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Recovery of a Hero Ch. 01

By: Roadbug



This story is a work of fiction only. Any chance resemblance to actual people or events is purely accidental.

*

I was in Bagdad escorting a civilian computer expert with 3 others from my squad when this story begins. He was a Department of the Navy employee sent to Iraq to assist in setting up computer networks for the new Iraqi government and we were assigned to protect him while he traveled around the city installing computer systems.

While we were driving to one of the government buildings where he was working, we were ambushed by a large number of insurgent fighters.

The first warning I had that something was wrong was when an explosion beside our Humvee lifted the vehicle of the road on that side and then we dropped back down. 

I immediately new that something was wrong with the Humvee as the passenger side of the vehicle sagged down like the tires were completely gone. 

I shouted to the others to get out and get the civilian to cover while I used the machine gun on top to cover them. 

Pvt. Jenkins grabbed him and pulled him out of the Humvee and Cpl. Samson grabbed Pvt. Tims from the front of the rig and dragged him to an alley where they had some cover from incoming fire. I started firing at the approaching enemy group that was approaching us.

There was another explosion in the front of the Humvee and I fell out of the hatch into the vehicle. I crawled out the open door toward my comrades but was hit in both legs by enemy fire. 

Since I was unable to move fast enough to get to shelter, I stayed next to the Humvee. I suddenly started to feel the pain from my injuries and knew I was hurt bad but there was nothing I could do about it. I was surprised when I saw the civilian, whose name was DeShade or something like that, got up and ran toward me. I heard several automatic weapons open up as he rushed to me, but he wasn't hit. 

Jenkins and Samson returned fire as DeShade grabbed me and started dragging me to the others. I heard the unmistakable sound of bullets hitting meat and DeShade staggered but kept dragging me to shelter. 

When we got to the alley, I saw that Tims was wounded and so was Samson. That explained why they hadn't come for me themselves, but I wondered about Jenkins. 

That was when I lost consciousness and didn't wake up until after we had been rescued by a patrol and taken back to the hospital at the main base in Bagdad.

When I regained consciousness, I felt light headed. There was a nurse taking my blood pressure, I saw, when my vision cleared. I tried to ask about the others, but could barely croak. 

The nurse finished what she was doing and held up a glass with a straw in it so I could take a drink. After the drink, I tried again and this time was able to speak although not loudly. I asked about my men and the civilian. 

She said that my men were all alive and that the 2 who had been wounded were doing well. 

I then asked about the man who had saved my life and she said that he was still unconscious. He had been hit twice, once in the side, and once in the back. 

The flack vest he had been wearing had stopped the first round, but the second had gone through the arm hole on the right side of the vest and entered under his collar bone and gone completely through, exiting in front and then hitting the vest on the inside and traveling down and lodging in his left hip. 

He had lost a lot of blood although he was expected to live. 

I told her to keep me updated as this man had dragged me away from our disabled vehicle to safety while the others covered for us. She agreed and left the ward. 

I looked around and saw that I was in a large room with several other patients.

The lights were dim and from where I was, I could see a window with a dark curtain. I didn't know if it was day or night or even what day it was. 

The time was irrelevant to me now, so I allowed myself to drift away to sleep.

As the days passed and I slowly recovered my strength, I visited the other members of my squad who had been wounded and also stopped by to see Eldarin, as I later learned was his name. Eldarin DeShade. 

He was to be shipped back to the States soon and transferred to a long term care facility. That is when I vowed to contact my wife and get her to keep track of him so that I could get him out of there as soon as I got home, myself. 

I owed this man my life and I fully intended to repay that debt as best as I could. 

When I called Janice and told her about Eldarin, she agreed that we owed him and that he wouldn't have to remain in a place where he had no friends. 

I was happy that there would be no problems from her and asked her what her sisters thought.

She told me, "Sally is thrilled to help the man who saved her only brother and Erica said it's all right with her too." This was a big relief to me as I had been worried about that.

Janice and her sisters lost their parents about 6 months before we married, and since Sally was only 10 and Erica 15, we raised them ourselves. 

It was hard at times to try to raise 2 girls who were less than 10 years younger than me and my sisters at that, but we managed until my unit was called up for duty in Iraq. 

Since they had a good inheritance, and I had just started receiving an annuity from my grandparents' estate, we were doing ok on money. Janice and her sisters had inherited a nice house on 3 acres of land. 

All of this made it easy for us, and although we really didn't have to work, Janice got a degree in Nursing and I got my bachelors degree in Computer Sciences. 

She did volunteer work at the local hospital and I was a repair technician for a large computer manufacturer. 

When I was called up, my boss told me that my job would be waiting when I came back and I wouldn't lose seniority either. 

All this made it easy to keep the promise I had made to myself that the person who had saved my life would never have needs or wants ever again. 

With the help of my wife and 2 sisters, he wouldn't be alone or in need until he was able to return home again.

Recovery of a Hero Ch. 02



Chapter 2

Meeting a Hero

This story is a work of fiction only. Any chance resemblance to actual people or events is purely accidental.





After about a month in the Hospital, I was cycled back to the U.S. for rehab therapy and medically retired from the Marines. 

Flying home again for the first time since my reserve unit was activated, I was glad to exchange my uniforms for civvies again. What a relief to be out of those desert camouflage uniforms at last. 

I called my wife and told her when my plane would arrive and asked her about Eldarin. She said that he had been transferred to a V.A. hospital on the west coast and was fairly close. 

We lived in the Seattle area, and that's where he had been placed. 

When I asked how he had been placed in a Veterans hospital and Janice said "He's a veteran himself, and he was placed there since he actually lives on the coast here in Washington". 

I said "Good, that makes it easier to get him out when he's ready and bring him here until he's able to take care of himself." 

After my plane landed at Sea Tac Airport, I got off and went through baggage claim. My wife and the girls were waiting in the USO lounge as only passengers were allowed in the boarding area since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

I met them there and got mobbed by 3 females as soon as I walked in. 

"Oh God, I'm glad your home," Janice said. 

"So am I love, so am I," I responded. 

Sally was bouncing up and down like a hyperactive super ball yelling "My brothers' home, my brothers home" repeatedly. Erica just hugged me and said "welcome home big brother." 

I said "It's almost worth leaving just for the way I get welcomed home again". 

"That doesn't mean you're leaving again so don't start thinking about it," Janice stated. 

As we headed to the walkway to the parking garage, I asked about Eldarin. My wife told me that we could go to the hospital and ask as it was on the way home anyway. 

With that settled, we packed my luggage into the back of my old crew cab pickup and headed to the freeway for the short drive to the hospital where Eldarin was. 

When we got there, we went to the information desk and asked for him. We were directed to the ward where he was staying, although Sally had to stay at the snack bar as you had to be 16 to visit patients' rooms. 

Sally was unhappy about this, but she agreed and got a snack to eat while she waited. 

The rest of us took the elevator up to the floor where the ward was that Eldarin was assigned to. 

After checking in at the nurses' station, we went to his room and found him playing with the remote for his T.V. 

When we walked in, he looked up at us and then said "I know you. Don't member from where, but I know you." 

Then his eyes started wandering around the room and he started to mumble about the nurses not letting him have his coffee or go outside. 

He sounded like a little kid that was upset about not getting to go outside and play. 

While we listened to this, a nurse walked in behind us. 

She said "He's been like that off and on for several days from a bad reaction to some pain medication." 

"The doctors don't know exactly what the problem is, but he starts talking like a small child and doesn't seem to know where he is." 

I asked "Can he go outside? My youngest sister wants to meet him but she can't come up here as she's under 16".

"What relation to him are you?" the nurse asked.

I said "I'm the reason he's here. I got shot in both legs in Bagdad and was under fire when he left cover and came and got me." 

"He got hit twice pulling me to safety and if it wasn't for him I would have either bled to death or been shot again." 

After taking a deep breath, I said "I owe him my life and I intend to repay that debt the best way I can. If he needs something I'll leave my home phone number and cell number for you to call."

The nurse said "Let me check his chart real quick and I'll let you know. He has no next of kin listed, and you're the first visitors he's had since he was brought here." 

After checking his chart on his bed, she said "He can go anywhere on the hospital grounds as long as he's escorted by someone, but he has to be attended at all times because of his mental state." 

She added, "We don't know the exact cause yet and we don't know how he'll act if he's left alone, and he's already tried to sneak out several times. I've taken him outside a few times on my lunch break and he loves to watch the jets flying over." 

" When he's lucid, he's fun to talk to and seems very well educated, but there are no signs for when he will lapse into this state and no way to tell how long he'll be like this."

"How long do these episodes last?" I asked. 

"Anywhere from 5 minutes to 2 hours or a bit longer."

"Can he walk at all?"

"Yes, but only for a short time before he gets tired. The injury to his left hip caused a lot of problems at first, but is slowly healing." 

"It may be a few more months before he's able to walk more than a short distance, but with therapy, he should be able to walk with only a little bit of a limp."

"Ok" I said, "We want to sign him out for an hour or so and take him outside for awhile. My youngest sister really wants to meet him and wouldn't forgive me if we didn't give her a chance."

"I'll get him ready then. Just go to the desk where you checked in and tell the nurse there that you want to sign out a patient for visitation and come back." 

"He'll be ready by then as he isn't hard even when he's like this." 

"While you're down stairs, get him a cup of espresso and you'll see the biggest smile you ever saw. He loves his coffee and a cigarette now and then."

While Janice and Erica waited, I signed Eldarin out and went back and got him. He seemed to be more lucid now, and asked me where he knew me from. I told him that I was the one he dragged to safety when he got shot in Iraq.

"Sure, I remember that. You're the one who got it in the legs when the jeep got hit." 

He looked at the nurse and said: "I remember. I told you I wasn't being bad when I got hurt. See? He was there too and I wasn't bad, I was being good." 

The nurse said: "I knew you were being good. You're always good. I saw you with that little girl yesterday when she fell outside. You picked her up and held her while she was crying and just rocked her in your chair." 

She looked at me and said "Yesterday, when I took him outside, a little girl was with her father. He had lost his legs in Iraq, and she fell while she was pushing him around in his wheelchair." 

"Eldarin picked her up as she was crying about her knee, and just rocked her till she stopped. He didn't say anything, he just held her." 

"Then when she stopped, he just smiled at her and said that a little fall like that couldn't stop a brave girl like her, and then he handed her to her father and went to sleep."

"He tends to go to sleep at odd times, so you have to keep him strapped into his chair or stay next to him if he gets up."

"The only other thing is that he'll want a cigarette when you get outside. I buy him a pack now and then, and he pays me back. The pack is in his bathrobe but he doesn't have a lighter as it's in patient storage right now."

I said "It shouldn't be too hard to get a light, as I saw a lot of patients out front smoking." 

"I just hope my wife doesn't get mad as she hates cigarettes. Her uncle died from lung cancer last year and was a smoker. She blames cigarettes for that although the cancer was more likely to have come from asbestos."

After the talk with the nurse, I pushed the wheelchair to the waiting area and joined my wife and Erica. "Are you girls ready?" I asked. 

They both said "Yes", so we went to the elevator and went down to the cafeteria where Sally was waiting. 

When we got there, Sally jumped up and ran over and hugged Eldarin and said: "Thank you for rescuing my big brother."

Eldarin got a strange look on his face and said: "Who are you? Do I know you? I don't remember real good sometimes."

"You saved my big brother in Iraq", Sally said. "Because of you, he came home alive so I'll always be your friend." 

Eldarin got that confused look on his face again, and said: "Can I have my coffee now? I've been good just like I said I would be."

Sally looked at me with a frown and asked: "What's the matter with him?"

I told Janice to get him a big espresso and Erica to take him to a table while I explained to Sally about his mental problem from the reaction to medication. 

I took Sally to a corner table away from the others and told her quietly: "He had a bad reaction to some medication, and sometimes he lapses like that and talks like a little child. 

"It isn't his fault, and the nurse said that he seems to be improving a bit, but we have to watch him closely because he might hurt himself. He also suddenly falls asleep for short periods."

Sally looked at me and said: "Well, I'll just have to watch real close then, won't I? After all, he saved my big brother so I owe him."

With that, I smiled and gave Sally a hug and took her back over to the others. I sat down and we talked for a bit while Eldarin drank his espresso.

"Shall we go outside now?" I asked after he had finished. The others agreed, and before I could get up, Sally jumped up and started to push Eldarin to the door. 

"My job now", she said. I wasn't going to argue about it with her, because she would never give in on anything once she decided on something. 

It's like trying to fight a tidal wave when she's like that. 

Janice just watched and smiled at me. I knew then that I was beaten and that before I even knew there was a fight. Being outnumbered by women can be that way sometimes, I guess.

We went outside, and headed over to the smoking area where a few others had congregated. I took the pack of cigarettes out of Eldarins pocket, and handed him one. He asked for a light, and one of the others lit his cigarette for him. 

When he had it lit, he said: "Hey Dar, is this some of your family?"

Eldarin looked at him with that confused expression of his and said "I know you don't I? I have a hard time remembering sometimes, but I know you I think." 

The other man said, "Yes, you know me. I'm in the room next to yours, remember? We played cards the other night." 

"Cards?" Eldarin said. "We played cards? I haven't played cards for a long time. I wish I could remember better."

"You will, Dar. It isn't your fault you can't right now, but you'll get better. You already have, cause you beat me at Rummy when we played. You remembered all the cards and you won."

He looked at me and held out his hand and said "Staff sergeant Henry Grayson, retired."

I took his hand and said "Sergeant George Carson and my wife, Janice, and her sisters Erica and Sally Brandt." 

"So", Henry asked, "How do you know the Chief here?"

"I'm the reason he's here" I said. "He got shot pulling me to cover when our humvee was disabled in an ambush." "I didn't even know at the time that he was a vet, let alone a Warrant Officer." 

"He wasn't then" said Henry. "The Secretary of the Navy asked the Secretary of the Army to recall him under the Soldiers and Sailors Act." 

"The recall order was dated as the day before he was wounded so the Navy could give him a bit more than just a thank you letter." 

"They also gave him the permanent rank of Army CW4 with full benefits. They still have him listed on detached duty to the navy, but I doubt that they'll do much more than the Navy Cross and 2 of them forgot to duck badges."

"2 Purple Hearts and the Cross?" I asked, surprised.

"Yup, and the Army might dump a Bronze or Silver Star on him too. I don't know if he'll get much more, but when they finish with him, he'll be set for life if he ever gets out of here."

"From what I was told, they intend to give him full retirement from the Army and the Department of the Navy will give him a Civil Service retirement pension too."

I asked, "How do you know all this?"

"I was in personnel when I got hit by mortar frags last year in Iraq. I was stationed at Fort Lewis, so I still know a few people, and when they brought Dar in I asked around to find out a bit about him."

"He's been here about a month now, and no one has been here to see him except a few Navy flunkeys checking on him."

"I don't know if he has any family or not but I do know that a lot of interesting things have been going on about him. It seems he's got a few eyes on him."

