Date: Thu, 13 Jun 2002 18:39:56 -0700 From: mjac4@sunset.net Subject: Arren, Tony and Isaac Chapter 10 (Young Friends) Arren, Tony and Isaac -------------------- Part 1 Chapter 10 - A Very Fast Vacation to Nowhere The day after Christmas Tony was on his way. I knew this because he called me on the radio and said he had some super great news. He kept talking all the way over to my house, but he wouldn't tell me what the news was. Sometimes he can be just a little, well, you know. When he got to the house, he just opened the door, and just about jumped into my arms. He hugged me, right in front of everyone. "Arren," he said, with a lot of happiness in his voice. "Guess what I came over here to ask you?" "I don't know. I don't even know what you're talking about, you wouldn't tell me on the radio," I said. Mom and dad were wondering what was going on too. "My grandparents are going to Arizona on the twenty eighth, next Monday," he said letting go of me with a super great big smile. "And they want me to go with them." "Well that's great Tony," I said. "Wait," he said. "I asked them if you could come with me. Mom and dad told them all about you and your family. And they said that you can come with us, if you want, please come with me Arren, please." "Wait a minute," mom said, throwing a wet blanket on everything. I just stood there trying to let it all soak in. "Just when are you coming back? You guys have school after the first of the year, you know." "Saturday, January second," Tony said. "School doesn't start back up until the forth, that's a Monday." "Arren," mom said. "Huh," I said. "What do you think?" She asked. "I don't know," I said. "Come on Arren," Tony said. "Were going to see the Grand Canyon, and a few other things too." Dad stood up and walked over to me, then he put his hand on my shoulder. "Son, I thought I never say this. But I want you to get out of the house for awhile. You have never been anywhere in your life, except to one of the bigger towns or cities around this area. I think it would do you good to get out of Dodge for a little while." "Your father is right Arren," mom said. "I help you pack the things that you'll need for the trip." I didn't know what to think. This was happening so fast. Mom and dad said yes to this, and I didn't even ask them if I could go. It seemed that they really wanted me to do this. "What about New Years eve?" I asked. "There be others son," dad said. "Go see a little bit of this World before its to late." "This will be great Arren," Tony said. "My grandpa said, that he'll drive threw Las Vegas so we can see all of the different Hotels and lights." "Okay, I guess," I said. This all seemed a little weird to me. Probably, because it was happening so fast. "OH BOY!" Tony said, with glee. "This is going to be great." Mom and dad were happy that I was going to do something a little different for once in my life. Tony was extremely happy that I was going to be with him, and I guess I was happy that everyone else was happy. But I've never been out of this area like dad said, and I guess I was a little nervous about the whole thing. But after thinking about it, dad was right. I needed to see a little bit of this World. I've never been to the Grand Canyon or even seen Las Vegas, except for on television. Mom helped me pack. Tony's grandparents and his parents came over to the house, so that mom and dad could get to know them. Everyone seemed to be getting along just fine. Ronald could see that I was having a little bit of a problem with something. He came to my room, so he could talk to me. "Are you okay with this Arren?" Ronald asked. "Yes, I think so," I said. "I'm just nervous about leaving everyone. I never really been away from home before." "Look Arren," he said. "Your not leaving for years like I did, when I went to college. You're only leaving for a week. Go and enjoy yourself for once. Just remember that Tony will be there with you, and it'll be even more fun with a very good friend by your side." "Okay Ronald," I said. "Here Arren," he said, and then he handed me a small camera. "Take a few pictures of the Grand Canyon for me. Will you do this for me? I've never seen the Grand Canyon before." "Sure I will," I said, and then I gave him a hug. "I'll get the best pictures I can get." "Here another little thing for you," he said with a smile. He gave me a small paper bag. Inside were a box of condoms, and some more lubricating gel. "I know that you and Tony can find some uses for these things." "I don't know if we are going to be able to do anything like that," I said. "Well maybe not, but just incase you do, protect yourself Arren," he said. "Okay," I said. "Thank you Ronald, I love you." I hug him again. "I love you too little brother," he said. "Now go and have a great time, and don't forget the pictures." "I wont," I said. Monday morning of the twenty-eighth rolled around, and Tony and his Grandparents pulled up to our house in their motor home. The thing had to be at least thirty-five or forty feet long. It was very nice inside. Tony and I would share a bed together, which was just fine with me. The more I could hold Tony, the better I would feel. I stored all of my clothes, and the stuff that I brought with me in one of the many cabinets that were in the unit. All of us said our good-byes and then we were on our way. Tony and I sat at the dinning table, and talked while his grandpa drove and his grandma sat in the front passenger's seat. I loaded the camera that Ronald gave me to use. We got onto the interstate, and headed south to California's capitol, Sacramento. The drive would take us, about two and half-hours. I never even seen this city, and I was looking forward to it. After a while, Tony's grandpa told us that we were getting close. Tony and I