Date: Tue, 31 May 2011 17:09:45 -0700 (PDT)
From: Doug Smith <das11111@yahoo.com>
Subject: High School: The Move; Chapter 36

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
This story is a work of FICTION. The events described have only occurred
in my mind.  Any similarities to actual events or persons
are strictly coincidental.

THIS STORY CONTAINS GRAPHIC DEPICTIONS OF CONSENSUAL
SEXUAL ACTS BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL AGE MALES. IT IS INTENDED
FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE ONLY! IF YOU FIND THIS TYPE OF MATERIAL OFFENSIVE,
OR IF YOU ARE UNDER 18, OR UNDER THE LEGAL AGE TO VIEW SUCH MATERIAL THEN
PLEASE READ NO FURTHER.


The author retains the copyright, and any other rights, to this
original story.  You may not publish it or any part of it without
explicit authorization from me.

This story is kind of a prequel/sequel to another story I wrote
called The Diary which appears in the college section.  That
story is not complete but work should resume soon.  I have
much more written for this story. I say 'kind of' because this
story is being written after that story but is earlier in time.
I took some liberties with 'history' and also any current day
events that might be referenced.

PLEASE NOTE: Feedback, both positive and negative, is welcomed
and greatly appreciated. Please understand this is just a hobby
so please don't flame me too bad.  Please email das11111@yahoo.com
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Chapter 36

The Doctor came by to check on me first thing in the morning and said I was
healing remarkably well. He said I had them worried when I first came in
because of all the bleeding and the internal injuries but it wasn't as bad
as they feared.  Having almost lost me in the ambulance had only heightened
their anxiety.

I had forgotten about the ambulance until the doctor reminded me.  It was
still pretty hazy but I remembered Aaron telling me not to give up.  I
smiled thinking how he was watching over me.  It was a good feeling knowing
he was there for me and that we actually could communicate even though he
was dead.  I really do believe that. I also couldn't help but think he had
a hand in everything that had happened, us moving, me finding Josh, all of
it.  I could see us moving but what are the odds we'd move to the same town
where his brother lived.

Even the fight with Phil.  He might not have planned that but I'm thinking
he helped Josh stop Phil.  It would explain how Josh was able to do what he
did.  Not that Josh is a wimp or anything but I know he isn't a fighter.
He's learned a few things but not enough to take on Phil.  They say people
do remarkable things under stress maybe that's why.  Of course Josh is full
of surprises.  He might have just found what was inside all along.  Either
way I was definitely grateful.

The doctor replaced the bandages on my stomach as well. He wanted to check
how I was healing.  I was a little embarrassed lying naked in front of him.
He had taken off my johnny and I was completely exposed in front of him.  I
know he was a doctor and it was all professional but it was my balls he was
holding when he checked my catheter.  He said he'd schedule to get it
removed later in the day.  I had only needed it while I was unconscious and
they were pumping me full of fluids.  I couldn't watch as he was examining
me there.

I tried thinking about something else but that just made me think of Josh
and the doctor's soft hand.  Fortunately with the catheter I didn't bone
up.  That would have been embarrassing.  I did plump up a little but he
didn't say anything.

When he replaced the bandages on my stomach he said I might have a scar
from the surgery but it shouldn't be too noticeable.  He had been worried
they didn't get everything when they operated but didn't think that was a
problem.  I wasn't in severe pain plus I didn't have a fever or blood in my
urine so he felt everything was healing.  He said I was really lucky.  The
broken knife blade had caused a lot of bleeding but didn't do any real
damage.

He also took the bandages off my face saying I'd have a black eye and a
sore jaw for a while but otherwise everything would heal.  I flinched when
I saw myself in the mirror.

"Don't worry, you'll be as good-looking as ever before you know it," he
said smiling. "Besides, I'm sure that boy who keeps kissing you won't mind
how you look."

That's Josh.  "He kisses all the boys," I smiled.

"Yeah, right.  He obviously loves you very much.  We had to threaten force
to get him to go home and rest."

I smiled.  "Not as much as I love him."  I figured the doctor already knew
I'm gay so it wasn't a big deal telling him.  It didn't seem to make a
difference.  If anything it made him more compassionate.

"Doctor, when can I go home?"

"It won't be for a few days.  I want your internal wounds as well as the
rest of you to heal some first just to make sure you don't have any
complications.  If you do well over the weekend then maybe you can go home
Monday, certainly before the holiday. I'll have an orderly come down and
give you a sponge bath.  That boy won't want to come near you if we don't
clean you up.  We'll also going to take out that catheter."