"Well, I intend to get him out of here as soon as I can. He'll be staying with us until he can take care of himself physically and mentally." I said. "I'm the one who's still alive because of him and I'll make sure that he's got a family when he needs it."

"Besides, that little twerp over there would kill me if I didn't take him home." I pointed at Sally as I said this. She stuck her tongue out at me and continued to sit by Eldarin.

I told the others "I have to go inside with Janice for a bit and get registered for services, so keep an eye on Sally and her boyfriend, Erika. Don't let them get into trouble."

Sally again stuck her tongue out at me as Janice and I went to the front desk. I took out my release and retirement orders and my DD214 and my ID while we waited in line.

When we got up to the desk, I handed my papers and ID to the woman sitting there and told her I needed to register for services here.

She got out the forms and handed them to me with a clip board and said, "Please fill these out and bring them back here." 

"We'll get the registration started when your finished, but it might take a few months to get you assigned to a clinic here as we have a long waiting list."

"It helps that you're retired, and have all your documents here now but it still takes a bit." If you need any medical care before then, you can come into the walk in clinic any time as it's 24 hours."

"For service connected medical emergencies, you can go to any hospital and show them your medical card that we'll make up for you when your done with the registration forms."

With that, she turned to the next person in line and Janice and I went over to a row of seats by a small coffee bar run by some older men wearing VFW hats and badges.

I asked Janice if she wanted a cup, and she said, "I'll get us both cups and take one out to Mr. DeShade." 

I told her, "Based on past experience with the man, I would caution you about calling him that. He'll spend 10 minutes or more explaining how his father and grandfather were Mr. DeShade and since he isn't one of them he isn't a mister." 

"He's Eldarin or Dar to his friends. That will include Sally and Erika."

"I don't know why, but he really hates being called mister or sir. He was always friendly to enlisted types to, but didn't seem to like most officers much."

Janice said, "That's ok, as long as he calls me Janice or Janny like the rest of you. I really don't want someone who's almost my dads age calling me Mrs. Carson. When someone does, I look around for mom."

I laughed at that. "I do the same thing when someone calls me Mr. Carson, I look around for my Dad even though he lives in Yuma now." 

While Janice was gone, I filled out the forms I'd been given and turned them in. When I got back to the desk, most of the others were gone so it didn't take as long as before.

When I turned in the forms, they sent me to another desk where I had my picture taken, and was given a V.A. medical card. With this finished, I went back outside to collect the girls and Eldarin to take him back to his room.

On arriving, I saw an older woman dressed in a very expensive dress suit with a man of about the same age. They were talking to Eldarin. I immediately saw a resemblance between Eldarin and the woman. 

As I got closer, I could here Eldarin saying, "Aunty Dee, Aunty Dee, I'm so happy you came to see me".

I walked up and asked the woman, "Your Eldarins aunt?"

"Yes, on his fathers side. I just found out he was here yesterday, and so Jim and I came down to see him. We saw him here when we drove in, so we came here." 

"Well, hello then. I knew Eldarin in Iraq, and he saved my life over their. My wife and I were going to see about taking him home with us when they release him from here, until he recovers enough to take care of himself."

"Oh?", She replied. "Well, we'll have to talk about that later, but if we can work it out, it shouldn't be a problem. I'm the closest family he has left in this state now and that makes me next of kin." 

"Because of problems with one of my oldest sons daughters, he had to sell his house to pay for medical expenses, and so he and his family are staying with us right now. We wouldn't have room for him to stay there now even though he'd be welcome." 

I asked her where they lived, and she said, "We live in Marysville right now." 

"Well we live in east of Lynnwood on an old farm so if you wanted, you'd be able to visit him a lot easier than coming all the way here." 

I pulled out my note pad and pen (I carried one the whole time I was on active duty), and wrote down our address and my phone numbers. As I gave her the page, I said that she could call any time to discuss Eldarin. She agreed. 

With that, I told Sally to get Eldarin and take him back to the hospital entrance because we had to go now. She got up and started to push him to the hospital as Eldarins' aunt said, "Well that'll keep him busy when he gets better. He's always loved kids." 

"I'm Donna, by the way, and this is my husband Jim," she said.

"Very glad to meet you and your husband, Donna. I hope we can work things out and get Eldarin out of here. I think he'd do much better at our place than here, as he'd be able to go outside much more often and wouldn't have to sneak out."

"Sneak out? That sounds like his dad. When he was still able he'd sneak out at night and wander all over the hospital. Drove the staff nuts when they couldn't find him." 

"Well", I said, "Like father, like son I guess. If you want to come up with us, I'll show you where his ward is."

She said, "Thank you, I'd appreciate that. I get lost here every time I visit now, since all the new construction."

I looked around, and didn't see anything really new. I asked her what she meant and she said, "I used to visit my brother here years ago, and Its changed a lot since then. I hardly recognize the place from the way it was 30 years ago." 

As we walked up to the hospital entrance, I saw Sally struggling to get Eldarin the rest of the way up the slope from the smoking area to the hospital entrance.

I asked, "Need any help munchkin?"

"No, my job now. He's just kind of heavy is all but I'll get him there." As I said, when Sally decides to do something, there is no changing her mind.

When we got Eldarin checked back in and into his bed, I turned to Donna and said, "It's been a pleasure to meet you, and I really hope we can work something out about Eldarin. I'd hate to leave him here any longer than necessary." 

Donna replied, "I agree about that." His father died here, and that will bring back bad memories for him." 

"I didn't know about that, but that just means that the sooner the better for him then." 

"Yes, we'll work something out soon. I'll talk to the admin people before I leave today and I'll call you and let you know. Then I'd like to come out to your place to see where he'd be living if he went home with you."

"That would be great. Maybe we could get Eldarin out for a day trip then and you could bring him there to. That way, we'd know if he liked it there," I said.

"Good idea," Donna said. "I'll look into it and give you a call in a couple hours."

"Fine," I responded. "Now I have to go. I just got off the plane a couple hours ago and haven't been home yet, and it's been a bit over a year. I'll be waiting for your call, so have a nice visit with Eldarin."




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 02



With that said, I went back down to the waiting area to get Sally. As we left, she asked, "Will there be any problems with us getting Dar out of here?"

I said, " I don't think so, because his aunt doesn't have the room at her place and he doesn't have other any family left here. She wants to come out to our place to see it first, and she'll try to bring Eldarin with her. When did you start calling him Dar, by the way?"

"While we were outside, I called him Mr. DeShade, and he looked at me and said that his friends had to call him Dar. If I wanted to be his friend, I had to call him Dar too."

I laughed at that as it sounded just like the man I remembered from Iraq. When we got the others, we headed to my truck and got in. I said, "It's been a long day for me, so lets go home."

This ends Chapter 2. Chapter 3 will be Sally telling her part of the story.



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 03



This story is a work of fiction only. Any chance resemblance to actual people or events is purely accidental.

Chapter 3: Released From Durance Vile

The day that George got home was special to me. He was my oldest sisters husband, but he was also the closest I had to a big brother. When he left, I told him he had to come back because I just couldn't loose my only brother. 

I never thought about Janny (I have always called Janice Janny since I was little), my sister, and his wife.

When we were told that he had been wounded in action, they didn't tell us much else. 

Operational Security the letter said. They did say, however, that he would be coming home when he got released from the hospital because of the damage to his legs would prevent him from being a Marine anymore. 

I didn't care about that as long as he was coming home again. A few weeks after the official notification, he called and said he was at Camp Pendleton being treated for his wounds, and would be home in a month or so.

Erica and Janny and I were ecstatic about this and were planning a big party. We were going to welcome him home and we weren't going to let him go ever again. 

Then he called again, and told us about the guy who saved him in Iraq. 

He told us how he had been covering the other 3 marines and the civilian that was with them when they were ambushed, and that the civilian had risked his life and been seriously wounded coming back to drag him to cover.

He gave Janny the mans name, which was Eldarin DeShade, and asked her to look into where he was sent to after being returned from Iraq. 

Janny spent the next day on the phone and finally found out that this man had been sent to the Seattle Veterans hospital for treatment after he got back.

This was good news for Janny, and she told Erika and me that we would be able to stop and see him after we picked George up at the hospital. 

I decided right then that I would do whatever I could to help the man who saved my big brother. It was important to George and it was important to me too. He saved my only brother. 

When the day finally came that George was coming home, we left early in his old 4 door pickup to go get him. We drove to Sea-Tac Airport and parked in the big garage. 

After leaving the truck and going into the terminal building, Janny got directions to the USO lounge from the military desk. She just walked up and showed the guy there her military I.D. and said that her husband was coming home today, and would meet us at the USO lounge.

We stopped on the way there to get snacks, and went to the lounge to wait for him. They had a T.V. and some bunks and stuff for soldiers to sleep on while waiting for flights and rides. I even got to help in the kitchen getting coffee and drinks for the soldiers there. 

About an hour after we got there, George came in. I ran up to him and hugged him and told him how happy I was that my big brother was finally home. He said, "I'm glad to be home twerp. I'm really glad to be home." 

I hate it when he calls me twerp, but decided to forgive him this once.

Janny and Erika ran up to him just then and hugged him too. I just love group hugs like that. We had our man back and we wanted him to know it. 

Janny told George that she had found that Mr. DeShade was at the V.A. hospital in Seattle, and that if he wanted, we could stop and see him on the way home. 

George said, "Thank you love." "That means a lot to me." "He got shot twice pulling me to safety, and I owe him my life."

"We owe him too, don't we girls?" Janny said. Erika and I both agreed. If the man who saved our brother needed something, we'd make sure he got it.

George said, "Then lets go. "I never got a chance to thank him because they sent him back home before I was allowed out of bed." "I want to do that now if possible."

With that, we went back to the truck. George put his bags into the canopy and climbed in on the passenger side in front. He said "I really don't feel up to driving yet as my legs still cramp up sometimes, so you drive, Janice."

On leaving the airport, Janny got onto the highway that went to the freeway. From there we went north to the exit to the V.A. hospital and turned off. It took about 20 minutes to get there, then we parked in the visitors lot. 

We walked up to the entrance and went to the information desk, and George asked about getting the room number for Eldarin DeShade.

The woman looked up the name and told us where it was, but said I couldn't go up as I was to young. I said, "George, if I can't go up, you have to bring him down so I can meet him."

"I'll try, Sally," said George. "But it will depend on whether he's allowed to come down or not. He might be restricted to his bed or something like that. He got hurt pretty bad in Iraq, so don't get your hopes up."

"If he can't come down, I'll sneak up. What would they do about it? Send me home?" I said.

"I don't know, but they might not allow us to visit him anymore if you do something like that." said George.

I said, "Spoil sport." Then I asked Janny if I could get a snack while I had to wait. She gave me some money, and told me to stay in the room with the vending machines until they came back down.

After getting my snack, I sat down and waited for about 20 minutes. I spent the time talking to some other kids who were waiting to see someone.

Since I was watching the elevators where the others went upstairs, I saw them get off one with an older man in a wheel chair. 

I don't know how old he was, but he had a real long beard and it had a lot of gray in it. I thought, he must be real old to have that much gray, but I didn't care because he'd saved George.

I ran up and hugged him and said, "Thank you for saving my big brothers life."

He got a strange look in his eyes and said, "Do I know you? I don't remember so good sometimes."

I looked at George and asked, "What's wrong with him?"

George told the others to take him over to a table and get him a cup of espresso, then took me to a different table.

Sitting down, he told me, "He had a bad reaction to some medication they gave him. He has lapses where he talks like a little child for awhile, and he can't use his right arm much. He also falls asleep suddenly, so he has to have that belt around his chest while he's in a wheelchair."

I thought about that for a moment, and said, "Then that means I'll just have to watch him real close, won't I?"

"Yes dear, it does," said George.

With that, we went back over to the others and sat and chatted while Mr. DeShade drank his espresso. He sure looked like he was enjoying it. When he finished, George said, "Lets go outside for a bit."

I jumped up and started pushing the chair to the door. "My job now," I told George. I saw Janny smile at him when I said this. 

She might have thought it was funny, but I meant it. I'd push that chair up a mountain if Mr. DeShade wanted to see the top. Even if he acted and talked like a little kid sometimes.

This looked like a situation where I'd be making a lot of adjustments in thinking. I remembered a teacher in middle school using that term, and thought how well it fit here. 

Adjusting to a man who looked older than my father was the last time I saw him. Adjusting to that man acting like a little child sometimes.

After going out the doors, we headed toward a bench where some patients were sitting and smoking, as it was against the rules to smoke within 50 feet of the door. There were signs all over that said that. 

When we got to the bench, George took a pack of cigarettes out of Mr. DeShade's bathrobe pocket. 

I took a good look at the ratty looking thing and decided that the first thing we needed to do was get him a decent looking bathrobe. That blue and white striped thing was really ugly and worn out looking.

I also noticed that the slippers he was wearing were cheap foam disposable things that didn't look comfortable. I whispered to Janny, "We need to get Mr. DeShade a better bathrobe and some decent slippers. Those look like cast offs from the Mission."

Janny looked at them too, and whispered back, "Good idea. When we get ready to go, I'll tell George. I think we should also get him a decent pad for that chair. That one looks worn out and uncomfortable." 

"While we're at it, we should get George some new clothes too," I said.

Erica leaned over and whispered, "And maybe some for us?" We all chuckled quietly at that.

After that, I sat there listening to the others talk for awhile. 

I listened as the man who lit Mr. DeShade's cigarette explained about him being recalled to the military so they could give him some medals for what he did for George. I liked that idea. Give him lots of medals for saving my big brother.

After a bit, George said, "Watch Sally and her new boyfriend closely, Erika. We don't want them getting into trouble. Janice and I have to go inside and I have to register for medical services." 

I stuck my tongue out at him for the boyfriend comment, and watched as he and Janny went inside. 

Erica was talking to a couple of the nurses standing out there, so I decided to talk to Mr. DeShade for awhile and get to know him.

"Why were you in Iraq with my brother, Mr. DeShade?" I asked him.

He looked at me and said, "I'm not a mister. My dad and grand dad were misters, and they're gone now. I'm Eldarin, or Dar to my friends. If you want to be my friend, you have ta call me Dar."

I thought about that for a moment, and said, "Ok, Dar, why were you in Iraq with my brother?"

He smiled, and said "I was fixing computers and stuff. I can't talk about it much cause I don't remember right now. I don't think I wuz supposed ta talk bout it anyway. I wish I could remember better." He quit smiling when he said that.

"It's all right, Dar. You don't have to worry about not remembering right now. My brother said that you would get better and would remember. I'll help you all I can because you saved my brother."

"Your brother? George is your brother? I don't remember him talking about a little sister, just his wife and her sisters. I wonder why he didn't talk about that?"

I said, "Janice is my sister, and George is my brother. I call him my big brother because he's the only brother I have. When my parents died, he and Janice started raising Erica and me. Now I just say he's my big brother."

"Now I understand. Why did you come to see me today? Nobody that I know has been to see me since I got home. Then today, you 4 came to see me."

