Fire in the Firehouse 19

He grasped the slip of paper that much tighter so as to not let the wind get hold of it. Slowly and steadily he pulled the slip of paper into the sunlight as it was getting choked out from the incoming marine layer. The dimmed light shone through the paper, making it a bit difficult to see. Jonas Applewhite nodded at Cory, he knew this was a time for the young man to be alone, pulled out his chair and motioned with his hands he'd call Cory later. Cory smiled and nodded his head at the appropriate times, happy to be left alone. His mind was mixed with varying emotions. He thought, how does one act to himself or to others at a time like this?

Colby looked around the room, paying close attention to his audience. The three guests had the same entranced look on their faces. They couldn't believe their ears. Colby offered somewhat nervously, "I'm sorry, I guess perhaps I shouldn't have brought this up. But I just wanted to give you all something to go on why we're so behind with things. I was raised to respect my elders and until recently, though I didn't care for my step Mom for many years, I still respected her. Until she launched her personal quest to destroy me. I should also say my Dad, Mitch, my best friend Drake and his lover Cole plus my brother Cory-of whom Marie made sure we thought was lost at birth." Mitch felt somewhat uneasy having his lover open up, but as he saw it, it was good therapy for him. Especially in light of what had come about just several hours earlier the night before. After all, there was no harm in revealing the truth. Though a lot of this made Victoria uncomfortable knowing her son experienced all this drama. But, she knew there was a time and place that the apron strings must be cut as the popular expression went.

Conventional wisdom and maternal instincts then kicked in. Being the mothering type, Victoria nonchalantly walked over to her son's lover and put her arms around him, embracing him in a firm hug. She felt so bad. She knew often times she came across rather strong, but she was also a great Mother and she felt so helpless. No parent, birth right, step parent, or otherwise should ever go to the lengths Marie had. It just wasn't right. It was down right inhumane. It made her angry on may levels, but she buried these feelings to herself and let her maternal side take over and bond with Colby.

"Don't worry son," she began. You're already a welcome addition to our family. I can be a bit outspoken and rather in-your-face, but I love my son with all my heart. He is a blessing from God to me and his Dad. As are you now." She smiled and hugged him again, tighter than before.

Mitch's Dad, Mitch, Sr., harbored sorrow and sympathy for the young man. It wasn't fair for him to have gone through all that he had. Joey was uncomfortable hearing it all, being gay himself. It was things like this that caused him to have trust issues with people. There was more to Marie's ways than all of the young men being gay, but upon learning of all that, it made her more cut throat and added to her personal mission, flavored with knowing she could taunt the for not being normal as she saw it.

Colby continued his story, delving back more into his life and the things Marie had pulled. It wasn't his initial intention to go so far back, but things kept coming up and bared more explaining. The hours whizzed by. All the while Colby had been speaking about his life growing up, his twin was learning things he'd never known prior in his own life. There was so much happening to the two brothers simultaneously. 

Mitch felt torn. He was feeling two sets of emotions and couldn't explain it. He excused himself from the room, his Uncle Joey at his heels. The older of the two being inquisitive. "Hey, you. What's the matter? You seem distant." The younger of the two paused, uncertain what to say. "I know that look on you all too well. Out with it." The two had bonded like brothers at an early age and never shied away from acting the part.

Mitch hesitated no further. He came right out and spoke his mind. "My powers have come to pass. I'm and Empath and I also get premonitions. Right now I'm feeling two sets of emotions and I can't figure it out." He paused, looking to his uncle for advice.

Joey had the solution having been down this path before himself. "What you need to do is get the two abilities in harmony. Meaning, what you feel, you need to see. You need to find the switch inside and tap into that and you'll be in that particular moment and not only see it, you'll feel it. And, in fact, with those two abilities working together, you should be able to hear things and know even better what's coming." Joey had made it all make perfect sense. He stood by watching his nephew give it a shot, hoping it would work as he said.

Mitch dug deep, looking for this fictional switch inside his mind. He struggled a bit and was soon to find it. It was Cory he was feeling the most emotions from. It made sense, his brother's lover was tied to the man he loved. He concentrated hard. He saw Cory looking at a piece of paper. He saw sadness on his face, but underlying that was happiness. He even heard a faint sound. "I can't believe it."

Joey watched his nephew, fully proud to see him getting control of the gifts he was blessed with. He knew their heritage was in good hands now. He'd not be the sole practitioner in this generation of their family. Joey peeked his head in to see his brother and sister-in-law comforting Colby. He was beginning to take a real liking to his new nephew-in-law-to-be.

Back outside the coffee shop Cory was deep in thought as he looked the check over. He couldn't believe his eyes. He was numb. Little did he realize, Mitch was seeing it all unfold as it was happening. He whispered softly, part of him hoping his words would carry on the breeze to wherever his parents were. "Thank you. Thank you both. I promise I'll do right by you." He stopped in thought for a few before continuing. "I can't believe it. A check for $100 million dollars." Mitch went numb. He heard and saw it all. He wasn't overcome be greed, jealousy or envy. He was so happy for the young man. He knew he'd do great things. It gave both men hope things were finally starting to go the right way. 

