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A Stepbrother's Desire - Josh and Tyson 35
There were voices. I couldn't tell whose. Then there were hands. There was warm air blowing on my face. I was pulled out across the console and it was a struggle. I heard voices that were panicking. Hands were pulling on me. I couldn't see. I was in pain. My head was throbbing. I was carried up the steep hill. I couldn't open my eyes. I was placed in a vehicle that was warm. I was laid on my back and pressure was applied to my head. One voice stood out.
"You're gonna be alright, Josh. We got you. We got you."
I felt a jolt. Someone was shaking me.
"Come on, Josh. Time to wake up," the warm voice said. My eyes flew open because I thought it was time for school. Then, the pain in my head reminded me I was not getting ready for school. I thought I should still be in a car, crashed in the woods. I remembered deer. Big ones! When I opened my eyes everything was a blur. It was a bright room, a light was shown into my eyes.
"Good boy, Josh. Come on back to us. You're ok now," the voice said with more clarity. Through the blur, I recognized that I was in the hospital. I then recognized the voice as Dr. Perrow's. Oh God in heaven! It was Dr. Perrow. I was so happy at that moment.
"Josh," another voice said. I recognized it as my mother's. I was so happy to hear my mom. "Josh, we're here with you. It's your mother. Bill and Ty and here too," and I felt my hair wiped down. My head was sore. It wasn't a headache, though it was more of a soreness. I was damaged. But I was in the hospital and my family and Dr. Perrow were here.
"Hey," I croaked and the room went berserk. I could hear the sighs and gasps. Hands were gripping my arm, strong hands. As my vision slowly seeped back, I could make out that Bill was sitting right by me and mom was sitting by him. Ty was in the corner in a chair.
"Josh, you have a serious contusion on the left side with four stitches. I would say a moderate to severe concussion. We kept you asleep for a bit so the pressure would go down. You're ok now. Out of the woods," said Dr. Perrow.
"How did I get here?" I asked. "What day is it? How long have I been here?" I asked.
"It's Sunday. You were found and rescued. Welcome back, Josh," Bill said, continuing to grip my arm.
"Oh Josh, honey, we were so terrified," whispered my mom.
"Let's give him an hour to come around before we rehash anything," said Dr. Perrow. I want to test his motor skills. His awareness and speech seem unimpaired," he said. After being poked and prodded, the doctor seemed pleased with my reflexes. "No need for concern, folks. I think Josh's hard head took the blow without any brain damage," and I heard my mom cry for just a minute.
"I'm ok, mom. My vision is coming back too. I'm ok," I said looking into their faces. For just a minute I had forgotten what led up to this and then I remembered the past few days, living in a car, no communications, terrified of what lay in store at home. I sunk back into my pillow, anxiety stabbing my nerves.
All was quiet as I dozed for a bit and when I opened my eyes again, everyone was in the same place.
"Hey everybody," I said, trying to comfort them.
"If you think I'm bad, wait til you see the car," and I heard Ty chuckle. Bill cleared his throat.
"Josh," said Bill, "I don't need to tell you what a terrible time we've had. This has been terrifying for us," said Bill. He wasn't speaking angrily. He sounded more matter of fact.
"Honey," said mom.
"Yes, you're right," said Bill. I looked into his eyes and I could see he was regretful.
"We were so worried, son. So afraid. Thank God you are alright." Mom got up and motioned for Ty to come with her.
"Ty, let's go get something to drink. Bill?" she asked.
"I'm good. Josh and I are going to clear the air," he said.
I thought, "Oh here it fucking comes!"
"Josh, there were some things I didn't truly acknowledge in our last conversation and I want to express my feelings on those matters. Dr. Perrow says you're in a fit state," Bill concluded. I was just wondering why I wasn't getting a sympathy pass. I mean, I'm laid up in a hospital with a terrible bandage on the side of my head, lucky to not be brain dead! But sympathy to Bill was a word that rested between "shit" and "syphillis" in the dictionary.
"Josh, having confirmed with Ty everything we discussed this weekend, I have to say that your comments about preserving the relationship between your mother and me were a remarkable display of sincerity and love. I guess many parents would love to think their kids would support them while I suspect many kids would throw the parents under a bus if there was any chance of getting their way or getting out of trouble. Karen and I count ourselves very fortunate to have two sons who would go to great lengths to protect us. Thank you for that, Josh. The second thing I want to reiterate, because I have a better understanding of it, is that your relationship with Ty, while intimate, is bigger than that. Even without the intimacy, I honestly believe you love and care for my son and I'm much happier about that than you understand. I really was so concerned you two could end up at odds and it never happened. We are pleased, Josh, that you two can and do care about each other so much. You were right when you said Ty would share the same sentiment as you." Bill paused for a moment and I wondered if he was about to switch gears. I remained silent during this conversation.
