Date: Mon, 30 Oct 2006 04:42:09 -0500 From: snwdemon@toast.net Subject: Playing the game -- Chapter 11 -- Secrets WARNING: This story contains descriptions of sexual acts involving MINOR boys. I wish to explain that this story is not true! Further, it is not intended to promote illegal acts against minors, but to demonstrate that young boys can love each other even when adults believe that they are too young. The sexual acts described in the story are the result of my imagination. I have not performed these acts, and I do not encourage others to perform them with minors. If the subject of boy/boy or homosexual love between minors offends you, or this material is illegal to possess in your place of residence, or if you are under the legal age to possess such material, do not read further! By downloading this story: You implicitly declare and affirm under penalties of perjury that you are not a minor or in the company of a minor and are entitled to have access to material intended for mature, responsible members of society capable of making decisions about the content of documents they wish to read ." The story is copyrighted under my pseudonym, Snwdemon. A copy has been placed in these archives for your enjoyment. The story cannot be used to derive monetary gain. However, if you want to place a copy of this story in your free access archives please email me for my permission. The story cannot be placed in archives that require payment for access, or printed and distributed in any form that requires payment either directly or indirectly. Any similarity to individuals, living, or dead, is partially accidental. Reference is also made in context to locations, businesses, characters, and people to define the story line. No other implication about the true sexuality or actions of the people, or places mentioned is intended. Author's note: Hello all, well I was correct that there would be more than two chapters to finish this story and there will be. This is the latest chapter, but not the final one. I do not know how many more I will need in order to complete the story, but I can say that the end is close. I appreciate everyone's comments about this story, and my other stories too. I decided to end this one because I want to devote most of my writing time to Who will catch my fall, and to Saving Alex. I hate to leave a story incomplete, and Chapter 3 is being proofed for Saving Alex, while the next chapter of Who will catch my fall is already done and will be posted along with this chapter. As for my family and I, we are all doing well. Simon has gone through his last chemo regiment beautifully with minimal weight loss, and minimal side effects. My son Patrick just completed his sophomore year in college with a 3.89 GPA. While Eric entered, and won a regional art competition sponsored by the Art Institute of Washington DC. He received a $1,000 scholarship that he can use for any accredited university or college in the US. I, myself, am doing better health wise, and I have resumed most of my normal activities including counseling kids again. I must admit that I am not looking forward to the cold winter that is coming, but my family wishes to remain here instead of relocating to a warmer climate. During the writing of this chapter, I was hit by a brain-bomb as my son Simon describes it. He is referring about the times when I get a sudden inspiration for a storyline because I can't write or type fast enough to keep up with the details going through my head. It doesn't matter what time of the day or night it is, but when this inspiration hits, I usually end up at my computer for hours, and sometimes days. I got this inspiration for Saving Alex, Who will catch my fall, and Rodie's Story, but it was the new storyline that he likes the most. I am not planning on starting this story any time soon though because I want to finish my current stories first. However, I have made a few inquiries to some of my literary friends, and a few have expressed interest in some of my new storylines. So don't be surprised it you see one of my storylines that is being written by someone else. I just do not have the time to do the stories myself. I have dozens of outlines for stories that I have never developed. Therefore, I am extending an invitation to my fans, and budding writers out there. If you would like to try you hand at story writing, then email me and I will toss some outlines at you to see if you would like to develop it into a story. The only thing I ask for is a byline that reads, "storyline by Damion." Well that's it for now my friends, and I hope you enjoy this chapter. Thanks again, and God bless, Damion. Playing the game: Rodie's story cont. As always, thanks to Miguel Sanchez, and BenBear for proofing this chapter. Chapter 11: Secrets -- August 2001 (3PM) The party was over now, and most of the kids had already said their personal goodbyes to Rodie, and left the commons to attend to their treatments or studies. Only Rodie, his family, Derrick, Stevie, and Canyon remained with Mike and Nell. Canyon was with Eddie