Out of the Ashes: Billy: A Gay Love Story, #5

By Tmothy Lee

It is recovery time for Billy Butler. After having lost the love of his partner, Abraham, Billy is on the prowl for a replacement. This is easier said than done. His first promising acqauintance, Forest, looks good until the young man's ever-increasing anger issue pops up, eventually ending what was hoped to be  Billy's 'the one'. Therefore, Billy accepts defeat and the realization that he may be spending his life alone. That is until he meets Paul, an older gentleman who hits all the right buttons,  flicks the right switches and key's Billy's ignition back to life. This prospect looks good. Real good. But can all things gold reveal a tarnished lining? Mirna, Wei, Lyle and the whole gang are back again for adventure, love, life and heartbreak.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tmothy Lee
• Release date: Nov 22, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223743583

Book preview

Out of the Ashes

Billy: A Gay Love Story

––––––––

By

Timothy Lee

Out of the Ashes

Billy: A Gay Love Story

© 2004

Timothy Lee

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

About the Author

Chapter 1

Mirna Chen dabbed the damp tissue to her eye. It was a beautiful funeral.

Her father, Mel Butler, walked somberly beside her, clutching her left elbow as if to steady her walk across the parking lot. Yes, it was. Looked like most of the old neighborhood was there, today.

A lot of people cared for him, Wei, Mirna’s husband, said from beside Mel.

Probably wouldn’t have if they knew he was gay, Mirna said, sounding somewhat bitter.

I don’t know if that really would have mattered, Mel said, adding, Besides, I doubt if word of that got out anyway.

I think the funeral director did a great job of making him look as natural as possible after the accident. I really couldn’t tell the difference, she said with Wei nodding without comment while loosening the black tie around his neck.

The sun was beating down pretty harshly upon them all approximately twenty minutes later as they slowly made their way across the lined pavement toward the wooden stairs that would take them up to Mirna and Wei’s apartment, further draining the family members who had attended the afternoon funeral.

We can be grateful that he’s out of pain now, Mirna said.

I was surprised to see your step-mother there, Wei said.

Yeah, Mirna agreed, her voice suddenly turning bitter. Brought the bitch out of her gin-soaked stupor and into the daylight. I’m surprised she didn’t burst into flames the moment the sun hit her.

Mel chuckled. Mirna, let’s not go there, okay?

Dad, even you have to admit that she was the last person you would have expected to see there, considering her stance on homosexuals.

Yes, well... he replied noncommittally.

I still can’t believe that he’s gone. I know I was furious with him for hurting Billy the way he did but I do miss him, Mirna said, again dabbing the tissue to her eyes. It seems like only yesterday that... she began to say before all at once crying out in pain. Goddamnit, Billy, if you stab my foot with that damned crutch one more time I’m going to deck you.

Oops. Sorry, her brother, Billy Butler, replied sheepishly, though knowing damned well that he had purposely targeted her foot with the rubber-tipped end of the weapon that aided him in his slow travels across the parking area. In fact, this had been the third time he made a successful jab at her as she walked to his left, and he was rather proud of his accomplishments.

Sorry, my ass, she insisted with a quick glare. You’re doing that on purpose.

I am not, he defended, falsely. Since tormenting his older sister was one of his greater pleasures in life, Billy made it a habit of doing so as often as he possibly could without going too far and getting slugged.

Careful on the stairs, son, Mel cautioned with a well-placed hand to Billy’s back for support.

With any luck he’ll fall and break his neck, too, Mirna claimed vindictively.

Now, Mirna... her father warned.

She turned to him, wearing a smile. I’m only kidding, dad. Billy? Do you need my help?

He cast her a quick frown. "Not on your life. The last time you helped me up the stairs I almost fell and broke the other leg," he told her.

The injured limb was feeling extra heavy after only a week and he was anxious for the remaining predicted five weeks to pass so that he could get the damned plastic boot off of his left foot. In both cases, though, he only had himself to blame. In fact, considering the severity of his accident on the freeway a week ago, he thought himself to be in fairly good shape.

Yeah. How about that, Mirna mused aloud with a smirk upon her lips.

With the help of Mel on his right and Wei on his left, Billy managed to successfully navigate the treacherous wilds of the staircase to the second floor. He and his friend Mr. Crutch were still on a training basis making the stairs a continual problem for balance, or the lack thereof. Consequently, he stuck to the apartment as much as possible these days.

