Disclaimer: Other than the names of the characters, none of this story is real. It is a work of fiction and in no way in meant to imply the sexual preferences of the characters. If you are under age to be reading a story of this nature or if homosexual themes bother you read no further.
Comments are always appreciated. dannibailey@hotmail.com. Under the subject of your email, kindly put Decisions or No More Secrets. I have filters to keep out the 5 million junk mail emails I get and I want to make sure that I can respond to your emails. Thanks so much. Hope you enjoy this installment. Also if any of you are interested in seeing the artwork for Decisions (which includes a picture of Gary), the CD cover for No More Secrets, or pictures of Mandi and Kyle, just let me know. I think it kinda helps to put a face with the characters.
Chapter 8
Justin and you were finishing up dressing Kyle and Mandi when the phone rang. It was Mike Gilroy.
"Gary, I was just checking on you guys. You remember court adjourns at 10:00 right?"
"Yeah, we're heading out the door in just a few minutes. We should be at the courthouse by about 9:45. Is there anything we should know?"
"Nope, just be yourselves and answer the judge honestly. Hopefully you guys will be in and out of there in less than an hour. You are bringing the kids aren't you? I think the judge needs to see the kids interact with you."
"They'll be there, don't worry."
The media of course, had picked up on the story only adding to Justin's nervousness, but fortunately they had not been allowed inside the courthouse. It was 10 till 10 when you and Justin located courtroom 12 on the third floor and both took a deep breath before entering. You had expected to see an empty room, but instead it was nearly filled to capacity. You smiled as you recognized the faces of the other four member of the group and their families. Danny had flown in from London where he had been doing a photo shoot and even newborn Ashley was there, although unknowingly, to offer her support.
You made your way to the front of the courtroom and were seating yourselves next to Mike Gilroy as the bailiff's loud voice announced the judge's arrival.
"All please rise. This is district court 3, case number 1189762. The honorable Judge Martha Ingrams will be residing."
Justin turned to you. "I don't like this already. It sounds like we are on trial."
You nodded in agreement, but said nothing.
"Please be seated," the judge said coldly. She took a moment to review the papers before her.
"Mr. Timberlake and Mr. Martin, you are hear today seeking permanent custody of Kyle and Amanda Griffin, is that correct?"
"Yes, ma'am" Justin answered softly but with confidence.
She looked around the courtroom and noticed that there were only a few empty seats. "And being in the entertainment business you found it necessary to bring an entourage?"
You felt sure you could actually see Justin's blood pressure rise, but his tone remained calm.
"No ma'am, this has nothing to do with show business. We didn't ask anyone to come. We just happen to have very supportive friends."
"I see" she said, obviously not impressed and then continued.
"I have some concerns about this adoption and I would like to allow you a chance to respond to those concerns before making my final decision. How much traveling would you say you do annually that is associated with business?"
Justin took a deep breath, "I depends on the situation. If I have an album coming out, then there are more trips involved with appearances and concerts. It's kinda hard to generalize."
"Try Mr. Timberlake. I need a number."
"Okay, maybe 3 months out of the year."
"And Mr. Martin would join you on these trips?"
Justin nodded. "Yes, ma'am, we've always traveled together and of course Kyle and Mandi would come with us."
"When the children are of school age, what then?"
You could see where she was headed with this. "Your Honor, the children would still travel with us. We would work around their school schedule as much as possible, but we would hire a tutor if it became necessary."
"I'm very concerned about placing these two children in a home where they are going to be raised by `hired help'. These two have been through enough. I don't want them to grow up in the care of a nanny. They need parents."
She was becoming increasingly irritating, but now was not the time to show your displeasure.
"Your Honor, we never have, nor will we ever, hire a nanny. We have every intention of being hands-on parents. Fortunately, we are probably able to spend more time with the children than most working parents. In addition to Justin's career, we own several businesses so we can pretty much write our own schedules. There is no need for a nanny."
"That's good to hear Mr. Martin. Now, I would like to discuss a matter that is a bit more `mature' in nature. I think it would be best if the all children were removed from the courtroom."
Danni had heard enough. "Excuse me, may I ask a question?" she asked sternly.
"And who would you be?" the judge asked, obviously not pleased with the interruption.
