The Little Things Pt 62/? (Forever After Sequel)
Flash Forward 2032
“Dad?”
“Hmm?” Kris asked not taking his eyes off of his paper.
“Dad?” Sebastian repeated.
“Yes?” Kris asked finally looking up.
“I’ve got some paperwork I want you and Papa to look at,” Sebastian answered placing a handful of papers down in front of Kris on the table.
“What is it?”
“It’s some paperwork for the training I’m going to need to do.”
“Sebastian,” Kris sighed. “Why are you doing this now?”
“If I work really hard this year I can get into Cal state after I turn sixteen.”
“But you’re only fourteen,” Kris pointed out.
“Fifteen in December,” Sebastian answered. “If I pass all of the entry exams after I turn sixteen I could start my training in the January.”
“I don’t see that happening, Sebastian,” Kris said shaking his head. “Your Papa and I aren’t comfortable with this. You’re far too young to be making this life changing decision.”
“It’s going to happen, Dad,” Sebastian said sliding the paper over to Kris. “You either help me or I wait until I’m eighteen and I do it myself.”
“What’s going on?”
Kris looked over his shoulder to find Adam standing at the kitchen door. “The Air force again.”
“Again?” Adam sighed walked to grab a mug of coffee.
“Don’t talk about it like it’s a silly dream,” Sebastian snapped. “I’m really serious about this. I’ve researched it and everything.”
“And we said we’d talk about it when the time came,” Adam said taking a seat next to Kris at the table. “So let it go for now.”
“You can’t fucking stop me.”
“Hey,” Adam snapped. “You watch your tongue young man.”
“None of this is fair,” Sebastian said annoyed. “If this was Jacob you would be signing those papers right now.”
“That’s not true,” Kris frowned.
“Jacob wants to design clothes so you send him and his boyfriend to Paris,” Sebastian snapped. “He wants to move in with Gabe, and you let him. Sophia gets pregnant and everything’s okay. She runs off to Vegas to get married, and you guys throw her a wedding and send her to Italy. Elle’s got this fucked up idea that she’s going to be famous, and you guys go along with it.”
“Sebastian I will not tell you again, watch your tongue,” Adam warned pointing a finger at his youngest son.
“I never ask for anything,” Sebastian continued. “I keep my head down, and I do as I’m told. All I’m asking for is this one thing.”
“It’s a big ask,” Kris sighed looking down at the paperwork.
“I’m doing it,” Sebastian snapped. “With or without your permission. You can’t fucking stop me.”
“That’s it,” Adam snapped grabbing the paperwork. “That’s where you’re wrong, young man. I can stop you. I’m your Father, and if I say no, then that’s it.” Adam began to tear the paper causing Sebastian to slam his fist on top of the kitchen table.
“I hate you.”
“Sebastian,” Kris snapped.
“Both of you,” Sebastian yelled. “You don’t care about me.”
“Don’t be so stupid.”
“Just as long as your precious Jacob is okay,” Sebastian snapped. “You don’t care what the hell I do.”
“Do you think we would be fighting you on this if we didn’t care?” Adam snapped. “If we didn’t care we would happily be waving you off to war. It’s the fact that we love you so much that’s making us say no.”
“I don’t see why,” Sebastian spat out. “It’s not like I’m yours anyway. I’m only here because of Sophia.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You only took me in because you already had Sophia,” Sebastian said. “You never planned me. I just came along and you had to take me. Why don’t you just sign the papers and I can get out of your lives for good.”
“Son,” Adam frowned as he stood up to touch Sebastian’s arm.
“Don’t,” Sebastian snapped moving away. “Don’t touch me.”
“You need to go to your room,” Kris said trying to stay calm. “Go and calm yourself down.”
“I’m going,” Sebastian snapped. “I’m getting the hell out of this house.”
Adam jumped from the table as Sebastian ran towards the front door. “Sebastian.”
“Sebastian get back here now,” Kris yelled.
“Sebastian.”
………………………………….
Jacob pushed open the front door to the apartment only to be met with the now familiar smell of pot again. “Gabe?”
“Kitchen.”
“Jacob walked past the group of boxers surrounding the TV to enter the kitchen. “What’s going on?”
“You’re early,” Gabe remarked. “I thought you were going to see your parents.”
“I was tired,” Jacob answered. “I was going to come home and watch some TV.”
“Sorry,” Gabe winced as he looked towards the living room. “The guys sort of dropped by.”
“And brought some pot?”
“I’m not smoking,” Gabe said holding up his hands.
“Like it matters.”
“Do you want me to tell them to leave?”
“And make me look like a jerk?” Jacob asked.
“I can tell them you’re not feeling well.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Jacob sighed. “I’ll just go to the bedroom and watch TV.”
“I’ll kick them out right after the game,” Gabe smiled.
“Make sure they clean up after themselves.”
“You’re the best,” Gabe smiled before leaning in to kiss Jacob quickly.
“Just go watch your game.”
………………………………….
“He’s been gone for over an hour,” Adam sighed as he looked at the clock once more.
“He took his bike,” Kris said. “He’s probably just letting off some steam. He’ll be back soon.”
“I hope that was anger talking,” Adam sighed. “I really hope he doesn’t really think like that.”
“Of course he doesn’t,” Kris frowned. “He’s just lashing out because he can’t get his own way.”
“It all seemed to fall out of his mouth like he’s been thinking about it for a long time,” Adam frowned. “We pay attention to him don’t we?”
“Yes,” Kris sighed. “We pay attention to him.”
“More than Jacob?”
“Jacob’s very different from Sebastian,” Kris explained. “He’s had to overcome a lot.”
“And Sebastian hasn’t?”