"Now your mother cooked a pancake breakfast for a half dozen of your friends yesterday morning. We hoped we would gather enough information to determine your whereabouts but it rather turned into an all day deposition, everyone extolling your innocence and best virtues. Given that I had not proclaimed that you were guilty of anything, I was not swayed by their comments. I appreciate that you have garnered such loyalty but the love of and loyalty to your family are the things that impress me the most." He paused again.
"Now Josh, this weekend was a horrible situation brought on by an irrational response. I'm quite surprised at how this played out. I want to be clear that when I say I need a little distance, one might presume I just don't want to harp on the matter until I have better information. That does not mean packing your bags and fleeing your home only to put yourself in terrible danger. I should have told you sooner that at such time I want you out of my house, I won't need you to pack your bags, I will do it for you!" and he let out a little laugh. "And Josh, if you want to see the relationship between your mother and me disintegrate, just let me try and throw you out of the house! I suspect it would be my bags packed first! Are you hearing me?" The fact he was being humorous did help me relax. I actually wanted to hear what he was going to say next.
"Josh, you did drop the ball on this situation by running out. I have to tell you it's difficult for a responsible parent to manage a household when they have to live on edge, fearing the slightest criticism is going to send their teen out into the night. We can't live that way. I need your feet on the ground and your eyes focused ahead. Hear me?" I nodded.
"One day when you're sitting in your law office with clients facing you, looking for you to save the day, they are going to trust that your feet are firmly planted on their behalf and that you are looking straight ahead for the proper remedy," Bill said.
"I recently considered going to law school, did you know that, Dad?" I asked, lightly.
"That's great and I'll back you one hundred percent but I have to see that this type of irrational behavior is behind us, Josh. Are we clear?" he asked.
"Yes sir."
"Josh, what happened?" he asked, leaving it all out there for me.
"I'm going to explain something to you and it's just something I have just realized. Ready?" I asked. "So you will get it when I say I have never dealt with rejection. When you're the star athlete, when you're good looking, when you have "jock" status, most things come very easy to you. People are usually willing to give you what you want without much fuss. I have lived that life. I have never had to beg and seldom have asked twice for anything. You know?" and he continued to focus on me. "The fact is, I was terrified of what rejection from you might look like and I did panic and I was childish about it and I'm probably not much more advanced than a sixth grader when it comes to this. I let my fear build up to an explosive point and it blew up. I know I made a real mess this weekend, and I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I'll tell mom and Ty the same thing. I feel like shit," and he raised his eyebrows but he smiled and he looked off for a moment, as if considering.
"Josh, thank you for that. I honestly believe that was the most honest admission I have ever heard and I do understand. You have been privileged and so has Ty. You both are strong and influential in your own way. You may be very advanced at certain strategies but you haven't experienced some of the harder aspects of life. We can work with that. I think your mother and I can do a lot there but you have to talk to us. You have to tell us the truth!" and I nodded. He was right. What an "asshole" thing to do to them this weekend and look at the state I'm in.
Mom and Ty came back in.
"Hey mom. It's all good, I think. Dad was very fair with me," I said.
"And Josh was very honest with me," said Bill. "Ty, can you come over here, please?" he said and Ty came over and stood by the bed. His gaze on me was so direct and focused, I couldn't read his thoughts.
"Josh, Ty knows that I spoke to Gigi this weekend and I'm very well aware of her insight into this situation. Now the discussion we had has led me to this thought and this thought is a living, breathing thought and can change at a moment's notice but this what I have been convinced of: the rift I could impose between you two could be as dangerous if not worse than the rift you tried to protect Karen and I from. That being said, it might not be a good time to interfere. The level of discretion, which you two have been so good about, and the care you two have for each other can be maintained. But Josh, Ty, I'm not kidding when I tell you the first minute things get out of hand, we will revisit this thought. I don't need to come home and find you two making out on the couch! With only a few months left of this school year and Josh's graduation, and hopefully college..."
"Oh he's going to college," said mom.
"We can appreciate that, dear, but..."
