Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2001 05:36:00 -0800
From: Robert Just  Robert <kewl_dad_1@msn.com>
Subject: Poindexter Files-Chapter Six

Poindexter Files
Chapter Six
A New Life For Luke

	Luke woke up with a start and suddenly realized where he was.  It
was early, by his estimation but he wasn't sure exactly what time, since he
had no clock or watch.  Suddenly the door pushed open and Don walked in
smiling.
	"Hey slugger, how ya feelin today?"  Don ask cheerfully.
	"Okay, I guess."  Luke replied smiling weakly.
	"Cool, are ya hungry this morning?"  Don ask nearing the boy and
taking his hand in his to check his pulse.  "I got some pull in the
kitchen, I bet I could get you just about anything you wanted.  How about
some waffles with strawberries?
	"Sure."  Luke said unconvincingly.
	"Ahh, what's wrong guy.  Oh by the way, Mark said to give you a big
hug."  Don said leaning close to the boy expectantly.
	Luke leaned in to meet him and allowed Don to hug him and in
seconds he began to hug back.  He liked Don a lot, he had made his stay at
the hospital bearable and he had made it possible for Mark to visit him.
	"Umm, is Mark gonna come by today?"  Luke ask as he broke the hug
some time later.
	"If you want.  I know he wants to , but he don't wanna seem pushy.
You know."
	"Why? Does he think I don't want him here?"  Luke ask with concern,
afraid that he might have said or did something yesterday to keep him away.
	"Nah, it's just...well you know...you being a kid and all.  He
don't wanna force you to see him or anything.  He really likes you as a
friend, he is a really nice guy and he is very considerate of others."  Don
explained feeling a sudden pang of withdrawal.  He had only left Mark a few
hours ago and he found himself missing him.
	"Mark is the only friend I got right now, and you....I guess."
Luke said shyly.
	"You bet, you got me."  Don said tousling Luke's shaggy hair.
	"I tell you what...I'll call Mark and tell him to stop by after
school, how's that?"
	"Cool."  Luke said smiling widely.  "I am kinda hungry, how about
pancakes instead of waffles and blueberry syrup?"
	"Coming right up.  Be back in a flash."  Don said breezing from the
room.
	Luke decided to go take a much need pee while he waited for Don to
return with his breakfast.  He took a good look at himself in the mirror as
he was washing up and couldn't believe how bad he looked.  He pulled at his
face and slapped cold water on it before finally deciding there was nothing
he could do about it now.  His thoughts were interrupted by a soft rap on
his door.  Thinking it was Don returning he called out with mock rudeness.
	"Yeah, yeah, can't a guy take a piss around here?"
	"Luke, are you in there?"  He heard his mother ask.
	"Yeah, sorry mom.  I thought you were Mark."
	His mother was grinning as he emerged, happy to see he was in
better spirits.
	"Did you sleep well, baby?"  His mother ask as she wrapped him in a
hug.
	"Yeah, I guess.  I'm hungry...Don went to get breakfast, pancakes
and blueberry syrup."  Luke said happily.
	"Well, it seems you have the staff eating out of your hand."  His
mother chuckled.  "I have some good news, the doctor says if everything
checks out when he visits this afternoon, you can go home.  Isn't that
wonderful?"  His mother said trying to sound enthusiastic despite the fact
that home was actually someplace else now.
	"Cool."  Luke said smiling.  "I'm pretty tired of this place.  They
never let you rest."
	His mother sat down in a chair near his bed as he stretched out and
her smile faded.  Luke noticed her sudden change of mood and looked at her
questioningly.
	"Luke, I have to tell you some things."  She began.
	Luke nodded, and although he didn't know exactly what she was going
to say, he knew it was probably about his him and his dad.
	"Baby, when we leave today.  We won't be going home.  We will be
going to grandma and grandpa's."  She waited for the news to settle in
before continuing.  "I...couldn't stay with your dad, not after what he did
to you, and what he said about you."  She said sniffing back tears.  Luke
sat up and moved to the edge of the bed and took her hand.  He knew it was
hard fro her, they had been married a long time.  He felt like it was all
his fault.
