by
Mark 'Ponyboy' Peters
Chapter Forty
That night was a quiet one in our house. Mum didn't say very much about what had happened at the hospital when we had spoken with the police, but I could hear my parents talking later that night in their bedroom when I had gotten out of bed to use the bathroom, and although I couldn't hear what they were saying I suspected that I knew exactly what they were talking about.
The following morning I woke to the sound of a knock on my bedroom door, followed by it being opened. Thinking it might be Olly again I sat up, only to be greeted by the sight of my father entering my room.
'You decent?' he asked.
'Only if I stay covered,' I replied.
He offered me a wry grin, before sitting down on the edge of my bed. I had to scoot over a little to give him room.
'How are you doing, mate,' he asked. 'Mum told me what happened yesterday, and about everything you told the police. I'm truly sorry that you felt you couldn't come to us about these things.'
'It's okay. I know now that you had other stuff going on, and well, it's not exactly something a guy can talk to his mum about, is it?'
'No, I guess not.'
'Uncle Bryan helped, and now that it's all out in the open it feels weird, but the cops can finally do something about that prick now, for what he did to people like me, as well as what he did to Raffa.'
'I'm so fucking proud of you, Grayson. I had no idea you were such a good kid, and I'm sorry I've been such a shit of a father to you.'
'Like I said before, I know now that you had other stuff going on,' I replied, before leaning forward and wrapping my arms around my father and hugging him to me. After a little hesitancy he returned the hug and that's how we stayed for at least a couple of minutes. Nothing was said, but years of hurt and confusion passed through us, falling away to the floor, or somewhere distant, never to be seen again, and it was liberating.
Nothing much else happened that Sunday. I spent part of the day at the hospital with Raffa's family and managed to see him for a short while, this time with Leandro coming into the ICU with me. We talked to Raffa as if he were awake, as if we were just visiting him while he was in for some routine check-up and he was sitting up and listening to us.
Leandro told him that he liked his new brother, telling him that, ‘He’s a cool dude, who even doesn't mind sharing a bit of weed every now and then. You done good picking him.’
'So he knows you don't mind a bit of weed?' I quietly asked Leandro.
'Of course.'
'And what about Raffa? Does he . . .'
'What do you think?'
'Fuck, you think you know somebody!' I said with a laugh, before I started to tell Raffa everything about the meeting with the cops yesterday as well, and while I was doing so I glanced at Leandro a couple of times. I had already filled him in on most of this, but there were a few things to which he raised his eyebrows, while remaining silent.
After we had left the ICU, after I had given Raffa a parting kiss once more, Leandro steered me out into the garden near the ED once more, where we sat on the same bench that we had used the other night.
'That bastard really worked you guys over, didn't he?' he asked.
'Raffa was lucky, but yeah, for a few days there I wasn't sure just how I was going to handle moving forward. He effectively raped me, but as I said to Raffa, I've now told all of that to the cops. They already have him in custody for the accident. If they lay extra charges from this, then he's bound to get put away.'
'Man, what you've done must have taken some guts.'
'I dunno about that. I said to mum yesterday that after they'd taken Raffa away on Friday night and Animal was trapped in his car, I kind of hoped that it would catch on fire. I was pretty wound up the other night and I really didn't care what happened to the prick after what he had done to us. I know that's wrong, but I couldn't help how I felt.'
'If I'd been there and knew what I know now, I probably would have lit the fucking match. But at least you didn't tell the cops that.'
'No. But it was tempting.'
'I bet it was.'
It was nearing lunch time now and so we made our way back to the waiting room to find it almost filled with family and friends, including Bryan and Chase, who had arrived back in town, adding to the growing number of visitors at the hospital. I was reasonably certain that the hospital staff were getting concerned about how many visitors there were, but so far nothing had been said. The looks they gave us were enough though.
I greeted Bryan and Chase with hugs and introduced them to Raffa's family members, then answered their questions as best I could, filling them in on Raffa's condition. Once that was done, I said to Chase, 'I think we might need to clear all these people out of here. Won't they need the room for other people if they get a run of admissions to the ED or something?'
Chase answered with a nod of the head, which had also been seen by Leandro, who then spoke to his parents.