“Jacob’s gay,” Kris answered. “He was bullied. Sebastian never had to deal with anything like that.”
“You heard what he said about being adopted,” Adam frowned. “About us getting him just because he was Sophia’s brother.”
“That’s not true.”
“It’s sort of true,” Adam sighed rubbing his forehead.
“What are you talking about?”
“We never planned Sebastian,” Adam answered. “If Kelly hadn’t have gotten pregnant we would never have thought of having a third kid.”
“That’s not important,” Kris frowned. “The moment he came into our lives we wanted him. He might not have been in our plans, but we wanted him.”
“He doesn’t seem to think that,” Adam sighed looking at the clock again.
“Well I’ll set him straight when he gets home.”
“Should we go look for him?” Adam asked.
“Give him a while longer,” Kris sighed looking at the clock.
End of Flash Forward 2032
Flashback 2017
“We got a letter today,” Kris reached over to the nightstand, “from Kelly.”
“A letter just to see how we're doing?” Adam asked with fear in his voice.
“Not exactly,” Kris handed his husband the folded letter.
“I don't think I want to know what she has to say.”
“I think you might,” Kris cleared his throat as he unfolded the letter. “She's...”
“Just tell me what she wants,” Adam rubbed his face with the heels of his hands.
“She's about to give birth to a baby boy any day now,” Kris said quickly.
Adam pulled his hands from his face. “That's it?”
“It's pretty big news,” Kris answered.
“I thought she wanted Sophia back or something,” Adam sighed heavily, “you scared the hell out of me.”
“There's more,” Kris handed Adam the letter. “She doesn't want to keep the baby.”
Adam took the letter, reading over it quickly. “She...” Adam shook his head. “She can't be serious.”
“She wants to give us her baby.”
“That girl has completely lost her damn mind,” Adam read over the letter again, shaking his head. “Does she think these kids are just things she can trade?”
“She made a mistake.”
“Again,” Adam snapped, “but this time she's not a silly little sixteen-year-old, we shouldn't have to come to her rescue.”
“Are you listening to yourself?” Kris snapped through gritted teeth. “You just called our little girl a mistake.”
Adam froze as Kris looked at him. “That's not what I meant, you know that's not what I meant.”
“What's your problem?” Kris snapped again. “She's having Sophia's baby brother any day now.”
“Jacob is Sophia's brother,” Adam sat on his side of the bed facing forward with his arms crossed.
“We've always talked about having more kids,” Kris pressed gently, “and Jacob's three now.”
“And I'm about to start another world tour,” Adam sighed, “just like when Sophia was born.”
“And we managed then.”
Adam turned to look at his husband. “You've already made your mind up,” he accused.
“I don't see how we can live with ourselves,” Kris turned to look at Adam. “A little baby needs a home.”
Adam groaned into his hands. “I can't leave you home alone with two kids and a newborn to take care of.”
“She wants us to call her when we make up our minds.” Kris slid over to Adam's side of the bed. “Baby I really think we should.”
“It's not just up to us though,” Adam looked towards his nightstand, where a picture of Sophia and Jacob sat. “We've got two other kids to think about.”
“So we should talk to them about it,” Kris reached up to Adam's chin, turning him so they were face to face. “The least you can do is sleep on it.”
“I'll think about it,” Adam sighed, “but if Sophia and Jacob don't want it to happen, it won't.”
“You're the perfect Papa Adam,” Kris ran his fingertips over Adam's jaw. “This little baby deserves someone like you in his life.”
“Don't play dirty,” Adam warned with a smile, “I said I would think about it.”
.....................
Kris and Adam sat side by side in the hospital waiting for the nurse to come back with news. “You think she's had him yet?”
Before Adam could answer his husband the waiting room door opened, and a small nurse appeared. “Would you come with me?”
“I guess he's here,” Adam sighed as he stood to follow the nurse.
“Adam, I know you're not a hundred percent on board with this, but please just keep an open mind.” Kris slipped his hand into his husband's as they followed the nurse down the long white corridor.
“Let's just go see the new baby,” Adam gave Kris's hand a tight squeeze, “we'll talk about everything else later.”
Kris gave a silent nod of agreement, before stopping behind the nurse. “Yours is the one in the middle, the only boy we have in there today,” the nurse said with a smile, before silently walking away leaving Kris and Adam alone.
Kris and Adam turned at the same time to look at the little boy surrounded by girls. “Oh my god,” Adam gasped. “It's like looking at Sophia.”
Kris smiled proudly at his little new baby boy. “He's beautiful,” he agreed, resting his head on Adam's leather clad arm.
End of Flashback 2017
Flash Forward 2032
“I knew you’d come,” Jackson smiled as he watched Sebastian punch the punch bag hard.
“I needed to work out.”
“I can see that,” Jackson nodded. “But what did the bag do to you.”
Sebastian stopped punching to look at Jackson. “I’m not having a good day.”
“Want to talk about it?”
“Don’t think it will help.”
“Might stop you ruining my gym equipment,” Jackson shrugged. “I’ve got an office in the back.”
“I wouldn’t want to ruin your office.”
“I’ll go grab us some drinks,” Jackson smiled. “The office is right through the back.”
………………………………….
“They’re going to hate me,” Sebastian sighed.
“I doubt that,” Jackson said. “You’re hurt. They should understand that.”
“I was so mean to them,” Sebastian said shaking his head. “I said things just to hurt them. I wanted to hurt them.”
“They’ve hurt you,” Jackson pointed out. “Holding you back.”
“You think they’re holding me back?”
“Look, it’s not my place to judge, but they’re acting like you’re going off to fight a war alone,” Jackson explained. “You’re only going to train. I would think that would make any parent proud.”