I looked at his sad expression, and thought how lonely he must be with no one coming to visit him. 

I said, "We came to see you because you saved Georges life in Iraq. He was real worried about you because he knew you got hurt bad helping him. I came because I wanted to thank you for doing it, and so did Erica and Janny."

"Janny? Who's that? I don't know anybody named Janny," he asked me.

I said, "That's Janice. I've always called her Janny for as long as I can remember. She's my oldest sister and Georges' wife."

"Oh? The one who went back inside with the sergeant? That's his wife? I think he really loves her from the way he smiled when he showed me her picture. I didn't recognize her cause her hair is different I think."

"She had a perm done last week, when we found out that George was coming home. She wanted to look special for him"

Erica laughed and said, "That's not all she did. She got some new bed clothes too." I felt myself get hot in the face when she said that. 

"That's a naughty thing to say."

Erica laughed again, and said, "I was just kidding you sis. What she really got is a new mattress that the Marine doctor recommended for him because of his legs."

"How bad is he really?" I asked.

"He has some nerve damage in both legs, but he'll be able to do every thing he used to do. He'll have a limp and be slower than before, but I bet he'll still be able to out swim you when he gets better."

"I hope so," I said. "I miss how he used to take me swimming when Janny was at the hospital and you were in school. Then we'd go to a park or something. I know how lonely Janny has been since he had to leave cause I've been just as lonely." 

"I really missed him, Erica, and I'm so glad he's home and they can't make him leave again."

"So am I , sis. I missed him too," said Erica.

As we were talking, an older woman came up to us. 

When Dar saw her he started yelling, "Aunt Dee, Aunt Dee. You came to see me. I'm so happy you came today." 

"This is the first day since I was brought here that I've had visitors. I've been so lonely here. Did you bring uncle Jim and Mick and Matt? I haven't seen them in a long time."

"Hello Dar. Jim's here with me but Mick and Matt couldn't come today. Who are your friends here?" 

Dar introduced Erica and me. Both Erica and I said hello to her. 

"So, why are you 2 here?" asked the lady. "I don't believe I know you."

Erica said, "We came here with our older sister and her husband. Dar here got hurt in Iraq saving our brother." 

"He was wounded and couldn't get to cover, so Dar dragged him to safety. He got hit twice doing it. We came to thank him and make sure he was all right, since we live fairly close to here."

"George and Janny went inside to get registered for services here since this is the closest V.A. hospital to where we live," I said. "Since we live so close, I hope we can come to see Dar often. He seems lonely here, so I plan to come every chance I get."

As we were talking, Dar started saying, "I'm so happy to see you Aunty Dee." As he continued talking, I saw George and Janny coming back from the hospital entrance. 

Janny walked up to Dar and handed him a cup of coffee and said, "That's from the VFW coffee stand inside, so it should be a pretty good cup of coffee."

George walked over to talk to Dar's aunt, and I went over to the bench and sat beside Dar. 

I told him, "If we can, we're going to take you out of here as soon as we can. You won't have to be lonely any more then." 

"You'll be staying with us till you get better, and I'll get you anything you need while you're their. I'll help you as much as I can until you get better, because you helped my big brother."

"Really? You'll take me away from this place? I hope it's soon. I don't like it here. I can't go outside when I want, and I can't do anything in my room but watch T.V." 

"I hate most of what's on here and there's nothing else to do most of the time. That's why I'm so happy today. You're the first real visitors I've had since I got here, and my Auntie Dee showed up too, and there's Uncle Jim."

I felt sorry for Dar and others like him being alone and stuck in a place like this. Sure, they took care of his medical needs, but with nobody to talk to and no visitors in the 2 weeks or so that he'd been here, he must have been miserable.

Well, if and when we got him out of here, he wouldn't be lonely any more. I'd see to that and so would Erica, Janny and George. We'd make sure he was never lonely again. 

George finished talking to Dar's aunt, and came over to me and said, "It's time to go. I jumped up and started pushing Dar up to the entrance. George asked me, "Need a hand?"

I said "No, my job." I wasn't going to let anybody else do this as long as I could. George just chuckled.

When we got to the elevator, George pushed Dar in and said, "I'll be back in a few minutes, then we can go home."

After George got back down, we walked out to the truck. He told us that he'd talked to Dar's Aunt, who's name was Donna, and she said that she'd come out to our home to look around and would bring Dar with him if she could. 

He also said that she would decide then what to do about Dar. She couldn't take him in herself, because one of her sons and his family was staying with them, but she didn't want him staying here or in a nursing home either.

I said, "Then we have to work really hard to make a good impression."

"That we do, Sally, and the first thing we need to do is figure out which room he gets," said George.

"I know, we can use Dad's old den. We don't use it and it's plenty big enough for Dar," I said.

Janny said, "That's a good idea. Since it's on the first floor, he'd have no trouble getting in and out, and it has a full bathroom. It wouldn't take much work to fix up either. All we really need to do is put a bed in there, and I can get a regular electric hospital bed for him."

"I don't know about that," said George. 

"Why not?" asked Erica. "I think that's a good idea."

"Well, I really was hoping to put an indoor swimming pool in there," said George.

We all laughed at that because Dads old den was a good sized room. 

I don't remember anything else that was said after that because I fell asleep. It had been a long day for me, but it was a good day with George finally home again.

Erica woke me up just as we got home. "Time to wake up, sleepy head," she said.

I groaned a bit because my neck was stiff from leaning against the door, but sat up. We were driving up the drive way and I looked at our house thinking about what to do to help Dar get around there. It was a big house, with 5 bedrooms on 3 floors plus an attic and basement. 

The basement was a family rec room and a small gym area. The ground floor had a large kitchen and dining room, and a large T.V. room, and Dads old Den, as he had called it. 

It was more like an office and library than anything else, but I don't really know what a Den is supposed to be in a house. I think of a place for bears to hibernate when I think of what a den is.

The second floor has 3 bedrooms. The master bedroom which had been my parents room, a slightly smaller room across the hall, which was Janny and Georges room, and another at the end that Erica used. 

On the next floor were 2 rooms, one for me and another that was used as a guest room when we had a visitor.

Big house, but Dad had made lots of money from the electronic security business he had owned. Now that business was ours, but we had a professional manger running it for us right now. Janny and George didn't want to and Erica was still in school. 

I didn't know what I was going to do when I went to college, but, I thought,since I trust Erica, and she's smarter than me so let her do it.

Over the next 3 days, we got the Den ready for Dar and set up the connected bathroom so he'd be able to get in and out of the tub easier. We also put up a fence around the pool so he wouldn't accidentally roll into it. It was a busy 3 days.

On the 5th day after George got home, Dar's aunt called and said she could bring Dar out the next day. I was really excited, cause we would find out if he could stay with us. 

His bedroom was ready for him and even had a desk where he could have a computer. I had even set up my old one for him too!

Dar and his aunt arrived at about noon the next day. I was so excited! When they drove up to the house, I ran over to the car and opened Dar's door and hugged him. I said, "Welcome home Dar. I sure hope you like it here."

His aunt got out and walked up to George and Janny, and his uncle got his wheelchair out of the trunk of the car. He and I then helped Dar out of the car and I pushed him up to the house.

I said to his aunt, "I'm going to show Dar around the house a bit. Tell George to use the intercom if you want me."

I took Dar to his room first thing, and told him, "This is your room if you get to stay with us. I really hope you like it."

He looked around and saw the all of my Dads old books, and said, "Wow! Look at all the books. Can I read them?"

"Any time you want, Dar. They're my Dad's collections," I told him.

Then he saw the computer on the desk and asked, "Will I be allowed to use that puter?"

"Yes" I said, "That's my old one and I'm giving it to you. It's all set up and ready to go. We have broadband and it's already connected, and you'll be able to use it any time you want. It's yours now."




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 03



With that, he looked at me and said, "Thank you so much. I haven't had any books to read or a puter for a long time now. I hated the books they had at the hospital, and they wouldn't let me have a puter. Will you help me with it?"

"Of course" I said. "Whenever you need anything, if nobody is here you can use the intercom we had set up for my uncle when he was sick."

"Your uncle is sick too?" He asked.

I told him, "He was very sick, and he died almost 2 years ago. I sure miss him and my Mom and Dad."

Dar gave me a sad smile and said, "I miss my Dad too. He died about 5 years ago, I think. I don't remember for sure, but I still miss him."

"Ok," I said to break the sad mood. "Let me show you the rest of the house that you can get to right now. I'd take you up stairs, but you can't climb them and we don't have a way to get a wheel chair up them yet."

"Sure, I'd like to see it please. "While we do that, can I have a cup of coffee and a cigarette?" asked Dar.

"Ok, but we have to go out back for the cigarette. I'll take you to the kitchen and get you the coffee and then we can go out the back door from there. Do you have any with you?" I asked him.

He pulled a pack out of his pocket and showed me. I told him to put them back for now, cause Janny didn't like them, but he could have one out by the pool. Then I took him into the kitchen and gave him a large cup of coffee that I'd made earlier just for him. 

After that, I pushed him out the patio door and over to a table by the fence around the pool. He looked at the fence and asked, "What's the fence for?"

"We put it up so you wouldn't accidentally roll into the pool in your chair. We have to keep that strap on you until the doctors say you don't need it any more. 

When they say that, we can take down the fence cause your aunt said you can swim real good. But if your strapped to that wheelchair you'll just sink and drown."

I told him that George had gotten a list of safety requirements for in home care of someone in Dar's physical and mental condition.

"Oh, all right. I don't want to get anybody in trouble, so I'll be careful around the pool," said Dar.

"We still have to leave the fence up, cause the doctors said so," I told Dar. "I trust you, but we have to go by what they say if we want you to be allowed to stay with us. I want you to stay here until your better, so I'll do what they say."

"I want to stay here too," Dar said. "I like the room you showed me and I like it out here too. It's pretty here, and you and your sisters and your brother are nice to me." 

"Aunt Dee said that I could stay here if she liked what she saw. She told me that I can't stay at her house right now cause my cousin Mick is there. He had to sell his house to pay for his daughter when she was real sick."

He got that sad look again, and said, "Even after all the medical stuff, she still died. I never met her, but I know that Mick loved her. My cousin is real nice and I hope he and his brother Matt can come see me sometime. I haven't seen them in a long time. Not since my Dad died."

I said, "Well, you and Janny will just have to call him up sometime and invite him and his family out here sometime. Since it's summer time, we can even have a barbeque."

Dar finished his cigarette and said, "Ok, lets go see the rest of the house. I really like it here already though."

"Fine, lets go," I said.

I got up and pushed him back into the kitchen and then to the dining room.

"This is where we eat when we're all together. It's not that often, cause George and Janny work and Erica is in school, but we do it at least once a week. Otherwise, we just make what we want when we get hungry. It's easier than trying to plan for 3 people with different schedules."

"I'd like that," said Dar. "I eat in my room alone at the hospital. It would be nice to sit with friends and have a meal once in awhile."

"You won't be lonely here," I told Dar. "I'm on summer vacation right now, and I'll eat with you. I'll even make your meals for you."

"You don't have to do that," said Dar.

"I want to," I said. "I like to cook, and I like company at meals too."

I then took him into the family room, where the others were already sitting and talking.

Donna asked Dar, "So what do you think?"

"I like it here," said Dar. "I'd get a real big room with my own bathroom and lots of books and even a puter. Am I going to be able to stay here?"

"Yes," said Donna. "We've discussed it, and your already discharged from the hospital. I planned on taking you home with me if this didn't look right, but it looks fine here." 

"It's even better than what I could do for you. Since you like it here, you can stay for now. As long as these people want you here, and you're not a problem to them you can stay."

I couldn't help myself. I started crying and ran over to Donna and hugged her and whispered to her, "Thank you. Now I can help the person who saved my big brother. I'll make sure he's taken care of and is never lonely for as long as he wants to stay here."

Donna hugged me back and said, "That's why I decided to let Dar stay. I wasn't going to because I don't know you people, but the way you were ready to help him as soon as he got here, and how happy he looked when you ran up to the car decided me." 

"It was you more than any thing else that convinced me." 

"Dar and I were close for a long time when I was in school, and I want what's best for him. Right now, I think that's staying here." 

"His father was my big brother, and I know how I felt when we lost him. I also know how you feel about George and I know that you'll take good care of my favorite nephew."

"I promise that I will do my best, no matter what," I told her. I really meant that too. I would do my very best to make Dar happy as long as he was here.

*

This ends chapter 3. Chapter 4 will continue from Sally's view point.



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 04



Chapter 4

A Hero's New Purpose

This story is a work of fiction only. Any chance resemblance to actual people or events is purely accidental.





The first couple of weeks with Dar there were hectic. He was always polite and he seemed to be getting better with his periods of talking like a little boy, and he was very fun otherwise. He never argued or complained either.

All in all, he was what I would have wanted for a brother if I'd had a real one. Don't get me wrong, though, because I loved George. When he and Janny were dating, they'd often take Erica and me with them to restaurants and movies and such. 

Dar, though, was different. He would often sit by himself reading one of Dad's old books or play with the computer. Sometimes he would sit by the kitchens glass door and just look outside. When it rained, I'd often find him outside just looking up into the sky and letting it fall on his face.

I finally asked him why he did that, and he said that the rain is what he missed most while he was in Iraq. He said he'd been there almost 2 years and it didn't rain much. 

On the third week, I got a letter telling me that the summer tryouts for the Junior Cheer Leader Squad was on the following Monday. I really wanted to go, but I had promised Dar and his Aunt I would never leave him alone, and since the others were all busy during the day, it was mostly me that took care of him.

I asked Erica if she could watch him that day, and she said no because she had a big test. George and Janny were also busy. George was taking a few refresher classes for his job and Janny was going to be helping at the hospital she did volunteer work at.

I decided then that if Dar wanted to go, I would get a ride and take him with me or just stay home. He was much more important right now than being a cheer leader. He almost died so I could keep the nearest thing I ever had to a brother, so he came first.

That decided, I walked up to him and told him about the tryouts. He got excited and said, "You really want me to come too? Can I really go someplace with you?" That's when I realized that although he had more freedom here, he was still stuck unless someone took him somewhere.

I said, "If you want to. Afterwards, I'll see if a couple of friends of mine want to go to the mall and you can come there to. Dar got real excited at that thought. He was in one of his little boy fazes right then so I guess even going to the mall with a bunch of teenagers might have seemed exiting.

With that thought, I waited until George and Janny got home and told them what my plans were. They talked it over for a bit and said it was fine with them. George also said that he could drop me off if I wanted to go early, and would pick me up at the mall at about 6 that evening as he would be done with his classes and work by then.

I agreed, and went and told Dar that it was all set up and he could go with me to practice and that we'd go to the mall afterwards. He thanked me and then had me take him to his room where he dug out his wallet. 

After getting it out, he had me take him to George, who was in the basement and was the only place that had a lift for the wheelchair After taking him down there, he asked me to let him talk to George for in private for a while. He said he and George had to take care of some 'business'.