and Marco, while Derrick and Mark stood together, Rodie was between John and Cathy, and Stevie was in Nell's arms next to Dr. Mike. Jim had taken Brutis out for a walk while the others comforted Rodie as he said his tearful goodbyes to all of his friends. Now that they were alone, he was able to calm down and compose himself. However, it was becoming quite clear to all of them that he was over stressing himself, and getting tired too. Now look Rodie, don't make me get after you for not listening to me," Nell said to him. "You are pushing things again, and I want you to rest for a little while." "I am Miss Nell. I didn't realize how tired I am until just now is all." Rodie said apologetically to her as she put Stevie down, and he went over and sat next to him. He looked at Rodie with a worried expression on his face because he could feel how weak and tired Rodie felt as well as his pain. "You ok Rodie?" He asked him. "Yeah Munchkin, I'm just really tired right now is all. I will be ok after I rest for a little bit." He told him with a weary smile. "Look honey, we don't have to leave right now. Why don't you go back to your room and lay down for a little while. We will finish getting you checked out of here, and come and get you when we are ready to leave." Cathy told him, and Rodie reluctantly agreed with her. He was about to stand up on his overworked legs when Mike brought over a regular wheelchair for him, and asked Stevie to take Rodie to their room. Stevie agreed, and he carefully pushed the wheelchair out of the commons towards his room as Rodie relaxed in it. Once he got to the room, he helped Rodie get into the bed before returning the wheelchair. Mike called him over, and told him to go stay with Rodie until it was time for him to leave, and Stevie hurried back to the room. Once he got there, he got into bed with Rodie and snuggled up to him, and they both drifted off to sleep. "He must really be tired," Nell said more to her self than the others as she watched Stevie and Rodie leave. "Well, he looks tired. Do you think that we are rushing things by bringing him home right now? Cathy asked her with a worried expression. "No, you are not rushing things. Rodie is right when he says that he has peaked here. We can't do any more for him here, and it is time for him to go home. He misses all of you so much, and that is all he has talked about for the last few months. He works so hard and pushes him self to his limit, so I know he is tired when he doesn't argue with me." Nell told them all. "It's just that I haven't seen him in almost a year, and he is like a different person now." Cathy told her, and Nell could hear the sadness and loss in her voice. "I know dear, and Mike told me why you did what you had to. I don't know if I would have been able to make the same choice if it was me." Nell told her quietly, letting Cathy know that she knew about her sacrifice. "I think you would do the same thing Nell. What mother would not do it if it would save their child. I was prepared for him to be lost to me forever...if that was what it would cost. However, he came back to me, but I cannot take away his freedom now because that is what saved him. I am happy with whatever he chooses to share with me, and I won't stop him if he chooses to leave either. I made a choice to let him go, and that choice was made right after he tried to take his life. I am just sorry that I could not help him through this troubled time, and I've lost that time forever." Cathy told her, and Nell understood. At first, she did not understand how Cathy could just walk away from Rodie until Mike explained to her the reasons. Once she knew all of the facts, she could see how Cathy had made the ultimate sacrifice for Rodie, and how it had saved him. If she had not walked away, and severed their bond, then Rodie would have never have found the will and strength to survive his depression. Nell also understood how much it hurt Cathy to watch from a distance as Rodie struggled to find the strength within him self to overcome his troubles. "It was the right choice Cathy. Yes, it changed him, and he is no longer that timid, passive little boy that you brought to the beach. However, he is healing, and he is almost a complete person now. He still has a few things to do before he is finished, but he knows that he needs you in order to complete his recovery. I think you will love the young man that he has become, but there is a bit of that young boy in him still." She said, and Cathy agreed with her. "Thanks Nell, for being here for him since I could not be. That fact alone gave me some comfort when I thought about him. I knew that he was not completely alone, and had someone here for him when he needed a mother's comfort." Cathy told her sincerely. "My pleasure, but you may want to hold your thanks until after you've spent a rainy afternoon with him and Stevie first." Nell said with a laugh, and Cathy understood her meaning. She knew how creative Rodie could be for creating mischief. They continued to chat together while John and Mike joined