Wish Upon a Star Chapter 1 Plot bunny – by Mysterious Misty – or MM – a woman of many talents Brian leaned back in his chair as he faced the window in his office. He rubbed a hand over his tired eyes and sighed. It had been a long two weeks but they had finally won the Greyhawk Publishing Group. It was a major coup in the world of advertising and something that a company the size of Kinnetic could usually only dream about. His eyes turned and fell on the picture that Michael had taken the night his son had been born. Unable to resist, he picked it up and stared at his son. He was so small and innocent. Brian remembered the way the baby had held onto his finger. The trust the child had that he would never be harmed by his father had been in the baby’s eyes as well as his firm grip. Brian looked around his spacious office. Once it had been Gardner’s office until the day Brian had bought him out. He wondered how Gardner was faring in his country club prison. He hoped he had to wear prison orange – though he shouldn’t wish the man ill will, after all it was the charges of tax evasion that had allowed Brian to buy Vanguard at such a reasonable price. Looking down at Gus’ picture once again, Brian sighed. He loved this little boy more than life itself. Not that he ever got to see him up close and personal. Melanie, the bitch saw to that. One of the stupidest things he’d ever done was to sign over his parental rights to his son. His son, his son who would never know how much his father loved him if Melanie had anything to do about it. His son who was growing up so quickly. His son who couldn’t or wouldn’t speak. Brian brushed a tear from the corner of his eye with the back of his hand. He must be overtired to let his emotions get the best of him, was what he thought. Funny how it was okay to take his money whenever they needed something, but it wasn’t okay to let him see his own child. Brian couldn’t help but wonder if Gus’ lack of speech had anything to do with what went on in that small house he lived in. Was this Gus’ way of retreating into himself? Of asserting his own mind over that of Melanie or Linds? It wasn’t as if the boy had any other learning disabilities. In fact he tested in the genius level and he was an amazing artist for one so young. Brian could thank Michael and his big mouth for what information he did have about his son. It was almost as if Lindsay wasn’t allowed to tell him anything. As if Melanie prevented any contact between the two of them for whatever jealous agenda she had. Now that Michael was the father of Melanie’s child, Brian was getting more and more information about Gus. He wasn’t happy with the information, not knowing it was easier to believe the boy was happy. Knowing was another thing. Brian firmly believed that Gus was unhappy. He may not have been abused by his mothers physically, but he certainly was showing signs of emotional abuse and the worst thing was, Brian had no way of stopping it. Brian was thirty-five. Life wasn’t turning out like he’d planned. Or maybe it was turning out just as he’d planned. After all he was financially secure, more than secure. He had his own company. He owned a loft that had been decorated in the best designer furniture to his exact specifications. He could have any one he wanted on Liberty Ave. Life should have been good. But it wasn’t. He was missing something in his life. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but whatever it was, it made him restless and almost emotionally insecure. Brian didn’t like feeling insecure, no matter how little it was, emotionally or any other way. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Geeze mom, did you have to put it in the paper?” Justin tried not to whine, but his words were sounding decidedly whiny. He had damn near choked on his morning latte at Starbucks when he’d seen the ad in the community section. His graduating picture was there, complete with a write up on how he had graduated with an honors degree in visual arts as well as a degree in child psychology. “But honey, I’m so very proud of you.” Was his mother’s answer. “Will you be coming to dinner this Sunday. Molly will be home from her father’s. I know she would love to see you.” “Mom, have I missed a family dinner yet?” Justin sighed into the telephone. “After all, I have no life to speak of.” “I always ask dear. After all you might me some handsome young man at one of the dance clubs you go to.” “Who goes to dance clubs? Apparently you have no idea what the average gay boy does here in the Pitts. I am working hard mother, trying to build a practice and meanwhile, I’m saving my money and you can’t do that in the clubs.” “Justin, if you need money, I’ll be glad to lend you some.” “I don’t need money.” He laughed, “I’m blond and not that