Sky’s the Limit
Book Two

 Chapter Two - Jonah’s Resurrection

Thanks to Rec for editing!

Jonah Knight didn’t know how long he had been asleep after the jet took off. He started to wake when he heard the engines change pitch. He was still very drowsy; as he was still feeling the effects of the medications. He just lay there on the stretcher with his eyes closed. He then heard his Uncle Chip and Dr. Tom talking. 

 “Chip, how do you really feel about this?” 

“I’m scared as hell. It’s just like a weird déjà vu thing. It’s just like Billy almost eleven years ago. I feel as if someone pressed the rewind button on the VCR recorder of my life.”

“I certainly can understand that, Chip. Man, the resemblance really is uncanny isn’t it?” 

“Really, but you should have seen Liz, his mom. Looks just like her, too.” 

The last remark confused Jonah. He knew he looked like his mom, but he didn’t look anything like Chip “What were they talking about?” he wondered. 

“Tom, I really appreciate your taking off and doing this today. I know how busy you are.” 

“That’s okay. I had a resident available to fill in at the hospital. No big deal. Besides, I went through all this with you and Billy, remember? 

“I remember, Tom. I don’t have many friends that would do what you’ve done. This kid’s been through more than Billy, though. I don’t know how he’s held up as well as he has.” 

“Chip, the kid was absolutely amazing at that memorial service. To get up in front of the whole school where he’d already been outed and make that speech and then play and sing an emotionally charged song like that…. I was truly amazed, and moved. I had tears in my eyes. This kid is… I don’t know, amazing just doesn’t cut it.  

“He’s pretty damn special alright. Ya know he’s always made almost straight A’s, you’ve heard his musical ability, and he’s at least a third-degree black belt in karate. Billy and I have kept up with him through his mom all these years. It’s been pretty rough on us since she died; we don’t get much news on the kids any longer. I guess that’s partly my fault, but Jim wouldn’t…..” 

“I know. That’s the reason we’re here now, isn’t it? 

“Yep, Billy is so relieved he’s coming. In fact, he’s been acting like a little kid. He was literally jumping up and down and screaming when I told him Jonah was coming. He always wanted a little brother. Now, at twenty-six he finally gets his wish, I guess. Billy’s like Peter Pan: he never really grew up; the little jerk still looks like a teenager. I think I’m actually going to have two teenagers to deal with.” 

Tom began laughing softly. 

“Seriously though, Chip, he’s going to need help. They’ve got him on a pretty substantial dose of Prozac. That’s not a permanent solution. You need to get him into some serious counseling as soon as possible. I would like to see him on something a little milder that doesn’t have the side effects. He’s going to be on pain meds for the leg, and he had a pretty serious brain injury.” 

“I know. I hope he likes Billy’s shrink. That would solve a lot of issues, but I’m going to let Jonah make that call. We have to find someone he’s comfortable with.” 

“I know some really good people, too. Let me know if you need some names.” 

“Mr. Tucker, we’re in the pattern for Memphis. We’ll be landing in about ten minutes. Your ground transportation is there waiting on you,” a voice crackled from an overhead speaker. 

“Jonah, Jonah, wake up. We’re about to land,” Chip said, shaking Jonah’s shoulder gently. 

“Hi,” Jonah said opening his eyes. “We’re in Memphis?” 

“Yep, almost. We’re landing in just a minute or two.” 

In about five minutes, the wheels on the aircraft were lowered with a definite thump, and shortly thereafter the plane was touching down. It taxied to an area where some other small jets were parked, and stopped under a large canopy with a big sign that said, ‘Wilson Air Center.’  

Chip looked over at Jonah and said, “Jonah, just wait here. Someone will be here and take you out on the stretcher. They’ll take you straight to the car.” He and Tom followed the pilot out of the plane. The co-pilot came back and unhooked the stretcher from the bracket that was holding it down. He raised the back of the stretcher until Jonah was almost sitting upright. Then two more men in coveralls came and unloaded him, stretcher and all. They wheeled the stretcher through the large modern lobby area where Chip was talking to a very large black man. He was at least 6’8” with long black hair done in cornrows that hung down his back and were tied back with a strap. He appeared to be in his thirties. He had a massive chest with huge arms, and he looked like he could crush a small car with his bare hands. His broad chest tapered to a narrow waist to which very long legs were attached. He was dressed in a tight black shirt and pants which made him even more intimidating. He was talking to Chip while nodding and smiling and looking over at Jonah and smiling some more.  

