Call me son one more time...

Older

(Orphan family boys!)

Alex: 13

John: 15

Aaron: 17

Herc: 19

Laf: 21

George: 23

James: 21

Philip: 22

Mr Schuyler: 58

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"Happy birthday Marquis!" cheers were heard around the bar, Lafayette at the middle with a large group of college students. George sat two tables over, watching the large group as alcohol was passed around.

"Pour la liberté!" Lafayette shout, multiple over french speakers cheering with him as the raised cheap beer in the air. James was right next to him, his first glass of light weight vodka still half full.

"Marie, can we-" James was cut off by Philip who quickly wrapped an arm around Lafayette's shoulders.

"The world is yours Mon ami!" He shout, raising his glass. "Round of shots on me!" cheers from the table and the bar were heard.

The night continued on like this for a while. After a few hours, people started leaving, the last three being Lafayette, James, and Philip. Philip had passesed out after six shots, and he was now asleep in the same both as George, who was still calmly watching over Lafayette.

There were about twenty full shot glasses in front of James, who still had vodka in his glass. To say Lafayette was wasted was an understatement.

"Is it legal for us to get married?" He asked as he started to down James' shots.

"Yeah, it was legalised a few years ago Marie." James chuckled at his boyfriend. Lafayette smirked, kissing James' forehead, the smell of liqure burning his skin.

"I wanna go back to your place. If I go back home Herc is just going to fuss over me." Lafayette whinned, leaning on the back of James' chair as James stood.

"Since when do you not like being fussed over. You are sure you're the same man who wanted me to dress him this morning?" James asked, sending a nod in George's direction. "Come on, lets get you home some we can get ready for tomorrow." James smiled up at Lafayette as he stumbled out the door.

"Come on Philip." George said as he picked the boy up over his shoulder.

"I'm a star." Philip slurred as George set him the back seat of his Mini Cooper.

"Sure buddy. You gonna go back to your apartment, or back to your parents." George asked as he got on the freeway.

"I wanna see my mama.." Philip said, taking in a large sniff. George peered over, seeing Philip watch out the window.

"Philip, can you tell me the address again?" George asked as he got off at 302nd.

"It's Farien Street. All the way at the end." He said, pulling his legs up onto the seat as he let his head lean on the window.

---

"Sorry Mr. Schuyler. I just wanted to make sure he didn't go off doing anything stupid while drunk. Sorry if this inconviences you." George said as he carried Philip up the grand staircase to his spair room.

"It's no trouble my boy. I know what it was like to be young. I'm just glad Philip has better friends than I did. Thank you for bringing him home." George nodded as he set Philip down on his bed, pulling his covers up, and closig his door. He then got back on the highway and drove.

---

(Philip's Dream) (Philip 6 years old)

"And brother took me to the fair grounds. He said if you got better we could take you at the end of the summer when there weren't too many people." Philip said with a smile, looking up at his mother.

"That's very nice Philip. Would you mind asking the other boys to come visit? I miss all of your company."

"Yes Mommy."

(Philip 7)

"My tutor started helping me with my maths, and then he said we were gonna make these." Philip said as he held out a card. "It says, happy Mothers Day, and I wrote it myself!"  Philip beamed as his mother gave a meek smile.

"Philip, darling, you know that mommy isn't feeling well, right?" She asked as Philip sat down on her bed. 

"Yes mommy. I know."  Philip said, his voice dipping along with his head.

"I just need you to know that I love you very very much. That you are my world Philip." 

(Philip 8)

"It's your fault! She would've died if it weren't for you you little!" Philip's older brother yelled as he slapped Philip across the face.

"Andrew stop!"

"It all your fault! YOu ShoUldn't HaVe BeEn BoRn!" 

--

Philip gasped awake, a scream coming from his throat as he shot up in bed. He heard a slam and running foot steps as his father showed up at his doorway, quickly scooping the into his arms, sh-ing him as tears fell.

"Stop crying for a second Philly, I need you to tell me what's wrong or I can't help you. Where does it hurt?" John asked, feeling Philip's tears run onto his shoulder.

"You won't let him hurt me again, right?" Philip's words made John freeze.

"Andrew will never be able to touch a single hair on your body, not even glimpse at you. If he does, he will be dead. You never have to worry about him ever again, you hear me?" Philip nodded as he sat up. "Do you need anything else then?" John asked as Philip's eyes flutter closed. "I'll take that as a no. Night Muchkin."