Date: Thu, 28 Sep 2023 20:06:46 +0000 (UTC)
From: Knight Timothy <knottedpup@yahoo.com>
Subject: Young Innocence chapter 12

Bob and Dale arrived at the Quarry and parked with the rest of vehicles.
They walked over to the group of people that had gathered around the
Sheriffs car.

 "Sheriff Paige, how can we be of help" Bob asked.

 "Hold on a little bit and I'll update you after I get off this call"

Meanwhil

Carter and Mattie carefully checked to see if the coast was clear. Seeing
nobody around, they quietly gathered up there backpacks and flashlights.
As an after thought, Mattie took the coil of braided rope that was beside
him, in the back of the truck. He stowed it in his backpacks side pocket.
They didn't want to get spotted by the others, so they went off in the
other direction. To be safe, they would turn on and then off one of there
flashlights real quickly to see where they were heading. They wanted to
make sure that noone saw them. After about 15 minutes, the boys could no
longer hear anyone or see any of the lights. They now felt safe to turn
on their flashlights.

Back at the Sheriffs car

"For those of you who just arrived" "Listen up"

"We used our k9 tracking dogs over by where my son Steve said his friend
Mark found the boys pants and shirt"

"You mean that he doesn't have any clothes on" Dale asked.

"We're not sure of anything at this point but it's a possibility"

"Then what are we doing just standing around"

"We had about 30 minutes of rain a little while ago" "It washed away all
of Carl's scent, rendering the search dogs useless" "So now we need to
wait until first light" "It's about 2 hours away" "Everyone might as well
go have some coffee under the tent and I'll lay out our plans there"


Meanwhile


Carters flashlight had picked up something shiny off in the distance. So
the boys turned slightly and headed off that way. Whatever it was, got
shinner and bigger the closer they got to it. It wasn't until they were
right on top of it, did they see what it was. It was the water down in
the Quarry. The way it appeared to them, they figured out that they were
on the backside of the Quarry. It looked like they were about as high as
there house above the waters surface.

The boys were really tired by this time, having been woken up way earlier
than they would have normally gotten up. So the two of them sat down to
rest against the logs that were lining the edge of the Quarry.

They soon fell asleep not knowing that their best friend Carl lay hurting
and cold on an outcrop ledge just 20 feet below them.


Back at the tent


 Daylight was just beginning show itself, as the dawn of the new day
would soon be upon them. Many more people had gathered by then. There
must have been over 100 volunteers. They were all ready to help search
for the missing boy.

The Sheriff gave instructions to everyone and photos of the missing boy
were passed out.  Many people used there cell phones to take a picture of
it. They would go out in small groups and search different areas as
Sheriff Paige had instructed them to do.


Back at Carters house


Sue woke up and went to check on the boys so they could call Bob and get
an update. When she knocked and got no answer, she quietly opened the
bedroom door. There was no sign of the boys. Not panicking, she checked
their bathroom. Not seeing the boys backpacks, she went straight to the
garage where their bikes still sat. Then she went down stairs to the
basement and finally back up to the kitchen. They were nowhere to be
found.

At that precise moment, Mary came walking into the kitchen and asked Sue
where the boys were at.

"I've looked everywhere" Sue said.

"Lets not panic, yet" "I'll call Lisa to see if they rode over there this
morning"

"Don't bother, both bikes are still in the garage"

"I'm calling Dale" Sue said.

"I'll call Bob" Mary countered.

Early in the morning on the outskirts of town by the Anoka junk yard

Knocking on door.

"What the hell are you doing knocking on my door at this hour in the
morning"

The two police officers that had started to leave, slowly turned back
around as they heard the door opening.

"Oh, excuse me officer's" "How can I help you"

"We need to have a word with your daughter, Cindy"

"Not until you tell me what for"

"We can always do this down at the police station, if you'd rather go
there"

"No no no, I'll go get her"


At the Quarry


Bob and Dale were standing side by side when their phones began to ring.

"Hello"

"Hello"

"Slow down"

"Slow down"

Both men look up at each other.

"I'm putting you on speaker so Bob can listen in on this"

"When I woke up, I went to check on the boys but the boys weren't in
their bedroom, they weren't anywhere" "I checked downstairs" "I checked
out back" "I looked in the garage and their bikes are still there" "We
can't find them anywhere" Sue said.

"Are there backpacks still there"

"No, that was the first thing I thought of after Sue couldn't find them"

"Now calm down you two"

"They must have overheard us talking about coming to the Quarry and snuck
into the back of the truck" "That would explain why the flashlights are
missing"

"Find our boys" the ladies said.

"We will" Dale and Bob replied.

As the first signs of a new day were approaching

 "RRROOOWWWLLLLL"

 Mattie awoke with a start. He knew exactly what made that sound. It was
the cougar.

Frantically, Mattie shook Carter awake. As the boys turned there heads
and looked up, they were staring right into the eyes of the cougar.

The cat reacted instantly by swiping its clawed paws at the boys.

 Matties instincts kicked in, as he thrusted his body in front of Carter.
It was an attempt to protect his boyfriend from getting hurt.

"Aaahhhh".

 Mattie cried out as the cougars claws ripped through his sweater. The
claws cut into his chest as blood spurted from the gashes. The ripped
sweater soaked the blood up as it turned red. Having almost gotten to his
feet before being struck, the force of the attack caused Mattie to fall
backwards over the logs. Which caused him to fall over the side of the
steep embankment and tumbled down about 20 feet. He landed right on top
of Carl who suddenly was awaken and cried out in pain.

It took about 30 seconds for the cobwebs to clear from Carl's mind. The
events from the last 24 hours came rushing back to him. With what little
light there was, he saw that a boy had landed on top of him. This boy was
bleeding very badly. Not recognizing him at first, he did the only thing
he could think of. He remembered his teacher telling them in class, if
your bleeding to apply pressure to the cut with a clean cloth to help it
stop bleeding.

 So he took off his t-shirt as the pain from his swelled and broken wrist
shot through him. Knowing it was a very dirty t-shirt, he turned it
inside out and pressed it to the boys chest. It was helping, as it was
slowing the flow of the blood.

That's when Carl looked at the boys face.

  "MATTIE"

  He screamed as the realization hit him like a ton of bricks.

Through all the pain, Carl pressed his chest against Matties chest and
wrapped his arms around him. Trying to apply as much pressure as
possible. He needed to fully stop the bleeding cause he was afraid that
Mattie might die.

Meanwhile, Carter had pulled out his only form of defense. A 6" folding
knife that he had snagged off his dad's work bench earlier from the
garage.

Back at the house, on the outskirts of town

  A half asleep Cindy Dithers in pajamas came walking up to the two
police officers who had invited themselves inside.

