The Little Things Pt 67/? (Forever After Sequel)
Flash Forward 2032
Sebastian looked out of the car window frowning. “Do we really need to go so far out of Hollywood just to get some lunch?”
“Do you want to run the risk of bumping into someone you know?” Jackson asked.
“Just remember I have to be back for school getting out,” Sebastian said. “Papa always insists we all make sure to call him if we’re going to be late home.”
“So you can give him a call,” Jackson shrugged. “Tell him you’re with a friend.”
“I’ve been doing that a lot lately,” Sebastian sighed looking out of the window. “I hate not telling them the truth.”
“They wouldn’t understand the truth,” Jackson remarked. “You really think they would let us still hang out if they knew?”
“I probably wouldn’t be allowed to leave the house again,” Sebastian admitted.
“And that’s why we need to keep this a secret,” Jackson smiled. “We just found each other again. We can’t risk losing each other.”
“Yeah,” Sebastian nodded before looking out of the window again. “They wouldn’t understand.”
…………………………………….
“I don’t understand,” Kris frowned as he stood in front of the office at Sebastian’s school.
“How can he be with his father when we’re here looking for him?” Adam asked.
“All I can tell you is that his father picked him up about an hour ago for his dentist appointment,” the school secretary answered.
“And the man that picked him up said he was his father?” Kris asked.
“Well no,” the secretary answered.
“So you just let my kid walk out of here with someone you don’t know?” Adam snapped.
“He said he was your driver,” the secretary stuttered.
“I don’t have a driver,” Adam snapped. “If anything happens to him…”
“Come on,” Kris said grabbing Adam’s arm. “We’ll call him.”
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Adam said as he ran towards his car in the parking lot.
“He’s not answering,” Kris said jogging to keep up with Adam.
“Call Ryan,” Adam said climbing into the car. “Get the number of the waitress.”
“Shouldn’t we call the police?” Kris asked causing Adam to freeze. “I mean… shouldn’t we?”
“You don’t think he’s going to hurt him, do you?”
“Of course not,” Kris sighed reaching over to rub Adam’s arm. “We just have to figure out where the hell they are.”
“I don’t know if the police is a good idea,” Adam said. “It might cause them to run.”
“Then what the fuck do we do?” Kris snapped.
“We call the waitress,” Adam answered starting up the car. “And we find out where this fucker lives.”
……………………………………….
“Hey,” Gabe smiled as he watched Jacob walked into the garage. “What are you doing here?”
“Thought I would pop in and see how your day is going,” Jacob shrugged.
“Why aren’t you at college?”
“Okay, don’t get on at me,” Jacob sighed dramatically.
“What?” Gabe frowned.
“I might have had a little accident,” Jacob mumbled.
“Accident?” Gabe asked scanning Jacob for injuries. “What happened?”
“Well there was this tree…”
“What happened, Jacob?” Gabe asked through gritted teeth.
“It just came out of nowhere,” Jacob answered.
“A tree came out of nowhere?” Gabe asked.
“I was trying to park,” Jacob sighed. “I swear I didn’t see it in the mirror. This fell off of it.” Jacob handed Gabe a small piece of metal.
“That’s all?” Gabe asked. “That’s not too bad. I can fix this.”
“There might be a little dent in it too,” Jacob said quietly. “Oh and the break-lights are gone.”
“Right,” Gabe sighed. “Maybe I can get one of the guys to take a look at it.”
“Can you get him to do it for free?” Jacob asked. “You know, so my Papa doesn’t kill me.”
“Better than the tree killing you,” Gabe sighed. “You really have to be more careful when you’re driving.”
“The tree started it,” Jacob snapped.
…………………………………………….
“They really seem to be getting on board with the idea,” Sebastian remarked taking another bite out of his burger. “They’ve even arranged a meeting with some officers.”
“You really think they’re going to do that?” Jackson asked as he looked across the table at Sebastian.
“They said they would.”
“They’re trying to keep you quiet,” Jackson pointed out. “They’re no way they’re going to let you join the Air Force.”
“But…”
“Son,” Jackson sighed leaning back in his seat, “you really think Adam and Kris around going to back down now? They’ve fought it too much. I guarantee you they are going to tell you no when the time comes.”
“So why lie to me?” Sebastian sighed as he threw his burger down on his plate.
“Stop you lashing out,” Jackson shrugged. “Now if you were to go home and announce that you want to get into fashion or pick up a guitar they would be on board, but I think they’ve proven how unsupportive they really are when it comes to your interests.”
“They’ve never stopped be doing anything I want before,” Sebastian said quietly looking down at his hands.
“You should stop worrying about them,” Jackson said leaning forward. “I actually want to talk to you about something.”
“Yeah?”
“Now you have to hear me out,” Jackson whispered. “Are you going to listen to me with an open mind?”
“Sure,” Sebastian frowned.
“Okay,” Jackson breathed out before leaning his elbows on the table in front of him. “So I’ve been doing some research over the last few weeks. Research involving the Air Force. I read about this airbase in Mexico.”
“I don’t think we have an airbase in Mexico,” Sebastian frowned.
“It’s more like a training ground,” Jackson answered. “Anyway, they have planes there and they give these private lessons to anyone who thinks they want to join. I thought maybe it would be something you would be interested in.”
“It is,” Sebastian said sitting forward. “It’s something I would really like.”
“I’m glad you said that,” Jackson smiled reaching into his pocket.
“The problem is getting my Dad and Papa to agree for me to go,” Sebastian sighed.
“That’s not a problem,” Jackson smiled sliding a letter across the table to Sebastian.
“What’s this?”
“A three hour flying session,” Jackson answered. “Booked in for tomorrow morning.”
“Okay there is no way they’re going to go for that,” Sebastian scoffed.
“They don’t need to,” Jackson smirked. “We leave now we could be there by tomorrow.”
“Yeah right,” Sebastian laughed.
“I’m being serious,” Jackson said causing Sebastian to look at him.
“Do you realize what my parent would do to me if I just took off to Mexico?”