"Oh no," interrupted mom. "He's going. I have an acceptance letter. I opened it yesterday and damn did I need some good news!" mom said, with a big smile.
"You opened my mail?" I asked.
"Oh yes," she said in a low voice. "I was so desperate for some good news, I couldn't resist."
"To which school has he been accepted, Karen?" Bill asked. I knew full well which school it was because it was the only school I applied to.
"The University, Bill. THE University, your alma mater," said said and Bill froze in disbelief. He looked at me and I saw watery eyes and a quivering lip.
"A wise man reaches a point where he realizes it's time to shut the hell up. Congratulations, Josh. I couldn't be happier. Excuse me for a minute, would you please?" and Bill got up and started to walk out when Dr. Perrow met him at the door with Jordan Rose by his side.
"Mr. Rose, I think you know Mr. Warner," said Dr. Perrow. "Don't worry Josh, I graduated Mr. Rose out of here last year to make room for the beds you would need this year!" and he cracked up as he left the room.
"Jordan," said Bill. "I cannot thank you for what you've done," and he extended his hand. My mom ran forward and said, "forget the damn handshakes," and she threw her arms about Jordan's waist. I was clueless about this whole scene. Ty, who had not said one word the whole time since I woke up, tapped my leg and pointed to Jordan. Jordan excused himself from the parents and came to my bed.
"Jordan, did YOU find me last night?" I asked, surprised.
"Warner, you totally get under my skin. You know that?" he asked, with a light laugh. "But man, that thing you did for me, after Ricky's concert, the way you put my head on straight, well you did some shit that day. I will never forget what you did. But yeah, Ricky and his mom lost power so I went out to pick them up and I was shocked to fucking hell to find you in a car, crashed in that revene. I was glad it was me that found you so that I could return the favor, man. You were a mess but Ricky kept you put together in the back of my car and we brought you here," and I was shocked beyond belief!
"The text was only the greatest text of our lifetime!" said mom.
"You found me? You pulled me from the car? I had no idea. I couldn't recognize anything during all that!" Jordan leaned down close to my ear, "I get it now, man. You're the one. You are THE one on tap to take care of Little Man. You can't do that lying in a wrecked car out in the fucking snow, crashed in the woods," and in a low growl he said, "and don't let me find you like that again. Got me?" he asked, rising back up and giving my hand a grip.
"Thank you, Jordan. Thank you," and he walked over to Ty and gave him a hug too. Then, Ricky bounded in.
"Oh my God Josh! You look so much better. Last night was rough but I had you Josh! I had you!" chirped Ricky, so pleased he was part of the scene and he came and stood by my bed. I felt a little guilty about the thoughts I had about him during my jack off episode but he was just like what I hoped for. He was becoming a real "little man" even if he was on the skinny side. His face beamed, his smile was so elegant. He was all beauty.
"Thanks man, I heard you saved my bacon!" and he gripped my hand.
"Hey everybody!" snapped Ty. Bill looked at him disapprovingly.
"Uh, Ty? Is there a problem?" asked Bill.
"You all have had your go at Josh and I have sat here quietly. It's my turn. May I please have a few minutes with him?" Ty said, gently.
"Come on, everyone!" said mom, leading the pack of people out.
"Hey Ricky!" and he turned to look at me, showing all teeth.
"You come back if Jordan lets you and tell me about that rescue last night. I want to hear all the details!" I said and he nodded. He said he would be back in a few!
Once the room was cleared, Ty came over and stood by my bed. Without saying anything, he climbed onto the bed and laid down by my side. He took his place on my shoulder and rubbed my bandage.
"Ty," I said.
"No, Josh. You scared the shit out of me this weekend. I have never felt anything like it and I'm so sorry. He was curious and it was like I held the cards. I wanted to be the one to show him, to get him over the hump but not for me and he is certain now that gay life is not his calling," and he started to cry. "Creating more crap for you was not what I intended. I am so sorry," he sniffled.
"Hey babe, we are guys and it's so hard to turn down the turn ons, I totally get it, after all I've done. But I know that was a big fat "nothing" and I don't want you apologizing again. It's over and that's where we need to leave it," I said, lifting his chin to me and giving him a kiss on the lips. A nurse walked in.
"Out! Please!" barked Ty and without a word, she turned and walked back out. Ok, that was the funniest thing I have seen in ages!