	"I'm sorry mom."  He managed to squeak out.
	"It's okay baby.  We will be just fine.  I'll get a job and grandpa
and grandma will help out."
	Luke stared into space for a while unable to look his mother in the
eyes.  Finally their eyes met and Luke saw the love and concern that his
mother had for him and he cried.  She hugged him close and they both cried.
They had each other and that would be enough for now.  They were
interrupted by Don's return and quickly wiped their eyes.
	"Oh, hi.  I brought Luke some pancakes, bacon and oj."  Don said
smiling warmly.
	"And blueberry syrup?"  Luke ask straining to see what the tray
held.
	"You bet, right here."  Don said moving the tray onto Luke's
feeding table.
	"Alright!"  Luke said as he dove into the pile of pancakes.
	His mother smiled at his zest and sat back thoughtfully.  She was
glad she had told Luke the truth now, so there would be no surprises when
he was released.  She hoped the doctor would find everything ok, because
she didn't know how much longer the insurance would pay for Luke to stay at
the hospital.
	"Well, Luke I have a job interview at nine so I have go to be going
baby."  His mother said after a few minutes of watching luke eat.
	"Ummmkay."  Luke said around a mouthfull of pancake.  He made a
kissy face and his mother gave him a quick kiss tasting the blueberry syrup
on his lips.
	"Ummm, good."  His mother said smiling.  "You taste like
blueberries."
	"Bye mom, when will ya be back?"  Luke ask licking his lips.
	"Baby, I'll be back around three to see what the doc says,
hopefully to take you home.  I'll see ya later babe, okay."
	"K, mom...byeeeee."
	Don returned as Luke's mom was leaving.  "I just got off the phone
with Mark.  He will be here around three, how does that sound?"
	"Great, thanks Don.  These pancakes are awesome."  Luke found he
was hungry for the first time since he had checked in to the hospital.
	"I can get more, if you want em."  Don offered.
	"No, thanks I'm almost full.  These are awesome."
	"Okay, buddy.  I got some rounds to make, I'll be back to take your
tray in a little while, okay?"
	"K, see ya."  Luke said swallowing a bite of pancake.
	Presently Luke pushed his table back and fell back on the bed.  He
was stuffed with pancakes and felt sudden very satisfied.  He knew he
should be upset that he would not be going home to his father, but somehow
he could not see it as a bad thing right now.  All his father did was make
fun on him and hurt him, it would be nice to not have to worry about all
that for awhile at least.  He could be himself with his grandparents and
his mother and right now that was what he needed most. Suddenly he realized
that Mark was coming at the same time his mom had said she would return.
At first he was worried, but finally decided that it was time that his mom
met Mark.  He just knew deep inside that his mom would like Mark as much as
he did.  He smiled contentedly and switched on the TV.
*********************************************
	Across town Mark tried to concentrate on his newest account but,
all he could do was think about was Luke.  He felt so very bad about what
had happened to the boy, but it was more.  Somehow they had connected on
some level that he could not fully understand as of yet.  He wondered how
Don felt about his friendship with the boy, but he wasn't worried.  Don had
always been a very caring person, that was one of the reasons he had chose
nursing as a career.  It was his choice, he could have chosen any field
considering the honors he had recieved in school, but nursing was his first
love.  Male nurses often took a bit of ribbing by other poeple in the
health care profession.  Most people think nursing is for women, that a man
should be a doctor.  But Don always had a way of explaining his choice that
put everyone in their place.  Don loved nursing and Mark knew Luke was in
good hands.  Mark glanced at his watch, it was 2:15.  He waited a few more
minutes before finally giving up and heading off to see Luke.
	Luke was just waking up from a short nap when he heard a soft rap
on his door.  He looked up just as Mark's peeked around the door.  His eyes
lit up and he quickly sat up.
	"Hi, come in.  Thanks for coming to see me."  Luke said warmly.