"I'm Danielle Kirkpatrick. I've known Gary since he was born and Justin since he was about 14."
"Okay Mrs. Kirkpatrick, what is your question?"
"Is the "mature matter" that you plan on discussing Justin and Gary's relationship?"
"Yes, it is."
"Then there is no reason for any of the children to leave the courtroom. All of them, with the exception of Ryan, have grown up with Justin and Gary being an integral part of their lives. They are all fully aware of their relationship. Ryan himself is being raised by two men. I think I can speak for all the parents when I say that I think they should be allowed to stay."
"As you wish Mrs. Kirkpatrick. I was only trying to protect the children."
The judge may not have picked up on it, but Danni's sarcasm was evident. "I appreciate your concern Your Honor, but there is no need for protection in this particular case."
Averting her attention away from Danni the judge began again. "Mr. Martin, my I ask how long you and Mr. Timberlake have been together?"
"We've been together about 14 years and have been married for over 12."
"We're either of you married before?"
"No, ma'am."
"I need to ask both of you, and I don't mean to be blunt, but do you honestly think you can raise these two children with out unduly influencing them towards a gay lifestyle?"
The courtroom was dead silence for a moment only to be interrupted by a loud voice.
"Why are you so mean?" Jarrod asked loudly.
You could see the look of shock on the judge's face and Chris covering his in disbelief.
"Excuse me young man?" the judge asked rhetorically.
"I asked why you are so mean?"
For the first time the judge had a slight smile on her face.
"Please step forward and tell me your name."
Jarrod looked over to Danni and Chris and they nodded that he should follow the judge's request.
"My name is Jarrod Kirkpatrick."
"Somehow I could have guessed that. Now, why is it you think I'm mean?"
"Cuz you haven't said anything nice yet and you act like Uncle Justin and Uncle Gary have done something wrong. They haven't. They just love each other. What's the big deal?"
"The `big deal' is that they want to raise two young children. It's my job to ask questions so that I can be confident they would be suitable parents."
Another young voice could be heard from the back of the courtroom. "You couldn't find better parents than Justin and Gary. They're the best. You just don't like them."
The judge was not amused. "Young man I will not continue to allow these outbursts. This is a court of law, if you would like permission to speak you need to do so appropriately."
Johnny Wright's young grandson nervously responded. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. I just know this is really important to my uncle and I want to make sure you know that he'd make a great dad."
Besides being somewhat annoyed, Judge Ingrams was now confused as well. She removed her glasses and rubbed her forehead, obviously debating in her mind how to proceed.
"Alright son, who are you and which one of these men is your uncle?" she finally asked.
With a very confident gait, the child walked towards the judge's bench without hesitation.
"My name is AJ Wright," he announced clearly. "Well, it's really Anthony Justin Wright, but everyone calls me AJ. And Justin and Gary are both my uncles, but I was named after Justin. He and my dad are tight, and he has worked with my grandpa for years.
The judge was intrigued by both of the boys, not only because of their outspokenness, but also because of their obvious feelings for you and Justin.
"Would you two mind answering some questions for me?"
The two young boys looked at each other with a grin that somehow gave the judge the impression that their outbursts were not entirely spontaneous.
"Sure, anything you want?" Jarrod said for the both of them
"How much time have you spent with them?"
Jarrod spoke first. "Well, all of the members of NSYNC and their families go on 2 vacations a year together, and then we get to spend the night with them once a month or so. They take us one at a time so we don't fight."
The judge tried her best to conceal her amusement, but pressed forward.
"And you?" she asked AJ.
"Justin and Gary have a house here in Orlando, so when they are in town I'm over there a lot. I've gone on trips and stuff like that with them before too."
"Do they ever show affection to each other when you are around?"
The boys looked at each other and grinned, trying hard not to laugh.
"You mean like kissing?"
"Yes"
"Yeah, they kiss, but nothing like what my mom and dad do. I mean its not all mushy and stuff, just a quick kiss." Jarrod informed her.
Britney was snickering and Danny and Josh were laughing outright.
You could hear Danni speaking under her breath. "I'm gonna kill him."
"Okay Jarrod, I think we have probably embarrassed your parents enough for one day. May I ask how old you are?"