bad looking. I can always peddle my bubble butt for dollars.” “JUSTIN” “Just kidding mom.” He giggled. He never could resist teasing her; she was so country club gullible. “Actually I have an appointment tomorrow with the co-presidents of GLC board. I’m hoping to sell them on the idea of starting a program for troubled or abandoned youth. There is always a need for that sort of thing and I really think the program I’ve developed using art, could do well.” “Justin, are you sure dear. I mean some of those kind of children can be dangerous.” “I doubt that the average child under ten will be carrying explosives or anything mom. But don’t worry, I’ll be careful. Besides, I have to sell this idea to the two ladies in charge of the GLC and they in turn have to sell it to the community for the funding. In other words for money to pay my wages among other things.” “Justin, why can’t you just be satisfied with opening your own office. I mean I can help you with your expenses until you have enough patients.” It was an old argument. “Mom, I have my office and I have a few patients. I’m making out okay. I’m not about to buy a Lexus or anything, but I’m doing okay. How many times do I have to tell you?” Justin looked around the office in question. He loved his office and had spent the months since he graduated fixing up the old house it was in. Justin had bought the house with the money he had left from the civil suit. He could thank Chris Hobbes’ parents he supposed for his education, his house and his office. He looked at his right hand that still shook when he was tired. It was a harsh price to pay, but at least he still had his art even if it wasn’t the main focus in his life. “Speaking of your house dear. Did you get the stuff from your Grandmother’s? I know its pretty old fashioned, but she was determined to give it to you.” “Yes, it came the other day.” Justin’s hand caressed the old oak of the large desk that had been his grandfather’s. I love it mom, it suits the house completely, and she even sent me her bedroom suite. I’ve always wanted a canopy bed.” He giggled. “Of course the pink ruffled canopy had to go. That was just too gay for me.” “I hope she sent the rocking chair. That chair was her grandmother’s.” “Yes the rocking chair is here. I put it in the corner of my office. I even have one of her cuddle quilts over the top of it in case any of my younger patients want to cuddle up. I have the one with all the bright patches. I kept the one done in blues for my living room. It’s a nice contrast to the colors there. You should bring Molly over here for dinner on Sunday. That way you both can see the final results of my decorating.” “Are you sure Justin? I mean I don’t want you to go to any trouble.” Justin rolled his eyes; glad his mother couldn’t see him. “I like to cook mom, it’s not as if you and Molly are going to starve. I might even have my cat by then. I figured if I couldn’t find a boyfriend, a cat was the next best thing.” “Justin, your allergies.” His mother began. “Mom, if I get more than two cats, you can begin to worry about me turning a tad too queer instead of just being one. Besides, I’ve already checked with my allergist, I’m not allergic to cats. To damn near everything else, but not cats.” He chuckled; phone calls with his mother always made him feel like he was ten years old. “Mom, I’ve got to go. I’ll let you know how the interview goes.” “But Justin, if you are trying to get your practice off the ground, how can you do justice to this program?” “Give it up mom. The program is only for a couple of hours in the afternoon. I can arrange my schedule to allow for it. Good bye mother.” He smiled as he hung up. He hadn’t waited for her to answer back. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Gus walked out of Saint James Academy alone as usual. His face was pinched and sad as he kicked the dried fall leaves on the sidewalk while he walked to where his mother stood by the big tree on the corner. She was trying to make him more independent. He’d heard her talking to momma about him. Just because he didn’t speak out loud didn’t mean he couldn’t hear them talking. But for some reason all adults thought he was deaf as well. Gus glanced at the tall man who leaned against a green car. It was a car like one of his Hot Wheels; Gus thought it would go really fast like the wind. He wished he could drive in it. The man was always there every day as if he was waiting for Gus. Gus knew it was him the man was looking at because as soon as his mommy took him away in their car, the man would get into the Hot Wheels car and drive away. The man looked sad. Gus thought he looked like he would be a good daddy. Maybe he wanted a good little boy to be his very own and that’s why he was sad. Gus wanted a daddy and that