This is a sexually explicit story (at times) involving homosexuality. By continuing to read, you affirm under penalties of perjury that you are not a minor or in the company of a minor and are entitled to have access to this story.
The following is a fictious story with no real basis or credibility.It is solely for the enjoyment of the reader.Its all just fun. It does not imply anything about the sexual preferences or lifestyle of Justin Timberlake or any other celebrity mentioned in the story.
Previously
Michael opened his eyes, seeing Justin still standing in front of him.
"I wanted to do something that would make you happy, my love. And I could think of only one thing.
The one thing that would bring joy to your heart.This gift comes from my heart, and my soul.
Your joy will flood my soul always,my love. If you turn around, you'll find that joy.Merry Christmas, Mico."
Michael took a deep breath and turned around.
His heart caught in his throat.
Justin had given him his greatest wish.
Standing in front of the large Christmas tree were his grandmother and Uncle Silas. To their left stood Zach, Christina and Becky.
Michael stood frozen, not believing what he was looking at.
"Nana..." Was all he could manage to say before the sobs took over his body.
Nana walked up to him taking him in her arms. Michael sobbed in her chest, Nana holding him tight.
"Merry Christmas, my angel." She said, kissing his forehead.
Justin stood still taking in the sight before him, seeing and feeling the happiness that surrounded Michael.
This one moment of happiness was worth the last month of hardship and chaos.
Michael was happy, and Justin was happier.
Justin could see Zach and Christina crying tears of joy, Becky smiling at Justin.
Justin own tears were flowing, as were many others.
Michael had his family again.
What Justin didn't know was that Michael realized that he had so much more.
Chapter 48
It took Michael a while to gain control of his emotions.
He cried and cried at seeing his grandmother in his new home.
Nana held him, rubbing his back gently.
"It's okay, Michael. Nana's here now." She said, her own emotions settling in.
Zach went up to his friend, wrapping his arm around his shoulder.
"Come on, Mikey. Keep it together. You haven't cried this much since I whooped your sorry ass at basketball."
Michael started laughing among his tears, looking at Zach. He wiped his wet eyes on his shirt sleeve.
"Zacky,in your dreams! You've never beaten me at basketball."
Everyone laughed, Michael hugging his best friend tightly, lifting him off the floor.
"I've missed you so much, Zacky."
Michael's emotions were threatening to break through again.
Zach smiled at him,licking his cheek.
"God, Mikey, its been less than two weeks. I know I'm lovable, but come on."
Michael laughed and smiled at Zach.
"I think it's your beautiful girlfriend I miss." Michael smirked.
Zach laughed loudly, smacking Michael's shoulder.
Michael turned from Zach and looked at Uncle Silas.
His uncle walked up to him, hugging him tightly.
Michael began tearing up again.
"It's been too long, Mikey. I've missed ya, son. I've heard you had a lot of excitement. I want to hear all about it."
Michael's Uncle Silas looked somewhat like Harrison Ford.
Rugged good looks, short greying hair, and at sixty two, still a handsome man.
"I've missed you too, Unky."
Silas visibly looked shaken, pulling a hankerchief out of his pocket, wiping his eyes.
Michael smiled lovingly at him, patting his shoulder.
Michael turned his gaze to Christina and Becky.
He walked up to Christina, hugging her tightly, kissing her cheek.
"Welcome to our new home, Cricket."
Christina kissed his cheek, Michael seeing the tears in her eyes.
"Stop it now, or I'll be bawling soon."
She smiled at him, Michael feeling a small someone tugging on his pant leg.
Michael bend down to his knees, Becky climbing into his arms.
"I'm here now ,Uncle Mikey. You can be happy now."
Those simple innocent words had more effect on Michael's emotions than anything else. His tears were falling again.
"I'm beyond happy now, my little angel."
Becky kissed him, smiling at him.
"I've had fun all afternoon with Uncle Justin. He's such fun to play with."
Michael smiled, knowing where Becky's heart lay.
Michael looked at Justin standing with his arm around Nana, smiling at Michael with tears in his eyes.
Michael got up, walking over to Justin, standing in front of him.
He took his hands in his, looking into his blue eyes.
"I can't believe you did this, Justin. For me, you did all this for me.I can't begin to tell you what you've done for me this day. I love you so much."
Justin pulled Michael into his arms.
"Mico, here in front of our families, I want you to know that I love you completely.