- - -

I woke up early partly because I had to take a wicked piss and partly
because Scott kicked me.  Mainly I was just excited.  I really felt like I
had parents again.  Yeah, the Johnsons have been good to me and I know they
love me but they aren't my 'real' parents.  The Michaels are my 'real'
parents.  I know I just met them two days ago but I'm beginning to see them
that way.  I was sad for my Mom who died.  She obviously knew I was adopted
but I know she loved me so I feel a little guilty thinking of Mrs. Michaels
as my mother.

My 'father' on the other hand can rot wherever he is forever for all I
care.  Mr. J. did say he'd probably be released soon not that I cared as
long as he stayed away from me.  I did think I should make another pass
through the house to make sure there wasn't something else I wanted.  I
definitely wouldn't get it once he was there.

The first thing I did was text Dan.  Alright, that was the second thing
since I really did have to piss.  I told him I loved him and that I was
spending the day with my parents.  I didn't even know if he had his phone.
I'll check on that when I go see him.  I can just picture the smile he'd
have if he saw my text.  He was right, the Michaels are good people.

I also texted Chris to let him know I wouldn't be in school.  I told him
Dan's room number in the hospital and said I'd be there after school.  He
immediately texted back when he read what I was doing. He said to have fun
and that he'd be thinking about me.  Both he and Ryan are good friends.

The Michaels were having coffee with the Johnsons when I walked into the
kitchen.  "Morning Mr. And Mrs. J; Morning Mom ...morning Dad," I smiled.
They smiled and pulled me into a hug when I leaned down.

I was in a good mood.  "So Mommy, what are we doing today?"

She laughed.  "I haven't been called Mommy in ten years."

"I'm sorry," I said.  "I'm just feeling really good."

"Don't be sorry.  It feels good but your friends may make fun of you if you
call me that in front of them."

"Actually my friends won't but don't worry, Mom works too.  Doesn't it
Daddy?"

I sat down and had some OJ while everyone else had coffee.  The Johnsons
kept smiling when they saw how happy I was.  I think it took their minds
off Dan for a while but since he was also doing so much better they seemed
more like normal anyway.

Our first stop was breakfast at Cracker Barrel.  I had just been there with
the Johnsons.  That was before I knew the people sitting across from me
now.  It's amazing how fast things can change.  We had a nice leisurely
breakfast and ended up spending over two hours eating and talking.
Alright, mostly talking and I think the waitress would have preferred us to
leave quicker since we were taking up one of her tables, not that they were
crowded.  She wasn't unpleasant but was friendlier when she got a big tip.

Most of the conversation dealt with getting to know each other.  They
wanted to know what I liked to do, what my plans for the future are,
initially just small, get to know you type stuff.  We talked about Aaron,
what he was like, how he and Dan were together when growing up.  It didn't
really bother me when I heard how close they were and how gentle and loving
Dan was even though he was all 'boy'.  I knew that gentleness and loving
was directed at me now, a feeling that caused a reaction between my legs.
Fortunately they couldn't see through the table. They smiled when I blushed
though.

They knew something was on my mind as we talked.  I'm sure they knew what
it was too but they didn't say anything.  They waited for me to bring it
up.

"I don't know if my name is Josh or if it's Chris."

"It should be what you want.  You've been 'Josh' all your life.  It doesn't
matter to us.  We want you to do what you're comfortable with.  This is all
new.  It's like waking up from a vivid dream.  There is that point where
you kind of don't know what's real versus what's a dream. That's what we
meant will take time.  It's a mindset.  You're 'Josh' in the life you know.
It's who you are.  Right now you're probably in that foggy state not
knowing what's real.  You're also worried about Dan.  There's no hurry.
Whether you're Josh or whether you're Chris, you're still our son and we
love you unconditionally."

"Did you really think I was dead?"

Mrs. Michaels just looked at me.  I could see tears in her eyes.  "Josh,
please believe us that we never would have stopped looking for you if we
had thought otherwise.  They told us the baby they found was you and we had
no reason to question that.  Yes, we could have refused to believe it and
kept searching but you have to understand they had just told us you were
dead.  They said they performed tests plus it made 'sense'.  What are the
odds they'd find another baby?  I kick myself. If I had looked at the
mangled corpse of that poor baby I would have known.  They told us it was
best we didn't look, that we didn't want to remember you that way.  There
was no doubt it was you.  I've been going over all the 'maybe we should
haves' in my head the last two days.  Please understand there hasn't been a
day the last sixteen years where you haven't been in our thoughts."

