Date: Thu, 3 Apr 2008 14:56:33 -0600
From: Darrin Thomas <Djthomas4@charter.net>
Subject: Dylian ch 14

        "Don't worry, Son!  Relief is on the way!  You experienced an
allergic reaction to the adhesive coating on the bandage.  We will wash it
off right away.  But, you need to remain still.  Can you do that for me?"

        Dr. Powers spoke to us in the most soothing voice I have ever
heard.

        The two physicians removed all the dressing. Then, they washed him
down with a saline solution. The more they cleaned the better he
felt. Soon, I could tell the rash had all but disappeared.

        "Simon, the incision needs to be aired for a while. You must avoid
touching the exposed area! If you feel you can't control your urge to
scratch, then we will put restraints on your arms. But, that is up to you:
Please give me a thumbs up, for yes, or down, for no!" Debbie explained.

        Surprisingly, my eldest responded in the affirmative.

        " Are you certain you want to be tethered?"

        I attempted to reaffirm his answer.

        Again verifying his decision, Dr Edwards restricted his arm
movement in such a way he could reach everywhere except his head.

        "Simon, we will re-bandage you in one half hour, and then take off
the restraints." Dr. Powers remarked.

        "Mr. Thomas may I speak to you out in the corridor?"

        "I think it would be better to talk to me here: My son has a right
to know what is going on!"

        I was a little put off.

        "Umm... Fine!  I heard that you have a jet: is that correct?"

        "Yes, I have several!  Why do you ask?"

        "A friend of mine from med school has a patient who needs
surgery. The boy is a ward of the state which refuses to pay for the
operation.  I am hoping you will transport the child here so I can perform
the operation.  The hospital is certain to cover the cost of the
procedure."

        "Of course I will!  Call Miles, Dr. Edwards' husband: Tell him that
I want JR to fetch the orphan and fly him here!  You needn't to worry about
the cost. The S&E Fund will cover all expenses.  Also, after the procedure,
we will have him legally transferred to here so that he can be adopted."

        "That is great!  Thank you so much!  But, what is the S&E Fund?"

        "It is a foundation that provides aid to destitute wards of the
state for medical needs such as operations, prosthetics or wheel chairs!"

        "What does S&E stand for?" Debbie asked with a smirk.

        "Simon and Even, of course!  I had the fund set up with Mark and
Brian earlier today.  I feel that the two of you are the perfect physicians
to be on the board.  Sherry and Carol are going to serve, as well.  I
stipulated half of the funds be in stocks and the remainder in cash
reserves.  The initial grant is thirty million dollars."

        I chuckled.

        "Also, the two namesakes are on the board.  I designated that they
have final say over who is accepted, and what the money is used for!"

        "Mr. Thomas, that is awesome!  I can't tell you how many children
we will be able to help!  When can we start using this fund?"  Dr. Powers
asked impassionedly.

        "This boy will be our first, and then, we shall proceed from there!
My son has definitive ideas of what he wants done: bearing in mind it was,
in part, his baby!"

        The two practitioners departed the room.

        Shortly, there after, the "herd" arrived to see if my eldest was
alright.

        "The patient is asleep: Please, keep the noise level down!  Boys,
the problem resulted from Simon being allergic to the adhesive on the
bandage.  He developed a rash which smarted when he awoke.  Once the
doctors washed the area off, the pain disappeared.  Now, Dylan's brother is
in restraints to prevent him from touching his head.  Don't undo them: It
was his choice to be fettered.  Are there any questions?"

        I tried to cover the entire topic.  However, I knew our kids would
haves more queries.

        "I have one, Dad.  We are all just sitting around not doing
anything: How can we help?"

        All of the other kids nodded in agreement with my younger son.

        "Allow me to answer that one, Drew.  Do you think you might like to
entertain the hospitalized children?  I know they enjoy having one-on-one
company.  Most of these young patients only receive adult visitors or see
their brothers and sisters.  And, those sessions aren't fun.  If you want
to drop by to chat with them that would be great!"  Dr Edwards explained.

        The boys conferred.  Then, Dylian spoke for the group.

        "Yeah, Aunt Debbie, that is so awesome!  We would love to meet
them!"

        My friend's wife brought the "herd" upstairs: They were all were
all excited about talking to the bedridden youngsters.

        It wasn't long before Miles appeared looking madder than hell.

        "I don't know what the heck happened today, Drew, between Donna and
you!"

        "Who the hell is she?"

        "The dispatcher you ordered me to let go.  I received a call from
her lawyer before I left the office.  He stated the woman had been
wrongfully terminated, and he was giving us a chance to rectify the
situation before he filed suit.  I told him that his client misrepresented
the facts.  In actuality, she had been released for a valid reason.  He
stated there could never be a justifiable cause for a homosexual to fire a
Christian.  My friend, I must tell you that this individual frightens me.
Perhaps, we should negotiate with them!"

