Just My Luck Ch. 14
It had been less than an hour since Jan had left for Houston after hearing that not only had her Aunt Dora passed away in San Diego, but also that the school where she had been teaching at was burning out of control. She was intent on visiting with her colleagues and parents of her students before boarding a plane for California.
When she had spoken with Dr. Shannon about her aunt and the tragedy at her school, she had mentioned that some old family friends of her in-laws, William and Nora Holder, would be more than happy to step in and keep an eye on the boys while she was away. The fact that William was also retired from family practice made Jan’s leaving a little easier for the doctor to take. He had been concerned in trying to find someone to not only remove the stitches from Joey’s right hand but to also keep a close eye on Lance’s throat in order to judge when the young man could begin talking once again as well as removing Justin’s stitches and checking on his sprained wrist. JC and Chris had injuries that needed a watchful eye, but the doctor was even more concerned with their emotional scars. He was certain that both would more than likely have recurring nightmares from their separate attacks. Then…there was the question as to exactly when JC’s memories of the attack at Lance’s home would return and how he would take them. Dr. Shannon was dreading that moment knowing that JC would more than likely not take the memories very well since his mind was so intent on protecting him from what had happened to he and Chris inside Lance’s home. Hopefully, the memories would not return until the group had had a chance to heal and JC was given the opportunity to prepare himself.
It had not taken Dr. William Holder and his wife Nora very long to get to the Scott homestead after Jan’s frantic phone call and they immediately made a wonderful impression on the boys with the ease in which they stepped into the awkward situation. Amazingly enough, after only a few minutes around the elderly couple, the boys felt as if they had known William and Nora for a very long time. Jan had briefly filled them in on what was going on knowing that the boys could fill in the fine details if and when they were ready to, but knowing William and Nora, Jan was sure that the boys would feel comfortable so that they wouldn’t be able to resist in letting the couple in on what had brought them to East Texas.
For now, the group was intent on meeting Joey, Justin and Lance’s needs as well as those of Chris and JC. They would need an opportunity to talk with each other once the couple had left before sharing information with them.
While Ron Williams twirled a toothpick between his teeth and stretched his tired muscles as he lay on his hotel bed his mind whirled with the information that the redhead waitress had given him a little while ago.
During his visit with Sherry, he had found out that Raylene’s family homestead was about 20 or 30 miles outside of Livingston…not too far from a community church and cemetery. Although Raylene and her husband and died several years ago, the place had been kept up by helpful neighbors and distant kin.
Even though he was just itching to get to where the boys were supposedly hiding, Ron had returned to his hotel room in order to plan out exactly how he wanted to handle in doing away with the five young men. He realized that the job was going to require more than just himself to carry it out and he knew that Mr. Picatti more than likely had connections with the neighboring cities…Houston…Beaumont. He would just need to contact his boss and ask.
“This is going to be so easy,” he said quietly before reaching toward the gun sitting on his nightstand. With a smile on his face, he turned the gun over and over in his hands all the while imagining pulling the trigger…killing each and everyone one of the five men his boss was intent on him destroying.
“In just a few days…we’ll be rid of the lot of you,” he said with an even bigger smile before pointing the gun at the ceiling and pretending to pull the trigger.
“Gotcha!”
Dr. Holder and Nora sat down on one of the many couches scattered about in the large living room while JC, Joey, Chris, Justin and Lance followed suit, sitting on chairs and the floor, all anxiously waiting to hear how everyone was fairing…especially Lance and Joey.
“Okay, let me begin by saying that everything looks good with everyone of you, boys,” the elderly gentleman said pulling off his glasses and putting them in his shirt pocket while at the same time gesturing toward Joey to join he and his wife on the couch. Joey stood from his chair and sat down between the older couple with a small smile on his face.
“Joey’s hand is in excellent condition,” William said reaching out to gently grasp Joey bandaged hand in his own. “There is some scarring but that is to be expected with a wound as large as his is,” he explained while tracing a finger along the bandage showing where the scar would be and about how long it was.
