LATE SEPTEMBER 2006 Gus Peterson-Marcus was trudging to his Daddy’s house from his day at school. He was trying to take as long as possible to get home. For the first time since he'd started kindergarten, 3 weeks before, he had to ask his Daddy a question because of school. Gus had found school to be amazingly easy compared to the other kindergartners. So far he hadn’t had any problems with any of his schoolwork, he almost never had to bring anything home since he finished almost everything he was assigned at school. But something had happened today that required Gus to ask his Daddy a question. Gus didn’t think that his Daddy was going to like the question; which was why he was taking so long to walk the 3 blocks from school to his Daddy’s house. As he walked he remembered what had happened so far in his first year of school. The first day of school had worried Gus for weeks before it arrived but once he left his Mama’s car and walked with her into his classroom he found that he was in his element. He immediately started making friends with the others in his classroom. Gus was a very outgoing boy and so he had no problems walking up to another child and start talking. Others in the room were not so outgoing and just stood where they first came to rest. Before the teacher called the class to attention Gus had spoken to every other child in the room. He told them who he was and asked them their name and on what street they lived. “Class please come to attention. My name is Mrs. Axtell. I'm going to call your names and point out where you should sit.” As she went down the class list the children were directed to the small desks scattered around the room. Gus found himself sitting next to Lance Smith who'd been the least talkative of all the children in the classroom. By the end of the day Gus and Lance were the best of friends almost totally due to Gus’ efforts since Lance was very shy and hardly spoke to anyone. By the end of the first week of school Gus was friends with every kindergartner in the school, knew every first grader by name and most of the 2nd graders as well, he met the older students on the playground during recess and after lunch. Lance tagged along with Gus but was too shy to become friends with any of the other students, he was lucky if he could say hi to them. Gus also went out of his way to meet all of the teachers on the kindergarten end of the school which included the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades in addition to the kindergarten classrooms. On Wednesday of the 2nd week of school Gus had an amazing experience. He was asked to play Prisoner’s Base by Billy, a 4th grader. The playground that the 4th graders usually used for recess was being cleaned so they had to play on the little kids playground. Billy thought Gus was a 3rd grader since he was so tall for his age. When the Kindergarten class bell rang and Gus started to leave, to go back to his classroom, Billy asked “Where're you going? That's the Kindergarten bell.” “I know I’m in Kindergarten.” “You are?” “Yes Billy I am.” “Well for a little kid you sure play Prisoner’s Base like a big kid. Any time we share the playground you're welcome to play with us.” “Thanks Billy you don’t know how much that means to me.” When Gus got home that afternoon he tried to make his Mommy and Mama realize how important it was that he'd played with 4th graders. “Mama a 4th grader asked me to play Prisoner’s Base with them and because I did so well he said I could play with them anytime we share the playground even after he found out I'm a kindergartner.” “That’s nice Gus.” “Mama it's better than nice, it's great.” “If you say so Gus.” “Mommy, Mama doesn’t understand how important it was for me to play with the 4th graders.” “Why's that important Gus?” “You don’t get it either?” “So you played with the 4th graders why's that important? Gus you've always played with older children here in the neighborhood.” “Girls!” “What does that mean Gus?” “It means girls don’t understand anything. May I call Uncle Justin?” “Why do you want to call Justin?” “Because he'll understand why it's important that I played with the 4th graders.” “OK Gus, do you need me to dial the phone for you?” “Mommy I have been dialing Uncle Justin and Daddy’s number for over a year, how little do you think I am?" “Gus what got into you today?” “I played with the 4th graders.” “I