were looking out the window. I could see a lot of traffic on the interstate, and the city in the distance. Then Tony and I heard his grandmother say something out of fear, but we couldn't understand it. "OH MY GOD!" Tony's grandpa yelled. Then he slammed on the breaks. I remember hearing something like a crash, and then I think I flew threw the air or something like that. That was all I remember before everything went dark. It seemed like awhile later, and things were still dark, and I kept hearing a faint beeping sound. I wanted to turn on a light, but I didn't know where the switch was. I wanted to look for it, so I tried to get up, but my body wouldn't move. No mater how hard I tried to move, I was just unable to make my body do what I wanted it to do. I thought I could hear the sounds of someone sobbing, but I'm not sure. Then it sounded like someone else was sobbing, and then I thought I heard Tony's voice. I wanted to tell him to turn on a light, so I could see him, but I was unable to do that too. This was extremely frustrating. I couldn't see, talk or move. And on top of all that, I'm getting hungry. I wish I had a peanut butter sandwich right about now. This darkness thing seemed to go on forever. I thought I kept hearing mom's voice, and then dads. I know I heard Tony's, but I couldn't see him. Then I knew I heard Ronald's voice, but I couldn't make out what he or anyone else was saying to me. Why couldn't I tell the people that I love to turn on the light? Then things faded out once more. The next thing I remember hearing is that stupid beeping. I don't know why I keep hearing it, and I wish I knew how to turn it off, it was starting to get on my nerves. I tried once more to move, but failed miserably. I just can't figure out what's going on here. Now I wish I had that peanut butter sandwich, I'm am hungry. Things are fading out again. Okay, now I had to do something about that beeping. This time I was determined to turn it off; I was going to do what ever it takes to make it stop. First, I had to see what was making that beeping sound. Then I could smash it to pieces. Now all I had to do was find a light. Then something occurred to me. My eyes were closed. Hum, easy thing to fix. Just open my eyes. Okay, on the count of three, I'll open my eyes. Here I go, one, two, and then three, nothing. I felt myself trying to fade out again, but I was not going to let it happen. One more time and I'll open my eyes, one, two, three, presto. Wow, I did it, but where am I? What's going on here? This room doesn't have a lot of light, but I think theirs a light coming form behind me. I think its nighttime, but I don't know for sure. I'm the only one in this room that I can see. I think I can see a door off to my right, and the hallway beyond is brightly lit up. Where is this place? I'm not at home; at least I don't think I am. I'll worry about that later. Okay, now for that beeping, but I couldn't see where it was coming from. I can still hear it, but I just don't know what's making that sound. I tried to turn my head so that I could look for it, but something was wrong, and then something was starting to hurt, really bad. I couldn't even turn my head without a horrendous amount of pain. I just blacked out. The next thing I remember seeing, was a light in my eye. I couldn't see where it was coming from, then it was gone. Just as fast as the light disappeared, it was back again. I think it was in my other eye, but I couldn't be sure. The pain that I felt the last time was gone, and I don't know why I felt it before. I thought I heard people talking, but I couldn't make out what they were saying. I slowly opened my eyes again and I was looking at some strange man who looking at me. He was smiling at me I guess, and there were a few other strangers in this room with the other strange man. They were all dressed in white, and the first strange man had something draped around his neck. I just hoped that one of them had a peanut butter sandwich with them. I tried to say something, but nothing came out of my mouth. Then the first strange man moved closer to me. I want to push him away, but still, I wasn't able to move. "Arren," he said to me. "Can you hear me?" I tried to talk again, but still nothing came out of my mouth. It was even hard for me to keep my eyes open. I wanted to stay awake, so I could find out, what was going on. "Arren, I'm doctor Webster. Can you hear me Arren? Just blink your eyes, if you can hear me." I tried to blink, but I'm not sure if I did it right. I felt very tired, and weak, for some reason. Then mom and dad came into the room; Tony was right behind them. Now I was starting to feel better. Tony had a bandage around his forehead and had his left arm in a sling. Then I noticed something that I didn't notice before; I was in some kind of contraption. I was strap into this thing and I had tubes with clear liquid dripping into my arms. I think I also had another tube up my nose, but I couldn't move my arms to find out. My arms felt like they weighted five hundred pounds each. En fact, I felt like my whole body weighted over a ton. Mom was very happy, and had tears running down her face. Dad was holding her around the shoulder. It looked like he had been crying too, and I don't know why. I wanted to get up, but still I couldn't move. I felt like I was just too heavy. "Arren," doctor Webster said. "I going to raise you up a little so you can see your family better. I'm going to watch you carefully to make sure you're not in too much pain. Just blink your eyes, if you feel any discomfort." The doctor pressed a small button on some type of thing, with a wire attached to it. The bed started to rise, and when it was high enough for me to see everyone, he stopped. Then I felt like I needed to close