“There is some nerve damage,” the doctor began, but was immediately interrupted by gasps of shock and surprise, but he worked quickly to dispel the apparent fear and distress in the room when it became obvious that he was quickly losing control of the situation.
“Now…wait a minute, boys,” he said, holding up his hands in an effort to calm everyone, while Nora glanced from one anguished face to the next, as a small shudder passed through her slight figure. Although she had only just met the five young men, she hadn’t been able to get over the strong, almost impenetrable bond that they had.
“Let’s just calm down…hold your horses. Just give me a minute to explain.” He nearly had to shout to be heard above the anxious voices.
He glanced at each of the young men, wincing at the various expressions written on their faces. When his gaze finally rested on Justin’s tearful features, he felt about as big as his thumbnail. Taking a deep breath, he lowered his voice, being mindful to use a very calm tone and choose his words very carefully.
“Gently, he reached out for Joey’s hand again, giving the young man a reassuring smile before beginning to speak once again.
“Now…I know that I wasn’t very careful with my words and I want to apologize for that. Like I said before, there is some nerve damage, but it’s not extensive nor is it completely permanent. Joseph has lost most of the sensation in his hand, but that in no way means that he will not regain a portion of it given time to fully heal. Right now, he is looking at several weeks of careful but intensive exercise to strengthen the muscles in his hand and during that time, most likely, feeling will not return. It may take a six months to a year for feeling to return.”
“So you’re saying that he use it?” JC asked, moving closer to the end of his chair not noticing that the others had also unconsciously taken the same action at their own seats. One of their fears was that Joey had done irreparable damage to his hand when he had sliced it open with a piece of glass while free Lance from the cords that he had been bound with but hearing this bit of news brought new hope to them all.
“Yes and as a matter of fact, I want him to begin using it starting tomorrow at the earliest…or the next day at the very latest. His hand will be slightly irritated and swollen since we took out the stitches and he needs to keep it elevated in his sling for another week and there after if it swells or is especially tender and sore.”
“That’s great, Joe,” Chris said with a smile on his face while the others nodded their heads in agreements, smiles of relief evident on all their faces as well as a few tears. Joey simply smiled back at his friends through his own tears. Dr. Shannon had spoken to him about the possibilities of damage, but he had sworn the physician to keep silent about the matter around his friends and family. He hadn’t wanted them to worry about him since they all had to themselves to think about. He should have known that they had been fearful all along. Before Joey had the chance to mentally kick himself any further, Dr. Holder’s voice interrupted his thoughts, as did the man’s gentle pats on his knee.
“Now, Joseph…I want you to soak your hand twice a day for 20 minutes in warm Epsom salts…I noticed that you didn’t have any so I’ll bring some out tomorrow morning when I take you five exploring on the property,” the doctor said, giving the rest of the group a smile while Nora simply rolled her eyes and clucked her tongue. The woman’s obviously exaggerated and feigned irritation seemed to relieve some of the tension in the room and the group shared a few seconds of quiet laughter.
During their exams, William had told each of the boys of the many interesting and hidden places there were on the expansive Scott property, but his main objective was to lead the boys to a safe place that they could hide in the event that something were to happen. Although Jan had only told he and his wife the smallest of details, he had read the fear in her eyes as well as those of the boys when he had questioned them about the nature of their injuries and how they had acquired them. He realized that he might be overreacting in wanting them to have somewhere to retreat to, but he also felt that it was better to be safe rather than sorry and if he didn’t take the time to do this and something did happen, he knew that he could never forgive himself.
Dr. Holder finished with Joey and sent him back to his seat then waved Lance over to the couch. Lance took Joey’s same position on the couch then raised his head, exposing his neck when the doctor gently pushed his chin up with one hand, revealing the fading marks left by the cord that had been wrapped around his neck.
Seeing his bruises caused a mixture of emotions to race through each of the others and Dr. Holder’s words were temporarily blocked out as each became lost in their own thoughts.