them. The topic immediately became centered on Nell's pending marriage to Mike. Jim returned with Brutis, and he joined Marco, Eddie, Derrick, and Mark while Canyon and Eric played with Brutis. (4:15 PM) Rodie woke with a pounding headache, and even though his eyes were closed, he could see blinding flashes of light that sent pain stabbing into his brain. However, it was the overpowering metallic taste in his mouth that he recognized. "Stevie...Stevie...wake up please!" Rodie broadcast silently to him as he pressed the heels of his palms over his eyes. "I don'ts wanna get ups yet." Stevie mumbled as he sat up and rubbed his eyes. It took him a few moments to focus and look around. As soon as he saw Rodie, he knew what was wrong. "Rodie...is it the bad thing? Should I gets Miss Nell?" He asked urgently, now he was wide awake with fear. He saw Rodie nod slightly as he grimaced in pain while his hands trembled. Stevie scrambled out of the bed and ran out into the hall. He stopped for a moment trying to think where she might be when he spotted the colored call buttons on the wall. They were for the doctors, nurses, and therapists use, but he remembered what Rodie had told him months ago after his last bad seizure. He hesitated for just a moment before running full speed towards the wall where the buttons were mounted about five feet off the ground out of his reach. At the last moment, he leaped and kicked off the wall, propelling him up even higher before slapping the orange button with his damaged hand, then landing and sitting down hard onto the floor. He rubbed his butt as he stood listening to the alarm. "Emergency...code orange, ward 1A, room 1...Emergency...code orange, ward 1A, room 1..." the recorded voice kept repeating throughout the entire building. "That's Rodie's room." Mike said as he sprang out of his seat, and ran towards Rodie's room while the others followed. Mike burst through the doors of the ward and almost tackled Stevie who was standing in the middle of the hallway beginning to cry. "What's wrong Stevie...where is Rodie?" Mike asked him in a gentle but urgent tone of voice. "Rodie's sick....he's got thats shaking thing again and it's bad." Stevie wailed as Mike hugged him. "It is ok son; now stay here for me please." Mike said as he stood up and rushed into Rodie's room just as the others came through the doors. Another doctor and two nurses rushed into Rodie's room along with Nell, while Cathy picked up Stevie and moved out of the way. After a long ten minutes passed, Nell, Mike, and the others came out of the room. "It's alright now. Rodie just had a petit mal seizure. We gave him a good dose of anti-seizure medication and a tranquilizer. He is a bit out of it but he is alert right now. However, he won't be able to leave until day after tomorrow because we want to monitor him to see if he has any more seizures. He doesn't have the seizures often, but if he over stresses himself, then he is more susceptible to them." Mike told them, and it was clear to them that he knew about this because he did not seem worried. "When did this start happening Mike?" Jim asked him. "It started the night his father tried to kill him, although I think he may have had them before that. Remember the seizure he had the day before his father attacked him; so I think he has had them before that but nobody saw them. However, even if he had a seizure disorder before that night, Rodie's brain injury has made them more pronounced. I didn't say anything because he asked me not to since it seemed that we could control them with medication. The problem is that if Rodie becomes exhausted, and over-stressed, then he is much more likely to have a seizure. The good news is that he has not had a Grand Mal seizure yet, and they do not appear to be worsening. This one was caused by emotional stress, and because he over did things today. He still isn't that strong yet." Mike told them as the other nurses left and Nell joined them out in the hall. "Jim, would you go help Rodie change because he won't be leaving." Nell said to him and Jim excused himself and went into Rodie's room. Nell then took Stevie from Cathy, and kissed him on the cheek. "I'm proud of you Stevie, but how did you know what the buttons meant?" "Cause Rodie tolds me after the last time he hads the shaking thing. He says that if he hads anovers one when no grown ups around, that's I was to push the orange button. I don't like when hes has them though cause I'm afeared sumpin bads going to's happens to him." Stevie said through his sniffles. Nell gently wiped his tears away, and hugged him tightly. "Well, something bad could happen to him if nobody is around to help him, but you were here to make sure that he got help. You did very, very well, because you remembered about the button, and that told us that he needed us. Now, why don't you, Eric, and Canyon go and take care of Brutis for a little while. Maybe, Mrs. Collins can find him something to eat and give him some water." She said, making everything all better for him. He beamed proudly when she