I left him there and went back upstairs to call a few friends to see if they wanted to meet up with me after practice. I told them that Dar would be coming too as there wasn't anybody to watch him that day, and 2 said that they would be there. 

With that done, I went back to see if Dar was done with George. They were talking at the desk George had set up in a corner, and when they saw me they just smiled and waved me over. 

I walked over and asked Dar if he was done. He was grinning so hard I thought he was going to break his jaw, but he said yes, so I took him back up to the kitchen and made lunch. As the day went on, every time George and Dar saw each other they would get the smile again. It made me wonder what they were up to. The worst of it was that they were like that the whole weekend too!

On Monday at 10, George and I got Dar into the car and left for the high school. When we got there, I saw that there were a lot of girls my age there for the tryouts and I got nervous. Dar seeing that I was uncomfortable grabbed my hand and said, "You'll do fine. I have faith in my little friend, and she'll blow the rest away."

I felt a lot better after that, and said good bye to George as he pulled out. Dar waved a bit with his left hand, and started to drag himself to the field with his good leg. I caught him easily and pushed him over to where the tryouts were to be held that day.

As I got closer, I saw the 2 friends that were going to the mall with us later, and waved. They waved back and came over. Shelly, who had been my friend since we started grade school together came over and hugged me. I hadn't seen her since summer vacation started. 

Sandra, also hugged me. She and I had become friends in last year, and the 3 of us had done lots of things together. 

After the hugs, Shelly said, "So this it the man who swept you off your feet and kept you away from us the last few weeks. You didn't even call much."

"Yea," Sandra said, "No calls, and no visits. Just because you live like a hermit doesn't mean you should ignore your friends."

Dar got that sad look on his face as he listened and said, "It's my fault. She's been helping me since I can't walk yet and her sisters and her brother are busy. Without her I'd have to go back to the hospital." 

Shelly saw right away that Dar was really unhappy. I'd told her about Dar and what was wrong with him, so she just smiled at him and said, "Oh it's all right. We were just teasing Sally because we haven't seen her in awhile. I know why she's been busy so it doesn't matter."

This caused Dar to start smiling again, and he told her, "Well I know a good way to fix that problem. I know Sally gets lonely being stuck with a broke down old man, so you 2 will just have to come over and help fix that sometime. I bet that I can talk George and Janny into it." 

That statement surprised me a bit. Dar had always called Janny by her proper name. He never used Janny before where I could hear. Just goes to show that things change sometimes.

We talked some more as we walked over to the tryout area, with all of us pushing on the chair. Dar was heavy, and the chair didn't work well in the grass. The tires would sink in and it was hard to push.

By the time we got there, we had stopped talking and were just pushing. I told Dar that I was going to have to put him on a diet because he was getting heavy. Dar looked at me and said, "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be a problem."

Bad mistake that time. I told Dar, "Oh come on, I was teasing. Can't friends tease each other?" Dar tends to take everything literally, and I had forgotten that.

Sandra said, "Don't worry about it Dar. We needed the exercise any way, and now we won't have to warm up so much." Shelly nodded too.

Dar started smiling again, and said, "I hope the tryouts start soon. I want to watch. I haven't been anywhere but the hospital and home in a long time now. I like watching things, but there isn't much I can see except out the kitchen door since it's glass."

Shelly said, "I bet you just want to watch the girls." Dar smiled and pointed across the field where some boys were playing football. 

"Nah," he said. "I'll watch the football game. I like watching kids play football."

After that, we went over to the cheer squad director and got put on the list for the tryouts. I was toward the end of the tryouts, and Shelly was third up. Sandra was in the middle, so one of us would be with Dar the whole time so he wouldn't get lonely.

While we waited for Shelly, Sandra and I sat on the grass by Dar and watched the first 2. I didn't know either of them. Then it was Shelly's turn. Boy she was good. I guess those dance classes she took paid off. After her tryout, she came over and Sandra went to wait for her turn.

She talked to Dar while we watched, and I could see that he was enjoying the chance to talk with someone new. I bet he got tired of just a 1 teenager to talk to most of the time. I know I would get tired of just talking to me.

We all watched when it was Sandra's turn. She was almost as good as Shelly. I started worrying again, and wondered if the triple S team would be broken up now. With all the others here, and my 2 best friends being the best so far, I was really nervous. 

Dar leaned over and whispered, "I know they look good, but I've watched you practice and swim. You'll do fine and better than fine. Just trust your self and don't worry about the others."

That really made me feel better, and Shelly said, "With all your gymnastics training I bet you have a better chance than me."

Coming from her that really meant something. She was the dancer, not me, but I had been taking gymnastics for over 3 years now. I had planned to do a modified tumbling routine for the tryout and was now glad because nobody else was doing any thing like that. 

When Sandra got back to us, I said, "I know you 2 are on the team so wish me luck." I went up to the line and waited my turn. When the director told me to start, I did my routine. It suddenly seemed just fine. I didn't care what anyone thought, I was doing this because I liked to do it.

When I finished, I walked back over to the others. They were both staring at me. "What?" I asked.

Dar said, "That was fantastic. I bet you got the best score here. Nobody else did anything like that." The girls just nodded.

When the last girl was done, the director said, "Ok, girls, I know you all did a good job but we only have 5 openings for the junior team. In 3 or 4 days, you'll all get letters informing you of the results. Those that don't make it this year should try again next year as we'll have a lot more openings." 

Ok, the girls shower is open for you so go clean up and have a good day."

We went up to the school gym and went inside. The director had followed us in and asked me to wait a second. When she came up she asked about Dar. I told her about how George had gotten wounded and how Dar had rescued him in Iraq. I also told her about the problem with the mediation he'd been given.

"Ok, go take your shower and come to my office. I have to work, but I'll keep an eye on him." Dar looked at her and said, "Won't that hurt? I know I wouldn't want to do that."

She looked at him and just said, "Huh?"

Dar smiled and said, "Gotcha." I figured out what he was talking about, and giggled. The director looked at both of us for a second then she got it too. She glared at Dar and said, "Oh great, now the cheer leaders have a mascot with a bad sense of humor. Just what I need...."

I couldn't help it, I just cracked up. As I was walking toward the shower room, the director pushed Dar toward an office off to the side.

I went in and took out my clean clothes, then went and found an empty shower stall. I took my shower and got dressed again, and went back out to the gym. The others were already there waiting by the directors office. I walked over to them and saw a sign that said 'Women's Sports' and below that a sign that said 'Coach Coulter'.

When I got there, the woman looked up at me and said, "Well I'm not normally supposed to tell you, but in this case I'll break the rule. All 3 of you made it, but before you celebrate, we need to talk about your friend."

"I don't want to be a problem for Sally to be on the team. If I'm a problem then I'll just have to stay home when Sally comes here. She wanted this so bad so I won't ruin her chance."

The coach smiled at Dar and said, "That won't be necessary. I really want all 3 of these girls. I get lots of talent every year, but only a very few with any real skills. This year I got 2 that know how to dance, and one that's a gymnast. So, what we have to work out is transportation."

"Normally, there's a late bus for the kids in the athletics programs, but in this case it won't work. Since Sally has to take care of you when her sisters and brother are busy, we need to set up a way to get you here on practice days and then back home."

"Don't worry about me," said Dar. "I don't want to be a problem."

"Now you listen to me," said the coach. "I had a grandfather who lost a leg at Normandy in World War 2. My father was a P.O.W. in Korea for a year. My oldest brother fought in Vietnam and I have a nephew in Iraq. They wouldn't forgive me if I cut you out like that." 

"Now, the question isn't whether you can come or not, but how. Sally is on the team and that's final. You are welcome to the after school activities and you will come. That's also final. All we have to do is figure out how." 

Shelly and Sandra said at the same time, "I'll ask my folks if they can help." 

Dar looked at the coach and asked, "You really mean it? I can come too?"

"Yes, you can come." I remember how lonely my grandfather was when he got stuck in the hospital. I wouldn't wish that on anybody."

"Ok, so the first thing is to call all the parents of the girls on the squad. This is going to be a group effort and not just the 3 of you trying to work this out. Let me look into it and I'll call in a couple of days. I already have your numbers on you tryout applications so just wait a few days. Now go away and have some fun."

We were all excited about that. Not only did we make it onto the Cheer Leaders Squad, but the coach was going to help me with taking care of Dar so I could be on the team. Dar was the one thing I hadn't thought about at all, and now I didn't need to worry.

We went out to a bus stop down the street from the school to catch one going toward the mall. While we were waiting, we talked about the tryouts trying to figure out who the other 2 would be.

Shelly said, "I hope the twins made it. I knew them in middle school, and they're fun. I bet they'd be willing to help with Dar too!

Sandra said, "I don't know them. I don't think I knew anybody but you 2." 

"Well, we'll just have to wait," said Dar. "I know who the best are though."

Sandra said "Oh? Which ones?"

"Yea," Shelly said, "Tell us."

"You 3 are," said Dar. "You're the best of the ones that were there today. Those twins were too, so they might be the others."

I asked, "You really think we're the best?"

"Yup," said Dar. "You're the best."

"Why do you think that?" asked Sandra asked.

"Because you 3 have real talent like the coach said, and you have some training too. You 2 have had dance training, and Sally does gymnastics. Most of the others had practiced, and some were good but none of the others had either dance or gymnastic training. That's what made the difference."

While we were talking, the twins we had been discussing walked up.

"You waiting for the bus too?" asked Shelly.

"Yea, we're going to the mall. We haven't been there in ages, and since we made some extra money last week end, we're going to do a bit of shopping."

"That's where we're going too said Dar. I haven't been out of the house or the hospital to go anywhere in months."

"I'm Nancy, and this is my cousin Ellen."

"Cousin?" exclaimed Shelly. "I thought you 2 were twins."

"Every body thinks that if they don't know us." said Ellen, "Our mothers were twins, and our dads our brothers. They got married at the same time, and we were born on the same day."

"Wow," said Sandra. "That's a real interesting coincidence." Twin cousins."

We all laughed at that. We talked for maybe 10 minutes before the bus came, and when we got on I helped Dar get his chair buckled in. The driver came back and checked the straps and off we went. 

Today had been a good day so far. I got to see my 2 best friends and made 2 new ones. The girls coach was going to help me with Dar. Most important though, I had seen Dar smile more in the last couple hours then he had since I'd met him.

When we got to the mall and got off, Dar asked me to get him some coffee. He gave me some money that he'd had and said he just wanted a regular cup of coffee. I heard him chatting with the others while I went to a small stand that sold coffee.

When I got back, Shelly said "My turn to push for awhile. Since we're a team, we take turns." 

I said, "Ok. Just be careful of bumps because Dar's balance is a bit off." 

Shelly said, "Oh don't worry. I like George too, and he did rescue him. I just think that since we're friends, we should help too." Nancy and Ellen nodded and so did Sandra. Wow, I thought. My friends want to help with Dar too. Maybe I should have called them. 

When I said this, Sandra said "Maybe you should have. I would have come over if I'd know why you weren't coming by. You and your sisters have been my friends for a long time, and I remember how often George would take you and me out." Sandra nodded at that. 

"I'm sorry guys, but I didn't want you stuck with me at home all the time." 

Shelly said, "Who said we'd be stuck? You have a great pool and the basement fun room. I'd love to be stuck like that."

"You have a pool?" asked Nancy.

"Yes, we have a pool. My dad had it put in about 5 years ago. After he and mom died, George, who's my brother, kept it up. We all like to swim and it's nice not to have to fight the crowds at the beach all the time although I like to go now and then."

"Cool," said Ellen. "We'll have to come over some time. Nancy and I like to swim too."

Dar looked at me and said, "Hey, how bout a party? I like parties and that would be real fun. Then you could have some of your friends over and have fun. You don't need to push me around all the time. You need to have some fun too."

Then Dar said, "Oh look. A lectronic shop. Can we go in and look?"

I looked at where he was pointing and saw a new computer store. "Sure," I said. "Lets go there first." The others agreed.

Then Shelly said, "Hey Sally, look at that shop. It has some cool music cd's. Lets go there for a second."

I said, "I need to stay with Dar."

"Aw go look at that stuff, Sally. You don't need to look at everything I want to look at. I just haven't had a chance to see any of the newest stuff so I want to look for a bit is all. Sandra won't loose me, will you Sandra?"

She laughed and said, "Now how would I loose a lump like you? Go ahead Sally, I'll take care of Dar."

I said "Ok."

I didn't want to leave Dar alone, but I trusted Sandra, so Shelly and I went over to look at the newest cd's.

We were there for about 10 minutes, and Shelly bought 2. I didn't see anything I really wanted, and I didn't have much money with me. Just enough for lunch for Dar and me. 

When we got back to the computer store, Dar was coming out with Sandra and was smiling again. I really think this is the happiest he'd been since he got out of the hospital and came home with us. I decided to do this more often just because of that.

Dar said, "I'm hungry now, how bout the rest of you?" We all agreed that we were hungry, so Dar said, I have my bank card, and I have plenty enough in the bank so I can feed you all. My treat for you giving me such a great day.

The others said that he didn't have to do that, but Dar insisted. "I don't get to go out much, and I haven't spent any of the money I made in Iraq. I also get a pension now so I have enough but nothing to buy. I want to do this. How often does a guy my age get 5 pretty girls to go to lunch with him at once anyway?"

We all laughed at that and agreed. "Ok, now where is a good place to eat?" Dar asked. 

"Godfathers" we all said at the same time. 

Dar laughed and said, "Pizza. Ok, I like pizza so lets go."

We all went down the mall to the pizza place and went in. When we got up to the counter, Dar asked if they took Debit cards. They said yes, so he said he wanted 5 all you can eat lunches and a small Supreme for himself with a large coke.




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 04



We got our trays and went through the buffet line and got what we wanted , then found a large table where Dar's wheel chair would fit. 

Dar looked at us all and said, "I want to thank you for a very enjoyable day. I've had more fun today than I've had for a long time, and it's because of you girls. Thank you."

I got a bit misty eyed and the others looked a bit embarrassed to. We all thanked Dar for the pizza. We waited until Dar's pizza was brought to the table and then we ate. There wasn't much talking, so I think we were all hungry.

After we were finished, Dar said, "I think it's time we went to meet George now. I bet he'll have enough room in the car to take you girls home if you want a ride. The others agreed, so we went out front where I had asked George to pick me up.

George wasn't there yet, so Dar asked me to help him get out a cigarette. I did and lit it for him. 

He thanked me and smoked it while we waited. After he finished, he pulled himself over to one of the outdoor ashtrays and put it out, saying, "I don't like it when people just throw them on the ground. Starts fires and looks bad." I just shrugged.

Shortly after that, while we were talking, George pulled up. He had his truck this time, and it looked like a bunch of stuff in the back. 

When he got out, I asked him if he thought there was enough room for all of us and he said, "Sure. Now lets see, I know these 2, but who are your new friends."