"Cindy, we need to know when you last saw Carl Davis" "And please don't
try and say, you haven't seen him today" "We have confirmed that he
called and spoke to his younger brother Connor about coming over here
with you"

 "No sir" "I wouldn't lie" "He was here for about an hour but then left"
"I offered him a ride home when my dad got off work but he said that he
had a 6pm curfew and couldn't wait" "So he left"

"And what time would you say that was"

"It was just after 5pm"

"How can you be so sure"

"Because the bell tower horns had just finished going off"

The Bell tower horns, go off every day at 5pm signaling the end of the
day at the factory.

"Thank you for your time" "Here's a business card if you think of
anything else"

Door closing.

"Just one more thing" as the officer put his hand against the door
stopping it from being shut.

"Yes" an annoyed Frank replied.

"Where are your two sons at"

"They went to practice one last time before the hockey tryouts Saturday"

 "Okay, goodnight"

Door slamming.

"So what do you think"

"They know something but without any proof, there's nothing we can do
right now"

The officers get in their cars and leave to go over and talk to Lisa
Davis, Carl's mother.

Meanwhile back inside.

"What the hell did you and your brothers do this time" "Don't give me any
of your crap either young missy" "I've seen the security footage" "It
didnt look like that boy left on his own power" "Your not to old, that I
won't put you over my knee"

"It's okay daddy" "He won't say anything" "Not with the humiliating
photos I have of him sucking the twins dicks"

"You better be right Missy" "Our family is already skating on thin ice
with the fiasco your brothers and you did to that brother and sister last
year"

"But daddy, nothing was ever proven" "Besides, they all packed up and
left during the night" "Remember what the paper said, that if they were
so innocent, why would they leave like that"

 Back at the Quarry

The radio crackled to life with a panicked voice of a search team member
who alerted the Sheriff that the cougar had been spotted.

"Stay back everyone" "I'm calling in the wildlife removal team to take
care of that cat once and for all" "They're already in the area"

 No one on the search team was able to see that a boy was being attacked
by the same cougar that they had just spotted.

Carter was getting scratched up by the cougars claws but he also cut the
cat a few times as well.

 As he was frantically trying to defend himself, he crawled backwards
over the logs. In an attempt of getting better coverage, he also picked
up his backpack to use as a shield. It was getting ripped to shreds as he
continued to get clawed. Blood was now plainly visible to him, as his
sweaters white long sleeves turned red.

He was screaming and crying loudly but the cougars cries were drowning
out his pleas for help.

Down below Carter could hear Mattie screaming but he also heard Carl's
voice. The cat suddenly stopped attacking and looked around.

The Sheriff immediately sent out the wildlife removal team and gave them
the cougars location.

Dale and Bob were with the Sheriffs team and they headed off in the
direction where the cougar was spotted at.

The radio came alive again.

"Sheriff, it looks like the cougar is fighting something but we're unable
to make it out"

"Stay put" "Help is already coming"

 The cougar sensing trouble, ran off but not before being spotted by a
group of armed men with rifles and tranquilizer guns.

Dale was close enough now to see what the cougar had been attacking, it
was his son, Carter. He took off in a sprint pulling out in front of
everyone. Having been the high school track teams top sprinter, this
wasn't a shock to those around him.

Bob was able to stay right behind him with all the adrenaline that was
coarsing through his body. Cause he knew, wherever one was, the other one
was close by.

Dale had finally reached Carters side and saw that his sweat shirt
sleeves were a bloody ripped up mess. He knew that his sons arms were cut
up badly.

He quickly removed his shirt and pressed it against his sons arms in an
attempt to slow the bleeding.

"We need an ambulance" Dale yelled out.

"We have one already here an another one coming" the Sheriff said back.

"Dad"

"Don't talk son" "Help is coming"

"But Dad, Mattie saved me from the cougar" "I can't lose him"

Bob was right there kneeling next to Dale and also applying pressure to
Carters other arm with his shirt. He heard what Carter had just said.

 "NO DAD, LISTEN TO ME"

Carter was crying and screaming now.

"DAD" he screamed with all his might.

 "Mattie is hurt and fell over the side" "Carl is also down there with
him"

Still not fully light outside, Bob quickly shined one of the flashlights
he found on the ground over the edge. What he saw about made him sick.

Carl was curled up around Mattie covered in what looked like blood. What
Bob didn't know, was that blood belonged to his boy Mattie.

"Get me a rope" "I need to get down there now"

 "Mattie packed one in his bag" Carter cried out.

 Bob quickly grabbed it and tied it around one of the logs. He dropped it
down the embankment.

"Stand aside Bob" "Let us get the boys"

 "Phillip, Carl and my sons 0down there hurt" "I think Carl's bleeding
badly" Before another word was said, Bob repelled down to the ledge.

The fire departments rescue squad was on site and securing rope lines to
the front of there fire trucks as two men repelled down the steep incline
a minute after Bob.

 Bob was checking Carl out as carefully as he could. He needed to make
sure he was okay before he tried to get him off of Mattie.

Bob finally lifted him up off of Mattie and  into his arms as Carl cried
out.

 "NNNOOOO!"

 This allowed the two fire fighter paramedics to see the other boy.

"Chief, the other boys bleeding very badly" "If we don't get him a blood
transfusion soon, I'm afraid he won't make it"

 "I have the same blood type as my son does"

"Then you need to go with your boy"

 "I had planned to"

  "He's going to need your blood before he gets to the hospital" one of
the paramedics said.

 The fire chief immediately called for First Flight Rescue to be
dispatched and come to his location.

 As luck would have it, one was already in the area.

 The two paramedics worked feverishly to stop Matties bleeding even
further.

 A gurney was lowered for Carl but Mattie was put in it cause Carl
adamantly refused to go first.

 Meanwhile up topside while Mattie was being raised.

The 2 EMS had already started working on Carter as soon as they arrived.
They cut off the boys sweater and pulled it off of him. Then they poured
sterile water all over his arms and chest. Quickly they opened several
packs of compression gauze and applied them to the boys multitude of
cuts. It took 10 packs to get the bleeding under some kind of control so
they could transport him. They put the boy onto a gurney and strapped him
down as four men picked it up. They carried him back to the ambulance as
quickly as possible. Then they transfer the boy to the vehicle and off it
went to the emergency room with his dad, Dale riding shotgun.

First Flight Rescue Squads helicopter could be heard approaching. They
were landing in an area approximately a hundred feet away from where the
paramedics were working on Mattie.

Carl was put into a harness and raised up the embankment by the fire
fighters rescue team.

Bob quickly climbed back up and joined his son who would be loaded onto
the helicopter as soon as it landed.

Carl was carried away by another paramedic to the other awaiting
ambulance.

All three boys were going to the same children's hospital.

While Dale was riding shotgun, he had the presence of mind to call his
wife.

Ring ring

"Hello, Dale" "Did you find our sons"

 "Yes"

 "What's wrong"

"Carters been hurt and is being taken to the Minneapolis Childrens
Hospital" "Take Mary with you as Mattie and Carl will also be going
there"

"What happened"

"We will know more when the doctor informs us"

"Call Lisa" "Pick her and Connor up as well"

"Now go please"

Dale hangs up and wonders if he should have said more.

