Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2012 15:33:23 -0500
From: Darrin J. Thomas <djthomas4@charter.net>
Subject: Dylian Book II Chapter 37
Dylian
Book II
Chapter 37
When I got back to the track, I parked my car, and then I walked up
into the grandstand. I wanted to watch for a while without Even knowing I
was there.
I hoped to see how was doing with his driving, as well as how he
was getting along without any adult supervision.
From what I could see he was fine with handling strangers. I
observed Eric working with Even in front of a white board drawing of the
track. I was too far away to hear what they said.
I was about to move closer, when I spotted a large man in a sports
coat walking towards me. He began by saying,
"Hello, how is it going, Mr. Thomas?"
"Great, may I help you?"
"Sorry, Sir, my name is Ed Running-Wolf. I am the president of the
track. We talked about setting up this meeting the other day."
"Oh yes, Sir! Thank you again for allowing me to do this for my
nephew. I cannot tell you what it means to both me and the youngster. My
nephew has been through more hell in his young life than anyone I have ever
heard of. I believe, this meeting will give him a much needed boost in his
self esteem."
"Yes, I remember you told me. I hope to see him compete at some
level in the near future. Here is a printout of his last few laps, before
Eric pulled him in. He should be back in the car in about five minutes.
Are you sure this is his first time behind the wheel of a car?"
While I was talking to this man, I took a look at the print out
that he handed me. Even's times were just slightly slower then Eric's. I
didn't have anything to compare his times to, so I asked Ed, to which he
replied,
"Oh yes, Sir. I didn't think about that. Well, the normal qualify
time for this track is 122.34 miles per hour, your boy out there on his
last lap logged in at 119.68 miles per hour. I would say that is superb
for his first attempt, not to mention his first behind the wheel!"
"Do you happen to know if Eric worked with him on street driving,
before getting him behind the wheel of the stock car?"
"Oh yes, Sir! They drove a couple of hours on the service roads.
I am sure he is good to go in that aspect, he might need, or want, more
time behind the wheel, but I in my expert opinion he will easily pass. I
was a bit surprised when Eric pulled out that black beauty and let the boy
do the road course with it. If I owned a car like that, I am not sure I
would let my kids drive it, let alone take it out on the track!"
"The way I saw it, what good is something if I can't get enjoyment
out of it, and if it brightens up my nephew, I would sign that car over to
him in a heartbeat. I had considered giving him it for his upcoming
birthday, however, the thought of his mother's reaction is enough reason
for me to just get him one!"
I laughed about the thought of what Debbie's reaction would be.
Then said,
"I guess you do make a point. I know my oldest son would get
himself into trouble with a car like that. I am not sure my younger son
would, he has a more level head. Now, my little girl, OH HELL NO! I am
thinking about never letting that one behind the wheel, well maybe a
Sherman tank!"
After that comment we both broke out laughing, causing Even to
turn. You could see the look of pride and joy in his eyes. He said
something to Eric, then turned and ran straight at me. For a brief moment,
I expected him to plow into me, but thankfully he did slow down in time.
After grabbing and hugging me as tight as Bradley ever had, Even
started telling me about everything he had done. I stopped him by putting
my fingers to his lips, so he could take a breath. I hadn't noticed but,
Mr. Running-Wolf had quietly walked away while Even was speaking.
"Son, suppose I set up another day like today next week, would you
be upset?"
"Are you kidding me, Uncle Drew? I would die if I could do this
again! This has got to be one of the best days of my life!"
"Well, next Thursday you will be meeting Eric again, however, I
have asked him to work with you on more regular type of driving, but I am
sure there will be some racing as well. I want you to do what every
sixteen year old male dreams of, get your driving license the day of your
birthday or the day after. Eric will help make it come true!"
"But, Uncle Drew, do you think I am smart enough to pass the test?"
"Yes, of course you are, just have some fun. You have about two
hours still with Eric today, and I have some phone calls to make."
"Thanks for doing this for me, Uncle Drew, I love you."
