Coming of Age

It is 2:00 AM on Saturday, 30 April 2005 and AJ is wrapping up the early morning feeding of his 4-month-old identical twin boys Conor and Caleb. Conor has crashed out and Caleb is nearly there when there is a knock on the front door.

AJ approaches the door thinking his wife of a year (Syd) forgot her key when she headed out with her girlfriends for a drink to celebrate having finished all their finals for our Junior year at Washington State University. Then the knock gets louder and more urgent and as AJ approaches the door, he sees that it is a police officer standing there about to knock again as he pulls the door open.

At that moment his whole world came crashing down, AJ sees the flashing lights from his car, and a group of fraternity brothers from across the street gathered. Officer Reed begins to speak, but AJ doesn't react at all and doesn't respond to what he is saying. Caleb squalls as AJ has squeezed him too tightly bringing the young man back to reality.

Officer Reed begins again - "Are you ok to continue?" AJ just nods. "Your wife and her friends were hit by a car traveling at a high rate of speed that blew through a stop sign. They have all been taken to the local trauma center across the state line in Idaho. I'm sorry to tell you but it does not look like your wife will make it through the night. She has major head trauma and internal damage; her friends are in bad shape but look like they will pull through. The impact to the car was directly into the driver's door where your wife was sitting. Do you have anyone that can stay with your son so that I can get you to the hospital to say goodbye?"

AJ begins to collapse but Officer Reed catches him before he hits the floor. Two of AJ's fraternity brothers have pushed their way past the other officer and are at his side. Brett takes Caleb and Chase helps AJ to a chair.

Brett and Chase assure AJ that they will take care of the boys while he takes care of Syd.

Chase grabs AJ's face turning it to him -- "Big, you need to get a grip and get to the hospital. Let's get you dressed."

AJ shakes his head, stands up, and starts heading to the door. Officer Reed stops him "Mr. O'Brien, you need to get some shoes and shirt on before we go." Officer Reed has been struggling not to check out AJ, he realizes he can see the top part of his cock showing above his sweats, and he feels his substantial cock begin to grow in his pants. Shaking his head he turns to Chase -- "Chase, right? Will you take Mr. O'Brien to get some clothes so we can get going?" internally -- 'what the hell is wrong with you; stop perving on this GUY.'

Chase gives Officer Reed a knowing smile and wink. He runs up and grabs AJ a t-shirt, hoodie, and running shoes. Bringing them back into the room helps AJ into them. Chase does pull up AJ's sweats but realizes there is no drawstring in them. He looks at Officer Reed who has been staring this whole time and whispers in his ear -- "should one of us go with you? my big brother is tough, but his family is his Achilles and this is going to shake him to his core."

Officer Reed felt an overwhelming need to protect AJ, he couldn't explain it to Chase or himself. He just knew in his soul that he had to be there for this young dad who was losing his world tonight. "Chase I will make sure he is taken care of; I will stay at the hospital and watch over him. You need to be here and make sure these precious angles are safe."

AJ has finally gotten over the initial shock. He looks at what he has on and realizes he can't go to the hospital in those sweats. He steps into the kitchen where there is a laundry basket on the floor and pulls out a pair of jeans. He slips out of his shoes, drops his sweats, and slides into a pair of jeans tucking his cock and balls in while Officer Reed and Chase look on.

AJ looks up at them staring at him with their mouths agape -- "What? You both look like you haven't seen a cock before. Let's go Officer Reed."

As AJ and Officer Reed approach his vehicle, Officer Reed and AJ both grab for the door handle, AJ looks at him with a bewildered look on his face -- "I can get in the car I'm not a child."

Officer Reed holds his hands up and thinks -- 'ok so he seems to be back in control.' He runs around the car and jumps in. Pulling away from the curb he had to hit his siren to get the fraternity and sorority folks to get out of the way.

As they are driving to the hospital AJ says to Officer Reed -- "Officer Reed, I'm sorry I snapped at you, that was unfair and uncalled for, I am all over the board. You are telling me that my wife is dying and I'm going to be a 20-year-old single dad before tomorrow dawns and I am reeling. You have been nothing but nice to me and I bit your head off, I am truly sorry."

