Although my plan to have Gerald stay at my folks' house was a good one, when Caleb's granny heard that Gerald was coming home soon, she had a better plan. As she'd demonstrated when taking in Tony, and later adopting him, she was happiest when she was needed, and she was insistent that Gerald come stay with her.
Although Caleb had moved into the same apartment complex as Jake and Ronnie, Tony still lived at home and would be able to help with Gerald as well. Even though my mom, and especially Mikey were disappointed that Gerald wouldn't be staying with them, they volunteered to help in any way they could. Johnny's mom also volunteered, providing rides, and seeing to his day to day needs.
At first I was a little disappointed as well, but Johnny and I were too busy settling into our new jobs and new life to worry too much about it. As long as Gerald was happy and taken care of, that was all that mattered.
We'd been living in Tulsa for about two weeks when we got a phone call from Gerald, and he sounded very excited. He was being released on Friday and was being flown to Tulsa. Of course, I immediately volunteered Johnny and me to pick him up. His plane wasn't due to arrive till around 4 o'clock, so Johnny and I could work till noon, then head home, change, and pick up our friend.
The rest of the week seemed to drag, but I stayed in contact with my folks, and Caleb's granny, and was assured everything was ready for Gerald's arrival.
Finally, Friday arrived, and I think I was as nervous as I'd ever been as we waited for Gerald's plane to arrive that day. We knew what injuries he had sustained and what to expect, but it was still a shock when he finally emerged from the plane, being pushed in a wheelchair by a flight attendant.
He looked thin and pale, but as soon as he saw us, a huge smile filled his face as we rushed over to greet him. As expected, he had a cast on his right leg, but his left leg, the one that had taken a bullet, was covered by his pant leg. The other leg of his pants had been split up the inseam to allow it to go over the cast, and it was taped at the bottom to cover most of the cast.
He wore a button-up shirt and I could see a bulge there where the bandage covered the bullet wound he'd taken to the chest. Fortunately, not only had the bullet missed all major organs, it had passed cleanly through Gerald's body rather than being lodged inside to do more damage.
"You look good," I lied as I bent down to hug my friend.
"Liar," he chuckled, "I look like shit."
"You look fine to me," the flight attendant said smiling, and thank you for your service," she said sincerely.
"Thank you...Mindy, for taking such good care of me on the flight," Gerald said reaching for her hand to shake.
The flight attendant was probably in her mid 20s, cute and petite, and I saw a sparkle in her eye as they shook hands, her other hand patting Gerald's hand as they did so.
Then she excused herself and was gone.
"Did you get her number?" Johnny chuckled, "I think she has the hots for you."
"Nah, I'm not much good in bed these days," Gerald sighed, "not till I get rid of this damn cast anyways."
"Well, you're halfway there," I said trying to sound upbeat, "let's get your luggage and get going. We have the whole evening planned out. Then tomorrow we'll sleep late, have breakfast, and head to Pryor. I'm sure you're anxious to see your mom..."
"Yeah, I guess," Gerald said shrugging.
I wondered if he harbored a little resentment about the fact that she hadn't offered to take care of him, but I knew he'd be happy with Caleb's granny. If anyone could make Gerald feel cared for and needed, it would be that sweet old woman.
It was fortunate our apartment was downstairs and we had no problem getting Gerald inside. We'd already rented a wheelchair, which would go with Gerald until he got the cast off, and between Johnny and I we were able to help him into it without any problems.
"Nice place," Gerald said, taking the tour, using his strong arms to propel the chair.
He might have lost a few pounds, but his arms were still strong and muscular, probably from having to use them so much since his leg was out of commission.
"Thanks, we have a spare bedroom just for such an occasion as this."
"Right now, I really need to pee guys, think you could help me stand? I can do the rest," he chuckled, "I'm tired of using pee bottles."
With Johnny and I holding Gerald up on either side, he took care of his business, zipped up, then we moved him to the sink so he could wash up. the wheelchair wouldn't fit through the door of the bathroom (this was way before the days of ADA compliant laws) but it was just outside the door, and it didn't take much to get Gerald back into it.