I said, "This is Nancy and her cousin Ellen." We met at the cheerleader tryouts. Then they came here with us since they were coming here anyway. Then Dar bought us lunch, and now we're waiting for our ride to show up."

George said, "Happy to meet you ladies."

"Hey George, did ya get it all?" asked Dar.

George smiled at Dar and said, "Yes. Did you leave anything?"

Dar chuckled and said, "Yea. They still have the shelves."

"I have an idea," said George. "How bout you girls call your folks and ask if you can come home with Sally and me for Dinner? I'm sure she'd like the company for a change."

The others agreed and got out their cell phones and quickly got permission. George gave them his cell number and our home number, and then we loaded up and went home. I thought, this out to be fun tonight. I hadn't had friends over since school got out.

When we got home, George said, "Ok ladies, Sally has to take Dar in, so I need some help taking all this in. You willing?"

They all agreed, so while I took Dar to his room, they helped George unload the truck. I was real curious about what was in there after what George had said to Dar. Now that I new he had money, I wondered what he'd bought for himself. Little did I know.

After Dar had cleaned up, I took him into the family room with the others, then I went up to my room and cleaned up a and put on some clean clothes.

When I got back down stairs, I was surprised to see that nobody was there. I checked out back, but still nobody. Since I already knew they weren't upstairs, I went down to the basement. They were in the corner by Georges desk putting together what looked like a computer desk.

I walked over and asked them what they were doing, and George said that they were just putting together a desk that Dar had bought. 

I saw that there were several other boxes, and asked about them. George said that it was some other stuff that Dar had gotten. 

Dar looked at me and said, "Hey Sally, lets take the girls out back and show em the pool. If they like it they might come over now and then. I agreed, although I was still curious about the boxes.

We got Dar on the stair lift and went upstairs and out the kitchen door to the back. 

Nancy looked at the pool and said, "Wow. You weren't kidding about a pool."

Shelly said, "Nope. Nice, ain't it?" 

Sandra said, "We come over all the time to swim. It's fun when you don't have to scramble to get a decent place by the water.

I agreed, but I also said, "I do like to go to the lake now and then, but no crowds is nice."

"Can we come over now and then?" asked Ellen. 

Dar said, "That would be easier than hiring someone to come get you and drag you over to toss into the pool. That gets expensive after about 2 or 3 times."

We all laughed at his joke. He seemed happier than he had since his aunt had told him he could stay here. I was now glad that I had taken him with me to the tryouts today. 

About that time, George came out with a tray of cokes. 

"Is it ready now?" asked Dar.

George said, "I may not be in your class with that kind of stuff, but I do know a bit. Yes it's ready."

"Great" said Dar. "Lets go back into the basement and see."

So back down stairs we went. 

When we got there, I saw that the desk that George had set up now had a computer on it. The monitor looked like a small T.V. it was so big. 

I looked at Dar and asked, "So you got yourself a new computer? Why did you have it set up here instead of in your room?"

"Because it isn't for me." he said.

"Then who's it for?" I asked.

He looked at me and just said, "You."

I couldn't believe it. There must have bee $2,000 worth of stuff there at least.

I couldn't help myself. I started crying. All I could say is "Why?"

Dar looked at me and said, "The computer you gave me wasn't your old one. It was brand new. You spent all your free time with me since I've been here with me instead of seeing your friends. When I want a cup of coffee, it's almost always you that gets it."

When you found out about the cheerleading competition, I asked George if he could help me see about what was happening with my pay. I'm 100% disabled with the Army now so I get a good pension from the V.A. I get another pension from the Navy since I was working for them when I got hurt. I get a lot of money every month."

"So, I asked George if I could get you something special. You've given me something special so I wanted to give you something special. You gave me back my hope. I was ready to die in that hospital and you gave me a chance to live again. That is for you."

I couldn't say anything to that, so I ran over to Dar and hugged him tight. He hugged me back, and said "Go look at it and see if you like it."

I went over and looked. The system was a huge case with 2 cd drives in it and 2 floppy drives. It had 4 speakers, and I saw a set of headphones. The monitor had to be at least a 20 inch or bigger. I turned it on and it booted really fast. Even faster than the one I had given Dar.

When it finished, I said "Wow. This is incredible. Are you sure this isn't for you, Dar?"

He laughed and said, "No. I got the good stuff. This is just a cheap off the shelf full tower system. Hope you like it though.

Cheap off the shelf system? I didn't know nearly as much about computers as George or Dar, but I new this wasn't a cheap system.

The other girls came over and looked at it saying things like "Oh wow." I had to agree, and I couldn't think of anything else to say.

George said to Dar, "I don't think she likes it. Can I have it?"

Dar chuckled at that and said, "Too late. I already got a hug, and she hugs better than you. Bought and paid for with that."

George laughed at Dar.

Janny came walking down the stairs while we were looking at the computer. She asked, "Where did that come from?" 

George said, "Dar got it for Sally as a thank you for her helping him."

"Dar," said Janny, "You didn't have to spend that much money."

Dar said, "It's my money, and I wanted to. She hasn't had much of a summer vacation because she's spent so much time with me. If I was paying for that kind of care, it would cost a lot more than that puter." 

Janny didn't say anything about that. She just walked over to Dar and said, "Thank you for letting me keep my husband. Sally is thanking you for letting her keep a brother. Erica is thanking you for letting her keep a brother. We all agreed to this before you came here.

The only reason Sally spends most days with you is because Erica is in school and George and I work. But we all take turns because you took the risk and got hurt saving George. You really don't owe us anything."

Dar said, "I owe you my sanity. I owe you my life for getting me out of that hospital. When I could think clearly, I was seriously thinking about suicide. I was going insane there. You rescued me from that, and Sally has paid the most for that rescue. I did owe her for that."

George cut in and said, "Don't argue with him. He'll just get mad and get you something too."

Dar smiled and said, "That reminds me. Now where's that last pair of boxes? Hhhmmmm. 

"Uh oh," said George.

Janny said, "What?"

Sandra picked up a box off the floor and said, "You mean this?"

Dar said, "That's the one. Could you bring it here please?"

Sandra took it over to him, and he handed it to Janny and said, "This is for you."

She looked at Dar for a second, and opened it up. Inside was a brand new Sanyo lap top. 

Janny took a deep breath and said, "Well I guess it isn't worth arguing with you, is it?"

Dar just said, "Nope. You'd loose."

Janny said, "You really are a sweet man. Thank you. Now what's that other box you mentioned?"

"For Erica," Dar said.

When Erica got home, Dar gave her another package like the one for Janny. Sure enough, another lap top.

Erica didn't even bother to argue. She just started crying like I had, and hugged Dar and thanked him. I don't think I'd seen Erica cry since Uncle Sammy died last year. This had started out to be a wonderful summer for me. 2 new friends, and I'd made it onto the Cheer leaders squad, which I had wanted to do for a long time. Thanks to Dar, I had my friends coming over all the time now and he seemed happiest when there were a bunch of us kids here playing.

I hoped the summer would continue like this.

 This ends chapter 4. Sally will continue with Chapter 5.



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 05



Chapter 5: Willing to Die

This story is a work of fiction only. Any chance resemblance to actual people or events is purely accidental.

*

Over the next few weeks, my friends came over almost every day. By now this included Nancy and Ellen. Dar was always happy to see them, and he started teaching us stretching exercises as he got better. He even knew a few I didn't.

One day I got up and went down to help him get his breakfast. He was already up as Janny usually helped him in the morning, checking his leg and such to make sure there was no sign of infection.

I took him out back to eat, and ate my own breakfast. As we ate, he would ask me how my new computer was working, and tell me things about what he called tweaking it. 

Sometimes George would come out too, and this morning he did.

He said that he had the day off from work, and since it was Saturday, he didn't have school. I asked him if he could stay with Dar for a few minutes because I wanted to go swimming. He said he would so I ran up and got my suit on.

When I came back down, he went back inside. The last thing I recall after that is getting up on the diving board and yelling at Dar, "Watch this!"

I took 2 running steps forward and jumped. When I came down on the end of the board, my feet shot straight forward and I went over backwards. I hit the diving board on my the back of my head and my back with my feet up in the air. After that, I saw a bright flash and don't remember anything until I woke up in the hospital.

George was there when I woke up, and he told me what had happened. It appeared that someone had put some kind of oil on the end of the board, and when I hit it I slipped. I was knocked unconscious when I hit the board and rolled into the water. 

Dar saw it all. He somehow got himself to the edge of the pool, destroying the fence in the process. When he got there he went straight into the pool

George told me that he managed to tear the back of the chair free of the frame and crawled out of the chest strap since he couldn't reach it and swam up to me. He then pulled me to the stairs and since I wasn't breathing, he did CPR with me in his lap.

After he got me breathing again, he started screaming for George who heard him through the basement window. 

George came out and saw him sitting in the pool holding me and called an ambulance right away, then got me out of the pool.

He said he thought Dar was ok at the time so he gave Dar my phone from off the table where I had left it and showed him how to speed dial. He then called Janny and went out front to wait for the ambulance to get there.

After they got there, George said they were so busy taking care of me that nobody had checked on Dar until he asked George to help him out of the pool because he was getting cold. 

"He was real pasty when I went over to him, and was shivering heavily." George said. "When I got over to him, I saw a lot of blood in the water and yelled 'We've got a bleeder over here."

One of the medics came over right away, and they got Dar out of the pool. The blood was all coming from his leg so they cut off his pants leg to check the wound on his thigh. It had re-opened, and since Dar was in the water, it wouldn't clot and he had almost bled to death.

After George finished, I asked how Dar was. I could barely whisper but George heard me. 

He said that Dar was ok, and had spent most of the day next to my bed, refusing to move until he fell asleep. 

I asked for a drink, and George gave me a little sippy cup like for a child. I drank a little water and felt better with my mouth and throat no longer dry.

I told George that I wanted to see Dar when he woke up. I wanted to thank him for now saving my life. George had told me that if Dar hadn't have done what he did, I would probably have drowned before he could have gotten outside and gotten me out of the pool. Now 2 of us owed Dar.

Latter that day, (Or night, I wasn't sure) Janny came in with Dar.

She said, "look what I found trying to steal a chair." 

Dar smiled at me and said, "I'm glad your awake now. How are you feeling?"

I said, "I feel like I got hit in the head with a hammer, and someone is still hitting me." That wasn't far from the truth.

Janny said, "That's normal for someone with a concussion. It'll fade in a few days, but your stuck in bed for awhile. And no cheerleader practice for at least a month.

I almost cried over that. I really wanted to be on the squad, but if I missed that many practices I thought they might drop me.

It was while I was sitting there that the whole cheer squad came into my room. Even coach Coulter was there with them. 

When I told her how long I'd be out and that I was worried about getting dropped from the team she said, "So? Kids get hurt. All this means is that you have a lot of catching up to do when you come back. I don't drop someone from the team for a medical problem. I just put them to work doing something else that they can do. You get to do the laundry for awhile, I guess.

"You mean it?" I asked. "I'm still on the team?"

"You don't have a chance of getting away from me. A cheerleader with gymnastics training? Not a chance. Your going to have to try harder than that to escape from me young lady."

That was good news for me. I wasn't going to loose my place on the squad, and they'd all even come to see me. It sure told me who my friends were.

Looking around the room, I could see how Dar would get so depressed when he was at the V.A. hospital. I'd only been awake for a day and I was already willing to climb out the window to get out of here.

My friends stayed for about half an hour before a nurse came in and told them that it was time to leave. They all hugged me goodbye before they left, and Sandra, Shelly, Nancy and Ellen all told me that they'd have to have a party when I got out. I told them that the party would be for Dar.

They agreed and went after the others. The nurse came back in and said that Dar had to leave now too since he wasn't next of kin.

That had to be the first time I ever saw George get mad. I mean really mad. He said, "No. He stays as long as he wants. He almost died saving this little girl, and as far as I'm concerned, after what you people did to him, you don't have any authority over him now."

"Since I'm currently listed as his legal guardian, and since my wife and I are this little girls guardians, we'll decide when Dar can or can't visit" 

The nurse blushed and left. I asked George what he meant about what they had done to Dar.

He said, "They had him restrained in his bed because he kept trying to come see you and make sure you were all right. When I found out about it, I had the restraints removed and brought him here myself. I have an attorney checking on a possible law suit against the hospital, and I've already informed the V.A."

"When Dar was brought in, they didn't contact the V.A. like they were supposed to do. They didn't do much more than put him into a bed and bandage his leg. Then when he tried to come see you they strapped him down and put an orderly at his door. He had bruises on his left arm from the straps because they were too tight."

"The only reason he's still here is because we couldn't move you until you regained consciousness. Now that your awake, your being transferred to another hospital and Dar is going back home. Janny and I'll take care of him for awhile. I have a leave of absence from work, and since Janice is a volunteer, she can set her own hours."

"Don't worry about Dar. He'll be able to come see you every day until the specialist is satisfied that you're ready to come home. He told me that now it's his turn to take care of you, so I guess you're stuck with him now."

I laughed at that and said, "Aren't we a pair? I'm supposed to take care of him, and now he's taking care of me and you are taking care of both of us."

I looked at Dar then and said, "Thank you. First you save my only brother, and now you've saved me. For that, I'll always be your friend and anything you need, I'll do my best to get it for you."

That had to be the first time I ever saw Dar blush. He didn't say anything, but what I could see of his face with that beard in the way and his head down was all red.

After that, I fell asleep again. I don't remember the next couple of days real well, but I was soon moved to a different hospital and Dar came to see me every day until they let me go home again.

Sometimes Erica came with him too, but not often. She said that someone had to stay home and take care of the house and answer the phone and such. It seemed that a lot of people were calling and sending get well wishes. Erica said I'd be busy for a week just answering all the cards.

Finally, the day arrived when I was allowed to go home. By that time, Dar was walking a little bit. When they brought in a wheelchair to take me down stairs, Dar stood up from his and said, "My turn."

He grabbed the chair from the orderly and said, "You push that one, I push this one."

The poor guy. He didn't know what to do. George told him, "I wouldn't argue. He tore apart a chair like that to get out of it just to save this kids life. If he wants to push her out of here, I'd let him."

"He did what?" asked the orderly.

"He wheeled his chair to our pool and then into it. Then he tore the vinyl back loose from the frame. After that, he pulled himself out of the chest restraint. And this was while he was on the bottom of a 12 foot deep pool. On the deep end. With one good arm and one good leg."

"Then he pulled that girl to the shallow end and sat her on his lap on the stairs and did CPR with one hand. He saved her life, so I think he has the right to push that chair the short distance to the elevator and then to the car out front. So, I'd let him. He might get mad at you if you don't."

Even though it was the second time I'd heard the story, I still felt that it was amazing that Dar had done that. Plus the fence. They may be for little kids, but that fence was tough.

So Dar got what he wanted and pushed me to the elevator. On the ride down he sat in his chair. I noticed that it had a lap belt instead of the chest one that he couldn't reach. Good, I thought. Now he isn't stuck if he wants out.

