Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2020 13:56:07 -0400 From: Eric Murphey Subject: Transitions Book 2 Chapter 7 Gay adult youth Well, everyone I am pleased you enjoyed the last chapter. I hope you enjoy this one as well. I also am submitting a new chapter of Accidental Paradise as well. Sorry about the mix up with chapter 29 but it is up now. I believe i am going to start submitting on Fridays as my days off changed. I am not certain yet how it will work out. Even though I am working many many hours I dont want to waste any money on something I can get for free its just a bit of a hassle for the internet though. Maybe I will get a hot spot thing. Im not sure how that works but, I guess I may check it out. You should donate to Nifty it really is great. How many places will let us publish in this genre. Um not many Anyway without further ado here ya go Transitions Book 2 Chapter 7 The next morning Eric wakes up with Alejandro sleeping on top of him. Tran and Joey on either side. He feels three hard boy cocks pressing against him. His morning wood is of course raging and needing to be emptied. He slips Alejandro off of him and goes to pee. When he gets back he sees Alejandro sitting up wiping sleep from his eyes. "Good Morning Buddy." "Morning Poppi." He replies with a grumbly voice. "I love you so much." Eric says. Alejandro smiles. "I know Poppi. I love you too." "Poppi?" "Yes?" "I was thinking." "Yes?" "I want to go see that place you grown ups were talking about last night." "Which place buddy?" "The rights place." "Oh the museum of civil rights?" "Yeah. I think we should see it." "I think you are right." "Yeah dad. I want to see it too." Joey says as he opens his eyes. "We certainly will. Just as soon as Tran is better. We will go see it and learn about it. Now lets get you guys some breakfast. We got a long day ahead of us." "No sir I don't want to eat." Alejandro says. "And why not?" Eric asks "Well, if Tran cant eat. I don't want to either." "So you aren't eating to be in solidarity with your brother?" "Um Poppi..." "Solidarity means to be in line with. To be supportive in a way." "Yeah that's it. We are in soltarity." Eric smiles. "Solidarity. Yes. I think you boys should eat." "Not until Tran can." Joey says. "You guys should eat." Tran says. He had been listening playing possum. "Nope. Not going to do it." Joey says. "Well, in that case. I am going to join you boys and not eat either." Eric says. "You guys are silly. You should eat." Tran says smiling thinking its kind of nice they want to join him in a way. "Nope not until you can." Alejandro reaffirms his desire to show his support for his brother. "We better get ready. Tran needs to be at the hospital in an hour. So get your butts in gear and get dressed." With that Joey starts making car revving noises and scoots off the bed racing around pretending he is a car. Alejandro and Tran think this is hilarious and do the same. Eric just laughs at his three happy boys racing around the room. "Gotta go." Alejandro says and races to the restroom followed by the other two. Eric hears the water works going and goes to his suitcase and pulls out an outfit. He slips it on and the boys all head to get dressed as well. Once Eric is ready he grabs his phone and sees he has a few texts from people. He pulls the one up from Linda first. It reads. Eric. I just wanted to say that we had a great time last night. With everything that has been going on we have kind of forgotten to live. That the other children need some time to play as well. Thank you to you and your boys for reminding us to have some fun too. Also and more importantly our prayers are with you guys and Tran today. We are praying that he has a full recovery from his disease. Please call on us anytime. If you need anything please let us know. Also if your younger boys would like I would love to watch them for you while Tran goes through his procedure. As he starts to text back the boys come in dressed and looking sharp. All three in chinos and polos. "Boys. Mrs Smith wants to know if you want to hang out with her and her family while Tran goes through his procedure." "No way. We don't want to be far from Tran." Alejandro says. "Yeah dad. We like them they are really nice and all. But, like Alejandro said we don't want to be away from Tran." "Alright guys its your choice. But, you know already you cant be in their with us." "We know its OK." Joey says. Eric texts back. We sincerely appreciate your prayers and thoughts of Trans procedure being a success. I asked the boys and they said they don't want to be away from Tran. We do appreciate the offer though. Also if you and Joe want some time to yourselves we