still don’t see why that's such a big deal.” Gus finally gave up trying to explain to his mothers the importance of a kindergartner playing with 4th graders and dialed the number of his Daddy and Uncle Justin. “Hello.” “Hi Daddy can I talk to Uncle Justin?” “Sure Sonnyboy, don’t you want to talk to me?” “No Daddy I want to talk to Uncle Justin, he'll understand what happened today and why it's important, you won’t, anymore than Mama and Mommy did.” “Well if I’m not good enough I'll get Uncle Justin for you.” “Oh Daddy I didn’t mean it that way. I’m sorry, I always like talking to you.” “Don’t worry Sonnyboy I was just kidding with you. JUSTIN!! Sonnyboy wants to talk to you.” “Hi Gus, what’s up?” “Uncle Justin I played Prisoner’s Base with the 4th graders today and they said I could play with them anytime we share the playground.” “Oh Gus that's so great, how'd you do?” “I did great; I could outrun almost all of them so I only got caught once and I caught 6 of them.” “That's amazing Gus. You're probably going to be a great athlete someday.” “Thanks Uncle Justin I knew that you'd understand.” “Of course I understand that playing with the big kids at school is quite the accomplishment. I still remember school politics.” “What does that mean?” “Nothing you need to worry about. Well Gus do you want to talk to your Daddy now?” “Sure Uncle Justin.” “Hey Sonnyboy what’s up?” “Daddy remember that I’m coming to your house after school Friday and then I spend the weekend and next week with you and Uncle Justin.” “Don’t worry Gus one of us'll be home when you get here from school on Friday.” “I wasn’t worried I was just reminding you.” “Goodbye Sonnyboy.” “Bye Daddy, I love you and tell Uncle Justin that I love him too.” “Sure Sonnyboy we love you too.” The three had spent that weekend doing yardwork in order to prepare for the upcoming winter. Gus was very pleased that his Daddy and Uncle Justin thought that he was big enough to help them. Uncle Justin and Gus had a great time playing in the leaf piles while Daddy just watched them with amusement in his eyes. After a while Gus actually got Daddy to jump in the leaf pile too. During the 3rd week of school Mrs. Axtell asked Gus if he'd help some of the other students in his class with their craft projects. Gus was very happy that the adults in his life thought that he was grown up enough to help them. On Thursday much of his self confidence went out the window. It started when his best friend, Lance, told him that he couldn’t be his friend anymore. “Why Lance, I though we were best friends?” “We are Gus, you're my only real friend. But my Mommy told me that I couldn’t be friends with you anymore.” “Why not Lance, I've never met your Mommy, why doesn’t she like me?” “It isn’t you Gus.” “Then why Lance?’ “She told me that I couldn’t be your friend because your Daddy is an effing queer and he lives with his effing boytoy.” “What does that mean?” “I don’t know Gus.” “Then we better ask Mrs. Axtell.” “OK Gus.” At recess the two boys went up to the teacher’s desk instead of going out to play. “Yes boys?” “Mrs. Axtell we need to ask you a question. Lance says that his Mommy says we can’t be friends anymore because my Daddy is an effing queer and lives with an effing boytoy. We don’t know what any of that means.” “My goodness, you've caught me by surprise. I think Gus it would be better if you ask your Daddy what that means.” “You don’t know?” “I know I just think it would be best if you ask your Daddy. Now you two go out to play.” When the final bell for the day rang Mrs. Axtell called Gus to her desk. “Gus I have a note for your Daddy. Will you remember to give it to him or should I pin it to your backpack?” “Mrs. Axtell do you think I would forget to give my Daddy a note?” “I’m sorry Gus I should've known better, of course you wouldn’t forget. It's just a habit to ask students that question everytime I send a note home. Will you forgive me?” “Sure Mrs. Axtell.” As much as he dawdled Gus found himself at his Daddy’s house sooner than he wanted. He knew he had to ask his question but he just didn’t want to cause his Daddy or Uncle Justin any pain. He just knew that his Daddy would be upset so Gus hoped that maybe instead of Daddy being home today that Uncle Justin would be instead. As soon as he got in the house he knew that hope wasn’t going to be fulfilled because when the door closed his Daddy