my eyes for just a second or two. That's all it took, I was asleep. I don't know how long I was sleeping, before I woke up again. Doctor Webster (I think that is what he said his name was) and a nurse, were doing something to me, but I don't know what. Mom, dad and Tony were in the room, standing off to my left while the doctor was doing whatever. It took them a few minutes to finish up, and then mom came over and took my hand. I could see that she wasn't sleeping to well. If I could get up, I would let her lay down on the bed, so she could get some rest. But I still felt like I was heavy. I really need that peanut butter sandwich right now; I'm really hungry. I had to find out what was going on, so I tried once more to talk. I summed everything that I had, and then said. "What... what happen?" I can't believe I just said that. After all that time of not being able to say anything, now I was able to talk. It was about time. "You were in an accident, baby," mom said, and the tears started to run down her face again. "I was," I said, a little easier this time. "I don't remember anything like that." "Believe it son," dad said. "You were in a bad crash." "Where am I?" I asked, trying to look around. "I don't know this place." "Your in the hospital Arren," dad said. Will there goes my perfect record for not ever stepping a foot inside of a hospital, oh well. "How did I get here?" I asked. "You were brought here in an ambulance," dad said. "Was anyone else hurt?" I asked. "I just cut my head, and bang my arm," Tony said. "My grandparents are fine, they were wearing their seat belts." "Where is that beeping coming from?" I said, a little upset. "It's driving me crazy. Somebody, please turn it off." "Sorry," the doctor said, and pushed a button on something that I couldn't see, and finally after all this time, the beeping stopped. "It just a monitor." Then he asked. "Are you in any pain, or discomfort Arren?" "No pain," I said. "But this thing that I'm strapped into isn't to cozy." "Okay," he said, with a smile. "We'll see what we can do about making you more comfortable." Okay, now for that peanut butter sandwich I've been dreaming about. "I'm starving," I said. "Can I have something to eat, please." "That's my boy," dad said smiling, before I could tell anyone what I wanted to eat. "I'll just bet you want orange juice too." "That would be fine," I said. "Just something to take the hunger away." "I'll send the nurse in with a little something for you," the doctor said. "But I don't want you getting sick from the medications that you been receiving." Then he said to everyone. "Please don't tire him to much. He still needs a lot of time to recover." Then he left the room so that I could visit with my family. "Just how long have I been here anyway?" I asked. Mom held my hand a little tighter. "It's been almost two weeks baby," she said. My jaw almost hit the floor. "You've been unconscious, all this time, until, well, yesterday a little when you woke up and now today." "You've have got to be kidding me?" I said in disbelief. "No son, were not," dad said. "We almost lost you. But with lots of prayers and love, you've came back to us." "Really," I said. "How come I was so badly injured? Everyone else seems to be fine." "From what we read from the police report," dad said. "The reason that you were hurt the most, was because of where you were sitting. If you were sitting right next to Tony, you may have walked away from the accident. But, because you sat on the other side of him, when the motor home hit, you were thrown to the front of the vehicle." "What did we hit?" I asked. "Somebody pulled in front of a big truck," dad said. "The driver swerved to miss the smaller car, but lost control of the truck he was driving, and this caused it to tip over right in front of Tony's grandparents motor home." "Man, what a way to start a vacation," I said. "Hey, that reminds me. Did I miss New Years?" "Yes son, you did," dad said. "But at least you're here to see the next one." "Yeah," I said. "Now can somebody tell me why I'm strapped into this thing?" "When you were thrown," dad said. "You broke four rib's, sprained your back, and had a very bad concussion to your head. This is why you were unconscious for almost two weeks. Now the reason that you're strapped in that thing, is that the doctor wants you in traction for a while." "Arren," Tony said. "I'm really sorry that you were so badly injured. If I didn't asked you to come with me on this trip. None of this would have happen." "I don't see why you should be sorry Tony," I said. "You didn't cause the accident." "I know," he said. "But I just couldn't stop thinking that if I didn't invite you, this wouldn't have happen." "Stop blaming yourself," I said. "You could have gone without me, and I could have trip down the stairs at home, and still have ended up in the hospital." "All right you two," dad said. "This isn't going to solve anything, so stop trying to blame who or whatever." The nurse came in with the food. "Do you think you'll need help eating?" The nurse asked. "I don't think so," I said. I was now able to move my arms a little. They didn't feel as heavy as they did before. "I have my mom and dad here to help me, if I need it." "Okay," she said. "Just push this button, if you need anything." She handed me a small mechanism with a button on it. Then she placed the food tray on a little table with wheels on it, and pushed it closer to me. "Oh boy," I said. "I've been dreaming about a peanut butter sandwich for a long time." "Arren," dad said. "That's not a peanut butter sandwich. It's chicken soup, and crackers." "I know, but ever time I thought I would hear something," I said. "I wanted a peanut butter sandwich." "You mean, you heard us talking to you?" Mom asked, as