"I hate this damned wheelchair already," Gerald said, then blushing he added, "I'm sorry, I know you went to a lot of trouble, not to mention expense to get it for me."
"We understand," I said patting him gently, "now, I thought you might want to take a nap before we head out to supper, how does that sound."
"That sounds wonderful," Gerald said, suddenly looking even more pale and exhausted.
Fortunately, the door to the bedroom was large enough to accommodate the wheelchair, and he was able to wheel himself right up to the bed. He was even able to stand, then fall back on the bed without our help, which seemed to please him. Gerald had always been strong and independent, and I figured being incapacitated was very hard for him. Fortunately however, his present condition was only temporary, and with our help he could get through it and move on to better times.
While Gerald napped, Johnny and I sat and talked, cuddling as we did so, and occasionally exchanging a kiss or two.
"He looks so pale."
"Well, he's been in the hospital all this time and that's what happens," Johnny said, "but he'll regain his color once he gets some sunshine and fresh air."
"Yeah, we'll have to make sure he doesn't bury himself in the bedroom and that he gets out some."
"I'm sure Tony and Caleb will make sure of that. I'm actually glad he will be with Caleb's granny. She'll make him feel loved and needed, not to mention, feed him to death," Johnny chuckled.
"Yeah, he looks like he could use some good home cooking. We'll start tonight with Casa Bonita. I know he loves Mexican, and it's all you can eat so...hopefully he'll get his fill."
I'd promised to call mom and dad as soon as we were home, so I did that next, and my mom promised to pass the information along to the others. We went over our plans again for tomorrow, and I was smiling by the time I hung up and rejoined Johnny.
"Everything set for tomorrow?" Johnny asked.
"Yep, everyone is going to be there at 2, so I figure we'll leave here about 12:30, that sound right?"
"Perfect, we can always drive around till time if we need to. I'm sure Gerald will want to see the town again."
"I just hope he doesn't ask to go see his mom first, that would mess things up since she'll already be at Caleb's house," I chuckled.
"We'll deal with that if, and when it happens. Right now, I think we should take a shower, together, and get ready for our evening out."
"I think that's a wonderful idea," I said, always happy to get naked with my lover, "and we can get dirty, then get clean."
"You read my mind," Johnny chuckled, and with that we were off to the bathroom.
We settled for some heavy petting and exchanged blowjobs in the shower, swallowing all the evidence, then washing each other till we were squeaky clean. By the time we'd dried off and dressed, our guest had somehow managed to get into the wheelchair and was sitting in the living room staring out the window.
"Did you have a good nap?" I asked, looking at the clock and noting it was just after 6 o'clock.
"It was okay, sometimes I have these dreams..." he said, but didn't elaborate.
"Johnny and I are showered and ready to go. Do you want to wash up or anything, or change before we go out to dinner?"
"Well, I can't shower, but I could use a sponge bath I guess," he said grinning, "if only I could fine someone willing to do that."
"How about two somebodies?" I chuckled.
"Oh, well...I'd be very grateful," Gerald said, and I couldn't help but notice a slight bulge in his khaki pants.
While I grabbed a pan of water, wash cloth and towel, Johnny helped Gerald get undressed and into bed. When I arrived back in his bedroom, Gerald was laying spread-eagle on a towel in the middle of the bed, his cock at half mast and waving around provocatively.
"Well, I see your dick isn't broken," I teased.
"Oh no, it's not broken, but it hasn't gotten much attention lately."
"Well, we'll fix that," I said lewdly as I began his sponge bath.
It was obvious he wasn't really dirty, just a bit sweaty here and there, and a bit musky below. A few quick swipes with the washcloth fixed that, and by then Gerald was hard as a tree branch.
"My my, these balls sure seem full," I said giving them a gentle squeeze.
"Oh...trust me, they are, and I'm ready to pop," Gerald said beneath his breath.