called out to him. “Sonnyboy how was school today?” “School was fine Daddy but I have to ask you a question.” “Sure Gus what is it?” “Promise me that you won’t be mad Daddy.” “Gus why would I be mad because you ask me a question?” “I don’t think you'll like the question.” “Let me decide that Gus. What's the question?” “Daddy what does it mean when someone says that you're an effing queer and Uncle Justin is your effing boytoy?” “Why do you ask that Gus?” “Today at school Lance told me that he can’t be my friend anymore because his Mommy said you're an effing queer and that you live with an effing boytoy. We didn’t know what that means so we asked Mrs. Axtell. She told me to ask you.” “Thanks Mrs. Axtell.” Brian whispered to himself. “What did you say Daddy?” “Nothing Gus.” “Why would Lance’s Mommy not want him to play with me because of you and Uncle Justin?” “Gus why don’t we wait until Uncle Justin gets home to answer these questions?” “No she said it about you so you have to answer. Before I forget Mrs. Axtell sent you a note.” Brian took the note out of the envelope and quickly read what the teacher had written. Mr. Kinney I have already arranged to meet with the parent in question. You can be assured that the Pittsburgh Public Schools and the G. A. Custer Elementary School in particular will not stand for any type of discrimination. I felt it best that you answer Gus’ question since you obviously know him better than I do. If you have any questions feel free to call me at the school tomorrow. Deborah Axtell. “Gus you know that I and Justin love each other don’t you?” “Yes Daddy.” “Gay means that a man loves another man in an adult way instead of loving a woman. I love Justin and Justin loves me so we're gay. Some people don’t like people who're different than everyone else so they talk about them in mean ways. Queer is a mean word for gay.” “So you and Uncle Justin are different?” “Yes we're different than most men because we are attracted to other men but that doesn’t mean that we love you any less than Lance’s Mommy and Daddy love him.” “I never worried about that Daddy.” “I’m glad to hear that Sonnyboy. The boytoy comment is just a mean way of talking about how much younger Justin is than I am.” “How old are you Daddy?” “I’m 35 and Justin is 23 so mean people think that we really don’t love each other because I’m 12 years older than he is.” “35-- I didn’t know you were that old Daddy.” “35 isn’t that old Gus.” “It isn’t? 23 sounds pretty old to me.” “Well Sonnyboy you'll be 23 before you know it. Did you understand my answer to your question Gus?” “Yes Daddy, Lance’s Mommy was just being mean because you and Uncle Justin are different. But why would she want Lance to stop being my friend because of what you and Uncle Justin are?” “That's a million dollar question Sonnyboy. It shouldn’t matter but some people just don’t think things through as well as they should. What do you want to have for supper?” “Who’s cooking?” “Does that matter?” “Of course, Uncle Justin is a much better cook than you are Daddy.” “Since I’m here now and he's still at work I suppose that I’m cooking, if we want to eat early.” “Well I guess we could have hamburgers and french fries Daddy. That's your best meal.” “Gus I think maybe I should just give you some bread and water. Making fun of my cooking like that.” “I’m sorry Daddy I was just fooling with you.” “I know Sonnyboy, but hamburgers do sound good but I think I'll make macaroni salad instead of french fries.” “Sounds good to me Daddy.” Brian started making supper but he made Gus very happy when he asked him. “Gus what do you want to do to help with supper?" “Anything I can do is all right with me Daddy.” “Why don’t you set the table then, you know where everything is don’t you?” “Yes Daddy but why don’t we eat outside like a picnic?” “I’m sure Justin will like that Sonnyboy, just put all of the paper plates and plastic utensils in the picnic basket and we'll take it outside when we're ready to eat.” So Gus got everything ready and put it all in the picnic basket then he went to his room and watched cartoons. “Daddy let me know when Uncle Justin gets home.” “OK Sonnyboy he should be here pretty soon.” Brian had fixed everything for supper and was just waiting for Justin to get home to start grilling the hamburgers. When Brian heard Justin’s car pull into the garage he went to the side