“What they’re already doing to you,” Jackson shrugged. “Holding you back. Stopping you from doing what you really want to do. Sebastian it’s became clear to me over these past few weeks that Adam and Kris are more interested in their biological children than they are in the ones they adopted.”
“What?”
“Look at Sophia,” Jackson said. “She’s pregnant at fifteen, moves to New York alone at eighteen, and has married twice by the age of twenty. They’ve let her do whatever the hell she wants. As long as she’s out of their house and not disturbing their happy little family, she can do what she wants.”
“That’s not true,” Sebastian frowned.
“You really think they would have let one of their real children move half way across the country?”
“Jacob moved in with his boyfriend.”
“And moved back home two weeks later,” Jackson pointed out. “Plus, he moved twenty minutes away. Not across the country.”
“Sophia’s always been independent,” Sebastian explained.
“Sophia’s always not been theirs,” Jackson pointed out. “Look I know you don’t want to hurt them, but you’ve got to start thinking about yourself. I know they’ve been good to you, but they aren’t family. They’re the people who looked after you while your real family couldn’t. But Seb, your family can now. I’ve worked hard for the last fourteen years to build a life for us. You and me.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’ve got it all figured out,” Jackson answered. “We go to Mexico and hang low for a few months. I’ve got a lawyer friend living there and he’s willing to let us stay with him. He’s going to help us with everything.”
“Isn’t that kidnapping?”
“I’m your Dad,” Jackson answered reaching across the table to touch Sebastian’s hand. “He’s explained it all to me. We go there and stay until he figures out a custody arrangement with Adam and Kris, then we go back to LA and you get to start rotc as soon. I can sign all the papers you would need.”
“But my Dad and Papa…”
“Sure they’re going to be angry at first,” Jackson said. “But given time they’ll see that you’re serious about this. Two months in Mexico and they’ll be willing to let you do what you want. Plus the best part is that you and I can be together. Your Mom can move out to LA, and we can be a real family. I know she’s going to be so proud of you for joining the air force. I don’t know if you know this but her father was in the air force.”
“Really?”
“He’s retired now, but I’m sure once we get this all sorted out he can help you,” Jackson answered. “All we have to do is get in the car and go.”
“What happens when I don’t show up after school?” Sebastian asked. “They’ll call the police.”
“Once we’re far enough away you can call them,” Jackson answered. “You can explain it to them. Tell them that this is what you want. What do you say?”
Sebastian looked around the restaurant before nodding his head. “We should probably grab something else to eat. It’s a long way to Mexico.”
“That’s my boy,” Jackson smiled.
………………………………………..
“Drop the tools,” Jacob said closing his cell. “That was Dad, he wants us to pick up Elle at school.”
“Why?”
“Something about Sebastian skipping school or something,” Jacob shrugged. “Anyway he wants us to pick her up and take her for something to eat.”
“Well we’re going to have to take my car,” Gabe said standing up. “You’ve buckled the back wheel.”
“And that’s bad?”
“How did you even drive it over here?”
“There was some noise,” Jacob shrugged. “So can you fix it?”
“Not without money,” Gabe answered. “You need a whole new wheel.”
“Why can’t you do it for free?” Jacob whispered. “I would make it worth your while.”
“Really?” Gabe asked taking a step forward. “What would you do?”
“Whatever you want me to do,” Jacob answered running a fingertip down Gabe’s chest. “I’m sure we could come to an arrangement.”
“We’ll,” Gabe smiled stepping back, “see that old man over there with the grey beard?”
“Yeah.”
“He’ll be the one fixing your car,” Gabe smiled. “You’ll have to talk to him about your arrangement.”
“You’re not funny,” Jacob pouted moving away from Gabe.
“Come on,” Gabe laughed. “Let’s go pick up your sister.”
………………………………………….
“Adam she’s not answering,” Kris sighed as he leaned against the wall.
“I’ll keep banging until she does,” Adam said banging on Amy’s front door again.
“She’s not in.”
“Maybe we could try where she works.”
“She didn’t tell her work number,” Kris answered as he walked away from the apartment. Only a phone number and this address.”
“Well we’ll look around the diners close by,” Adam shrugged. “I’m sure she works around here somewhere.”
“Maybe we should go home and see if Sebastian’s showed up there,” Kris sighed as he walked towards the car.
“I’ve already sent Brad over there,” Adam sighed. “Cassidy’s drove around the gyms.”
“Maybe we should look around some diners,” Kris sighed looking around the street.
“Or we should call the police,” Adam said quietly.
“We tried that before, remember?” Kris asked. “They told us to wait. Sebastian’s only been gone a few hours.”
“Some stranger walked into his school and took him out,” Adam snapped. “They have to take that seriously.”
“But he’s not a stranger,” Kris sighed. “He’s his biological father. He’s someone Sebastian has been seeing for god knows how long.”
“Kris, I don’t know what to do,” Adam said with tears in his eyes.
“I know, baby,” Kris sighed moving forward to wrap his arms around Adam’s neck.
“If something happens to him…”
“Nothing’s going to happen to him,” Kris sighed. “Jackson’s not going to hurt him.”
“But what if they’re already gone?” Adam asked into Kris’s shoulder.
Kris pulled back wiping the tears from his eyes. “I think I should call our lawyer now. See what our rights are.”
“What should I do?”
“There’s a diner on the corner,” Kris answered pulling out his cell. “Go ask them if there’s an Amy working for them.”
“Okay,” Adam said moving to walk away.
“Adam?” Kris called out.
“Yeah?”
“We’re going to get him back.”
“I hope so,” Adam said quietly before walking away and leaving Kris standing by the car alone.”
……………………………………
“Please Jacob,” Elle complained as she climbed into the back of Gabe’s car.
“For the last time Elle, we are not going to a Travis Sugar concert,” Jacob sighed climbing into the passenger’s seat.
“Who is Travis Sugar?” Gabe asked starting up the car.
“The world’s worst singer,” Jacob answered causing Elle to pout.