I started to pig out on the soup and crackers. "Well, no, not exactly," I said. "I thought I would hear sobbing, and mumbling, or something like that. I just couldn't figure out why everyone was talking in the dark." "The crying you heard, was me," mom said. "Why were you crying?" I asked, stuffing more crackers in my mouth. "Arren," mom said. "You, you..." she couldn't finish. "What your mother is trying to say. Is that you almost died, son," dad said. "Really," I said in awe. "I wonder what that would be like? Do you think that I would have seen Miss Griffin?" Mom started to cry again, and dad just sort of gave a look like he was worried about mom and me. Tony walked closer to me and held my hand. Dad said he was going to take mom to the lounge to sit for a few minutes. He said that he was going to call home and tell everyone that I was awake. When they left, I finished up the soup and crackers. Tony told me how scared my mom and dad were, while I was unconscious. My grandparents were just as worried. Ronald and Karen were going nuts, thinking that I was going to die. Ronald didn't go back to school after the first of the year. Right now, he is at home trying to take care of things there with grandpa. I asked Tony, just exactly where am I. He said that I was in a hospital in Sacramento. "Gee, what a way to see a city," I said. "Yeah, tell me about it," he said. "I was in this hospital for two days, before they would let me go home." "What about your grandparents? Did they stay here too?" I asked. "No," Tony said. "They had minor injuries, believe it or not. A few bumps and bruises, with an occasional cut." "Can you tell me what happen on New Years eve?" I asked. "Did you stay up, like we were going to do?" "No, I didn't," he said. "I didn't want to, not without you." I pushed the little table away from me. "Thank you Tony, I would give you a kiss, if I could get up," I said. "Well then, why don't you just stay where you are, and I'll take care of that," he said, and leaned over to give me a quick gentle kiss on the lips. "I'm glad you're going to be okay Arren. I was so worried that I was going to loose the best friend that I have ever had." I saw a tear in his eye. "Don't worry about me," I said, and smiled at him. "I'm not planing on leaving you yet. We still have that thing that we were planing on doing for New Years eve." "But New Years is over," he said. "So what," I said. "Maybe we can do it for a weekend or something when I get out of here." "Let's not think about it right now, okay," he said. "Let's just get you home first." "When can I get out of here?" I asked. "I don't know," he said. "You'll have to ask the doctor." "Well, get him in here," I said. "I'm ready to leave." I tried again to move, but I felt a little to weak. "Then again, maybe not," Tony smiled. Dad came back in with mom. She looked a lot better now. Dad told me that Ronald; Karen grandpa and grandma would be here tomorrow. Tony's parents were going to drive them down here early in the morning. I wonder if grandma would bring something good to eat. The last time grandma had a friend in the hospital; she made all kinds of goodies to eat for her friend. I just love her so much. Mom kept giving me looks, which was making me a little nervous. Dad would just hug her to keep her from crying again. I asked dad when I could get out of this traction device. Dad said that he would ask the doctor. I also told him to tell the doctor to take these tubes out and to let me go home. It's not that I don't appreciate them helping me, but this place does have a funny smell. And I don't hurt anymore, that I'm a where of. That pain that I felt before is gone, and I just don't think I need to be here anymore. I will learn that what I thought, really didn't matter. I knew that I was going to be here for a few more days. After a few more minutes, I felt a little tired. I said to everyone that I needed to rest my eyes for a minute or two, then I was out. Again the room was dark, but this time I knew why. After I rested my eyes for what I thought was a few minutes, I opened my eyes, and saw Tony sitting in a chair fast asleep. I guess I was out longer then I thought. I didn't want to wake him, so I thought I would try that button thing the nurse showed me before. That way I could ask him or her, who ever came into the room, where, my parents were. And maybe I could get a peanut butter sandwich, if I asked. About a minute after I pushed the button, the nurse came. She asked if I was in any pain. I told her no, and then I asked her where my mom and dad were. She said, that they were down in the cafeteria getting a little something to eat. Then I asked her if I could have a peanut butter sandwich, chocolate chip cookies and a big glass of milk. She just smiled, and told me that she would ask the doctor. Tony woke up when the nurse returned with the peanut butter sandwich, chocolate chip cookies and milk. Tony and I talked while I ate, and then mom and dad walked in. They had a take out tray for Tony. He told me that when mom and dad were going to get something to eat. He said that he didn't want to leave me alone, so he asked them to bring him something back. Tony and I ate together, while mom and dad told me about some insurance man. I wasn't sure what they were talking about, but they told me that I was going to get some kind of settlement. I just thought, `okay, whatever,' and continued to eat with my best friend. The next morning, mom, dad and Tony where here early. The breakfast cart rolled around, and I couldn't wait to eat. It seemed that ever sense I woke up, all I wanted to do was eat. That was until I saw what they brought me. They gave me runny eggs, warm soggy bread that was supposes to be toast, some kind of wrinkly brown fruit. It looked