Together As One Chapter 1 Many thanks to my husband and Chris who have both put up with obsessiveness to get this story out and for the great job of editing…Hugs The heat of the midday sun beat relentlessly upon the landscape. It was one of the warmer days on the mountain, making tempers short and the chores that needed to be completed more arduous as the day wore on. Craig had assigned Justin and Chris Hobbs the task of cleaning up the maintenance shed and organizing the tools and equipment in preparation for the busy season, and after a couple of hours had passed, he headed toward the shed to see how the boys were coming along. He had other chores for them to do and he hoped that by now they were done with their first assignment. The summer months kept them busy repairing equipment, taking inventory and ordering supplies for the winter months when the Inn would be in full swing with guests coming up the mountain ready to enjoy all the winter activities that the arrival of snow brought. The coolness of the shed felt good against his sweat soaked body. He had been clearing fallen branches along the north side of ski run number two for the entire morning. Over the summer a number of trees had become a casualties of the heat and insects, and needed to be removed before the first snowfall. It took him a few minutes for his eyes to adjust to the change of light after stepping into the darkness of the shed. As his eyes became accustomed to the dimness he looked around for the boys. How odd, he thought, as he scanned the immediate area; they were suppose to be in here cleaning. A noise coming from the secured area where the expensive equipment was kept under lock and key drew his attention to the corner of the building. Making his way slowly toward the sound, he stopped short and inhaled his breath sharply as he viewed the sight before him. He thought he was going to be sick as he saw the head of his son bobbing up and down over the crotch of Chris Hobbs. Neither of the boys were aware that they were being watched; lost in the heat of the moment. Chris’ head lolled back and forth, his eyes pinched shut, his mouth slack, he was breathing heavily as Justin’s hand held the erect shaft while his mouth moved up and down along its hardness. He staggered backwards as if he were slapped in the face; the heel of his shoe making contact with an errant shovel that had been left leaning against the wall. The noise startled all parties and two pairs of young, guilty eyes met a single pair of angry, glaring ones. Turning, Craig quickly made his way out of the building; the need for fresh air essential to his well-being. Once outside, he leaned against the nearest wall and closed his eyes swallowing the bile that was forcing its way up. Staring at one another, the two boys quickly straightened themselves up and headed in the direction of where Craig had been. They knew there would be repercussions, but neither one of them were prepared for what Justin’s father had in store. Pacing back and forth and running his hands through his hair in a highly agitated state, Craig was beside himself with anger and disappointment. How could his son betray him like that? This wasn’t some boyish sexual experiment with a girl; he had been with another guy for Christ’s sake. Once outside in the bright daylight and standing before Craig, both boys stared guiltily at the ground, unable to meet the hateful look was being reflected in the eyes of the man before them. “Justin, get in the house. I’ll deal with you later,” Craig said, narrowing his eyes and clenching his jaw. Shoulders slumped, and both hands in his pockets, Justin gave one last look at Chris and did as he was told; he knew better than to argue with his father. He had never seen him so angry. Watching the retreating back of his son, waiting till he was out of hearing range, Craig then turned to face Chris. A look of defiance and insolence appeared on Chris’ face as if he was challenging Craig. As his employer turned back to face the young man before him he was unable to contain his anger and disappointment any longer. The challenging look was his undoing and he grabbed the boy by the front of shirt with both his hands and slammed him against the wall of the building. “You disgust me,” Craig angrily spat out. “You… are… no… longer employed here! Get your things and get off my property! I don’t ever want to see you near this place again. If I catch you anywhere near here I’ll call the police and have you arrested for trespassing! Do I make myself clear?” “You’ll pay for this Mr. Taylor, I swear,” came an equally angry reply. “My dad will make you pay!” “Right, and what are you going to tell dear old dad? That you’re a fucking faggot and were caught getting your dick sucked. I seriously doubt that he’ll ever hear the truth from you. Now get your things and get out. I don’t ever want to see your face again.” Craig turned his back on the boy and hurriedly headed toward the house. He couldn’t get away fast enough from what he now believed to be a disgusting piece of humanity. A partially filled suitcase lay open on the bed. Empty hangers dangled forlornly from a closet rod that once held the garments of a teenager. Dresser drawers are pulled out and emptied of their contents. T-shirts, socks, underwear and miscellaneous items of clothing were haphazardly placed in the suitcase that was sprawled on the same bed the boy had slept in since he was three years old. Slowly walking over to the window Justin sat in his favorite