The ladies were rattled by the news but they quickly grabbed their things
and headed out.

While Mary drove, Sue called Lisa.

"Hello"

" Lisa this is Sue, Carter's mother" "They have found the boys and they
are presently in route to the hospital" "Mary and I are heading over to
pick Connor and you up" "We will be there in 3 minutes"

Soon after, the ladies arrived to pick up Lisa and Connor who were
already standing outside on the sidewalk waiting for them.

The two police officers who were there, had gotten cleared to give the
ladies a police escort all the way to the hospital.

Soon Mary was going down the highway between two police cars with there
lights and sirens blaring away.

 Going in the opposite direction was a big 40' uhaul truck pulling a
Jeep. It exited off of the Voyaguer Hwy onto 47, heading north. They were
followed by an Airstream RV that was towing a Landrover.

The population of Anoka, Minnesota had just increased by 9. Two families
had just about completed their arduous trip all the way from St.
Petersburg, FL to there new home of Anoka. They had up rooted their
families based on the promises made by friends from way back in there
childhoodx.

Plus having hit a dead-end with no chances of advancement where they had
been working, made it an easier decision to make the move.

All the vehicles pulled off of 47 at a Speedway gas station. They all
pulled up to the pumps and shut off their engines.

Four adults got out and stretched there arms and legs. It had been over
10 hours since there last stop. Now they were less than fifteen minutes
away from where they'd be calling home. Hopefully for a very long time.

"Welcome to Anoka" a boy of about 14 years old said. "Can I help you with
anything mister"

"Yes you can, young man"

That made Porter proud as he stuck out his chest.

"Could you fill all four vehicles up with gas" "The uhaul with regular
unleaded and the Airstream with premium"

"What about the two being towed, sir"

"Both midgrade, please"

Whistling loudly

Two more boys came running out from the inside of the store

 "These are my two younger brothers" "Vincent is in the middle at 11"
"Stan is 10 and will help you inside"

"Nice to meet you folks" Stan said

"If you will follow my brother inside he will take good care of you"

"By the way mister" "Where are you heading"

"Anoka"

"That's here" "Then let us be the first to welcome you" "I'm Porter and
this speedway along with the other one in town, are both owned by our
dad.

The boys got to filling up the vehicles as the  men and women went to
take a look inside. Soon two girls got out of the RV and looked around.

"I can't believe that our families dragged us all the way up to this
deserted town" "Look Jessica, it's being run by a couple of little kids"

 That made Porters blood boil. But his mom would have his hide, if he was
rude to anyone"

"Good morning ladies" "If it pleases you, we have very clean restrooms
for your needs if you wish to use them"

 Porter noticed two young boys peeking out of the window from inside the
RV. He was glad that the two older girls had walked away. They seemed to
be full of themselves as his older sisters would say about the girls from
the city schools.

 One of the ladies came back out from the store carrying three cranberry
juices. She walked up and knocked on the RVs window. The two young boys
faces appeared again.

"I need the two of you along with Robby to come outside and get these
drinks" "They're your favorite"

"Okay but I don't think Robby wants come outside" "He's still upset about
having to leave all his friends" "Well, his one friend"

Begrudgingly, Robby got up cause he really did love cranberry juice. The
tart taste always gave him a rush.

Vincent looked up and saw a new boy step out of the RV. He felt an
electric shock as the boy walked past him. His ears perked up upon
hearing a distinct crinkled sound. A big smile appeared on his face.

Robby looked around and thought he heard water running. So he ventured
off to go investigate. Robby was a very inquisitive boy. He loved nature,
hiking and learning new things. He just wished he had someone he could
share all his interest with. That would like him for who he is and not
make fun him. This would be a new start for him but if anyone found out
his secrets, he'd been ruined all over again.

His younger brother Billy was the lucky one. He has had a built in friend
from birth.  Russell was born on the same day and in the same hospital as
Billy was. His mom and our mom are best friends just likes our dads are.
They made the move up here together.

 The group had bought some food from the stores inside grill. They were
very impressed with the cooking skills of young Stan. He told them that
his specialty is grilled cheese sandwiches with whatever else they wanted
to put on them. Boy, he wasn't kidding.

The moms carried out two plates of grilled cheese sandwiches the way that
their husbands and boys liked them.

Their daughters opted for salads with ranch dressing. The moms each got a
BLT.

Everyone was sitting at the outside picnic tables eating when Porter
walked up with the bill.

"Vincent is checking your tire pressure and washing your windows" "They
were covered in bugs" "Hes already sprayed off both of your front grills"

"Your bill comes to $317.95.

"Do you accept credit cards"

 "Yes sir" "All I need is your card and I can run it"

"Here you go Porter and add another $102 to split evenly between you and
your brothers"

 "Holy crap" Porter said. "That's way to much, mister" "We can't accept
that"

"But you deserve it"

 Porter scanned the card without adding the tip. He just felt that it was
wrong for them to get paid twice. Once for doing their job and again for
getting a tip. So he just scanned it regularly with just the amount that
the bill was for.

Robby came back carrying an injured baby woodpecker.

"Mom, can I use a shoe box to care for this injured bird"

"Now now Robby" "We agreed that you would settle in before you started
taking in strays"

"But mom, it's hurt and it already trust me"

"That's the darness thing I've ever seen"

"What's that Porter"

"I've never heard of anyone being able to pick up a wounded wood pecker
before" "They'd rather kill themselves, then let a human scent them"

"Hon, since Robbys already bonded with the creature and its injured,
let's lift his restrictions about what we agreed to" Robbys dad said.

"Thank you dad" "Don't worry about anything"

"I know son" "That woodpecker has good taste"

 Robby went over to the RV and grabbed a shoe box and tore up some paper
for the bedding. Then he wet a sponge and placed it on a plastic
tupperware lid which he then put in the box. Robby knew that the sponge
would let the little injured woodpecker drink easier by pressing its
break into it. He'd be able to easily get water.

 Robby went back outside carrying the shoebox with his new friend
inside.

Vincent came walking up at that moment.

"Do you mine if I take a look"

"No, go right ahead"

Vincent reached out slowly to pick up the bird and it peck his finger.

"Dam"

"Not like that" Robby said.

Robby extended his hand palm up and laid it in the box right next to the
bird.

Two quick soft whistles and the wood pecker hopped into Robbys hand. He
lifted it up so that Vincent could see it.

"I'll be" "I've heard of your kind before" "But I never thought I'd
actually meet one in person"

"What's that son, Robbys dad Dennis asked.

"A nature whisper" "My great great grandmother was one" "They have the
ability to heal and communicate with nature and all that live within it"

"That's very interesting, Vincent"

 Robby puts his hand back down and the bird hopped back off.

"You wouldn't have any grubs or worms in your store, would you" Robby
asked.