would be more then happy to have Illiana and Zack join us for some fun. Not sure if today will be good. We don't know what to expect from Trans procedure. But, certainly in a day or so. He sends the message and gets a nearly instant reply. I figured they wouldn't want to. But I thought I would offer. We may take you up on your offer though. It might be nice just being alone with Joe for a few minutes. We haven't had that in a while. Eric reads it. Anytime you want just let us know. We would love to host your children for a few hours or even over night if you guys wanted. He sends it and gets a message back. That's very generous of you. We will certainly offer the same in return. He responds with a smiley emoji. He gets a video clip in response. He plays it. It is Illiana. "Tran I hope you do good today and the treatment helps you." She says. Eric sees she is blushing. Eric shows it to Tran who also blushes when he sees it. "She is pretty isn't she?" Eric asks. "Yes." Tran answers sheepishly. "I think she is sweet on you." Tran blushes again. "Ba take a video of me please for her." "Sure buddy." "Illiana. Thank you for your concern. I am going to get better you wait and see." He says smiling the entire time. He sends it to Lindas phone. Her response comes back in a few seconds. I think they are sweet on each other. Eric smiles. I think so. We are off to the hospital now. You guys have a great day. Be safe. She responds. The boys all head down and walk to the hospital. Eric thinks it may help get rid of some of the nervous energy. The entire way Tran doesn't let go of Eric's hand. Eric can see he is scared, and rightly so. The fear of the unknown is always the worst. Especially when you know the unknown is going to hurt like hell. When they enter the lobby Joey heads straight to the piano. They all gather around the bench as Joey sits down. Joey starts with 9 very familiar chords. Eric knows exactly what Joey is about to sing. Joey wails out the first lines. "Some times in my life...we all have pain. We all have sorrow. But, if we are wise. We know that there's always tomorrow. Lean on me when you're not strong. And I will be your friend. I will help you carry on. For it wont be long until I need someone to lean on. Please swallow your pride. If I have things you need to borrow. For no one can fill those needs. That you wont let show. You just call on me brother when you need a hand. We all need someone to lean on." Joey wails out the rest of the song. Tears are streaming down Trans face. Eric's too for that matter. Because they know that Joey is singing from his heart and means every word of it. A small crowd is starting to form around them. Once Joey is done he stands up and hugs Tran. "I am there for you big brother. I love you already so much." Tran hugging him back says. "I love you too. I haven't felt so happy in a long time. Even with everything going on." The crowd of course claps and takes off seeing the show is over. "Come on guys lets get this over with." Eric says somberly. "Yeah." Tran says softly. They all head to the elevator and go to the room they were told to go to. Eric and Tran leave Alejandro and Joey in a play area at the end of the hall. "Ba." "Yes?" "I am really scared now." "Me too. I wish I could do it for you. So you wont feel the pain." "I kind of wish you could too. But, I have to do it don't I?" "Sadly yes." They sit in the overly cool room and a few minutes Dr Thomas walks in a smile on his face. "Good morning you two. Are we ready?" "Kind of." Tran says. "I understand. A bit scared are we?" "Yeah." Tran answers. "Its to be expected. I would be worried if you weren't scared. Now Tran slip up here on the bed." Tran does as he is asked. The doctor proceeds to strap Trans arm to a board cut to fit an arm on it. He then straps his other arm. "Doctor Thomas why are you strapping both of his arms?" "To make sure he doesn't pull out the IV. It has happened before because its pretty painful. I just want to make sure he doesn't have the opportunity to do that." Eric nods not liking it. Yet understanding why. Tran has a look of fear on his face. Eric can see he is terrified. "Its going to be OK buddy I am right here with you." Eric says. Dr Thomas wipes his arm clean with an alcohol swab and injects the needle into a waiting vein. "Now at first its going to be really cold. Then it is going to burn and burn really bad. I wish I could make it better. But, sadly I cant." "K." Tran says with fear in his voice. "It takes about an hour for the entire bag to enter your system. I will be right around the corner if you guys need anything." The doctor says and starts the bag dripping into his veins. Eric can see it