Oh my God, not again, Mirna complained after reaching the upper landing. Billy, I swear, if you get any more flowers I’m going to open up a nursery and sell them all.

What can I say? He loves me, Billy commented with a broadening smile as he spotted the lavish bouquet of white roses in a clear vase standing before the door halfway down the balcony.

I said it before and I’ll say it again; Mirna proclaimed, there’s just no accounting for taste.

Your jealousy amuses the Royal One, Billy told her.

Dad, please tell me that it’s not too late to abort this pain-in-the-ass and try for another brother, Mirna told her father with a glance around Billy.

Mr. Butler laughed. Sorry, it’s pretty much a done deal.

Mirna then turned to her husband. And I suppose murder is still illegal in this state?

Oh, you know you love me, Billy told her. What would you ever do without me?

"Live happily ever after comes to mind, she replied, giving him a friendly pinch on his ass. I swear... First it was red roses, then yellow roses, then black roses, then purple with pink polka dot roses, and now white roses. Did it ever occur to him that you might be allergic to damned roses?"

I think it’s very romantic, Wei proclaimed from behind.

Reaching the front door, Mirna bent down and retrieved the little envelope in the flowers, withdrawing the card and reading aloud. ‘To my boyfriend; a speedy recovery. Your greatest admirer.’ I think I’m gonna barf, she then proclaimed, sliding the card back into the envelope and handing it to her brother. Well, come on, let’s get my sorry-excuse-for-a-brother inside before the neighbors see him and gather outside the door with torches.

With that proclamation, she unlocked the door, grabbed the vase, and proceeded the others into the tasteful apartment where once again the extent of Billy’s admiration was evident. Practically every surface was taken up by vases of flowers and this made the front room smell like a floral shop. Mirna set the new addition to the collection on the coffee table beside the smaller colorful bouquet of carnations that she and Wei had brought Billy during his brief stay in the hospital following the accident.

Gently being lowered to the black overstuffed couch, the injured man was relieved to take the weight off his left ankle, the torn tendons of which had yet to begin healing. He knew that he had nobody but himself to blame, for it had been his decision to drive his motorcycle down the freeway at breakneck speeds while trying to outrun his problems. Unfortunately, the problems did not go away; they increased exponentially. Not only was he put out of commission, physically, but his beloved bike had been totaled. How Billy had managed to escape the Grim Reaper in the accident was anybody’s guess and as much as he wanted to believe it was his riding skills and quick thinking, he had to finally admit that it had been pure dumb luck that he was still alive.

Can I get you anything, son? Mel asked, standing to Billy’s left, and looking down with concerned, fatherly eyes.

I’m fine, dad. Thanks. Well, I’m sure glad that Jack’s funeral is over, Billy admitted.

His mind briefly visited the past, picturing the house in which Jack Benson and his family lived just down the street from the Butler household. The Benson home looked like any of the others lining the avenue except that hidden inside this particular dwelling was an unsettling secret. Jack had a problem containing his erratic mood swings and infatuations with Billy, and it had thus continued into his young adult life up until his suicide. Billy next remembered finding Jack upon the bed a few short weeks ago; his life stilled by the single self-inflicted bullet through the head that lay upon the blood-stained pillow. It was because of his discovery of Jack’s body that he feared the blame for the suicide would have been pinned on him by the remaining members of the household.

Surprisingly, Jack’s mother, Regina, and younger brother, Calhoun, were nothing but cordial to him. In fact, they were even sympathetic, expressing their regret that he had been the one to discover Jack on his death bed. Billy wisely left out the fact that, prior to Jack’s having taken his own life, he had engaged in oral sex with the confused yet determined young man. By all indications, the family did not know of Jack’s same-gender attraction nor of his infatuation with Billy and it was better that they remained in the dark on both accounts.

You know what I’d like right now? Mirna asked, drawing all eyes upon her. Some iced tea, but we’re out of tea bags. Billy, be a good boy and jog down to the store for... Oh, I guess you can’t do that, can you? Well then, hop on your bike and... Nope, I guess you can’t do that, either, she said with a glorified sneer. Shaking the shoulder-length brunette hair out of her face, she cast her brother one of her favorite glares of superiority. Guess I’ll have to settle for bourbon.

Mir... Wei cautioned.

It’s okay, Wei, Billy assured him, having actually found her intentional digs to be amusing, regardless of their accuracy. Immediately he wracked his brain to reveal his sister’s Achilles heel and within only a second he struck up the idea of where it would hurt the most. "Mirna should stick to tea, considering how fat she’s been getting lately," he said vindictively.