“My parents don’t really care about things like that,” Sebastian shrugged.
“I bet if you went home and told them you wanted to be a singer they would be all for it,” Jackson remarked.
“I guess it would be easier.”
“I bet they hated your boxing,” Jackson said causing Sebastian to frown. “They did, didn’t they?”
“My Papa couldn’t watch a fight,” Sebastian said. “He always said it was because he worried about me getting hurt.”
“I’m sure you know how to take care of yourself,” Jackson said. “That’s the problem. They’re treating you like a kid. Holding you back.”
“I should probably go,” Sebastian said standing up.
“Where are you going?”
“No idea,” Sebastian shrugged. “I really don’t want to face them right now.”
“Are you hungry?”
“A little,” Sebastian answered.
“I have steaks at home,” Jackson smiled. “I was going to put them on the grill tonight.”
“I don’t know…”
“I’ll call your parents and tell them where you are,” Jackson interrupted. “I’ll explain that you need a little time.”
“I don’t want to intrude.”
“Hey, it beats me going home alone and eating the whole two steaks to myself,” Jackson shrugged. “I would only have to work out an extra two hours tomorrow.”
“Well if it’s helping you,” Sebastian smiled.
“You go grab your stuff and I’ll call your parents,” Jackson smiled.
…………………………………………………
Jacob buried his head under the pillow as another round of loud cheers came from the living room. “Bunch of apes,” he grumbled to himself as his cell began to ring. “Hello?”
“Well you don’t sound happy,” Jack remarked into the phone. “Let me guess. Gabe washed another t-shirt.”
“No,” Jacob frowned. “Gabe invited the pigs again.”
“And by pigs you mean, guys from the gym?” Jack asked with a smile on his face.
“They don’t even react to me walking into the room,” Jacob complained. “It’s like it’s not my home.”
“They’re so used to hanging out at Gabe’s,” Jack shrugged. “They all live at home with their parents. Gabe’s the only one with his own place.”
“It’s not his own anymore,” Jacob sighed. “He shares it now.”
“Does he know that?” Jack asked.
“You would think,” Jacob said annoyed. “And they’re smoking pot again.”
“Gabe is?”
“He says he’s not,” Jacob answered. “But really, should I believe him?”
“He’s never lied to you before,” Jack answered. “Plus I don’t really think he was that into it anyway. I think he only did it to be one of the guys.”
“Well that just sounds pathetic.” Jacob turned his head to the side as he heard the front door open and shut. “I think they’re going.”
“I hope they’ve cleared up,” Jack smirked.
“I can hear Gabe coming,” Jacob whispered. “Better go.”
“Tell Gabe good luck,” Jack laughed a Jacob hung up on him before curling up on the bed and pretending to sleep.
“Jake?” Gabe whispered as he tiptoed into the room. “Baby?” Jacob stayed on his side as Gabe climbed onto the bed. “We’re alone now. Jacob?”
“Hmm?”
“The guys left,” Gabe whispered into Jacob’s ear. “We’re alone.”
“Did they clean up?”
“Yep,” Gabe smiled as he cuddled into Jacob from behind.
“You smoked pot,” Jacob accused.
“Just a little,” Gabe frowned.
“I don’t like this side of you,” Jacob whispered as he took hold of Gabe’s hand in his own.
“What side?”
“The person you are around your friends,” Jacob explained. “You’re different.”
“We’re all different around our friends,” Gabe frowned. “I’m sure you are too.”
“I don’t sit and smoke pot with Melissa and Britney,” Jacob sighed. “Me and Jack have never got drunk in the middle of the day.”
“That was one time,” Gabe frowned letting go of Jacob so he could roll onto his back. “The Laker’s had just won.”
“I guess I’m just not used to this side of you,” Jacob whispered into his pillow.
“You’ll get used to it,” Gabe whispered reaching out to stroke Jacob’s back.
“Yeah,” Jacob sighed closing his eyes.
………………………………………..
“So this is weird,” Elle remarked as she looked across the kitchen table at Sebastian’s empty seat. “Sebastian’s never missed a meal.”
“He’s probably lost track of time,” Adam remarked stealing another glance at the clock.
“Can I have his ice cream if he doesn’t come home?”
“He’s coming home,” Kris sighed. “He’ll be home any minute.”
“I hope you’re going to ground him,” Elle frowned.
“For what?”
“I heard the bad words he yelled at you,” Elle explained. “He was mean.”
“Your brother’s just upset, Kris sighed. “He’ll come home and everything will be okay.”
“But will you ground him?”
“Why don’t you go and eat your dinner in the living room,” Adam suggested. “I bet there’s something good on TV.”
“I’m not allowed to eat dinner in the living room.”
“You can this once,” Adam smiled.
“You’re trying to get rid of me, aren’t you?” Elle asked.
“Yes,” Adam answered honestly. “And if you go, I’ll watch a movie with you tonight.”
“Grease?” Elle asked.
“You could play a part in that movie.”
“I like it.”
“Okay,” Adam said holding up his hands. “Now go.”
“Going,” Elle smiled picking up her plate.
“Where is he?” Kris sighed the second Elle walked out of the kitchen. “He’s been gone all day.”
“I think he’s trying to punish us,” Adam answered. “Maybe we should call Jacob again.”
“Jacob told us he would call if he hears from him,” Kris sighed. “Maybe we should call the police.”
“Don’t you think that’s a little dramatic?”
“He could have fell off his bike and hurt himself,” Kris said. “He could be laying hurt somewhere.”
“Look, why don’t I go drive around again,” Adam said pushing his untouched meal away from him. “He’s probably at the park or something.”