spot; a place where countless hours had been spent sketching his favorite scene while he looked out toward the horizon. He had always marveled at the magnificent beauty of the mountain, even though its grandeur and the omnipotence of the landscape always made him feel insignificant in the scheme of things. Tears clouded his normally brilliant blue eyes dulling them to an almost pale gray as he took one last look out his window. It was hard for him to believe he would no longer be able to see the inspiration for the many sketches he had drawn over the years; gone were his hopes and dreams of living on the mountain forever… in the blink of an eye his future had changed. Sighing heavily, he wiped away the tears that had managed to escape his eyes and trickle down the smoothness of his cheeks. He took one last look to let his mind photograph and imprint forever the image of the landscape he so cherished. He knew he would never forget, how could he, it was a scene he had enjoyed ever since he was old enough to have a room himself. Startled slightly by the feel of a small hand slipping into his, he looked down into the desolate face of Molly, his little sister. “Hey Mollusk.” Justin smiled at his sister as he pulled out of his reverie. “Jus?” “Yeah, Kiddo?” He had a feeling he was about to be bombarded with questions. Ever since the incident, and the confrontation with his parents, he hadn’t had a chance to talk with her to explain things. Being the precocious child she was, Molly had eavesdropped when she heard the shouting and crying coming from downstairs, and the words “gay” and “faggot” being bandied about between the parties. She had no idea what the words meant, but she did understand when her father had told her brother that he was no longer his son and therefore not welcome in their home any longer . Tears immediately filled her eyes when she realized that her “Jussy” wouldn’t be a part of her life any longer. She wanted to run downstairs and confront her father, but was afraid that maybe she too would be told to leave; so she hid out in her room and waited. When she heard Justin’s bedroom door slam, she opened her own and peeked out into the hallway to see if anyone else was coming. Hearing closet doors opening and drawers being pulled out, she hesitated before entering the bedroom. Instead she placed her ear against her brother’s door and listened to the sounds that were emanating from within. It tore her heart as she strained her ear to hear her brother’s quiet sobs. Opening the door, she asked in the abrupt manner of the innocent, “Why is Daddy mad at you? Why is he making you leave? Is it ‘cause you’re gay?” “Mol, were you eavesdropping again,” Justin chuckled softly. He knew his sister had a propensity for being places and hearing things she wasn’t meant to. She blushed, almost matching the red of the sweater she was wearing. “Yes,” she confessed. “When I heard the shouting, I crept to the top of the stairs and listened.” “You know you shouldn’t be doing that,” he gently chided his sister. “Yeah, but if I didn’t, I would never know what’s going on around this place. Everyone thinks I’m too young to understand.” “I know what you mean.” “Jussy, what does gay mean?” Drawing in a breath, the older brother paused before he explained. He wanted to give his sister the simplest explanation possible... something she could understand. “Well Mol, gay means I like boys more than girls. I’d rather have a boyfriend instead of a girlfriend.” “Oh, I think I understand. You mean like Sofia and Brandon, they like to hold hands and kiss each other, but you want to hold hands and kiss boys instead…right?” “Yeah, that about sums it up.” “But Jus, what’s wrong with that?” “Well some people think it’s wrong.” “I don’t. If you’re happy that’s all that counts.” “Molly, you’re wise beyond your years. It should be that way, but it isn’t always that simple.” “I’m sorry, Jus.” “Yeah, me too.” “I love you, Jussy.” “Love you too, Mollusk.” Holding each other’s hands the siblings stared out into the vista, each absorbed with their own thoughts of the future, when a gentle knock was heard at the door. Letting go of his sister’s hand Justin turned and walked over to open it; he stepped aside to allow his mother to enter. Without looking at her, he turned around and busied himself with the last of his packing. He threw in his sketch books and art supplies in his bag even though he wasn’t not sure if he’ll ever have the need for them again. He couldn’t believe his mother had allowed his dad to throw him out without so much as a word. He thought if anyone would try to understand it would be her. Much to his disappointment and despair she hadn’t come to in his defense at all. She just stood there crying as if she was the one about to lose her home. He felt so abandoned; but despite what she didn’t do for him he didn’t hate her. In fact, he pitied her. After all these years she was learning what a hateful man her husband could be. Deep down his mother realized that she had failed her first born, but she felt powerless to do anything about it. She was afraid to go against Craig for fear that he would abandon her and Molly too. Hopefully, she would find a way to make it up to her son one day …that’s if he could find it in his heart to forgive her. She watched Justin close his suitcases and place them on the floor beside the bed. “Justin,” she spoke softly but the boy did nothing to show he even heard her. Walking up to him she gently placed her hand on his