Joey felt anger that he had spent time visiting on his way to the trailer where Lance had been attacked instead of going there directly. If he had immediately gone to the trailer, Lance would not have suffered for as long as he had…he may have been able to prevent those bruises around his friend’s neck from even happening. He knew that he would feel guilt if Lance were to have problems with his voice…if only he had gone straight there…if only…
Justin felt anger with himself…he felt that he should have been there…he could have stopped the whole incident from happening if he hadn’t played basketball. He had heard that Lance wasn’t feeling well and he had thought about staying with him…keeping him company, but when the opportunity came to play a game, he jumped at the chance. He didn’t care what the others thought…they were sure that he could have possibly been caught up in the same situation, but he didn’t feel that way at all. He had been selfish…if only he hadn’t put a stupid game before his friend…if only…
Chris winced at the bruises and felt a flash of anger in knowing that someone would hurt a person as gentle and non-violent as Lance. He had kept his thoughts to himself…although he knew that Lance’s attacker had been killed, he still felt that not enough justice had been served…not at all. If he had had his way, Marshall Goines would have been caught and put away for a long time…death was too easy. If only he had been caught…if only…
A shiver of fear raced up and down JC’s spine at the sight of the bruises. If Joey had not heard Lance’s quiet cries of distress when he had, they would have lost him…he would have strangled to death. He had also known that Lance wasn’t feeling well, but had chosen to find a quiet, out of the way spot to take a short nap instead of joining Lance in Darren’s trailer. If only he had made that choice, he would have locked the trailer door behind him, as was his habit…if only…
Each of the four were so lost in their thoughts that they didn’t first hear a new, quiet voice speaking until Nora quietly cleared her throat to regain their attention before nodding her head toward the blond who was rubbing a hand slowly up and down his throat. He was a little afraid to make an attempt to speak, but decided to plow on ahead when he saw four pairs of eyes turn his way.
“Um…hi, guys?” he managed to croak out, wincing at not only the sound of his disused voice but at the soreness of the effort.
Immediately, JC and Chris shook their heads in near disbelief, while Joey and Justin practically leaped out of their seats in excitement.
“You can speak!” Joey exclaimed happily as he pulled Lance up from his seat on the couch and gave him a bear hug with Justin joining him a second later. Moments later, all four pairs of arms surrounded Lance in a group hug celebrating the fact that prayers had been answered.
At the same time, William and Nora gave each other knowing glances…each understanding that although the young men had been put through several harrowing experiences, they were now on their way to recovery…but things aren’t always as easy as they seem to be.
It was several minutes before the five young men could settle down long enough for Dr. Holder to finish explaining Lance’s condition to them.
“Now…I know that you are relieved as well as excited that Lance can speak, but he is going to have to take things very slowly…even slower than Joseph,” he said, being mindful to look each of the five right in the eye as emphasis of his seriousness.
“There was some damage when the cord applied pressure to his throat and he must be careful in order not to strain himself and that means speaking quietly…drinking plenty of fluids…and getting extra rest. The last two items goes for all of you, really.”
They all nodded their heads in agreement then the doctor turned his attention to Lance.
“Now…I want you to listen to me very carefully, Lance…and the rest of you, boys,” he added, briefly glancing at the others before once again looking at Lance.
“The episode in the hospital that you described to me…the one where you had sudden difficulty in breathing when you laughed…” The doctor let his words hang for a moment as he gave everyone the opportunity to recall the situation that he was speaking of and he knew exactly when each had the memory since, for a split second, mixtures of fear and sadness seemed to take over before the happy expressions returned to their faces.
“That could happen again if you happened to push yourself by yelling out…screaming…raising your voice for a prolonged amount of time.”
”Yes, sir,” Lance replied quietly. “I’ll be careful.”
The doctor took in the serious tone of Lance’s quiet voice then nodded his head knowing that his words of warning were being taken to heart.