door. “Justin we need to talk before Gus knows you're here.” “What happened Brian.” “Some homophobic parent told their child that he couldn’t be friends with Gus anymore because I’m an effing queer living with his effing boytoy.” “How did Gus handle it?” “Fine, he didn’t know what it meant so he asked his teacher, she told him to ask me. She sent a note to let me know that she will take care of it on her side. I tried to get Gus to wait for you but he insisted that since it was about me I had to answer the question. So I explained that some people are just mean to those that are different and you and I are different because we love each other.” “How did Gus take that?” “Fine as far as I could tell. But he might ask you as well.” “I thought things had gotten better.” “They have Justin but they just aren’t perfect yet.” “Gus is in his room, we're having a picnic for supper, so go get him and we can start.” “Sure Bri, can I take the time to clean up a little?” “Why bother you know Gus'll have you playing in that leaf pile again.” “All right we'll be right down.” “Hi Gus how was school today?” “The same as always Uncle Justin.” “Do you have any homework?” “No I did it all at school like usual. Will school always be this easy Uncle Justin?” “Maybe Gus, you'll just have to wait and see if it get harder for you. Someday you'll probably run into something that makes you have to work though.” “Like what?” “I don’t know Gus, but it's different for everyone. Well we better get downstairs before Brian starts looking for us.” “Uncle Justin do you want to play in the leaf pile while Daddy cooks the hamburgers?” “Why do you think I left that last pile of leaves out there Gus?” “Uncle Justin I love you.” “I love you too.” All three ended up in the leaf pile while the hamburgers grilled since Daddy wanted to have some fun too. Daddy and Uncle Justin snuck a kiss or two when they thought Gus wasn’t looking. That was a game Gus played with his Dads, he would pretend to be looking at something so that they would sneak a kiss. He sometimes wondered if they knew what he was doing and more importantly why they didn’t openly kiss in front of him. His mothers kissed in front of him all the time. Daddy and Uncle Justin though never kissed openly when Gus was around so that was why he played his game of looking away so that they could sneak a kiss. After eating and cleaning everything up it was time for Gus to get cleaned up so he could go to bed. “Goodnight Daddy, Goodnight Uncle Justin. I love you both even if you're different.” Gus said with a giggle. “Goodnight Sonnyboy don’t take too long in the tub.” “Night Gus do you need me to tuck you in later?” “Not tonight Uncle Justin.” Gus thought long and hard about what he was going to do the next day at school while he was bathing and getting ready for bed. He fell asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow since leaf jumping takes a lot out of a youngster. The next morning Gus was his normal joyful self at breakfast and he walked to school in his normal forthright manner. He spoke to every child he met on his way to school and on the playground before they were let into the school building. Once in his classroom he went up to Mrs. Axtell. “Mrs. Axtell could I speak to the entire class before we start today?” “Sure Gus but what do you want to talk about?” “Being friends.” “Did your Daddy answer your question last night?” “Yes he explained that Lance’s Mommy was being mean about Daddy and Uncle Justin since they're different than most men. But they love me and that's all that matters and I love them with all of my heart.” “Are you ready to talk to the class Gus?” “Yes Mrs. Axtell.” “Class it's time to start. Please take your seats. Gus wants to talk to all of you. I expect you to listen to him just like you listen to me.” Gus proceeded to talk to his classmates about what it takes to be friends and what he wanted from them. Mrs. Axtell just sat at her desk and beamed at this most mature young man. When Gus finished his classmates clapped and cheered. Mrs. Axtell let them go for a few minutes then called them to attention so that they could start the school day. When the final bell rang she again called Gus to her desk. “Gus I have a letter for your Daddy and your Uncle Justin. I need to know what his name is so that I can properly address the letter.” “His name is Uncle Justin.” “That's not the