"What? You think some little infatuation with a guy like Caleb caused me to run out on you? Fuck, you are way off base there, sweetie. This was much bigger than that. I ran from myself. You and I are always going to have challenges with other guys. It's the threat that counts, remember? It's you and me, Ty. I told you that and I meant it and I have never felt anything better than having you here by my side right now. Thank God," I said, and I could feel him running finger along my chest.
"I missed you so much," Ty said. "The house was a wreck. Your mom paced up and down the hall. Dad was making calls. I was texting the fuck out of you and only that one message you sent caused me to go nuts! Oh Jesus I have never felt anything like that," he said again.
"I"m sorry, Ty. I'm sorry for doing that to you. I regretted it almost instantly but I couldn't figure out how to correct it. It was a terrible time. I promise I won't do that to you again," and I stroked his hair. Then there was some drama outside the door and I heard Tristan.
"Let me go, Jack! I'm going in there!" and Tristan walked in and stood frozen in the door for a minute. He then walked over and climbed onto the bed on my right side and stretched out by my side.
"Fuck Josh, you scared the shit out of us," he whispered, and he reached over and placed his hand on Ty's shoulder. Where have I felt this before and when was the hospital administrator going to come in and break up my happy threesome?
"It's ok, gorgeous. I'm ok now. It's all good," and he stroked my hair. Then Jack wandered in slowly.
"Look at you all! I guess you're loving this Josh!" he quipped with a laugh. "It's always about Josh. Always about you!" he said and he came over and stood by Tristan.
"Hey," I croaked.
"I've seen the car, Josh. Fuck man, I'm glad you're alright. Jordan showed us a picture of it in the waiting room."
"Did he have any pictures of me?" I asked, hoping my bloody skull wasn't going virile.
"No, he said he didn't take any and wouldn't let Ricky take any either. Ricky said you looked real bad, Josh. You don't look so bad now," and he leaned down over my face and said, "you are still a stud, bud," and he gave me a light peck on my lips. Ok, to tell the truth, I wasn't minding all this lovin'. I had to laugh. My guys were all piled up in here with me and it really did make me very happy. There was just a short calm before the storm when all hell would break loose, once again.
"Oh, Josh, you need to call Diesel Gray this evening. He has called mom like six times since yesterday. He was really worried," Ty said. And see, I knew I was right. There was not a place I could have hidden, giving meaning to the phrase, "you can run but you can't hide!"
Ricky danced back into the room and said, "Hey everybody!" I introduced Tristan and Jack to him.
"Oh wow, Ricky! It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Give `Em Hell on Stage!" When Ty told me about "your hour on the stage" it was the most incredible thing!" said Tristan, holding tightly to Ricky's good hand.
"It really was," said Jack.
"He was swinging with one hand that night for sure!" said Ty.
"Thanks y'all. It had to be done," said Ricky, quietly, almost in a whisper. The room was suddenly invaded by the rest of the inner-circle. Bryce came in first.
"Hey Josh man! Looking pretty banged up. Wait til you see what I do to you when you ain't looking so banged up!" he decreed. Ginny stormed in behind him.
"Step aside, Bryce Chatley," she barked, in an unpleasant tone. I grimaced. "I didn't figure you had the balls to say what needs to be said!" Pushing him aside, she continued her rant. "Josh Warner, how dare you put us through all that. How dare you! You scared the..."
"Shit out of you all? I know I've already heard all about it," I interrupted.
"Oh no, you don't get to fall on your own sword to avoid your accountability!" Ginny snapped. Just then Lisa or Lees Buxtehude walked in, sporting a totally hot leopard skin jacket and some awesome looking boots. Bryce's eyes bulged.
"You tell him sister!" she said, edging Bryce further back.
"Dang you look good, Lees," said Bryce.
"I agree," I said.
"Thanks," Lisa chirped. "I didn't think it was much of a day to go out with the snow and all but it turned out to be a great day to wear my new boots!" she said with a grin that waned into a frown. "Josh, we are very glad you are ok. We were so worried but REALLY JOSH!" she yelled. "You really pushed us to the edge! Complete nonsense! The parents don't know what's going on and we don't know what to tell them! Just way too much drama!" she barked.
"Hey everybody!" announced Ricky. "Y'all can just cut it right now!" and everyone got quiet. "It's not gonna be any picking on Josh Warner today, now while I'm in the room! Nobody is giving JW any crap today! I may have only one good arm but if I come out swinging you'll know it!" he said pointing to everyone. Jack looked impressed at the display of bravery. "And if I have to call in my cousin, Jordan, he'll straighten it all out!"