The grin on Mirna’s face immediately vanished and she looked down to her stomach. "What? Who’s getting fat? I don’t have an overweight bone in my body and you know it, Billy Butler."

Have you weighed yourself lately? Billy asked.

I don’t have to. I never gain weight. I have always been one-hundred and forty-seven pounds and I never go over that, no matter how much I eat. I have a hearty constitution.

Prove it, Billy now said, knowing that he had gained the upper hand. Go weigh yourself.

Don’t have to, she replied before turning to Wei. I look the same as always, right?

Wei studied her for a moment before replying, Well, actually...

One more word out of your mouth and the only sex you’ll be getting in this house is from my brother.

It isn’t all that noticeable, Wei defended with a chuckle. Besides, you were too skinny.

Mirna’s eyes widened at these words and her mouth dropped open. Are you actually insinuating that... she began before cutting her words off and turning to her father. Dad? Do I look fat to you?

Of course not, Mel replied, chuckling. You’ve just filled out a bit.

Mirna’s mouth hinged open a little bit more now and she stared at her father in disbelief for a few moments before then turning to her brother. Billy, I ought to break your other leg for this.

Why? he asked defensively, though with a mounting smile. I’m not the one who can’t turn away from an open potato chips bag. Smugly, Billy glanced to his father and Wei, finding them both to be observing Mirna’s stomach, which to Billy’s surprise, did show a modicum of growth. This had only been a needling point to use against his sister, but right before him was proof of his claim. This got him to wondering if maybe his own battle fatigue over the accident had steered him to the effectual taunt with evil intent.

I do not believe what I’m hearing, Mirna said just as a knock was heard on the front door. You’re all ganging up on me because my stupid brother... I highly doubt that I will be speaking to any one of you in an hour, she replied angrily, crossing her arms over her chest indignantly.

As she spoke, Wei pulled open the door and quickly issued the caller into the room. Undoubtedly not suspecting the anthill into which he had just stepped, the new arrival was no more than two steps inside the apartment when Mirna hit him up for his opinion as well.

Forest, these three idiots are all saying that I’ve gained weight. You don’t see it, right? ...and think very carefully before you answer or you might soon be talking in a falsetto.

Billy turned, his smile growing over the sight of his heartthrob stepping in. Forest Cooper was handsome as ever, dressed casually in khaki shorts and a green t-shirt. Just the sight of this man whetted Billy’s sexual appetite. Hey, Forest.

Hi, Bill, he answered brightly, his sensuous black mustache dancing to his words.

Well? Mirna demanded.

Forest turned his attention back to her. You’re not fat, he proclaimed.

Mirna pointed to him. There, see? she said with a glance around the room to those condemning her. She then turned back to Forest and said, Good answer. You get to keep your junk.

That’s comforting, Forest proclaimed. Oh, good, the roses arrived. I was afraid that you might get here before they did and I wanted them to be here for you when you got back from the funeral, he told Billy.

They’re beautiful and I can’t thank you enough, Forest. Billy held out his hand for the man to take, then pulled him down to the couch beside him and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. This stirred up Billy’s sexual juices even more and now he was feeling the unfortunately-timed beginnings of arousal.

He had wanted to get into Forest’s pants ever since having met the man a little less than two weeks ago but one thing or another prevented the mating ritual from actually happening. Billy’s week in the hospital following the accident was certainly a deterrent and although Forest had been with him pretty much around the clock and the opportunity had been there to engage in a little clandestine hanky-panky, the two men had curtailed their lust. Admittedly, this was mainly due to the nurse’s continually entering the room to check his temperature or blood pressure or oil level.

I’m waiting, Billy Butler, his sister insisted from her stance in the center of the room.

Waiting for what? he asked with a turn.

For your lavish apology.

While he was growing weary of this conversation, Billy was nevertheless not about to back down on his claim. Only one way to settle this once and for all; go step on the scale. If I’m wrong then I’ll apologize.

Incorrect, she insisted. If you’re wrong you will lose a testicle.

But if I’m right, he continued, ignoring her threat, then I get to choose the diet you go on... and believe me, it won’t be pretty.

I think that I will bow out of this argument now, Mel said. He kissed his children and beat a hasty retreat before Mirna threatened any part of his anatomy as well.

Well? Billy asked his sister following the closing of the front door.

Well, what?