dripping down and filling the iv tube running into Trans arm. The doctor watches to make sure it is going properly and leaves. Eric sits next to Tran and takes his hand that doesn't have the iv in that arm. "Ba its really cold." Tran says starting to shiver. "It will be OK." Eric says trying to reassure him. "Do you want a blanket?" "No don't let go of my hand." Tran says through his fear, tears starting to form in his eyes. "Never." Tran gives a scared half smile. Then it hits. The burning. "Ahh." He screams out. Eric starts rubbing up and down Trans arm trying to comfort him. Tears are streaming from Trans eyes. "Oh Ba it burns so bad. It feels like I am on fire from the inside." Just then it gets worse. Tran tries to curl into a ball but cant due to his arms being strapped down. His entire body tenses and he lets out a scream in pain. Eric climbs on the bed and wraps one arm around him not letting go of Trans hand. Very softly Eric starts singing. "Lean on me. When your not strong." Tran can hear him but, the pain is so intense all he can do is cry and scream out in pain. Eric cant help it his boy is hurting and the tears are streaming from his eyes as he watches the horror that Tran must endure. Yet he keeps singing softly into Trans ear. He kisses his cheek lightly as he sings. Trans legs are kicking and thrashing. "Take it out Ba!!!!! Take it out it hurts sooo bad!!!!!!!!!" Tran begs. Eric's response is. "Lean on me. I will help you carry on." Through his tears. "Please Ba please!!!!!!" "Just call on me brother when you need a hand." It is all Eric can do not to rip out the needle. But, he knows he cant. He looks up at the bag of either the miracle drug or the evil toxins causing his boy so much pain. He isn't sure which at this point. "It is about half gone buddy. You can do this. You are a strong boy." "But, it hurts so much Ba. It is killing me." Tran says loudly. "Please make it stop!!" "We will make it. I know we will. You are such a brave boy. A strong brave boy. Just think when you are better we will go to the white beaches of Puerto Vallarta. We will have a great time." "Can Illiana come?" "Anyone you want buddy. When we get through this we will invite everyone in the world if you want." "Oh Ba it hurts so much." Tran says through the pain. "I know buddy. I know. I wish you didn't have to do this. But, it will make you better." Tran just nods and the tears are still flowing. Finally after an hour of excruciating pain the bag is empty. The doctor and a few nurses came during that time to check on him. They said nothing just nodded and walked out. Once the medicine stops dripping Dr Thomas walks in and checks it. With a smile he says. "See that wasn't so bad." They all know he is joking. "How many more times do I have to do this?" Tran asks. "Just three more times." Dr Thomas says. "Well, if I can make it eating that horrible BBQ and pie I guess I can do this." Tran says. "You didn't like the BBQ?" "Worst thing we have ever eaten." Eric says going with the joke. "So no one liked it?" "Maybe if we had a dog." Eric says. "Huh? Everyone always loves it. Had another family the Smiths said it was awful too. Maybe I need to go see whats going on down there." "I guess. Worst food ever." Tran says hiding a smile with his now free hands. The doctor writes some notes on Trans chart. "OK Tran this treatment is over. You may or may not feel sick all day. Everyone has different reactions to this one. None of them terribly bad. But, none are great. You will feel a burning for another hour or so. Like it is now." "Its still there but, not nearly as bad as it was." "Yeah I cant stand to watch it. I know how painful it is for you boys and girls. It just rips my heart out to see you guys in pain." "Kinda picked the wrong job Doctor Thomas." Tran says. "Sometimes. But, a lot of the time I see the children get better and go home. That is why I do it. It gets hard sometimes. Because I know I shouldn't but, I get attached to my patients. I just cant help but, love each of you guys like you are my own." "Dr Ross said you throw your heart into your work." "Yes. It has its benefits and its drawbacks. But, I wouldn't change anything I have done. So I guess that says something." "It is obvious you love your work. That's for certain." Eric says. "Yes I do. Yes I do." Dr Thomas sets up the next treatment. In two days. They have found if they do it every other day for eight days they have the best results. So it is set up that way. The doctor bids them farewell mumbling to himself about Corkys being bad as he walks out of the room. "Ba?" "Yeah buddy." "I'm starving. Can we go to Corkys again?" Eric smiles and wraps his arms around Tran. "Buddy