“I’ll do it,” Kris said standing up from the table. “You stay by the phone, and entertain Elle.”
“You’ll call if you hear something?” Adam asked standing up to face Kris.
“You too,” Kris said leaning in to give Adam a kiss before walking out.
………………………………………..
“So they were okay about it?” Sebastian asked as he cut up his steak.
“I told them you needed some time out,” Jackson explained. “They sounded okay.”
“Who did you talk to?”
“I… Kris,” Jackson answered. “He picked up the phone.”
“Maybe I should have talked to him,” Sebastian sighed.
“I told him you felt bad about what you said,” Jackson explained. “He seemed okay. He told me to tell you not to worry.”
“What about my Papa?”
“Sebastian, I’m sure they’re both fine,” Jackson said. “You should relax. Tell me about your plans.”
“I don’t know anymore,” Sebastian sighed. “I doubt they’ll let me do it now. I blew any chance I had when I stormed out.”
“But you’re still going to do it, right?” Jackson asked. “I mean, it’s your dream. You can’t just give it up because your parents don’t want you to do it.”
“I don’t have their permission,” Sebastian said.
“They’re just your adoptive parents,” Jackson shrugged. “I’m sure there’s a way around it all. I mean, if it comes to it you can get emancipated from them.”
“What like divorce them?” Sebastian asked with a frown.
“Why not?”
“If you’re truly unhappy with them, then why can’t you?”
“Because it would break their hearts,” Sebastian answered.
“And what are they doing to you right now?” Jackson asked. “You said so yourself. You said they put the other kid’s needs before yours. Your brother gets all of the attention.”
“He’s had a lot to deal with,” Sebastian explained.
“And you don’t?”
“I just don’t want to hurt them.”
“But you want to be in the Air force,” Jackson said. “You have to show them you’re serious. Back them into a corner, and they will have to back down.”
“You don’t know my parents,” Sebastian sighed. “They don’t back down to anyone.”
“What would your real parents say about all of this?” Jackson asked.
“I don’t know my real parents,” Sebastian admitted. “Adam and Kris are the only parents I know.”
“Have you ever wanted to know your real parents?”
“I’ve thought about them,” Sebastian answered. “I wonder what one I take after. I mean, everyone that meets me say I’m like my Dad, but that’s impossible. How can I be like a person I’m not related to by blood?”
“Have you told your parents this?”
“I don’t want to hurt them.”
“I think you worry too much about hurting them,” Jackson remarked. “They don’t seem to worry too much about hurting you.”
“That’s not true,” Sebastian frowned.
“If they were that worried why aren’t they here getting you?” Jackson asked. “Why are they happy to leave you with me?”
“I guess they must be angry with me,” Sebastian sighed.
“Look,” Jackson sighed leaning forward. “I didn’t want to tell you this, but your Dad told me to keep you here for a while. He said your Papa was too angry to have you home right now.”
“I knew he would be,” Sebastian admitted looking down at his plate. “I said some really hurtful things.”
“We should watch a movie,” Jackson smiled. “Something funny to take your minute off of it all. What do you say?”
“Sure,” Sebastian said quietly.
…………………………..
“You okay?” Jackson asked as he looked across the sofa. “Are you crying?”
“I used to wonder what it would be like to have a Mom,” Sebastian admitted as he kept his eyes on the TV. “I would see my friends in school with their Mom’s and I wanted to know what that felt like. When their Mom’s hugged them. I’ve never had a hug from my Mom. I mean I’ve got my Mama and Grandma, but I don’t think it’s the same.”
“I think every kid needs a Mother,” Jackson said. “There’s nothing better than love from your Mom.”
“Do your kids live with their Mom?” Sebastian asked wiping his eyes.
“What?”
“You said you had kids.”
“Oh,” Jackson frowned. “Yeah… I do.”
“Where are they?”
Jackson let out a deep breath as he turned off the TV causing Sebastian to look at him. “I’ve not been completely honest with you.”
“Again?”
“I didn’t come to LA to open up more gyms,” Jackson admitted. “There’s another reason for me being here.”
“So you didn’t read about my fight?”
“I did,” Jackson said. “And that is the reason I’m here.”
“I’m confused.”
“Okay, just let me explain, and don’t freak out on me,” Jackson said standing up. “Can you let me explain?”
“Yes.”
“Okay,” Jackson breathed out before sitting down on the coffee table in front of Sebastian. “When I was fifteen I got my high school girlfriend pregnant. She was from a religious family, and… well there was no way we could keep the baby. She had a little girl and she gave her away. I was so young, and really dumb. I just pretended like it hadn’t happened, but then six years later I started dating her again. And again she got pregnant, and again she gave the baby away. A little boy this time, and this time it hurt. I watched hidden in a hospital corner as the adoptive parents came and saw my baby for the first time. I saw them fall in love with that little boy, and I couldn’t do anything but watch.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because you were that little boy, Sebastian,” Jackson admitted. “I told you I have two kids, and I do. You and Sophia are my kids.”
“You’re my Dad?” Sebastian asked with a shaky voice.
“I’ve been desperate to meet you since that night at the hospital,” Jackson smiled. “I’ve waited fourteen years for you.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Sebastian admitted.
“That’s okay,” Jackson smiled. “I don’t know what to say either. Why don’t we just watch the rest of the movie, and figure it out after?”
Sebastian looked back at the blank screen before looking at Jackson. “Okay.”
“Good,” Jackson smiled bright. “Good,” he repeated before turning the TV on again.
…………………………………….
“Well?” Kris asked the second he walked through the front door.
“No word,” Adam sighed. “You?”
“I looked everywhere.”
“We should call the police,” Adam said causing Kris to nod his head.