"Well, Johnny, what do you think we should do about this? Should we thank Gerald for his service by giving him some service?" I chuckled.
"It's our patriotic duty," Johnny agreed, "since he has a flag pole erected, let's run the flag up there."
Between the two of us, we managed to edge Gerald for about ten minutes before he finally cried out and began to spurt. He hadn't been kidding, he shot out like a geyser and he'd already covered his chest and belly with his spunk before I was able to get my mouth on his spewing dick.
His spunk tasted different than when he was younger, and I didn't know if it was because he'd aged, or perhaps because of the various drugs he'd been given for his injuries. It wasn't unpleasant, just different, and I swallowed it all down, then used the wash cloth and finally the towel to clean up the rest.
This time we dressed Gerald in sweats, which were loose enough that the leg of them went over his cast. Instead of a button-up shirt, this time he wore a collared pullover with two buttons at the top. After lacing on his shoes, I handed him a mirror and comb and he managed to get his hair under control.
By 7 o'clock we were seated in the courtyard at Casa Bonita at a table that could accommodate Gerald's wheelchair. The courtyard was just one of the many rooms at Casa Bonita, each different. This one had a black ceiling with tiny lights that gave the illusion of dining under a starry night sky. Other rooms included one called the cave, which appeared to be carved out of rock, and one with a waterfall, though I really didn't care for that one because the waterfall made so much noise it was hard to carry on a conversation. In addition to the different dining areas, there was a children's section, complete with a puppet show and a small arcade. It was a very family friendly place, and in my opinion had some of the best Mexican food I'd ever eaten. At $4.99 for all you could eat, it was a bargain too, and no trip to Tulsa had been complete without a visit here. Sadly, the restaurant no longer exists today, but during it's heyday it was the place to eat in Tulsa.
I was encouraged by Gerald's apparent appetite as he dived into his food. When our plates were empty, we ran up the little flag at the table and a server rushed over and we ordered more food. Gerald went for more cheese enchiladas, rice and beans, while Johnny and I ordered another full plate.
As we ate our second plate, the conversation was more lively, and though Gerald seemed reluctant to talk much about his experiences, he seemed interested in what Johnny and I and the gang had been up to.
"Well, as you know...Caleb opened his own electronics store there in Pryor, C&T Electronics, and he's doing really well. He does a lot of the repair work himself, but he has two people working for him as well."
"What's the T stand for?" Gerald wondered.
"Well...originally, he thought Tony would come to work there too, but Tony had other plans," I chuckled, "You remember how good Tony was at fixing things with engines? Well, he went to work as a mechanic at the Ford Dealership and now he's the service manager. It didn't take them long to figure out Tony knew more about cars than most of their mechanics, plus, he was really good with the customers."
Gerald smiled, "I'm glad they both did well. And you two...nice apartment, good jobs. Do you still paint, Johnny?"
"Oh yeah, every chance I get, though I have to admit lately I've been busy with the move and all. I still sell a piece every now and then in Tahlequah, and I've been checking out the galleries here in Tulsa."
Gerald frowned then, "I don't suppose there's too many job openings for chopper pilots here in Oklahoma. Reckon I'll have to learn something new."
"I don't know, maybe. I mean, someone has to fly those things," I said, if you found a job here in Tulsa, we'd be happy to help you get set up and all. You could stay with us till you could afford a place or whatever."
"Thanks," Gerald sighed, "just have to wait and see what happens I guess. First, gotta get this leg mended."
We were full after our second plate, but not too full for their famous sopapillas and honey. On the way out, we stopped to watch the puppet show for a few minutes and I noticed Gerald seemed to be staring at a dark haired Asian boy of about 10 or so. I wondered if he was just curious, or if the boy reminded him of someone, but I didn't ask, and soon his attention turned back to the show.
We drove around for a while, showing Gerald some of the more popular sites, then wound up on Peoria, the restless ribbon, before finally heading to the apartment.
Gerald looked very tired, and though it was barely 10 o'clock, he excused himself to go on to bed. Johnny and I helped him pee one more time, then went with him to the bedroom, however, he really didn't need our help for that.
