The Angels of Summer

An Angel's series story

Chapter Eleven:

The small caravan of cars made their way down the dirt road, deep into the summer woods of the forest at the foothills of the White Mountains to the mid-sized cabin by the large lake, in a part of the state known as the Lakes Region, in the hot days of mid-August, a few months after everything had seemly blown up. The four cars parked next to the two that were already there as the occupants began to pile out, enjoying the cool breeze off the gentle water with a slight hint of the morning dew still in the air. They were admiring the overwhelming amount of trees around them that almost canvases the area making cooling shadows. It was clearly going to be a sunny pleasant day, and everyone intended to enjoy their time here.

Jacob Summers senior was the first at his trunk once he used the keys to pop it open and began to survey all the things within, that they needed to get down the small walk way to the cabin and the sun deck about twenty yards away through a thin trail between the trees.

"Are we sure he brought everything," he said wearing a smart polo shirt and Dockers slacks, to his wife who joined him, wearing a skirted version of his same outfit against her tan blemish free sink. "A few more items and I think we might have had to rent a truck to get everything up here."

"Oh stop complaining," she playfully bellowed back with a hint of a giggle, reminding them both, all too well of their son. "I just wanted to make sure that we brought enough food for everyone, plus the Watkins can use the left overs to help feed everyone even after we leave tonight."

"Besides, Maria has been working all week to make sure she made enough of the boy's favorites to last the rest of their time here at the lake. You know how she is sure that it is her cooking alone that that keeps them from starving."

"Tyler is just getting out of the hospital and rehab," he commented lifted some storage bowls from the trunk and loading down her arms as she waited. "Even in their best days, I don't think the boys could ever eat this much food."

"Well, I hear Con and Jeremy are staying over a few days too, so it won't hurt to have extra," she said watching him closely. "Oh and give me that bag of comic books on top. The shop keeper said he added a special 'get well' gift in it for Tyler when I picked them up yesterday, so I want them to see that first."

"Considering the amount of money they spend at that shop," he sighed while he did as instructed, "he should just give them the keys to the front door."

"As a bit of a shopaholic myself," she laughed as she balanced the items carefully in her arms, "I can't argue with the boy's desire to pay the little extra to buy their comics from a store, instead of on line, like some."

"Plus the games they play when they shop, help to make Tyler's eyes stronger every time," he grunted pulling out the large cooler from the trunk, resting it on the bumper. "Dear Lord, what did you pack in here?"

"Stop complaining old man," she giggled leaning over to kiss his cheek. "Help me with the small stuff and let guys handle that for you."

"Good idea," he looked over to the car next to him where four teens were getting out. Mark Parker, his Date Jill, Lisa, who had once dated Brad Myers, but was now with, "Cameron," he called out to the teen who was giggling with his girl as they climbed out of the vehicle. "Can you and Mark take this cooler down to the deck for me?"

"Sure Doctor S," Cameron was looking a lot more rested and relaxed as he diverted his attention from Lisa to his elder and walked over to the trunk. "Hope you got enough brew in here to last the whole day."

"Cam," the two doctors gave him an angry scowl. "You know we don't think that is funny. Considering you are just a few days released from rehab yourself, in exchange for escaping any possible wrong doing in Leo Hopkins' death and avoid any jail time, I don't think alcohol humor is very appropriate."

"Yes sir," he bowed his head being properly chastised for his lack of thought. He was truly grateful that the Summers had come through for him, again, and helped him to avoid some serious trouble by being responsible for him, so he was not looking to make any mistakes that might make them think twice about their support. "I'm sorry."

"We all believed that it is best that we make all our parties and gatherings, alcohol free from now on," Natasha patted his arm. "Just be a little more careful in your choice of humor."

"Yes Ma'am," he nodded taking one end of the large cooler as Mark grasp the other, remaining a silent spectator to what he had just witness, as did the girls.

"Oh gees," Mark grunted as they picked up the big red and white cooler. "What did you guys pack in this? It weighs a ton."

"Just some assorted sodas, teas and meats for the barbecue," Jacob senior answered as he closed the trunk with a slight grin, "And maybe an anvil."

"I can believe it," the two younger men grunted as they began their decent down to the house and the patio on the lake shore. Everyone was dressed casual and ready for the summer heat of the day.

"Doctor Summers," Valarie Phelps ran up to Natasha with a large beach bag slung over her shoulder, and gave them a hug. "Jason and I really want to thank you for inviting us to this barbecue today. It has been a while since we've all been together as just friends."

"Oh you're welcome," Natasha returned as Valarie and Jason took some of the containers from their arms to help, along with the things they had already brought in large packs on their arms. "We are just glad that everyone seems to be getting along again. Now that you are all heading off to college in a few weeks, it important to remember the friends who got you this far, so you can continue to be friends, even when you are so far away from each other."

"Not that the guys will be that far from each other," Jason chuckled as they all made their way down the slope between the trees and brush. "I hear that Jake and Tyler are going to be going to the same school and even Jeremy and that Con guy plan to go there too."

"Yes," They all had their chances to attend different colleges away from each other. Jeremy and Tyler could pretty much have the schools of their choice, but they decided it was best to stay together for at least the first year."

"I hear that Tyler got an academic scholarship," Valerie said as they walked. "That is so exciting."

"Yes, even with everything he has been through, he still has maintained a near 4.0 average, and his domestic situation has made him a perfect candidate for scholarships and financial aid." Natasha told them as they trailed through the path.

"He will have to pay his own way for living expenses," Jacob senior added as they reached the flat area of the shoreline where picnic tables had already been set up and covered with tablecloths for the ready. "But we are taking care of that by having him room with Jacob."

"That's convenient," Jason said placing his things on the table as they all look at him suspiciously. "What? I meant it in a nice way. The guys will be together and I know Jake will look out after him, like he always does."