made him sad. He knew he wasn’t allowed to talk to strangers so he didn’t say anything to the man. But his mommies never said anything about giving strangers pictures. He would make a picture for the man and give it to him. If he watched carefully, he could do it on a day that his mommy was late. She was late lots of times picking him up. He could run across the street and give the man his picture before his mommy even knew he was gone. Gus’ mind was already busy trying to decide what he would draw for the man. He decided that the man would be his pretend daddy. His own daddy didn’t love him, that’s what momma said. Gus bet if he had a chance to see his real daddy, that his daddy would love him. His mom yelled at his momma all the time because his real daddy wasn’t allowed to see him. Momma said his real daddy was a bad influence. Gus thought his momma was a bad influence. His head hurt now. It always did when he started to think about his real daddy and why his momma hated him. Gus turned and looked over his shoulder, his sad eyes meeting equally sad ones. The man gave him a kind of shy smile but Gus was being pulled toward the car his mom had waiting and he wasn’t able to smile back. The smile from the man made his tummy feel good. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Was that asshole there again?” Melanie asked from her spot on the bed that had been placed in the dining room. Lindsay glanced guiltily at Gus who was taking off his coat. “You go on upstairs honey. I’ll call you when dinner is ready.” She bent over and gave him a quick hug then watched her son trudge, and it could only be called trudge, up the long stairway. “Mel, we agreed not to discuss this in front of Gus.” Lindsay hissed. “No one was there” she lied. Brian had taken to watching Gus each day after school. He’d been doing it for months. Lindsay had to clear it with the school when they had been on the verge of having Brian hauled away as a possible child molester. She was lucky that it was her they’d contacted and not Melanie. Lindsay had never discussed it with Brian and she tried not to discuss it with Melanie. It was unfortunate that Melanie had spotted him on the one day she’d picked up Gus last week. “I don’t like that asshole hanging around the school.” “Mel, it was only the once. I’ve spoken to Brian, he won’t do it again. He said he had a client meeting nearby and that’s why he stopped.” Lindsay couldn’t believe the lies that were leaving her mouth. “He probably had a trick or he’s taken to selling drugs to the kids at the school.” Melanie mumbled. Gus was sitting at the top of the stairs listening. Brian was his daddy’s name. Maybe the man was his daddy for real. He turned and headed for his room. He would make a nice picture for the man even if he wasn’t his daddy. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “So Ms. Markus and Ms. Peterson, you have my business plan and my proposal. You’ve seen my credentials and you’ve met me. It’s up to you both now.” Justin smiled at the two women as he stood up. “I have office hours from nine until noon every day. You can reach me at the number on my card any time after that. I don’t accept phone calls during office hours. That time is for the children.” “I appreciate that you’re willing to do this Mr. Taylor. I’m sure that there is a need in the community. How many children did you say would be the maximum you’d have at a time?” Melanie looked through the folder on her desk as if seeking the answer. “I really think six children would be the maximum to begin with. I would have to see how the program develops and how long each child would be enrolled. They do move on with their live as things get better.” Justin smiled again. “I’ll be waiting to hear from you.” With that said he turned and left their office in GLC. Melanie and Lindsay waited until they heard the heavy outside door close before they began to talk. “I think maybe Gus would benefit from this kind of a program.” Lindsay ventured. “He hasn’t changed since he began school. You said school would be good for him. He’s been going since he was three.” Melanie shook her head. “I don’t know Linds, it’s a lot of money for the center to put out and we can’t really offer the program if we’re going to charge a high fee. Sometimes it’s the children from the poorer homes that have problems. Gus hardly qualifies.” “Gus has emotional problems Melanie, you know that. We’ve been told that by countless doctors. I wish you’d see that getting him help isn’t the wrong thing to do.” Melanie thought for a moment. Justin Taylor was proposing something that would maybe be better for Gus than taking him to a shrink. Of course that’s exactly what Justin was, but it wouldn’t carry the same stigma that dragging him to an office would. “If we can get