He skinned off his shirt but opted to leave his sweat pants on and was soon stretched out beneath the covers. I couldn't resist giving him a hug and kiss on the cheek, and Johnny followed my lead.
"Thanks guys...for everything," Gerald said sounding very emotional, "I don't know what I'd have done without you."
"Well, you'll never have to find out, cause we're here for you, no matter what," I assured him, "get some rest, and if you need anything, just holler. I'm a light sleeper, and trust me, I'll hear you."
To make that easier, I left both our doors open, and soon Johnny and I were settled into our bed. We both had a lot on our minds, but we were comfortable not talking that night as we lay in bed. I could only imagine the horrors that Gerald had witnessed, and my mind kept coming back to that dark haired boy at the restaurant. Had that boy reminded Gerald of a boy back in Vietnam, and if so, what had happened to him? It was with these thoughts that I finally drifted off to sleep, no closer to the truth.
*************************************
Morning came bright and clear and Johnny and I lounged in bed awhile before finally getting up to empty our bladders. I looked in on Gerald on our way to the bathroom, but he still seemed to be sleeping soundly, though I knew when he awoke he'd be in need of some release as well.
We peed, washed up, brushed our teeth, then got dressed, and by then Gerald was stirring. I heard him call my name and I chuckled, knowing what would come next.
"I need to pee...guys...really bad..." he said through what sounded like clenched teeth.
Johnny and I rushed to his room and found him already in the wheelchair and raring to go. As soon as we had Gerald in position in the bathroom, he jerked his sweats down and let go, and the resulting deluge was quite impressive.
"Better?" I teased as he finally shook off the last few drops.
"Oh man, I'm definitely going to have to keep a pee bottle handy at granny's house. She won't be able to help me like you guys can."
"Well, Tony will be there most of the time, when he's not at work, but we'll figure something out," I said, giving the matter some thought.
"Hungry?" Johnny asked as Gerald washed up.
"A little, but I'm not a big breakfast person."
"That's fine, how about some oatmeal and fruit. We'll have a good lunch later," I said smiling, knowing what was ahead.
"Yeah, that's fine. After we eat though, well...this is embarrassing, but I gotta go number two. Fortunately, I don't need any help with that, except getting on the toilet," he added blushing.
"No problem, we're all adults here, and all men, we're not gonna get upset over a little shit," I laughed, and that seemed to loosen Gerald up some.
While I fixed the oatmeal, Johnny made coffee, mostly for Gerald's sake. Though Johnny liked an occasional cup of coffee, I'd never developed a taste for it.
"So, we're going to Pryor today?" Gerald asked, even though we'd discussed this earlier.
"Yeah, around 12:30 or so," I said, "why, you nervous or something?"
"A little, I know I can't stay here though..."
Was he hinting, I wondered. Maybe we should have planned on his staying the weekend before dropping him off, but it was too late now.
"Well, how about if we come get you next weekend and bring you back for the whole weekend?" I offered.
"Really? Yeah, that would be great," he said perking up, "I guess I need to go see my mom and check in with granny and everyone first anyway..."
"Yes, they're all eager to see you," I assured him.
Gerald did his thing in the bathroom, then without our help he ran a sink of water and washed up before calling for us to help him into his wheelchair. This time he chose a pair of jeans, also cut up the inseam to go over the cast, and a nice button-up shirt to greet the others in.
By noon we were all dressed and ready to go, but instead of heading straight to Pryor, Johnny drove around awhile, then stopped at a QT and filled up the bug bus before we headed out.
Gerald seemed quiet at first, but Johnny and I were finally able to pull him into our conversation, and by the time we finally reached Pryor he seemed in good spirits.
It was still early, so as planned, we drove around town for awhile as Gerald watched all the familiar sights go by.
"Wow, not much has changed," Gerald chuckled, "just like I remembered it."
"Yeah, it's almost the same as when we were kids. And what changes have been made have been gradual...so slow you don't notice til they're done."