"You'll have to forgive us," Valerie wrapped her arms around him with a big mocking grin. "Some of us remember all too well when you were not routing for the guys Jay, but were more like an enemy."

"Yeah, I know," He shrugged wrapping his arm around her waist, "but after watching the way my dad treats people, including my mom, I've decided it was time to find my own path and not follow his examples."

"That is very wise of you," Natasha commented as she began to organize the tables and they heard the screen door to the house open.

"You made it," Rachel called out as she and Gene came out carrying bowls of food. "I was just telling Gene that I hoped we gave you clear enough directions to find us out here in the middle of the woods."

"Lake Winnipesaukee is very big," Jacob senior said as he took some of the items as they walked to the table, "but thankfully our GPS still works, even out here."

"Glad to hear it," Gene added shaking their hands once everyone's arms were clear. "Where are the Burks and Emma? I thought they were going to follow you here."

"Right here," Jack Burk called out from the end of the trail to the opening, followed by his wife closely and Emma Peterson who all carried more items for the day. "We had to unload the trunk and Emma wanted to spray herself down with insect repellant before we came down the path."

"Say what you will," Emma said as she swatted at some invisible pest around her, "but there is no telling what type of insects someone can pick up just by walking these trails. Why I heard about a woman once, with fair skin like mines, who was bit by a tick once, and it was weeks before she discovered it, and by then it was already too late and she just about died from some nasty illness."

"I promised to check you over when we got back to the hotel tonight," Alice laughed as she helped place the items on the table with the other women. "But I am sure you will be fine."

"We'll have to see about that," Emma groused as Jack took her things and set them down.

"Look at the bright side," Valerie said from where she stood at the table next to Natasha and the other young girls. "Maybe this will inspire another book for you. How your romantic heroin copes with the onset Lyme Disease, and how it affects her relationship with her one true love."

"Oh," Emma's face lit up with excitement. "I do say, that is a grand idea. I should start researching how such things are spread and the affects."

"I'd be happy to email you some web-sights, with literature on the subject," Valerie told her. "I had a girl in my class who suffered from it a year or so back, so our teacher made it a class project to learn more about it."

"That would be so helpful dear," Emma seemed a lot more relaxed now as she sat at the table, but still cautious of every move and new place she touched. "Remind me to give you my email address before leave today."

"I will," Valerie sat next to her with Lisa and Jill at her side. "But first we want to hear about what you are working on these days. Con gives the impression that you might be writing about a certain beach community and all its strange inhabitants."

The conversation went on as Alice also took interest in Emma's latest novel, but the Summers were too busy looking around for the boys after the younger guys had gone off to toss the football around a bit, in the next clearing of trees.

"Are the boys still sleeping, this late?" Natasha asked as they looked back at the three bedroom cabin on the waterfront and around in the clearings. "I thought Tyler was doing much better?"

"Oh he is," Rachel assured them with her usual soft smile. "The boys have been doing remarkably well since we got here."

"Jacob is being his usual self by waiting on Tyler hand and foot, much to the latter's dismay," Gene chuckled standing next to his wife. "But they are both aware of his limitations, even as he continues to grow stronger every day. They go for their morning walks in the woods, always trying to spot things along the way to help Tyler focus his eyes again, as well as finding obstacles where they will have to climb or step over, to help with his sure footing."

"I think Jacob has a future in physical therapy," Rachel added with a smirk, "if his aspiration to be a writer doesn't transpire, I mean."

"Knowing Jacob," his father looked proudly at his wife, "he'll find a way to do both."

"Well if those two stay together, as I am sure they plan," Gene told them, "he just may."

"You should see them," Rachel covered her mouth from a big smile and near laugh. "Every night they settle in early in their room, and we can hear the TV playing quietly or Jacob reading to Tyler until they turn out the lights and fall off to sleep."

"Last night when Jeremy and Constantine arrived, they all went out to dinner, even insisted we old folks go with them, to pay back for everything we have done for them this week."

"Well it was really nice of you to get this cabin and to include Jacob in on your vacation," Natasha said with gratitude. "I hope he hasn't been a bother."

"Like we said," Gene spoke up. "The boys are never a problem. And we love having Jacob around. God knows there no Tyler without Jacob anymore. Those boys are good for each other."

"That's why when my sister offered to let us use her cabin up here," Rachel spoke next, "we knew that it would be a perfect chance for the boys to have some quiet and alone time together while they rested before school starts in a few weeks."

"We even came up with a scheme to allow them to use the same room, with the one bed, without breaking our lax house rules, as of late," Gene laughed. "We told them that they would have to pay rent for the week; a dollar a day, which Jacob handing to me in cash."

"And Tyler insisting to cover his half a well, right down to the two quarters he pulled from his pocket," Rachel laughed along with her husband. "They are both such good boys."

"But again," Natasha looked around still searching them out, "where are they? Why haven't they come out? Are they off on their walk?"

"Oh heaven no," she replied, "that was hours ago. They are out on the lake, in that boat out there," she pointed to the calm water with the gentle ripples.

"A boat," they both looked out to where she was pointing. "How on Earth did you ever get Tyler to agree to go out on a boat?"

"We had nothing to do with it," Gene shrugged. "The cabin came with a little row boat and small outboard motor that Jacob asked me to show him how to use, and then he asked Tyler to go out there with him."

"And him being afraid of water; he must have nearly choked," Natasha looked out at the small boat out on the calm water, making out the two forms resting in it.

"Those two trust each other completely," Gene said.

"And there is nothing Tyler would not do for Jacob," Rachel added.

"Well if that were ever a doubt, this proves it," Jacob senior said as they all watched them with a laugh.