I got up and gave them another hug.  "What happens now?  You live in
Chicago.  I don't want to lose Dan."

"First of all you're not going to lose Dan so get that thought out of your
head.  We couldn't do that.  Dan is just starting to be his old self.  He
wouldn't be happy and we're sure you wouldn't be too happy with us either.
Plus your friends are here.  We have no intention of pulling you away from
all that."

"I thought you wanted us to be a family.  How will that work?"

"We haven't worked out all the details.  This has all happened so fast.
Rest assured that whatever happens you will be involved in the decision.
What we're thinking right now is this.  First, we're going to court to get
custody of you.  Kevin says we don't have any legal standing with respect
to you."

"But you're my parents."

"Yes, but we have to prove that in court. Don't worry, Kevin says it's just
a formality.  There is documentation on the kidnapping.  He did say we
might all have to get another DNA test since we can't say unequivocally
that the DNA he had tested was our DNA ...or yours for that matter.  Don't
worry, the results won't change.  DNA is DNA and we trust Kevin.  It's not
like he'd concoct all this.  Besides, looking at you we know you're our
son.  We just have to prove it in court."

"Then everyone will know."

"We're going to try to keep it as quiet as possible.  I doubt that will be
possible in today's society however.  It seems like every little thing is
made public and if it's interesting enough it spreads around the internet
like lightening. Your story is definitely interesting.  Of course a lot
depends on your adoptive father.  He could fight us."

"Please don't call him my father, adoptive or otherwise."

"Alright, but he could still make trouble.  Kevin says he won't win but it
might delay things.  He might be worried about being implicated in the
kidnapping.  Don't worry, everything is going to be fine."

"Where am I going to live?"

"Right where you are for the time being.  Right now Kevin has custody of
you even though it's temporary.  Jackie and I are planning to stay through
Thanksgiving.  We definitely have something to be thankful for.  After that
we'll stagger going back to Chicago so that one of us is here.  We're
thinking of moving here. I work at home as a consultant and travel
occasionally so it doesn't matter.  I can work anywhere.  Jackie is a
speech therapist but she can get a job here.  That's not a problem."

"You would do that?"

"Josh, there is nothing we wouldn't do for you.  You're our son.  We
haven't been involved in your life for sixteen years.  In two years you'll
be going to college.  Who knows where that will be.  That only gives us a
couple of years to be a family.  We have a lot of catching up to do."

"And you're okay that I'm gay and that Dan and I are together?  I mean it's
one thing I'm gay but with Dan and I being..."

"Will it take some getting used to?  Of course but it's the same for Kevin
and Diane.  I'm sure they had trouble seeing you two together.  As for you
being gay we have absolutely no problem with it.  Sure we might wish it
wasn't the case but we understand.  You are Aaron's brother."

'Wow,' I thought.  'Aaron's brother.'  Tears came to my eyes.  I had missed
out on so much.  I sat there for a few seconds misty eyed until the
Michaels smiled at me.

"It's okay Josh.  We understand."

"Can I ask you something else?"

"Of course, ask us whatever you want."

I looked around to make sure nobody could hear.  "Dan said Aaron wasn't
circumcised but I am.  I don't understand that.  You didn't do that to tell
us apart or anything did you?  That would be weird."

Dad just looked at me.  "You weren't supposed to be.  That must have
happened later.  We didn't want that for either of you."

- - -

Around eleven they wheeled me into an exam room to remove my catheter.  It
felt good to get it out.  They also said they wanted me to get out of bed
for short periods of time.  I wasn't supposed to do it by myself and not
for too long but they wanted me to gradually have more activity.  The
doctor laughed and said no karate for a while.

My mother stopped by at lunchtime.  We had lunch together.  At least today
they didn't puree my food.  That was disgusting.  It was still fairly soft,
not a steak or anything.  They just gave me a chicken salad sandwich with
some fruit.  It even tasted okay.  I guess I was hungry.

My mother told me Josh and the Michaels were spending the day together.

"How are they doing?"

"They're going to be fine Dan.  Josh was really excited this morning.  Much
better than yesterday.  He even called Jackie and Chris Mom and Dad.
Jackie told me she talked with you.  We're proud of you."