like they were big raisins or something, and cool milk. Now I know why people get better as fast as then can. It's because no one wants to eat the food here. I couldn't even think about putting that stuff in my mouth. If I did, I would be here for another month, and I'm not going to have that. I pushed that so-called food tray away for me, so I did have to look at it. Mom said that I should try to eat something, that is, until she saw it. She was not happy, grabbed the tray and walked out of the room with it. "I've seen that look in her before Arren," dad said with a big smile on his face. "If I know your mother the way that I do. She'll bring you a breakfast that you can eat, even if she has to go to the cafeteria, and cook it herself." "I know," I said. "I just wish that I could go home right now, and have my favorite breakfast." "What's your favorite meal for breakfast Arren?" Tony asked. "Pancakes, scrambled egg with Velveeta cheese, with lots of cold orange juice, of course," I told him. "What kind of syrup?" He asked. "No syrup," I said. "You use the pancake like a taco, fill it with the eggs, and eat it that way." "Ooh, that sounds so good," he said. "It is," I said. "It's my favorite breakfast of all. But sometimes I like seedless boysenberry or blackberry jam with my pancakes." About fifteen minute's later mom came back with another tray of food. This time the food was cooked to MY mother's specifications. It looked better, but I defiantly prefer moms cooking to this. With eating and all that out of the way, mom, dad and Tony visited until grandpa; grandma, Ronald and Karen showed up. Tony's parents were right behind them, and Tony went to give them a hug. All in turn gave me gentle hugs, and asked me all sorts of questions about what I heard and saw while I was unconscious. I tried to answer everything that I could remember. All of them thought the part about the peanut butter sandwiches were pretty funny. Then grandma gave me a basket, with all sorts of goodies in it, including my favorite oatmeal raisin cookies. I gave her a special thank you, and a kiss. After about two hours, and with all the talking that I was doing, my ribs were starting to hurt somewhat, and I was getting fatigued. I tried to ignore it, but the pain was getting worse. Mom could see that I was in pain, and asked everyone to let me rest. Then she left the room, and a few minutes later she came back, with the doctor. Then he asked everyone to wait in the lounge, so that he could check me over. When everyone was gone, I told the doctor that I wanted to get out of this traction thing, and I wanted those tubes out of my arms, and the one out of my nose. He told me that I could be out of traction by tomorrow. I said I wanted out now, and to remove the tubes also. He could see that I was getting pretty frustrated about my situation. He told me to just calm down and I would be out of the thing in the morning. My ribs were hurting more, and this was making me more upset about being in this traction device. I was not going to stand being in this thing any longer; I wanted out of it, NOW. The doctor called for the nurses, because, I was getting too squirmy, and would not calm down. This thing was making me very uncomfortable, and I wanted to get up. The more I tried to get up, the more pain I was in, and this was making me even more enraged. I don't like not being able to do want I know I can do. And someone that I really don't know is telling me that I can't do want I want, well, that just pushes all of my buttons. I'm getting out of this thing, and that's finale. I started to remove the straps. It was easy, because they were made out of Velcro. The doctor told the nurses to hold me still, while he reached for something. Now I was really angry. I told them to get their hands off of me. I don't want people that I don't even know touching me. And to top it off, these people were holding me down. I started to kick, but I seamed to loose my ability to fight. I was falling asleep and I couldn't stay awake. I tried, but sleep was taking over me, until everything went dark, again with the darkness. Even thou I was in the darkness, I could hear my mom and dad talking to that doctor. I know I was still restless, and I tried to open my eyes, but I couldn't. I know they were talking about me, and it was making me mad, because I couldn't really understand them. Then things faded out for awhile. I hate it when that happens. When I came to. The traction thing was gone, but the tubes were still in my arms, except for the one in my nose, it was gone. Well, at least that thing that was making me so uncomfortable was off of me. My ribs were still hurting me, and now my back was a little sore. I decided to try sitting up. Maybe, I would try to sit in the chair that Tony sat in earlier. I rolled over onto my right side. 'So far so good,' I said to myself, 'the pain isn't to bad'. Then I let my feet drop over the side of the bed, and then I pushed myself up into a sitting position. The pain was about the same, and I was able to handle it so far. The chair was about five feet away, and I was sure I could reach it. Then I felt something weird. I felt a long thin thing running down my leg. I couldn't see what it was, because of the pajamas that I was wearing. I looked down at my feet and saw another tube coming out of the bottom of my pajamas. I couldn't see where the tube went, but I was going to find out what it was attached to. I felt the tube running up my leg, and it stopped at about my penis. I pulled open my pajamas, and saw that someone had inserted a tube right up my penis. I thought if I pulled on it, the tube would just slide out, but it didn't. It felt like something was holding it in. This place was really starting to get on my nerves. After