some additional funding, I’ll agree to having the program. I’m not too sure I like the idea of Dr. Taylor being the one to find the children. What about Gus, we don’t take Gus to him.” “Dr. Taylor said he would suggest some candidates, not that he would find the children. He also said he would have to evaluate them all. It isn’t an unreasonable request and he is giving up part of his private practice time. He could be earning a lot more money than he will be from the GLC.” Lindsay desperately wanted Gus to have this opportunity. “I can ask Brian to fund it, at least for the first six months.” “That asshole wouldn’t give me two cents.” Melanie began. “No, but he would give everything he owned if it would help Gus.” Lindsay said. Melanie snorted her derision, but said nothing. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Gus hated the weekends. Two whole days without seeing the man. He looked out his window again hoping that the man would have found out where he lived and be standing outside. It was a silly hope. The sky was beginning to darken. That was Gus’ favorite time. It meant the stars would be out soon and he could make a wish on the first star he saw. Gus wasn’t sure if it was a memory or a dream, but as long as he could recall he could hear these words as they were whispered to him. “Wish upon a star Sonny Boy and your wish will come true.” It was a nice voice, a voice filled with love. Gus pretended it was his daddy’s voice though he couldn’t remember why or when he first heard the words. He did know that he was wishing on the first star when he was three and even before that, because he hadn’t started to school when he was first wishing on the star. Gus sighed and looked around his room. It had everything a little boy could want, even a computer. His mommies had a big fight about the computer, but mom said he needed it for school. Momma had fixed it so he couldn’t get on any internet site without her permission. But he really could, he just didn’t tell her that. Gus had learned young to keep secrets from his momma if he wanted any kind of a life. There was still time before the stars were out so he crossed over to his desk and looked at the picture he was going to give the man. He’d made it small so it wouldn’t have to be folded. His mom had bought him a small sketch book two weeks ago and it was the perfect size. Gus looked at the picture he’d done. It showed the night sky outside of his bedroom window with the moon and just one star – he had carefully, printed very faintly all over the night sky so that the words looked like part of the drawing unless you looked close – I WISH – I WISH – I WISH – I WISH – I WISH I HAD A DADDY(.)(T) there must have been more than a hundred words there, faintly penciled as part of the night sky. It was his secret writing. He did it a lot when he drew pictures. So far no one, not even his mommies had noticed. Gus wondered if the man would notice. Gus printed his name at the bottom of the page and added a small heart and then a small cat. He liked cats. His mommies wouldn’t let him have one unless he started to talk. He didn’t like to be given ultimatums. They didn’t understand why he couldn’t talk. He just felt so sad inside all the time that the words didn’t come out. Gus thought you had to be happy inside to have words. The sky had darkened. Gus turned back to the window to search for his star. He found it and keeping his eyes on it he made his wish. “I wish I had my daddy. I wish that my daddy would know that I love him.” He sometimes said different words, but they always meant the same thing. It was the only time he ever said anything out loud. The sound he made was barely a whisper of sound, but the words were clearly said. Gus knew that the wishing star heard him because it twinkled. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Brian, the GLC needs the money for this project. It will benefit lots of children.” “But you think Gus will get the most from it. Why don’t you just send Gus to this Dr. Taylor and be done with it? I’ll pay the good Doctor.” “Brian, I explained to you that I don’t think singling out Gus like it would if we took him to this Doctor, is the right thing to do. By working through the program Dr. Taylor has suggested the children will interact with each other.” “Sort of like a kid’s discussion group.” Brian said thoughtfully. He looked at his former friend. “I want to see Gus, I don’t mean from across the street at the school, I mean right here. If I can see him then I’ll give you the money.” “Fuck you asshole.” Melanie stood up. She’d been silent the whole time but now she began. “You aren’t supposed to be hanging around watching my son. You gave up your rights to him.” “Yes I did.” Brian’s voice was quiet. “And there isn’t a minute of every