Woes of the Wingmen

№ 26:

Friday, February 9th, evening

"Ah, finally you're here, Finney, and Donna, and Gwen. Welcome!" Billy said, holding a red cup in his hand, as he opened the door.

The first two were wearing orange and blue, complimentary. Gwen was wearing yellow and Billy himself was wearing red. Vance wore blue and Bruce wore green. Robin wore brown. Griffin wore purple with Gwen's yellow. Matty was wearing ice-blue. His friends, Buzz and Matt, wore orangish-brown and dark, dark blue.

There were all sorts of snacks on the table in Billy's kitchen. Including pan dulce, cherries, and popcorn. Along with some soda, of course.

"Remember to label your cup! We don't wanna spread any sickness around," Samuel said to the kids. The adults; which included Ben Gladwin, Maria, Jacob, Allen, Martha, Thomas; we're all in the downstairs living room. While the kids were in the upper.

And for the first time, the boys could finally express public affection for their lovers. Bruce's arm around Vance's waist.

"So what do you think of the new hair?"

"I like it, I like it a lot. It'll take time to get used to. But I think you should wear your hair up more often. You're insanely attractive." He kissed his cheek.

Vance chuckled, "I could say the same for you." He smirked and kissed him on the lips.

They didn't separate until Robin yelled at them.

"¡Basta de tortolitos!" What he said was hypocritical because he himself was cuddling Billy on the couch. With his arm around him and Billy on his shoulder. Who laughed after he said that. He laughed with him.

Vance and Bruce flipped the finger at him and went back to kissing.

Donna and Finney were talking on the other couch with his arm around her. And only laughed watching their friends.

Gwen and Griffin were discussing something that no one else could figure out. Probably an obscure movie of some sort.

"Look, what is it with Mormons always seen as the bad guys? I like The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox, but the Mormon billionaire in that is a complete jerk!"

"Agreed, but I definitely see what you're saying."

Meanwhile Matty was admiring the affection between the couples.

"Man, I wish that was me and Michelle," he said before drinking into his cup.

Matt looked at him in disbelief. "My sister, are you kidding me? She doesn't want a younger guy like you."

"We'll see about that," he looked at him with a shit-eating grin.

"Could I have everyone's attention?" Samuel clanked his metal spoon against a glass cup. Everyone went to see him.

"Maria and I decided to get a cake for this great celebration." He got the cake out from the fridge and put it on the counter. It was rectangular with vanilla and red frosting. And the words, 'Congratulations Jacob & Vance!' were written on it.

"All of us are relieved to finally have gotten justice for Nicole. So after a victory after five years..." Samuel trailed off.

"We decided to hold a party for everyone. The court had a big role to play. But these kids are what jump started it anyway." Maria referred to the boys and Donna. "Without them, this would've never happened. So let's first have a toast to them. Jacob, would you do the honors?"

He nodded and held up his red cup. "To my son, Vance, and his friends: for having the courage and determination to resolve an issue of the past. They could've given into this corrupt system and let it be. But no, they refused and pressed forward. And especially Matty, who was brave enough to stand up to his family. You know what they say, 'The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.' Which is very true in this case." He then paused, "But let's make a toast to the law-man himself. He's the one that finally got Calvin in jail the second time. His son has definitely inherited his intelligence and persistence. But my son used his anger about Nicole in a great way. Which is now satiated after five years. So let's drink to the courage of the common man!"

They drank their cups. Delighted to have the system work out in their favor for once.

The rainbow after their five-year thunderstorm finally came.