"For what?? All I did was tell her Josh misunderstood what they said.  I
knew there was no way they 'wouldn't want him'."

"Yes, but here you are in the hospital.  I know you're still in pain and
you were more concerned with someone else.  That shows what type of person
you are."

"Mom, it's Josh.  He's always on my mind even before we became friends.
He's on my mind 24/7.  I could be lying here talking to you and he's still
there.  I love him so much.  I'm glad if one of us had to be hurt then it
was me.  I don't want to think about him lying here and me sitting
there. ...Besides, I'm not really in pain.  I kind of like whatever they're
giving me," I said trying to smile.

She laughed.  "Don't get too used to it.  They're probably going to start
reducing the amounts soon."

"I was kind of hoping they'd send me home with some.  I'm definitely not
feeling any pain.  A few pills might help me deal with Jake when they come
for Thanksgiving too."

"You'd better be joking young man."

"I am Mom.  You know how I feel about drugs.  I've never even experimented
with stuff."

"Your father and I have been fortunate.  We haven't had to deal with a lot
of the headaches so many parents do."

"No, but that's because you set a good example for Scott and me.  You let
us have independence but made sure we knew what's expected of us too.  I
know we're not perfect.  You've had other problems to deal with.  Not many
parents move across the country to give their son a fresh start."

"We love you Dan and whether you believe it or not, it wasn't just for
you."

"I was pissed off at first but look how it's turned out.  Can you imagine?
Meeting Josh and him being Aaron's brother?  That's amazing."

"The thought of him being the Michaels' Christoper never seriously entered
my mind.  I obviously saw the resemblance when I saw him but I thought
Christopher Michaels was dead.  Your father and I stood beside Chris and
Jackie when he was buried.  You and Aaron were there too but you were only
a few days old.  We were surprised they never told Aaron about him.  It was
just too painful for them so obviously we couldn't tell you.  We couldn't
tell you something like that and expect you to keep it from Aaron.  You
couldn't have done it."

"Do you think I'm crazy to think Aaron made all this happen?"

"What do you mean?  How could he possibly have had anything to do with
this?"

"I'm convinced he's watching over me, maybe over all of us.  The time I
fainted ...he was there.  He came to me.  And before I woke up here I was
with him.  We were at the falls but he called it the 'in-between'.  He said
it's a place where you go when you're not in your world but you're not in
his world either.  I don't know.  Maybe I was just dreaming but it was so
real.  It wasn't like a dream where all you can remember is bits and pieces
and those bits and pieces don't really fit together.  This was like
actually being with him.  He took care of me while the doctors were doing
whatever they were doing. I remember it all."

"Dan, the mind works in mysterious ways.  I'm sure it could piece together
memories and images in times of stress but to think he's actually watching
over you?  Even if that's true, how could he have had anything to do with
us moving and you meeting Josh?"

"I don't know Mom.  I really do believe he's watching though.  He said he
was.  I remember being in the ambulance.  I remember almost dying.  I think
for a split second I wanted to.  I wanted to be with him but he said it
didn't work that way.  He said I couldn't choose to die and if I did then
he and I wouldn't be together.  He said you die when it's your time and you
don't get to choose."

"If he is watching then he could have made this happen, right?  Maybe he
learned about Josh when he died and wanted to bring him and the Michaels
together.  Maybe our moving here wasn't by chance.  Maybe he wanted it to
happen."

"Dan ...We moved here because this is where your father's job took him."

"Maybe, but why here?  Why this town?  Why did Josh sit down next to me
that first day?  We could have moved anywhere.  We didn't have to move to
this town.  We could have moved to any number of towns around here and none
of this would have happened."

"There might not be an explanation but to think Aaron had anything to do
with it, that's hard to believe."

"Maybe," I said. "But you can't say for sure that he didn't either."

"No, I guess I can't.  I'd just like to think we have more free will than
that.  To think someone who died can have control over my life, our lives,
is a little unnerving."

"Maybe it's not control.  Maybe it's just an influence and maybe it doesn't
happen for everyone.  Aaron was special."

"Yes he was Dan."

"I like thinking that he's watching over me.  As long as he doesn't watch
to close," I laughed.

"On that note I'd better get back to work.  I'm sure you'll have plenty of
visitors this afternoon."