'The cafeteria will be open,' Chase added. 'How about we adjourn to there, grab something to eat and either eat there, or go out into one of the gardens? Then you can fill us in on everything that's been happening.'
'Yeah, that sounds like a plan to me,' I said to him.
Leandro said to me, 'I'm going to take the folks home. They're exhausted with all this waiting around. I'll catch up with you later, eh?'
'Sure thing,' I replied, before we bumped fists and I said goodbye to his parents.
Chase took us to the cafeteria, which had a number of tables and chairs for customers, but as it was half filled with people we just bought some lunch and then went outside into one of the gardens, where we might have a little more privacy. We found there were several tables with benches, all under cover, so we settled down at one of these to eat and catch up, with me on one side and Bryan and Chase sitting beside each other opposite me.
'So, first things first,' Bryan said. 'What actually happened?'
I filled them in the whole story, from the time we first saw Animal when we were crossing the road, to the accident on Friday night, all the way through to yesterday's discussions with the cops, and then this morning's visit with Raffa.
'We're hopeful that they'll be able to bring him out of the induced coma sometime tomorrow and that things will have settled down enough for them to get more of an idea about his back injury.'
'I'm sure he'll be fine,' Chase offered. 'They do that sort of thing all the time, just as a precautionary measure.'
'And what if he's not fine?' I asked.
'Then they'll decide the best course of action to take. I know everyone cares a great deal about Raffa, we all love him, but there's not much point in getting worked up over it until we know exactly what he will be facing.'
'Yeah, I know, but it's not easy trying to keep my shit together while we're not knowing. And you saw what his parents were like . . . it's really weighing them down.'
'I know mate,' said Bryan. 'You just need to have a little faith in Raffa, and in the people caring for him.'
'Yeah,' I replied, before drinking some of my fruit juice.
Watching the two of them together was an interesting experience. Bryan was a rather straight-laced kind of guy, who I think most people would find it difficult to tell was gay. While Chase was kind of out there, but in a nice way, of course. His hair colour seemed to change periodically, while his actions and the way he spoke would only back up the initial impression that he was, as Bryan had said the day they first met, an exotic creature.
And yet somehow, they seemed to be good together. What was it they say about opposites how attract? This was a classic example, even if, under their different outer layers, they were basically just two gay guys, not too far apart in age, who were looking for the same thing; someone to love.
'Okay then, so my turn now . . . what's going on with the two of you?' I asked.
I saw them glance at each other and smile before Bryan replied.
'Well, let's just say that we're both glad you introduced us the other day,' he said.
'So you're obviously now together then?'
'Doh!' said Chase, to which I could only laugh.
'Yes, we're together,' Bryan added. 'Still figuring things out, still learning about each other, and taking things slowly for now, as we've both been burned in the past.'
'Well, you look good together,' I replied, before turning to Chase and adding, 'And I suppose you've shown him your special talents. Did you make sure he was clean first?'
'What the . . .' Bryan began to say, but with both Chase and me laughing our asses off he was soon drowned out.
'Oh yeah,' Chase eventually managed to say, once he had calmed down. 'He's clean . . . and he's dirty all at the same time. And I can certainly see now how the two of you are related.'
'I'm right here, you know!' Bryan groaned.
Chase reached over and placed an arm around Bryan's shoulders, while also leaning across and kissing my uncle on the cheek.
'And that's right where I want you,' Chase said to him. 'What do you say we head back to my place for a while? Let Grayson do whatever he needs to do today.'
Bryan looked at me with eyebrows raised.
'Does mum know you're back in town?' I asked him.
'No, we were going to call around later.'
'We? So you're ready to introduce Chase to the family already?' I said as I smirked at him. 'Do you think they'll be able to handle him?'
'Hey guys, I'm right here, you know!' Chase moaned.
'How about we grab some takeaway for everyone, and we'll call around for dinner this evening?'
'I'll let mum know. She'll be stoked!'
After saying our goodbyes, I watched them drive away, then I headed home to tell mum we were having visitors for dinner. When I got there, however, I found the house empty, so I decided to call her. She picked up on the second ring.
'Hi, honey. How are things at the hospital?'
'Just the same. I'm at home now though. Where are you guys at?'
'The movies. We're just going in to see that new Jurassic Park movie.'
'All of you?'
'Yes, even your father is going to watch it. Do you want to join us?'