"Oh course we do" "Porter and I have the best worm and grub farm
anywhere" "Fisherman come from all over to buy our bait"

"Eat your sandwich before it gets cold sweetie"

"Yes mom"

 Elsewhere in Anoka

 Over at Stacy's house, Perry was just waking up from sleeping on the
floor in his girlfriends bedroom. He stayed over so he could help her
pick everyone up for Matties and his brothers birthday party weekend.

They both were clueless of the things that were happening at the Quarry.

Meanwhile at the hospital

The First Flight Rescue Squads helicopter landed on the helo pad at the
Minnesota Children's Hospital. Doctors and nurses were there waiting with
a gurney for the boy once he was off loaded.

Mattie was rushed right in and Bob was right behind him.

"What's his blood-type" the doctors asked.

"AB negative" the paramedics responded.
"His dad has the same type"

"Take him to room 414 and draw 2 pints" "Then get 2 more pints from blood
storage"
"Have him sign consent forms because we must operate immediately"

"Doctor, you have my permission to do whatever you need to do to save my
boy"

"Lets get him up to Op room 4" "Leroy, I need you to assist"

"Yes doctor"

Just then an ambulance pulled up to the emergency entrance. Two hospital
nurses were there waiting to help.

A badly cut up boy was off loaded and rushed inside. A worried dad
followed.

"What kind of knife did this"

"It wasn't a knife, it was a cougar" Dale said.

"Forget about going to the emergency room, we need to take him to Op room
4"

"That rooms already taken by the boy they just flew in"

"Op room 2 then"

 "Are you his father"

"Yes"

"I have some papers for you to sign" "What's your sons blood type"

"AB negative"

"Doctor, it's AB negative"

Dale and Bob were signing paperwork down near the entrance of the
emergency room when the gurney with Carl in it, was pushed past them.

"Doctor, we need you stat" "This boy has a severely broken wrist that
looks really bad" "Plus he has bruised ribs and has hypothermia"

"Take him up to the x-ray room and treat him for his hypothermia
immediately"

"Are his parents here"

"No" "But a police officer called and his mother is in route" "She gave
verbal approval to do anything that needs to be done"

"Okay, but I need that paperwork signed as soon as she arrives"

 "What's the boys blood type"

"His mother said he is O positive"

Let's get moving people"

Police sirens were heard just outside of the emergency room entrance.

 Three ladies and a boy came rushing in.

Dale and Bob looked up and saw them. They waved them over.

Lisa was soon filling out paperwork also.

A nurse came out from the emergency room and escorted Lisa and Connor
back to Carl's room after she finished signing all the paperwork.

Mary, Bob, Sue and Dale were taken up to the post-op waiting area.

Back at the gas station.

"Any good news"

"No, I haven't been able to get a hold of him yet"

"He does know we are coming, right"

"Yes Carol, Bob and Dale know" "You listened to the same message that
they sent the night before we left"

 Vincent had bought out some worms and grubs for Robby to feed his hurt
bird.

Vincent tried to feed him but he got pecked again.

"No no no, Vinny" "Like this"

 Porter and Billy's heads snapped up when the new boy Robby, called
Vincent, Vinny. They know that he's always hated that name. The last two
boys from school that called him that, both received a good beat down.
But all their brother did was smile and put his arm around Robbys
shoulder.

"Are you okay Vincent" both his brothers asked.

"Yes, better than I've ever been"

Just then two vehicles came to a stop in front of the store.

"Daddys back" little Billy yelled out as he ran over to him and jumped up
into his arms.

 "Hello boys" "How did everything go while we were gone"

 "Without a hitch dad" "Did you find Carl"

 "Yes son" his dad quietly replied.

"What's the matter dad" Porter asked concerned.

"Bob and Dale's sons, Mattie and Carter got tore up pretty badly by that
wild cougar"

 "Excuse me sir" "You wouldn't be talking about Bob O'Brian and Dale
Spencer"

 "Who are you"

"Dennis Cooper"

"Cooper, Cooper" "Why does that name sound so familiar"

 "It can't be" "Canonball Cooper" "Hot Dam"!!!

 "Those days are long gone"

"So what about Bob and Dale's sons"

"Long story short, Carter and Mattie's best friend Carl went missing"
"Those boys being as thick as molasses, somehow snuck off and went
looking for their best friend on their own. Ended up getting in a fight
with a wild cougar that's come down from the forest and has been on the
loose in our area for the last couple of months or so. Now I'm afraid
that Mattie might be fighting for his life. Carter also got clawed up
pretty good but should be alright" "But Carl, I'm not so sure about him"
"I do know that he went through a lot of pain"

 "I've been trying to get ahold of them for a good 6 hours now" Dennis
said to Stewart.

"So I take it, this is your family"

 "Yes" "This is my lovely wife, Carol"

"So you're the one who captured the heart of Cannonball"

"You'll have to tell me that story sometime" "He refuses to talk about
his school days"

"I'll have my wife Bonnie fill in any blanks that you might have"

"This is my eldest Terri" "That's Billy my youngest and that one over
there is Robby"

"What's that you got there son"

Stewart comes over and looks in the box.

"Boy you best let that woodpecker go" "It will tear you apart"

"Dad, my new best friend Robby is a nature whisper" "Just like great
great grandmother Presley"

"That's wishful thinking boy"

"Show him Robby"

 Robby was surprised when this new boy called him, his new best friend.

"Okay Vinny"

Stewart heard what Robby just called his son.

"You calm down now Vincent, you hear me" his dad flatly stated.

Mattie put his hand down and did two quick soft whistles and the
woodpecker hopped into his hand. He lifted it up and fed it a small grub.

"Don't worry none dad" Vincent said as he put his arm around Robbys
shoulder.

"I'll be a son of A" was all he said.

"Vincent, you need to get Robby here to join your 4H team"

"I already asked him to" "Robby said he needs to ask his parents"

"Nothing would make us prouder, knowing that Robby is doing something
that he loves"

Robby still holding the woodpecker, one arm hugged his mom.

"Thanks mom"

He put the bird down and went off with Vinny.

 "I think your Robby has cast a spell on our Vincent" "The last several
boys that called him Vinny, ended up with bloody lips and black eyes"

"Oh dear" Carol said.

Just then Buddy came over.

"I'm not sure if you remember me"

"Buddy boy" "How can anyone forget about the notorious sudsy incident"

 "Sudsy incident" Mindy inquired.

"Don't worry, I'll answer all your questions about both your husbands"
Bonnie said as she walked up.

"This here is my Bonnie"

"Good meeting you all"

"Boys, you all need to get cleaned up" "We're having lunch soon"

"Yes mom"

"Where's Vincent"

"I saw him take a boy with a bird inside" Sandy said.

"That would Robby" "I think cupid has shot his arrow in our boy" Stewart
said.

"You don't say" Bonnie replied

"Stewart, do you know of a place that we can park our vehicles" "We were
hoping to offload our stuff tomorrow but with what happened, I'm sure
that is delayed now"

"Nonsense, we have plenty of room here" "Besides, Vincent would have a
fit if we took Robby away from him now"

Laughter was heard all around.