told him how good he had done, and he gave her a big hug before taking the lease and leading Brutis back towards the commons with Canyon and Eric. "Come on, let's all go to the day room, and wait for Jim to finish." Eddie told them, and they all followed Mike to the day room that was used for the children's tutoring. After a few moments, Jim came out and asked if one of them could go get Rodie's suitcase from the Gator. Mark and Derek volunteered, and left the room. "How is he Jim?" Eddie asked him as he sat down. "He is a bit dizzy, and has a very bad headache too. He's got a sleep mask over his eyes to block the light, and I gave him a cold compress for his forehead. Once Mark gets back with his clothes, I'll find his pajamas and help him change. Mike, how long has this been happening?" Jim said to them, and Cathy relaxed a bit when he said this. "Well, like I before, I think that he was having some seizures before Paul tried to kill him, but his brain injury made them much worse. Dr. Hamil, the neurologist here, he believes that Rodie suffered some brain damage due to the lack of oxygen, bruising to his brain, and brain swelling afterwards. It is like his heart I'm afraid. There was some damage, and we can now see all of the impairments that he has because of Paul's assault. You can see his impairment with his diminished motor skills in his legs, his voice, his heart, and the increase in his seizures." Mike told them. "How many has he had since he has been here?" Eddie asked. "He has had four of them that we are aware of since he came here to this facility. However, I myself, as well as other staff members have noticed on several occasions where Rodie has seemed to zone out for a short period. Dr. Hamil thinks these incidents are also seizures, but very mild ones. He seems to respond to medication, and has not had a seizure for the last two months until now. I think Rodie chose not to tell you all because he did not want you to worry about him. He is very responsible, and very meticulous about taking his medication on time even if he feels like he doesn't need it right then." Mike explained to them, and then Mark and Derrick returned with Rodie's small suitcase and handed it to Jim. Jim opened it up, and sorted through the contents until he found Rodie's `Taz' pajamas. "I will call you after he's changed so you can see him. He was beginning to get drowsy when I came out here, so I think he will be asleep soon." Jim told them, and he took the pajamas and went back into Rodie's room. He came in, and sat down next to Rodie before speaking in a soft whisper. "How are you feeling my love?" "Its better Jim, the headache is going away now, and the metal taste in my mouth is gone too." Rodie said in his soft voice. "Why didn't you tell me about this Rodie? I knew you were keeping some things from me, but why this?" Jim asked him with concern. "I'm sorry Jim, but I knew that all of you would worry, and become paranoid about every little thing about me. I was going to tell you, but the doc put me on medication and the blank outs and seizures stopped. I didn't think I needed to tell you when they stopped, and I don't know why it happened today though." Rodie said softly before removing the cold compress, and taking off the sleep mask covering his eyes. He winced a little when he did that, but was ok after a few moments. "Dr. Hamil told me that I couldn't leave today because he wants to make sure I don't have any more. I'm sorry for messing everything up again." "It's alright my love; we will just find a hotel until you are able to go. Come on, let's get you changed," Jim said to him, and Rodie nodded before allowing Jim to undress him. Once he was changed, he asked Jim if he could go see the others, so Jim carried him out to the day room. "Hey, Bright Eyes, you feeling any better? Mike asked him when Jim carried him in and sat him down next to Cathy. "Yeah, thanks Dr. Mike. I'm sorry for messing up everything again, but I guess I pushed myself too hard today. Dr. Mike, I was wondering if they could stay here instead of trying to find a hotel since I can't go home until Dr. Hamil says so." Rodie asked him in his soft voice while his eyes still looked glazed from the effects of the medication. "Where's Munchkin too? I want to thank him, and let him see that I'm ok now. He really gets worried about me when this happens." "He is with Eric, Canyon, and Brutis. I sent them to the kitchen to see if Mrs. Collins could rustle up some dinner for the beast. I can send someone to go get him if you want. As for them staying, I think it is a great idea." Mike told him as he did a quick checkup on Rodie by looking into his eyes, checking his heart rate and blood pressure. "As for you young man, I want you to take it easy for the rest of the day, and I want you in bed early. You really exhausted yourself today, and I think that is why you had the seizure." "I promise Dr. Mike, it even scared me when I woke up and could feel it coming. I woke up Stevie, but you know how he sleeps like a rock," he said with a light laugh