'No thanks,' I replied. Right now going to see a movie was the last thing on my mind. 'I just wanted to let you know we'll be having visitors for dinner.'
'What?' she almost screeched.
'Don't worry, it's only Uncle Bryan and . . .'
'And who? A friend?' she suggested.
'Yeah. But he's also a friend of mine and Raffa's.'
'Oh. Okay then. This'll be interesting.'
I couldn't help but chuckle.
'You'll love him. As for dad, I'm not so sure. Anyhow, they're bringing takeaway, so you don't have to worry.'
'Oh good, that's a relief. So what are you going to do this afternoon?'
'Sleep for a bit, then later I'll go back to the hospital for a while. I'll probably see you when you get home.'
'Okay then. See you,' she replied, before disconnecting.
I grabbed a cold can of drink from the fridge then headed for my room as I started drinking it down. It was quite a warm day outside, so I pulled the blinds closed, leaving the window open slightly, then switched on the small fan that was on a shelf above my desk, just so a bit of air could circulate around the room. After stripping down to my jocks I lay down on my bed in the semi-darkness, enjoying the feel of having a cool breeze passing over me as the fan rotated from side to side.
After the events of the last few days I was feeling quite exhausted, so it wasn't long before I was out like a light.
* * *
My visit to the hospital that afternoon was another quiet event. There was nothing new to report and I was beginning to feel somewhat helpless about that fact, as well as perhaps a little guilty about wondering what good I was doing spending so much time there.
Of course, I was there to be close to Raffa, to be close to the person I loved, but all this sitting around with nothing happening was beginning to weigh me down. I could see that it was also having the exact same effect on Antonio and Katherine, as they were also beginning to look run down by the whole ordeal. Hopefully tomorrow would see some change for all of us when they allowed Raffa to wake up from his induced coma. We would have him back, and despite the inevitable difficulties that he would be facing, hopefully he would be on the road to a complete recovery.
I left the hospital late in the afternoon, after getting to see Raffa for only a few minutes. I sat beside him, holding his hand, and told him how much I loved him. I told him that Bryan and Chase were also here in town and were together, which I knew he would get a chuckle out of.
When I arrived home my family were all there. Mum gave me a hug and a kiss as soon as I walked in the back door. I guess she could see the toll that this was taking on me.
'I spoke to Bryan,' she said. 'They are picking up some Chinese for us all and will be here about six-thirty.'
'Sounds good.'
'So, who is this mystery friend of his . . . and yours?'
'His name is Chase. He works at the hospital in one of the clinics there.'
'And how do you and Raffa know him?'
'Oh geez mum, what's with the third degree?'
'Just want to know what's going on in my son's life,' she replied.
'Well, if you must know, he runs the Sexual Health Clinic,' I said to her quietly.
'So you've what . . . been to see him? You got yourself tested?'
I nodded in reply.
'I'm so pleased to hear that,' she said, as she ran her hand up and down my arm, as only mothers seem to know how to do. 'I'm sure it'll be interesting to find out how Bryan met him though.'
'Last weekend when we were all having breakfast downtown, Chase just happened to be walking along the street and bumped into us, so we introduced them then. I guess the rest, as they say, is history.'
'I guess it is,' mum replied with a smirk.
Bryan and Chase arrived right on time, just as Olly was setting the table for dinner. Chase looked as exotic as ever, being smartly dressed and with his colourful hair looking amazing. The expressions on the faces of my family we priceless when they were first introduced, but they soon got over any initial awkwardness after a few jokes were exchanged, the best of which was when Olly told Chase that he reminded him of that Macaw named Blu from a movie called Rio.
Mum said something like, 'Oh my god, Oliver!', but the rest of us, including my father cracked up at that one, while Chase just seemed to take it in his stride. The ice was broken, and the rest of the night proved to be an enjoyable one, with good food and a good deal of banter, though I did have to admit to a few nervous moments when my father asked Chase how he knew both Raffa and me.
'That's none of our business, Richard,' my mother said, saving the day, but I knew it was quite likely I would be quizzed on it again later, once our visitors had left us. If that happened, I would just be honest with dad and tell him the truth, but I didn't feel that it was necessary for all the details to be shared across the dinner table, and apparently my mother agreed.