With a final nod of his head, he put a hand on the young man’s shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze. “It looks like you’re good to go, young man. Now…let’s move on to the final three of you,” the doctor said with a smile on his face and for the next few minutes he went over Justin, Chris, and JC’s conditions, giving everyone more information on them and even more instructions. After finishing, he and Nora spent a few more minutes just visiting with the young men…getting to know them a little better since Jan was trusting them to keep a watchful eye on them.
Jan’s brief phone call letting everyone know that she had reached her first destination safely brought an end to William and Nora’s visit. Before leaving, doctor made certain that the boys had his phone number and even supplied them with instructions on how to reach their home in necessary since the van that Jan had picked them up in from the airport was still parked in front of the house…although none of the boys had yet to figure out how the young woman had managed to have two vehicles at their location. They hadn’t given it much thought but were grateful that they hadn’t been stranded at the house with her leaving so quickly.
Later that evening, the five were scattered about the living room after having eaten some supper. JC closed the book that he had been reading and stretched as much as he was able without waking the figure sleeping on the same couch he was sitting on.
“I’m going out on the front porch,” JC said, carefully standing up from his seat on one of the couches in the living room, being mindful not to jostle Justin too much as he slowly lifted the young man’s feet from his lap.
He and the others had been reading to pass away the time since the only television in the house could just pick up a channel or two, if they were lucky but William and Nora were planning to bring a VCR and a small collection of tapes for them tomorrow. None of them had been given the opportunity to pack anything to occupy their time, but at the same time, no one was complaining. They were relieved by the fact that they were somewhere safe and still ecstatic after learning that Lance was being allowed to speak and that Joey’s hand as well as Lance’s voice would be back to normal in a matter of weeks.
“Want some company?” Lance asked quietly, grimacing at how hoarse and disused his voice sounded. He closed the book that he was reading before running a hand tiredly through his hair as he slowly sat up from his reclined position on one of the couches. The ability to speak was taking its toll on him and he felt worn out, but at the same time, not quite ready to call it a night.
“You better not go out there in the night air, Poofu,” Chris said, glancing up from his position on the floor. “It’s pretty damp outside tonight and that wouldn’t be good for your voice or throat.”
“Chris is right, Lance,” Joey said before adding, “I’ll go with you, Jace.” He stood up from his chair and stretched being mindful of his hand, which was sore and slightly swollen.
Lance simply nodded his head then fought back a yawn, which then triggered a chain reaction in the room. He shrugged his shoulders in apology and everyone smiled being mindful to stifle their laughs so that they wouldn’t disturb Justin’s sleep.
“Be back in a few,” JC said before he and Joey headed toward the front door.
While the pair walked away, Chris’s eyes suddenly lit up in delight and he looked over at Justin’s sleeping form. Lance caught the older man’s look and inwardly groaned knowing from experience that something was going to happen.
“Chris…don’t do it,” he said, shaking his head at his friend, knowing that whatever the older man had up his sleeve was already going to happen no matter what.
“What? Me? Do something?” Chris replied innocently, putting his hand on his chest and giving Lance a look of disbelief as he batted his eyes.
“Why…whatever in the world would make you think I could possibly be up to something, Lansten?”
For a full three or four seconds Lance simply stared at the older man incredulously before closing his eyes and running his hand over his forehead in an effort to ward off the headache that he knew would come with whatever was going to be happening within the next few minutes.
“Chris…just…oh…never mind,” Lance said in near exasperation, knowing that it wouldn’t do any good. Although a small part of him wanted to know what Chris was planning he didn’t think he had enough energy to face the wrath of Justin or the older man’s manic behavior. Not only that…he was certain that the reprimand that Chris would surely get from JC would be the mother of all reprimands and Joey would surely show him nothing but awe and wonder for his latest escapade. Nope…he was going to make his exit before things would have a chance to get out of hand…he wanted no part of whatever was going to happen.
“Just don’t say that I didn’t warn you, Crazy and don’t make a mess…this isn’t our house. I’m going upstairs so J doesn’t think I was a part of whatever you have in mind.”