	"Hey, that's what pals are for."  Mark said grinning widely as he
studied the boy's face.  He thought to himself that Luke looked much better
than he had the previous day.  "You look good today.  Are they feeding you
alright?"
	"Yeah, Don brought me pancakes and blueberry syrup today."  Luke
said excitedly.  Luke felt happy now that Mark was here and it showed in
every movement.
	"Wow, v.i.p. treatment."  Mark said chuckling.  "I think you have
made as big an impression on Don as you did on me."
	Luke blushed a little and smiled contentedly.  "I like Don, he's
nice.  You're nice too."
	"Thanks, so are you.  So any word on when they are gonna let you
out of this nut house."  Mark joked.
	"Maybe today, if the doctor says I'm better.  I feel fine.  Oh, and
guess what?"
	"What buddy?" Mark said settling down in the chair beside Luke's
bed.
	Luke's softened his smile and with a serious look began telling
Mark about his mother leaving his dad and how they would be staying with
his grandparents.  He also told Mark that his mom was looking for work,
that she had an interview today.  Mark realized how hard all this must be
for them both and in his mind he began to formulate a plan to help out.
	"Umm, buddy."  Mark began.  "When will you mom be back, I'd really
like to meet her, she sounds like one terrific person."
	Luke opened his mouth to answer but at that moment, as luck would
have it, his mother entered the room.
	"Oh, I didn't know you had company."  His mother said looking
questiongly at Luke.
	"This is Mark."  Luke said simply.
	"Hi, Mrs....."  Mark said turning red-faced.  "I'm afraid I don't
even know your last name.
	"Williams, Mrs. Williams."  She said shaking his hand.
	"You must be wondering who the heck I am."  Mark laughed nervously.
	"Let me tell her."  Luke said suddenly.
	Luke's mom turned to him and looked at him expectantly.
	"I met Mark online mom.  I know, I know.  You told me a million
times, don't ever meet anyone I met online.  Mark told me the same stuff.
He is different mom, he and Don are good friends and they helped me a lot.
Please....don't be mad, ok?"  Luke pleaded.
	Ordinarily she would have been very aggravated at Luke for what he
had just told her, but she sensed something in his words that soothed her.
"Well, I guess there's nothing to be done about it now.  Uh..Mark tell me
about yourself."
	Mark did tell her about himself, in fact the told here more than he
had intended.  She listened unscathed as Mark explained that he and Don
were not just friends, but were in fact a couple.  He didn't realize how
bizarre all of it sounded until he had finished.
	"Well, I guess I'm just getting use to all this too fast, because
none of what you have told me even sounds the least bit odd."  She said
laughing a little too loud.  "I'm sorry, I wasn't laughing at you.  I'm
just so very tired.  I have been out job hunting..it's a jungle out there."
She said, suddenly looking very tired.
	"Exactly what kind of work are you looking for?"  Mark ask
curiously.
	"Well, I have some secretarial skills, but I can do almost
anything."  She replied numbly.
	"How about computer skills?"  Mark ask thoughtfully.
	"Well, I'm comfortable around them, but I'm no computer whiz.  Why
do you ask?"
	"Would you consider coming to work for me.  I know it's kind of
sudden, and I can't pay a lot...umm..maybe eight, no nine bucks an hour."
Mark replied nervously.
	Luke's mother suddenly looked like she was about to cry and Mark
was afraid he had upset her in some way.  "Why are you doing this?  You
don't know me and yet you are offering me a job at much more than the
average wage.  I.....is it because of Luke?"
	Mark stood staring into her eyes for sometime before answering.  He
could see where Luke got his looks, and those eyes, they stared right
through to your soul.  "I won't lie, yes it is because of Luke.  But, in my
defense, I was toying with the idea of hiring someone to help me keep track
of things.  I'm good at computers, but lousy with details.  But, if it's
too wierd...I understand."  Mark aswered truthfully.
	Luke had been quietly following the adults conversation but
suddenly felt a need to interject his comments.  "Mom.....come on.  You
need a job and Mark need's someone.  Please....it will be cool and I'll get
to see Mark sometimes."  To Luke it was just that simple.