Officer Reed is caught a bit off guard, this guy is impacting his soul and making him feel like he needs to protect him, he can't figure this out. He has never felt this way about anyone let alone a guy 'what the fuck is wrong with me.' -- "First it's Scott. Second, there is no need to apologize, you didn't yell at me, you didn't hit me, you simply stated a fact. I can't imagine or presume to know what you are going through, but I will be with you until I get you back to your house. I am technically off duty and I have let my Chief know I am with you and he told me to do what needs to be done."

The two men pulled up to the hospital and Scott parked his vehicle in a spot designated for emergency vehicles. He got out of the car and circled the back waiting for AJ, who sat motionless in the car. Scott opened his door and asked him if he was ok. The pain he saw in the young man's eyes flashed for the briefest of moments, then a solid look of determination covered his face and he stepped from the vehicle and strode into the emergency room.

Scott raced to catch up. They entered the ER together, the nurse in charge greeted them and confirmed the information she had received on AJ's arrival from the Pullman Police Chief, are you, Aaron Jonathan O'Brien? AJ acknowledged that he was and asked to see his wife.

Nurse McIntyre started -- "Aaron, I need to discuss a few things with you before you go in."

AJ interrupted with confidence, compassion, and finality -- "It's AJ Nurse McIntyre. You WILL take me to Syd immediately. I understand she is not expected to live much longer and I will be with her when she passes. Any forms, insurance, payments whatever it is will have to wait. Please take me to her now."

Nurse McIntyre nodded -- "Right this way. Please be prepared, she is VERY banged up, swollen, black and blue. I believe she is hanging on to make sure you got here. I would not expect her to last more than 30 minutes. If there is anything you need there is a red call button, just press that and I will be in immediately."

When the three of them made it to the room they had Syd in, a doctor and a nurse were adjusting the monitors, IV, and medications to ensure the pain was minimal.

AJ acknowledged the doctor and asked a few things -- "Doctor, I'm AJ Syd's husband. I need to know -- is she comfortable, can she hear me, and do you think she will be able to speak?"

Dr. Anderson replied -- "AJ I'm sorry we are meeting under these circumstances. Your wife has..."

AJ interrupted -- "I know she is not going to make it, I just need the answers to my questions and we can sort the rest later."

Dr. Anders continued -- "I'm sorry. She is as comfortable as we can make her. I believe she can hear you but I don't know for certain. As far as speaking I would find it hard to believe that will happen."

AJ -- "Thank you, doctor, will you all please leave us alone? I need to say goodbye and from what Nurse McIntyre said I don't have much time."

The doctor, two nurses, and Scott exited the room. AJ pulled up a chair took Syd's left hand and kissed it. It took every ounce of self-control to not lose his mind, he knew he had to be strong for Syd, Conor, and Caleb. He began talking to Syd --

"Baby, I'm here but you already know that. I want you to know that Conor, Caleb, and I will be ok. This isn't your fault and you will be able to guide us as our guardian angel. AJ sat with Syd for another hour. He talked to her about the plans that they had made for the future, what they were going to do for the boys, and the additional children they planned on having. AJ thanked her for every moment they spent together and the fact that she chose him too was the greatest thing in his life until they had the boys. He thanked her for being there when his granddad died and for EVERY moment they had together. AJ squeezed her hand, kissed her forehead, and said finally I love you with all my heart and soul - to the moon and back."

Syd's eyes fluttered and opened. She squeezed AJ's hand and whispered -- "Always and forever." Her eyes closed and she was gone. AJ reached over and flipped the switch off to the monitors so he could pray for his wife and ask God and both of their grandfathers to welcome her, watch over her and help her transition to the afterlife.

Scott had been watching through the window. Tears were now flowing down his gorgeous face. He heard the medical team coming so he stepped away to compose himself. He could not understand why this was impacting him so much but he felt as though there was more, he was supposed to do for AJ.

As the team rushed into the room, AJ stepped back and let the team wheel Sydney out to harvest the organs that were not damaged and could be used to save someone else's life. The doctor did the pronouncement of death as 0400, 30 April 2005, and left the room.

AJ exited the room, placed his hand on the window, and stated "Always and forever my love."

Nurse McIntyre approached AJ with the donor form and Syd's personal belongings. AJ signed the donor forms and took the personal belongings. "Ms. McIntyre, is there anything else you need from me at this point?"

Nurse McIntyre -- "Mr. O'Brien, honestly there is nothing you need to sign today. She was in an accident and insurance is handled by the other party. You should head home and be with your boys. I know when I lost my husband my family and friends were what pulled me through. If anything is needed, we will reach out."