"Yeah, are we gonna go by my house first, or what?" Gerald said, finally asking the question we'd dreaded.
I decided a half-truth wouldn't spoil the surprise, and was way better than a lie. "Your mom is supposed to be at Caleb's house. We thought it would be easier so you wouldn't have to get out more than once."
"Oh, yeah, that makes sense, great. I can't wait," he said, but his tone of voice said otherwise.
"Well, we're about ready to head there now," Johnny said, noting the time, 1:45.
"Let's do this," I said, as giddy as a kid on Christmas. I couldn't wait to see the look on Gerald's face when he saw what was coming.
As we pulled into the driveway at Caleb's house I was pleased to see only Tony, Caleb's, and my folks' cars there. I'd suggested that they carpool to avoid congestion and keep from giving away the surprise, but I figured there had to be at least a dozen people inside the house by now.
By the time we'd parked, Tony and Caleb had appeared from inside, and after greeting Gerald warmly, they helped him get into the wheelchair. I noted with a smile the new wheelchair ramp leading up to the front porch, courtesy of the local VA chapter. Though Gerald would only need it for a few weeks, who knew when granny might have need of it, since she was getting up there in years.
Tony insisted on pushing Gerald up the ramp, and after we all joined them at the front door, Caleb led the way inside. It was dark in the house, well, as dark as it can be at 2 p.m. in the afternoon, but as soon as we entered the lights came on, and everyone yelled at once, Surprise!!
Gerald physically jumped at the unexpected sound, then I saw tears glisten in his eyes as he looked around at those assembled there to welcome him home. Hanging on the far wall was a hand painted banner that read, Welcome Home Gerald, and it had been signed by everyone present, as well as the men from the local VA chapter who had installed the ramp.
Gerald's mom rushed forward then, and after a few awkward moments had passed, she finally leaned down and hugged Gerald and the waterworks began. I think Gerald had been both dreading and looking forward to his reunion with his mom, and I was glad that in the end it had worked out all right. Yes, maybe he felt a little resentment that his mom was farming him out to stay with strangers, but I think he'd finally accepted that she was right, and that she wasn't capable of dealing with the situation at the moment. Maybe later, when the cast came off, he could think about moving back home, but as it turned out, that never happened.
Everyone close to Gerald was there that day, including Jake, Ronnie, Larry, Evelyn(though Chrissy had moved out of state by then), Rodney, and of course all our families, including Mikey.
Mikey, lovable little rascal that he was, ran up and hugged Gerald as if they were old buddies, and I think if Gerald hadn't been wearing a cast, he might've climbed up in his lap. Gerald didn't bat an eye however, and the two of them continued to bond as the evening went on.
Granny and the other women had outdone themselves, and there was food of almost every kind to be had, as well as an assortment of drinks. After visiting with everyone there and thanking them for coming, Gerald finally announced he was hungry, and granny took it upon herself to be his private server. Then after fixing his plate, she parked him out of the way and rolled up a special table built especially for wheelchairs.
Johnny and I filled our plates and found a place near Gerald, but everyone seemed to have the same idea, and I pitied poor Gerald for all the attention he was getting.
After everyone had eaten their fill, granny rolled out a huge sheet cake done up in red, white, and blue that said, Welcome Home, Our Hero, Gerald. The candles were a special kind that sputtered like sparklers and were almost impossible to blow out, a fact poor Gerald finally discovered after much laughing on our part.
But Gerald was a good sport, and I think a bit overwhelmed by his welcome home, the cake, and the turnout. I could see he was pleased, but I couldn't help but notice a sadness in his eyes sometimes, but I supposed if I'd seen the things he had, I'd be sad too.
By seven o'clock, people began to trickle away, Tony or Caleb running them to their homes or cars, which some had left nearby in the park. Ronnie and Jake had ridden with Caleb, but Johnny's folks had walked over since their house was so close.
By eight o'clock, it was Tony, Caleb, Johnny, me, granny, and of course Gerald. I could tell all the excitement had taken a toll on Gerald, but he seemed happy, even if a bit apprehensive about his new situation.