shoulder to get his attention and she felt him stiffen and pull away at her touch. Once again she spoke his name, “Justin, please turn around and look at me,” she pleaded. Justin turned to face his mother his eyes filled with unshed tears. It broke her heart that she was to blame for the look of abandonment and hurt that was reflected in his eyes. “I’ve called your grandparents in Pittsburgh and made arrangements for you to stay with them and complete your senior year of school there. They’ll be meeting you at the airport when you arrive.” “You sure found a way to get rid of me fast enough,” he retorted. He found it difficult to keep the bitterness out of his voice. “Justin, I’m …..” Sadly he looked at his mother, interrupting the apology she was about to make. It was not something he wanted to hear from her at the moment. There shouldn’t have to be any apologies; he shouldn’t be packing his things and being shipped off to fucking Pittsburgh; having to leave behind the home he loved and the family he once thought had loved him. “Look Mom, save your apologies for someone else. I don’t want to hear it.” “Okay, Sweetheart. You know I love you.” It was said so softly he almost missed hearing her say it. He wanted to laugh out loud when he heard the declaration. How could she possibly say those words when she was allowing her son to be tossed aside. What kind of parent who claims to love their child, would allow such a thing to happen; that certainly wasn’t his definition of love. Collecting his things with Molly’s help, he made his final walk downstairs. Placing his bags beside the front door, he stopped and took one last look around; silently saying goodbye and gathering up memories to take with him. Pulling open the heavy oak door he stepped out onto the veranda, breathed in the sweet mountain air and the feeling the gentle breezes blowing through the trees as he placed his bags into the car and got in. As they pulled away from the house, Molly kept up a running banter. Getting no response from the other occupants she gave up trying to get one of them to talk with her and quietly sat back and reflected how her life had changed so suddenly. No longer would she have her older brother to comfort her when a storm kicked up on the mountain scaring her as the wind shipped and howled and whip around rattling the windows and making the tree tops bend from its sheer, force. No longer would she have someone to tease, or to be teased by, and no one to take her sledding or skiing once the season started. Life sure will be different now…it all seemed so much sadder somehow. Justin stared out the passenger window and watched the landscape change as they got closer to the airport. He’d remained quiet throughout the ride; after all what was there for him to say. He wondered if he would ever get to see his mountain again…maybe someday…but certainly not in the near future. The ride ended all to soon as his mother pulled up to the departure area. Hopping out immediately, Justin and Molly moved to the back to retrieve his bags. Popping the trunk open for them Jennifer slid out of the car to help Justin with his things and to say her goodbyes. Placing his bags on the curb to be checked in, he turned to find his mother looking lost and unsure of what to say and do. Closing the chasm between herself and her son, Jennifer gently enfolded him into a hug. Feeling him stiffen slightly, she refused to release him and kept him encircled within her arms, whispering, “I love you, Baby.” Fighting back the tears that threatened to fall, he tried to blink them away. He felt a gentle tug on his hand as Molly tried to get his attention. Kneeling on the ground he wrapped his arms around his sister burying his face in her hair as he inhaled the strawberry scented shampoo she loved to use. They hugged each other tightly, not wanting to let go, until they heard Jennifer softly say that it was time for them to leave. With one last hug and whispers of “I love you,” the brother and sister reluctantly parted, faces reflecting the sadness they felt in their hearts. Justin stood at the edge of curb and watched as the car pulled away. Waving to his sister he finally allowed his tears to flow. When he no longer could see the car he stepped into the terminal and headed for the ticket counter to check his bags. After boarding the plane, he found his seat and tried to get comfortable with the thought that he was about to embark on a new life. About an hour later, the flight attendant announced that they were landing in Pittsburgh. Letting out an imperceptible sigh, he raised his seat back to the upright position and fastened his seatbelt for and prepared for the first step into that new life. He wasn’t looking forward to living in Pittsburgh….a large city…urban sprawl and pollution. It’s not that he didn’t want to live with his grandparents, in fact, he loved them a lot and always enjoyed visiting. His grandmother pampered him by cooking his favorite foods and he loved spending time with his grandfather as he told him of his time spent on the mountain. He always thought that his home would be on the mountain until he went away to college. Now what college would he even be able to afford to go to? This was his last year in high school and now he wouldn’t be graduating with his friends; most of whom he had known all his of life. Now he would be the new kid; an outsider in a strange school hoping to fit in. This wasn’t fair! How could his father be such a homophobic prick. on to chapter 2