after that you can have anything you want. "Can I have a Ferrari?" "If you really want one its yours." Tran smiles. "I don't really want one. But, I wanted to know if you meant it." "I always mean what I say Tran. Always." "Lets go eat Ba." "Want me to carry you?" "Nah I'm good. But, thanks." They walk out and gather Alejandro and Joey who are full of questions. "How bad did it hurt?" Joey asks. "It hurt real bad." Tran says with the utmost seriousness on his face. "I wish I could make it better." Alejandro says wrapping his arm around his brothers waist as they walk towards the elevator. "Tran wanted Corkys. I figure after what he went through he can have whatever he wants." Eric informs the boys. "Sure I liked it a lot." The boys agreed. "I got Dr Thomas. Told him it was the worst food I ever ate." "No you didn't." Joey says. Eric starts laughing. "Yeah he did. It looked like someone smacked Dr Thomas he was so shocked." "Yeah it was funny." Tran says. "He said the Smiths told him it was awful too." Tran says giggling. "We got him dad." "Yeah we did." They walk down to Corky's as its only a few blocks and they didn't want to bother going to get the truck at the hotel. Once they walk in they see Joe and his family sitting at a table talking, and laughing. Joe looks up and sees them and gets up and walks over. "You guys had the same idea we did I see." "Yeah we did. Tran was starving and said he wanted to eat here. Who am I to argue?" "You all have to join us. We haven't even ordered yet." "We would be honored." Eric says. The staff moves a table so the others can join them and once seated they all order and are talking among themselves. Eric noticed that Tran and Illiana sat next to each other. He sees they are talking but cant really hear. Besides he is talking to Joe about his plans of when he returns to work. They are sharing ideas and loving talking shop. Of course this is boring to Joey, Linda and Zack. But, Alejandro is listening intently. They are talking about how Eric has improved sales in his store in the past. Tran and Illiana though are talking just loud enough for the other to hear. "Did it hurt?" She asks him. "A lot. I never felt so much pain." "I'm sorry." She says to him and reaches for his hand under the table and holds it. Tran blushes as she does. He feels sparks shoot up from her fingers into his body. "It's OK. When I get done Ba says we are going to Puerto Vallarta In Mexico to celebrate." "That sounds like fun. Before Little Joe got sick we used to go to the Gulf of Mexico all the time. But, since little Joe has been sick mom and dad don't have a lot of time for me and Zack." "That must feel pretty bad." "It does a little. But, I understand he needs them a lot more right now. Zack gets it too. But, one good thing that has happened is now Zack and I are a lot closer. Before we just kind of ignored each other." "So now you guys see you need each other then?" "Yeah pretty much. We cry a lot together worried about little Joe. He is such a sweet boy. Everyone just loves him." "Maybe I can talk to Ba and we can go meet him tomorrow." "I think he would like that. Dad showed him Joey singing. He thinks Joey is some famous star or something. He has watched the video like a hundred times." "That's so cool. I know Joey isn't really a star to the world. But, he is to me. He is such a cool brother." "Looks like you got a cool family all around." Tran looks at them all talking, and smiles. "Yeah I'm pretty lucky. That's for sure." She squeezes his hand as the food arrives and puts it back up on the table. They all start eating and aren't really paying attention to their surroundings when Doctor Thomas walks up to the table. "Worst food ever huh?" He says smiling. Tran pulls a rib from his mouth he was eating on. He smiles and looks like a clown. Because the BBQ sauce all over his face gave him a clown smile. "Yes sir. It was so horrible we had to try it again just to make sure it was as bad as we thought." Tran says laughing. "Suppose the pie was awful too?" "Worst ever." Joey and Alejandro say in unison. "It was so bad I think I am getting two pieces." Eric says. The doctor points at them smiling. "You got me. You guys got me." "Care to join us?" "I would love to. I just got a to go order. I am picking it up. I have to rush back to the office for some new patients." "We wish you the best." Linda says to him. "Thank you." He says and scurries off chuckling to himself. They all finished eating and Eric again gave his fries to Tran and Illiana who happily ate them for him. They all finished and parted ways. Joe insisting he pay. Eric agreeing knowing its best to let people win once in a while. Once they get back to their