The downstairs bedroom had been fixed up just for him, and there was a downstairs bathroom, which fortunately had a large enough door opening for Gerald's wheelchair. The open-plan living room, kitchen and dining room were easily accessible for Gerald, but of course the upstairs would be off limits till his cast came off.
Tony and Granny had bedrooms upstairs, and though Caleb had moved out a while ago, his room still held many of his things. This was just what granny had needed, a new project, someone new to care for and fuss over, and she was looking forward to it.
"I can't thank you enough for taking me in," Gerald said, reaching across to pat the old woman's hand.
"Oh peeshaw, it's my honor and privilege to do it. Besides, Tony and Caleb don't need me like they used to, and I need to be needed," she chuckled.
"We still need you granny," Tony assured her, "maybe not as much as we did, but we'll always need you."
"Yes, but if pampering Gerald makes you feel good, then go for it," Caleb laughed, "I bet you didn't get any pampering in the Army though, did you?"
"No, far from it. 5 o'clock mornings till midnight some days, dirty, wet, smelly places to sleep, lousy food...need I go on?"
"No, that's enough," Caleb chuckled, "well, you won't have to worry about that here. You can sleep all you want, eat great food, and be pampered like a rich lady's Poodle," he chuckled.
"I just don't want to be too much of a pain. Once I get this cast off and I can get around better..."
"Well, meanwhile, you just rest and enjoy," granny said patting his hand.
"Hey, was there any cake left?" Tony said jumping up then.
"Land sakes, that boy is like a sink hole," granny chuckled, "yes darlin', cake, and lots of other sweets too."
"I wouldn't mind some of that peach cobbler," Gerald said, and before it was all over with, we'd all found something sweet to eat.
Johnny and I left that night around nine, headed for my house to spend the night. Tomorrow, Johnny's folks were coming over for a cookout in the back yard, and it would be just like old times. I knew Mikey was really looking forward to it, and I was sure he'd be begging to visit us in Tulsa again soon.
Johnny and I didn't spend a whole lot of time making love that night, but by the time we were sated we were exhausted and ready for some sleep. Cuddled up together, we slept through the night, only to be awakened by Mikey the next morning as he bounced in, then jumped in the middle of us.
"Morning you guys," Mikey said as our eyes flew open in shock.
Recovering quickly, Johnny grabbed the little bundle of energy and began tickling him as I wiped sleep from my eyes. Looking over at the alarm clock by the bedside, I saw it was 9 a.m., and I was surprised Mikey had held off that long before waking us. Probably mom and dad's doing, I thought, and mentally thanked them for the extra sleep.
After peeing and washing up, we dressed and headed into the kitchen to see what mom was up to.
"Oatmeal and cinnamon rolls," mom said, "I didn't want to overload your stomachs since we'd be cooking out later."
"Sounds good," I said pouring milk for the three of us boys.
Johnny had given Mikey a piggyback ride to the table, and after dropping him off in his chair at the dining table, he took his own seat and waited for me. I slid in beside him, reaching down to squeeze his thigh as I did so, and he smiled. I smiled back and I noticed mom give us a loving look. If anyone was happiest about Johnny and I being in love, I think it was her. I guess women were suckers for love, any kind of love, and mom has always been our biggest supporter.
At the table, we caught up on our lives since we'd moved, something we really hadn't had time to do at Gerald's party, and I learned that mom and dad were thinking of trading in mom's old car and getting a new one. They'd keep the Impala, which dad pampered and kept in like-new condition, but mom's old car was nearing the 200,000 mile mark and keeping it running was more trouble than it was worth.
"I thought we might get a wagon this time," Dad said, "since Mikey will be starting Little League next spring, we might find ourselves needing to transport a bunch of boys from here to there."
"Cool, Chevy?" I asked, knowing Dad liked Chevrolets better than Fords.
"Well, we haven't decided. We might surprise everyone and get a Ford this time," Dad chuckled, "they have some nice wagons."