"I'm thirteen. Well, almost"
"Do you have a girlfriend?"
Jarrod paused then turned around and looked at Chris, unmistakably nervous.
"It's okay, Jarrod" Chris said encouragingly.
"Yeah, but until now my mom didn't know. Dad said she'd freak out."
Danni turned to Chris, "Now I'm gonna kill both of you."
If nothing else Jarrod had lightened the judge's mood and although neither you nor Justin were exactly thrilled with the proceedings, at least the judge had begun to take on a human form.
"Have you talked to your uncles about your girlfriend?"
"Yeah, sometimes."
"And what is their opinion of her?"
"Oh, they love her. Last time they took me to Seaworld, they said I could invite her too. We had lots of fun."
"Did they ever give you any advice as far as girls are concerned?"
"Sure. They told me to treat girls with respect, and be careful with what you say cuz they get their feelings hurt real easy. You know, girls take things the wrong way."
"I see" the judge said as she glanced at you and Justin.
" I knew about the "hurt feelings" thing already though" he continued. " Dad filled me in on that one. He said too that you're better off if you don't argue with them, cuz you'll never win."
The courtroom erupted with laughter.
"Jarrod thank you very much for your candor. It's been a pleasure talking to you. You may go back and sit with your family now if you'd like."
She turned to AJ. "Anthony, how old are you?
"I'm ten" he answered proudly.
"So, I'm guessing you don't have any girlfriends?"
"A couple, but nothing serious" he informed her.
"I see." she said somewhat surprised at his answer.
"Let me ask you this AJ, do you ever feel uncomfortable around Justin and Gary?"
"No, not at all!" he answered emphatically. "I have a lot of white friends. Besides, Grandpa always said Justin was part black anyway. You can tell by the way he sings and dances."
Justin blushed immediately and buried his face in his hands, while his friends roared with laughter.
The judge smiled widely and shook her head in disbelief.
"Son, I was not referring to race."
AJ was wide-eyed, unsure at first as to what the judge meant.
"Oh, you mean about them being gay!" he announced loudly when he made the connection.
"Yes, I was referring to their relationship."
"Nah, I'm cool with it. I don't see what some people make such a big deal out of. Love is love. Isn't that all that really matters?"
Judge Ingrams had to admit he had summed it up perfectly. "I suppose you're right, AJ. Thank you."
She turned her attention toward you and Justin. "Gentlemen, I know today has not been pleasant for you. I know you feel like I have asked some very personal, and what could be interpreted as inappropriate, questions. I'm sorry if this has made you feel uncomfortable. My intent is not to harass you in any way. My intent is to explore who you are and determine if placing the children in your custody is in their best interest."
"What I have learned, thanks in part to Mr. Kirkpatrick and Mr. Wright is that you are a loving and caring couple. You intend to spend time actually raising these children and will allow them to grow into healthy, mature and open-minded adults. Judging by the attendance of your family and friends you obviously have their support in this endeavor. If you would like to step up to the bench I would be more than happy to sign off on the adoption papers. Congratulations and may I wish you the best of luck with your new family."
Justin exhaled deeply and reached behind him taking Kyle and Mandi into his arms. His body was shaking but he managed to hug them both and before turning to you and mouthing "we did it". You lifted Mandi into your arms as Justin took Kyle. The four of you approached the judge's bench, and with the signing of the papers, your family was complete.
"I don't care where we end up going," Danny commented as he sat between Josh's legs resting his head on Josh's chest, "as long as it's warm. The weather in London sucked. I never saw the sun the two week's I was there."
"We talked about a cruise," Justin informed him, "but we all kinda agreed the kids are too small. We'd spend all of our time worrying about them when they were on deck. I don't think we would relax much."
"What about Hawaii?" Joey suggested.
"Nah, we've been to Hawaii, a couple of times" Britney reminded him. "I'd really like to go to someplace we haven't seen before."
Lance tossed a couple of photographs on the table. "Here you go. I think its what we all are looking for. New, warm, and private. Alyssa and I checked it out pretty well and thought it would work."
"Greece?" you asked as you picked up on architecture in one of the pictures.
"Wow, I'm impressed Gary." Alyssa commented. Actually, it's Delos. It's a private island off the coast of Greece. One of the producers I've worked with owns it and it willing to let us use it for a couple of weeks.