This black human mountain then walked—no, glided—over to where Jonah was sitting. Jonah had never noticed anyone walk as smoothly and gracefully before. “Mista Jonah, my name’s Leon. I’m gonna drive ya ova ta Mista Charles’s and Mista Billy’s. The folks here is gettin’ yo bags outta da plane. You jus’ relax and let Leon take care of ya. Okay?” 

“Uh, yeah, uh, sure, okay. I ain’t goin’ anywhere.”  

“Alrighty, then, I’ll be back in jus a sec. I gotta make sure they don’t make no mess getting’ yo’ stuff into the car,” Leon said as he glided off.  

Jonah watched Chip talking to someone behind a counter, while Tom was on his cell phone. In just a few minutes, Leon returned and said something to Chip before he, Chip and Tom went to where Jonah was waiting. “Ready to go?” Chip asked.  

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” he replied. 

Leon put one arm behind Jonah’s back and the other under his knees, picking him up as if he were a feather. He carried him out the door and down a short walkway to a huge black stretched Escalade limo. The rear door on the driver side was already open. Leon gently put Jonah inside, making sure his cast rested on the seat across from him. He then walked back to the open back section and brought some cushions to put under the back of Jonah’s knees in order to support the whole leg. Leon closed the door, walked around to the other side of the car and opened the door for Chip and Tom. Once everyone was in, they were off. 

Jonah looked over at Chip, and asked, “Do you mind if I ask you a couple of personal questions? I mean, we haven’t had much time to talk alone or anything.”

“Hey, if you guys need to talk, I can sit up front with Leon,” Tom said. 

“No, that’s okay, not that personal.” Jonah said. Looking at Chip, he asked, “Have you ever… I mean are you or Uncle Billy married? I mean I know so little; you seem to know a lot about me. It’s a little embarrassing.” 

“Oh, jeez, Jonah, I never even thought…. No, don’t be embarrassed. I should be ashamed for not being more involved in your life. No, I’m not married, I was once, but we were divorced many years ago. We never had time for kids, but I’m a little more than a brother to your Uncle Billy. I’m more like a surrogate father, I guess. He came to live with me when he was fifteen and I was twenty-two. That caused problems between me and Jenny, my ex. We had been married while I was in college. We were living in a small apartment, and I was just starting out in an investment-banking career, working twelve to sixteen hours a day. Then suddenly, we had a fifteen-year-old kid to take care of. It was too much for a young marriage. I couldn’t blame Jenny for leaving, and I couldn’t blame Billy either, he needed me, and well, Jenny and I, well, we’re still good friends.  

“After that, Dad got sick and died. Then there was the estate and managing the trust, which started my new career. I never really had time to start another family. Billy… well, Billy’s another story. Billy’s never been married, but for different reasons. I helped him get started in a nightclub and restaurant along with a former friend of his, and it’s now one of the hottest places downtown. It’s near the new Peabody Center just off Beale Street, and there’s a wait to get in almost every night, so he’s pretty busy with that. That’s the main reason we live downtown. We used to live in a big house out in Germantown that belonged to Dad, but the commute was ridiculous. Since we were converting an old building that the trust had bought into condos, we just turned the whole top floor into a sort-of penthouse for us.” 

“Sort of?” Tom interjected. “The damn thing’s a palace. By the way, Jonah, I’m between wives at the moment and sort of prefer it that way. Damn alimony’s killin’ me, but I did get a really great son out of the last one. He’s five and spoiled rotten. You’ll probably end up with babysitting duty when you’re on your feet. I’m sure Reese will enjoy a break from taking care of him.” 

“Reese?” Jonah asked. 

“He’s a kid about your age that lives in the building. He helps Billy and me with odd jobs from time to time around the building. He babysits for Tom when Little Tommy is visiting,” Chip replied. “I’ve asked Reese to come by and meet you. You’re going to need someone with you from time to time when Billy and I aren’t around—at least till you’re on your feet. If you like, I’ll hire Reese to keep you company, help you in and out of the bathroom—that sort of thing.” 

“Uh, we’ll see. I don’t know. I can take care of myself.”  

“No, Jonah, at least till you’re on crutches, you need help,” Tom interjected. “Doctor’s orders.” 