“Is not. He’s amazing. He’s got this really cool voice…”
“Someone has a crush,” Gabe whispered.
“Yeah,” Elle smirked. “Travis Sugar does.”
“What?” Gabe asked confused.
“We’ve met him,” Elle explained. “At the MTV awards.”
“And what age is Travis Sugar?” Gabe asked looking into the mirror at Elle.
“Eighteen,” Elle answered causing Gabe to look at Jacob.
“Please tell me an eighteen-year-old wasn’t hitting on your little sister. Please tell me that didn’t happen.”
“He doesn’t have a crush on me,” Elle laughed.
“Shut up, Elle,” Jacob warned.
“He’s got his eye on another Allen kid,” Elle laughed.
“Oh,” Gabe said with a raised eyebrow. “Is that so?”
“I have no idea what she’s talking about,” Jacob answered flipping his hair.
“He gave Jacob his number,” Elle smirked. “Told him he was doing a show that’s next week, and that he should come.”
“Really?” Gabe asked. “I thought the MTV awards were boring. Didn’t you say you spent the whole night sitting with your Papa being bored?”
“And that is true.”
“Papa sat with Gaga all night,” Elle frowned. “We sat at another table with Travis and Pink’s daughter.”
“Elle seriously,” Jacob warned.
“You shouldn’t lie,” Elle pointed out. “It’s not nice. It could hurt Gabe’s feelings.”
“Why wasn’t I an only child?” Jacob sighed leaning his head against the car window.
“So what’s this Travis Sugar like?” Gabe asked looking at Elle.
“So cute,” Elle smiled.
“Cuter than me?”
“Totally.”
“Ouch,” Gabe winced. “I thought I was your favorite guy.”
“Can you sing?”
“Not really,” Gabe frowned.
“Can you play guitar?”
“Nope.”
“Then you’ve been replaced.”
“Ouch,” Gabe repeated.
“So can we go?”
“No,” Jacob snapped.
“I think you should,” Gabe smirked. “I mean it would be rude not to.”
“He’s a silly kid who thinks he’s James Dean,” Jacob shrugged.
“And he likes you,” Gabe remarked. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Do you tell me every time a guy hits on you?”
“No,” Gabe frowned. “It’s never happened. Wait, are you telling me guys hit on you?”
“Sure,” Jacob shrugged. “Once or twice.”
“Tell him about the blond that said you had a nice butt.”
“Elle,” Jacob said through gritted teeth.
“Really?” Gabe frowned. “Random boys telling you about your nice butt? Why am I letting you out alone?”
“Shut up,” Jacob sighed. “Both of you.”
………………………………….
“You sure you’ve got enough?” Jackson smirked as he watched Sebastian put another packet of chips into the basket.
“I like to snack.”
“I can see that,” Jackson laughed.
“So where are we?” Sebastian asked looking around the store.
“Palm Springs,” Jackson answered.
“You think there’s a Motel around here somewhere?”
“Probably,” Jackson shrugged. “Why?”
“You should probably have a few hours of sleep before we hit the road,” Sebastian answered. “If you’re going to be driving all night.”
“I don’t think stopping is a good idea,” Jackson frowned. “We’ve got to keep going.”
“If you fall asleep at the wheel we won’t be going anywhere,” Sebastian shrugged. “I’ve already called home and left a message on the answering machine telling them I’m going to the gym and then I’m going to a friends. We’ve got hours before they start realizing something is up.”
“I am a little tired,” Jackson said.
“Two hours tops,” Sebastian shrugged. “We’ll still make it to Mexico on time.”
“We passed a Motel about a mile back,” Jackson said.
“I’ll go grab us some more drinks,” Sebastian smiled.
“I’ll pay for this.”
Sebastian walked away before turning back. “Dad?”
“Yeah?” Jackson asked with wide eyes.
“I’m really happy we found each other,” Sebastian smiled before turning and walking away.
……………………………………….
“Nothing,” Adam said as he climbed into the car. “No one’s heard of her.”
“I called the lawyer,” Kris said rubbing his neck.
“And?”
“Jackson and Kelly’s rights were terminated when Sebastian was three.”
“So he’s ours,” Adam said. “Jackson’s breaking the law?”
“Yeah,” Kris nodded. “But…
“But what?” Adam interrupted.
“Well with Sophia we filed paperwork with the lawyer before she was born,” Kris explained. “Kelly signed things, but with Sebastian…”
“We didn’t know he was coming,” Adam sighed.
“Kelly never sighed anything.”
“So what does this mean?” Adam asked rubbing his eyes.
“He says It’s still kidnapping, but there’s a way that Jackson could get us into court,” Kris answered. “He told us to call the cops though.”
“So what are we waiting for?” Adam asked reaching for his cell.
“I’m hoping this isn’t real,” Kris said choking back a sob. “Calling the police makes this all the more real.”
“Not calling them is wasting time,” Adam said reaching over to hold Kris’s hand. “He could be half way to Mexico by now.”
“Which means he wants to go,” Kris said wiping the tears from his eyes. “Our son doesn’t want to be with us anymore. What happens when we call the police and the get him back? Do you think Sebastian’s going to be happy with us?”
“I don’t care,” Adam said shaking his head.
“He might hate us,” Kris said. “He’s already no happy about this whole air force thing.”
“He can hate us all he wants,” Adam said. “But he’s ours, and he’s staying with us.”
Kris opened his mouth to answer, but closed it again at the sound of his cell ringing. “It’s him.”
“What?... give me it,” Adam said taking Kris’s cell from his hand. “Sebastian?”
“Papa?” Sebastian whispered.
“Sebastian, where are you?” Adam asked. “Sebastian I want you to come home right now.”
“I can’t,” Sebastian whispered.
“What do you mean, you can’t?” Adam hissed. “Sebastian where are you?”
“I’ve messed up, Papa,” Sebastian admitted. “I’ve really messed up.”
“That’s not important, honey,” Adam sighed. “Sweetheart just tell us where you are. Daddy and I will come and get you.”
