Summer of Love & Sorrow (Completed)

Chapter Nine

I got out of the car and went up to the door. Jack wouldn't go up in the treehouse without letting Ms. Fitzgerald know since Lewis wasn't there. Good thing she stays up late too.
I knocked on the door. Ms. Fitzgerald opened it a smile placed on her face. "Hey Opal, come in."
She moved letting me step in. I walked to the kitchen. "Did Jack come here?"
She smiled sweetly. "Yes, honey. He is up in the treehouse. Go on."
I smiled at her. "Thanks Ms. Fitzgerald."
I made my way to the treehouse. I took a deep breath and climbed. I wasn't sure what I would say. But I was going to try my best to come up with something. I popped my head up. Jack was sitting on a bean bag looking through his phone.
"Hey." I whispered.
Jack didn't look up from his phone. "Can I come in?"
He shrugged. "Sure."
I climbed the rest of the way in and sat by him. "Are you okay?"
Jack wasn't saying anything. "He was just scared. He didn't want anyone knowing."
Jack glared at me with envy. "You knew."
"It's not like that. I caught him kissing a soccer player and he told me after. He made me promise not to say anything. So, I haven't. It isn't my business to say anything. I figured once the time was right, he would say something." I gulped back tears.
"I am his best friend Opal. He should have told me." Jack stared straight ahead.
"I get you are his best friend. It wasn't you he told and it isn't about you or me or anyone. Only Lewis. He would have told you. We both know he would have. He just didn't say anything because of having hate thrown his way from other people." I let the tears fall. I didn't want the people I care about to be upset. Especially when they were basically brothers.
Jack looked over at me. "I get it Op. I am just upset he didn't say anything to me. We are basically brothers. I would have kept it to myself. I would have beat someone if they ever said anything hateful or homophobic to him. I love him."
I hugged Jack. "I love you Jack Wilson. You are a great best friend."
He kissed my forehead and laughed. "I love you too Opal Jane."
I laid my head on his shoulder. "Let's go check on Lewis."
"I would but he is coming here. I texted him before you popped your cute little head up. He said he would be here in a bit." He held the phone up for me to see the text.
Just then Lewis climbed through the entrance. "Hey guys."
Jack and I quickly stood up. As soon as Lewis was up straight, Jack had him in a bear hug. Lewis was tearing up. Which was making me tear up.
Jack held onto him, his words shaking from emotions. "I love you. I am here for you no matter what."
Lewis swallowed back his tears. "I am so sorry I didn't say anything. I was scared."
"It is okay. You are my best friend. My brother. I love you. I've got your back." Jack hugged him tight again then let go.
Lewis scratched the back of his head. "Um, you still going to love me when you find out who my boyfriend is?"
Jack crossed his arms. "It is Nathan, isn't?"
Lewis shook his head yes. "Let him step into our office. I need a word with him Lew."
Lewis went to the window to yell down at Nathan. "Come up!"
Nathan popped his head in. "What is it babe? Do I need to kick someone's butt?"
Lewis blushed. "No, Jack just wants to talk to you." 
Nathan climbed in. "What's up?"
Jack pulled a chair out from the table. "Sit."
Nathan sat nervously. Jack walked to the other side and sat across from him. He stared at Nathan, hard. I stood by Lewis who stood by the window. We watch Jack and Nathan stare at one another.
Then Jack spoke. "If you hurt him, I will tear you apart. He has been through too much. I can tell by the look he gives you, that he cares a lot about you. You go to university and put him on the back burner or break his heart, you won't have to worry about university anymore. Got me?"
Nathan let out a nervous breath. "I got you. I won't hurt him. I love him. I am sorry I ever picked on you guys as well. Might get to that since we are here. I was just covering up a lot."
Jack got up. "We forgive you. Now Lewis, what about your mom?"
Lewis looked down at his feet. "She knows."
I looked at him. "What? When?"
Lewis got really red. "She...uh...kind of walked in on Nathan and I making out."
I patted Lewis on the back. "I feel that is an ongoing thing for you Lew."         
Lewis looked at me then to Nathan and Jack, back to me. He started laughing. "You are right. First, you, mom, and now Jack. My gosh."
We all started laughing. "Come on guys. I think Ms. Fitzgerald has snacks calling our names."
I climbed down first. Jack came down and grabbed my hand. We got to the sliding door and looked back at Lewis and Nathan. They shared a kiss. It was so sweet. A kiss they would never have to hide anymore.
Jack wrapped an arm around my shoulders and opened the door. "They grow up so fast."
I laughed. "They really do."