“If you don’t like Reese, I can hire a nurse or an aide. I know a two-hundred pound older woman—built like a wrestler, ugly as sin, and mean as a snake,” Chip said chuckling.  

Jonah didn’t think the joke was that funny but Tom was laughing, too. He wasn’t at all sure about having some kid he didn’t know babysitting him, but he knew he would need someone to help. In the hospital there had been nurses and aides to assist him. Being in a home environment, especially one he had never even seen, was going to be a challenge. 

“Does Leon work for you? I mean is this your limo?” Jonah asked Chip, changing the subject. 

“Oh, no. Leon owns a fleet of limos. I helped get him financed and set up with his first couple of cars. That was five years ago. Now he has a dozen or so airport limos and five or six of these really stretched jobs. When Billy or I need a limo, he tends to us personally. On holidays like New Year’s, we hire his entire fleet to shuttle drunk club patrons home or to their hotels. It’s really a crowd pleaser.”  

About that time they were pulling in front of a large, older ten-story building that had obviously been recently remodeled or restored. Leon got out, came around and opened the passenger-side door; Chip and Tom got out. Leon reached into the limo, slid Jonah toward him, then picked him up, again as if he weighed nothing at all. When he turned around, a middle-aged black man in a red blazer and black dress pants came out of the building pushing a power wheelchair. Leon gently put Jonah into the chair and pulled the leg support up under his cast. 

“Sam,” Chip said, addressing the man in the red blazer, “I’m sure you’ve been playing with that thing enough to show Jonah how to use it. Do you mind showing him while Leon and I take care of Jonah’s things?” 

“No, sir,” he said with a large smile. 

Sam proceeded to instruct Jonah on the use of the power wheelchair, while Leon unloaded his baggage into the lobby area of the building. Tom went inside and disappeared into an elevator. 

“Jonah, Sam here is our number-one doorman, parking valet, security guard, and whatever else needs doing down here. He’s here most days from four till midnight. On days he’s not here, his brother Jake will be. When there’s no doorman, you’ll need a passcard; I already have one for you upstairs. It’ll open the outer doors, the gym in the basement, and our apartment. There’s also a security code you’ll have to punch into a keypad in the elevators to make them work. I’ll show you that in a moment.” 

“Nice to meet you, Sam,” Jonah said extending his hand, which Sam took and shook. 

“You too, Mista Jonah.” 

“Sam, do you mind loading all this stuff in the freight elevator and getting Reese to bring it up in a few minutes.” 

“Nossah, I’ll call up to Reese’s in jus a sec.”  

“You ready to solo that thing, or do you need help?” Chip asked. 

“I’m ready,” Jonah said, following Chip inside the building as Sam held the door. This power chair was liberation of sorts for Jonah; it gave him some independent mobility for a change. 

Jonah was instructed on the security code for the elevator, then Chip punched a button labeled “PH.” The elevator door opened onto a small but elegant lobby area. On one end was a large window framed by expensive drapery that overlooked the street, and on the other a double-sized door. Jonah followed Chip over to the door, where he inserted a card into the lock and opened it.  

They stepped into a large foyer with dark marble floors contrasting sharply with the brightly decorated lobby; the walls were done in a dark wallpaper with antique gold trim and molding. The foyer opened into a large room and a wall of windows looking out over the Mississippi River. To their left was a hallway. On the right, at the end of the room, was a large, brick, freestanding fireplace with a large plasma TV above it; Jonah could see past the fireplace, to a large dining room that had large glass doors opening onto a rooftop terrace. In the living room on either side of the fireplace were two overstuffed leather sofas, with a heavy square wooden coffee table between them. Off to one side close to the windows was a black, baby-grand piano. Jonah went over to look at it. “This is a real Steinway!” Jonah said, almost drooling. 

“Yeah, I bought that for Billy a couple of Christmases ago. He loves to play, too, you know. The old one needed re-stringing, so it was just easier to start over. It was hell getting it up here, let me tell ya.”  

“This apartment is huge, and the view!” Jonah was riding all over the room in the wheelchair, looking around. From the large window he could see a pyramid-looking building and what Chip told him was mud island.  

“Jonah!?” a voice behind him exclaimed. 

When Jonah turned, his jaw nearly hit his lap. 