while Mike agreed with him. "Doesn't the medicine mess up your talents Rodie?" Mark asked him with a concerned expression. "Only my telepathy Mark; I can't seem to focus enough to use it, but I can still feel what others are feeling around me. That was how I was able to fool my dad that night because I was reading his feelings. See, my telepathy is more precise because you can't imagine how many thoughts a person has at any moment. It could be just one, or hundreds, so I have to pick out the right ones with my talent. It's sort of like the radio, because I have to scan through all the channels until I find the right one. With my empathy though, I don't have to do that. Because everyone around me is like an antenna broadcasting out their feelings, but I'm the radio now. I can feel what the others feel when I'm near them, and I can kind of tune everyone out too so I'm not affected by them." Rodie told them as he scooted over and snuggled against Cathy. At the same time he was talking to them, he sensed Stevie close by. Canyon, Eric, Brutis, and Stevie arrived in the dayroom after a few moments later. Stevie went over to Rodie immediately while Eric held onto Brutis. "Come here Munchkin," Rodie said in his soft voice as he held his arms open to Stevie. Stevie immediately ran over into Rodie's arms, and hugged him as Rodie pulled him into his lap. "I's glad you are oks Rodie...I gets so afeared when the bad thing happens." Stevie said tearfully as he buried his face into Rodie's chest. "I know Stevie, but I am glad you were with me when it happened. Thanks, because you probably saved my life." He told him caringly as he kissed away Stevie's tears. "I know that you were scared, but you still sounded the emergency call to bring help. You did real good, and I'm proud of you Munchkin." Rodie told him, and everyone could see how Stevie relaxed, and how he beamed with pride because of Rodie's approval. Cathy couldn't help it, and brushed aside a few tears because Stevie reminded her of the way Rodie used to behave when he was the same age. "Um...Dr. Mike? Would it be alright if I took off my arms now?" Canyon asked shyly breaking up the moment with Rodie and Stevie. "Have you done all of your exercises today?" Mike asked him and Canyon nodded yes in response. "Alright, you can take them off until tomorrow, but I want you to wear them at least 6 hours every day, and you have to do all of your exercises too." Mike told him as he stood up and gave him a hug. "Now do you want me to help you, or you can ask Miss Nell to do it." Mike said to him, and Canyon shook his head no while he blushed. He then looked over at Marco and Eddie with a pleading expression before looking back at Mike. "How about if we help you because if you are going to come visit us, then we have to learn how eventually." Eddie suggested, and Canyon quickly agreed, and then he surprised Marco and Eddie by moving over to them for their help after kicking off his shoes. "Hey Munchkin, run over to Canyon's room and bring his shorts and the lotion bag for him, ok?" Rodie asked Stevie who nodded and scrambled out of his lap. Canyon looked over and smiled while nodding at him; and Stevie darted out of the room. After a few minutes, he returned carrying a small gym bag and a pair of nylon blue shorts that looked similar to Rodie's silk shorts. "Thanks Stevie. Um, can I use your room to change in?" Canyon asked him, and Stevie frowned in confusion. "But my room is all the way over there's, why not use Rodie's room?" Stevie replied. "No Munchkin, it's your room now," Rodie reminded him and Stevie smiled bashfully while he blushed. "I forgets Rodie, buts if it's my's room now, where wills you stays?" He asked seriously. "With you silly, the bed is big enough for both of us." Rodie told him before kissing him on the forehead and rubbing noses with him, and that made everything ok. Eddie and Marco followed Canyon out of the room to help him change but pausing long enough to pick up his discarded shoes and socks. Once in the room, Eddie sat on the bed while Marco sat in the chair while Canyon stood in front of Eddie. "So sunshine, what do I need to do?" Eddie asked him. However, when he said this, Canyon gasped as he looked at Eddie, and then dissolved into tears as his knees gave out. Eddie quickly caught him, and pulled him into his embrace as Canyon cried. He looked over at Marco with a questioning look, but Marco just shrugged as he moved the chair over next to them. Eddie quietly soothed Canyon for almost 15 minutes as the young boy cried out his pain. "I'm sorry," Canyon finally said as he lifted his head off Eddie's shoulder. He tried to wipe his face with his shoulder, but his prosthetic arms prevented him. Marco quickly handed the box of tissues off of Rodie's night table to Eddie, who took some and began drying Canyon's face. "It is all right Canyon. I didn't mean to upset you, but would you mind telling me what is wrong so I don't do it again?" Eddie asked him in his concerned voice. Canyon sniffled, and Eddie took a couple of tissues, held them to