End of Flash Forward 2032
“Dad?”
“Hmm?” Kris asked not taking his eyes off of his paper.
“Dad?” Sebastian repeated.
“Yes?” Kris asked finally looking up.
“I’ve got some paperwork I want you and Papa to look at,” Sebastian answered placing a handful of papers down in front of Kris on the table.
“What is it?”
“It’s some paperwork for the training I’m going to need to do.”
“Sebastian,” Kris sighed. “Why are you doing this now?”
“If I work really hard this year I can get into Cal state after I turn sixteen.”
“But you’re only fourteen,” Kris pointed out.
“Fifteen in December,” Sebastian answered. “If I pass all of the entry exams after I turn sixteen I could start my training in the January.”
“I don’t see that happening, Sebastian,” Kris said shaking his head. “Your Papa and I aren’t comfortable with this. You’re far too young to be making this life changing decision.”
“It’s going to happen, Dad,” Sebastian said sliding the paper over to Kris. “You either help me or I wait until I’m eighteen and I do it myself.”
“What’s going on?”
Kris looked over his shoulder to find Adam standing at the kitchen door. “The Air force again.”
“Again?” Adam sighed walked to grab a mug of coffee.
“Don’t talk about it like it’s a silly dream,” Sebastian snapped. “I’m really serious about this. I’ve researched it and everything.”
“And we said we’d talk about it when the time came,” Adam said taking a seat next to Kris at the table. “So let it go for now.”
“You can’t fucking stop me.”
“Hey,” Adam snapped. “You watch your tongue young man.”
“None of this is fair,” Sebastian said annoyed. “If this was Jacob you would be signing those papers right now.”
“That’s not true,” Kris frowned.
“Jacob wants to design clothes so you send him and his boyfriend to Paris,” Sebastian snapped. “He wants to move in with Gabe, and you let him. Sophia gets pregnant and everything’s okay. She runs off to Vegas to get married, and you guys throw her a wedding and send her to Italy. Elle’s got this fucked up idea that she’s going to be famous, and you guys go along with it.”
“Sebastian I will not tell you again, watch your tongue,” Adam warned pointing a finger at his youngest son.
“I never ask for anything,” Sebastian continued. “I keep my head down, and I do as I’m told. All I’m asking for is this one thing.”
“It’s a big ask,” Kris sighed looking down at the paperwork.
“I’m doing it,” Sebastian snapped. “With or without your permission. You can’t fucking stop me.”
“That’s it,” Adam snapped grabbing the paperwork. “That’s where you’re wrong, young man. I can stop you. I’m your Father, and if I say no, then that’s it.” Adam began to tear the paper causing Sebastian to slam his fist on top of the kitchen table.
“I hate you.”
“Sebastian,” Kris snapped.
“Both of you,” Sebastian yelled. “You don’t care about me.”
“Don’t be so stupid.”
“Just as long as your precious Jacob is okay,” Sebastian snapped. “You don’t care what the hell I do.”
“Do you think we would be fighting you on this if we didn’t care?” Adam snapped. “If we didn’t care we would happily be waving you off to war. It’s the fact that we love you so much that’s making us say no.”
“I don’t see why,” Sebastian spat out. “It’s not like I’m yours anyway. I’m only here because of Sophia.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You only took me in because you already had Sophia,” Sebastian said. “You never planned me. I just came along and you had to take me. Why don’t you just sign the papers and I can get out of your lives for good.”
“Son,” Adam frowned as he stood up to touch Sebastian’s arm.
“Don’t,” Sebastian snapped moving away. “Don’t touch me.”
“You need to go to your room,” Kris said trying to stay calm. “Go and calm yourself down.”
“I’m going,” Sebastian snapped. “I’m getting the hell out of this house.”
Adam jumped from the table as Sebastian ran towards the front door. “Sebastian.”
“Sebastian get back here now,” Kris yelled.
“Sebastian.”
………………………………….
Jacob pushed open the front door to the apartment only to be met with the now familiar smell of pot again. “Gabe?”
“Kitchen.”
“Jacob walked past the group of boxers surrounding the TV to enter the kitchen. “What’s going on?”
“You’re early,” Gabe remarked. “I thought you were going to see your parents.”
“I was tired,” Jacob answered. “I was going to come home and watch some TV.”
“Sorry,” Gabe winced as he looked towards the living room. “The guys sort of dropped by.”
“And brought some pot?”
“I’m not smoking,” Gabe said holding up his hands.
“Like it matters.”
“Do you want me to tell them to leave?”
“And make me look like a jerk?” Jacob asked.
“I can tell them you’re not feeling well.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Jacob sighed. “I’ll just go to the bedroom and watch TV.”
“I’ll kick them out right after the game,” Gabe smiled.
“Make sure they clean up after themselves.”
“You’re the best,” Gabe smiled before leaning in to kiss Jacob quickly.
“Just go watch your game.”
………………………………….
“He’s been gone for over an hour,” Adam sighed as he looked at the clock once more.
“He took his bike,” Kris said. “He’s probably just letting off some steam. He’ll be back soon.”
“I hope that was anger talking,” Adam sighed. “I really hope he doesn’t really think like that.”
“Of course he doesn’t,” Kris frowned. “He’s just lashing out because he can’t get his own way.”
“It all seemed to fall out of his mouth like he’s been thinking about it for a long time,” Adam frowned. “We pay attention to him don’t we?”
“Yes,” Kris sighed. “We pay attention to him.”
“More than Jacob?”
“Jacob’s very different from Sebastian,” Kris explained. “He’s had to overcome a lot.”
“And Sebastian hasn’t?”