The water rippled against the side of the boat as the two occupants inside sat quietly enjoying the peace out on the open water. Jacob had taken a comforter and some pillows from the cabin and set up soft place for him and Tyler to sit nestled together at the bottom of the boat. Jacob propped himself against the back near the small outboards motor controls, and rested Tyler's back against his chest and draped the folded blanket over his legs, even though he was wearing jeans and a hoodie, while Jacob wore a tee-shirt and baggy shorts.

The blond had his arms wrapped wound the curly dark haired boy, whose hair was coming back quickly and nearly almost longer than his boyfriend's already; They were talking softly among themselves, and laughing every once in a while, as they looked out over the shoreline.

"Okay, let me see," Jacob spoke looking over the land several hundred yards away as he kept playing their game and tried to find the next object he would ask Tyler to spot in the distance. "Let's make this a little harder.

"I think we've already done that," Tyler laughed rubbing his lower back into Jacob's midsection where he could feel his boyfriend's 'joy' off having him so close to him.

"Hey, I can't help my condition," Jacob laughed back kissing his ear. "You have problems with your eyes and I have issues with my… junk."

"Hey," Tyler shrugged rubbing him a little more. "I'm not complaining. I always love when you decide to give me a 'pop' quiz."

"Oh funny," Jacob nuzzled onto his shoulder pulling him even closer. "And I for one would love to give you an oral exam, but I think I see our folks over on the shore. So knowing Cam, he probably has everyone watching us through a telescope."

"Kinky," Tyler chuckled.

They both laughed for a few seconds until Jacob calmed himself and continued. "Okay, you're doing real well with larger things like houses, but let's see how you are with small objects on the shoreline.

"You're not going to make me 'Find Waldo' again, are you," Tyler rested his head back against his shoulder. "And I mean like the one in the books, not like the one in our bedroom games."

"I thought you liked Waldo," Jacob faked being hurt by his comment.

"I do," Tyler shrugged, "but I think that red and white sweater you wear on your winky is silly," he laughed trying to finish he his joke, "and the beanie…"

"Oh you are such a liar," Jacob tickled him for a second as he squirmed, but they were both very careful of Tyler's healing head and his fear of the water he was now surrounded by, but was trying his hardest not to tremble in fear in Jacob's arms.

"The game, the game," Tyler nearly cackled as he tried to get his lover to stop.

"Okay," Jacob settled him to his chest again. "Ah, let's see. Okay, how about the red sports car?"

"Is it in a clearing," Tyler squinted his eyes to pear through his tinted prescription glasses that the Watkins has bought him before he left the rehab, that looked remarkably similar to Jacob's Ray Bands.

"Yeah," Jacob looked carefully over his sun glasses to make sure. "It's kind of near a house."

"Don't tell me the color," Tyler sat up a little better, disappointing Jacob at the absence of his body fully against him, but didn't say anything. "Is it over there at about ten o'clock, by that white house with the ugly black trimming?"

"Oh my God," Jacob sat up a little better wrapping his arms around Tyler's midsection following the direction he pointed. "Yes there is one there," he was nearly shocked, "but I was talking about the one by the yellow house at about one o'clock."

"I see that one too," Tyler was so excited and nearly jumped a little, but stopped quickly when he felt the boat jostle a little. "I see them both, Jacob." He pulled his legs in and turned to face his boyfriend with a hug. "I see them both."

"Yes you do Angel," Jacob agreed returning the hug and kissing him softly. "You even spotted one before I did."

"That's a good thing, right?"

"The best," Jacob kissed him again. "If you keep improving this fast again, this game if going to be pointless to play."

"Oh I don't know," Tyler pulled back a bit but didn't release him, looking down at Jacob's midsection that was clearly still aroused. "I think there might be another good point," he laughed grasping him softly and pushing him back into the pillows pilled behind him to help him stay propped up.

"Owe, I think you might be right," Jacob laughed as he allowed himself to be pushed back until they were nearly fully lying in the boat.

"I love you Jacob," Tyler brushed his short blond hair back as he looked adoringly into his eyes. "I don't know what really happened to me back in the hospital when you all thought I… left, but I know if it is possible," he kissed him passionately, "this is why I came back."

They cuddled together kissing, not caring if anyone from shore was watching or not, "For moments like this," he continued, "and for you."

"I love you Tyler," Jacob ran his hand through his hair, still careful of the recent stiches. "You have no idea how happy I am that you came back to me… to us," he kissed him hard and long.

"This is so nice," Tyler spoke softly nuzzled down in Jacob's arms resting on his chest. "It's so calm and peaceful out here like this."

"Mmm," Jacob agreed stealing a few more kissed before they were splashed with a spray of water and the boat rocked violently, nearly tipping as they both sat up to see where Jeremy and Constantine had just nearly sideswiped the boat with the jet ski they were on, and were now looking back with big smiles and laughter, as the smaller boy sat behind the larger one, grasping hard to his lover's firm body and bare back and chest.

"Would you like a bite of my wiener," it was Jeremy with a dirty smile dangling his half eaten hotdog in a bun, smeared with ketchup and mustard, before Constantine's face, that was close enough to him on one side of the wooden picnic table, across from Jacob and Tyler, to be on his lap.

"I would love it," Constantine gave him a smirk laced with lust, "but I think I will settle for the frankfurter for now," he leaned in and took a generous bite, with his lips touching his lover's fingers as they closed.

"Oh will you two give it a rest already?" Mark groused as he shook his head with mock disgust. "You guys have been going all homo-erect, since you got back from the water an hour ago. We're trying to eat here."

"This coming from the guy who couldn't get enough of Jill's neck, sitting in the back seat of the car, all the way up," Cameron shot from where he sat next to Jacob across from Jeremy, Constantine, Mark and Jill on the large table with Lisa by his side and Valerie and Jason on opposite, to cap off the seating.

"Hey," Mark spoke up in jest with an angry frown, "what happens in the backseat stays in the backseat."

"At least until I can hose it down," Cameron snorted again, to a round of 'ewes,' from most of the girls at the table.

