Chapter 11

Fred met Jennifer at her apartment. There were a few boxes and suitcases packed when he arrived. After helping her pack up a few more things the two began hauling it all downstairs. It wasn’t much, all of it would fit inside the trunk of his car and the back of Jennifer’s Jeep. The two siblings quickly got everything loaded, silence wrapping around them the whole time like a wet blanket.

“I’ll see you at Ma’s,” Fred muttered as Jennifer locked the apartment door.

“Alright,” she replied. She looked like she would say something else, but then she just sighed. Fred watched as her face shuttered against whatever was brewing in her mind. He shook his head as he walked to his car.

He wished he could have brought Aaron with him, but neither of them wanted to leave Ben alone quite yet. Fred also didn’t want Aaron to have to see how his mother would inevitably react to his presence.

He wasn’t even sure how she would react to seeing him again and he was her fucking son. He was grateful that Jennifer hadn’t tried to pack too much, so hopefully he wouldn’t have to be around the women for long as they unloaded everything.

Jennifer was just getting out of her Jeep as Fred pulled up behind her, parking his car behind her like they had the night Aaron and he had come over. He pushed down the feelings of dread and anxiety that bubbled up as he remembered that night.

Jennifer glanced at the house and stood next to her car door, arms crossed over her chest. Fred switched off the car and sucked in a deep breath, closing his eyes for a second trying to get control of all he was feeling. He got out of his car and Jennifer stepped toward him.

“Hey,” she began. “You don’t have to come in. You can just leave all that shit in the driveway. I can make Ma and the boys help me.” Fred studied her face.

He expected to see disdain there, suspecting she made the offer so he wouldn’t get the chance to see the boys. But he didn’t see scorn etched on his sister’s face. He saw something protective that he hadn’t seen from her since they were much smaller.

It was the same look he’d seen on his sister’s face when he was very young, and his mother would get a little too aggressive with him. The memory of his big sister stepping between the two of them, defending him, shoving him away from the rage of their mother, made his eyes sting.

“I can handle it Jenn,” he muttered. She reached out tentatively and brushed a hand down his shoulder. Fred glanced down at her hand as it brushed against his shirt sleeve. He tried to catch her eye.

“I...” She dragged her gaze away from him and let her hand fall. “Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” She glanced at her brother again, and he saw her eyes were shuttered against him once more.

By now Wanda was standing on the porch, hands on her hips, glaring out at her two children. A small head of blond hair popped out from behind her.

“Uncle Fwed!!” Jeffy screamed happily.

Before Wanda could react, he went flashing past her towards his uncle. Fred couldn’t help but smile at that scream and turned toward it. He took one step then braced himself for the impact of the kid. Jeffy giggled happily as his uncle caught him from his leap and squeezed him in his arms.

“Heeeyy, kid!” Fred’s voice cracked and he felt tears leaking down his cheeks. Jeffy pulled back and held Fred’s face in both of his small hands.

“What’s wwong Uncle Fwed?” Jeffy asked wiping at the wetness of his tears.

“Ah, nothing kid, I’m just happy to see you!” Fred cleared his throat. “I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” Jeffy said. He wrapped his little arms around his uncle’s neck and Fred sighed happily at the small weight of him.

Jennifer watched the exchange with her brother and youngest son. Her arms hung loosely at her sides, and as she regarded the tears on Fred’s cheeks, she expected the usual feelings of disdain and disgust to simmer inside her. Instead, her heart warmed at the raw display of relief and love that poured down Fred’s cheeks.

She wondered what kind of monster she had become, when it had started. She did remember a time when she would hold Fred and comfort him after their mother had knocked him around. When did those feelings of protection turn into feelings of disgust at his weakness. She couldn’t remember when the shift occurred. Tears pricked her eyes at the heavy weight of her mistakes; of the awful things she’d said and done.

An irritated huff and a throat clearing pulled her attention from the sweet display in front of her, of Jeffy and Fred seriously discussing the games Jeffy had been playing since he’d last seen his uncle. She finally noticed Taylor and Chris who were at the door now, clearly itching to get past their grandma who held them back with an outstretched arm.

“Boys, come down here and help us with this stuff,” she ordered. Wanda huffed again and put her hands back on her hips as the two boys pushed past her, towards their Uncle Fred.