name I mean.” “But that's his name.” “OK Gus just give a few minutes then you can take this letter to them. I was very proud of you this morning. That was a very moving talk you gave, I wish a lot of adults could be so wise.” “Thank you Mrs. Axtell but it's just what I've learned from my Mama, Mommy, Daddy, and Uncle Justin.” Mrs. Axtell finished with the letter in a few minutes sealed it and gave it to Gus. “Have a nice weekend Gus.” “You too Mrs. Axtell.” As soon as Gus got home he gave the letter to Uncle Justin who was home while Daddy was at work. The letter was addressed to Mr. Brian Kinney and Uncle Justin. “Gus we'll wait until your Daddy gets home to read this letter. Did you have a good time at school today?” “Yes Uncle Justin, I talked to my class about friendship and they all clapped and cheered when I was done.” “That's great but why don’t you wait until your Daddy gets home to tell both of us about that.” “OK Uncle Justin, what's for dinner?” “Fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, and asparagus.” “I told Daddy yesterday that you were a better cook than he is and boy was I right.” “Gus you little scamp.” “Can I go play in my tree house?” “Sure but be careful, I may be a better cook but I’m not a very good nurse.” “Oh Uncle Justin I've never fallen out of my tree house.” “There's always the first time Gus.” Brian worked late to make up for leaving early on Thursday so when he got home dinner was almost ready to eat. “Brian Mrs. Axtell sent us a letter, but we can read it after supper. Gus is in the tree house you better go get him.” Brian went out to the tree house. “Gus time for supper.” “OK Daddy will you catch me if I jump out of the window?” “No you come down the stairs. You've gotten too big for me to catch you and I don’t want you to get hurt.” “Oh Daddy you worry too much.” “That may be but you'll never jump out of that window again or I'll take the treehouse down.” Gus knew that tone of voice meant business so he was down on the ground in 5 seconds. They then walked hand in hand to the house. Dinner was great, like all of Uncle Justin’s meals. After they finished eating Justin sent Gus to get cleaned up for bed since he got to stay up late on Friday nights. Brian read the letter while Justin washed the dinner dishes. Dear Mr. Kinney and Uncle Justin.(pardon the familiar name but I don’t know your surname since it isn’t on any of Gus’ official papers in the school office and Gus insisted that your name is Uncle Justin. I have enclosed a form that you can fill out and send back to school with Gus on Monday.) Today Gus gave a talk to the class about friendship. I wish that I had a tape recorder because I don’t know that I've ever heard such an amazing speech from a kindergartner. I would suggest that you have a family get together and have Gus tell you what he told us. I’m sure that all of his family members and friends will be just as proud as I was. He is an amazing young man, I’m sure you knew that long before I met your son. I’ve only known him for 3 weeks you've known him for 6 years. Gus'll go far in this world. If it entered his head to stage a coup here at Custer Elementary he'd be in the Principal’s Office within minutes, even the older children would follow his leadership. Lance’s mother lost most of her swagger when I informed her that Gus was the only friend her son had at school while Gus was friends with pretty much every child at this end of the school building and that the only reason he wasn’t friends with the remainder was because he hadn’t met them yet. So Gus and Lance'll remain best friends. As always feel free to call me at the school. Deborah Axtell. “Justin I think we should plan on having a party tomorrow. Do you think you could pull one together on this short notice?” “No problem Brian. We can just get some pizza delivered, Gus always enjoys pizza, almost as much as fried chicken. Should we tell him what we are planning?” “No let it be a surprise. I’ll keep him occupied until people start getting here. I'll start calling everyone after Gus goes to bed.” “Speaking of prodigies he should've been done with his bath a while ago and down here with us. I’ll just go check on him.” Justin found that Gus was reading one of his story books. “Gus aren’t you going to come back downstairs?” “No Uncle Justin I’m extra tired tonight I think I'll go to bed early.” “Well we'll see you