his nose, and told him to blow. After that, Canyon blushed as he looked at Eddie and Marco. "My parents used to call me sunshine because of my hair." Canyon said softly while another tear slipped down his face. "I miss them so much." Eddie hugged him a little more as he kissed his tears away. "We know you do Canyon, because they were your parents, and we know because of Rodie. The most important and most loved people a person has are their parents. Because no matter what that person ever does, whether it is right or wrong, their parents will still love them and be there for them. That is why it is so hard when a person, especially a child like you or Rodie, lose their parents. It is just as hard when a parent betrays their child like the way Rodie's father betrayed him. You see how much it hurt him, and how hard it has been for him to recover because of that betrayal. Well, you are no different because your situation hurts just as much, and your problems are just as hard to overcome." Eddie said seriously so Canyon understood that they did know his hurt and loneliness, and that they could, and would help him if he allowed them to. He went to wipe his eyes again with his arm, but stopped because of his prosthetics. "God, I hate these things. Can you help me take them off please?" He asked irritably as he nodded towards his arms. "Sure, but I'm the butterfingers in the family so let Marco help you." Eddie said as he helped Canyon down. Canyon stood in front of Marco, but hesitated for a moment. "It's really you, isn't it?" He said with a bit of awe as he looked into Marco's eyes. "I certainly hope so because if it isn't then we are all in trouble." Marco replied with a soft smile. "Yes, I am Marco Mazzetti, formally the world #3 ranked Olympic gymnast and #1 ranked American gymnast. I am now retired because of the second severe tear of my ACL tendon in my knee. I moved to Nags Head 8 years ago to recuperate, and I met this flamboyant character over there and decided to stay. I opened my Gymnastics and dance school 6 years ago, and I hope that you will soon become my newest pupil." Marco told him. "You are Canyon Caruthers who was ranked #1 junior Olympic and American gymnastics prospect until the fatal accident in Salt Lake in January 1999. Your parents were both killed, and you were partially ejected from the vehicle which severed your right arm just below the elbow, and crushing your left arm. The doctors had to amputate your left arm above the elbow due to the extensive damage, but reattached your right arm only to have to amputate it again when it failed to survive. Yes, I have followed your story closely, but we never imagined that you would be here with Rodie until we arrived today. You will need to get rid of these ancient prosthetics because hooks went out with Peter Pan though. I think a Myo-Electric model like Derrick has will serve you much better or maybe one of the new voice-commanded models." "What kind of model? I still can't compete though because I don't have arms anymore," he said sadly. "As for your arms, in my opinion, they should not stop you from competing again at the world level in exhibitions and competitively in Special Olympics." Marco told him with a serious expression and for the first time in many months, a small flicker of hope showed in Canyon's face. "You think so? Really?" He asked him wanting to believe while his face let them know that he needed this dream more than anything else. "Yes I do, but it will not be easy, and will probably be one of the hardest things you will ever do in order to come back and compete. However, I believe you can do it, and I would be honored to help you accomplish this." Marco said while Canyon's tears began to flow again before stepping into Marco's embrace. "He was right, you are the ones," Canyon said as he relaxed in Marco's arms. Marco could feel his pain and overwhelming sadness. However, it was his severe depression that he recognized most because of everything Rodie had been through. He could also sense that Canyon was on the same brink of suicide just as Rodie was before Mikki pulled him back, and he knew that if they waited any longer, that Canyon would not leave this place alive. "I have an idea, and I think Dr. Mike and the others will agree if you agree to it. How would you like to come home with us now and stay with Rodie until the paperwork is completed allowing us to foster you. Would you like that?" Marco asked him, and Canyon could only nod as he struggled to control his emotions. "Eddie, why don't you take care of sunshine while I go make the necessary arraignments?" Marco asked, and Eddie gently lifted Canyon up into his arms just as the small boy lost his struggle to hold back his tears. Marco got up and left the room while Eddie began to soothe Canyon, and went looking for Mike. He found him in the dayroom with the others. "Mike, I know that I am not as talented as Master Rodie, but I know what is needed for that young man. He cannot stay here another day Mike, or he will take his own life because he is exactly as