sitting on the edge of the bed for a minute or two. I was getting tired, and gave up on trying to sit in the chair for now. I eased myself back down to a laying position on the bed. I fell asleep, on my side this time. The next morning, mom and dad were in my room. I heard them talking about something, and I woke up. "Hi there sleepy head," dad said. "How are you feeling today?" Mom asked. "I feel just fine," I said. "Let get out of here, before that doctor comes back, and put me to sleep again." "The doctor told us what happen yesterday Arren," dad said. "He said, that he had to sedate you, to keep you from hurting yourself. He said that you were removing the straps, to the traction mechanism. Why did you do that?" "That thing that I was in, was making me so uncomfortable," I said. "I just had to get out of it. It was driving me nuts. I feel a lot better now that I'm out of it. Let's go home." "Arren," dad said. "The doctor said that you might be here for about another week or so." "WHAT!" I yelled. "I want to go home now. One more night in this place is going to make me jump out the window. I want to go home." "Look baby," mom said. "If you do what the doctor says, then you might be out sooner then that." "No," I said. "I don't want to do what he says. I don't want him touching me. And I don't want those lunatic nurses touching me either." Mom and dad just laugh, then dad said. "Look Arren, just do what he says, and you'll be home." "This bites," I said. "I know son," dad said. "But you'll be home soon." "Speaking of home. Did everyone go back home?" I asked. "Yes," dad said. "Everyone had to get back to work and school." "What about Tony?" I asked. "Did he leave too?" "Yes," mom said. "His mom and dad said that he had to get back to school. He put up a big fuss, but they said that you'd be home soon. Just don't disappoint him, and stay here longer. Just get better, and come home." "I would come home now, if you would let me," I said. "Just let me come home with you now, please." "Arren," mom and dad said together, and then smiled. "Fine," I said. "I'll stay here, but for only one more day, no more, and I'm not letting anyone touch me." "Arren," they said again. This time, both mom and dad gave me THE LOOK. I knew what that meant. I had no choice, and my body said, rest a little more too. I wanted out of here so bad, so I could cuddle with Tony. I knew that Ronald was staying home because of me, and I knew that the rest of the family would get back to normal as soon as I was home. The next day the doctor came into my room with a nurse, to remove my, inter-venous-tubes and the thing in my penis called a catheter. I never saw them change the bag that was under the bed, and I did think it was kind of neat not having to go to the bathroom every few hours. I still had to use the toilet for other reasons, which made me think. 'How did I go to the toilet when I was unconscious?' Then I thought, 'I really don't want to know'. As the week dragged on and on, (and I mean, dragged on) a different kind of doctor or nurse type of person would come in, and take me to what they called, Therapy. I had to do a few different types of exercises, and then they would do massage therapy on my back. They fitted me with a back brace (which I hated), and some crutches that rapped around my forearms. I hated that more then just sitting in my room. After therapy, they would take me to another room, and shower me, and change my pajamas. While all this was happening, someone would clean my room and change the bedding. I was counting the seconds until I could go home. I was not a happy patient, and they knew it. I was a major pain in their backsides. The food seemed to get worse, and I had to take pills for all kinds of reason. Pills for pain, pills for inflammation, muscle relaxing pills and pills for my stomach, because all of the pills that I was taking would make me sick to my stomach. When the nurse would bring me the pills, she would stay to make sure I was taking them. I learned how to hide them in my mouth, and when she would leave. I would go into the bathroom, and spit them into the toilet, and flush them away (Hey, what are they going to do shoot me because I'm not taking their pills?). I felt better when I didn't take them, and my ribs were still a little sore, but I would hide the pain so they wouldn't make me take anymore-stupid drugs. Mom and dad stayed in a motel close by, until the day that I was able to go home. That was a week and a half later. When they said I could leave, I was ready in no time flat. Mom brought me some clothes from home, and I changed into them and tossed the hospital pajamas on the bed. Then I hid the back brace, which they fitted for me under the bed. I'm not wearing that thing again if I can help it. Then I walked out of my room, with the aid of the crutches, and over to the elevators where I saw dad-standing waiting for mom. She was talking to the doctor, and getting more pills, and a list, of dos and don'ts, for me to take home. I saw a nurse go into my room, with a wheelchair. I just knew she was going there to get me, so she could take me to therapy, but I'm not going today or ever again. The doors to the elevator opened and I step in, dad step in with me and held the door for mom, who was now coming. When she reached the elevator, she moved out of the way, so the nurse with the wheelchair could come in. She told me to sit, so that she could take me out of the hospital. "No thanks," I said, shaking my head. "I'm walking out of this place, not riding." "Hospital policy," she said. "Please sit in the chair." "I'm not sitting in that chair," I said, just a little upset. "I'm going home, and your holding me up." "Arren," dad said, in a stern tone. "I want to go home too. If sitting in