Jonah realized who it was, who it had to be, standing in front of him. He just wasn’t prepared for the shock of what seemed like looking in a mirror. A mirror image aged a few years, but a mirror image nonetheless. Billy Tucker just stood there staring at Jonah with a huge smile on his face. Billy and Jonah shared the same blond hair, height, delicate features, and irrepressible smile. 

“Uncle Billy?” Jonah finally asked tentatively. 

“PULEEZE, just Billy. Weird, isn’t it? Us, that is.” 

“Yeah, I mean, I never knew you… This is just... I never even saw a picture... Damn!” 

Chip, standing behind Jonah, started to crack up. Billy followed suit and started laughing also. Jonah was just sitting there in shock with his mouth hanging open, but finally had to laugh, too. 

Billy quickly moved over to Jonah, knelt, and hugged him tightly. 

“You two look a lot more like brothers than Billy and I do. In fact, ‘cept for the age difference, you two could be twins,” Chip said, still laughing. “We’ve had a picture of you, so we knew there was a very strong resemblance, but it really is weird to finally see you together like this.” 

Billy finally released his hug and said “Jonah, you don’t know how long I’ve waited for this. Years. Now, you’re finally here; I’m so excited I can’t stand it. This is so great! I mean, I hate what happened to you, but I’m just so glad you’re here.” 

“Thanks, I understand what you mean. I’m still trying to accept everything and process it in my head. I’m just a little overwhelmed. No, I’m a lot overwhelmed, but I really need to use a bathroom.” 

“Good chance to show you your room. We had the bathroom especially equipped just yesterday to help you. Do you mind if I give you a hand?” Billy asked. 

“No, somebody’s going to have to, I guess.”  

Billy began to lead Jonah down the hallway on the other side of the foyer. “There are four bedrooms down this hallway. Yours is the first one on the right. It’s next to Chip’s at the end, and I’m right across the hall from him. The bedroom across from you is a guest room. All four have separate baths, and there’s a half bath back near the foyer. Here we go. I hope you like your room. I’ve been working on getting it ready ever since we knew you were coming.” 

Jonah was shocked at what he found in the room. There was a king-sized bed with a white down comforter against the wall to his left; across from him there were large windows, with a glass door opening onto a small terrace overlooking the river. Next to the door was a desk with what looked like a new Dell computer and a huge flat-screen monitor. There was even a new laptop sitting next to it. A huge flat-panel TV hung on the wall opposite the bed, and over in a corner next to the window was a brand-new keyboard. He went over to look at it. “This is a Yamaha Motif S90. These just came out. This isn’t all for me. No way.” 

“Yes, way. There’s also a built-in, surround-sound system. The CD/DVD player, video games, and other equipment are in the cabinet under the TV. There’s a remote for everything, too, and it works the same for the equipment in the living room,” Billy explained excitedly. “Do you like it?” 

“I love it, but guys, this is too much. I mean, I can’t pay y’all back for all this. I can’t keep this. This is way over the top. I mean….” 

“Jonah, don’t. It was tough enough for you to leave your friends, your home and everything else. We just want you to be comfortable and enjoy staying with us. Don’t worry about costs. You never have to worry about money while you’re here, not anything within reason. What you see here is nothing. These are just things. What’s important is that you know you have a home here and we want you to be happy,” Chip said smiling at him. 

“Um, thanks, guys. I mean it, but, uh, I really need to find the bathroom.” 

Billy chuckled, then opened a door into a large bathroom containing a whirlpool tub and a separate large shower. Billy helped him out of the wheelchair, out of his pants and onto the toilet. It was a little embarrassing for Jonah, but after being in the hospital, he was getting used to strangers seeing him like that. After Jonah was done, he was anxious to try out some of the new toys.  

“Can I try out the keyboard?” 

“Certainly, it’s yours. You can do whatever you want. If you don’t like it, we can swap it for a Kurzweil or anything else you want. I just loved all the things the Yamaha would do.”  

“No! I love Yamaha. They had an S80 at my school, and I loved it. This is way cool.” 

“What do you want to play?” 

“Well, since we’re all finally together, everybody but Mom, how about I dedicate a silly little song to her? Do ya like Elton John?” 

“Like him,” Billy said, “I love him. I’ve met him twice, ya know.” 

“No way!”  

“Absolutely. I’ve got pictures in my room I’ll show ya later. Play. Play.” 

Jonah studied the complicated controls, but quickly got the keyboard set up to play as a grand piano. He played a few chords on the perfectly weighted keys. Then began singing Look Ma, No Hands. 