Seeing the happiness in your eyes, and feeling the joy in your heart is the greatest Christmas gift I could receive.
I love you, Mico."
Michael kissed Justin, deeply. Justin returned the kiss with equal passion.
Everyone in the room saw and felt their love shining through.
They parted amid loud awws and clapping.
"I think we should have a toast, a Christmas toast." Justin said to everyone.
"Dad, can you bring in the refreshments."
Randall left accompanied by Paulo, shortly returning with two trays of glasses of wine and glasses of juice.
Everyone took a glass, all smiling and waiting for Justin's toast.
Once everyone had their glass, Justin turned smiling at Michael, their hands together.
"Michael and myself want to thank all of you, our combined families, for being here to share our love and happiness.
Our two families are now one.Everyone here now has a special place in both of our hearts.
We both wish you love and peace for this special day and every day forward. Merry Christmas everyone."
A loud Merry Christmas was heard from everyone, glasses clinking together and smiles all around.
"I'd also like to make a toast, Justin." Michael said, Justin seeing the tears appearing in his eyes again.
Justin was beginning to worry that this was all too much for Michael.
Justin nodded, putting his arm around Michael to give him support and to show his love.
Michael took a deep breath, looking around at everyone.
He took the time to meet everyone's eyes seperately.
Everyone felt those golden eyes entering their souls. and they all sensed the love Michael was showing all them.
Alberto sat looking at Michael when his gaze fell upon him. He couldn't believe the kindness and love he felt from that gaze.
This indeed was a person capable of immense love and compassion, he felt that flowing from those golden eyes.
He now believed with all his heart that this was the messenger of god.
"I thought that I'd never see a night like this, a night of pure happiness. All of you here in Justin's and my new home have given me that happiness.
You've given it to me in the way you've opened you hearts to me, with your love and support.
I don't think you'll every know what all this means to me as well as what your love means to me.
My heart once was empty, now its overflowing with all your love.
Without your love, I am nothing. With it, I am everything I've always wanted to be.
Happy, proud, loving, and kind. You all have made me this man. But no one had done more for me that this man."
Michael looked at Justin.
"So I want to toast Justin, toast my wonderful man. He's my friend, my soulmate, my lover and my angel.
And he's given all of us a wonderful night of happiness and love. We all owe this evening to him. So raise your glasses with me and wish him the best Christmas he can have. I love you, babe. Merry Christmas, Justin."
Everyone lifted their glass, all of them wishing Justin a Merry Christmas.
Michael kissed him on the cheek, wiping away tears from his eyes.
"Thank you, Mico. Thank you all."
Lynn and Lisa walked up to them.
"I think its time we all had dinner. Michael, I know we're not as good cooks as Nana, but we have everything ready."
Lynn smiled at him.
"I'm sure its devine. Lets all go into the dining room, everyone. " Randall said, everyone beginning to walk out.
"Justin, can I see you alone for a moment." Michael said, putting his hand in his.
Justin smiled, knowing what Michael wanted.
"Please everyone, please be seated, we'll be in in a moment."
Paulo smiled at both of them, closing the living room doors again to give them privacy.
Once the doors were shut, Justin turned and looked at Michael.
Michael was standing in front of the tree, his black outfit making him look beautiful in Justin's eyes.
"I better pick you up and put you back, Michael."
Michael raised and eyebrow not knowing what Justin was talking about.
Justin walked up to Michael, wrapping his arms around him.
"Looks like my angel has fallen off the tree top."
Michael teared up, laying his head against Justin's chest.
"Oh, Justin. You've given me something I never thought I'd ever have."
Justin breathed in, feeling Michael's warmth against him.
"What's that, babe?"
"A life filled with overflowing love. I never realized how wonderful love could be."
Justin hugged him close, smelling his intoxicating scent, feeling his body against him.
"You've also given me a family, a real family now. Brother's and parents."
Justin was moved by Michael simple words, words of deep meaning.
"You mean that, Michael?"
Michael looked up into his eyes.
"Yes, Jus. I meant it with all my heart."
His lips sought out Justin's, both men lost in a deep kiss.
"Let's go and be with our family, Jus."
Michael wrapped his arm around Justin's waist, both men walking out of the living room to be with their family.
Everyone enjoyed a relaxing fun filled dinner.
Michael sat at one end, Justin at the other.
Nana and Uncle Silas sat on Michael's end, Nana filling Michael in on all the events and news from home.