Rodie was when he came here. However, Canyon will succeed where Rodie failed. You need to arrange it so he can leave with us when Rodie leaves, and I know it is asking a lot of you but it is that important." Marco told him, and his tone of voice and expression was the most serious that all of them had ever seen before with him. "He has slipped that far already?" Mike asked, but it was to Rodie who he looked at for the answer though. "Yes, he has Dr. Mike. The only reason he hasn't tried yet is because of me. I convinced him to not hurt himself until he could meet Eddie and Marco because I know that they were the only ones who could help him. He is worse than me though because he has no hope for anything right now. Even though I tried, it wasn't because I didn't have any hope because I did...I just didn't want to believe it though at the time. He doesn't because everything he had that was important to him has been taken away, so he has nothing now." Rodie told him while stifling a yawn at the end. "Alright, I will make the arraignments, but I want him watched once he gets home, and I want him to enter counseling also. If he shows any sign that he is getting more depressed, then I want him brought to the hospital and placed on a suicide watch, understood?" Mike said seriously to them all, and Rodie nodded as he yawned again. "He won't hurt himself Dr. Mike. Eddie and Marco will see to that." Rodie said sleepily. "And how are we supposed to do that Master Rodie?" Marco asked him. "Because all you need to do is love him, and I know that both of you will do that," Rodie told him as his eyelids drooped. "Not just any kind of love though, but like the way mom loves me." "We will do that. As for you though, I think you need to rest yourself." Marco told him and Rodie nodded slightly because he was already half asleep as he snuggled against Cathy. A few minutes later, Eddie came out with Canyon who was still red eyed and clinging to him. Canyon was now dressed in his t-shirt, shorts, and barefoot without his prosthetic arms too. Mike looked at Canyon for a moment, and then leaned close to Marco and whispered to him. "You two are miracle workers because this is the first time that he has cried that anyone knows of since his parents were killed. If you need anything at all, or have any problems that you need help with, don't hesitate to ask." Mike said, and then he sat down and motioned for Canyon to come to him. After a moment of reassuring and coaxing from Eddie, Canyon moved over into Mike's embrace. "So I hear that our two friends here would like to foster a child, and I think we know who that will be. If you want to go with them when they take Rodie home and see if you would like them to become your foster parents then you can." Mike told him in a tone that conveyed all of his concern and caring. However, Canyon shook his head no in response. "You don't want them to be your foster parents? Would you at least tell us why?" "They can't be my foster parents...I just know it because I saw it. The state won't allow it to go through because they are gay. He has to adopt me if I am to stay with them, and it will happen because of our gymnastics." He said softly as he looked at Marco. "You know, he is right about that Mike. Because of our gymnastics background, they will make exceptions for him and me because we both were top ranked, world caliber competitors. It is very hard to provide an athlete of his caliber the things he needs in order to succeed not only in competition, but in life and he will not ever get those things as long as he is in the foster system. However, I know what he needs, and we have the resources to provide him with those things." Marco said as he thought it over, and seeing that Canyon was right. Marco looked at Eddie, who had a pleading expression on his face while nodding at him and Marco made his decision. "Alright, the first thing we will do is to get you settled at home, and then I will start the adoption process. I will contact my friends at the IOC so they can apply their influence, and call in some personal favors too. So you better get used to calling us Dad as of right now Sunshine." Marco told him, and Canyon bolted out of Mike's grasp, and launched himself into Marco's arms as the first strangled sobs escaped from his throat. Then Eddie was there, and they just held and comforted their new son as he wept, releasing his long pent up pain of his loss finally. Mike and the others could now see that Rodie had spoken the truth, and Mike and Nell both shed their own tears as they watched Canyon cry for the first time since his world fell apart. Even Rodie had a little smile on his face as he slept in Cathy's arms while Stevie cried in Nell's arms. He cried because he could feel Canyon's pain, but also because he could feel Eddie and Marco's love healing his friend's painful wounds too. End of Chapter 11 Send all replies to Snwdemon@toast.net, or Snwdemon@yahoo.com Also, please include the word "NOSPAM" in the subject line in order to allow your message to get past the spam filters.