I'll take a rainy day
To make a champagne shower
Poach some horn and tusk
To build an ivory tower

Been to Philadelphia
The day it was closed
I walked to New Orleans
Down a Louisiana road

The skeletons they hung from the bushes and the trees
But not a skull among 'em said boo to me
In a time of wine and cheap cigars
I'm on top of the world
Top of the world, Ma

Look, Ma, no hands
Look, Ma, ain't life grand?
I'm a super power, I'm a handy man
Didn't I turn out, didn't I turn out to be
Everything you wanted, Ma
Ain't you proud of me?

It takes a silver tongue
To have the Midas touch
Not your alchemist
Making gold from rust

Been down in Roswell
When the Martians came
I sailed to Mandeville
Across Lake Pontchartrain 

“That’s a happy song. I played it for her a few times before. She liked it.” 

Billy put his arms around Jonah. “I liked it, too. You have a marvelous voice.” 

“You should’ve heard him at that memorial service. He did another of Liz’s favorites, Nature Boy,” Chip said smiling. 

“Oh, man, I hate that I missed that. I bet you did that beautifully. How appropriate for your young friend, too. That was a wonderful choice for a song, Jonah.”  

“Mom suggested it to me in a dream, at least I think it was a dream,” Jonah replied. 

He looked over and saw a tear in Billy’s eye as Billy looked at Chip. Neither said anything. 

Just then, the doorbell rang. Jonah followed his uncles out of the bedroom. Chip opened the door to let in a young man carrying a couple of Jonah’s bags; but this wasn’t any ordinary guy. Not by any means.  

He looked like a young Greek god. No, even that didn’t do justice. The gods would be jealous of this guy. He appeared to be about Jonah’s age, but tall, at least six feet, probably more. His face was as if it was chiseled from alabaster—smooth, but very fair, with sharp, beautiful features. He had high, well-defined cheekbones, a perfectly proportioned nose slightly curved upward, a mouth with rich full lips, and a strong square chin. His hair was somewhat long, curly and dark—almost black—but with an auburn tint to it. He had what appeared to be a perfectly proportioned body, but his clothes were a bit baggy, so it was hard to tell. Jonah’s eyes were glued to the eye candy before him.  

The young stranger started to say something to Chip till he looked over to where Jonah was sitting with Billy, who was standing just behind him. “Wow, you two look like brothers. Almost like twins, that’s way weird.” Then he smiled.  

That’s when Jonah noticed the dimples that appeared on either cheek, and a smile, with nearly perfect teeth. ’Sky. Think hard about Sky. This guy’s gotta be straight, anyway,’ Jonah was thinking to himself while consciously trying to suppress his hormones and not drool or otherwise make an obvious fool out of himself. 

“Jonah, I want you to meet Reese, Reese Mitchell. He and his mom have a condo on the second floor. Reese, this is our nephew, Jonah Knight,” Chip finally stated. 

“Nice ta meet ya. Uh, where ya want these bags?” 

“Yeah, uh, you, too. Umm, uh, my room’s, uh, the first one on the right,” Jonah stammered. 

“C’mon, Reese, we’re going to have to put everything away for him anyway. I’ll show you,” Billy said as they went off towards Jonah’s room. Jonah followed them, noticing that Reese had a beautiful bubble butt that became especially obvious when he bent over to pick up one of the bags. ’Sky, dammit. Jonah, you’re in love with Sky,’ he repeatedly told himself. 

“There’re a few more bags and boxes still out in the lobby,” Reese said as he walked out of the room. 

“You can put your tongue back in you mouth now, and try not to drool so much,” Billy chuckled to Jonah softly as he walked out behind him.  

“Whut?” Jonah replied innocently as Billy looked back at him, rolling his eyes. 

Reese came back with the rest of Jonah’s stuff and he and Billy were busily putting it away as Jonah just sat watching this gorgeous boy. “Um, I’m gonna go back into the living room with Chip,” Jonah finally said as he turned and headed out the door. 

He parked the wheelchair next to one of the sofas that was across from where Chip was sitting reading some papers. “Chip, can I ask you something?” 

“Sure, shoot.” 

“What am I going to do about school?” 