Justin kept looking down at him, seeing the joy and happiness in his smile and laughter.
The meal itself was a feast. Lynn and Lisa had cooked all day, filling the table with scrumptuous food.
Alberto sat beside Justin, Justin filling him on tidbits about Michael's life and his career.
Alberto kept looking down at the young man at the far end of the table.
"Mom, when is Paul suppose to arrive?" Justin asked his mother.
"He said around eight, he should be here shortly."
Paul had had a meeting in New York that morning, having been delayed because of a freak snow storm.
As if by fate, Michael heard the front door bell ring.
"I'll get it Justin." Paulo smiled, getting up.
He returned shortly with Justin's step father.
"Merry Christmas everyone, so sorry I'm late. Damn crazy weather."
He bend down and kissed Lynn's cheek.
Justin got up running up to him, hugging his stepdad.
"Merry Christmas, Justy."
"Merry Christmas, Paul."
He went around the table, Justin introducing him to everyone, finally finishing in front of Michael.
Michael stood up, extending his hand to shake his.
"So this is the angel that's captured Justin's heart. And changed him, I see, into a better man. You must be remarkable indeed to accomplish that."
Michael smiled.
"It was a battle, but I've come out victorious." Michael smirked.
Paul laughed, looking at Michael's extended hand.
"Son, none of that formality. Give us a hug."
Paul wrapped his arms around Michael, Michael a bit shocked.
"Welcome to the family, Michael."
Michael smiled, liking this man immensely.
Paul leaned into Michael, whispering in his ear.
"I know first hand the Timberlake temper and personality, kudos for sticking in there."
Michael laughed, Justin wondering what Paul had said.
"I'll tell you later, Jus." Michael smiled at him.
They all sat down to finish their meal, Paul sitting beside Lynn.
After a great meal and sweet dessert, everyone went back into the living room to relax and chat.
Michael walked up to the christmas tree again, looking at the ornaments.
Nana walked up beside him, putting her arm around his shoulder.
"I take it you were moved by my gift."
Michael looked at her, seeing her smile.
"Yes Nana, you know what these ornaments mean to me. Their a part of my history, our history.
I remember you telling me about each one, each special person who added to the collection."
Justin sat a few feet away listening to the two talk.
"Yes Michael, each one was owned by a member of our family. This blue snowman was mine.
My grandmother gave it to me the christmas I married your grandfather."
Michael looked at the ornament, knowing it had always been one of his favorites.
"Justin, could you come here a moment." Nana said.
Justin got up off his chair, walking up beside her.
Nana bent down under the tree, searching through the many christmas gifts, finding the one she was looking for.
She stood up smiling at the two of them.
She handed them the gift, everyone quieting down, looking at the two men in front of the christmas tree.
"Please open this now, it's for both of you."
Michael and Justin looked at her smiling.
"Go ahead Mico, open it." Justin putting his arm around him.
Michael unwrapped the gift, finding a wooden box about six inches square.
He was about to open it when Nana laid her hand on top of it.
"I need to tell you something first, Michael, before you open it."
Michael looked up into his grandmother's golden eyes. He could see a sadness present, as well as love.
"I bought this almost thirty years ago, Michael. I bought it for your mother. It was to be her wedding gift. I
never gave it to her, I never had the chance. I want you now to have it, Michael, not just because it was meant for her, but for another special reason.
It is because of what it is. And what I now believe it symbolizes. Open the box, Michael."
Michael looked at Justin, Justin nodding his head, Michael seeing his anxiousness at seeing what was inside.
Everyone gathered around to see.
Michael unlocked the box, opening the lid.
Inside were two glass angels.
One was golden, one was light blue.
The two seemed to be locked together in an embrace of love, both staring at each other.
Michael and Justin were both stunned.
"It's remarkable, isn't it. The two colors of your eyes.
Fate made me buy this so long ago, somehow I knew that two angels would be brought together.
And here, now, I see those two angels. My two angels."
Nana was crying, Michael and Justin both beginning to.
Lynn took the box from Michael, Michael pulling his grandmother into his arms.
"Oh, Nana. It's more than fate. It's destiny. Justin and I were always meant to be a part of your family, and to be together."
Nana smiled at her grandson, Justin kissing her cheek, wrapping his arms around her as well.
"I love you Nana." Justin and Michael said together.
Michael turned and took the ornaments out of the box gently.