With that said, Lance picked up his book and headed toward the stairs.
“Chicken…” Chris said quietly before rubbing his hands together while heading for the kitchen. “This is going to be so good,” he whispered out gleefully, barely able to contain himself.
“I’m really glad about your hand, Joey,” JC said quietly after he and Joey had sat down on the stone steps leading up to the front porch.
“Yeah. I’m glad Lance is going to be okay…Justin’s hand too,” Joey replied as he absent-mindedly rubbed his right hand gently with his left trying to ward off the itch that removing the stitches had brought on.
The pair remained silent for several minutes watching as the sun setting behind the house cast shadows across the expansive yard, lost in their own thoughts.
“How long do you think we’ll have to stay here?” Joey asked, finally breaking the silence with a question that had been on his mind since they had arrived two days earlier. He reached out to grasp a few green, waxy leaves on a nearby bush and pulled them off a branch before dropping them to the stone step his feet were resting upon.
“I don’t know, Joe. I guess when the investigators feel like it’s safe enough for us to go home, they’ll let us know,” JC answered, knowing that his answer wasn’t what Joey would want to hear, but it was the only one he had, for the moment.
Joey just nodded his head in response while JC hugged his knees closer to his chest since the autumn night air was a little chilly as well as damp.
‘Glad Lance didn’t come out in this,’ he thought as a small shiver coursing through his body caused him to pull his knees even closer to his body. Joey didn’t miss JC’s movements and he frowned slightly at the older man who seemed to be looking intently across the yard at the enormous oaks and pines that were sporadically scattered about.
“You want to go in?” Joey asked reaching out to touch JC’s arm and he wasn’t surprised to feel how cool the skin felt beneath the heat of his hand. He inwardly smiled at that fact that while he seemed to be the most warm natured of the entire group, JC and Lance were definitely on the complete and far opposite end of the spectrum.
“Yeah…it’s kinda getting cold out here,” JC replied with a smile as his attention continued to be focused on gazing out at the rapidly darkening yard before slowly standing up then offering Joey a hand up. The pair stood looking at the yard for a few more moments then climbed the stairs and approached the front door. Just as JC reached out to turn the doorknob, he was suddenly overwhelmed with a feeling of intense dread and he took a shaky step back away from the door, stepping right into Joey. Joey in turn, reached out and grasped JC around the waist with his good arm when it appeared that his friend was going to stumble and fall. In response to the arm gripping him tightly about his waist, JC suddenly and unexpectedly let out a bloodcurdling scream as his mind took him back to a week ago. It took only a second or two for him to recall a small portion of the attack on Lance’s front porch, and in that short amount of time, his heart raced, nearly pounding out of his chest, his breathing became labored…ragged to the point he couldn’t hear the frightened voice of Joey, who continued to hold on to him as he blindly struggled against him.
“No…no…no…nono…nonono!” JC’s frantically screamed out over Joey’s anxious shouts for help from the others.
Just when Joey was sure that he was going to be hit by JC’s flailing arms, the memory disappeared as quickly as it appeared, along with the frantic movements and horrified screams. The others burst through the porch door to see JC’s eyes roll back before he became limp in Joey’s shaking arms.
“Is he going to be okay?” Justin whispered, looking over Chris’s shoulder, who was gently wiping a wet cloth over JC’s pale features.
“I think so…I don’t know,” Chris answered, his voice and words revealing his uncertainty as well as his fear.
“I called Dr. Holder…he’s on his way,” Joey said almost breathlessly as he entered the living room from the kitchen while Lance trailed behind holding a plastic bag of ice in one hand and a dish towel in the other. Joey sat down at the far end of the couch, lifting up JC’s bare feet so that they rested in his lap.
“How’s your hand?” Chris asked, not even looking up from what he was doing. He wanted to make sure he kept a close eye on JC who hadn’t moved an inch since they had wrestled his pliant body back into the house several minutes ago.