“Glad you asked. For the time being, you’ll be wired in to your old school through the internet. They were already setting up a two-way, video-conferencing system for your friend Dexter, so it wasn’t any big deal. Each of your classes will have a live two-way connection starting Monday. All of the assignments you missed will be emailed to you, as well as the current assignments. Your printer has a built-in scanner so you can send back any hand-written assignments, like math problems. We’ve got a tutor that will come in two or three days a week to help you catch up and answer any questions. She’s a retired schoolteacher and really looking forward to it. The whole apartment is wired for WiFi so you can use that laptop anywhere up here, even out on the terrace. You will have to choose a school for next year or maybe even for the rest of this year when you’re more settled and on your feet, or at least on crutches. There’s a really good private all-boys prep school that Billy and I both went to that I think you would like. Reese goes there. He’s a sophomore.” 

“You talkin’ ‘bout the U School?” Reese said walking back into the room and sitting on the sofa next to Jonah’s wheelchair. 

“U School?” Jonah asked. 

“Memphis University School. One of the oldest private schools in the city. It’s grades 7 through 12 and all boys. They’ve got some really great programs and extracurricular activities. I’m on the swim team, lacrosse team, and in the drama club. It’s pretty cool as schools go. I’ll show ya the web site if ya like.” 

Jonah couldn’t help but notice Reese’s infectious smile and those gorgeous dimples. “Yeah, thanks. I’d appreciate that.”  

“Jonah, I know you just met him, but I’ve asked Reese to be available to stay with you when he’s not in school and at times when we may not be here. I don’t want to put you on the spot, but is that okay?” 

“Yeah, I mean, if Reese doesn’t mind, it’s okay by me, I suppose. Some company to talk to might be cool.” 

“Might be?” Reese asked. “I’ve been told I’m pretty good company,” he chuckled, as Jonah was again mesmerized by this boy’s smile. 

“I’m not always good company lately, I’m afraid,” Jonah replied. 

“That’s okay. I’ve got lots of patience. Besides, have you checked out that room of yours? Billy went crazy at Best Buy. You’ve got Xbox, Game Cube, and Playstation and dozens of games for all of ‘em all hooked up to that mega TV and surround sound. There’s a cool gym downstairs. You can at least work on the upper-body machines if your docs say it’s okay. We’ll find something to occupy time.” 

That smile of his was absolutely contagious. Jonah smiled back at him and said, “Okay,” and they dapped fists.  

“Look, I gotta go right now. Mom’s waitin’ supper for me, and I got a meeting tonight. I’ll see ya tomorrow after school.” 

“Okay.” 

“Good, I’m glad that’ll work,” Chip said smiling. 

“Leaving, Reese?” Billy asked as he came back into the room. 

“Yeah, mom’s waitin’ supper, and I got a MAGY meeting.” 

“Maggie?” Jonah interjected. 

Reese got a deer-in-the-headlights look, glanced over at Billy and Jonah, then said, “Uh, um, it’s just a sorta club I belong to. It’s nothin’ you’d probably be interested in. Uh, I gotta go. Bye.” 

Jonah was somewhat confused by the unusual reaction, but his thoughts were quickly distracted by Billy. “Y’all ready for supper?” Billy asked, walking into the kitchen. “I figured Jonah was pretty tired of hospital food, so I’ve fixed my world-famous lasagna.”  

“It really is world class, Jonah. Billy’s a graduate of one of the finest culinary schools in the country. He interned under some of the best chefs at the finest restaurants in New Orleans and in New York. He can cook,” Chip said, smiling. 

“Sounds awesome to me. I’m actually starved. But I guess I need to call Dad to let him know I’m here okay.” 

“Already done, Jonah, unless you just need to speak to him about something else. I called him from the airport.” 

“No, I think we’ve said all we need to each other for now. Thanks.” 

“That reminds me Jonah, on the table by your bed you’ll find a new cell phone. I’m sorry, but your dad wouldn’t let me have your old one to download all your old numbers. I guess he was scared you would try to call—” 

“I know, he thinks I was some kind of slut and was sleeping with a lot of guys. I really don’t know what he’s thinking lately.” 

“I heard all that, Jonah,” Billy said, walking back in the room. “Look, let’s change the subject and get dinner on the table.” 

He went into the dining room and set the table, then went into the kitchen and brought out the food. He had a place set for Jonah on the end of the table, and Billy rolled the wheelchair under it. They sat on either side of him. He took one bite of the lasagna, and realized it was the best thing he had ever tasted. It literally melted in his mouth. “Man, this is incredible,” he said. 