He turned to the tree and hung them together on a branch.
The two ornaments swung around for a moment then came together.
All three looked at the ornaments smiling.
"You see, destiny." Michael smiled.
Everyone crowded around to look at the ornament as well as the others, Nana explaining some of them.
They began to break apart talking in smaller groups, everyone having fun.
Justin turned on some music, living up the room.
Around ten o'clock Stevie and Becky were hustled off to bed to wait for Santa.
Everyone gave them big hugs and kisses, Lynn taking Stevie to bed, Becky wanting Justin to tuck her in.
Michael smiled, Justin went with no struggle. Justin loved her so much.
Michael sat down with Paulo and his grandfather, wanting to know more about his life and home.
"Well, I've lived all my life in Spain, in a small village. My family has lived there for generations. I
was by trade a carver, stone and marble. Almost twenty years ago, I had an accident, almost crippling me.
But I have survived to go on. My greatest joy has been to see my family prosper and my grandchildren grow strong."
Michael smiled at him, seeing Alberto's love for his grandchildren. He told Michael all about them, each one.
Michael could see his sadness when he talked of his eldest granddaughter.
"Ever family has some rebellious individuals, Alberto. Give her time, time can change a person."
Alberto looked deeply into Michael's eyes, seeing so much strength and courage.
"Yes, and every family has its heroic individuals. They are their strength."
Michael stared at this man, sensing that familiarity again.
He almost had it, but couldn't pinpoint it.
"I'm so happy you invited us, Mikey." Paulo said, smiling at him.
"I'm so happy you brought your grandfather, Paulo. I now see where you got your strength."
Paulo smiled at Michael, looking at his grandfather with love.
Twenty minutes later Justin and Christina came back downstairs with Lynn.
"Well the kids are asleep, now we can relax." Lynn smiled.
"I don't know, I still see a big kid here." Michael smirked from his chair, pointing at Justin.
Justin laughed jumping into Michael's lap.
"A big heavy kid." Michael groaned.
Justin pouted.
"But my beautiful kid, just the same." Michael kissed his lips. Justin's smile growing.
Lynn smiled as did everyone else.
"Okay, lets do it, Mikey! I haven't seen your special gift in years." Zach said jumping up, everyone looking at him.
They all picked up on his eagerness and enthusiasm.
"Do what?" Justin asked.
" The Circle of Faith and The Christmas Tree of Love. It's a family tradition." Zach smiled.
Nana smiled as did Michael.
"After the last few days do you really feel up to it, Michael?" She said with concern.
Michael smiled at her.
"I'm fine Nana, my gifts are back in full strength."
Justin's brow furrowed, his arms going around Michael.
"Babe, I don't want your straining yourself to entertain us. I want you to relax."
Michael kissed him again.
"This is okay, Jussy. It's shouldn't be too strenuous with no danger. Trust me."
Justin smiled at him, kissing him back.
"Alright, Michael. Shall we show them our traditions." Nana said.
"After you Nana." Michael said pushing Justin up and rising to stand beside her.
Nana got up from her chair, smiling.
"Every christmas my family had a beautiful tradition. We did this every year.
We gather in a circle holding hands, each person saying what they feel in their heart their thankful for.
Its call a circle of faith."
Everyone smiled, liking this tradition.
"A few years ago, Michael added his own tradition. It's a symbol of his shining love. I won't spoil the surprise, I'll let Michael show you.
Would you all stand in a circle please."
Everyone got up moving around in a circle, then linking hands.
Michael brought out a stool from the kitchen for Alberto to sit on, so he could be included.
Once everyone was arranged in place, Nana began.
"I'll start, then it goes around to each person, finishing with Michael."
Michael squeezed his grandmother's hand kissing her on the cheek.
"This day is so special to me. I have my family here and Michael's extended family also.
I'm thankful that I have Michael in my life, he gives me so much love and joy. No grandmother could ask for more.
Thank you god, for blessing me with my angel."
Michael teared up, smiling shyly at her.
She turned to her left, smiling at Silas.
"I'm thankful for finally seeing a warm christmas." he said.
Everyone laughed.
"Seriously, I'm also thankful for Michael's love and the love I share with Helena. She's my heart and love.
Thank you god, for giving me so much love."
Nana teared up now.
And so it went, each person giving thanks to god and to what they loved most.
Zach speaking of Christina and Becky, of Michael and Justin.