“You might now want to come and get me when you’ve heard what I’ve done.”
“We know what you’ve done,” Adam said. “We know about Jackson, and that’s okay, but honey we just want you to come home. We can figure it all out when you come home.”
“I want to come home,” Sebastian admitted as he choked back a sob.
“Then all you have to do is tell us where you are,” Adam said softly.
“I’m in Palm Springs,” Sebastian said. “In a Motel.”
“Palm Springs,” Adam said causing Kris to start up the car. “Okay honey, we’re going to be there as quick as we can, but you have to promise me you’re going to stay right where you are.”
“I convinced Jackson it was a good idea to have a few hours sleep before we start driving to Mexico.”
“That’s good,” Adam breathed out. “You did good, honey. Now I just need you to tell me the name of the Motel you’re in.”
“I am really sorry, Papa,” Sebastian said crying into the phone. “I’ve been so stupid.”
“That’s not important now, honey,” Adam sighed. “You want to come home with us, don’t you?”
“I do,” Sebastian cried.
“Then that’s all that’s important,” Adam said glancing at Kris.
……………………….
“We should get something else to eat before we go,” Sebastian said as he watched Jackson put his shoes on.
“We’ll grab a burger on the way,” Jackson said. “We’ve got to hit the road son.”
“But you didn’t sleep long,” Sebastian said looking at his watch. “Don’t you want another sleep?”
“Don’t worry about me,” Jackson smiled standing up. “I’ll sleep plenty when we get to Mexico.”
“What about a shower?” Sebastian asked in a panic. “I could really use a shower.”
“What is up with you?” Jackson laughed.
“I think I’m nervous,” Sebastian admitted.
“Well it’s a big day,” Jackson smiled walking forward to put his hand on Sebastian’s shoulder. “I’ll tell you what, when we get to Mexico we can call your Mom. You want to talk to your Mom don’t you?”
“Yeah,” Sebastian smiled. “I…” Sebastian froze as the hotel door banged.
“Sebastian?” Kris yelled through the closed door. “Sebastian.”
“What did you do?” Jackson asked stepping away from the door.
“I had to,” Sebastian whispered.
“Sebastian, its Dad,” Kris yelled banging to door again.
“Sweetheart open the door,” Adam yelled.
“Why did you do this?” Jackson asked slumping down onto the bed. “We were going to be together.”
“You’re not my Dad,” Sebastian answered.
“Sebastian,” Adam yelled.
Sebastian moved to the door opening it before stepping back towards Jackson. “I don’t want you to be my Dad,” Sebastian added looking at Jackson.
“Are you okay?” Adam said grabbing Sebastian by the shoulders as he looked him up and down.
“I’m fine, Papa,” Sebastian mumbled as Adam held him to his chest.
“Adam, take Sebastian to the car,” Kris said taking a step towards Jackson.
“Don’t hurt him, Dad,” Sebastian said moving out of Adam’s arms.
Kris looked down at Jackson crying on the bed. “I’m not going to hurt him.”
“Come on, Sebastian,” Adam said tugging on his son’s hand.
“I’m sorry, Jackson,” Sebastian said looking down at the bed, “but I can’t be your son.”
“Come on,” Adam whispered as he led Sebastian out of the motel room.
Kris waited until Adam had disappeared before looking back down at Jackson on the bed. “Look at me.”
“He’s not yours,” Jackson said wiping the tears from his eyes. “He’ll never be yours.”
“What’s his favorite color?” Kris asked causing Jackson to frown. “It’s blue. What makes him scared?”
“I…”
“The music in horror films,” Kris answered. “He likes to pretend that he’s not scared, but whenever it starts he inches closer to you on the sofa. Do you know what put him to sleep when he was a baby? Or what he insisted on wearing to his five birthday party. Or how about the age he started boxing, or started riding his bike with two wheels. What makes him giggle until he’s on the floor? What makes him angry, or sad? Do you know any of these things?”
“I know he’s mine,” Jackson said quietly.
“He was never yours,” Kris said. “Adam and I have been there from day one. We were the ones that changed his diaper for the first time. We gave him his first bath, and we were the ones to put him to bed the first night of his life. You were nowhere to be seen. As far as I’m concerned you’re nothing but a sperm donor.” Kris stepped forward causing Jackson to lean back. “If you come near my son again I will kill you with my bare hands.”
“I’ll fight for him,” Jackson said. “I’ll get the best lawyer I can find.”
“That’s going to be hard to do from prison,” Kris smirked.
“What?”
“I had to practically beg Adam not to beat the crap out of you the moment we go here,” Kris explained. “I didn’t want Sebastian seeing that. But I couldn’t stop him from calling the cops.”
“You called the cops?” Jackson asked scrabbling from the bed.
“They’re downstairs waiting for you,” Kris said moving towards the motel door. “You probably shouldn’t keep them waiting.”
“Kris…”
“Just stay away from my kids,” Kris said opening the motel door. “If I hear you’ve even tried to contact Sophia or Sebastian then I will let Adam do what he wanted to do with you.”
………………………………….
Kris climbed into the driver’s seat looking over his shoulder at Sebastian sitting pressed against Adam’s side in the backseat. “You okay?”
“You didn’t hurt him, did you?”
“I didn’t put a finger on him.”
“He didn’t hurt me,” Sebastian said. “He was nice to me.”
“He took you away without our permission,” Adam said. “He kidnapped you.”
“He only wanted to get to know me,” Sebastian explained.
“He wanted to take you away from us,” Kris sighed.
“But…”
“Look, let’s just go home,” Adam sighed. “It’s been a long day. We can talk about all of this later.” Kris nodded his head before turning to start up the car.
“I am sorry,” Sebastian whispered into Adam’s chest. “I know I’ve hurt you.”
“That’s not important,” Adam whispered into Sebastian’s hair as he pulled him tighter to his chest.
“I love you, Papa.”
“I love you too, sweetheart,” Adam whispered kissing the top of Sebastian’s head.