room. "I'm tired guys. I need a nap." Tran says. "I am pretty drained too. It was an emotional time." Eric says. "I think we are going to stay up and play games. If that's OK Poppi." "Sure it is. Just don't leave the room and don't open the door for anyone." "Okies." Joey says. Tran follows Eric into his room as if that's the most natural thing to do. They both undress to their nothings and put on some sleeping pants. Eric climbs into bed and Tran slips in next to him. He drapes his arm over his chest and lays his head on his shoulder. Eric wraps his arm around him. "Ba?" "Yes?" "Do I have to do the other ones?" "No I wont force you to. But, I hope that you will." "But, you think its best for me?" "Yes." "It hurt a lot." "I know. I was there remember?" They lay in silence for a while. "I will try one more." "I appreciate that." "It really hurts though." "Yeah." A little while after that Eric hears Trans light snore starting. Eric dozes off soon after. A couple hours later Eric is awakened by Tran stirring and waking up. "Feeling better?" "Yeah. It doesn't burn anymore." "That's good at least." "I feel better though. I think its working." "Rainbows and gumdrops." Eric says making Tran laugh. Eric starts tickling his ribs and Tran lets out a squeal of laughter. This got the attention of the other two boys who came in and couldn't help but join the fun. Joey grabbed one foot and started in and Alejandro grabbed the other. Tran is laughing and thrashing about in the ecstasy, misery a tickle torture has. "I got to pee!!!!!!" Tran shouts. All tickling stops and he races to the restroom. Let the water works begin. When Tran gets back Eric had put the pillows up against the headboard and was leaning against them the boys snuggled in beside him. No where to go close Tran just sits on his lap. "So guys I feel like a big juicy steak tonight. What do you think?" "Can I get shrimps?" Alejandro asks. "Sure buddy." "Cool." "I can get a steak too?" Joey asks. "Sure buddy." "Cool. I never had one before." "Well, tonight we will take care of that issue wont we?" "Yepper." Joey says smiling. "We should see if Ilii...um the Smiths want to join us." Tran says. "Sure thing." Eric says. "I am sure Illia..the Smiths would appreciate that." He says chuckling. "So you really like her huh?" Joey asks. Alejandro looks on with interested eyes at the answer. "I don't know. Why?" "I just wanted to know is all. Not to make fun or nuthin." "I got a girl friend. You haven't met her yet. Shes really pretty her name is Cindy. Poppi show him a picture on your phone." Alejandro says grabbing Eric's phone from the night stand. Eric pulls up a picture and shows it to Tran. "She is pretty." Tran says. "Yeah she says we are going to get married. I believe her. Poppi says he does too. Don't you Poppi?" "I sure do. I think that once Miss Cindy Brady says something it is going to happen." Tran giggles. "Her name is Cindy Brady. Like the TV show?" "Yeah. But, don't let her hear you laugh at it. She will hit you and she takes karate and she hits hard." Alejandro says in all seriousness. "When did Cindy hit you?" Eric asks. "One time she thought I called her something I didn't though." "Explain." Eric says. Alejandro looks down. "We were playing a game and I lost and I said son of a bitch and she thought I called her a bitch. Then she hit me. She apologized and stuff for it though." Alejandro looks up through his forehead to see if he is in trouble. "I see." Eric says. "I don't say it often." Alejandro says defending a battle he knows he has already lost. "OK." Eric says looking at him. "I know what you think about swearing Poppi. Are you mad?" "No." "Oh. Disappointed huh?" "Not really. Sometimes as boys we got to try things like swearing out a little. Try to feel a little more grown up then we really are. Makes us feel bigger in a way. I understand I did it too. Just don't make a habit out of it. Its a hard one to break." "Kay." He says. "Lets get the Smiths called and then get ready to go eat." Eric is talking to Linda. "I am so sorry to hear that. Oh my goodness. Why don't you let me and the guys take Illiana and Zack for the night. So you don't have to worry about them.......Uh huh sure......That sounds fine. We will be up to the room in a few minutes." The boys are all around looking at Eric with questioning eyes. He looks back and gathers his words. "Little Joe isn't doing very well. He has gotten pneumonia. Dr Thomas is very worried and is worried he may not make it through the night. They think if he does then he is in the clear. But, everyone is really scared right now." "Me too. I am scared for him." Tran says. In a way putting himself in his shoes. He is the