Everyone doing the same, with their own lover or loved one mentioned. Paulo talking of his love for his grandfather and his family.
It came around to Alberto who sat between Paulo and Justin.
"I'm thankful for my loving grandchildren, of who this beautiful child beside me is the most loving.
A man in his twilight years needs love to make him happy.
I see a lot of love in this room, and the center of that love is you, Michael. I feel blessed also to know you.
Your grandmother is correct, you are her angel."
Michael smiled at him ,feeling his deep words.
It was now Justin's turn.
"I'm thankful for knocking this beautiful man on his ass and staring into his golden eyes that first moment. I
've been lost ever since. Lost in his love, and lost in his soul. We are together forever, joined by our love for each other.
This is a circle of faith. I have faith in Michael's love and in my own. Faith that it will shine in our eyes always.
Thank you Michael, thank you for loving me."
Michael was deeply moved, he hadn't expected all Justin's words but he'd felt them in his soul.
Michael looked at everyone, seeing all their eyes on him.
"I also am thankful, thankful for waiting for this special man.
For he has given me so much more than love.
He's given me hope, faith and happiness.
A new family, new brothers and new parents.
I've never felt so centered or balanced.
Its as if my whole life is finally focused, focused on one thing. Love."
Everyone had tears now flowing, none more than Justin.
Michael leaned over, kissing Justin tenderly.
Nana smiled at their tenderness, looking at everyone before she spoke.
"This is the circle of faith. It's closed in, all our faith flowing together.
We are united in our love and faith in each other. Do you all agree with this?"
Everyone said yes.
"Then we shall carry this love and faith with us in our hearts all year.
It will sustain us and guide us through the challenges ahead.
I wish all of you happiness and love. Merry Christmas everyone."
"Merry Christmas." Everyone replied.
"This is usually where the circle parted." Nana said, not moving.
"But Michael changed all that. He has his own gift to give all of you."
Michael smiled at his grandmother, then everyone saw his golden eyes began to glow a little.
He looked again at every person individually.
They all saw and sensed the love in his heart.
He took a deep breath, everyone feeling he had something profound to say.
Nana wasn't sure what Michael was going to say, this was new.
"If you would all allow me for a moment, I want to tell you something about myself."
Everyone nodded, Michael's tears flowing as he lowered his head.
"Out of pain and bleakness came this gift I want to show you.
A long time ago, on a snowy Christmas Eve, when I was lost to my grandmother, and when I was lost to myself, this gift materialized in my heart.
It's part of why Christmas means so much to me. It's why I've had the courage to go on.
I lived in a foster home at that time, for over a year I was alone.
I'd been abused and beaten by those foster parents, they cared more for the money than for my welfare."
Everyone felt the sadness in Michael's words.
He'd never talked to anyone about this part of his life, not even Justin.
"I'd escaped my father's hurt, only to fall into the cyle of abuse again.
I won't go into details, I'll just say it involved more than the laying on of hands."
Nana's emotions were in full view, Silas squeezing her hand.
Michael wasn't looking at anyone.
Everyone waited in silence, no eyes moving from Michael.
"That Christmas Eve there were no gifts for me, no hope or love. I was completely alone."
Justin fighting the tears, Michael feeling his hand tighten in his, as did Nana's.
"That night I lay in my small bed, so totally alone, no one to love me.
I thought about what I wanted most of all in life.
I wanted a family again, a real family, with a real house, a real Chritmas tree.
I'd had that once, but I'd lost it. I'd lost my whole family.
Then deep down in my heart I felt my gifts stirring.
And a vision materialized in my small room. A vision of what I wanted.
It was a blue tree, sparkling with silver lights.
At the time I didn't know what it was, but I knew in my heart it was something special.
It wasn't until a few years later, when I'd lived with Nana for a while, and I'd felt her love, that I understood what it was.
It's the Christmas Tree of Love, at least that's what I've come to calling it.
That night long ago I'd created it as a vision of what I felt I needed.
But through the passage of time I've discovered what it really means.
It's my own love, a symbol of my own love.
Each year that I grew older, the tree grew also. Only because my love grew.
This year I believe it will be spectacular beyond belief.
Because my heart is full of love, the love from each of you. And the greatest love I've ever know. Your love, Justin."
Justin had tears in his eyes, moved by Michael's confession.
Everyone smiled at Michael, sensing his need, his need to show them his love.