"Are you guys behaving yourselves over there?" Jacob senior called out from the table where he was seated with the adults a few feet away. "Do I need to come over there?" He asked with a playful lilt to his voice.

"No Mr. Summers," a chorus of voices called out back to him, "we'll behave," Cameron added.

"A bunch of Eddie Haskells, over there," Doctor Summers sighed under his breath as the adults all laughed.

"I doubt most of them even have a clue as to who he was," Gene added.

The meal went on with plenty of food and barbs from everyone as they all seemed to be in a playful mood and enjoyed each other's company. Even former rivals and possible enemies seemed to find common ground and went the extra mile to be on their best behavior, acting like old times friends, like they truly were.

"You want more potato salad," Jacob asked Tyler who had been able to clean off most of his paper plate, proving that he was feeling better and getting stronger every day.

"Nah," he shrugged resting his head on Jacob's shoulder to his left. "I just want to sit here and enjoy our friends."

"Here," Jeremy reached across taking their near empty plates. "We'll get rid of those for you," they said as everyone seemed to be in their own little conversations and moving about freely, now that the lunch was mostly over and play time was set to begin again.

"Thanks," Jacob answered for both of them as Tyler gave them a short smile when Jeremy and Constantine stood up to clear their things.

"You can take my stuff too," Cameron said holding out his dirty empty plate to Constantine, who gave him an evil eye in return.

"You can clear away your own things, you big ape," Constantine grouses with a sneer. "The next time you have brain surgery, we'll speak about getting a little extra help afterwards. But I doubt you can have an operation on something that is not there."

"Ouch," Cameron stood up taking his things as Lisa stood with him, "that was cold Con. Maybe you should be a little better, before I decide to tell your mom about your under aged drinking."

"Please," he shrugged, "I'm French and spent most of my life in countries where the drinking age was much lower. And besides, my Mum has seen me do much worse. I've been escorted out of provinces for far great deeds than drink."

"That's true," Emma called over, having heard some of the conversation. "But Constantine is aware of my aversion to his breaking the local laws."

"Including sleeping with a minor?" Cameron asked.

"I'm seventeen now," Jeremy defended his boyfriend. "I'm old enough to make my own choices, in who I sleep with."

"Maybe in Alabama," Cameron laughed, "but this is New Hampshire, you little hobbit."

"All right, enough of the name calling," Gene Watkins said as he stood up walking over to the table, watching Constantine's fire red eyes, as everyone seemed to be milling about. "We are all friends here. No need to get worked up."

"Whatever," Cameron shrugged as most of the teens walked away leaving Jacob and Tyler the only two sitting, who were sharing a piece of watermelon.

"Are you feeling okay," Gene asked as he sat down across from them. "You look tired, Tyler."

"A little," he shrugged against Jacob's shoulder. "But I want to enjoy our friends for a while before I take my nap, if I need one."

"Don't worry," Jacob assured him wrapping his right arm around Tyler. "I've been watching him, and he is still not over doing it."

"Well see that he doesn't," Jacob senior said joining as he stood at the end of the table. "We don't need any more scares from you young man," he smiled softly.

"I'll let Jacob know if I need to rest," Tyler smiled back, "I promise."

"Good," the two men nodded.

"Is everything okay," Jacob could see a slight worried look in their eyes as they watched them. "Did we do something wrong?"

"No of course not," Gene was quick to put their worry to rest. "We just needed to talk to you about something."

"Us," Tyler's head propped up with interest.

"Well actually you," Gene corrected for his foster son. "But we knew you would want to hear it together."

The boys looked at each other with confusion.

"A letter came for you," Jacob senior filled in for them. "We picked up with the rest of the mail from your house, and brought up with us."

"A letter?" Tyler repeated as he saw Gene place the note on the table.

"It's from Leo Hopkins' lawyers," Gene told them. "We think it is the final notice that we have been waiting for."

"The check should be coming soon," Jacob senior completed.

"I don't want it," Tyler's face flushed white for a second looking at the parcel.

"But Tyler…" Jacob senior started as Tyler almost tripped over the bench trying to get away from the table, only to be saved and held up right by Jacob who was as shocked by the events.

"I don't understand," Jacob said wrapping his protective arms around his boyfriend. "What is this all about?"

"Please don't ask about it," Tyler spoke softly into his ear trying not to let him get too upset by the new revelation. "Can we just go for a walk?"

"Sure," Jacob patted his back, "but I would like to know what this is all about. How come you haven't told me about Leo's lawyer or a check?"

"It doesn't matter," Tyler clung to him not wanting to let go.

"Tyler," Jacob senior started again, in a much lower register of a voice, trying not to alarm the teen any more than he already was as the wives joined them. "I know you didn't want to talk about this at the hospitals when Gene asked us for our advice, but the window of opportunity is getting very small."

"Will someone please tell me what is going on here?" Jacob insisted, taking a protective stance as he held a shaking Tyler in his arms caressing his hair with one hand and rubbing circle over his back with the other.

"The money," Tyler mumbled into Jacob's shoulder after a few moments of silence, after he knew the parents were not going to betray his trust in them to remain silent, until he was ready to tell Jacob himself. "Leo's money."

"Leo had money?" Jacob asked trying to understand what was going on.

"The money he received as a settlement after suing the prison for not protecting him, once they realized what he had done to a minor, and doled out their own punishment for him."

"Along with his early release," Gene continued to fill in the blanks, "Leo received a sizeable settlement, most of which was still intact when he… died."

"And he left it to you?" Jacob asked Tyler who finally looked up at him, his lazy eye shaking from the stress already.

"I don't want it," Tyler told him with a pleading look for help to get out of this. "Give it to my mom, I don't care who gets it. I just don't want it."

"I still can't understand why Tyler would be left the money and not Anne," Jacob questioned still holding tight to his boyfriend. "Did Leo actually leave a will?"