As you looked around the room you could tell this idea was well received.
"It's small, very small. About 2 square miles to be exact. All the supplies have to be brought in by boat. There is nothing there but his villa, but trust me it's not rustic. He's thought of everything. The island is totally self-sufficient as far as power is concerned. What isn't powered by solar panels is run by a couple of huge generators."
"Is it warm?" Danny asked teasingly. "I mean really warm."
"How does an average daily temperature of 85 sound?"
JC leaned down and whispered in Danny's ear. "Trust me, if the weather isn't warm enough, I have a few ideas of my own that could heat things up for you."
A huge grin covered Danny's face. "Ummm count us in!"
"I heard that!" Danni teased. Then she turned to Lance. "Is there enough room for all of us to stay there comfortably? At last count there's 18 of us now. You can't really tell from the pictures how big the villa is.
It's huge. I don't want to tell you all the details, because if we decide on this place, I'd like it to be a surprise, but I'll tell you this much, it has 11 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, a wine cellar and an `entertainment room'.
"That's for starters!" Alyssa added.
"Is it available for the weeks we were looking at?" Justin asked. "With the album coming out, we can't be as flexible as we have been in the past."
"All I have to do is place a phone call and its all ours."
There was little discussion. None of you had ever been to Greece with the exception of Lance and Alyssa and everything seemed to be perfect, including the timing. Justin and you could use some time together. The last few months had been the hardest in your 12 years of marriage. You were ready to relax.
As you sat in United's terminal in London's Heathrow airport, you could not help but to chuckle at the scene before you. Five of the younger children were gathered around Chris who was sitting on the floor trying his best to keep them amused and quiet after the long flight from New York. Jarrod and Ryan were playing video games, the girls were taking turns keeping a fussy Ashley comfortable, Danny, Josh, and Justin were in the gift shop while Lance and Alyssa were in the airport's lounge. It amazed you that through the years no one had ever been left at an airport. At first it had been simple. Ten adults, each with plenty of flying time and airport expertise behind them. Eight children later things were not so simple.
Joey's voice interrupted your thoughts. "Okay kids, snack time!"
The stampede that followed would have led you to believe that the children had gone days without food, but Joey had it under control.
"Wait a minute, no one gets anything until all of you are sitting down and quiet." With Britney's help, all of them quickly found a spot and Joey handed out a bag of french fries and a drink to each of them.
"What did you get them to drink?" Britney asked cautiously.
Joey wrapped his arms around his wife and pulled her into his lap. "You taught me well Brit. No caffine. They all got Sprite."
"Thank God" she said in a relieved voice. "Maybe they'll sleep on the flight into Greece."
Fortunately for everyone, the flight from London to Athens was uneventful and everyone managed to get some sleep as the United flight soared over Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. The plane's wheels squealed as it touchdown in Athens, just as the sun was making its first appearance on the horizon. Limos would be waiting for you at the airport's entrance to deliver you to the dock at Piraeus where you catch a boat to your final destination.
When all of the luggage was finally loaded, you headed out of the airports gates and took in the breathtaking view of the city whose history had been inundated with myths and legends.
"Damn, Gary, this city is beautiful!" Justin remarked. "I never expected anything like this."
You casually rested your hand on his leg as you peered out the window. "Yeah, it really is, but Lance said this is nothing compared to the island. He says it looks like its right out of a movie."
"Well, I for one am ready for some down time. Our life has been way too hectic lately.
You nodded. "I agree, but I'm not sure if a vacation with the kids is gonna be less hectic."
He ran his hand along the inside of your thigh, a devilish grin covering face. "Actually, I'm ready for a little romance. Think we might be able to fit that in somewhere?"
You moved his hand immediately knowing that if you didn't, Justin would continue to tease. "Oh, I'm sure we can work out a deal with the others. If we take Ryan for a night, I'm sure Danny and Josh would watch these two."
Justin laughed. "My God, we get the better end of that deal! Ryan's no trouble at all."
You looked at Kyle and Mandi busily playing with some toys on the floor of the limo. You chuckled. Justin was right. These two would definitely keep Danny and Josh on their toes.
To Be Continued......