        "Hell, No! I will not be intimidated into settling!  The woman
called me a liar!  Since she said it to me what would she have told one of
my customers?  And, how did they determine my sexual orientation?  I am not
out in the work place!  She must have heard it by hearsay.  Of course, that
is slander for which we can counter sue!  Let Brian's team handle this."

        We talked about a few other things for work then went on to
personal items.  It was about one half hour later we heard the page.

        "Dr. Edwards to the ER, STAT!  Dr. Edwards to the ER, STAT!"

        Before either of us could react, Even jumped up.

        "Dad, something has to be wrong!  Mom took leave from her hospital
duties to care for Simon.  There is no reason for her to get called unless
it concerns someone in our family!  We need to go there, NOW!"

        "Son, calm down!  I am sure there is another explanation.  Why
don't we find out! I happen to know a few of the nurses.  Drew, I am going
to take my boy to see what is going on.  Hopefully, that will reassure
him!"

        "Uncle!... Please inform me if Simon wakes up! I will return,
immediately, if he does!"

        "Certainly, Even!  Now go with your dad!  I am sure that everything
is all right!"

        Upon giving my nephew a hug and kiss, the two departed. Shortly
there after, I received other visitors: Helen and her sister.

        "Sir, I would like for you to meet my sister, Patty: This is Drew
Thomas.  I will leave you two alone so you can talk."

        "Ma'am, I am so glad that you came.  I am sorry to hear about your
husband's passing."

        "Oh, Sir, please don't feel badly about that SOB dieing!  He was an
abusive drunk who deserved what he got!"

        She definitely didn't sound sad about his passing.

        "I apologize: I wasn't aware!"

        "No, I am sorry!  I have not recovered from the aftermath of the
accident.  He left me in terrible shape, financially!  My future remains
uncertain!  Helen said meeting with you might provide me with a solution! "

        "Let's see!  However, I will not make a decision until the boys
approve.  I am going to tell you a little about them: Although, you may
think my view point is biased!"

        I spent the next half hour talking to Patty about the youngsters. I
wasn't sure she believed what I had to say about Dylian. But, we didn't
have time to explore that subject.

        Miles came back into the room: He held Even, helping him walk.  My
friend guided his son over to the extra bed, had him lie down, and then
motioned for me to follow him.

        "My friend!... What happened?"

        "Hearing noise in the bathroom Bryan found his son on the floor in
a fetal position!  Tyler had an accident: He wet the bed!  Much more
seriously, he was peeing blood!  The boy's stomach is all different colors!
Even told us that three days ago a john had beaten him. My son hadn't
thought much of it, because his friend had said that it wasn't painful.
However, later on, the condition worsened.  But, since, my eldest wasn't
around he didn't say anything.  Right now the injured teen is being rushed
into exploratory surgery.  Deb thinks that he might have a tear in his
liver causing the bleeding.  My eldest feels totally responsible: I don't
know what to do!  My wife told me to make sure that he is not alone at any
time.  She doesn't want to sedate him but thinks that this might push him
over the edge.  Drew, I would never forgive myself if something happened to
him!  In the short time that he has been with us, I have fallen for him big
time!  I don't mean physically but emotionally!  There is just something
very endearing about my oldest!  Oh God, what am I going to do!"

        "Miles!  Calm down!  You must keep a grip on yourself for his sake!
We need to insure that he receives all the care he needs to get better.  I
realize he blames himself for a lot of the problems Simon has, and now,
Tyler, but we will get him through this.  The best treatment that is
available is there for him!  I love that kid, too, and I know damn well
that my son madly adores Even. "

        Giving my best friend a hug I let him cry it out for a few minutes
before returning to Simon.

        Upon entering the room it astounded me to see Patty sitting with
Even, holding his head in her lap while stroking his hair and talking to
him.  He wasn't crying, but you could tell that he just finished.  I didn't
hear what she said to him, but I realized she had helped him more than I
would have.

        Debbie's husband bumped into me from behind thinking I was going to
enter.  I restrained him to permit the lady to work her magic.  It
dumbfound us to see my nephew trusted someone so new.  I concluded there
wasn't going to be any problem with the boys disliking her.

        I couldn't keep my friend out of the room for long.  Going straight
to his son my right hand man gathered him up in his arms.  I don't think I
have ever seen a sixteen year old boy being held like a baby before, but
his father pulled it off.  The kid clung to his dad as if his life depended
on it.  Patty came over to where I was standing.
        "Is he all right: Did the child say anything that would make you
think he might kill himself?"