So vehicles were moved and room was  made as everyone settled in. We'll
most everyone.

"I've always wondered about Robby but I never expected that he was a
little fag boy" Terri said to Jessica.

"He's your brother, how can you say that about him"

 "How would you feel if it was Russell"

"I'd love and support him, just like you should Robby"

 "I'm not having anything to do with that little fag boy, even if he is
my brother"

"Terri, I can't believe that you feel that way about your own flesh and
blood" "I've wasted good years being your friend" "I'm glad that you
finally showed me your true colors" Jessica said.

 "Fine, be that way" "I don't need friends like you anyway" "You can also
forget about us being roommates"

"That's fine with me"

 The two girls walk off in different directions.

Sandy and Debra had overheard these girls conversation. At first they
weren't to happy about having to share their room with these two new
girls. They thought that they were better than us backwards northern
girls. But then again maybe the one called Jessica wasn't so bad. They'd
have to see what she was like, now that she wouldn't be around that other
girl.

It was also apparent that the adults didn't hear what the girls had just
said to each other.

"Boy, that one girl is in for a rude awakening come Monday morning if she
doesn't change.

Back at the hospital

After more then 3 hours of being operated on, the doctors in Op room 2
emerged.

"The four adults stood"

 "Can I talk to the Spencer's, please"

 Dale and Sue stepped forward.

 "Bob, will Mary and you please stay"

 "Of course"

"Yes doctor, how is our son"

"Your boy did great" "We were able to clean out all his cuts" "We had a
little difficulty in sewing him up" "It took a total of 96 stitches in
all" "There was a little evidence of some damage to his tendons and
muscles" "Most of the stitches will disappear on there own" "But he will
need to come back to have the few nylon stitches removed that I had to
put in both his wrist" "He is being put into a private room as you have
requested with a second bed"

"Doctor is there any word on the other boy"

"I'm sorry but I don't know anything"

"You two should go see Carter" "You should be there when he awakes"

Carl was put into the room that had Carter in it. He had a cast on his
left wrist and an ace bandage wrapped around his chest. He was still
being treated for hypothermia and was being given electrolytes through an
IV in his other arm.

Lisa and Connor joined Dale and Sue in the boys room. No word as of yet
about Mattie was known.

To past time, they turned on the TV to the news. They turned off the
volume but had the closed caption on.

It was another 3 hours before Mattie was taken up to the ICU. A team of
doctors came out to speak to his parents.

The dread feeling that Bob and Mary were feeling was evident on their
faces. But they knew they had to stay positive.

"First thing that I want to say is, your boy is a fighter" "It was a very
difficult operation cause he had lost so much blood" "I'm sure if he
hadn't gotten your blood on the flight over, we wouldn't be having this
same conversation" "We lost his heart beat and had to shock him, three
different times during the operation" "It took 64 double stitches to
close up your sons wound" "They will all dissolve on there own" "He also
damaged his bladder in his fall" "We had to stitch up the tear it caused
but that will not need anymore surgery" "Those stitches will also
dissolve on there own"

"Are there any questions"

"When can we see him"

"He is being taken to ICU" "For the next 24 to 48 hours, he will be
observed" "Then maybe he can be moved into a private room on the 7th
floor if all goes well"

"Is there anything that your not telling us"

"Yes, actually there is. Your son never gave up the fight" "He kept
calling out for a boy named Carter" "I imagine that boy is very important
to him" "Definitely helped saved his life"

Mary was crying as Bob wiped his own tears away.

"If you'll please follow me, I will take you up to see your boy"

Back in Anoka

Stacy and Perry had already picked up her dad's mini bus that they were
going to be using to pick up all the boys with.

It was a half day at school and they began making the pickups.

 Over at the Preston's house.

Vincent let Robby use his laptop which blew their brothers minds further.
Vincent doesn't let anyone use any of his things especially his laptop.
But here he was sharing not only his desk and bench seat with Robby. He
let him look up woodpeckers anatomy online using his personal laptop.

Robby had opened his suitcase on Vincent's bed. He took out his dad's old
shaving kit bag that he had converted into his own medical bag.

 After carefully studying the woodpeckers wing structure, Robby fashioned
a splint out of old popsicle sticks he kept in the bag. He used his
scissors to shape them just right before he super glued them together.
Next he calmed the bird down with soft whistling. Then he very gently
placed the splint under the injured spread out wing. Using his fingers,
he reset each broken wing bone on top of the splint he had just made.
Then he mixed together a white substance that he carefully spread out
over the wing and splint. It was similar to a paper mache which formed
into a light weight cast.

 This whole time Vincent had been filming what Robby had been doing. He
had the voice activated so his whistling was clearly heard as well. A few
times, the woodpecker whistled back. So Robby made a few adjustments and
then he was finished.

Robby finally looked up and got a shocked expression on his face. He
realized, not only had Vinny recorded everything but everyone had
squeezed into the bedroom and hallway to watch the delicate operation he
just performed.

Robby blushed and buried his face into Vinnys chest to hide his
embarrassment. He wrapped his arms around Vinnys back and put his hands
on the boys waist. At that moment, a light bulb went off in his head.
Vinny was wearing a diaper just like he was.

Vincent spoke up.

"Okay everyone, shows over"

Everyone stood still for a minute before they turned to leave.

"Vinny"

 "Mom, you know
I hate being called that"

 "Robby looked up scared after hearing that and Vincent knew he had just
screwed up.

"Honey when you two are done, we're all eating outside"

Vincent sat down next to Robby after his mom left and held him by his
hands.

"Robby, I'm so so sorry" "I owe you an explanation" "I got teased very
severely back when I was in the 3rd grade" "It was because I gave a boy
that I really liked, a valentines day card" "The next day, every boy
including the one who I gave the card to, started calling me Vinny the
fairy" "I put up a good front but I was only 8 and I cried myself to
sleep almost every night" "I started getting madder and madder" "Then one
day, I just exploded" "I beat up four boys really badly for calling me
Vinny the fairy" "After that, anytime someone called me Vinny or fairy"
"I'd punch their lights out" "But when I saw you whistling to that
injured woodpecker down by the creek, I fell instantly in love with you"
"It also felt right when you called me Vinny"

Robby sat there in absolute total shock as he listened to every word that
Vinny was saying to him. Could this really be finally happening. He has
waited his whole life. Eleven years is an eternity to a young boy looking
for someone like himself. Robby started to cry.

Vincent heard what sounded like crying and looked down to see Robby with
tears in his eyes.

 "I'm so sorry, I'm such a screw up" Vincent said.

Then he got up and ran out of his bedroom. He ran down the stairs and out
the back door. He didn't stop there but kept on running.

Robby looked up in confusion when Vinny took off running out of his
bedroom. Where the heck is he going, Robby thought. He told himself that
hes not letting him get away that easy. He quickly got up and ran out of
the room. Then down the stairs after him.