day that I don’t regret what I did. I notice that you don’t mind taking my money though. I would think that letting me be part of his life wouldn’t hurt either of you. I don’t need to spend a lot of time with him, but the occasional Saturday would be nice.” He stood up and walked to the door of his loft and opened it. “As usual ladies we disagree about my son. And Melanie, you’ll never be able to take that away from me. He’s my son and he always will be. There will come a day when he seeks me out. How will you answer his questions then about why I wasn’t part of his life? Unlike you, I won’t lie to him and because he’s my son, he’ll know who is telling the truth. I have records of every check that I’ve given the two of you for Gus and I’ll have a record of this one for the GLC, you won’t be able to tell him that I didn’t care about him. Because I love that boy, I always have and I always will and even though you are willing to hold his well being hostage for my money. I’m not willing to do it. Let Cynthia know how much money you need. I’ll make sure the center has it.” Brian stood back with the door open. Lindsay and Melanie stood up and left without another word. Both knew that there really wasn’t anything they could say that would make things right. Brian shut the door to the loft resisting the urge to slam it. He wouldn’t give that bitch Melanie the satisfaction of knowing how she affected him. He stalked over to the bar and poured himself a stiff glass of Jim Beam before walking over to the window and looking out at the night sky. With a silent toast to the lone star shining, he made a wish that he’d have his son back someday. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Dr. Taylor, if you’d like to meet me at the GLC tomorrow, we can show you the room you can use.” Lindsay began. “So you got the funding.” Justin grinned. His grin was infectious and came across over the phone lines. “We did. I’m so excited. I even found an office for you at the center. I know you have one at your home, but I figured you might need one with the program you’re going to be running.” “It won’t hurt to have one there. And Lindsay, call me Justin, Dr. Taylor is so formal.” “But shouldn’t the children call you by your title?” she asked thinking of Gus and what she was going to say to him about this new program. “Lindsay, too many of the children have dealt with doctor after doctor. I find that the children relate better to me if I’m Justin to them. After all, I call them by their first names.” “But it’s so informal.” Lindsay protested. “I’m not sure what the other parents will think.” “Frankly Lindsay I don’t give a shit about the parents. I’m interested in the children. You do understand that these children are troubled not from birth but from events that have happened in their lives. Usually the parents have at least a little bit to do with it.” “But that isn’t always true. I mean our son Gus; well I was hoping that you would accept him into the program. Melanie and I have never done anything to harm him.” “Your son? What’s wrong with him?” Justin was curious. “He’s six and he doesn’t speak. There isn’t anything physically wrong with him. We’ve had him to a number of doctors. But he won’t speak.” “You know Lindsay, there is very little a child can control in his life. Speech is one thing that he can control. Gus has his reasons for holding back speech. I’d like to see his medical records and I’d like to meet Gus. He certainly sounds like he would be a good candidate for the program.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “Melanie, I’m sorry, but I can’t get away from the gallery in time to pick Gus up. Sam wants his latest works rearranged. Can you pick up Gus at school.” “Christ Linds, it’s already three o’clock. The kid will be waiting in the rain.” Melanie was on the phone and gathering up her car keys as she talked. “I know, tell him I’m sorry, but the time just seemed to disappear. I love you.” Lindsay hung up the phone. At the school, Gus walked out alone as usual. He preferred his solitary status. It was easy to maintain once the other kids realized that he didn’t talk, they pretty much ignored him. He looked for his mother and didn’t see her or their car. He was a bit late coming out, most of the other kids had left already, but he wanted to make sure that his picture for the man was protected from the rain. So he waited until the teacher wasn’t looking and then helped himself to a plastic page protector from the storage shelf. He liked the way his picture looked behind the plastic. The star looked like it was shining. The man was across the street in his usual spot. Gus looked again for his mother and not seeing her, thought this would be the perfect time to give the picture to the man. His mothers had told