in the morning then.” “Good night Uncle Justin. I love you, tell Daddy I love him too.” “Sure thing Gussy.” “Gus, Uncle Justin.” “I know Gus but sometimes Gussy just sounds better.” “He’s going to bed early tonight Brian and he told me to tell you that he loves you.” “I’ll start calling the gang then. When do we want to have the party?” “Well we’ll let Gus talk first then eat, so tell them to get here around 4.” Brian proceeded to call everyone in the family group and invited them to this impromptu gathering to honor Gus. Everyone agreed to come; except for Justin’s sister Molly who had a school outing that she couldn’t get out of. Brian promised Jennifer, Justin and Molly’s mother, that he'd tape Gus’ talk so that she could take the tape home for Molly to listen to. Molly thought of Gus as her baby brother and was very fond of him when she didn’t want to strangle him. The next morning Brian took his son to the zoo while Justin started preparing for the party. Brian and Gus stopped at the Liberty Diner for lunch where they each had their usual. Gus always giggled when he ordered his ‘usual’. When they got home Brian suggested to Sonnyboy. “Gus why don’t we go take a nap, you really tired me out chasing after you at the zoo.” “Boy Daddy you really must be getting old, if you get tired so easy.” “Just for that young man you don’t get any ice cream after supper.” “You don’t fool me Daddy.” “What do you mean Sonnyboy?” “I’ll get all the ice cream I want because you really aren’t mad at me.” “You think so do you?” “Of course I know so. I'm six years old and I know all of your tricks Daddy.” “Don’t be so sure Sonnyboy. But you're right I was just kidding you about the ice cream.” “I knew it Daddy.” “Do you want to nap in your room or with me?” “How about on the living room couch?” “OK Gus that's a very soft couch and more than big enough for the two of us even if you are growing like a weed.” “I'm getting pretty tall, how tall do you think I'll be when I quit growing?” "Seven foot 3 inches." "Daddy can't you ever be serious?" "Only when I want to Sonnyboy, only when I want to." Gus woke up when he heard the doorbell. He ran to open the door before whoever was there rang it again so that it wouldn’t wake up his Daddy. He was very surprised to see that it was Debbie, Mikey, Uncle Vic and Grandma Jenn at the door. “Why are you here, is something going on?” “Aren’t you going to invite us in?” Deb asked. “I’m sorry guys come on in.” Before Gus could close the door he saw his Aunty Em park on the street and watched while he and Teddy got out of the car. Gus waited to let them in. “Hi Gus, ready for the party?” “What party?” “OOPS I guess I let the cat out of the bag again.” “Em have you ever been able to keep a secret?” “Well you aren’t any better Ted.” “Don’t I know it.” “Why're we having a party?” “I guess you'll have to wait until your Daddy tells you Gus.” “Aunty Em you know don’t you?” “Yes, but I’m not telling.” The two men and Gus went to join the rest in the living room. Daddy had gotten up while Gus was at the door. “Well Gus we're just waiting for your mothers.” “Why're we having a party and why didn’t you tell me?” “Well Sonnyboy it was a secret.” “Well tell me now.” “Not until Melanie and Lindsay get here.” The doorbell rang again and Gus ran to let his mothers in. “Hi Mama, Hi Mommy do you know what this party is about?” “Don’t you Gus?” “No Daddy is being mean and won’t tell me.” “Gus you know that Brian is never mean to you.” “Well he is today.” “OK gang let me tell you why I invited everyone here today.” Brian stated. “The other day Gus ran into his first instance of homophobia.” “What? What fool thinks that Gus is gay?” Mikey demanded of his best friend. “No; it wasn’t aimed at him but at me and Justin. Some mother told her son that he couldn’t be Gus’ friend anymore since I’m an effing queer living with an effing boytoy. Gus asked his teacher what that meant and she told him to ask me while she dealt with the mother. Gus talked to his class about friendship yesterday and his teacher suggested that we have a family get together and let Gus tell us what he told them. So that's what we're doing. Gus will you tell us what you told your classmates?” “Sure Daddy but you could have told me what you were up to.” “Well Gus I’m getting even for your comments about my cooking.” “Oh Daddy I said I was sorry.” “I’m just kidding you