"I want to share this with all of you, share my love in the only tangible form I have."
Michael took a deep breath again. His eyes glowing brighter.
Everyone was in awe of their brightness, never seeing such beauty.
"Don't be frightened, it won't harm you. My love would never harm you."
Michael then closed his eyes, as if concentrating into himself.
They all felt a tremor flow through the room, a slight feeling of air brushing past, then they saw a blue glow forming.
It formed around each person, glowing brighter in some.
There were a few differences.
Paulo and Alberto's glow was golden.
Michael had no glow, nothing surrounded him.
Justin's and Nana's were the brightest of them all.
"These are the glows of love, your aura as I see them when I use the gift. Blue is the colour of happiness and love."
Everyone smiled, mesmerized by the flowing light.
"Some glow brighter because of age and degree of love."
Michael smiling at Justin.
"Why are Paulo's and Alberto's golden?" Randall asked.
Michael smiled at the two spanish men.
"That's not important at this moment. It's more to do with goodness and a greater sense of faith."
Paulo and Alberto were just as in awe as everyone else, looking at each other.
"Michael, why don't you have an aura?" Justin asked, concerned about this fact.
Michael lowered his head, Justin catching a tear falling from his eye.
"Because I don't have the greatest love a person can have. A mother's love."
Justin choked back a sob, everyone knowing of Michael's immense loss.
All the auras around them glowed brighter, everyone sensing each other's increased love for this special man, feeling deep love for him.
Michael smiled at them all.
"Your auras tell me your feelings. Thank you."
Everyone smiled.
"But my heart is filled with love, the love all of you have given me. And no greater love have I know that yours, Justin."
Michael leaned over kissing him.
Justin's aura almost blinded everyone with it's brightness.
Everyone stood in awe.
Michael turned back to everyone.
"There is only one way you can see my love, its this way."
Michael closed his eyes again, beginning to concentrate.
All the auras began to move, to circle around everyone, slowly sinking downward to the centre of the circle as if they were drawn to this one point.
They were drawn to this center by Michael's love.
The auras began to take on a shape, the shape of a christmas tree, conal is design.
The six foot tree began to rise, all blue in colour with thread of gold running through it.
It rose to about six feet off the ground.
Everyone stood still, in awe of what was before their eyes.
" Behold the tree of love. Your combined love.".
Michael broke the circle, Nana closing it by joining hands with Justin's.
The tree shimmered for a moment then glowed brightly again.
Michael walked into the center of the circle, directly below the center of the tree.
"Now see the tree of my love. My love for Justin."
Justin stared at Michael, tears in his eyes.
The tree descended on top of Michael, his body dissappearing into it completely.
Instantly the colours changed, the tree changing into a thing of unbelievable beauty.
Blue and golden lights luminating its surface like a thousand christmas lights.
And on the top a shining star of golden brightness.
"My god, it's so beautiful." Christina said to Zach.
"I've never seen it this beautiful, or this large." Zach said, in awe.
" I can feel the love radiating off of it, its beyond imaginable." Lynn said, her face fighting deep emotions.
Everyone could feel Michael's love filling the room.
Justin felt Michael enter his mind.
"See the colours, Jus. It's our colours, our colours of love. Come to me, bask in my love, Justin. Unite our souls as one."
Justin broke the circle, the tree not changing it's brightness.
He walked up to it, touching it. Instantly he felt Michael's love.
He didn't hesitate at all. He walked forward, dissappearing into the tree.
The tree instantly grew brighter, more blue and golden lights shining.
Inside, in the center of the tree stood a smiling Michael.
Justin went up to him, Michael putting his arms around him.
No words were spoken, Justin could feel Michael's love in his heart and soul.
They kissed deeply, their love now combined.
Outside everyone could see the tree change.
The lights pulses in a rhythm of flashing, bright then dim, the whole tree sparking.
The star of the top illuminated the whole room, golden with a blue center.
"There is a sign of true love, it shines the brightest." Nana said, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Then, soon, the lights began to fade, slowly dissappearing, the tree becoming transparent.
All the lights faded, everyone seeing what was in the center of that tree of love.
Two men, wrapped in each other's arms, united in a tender kiss of love.
Michael and Justin parted after a few moment, both men smiling at everyone.
Everyone went up to Michael and Justin ,hugging and kissing them.
"That was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, Michael." Lynn said , her eyes full of tears.