only one that can truly understand what Little Joe is going through right now. For he is the only other of them fighting off death. "I want to talk to him for a while." "I don't know if that's possible. But, I will try." Eric says. "I know you will Ba." Eric smiles at him and ruffles his hair. "We better get dressed." Eric and Tran quickly dress and they are all out the door in five minutes. Keys in hand. Eric valet parks. A nice little thing most hospitals have nowadays. Eric hands the guy a five and they head up to the room. The kids are in the play area and Eric walks down to where Joe is at leaning against a wall. The room door is shut behind him. He has his fist to his forehead and is crying. Eric leans against the wall next to him and puts his arm over his shoulder. Joe just lets it continue to flow. Eric knows that no words he can say right now can do anything to help this man. Just to be there and try to comfort him is all you can do. What do you say really. It will be ok? Really how do you know that. Its in Gods hands. What ever let my baby live dammit. Eric knows the fear Joe is going through. He had the same terrifying time when Alejandro's appendix burst. It was living hell. Linda comes out the door wiping tears from her eyes with a well used tissue. Eric reaches in his pocket and pulls out a hankie and hands it to her. "Thank you." "Tran wants to talk to him a minute if that's possible." "Sure I will see it happen. Where is he?" Linda says. "Down the hall." She heads that way and returns a moment later Tran in tow. He heads into the room with a mask on and heads to the bed. Eric can see it but not hear. "How you feeling?" Tran asks Little Joe. "I feel real tired." "Yeah. Tired of fighting sometimes it feels like too much huh?" "Yeah." He says at a whisper. "But, you know what we got to win. You know why?" Little Joe's five year old eyes light up. "Why?" He squawks out. "Cuz they are cancer monsters. You seen on movies the monsters almost win. But, never do right?" "Yeah." Little Joe hoarsely whispers and nods his head. "So right now is the scary part where everyone thinks the monsters are going to win and the hero shows up and kicks the monsters butts. Right?" Little Joe swallows hard and nods his head in agreement. "Well guess who the hero is this time?" "Who?" He whispers. "You are. Because tonight you are going to get plenty of rest and kick those cancer monsters butts. Then you are going to go and play and have fun again." Little Joe smiles at the thought of being with his family at the park and running and playing laughing and having a great time. Him and his brother flying kites. Their dad cheering them on. He smiles as he goes to sleep. His mom watching on and hearing what they are saying is using Eric handkerchief wiping her eyes. Tran gets up slowly as to not disturb the little boy and heads out of the room. Linda follows and once outside she hugs him fiercely. He hugs back. "That was really nice. Thank you." she says at she lets him go. "Its just how I feel." Tran says. "We will text when we get back to the hotel." Eric says and they get the others and they head to dinner. Nothing really exciting happens at dinner. Just some nervous small talk. Tran did however take the initiative this time and grabbed Illianas hand under the table. She gives a small smile at him as he does. Once they have dinner and head back to the room they all get ready for bed. Illiana borrows one of Eric's t-shirts to use as a night gown and the boys just sleep in their underwear. After they all got ready for bed they all watched a movie. However none really watched they kind of looked at the TV and thought of little Joe and hoping he pulls through this latest battle. Eric is thinking why does this happen to children. It is just so unfair. Not that its fair with adults. But, at least they have had a chance to live their life. What lesson could possibly be learned by watching a five year old waste away from cancer? Illiana just snuggles up to Tran who is trying to hide his erection with a pillow. He seems to be doing a decent job as Illiana hasn't said anything. He isn't horny. Well no more then any boy his age would be. Its just natural with the closeness of someone he cares about. Once the movie ends they all head to bed. Eric got a three bedroom suite luckily. Not that anyone has used the third bedroom yet. But, it works out that Illiana has a room to herself. Eric settles them all down and tucks them in. Illiana first. He tucks her in and kisses her forehead. "Eric do you think everything will be OK?" She asks scared of the answer. "I wish I knew. I certainly hope so." "It just doesn't seem fair. All the bad people in the world and