“Daniel didn't whine this much when he graduated from college,” Linus scoffed.
“That's because he didn't tell you. He hasn't been seen near this family in over a year,” said Nathan. “Look, it would really mean a lot to me if my Dad and Grandma were there to cheer me on. It starts at 2:45. I would really appreciate it,” Nathan sighed and left the house.
Graduation was over and Nathan stormed into the courtroom to hear Benjamin's verdict. “…$1,000 and 90 days in county jail,” the judge said and banged down her gavel.
The family all converged on Benjamin who was being led away by deputies. “Congratulation son,” Linus hollered, “an offense like this usually gets six months in jail! You did good!”
“What?” Nathan shouted.
“Nathan! I'm glad you came to support your brother,” Linus said.
“I didn't come here to support him! I graduated. At the top of my class at the best college in the state! I can't believe that my own family would rather watch Benjamin get fined $1,000 and three months in jail…”
“90 days,” Amy, Nathan's sister, said.
“Daniel was right to toss you out of his life. I'm done. Good-bye!” Nathan said and left the courtroom.
“And I never looked back,” Nathan explained.
“I understand. Our family does tend to have its priorities mixed up but Daniel wants us to get back together again. And even if the adults are too stupid to realize how important family is then maybe the younger ones could start over,” Emily pitched, looking at both Nathan and Tania.
Nathan sighed. “That sounds nice Emily but I have a good life, a good career and a good girlfriend and I don't want to see that somehow ruined because of them.”
“Again, I understand,” Emily handed Nathan a business card. “Here's one of Daniel's cards. If you change your mind, give him a call. It was really nice meeting you Tania.”
“Same here, Emily,” Tania smiled.
“Bye, Nathan.”
“Bye, Emily,” Nathan sighed again.
Five
Silkville was a planned homosexual community founded by Isaac Silk in 1996. It currently had a population of 226 and offered all the amenities of an actual city. Sure there were daily protests just outside the city limits but the gay people who lived there loved it. Daniel pulled up to the gate and read the sign posted near a keypad.
For Entrance, Dial Resident's Number
(ex. *9-0-1)
Wait for Response
For Assistance, Dial #1-0-0
Daniel reached for the keypad and dialed #1-0-0 and waited. “Hello, this is Carlton, your gate-man. How can I help you?”
“I'm Daniel Judge and I'm here to see Chris Harrison but I don't know their number.”
After a couple of seconds, Carlton came back on. “They live in number 307 so just dial Star-3-0-7 and you'll talk right to them. Can I help you with anything else?” Carlton asked.
“No, thank you,” Daniel heard Carlton click off and Daniel dialed *3-0-7 and waited.
“Hello?” answered someone.
“Hi, is this Chris?"
“No, this is Avery.”
“Oh, I thought I dialed 3-0-7. I must've…” stammered Daniel.
“This is 307 and Chris is here but couldn't answer the intercom. I'm Avery, Chris' boyfriend. Who's this?” Avery asked.
“I'm Daniel Judge. I'm Chris' cousin."
A silence echoed from the speaker until another voice came on. “Come on in, Daniel,” and the gate swung open. Daniel parked and walked the short distance to number 307. All the residences were spacious one-story townhouses all painted a tannish color. All the lawns were neatly manicured and there was not a crack in any driveway or sidewalk. He knocked on the door and Chris answered the door. “Daniel! Long time, no see,” he smiled.
“Hi, Chris. Look, I am sorry for bothering you and Avery but I have been burdened with the unfortunate task of reuniting the family,” Daniel said.
“What?” shrieked Chris coming out of the bedroom. “You don't actually believe that this so-called family deserves to be together, do you?”
“No,” Daniel shook his head. It had been five years since he last saw Chris and was amazed at how he still bore a striking resemblance to their father, a man their mother, Virginia, despised and that has not been seen since that fateful night when Virginia got knocked-up.