him that starting tomorrow, he’d be going to an after school program at the GLC. He didn’t want to go, but as a kid didn’t have much to say about it. A small smile escaped when he realized what he’d been thinking. Taking a chance now that he had reached the sidewalk, he darted out from between the cars parked on this side to run across the street. Everything happened in slow motion – Melanie turned the corner and saw Gus running out into the street with something in his hand – at the same time a large delivery van backed out of a driveway quickly heading straight for Gus – Brian being closer and seeing what was happening, moved with lightning speed and scooped Gus up in his arms, the delivery van missing the boy by inches. It drove off without knowing the drama that had unfolded. Brian crushed Gus to his chest, his heart pounding furiously. Melanie, frozen to the pavement began to run toward Brian and Gus. “Sonny Boy, you have to be careful. I love you very much and want you around for a long, long time.” Brian whispered to his son. He kissed Gus’ forehead, the boy was snatched roughly from his arms. Gus shoved the picture at Brian who grabbed it. Melanie was screeching at him. “Kinney if I find you here one more time I’m getting a restraining order. It’s all your fault, you almost got my son killed.” She turned and ran to her car dragging Gus with her. Brian stood at the side of the street, a plastic covered picture in his hand, his face flushed with anger at Melanie. He could still feel the soft warmth of his son’s forehead on his lips and feel the fear in his heart when he had thought the boy was going to be hurt. Gus turned and looked out the window at the man. He remembered the words the man whispered. He’d called him Sonny Boy, just like he had remembered and he’d said that he loved him and he’d kissed him. Gus couldn’t remember anyone kissing him. Other kid’s mommies kissed them when they dropped them off at school, but his mommies didn’t kiss. Maybe they didn’t love him. Maybe that’s why they never kissed him. Maybe he had been such a bad boy that his father hadn’t wanted him and even his mommies didn’t really want him. They were going to have a new baby. It was a girl. Maybe girls can get kisses and loves and not boys. He puzzled over the events as the car drove through the rain soaked streets on the way home. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Justin opened the door to the GLC. A notice had been posted on the board about the program he was developing along with his credentials. He grinned to himself, his mother would be pleased. She never tired of letting people know that he was called Doctor Taylor even though he did have an honors degree in visual arts, his mother felt the degree in psychology was more important. “Hey Justin, it’s wonderful to see you.” Lindsay gushed. She had a small boy by the hand. “This is Gus. He would like to be part of your program.” Gus looked up at the blond man who smiled down at him. He hoped the man could tell that he really didn’t want to be part of any damn after school program. Justin squatted down so that he was at the same level as Gus. “Hi Gus, I bet you think that this after school program is going to suck. I know I would if I were you. Don’t you just hate it when adults think they know what’s best for kids?” he grinned at the small boy who gave him a half smile in agreement. Maybe this man wouldn’t be too bad Gus thought. He looked into the smiling blue eyes. They were as blue as his favorite crayon, azure blue. Gus smiled and held out his hand to shake hands. Justin solemnly shook Gus’ hand. “Welcome to This Stupid Program.” He giggled. “Do you think the name is catchy enough or should we change it to something the parents would like?” Gus shook his head no and grinned at Justin and then up at his mother. This was going to be kind of cool. Justin stood up. “Lindsay, I’m sure you’re busy. I need to get the class room ready. Why don’t you leave Gus here with me. He can help set things up for the other kids. The two of us can get to know one another while we work.” “Gus, do you want to stay here with Dr.