Part of Mitch wanted to burst through and share Cory's news, but that was wrong. He knew Cory needed to share this news on his own. He was elated for him. Mitch knew how bad Cory had wanted to open a night club. One to all the public, yet still a comfortable environment for gays to mix freely with straights. Which would also benefit the bisexual community, too. They'd all talked about this dream over dinner and at other times here and there. It was just something to day dream about when there wasn't much else to talk about.

Joey excused himself, went into the other room. It was time for his favorite show. Joey was a huge diehard wrestling fan. He would watch UWA-Universal Wrestling Alliance on a weekly basis. He was a huge fan of the wrestler Blake Masterson. The man was technically sound like no other. He had a huge mixture of moves in his arsenal. No other man in the history of the business was as multi dimensional in the ring. And, the best part, the man was a god. A body to die for, a noticeable healthy bulge in his trunks. An all around complete package of a human. The man had no shortage of female followers, as well as gays, too. There were a staggering amount of web pages online devoted to him. Message boards, pictures, and facts and rumors galore. Joey idolized this stud to no end. He wanted to meet him in the worst possible way. However, with his schedule being the Universal Champion, it was next to impossible. His bosses kept him on talk shows, radio shows, and the like so much, they'd overlooked personal appearances. The man was a cash cow, no doubts about it.

What Joey imagined was meeting him and finding out he was gay. Thing was, his shyness held him back a lot. He'd been to a few events, had gotten front row seats and sat in awe the entire time Blake was before the cameras. Blake was Joey's whole life. Thing was, Joey wasn't bad looking at all. He sold himself short.

Mitch stood watching his uncle. He knew he'd need to talk with him later on. For now, he needed to get back to his lover and parents. He was a bit worn out from having used his abilities in ways that were still new to him.

He casually made his way into the room and sat down next to Colby. At first he sat his normal distance, but then scooted over a bit. He was uncertain what was right with his parents being there and all. He'd never been open with a man in front of them.

Time passed and things seemed so natural. Everyone had gotten to know one another. About 30 minutes passed since Mitch saw what Cory had learned, everyone except Joey that is who was engrossed in his show, were deep in conversation. Cory had come home, introduced himself to everyone, including Mitch's uncle. He got right into the conversation. 

A little more time went by and Mitch noticed Cory wasn't sharing his news, but he could sense the man was looking for an in. He purposely led the conversation to his direction. "So, how'd your walk go bud? You were gone a lot longer than we expected." He sensed Mitch had a greater purpose for allowing him a chance to speak. It was digging at him by now.

He looked towards the darker haired man and smiled. The expression was full of thanks and praise for giving him a chance to speak. "Well, I got some amazing news today. Well, I guess I should give some back story." He began telling of his meeting with Jonas Applewhite and what he'd brought to him. Everyone was enthralled by what they were hearing. They hung to his every word, waiting for the biggest part. "I was blessed today by the biggest surprise of my life. My parents left me a check for $100 million dollars." The room was soaked in silence. No one believing their ears.

Colby reached over and hugged his twin. He knew the other had to be feeling a wide variety of emotions. Granted he was now more rich than he could've ever hoped to be, but it was the price that this money came to him that had to be the roughest part. Cory whispered in his brother's ear things would be all right now.

Cory then spoke up again, "Colby, Mitch, I have an announcement." The room again hung to his every word. Just then there was a steady rapping on the front door. Cory muttered to himself, does it ever fail? Mitch excused himself to answer the door. There before him stood Drake and Cole. His mouth dropped and he embrace both men in a hug. He was hesitant for a brief second to embrace Cole, after what had almost come to pass, but he put those thoughts out of his mind. They'd gotten beyond all that. 

Mitch walked their new guests in the living room and began the introductions. Everyone was shocked by these unexpected guests. Drake leaned into and whispered to Colby, "Read your letter, got her as fast as we could." Broke off from the hug and the two men played it off. Mitch saw the varying looks on both men's faces, tapped into their emotions and made it all make better sense. He just loved having his own personal one-up internal device.

Drake explained to the others, "Well, I know how these two can be, and without the whole clan here, nothing will get done. I mean who better than a bunch of gay men to put together a wedding, no matter the type." The room bursted out in laughter. Even Joey could be heard laughing. His show was winding down and was about to join the others. Soon the room was filled with people. The vast majority being gay men. Cory was struggling to find his opening again. Mitch once again sensed it and helped his friend take the floor.

"I think Cory was about to share a special part of his story." Everyone became quiet again. Drake and Cole playing into it like they'd been there all along. He was happy to have everyone's attention again. He was practically bursting at the seams to tell his story.

"Well, as most of you know, I went for a walk today..." Another knock at the door. "Oh, what in hell is this," he said more like a comment than a question. "Never mind, I'll get it this time. It better not be the Avon lady or those damn Girl Scouts again." He was trying to lighten his disgusted and annoyed feeling with wit and sarcasm. He walked over to the door, opened it and was shocked by who was on the other side. "Dad? What're you doing here?"