When we got home, I couldn't believe what I saw. The cheerleader squad was all there with the coach and a bunch of my other friends. There must have been more balloons there than at a carnival. When George got me out of the car, they all started yelling, "Welcome home Sally."

I never knew that so many cared about me. That kind of thing really makes a person feel good. I started crying, and George pushed Dar up to me. "Want a ride little girl?" asked Dar.

I sat on his good leg and George pushed us both up to the crowd. Erica came up to me and hugged me saying, "Welcome home little sister. I missed you."

That started a lineup as everybody there did the same. Then it started over again, when Sandra did the same to Dar. 

Dar didn't say anything, he just held me on his good leg and smiled at every body.

When the second round of hugging was done, Erica said, "Lets go out back now. We have food and stuff for everybody there. 

I said, "Great. Decent food at last. I thought I was going to starve to death in that hospital with what they feed you.

Dar laughed and said, "It's worse at the V.A. and in military hospitals. It's worse even than field rations were when I was in."

"Remind me never to eat what they feed patients in a government hospital then," I said to Dar.

"I won't need to," he said. "Just seeing it will tell you not to."

George said, "That's a fact for sure. All hospital food is bad, but the military hospital food is dangerous."

I laughed at them about that. The food that I'd gotten at the hospital wasn't really bad, you just never got enough. I'd been thankful that Dar had brought me treats every time he came up. He always brought something that tasted good and he would hide things in my dresser that I could get at during the night if I got the munchies.

When we got out back, I saw that the fence around the pool was fixed. There was also a pair new of new tables back there that were both covered with fancy table cloths and piled with food. Erica hadn't been kidding about there being something to eat back here.

I asked her where it all came from, and she said that the cheerleaders had made some of it and that everybody who was there had brought something. It was like a pot luck and a huge party at the same time. George pushed Dar and me over to another table and said he'd get us both something to eat. 

I got up and got a folding chair and put it next to Dar and sat back down. Leaning against his arm, I said, "I never knew I had so many friends who really cared about me."

He said, "Oh I think they're here for the free food. That's what I came for."

I punched his thigh and said, "But you live here. You had to come if you wanted to go to bed."

"Yes," he said, "but I'm back here instead of there because the foods here, not there. Besides, you're here too."

I hugged him for that and said, "Thank you. This party is as much for you as for me because of what you did. Anybody that doesn't agree can just go home hungry."

"I don't think you'd want them to do that," said Dar. "We'd have way to much left over and wouldn't be able to eat it all. You're going to just have to let them eat so we can get rid of it."

George came up then with 2 plates for Dar and me. He put them down and said, "Now it's my turn if there's anything left when I get there." With that, he walked back and got in line again. 

Shortly after that, first Ellen and then Sandra came up and sat down with us. Ellen said, "the other 2 are further back in the line so it might take them a bit to get here."

If there's any left by then," said Sandra.

"I told them to hurry into line," said Ellen, "but they were too slow. Ah well, at least I don't have to starve with them."

"Thank you for coming," I said. "I know you couldn't visit me in the hospital much, but I'm glad you're both here today. I've missed all 4 of you a lot."

"Thanks," Sandra said. "We'll be coming over every day to see you too. Dar got me a bike so now I'll just ride over with Shelly and the cousin twins." 

"The what?" I asked

"The cousin twins. That's what we started calling them at practice. They look so much alike that we call them that."

"Oh," I said. "Well I agree about them looking like twins. I still can't tell them apart most of the time."

About then, the other 2 of our little group joined us. Nancy put her plate down on the other side of Dar from me and Shelly sat down next to me. Now I felt complete. My 5 best friends were here and we had good food.

Dar looked around at the others and asked, "Can someone get me a cup of coffee? I don't want any more soda now."

All 4 of them stood up at once while I tried to. Dar gently pushed me back down and said, "I'd get it myself, but my leg is sore so let one of them. You get to rest for awhile and let them help now. You deserve it so don't argue either." 

I agreed and let them, as I really was tired. It felt nice to have someone get things for me for a change so I decided to enjoy it for a little bit.

Then something strange happened. I was sitting on Dar's right side, and nobody else was near bye. I felt a hand on my shoulder and when I looked, I saw it was Dar's right hand. I also realized that when he pushed me back into the chair, he'd used his right hand.

I asked him, "How long have you been able to use that hand?"

"Since the hospital. I needed both hands to get out of bed to come see you. I fought to move it for hours, and it finally moved. I've been working it ever since, and now I can move it around. Janny's helping me get better with it by helping me exercise it every morning."

"I'm so happy for you Dar. Your really getting better now."

"Yup," he said. "But if I'd been able to use it when you fell into the pool, I wouldn't have hurt my leg or wrecked that old chair. That gave me the reason to try at the hospital. If I'd been able to use it, I would have gotten to you sooner. I couldn't let you die. I'd rather die myself than loose another friend."

"Thank you Dar," I said. I guess I'll be saying that a lot to him, but I really was thankful. He'd almost bled to death saving my life and he'd almost died saving Georges life. I just hoped that this wouldn't become a life long thing for him.

Janny came up then and said, "Ok you too, time for bed."

Dar squinted up at her and said in his little kid voice, "Aw gee, do we have to? I'm waiting for my coffee still. And I want a smoke. Please can we stay up a little longer? Please?" 

Then he batted his eyes at her so I knew he was teasing her. We both started laughing at the same time. "Ok, but as soon as you're done it's off to bed with you both. No arguments either, or I'll spank you both."

Dar said, "Really? How bout now?"

"You are a really bad man, Mr. DeShade," said Janny.

"I know. I practice real hard at it too. At least I have something I'm good at even if it's being bad."

With that I just cracked up. I almost fell out of my chair I was laughing so hard. I'd never seen any body, including George, tease Janny like that. I just couldn't believe that someone would either, until Dar did. He really is surprising.

When the others came back, they each had something. Sandra had Dar's coffee in a big travel mug, and the others had plates of cake and ice cream. 

"We cheated a bit on the deserts," said Shelly. "We grabbed ours early since Janny told us you 2 had to go rest soon. I'm glad I don't have an older sister who's a nurse when I'm sick."

"It does have a few drawbacks," I said. "But all in all she's a great friend as well as my older sister. Erica is too."

"Erica is too what," I heard her say from behind me. 

I said, "A great big bully, I said. Mean and cruel and picks on me every day. Steals my toys too."

"Oh my, she must be feeling better to talk so nice about me to her friends," said Erica. She sat down across the table from me and said, "Since I'm a bully, it's a good thing that Janny told me to keep an eye on you. You go to bed as soon as you finish your desert."

I said, "Janny said we could stay out for a little longer while Dar has his coffee and a smoke. Then we'll both go to bed."

"Erica said, "Dar hired a couple of guys from school come in and set up a place for you to sleep in his room. You won't have to climb the stairs and your area is walled off for privacy. Then he and George got your computer moved next to his so you can use it there." 

I looked at Dar and asked, "Why'd you do that?"

"Because the doctor said you're not supposed to exert yourself too much for awhile. You might get dizzy if you do, and I was afraid you might fall down the stairs. I also didn't want you to be so far away from help if you needed it."

"Thank you Dar. You really are a friend."

Sandra said, "It also gives us the 2 rooms upstairs to sleep over like tonight."

"Your staying tonight?" I asked.

"Sure," said Nancy. "And tomorrow, we'll take turns playing on your computer."

I giggled and said, "So that's the reason your staying. To play on that beautiful computer Dar gave me."

"Yup," said Nancy, "and on Dar's too. He got an even better one for himself when he got yours."

While we were talking, Dar finished his coffee and his smoke and said, "Ok, who's going to push me inside. I'm kinda tired now."

I'd already finished my desert, so I got up and grabbed his chair. Erica said, "No, you're supposed to be taking it easy for a month. Let someone else have the fun for a change." 

Ellen grabbed the handles and said, "My turn anyway. We drew lots and I'm first."




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 05



So she pushed Dar into the house, and I followed with Erica beside me. Even though I was tired, I felt wonderful. I had real friends and they really cared about me and my sisters were taking care of me too. With them and George, I felt like I was floating on air. Knowing that people cared was great medicine, I decided. Now I understood why Dar was so excited to come home with us.

When we went into Dar's room, I was shocked at what had been done. There was one corner with floor to ceiling walls as big as my old room upstairs. It even had a door. I looked at Dar and asked, "Why did you spend so much on this?"

He said, "I wanted you to be comfortable so I made sure you had a nice room. All your stuff from upstairs is in there too. Your friends here and Erica moved it all down and set everything up for you yesterday. We even put your stereo in there for you." 

"Stereo? I don't have a stereo. The big one in the basement is good enough."

"Oops," said Dar. "Well I guess you'll just have to use the one in there now. And be careful with the T.V. remote."

"Stereo, T.V. and remote. Now where did all that come from?" I asked.

Erica said, "Well, when we were looking for a new bed, I snuck out and got the stereo. George and Janice got the T.V. for you. We figured that if Dar could get you a computer, we needed to get you something special too."

"Well, I guess that the T.V. will have to move out here. That way we can watch it together."

Erica said, "You won't need to. George got a big one for Dar too. When Dar argued, he said that if he could get stuff for us, then we could get him something nice because we wanted to."

"Ok, so where's Dar's T.V. at?" I asked.

"It's on the wall right there," said Sherry. She pointed at a large picture like thing with fish moving around in it. It looked like one of those animated pictures for a desk except for the size.

"Wow," I said. That's huge."

"46 inch wide screen plasma T.V. with a hook up to Dar's computer and on it's cable." said Erica. 

I just said "Wow."

Dar said, "Now you know why your friends want to play games. We can all watch on that screen or watch movies and such. Tomorrow my arm chair and a couch get delivered. Then we'll have enough room for you and your friends to sit and watch and I'll have my chair to sit in too."

"With all the room in here, we needed some furniture anyway. So go to bed now and tomorrow we'll have lots of fun now that your back home."

With that, my friends helped me get ready for bed and Janny came in and helped Erica with Dar. He may have been getting better, but he was still weak and couldn't move around that well yet. At least he was walking a little bit now.

I went to bed happy that I had such good friends. I hadn't known that I meant that much to them or Dar. I'd known that George and my sisters loved me, but I didn't know that anybody else cared that much. It was almost worth the concussion to find out. With that thought, I went to sleep with a big smile.

This ends chapter 5 of my story. Chapter 6 will continue Sally's story.



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 06



Chapter 6: A Friend's Loss

This story is a work of fiction only. Any chance resemblance to actual people or events is purely accidental.

*

Over the next few days, I had a lot of visitors. All of them came by to see how I was doing and to leave cards and such. Erica was right. I would be busy for awhile just answering all the cards and letters I had gotten while I was in the hospital. Even Dar's Aunt and Uncle came by a couple of times.

Finally, I got up the courage to ask Dar why he'd done what he did to save me.

He said, "I don't have any children and most of my family has moved away from here. I don't get to see my nieces or nephews any more either. You remind me of them and I am willing to die to protect them. I feel the same about you. You gave me more than just help when I first came here. You gave me hope again."

"There's something else that I want to tell you, " he said. "Risking your life for some one else is a gift. A person who gives up his or her life to save someone else has given the greatest of gifts. You don't repay that. I was willing to die to save you and that was my choice. I gave it freely and don't expect or want you to repay me. You are my friend and I wouldn't want to live without that friendship."

"George was my friend in Iraq, and I gave him his life because he gave me his friendship with no strings attached. I couldn't leave a friend to die and if I had it to do all over again, I'd only change one thing. I would have ducked and avoided those 2 bullets. That hurt just a bit."

He slowly walked over to the desk where his new computer was and opened a drawer and took out a small box. Coming back over to where I was sitting, he handed me the box and said, "This was what I got for going after George. I want you to have it now."

I opened the box and saw a medal inside of it. I asked Dar, "What is it?"

He said, "That's the Navy Cross. They gave it to me for saving George. I want you to have it. It doesn't mean as much to me as you and the rest of your family do, so keep it as a remembrance for someone you helped. If nothing else, you can tell your children about it some day."

I looked at the medal again and said, "Dar, I can't take this. I know what these mean to a military man and I can't take it. George got a medal too for what happened, and he put it on the old fire place mantel. He said that it reminded him of what he'd almost lost in Iraq."

"It should," Dar said. "That's part of what a medal is. A reminder and a notice to others that you did something stupid and survived. Most people who earn them did something that a normal person wouldn't even think about doing. But to a soldier, that also means that you did something worthy of respect."

"I can't take this, Dar. It's yours and you should keep it."

Dar said, "I don't need it. I haven't been a real soldier since George was in diapers. I've been out of the military for over 20 years now, and I don't need something like this to remind me of just how stupid I was to run out where someone could and did shoot me. If I had thought it over, I probably wouldn't have done it."

"I think you were brave and knew exactly what you were doing, Dar." I said. "You knew what you were doing and you knew the risks. You're not fooling me a bit about that. You did it because you're a brave man, not because you're a stupid man."

"That's a matter of opinion youngster." He said. "But be that as it may, I still want you to have it. Now you have something that really matters to remember me by when I'm gone. Keep it and remember. Remember an old man who thinks of you as the daughter he never had."

When he said that I got tears in my eyes. Here was somebody who was willing to die to protect me and he gave me the medal for bravery that he got saving George's life. He had told me that he thought of me as a daughter and that he loved me more than his own life and had proved it. 

Crying, I just nodded and took it to my little room and put it on my dresser with the lid open so I would see it every day. I would never forget Dar as long as I lived and I would make sure that he new it every day for as long as he lived. 

After that, we just sat and watched T.V. for awhile. It must have been about noon when Shelly and Sandra came in. They asked us why we were still in here, and Dar said, "Oh, we were just watching T.V. I didn't want to do anything today anyway."

I smiled and said, "Me to. I just don't feel like doing anything today except being lazy."

"Well," said Shelly, "you have a bunch to do anyway. We have plans for you 2 and your not getting away from us today. We're going out today.

"Yea," said Sandra. "The cousin twins are coming over and we're going out. Your both coming too."

"So what's the special occasion?" I asked.

"You really don't know?" asked Shelly. "It's Dar's birthday today. George told us several days ago, and now we're taking him out. You have to come to, because we know he won't go anyplace without you. So get dressed."

Sandra nodded and then grabbed my arm and started to drag me to my little room to get ready. George came in and did the same to Dar.

When we were ready to go, we went out front. There was a bus waiting for us when we got outside. Coach Coulter was driving, and I saw the rest of the squad inside. Sandra pushed Dar's chair up to it and he got up and slowly climbed the stairs. I followed behind him helping him keep his balance.

When we got on, I saw that the bus was full. There were more than just the junior cheerleaders squad. The Varsity squad was there to, and some others I didn't know well. I'd seen them in middle school but I didn't know them by name.

The cousin twins were in the second seat back, and the first was empty and the one behind the drivers seat was also empty. I sat down in front of Ellen and Nancy with Dar and said hi and they said hi back.

Sandra and Shelly got on and sat behind the Coach. "Get the chair put away?" she asked. 