- - -

The rest of the day was fun.  The Michaels wanted to see the house where I
had lived.  I wasn't too excited about that but told them how to get there.
I noticeably grimaced when I saw it.  Fortunately they didn't want to go
inside.  Earlier I had thought I should get anything else before the
asshole was released from the hospital.  Now I couldn't think of a single
thing I wanted.  Mr. Michaels put his hand on m shoulder.

"Josh, It's okay to say good-bye.  Mr. Sullivan is what he is but from what
you say you're adoptive mother loved you very much.  We don't know if they
were involved in the kidnapping or not.  From what Kevin said we don't
think so.  If that's the case then we owe her a great deal of thanks.  She
did a fine job raising you under some probably difficult circumstances.
We're grateful we found you but we're also grateful you're the way you are
too."

After that we did something stupid.  We were going to the falls where Dan
and I had gone and passed a mini-golf course.  It was November and a school
day but it was still open.  The place also had a driving range, batting
cages and an arcade which maybe explained why they were open.  We actually
stopped to play.  We were the only ones there although there were a couple
guys on the driving range.

It was fun.  It was stupid but it was fun.  It was the first thing I had
done as a family in years.  I actually felt sad when we finished.  Only
Mr. Michaels did well.  The obstacles kept getting in our way, lol.  I
guess that's the point.  There was this one hole with a windmill and three
times in a row I hit my ball at just the wrong time and the arm of the
windmill came down and blocked it sending it back to me.  I think I took
the maximum strokes allowed on that hole.  Fortunately I got a couple of
holes in one too.  It was just luck but it did balance things out.  I ended
up with a 54.  Obviously, Mr. Michaels played golf because he had a 38.  I
won't say what my mother had.

- - -

Around 1:30 someone came in and said they were going to give me a sponge
bath.  I didn't really like the idea but also thought I probably reeked
pretty bad.  He was a young guy, probably just out of college or maybe
still in college.  They must give the shit detail to the newbies.  I tried
to help but he told me to lay back and relax.  I wasn't sure I liked it
when he reached under me to untied my johnny and took it off.

It was the first time I had seen my stomach.  I hadn't really seen it when
the doctor taped it up.  It was bandaged but I looked like a mummy.  He saw
me looking and smiled.  "Too bad Halloween is over," he laughed.  "You
wouldn't have to invest too much in a costume."

I'm not sure I liked lying naked while he used a sponge to wash whatever
parts of my body weren't bandaged.  It would be one thing if Josh was doing
it but having a stranger do it was something else.  There were some parts
of me that I didn't want anyone else touching except Josh.

I had to stop thinking about Josh taking his place however because it was
having the reaction you might expect.  But as usual the more I tried not
thinking about it the more I thought about it and that reaction became more
noticeable.  The guy noticed my embarrassment and simply smiled.

"Don't worry about it," he said.  "It happens all the time.  Every guy gets
hard at embarrassing times."

"Sorry," I said.  "I was kind of thinking of what it would be like if
someone else was doing this."

He laughed and put a towel over me in case someone came in.  "I'm sure he
or she wouldn't stop at just a sponge bath but that's where the service at
this resort ends."

"'He'," I smiled.

"I thought so.  I've seen the two guys who are always coming in and out.
Which one is it?  The one with brown hair or the one with short dark hair."

"Brown hair," I smiled.  "His name is Josh.  The other guy is my best
friend from Illinois.  He flew in when he heard I'd been hurt."

"It's nice to have friends like that and they're both good looking not that
that's really my thing.  Let's get you in a clean johnny.  The Physical
Therapist will be in shortly to get you out of bed.  The doctor left orders
to have you get out of bed for a little while.  Someone can change your
sheets too. Your legs are probably pretty sore but they aren't broken.
It'll do you good to walk a little."

"Thanks.  I feel a lot better even if it was just a sponge bath."

"My name's Duncan.  You need anything just give me a holler."

- - -

After playing golf we went to the hiking trail where Dan and I had gone.  I
told them Dan told me about the falls and the accident.  Maybe I said too
much because I kind of said Dan blames himself for what happened.  They
obviously didn't know that because they looked at me with shocked
expressions on their faces.  It was awkward.  I knew I shouldn't have said
anything but now I had to tell them something.  I felt like I was betraying
Dan's confidence but I had to say something since I had already opened my
mouth.

There were tears in their eyes when I told them.

"That poor boy.  Carrying that around with him.  It wasn't his fault.  It
was an accident.  They used to climb those rocks all the time.  Aaron
slipped and fell. Thank you for telling us Josh.  We had no idea.  Kevin
and Diane never said anything either.  Do they know?"