End of Flash Forward 2032
Sebastian looked out of the car window frowning. “Do we really need to go so far out of Hollywood just to get some lunch?”
“Do you want to run the risk of bumping into someone you know?” Jackson asked.
“Just remember I have to be back for school getting out,” Sebastian said. “Papa always insists we all make sure to call him if we’re going to be late home.”
“So you can give him a call,” Jackson shrugged. “Tell him you’re with a friend.”
“I’ve been doing that a lot lately,” Sebastian sighed looking out of the window. “I hate not telling them the truth.”
“They wouldn’t understand the truth,” Jackson remarked. “You really think they would let us still hang out if they knew?”
“I probably wouldn’t be allowed to leave the house again,” Sebastian admitted.
“And that’s why we need to keep this a secret,” Jackson smiled. “We just found each other again. We can’t risk losing each other.”
“Yeah,” Sebastian nodded before looking out of the window again. “They wouldn’t understand.”
…………………………………….
“I don’t understand,” Kris frowned as he stood in front of the office at Sebastian’s school.
“How can he be with his father when we’re here looking for him?” Adam asked.
“All I can tell you is that his father picked him up about an hour ago for his dentist appointment,” the school secretary answered.
“And the man that picked him up said he was his father?” Kris asked.
“Well no,” the secretary answered.
“So you just let my kid walk out of here with someone you don’t know?” Adam snapped.
“He said he was your driver,” the secretary stuttered.
“I don’t have a driver,” Adam snapped. “If anything happens to him…”
“Come on,” Kris said grabbing Adam’s arm. “We’ll call him.”
“I can’t believe this is happening,” Adam said as he ran towards his car in the parking lot.
“He’s not answering,” Kris said jogging to keep up with Adam.
“Call Ryan,” Adam said climbing into the car. “Get the number of the waitress.”
“Shouldn’t we call the police?” Kris asked causing Adam to freeze. “I mean… shouldn’t we?”
“You don’t think he’s going to hurt him, do you?”
“Of course not,” Kris sighed reaching over to rub Adam’s arm. “We just have to figure out where the hell they are.”
“I don’t know if the police is a good idea,” Adam said. “It might cause them to run.”
“Then what the fuck do we do?” Kris snapped.
“We call the waitress,” Adam answered starting up the car. “And we find out where this fucker lives.”
……………………………………….
“Hey,” Gabe smiled as he watched Jacob walked into the garage. “What are you doing here?”
“Thought I would pop in and see how your day is going,” Jacob shrugged.
“Why aren’t you at college?”
“Okay, don’t get on at me,” Jacob sighed dramatically.
“What?” Gabe frowned.
“I might have had a little accident,” Jacob mumbled.
“Accident?” Gabe asked scanning Jacob for injuries. “What happened?”
“Well there was this tree…”
“What happened, Jacob?” Gabe asked through gritted teeth.
“It just came out of nowhere,” Jacob answered.
“A tree came out of nowhere?” Gabe asked.
“I was trying to park,” Jacob sighed. “I swear I didn’t see it in the mirror. This fell off of it.” Jacob handed Gabe a small piece of metal.
“That’s all?” Gabe asked. “That’s not too bad. I can fix this.”
“There might be a little dent in it too,” Jacob said quietly. “Oh and the break-lights are gone.”
“Right,” Gabe sighed. “Maybe I can get one of the guys to take a look at it.”
“Can you get him to do it for free?” Jacob asked. “You know, so my Papa doesn’t kill me.”
“Better than the tree killing you,” Gabe sighed. “You really have to be more careful when you’re driving.”
“The tree started it,” Jacob snapped.
…………………………………………….
“They really seem to be getting on board with the idea,” Sebastian remarked taking another bite out of his burger. “They’ve even arranged a meeting with some officers.”
“You really think they’re going to do that?” Jackson asked as he looked across the table at Sebastian.
“They said they would.”
“They’re trying to keep you quiet,” Jackson pointed out. “They’re no way they’re going to let you join the Air Force.”
“But…”
“Son,” Jackson sighed leaning back in his seat, “you really think Adam and Kris around going to back down now? They’ve fought it too much. I guarantee you they are going to tell you no when the time comes.”
“So why lie to me?” Sebastian sighed as he threw his burger down on his plate.
“Stop you lashing out,” Jackson shrugged. “Now if you were to go home and announce that you want to get into fashion or pick up a guitar they would be on board, but I think they’ve proven how unsupportive they really are when it comes to your interests.”
“They’ve never stopped be doing anything I want before,” Sebastian said quietly looking down at his hands.
“You should stop worrying about them,” Jackson said leaning forward. “I actually want to talk to you about something.”
“Yeah?”
“Now you have to hear me out,” Jackson whispered. “Are you going to listen to me with an open mind?”
“Sure,” Sebastian frowned.
“Okay,” Jackson breathed out before leaning his elbows on the table in front of him. “So I’ve been doing some research over the last few weeks. Research involving the Air Force. I read about this airbase in Mexico.”
“I don’t think we have an airbase in Mexico,” Sebastian frowned.
“It’s more like a training ground,” Jackson answered. “Anyway, they have planes there and they give these private lessons to anyone who thinks they want to join. I thought maybe it would be something you would be interested in.”
“It is,” Sebastian said sitting forward. “It’s something I would really like.”
“I’m glad you said that,” Jackson smiled reaching into his pocket.
“The problem is getting my Dad and Papa to agree for me to go,” Sebastian sighed.
“That’s not a problem,” Jackson smiled sliding a letter across the table to Sebastian.
“What’s this?”
“A three hour flying session,” Jackson answered. “Booked in for tomorrow morning.”
“Okay there is no way they’re going to go for that,” Sebastian scoffed.
“They don’t need to,” Jackson smirked. “We leave now we could be there by tomorrow.”
“Yeah right,” Sebastian laughed.
“I’m being serious,” Jackson said causing Sebastian to look at him.
“Do you realize what my parent would do to me if I just took off to Mexico?”