that chair will make it happen faster, then do it." "I hate this," I said, and sat in the wheelchair. "Please push the down button, before I pull my hair out." The nurse wheeled me out the door. Once we reached the door, I jump up and headed for the car. It was parked close, so I saw it right off. I got in the back, so I could lie down if I wanted to. Finally, we were on are way home. We got onto the interstate, and headed north. On the way home, dad showed me where approximately, the accident happen. When we got close, I saw a little bit of the wreckage from the crash. I didn't care; I wanted to get home. I asked dad not to stop until we were home. He just smiled, and started to tell me about all the things that have happen when I was gone. A lot of the kids at school, sent letters, hoping that I would get better. I thought it was nice of them, and I started to think that I was being a nincompoop to the people at the hospital. They did probable save my life, and I treated them like the enemy. All they tried to do was help me, and I made it difficult for them. But right now I was on my way home, and I couldn't be happier. It was about 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon, before we finally pulled up to the house. Seeing the house for the first time in over three weeks brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't wait to see everyone, and obviously, everyone else couldn't wait to see me either. Ronald, Karen, Stacy, grandpa, grandma and Tony, all came out of the house to greet me. I was just so happy to be home, that I just lost it. I cried like a baby, while everyone gave me gentle hugs and kisses. Tony's parents would be over later, and with everyone here that would make me feel warm and safe. All of us went into the house, and mom fixed a place on the sofa for me. Again, I had Tony on my right and Ronald on my left, both as close as possible. Tony and I cuddled in the blanket that mom gave me. This reminded me of the thunderstorm almost a year ago. The fire was going, and I was happy in the arms of my best friend. Tony was all smiles and he gently put his arm around me. I just laid my head on his shoulder. Oh man, did I miss doing this. About five minutes later, I was out like a light. I woke up about three hours later. I was now laying down, and using Tony's lap as a pillow. He didn't mind one bit, that I used him like that. He was just reading my favorite book; while I napped, and he was gently running his fingers threw my hair. Ronald was out helping dad bringing in more firewood. Mom was in the kitchen, and I could hear her preparing dinner. Karen and Stacy were up stairs in her room. I could hear Karen's stereo playing. I had to go to the bathroom, and I asked Tony to help me up. He was more then happy to help, and he gently pushed me into a sitting position. I really didn't want to try the bathroom up stairs, so I had him help me to the half bath near the kitchen. My ribs were starting to hurt a little, and my back was acting up a little as well, so I knew I would need the crutches to help me walk. Tony made sure that I didn't fall, or bump into anything, while we walked to the bathroom. When we got to the toilet, Tony undid my pants and pulled out my penis for me. I'm sure he just missed playing with it, and I missed him playing with it too. I put my arm around his shoulder while I did my thing. He then took a little piece of toilet paper, and dabbed the tip of my penis dry. If they did things like this in the hospital, I might have liked it a little better. Tony started to stroke my penis a little, and for the first time in over three weeks, that I can remember, my penis started to get hard. I use my left hand to feel Tony's penis through his pants. He was as hard as a rock. I wanted to see his penis, and asked him to drop his pants, he did. I wanted to see his penis squirt semen, so I asked him to masturbate himself off. I wanted to suck him off, but I just couldn't do that right now. He started to masturbate his penis, and within a minute he was shooting he semen into the toilet. He had to push his very hard penis down, but he got most of it in the toilet. This was just what I needed to see. Tony cleaned up what he didn't get into the toilet, and then he gently sat me down on the toilet. He got on his knees, and took my now very hard penis into his mouth, and sucked me off in about thirty seconds. It was great, and I almost forgot just how good that could be. Tony helped me up, and made sure that I was properly cleaned and dressed. He flushed the toilet, and then we went back to the sofa to wait for mom to finish making dinner. I was feeling really good now, and any pain that I had before, was now gone. Thanks to Tony. He's better then any pill that anyone can make. When dinner was close to being ready, Tony's parents came over. Now I was really feeling good, that I had everyone that I love here with me. Everybody stayed for a great dinner, that mom made. Then we all went to the living so that everyone could talk. I found out that Tony's grandparents got a bran new motor home, and a cash settlement, when the insurance company paid off their claim. Sense it was the person in the little car that cut off the truck that we ran into. It was their insurance company that was dealing out all of the money. Tony's grandparents insurance company, were also paying for Tony and me, sense we were passengers in the vehicle. In the end, Tony got twenty thousand dollars from the person insurance company that cut us off. Then he got another ten thousand dollars from his grandparents insurance company, which his parents put into a trust fund account for him. He would be able to use the money later when he was eighteen years old. Now I found out what mom and dad's lawyer did for