"I don't think so.  Please don't tell him I told you.  He told me that in
private and it just sort of slipped out.  I don't want him to think he
can't trust me."

"It'll be okay Josh.  You can trust us."

We stopped for a late lunch before going to the hospital.  I was worried
about what I said and it showed.  I love Dan and he loves me.  I don't want
to screw that up.

School was out by the time we got there.  Chris and Ryan were talking with
Dan.  Jason was there as well.

I had mixed emotions when I walked in.  I was happy because I had a fun day
with my 'parents'.  On the other hand I was worried that I had opened my
big mouth.

I tried putting on a happy face.  I was going to tell him but couldn't
while everyone was around.

- - -

Josh walked in around three fifteen followed by the Michaels.  It was nice
seeing them together ...and happy.  I was especially pleased when he
introduced them as his parents to Chris and Ryan.

"You look happy," I smiled.  "You're supposed to be sad when your boyfriend
is in the hospital."

He laughed.  "I am about that idiot.  Didn't you get my text?  I spent the
day with Mom and Dad."

"Mom and Dad?" I smiled looking at Mrs. Michaels who smiled back.  "I
haven't seen my phone.  I don't know where it is. ...Sorry."

"Well, I texted you.  I also texted you before bed last night."  He leaned
down and whispered.  "I wanted to thank you but we need to talk later."

I became worried when he said that.  Maybe it was the way he said it.  For
a split second I thought he might have decided to move to Chicago or
something but knew that probably wasn't it.  I knew something was bothering
him.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Later."

It was fun talking.  Josh seemed really comfortable with the Michaels.
Chris and Ryan stayed a little longer but left shortly after Josh got
there.  They kept looking at Josh and then at the Michaels before they
left.  They both gave Josh a hug and said they were happy for him.

"You guys look happy.  What did you do today?"

"We spent the day together. First we went out to breakfast and then swung
by Josh's house.  We wanted to see where he grew up.  After that we played
mini-golf."

"I stunk," said Josh.  "I can't remember the last time I played."

"Something else Scott can beat you at," I laughed.

The Michaels smiled.  "You haven't changed much.  It's nice to see you're
feeling better."

"I am.  I'm still sore but they actually had me out of bed today.  I don't
think I'll be running any races but I made it across the room.  The
Physical Therapist had to help.  What else did you do?"

"We went to the same hiking trail you and I went to and then out to lunch
before coming here.  It was fun.  We got to know each other."

"That's good," I smiled. We talked awhile longer before the Michaels left.
They were going to meet my parents for dinner.  They asked Josh if he
wanted to go but he wanted to stay with me. Jason stayed a little longer
but then said he was going to dinner with my parents too.  He did say he
changed his flight to Sunday.

 - - -

I looked at Josh after everyone left.  "Okay ...spill ...what's wrong?"

"I hope nothing. It's just the Michaels and I went to the hiking trail you
and I went to.  You know, the one by the falls where we met those two
guys."

"Yeah, you said that, so what?  You like that place.  I want to go back
there with you."

"Well, ...I kind of told them something I shouldn't have."

I couldn't imagine what he could have said that had him so worried.  "What
did you tell them?"

"I'm sorry Dan.  I didn't mean to.  It just slipped out.  We were standing
by the falls talking about the accident..."

"And?"

"I told them you blame yourself. I'm sorry Dan."

He stood there looking at me with a worried look on his face.  "Is that
all?" I smiled.  "You scared me. I thought it was something serious.  It
just seems Scott is rubbing off on you."

He looked at me and smiled.  "You're not mad?  You told me that in private.
I want you to be able to trust me."

"No Josh.  I'm not mad and I do trust you. It's probably time for everyone
to know anyway.  Good thing I don't tell you anything real important," I
smiled.

"Wait a minute, what about you?" he smiled.  "Who was it that blabbed to
Mrs. Michaels I didn't think she wanted me?"

"For the record that wasn't on impulse.  I knew you misunderstood.  How did
that work out for you?"

He smiled.  "Fantastic ...Thank you ...If you read your texts then you'd
know that."

"I would have if I knew where my phone was."

"Why don't you come home and I won't have to text you."

"I can't wait.  I miss you so much.  The doctor said it would only be a few
days, maybe Monday but definitely before Thanksgiving."