After he put Jeffy down, Taylor and Chris each hugged him tightly. Taylor inquired about why he hadn’t been at his birthday party, and Chris demanded to know if he was coming to his. The three boys peppered him with questions and explanations on what he’d missed these past months. It seemed like both a lifetime had passed and hardly any time at all.

“Alright guys, enough, leave Uncle Fred alone, we need to move some boxes and suitcases. It’ll go really fast if we all take some,” Jennifer said.

“What’s happening mommy?” Jeffy asked.

“I ... I’ll tell you inside sweetie, come on and help mommy with this stuff,” Jennifer said.

Fred ruffled Jeffy’s hair as he tried to pull a huge suitcase from the back of the Jeep. Fred pushed it back into place and gave Jeffy a light duffel bag to take in. Wanda came wandering down the driveway as the three boys went inside with various bags and boxes.

“What are you doing here?” Wanda demanded as Fred pulled boxes from his trunk.

“I’m helping my sister Ma,” Fred said simply. Wanda huffed out an irritated breath.

“I told you not to come home until you were done with your sinful ways,” Wanda said slowly.

Jennifer looked over at Fred, her eyebrows raised, she went to lower the bags she held. Fred shook his head and waved her on. She hesitated but started for the house.

“I know that’s what you said. Jennifer didn’t know what to do. Russell’s been abusing her and the boys,” Fred said. Wanda huffed yet again and crossed her arms.

“The boys are fine,” Wanda spat. Fred raised his eyebrows noting that she didn’t say Jennifer was fine. He wondered if his mother had known what was happening and had just ignored it.

“They’re not,” Fred said. “You should see Ben, Ma. His face is all fucked up. Russell threw him against a wall.” Wanda didn’t say anything, her face remained stony.

“Why would he do that?” Wanda asked.

“I can’t explain it to you Ma. It’s not mine to tell.” Wanda rolled her eyes.

“Everyone is so sensitive these days,” she muttered.

She stalked back up the driveway and into the house. Fred scraped his hands through his hair and down his face, balling them into tight fists. He closed his eyes, and he took some deep breaths. He jumped at the touch of a hand on his shoulder. When he opened his eyes, Jennifer stood there, looking up at him worriedly.

“What did she say?” she asked. Fred shook his head.

“Nothing,” he said. Jennifer stared at his face and saw he wouldn’t tell her anything more. It was fine, she knew she hadn’t done anything to earn his confidence.

With everyone, except Wanda, helping to bring in bags and boxes they finished unloading everything in just a few minutes. Wanda had slunk off to her bedroom when Fred began bringing things into the house and refused to leave while he remained there. He did his best to ignore the invisible hurt her actions raked across his heart. He’d have a lot to talk to his therapist about this week. It still bothered him that her jabs and abuses continued to hurt him so much.

After everything had been brought in, Jennifer grabbed a couple of beers and the siblings sat outside in the backyard sipping at them. The three boys played together in the yard while Fred and Jennifer sat together. They didn’t talk about much, just the logistics of her finding a job, a place to live. He hadn’t even gotten halfway through his beer before he stood and said he needed to get going.

Fred hugged each boy, planting kisses on their heads before Jennifer walked him out to his car. She stood awkwardly for a moment before speaking. She didn’t want him to leave, had hoped he would stay and help her figure things out. She knew she did not deserve it, didn’t deserve any of the kindnesses he was extending right now, after the way she had been behaving these past months.

“Thank you,” she sputtered finally. “For helping me figure out what to do.”

“You’re welcome,” he said quietly. “Keep the boys safe from him.”

“I will,” she said. “Are you ... will you give me your address?” Fred turned his head and stared down the street.

“Yeah,” he said. “Give me your phone.” She handed it to him, and he opened the map app and typed in his and Aaron’s address.

“Don’t give this to her,” he said nudging his chin towards the house. “And do not let Russell know.” Jennifer shook her head.

“I’m going to get a restraining order today. Call the police and report him or whatever,” she said. Fred blinked. He hadn’t even thought of that.

“Oh,” he said. “That’s a good idea.” Jennifer nodded.

“Aaron ... Aaron texted me while we were unloading the cars and gave me some legal advice. Said he would help me if I wanted. He won’t work on it himself, conflict of interest or something, but said he could refer me to someone in his firm. He did say a good first step would be reporting him and the whole incident, getting the restraining order,” Jennifer said quietly.