“Told ya,” Chip chuckled. 

“Man, I’m gonna gain ten pounds living here.” 

“Good, you could use it,” Billy said. 

After they ate in near silence for a while, Jonah spoke up: “Mind if I ask you guys a question, now that we’re all here together?” 

“No, go ahead,” Chip said. 

“What happened that y’all never came to visit Mom or Sarah and me?” 

There was a long pause, and Billy finally spoke: “Jonah, when I was about fifteen, I knew I was different. I’m gay. Dad found out in an awkward way and didn’t want anything else to do with me. That’s when I went to live with Chip. I was pretty messed up, and I even caused his marriage to break up.” 

“Billy, that’s not true. It was a lot more complicated than that. Jenny and I just weren’t meant to be,” Chip retorted. 

“Whatever. I was pretty messed up. I hated myself. I found someone I thought was a wonderful guy. We began dating. We were together for years. He’s even the guy that helped me start the club when I finished school. His name was Brad, and he was a few years older than me.  

“When you were maybe seven or so, and right after Dad died, Chip and I went to visit you guys. Brad went with us. Your dad knew about me and figured out that Brad was my boyfriend. I was only sixteen. Your dad went nuts, saying he would not have a little queer and a child molester in his house around his kids. Brad was barely twenty, but it made no difference to Brad or me. Chip and your dad really got into it, and your dad made it pretty clear we weren’t welcome there, ever. Your mom was devastated, but she loved y’all and your dad with all her heart. It must’ve been torture for her, because I know she loved us, too.”  

“I never knew. I’m sorry. That sounds like the colonel, though.” 

“Not your fault. You were in school when all that happened, and we left before you got home.” 

“So, we not only look alike, but we’re both gay, huh? This is going to be interesting,” Jonah said. 

“Oh, if you only knew the half of it,” Chip said rolling his eyes. Billy started laughing so hard Jonah thought he may have said something wrong.  

“Did I miss something?” Jonah asked, confused. 

“Before Chip left to go see you, we were talking about how similar this is to when I first came to live with him, with all my shit that he’s had to put up with over the years. Now he gets to start all over, except this time I’m still here, and I still give him crap,” Billy replied, still laughing. 

“I really don’t intend to be any trouble, I promise. I’m not going to give any crap to anybody, honest,” Jonah responded, visibly upset. 

They abruptly stopped their laughing. “Jonah, no, you misunderstand. You’re a teenager. You’re going to have issues. I accept that going in. Problem is Billy’s been going through puberty for the past fifteen years and still shows no sign of letting up or growing up.” 

Jonah couldn’t help but laugh at that, especially when Billy nodded in agreement and started laughing again. “This may be more fun than I had originally thought.” 

When everyone settled back down, Billy went to the kitchen and brought out dessert. He had prepared a crême brulée with a brandy sauce that Jonah devoured quickly. As they were finishing, Jonah said, “Guys, I gotta tell y’all somethin’ else. I don’t ever intend to go back in the closet. I’m not going to advertise my sexuality. I’m not like taking out personal ads, and I don’t want to be introduced as ‘Jonah, the gay kid,’ but I’m not going to hide it, either. I mean if somebody asks, y’all can either tell them I’m gay or it’s none of their business; I don’t care. I’m just not hiding it anymore. I figure I can’t be honest with anyone else unless I’m honest with myself first. I’m not going to dwell on just that part of me. I realize it’s just not that big of a deal anymore. Living for tomorrow— that’s what counts. It took Zach dying and seeing Dex like he is to make me realize how damn lucky I am.” 

“Well said, Jonah. You’ve got things in perspective. It’s amazing after what you’ve been through. It shows maturity and a great deal of thought. I’m very proud of you.” 

Jonah looked over at Billy, who was crying. “Jonah, it took me years of therapy to get to where you’ve brought yourself. Man, you’re incredible.” He moved over and hugged Jonah.  

As they left the table, Jonah asked, “Billy, would you mind if I played your piano?” 

“Of course not. Anytime you want to play, it’s yours.” 

“I’ve never played a Steinway. In fact, this is only the second one I’ve even seen up close. The Baptists at home had one in their sanctuary.”  