“What they’re already doing to you,” Jackson shrugged. “Holding you back. Stopping you from doing what you really want to do. Sebastian it’s became clear to me over these past few weeks that Adam and Kris are more interested in their biological children than they are in the ones they adopted.”
“What?”
“Look at Sophia,” Jackson said. “She’s pregnant at fifteen, moves to New York alone at eighteen, and has married twice by the age of twenty. They’ve let her do whatever the hell she wants. As long as she’s out of their house and not disturbing their happy little family, she can do what she wants.”
“That’s not true,” Sebastian frowned.
“You really think they would have let one of their real children move half way across the country?”
“Jacob moved in with his boyfriend.”
“And moved back home two weeks later,” Jackson pointed out. “Plus, he moved twenty minutes away. Not across the country.”
“Sophia’s always been independent,” Sebastian explained.
“Sophia’s always not been theirs,” Jackson pointed out. “Look I know you don’t want to hurt them, but you’ve got to start thinking about yourself. I know they’ve been good to you, but they aren’t family. They’re the people who looked after you while your real family couldn’t. But Seb, your family can now. I’ve worked hard for the last fourteen years to build a life for us. You and me.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’ve got it all figured out,” Jackson answered. “We go to Mexico and hang low for a few months. I’ve got a lawyer friend living there and he’s willing to let us stay with him. He’s going to help us with everything.”
“Isn’t that kidnapping?”
“I’m your Dad,” Jackson answered reaching across the table to touch Sebastian’s hand. “He’s explained it all to me. We go there and stay until he figures out a custody arrangement with Adam and Kris, then we go back to LA and you get to start rotc as soon. I can sign all the papers you would need.”
“But my Dad and Papa…”
“Sure they’re going to be angry at first,” Jackson said. “But given time they’ll see that you’re serious about this. Two months in Mexico and they’ll be willing to let you do what you want. Plus the best part is that you and I can be together. Your Mom can move out to LA, and we can be a real family. I know she’s going to be so proud of you for joining the air force. I don’t know if you know this but her father was in the air force.”
“Really?”
“He’s retired now, but I’m sure once we get this all sorted out he can help you,” Jackson answered. “All we have to do is get in the car and go.”
“What happens when I don’t show up after school?” Sebastian asked. “They’ll call the police.”
“Once we’re far enough away you can call them,” Jackson answered. “You can explain it to them. Tell them that this is what you want. What do you say?”
Sebastian looked around the restaurant before nodding his head. “We should probably grab something else to eat. It’s a long way to Mexico.”
“That’s my boy,” Jackson smiled.
………………………………………..
“Drop the tools,” Jacob said closing his cell. “That was Dad, he wants us to pick up Elle at school.”
“Why?”
“Something about Sebastian skipping school or something,” Jacob shrugged. “Anyway he wants us to pick her up and take her for something to eat.”
“Well we’re going to have to take my car,” Gabe said standing up. “You’ve buckled the back wheel.”
“And that’s bad?”
“How did you even drive it over here?”
“There was some noise,” Jacob shrugged. “So can you fix it?”
“Not without money,” Gabe answered. “You need a whole new wheel.”
“Why can’t you do it for free?” Jacob whispered. “I would make it worth your while.”
“Really?” Gabe asked taking a step forward. “What would you do?”
“Whatever you want me to do,” Jacob answered running a fingertip down Gabe’s chest. “I’m sure we could come to an arrangement.”
“We’ll,” Gabe smiled stepping back, “see that old man over there with the grey beard?”
“Yeah.”
“He’ll be the one fixing your car,” Gabe smiled. “You’ll have to talk to him about your arrangement.”
“You’re not funny,” Jacob pouted moving away from Gabe.
“Come on,” Gabe laughed. “Let’s go pick up your sister.”
………………………………………….
“Adam she’s not answering,” Kris sighed as he leaned against the wall.
“I’ll keep banging until she does,” Adam said banging on Amy’s front door again.
“She’s not in.”
“Maybe we could try where she works.”
“She didn’t tell her work number,” Kris answered as he walked away from the apartment. Only a phone number and this address.”
“Well we’ll look around the diners close by,” Adam shrugged. “I’m sure she works around here somewhere.”
“Maybe we should go home and see if Sebastian’s showed up there,” Kris sighed as he walked towards the car.
“I’ve already sent Brad over there,” Adam sighed. “Cassidy’s drove around the gyms.”
“Maybe we should look around some diners,” Kris sighed looking around the street.
“Or we should call the police,” Adam said quietly.
“We tried that before, remember?” Kris asked. “They told us to wait. Sebastian’s only been gone a few hours.”
“Some stranger walked into his school and took him out,” Adam snapped. “They have to take that seriously.”
“But he’s not a stranger,” Kris sighed. “He’s his biological father. He’s someone Sebastian has been seeing for god knows how long.”
“Kris, I don’t know what to do,” Adam said with tears in his eyes.
“I know, baby,” Kris sighed moving forward to wrap his arms around Adam’s neck.
“If something happens to him…”
“Nothing’s going to happen to him,” Kris sighed. “Jackson’s not going to hurt him.”
“But what if they’re already gone?” Adam asked into Kris’s shoulder.
Kris pulled back wiping the tears from his eyes. “I think I should call our lawyer now. See what our rights are.”
“What should I do?”
“There’s a diner on the corner,” Kris answered pulling out his cell. “Go ask them if there’s an Amy working for them.”
“Okay,” Adam said moving to walk away.
“Adam?” Kris called out.
“Yeah?”
“We’re going to get him back.”
“I hope so,” Adam said quietly before walking away and leaving Kris standing by the car alone.”
……………………………………
“Please Jacob,” Elle complained as she climbed into the back of Gabe’s car.
“For the last time Elle, we are not going to a Travis Sugar concert,” Jacob sighed climbing into the passenger’s seat.
“Who is Travis Sugar?” Gabe asked starting up the car.
“The world’s worst singer,” Jacob answered causing Elle to pout.