“That was nice of him,” Fred said, knowing it was the biggest understatement of the year.

“Considering how I treated him before and even today ... it was extremely nice of him. I didn’t even know he had my number,” Jennifer said.

“He has both your and Ma’s numbers in his phone, just in case something happens to me. I told him not to bother, but he insisted,” Fred said. He knew the words were harsh, but he had no energy left to shield his sister from how wonderful Aaron had been and how awful they had been. Her eyes shone with tears.

“Oh,” Jennifer said in a small voice. “OK, well ... thank you Fred. I’m serious. I don’t know what would have happened if it wasn’t for you. Aaron too, both of you.” Fred nodded. She reached out again tentatively, brushed a hand against his shoulder. Fred sighed and pulled his sister into a hug.

Jennifer was surprised, it was what she had wanted to do, had needed from him, but she didn’t want to overstep. After all the shitty things she’d done in the past months she wouldn’t put her need for warm safe physical contact above her brother’s comfort.

But he had picked up on it, throughout the day, Fred had noted the need in her. She was utterly lost, dealing with an abusive husband, a mother who wouldn’t acknowledge the hurt that husband was causing, Jennifer needed him. So, he chose to give her his support.

She quickly relaxed into the warm, secure embrace of her little brother, her arms tight around his torso. With her face buried in his shirt she allowed herself to break a little and Fred could feel the hot tears seep into the fabric of his shirt. He squeezed her tighter and kissed the side of her head.

“Take care of the boys, OK?” Fred said when her arms began to loosen. She pulled back and wiped at her tear-streaked cheeks nodding.

“OK,” she said.

“Call me if you need something,” Fred said thickly. “And get the boys out of here as quick as you can. She’s only marginally better than Russell.” Jennifer nodded again, knowing the truth of those words.

“I’ll start looking for a new place today,” she promised. Fred studied her face then nodded to himself and climbed into his car. Jennifer waved as he started up the car and drove off.

“How’d it go?” Aaron asked when Fred walked into the house. Fred sighed, tossing his keys in the bowl by the front door.

“Ugh,” he muttered and scraped his hands down his face. Aaron noticed the redness of his eyes, but didn’t pry, knowing Fred would share when he was ready.

“That good huh?” Aaron walked to Fred and kissed him.

“Where’s Ben?” Fred asked.

“In his room. Finn is coming to pick him up in a few minutes,” Aaron said.

“What for?” Fred’s eyes narrowed.

“I didn’t ask Freddie. Probably to hang out with his boyfriend.” Aaron shrugged.

“Is that a good idea? Shouldn’t he rest?” Fred grumbled. He made his way to the kitchen to get a glass of water.

“He said he was feeling better. He let me check his back, it’s pretty bruised up. Mostly on his shoulders,” Aaron replied, following Fred to the kitchen and leaning against the counter.

“Should we take him to a doctor or something? I’m not even sure they’ve got insurance,” Fred muttered after gulping down half his water.

“I asked him if he wanted to go to a walk-in clinic or ER, but he said no that it’s already feeling better,” Aaron said. Fred paused, then refilled his now empty water glass.

“Should we make him go in somewhere?” he asked. Aaron sighed and stretched his shoulders.

“I think he’s fine. I don’t want to force him,” Aaron said.

“I don’t know if he should go out though,” Fred said.

“Let him be normal, don’t coddle him.” Aaron shrugged. “Is Jennifer going to call the police?” Fred nodded.

“She said she was,” Fred replied.

Before the two men could get too deep into that topic a loud rumbling started outside, growing louder until an earsplitting growl was just outside the front window.

“What the fuck?” Fred muttered. He and Aaron walked over to the windows that overlooked the driveway and peered out.

A motorcycle had pulled up into their small driveway and a skinny boy was putting down the kickstand as he switched off the grumbling motor. He unclasped his helmet and pulled it off revealing a mop of dark blue-black hair and piercing green eyes.

“Finn’s here, I’ll see you later,” Ben said as he made his way to the door.

“Hang on,” Fred said. “Finn rides a fucking motorcycle? Since when?”

“For more than a year now. He got it when he was 17,” Ben said.