"Maybe you should buy a VW bus," Johnny laughed, "they can haul lots of kids."
"I'm not sure I could handle one of those," Mom said, "I think I'll stick with a car for now."
"Well, when you get it you can drive over to see us and break it in," I chuckled.
"What about you boys, now that you both work different jobs, are you thinking about a second car?"
"Actually, yes, but not a new one. Something small that gets good gas mileage. Maybe an import," I said, we've been looking, and saving for a down payment."
"If you need help with the down payment, we can help with that," Dad said.
"Nah, we'll be fine. We sort of want to do this on our own," I said, "but thank you for the offer, that means a lot to us."
"I understand, but if you change your mind, just let me know."
After our light breakfast, we helped mom clean up the little bit of mess we'd made, then Mikey dragged us outside where we were greeted by Snoopy, Mikey's dog.
Even though not technically a pup anymore, Snoopy was still full of energy, and he and Mikey were a good fit. Mikey's giggles were contagious as he led Snoopy on a chase or rolled around on the ground with him. Eventually, Mikey tired of running and fell down on his back and snoopy piled down on top of him, licking his face, then resting his head on his master's chest. They were just so cute together that it made you want to smile.
All those years growing up I'd never really had any desire to have a dog of my own. I'd enjoyed sharing Johnny's dog, Peck, however, until he'd been hit by a car. That was when Johnny was living on the farm in Locust Grove, but he'd been gone that day, and it was Caleb's grandpa that had buried poor Peck.
I supposed if I'd asked mom and dad they would have gotten me a dog, but I guess I just didn't want the responsibility of a pet, and settled for an occasional goldfish or frog. Mikey however, was the kind of boy who thrived with a best friend like Snoopy, and the two were inseparable. It was sad to think that boys lived longer than dogs however, and someday Mikey would have to say goodbye to his best friend, but I hoped that would be a long time down the road.
Sometimes, I wondered if that potential loss had kept me from wanting a dog, but when you're a kid, death seems so improbable and so far away. Twice though death had come into my life, first Johnny's sister, then his dog, but in a way those experiences had made me stronger. I didn't really fear death, though I did get sort of sad when I thought about my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and yes, my folks, who were older and would someday go on before me. I didn't dwell on it, but I'd had some rather meaningful talks with myself about death, and life, and love.
"Hey, you okay?" Johnny said noticing my introspective mood.
"Yeah, fine. Aren't they cute together? I said, and Johnny agreed," Do you ever wish you'd gotten another dog, to replace Peck I mean?"
"Nah, mom and dad told me I could get one when we moved to the new house, but I was so busy with you and all..."
"Someday, when we get a house with a yard, maybe then we can get a dog...for the kids," I teased.
"Yeah, if we had kids, we'd definitely need a dog," Johnny agreed, "and believe it or not, I think we will...have kids, I mean."
"Well, I don't think either of us can get pregnant," I teased, "but we can always take in some homeless kid."
"Yeah, there are plenty of orphans out there, that's for sure," Johnny said looking thoughtful.
Mikey was up and headed our way then, Snoopy nipping at his pants legs while my little brother giggled. Soon he piled down by us, with Snoopy at our feet.
"Snoopy is a good dog," I said stroking the mutt's ears and causing his eyes to close in bliss.
"Yep, but he's not very big like some dogs. Dad says he won't ever be very big, but that's fine. I love him just like he is."
"He's perfect," Johnny said scratching Snoopy's side and causing his leg to move as if he too were scratching.
Mikey giggled when he saw what was happening and pushed Johnny's hand away so he could take over.
"He's silly," Mikey said finally leaning down to kiss his doggy on the head.
"You know a dog is about the most loyal creature on earth. Once a dog falls in love with his master he will be faithful forever," Johnny said sounding emotional, "Peck was like that, even if he was an ugly mutt," he added, then chuckled at the last part.
"He was a good old dog," I agreed.
Our mood was broken as dad appeared from the back porch and walked over to join us.