Everyone looked up as Vincent ran by them.

 He was crying.

"I'll go talk to him, mom" Porter said as he started to get up.

But before he could get all the way up, Robby came running past them.

"VINNY, VINNY, STOP" Robby yelled.

 Everyone could feel the emotions pouring out of him.

Could it be, Vincent thought as he heard Robby cry out to him.

Vincent stopped right at the edge of the pathway that leads to his secret
spot. Just as he turned around, Robby came crashing into him.

Both boys fell to the ground.

They ended up side by side, lying on the ground staring at one another.

"Why did you leave me" Robby asked.

"Cause you were crying" "I thought you hated me"

"I was crying because I finally found myself in you" "I know that doesn't
make any sense" Robby said as the tears still ran down his face.

"It makes a lot of sense to me" "When I saw what you did earlier today,
it was like a bolt of lightning went through me" "The care that you
showed for that little injured woodpecker" "I knew that I had to get to
know you better"

Everyone at the picnic tables were watching the boys but couldn't hear
them as they were to far away.

 The boys helped each other up. Then brushed the dirt off of one another.
Then they looked deep into each others eyes and kissed.

When they turned around, they realized that they had an audience.

Vincent took Robbys hand in his and they walked side by side back over to
the picnic tables. Then they sat down next to each other.

"Only Robby can call me Vinny" "Anyone else and it's black eyes for them"

The whole table busted up laughing.

The boys settled in and began to eat.

Terri was by herself fuming in the RV. She pulled out her phone and
called the only person who truly understood her.

Ringing

"Hello"

"Aunt Sarah" "I want to take you up on your offer and come live with you"

"Good girl" "You'll be a great addition to our little family" "I'll take
care of everything"

"Thanks Aunt Sarah"

In a private room at the Minnesota Children's Hospital

Carter was beginning to regain his consciousness. He could feel someone
holding his hands but he was very disoriented. Then he remembered the
cougar and started yelling and jerking. The pain shot through his body,
even though he was on heavy pain medication. He opened his eyes and saw
his dad and mom each holding one of his hands. He started to calm down.
But then remembered,

 "MATTIE"

That yell woke up a sleeping Carl.

He also started yelling.

"Mattie, Mattie"

"Calm down boys"

"The last we heard, Mattie was still being operated on" "Once we find out
something, we will let the two of you know"

"Whose hungry" the parents asked.

Getting no answer, the parents looked back at the boys. They were fast
asleep.

Meanwhile in I C U

Mattie was having a nightmare in his sleep. He was calling out Carters
name over and over and over again. The heart rate monitor was going crazy
when it suddenly flat lined.

 Blue and red lights were going off at the nurses station as a crash cart
was rushed into Matties ICU room. Along with a team of doctors and
nurses. The curtain was drawn back, cutting off the view of their son.

They could hear the doctors call out.

"Clear"

 Followed by the sound of their boy being shocked.

"Turn it up to 250"

"Clear"

Again the sound of their boy being shocked.

"Turn it up to 300"

 "Clear"

 Yet again the awful sound of their little boy being shocked.

 "Doctor, should we call it"

"No"

"Turn it all the way up to 400"

"Clear"

And again, that sickening sound.

 Then there was silence.

Bob and Mary couldn't bring themselves to believe that they would lose
there little boy.

"Mary, Mattie's a fighter" "We're not going to lose him"

"Oh Bob"

 Just then, two strong arms wrapped around the both of them"

"Like dad said" "That little squirts a fighter" "He has to much to live
for, to give up on life now" "Welsey called and told me what happened"
"Coach said to take as long as I needed"

After about thirty minutes, the curtain was drawn back.

All three sets of eyes, stared right at the heart beat monitor. It was
beating in rhythm again.

 "Doctor, what happened"

"I'm not entirely sure" "I've ordered an MRI and a Cat Scan" "I've also
put Mattie into a drug induced coma.  Until we find out what's wrong with
him, this is for the best"

"Thank you, doctor"

"I highly recommend, that you locate that boy that he keeps calling out
for"

"He's already here" "He was in Op room 2 while Mattie was in Op room 4"

Bob, Mary and Darren were in a three way hug with tears in their eyes.

 Just then, two male nurses entered the room. They made sure that all the
monitors were working properly before they unlocked the wheels and moved
the bed that Mattie was in.

Word had been leaked to the news station KSTP about the boy who had been
air lifted after the cougar attack by First Flight Rescue.

A nurse had leaked information to a certain news reporter that the boys
heart had stopped several times during the operation.

That same reporter had snuck up to the 6th floor ICU. He saw the
commotion that was going on at that very moment.

He hid behind a door and took several pictures of the boys crying family
and of a covered body being wheeled out of the ICU room.

 What the reporter didn't know, was that the nurses had covered up the
boys head intentionally. To protect him from the lights, as he was very
light sensitive after such a long and hard surgery.

He saw the boys parents and brother crying.

The reporter put his phone away and approached them.

Excuse  me, "I'm Ricky Parker of KSTP" "I wanted to let you know how
sorry I am" "Would you mine if I ask you a few questions"

Darren spoke up.

 "At this time, we would appreciate it if you just left us alone" "We are
very sad and hurt from what happened to Mattie" "So honor our wishes and
give us the space we need"

Just then two hospital security guards stepped in between the reporter
and the family.

"This is a restricted area" "You'll need to come with us"

"I'm really sorry about that, Mr O'Brian" "One second he was leaving the
building and then he was gone" "Then, we were alerted by the ICU nurses
station that he was up here"

"It's alright"

"Sir, Matties doctor has assigned you three a suite in the family section
located on the seventh floor" "Just put in this code and you'll gain
access" "It's located across the hall from your sons private room and
next door to the Spencer's suite"

Ricky Parker of KSTP called his boss as soon as he was in his news van.

"Sir, I have a breaking news story"

"What do you have"

"The boy who was air lifted to Minneapolis Childrens Hospital, who was
attacked by the cougar has died"

"What proof do you have"

"Check your phone" "I just sent you my proof"

The news editor checked the photos. He scrutinized the pictures and time
stamps.

"What do you need"

"I'll be ready to broadcast live in 15 minutes" "Set me up with a Special
News Bulletin, that will cut into on going programs"

At many households around Anoka, families were settling down in front of
there TV sets. Many were watching their favorite shows while others
waited for the news to come on.

Over at the Presleys house.

Robby was being bunked with Vinny in his shared room with his younger
brother Stan.

It was getting close enough for the boys to get changed for bed.