"No, not really," Gene filled in. "It is all really a matter of filed paperwork, and a process of deduction."

"When Leo's mother died," Jacob's father went on to tell them, "Leo no longer had any living close relatives who could make a claim on his estate, but it seems that before the beating two years ago, Leo filed legal paperwork to adopt Tyler as his son, but because of the Child Welfare issues of the past with the family, it was bogged down in red tape for a long while and has remained there since, never approved or denied."

"I didn't want him to adopt me," Tyler tried to take a deep breath to collect himself again as Jacob listen carefully. "I never told him or my mom, but I made sure the social workers knew that whenever they talked to me, but made them promise not to tell them. I didn't tell them it was because of what they were doing to me, but made up some story about hoping my real father would come for me someday, and I didn't want to be tied down to another dad."

"But the paperwork still stayed filed away in the system," Gene continued, "and Leo did claim Tyler as his next of kin on all his legal documentations, once his divorce was final from Anne."

"But they were getting married again," Jacob reminded them. "Doesn't that have some type of precedence as the ex and future wife?"

"Leo never filed for a marriage license," Jacob senior told them. "It is unclear why, but with the given knowledge that Anne had ran away back to Florida, the very day of his accident, she was dismissed of any legal rights."

"So Tyler gets the money?"

"When he turns eighteen in March, yes," Gene said with Rachel at his side.

"It is a rather large amount," Rachel said trying to help. "There will never be enough money to make up for what he did to you Tyler, but this could help you get settled into your new life and help pay any bills you might acquire."

"I promise to pay you back for all the hospital bills," Tyler said with sad tired eyes. "I just don't want Leo's blood money."

"This is not about the hospital bills," Gene seemed shocked by this. "The state has taken care of most of it, and my insurance the rest, so we are plenty able to handle the deductibles without your inheritance."

"We would never take your money," Rachel insisted. "We love you like our son, we would never ask you to pay us back for caring for you."

"Then give it to my mom," he said shaking his head, but stopped feeling one of his headaches coming on.

"You can do that if you want to," Jacob senior said with certainty, "when you claim your inheritance, but right now, you have to sign those papers before the government finds a way to reclaim the money, and it is lost all together."

"But think about it," Natasha spoke up for the first time standing near her husband. "You have been worrying about your living and school expenses when you go off next month, and this will more than help you with those and much more."

"I have a full scholarship, and you said you had no problem with me living with Jacob," Tyler reviewed the plan. "I know it will cost a little more, but I plan to work for my share and pay you back."

"Honey," Natasha touched his face, closing her eyes with guilt, remembering how he hated anyone calling him that, because it was one of the names his mother used to win him over when she was cruel to him. "Tyler," she corrected, "we promised to pay for your living expenses, and that will never go away, but you also have to consider that there will be other things that need to be paid along the way, and you are going to have a big enough work load with college, to even consider a job, right now."

"Think of your health," Rachel put in as well. "I know you are getting better every day; and thank God for that, but you have to consider the stress all of this will be putting on you right after your second operation."

"They're right," Jacob finally spoke up again cradling Tyler face in his hand. "I know you want to do this all yourself, because you always have before we met, but this money could be a good thing."

"But it's from Leo."

"I know," Jacob nodded his head briskly, "but don't think of it like that. I mean if anything, maybe this is his way of finally saying that he is sorry for what he did to you."

"He never admitted he did anything, at least not in public," Tyler cried as he spoke.

"It doesn't matter," Jacob spoke softly but firmly, "that's between him and God now, but this money is going to help you make a better life for yourself from here on in." He wiped some tears with his thumb. "You have me Angel, you will always have me and whatever I have, but this will help us get a head start once we graduate, and we can finally get that place we always talked about, for just the two of us."

"The two of us," Tyler sniffed, "then you aren't mad at me for not telling you about the money?"

"No, of course not," Jacob pulled him back into his arms. "I mean I wish you had told me, but I know how hard it is for you to accept all of this, especially anything to do with Leo, so I understand."

"I'm sorry," Tyler cried into his shoulder.

"It's okay Angel," Jacob cooed into his ear. "But promise me that you won't keep anything like this away from me again. I love you, and I want to help you through everything that is bothering you. No matter how upset I might get about it."

"I promise," Tyler returned the embrace as the adults all looked at each other with satisfaction.

"Why don't you boys go sit down by the water," Rachel said patting their arms. "I'll bring you down some of that raspberry tea you like. Just go and relax."

"Okay," Tyler nodded carefully as Jacob guided him down the slope, but stopped looking back at them.

"Will you," he paused to consider his words before continuing to speak, "will you call the lawyers and make us an appointment?" He addressed his question to Gene.

"Of course," Gene nodded.

"Does this mean you'll take the money?" Natasha had to ask.

"It means." He rubbed his eyes under his glasses, "that I have until my eighteenth birthday to decide what I want to do."

"Whatever it is," Jacob senior said, "we'll all support you." And with that, the boys walked away to be by themselves and just sit to watch the water and talk, later.

Jeremy and Constantine were standing off to the side of the makeshift volleyball court while Cameron and Jason decided how they would pick teams, when Constantine's cell phone went off in the pocket of his baggy shorts he wore with a white tee-shirt and sneakers, no sox, but with his shell necklace around his neck.

"Who is that?" Jeremy asked looking at the phone when he pulled it out.

"I don't know," Constantine shrugged lighting up the screen to see he had a new text message. "Just about everyone we know who has my new number is here already."

"Maybe it's a stupid ad or something," Jeremy suggested as they checked the message.

"That son of a bitch," Jeremy cursed as they saw Sebastian's name at the end of the text. "How did he get your new phone number?"

"I have no idea," Constantine said, wasting no time to delete the message about how he missed him and hoped they could get together and talk, sometime soon. "But I will be sure to block it as soon as I figure out how on this new phone."