"Hey Ricky, it's ok man. They're just razzing me and I deserve it. Seriously," I said.
"I know Josh is looking all cute and handsome laying up in the hospital bed, with the bandage on his head and all," and I felt Ty's chest quake as tried to hold in his laughter.
"He so has the hots for you," he whispered into my ear. Ricky continued.
"I know he inconvenienced you all this weekend but he wasn't so cute and handsome last night. His head had blood all over it, his car was smashed. He couldn't talk or open his eyes. You don't know what I saw last night and it was terrible," he said in a calmer voice.
"Oh Ricky," said Ginny. "You must have really jumped into action."
"Everyone," I said, "meet Ricky Rose, my hero," and he smiled at me, showing me all those perfect teeth. "Ricky, I haven't thanked you yet but Jordan told me you took good care of me in the back of his Tahoe and I can't tell you how special you are," and I held out my hand and he took it in his. Ty got up off the bed and draped his arms around Ricky.
"You must have been so brave, Ricky. You can handle just about anything, can't you?" Ty said.
"Thanks to you," and I could swear I saw tears in Ginny's and Lisa's eyes and I suspect they were in Bryce's too. He is a big softy anyway. Jack walked over and shook Ricky's hand too.
"Stardom must run in the Rose family," he said and that caused another big smile from Ricky. Jordan Rose entered again, having been out running errands. My parents came in behind him. Mom smiled when she saw the troop all in place.
"Little man Ricky, we need to blow this joint." He looked around the room, "hey everybody. I bet Josh is catching the hell today, no offense Mrs. Breck," he said looking at my mom.
"Jordan, I am a firm believer that if you are determined, you will find what you are looking for. I think Josh has found out quite a lot of things these past few days and if they're giving him hell, it's because he went looking for it," she said, satisfied with her remark. Bill chuckled.
"That's a very wise statement, Mrs. B. I may have to ponder that for a while," he said, looking thoughtfully at her. "Little man, lets,"
"That's "Superman" to you Rose," I said. Ricky looked frozen as if he didn't know what to do or say. He eased Ty aside and came over to my bed and just whispered into my ear, "I love you JW. You are amazing no matter what they say," and I could tell he was so happy to have gotten it out of his system.
"Thank you for saving me last night, Ricardo. Me too, and so are you," I whispered into his ear and with just a short pause, he hugged Ty and left with Jordan, my mom giving him a warm hug as he passed her.
"Folks, we want to thank you for all your support this weekend. Dr. Perrow is about to prescribe some rest for Josh and you can all have another go at him tomorrow," said Bill. "Hopefully he's back at home tomorrow afternoon," and everyone said their goodbyes. Ginny was still giving me a squinty eye look which made me laugh to myself.
The parents came over to the bed and mom kissed my cheek. "Your grandmother told me to tell you hello and she sent her love," mom laughed.
"Does she know?" I asked.
"Absolutely not!" she said. "But someone else does. Dan!" Mom snapped and my dad walked through the door. My real dad just walked through the door like he had done it many times before. He was carrying a bouquet of yellow flowers.
"Seriously Dad, are those for me?" and he blushed and cracked up laughing. Bill started to laugh too. We all started laughing. Dad looked like he was coming to visit some little old lady, with those awful flowers.
"It's you momma's fault, Josh. Every time we visited someone in the hospital she always made me buy flowers. I guess it's a habit now!" he said and mom gave him a punch in the arm.
"Oh my God, Dad, I can't believe you came all this way," I said as he eased over to my bed. "Josh, getting to know you these past few months have been the happiest days I can remember and I couldn't consider myself much of a dad to let something like this slip by,"
"Well said," said Bill. "I believe Josh will tell you that you have been important to him as well," suggested Bill. I nodded in agreement. "Come on, Karen, Ty. Let's give them some time," said Bill. He gave my arm a quick grip and they left. Dad took a seat by the bed.
"Goddamn, Josh. You scared the shit out of me," and I cracked up so hard.
"I think that has been the general consensus today."
"That message you left for me, Josh,it gave me chills, sent shivers down my spine. I would cut a finger off to have been able to answer that call. I swear!" he said.
"Dad, I wished I hadn't done that to you. I was desperate and didn't know what to do. I was so afraid and I don't even know what I was afraid of!"
"I understand. Bill and Karen have filled me in on everything and I think things just got over your head. You've carried a lot and now I think you should let it go."
"You mean Ty?"