"Hey Vincent" "I hate to bring this up but have you told Robby about your
diapers yet"

 "No I haven't" "But, I have a funny feeling that it's not going to be a
problem"

"Do me a favor and bunk with Porter tonight"

 "What's it like Vincent"

"What's that Stan"

"What your feeling for Robby"

"Oh, that"

"It's hard to explain" "When I first saw Robby whistling softly while
gently picking up that injured woodpecker, my body was instantly flooded
with the need to get as close to Robby as possible" "My heart seemed to
skip a beat" "I guess it was like how dad and mom felt when they first
met" "Then when Robby sat down next to me on my bench seat and I heard
that distinct crinkeling sound, I knew then that he also wears diapers"
"I guess that was the icing on the cake as mom always says"

 "Why would you want to know" "Your not gay, Stan"

"I'm not so sure about that, Vincent" "When I saw the you two of you
kiss, the first thought that came to me was, Alex"

"Well, well, well" "I didn't see that one coming" "If you ever need to
talk about anything, I'm here for you"

The two brothers hugged each other and then Stan gave his brother a quick
kiss on the lips.

 Robby had just finished going to the bathroom and changed out of his
very wet diaper and into a nice thick, absorbent and soft night diaper.
He was about to walk back into Vinnys room when the two brothers started
talking. He didnt mean to eavesdrop but what he heard Vinny say about him
to Stan, had Robby in tears.

He was sitting on the floor trying to get his crying under control. That
was another thing about Robby, he's a very emotional boy.

"Do you here that Vincent"

"Quiet Stan"

Sure enough, someone was crying just on the other side of their bathroom
door.

Stan pulled the door open.

"Why are you on the floor crying" Stan asked.

"I just heard what Vinny said to you" "It was beautiful and touched my
heart" "I can feel his love for me" "You both have no idea how hard it's
been for me growing up" "I've never had any friends except for all the
wounded animals and the forest" "At school, I was always avoided by
everyone" "Everyone called me, little pissy pants" "I know that Vinny
will understand me" "When I hugged you earlier, I felt your diaper around
your waist" "I'm sure that you heard mine crinkle when I sat down next to
you on your bench seat"

 Vinny stepped forward and helped Robby up.

"You look really hot in just your diapers" "Do you have another one"

"Sure" "Grab my diaper bag in your bathroom"

"Will you change me"

 "I'd like that" "But I must warn you,  I've never changed anyone but
myself before"

"It will also be my first time having a boy change me"

Vincent grabbed the diaper bag and gave it to Robby.

 Robby pulled out his changing towel and spread it out on the floor.

Vincent laid down and waited. He had goosebumps on his arms and
butterflies in his stomach.

 Robby first asked.

 "Vinny, do you sleep with your socks on"

"Yes and you'll get in the habit of doing it to" "That is, if you don't
want to step barefooted on to a cold floor in the morning"

 "Then I'll leave them on you"

Robby undid Vinnys belt before unbuttoning his pants. He then pulled down
his zipper and grabbed both pant cuffs pulling Vinnys jeans off in one
go.

"Just put them in that basket over there"

Robby then pulled Vinny up by his hands into a sitting position. He pull
the bottom of his shirt up over his head and tossed it into the basket
with the jeans.

  Vinny laid back down. Now in only his very wet diaper.

It was the moment of truth for both of them.

Robby pulled back both tabs and with shaky hands, opened Vinnys diaper.

"Lift up Vinny, so I can pull your wet diaper off"

Vinny did and now he was laying there naked on the towel, on the floor.

Robby laid out baby wipes, baby oil, diaper rash cream and baby powder.
He then took out a really thick and soft thirsty night diaper.

All this time Robby couldn't keep from staring at Vinnys half hard dick.

 "Are you sure that you want me doing this for you"

 "I've waited a very long time for someone like me to come along" "Then
the boy of my dreams stepped off of an
RV that had stopped for gas"

"Yes I'm absolutely sure"

Robby took 3 baby wipes and gently wiped Vinnys most private areas as
gently and as caring as he could. When he wiped between Vinnys butt
cheeks, he heard him moan. Robby took two more baby wipes and cleaned off
Vinnys recently dropped balls. In doing this, Vinnys dick went rock hard
and started to throb.

 Robby next took some diaper rash cream and rubbed it everywhere that
Vinnys skin was red and chaffing. Then he had Vinny arch his back to
raise his butt up off of the floor. This allowed Robby to slip the very
thick and soft night diaper under his butt. While still in this position,
Robby sprinkled a good amount of baby powder on his butt cheeks and the
diaper.

Robby told Vinny to lower back down. He tried to close the diaper but
Vinnys now painfully hard dick prevented that.

So Robby in a trance like state gently wrapped his fingers around another
boys dick other then his own, for the first time in his life.

"Aaaaaahhhhhh" Vinny moaned aloud.

Robby tried to bend it down but it didn't budge. So Robby slowly stroked
the dick up and down. Going faster and faster and faster.

 Vinny curled his toes as his body raised off the towel. He arched his
back and thrust his hips into the air as he cried out even louder.

"AAAAAAHHHHH"

His body shook and twisted as the most intense orgasm that Vinny had ever
experienced hit him like a tidal wave. Three clear pearly drops of cum
came out of his pee slit. Then he abruptly passed out.

Robby heard Vinny groan even louder this time as his dick pulsed in his
hand. When he looked up, Vinny had passed out. Looking at his now softer
dick, three drops of clear fuild had appeared. He took his finger and
wiped it off. Then he looked at it closely before smelling it. Then for
some reason unknown to Robby, he put his finger into his mouth.

 Vinny had awaken and watch him do it.

Robby moaned as he tasted the sweetest nectar that he's ever had the
pleasure of tasting.

Looking back at Vinnys opened eyes, a smile appeared on both boys faces.

Robby aimed Vinnys dick down and secured the diapers tabs snuggly in
place. The two boys got up and put everything away before getting into
bed and snuggled together to go sleep.

At the Minnesota Children's Hospital

 Dale and Sue had gone to there room, to get cleaned up and to relax.
They turned on the TV and the local news was just coming on.

  Lisa and Connor decided to just stay with Carl a while longer since he
had awaken.

Carter had just opened his eyes and laid there quietly watching the TV.
He was reading the closed caption as it crossed the bottom of the screen.
He turned his head and saw that his mom and dad had stepped out. He
noticed Connor and Carl's mom sitting with Carl who had awaken.

Meanwhile, Mattie had gotten both of his  test done and was wheeled back
into the ICU.

 TVs all over Anoka were being watched.

We interrupt your regular scheduled program to bring you a Special News
Alert was flashed across the screen.

Please pardon the interruption of your regular boardcast, in order for us
to bring you this special bulletin.

 Earlier today, the missing boy Carl Davis was found. It was due to the
outstanding effort by our sheriff's department, fire rescue squad and the
many volunteers who showed up to help. Carl Davis is presently recovering
at the Minnesota Children's Hospital.

Lisa and Connor were watching the news in the boys room. They read the
close caption at the bottom of the screen.

Dale and Sue were also watching the same news channel in there suite.

As was everyone else who had a TV on at that time.

During the search effort, two boys were attacked by a wild cougar who had
been terrorizing our area for the last three months.