A good deal of ground was covered during our conversations during and after dinner, and I think that Chase was well accepted by everyone in, what I had always thought, was my rather straight-laced family. I know that recent events had changed us all, but even so, I think my father in particular was still adjusting to the changes. When Bryan and Chase eventually left us, it was getting quite late, so we said our farewells and thanked them for dinner and then they drove off into the night. I assumed that they would be going to Chase's place afterwards, but nobody asked that question.
The following morning, Monday, I woke with a feeling of renewed optimism. Hopefully today would be the day when Raffa came back to us and we would be able to talk to him and, very carefully, hug him.
I intended to go into work early to talk to Julie Mack, our personnel manager, to let them know what was happening and that there was no way I would be able to work today, and possibly for the next few days at least. When I got there, I found her at the front service desk as other staff were arriving, and she was quite shocked when she saw me come through the door.
'Grayson, what are you doing here?' she asked. 'I certainly didn't expect to see you today . . . and probably not for the entire week.'
'I just wanted to talk to you and let you know what was happening,' I said, trying my best to keep it together, while inside my head and my guts, things were churning like I was riding a roller-coaster. 'I guess you've heard everything that has been going on? I'm sorry, but I think I'll need to take some time . . .'
'Of course! We really weren't expecting you at all.'
I was feeling touched as a few other staff members had gathered around and offered their support, which took me one step closer to going over the emotional edge.
Sensing this, Mrs Mack said, 'How about we go to my office? We've only heard a little bit about what happened, so if you feel up to it, we would love to know exactly what is going on with Rafael. I can set all the gossip-mongers straight then.'
'Okay. That would be good. Thanks,' I replied.
As we walked down the centre aisle of the store she told me that Hoppy was going to fill in at the loading dock until I was able to return, seeing as it had already been arranged he would be working today, while some of the other casual staff would be asked to fill in for Raffa, so one way or another all positions in the store would be covered.
When we reached Mrs Mack's office, she asked me take a seat, then asked if I wanted a tea or coffee while she would see if Mr Webster was available.
'No, I'm fine thank you,' I replied, then with a nod she left me, before returning within a minute with Mr Webster on her heels.
I stood up to meet him and he put out his hand to shake mine.
'Grayson, we're so shocked by what has happened,' he said to me. 'How are you doing? And more to the point, how is Rafael doing? Have there been any developments?'
'I'm okay, thank you. And we'll know more about what's happening with Rafael later today. He's got broken bones everywhere and they placed him in an induced coma, but they were planning to wake him today, then they might know more about how serious his injuries are.'
'That's good then . . . I mean, that they'll know more today. And is it true that the man who caused this accident was the man who confronted you at the loading dock recently, who Mike had to help calm down?'
'Yes, it was him. He's had it in for us over . . . well, he just had it in for us. First me, by setting his thugs on me, then Rafael.'
'But they have him in custody, right?'
'Yes, they do,' I replied.
'Then let's hope he stays there.'
'Yeah.'
'Well, you obviously need to get to the hospital, so we won't keep you, but please pass on our best wishes to his family and keep us informed about Rafael's condition. We all wish him a speedy recovery.'
'Thank you, sir. I'll be sure to do that.'
After he had left us, I turned to Mrs Mack. 'Just go to him,' she said to me. 'For now, just worry about helping him get over this, and please keep us informed as to what is happening.'
'I will, and thank you,' I replied. Mrs Mack gave me a quick hug and then I left her office, not quite sure when I would be back, but grateful for the support that had been offered.
I left the store and drove straight to the hospital, then after finding a parking space I hurried to the ICU ward, my thoughts solely on seeing Raffa again, and hopeful that he might by now be awake.
I checked the waiting room to see if Raffa's parents might be there, but the place was empty, so I headed for the ICU. The first door in the corridor was open, so I walked through it then I soon reached the next door, which was right beside the room that Raffa was in.
When I glanced at the window, I could see that the blinds in his room were pulled back, so I looked inside. What I saw was not what I expected. I felt my heart lurch inside my chest.
The room was bare. There was no bed. There was no Raffa.
Fuck! Where was he? What the hell has happened now?
To be continued . . .
Authors Note:
Hi there. It has been a while since I have posted anything new on Nifty. I guess life gets in the way sometimes.
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