“I’m not sure…but I think I messed it up trying to keep a hold of him,” Joey quietly answered with a grimace before hissing in pain as Lance rested the ice bag on his right wrist and hand.
“I don’t think it’s broken since he can move his fingers, but it looks like it might be sprained pretty bad,” Lance added in strained tones as he walked around to the back of the couch to see how JC was doing. His voice was pretty well shot after he and the others had stumbled out onto the porch. There had been a lot of confusion and raised voices and he wasn’t sure what the doctor was going to say about him.
“What happened, Joe?” Justin asked sitting down on the arm of the couch beside the older man. He was still very shaken by what he had seen. “Why did he freak out?”
Joey shook his head before leaning it back against the couch. Justin put a hand on Joey’s shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze while the older man ran a shaking left hand through his hair.
”I don’t know what happened, guys,” Joey said in a bewildered tone. “He was just reaching for the doorknob when it happened. I mean…I bet I didn’t even have a chance to blink an eye before he started screaming and struggling against me. My hand started killing me, but I was afraid that if I let go of him he’d fall and hurt himself.” Joey closed his eyes as he took a deep breath and Chris turned to look behind him, his features having paled somewhat with the information.
“You’re telling me, Joe that Jace reached out to open the door and that’s when it all happened?” he asked, having an idea what may have caused JC to react like he did.
“You know something…don’t you,” Lance said realizing that he was right when Chris paled even further as he drew in a deep breath and bit his bottom lip.
“Chris?” Justin asked, leaning forward to look as Chris simply nodded his head then turned back around and once again began running the wet cloth over JC’s slack features. After a few quiet seconds, he cleared his throat knowing that the others wanted some sort of explanation. He turned a little so that he could glance at the others behind him.
“You weren’t awake, Lance when JC and I left to pick up some things for you and Joey…well…neither were you for that matter, Joe.”
Both nodded at what was said and watched as Chris once again turned back to look down at JC’s quiet, still features.
“We went to your house first, Joe then we headed over to Lance’s. We parked in the driveway and walked up the sidewalk just talking about everything that had been going on,” he said, shrugging his shoulders before rolling his head about in an effort to ward of the tension that he could feel building within the already tense, tight muscles, not realizing that the others were just as tense as he and were mimicking his movements to some degree or another.
“We got up to the front door and…it wasn’t locked…and it wasn’t really closed either. So…of course, JC starts to kinda freak while I give all sorts of excuses why we had found it that way, but I should of gone with JC’s gut feelings because one minute we’re by ourselves and the next minute some Lonnie or Mike-size guy grabs JC around the waist…and…I tried to help, but got kicked back. That’s the last thing I remember before waking up in the hospital later on.”
Chris bowed his head as a feeling of guilt coursed its way through him. He knew he wasn’t to blame for what had happened, but somewhere in the back of his mind he couldn’t help but feel that if he had been more alert he would have never tried to talk JC into going into the house. He also felt that he had let JC down by not being able to come to his aid when he had been grabbed. And…even when part of his mind rationalized that his abilities to help JC had been hindered because the men had not only had at least 50 or more pounds on him and were at least a foot or more taller to boot…another part of his mind told him that no matter what…he had been partially responsible for the fix that they were in.
With his head turned and bowed, the others thought that Chris was just upset over the memory and what had just happened, not realizing that he was blaming himself.
The group remained quiet and subdued until they heard a car drive up.
“I’ll get it,” Lance said quietly, heading for the front door while Justin stood up from the couch and took his position. Moments later, Lance trailed behind Dr. Holder and his wife as they hurriedly entered into the living room.
For several minutes the doctor assessed JC’s condition, taking in the pale features as he busily checked the young man’s blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and temperature while Nora kept the others occupied a few feet away so that her husband had room to work.
“Don’t worry, boys. I’m sure he’s going to be just fine,” she said in reassuring tones as he gently grasped one of Lance’s hands in her own in an effort to stop him from wringing them. At the same time, Joey put a protective arm around Chris’s shoulders, while Justin stood beside them, biting his bottom lip nervously, while he worriedly picked at the cuticles of his fingers. Out of the corner of his eye, Chris saw what Justin was doing and he reached out and grabbed one of the younger man’s hands, grasping it tightly.