“Is not. He’s amazing. He’s got this really cool voice…”
“Someone has a crush,” Gabe whispered.
“Yeah,” Elle smirked. “Travis Sugar does.”
“What?” Gabe asked confused.
“We’ve met him,” Elle explained. “At the MTV awards.”
“And what age is Travis Sugar?” Gabe asked looking into the mirror at Elle.
“Eighteen,” Elle answered causing Gabe to look at Jacob.
“Please tell me an eighteen-year-old wasn’t hitting on your little sister. Please tell me that didn’t happen.”
“He doesn’t have a crush on me,” Elle laughed.
“Shut up, Elle,” Jacob warned.
“He’s got his eye on another Allen kid,” Elle laughed.
“Oh,” Gabe said with a raised eyebrow. “Is that so?”
“I have no idea what she’s talking about,” Jacob answered flipping his hair.
“He gave Jacob his number,” Elle smirked. “Told him he was doing a show that’s next week, and that he should come.”
“Really?” Gabe asked. “I thought the MTV awards were boring. Didn’t you say you spent the whole night sitting with your Papa being bored?”
“And that is true.”
“Papa sat with Gaga all night,” Elle frowned. “We sat at another table with Travis and Pink’s daughter.”
“Elle seriously,” Jacob warned.
“You shouldn’t lie,” Elle pointed out. “It’s not nice. It could hurt Gabe’s feelings.”
“Why wasn’t I an only child?” Jacob sighed leaning his head against the car window.
“So what’s this Travis Sugar like?” Gabe asked looking at Elle.
“So cute,” Elle smiled.
“Cuter than me?”
“Totally.”
“Ouch,” Gabe winced. “I thought I was your favorite guy.”
“Can you sing?”
“Not really,” Gabe frowned.
“Can you play guitar?”
“Nope.”
“Then you’ve been replaced.”
“Ouch,” Gabe repeated.
“So can we go?”
“No,” Jacob snapped.
“I think you should,” Gabe smirked. “I mean it would be rude not to.”
“He’s a silly kid who thinks he’s James Dean,” Jacob shrugged.
“And he likes you,” Gabe remarked. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Do you tell me every time a guy hits on you?”
“No,” Gabe frowned. “It’s never happened. Wait, are you telling me guys hit on you?”
“Sure,” Jacob shrugged. “Once or twice.”
“Tell him about the blond that said you had a nice butt.”
“Elle,” Jacob said through gritted teeth.
“Really?” Gabe frowned. “Random boys telling you about your nice butt? Why am I letting you out alone?”
“Shut up,” Jacob sighed. “Both of you.”
………………………………….
“You sure you’ve got enough?” Jackson smirked as he watched Sebastian put another packet of chips into the basket.
“I like to snack.”
“I can see that,” Jackson laughed.
“So where are we?” Sebastian asked looking around the store.
“Palm Springs,” Jackson answered.
“You think there’s a Motel around here somewhere?”
“Probably,” Jackson shrugged. “Why?”
“You should probably have a few hours of sleep before we hit the road,” Sebastian answered. “If you’re going to be driving all night.”
“I don’t think stopping is a good idea,” Jackson frowned. “We’ve got to keep going.”
“If you fall asleep at the wheel we won’t be going anywhere,” Sebastian shrugged. “I’ve already called home and left a message on the answering machine telling them I’m going to the gym and then I’m going to a friends. We’ve got hours before they start realizing something is up.”
“I am a little tired,” Jackson said.
“Two hours tops,” Sebastian shrugged. “We’ll still make it to Mexico on time.”
“We passed a Motel about a mile back,” Jackson said.
“I’ll go grab us some more drinks,” Sebastian smiled.
“I’ll pay for this.”
Sebastian walked away before turning back. “Dad?”
“Yeah?” Jackson asked with wide eyes.
“I’m really happy we found each other,” Sebastian smiled before turning and walking away.
……………………………………….
“Nothing,” Adam said as he climbed into the car. “No one’s heard of her.”
“I called the lawyer,” Kris said rubbing his neck.
“And?”
“Jackson and Kelly’s rights were terminated when Sebastian was three.”
“So he’s ours,” Adam said. “Jackson’s breaking the law?”
“Yeah,” Kris nodded. “But…
“But what?” Adam interrupted.
“Well with Sophia we filed paperwork with the lawyer before she was born,” Kris explained. “Kelly signed things, but with Sebastian…”
“We didn’t know he was coming,” Adam sighed.
“Kelly never sighed anything.”
“So what does this mean?” Adam asked rubbing his eyes.
“He says It’s still kidnapping, but there’s a way that Jackson could get us into court,” Kris answered. “He told us to call the cops though.”
“So what are we waiting for?” Adam asked reaching for his cell.
“I’m hoping this isn’t real,” Kris said choking back a sob. “Calling the police makes this all the more real.”
“Not calling them is wasting time,” Adam said reaching over to hold Kris’s hand. “He could be half way to Mexico by now.”
“Which means he wants to go,” Kris said wiping the tears from his eyes. “Our son doesn’t want to be with us anymore. What happens when we call the police and the get him back? Do you think Sebastian’s going to be happy with us?”
“I don’t care,” Adam said shaking his head.
“He might hate us,” Kris said. “He’s already no happy about this whole air force thing.”
“He can hate us all he wants,” Adam said. “But he’s ours, and he’s staying with us.”
Kris opened his mouth to answer, but closed it again at the sound of his cell ringing. “It’s him.”
“What?... give me it,” Adam said taking Kris’s cell from his hand. “Sebastian?”
“Papa?” Sebastian whispered.
“Sebastian, where are you?” Adam asked. “Sebastian I want you to come home right now.”
“I can’t,” Sebastian whispered.
“What do you mean, you can’t?” Adam hissed. “Sebastian where are you?”
“I’ve messed up, Papa,” Sebastian admitted. “I’ve really messed up.”
“That’s not important, honey,” Adam sighed. “Sweetheart just tell us where you are. Daddy and I will come and get you.”