Go on, he prompted. Go weigh yourself.

All right, Mirna then proclaimed. "In the interest of proving everybody wrong I will weigh myself. Wei, prepare to service me all night long. Billy, I will expect an extravagant apology to be printed on the front page of tomorrow’s paper. And Forest, well... you were on my side so you’re safe." With this she turned and exited the room donning an air of superiority.

You really shouldn’t be spending so much money on flowers for me, Billy told the main object of his attention.

Seriously? Forest stated angrily, his eyes narrowing.

What? Billy asked with confusion overtaxing his brain.

Well, maybe I shouldn’t have sent flowers at all. I kind of thought you might appreciate the gesture but apparently I was wrong.

The beginning of their time together was good, sexy, and endearing. Now, though, only a few short weeks together Billy was noticing a rather abrupt deterioration of Forest’s attitude as it rapidly vacillated between cheerful-disposition-mode to heated-defensive-mode.

Billy quickly said, No, that’s not what I meant. I really do appreciate the flowers and the sentiment behind them. I was just suggesting that you spent a lot of money, that’s all.

Well, okay, whatever, Forest said with a brief wave of his hand.

Billy thought back to when he had been moved from Intensive Care to a regular room and had found Forest sitting, waiting for him. After that, the man left the room only to eat and go to work. This was a slippery devotion that told Billy all he needed to know about Forest; a previously unknown quick temper, the ability to make Billy feel good and bad, and the flowers.

Exactly how did I get so lucky to have found somebody like you? Billy asked.

Wei gets all the credit for that, Forest claimed with a glance up to his employer. He set the whole thing up.

Wei, Billy said, directing his vision to the man in question. You have my undying gratitude. This guy is gold.

"Holy fuck!" came the disquieting voice of his sister from another room of the apartment.

Ah, Billy said with a nod. I think Mirna just burst a seam on the scales.

Wei immediately headed back into the hallway to answer the cry of distress, leaving Billy and Forest without a chaperone. Ordinarily, this would have been an open invitation to some unobserved foreplay, but seeing as how Billy had extremely limited mobility he was frustratingly unable to take advantage of their solitude.

How are you feeling? Forest asked, now surprisingly calm. You in any pain?

Not really. My ankle gets sore if I’m on it very long and my arm still aches a bit, but for the most part I’m okay.

Forest cast a quick glance toward the empty hallway on the opposite side of the room. You know, if there’s anything I can do to help get your mind off the pain, all you have to do is ask, he said with a soft, sexy voice that was notably different from only a few minutes ago.

Thanks. I appreciate that, Billy answered sincerely.

"No... I mean; if there’s anything I can do, just ask."

And I appreciate that, Billy reiterated, unsure as to why Forest felt the need to repeat his offer. To his knowledge his hearing had not been affected by the accident but it was becoming increasingly obvious that Forest thought otherwise.

You’re not getting the picture, Forest said in a lowered tone while casting his glance down toward Billy’s lap. "Listen to my words: anything I can do."

All at once it became apparent to Billy as to what the man was hinting and he felt like an idiot for not having noticed Forest’s inflections and meaning in the first place. Oh, gotcha. Well, now that you mention it, I think there might be something that you can do after all.

The sexual overtones of Forest’s offer were again stirring up Billy’s hormones and he briefly thought back to their failed attempt at sex in Firefly Park a week ago. That, unfortunately, had ended in disaster when the police showed up unexpectedly and made short order of their hopeful encounter. Following that, Billy’s motorcycle accident pulled the plug on any other attempts so this was actually their first opportunity to steal away into his bedroom and finish what they had begun over a week ago without any unexpected interruptions.

The unfortunate part was that Billy was limited to physical activity because of the restrictive boot and that dampened his spirits some, although the prospect of Forest taking control while he lay back and enjoyed himself was rather intoxicating. In fact, Billy was now feeling the inner excitement mounting like that of a pending volcano and he was about to ask for help into his bedroom when his sister surged back into the room with Wei following behind closely. The look on Mirna’s face was one of death and dismemberment.

Wei looked amused.

Billy Butler, I swear this is all your fault, she demanded, drawing to a halt beside the black chair across from the couch.

What’s my fault? he asked innocently.

Three pounds. I’ve gained three damned pounds since our vacation to our aunt’s place.

That was only a couple weeks ago, Billy reminded her. Have you been eating that much since then? Maybe it’s water gain. Is it that time of the month again?