me. The insurance company was just going to pay off the hospital, and give me a small settlement like Tony. But mom and dad told their lawyer to sue if he had to. In the long run it was easier to just settle for what mom and dad wanted. But sense the lawyer was a very good friend of Mr. Shelby, he went one step further. I didn't know that Mr. Shelby was looking out for my family and me like he did. I'll stop by later when I'm feeling better and give him a special hug and a kiss. The lawyer negotiated for more, and got it. Between the two insurance companies, the lawyer got one hundred twenty five thousand dollars from the person insurance company that cut us off. Then he got twenty five thousand dollars, from Tony's grandparents insurance company. Just like Tony's parents did for him, my parents did for me. They put every single penny of that one hundred fifty thousand dollars in a trust fund account for me. I wanted to give some of the money to Ronald, so he could stay in school, and not have to work so hard. Mom and dad said no, and told me not to worry about Ronald. They said that he had the money that he would need to finish school, and to get his college degree. Ronald also said that he was okay, and he gave me a special kiss for thinking of him. They also told me, before I could say anything, not to worry about Karen. She also was going to be okay if she was going to go to college. Mom and dad told me that they and my grandparents setup a college fund for all of us. They started it when we were just babies. We could use the money IF we went to college. After a while, I started to feel a little tired. I asked Tony's parents if he could stay with me tonight. It was only Thursday, and Tony did have school tomorrow. But they said it would be okay if he missed school, so he could stay with me. Tony was very happy, and gave his mom and dad a big hug and a kiss too. Sense Ronald's room was still dad and grandpas office for the farm; Ronald was staying in my room. This is just what I wanted to hear. Tony and Ronald would be in the same bed with me. I was just so happy at that thought that I couldn't wait to go to bed. I started for the stairs, but I knew I would have a little trouble climbing them. Dad had an idea about that; he gently picked me up in his strong arms, and carried me up the stairs. Ronald and Tony were right behind him. Tony brought my crutches with him, and put them near the bed so I could reach them easily. Dad put me on the bed, and then asked if I needed anything. I said. "Yeah, I do." "What is it I can get for you?" Dad asked. "Well," I said, then I looked at everyone in the room, like I didn't want them to hear this. Then I motioned dad closer with my finger. When he got closer to me, I grabbed him around his chest, and gave him the biggest hug that I could, without hurting myself, and then I gave him a big kiss too. "Thank you dad, thank you for helping me." Dad hugged me back, trying not to hurt me. "Your welcome son," dad choked out. I could see that he had tears in his eyes. "I love you Arren." "I love you too," I said. Then dad looked at me like he had something else he wanted to say. "You don't know just how frightened I was, when I heard you were in that accident," dad said, trying to hold back the tears. "When your mother and I got that phone call, we just flew out the door to get to the hospital. When we arrived at the hospital, and the doctors told us that you might not make it, my whole world just about ended." Then dad sat on the bed with me, and then hugged me close. "I know that sometimes, parents take their children to the grave. But I thank God that he decided that it wasn't your time Arren. I just can't imagine how those parents cope, after loosing a child. I just hope that I never have to find out." "I'm so sorry that I scared you and mom so much," I said crying, hugging dad as tight as I could. "It wasn't your fault baby," dad said sobbing. "But when you started to wake up, the life just came back into my heart." "I couldn't sleep at all, because I was so scared that you were never coming home again Arren," Ronald said. "I would finally fall asleep, but only out of pure exhaustion." Then Ronald sat on the bed, and hugged me too. I could see that he had tears in his eyes. Tony had tears running down his face too. Then dad said. "Arren, you are a special and very loving person. I know that God has something special in mind for you to do with your life. I'm just so glad that you are here to share it with us." "I'm glad I'm here too," I said, wiping the tears off of my face with the back of my hand. Dad pick me up and put me in his lap, so he could cradled me like a baby. He continued to hold me for awhile. Then he let go, smiled at me, and said to all of us. "Okay, I'm sure that Arren knows that we all love him, but I think that we should let him get some rest now. It's been a long day, and we'll talk more in the morning." All of us said goodnight to dad before he went back down stairs. But not before I gave him another big hug and a big kiss to top it off. Ronald and Tony both helped me to get ready for bed. Tony helped me to get undressed, while Ronald took the covers down on the bed. Then Tony helped me in the bathroom, so I could brush my teeth and do what I had to do. When we returned Ronald was naked, so Tony pulled my underwear down so I was naked too. Then Tony got naked, and then helped me to the bed. I was going to sleep in the middle, and I was just so happy about that. I cuddled as close to Ronald as I could. Tony turned off the light, and then cuddled as close as he could to me. I fell asleep in between two people that I love very much. Life is once again, good. -------------------- This is the conclusion of Chapter 10 - A Very Fast Vacation to Nowhere