AJ nodded -- "thank you for your kindness, is there a phone I can use? I need to call our parents."

Nurse McIntyre -- "here is a room you can use with a phone in it. Please let me know if you need anything at all."

AJ entered the room and sat heavily in the chair. He opened the bag and place Syd's wedding ring on his gold chain, kissed it, and picked up the phone. The first call he wanted to make was to his mom and dad but knew he needed to call Charlene and Elliot, Syd's parents. He took a deep breath and heard a knock at the door.

Scott poked his head in -- "AJ, I'm going to be right out here, do you need anything, coffee, water, soda?"

AJ smiled -- "I hate to impose but would love a cup of coffee. I have two difficult calls to make. Thank you, you have been very kind." AJ felt a flutter in his heart and a warmth wash over him. He was certain Syd was with him.

Scott headed out to find the coffee and AJ turned back to the phone. As the door clicked shut AJ dialed Mom & Dad O'Reilly's number. The phone had not finished ringing the first time when he heard Charlene -- "What's wrong?"

AJ didn't mince words -- "Mom, Syd was killed tonight by a drunk driver. He blew through a stop sign and hit our car square in her door. I was able to make it to the hospital before she passed and we said goodbye."

Charlene was weeping, Elliot came on "AJ what's happened, Charlene has lost it."

The door to the small office opened and Scott quietly entered with AJ's coffee. He started to back out.

AJ started -- "Scott, please stay. Dad, Syd was killed tonight by a drunk driver. I was barely able to make it to the hospital but was able to say goodbye before she passed.

Elliott -- "Oh My God. We'll be there later today son. I need to focus on Charlene but is there anything you need?"

AJ -- "Dad I'm ok, not great but I need to be strong for the boys. I'll let you go now but I will be home within the hour."

AJ disconnected the call and dialed his mom and dad. "Sorry to wake you mom but."

AJ's mom Evelyn interrupted him -- "What's happened, is it something with the boys or Syd?"

AJ -- "Mama, Syd was killed tonight by a drunk driver. I made it to the hospital in time to say goodbye because a wonderful police officer stayed on shift to make sure I made it here."

Evelyn -- "Jon, you need to get up and get dressed. We need to be in Pullman like now. Syd was killed in a car accident and AJ will need some help with arrangements and the boys. Honey we will be there in a few hours. Is there anything you need us to bring, not sure what it would be but you know me, always having to do something?"

AJ -- "Mama, you don't have to come but I am grateful that you are on your way. I'm going to head back to the house and check on the boys. I love you both and thank you."

Evelyn -- "You don't need to thank us, that is what family does."

AJ disconnected the call and dialed his house. Chase answered the phone -- "Chase, Syd passed at 4 AM. I have talked to her mom and dad as well as my parents. Officer Reed is going to drive me home so I should be there in about 30 minutes. Thank you and Brett for being there for us."

Chase -- "Skeet, you don't need to thank us. You are our big and we love you with all our hearts. Trav and Jer are here too and we all will be here when you get here just know, that we will be here throughout all this for you. Don't even start, it's done and you are our family."

AJ -- "I love you guys." AJ disconnected the call and turned to Scott. "Will you get me the fuck out of here?"

It is nearly 6:00 AM as Scott drives AJ onto Greek row in Pullman. The streets are packed with fraternity and sorority members holding candles.

Scott has tears running down his face. He'd always thought Fraternities and Sororities were only focused on getting drunk but this was showing him that there was something to the bonds of brother and sisterhood. As they continue to drive toward AJ's home which is just across the street from his fraternity the streets become impassable.

AJ to Scott -- "Scott, thank you for everything. It doesn't look like you will be able to get through this. I'll walk the rest of the way but please know that I truly appreciate everything you did."

AJ hugged Scott. Scott handed him a business card and said -- "if there is anything and I do mean ANYTHING I can do to help please don't hesitate to call me."

AJ -- "Will do."

AJ exited the vehicle and was immediately surrounded by his Greek brethren. As he walked toward his home, he was given hugs, words of encouragement, and love. He was being lifted up by his peers, they had no idea what he was going through but they were there to support him. This was the reason he love WSU and the Greek system.