"Hey, your mother and I were wondering if you boys wanted to go with us to visit Gerald?"
"Sure, but why don't we take the bug bus? That way we won't have to take two cars," I suggested.
Tony answered the door when we arrived at his house a short time later, then led us in to where Gerald sat in his wheelchair watching TV.
"Hey," I said as I stooped to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"Hey you guys. I didn't expect to see you again so soon."
"Well, we'd planned on stopping by before we left town, but since mom and dad were coming over we decided to come now."
"Hey Gerald," Mikey said bouncing over and giving Gerald a smile and a hug.
"Hey big guy, how's it going?"
"Good, been playing with my dog snoopy, can you smell him on me?" he giggled, offering his hand for Gerald to sniff.
"Smells like home to me," Gerald laughed after taking Mikey's hand and sniffing it deeply.
"Mikey!" mom scolded, but she was grinning, "Gerald doesn't want to smell your dirty hands."
"It's fine," Gerald assured her.
From somewhere in the back of the house, granny suddenly appeared, and she took one look at us and smiled, "Well, hello. Good to see you all, please, sit...sit. Can I get you something to drink? I made some fresh lemonade earlier for the boys."
"We're fine," mom said as she and dad found a seat on the couch.
Mikey stayed by Gerald's side, leaning on his wheelchair, and the two had a nice talk, as if they were the only two people in the room. That was how my little brother was, he could engage anyone in conversation, and the thing was: he made you enjoy it.
"Caleb is coming later for dinner," Tony said then, "we're going to grill burgers and dogs."
"That's what we had planned, with Johnny's folks," dad chuckled, "Hey, I have an idea. What if we brought our grill over here and we all had dinner together?"
"I think that's a great idea," I said enthusiastically, "Johnny and I can go get the grill and stuff in the Bug Bus, maybe mom can come too...so she can get the food."
Johnny's folks were 100 percent on board with our suggestion to combine our cookouts, and around 5 o'clock they showed up with the food they'd prepared for the dinner. The great thing was: granny didn't have to lift a finger. Between the dishes our moms had prepared and the men cooking the main course, all she had to do was sit back and relax.
I suggested that Caleb invite Ronnie and Jake as well, and around 5:30 the three of them showed up in Caleb's pickup. He still had his grandpa's old pickup, but with things going so well at the store, I was sure he'd soon trade it in for something sportier.
We had a wonderful time that evening. Since there were fewer people than at the welcome home party, and because these were our core friends and family, I think we all felt more relaxed and enjoyed ourselves more. Gerald really seemed happy to be surrounded by all of us, especially Mikey, who stuck to our wounded friend like glue the whole night. In fact, he and Gerald bonded so strongly, that in the coming days and weeks ahead, Mikey would become a frequent visitor, who never failed to cheer Gerald up, even on his worst days.
Johnny and I had about an hour's drive ahead of us and we were tired after the weekend's festivities, so around 9 we said our goodbyes and headed out. Mikey walked us to the Bug Bus, and as expected he asked us about when his next visit might be.
"Well, we promised to bring Gerald over next weekend," I said, then seeing Mikey's smile fade, I added, "but since you two are such good buddies now, and if you don't mind sleeping on the couch, I guess you could come too."
"Yessss!" Mikey cried excitedly as he jumped up and down for joy, "I'd sleep on the floor even."
Johnny and I laughed, hugged him goodbye one last time, then insisted we needed to go. Johnny waited till Mikey was safely back inside before he backed out of the driveway, and we were on our way home.
It had been a great weekend, filled with love and companionship, and at long last our friend was home from the war and recovering nicely. I shivered to think that things could have turned out so much differently, and realized once again just how precious life was. I vowed once again to live each day as if it were my last, and to always treat those I loved in such a way that they never doubted that love.
I laid my hand on Johnny's leg and patted it gently, causing him to turn and give me a questioning look.
"I love you so much," I said through tears.
"I love you too, more than you will ever know," he replied, his voice husky with emotion.
End Chapter 20
Next: Nightmares and daydreams
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