"He wants to see you," Jeremy looked worried with the scars of Sebastian's last attempt to break them up, all too fresh, "do you think he is back in the states?"

"I don't know," Constantine wrapped his arms around him knowing how scared this must be making him. Jeremy was all too vulnerable to unwarranted attacks and he knew it was his place to protect him now, "but I have no intentions on ever seeing that wretch ever again, after what he did."

"But he doesn't seem to want to give up on you," Jeremy wrapped his arms around him tight, feeling all those old fears and worries he had hoped would finally be behind them now . "He went through the trouble of getting your new number, and he is still trying to make contact. This isn't normal."

"I know," Constantine tried to comfort him, but all the while being a little worried himself. "But from what I know about him, Sebastian is harmless, for the most part, and as soon as he finds a new plaything to amuse himself, he will forget me once and for all."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes Love," Constantine lied, not able to stop himself from scanning the woods around them in some paranoid response to his nerves, "nothing or no one shall ever come between us, ever again."

Jeremy didn't say anything in response. He wanted to believe him, but something inside of him, much like inside of Constantine, told them that this was far from over.

"They must all think I'm a basket case, don't they," Tyler asked, from where he was leaning against a tree at the water's edge, wiping away the tears from his eyes when he was finally calm enough to talk, knowing that Jacob had been watching him the whole time it took him to get his emotions back in check, with the occasional rub on the back, gentle hug or kiss on the temple, when they both knew he was getting out of control.

"No one thinks that," Jacob assured him as he stood before him, pulling him into his arms, now that he seemed calmer. "Everyone knows that you have been through another emotional and physical trauma. Doctors Robertson and Gilbert both told you that your body chemicals are a little out of sorts because of the strokes and the operations on your head. It will take a while until you are back to your normal self."

"I'm beginning to think a weeping, sobbing emotional mess is my normal self," Tyler giggled slightly into his lover's ear, half joking.

"I'm not complaining," Jacob returned his extra tight embrace. "We're both a little emotional sometimes Babe, but don't worry, you'll be back to your usual stone cold self, soon enough," he laughed.

"Stone cold," Tyler laughed at the description pulling away, but still not releasing him from his arms. "I like that description."

"Me too," Jacob giggled back, "especially the 'stone' part."

"Down boy," Tyler snickered back. "But," his eyes drifted down to his chest, "you think I should take the money, don't you?"

"I want you to do whatever it is that makes you feel comfortable, Angel."

"It's a lot of money."

"I know," he agreed with a nod.

"I mean life changing money," Tyler clarified. "Not hit the lottery and set for life, quit your job, living in a mansion type of money, but this will pay for my education and at least a few years of living comfortably and stuff."

"I know," Jacob took both of his hands into his own.

"My Mom could really use this money," their eyes met, "I mean, I have the scholarships and… well you. When I get well again, there's nothing stopping me from working for my own keep."

"Of course not," Jacob smiled sweetly as he listened, allowing Tyler the time to work this out on his own.

"After all," Tyler's eyes got sad again, "she's the one who actually loved him… I think."

"If that is what you want," Jacob said without actually making it sound like a complete thought.

"But…" Tyler coaxed.

"But she won't appreciate the money," Jacob said, not able to hide the disappointment in his own face about having to say it out loud.

Tyler could not say anything but just looked longingly into his eyes as he already knew where Jacob was going with this thought.

"She already had the most precious gift ever, in the world, and she threw you away without a real care," Jacob grinned, trying to put a gentle edge on his words.

"She tried to get me back when I had my first surgery."

"She wanted you like a security blanket or something," Jacob sighed deeply. "She wanted to prove to herself that she was some type of good mother or something, but it doesn't make up for all the years of neglect, or for the three days she left you in the closet to nearly bleed to death."

"Stop it," Tyler shook their hands that were joined together.

"Stop what?"

"Stop trying to be your usual wonderful, understanding and supportive self, like you always are," he stole a kiss. "This is about both of us. This could change our lives forever."

"Maybe for the better."

"Its money, tainted with blood."

"Your blood," Jacob reminded him again. "I'm not saying that anything Leo could ever do for you, would make up for what he did to you already did, nearly killing you, twice, but this money could help you really get ahead start in life."

He ran a hand through the hair on the side of Tyler's head, feeling the older and fresh scares that would forever be there. "With the scholarships, and us living together the whole time in college, this money will help you get reliable transportation and a nice place to live, when we are out on our own."

"Out on 'our own'," Tyler smiled again. "I like the sound of that; you and me, together, forever."

"You better get use it, Babe," Jacob pulled him back closer to him again, kissing him softly on his lips, being ever so gentle with his still fragile health. "You and me, together forever, is a sure thing."

"I know," Tyler cooed into his ear. "I don't really know what happened to me back in the hospital, but I know I came back, because this is the only heaven I want right now."

"Same here, Angel," Jacob kissed his cheek.

"So," Tyler spoke again after a few moments of silence with them just resting in each other's arms, "you think I should take the money, don't you?"

"It's your choice, Babe," Jacob answered softly, "but yeah, I think you should."

"My Mom should get at least something," Tyler closed his eyes tight. "I wouldn't feel right without trying to help her out."

"Of course," Jacob agreed. "We can talk to our folks and work out something when the money is safely in your name."

"I don't want to see her," Tyler hugged him tighter.

"That's what the mail if for," Jacob returned in kind, feeling like Tyler's anchor again. "Even if we have to go through some lawyer or something, I'm sure they'll help us figure it out."

"Nothing is going to change between us, is it?" Tyler voice shook just a tremble as he spoke.

"Never Angel," Jacob spoke quickly to assure him with a kiss on the lips this time. "I love you, and I always will. No matter what happens with this money, or anything else that life throws at us."