"No, the pressure, the stress, the "whatever it takes" to keep the situation from dragging you down again. You need to enjoy these last few months, Josh. I want you to enjoy them. I want to see my proud and fantastic son march across a stage with a diploma in his hand. Get me?"
"Yeah, it's coming fast, isn't it? Did you hear about my college acceptance?"
"Yes I did and while I'm not surprised, I am very proud of you. You're going all the way, son and I can't wait to watch. Just need you on your feet!"
"Where are you staying? You're not driving back tonight, are you?" I asked.
"Nope, I have a very pleasant room at 1021 Park Avenue. The guest suite, so to speak," and he laughed.
"They asked you to stay at our house?" I asked.
"Yep. Bill, your stepfather is a very hospitable gentleman. He offered right away and I've really enjoyed talking to him today. They suggested you get your inner-circle thing sorted out so that we could have some privacy. I will stay til Tuesday to help you get home tomorrow," and I heard him take a deep breath and his nose sniffled. "Please Josh, reach out to us before doing anything else like that. I don't care how far away I am. I have a voice Josh and I will tell you anything you need to know. I promise," and I nodded.
"I know, Dad and it means more to me than you know for you to come all this way. It really does," I said, and oh my god did shame and embarrassment wash over me. I know it was cute with my friends and what not but this thing, my running off, must have been devastating to them. What a dickhead! Man, was I going to be on good behavior for a long time after this. I don't think anyone would tolerate much more from me or I might get run off again!
Dr. Perrow walked into the room. "Dad, this is my favorite doctor, Dr. Perrow. He was my doctor my first time in here," and Dr. Perrow gave a sophisticated chuckle.
"I'm Dan Warner, this one's father," Dad said, acting like that was a big deal.
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Warner. Josh here is a terrific young man but I would rather he spend less time here!" Dr. Perrow chirped.
"I understand that," said dad. "Josh, see you tomorrow. Get some rest and do whatever he says to do," pointing to the doctor. Dad left and Dr. Perrow took the seat beside me.
"You gonna let me have it, too, Dr. Perrow?" I asked, half joking.
"Well no, Josh. That's not my place. But from what I've learned over the course of the weekend, it seems passions ran astray. I want to touch on that with you, son. And forgive me, I should have told you sooner. Jason wanted to come today but he's looking after his siblings as my wife had to go into work and I didn't want him out on the roads today. He'll catch up later, ok?"
"Yep, good."
"He was very dismayed, Josh. They all were. He has briefed me on the many things going on and, well, you have certainly had your hands full. He says you helped him save his friendship with Jack and I'm thankful you did that. It's important that he learns to deal with the growing differences he will face with friends as he grows older and this was a big step for him." Turning the tables on me, he said, "now it's time for you to take some big steps, Josh. You are obviously a clever young man and your ability to care for and about other people might cause you to "oversteer" from time to time, no pun intended," he said with a laugh. I got the joke quickly. "But Josh, you need to learn to see the warning signs and step back. This thing with Tyson, your stepbrother, probably seems less complicated than it is. I'm not going to judge. But loving him one way while loving your family another way is complicated. Going forward, be sure you are thinking of all sides and talk to everyone. Don't presume you know how people are going to act and don't make decisions on how you think they should react. I think the worst is over and your family seems very willing to work with you. Give them that chance, Josh. I promise it will work out in the end."
"I understand, Dr. Perrow and I will. What about all this?" I asked, pointing to the bandages on my head.
"Leave them alone for a few days and perhaps by the end of week they can come off then perhaps the stitches can come out. Couple of deep gashes there and I want them sealed tight before we unstitch. Ok?"
"Yes sir. I look like Frankenstein!" and he laughed.
"You could look a lot worse so I'm thankful for Frankenstein status! The nurse is going to fire you up with some pain reliever as I'm sure your head still aches. You will sleep well."
"Thanks Dr. Perrow. Hey, do you think they believed me when I told them I was sorry? I really hate what I did to everybody this weekend. It's so embarrassing, Dr. Perrow." He stopped halfway to the door, and turned to look at me.
"I'm sure they do. But it doesn't matter what they think. It's your intent that matters. You have the best of friends and if you value their friendship, they'll know by your actions," and he said good night, and left the room. I flipped the tv on to some show and went through my phone, deleting all the messages and voicemails. I couldn't read them or listen to them. I just hit delete until the all were gone, even though the memories of this weekend wouldn't be for a long time.