        "I know he won't!  My nephew said he had to live to take care of
the boys.  He must watch out for his friends.  He insisted that I
understand it was HIS duty to make sure that Simon and the other two teens
were looked after.  It would behoove us to have a person with him at all
times, and everyone around him reinforce the fact he is only responsible
for himself!"

        "Oh, I am sorry!... I didn't mean to suggest I am a part of this or
have a solution!" She said looking down to the floor as if she wanted to
escape into it.

        "On the contrary, Patty.  I don't know much about you, but I can
see you care!  That is sufficient to make you part of our family.  I remain
undecided whether you will serve as our house manager or, in a different
capacity, but I am certain you will fit in!  May I ask where you were
employed before your husband died?"

        "I have been a housewife since marrying him.  He refused to permit
me to work!"

        "What did you do when you were single?"

        "I was in school studying to be a psychologist: I already
matriculated with a degree in social work.  After meeting him I thought we
were both in love.  I never completed my second degree, because we could
only afford for him to finish school, and then, nothing remained for me to
go back."

        "Might you consider returning, if you were given a chance?"

        "I am a bit old! But, of course, I would love to finish what I had
started.  I always regretted not doing so! "

        "Your first assignment as my newest employee is to determine what
is needed to finish.  That is, if you want the job!"

        "What does the position entail?  You said you weren't sure if I
would be your new house manager or, at least, not until the boys approved
of me!"

        "Lets see, if not the house manager, then the school counselor.
But, I have a feeling that you will be both.  What I want you is for you to
start in the first position to get my home in running order.  Next, when
all our youngsters are released from the hospital you will serve as their
educational advisor.  The boys include Dylian, Simon, Cody, Tyler and a
little tyke named Gagy.  He needs some special touches as well.  Once our
children are ready to go to a mainstream school, then I would like for you
to return to your original position as well as finish that degree of
yours. What do you say?"

        "Are you serious?!"

        "Of course I am!"

        "What does the work of a house manager entail?"

        "You will oversee the household staff.  I require a full-time
housekeeper, a cook and a service staff for parties and dinners. Also, I
need you to act as a nanny for the teenagers, since my work involves long
hours and, at times, travel for lengths of several days.  I will attempt to
keep my absences from home to a minimum, however it is part of my business.
So, it means you will be a second guardian to my boys, and, considering
that I am gay, their surrogate mother.  Do you have any objections with
this?"

        "You mean the fact of your being gay?"

        "Indeed!"

        "No, I have no problem with your sexual orientation, or that of
Simon's or Dylian being purple!  However, I do have one question which is:
Where would I live?"

        "The house manager's apartment is attached to my country home. Now,
the mansion has not been lived in for a long period, so I need someone
immediately.  It must bet ready as soon as Simon is released from the
hospital!"

        "Helen said she was helping to arrange the reopening of your home.
There is only one problem keeping me from starting right away!  My late
husband left me with financial problems.  I don't know how to extricate
myself from!"

        "Patty, that has all been taken care of.  I had my lawyers deal
with the bank and your creditors.  As of two hours ago you own your house,
free and clear.  The funeral home has been paid in-full as well as your car
loans!"

        Before I could mention anything else the lady started crying.  I
pulled her into a hug until she stopped.

        "I don't know what to say!  Thank you just doesn't seem to cover
it, but: "THANK YOU"!"

        "As I mentioned before; You are now FAMILY!"

        "I am indebted to you for life!... Helen said I not regret meeting
with you!  It would be my honor to work for your children and manage your
household."

        Sticking out her hand for me to shake, she then hugged and kissed
me.

        "We will discuss your salary at a later date, however, for now, let
me know what you need, and I will provide it! I gave Helen a credit card to
use for preparing the house.  I will call upstairs to have Dylian come
down."

        "No! I would like to go up there to meet him on his turf.  I
understand Helen is with little Donnie and watching all of our "gang", so
it's no problem for me to join the group.  That is, if that's all right
with you, Sir?"

        "Of course!  But, don't call me Sir!  My name is Drew.  You will
address me as such, unless it's a formal situation.  And, then. you may
refer to me as Mr. Thomas, but never Sir!  Will that work for you?"

        "Yes, that is fine with me.  I still can't thank you enough for
this opportunity!"

        With that she gave me a big hug and kiss then headed upstairs to
see the other boys.

        I went to sit between the beds waiting for Simon to wake up.

        Before long there was a barely audible knock on the door.



        Thank you for all the feedback.  I can't get over how many people
like my narrative.  I hadn't planned on it going this far.  But you all
keep encouraging me to continue writing this story! So I am going to try to
keep it going as long as there is a demand for it.  I also want to thank my
Editor!  You are a Great friend and a Damn good editor!  Thanks for your
support!  Zac this one is for you!


        Please remember that kids are our future.  It's time to protect
them.

        No Child Should Have To Sleep On The Street Tonight!

        Hugs

        Darrin