"Yes," said Sandra. "It's folded up and in the baggage compartment."

"Good", said the Coach. "Now we're ready to go."

I asked, "Where are we going?"

"Ain't telling so just wait," said the Coach. "You be patient and we'll take care of the rest. We got plans for a special birthday boy and we ain't telling what they are."

"How'd you get permission to use this bus?" I asked.

"I don't need permission. It's mine bought and paid for. I can use it if I want, so don't worry about it."

That shocked me. She bought her own bus? I asked her, "Why'd you buy a brand new school bus?" 

She said, "I got tired of getting junk for you girls so I went and got a decent bus. The ones they were giving to me were all worn out before we even got them. After the last one broke down the first time I used it, I just went and got one myself."

"Wow," I said. I didn't know that high school coaches made that much."

"We don't," said the Coach. "I just do this because I want to. My father left me a bunch of money and when my husband passed away, he left me more. I coach because I want to, not because I have to."

"Well, I 'm glad you are our coach." I said." I don't think there are many who would by a bus just to use for the students to go to games and such."

"Maybe not," She said, "But I love my job. I get to help kids and I get to go to football games and basketball games and get paid for it. That's something else I got from my father. He loved sports, and he'd take me to all kinds of games. I learned to love it too and I love to work with kids, so I went to school and got my certification and got this job. My husband loved it too, and he'd help with events and such all the time."

I thought about how much she sounded like Janny. She didn't have to do what she did either. She helped at the hospital because she wanted to, not because she needed the money. 

We had a trust account from our parents that paid us each month and that would continue until I was 18. Then we'd get the full amount in the trust divided between us and would decide what to do with Dads business and the property. I didn't ever have to work if I didn't want to.

"Now I know why Coach Coulter said it wouldn't be a problem with you going to games and such," I said to Dar. "If she owns the bus, she can decide who goes with the squad."

Dar said, "I guess having your own bus helps sometimes if you do this kind of thing for a job."

"I guess so," I said.

Dar smiled and looked out the window while we continued. 

I turned sideways on the seat and started talking to Nancy and Ellen. They were great to talk to and always had something to say about almost anything.

"Nancy", I asked, "Can you tell me what's going on?"

"No." She said. "I promised the coach not to. Nobody is to tell you and Dar."

"Now that's mean." I said. "I didn't even know until this morning that it was Dar's birthday and nobody told me about any plans for anything until Sandra and Shelly showed up."

"That was Coach Coulter's plan," said Ellen. "She didn't want anybody to tell either of you. She wanted to make sure that it was a surprise for Dar, and if you didn't know you couldn't tell. She said we all owe him something special for what he did."

"I agree about that." I said. "If it wasn't for him, I'd have drowned."

"That's why the coach said we all owe him." said Ellen. (I'd finally learned to tell them apart. Nancy was right handed and Ellen was a lefty). "She said that you are going to be real important to the Cheer squad because you're a gymnast."

"At least I'm good for something." I said with a grin. "I've been taking gymnastics classes for 6 years. My mom got me started in it by teaching me her stretching exercises when I was 5, and working with me until I was 7. Then she took me to her old coach and signed me up for instruction. I stopped for awhile because of watching Dar, but I plan to start back up again when the doctors say it's all right."

"Cool." said Nancy. "Can I join too? I bet if I sweet talked dad, he'd say o.k. to it and if he's o.k. mom will be too."

"I want to do it too." said Ellen. "If you go I want to go too."

"That would be fun." I said. "The 5 of us together would be great. Tell you what, come over to my place tomorrow or the next day and I'll teach you how to stretch. Dar will help too, I bet. He knows some good ones that even my mom and my teacher didn't."

"Where'd he learn something like that?" asked Ellen.

"He told me that he studied different types of Martial Arts when he was younger. He started when he was 10, he said. He also said that flexibility was just as important for that as for gymnastics even if the exercises are a bit different. You still have to stretch before you start a work out, or you'll hurt yourself."

"I wonder if he'd teach us anything like that?" asked Nancy. "I always wanted to take Karate classes but mom thought I might get hurt."

"You could ask him." I said. "He might, but I bet he'd ask your parents first to make sure it was alright for him to teach you. He asked Janny and George before he taught me those stretches."

"Let me ask first." said Ellen. "If I can get permission, I bet you Uncle Bobby and Auntie Nan would let you too. They always let one of us do something if the other is allowed to do it." 

"That might be fun." I said. "I bet we could all take lessons from Dar at the same time. It'd help me get back in shape too after over a month off from my exercises. I'm going to be way out of shape for awhile."

"Wouldn't it be way cool if the whole Cheering Squad got involved?" asked Nancy.

"I don't think Dar would do that for so many." I said. "He might teach you 2 and Sandra and Shelly because your friends, but I don't think he'd want to teach 15 at once. Especially since he doesn't know them well."

"He told me when he was teaching me those stretches that a teacher of Martial Arts is responsible for the conduct of those he teaches," I continued. "If they use the skills badly, then it's the teachers fault for teaching them."

"That sounds strange." said Nancy. "How could it be his fault for something I did?"

"Dar says that part of teaching someone how to fight is to teach them when you should and when you shouldn't. You only use the skills to protect your self or others, and never start a fight. If the teacher doesn't teach that first, then he isn't teaching, he's just training a thug."

"Now that makes sense, kinda." said Ellen. "Your responsible for teaching ethics if you teach something like Karate."

Dar interrupted us then. He said, "If you girls really want to learn what I can teach, I will. But Sally was right about 2 things. You will have to have your parents give permission to me and you will promise me to never use what I teach you for anything but self defense or to protect another."

"I don't teach for competition, I teach to win. You won't ever fight competitively with the skills you learn from me, so if that's what you want then go to a studio. If you want to learn from me then that's what I expect from you."

Then he turned around and looked out the front and said, "I think we're here."

I looked out to, and saw that we were headed to a large Carnival. "Wow," I said. I haven't been to a Carnival since I was 8 or 9."

Ellen said, "Sandra said that too, so that's what we decided on. We did a Dar's Day carwash at the high school to make money for the trip and we even had one of the radio stations send a DJ for it. It was way cool with all the cheerleaders and the jocks working to make money for this. We had so much fun too. Coach Coulter said that if we made enough for the trip, she'd get us there."

"You mean that every body got together to do this for me?" asked Dar.

"Well not entirely, we thought that a trip like this would be fun for all of us, but we decided that you deserved something special too, so we decided to bring you," said Ellen. "So did Sally, so we didn't tell you about it. This is on all of us. Happy birthday, uncle Dar."

That was the first time someone called Dar uncle, and he got a real big smile from it. I decided that if Ellen could call him that then I would too. He was like an uncle to me in some ways. It soon caught on with the other 3 of our group too and we all called him uncle Dar.

That day was a blast. I didn't go on many of the rides, and I got tired easy but it was still fun. Seeing Dar with that big smile of his was great too. I loved that smile. 

Dar didn't go on any of the rides, but he still liked to just wander around and he liked the shooting galleries. He won so many of those stuffed animals that even Coach Coulter was carrying one by the end of the day. I noticed that she didn't put it down even when she was eating or on one of the rides. "Got another one," uncle Dar, I thought. He was building up a huge fan club it seemed.

It was late when we packed up the bus and went home. I fell asleep leaning against uncle Dar and didn't wake up until we pulled in to our drive way. Good thing it was a loop so the bus could get back out easily.

Erica was waiting there when we pulled in, and helped get uncle Dar inside and to bed. Nancy, Ellen, Sandra and Shelly got off with us and told me that they were all spending the night with us and already had permission from their parents and George and Janny. I was happy for that too.

We all went right to bed, with the cousin twins in my old room and Shelly and Sandra sharing the other. If I had felt better, I'd have suggested that we all sleep in the basement, but I was too tired for that after the long day we'd had. I was more than happy to just go into the room that uncle Dar had gotten built for me and go to sleep.

The next day turned into one of the saddest since my parents accident. We had all eaten breakfast and gone out to the pool. Dar was reading a book and us girls were getting tans when Nancy and Ellen both got phone calls at the same time. They answered and both started crying almost at once. 

When they hung up, Ellen said, "Our parents are gone. Oh my god they're dead." She started crying even harder.

I asked, "What happened? What do you mean they're dead?"

"They went to Redmond for a party last night, and were coming back this morning," said Nancy. "They had a crash on the freeway. They're gone."

Uncle Dar moved he chair in between them and hugged them both. He didn't say anything, just hugged them. Sandra, Shelly and I joined him. We didn't know what to do or say, so we just hugged them. 

After a bit, uncle Dar said, "You girls stay with them and don't leave them alone. Sally, go get George and Janny and tell them what happened."

I said, "Ok," and went to get Janny and George. I didn't know what uncle Dar wanted, but he was up to something.

When I got back with Janny and George, Dar told me to go back out side with my friends, because he needed to talk to Janny and George alone for a few minutes.

I went back out side and joined my friends. Nance and Ellen were still crying. I asked them if they had any other family they could call. 

Ellen sniffled and said, "We don't have anybody left. Our grandparents are all gone and we don't have any other aunts or uncles. Mom once told me that after having me, she had it fixed so she couldn't have any more children. She and Dad decided that once was enough because she'd had such a hard time. She was sick for months afterwards."

"My mom and dad wanted more, but they just never had any," said Nancy. "They also said that they didn't have any brothers or sisters other than my uncle and aunt. They didn't know if there was anybody else either from their grandparents families. I don't know if we have any relatives other than each other."

Sandra said, "Well you have the 3 of us. We're as close as sisters aren't we? We'll be your family forever."

Shelly and I immediately agreed to that. We were a team and a family even if we weren't blood relations.

Just then, George came out and called Ellen and Nancy in. He told the rest of us to stay outside because he and Janny had to talk to them alone for a bit. 

Still crying, Ellen and Nancy went inside. Uncle Dar came back out and sat down. He looked pale and tired.

I asked him if he was all right, and he said, "I'm just tired. I asked Janny and George if they were willing to help the girls out like they did me. I know what would happen if they went into CPS custody, and I don't want that to happen to them."

"What would happen to them?" I asked.

Uncle Dar said, "The first thing is they would probably be spit up. CPS doesn't do much to keep family together in situations like this, and since they aren't sisters they wouldn't have a chance of staying together. CPS would also not tell either where the other was because it's against policy. I'm not going to let that happen if I can stop it."

"What did you do?" I asked.

He said, "I asked George and Janny if they were willing to take them in if I promised to provide their maintenance. The V.A. pays them for taking care of me right now because I'm listed as temporarily mentally incompetent because of that medication. I should get that removed soon now, and I will file to adopt the girls." 

"They'll be foster sisters and even if something happens to me they will be able to stay together. Since they'll both be my dependents, the V.A. will take care of them. They'll be together as sisters with an adoption by me and will still have each other."

"Why are you doing this?" Sandra asked.

"Because I care about them as much as I do you. I want them to stay together and this way I can do it. If something like this happened to any of you I'd do the same. 

"You really mean that," asked Shelly?" 

Uncle Dar said, "Yes. I hope it never happens, but if any of you ever need help, I'd be honored if you came to me. All of you have been my friends, and friends take care of each other."




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 06



I thought about the medal Uncle Dar had given me, and I think I began to understand what he'd been saying. It wasn't about bravery when he went after George. It was about helping a friend. It was the same with me too. He risked his life for a friend because that's what friends do. They take care of each other no matter the cost. He'd paid it too.

George and Janny came out then and asked me if I'd be willing to give up my room permanently. I agreed immediately. I told them that they were my friends and I had a great room thanks to Uncle Dar. 

Janny looked at me for a second and said, "Uncle. When did that start?"

"At the carnival," Said Shelly. "We've all adopted him as our uncle now. He's uncle Dar for the entire cheer squad. Even Coach Coulter called him that a couple of times yesterday."

"Coulter called him that?" asked George. "I remember her from school. She taught Senior Math sometimes, and I took it from her. Tough lady, but she was always fair and if you had a problem, the only thing that would make her mad is if you didn't ask her for help."

"That's her alright," said Janny. "I took Phys Ed from her."

"Ok," said George. "Here's what we're going to do. Janny and I are already signed up as foster parents and were approved. We called CPS and told them about the girls. They were already looking for them as they didn't say where they were at when the police called them. I told them that we could take them in for as long as they wanted to stay here and they agreed. They'll send someone out here today."

"What do we need to do?" I asked.

"Just stay with them for now," said Janny. "When CPS is done, I'll take them home to get what they need for a few days, and when the estate is settled, I'll get the rest of their stuff. Just don't leave them alone at all. I'll set up a place in the basement for all of you for tonight so they won't be alone then either."

George said, "Tomorrow we'll take them to the mall and get a few things for them. They won't be able to take much from home for a while, so they'll need a few things."

"I think we'll need a bigger car for that." I said. "With 7 of us now, we won't be able to go very far as a group and with uncle Dar's wheelchair, we won't have much room in the trunk of the one we have"

"Dar already thought of that," said George. "He wants to buy a large van for himself anyway. He said that he should be able to drive soon, and he wants something big like a van. We'll check out the car dealers while we're out tomorrow and see what we can find."

"That would be great," I said. "Then he won't be stuck here if he wants to go somewhere. I'll still go with him, but he won't need someone else to drive anymore."

Janny said, "And you girls will have your own driver when ever you want to go some place. I bet you have him rapped around your fingers already."

I blushed and said, "I think you got that backwards."

George laughed at that and said, "I bet if any of you asked him for something, he'd get it. I think that he'd be glad to do it for any of you. He told me that he plans to adopt Ellen and Nancy as soon as he legally can so they won't ever be split up. I also think that he loves all of you girls as much as Janice and I do."

I got teary with that. I seemed to be crying a lot lately, but mostly happy tears. I ran up and hugged George and said, "I love you guys too. When you started dating Janny, you would take Erica and me with you. You never ignored us or told us to go away so you could be alone. I was so happy when you asked Janny to marry you and you said yes."

George hugged me and said, "I knew it was a package deal from the start. I didn't want to leave you or Erica out because I knew how much you meant to Janice. With time, you started to mean a lot to me too. You were always ready with a hug, and Erica was too. Neither of you got jealous of me about Janice and I loved you for that and for yourselves. You 3 are the most important things in my life twerp."

I punched him for calling me twerp, but immediately hugged him again. I knew he was just kidding me and I loved him for it. I thought that Janice was so lucky to find him.

Uncle Dar came out with Ellen and Nancy then. They were still crying, and both were hanging onto uncle Dar like a life preserver in a flood. I ran up to them and said, "You're both welcome to stay here as long as you want. If you need anything, just ask. I even have extra clothes that you can have since we're about the same size."

Uncle Dar said, "That won't be necessary. I'll get them clothes later today and any thing else they need." He looked at me real hard for a second and said, "My job now."

I gave him a sad smile, and said, "Ok, your job now. But I get to help. They're my friends, and a very wise man told me that that's what friends do. That's the same man who gave me a special gift."