"No, it isn’t that time of the month, she said bitterly. Although, maybe it is, she added thoughtfully. That’s probably what’s going on. Where’s a calendar?" she asked before turning and heading back into the kitchen at the rear of the apartment.

Wei stayed behind and sank down on the couch, folding his hands across his lap. I’m going to need for you to go in a little early today, he told Forest; his cook at the Asian restaurant he owned and managed.

Sure, no problem, Forest responded cheerfully.

Billy took this inconvenience to mean that another opportunity to sex-up Forest had slipped out of the palm of his hands. This was becoming a reoccurring theme and he was becoming extremely dissatisfied with the continuity. Therefore, he decided that he would take advantage of this small opening in time, and struggling to his feet (with Forest’s assistance) he asked the man to help him into the bedroom where sexual magic awaited.

Unfortunately, his plan was derailed by Mirna who re-entered the room wearing a look of great anger. Where do you two think you’re going? she asked, coming to a halt directly in Billy’s intended path of travel.

"If it’s any of your business, which it’s not, I was going to my bedroom to lay down. My back is sore from walking with this damned crutch and..." he began to explain before his words were cut off.

"Your back... that’s a new one. It’s your front than you’re concerned with but we don’t have time for you to have sex. We have a national emergency. I’m late."

Not understanding the emergency, Billy said, Then get going. We’ll hold down the fort while you’re gone.

"Not that kind of ‘late’ you dope, I’m late late. I’m three weeks overdue for my period."

At this point, Wei rose up out of his chair. Are you all right? he asked his wife with great concern.

Mirna stared at him in disbelief for a moment before saying, "No, I’m not all right. I’m broken."

Billy chuckled at the mental image her words had painted before saying, Maybe the vacation threw your cycle off.

Nothing throws my cycle off, Billy. I’m as regular as a train.

Then maybe you’d better get to a doctor, Forest suggested.

He was next to receive one of Mirna’s award-winning glares. No shit, Sherlock. Nothing gets past you, does it?

While his sister was letting poor Forest have it between the eyes, Billy was busy doing a little mental calculating and upon reaching a sum he felt a peculiar wash of understanding come over him. Mirna, you don’t suppose that you’re...

I’m two steps ahead of you, Billy, she responded, interrupting. And, yes, that’s exactly what I’m supposing. How the hell could that have happened? We’ve been careful. Fuck, I don’t have time for a baby.

A baby? Wei asked in hopeful anticipation with a smile erupting upon his face. Do you think you’re pregnant, Mir?

Well, it would explain the morning sickness.

That’s fantastic, Wei proclaimed joyously.

Ignoring her husband’s exclamation, Mirna turned back to her brother and said, Damn it, Billy, you will pay dearly for this.

Hey, don’t point your Witchiepoo finger at me. I’m not the one sleeping with you.

I don’t mean that, you asshole. I mean that you’re the one who mentioned my weight gain in the first place. I wouldn’t have suspected anything if you’d kept your fat mouth shut.

Billy laughed at the illogical mind-fuck being laid at his feet. Yeah, that’s right; if I hadn’t pointed it out you wouldn’t be having a baby. Brilliant, Mirna.

All at once a peculiar look came over Mirna’s face and she stood in silence a few moments before saying, "A baby? Crap."

Wei, who was appearing as if to be about to jump out of his skin in excitement, wrapped an arm around his wife and said, Do you have one of those home pregnancy kits?

She turned to him abruptly. Why the hell would I have one of those here?

We need to get one to make sure, he said, fishing the car keys out of his pocket. I’ll be right back. While I’m gone, you should probably stay off your feet or have Forest cook something for you.

Oh for... Mirna replied angrily. Just go. Get your damned test thingy. I’ll be fine.

With this Wei was out the door in a flash, looking like a kid who was about to be let loose in a candy store. In his absence, Billy and Forest merely stared at Mirna as if she were about to bear a child any minute and this prospect exited Billy who was entertained thoughts about having a nephew or niece, not to mention the change to Mirna’s lifestyle. She had always been pretty carefree but this would bring all that to a screeching halt. Billy had no doubts that she would be a great mother, and most certainly better than their step-mother who treated himself and Mirna as if they were excess baggage needing to be placed in the basement and forgotten.

What are you two idiots staring at? Mirna said angrily. I’m not going to explode. Go to your room and do whatever it is you perverts do to each other.

Are you going to be all right, Mirna? Forest asked sincerely.

Of course I’m going to be all right. Now, go away.