After what seemed like an eternity, the doctor bent over from his seat on the edge of the couch to reach into his black medical bag. Looking over his shoulder he called Chris over.
“I’m going to use some smelling salts and I think you need to be here to help keep him calm,” he said motioning for him to come over. He slightly frowned when the others also took the invitation before stationing themselves around the inert form on the couch.
“I’ll put his head in my lap,” Lance said quietly. “I don’t want him to mess up your hand any more Joe or your wrist, Just,” he added. Dr. Holder simply nodded in agreement, mentally noting that two more exams would need to take place, before gently helping the young man to lift JC’s upper body far enough off the couch surface so that he could slide underneath. At the same time, Chris moved to the other end of the couch before lifting JC’s feet and sitting down. Joey and Justin went to the back of the couch and leaned over so that when JC did happen to awaken, he would be able to see and feel that they were all there for him.
“Okay…here we go,” Dr. Holder said as he opened a small brown bottle then waved it under JC’s nose. At first, there was no movement detected by those anxiously waiting, but gradually, bit-by-bit, JC began move…his relaxed features slowly twitching to life. With a small moan, he tried to distance himself from the offensive odor emanating from the bottle the doctor continued to hold beneath his nose
“Ngh…mmm…nnnnoo…wha…” he groaned in low tones as he slowly reached up to bat away whatever was creating the awful smell, but the doctor’s large hand gently pushed one of his hands to the side while Lance grasped his other.
“Jace…JC…come on…wake up, Jace,” Lance urged his friend, being mindful to keep his tone low and calm. He didn’t want JC to become alarmed…none of them did.
While Lance’s voice continued to urge him to awaken, JC’s mind felt thick and foggy. He had no idea why his head hurt so much or why he was being told to wake up…and where was that smell coming from?
“Tired…tired…hurts…no, Lance,” he said so quietly that his words were almost not heard, but there were smiles all around and sighs of relief.
“I know, Jace, but the doctor needs for you to open your eyes to let him know that you’re okay,” Lance said quietly as he ran his hand over JC’s head, brushing his hair back away from his face.
“Others?” JC asked, suddenly realizing that he hadn’t heard any of the other’s voices, but he felt relief when Justin, Chris and Joey suddenly spoke in quiet tones, letting him know that they were all there.
The sound of everyone’s voices caused JC to force open his heavy-laden eyelids and he blinked hard in order to bring the blurred faces of his friends into focus.
“Hi, guys,” he said, his voice tired and a little bewildered.
“Good to see you awake, young man,” Dr. Holder said at his side, and JC slightly turned his head on Lance’s lap to give the doctor a small smile before slowly closing his eyes as a veil of weariness suddenly began to descend upon him.
The doctor quickly gave JC’s cheeks a few quick, gentle slaps, ignoring the distraught faces around him.
“Come on, Joshua…don’t go to sleep quite yet,” he said before looking up at Lance. “Give his hair a few tugs to keep him with us.”
Lance raised his eyebrows in surprise, but complied with the doctor while the others watched. After a few moments, the doctor and Lance’s efforts with rewarded with JC grimacing as he once again opened his eyes.
“Stop…don’t…” he whispered looking at the doctor again in a mixture of confusion. “What’s going on?”
“That’s what we’d like to know, Joshua,” Dr. Holder answered. “Do you know what happened?” he asked carefully, not wanting to upset JC but at the same time wanting to know exactly he would be working against.
At the same time, the four others looked at each other, fearfully and dreadfully anticipating what reaction the question might bring.
Confusion clouded JC’s features and he frowned before speaking quietly.
“I…I…I guess I must have…fainted?” he asked, looking at the others for confirmation of what had happened since he had no earthly idea why he was lying on the couch with his head in Lance’s lap…nor did he have any other explanation as to why the doctor and his wife were back.