again Gus.” “Daddy!” “Would you two quit kidding around and let the boy tell his story.” Debbie butted in. “OK Debbie, Gus you can start now.” Brian, remembering his promise to Molly, started the tape recorder. “Well all I did was to ask them if I was a good friend? Was I a good person? Did I do what I said I would do? Did I ever lie to them? Did I help them when I could. But the main thing was did they like me for me or for who my Daddy and Uncle Justin are? That I wanted them to like me for me since I like them for who they are not who their Mommy or Daddy are. So if any of their Mommys or Daddys have a problem with them being my friend because of Daddy and Uncle Justin that I would be willing to talk to them. That way they could decide if I could be a good friend based on who I am and how I behave and not on who my Daddy and Uncle Justin are or what they do in their lives. The class clapped and cheered when I was done and Mrs. Axtell looked very proud of me. That's all I did; it wasn’t that big of a deal. But if it gave Daddy a reason to have a party then I’m not going to complain. What're we having to eat Daddy?” “What makes you thing we're having anything to eat Sonnyboy?” “It wouldn’t be much of a party if we didn’t eat anything Daddy.” “He has you there Brian.” “Don’t encourage him Vic.” “We're having pizza Gus.” “Thank you Uncle Justin.” “The pizza will be here soon everyone so just mingle while we wait.” Gus found himself the center of attention since everyone in the family was very taken with what he had said to his classmates. Gus was a very good host, he spoke to each little group of family members for a few minutes then moved on to the next. Eventually the doorbell rang and Uncle Justin and Gus went to the door to get the pizza and everything else Uncle Justin had ordered to go with it. “Gus I didn’t realize how much I ordered why don’t you take your load to the kitchen and get some more help.” “OK Uncle Justin.” Gus rushed to the kitchen and stopped in the living room on his way back to the door. “Mikey can you help me and Uncle Justin get the rest of the food to the kitchen.” “Sure Gus.” “Justin must have ordered for an army.” Teddy said to the room. “Well you'd be amazed at how much I can eat now Teddy.” “Is that so Gus?” “Yep I plan on eating at least 2 pieces of pizza and a breadstick and some dessert too.” “This I have to see.” “Teddy just you wait and see. Come on Mikey.” Once the food was set up on the kitchen table everyone started through the line and moved into the dining room where everyone dug in. Gus was very happy that everyone treated him just like one of the gang. “Gus I just remembered something.” “Yes Daddy?” “Mrs. Axtell wrote that she asked you what Justin’s name was so she could properly address her letter to us, but you told her it was Uncle Justin.” “Well his name is Uncle Justin.” “You know that his name is Justin Taylor don’t you Gus?” “Of course but that's his official name and she just asked me what his name was.” “You have two names for everyone?” “Doesn’t everyone? Each of you has an official name and then there is the name that I use.” “Why did you give her my official name then?” “I didn’t give her any name for you, if she had asked I would've told her Daddy.” Everyone in the room was just trying not to laugh as the dialogue between Brian and his son proceeded. “OK Sonnyboy what's everyone’s official and Gus name?” “OK Daddy. Daddy, Brian Kinney. Uncle Justin, Justin Taylor. Grandma Jenn, Jennifer Taylor. Aunt Mollusk, Molly Taylor; I know she isn’t here but she is part of my family. Aunty Em, Emmett Hunnicutt. Teddy, Ted Schmidt. Mikey, Michael or Mikey Novotny. Debbie, Deb Novotny. Uncle Vic, Vic Grassi. Mama, Melanie Marcus. Mommy, Lindsay Peterson. Did I forget anyone?” “No Gus I think you got the entire gang. Why is it Michael or Mikey?” “Because you call him Mikey most of the time but Michael some of the time while everyone else calls him Michael most of the time but Mikey some of the time.” “I didn’t realize how observant you are Gus. But what's your official name Gus?” “Augustus Brian Peterson-Marcus.” “Do you have a Gus name?” “Sure.” “Well what is it?” “What do you think it is?” “I’m asking you young man.” “OK Daddy my name for myself is Gus Kinney-Taylor-Peterson-Marcus.” “Kind of long isn’t it?” Daddy said with a huge smile on his face, Uncle Justin was beaming as well.”