"I love you too, Jacob," Tyler buried his face in his neck. "I love you so much."

"Same here," Jacob rubbed his back affectionately, "but there is one thing that might…"

Tyler stiffen with fear as he pulled back to look him in the eyes, "Oh my God," his voice trembled for real this time, "what."

"Well," Jacob could not help stop a smile from crossing his lips as he tried to be firm, "the next time it's your turn to treat me to Mickey D's, I'm asking to be supersized."

The tension in Tyler body melted away instantly as he nearly melted into Jacob's arms again and leaned into his ear. "I thought I was already supersizing you every night when we went to bed, since we got here."

"Oh you dirty little man," Jacob laughed along with him as they continued to hug and kiss, hidden away in the woods, only a rock's through away from the house where their family and friends were also enjoying the day.

The sun had gone down at the lake house, but no one felt in a hurry to go off on their way just yet. All have been invited to stay at the three bedroom small home, assured by the Watkins that they would make due with sleeping bags and bedding spread out through the tiny space with respectful sleeping conditions for everyone, but with the Watkins in the master, Jacob and Tyler in their room, and Jeremy and Constantine in the spare, there was little room for anyone else. So they had agreed to either make the trip home or stay at some of the closer hotels along the lake front. There had been a promise of fireworks over the water at nine thirty or so, and no one wanted to leave before then.

So after a long relaxing day, the adults settled around the wooding table inside, by the large bay window, overlooking the lake and played cards under the single bulb light hanging over the center while the kids gathered outside around the fire pit and entertained their friends and each other while roasting marshmallows and talking about the future to come in just a matter of days as life would change for all of them.

Natasha Summers sat with her back to the wood slatted wall watching out the side window at the teens that were all deep into their conversations and laughing from time to time with her husband at her side. The others had noticed that her heart had not been in the game of hearts for some time, but no one said anything allowed for her own thoughts.

It wasn't until her husband placed his right hand of her stilled left, that she seemed to notice that she was not alone in the room as her day dreaming might have made her feel.

"Oh," she looked back at him with sad eyes, "is it my turn again?"

"Yes," he spoke softly and comforting to her, "but it is okay."

The two of them just looked into each other's eyes for a long few seconds, as they both knew what she was thinking, and did everyone else in the room, because they were all pondering the same thing.

"They will be okay," he spoke as is finishing her unspoken thought.

"All parents go through these emotions when their children go off to college for the first time," Gene Watkins put in from across the table as the game seemed to be a thing of the past for the moment. "Even teachers feel some sense of lost and worry when he watches his students go off to the next phase of their lives."

"And doubly so for you I guess," Jack Burk said. "Not just because Tyler is your foster son, but you've gotten closer to that bunch than most teachers do."

"I'm afraid so," Gene sighed in response. "It is one thing to see them every day in class, but when they are in your home too, it becomes very personal."

"It's just not fair," Rachel Watkins added with near tears in her eyes watching out the same window at the kids by the fire. "We've only had Tyler in our home for less than two years, and so much of that time he was in the hospitals. I haven't had enough time to be his mother."

"But I am sure you have been more of a mother to him in that little time, than his own ever was," Alice Burk leaned across and placed her hand over hers. "That will always mean so much to him and to all the boys, at how much you and Gene have always watched over them."

Gene wrapped a comforting arm around his wife's shoulders.

"Constantine has always been a bit envious of the other boys," Emma Peterson spoke up as all eyes turned to her. "Oh I know how that sounds, but it is not in a bad way."

She had to chuckle slightly as she watched them watch her for a second. "I am not a woman who is not aware of her own short comings." Her head drooped for a moment. "I know with all my travels, adventures if you will, and my many marriages, I have failed to provide my son with a good stable home for most of his life."

"Oh yes," she took a deep breath, "I always saw to it that his needs were met, and he was always safe, at least safer than that Tyler boy was, thanks to his own mother's nefarious life style," this caused both Jack and Alice Burk a little shame as they remembered how they had let harm come to their son for so long, at the hands of their handyman, right under their noses. "But he envied that Jacob and Jeremy and even Tyler, once he met you," she looked at the Watkins with a smile, "had a home to call their own, and real roots to build their lives on." Her eyes got sad, "And now it is all too late."

"That's not so," Alice patted her hand. "Constantine has spoken of nothing but all the wonderful memories he has from his childhood, and for the last year, he has had a home to call his own, and always will, at the Inn with all of us."

"They are all good kids," Gene said watching out the window as well. "They will all make outstanding adults and go on to make us all proud."

"But still," the attention was drawn back to Natasha as she spoke. "They have been through so much. The scars, both physical and emotional are all still too fresh on them. I can't help but wonder how they will be able to cope in college. What will they do, who will they rely on?"

"They will do the same thing they always do," her husband spoke softly into her ear, wrapping his strong arms around her, placing his head on her shoulder, "and they will rely on each other just like they have been doing from the start."

"They will be strong," he continue to speak as they all listen, "they will be together," he paused for affect, "and they will always be our children."

"Our angels," Rachel added as they all took a moment to watch the kids talking and laughing outside the window, gathered around the fire, before returning to their game.

"Will you stop it," Tyler giggled as Jacob sat on the same wooden lounge chair trying to wrap him tighter in the blankets they had taken from the house, to keep his boyfriend warm in the cool summer night air.

"I'm just trying to make sure there are no spaces where the cool air or the insect can get in," Jacob said taking a moment to tuck one more piece of the covers, in under his lover's butt from the other side.

"I think you're just trying to cop a feel," Tyler laughed kissing him quickly before Jacob pulled back to sit in his place, close to his side. "And besides, you've doused me in enough insect repellent, that I'm not sure we should be sitting this close to an open flame."

"I'm not that bad," Jacob puffed his chest for a moment with question.