One boy by the name of Carter Spencer was transported by ambulance to the
Minneapolis Childrens Hospital. We are happy to report that his operation
went well and he is presently recovering from his injuries at the same
hospital that Carl Davis is at.

Many of Carters friends and team members who were watching, were very
glad that he was going to be okay.

The other boy, Mattie O'Brian was air lifted by First Flight Rescue Squad
in critical condition. He under went emergency surgery for his injuries
from being attacked by the wild cougar. During the surgery the boys
heartbeat stopped three different times but the fine team of doctors were
able to revive him each time.

While he was recovering in the ICU, his heart stopped once again. But
sadly, the doctors were unable to revive him.

The pictures your about to see aren't for the faint of heart.

Five photos of a sheet covered body that was being pushed out of ICU by
two nurses. All while the boys family cried were shown briefly on live
news.

The family has asked, that during this time of grief to give them their
privacy and space.

This has been a Special News Bulletin Alert by KSTP reporter, Ricky
Parker.

We now take you back to your regular boadcast.

Every household in Anoka that had watched this Special Bulletin, were in
a state of shock.

 The three families were well know in the small community of Anoka.

 Several of Mattie's friends began to cry as did most of Carters friends.
They knew how very special Mattie was to Carter.

Meanwhile in the Spencer's suite.

Dale and Sue sat there in total shock from the news bulletin that they
had just watched. Tears were pouring out of both of their eyes as they
held each other tightly. They had no idea how they were going to break
this news to Carter.

Back in Anoka

Sandy came rushing into the room where her parents, as well as the others
were sitting around catching up.

You've got to see this, Sandy said as she turned on the TV for the
Special News Bulletin Alert.

They caught the tail end of Carl's news and listened to the rest.

The room went dead silent when the Alert ended.

Dennis and Buddy along with Stewart and their wives were all in shock at
the announcement.

They didn't know what to think at that moment. They had just moved across
the United States to start a new life and before it had even started, it
could be already over.

 In the boys private room, Lisa and Connor were totally shocked by this
news. They turned to console Carl.

But

After the death of Mattie was announced and the closed caption was read
by Carter, he went into a screaming fit. Thrashing around as he ripped
out his tubes and IV that were attached to his body. Carter was
inconsolable. He was thrashing around so much that he somehow managed to
tumbled out of his bed.

Lisa frantically pushed the call button and told the lady that answered
to come quickly, that Carter was having a fit.

 Distraught and in shock, Dale had only one thing on his mimd. He needed
to go see Bob and give him his condolences. As he stepped off the
elevator at the 6th floors ICU nurses station, a nurse asked.

"Can I help you, sir"

 Before Dale could say anything, Bob saw him and waved him over.

Dale with tears streaming down his face wrapped his arms around Bob and
cried.

Bob knew something must have gone terribly wrong with Carter.

"What happened to Carter" Bob whispered in his ear as he hugged Dale
back.

"Nothing" "We just heard the news on KSTP about Mattie dying"

Bob unwrapped his arms from around Dale's body and held him at arms
length.

"Would you mine repeating that"

"KSTP just announced the death of Mattie due to complications from the
cougar attack"

Bob escorted Dale over to Matties room and pulled back the curtain to
reveal Mattie lying there, very much alive in his ICU bed.

"Oh Bob"

Dale broke down again crying and would have collapsed if Bob wouldn't
have been there to catch him.

"Did something happen to Carter" Mary asked.

"No, that dam news reporter just announced on TV that Mattie had died"

"That's terrible" "I better go see if Sue is alright"

 "Darren, I need to go talk to the doctor for a minute" "Can you stay
here with Mattie"

"Of course"

Meanwhile up on the 7th floor.

Knocking

Sue opens the door to see Mary.

"I'm so sorry" as she wraps her arms around her.

"I don't know how I'm going to break this news to Carter"

"Sue" "Matties not dead" "The doctors put him in a drug induced coma"

"But I saw it on the news" "Matties covered body"

"He is very light sensitive from the long surgery" "So they covered him
with a sheet"

Sue fell back in the chair as a relief over took her. It was more than
she could deal with and could only wept.

Connor had read the close caption also and was unable to get his crying
under control. He climbed into his brothers bed and hugged him.

Carl was also in tears as held his brother tightly.

Meanwhile in Matties doctors office.

Bob was adamantly talking to Dr. Chadwick.

The head surgeon called one of the papers three owners of KSTP and
started chewing him out.

"Mr O'Brian, that was a partner of the news station" "He is going to go
on the air throughout the day and make a formal apology to your family
and retract the last announcement" "But he can't do that until the
morning news" "He will also be putting an announcement in tomorrow's
newspaper about this as well."

"He will be immediately suspending the reporter and chief of staff until
a full investigation can be completed"

"Furthermore, he has agreed to cover the expenses of all three of the
boys medical bills" "Plus a reasonable amount of compensation for this
tragic situation"

"I find all that most reasonable" "Thank you very much"

As Bob was going back up to ICU, he noticed that he had missed a half a
dozen calls from Dennis and Buddy.

Beep beep beep beep

Hello, Dennis Cooper speaking.

"I'm really sorry about not getting up with you earlier Dennis" "It's
just been a little crazy around here"

"Bob, let me be the first to tell you how sorry we all are for your loss"

"Dennis, Mattie is alive"

"What did you say"

"Mattie is alive"

"How"

"The reporter didn't take the time to check his facts first before
reporting them to everyone"

"Hey everyone, Mattie's alive"

"Really"

"Yes"

 "You can tell everyone that he's presently in the ICU, in a drug induced
coma"

"That is such a relief" "You take all the time that you need" "Stewart is
putting our families up"

 "We should be able to meet up with you within 48 hours"

 Sue and Mary heard the commotion going on outside of the room. They
rushed out to see what was happening.

 Several nurses and a doctor were inside the boys private room. Carter
was being worked on frantically. He had ripped out half of his stitches.
It was quickly decided to put him in a mild drug induced coma in order to
restitch him. He was rushed off to Op room 4.

"What's the matter doctor" Sue asked.

"Your son had some type of a seizure" "We found him on the floor
unconscious" "He was rushed off to Op room 4 to have his stitches redone"
"He will be taken to ICU afterwards in order to have his vitals closely
watched" "We will put him into a mild drug induced coma so he can heal"

Sue was now the one in need of comforting. Mary was absolutely certain,
that she will always be there for her best friend.

Through all trauma, Carl was like a rock but his insides were in knots.
He had gone through many perils in just under forty eight hours. His
world had been turned upside down and inside out. It was time for Carl to
be happy.

Well, I hope that everyone liked the few changes that I've made in this
chapter.

I'll be immediately starting chapter 13 so as not to lose my train of
thought.

Schools been back in session here in Whistler Blackcomb BC. We're getting
into the flow of things here. A lot has changed the last few years.

 Our French class teacher gave us our first report assignment in way of a
question.

    Where will you and I be in a decade?


Au Revoir Mattie