Billy moved the padded bench aside and sat on it. Jonah moved his wheelchair under the keyboard. He played a few measures of a Beethoven piece he had been working on before all this crap started. “Awesome touch, and the tone’s incredible,” Jonah said. 

“Play a song that tells what you’re feeling. Liz said you could come up with a song for just about anything. What are you thinking about?” 

“What we were just talking about, my friends: Zach, Dex, Lori, and how much I’m going to miss them and all. Let me see. Oh, that’s easy.” And he started to play. Of course, it was another Elton John song that came to him first  

There isn't much I haven't shared
With you along the road
And through it all there'd always be
Tomorrow's episode
Suddenly that isn't true
There's another avenue
Beckoning the great divide
Ask no questions, take no side
Who's to say who's right or wrong
Whose course is braver run
Still we are, have always been
Will ever be as one

What is done has been done for the best
Though the mist in my eyes might suggest
Just a little confusion about what I'll lose
But if I started over I know I would choose
The same joy the same sadness each step of the way
That fought me and taught me that friends never say
Never say goodbye
Never say goodbye
Never say goodbye
Never say goodbye

Suddenly that isn't true
There's another avenue
Beckoning, the great divide
I would choose
The same joy the same sadness each step of the way
That fought me and taught me that friends never say
Never say goodbye
Never say goodbye
Never say goodbye
Never say goodbye 

Jonah was crying when he finished playing. Billy noticed right away, knelt, and put his arms around him.

“Jonah, does this happen every time you do this, I mean find a song that says or expresses what you’re thinking?” 

Jonah just nodded, wiping his eyes.  

“Jonah,” Billy started again, very softly, “I think your music is your therapy. I think this may be how you get release emotionally. This is good. It’s called music therapy; I’ve been reading about it. You’ve just stumbled on it by yourself. Now maybe I think we know how to help you.” 

Jonah contemplated that for a moment: “It’s how I deal with some emotions. It’s how I deal with blue emotions like being sad, or depressed, lonely, or like now, if I’m missing someone or something. It’s also how I express my happy or red emotions, like my love for Sky or earlier like that song for Mom. It doesn’t work with the really black, dark, emotions like hate or anger. I use my karate for that. I need a physical release for those, but I can’t do that in this chair. Fortunately, I think I’m past my anger right now after that service today; either that or the mood enhancers are taking care of it.  

“Even when Dad had me locked away in the ‘guest’ room, I had an hour for music and an hour for karate. I think those kept me sane. It’s really hard sometimes, though. When I’m really upset or depressed, I don’t even want to play the first note, because I know I’m going to break down when I’m done. The weird thing is the worse I feel, the better I play or sing. Like at that service for Zach; I don’t know how I did that. I couldn’t even look at the music. My eyes were full of tears. All I could see in my head was the fear on his face just before the wreck. All I felt was sadness and loss mixed with anger. Just like when Mom died, except I was in control this time somehow.” 

“Amazing,” Chip said as he put his hand on my shoulder. “You are your mother’s son. She was my rock. You have her strength and her spirit. Thank God.”  

“I get it! How about if I play something that sort of sums up some feelings for me, and you join in on the chorus?” Billy asked. 

“I would love it.” 

Jonah backed my wheelchair out, and he moved the bench over and started playing. 

Don't wish it away
Don't look at it like it's forever
Between you and me
I could honestly say
That things can only get better

*** 

By the last chorus Jonah was singing along in perfect harmony with Billy.

And I guess that's why
They call it the blues
Time on my hands
Could be time spent with you
Laughing like children
Living like lovers
Rolling like thunder under the covers,
And I guess that's why
They call it the blues 

Jonah looked over at Billy after they were finished singing, and Billy had tears in his eyes. Jonah suddenly understood everything. “You were thinking about your ex, Brad, wasn’t it? You still love him.” Billy nodded. “See, see, it’s sort of like a cleansing, isn’t it? Sort of like washing all the emotions away.” 

“Yeah,” was all Billy said, followed by a few sniffles and sobs. 

“I think I’m gonna love getting to know you, Uncle Billy,” Jonah sobbed, hugging Billy.  

“I think we’re going to be good for each other,” Billy said, patting Jonah’s hands. “I love you, Jonah.” 

“Amazing!” Jonah heard Chip sigh behind him. 

  Author’s notes: 

Special thanks to CJames and Colin. 

Special thanks to all you readers who let me know what you think.  Thank You so much for any and all comments, and most of all for reading.