"Dude," Cameron put in from across the fire pit with his girl at his side. "I can smell him all the way over here. He smells like a French whorehouse."

"Like you would know," Jason laughed.

"Maybe Constantine would," Lisa said from his other side. "You're French, right?"

"He may be French, but he ain't never been a whorehouse," Jeremy spoke up defensively and then turned back to the older teen, who's lap he was sitting on as they snuggled on one of the lawn seats. "Have you?"

"I have been many places," Constantine spoke clearly and slowly with a hint of the secret smile he had only for Jeremy, "but not a whorehouse, I assure you."

"Except that one up in the attic of the Warner Inn," Jason and Cameron laughed as the high fived each other at their own wit.

"Guys," Jacob cautioned them from the other side of the flames.

"Sorry," the two guys tried to calm their laughing, "we were just joking."

"It's okay," Jeremy shrugged. "We'll be away from you guys soon enough and living our life away together at school in a few days where no one will be able to judge us anymore. We'll be together and happy."

"Amen to that, Love," Constantine pulled his head closer and their lips met with a passionate kiss, much to the cat calls of the others who all continued to laugh with them.

"Get a room already," Mark joked.

"We have one," Jeremy shot back with mock anger, "and the sooner you jerks leave, the sooner we can get back to it."

"Don't be rude, Dear Heart," Constantine pulled him in closer. "We all want to see the fireworks and the fireworks we shall see."

"If you want fireworks," Jason slapped Cameron on the arm. "Let old Cam here fart on the flames like he use to back at football camp. We're all lucky to be alive."

"Bite me," Cameron snarl as the laughter began to die down again,

After a few moment of what seemed like reflective silence, with nothing but the sound of the insects around them and the waters gently slapping against the soft sand and rock on the beach a few yards away, a voice broke the silence and it was Valerie's soft tone the seemed to echo into the night air.

"Do you realize," she spoke just loud enough to be heard over the crackling fire, "this may very well be the very last time we will all be together like this." He took turns looking each of them in the eyes as tears began to build in her eyes. "I don't mean camping or around a fire by a lake, but I mean all of us together, talking, laughing and sharing."

Heads began to lower as they all had to confess to themselves that they had had the same thoughts, but she was the only one who voiced it out loud.

"We all leave for college in a few days," she continued on. "Yeah some of you are going to the same school," a small smile came to her face, "heck, at this point I don't think Jacob and Tyler could function anymore without being together," she giggled, "and I mean that in a good way."

"I know," Jacob almost whispered with a nod and a smile, then looked back at Tyler, who watched him adoringly.

"I mean I don't know everyone's plans," she shrugged, "I know Jason is going off to Columbia and I'm going to Brown. But it's not important who is going where," her eyes glistened with tears against the glow of the flames, "but the point still stands, that our lives will not revolve around each other, ever again, no matter how big or small."

"We won't share the same school, the same cafeteria or even the same neighborhood, really."

"Good God Val," Cameron groused, "it's not like we are going off to war or anything. We'll still see each other around Thanksgiving and Christmas and stuff."

"Maybe for a few minutes at a time, here and there," her face never lost the seriousness she was feeling, "but we'll be too busy with our new lives and responsibilities to have any real time for each other."

"Then why don't we make the time," Jacob spoke up. "I mean, yeah I'm not stupid, things will never be completely the same again, but we all spent the last two years coming in and out of each other's lives, we were never really 'all' like this before, but we can be together again," he looked deeply into Tyler's eyes as he spoke. "If we all really want to be together again, there is nothing that could ever stop us."

"Jacob's right," Tyler brushed his cheek with his gentle fingers, "like always. If we really want something, and he hope and pray for it long and hard enough, we can have whatever it is we want."

"So what are you saying," Cameron asked. "Do we all just make other plans for school and stuff?"

"No you dolt," Constantine almost screamed tossing his hands in the air as Jeremy rested against his chest, "he's saying that we should plan some type of event or trip or some such thing where we can all be together again, like this."

"You mean come back to the lake?" Mark asked.

"Or maybe just a house party at my place or something," Jacob shrugged, "like in the old days."

"You mean like one of those Jake Summers end of the school year parties? I was never invited to one of those," Jeremy sighed.

"No one was ever invited," Jason laughed. "You just had to show up."

"Well this time you're all invited," Jacob laughed, "and yours is the first invitation Jeremy."

"Oh wow," Jeremy laughed pretending to look around, "I wonder who I'll take with me," he barely got the last word out before Constantine began tickling him, only stopping when the smaller teen said he was about to pee, if he didn't stop.

"A toast," Jason lifted his soda can with the free hand not holding Valarie's, "to this summer, and for making plans for the next gathering."

"A toast," they all did the same.

"To a summer of trials," Jeremy added.

"To a summer of test," Constantine added.

"To a summer of miracles," Jacob chimed in looking at Tyler, kissing him softly and then finished with. "To the Angels of Summer."

They all chimed in with agreement and enjoyed the last few moments they would have with each other before they all set out on the next chapter of their lives where they would become adults and begin their new journeys. But somehow in their heart of hearts, Jacob and Tyler knew that every road from here will be together side by side, and that was the best adventure they could ever pray for.

The End

A/N: Okay, I know you all hate me right now, but as promised, I finished they story, hopefully to your satisfaction. I am so sorry everything took so long, and I won't go into my long winded explanations, but I do promise that I will never begin posting a new story before I have completed the whole thing, ever again. So please forgive me for my short comings.

The story of the Angels is far from over. It may be while in coming, but I promise I will get our boys into college and share their latest adventures with you again. As well as bring a few more story ideas your way with new characters and love stories for all of our enjoyment.

Thank you for taking this journey with me, and until we meet again, may God bless each and every one of you who have shared in my passion for Jacob, Tyler, Jeremy, Constantine and Cameron. You have no idea how much your support and kind reviews have meant to me.

Phaze