“Didn’t he just turn 17?” Fred asked.

“No ... he just turned 18, a few months ago,” Ben said. “So ... can I go?” Aaron started to nod, but Fred spoke.

“No. He can come up to the door and get you,” Fred said. Ben grinned at first, thinking his uncle was joking, but it faded at the stoic look on his face.

“Are you serious Uncle Fred?” Ben asked. There was a knock at the door. Ben stared at Fred with an icy glare. “Can I fucking answer it, or do you want to?”

“OK, Jesus, just relax you two,” Aaron said. He went to the front door and opened it.

Finn stood there with an easy smile on his face that went right to his eyes. He pushed his floppy hair back.

“Hi,” he said. “I’m Finn.” He stuck out his hand.

“Hey Finn, Aaron,” Aaron replied, shaking the boy’s outstretched hand. “Come on in.” Finn walked in and Aaron led him to the living room where Fred and Ben still stared daggers at each other. Aaron cleared his throat.

“Fred, Finn is here,” Aaron said trying to cut the tension. Finn continued to grin until his eyes finally landed on Ben’s face.

“Oh my god, Ben.” Finn went to him and pushed his blond hair back. “Are you OK?” His voice cracked. Ben tore his eyes away from Fred, landing on Finn. The hard ice chips melted away and went soft with relief.

Fred recognized the look as one he had seen numerous times on Aaron’s face and one, he was sure he had worn when looking at Aaron. His anger and suspicion dissolved a bit, leaving him feeling a little ridiculous, and hypocritical.

“I’ll be OK,” Ben said quietly. He glanced at his uncle. “This is my Uncle Fred and his boyfriend Aaron.” Finn turned to Fred and smiled a little, but he couldn’t hide the concern that now glazed his green eyes.

“Hi, I’ve heard a lot about you,” he said to Fred.

“What are you boys up to today?” Aaron asked casually. Finn turned back to Ben.

“Well, we were going to go see a movie, then later a friend of ours is having a party. But maybe you should go to the hospital Ben,” Finn said. Ben rolled his eyes.

“I’m fine, Finn, I don’t need to go to the hospital,” Ben insisted.

“Maybe you should,” Fred said. Ben’s eyes turned a bit icy again.

“I told you I’m fine. I don’t want to go in anywhere,” Ben said.

“We could just stay here,” Finn offered, running a hand down Ben’s arm to hold his hand. “Just chill. I don’t want you on the bike if you’re sore or in pain.”

Fred warmed a bit towards Finn in those moments hearing him encourage Ben to take things easy.

“I want to go out. I’m ... antsy,” Ben said.

He caught Finn’s gaze and there was silent communication between the two, that caused both Fred and Aaron to look away.

“Alright,” Finn finally said, with a touch of concern in his voice. “We can skip the party.”

“Nah, let’s go to the party. Sadie would be bummed if we didn’t show,” Ben said.

“Be home by midnight,” Fred said.

“2am,” Ben countered. Aaron raised his eyebrows watching Fred.

“Do you have a shift tomorrow?” Fred asked.

“Closing, doesn’t start until 3pm,” Ben said.

“1am,” Fred said. Ben considered, glancing at Finn who only grinned a little and shrugged.

“Fine, I’ll be home by 1am,” Ben said.

“No drinking,” Fred said. Ben’s eyes darkened at that.

“I never drink Uncle Fred,” Ben said flatly. “I never, ever want to be like my dad.” Fred winced.

“Yeah, OK,” he said. “Be careful kid. Finn, you have a helmet for him?”

“Of course,” Finn said. “He’s been riding with me for a year now so,” Finn shrugged.

“I can’t believe your mom let you ride that motorcycle, Ben,” Fred said.

“She doesn’t know. Never asked.” Ben admitted.

“Jesus Christ, please be careful,” Fred said.

“Safety third!” Finn said brightly. Aaron laughed nervously.

“Come on let’s go, bye Uncle Fred, bye Aaron.” Ben pulled Finn towards the door.

The two men watched Ben and Finn through the front window as they quickly kissed, put on helmets and climbed onto the motorcycle. Both were perfectly at ease on the bike, Ben’s arms clasped loosely around his boyfriend, Finn moving seamlessly beneath them. They roared off and Fred winced again. Aaron put his arms around him.