—I mean Justin?” Lindsay asked. “I’ll pick you up in an hour.” To answer his mother, Gus walked over and took Justin’s hand. “I’ll see you in an hour Lindsay. Since it’s been awhile since lunch, can Gus share my snack? I promise it isn’t beer and pretzels.” He was rewarded with a small barely heard giggle from Gus. Lindsay looked at her son in astonishment. “Gus can have a snack. He usually has fruit or veggies.” She offered as a suggestion. Justin turned to Gus and wrinkled his nose. “I’ll remember that” he said before turning with Gus and heading for the empty class room. When the two of them were inside, they both stood and looked around. There were a couple of boxes on the floor and one on the desk. “I think the first thing we need to do is eat something.” Justin said. He pulled off the backpack he’d been wearing and pulled out a brown bag. “Find us an empty table Gus in this crowded restaurant and save me a seat.” Gus giggled again and headed for a round table in the corner of the room. Six small chairs were placed around it. Justin made a mental note to add another chair. He’d be joining the group at the table. “Good choice Gus. Not only do we have lots of room, but we won’t be bothered by the other noisy people here.” He looked around and whispered. “Don’t you hate it when it gets so noisy you can’t hear yourself speak?” Gus nodded as he sat down. Justin took a seat beside him and placed the bag on the table. “First of all, I know your mom started to call me Doctor Taylor. Well, I guess I can be called that. I know my mother sure likes to call me that. But you know Gus, it’s only a word. My name is Justin Taylor. I like my young friends to call me Justin. After all I call you Gus; Mr. Peterson Marcus is just too much trouble to say all the time. I’m not the ‘stick you with a needle ‘kind of doctor anyway. I’m more the ‘what jerk bugged this kid so he won’t talk’ kind of doctor. I like to make my little friends feel good about themselves. I don’t care about the adults, after all the adults are big enough to look after themselves. But I really care about children. I hope that you and I will be friends and maybe someday we can unlock your words. If we can great, and if we can’t, well that’s life, you’ll still be my friend.” Justin opened up the bag and deposited a big round oatmeal and chocolate chip cooking in front of Gus and one in front of him. He took out two small bottles of water handing one to Gus. “Well, it isn’t fruit or veggies, but I made the cookies myself. I heard that if you eat enough chocolate you’ll get curly hair.” He tugged on his straight blond hair. “I’m still waiting.” Gus smiled. He jumped up and ran to the desk where he took a piece of paper and a pencil. He brought them back to where he and Justin were sitting and printed. ‘I like your hair; it’s shiny like the sun.’ Justin took a bite of his cookie. “Good cookie.” Gus took a bite and printed ‘Yum’ The two of them ate in companionable silence. Gus finished first. He began to draw a picture. It was of a man with dark hair. He was tall and thin and was holding the hand of a much smaller version of the man. Suddenly the boy drew a heavy X through the man’s picture and crumpled up the paper. “Gus, do you want to tell me about the man in the picture?” Justin asked quietly. He wasn’t sure what this man meant. Perhaps he’d done something to the child beside him. Maybe this was why Gus didn’t talk. Gus shook his head no. “That’s okay; we’ll talk about him another time.” Justin stroked his hand over Gus’ fine auburn hair. “Let’s get this room ready. Tomorrow the other children will be here. You can show them where everything is.” ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brian lounged in the back of the booth in the diner. Mikey was yakking about something mindless, Emmett was listening intently. Ted hadn’t arrived yet and neither had Ben, Mikey’s significant other. Hunter, Ben and Mikey’s foster kid was busing a nearby table. There was nothing new or unusual about the scene. The gang seemed to gravitate here every day about three thirty before each of them went back to their various jobs. Brian had been heading for Saint James when he’d spotted Melanie in her car waiting for Gus. He’d gone on by the corner, not turning. He didn’t need the hassle of a restraining order. She’d get over it eventually, if nothing else her pregnancy would ground her soon. He only needed to be patient. He found himself heading for the diner early. There was no point in changing his routine after all these months. He could still smell his son’s shampoo and feel the small thin body in his arms. The picture Gus had given him was framed and in a place of honor on his credenza at work. He spent a lot of time there and found the picture somehow endearing. That single star among the cloudy sky that was filled with the words ‘I wish’ He’d asked Cynthia if she could see anything unusual about the small sketch. To her it was a rather dark sketch of a star in a cloudy night sky. She didn’t see the words. Brian knew then that the words penciled in the sketch were how Gus communicated with anyone who cared enough to know him. His heart had cracked when he noticed the one ‘I wish I had a daddy’ If there was a way, he’d find it. Gus needed him. So while the rest of the gang sat in the diner speculating on Brian’s love life, Brian sat and saw his son, held his son, felt his son’s heart beating, while he stared off into the distance.