Sunday Family Dinner
Everyone, minus Ben and Michael, were at Debbie's. Justin had met Lindsay and her partner Melanie. He had liked Lindsay instantly. There was just something about her. Then, when he had grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil, and had started to sketch her, they had found out they had something in common. She was an art teacher at PIFA and loved to draw, also. Justin was estatic to meet someone with the same love of art that he had.
Melanie, on the other hand, was a completely different matter. He had liked her at first, she had seemed nice enough. But, then she had started to subtly put Brian down. She had asked Brian what exactly he was doing with Justin. Because she knew that he would never stay with him. He would only end up breaking the poor kids heart.
Justin had relied on his eyes and facial expressions to make it clear what he thought of Melanie's words. He was anything but happy. Finally, Lindsay was successful in getting Melanie to shut up.
After about an hour of talking, Debbie had just finished baking the Lemon Chicken, when Michael and Ben walked into the house.
Justin had also met Debbie's brother Vic. Justin immediatly liked him. Vic didn't act differently around him and they got along fine. Vic had a sense of humor that Justin could appreciate. With the exception of Melanie and Michael, Justin understood why Brian liked these people and considered them family.
"We ran into each other outside," Ben said.
"Well, everyone grab their seats. Food's ready!" Debbie said.
Tension was running rampant through the air. Ben and Michael were trying to ignore each other, and Michael was ignoring Justin. Not that Justin cared. But, he could tell that Brian was hurt by Michael's actions.
By the time that dinner was over, Debbie had decided that enough was enough! Lindsay, Melanie, Emmett, and Ted left. And, Vic went to his room. "Okay, you four, we're all going to go into the livingroom and hash everything out."
"Debbie--," Ben started.
"We are going into the livingroom. Understood?" Debbie interrupted, her tone leaving no room for any arguments.
Brian, Ben, Michael, and Justin just nodded and followed Debbie into the livingroom. After everyone had found seats, Debbie started. "You four need to work out whatever's going on between you. So, get started."
After a few minutes of silence, Michael blurted out, "I haven't done anything! But all of you are mad at me!"
"You haven't done anything?! You've insulted Justin everytime you've seen him!," exclaimed Brian.
"Plus, you've ruined our relationship. Michael, I'm not going to play second fiddle to Brian anymore. You need to realize that nothing is going to come of you crush on Brian."
Michael's lips turned down into a pout. "I'm sorry, Ben. I do love you. But, I also love Brian. I have for sixteen years. How do I just turn that off?"
"You just do. I don't mean to be insensitive, but you had to have figured out a long time ago that Brian was never going to enter into a relationship with you," said Ben.
"But, he'll enter into one with Blondie."
"Back off, Michael. Ben's right. I know that I'm partly to blame. Because of the affection that I've shown you. But, best friends is all we'll ever be. Can you understand that?" They had all noticed that Brian never denied being in a relationship with Justin, and that told Michael more than anything else.
Michael sighed. "I guess I'll have to." Turning to face Ben, he asked, "Is there any chance we can save our relationship?"
Ben shrugged. "I don't know." After a slight pause, he asked, "How about you come to my motel room, and we'll talk about it?"
Michael nodded, with a smile. Turning to Justin, he said, "Sorry for the way I've been treating you."
Justin nodded and signed, Thanks.
"He told you thanks," Brian clairified.
At Michael's surprised look, he added, "I've been learning sign language."
Michael could feel another piece of his heart break at hearing that. If Brian was learning sign language, then Justin wasn't just another trick. As Debbie watched her son and Ben leave, she prayed that Michael had received the message. That he would look at what, or who, was staring him in the face. And, forget about ever being Brian's lover. She had some doubts. Her son could be stubborn when he wanted to be. But, she hoped.