Inwardly, Dr. Holder frowned but he kept his outward expression even as he nodded his head. At the same time, the others gave each other glances of confusion and bewilderment at the apparent fact that JC had no memory of what had happened out on the porch less than thirty minutes ago.
“Yes…yes, you did. How do you feel now, Joshua?”
“Umm…tired…really tired.”
“Any dizziness…nausea?”
JC simply shook his head in reply to the question.
“Okay, then…Chris and Lance are going to help you get up and we’re going to get you to bed so you can…” the doctor began, but Joey quickly interrupted.
“Dr. Holder…if you don’t mind, can’t we just rearrange the furniture in here? We all slept in here on mattresses the first night we were here. That way we can all be together.”
The doctor glanced about and saw that the rest of the group were nodding their heads in agreement and he couldn’t argue with the logic.
“Sounds like a good idea, boys. Chris…Lance…why don’t you help me with moving the mattresses while Justin and Joey stay here with mother and JC.”
Chris and Lance moved carefully out from under JC and minutes later, Joey had JC’s head in his lap while Justin had his feet.
“I’ll just help supervise,” Nora said with a smile on her face. Her remark brought some nervous chuckles from the group and the doctor, Lance and Chris made quick work of moving a few of the mattresses from the upstairs bedrooms down into the large living room.
Once furniture had been rearranged and the temporary beds had been covered enough to Nora’s satisfaction, William pulled Chris and Lance to the side while Joey and Justin remained on the couch with a now deeply sleeping JC.
“Well, boys…all I can tell you is to expect the unexpected. From what was said earlier, Joshua’s memories are returning and it more than likely won’t be pleasant when they continue to come to the surface.”
“So…what do we need to do in the mean time?” Chris asked. Everyone had wanted JC’s memory of the events to return, but not like this.
“Don’t push them. By what happened out on the porch, it’s easy to see that his body tried to protect itself by fainting. Whether he’s ready or not…whether you’re ready or not…they will return.”
Both Lance and Chris inwardly cringed at the realization of what they might be facing in the days ahead.
“For the time being…he’s needs rest…extra rest. Keep things calm around here. I’ve brought some sedatives and he’ll be taking one before I leave. There shouldn’t be any side effects other than a little wooziness…maybe a headache, but nothing severe. He can take Tylenol for those, but if they become too much, you need to let me know. I’ll be back here tomorrow to check on him and the rest of you. We’ll even do a little exploring and JC can come along if he’s had enough rest beforehand.”
Lance and Chris simply nodded at the information before asking a few question. Minutes later, the doctor took one more look at JC and administered the sedative then ushered Joey across the room to look at his wrist, which was unfortunately slightly sprained. With deft movement, the doctor rewrapped Joey’s hand with an ace bandage, encircling the entire hand up to his elbow all the while giving him strict instructions with Lance standing nearby listening.
Several minutes later, William and Nora made their way to the front door, accompanied by Chris and Lance
“Now, Christopher…what we spoke about earlier…you need to let Justin and Joseph know,” he said as he opened Nora’s car door for her before walking around to the driver’s door.
“Yes, sir and we have your phone number…your address and the map to your home,” Chris said from the porch.
“What about JC…what do we need to tell him?” Lance asked.
“Just let him know that he’s okay. Let me think on that and I’ll get back with you tomorrow…okay?”
“Yes, sir,” Chris answered, not exactly liking the answer, but JC would more than likely sleep through the entire night and by then, maybe the rest of them could come up with some sort of reasonable explanation…one that wouldn’t cause JC any more stress than he would more than likely being feeling in the days to come.
“Good night, boys. Call if you need anything at all.”
With that said, Chris and Lance watched as the doctor drove away.
“It’s going to be okay…right, Chris? We’ll be okay?” Lance asked, wanting some reassurance, but Chris simply shook his head.
“I don’t know, Lance…I hope so, but I…I don’t know.”