“You might now want to come and get me when you’ve heard what I’ve done.”
“We know what you’ve done,” Adam said. “We know about Jackson, and that’s okay, but honey we just want you to come home. We can figure it all out when you come home.”
“I want to come home,” Sebastian admitted as he choked back a sob.
“Then all you have to do is tell us where you are,” Adam said softly.
“I’m in Palm Springs,” Sebastian said. “In a Motel.”
“Palm Springs,” Adam said causing Kris to start up the car. “Okay honey, we’re going to be there as quick as we can, but you have to promise me you’re going to stay right where you are.”
“I convinced Jackson it was a good idea to have a few hours sleep before we start driving to Mexico.”
“That’s good,” Adam breathed out. “You did good, honey. Now I just need you to tell me the name of the Motel you’re in.”
“I am really sorry, Papa,” Sebastian said crying into the phone. “I’ve been so stupid.”
“That’s not important now, honey,” Adam sighed. “You want to come home with us, don’t you?”
“I do,” Sebastian cried.
“Then that’s all that’s important,” Adam said glancing at Kris.
……………………….
“We should get something else to eat before we go,” Sebastian said as he watched Jackson put his shoes on.
“We’ll grab a burger on the way,” Jackson said. “We’ve got to hit the road son.”
“But you didn’t sleep long,” Sebastian said looking at his watch. “Don’t you want another sleep?”
“Don’t worry about me,” Jackson smiled standing up. “I’ll sleep plenty when we get to Mexico.”
“What about a shower?” Sebastian asked in a panic. “I could really use a shower.”
“What is up with you?” Jackson laughed.
“I think I’m nervous,” Sebastian admitted.
“Well it’s a big day,” Jackson smiled walking forward to put his hand on Sebastian’s shoulder. “I’ll tell you what, when we get to Mexico we can call your Mom. You want to talk to your Mom don’t you?”
“Yeah,” Sebastian smiled. “I…” Sebastian froze as the hotel door banged.
“Sebastian?” Kris yelled through the closed door. “Sebastian.”
“What did you do?” Jackson asked stepping away from the door.
“I had to,” Sebastian whispered.
“Sebastian, its Dad,” Kris yelled banging to door again.
“Sweetheart open the door,” Adam yelled.
“Why did you do this?” Jackson asked slumping down onto the bed. “We were going to be together.”
“You’re not my Dad,” Sebastian answered.
“Sebastian,” Adam yelled.
Sebastian moved to the door opening it before stepping back towards Jackson. “I don’t want you to be my Dad,” Sebastian added looking at Jackson.
“Are you okay?” Adam said grabbing Sebastian by the shoulders as he looked him up and down.
“I’m fine, Papa,” Sebastian mumbled as Adam held him to his chest.
“Adam, take Sebastian to the car,” Kris said taking a step towards Jackson.
“Don’t hurt him, Dad,” Sebastian said moving out of Adam’s arms.
Kris looked down at Jackson crying on the bed. “I’m not going to hurt him.”
“Come on, Sebastian,” Adam said tugging on his son’s hand.
“I’m sorry, Jackson,” Sebastian said looking down at the bed, “but I can’t be your son.”
“Come on,” Adam whispered as he led Sebastian out of the motel room.
Kris waited until Adam had disappeared before looking back down at Jackson on the bed. “Look at me.”
“He’s not yours,” Jackson said wiping the tears from his eyes. “He’ll never be yours.”
“What’s his favorite color?” Kris asked causing Jackson to frown. “It’s blue. What makes him scared?”
“I…”
“The music in horror films,” Kris answered. “He likes to pretend that he’s not scared, but whenever it starts he inches closer to you on the sofa. Do you know what put him to sleep when he was a baby? Or what he insisted on wearing to his five birthday party. Or how about the age he started boxing, or started riding his bike with two wheels. What makes him giggle until he’s on the floor? What makes him angry, or sad? Do you know any of these things?”
“I know he’s mine,” Jackson said quietly.
“He was never yours,” Kris said. “Adam and I have been there from day one. We were the ones that changed his diaper for the first time. We gave him his first bath, and we were the ones to put him to bed the first night of his life. You were nowhere to be seen. As far as I’m concerned you’re nothing but a sperm donor.” Kris stepped forward causing Jackson to lean back. “If you come near my son again I will kill you with my bare hands.”
“I’ll fight for him,” Jackson said. “I’ll get the best lawyer I can find.”
“That’s going to be hard to do from prison,” Kris smirked.
“What?”
“I had to practically beg Adam not to beat the crap out of you the moment we go here,” Kris explained. “I didn’t want Sebastian seeing that. But I couldn’t stop him from calling the cops.”
“You called the cops?” Jackson asked scrabbling from the bed.
“They’re downstairs waiting for you,” Kris said moving towards the motel door. “You probably shouldn’t keep them waiting.”
“Kris…”
“Just stay away from my kids,” Kris said opening the motel door. “If I hear you’ve even tried to contact Sophia or Sebastian then I will let Adam do what he wanted to do with you.”
………………………………….
Kris climbed into the driver’s seat looking over his shoulder at Sebastian sitting pressed against Adam’s side in the backseat. “You okay?”
“You didn’t hurt him, did you?”
“I didn’t put a finger on him.”
“He didn’t hurt me,” Sebastian said. “He was nice to me.”
“He took you away without our permission,” Adam said. “He kidnapped you.”
“He only wanted to get to know me,” Sebastian explained.
“He wanted to take you away from us,” Kris sighed.
“But…”
“Look, let’s just go home,” Adam sighed. “It’s been a long day. We can talk about all of this later.” Kris nodded his head before turning to start up the car.
“I am sorry,” Sebastian whispered into Adam’s chest. “I know I’ve hurt you.”
“That’s not important,” Adam whispered into Sebastian’s hair as he pulled him tighter to his chest.
“I love you, Papa.”
“I love you too, sweetheart,” Adam whispered kissing the top of Sebastian’s head.
End of Flash Forward 2032