"Thank you, for showing us that."
Everyone agreed, Michael smiling.
Justin picked up on his tiredness.
"You alright, Michael. You feel exhausted."
"I'm okay, just took a little more than I thought it would."
Justin guided him over to the couch, sitting down beside him.
Everyone talked about what they'd seen, marvelling at everything.
Michael resting with his head on Justin's chest.
After an hour of frenzied excitement and wonders, everyone began to mellow down.
Couples gathered together in twos, leaving only Paulo, Jonathan and Alberto to talk together.
Michael sat quietly listening to Justin's heart against his ear, looking over at Paulo and Alberto.
He hadn't told them the whole truth, the whole truth about what the golden light meant.
He had to sort this all out in his mind. To figure out the connection.
Something was missing, and Michael felt it was staring him in the face.
Zach came over sitting down beside Michael, rubbing his back.
"Mikey, that was beyond belief. I remember the years I'd seen that tree, but those were nothing compared to this one. This one was beautiful."
Michael looked up smiling at Zach.
"That's because I've so much more love inside me."
Zach smiled at him, kissing his cheek.
"I only wish we'd of though to take a picture of it."
A picture. A picture? A photograph!!!
Michael shot up, startling Justin.
"Michael, whats wrong?" Justin said, he'd felt the shock in Michael.
Michael was staring at Alberto, staring at him with shock on his face.
"Excuse me , Jus. Stay here, I'll be right back." Michael finally averted his gaze, Alberto not seeing him looking at him.
Michael got up, staggering a little bit, walking out of the room.
Zach and Justin looked at each other, not knowing what was going on.
Justin and Zach waited for a few minutes.
Everyone picked up on something wrong.
Nana came over sitting down beside Justin.
"What's wrong with Michael, Justin?" She said.
Justin thought out to Michael.
"Michael, what's wrong."
Nothing. Silence.
"Please answer me Michael."
Justin was getting worried.
Justin got up, Zach pulling on his arm.
"He said to wait, Justin."
"Something's wrong, I can feel it. Michael's not answering my voice."
Zach and Nana looked at him strange.
"What are you talking about, Justin? You haven't said a word."
Michael walked down to his office, flicking on the light switch, crossing to his desk.
He sat down, rummaging through his bottom drawer, finally pulling out an old photo album.
He poured through it, until he found what he needed to see.
It stared at him in the face.
The picture with writing on the bottom of the photo.
Michael's tears fell, he almost sobbed.
Everything had fallen into place.
His tears fell on the photograph of two men.
He pulled the photograph out of the album.
He got up, his legs feeling shaky, and then he heard Justin in his mind.
"Michael, what's wrong?"
How could he tell him what he'd suspected all along.
"Please answer me Michael."
Michael walked out of the office back towards the living room. Back towards his fate.
He walked into the living room, Justin walking up to him.
Michael looked at him, Justin seeing the whiteness of his face, tears flowing down Michael's cheeks.
"What's wrong, Michael. You don't look well, are you okay?"
Justin put his arm around him to steady him.
Everyone saw the way Michael was staggering, like he was about to collapse.
Michael pushed out of Justin's arms walking across the room to stand in front of Paulo and Alberto.
Alberto looked up at Michael, shock registering on his face.
"Alberto, could you answer me one question. What is the name of your village?"
Paulo looked around, seeing everyone staring at his grandfather.
"It's Zamora, Michael."
Michael's tears fell more, his body shaking. Justin was beside him, deep worry on his face.
"What is it Michael, what's wrong?"
MIchael looked up into Justin's face then turned to see Alberto standing now in front of him.
"What's wrong, Michael?" He said with concern.
Michael reached out and removed Alberto's dark glasses.
Justin gasped seeing Alberto's golden eyes.
Michael pulled the photograph out of his pocket, handing it to Alberto.
Alberto took it, staring into Michael's eyes, then lowering his to look at the picture.
He collapsed back into the chair.
Written across the bottom of the photo were the words: me and dad
Michael looked down at him, a smile now on his face.
"Merry Christmas, grandfather."
Michael swayed, collapsing into Justin's arms.
End of Chapter 48
Surprise, surprise!
Did you all suspect, or have I blown you all away.
Another cliff hanger!
Oh, I'm a biatch.
Read on for more.
Taking a few days off, will be back next week.
Peace and Love
Happiness and courage.
Angel.