As he walked the last block, he was surrounded by Sydney's sorority sisters and his fraternity brothers. It's abundantly clear that everyone knows Sydney passed and they are there to support AJ and the boys. By the time AJ climbed the steps to the house, it was 7:00 AM. Trev, Jer, Chase, and Brett walked onto the porch holding Conor and Caleb. AJ took both boys and hugged them.

AJ spotted Sydney's big sister, Cynthia, at the foot of the steps. She climbed up and pulled AJ into a hug. She said to AJ -- "if there is anything and I mean ANYTHING I can do, please call me. I can't process this all right now but I know you are not going through this without us."

Cynthia turned to her sorority sisters and they began singing amazing grace. The rest of Greek row joined in with the sisters of Kappa. AJ handed the boys to Chase and Brett asking them to take them into the house.

As the song finished AJ stepped to the edge of the porch, looking out across the faces that were gathered. "Thank you all for the support. To be honest, I'm numb right now and not sure what I'm doing. I just know that I lost my other half and..." AJ was fighting back the tears now. "and I have two little boys to focus on. The love you are showing right now is helping more than you know. I will get through this eventually. I need to go be with my boys, shower then put one foot in front of the other. God bless you all."

There were a lot of comments from those gathered -- "We love you AJ, we're here for you AJ, let us know what you need AJ. Hang in there, etc."

AJ waved and went into the house. "You guys can head out; you don't need to hang around and watch over me."

Chase chuckled -- "Dude we are here and we will be staying. You wouldn't take a 'go away' from us so we aren't taking one from you. Breakfast is almost done so sit down with the boys and we will finish up the eggs and toast. Conor and Caleb have been fed and changed so that is done for now."

Chase hugged AJ and whispered -- "we have you, my brother." Chase kissed his cheek and went to help Brett with the eggs and toast.

Chase called out -- "Skeet, breakfast is on the counter. Where are you?" No response. Chase went upstairs and found AJ in the boys' room sitting on the floor with them. He had tears running down his face.

AJ looked up to Chase -- "Bud I don't know how I'm going to make it through all of his. I knew when I found out Syd was pregnant that I was in over my head but would make it through because I had her and she had me. Now, what the fuck am I going to do?"

Chase -- "Skeet all I can say to you is this -- you are the bravest person I know. You and Syd got caught with the pregnancy but you both dove in, relied on your relationship, and drove forward. You had the boys and have made great parents in this very short amount of time. You inspire me and everyone that knows you."

AJ -- "I don't have my other half to draw strength from, I'm alone."

Chase -- "My friend you are far from alone. You have so much support and love from the Greek community here and your family and friends from home. You don't know how much you inspire people. Lean on us and know we have your back."

Chase pulled AJ to him and hugged him -- "I for one am here for you no matter what, even if it is just the occasional blow job. You know I've been after your cock since I met you."

AJ -- "you are such a slut."

Chase -- "slut I'll show you slut, you pull that thing out and I'm going to take care of it for you right here and now. The protein has fewer calories than bacon."

AJ -- "OK smart ass, I hear you. Seriously though -- if you are up for it, I would truly appreciate your help and I don't mean a blow job. It helps not feeling so alone."

Chase -- "I'm in and so is everyone you know; don't ever think we aren't in your corner."

There was a knock at the door and Trav answered it. He welcomed every Greek house president into the living room. He headed upstairs to get AJ.

Trav -- "AJ, you have 41 people in your living room. They have come to see you."

AJ -- "Trav will you get rid of them?"

Trav -- "Absolutely not. I know you are dying inside but these people are here to show you, their support. You will kick yourself later if you don't go down and at least have a quick 'hello'"

AJ -- "you two are impossible. I can't get mad at you because I love you both."

AJ headed downstairs with Trav and Chase in tow. When he hit the bottom of the steps, he steeled himself for the onslaught of 'support'. He knew he was being a dick thinking like this but all AJ wanted to do was curl up in a ball and cry, not listen to the sympathy that he knew was coming. Yes, they were all well-intentioned human beings but he needs to scream, yell and throw things right now.

The president of the interfraternity council, Ian Combs, stood and made his way to AJ. AJ's jaw clinched almost imperceptibly but Cynthia Hargrove, Kappa's president, and IFC VP stepped between AJ and Ian. It was clear Ian was annoyed by this but Cynthia knew that AJ could not stand Ian and wanted to avoid any issues so she hugged him tightly and stepped back a half step. She launched into why there were here --