Nick, too, had paid a surprise visit. Drake had called him and informed him of his son. He played it off, keeping it a secret Drake had called him. "What? Can't a Father miss his two boys and future son-in-law and not make a surprise visit?" He hoped they'd buy it. Mitch and Joey saw right through it, but appreciated his attempted story to cover his fears and worry.

Once again introductions were made. Cory wasn't about to lose the floor this time. He called for his Dad and brother to stand by his side. "Before we get off base again, I have this announcement to make and I'm about to implode if I don't get it out." Everyone gave him their undivided attention. Basically everyone they knew, or were the closest to were now present and there didn't seem to be anyone else that could interrupt at this point. Cory even paused a second, half expecting another interruption. 

He saw everyone was awaiting his revelation. "Well, like I was saying, I was out for my walk and I stopped off from some coffee. I had been reflecting on some things from my past." He was being careful not to touch upon Bret. "Out of nowhere a familiar voice approached me. Long story short, this man knew my parents. He was their attorney and handled their wills and the estate and all. Anyhow, after going on and on for a while he finally presents me with an envelope. In it was..." Another knock at the door. "Oh, for the love of God. What now? I'll get it. And this better be Ed McMahon with a check saying I won the Publisher's Clearing House prize." He saw his tone was a bit sharp and masked it with dry humor to save face. This time it was the pizza guy. Cory, though he didn't order it whipped out his wallet and paid the guy, giving him a healthy tip. He even whispered to the guy, "And if you're into guys, keep the number and call me dude." The young man, all of 22 just looked at Cory and left. Cory deduced it was San Francisco, and what better a town to be that open with another man?

Everyone had grabbed some pizza and began chowing down. Drake, being ever as blunt as Mitch took the reigns. "Go on buddy, finish your story," he urged Cory. Cory balanced eating his dinner and trying to finish up his story. 

"Straight to the point now. Mr. Applewhite hands me the envelope, I open it and inside is a letter from my Dad. Well, both parents, but in Dad's words. Also in the envelope was the biggest shocker." He took another bite and washed it down with some water, half expecting a knock at the door or a phone to ring. He continued. "I reach inside after I finish the letter and see a mint green slip of paper. I knew what it was, but I didn't expect to see what I did. I was so overcome with emotions. Hell, its still hard to talk about it. Anyhow, I look at the check, struggled to see it at first with the sunlight beaming on it, finally get a glimpse and learn its written for $100 million dollars." The room went deafeningly silent. No one but Mitch believing what they heard. He knows they're all stunned by his words, reaches into his wallet and pulls it out for all to see. It gets passed around the room as everyone is taken aback by it.

Nick spoke first. "Well, son. That's one hell of an inheritance." The young man sensed his Dad's feelings. Knowing the man would never be able to leave his sons that kind of money. He tried to mask his inner feelings, lifted his glass and toasted his son. "Well, here's to you son and here's to the legacy of your other family. May they rest in eternal peace." Everyone either sniffed or had a tear or two in their eyes.

Cory broke the uncomfortable and emotional air. "Oh, trust me. I'm doing good things with this money. In fact, Mitch, Colby I have something to tell you'', as he held back his emotions. They turned to face him, both arm in arm. "I'm opening a night club and I want you both as my partners in it. Hell, I want you, Dad and even Drake and Cole. We'll work it out later, but you guys can each buy into the place. It will be the hottest spot in the area." The room was filled this time with chattering. Everyone making small talk about the announcement. It was encouraging and seemed things would be going a new direction. "In fact, in honor of how you two met and brought us all together, I want to call the place 'Hott Spott'. Kinda play off the firehouse thing." Everyone in the room laughed at the idea. The name stuck.

As they laughed and talked, the night began wearing on. It was about 7:15 in the evening by this point. They'd all had a few drinks and began getting to know one another. It wasn't too long after when the ground began to shake. At first they all thought it was because they'd had too much to drink. None of them had ever experienced an Earthquake, let alone such a powerful temblor. They began holding each other for moral and physical support. The ground was relentless. The shaking seeming to not want to stop. At first they laughed it off, not knowing the severity and the length it would go. It started out slowly and built up. Not since the day of the Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989 had this region been so shaken.

Outside their place they could hear screams coming from women in the area, and some effeminate gay men. After all, San Francisco was synonymous for its gay population. The few manly high pitched screams lightened the humor on the inside of the place, but made it no less scary going through it. The place rocked and shook violently. People were running out into the streets screaming, yelling to one another. Brakes were heard screeching and whining to a halt. Foundations were coming down, things were a virtual mess all over. 

Mitch and Colby glared at one another long enough to make a connection, looked out the window and saw fires breaking out all over. This time it seemed the fire was all around. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't seem to escape this lifestyle....

To my fans. Here's the deal: I've been under a ton of stress lately and apologize for the delay in part 19. Part 20 will be delayed, too. Been forced to move having the place sold out of nowhere. Things are in the works but take time. I may have no choice but to be w/out Internet access for a while. So, if you don't see Part 20 for a while, that's why. BUT....I promise I will NOT flake out on the series. Please know, this move will be for the best, feel no sorrow, all I ask are for your prayers. So, bare with me if the final chapters take a while. All my best, Mikey!