“Jacob’s gay,” Kris answered. “He was bullied. Sebastian never had to deal with anything like that.”
“You heard what he said about being adopted,” Adam frowned. “About us getting him just because he was Sophia’s brother.”
“That’s not true.”
“It’s sort of true,” Adam sighed rubbing his forehead.
“What are you talking about?”
“We never planned Sebastian,” Adam answered. “If Kelly hadn’t have gotten pregnant we would never have thought of having a third kid.”
“That’s not important,” Kris frowned. “The moment he came into our lives we wanted him. He might not have been in our plans, but we wanted him.”
“He doesn’t seem to think that,” Adam sighed looking at the clock again.
“Well I’ll set him straight when he gets home.”
“Should we go look for him?” Adam asked.
“Give him a while longer,” Kris sighed looking at the clock.
End of Flash Forward 2032
Flashback 2017
“We got a letter today,” Kris reached over to the nightstand, “from Kelly.”
“A letter just to see how we're doing?” Adam asked with fear in his voice.
“Not exactly,” Kris handed his husband the folded letter.
“I don't think I want to know what she has to say.”
“I think you might,” Kris cleared his throat as he unfolded the letter. “She's...”
“Just tell me what she wants,” Adam rubbed his face with the heels of his hands.
“She's about to give birth to a baby boy any day now,” Kris said quickly.
Adam pulled his hands from his face. “That's it?”
“It's pretty big news,” Kris answered.
“I thought she wanted Sophia back or something,” Adam sighed heavily, “you scared the hell out of me.”
“There's more,” Kris handed Adam the letter. “She doesn't want to keep the baby.”
Adam took the letter, reading over it quickly. “She...” Adam shook his head. “She can't be serious.”
“She wants to give us her baby.”
“That girl has completely lost her damn mind,” Adam read over the letter again, shaking his head. “Does she think these kids are just things she can trade?”
“She made a mistake.”
“Again,” Adam snapped, “but this time she's not a silly little sixteen-year-old, we shouldn't have to come to her rescue.”
“Are you listening to yourself?” Kris snapped through gritted teeth. “You just called our little girl a mistake.”
Adam froze as Kris looked at him. “That's not what I meant, you know that's not what I meant.”
“What's your problem?” Kris snapped again. “She's having Sophia's baby brother any day now.”
“Jacob is Sophia's brother,” Adam sat on his side of the bed facing forward with his arms crossed.
“We've always talked about having more kids,” Kris pressed gently, “and Jacob's three now.”
“And I'm about to start another world tour,” Adam sighed, “just like when Sophia was born.”
“And we managed then.”
Adam turned to look at his husband. “You've already made your mind up,” he accused.
“I don't see how we can live with ourselves,” Kris turned to look at Adam. “A little baby needs a home.”
Adam groaned into his hands. “I can't leave you home alone with two kids and a newborn to take care of.”
“She wants us to call her when we make up our minds.” Kris slid over to Adam's side of the bed. “Baby I really think we should.”
“It's not just up to us though,” Adam looked towards his nightstand, where a picture of Sophia and Jacob sat. “We've got two other kids to think about.”
“So we should talk to them about it,” Kris reached up to Adam's chin, turning him so they were face to face. “The least you can do is sleep on it.”
“I'll think about it,” Adam sighed, “but if Sophia and Jacob don't want it to happen, it won't.”
“You're the perfect Papa Adam,” Kris ran his fingertips over Adam's jaw. “This little baby deserves someone like you in his life.”
“Don't play dirty,” Adam warned with a smile, “I said I would think about it.”
.....................
Kris and Adam sat side by side in the hospital waiting for the nurse to come back with news. “You think she's had him yet?”
Before Adam could answer his husband the waiting room door opened, and a small nurse appeared. “Would you come with me?”
“I guess he's here,” Adam sighed as he stood to follow the nurse.
“Adam, I know you're not a hundred percent on board with this, but please just keep an open mind.” Kris slipped his hand into his husband's as they followed the nurse down the long white corridor.
“Let's just go see the new baby,” Adam gave Kris's hand a tight squeeze, “we'll talk about everything else later.”
Kris gave a silent nod of agreement, before stopping behind the nurse. “Yours is the one in the middle, the only boy we have in there today,” the nurse said with a smile, before silently walking away leaving Kris and Adam alone.
Kris and Adam turned at the same time to look at the little boy surrounded by girls. “Oh my god,” Adam gasped. “It's like looking at Sophia.”
Kris smiled proudly at his little new baby boy. “He's beautiful,” he agreed, resting his head on Adam's leather clad arm.
End of Flashback 2017
Flash Forward 2032
“I knew you’d come,” Jackson smiled as he watched Sebastian punch the punch bag hard.
“I needed to work out.”
“I can see that,” Jackson nodded. “But what did the bag do to you.”
Sebastian stopped punching to look at Jackson. “I’m not having a good day.”
“Want to talk about it?”
“Don’t think it will help.”
“Might stop you ruining my gym equipment,” Jackson shrugged. “I’ve got an office in the back.”
“I wouldn’t want to ruin your office.”
“I’ll go grab us some drinks,” Jackson smiled. “The office is right through the back.”
………………………………….
“They’re going to hate me,” Sebastian sighed.
“I doubt that,” Jackson said. “You’re hurt. They should understand that.”
“I was so mean to them,” Sebastian said shaking his head. “I said things just to hurt them. I wanted to hurt them.”
“They’ve hurt you,” Jackson pointed out. “Holding you back.”
“You think they’re holding me back?”
“Look, it’s not my place to judge, but they’re acting like you’re going off to fight a war alone,” Jackson explained. “You’re only going to train. I would think that would make any parent proud.”