a sweet little boy like Joe gets cancer and they are walking around just fine." "I agree. I was thinking something similar earlier." "I think he is going to be OK. At least I hope so." She says a tear escaping her eye. Eric bends down and wraps his arms around her. She returns the motion and wraps her arms around him. She starts to cry in earnest now. He just holds her lifts her up and puts her on his lap. She cries into his shoulder for a good five minutes. He just holds her and gently rubs her back and lets her cry it out. Sometimes its just what someone needs. A good long cry to get rid of the sadness and fear. She regains control of herself after a few more minutes and Eric hands her a tissue from the night stand. She blows her nose and puts the tissue in the can. "I guess I needed that." She says and kisses Eric on the cheek. "Sometimes we all do. Now lets get you laid down and off to the land of Nod." Eric says lifting her up and tucking her back in. He again kisses her forehead and then heads to the boys room. All four snug as a bug in a rug in the king sized bed. Looks to be enough room Eric thinks. He kisses his boys first and tucks them in. He starts on the edge and works his way a cross the bed. He starts with Tran who is on the edge. He hugs and kisses him. Then Joey. He moves to the other side of the bed and kisses Alejandro and then Zack. "You boys sleep well." "We will try." Zack says. Eric can see the fear in his eyes at the thought of losing his brother. Eric rubs his hand down his cheek as he gets up. "If you guys need anything you know where I am." "Sure thing Poppi." Eric heads to his room and strips down. He puts on some sleeping pants and climbs into bed. He is no sooner asleep when he feels a little body slipping into the bed beside him. He figures it is Tran as it has become his custom to sleep in the same bed. Because it seems to give him comfort. He feels the body move closer to him and then next to him. He reaches down and wraps his arm around whomever it is and is a bit surprised and not to feel a little girl next to him. "I got scared is it OK......" "Sure. Just snuggle in and lets try to sleep." After a few minutes he hears a soft snore escaping the young girl. He just rubs her back gently as he dozes off. A few hours later he feels more bodies in the bed. He must have slept through them joining him. He feels around and all the boys are with them now. Nothing like finding comfort in a pack. Eric thinks and goes back to sleep. At 3:42 he hears a ringing that just wont stop and someone is shaking him. Please I just want to sleep he thinks. "Poppi your phone is ringing." "Huh? Oh." Eric says groggily. "'Lo?" Eric asks. "Eric its Linda." Eric immediately is wide awake. ""Yes?" "Dr Thomas is here now. Little Joe woke up and was breathing way better. His fever has broken. He is going to make it. He is starving he says. So one of the nurses has gone down to the cafeteria to find something for him to eat. Maybe I should have waited until morning to call you." She says. "No no no. Its fine. I wouldn't have wanted to wait any longer. That's great news." Eric says into the phone. Alejandro is looking on with curious eyes. "He is going to be OK." Eric mouths to him. Alejandro grins ear to ear. "Sure thing. I will see you in the morning." "It is morning." "OK I will see you later in the morning." He says smiling into the phone. He rings off and Alejandro whispers. "So he is going to be OK?" "It seems so." Eric whispers back. "Come on I got an idea. Don't wake the others." "Kay." Alejandro says and slips out of bed. Eric grabs his slacks and slips them on. Alejandro sees Eric is getting dressed and heads to his room to do the same. Eric writes a note and leaves it on the table. Alejandro and I left. We will be back shortly. Stay in the room if you wake up, and Tran is in charge. Love Eric They head downstairs and after a few questions to the night counter person Eric and Alejandro take off to an all night grocery store. Eric grabs a cart Alejandro is perplexed and Eric starts throwing all kinds of things into the cart. Alejandro smiles and sees whats up and starts helping. Once they are done they head back to the hotel and start setting everything. up. It is now 4:56 am. Eric walks into the bedroom and flips on the light. "Why is everyone sleeping when there is a party going on?" Eric shouts. He and Alejandro have on the pointed party hats and are blowing the noise makers. "Wha... whats going on?" Illiana asks. "Its a party baby girl. Your brother is going to make it!" Eric half shouts and lets off a Champaign popper making confetti fly out of the plastic bottle. "Woo hoo!" Alejandro Shouts and lets off a popper