"Right back at you, kiddo! Now scoot before you make me cry!" I
told him while giving him a light slap on his butt.
After he ran back down to where Eric was, I started phoning. The
first was to the Agstawestland dealership. I told the salesman what I
wanted. He said they needed a deposit to place the order. Not happy with
his response, I demanded to speak to the sales manager. After giving me
attitude, I revealed who I was. Changing his tone, he handed me over to
the man. After arranging the order, I asked if he would make sure that one
of the salesmen could write up the paper work, but not the one I had spoken
to. He directed me to a new very young employee. I assured him I wouldn't
have a problem with that, as long as he knew not to hold up the order
waiting on a deposit. The young man impressed me by never asking for one.
I noted the kid's name so that I could work with him in the
future. I was sure I would add a few more of these great helicopters to my
fleet in the next couple of years. The Bells were good birds, but nothing
like the Agstawestland for transporting executives and other customers.
Next, I called the hospital. I spoke to Misha to see how he was
doing and to let him know that I would be up shortly. He told me he was
fine and not to rush. He said that Auntie Patty had brought up a new batch
of cookies. Misha added, he and Jaden weren't happy they couldn't give
Auntie Patty a hug as a thank you. But, they planned to give her a bunch
of them, once they were home. It felt great to hear them talking about
getting better.
After speaking with my eleven-year-old, I called his big brother,
Simon, who answered his phone in his own voice (He keeps sounding better
each time we speak.).
"Dad, Marcy is trying to kill me today." he said laughing.
"She is making me talk in my own voice all day long! She wants to
see if I could make it through twenty four hours without it giving out.
Dr. Brett said I might be released tomorrow, if the tests he ran come back
positive. I get my final fitting later today for my eye, are you sure it
is alright for me to get the fun ones? Really, Dad, I am alright just
getting my real looking one. Misha seems much better today as well, so is
Jaden for that matter. I think Misha will be released soon, too. It would
be great if we were all home by the time Ev's birthday party comes up. How
did it go with him today? Did he handle the stranger issue alright? I
really hope he had a great time."
I tried to answer him several times, but he just kept inquiring
over and over again. I was laughing to myself, wondering if he was making
up for lost time, or should I say lost talk. He sure could give little
Donnie a run for his money in the mouth department!
"Well, let's see. There were several questions asked. First, it
is more than alright for you to get whatever replacement eyes you want, in
any amount. Your happiness and comfort mean more to me than the cost, as I
have often told you!"
"I know, Dad, but you have to give us time to get used to that.
Most of us grew up with nothing, and worrying that we might cost our care
givers too much money."
"Okay, Son, I will give you that. Anytime you need a reminder, I
will be more than happy to do so!"
I then told him about Even's day. I concluded by saying,
"I am sure that he will be ready to take both the driving and
written portions of his license test by his birthday, passing both with
flying colors on his first try! Your Uncle Miles said he planned to take
him next Monday to the Department of Motor Vehicles to get him his learners
permit. With it, he can practice on the roads around our houses, and in
town driving. I know that you and he have studied for his written test on
the evenings he came up to see you. Your Aunt Debbie told me, you tricked
him by saying you needed his help to get yourself ready. I am proud of how
you looked out for him and your brother even though you are stuck in the
hospital."
"Thanks, Dad that really means a lot to me."
I stayed on the phone with Simon for a while longer, before telling
him I had a few other calls to make. I reminded him to look in on Misha
for me later in the afternoon and to phone if he wanted anything. I
concluded by saying I would visit sometime after dinner.
Next I spoke to my dispatcher. I needed to find out if Josh
Coleman was flying today. She told me he wouldn't be on duty until after
four in the afternoon. Therefore, I left a message to have him call me. I
was anxious to make him the family pilot.
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Thank you for the feedback. Thanks for your support! As always BR you make
this such a better story and make me a better person!!
Join my Yahoo group @ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Djsramblings/
I will still be posting to Nifty as well as my Yahoo group
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