	"I don't know what to say."  Mrs. Williams began.  "Are you sure.
If I don't work out you can fire me."  She laughed nervously.
	Mark brightened.  "So, you will take the job?"
	"How can I refuse such a kind offer.  Luke has a way of influencing
both of us, I guess."  She said smiling.  "When do I start?"
	"Is tomorrow too soon?"  Mark said hopefully.
	"Tomorrow is fine.  And Mark.....thank you."  She said looking near
tears again.
	They were saved any further emotions by the entrance of the doctor.
He examined Luke and discharged him with his blessings.  Luke let out a
bronx cheer which could be heard all down the ward.  In minutes Luke was
dressed and ready to be wheeled downstairs.
	"Mom, can Mark come with us to grandpa's.  I want them to meet him
too."  Luke begged.
	She looked at Mark questiongly and Mark smiled warmly.  "It's fine
with me."
	"Ok, Luke would you like to ride there with Mark? You can tell him
how to get there."  She was surprised at herself for offeringmso soon after
meeting the man, but guessed that is Luke was convinced he was a good man
that was enough for her.
	"Woo hoo...you bet."  Luke said excitedly.  His mother smiled and
marveled at how far he had come in just a few days.  It seemed Mark was a
good influence on him.
	Don came shortly with a wheelchair and Mark filled him in on the
details of the last few minutes.  Don smiled knowingly and assured Luke's
mom that everything would be ok.  She felt much better, as if a weight had
been lifted from her.  Mark was working his magic again, he had that affect
on everyone he met.
	The trip to Luke's grandparents' house was filled with the sound of
Luke's laughter.  Mark smiled at the boy and their eyes met.  Luke smiled
and he blushed.
	"Thanks a lot, Mark. You are really, really nice.  My mom likes you
too, a lot.  I can tell."
	"I like her too.  I know she must love you a lot to do what she
did.  I was glad to help out.  Besides, like you said...now we can see each
other sometimes.  I think that is awesome."  Mark said patting Luke's leg.
	"Cool."  Luke said smiling widely.  "Up there, third house.  Where
the green pick-up is."
	Mark helped Luke out of the car just as his mom drove up.  Together
they went inside.  She introduced Mark to her parents, and told them as
much about him as she thought they could handle.  They were moderately
liberal, but she wasn't comfortable telling them everything, at least not
now.  For now it would suffice that he was a friend and her new boss.  Her
parents, of course, believed that he might be more than a friend and maybe
a new dad for their grandson.  Luke's mom chuckled to herself, knowing what
they must be thinking.  "If only they knew the truth."  She thought to
herself.
	Mark could see that he had nothing to worry about now, Luke was in
a loving home and he would be just fine.  He felt a small pang of
jealously, but hoped that Luke would find a place for him in his new life.
He let himself be talked into staying for coffee and fresh baked apple pie,
just so he could spend a little more time around Luke, but finally excused
himself saying he had to get back to work.  He gave Luke's mom his phone
number and the address of his office and told her he would see her around
nine.  She kissed him quickly on the cheek and Luke walked him to his car.
	"I think my grandparents liked you a whole lot too."  Luke said
grinning widely.
	"I liked them too.  I think you will do just fine here buddy.  You
probably don't need me anymoe."  Mark said feeling a little sad.
	"Huh...what are you talking about?  Don't you wanna be...my friend
anymore?"  Luke ask sadly.
	"Of course I do.  I just thought......" Mark said feeling suddenly
foolish.
	Luke moved up to Mark and gave him a hug.  "You helped me a lot,
and you helped my mom.  I want us to be friends always....and Don too."
Luke said sweetly.
	Mark put his arms around Luke's slender body and pulled him close.
He placed a soft kiss on his head.  "For as long as you want....for as long
as you need me...I'm yours."

End of chapter six...sorry it's been so long since I last wrote..lots of
stuff going on in my life...comments?.please write...I could use a friend
or two right now.