Billy was not convinced. In fact, the worried look upon her face was concerning him, and although it was pretty obvious the cause for her worry, he reasoned that talking about it might not be the best avenue on which to travel at the moment. Therefore, it was probably better that he and Forest melt into the bedroom to carry out their carnal plan.

And just where the hell do you two think you’re going? Mirna asked, again stepping in front of Billy as he tried to hobble around her.

You told us to disappear, he reminded her.

Oh no you don’t. This is a full-blown four alarm red-light emergency and you’re not leaving me alone at a time like this. Now, you two sit yourselves down on the couch and wait with me until Wei gets back.

Mirna, we’re both a little... how do I put is delicately...

Sex is what caused my predicament so until this is clears up there will be none of that in this household. You hear me?

Loud and clear, Billy replied with a chuckle, amused at her words and attitude. He understood her need not to be left alone at a time like this and hoped that Forest would realize her prerequisite as well.

Can I get you anything, Mirna? Forest asked.

Yeah, you can get your skinny ass on the couch and help me figure a way out of this mess.

"What mess?" Billy asked as he slowly worked his way back over to the couch with Forest’ s assistance, steadying him.

What mess? Are you serious, Billy? Isn’t it obvious that Wei wants a baby? He nearly creamed his pants when I mentioned it.

Sliding down to the couch Billy propped the crutch up against the coffee table. Of course he was excited. I’m excited. You’re the only one who isn’t excited.

Tell me how excited you would be at the prospect of passing a Volkswagen out of your body, she said, taking her place in the black chair.

Oh, come on. They have drugs and pain killers for that. You won’t feel a thing, Billy assured her as Forest joined him at his side.

That’s not what my women friends at the office tell me. They said it was the most painful experience of their lives. I would have to be crazy to want to go through that.

Billy studied his sister a few moments. Is that the only reason? The pain of childbirth?

No, of course not, she admitted. But it’s a pretty damned good reason.

Not sure if you’re ready to be a mother, huh? Billy asked.

You got that right. Do you realize what all is involved with a rug rat? Diapers and midnight feedings and constant crying, and then there’s the kid’s needs. Dare I mention the stretch marks.

Billy smiled broadly. His sister did have valid points and concerns although he knew that once the baby was born her motherly instincts would kick in and she would be happy as a clam. You have to admit that having a child of your own would be fun.

"Your idea of fun and mine differ tremendously, she said with a scowl. This throws a wrench in the works of my happy, carefree life. I don’t want to be tied down to the apartment twenty-four-seven, Billy. Everything will change. I’m twenty-eight years old and a kid ages you. A year down the road I’ll look like I’m seventy-five. Fuck."

Oh, you will not. Besides, they say that new mothers look younger than they actually are, Billy argued, although he could not readily recall whether he had actually heard this. Still, an optimistic made-up fact was better than the pessimism that Mirna was now spewing.

Granted, she was going through a hurricane of mental, emotional and hormonal changes, and as such deserved to be concerned about the future, but all this was purely conjectural at the moment. She might or might not actually be pregnant so all her worry was a bit premature. While Billy shared and understood her concerns, he was also becoming more and more excited about the prospect of an addition to the family. Wei would be able to continue the Chen name, Mirna would have the joy of raising and nurturing her own child, and Billy would be placed on permanent babysitting duty until the child turned thirty-two or -three.

Mirna was quiet for a few moments, her eyes cast down upon the floor. Finally, she looked up to her brother and said, Billy, I’m really scared right now.

Ordinarily, that would be his cue to rush over to her and throw a reassuring arm around her shoulder, but seeing as how this would take an act of congress because of his handicap he decided it best to try to comfort her long-distance. I know you are, Mir, but either way it will be a good thing. You’re surrounded by people who love you and will help you every inch of the way. You’re not alone.

Yeah, I know that she admitted somberly. It’s just that this was so unexpected. Wei and I always used condoms. We thought we were being as careful as possible.

Well, you two had to have slipped up at least once, he said with an evil grin.

Mirna considered this a moment before shaking her head. If we did, it wasn’t intentional... unless you can get pregnant by having oral sex.

Hasn’t happened to me, yet, Billy said with a mounting smile.

Yeah, knowing your veracious sexual appetite you probably would have been preggers every nine months since you were eighteen, she told him, chuckling.

Probably, he admitted while briefly mentally scanning through the countless sexual escapades in his life.

Wait a minute, Mirna