He leaned down and I wrapped my good arm around him and gave him a kiss.
My jaw was feeling better and I actually had some feeling in it besides
pain.  Either that or they had given me some more drugs in my IV.  Either
way it felt fantastic and I wouldn't let him go.  Other things worked too.
Since they removed the catheter my cock worked better too.  I threw an
obvious bone which tented the sheet.

"At least that didn't get broken but we don't have time now," smiled Josh.
He reached down under my johnny and adjusted things so that it was laying
flat pointing up my stomach. He smiled as he gave me a couple strokes
before removing his hand and patting the outside of my johnny.  His hand
felt really good as I'm sure he could tell from my noticeable moan.
"Soon," he smiled.  "Someone could come in any minute."

I slid over in my bed.  "Come up here with me.  There's room."

"I don't know. What if the doctor walks in?"

"He already knows you're a hornball."

"Are you sure?  I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't.  Just don't put too much weight on me.  I've noticed you've
been packing it on lately."

"You must be feeling better.  You're back to being an asshole."

"Yeah, but I'm your asshole," I smiled.  "I love you."

"I love you too.  Don't ever scare me like this again."

"Won't happen," I smiled.  "With you around to protect me nothing can
happen."

"Yeah, right.  There's always something but for now give me another kiss."

He laid on the bed and cuddled against me.  "You smell better," he said.

"That's because Duncan gave me a bath."

"Who's Duncan?"

"He's this hot orderly.  He came in to give me a sponge bath."  Josh
frowned when I said he made sure I was clean all over.

I smiled.  "Relax bud.  I'm just playing with you.  He left a few spots for
you to help me with."

He kissed me on the cheek.  "It'll have to wait but I promise I'll make
sure 'everything' is clean later," he smiled.

We just stayed like that talking.  At one point someone came in to give me
my supper.  Josh jumped and tried to get up but it was kind of obvious,
especially since I was holding him.  The girl didn't say anything except
that the nurse might not like us both in bed like that."

"You could pull out your IV or something."

"Not if he lays still," I smiled.

We were lying like that when my parents and the Michaels walked in with
Lieutenant Henderson.  We really were just talking and occasionally
kissing.  It wasn't like we were making out but Josh jumped and put his
elbow against my side trying to get up.  I winced when he changed
positions.  It only hurt for a second and I was fine when he moved but Josh
became all worried and apologetic.

"Lieutenant," I smiled.  "Will you arrest him?  He's trying to kill me."

"How are you feeling Dan?"

"Better sir.  They say I might get out of here by Monday."

"That's good but this isn't exactly a social call.  I need to get your side
of what happened.  Josh? Can you and everyone else step outside for a
minute?  I need to talk with Dan alone."  Reluctantly Josh went out to the
hall.

I really couldn't tell him much since I didn't know what happened after
being stabbed.  I just said how I remembered Phil coming at me with a knife
and that I hadn't seen him until right before he stabbed me.  I couldn't
get out of the way since I was between the jeep and another car.

He wanted to know why Phil would attack me in the first place so I told him
about the trouble I had with him at school but said I thought what really
triggered it was his brother coming to my house.

"Even though he beat up Kyle I think he blamed me.  It broke up his parents
and got him in trouble."

"That's what I believe as well but needed to talk with you.  You really
need to thank Josh you know. If he hadn't done what he did you might not be
here right now.  We have the whole attack on video and it looks like Phil
really wanted to do more than just teach you a lesson.  He looked out of
control. That young man in the hall could very well have saved your life."

Thinking what Josh had done gave me mixed feelings.  He could have gotten
really hurt or worse but he didn't even think of that and rushed to help
me.  Thinking about him getting hurt gave me a sick feeling but thinking
that he cared that much made me feel really good.  Of course I would have
done the same thing but I'm better equipped to deal with a situation like
that.  He jumped in knowing he could get really hurt.  Sure, I had taught
him a few things but not enough.  He'd always been scared of Phil.  He had
to be scared then too but didn't let that stop him.

I smiled.  "He's great.  I wanted him to run away but he wouldn't."

Lieutenant Henderson thanked me and then left but no sooner then he walked
out the door he turned around and came back in.  "Okay," he smiled.  "The
'official' visit is over.  This one is the social visit."  Josh and the
Michaels were right behind him.

My father seemed surprised but I just smiled.  Lieutenant Henderson came
over and put his hand on my shoulder.  "Dan, you were lucky.  Josh was
lucky too.  I know what he means to you and what you mean to him. I also
know you like to stand up for yourself and not take any crap from anyone
but Josh isn't like you.  Be careful. I'm not saying to change, just
remember your actions affect him too."

