I know he feels more for Justin.  Now, I am driving home to the boys and I have to think of something. 

Justin’s Pov 

I sit in Brian’s car as he drives. I can’t really think of anything except that now I am homeless. I am in love with Brian but what am I going to do now? I have nowhere to live. Brian showing up showed me that he is not only my boyfriend but also my best friend. I look in the side mirror and I see us getting further away from the city. 

Justin: “Brian, where are we going?” 
Brian: “It’s a secret. (Smiles) trust me?” 
Justin: “Always.” (Smiles a little) 

Brian’s Pov

I called my mom as soon as I finished reading the letter; I knew that he would need me.  My mom said to make sure we came back.  I told her that I would be taking Justin to the lake and she said okay. I ran to get dressed and out of the house into the jeep. I had to be there for him. I only waited for maybe 5 minutes then he walked out with a large duffel bag. I knew he made choice, and he wanted this choice even if it was hurting him more than anything.  I didn’t think, I didn’t care if they would come out and hit me. I had to be there for him.  I walked over to him and just held him while he cried. He was broken and I didn’t know to how to fix him. I put him in the jeep and we went to the only place where you can find peace. The lake. 


They pull off the main road into a dirt road and park the car.

Brian: “Come on.”

Justin gets out of the car and follows Brian down the trail. When he comes to the end of the path he sees a beautiful lake with the sun reflecting off the water. 

Justin: “This is beautiful…” 
Brian: “I know. I found it one day.” 

Justin and Brian sit at the edge of the lake with their feet in the water. 

Brian: “You want to tell me what happened?” 
Justin:  “I told her that I am gay and no matter where she sends me that will never change because I have always been and always will be gay. I love her but I will not sacrifice myself for her happiness. I told her I’m in love with you and for the first time in my life I feel safe and free. 

Justin looks at Brian and their eyes lock. Brian doesn’t say anything but pulls Justin in for a simple kiss. Soon the passion overtakes them and Justin pulls Brian on top of him as he lies back on the cool grass. 

Joan’s Pov

I pull in the house not surprised that Brian and Justin aren’t here.  I have my thoughts and one thing I need to do is talk to Justin’s mom. I know where he lives because I’ve seen her at the store once with Justin. I am worried what she’ll try to do, but I know that Justin will be happy and safe. I need to talk to her. 

With that, Joan leaves the house to go see Jennifer.  When see pulls up to the typical white picket fence she felt as she stepped into some secret suburbia. She walked up to the red colored door and rang the bell. She heard a pleasant voice saying she was coming. 

When Jennifer opened the door she didn’t except to see this strange woman standing there. 

Jennifer: “Can I help you?” 
Joan: “Are you the mother of Justin Taylor?”
 
Jennifer stiffens. 

Jennifer: “I’m sorry; I no longer have a son.” 
Joan: “That’s funny considering he is sitting in my living room crying because his mother can’t be proud of him for standing up for his beliefs.” 
Jennifer: “Listen, Miss…”
Joan: “Joan Kinney. Our son’s are dating.” 
Jennifer: “Fine. Joan, Justin made his choice; he chooses to live his life the way he saw fit. I have a newborn daughter and a young stepdaughter and I can’t have him living in my house. He is 16 and will be 17 in three weeks, then he can move out.” 
Joan: “Just to let you know, I don’t think you deserve someone as wonderful as your son and, not that you care, but he will be living with me so at least he has a roof over his head. Good day.”

Joan walked away from that woman completely unsure why she said that about Justin staying with her, but she knows it was the right thing to do. 

At the Lake

Brian: “We should head back.” 
Justin: “If we have to.” 
Brian: “We do, but no matter what, we’ll get through this.” 

Justin nods and both boys head back to the jeep. 

Justin: “Brian, just know that I love you.” 

Brian pulls Justin in for a kiss and drives towards his house unsure about the future.