“My parents don’t really care about things like that,” Sebastian shrugged.
“I bet if you went home and told them you wanted to be a singer they would be all for it,” Jackson remarked.
“I guess it would be easier.”
“I bet they hated your boxing,” Jackson said causing Sebastian to frown. “They did, didn’t they?”
“My Papa couldn’t watch a fight,” Sebastian said. “He always said it was because he worried about me getting hurt.”
“I’m sure you know how to take care of yourself,” Jackson said. “That’s the problem. They’re treating you like a kid. Holding you back.”
“I should probably go,” Sebastian said standing up.
“Where are you going?”
“No idea,” Sebastian shrugged. “I really don’t want to face them right now.”
“Are you hungry?”
“A little,” Sebastian answered.
“I have steaks at home,” Jackson smiled. “I was going to put them on the grill tonight.”
“I don’t know…”
“I’ll call your parents and tell them where you are,” Jackson interrupted. “I’ll explain that you need a little time.”
“I don’t want to intrude.”
“Hey, it beats me going home alone and eating the whole two steaks to myself,” Jackson shrugged. “I would only have to work out an extra two hours tomorrow.”
“Well if it’s helping you,” Sebastian smiled.
“You go grab your stuff and I’ll call your parents,” Jackson smiled.
…………………………………………………
Jacob buried his head under the pillow as another round of loud cheers came from the living room. “Bunch of apes,” he grumbled to himself as his cell began to ring. “Hello?”
“Well you don’t sound happy,” Jack remarked into the phone. “Let me guess. Gabe washed another t-shirt.”
“No,” Jacob frowned. “Gabe invited the pigs again.”
“And by pigs you mean, guys from the gym?” Jack asked with a smile on his face.
“They don’t even react to me walking into the room,” Jacob complained. “It’s like it’s not my home.”
“They’re so used to hanging out at Gabe’s,” Jack shrugged. “They all live at home with their parents. Gabe’s the only one with his own place.”
“It’s not his own anymore,” Jacob sighed. “He shares it now.”
“Does he know that?” Jack asked.
“You would think,” Jacob said annoyed. “And they’re smoking pot again.”
“Gabe is?”
“He says he’s not,” Jacob answered. “But really, should I believe him?”
“He’s never lied to you before,” Jack answered. “Plus I don’t really think he was that into it anyway. I think he only did it to be one of the guys.”
“Well that just sounds pathetic.” Jacob turned his head to the side as he heard the front door open and shut. “I think they’re going.”
“I hope they’ve cleared up,” Jack smirked.
“I can hear Gabe coming,” Jacob whispered. “Better go.”
“Tell Gabe good luck,” Jack laughed a Jacob hung up on him before curling up on the bed and pretending to sleep.
“Jake?” Gabe whispered as he tiptoed into the room. “Baby?” Jacob stayed on his side as Gabe climbed onto the bed. “We’re alone now. Jacob?”
“Hmm?”
“The guys left,” Gabe whispered into Jacob’s ear. “We’re alone.”
“Did they clean up?”
“Yep,” Gabe smiled as he cuddled into Jacob from behind.
“You smoked pot,” Jacob accused.
“Just a little,” Gabe frowned.
“I don’t like this side of you,” Jacob whispered as he took hold of Gabe’s hand in his own.
“What side?”
“The person you are around your friends,” Jacob explained. “You’re different.”
“We’re all different around our friends,” Gabe frowned. “I’m sure you are too.”
“I don’t sit and smoke pot with Melissa and Britney,” Jacob sighed. “Me and Jack have never got drunk in the middle of the day.”
“That was one time,” Gabe frowned letting go of Jacob so he could roll onto his back. “The Laker’s had just won.”
“I guess I’m just not used to this side of you,” Jacob whispered into his pillow.
“You’ll get used to it,” Gabe whispered reaching out to stroke Jacob’s back.
“Yeah,” Jacob sighed closing his eyes.
………………………………………..
“So this is weird,” Elle remarked as she looked across the kitchen table at Sebastian’s empty seat. “Sebastian’s never missed a meal.”
“He’s probably lost track of time,” Adam remarked stealing another glance at the clock.
“Can I have his ice cream if he doesn’t come home?”
“He’s coming home,” Kris sighed. “He’ll be home any minute.”
“I hope you’re going to ground him,” Elle frowned.
“For what?”
“I heard the bad words he yelled at you,” Elle explained. “He was mean.”
“Your brother’s just upset, Kris sighed. “He’ll come home and everything will be okay.”
“But will you ground him?”
“Why don’t you go and eat your dinner in the living room,” Adam suggested. “I bet there’s something good on TV.”
“I’m not allowed to eat dinner in the living room.”
“You can this once,” Adam smiled.
“You’re trying to get rid of me, aren’t you?” Elle asked.
“Yes,” Adam answered honestly. “And if you go, I’ll watch a movie with you tonight.”
“Grease?” Elle asked.
“You could play a part in that movie.”
“I like it.”
“Okay,” Adam said holding up his hands. “Now go.”
“Going,” Elle smiled picking up her plate.
“Where is he?” Kris sighed the second Elle walked out of the kitchen. “He’s been gone all day.”
“I think he’s trying to punish us,” Adam answered. “Maybe we should call Jacob again.”
“Jacob told us he would call if he hears from him,” Kris sighed. “Maybe we should call the police.”
“Don’t you think that’s a little dramatic?”
“He could have fell off his bike and hurt himself,” Kris said. “He could be laying hurt somewhere.”
“Look, why don’t I go drive around again,” Adam said pushing his untouched meal away from him. “He’s probably at the park or something.”
“I’ll do it,” Kris said standing up from the table. “You stay by the phone, and entertain Elle.”