of his. "He is goingtot make it?" She says smiling. Zack waking up as well is smiling too. "Come on its a celebration." Eric says lifting the edge of the bed rolling all in it onto the floor. They all start giggling and laughing hard. The relief is unbelievable. "Come on guys we got cake, candy and balloons. All kinds of fun stuff." Alejandro half shouts in the excitement. Eric pulls out his phone and has synced it with the rooms speakers. He plays Kool and the Gang Celebrate. They are all dancing with each other and laughing and smiling. Otherwise having a great time. Eric hears a knock on the door and is curious so he answers it. It is a neighbor sleep in their eyes and not looking very happy. "I am trying to sleep." The man says. "Sorry about that. We just found out their little brother has made it through the hard part and is going to live." "Oh he at Saint Judes?" The man asks. "Yes. Sorry we woke you. We are just so excited is all." Eric responds. The man smiles. "Fuck sleep lets celebrate some. This is great news and definitely worth having my sleep interrupted. I got a nephew over there. We are worried sick about him too." "Come on in and celebrate with us. The more the merrier as they say." Eric says laughing. The man does indeed come in and he starts dancing to the music as well. There are several more knocks by angry people whose sleep has been interrupted and the desk person. After they learn why they all understand. Some went back to their rooms to try and sleep more. Most stayed and had a good time with everyone. So many of them had someone at Saint Judes. So any good news about any child is great news to them. Another success story of Saint Judes hard work. They get to the cake and Illiana says they cant cut it because Little Joe has to see it. It has Mighty mouse on it and it reads. Joe the Hero. Winning at every step. Eric agrees and they dont cut the cake. Everyone though has a good time until around 7 when visiting hours begin at the hospital. Everyone shook hands and was laughing and smiling. Eric got the kids dressed and they went to the hospital. Illiana carrying the cake and a big smile as well. When they walk into the room Little Joe is sitting up the oxygen tube is gone from his nose and so is the feeding tube. He is laughing and talking with his dad when they walk in. He sees Tran and smiles. "I beat the monsters." He says grinning. "You sure did. Good job." Tran says smiling. "We got you a cake Little Joe." Illiana says sitting it on the hospital table. "Whats it say?" He asks. Not being able to read yet. "It says Hero Joe. Winning at every step." His dad says to him smiling. "Yeah I'm a hero and kicking monsters butts." He says giggling. He sees Joey then. "Hey your famous I seen you on the phone." "Nah I'm just Joey." "My dad says your famous or will be." He says. "Nah I don't think I want to be famous. Just regular old me." "My daddy says you sing like angels." "I dont know about that. I just like to sing. Its fun to me." "Wish I could sing like that." "Maybe you can. You ever try?" "Yeah but it sounds like an old bull frog." "I bet it sounds nice. Come one lets sing a song. You know row your boat?" "Yeah." "Kay lets sing it." So that's what they do. Little Joe isn't far off. He doesn't sound like a bull frog but, he doesn't sound anything like Joey. But its sweet nonetheless. Hearing them sing together. Once they are done Linda tells them that even though he is doing better he needs his rest. Much to his dismay everyone leaves except his dad. Who he has always been closer too. Not that he isn't close to his mom. She is great to him. But, him and dad are two peas in a pod. Both loving baseball and spending time together. He is by far closest to Little Joe. The other kids know this and don't complain. Its just how it is. They know their dad loves them very much. But, little Joe is just a little version of their dad in nearly every way. In the hallway Zack tells his mom about the party they had and how a lot of people came to complain. Then a lot of them stayed. It was a lot of fun. "Well, I guess we better head back to the Ronald McDonald house and get a bit of sleep then. I know I haven't had any at all. Sounds like you all didn't have much." "Yeah we will probably go get some more rest too." Eric says smiling. That is exactly what they do. All of them so tired that the only one that changed into sleeping clothes was Eric. The rest just stripped off their shoes and pants and flopped wherever was closest. Two on the couch and one in a chair. Eric felt he wanted a bed so he went to his room and passed plum out from all the excitement of the day. A very long day indeed, and it really just started.