"Thanks Lieutenant.  I will.  The last thing I'd want is for him to get
hurt because of me."

"You owe him a lot.  Would you like to see the video of what he did?"

I looked at my father.  "Do you have it?  Josh said he can't believe what
he did. I'd like to see."

Lieutenant Henderson set up his laptop on the table next to my bed.  The
video was relatively short.  I grimaced when I saw Phil kicking me.  When I
saw what Josh did I put my head back on the pillow and smiled.  Mr. M. had
his hand on Josh's shoulder as they watched.

"I'm proud of you son," he whispered in his ear.

We made eye contact and I saw tears in his eyes.  I knew he knew.  Maybe he
didn't believe it but he knew. My father wouldn't have noticed but
Mr. M. would. He had gone to all of Aaron's matches. We both knew I hadn't
taught Josh those moves. I was sure of it when I saw him do a spin kick and
catch Phil in the chest.

"Wow Josh, I guess I am a good teacher.  Remind me not to piss you off," I
smiled while looking at the ceiling and silently saying 'Thank-you'. I
wasn't going to tell Josh he had help.

The lieutenant stayed and talked awhile longer.  The look on my father's
face when he mentioned that he and his partner were looking forward to the
holidays was funny.  He was obviously surprised this tough cop could be
gay.  I smiled at his confusion knowing I could give him a hard time later.

The lieutenant said he and Ian, his partner, were planning a quiet
Thanksgiving dinner at home before heading to the mountains for a weekend
of skiing.  I was surprised they could ski given we hadn't had any snow
around us but he said there has been some snow up north and most places
make a lot of man made snow as well.  I had never skied on snow but had
done some water-skiing.  I said it sounded like fun but that I doubt I'd be
doing any this year.

Scott climbed up on my bed and laid against me while everyone talked.  I
had my 'good' arm around him and held him close.  We just talked for an
hour or so.  Jason said he changed his flight so that he won't go home
until Sunday.

"Andrea is pissed at you," he laughed.  "She says she'll get you when you
come to Chicago over the holidays.  I haven't told her about Josh yet.
Maybe I'll just wait and let you surprise her.  That could be funny.  You
two walking into the gym during one of my games."

"I doubt it will be a surprise by then," I said.  "It's not like stories
like this come along every day."

"We're going to try keeping it quiet but I doubt we'll be successful," said
Mr. Michaels.  "We really don't want any publicity.  At least right away.
Your father says we do have to go to court but said we could most likely
keep it low key, in family court.  We're trying to get a closed hearing and
if Mr. Sullivan doesn't put up a fight then maybe no reporter will pick up
on it.  Of course things will come out eventually.  You two walking into
the gym together would definitely turn some heads."

"I'm not sure that would be fair to Josh."

"Actually I think it could be funny," said Josh.  "I'm starting to get used
to all this.  My life has definitely taken a complete one eighty since I
met you.  I didn't think I'd ever be this happy.  Definitely not before
being on my own."  He leaned down and gave me a kiss.  "Thank you," he
smiled.

One problem of being in a hospital bed is that there isn't much to do
except talk with visitors, especially when it's parents.  Don't get me
wrong, I love my parents and we have a good relationship but eventually we
run out of things to say.

My parents and the Michaels left around nine taking Scott with them.  Scott
wanted to stay with the 'big boys' but my parents made him leave.  That
left Jason, Josh and me.  They had my jeep so they could get home later.

I was feeling better.  Maybe it was the medication but I wasn't in any
pain. I was still sore and I had a dizzy spell when I got out of bed to
take a piss but there wasn't any pain.  Josh helped me walk to the
bathroom. He also stayed with me while I took a piss.  He didn't hold it
for me though even though I jokingly suggested it.  My jaw seemed better
too.  Jason said he could actually understand me.

"At least I understand the words.  I'll never understand what you see in
guys," he laughed.

"Not guys ...guy," I said smiling at Josh.  "How about another kiss?  I
think they help my jaw."

He looked at Jason who just shook his head.  I put my arm around him as
soon as he bent down.

"I can't wait to get home," I said.  "I miss you next to me."

"I miss you too," he said giving me a quick kiss.

They left around 9:00.  Visiting hours were over.  Before leaving Josh
helped me to the bathroom one last time.  I think I was asleep before they
were out the door.

To Be Continued