“You’ll call if you hear something?” Adam asked standing up to face Kris.
“You too,” Kris said leaning in to give Adam a kiss before walking out.
………………………………………..
“So they were okay about it?” Sebastian asked as he cut up his steak.
“I told them you needed some time out,” Jackson explained. “They sounded okay.”
“Who did you talk to?”
“I… Kris,” Jackson answered. “He picked up the phone.”
“Maybe I should have talked to him,” Sebastian sighed.
“I told him you felt bad about what you said,” Jackson explained. “He seemed okay. He told me to tell you not to worry.”
“What about my Papa?”
“Sebastian, I’m sure they’re both fine,” Jackson said. “You should relax. Tell me about your plans.”
“I don’t know anymore,” Sebastian sighed. “I doubt they’ll let me do it now. I blew any chance I had when I stormed out.”
“But you’re still going to do it, right?” Jackson asked. “I mean, it’s your dream. You can’t just give it up because your parents don’t want you to do it.”
“I don’t have their permission,” Sebastian said.
“They’re just your adoptive parents,” Jackson shrugged. “I’m sure there’s a way around it all. I mean, if it comes to it you can get emancipated from them.”
“What like divorce them?” Sebastian asked with a frown.
“Why not?”
“If you’re truly unhappy with them, then why can’t you?”
“Because it would break their hearts,” Sebastian answered.
“And what are they doing to you right now?” Jackson asked. “You said so yourself. You said they put the other kid’s needs before yours. Your brother gets all of the attention.”
“He’s had a lot to deal with,” Sebastian explained.
“And you don’t?”
“I just don’t want to hurt them.”
“But you want to be in the Air force,” Jackson said. “You have to show them you’re serious. Back them into a corner, and they will have to back down.”
“You don’t know my parents,” Sebastian sighed. “They don’t back down to anyone.”
“What would your real parents say about all of this?” Jackson asked.
“I don’t know my real parents,” Sebastian admitted. “Adam and Kris are the only parents I know.”
“Have you ever wanted to know your real parents?”
“I’ve thought about them,” Sebastian answered. “I wonder what one I take after. I mean, everyone that meets me say I’m like my Dad, but that’s impossible. How can I be like a person I’m not related to by blood?”
“Have you told your parents this?”
“I don’t want to hurt them.”
“I think you worry too much about hurting them,” Jackson remarked. “They don’t seem to worry too much about hurting you.”
“That’s not true,” Sebastian frowned.
“If they were that worried why aren’t they here getting you?” Jackson asked. “Why are they happy to leave you with me?”
“I guess they must be angry with me,” Sebastian sighed.
“Look,” Jackson sighed leaning forward. “I didn’t want to tell you this, but your Dad told me to keep you here for a while. He said your Papa was too angry to have you home right now.”
“I knew he would be,” Sebastian admitted looking down at his plate. “I said some really hurtful things.”
“We should watch a movie,” Jackson smiled. “Something funny to take your minute off of it all. What do you say?”
“Sure,” Sebastian said quietly.
…………………………..
“You okay?” Jackson asked as he looked across the sofa. “Are you crying?”
“I used to wonder what it would be like to have a Mom,” Sebastian admitted as he kept his eyes on the TV. “I would see my friends in school with their Mom’s and I wanted to know what that felt like. When their Mom’s hugged them. I’ve never had a hug from my Mom. I mean I’ve got my Mama and Grandma, but I don’t think it’s the same.”
“I think every kid needs a Mother,” Jackson said. “There’s nothing better than love from your Mom.”
“Do your kids live with their Mom?” Sebastian asked wiping his eyes.
“What?”
“You said you had kids.”
“Oh,” Jackson frowned. “Yeah… I do.”
“Where are they?”
Jackson let out a deep breath as he turned off the TV causing Sebastian to look at him. “I’ve not been completely honest with you.”
“Again?”
“I didn’t come to LA to open up more gyms,” Jackson admitted. “There’s another reason for me being here.”
“So you didn’t read about my fight?”
“I did,” Jackson said. “And that is the reason I’m here.”
“I’m confused.”
“Okay, just let me explain, and don’t freak out on me,” Jackson said standing up. “Can you let me explain?”
“Yes.”
“Okay,” Jackson breathed out before sitting down on the coffee table in front of Sebastian. “When I was fifteen I got my high school girlfriend pregnant. She was from a religious family, and… well there was no way we could keep the baby. She had a little girl and she gave her away. I was so young, and really dumb. I just pretended like it hadn’t happened, but then six years later I started dating her again. And again she got pregnant, and again she gave the baby away. A little boy this time, and this time it hurt. I watched hidden in a hospital corner as the adoptive parents came and saw my baby for the first time. I saw them fall in love with that little boy, and I couldn’t do anything but watch.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because you were that little boy, Sebastian,” Jackson admitted. “I told you I have two kids, and I do. You and Sophia are my kids.”
“You’re my Dad?” Sebastian asked with a shaky voice.
“I’ve been desperate to meet you since that night at the hospital,” Jackson smiled. “I’ve waited fourteen years for you.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Sebastian admitted.
“That’s okay,” Jackson smiled. “I don’t know what to say either. Why don’t we just watch the rest of the movie, and figure it out after?”
Sebastian looked back at the blank screen before looking at Jackson. “Okay.”
“Good,” Jackson smiled bright. “Good,” he repeated before turning the TV on again.
…………………………………….
“Well?” Kris asked the second he walked through the front door.
“No word,” Adam sighed. “You?”
“I looked everywhere.”
“We should call the police,” Adam said causing Kris to nod his head.
End of Flash Forward 2032