"Smart girl," he said.

"Yup, that's what I am when I have a good teacher," I said.

"I also had a good teacher recently," he said. "Just remember that too, munchkin."

He suddenly started wobbling a bit and said, "I need to sit down now."

Ellen grabbed his arm and held him steady while Nancy and Sally raced to his chair. Nancy won, and pushed it up behind him and held it for him while he sat down. 

He said, "Thanks. Been doing to much, I think. Why don't you girls take me to my room so I can lie down for a bit?"

Ellen took one handle, and Nancy the other and pushed him inside. 

Janny looked at George and said, "Well that was sudden. Even when he first came here he never did that." 

"I don't think it was an accident either," said George. "I think he's giving them something to focus on instead of what they lost. If they're busy with him for awhile, they'll settle down sooner and start feeling better."

I suddenly had a suspicion and asked George, "Is that why you suddenly got so sick when Uncle Johnny died?"

George said to Janny, "See? Smart and beautiful, just like her big sister."

I glared at him, but I wasn't really mad. "Taking care of George when uncle Sammy died helped me get through it. He died less than a year after mom and dad, so I was still a wreck. Then George got sick suddenly, and with all the rest of it I had to help with him too. Now I find out he might not have been so sick after all. Still, having something important to do at the time was a benefit.

I thought, what we need is Coach Coulter. I said to Sandra, "We need to call the coach and tell her. I bet she can help."

Sandra said, "Good idea. She was the one who got it set up so Uncle Dar could come to the practices, and I bet she can help now."

George said, "Remember what I said a bit ago about her? The only thing that would really bother her is if you didn't ask for help when you really needed it, and we have 2 girls that really need it now."

While Sandra went inside to call the coach, I got my cell phone out and told Shelly that I was going to start calling the other girls on the team. She said she'd help too, so we both started calling the rest of our friends.

While we were doing this, Sandra came back out and said that Coach Coulter was on her way over right now. She said, "Coach says that she can help with CPS when they get here. She also said that she'll help uncle Dar with the adoption after he gets cleared by his doctors."

"See?" said George. "She's already helping. I told you that was a good idea."

Shelly and I finished our calls, and I said, "All the girls I called said they'd be right out."

"Me too," said Shelly. "That means the whole team will be here within an hour at the most."

Janny said, "I guess I'll have to get a hold of Erica and tell her too. That way she won't walk into the middle of all this with no warning." Then she went inside.

George said, "It's a good thing I got paid recently. I guess I'd better order a big bunch of pizzas."

I said, "No. We'll handle that, won't we?" Sandra and Shelly agreed, so we went into the kitchen and started making a bunch of snacks. 

While we were doing this, Coach Coulter arrived. She came into the kitchen and asked where the girls were. I told her that they were in Uncle Dar's room. They'd taken him in there over an hour ago now, I saw. 

The first of the other girls started arriving about then. As they came in, I directed them to Uncle Dar's room. By the time Shelly, Sandra and I had finished making up a bunch of snacks and a 5 gallon jug of lemonade, they were all here. 

Shelly went to get help and we took the munchies into Dar's room. As big as dads old Den was, it was still crowded with 15 girls and 4 adults. The cousin twins were still crying and looked lost. I understood that look after loosing my parents just over 3 years ago. It still hurt to think about it.

Uncle Dar was sitting in his recliner and had one on each side of him with his arms around both. He wasn't doing anything but holding them as they cried. 

I walked up to them and said, "I know it hurts. I know exactly how much it hurts. My parents died when I was 10, and it still hurts. I miss them so much that I still cry sometimes. But I had friends that helped me and you have friends that will help you. If you want to talk, I'll be here. If you want a hug, I have plenty to share. You're 2 of my best friends and a very wise man told me that's what friends do."

Then I hugged each of them and walked away. I was feeling kind of dizzy about then, so I told the others I had to go lie down for awhile. I went to sleep almost as soon as I got onto my bed.

I don't know how long I was asleep, but I don't think it was very long. Coach Coulter woke me up and said that the CPS person was here with 2 cops.

I got up and went into the family room with her. The others on the squad stayed in uncle Dar's room while he took the cousins.

When I got there, George and Janny were already there. They both looked angry for some reason. "Uh oh," I thought. "Some thing is wrong."

I walked over to George and in a whisper, I asked him what was wrong.

George said, "The CPS person has decided that because of Dar this is not a sound environment for children. She's going to take them and she's threatening to take you too. She says that having children in a house hold with a mentally disturbed person isn't safe."

I almost yelled, "She said what?"

"She said that Dar is mentally disturbed and is therefore a danger to young children, including you," said Janny.

I turned around and looked at the woman from CPS and said, "You have insulted a man who almost died saving my brother's life. You have insulted a man who almost bled to death when he reopened one of his wounds from that incident saving my life. If you don't leave RIGHT NOW, I'm going to do something I may regret, but you'll regret more. Go. Now."

George grabbed at me but I dodged. I walked toward her and I really intended to hurt her. I didn't know much about fighting, but I thought that my gymnastics skills would be a help and I was determined.

Uncle Dar pushed his way in between us and told me, "Let me handle this. I can fix it and her at the same time. Don't do any thing foolish."

"I wasn't going to do any thing foolish, uncle Dar. I was going to get rid of a problem that has really angered me. She insulted you and my sister and my big brother. If she doesn't get out of here now I'm going to make her leave. Hard."

"No. I've got a better idea. You seem to forget that this house has an intercom system with recorders on it. There are 2 tapes of everything that has been said since these three arrived, and I'm going to file a criminal complaint against all of them."

"You're what?" said the CPS woman. 

Uncle Dar said, "I'm filing a felony discrimination complaint against you. You should really think about a good attorney about now."

"You can't do that," the woman said.

Uncle Dar said, "Watch me.

He then pushed himself over to the phone, and dialed a number. He then said some funny words and said, "Do you recognize that? Good, I have a problem. It seems that I'm being classed as mentally deranged and a danger to children by a CPS official here. I want someone to come out here right now and deal with it. If you can't get someone out here fast, then you'd better include a coroner." 

"One of the people this woman is harassing is myself, and the other is also a disabled vet," he continued. "He has 2 purple hearts from Iraq."

I wondered who he was talking to, and I wondered what he really meant when he said 'coroner'. 

When he hung up the phone, he looked at the police officers and said, "This has just become a federal investigation into the misconduct of a State employee who is using her position to harass and threaten 2 disabled veterans. You have a choice. You can assist in this matter or be included in the investigation."

The older one of the 2 smiled and said, "Oh you'll have no trouble from me. I would have filed a complaint myself when we got back to the station. I've worked cases like this before, and this is the first time I know of that the medical condition of someone who isn't directly involved in a case is considered grounds to refuse custody of an orphan." The other nodded his head in agreement.

I said, "Well they better put her away for a long time. I meant what I said. Uncle Dar almost died saving my life just a couple weeks ago when I had an accident in the pool and almost drowned. If you want, I'll show you the wheelchair he wrecked getting to me."

"I'm familiar with the case mam", said the older police man. It's still being investigated as an assault with a possible intent to kill. That oil on that diving board was no accident, and as far as the chair goes, I was the one to pull it out of the pool. I have no doubt about Mr. DeShade being safe to have around children. I'd trust him with mine."

I smiled at that. Another believer in my uncle Dar.

The CPS woman then said, "Are you going to let that juvenile delinquent get away with threatening me? I demand that she be arrested at once." 

"Can't do it mam," said the older police man. "We have reason to believe that this case will be investigated by federal authorities, and we have no cause to intervene in it. If that man in the wheelchair did what I think he did, then it's not the girl that's in trouble, it's you. We can only wait and hold all participants in the situation until higher authorities arrive. That includes you, by the way."

Since we're also witnesses to the incident in question," he continued, "we will have to remain here until released by said authorities our selves."

I was beginning to like this man. That had to be the nicest way of telling someone off that I had ever heard. Even George was smiling now, and I knew he was mad. He hadn't even tried to stop me when I went after that woman. Good thing to because he wouldn't have succeeded. The only person I would have stopped for is the one who intervened. I would never do anything to hurt uncle Dar. I couldn't.

"I don't know about the rest of you," said Janny, "but I'm thirsty. Would you 2 officers like a cup of coffee?"

They both said no thank you. 

As Janny headed to the door, she beckoned me to come with her. I went, thinking that I was going to get it now. George might not have been mad at me, but I thought that Janny would let me have it with a passion. She didn't like violence, and fighting would get me in more trouble with her than anything else I could think of. 

*

This ends chapter 6. 

Chapter 7 follows with Sally continuing the story.



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 07



Chapter 7

Hero to the Rescue

This story is a work of fiction only. Any chance resemblance to actual people or events is purely accidental.



When we had left the room, Janny grabbed me and pulled me into a hug. She said, "I'm proud of you. I don't believe in violence because I've seen what it can do to people. But you were willing to stand up for people you cared for. George is the same way, and I love him for it. I love you too, and I'm proud that you are my little sister."

I hugged her back. I didn't say anything because I couldn't think of the words to say, except "uncle Dar and George are special. What that woman said was wrong and I couldn't let her get away with it. I just couldn't."

"I understand, Sally. When she started talking about them like that I got so mad I wanted to hit her. I don't think I've ever been so angry in my entire life. George is my life and uncle Dar is special in his own way. He fills a hole that's been there since mom and dad died and I don't think I could stand to loose either of them."

I said, "I couldn't either." 

With that and another hug, we went into the kitchen and made coffee. While we were doing that and putting together a lunch for the others, I asked Janny, "What do you think will happen?"

Janny said, "I don't know, but knowing uncle Dar I'd say it'll be spectacular. That's one man I would never want mad at me, and I think he's angry at that woman. I bet that whatever happens next, she won't like it at all."

I agreed. Uncle Dar wasn't someone to take lightly, as his old wheelchair could attest to. The vinyl back was almost destroyed by him when he forced his way out of it in the pool. I don't know exactly how tough that stuff is, but it wasn't tough enough to stop uncle Dar. 

By the time we'd finished making sandwiches, the coffee was done. I poured a big travel mug for uncle Dar, and Janny poured the rest into a carafe and put a bunch of cups onto a tray. She took that and I took the sandwiches and Uncle Dar's coffee into the family room.

We set every thing onto the coffee table and I gave uncle Dar his cup. Ellen and Nancy were standing behind him looking at the CPS woman like they wanted to do what I almost did. They weren't crying now, they looked mad. I was sure glad that Coach Coulter was in uncle Dar's room. I didn't want to think about what would happen if she'd heard what that woman had said.

I went back to the kitchen and got 3 glasses of lemonade and went back. I gave 2 of the glasses to Ellen and Nancy and kept the third for myself. 

I led them over to the sofa, and sat down. They sat down too, one on each side of me. I grabbed a couple of sandwiches and gave one to each of them and took one for myself.

They started eating them and I ate mine. The whole time, the 3 of us glared at the CPS woman. I don't think we even blinked much. 

As we sat and waited, George and uncle Dar talked quietly. I don't know what they said. Janny had moved over to us and sat down on the sofa too. She had a sandwich and a cup of coffee. 

Nobody but George and uncle Dar were talking. Finally, the doorbell rang and Janny went and answered it. When she got back, there were 2 men and a woman with her. All 3 took out I.D. wallets with fancy I.D. cards and badges pinned into them and the older said, "I'm Senior Investigator Reach. I'll be handling this investigation."

The CPS woman said, "Under what authority are you here? I'm here to pick up 2 children and place them in foster care. These people are interfering with a State official and now you're here."

"Mam, we received orders from the Secretary of the Navy's office to investigate the harassment of a civilian employee assigned to his office," said Mr. Reach. "The charge is against you and it will be investigated."

"You don't have that authority," said the woman. "I'm here on official business, and you are interfering with that business. I demand that the 2 children I'm here for be given over to my custody immediately and that I be allowed to leave."

"I can't do that until after my investigation, Mam. Now, who is Senior Warrant Officer Eldarin DeShade?"

Uncle Dar answered, "Me."

"Good," said Mr. Reach. "I understand that you have some evidence to give me about this incident."

Uncle Dar said, "Yes. There's a recording of the conversation involving the harassment charges that these 2 officers can attest hasn't been tampered with. It's in the intercom device on the table there." 

The woman who had come in with Mr. Reach said, "I'd like to talk to the children involved in this. Is there someplace private where we can talk?"

I said, "Yes. We can go down to the basement and talk there."

The woman said, "Are you one of the orphans in this case? 

I said, "No. These 2 are."

She said, "They're the ones I want to talk to right now, but if you could show me the way I'd be grateful, mam."

Mam? That was a surprise. I'd never been called that until today, and both people were cops. 

"Ok, I said. "Come on girls, lets go downstairs."

Ellen said, "Only with uncle Dar. I'm not talking to anybody unless he's there too."

"Me neither," said Nancy.

"Is mister DeShade your uncle?" asked the woman.

"No," said Ellen. "But since he saved Sally's life in the pool, we've been calling him that. All of us cheerleaders do now. Sally's our friend and he saved her from drowning. He's always been nice to us to."

"I see," said the woman. "Well that answers some of my questions right there. If you really want him there, I'll wait till he's done here then we can all go down stairs to talk."

"Can Sally come too?" asked Nancy. "I don't want to go anywhere without her."

"Sorry, but no. I'll allow Mr. DeShade to witness my questioning, but nobody else for right now. I don't want her there anyway because I have to question her next."

"I think you'd be better off with Janny being there than me," said uncle Dar. "She and George are the ones who will be your foster parents when this is all taken care of, so take her with you."

"But I want you there, uncle Dar," Ellen said. "I won't talk to anyone unless you are there, and I don't care who they are."

"I agree," said Nancy. "Since Sally can't come, I won't go unless you come to."

The woman looked at uncle Dar and said, "Since the children don't have a legal guardian at present, and since this is an investigation, I can get a children's advocate here. But I have no problem with you being present if that's what the girls want. I understand that they've just lost their parents, and I don't want to upset them if it isn't necessary."

"Ok, then, I'll come down with you when your boss is done with me."

"Mr. Reach said, "I'll listen to the tape right now, so go ahead. I don't have any questions for you yet."

"Ok," said uncle Dar. "Lets go now and get this finished."

Ellen and Nancy jumped up and grabbed the handles to his chair and started pushing him to the door. The woman noticed this and said, "I see you 2 are fond of Mr. DeShade."

They both said, "Yes. He's our friend."

"Ok," said the woman. "Lets go and get this done with. It shouldn't take long though."

They walked out of the room and headed to the basement.

Mr. Reach started playing the tape and sat there listening. I got mad all over again listening to what that woman was saying about uncle Dar and George. She not only said that Dar was dangerous, she accused George and Janny of being criminally negligent by letting him stay here, and that they were unfit to raise a child.

I was so mad, I wanted to throw her out of the house all over again. 

When the tape was finished, the Inspector stood up and said, "I think I have enough right there." He turned to the man that came with him and said, "Cuff her and read her rights to her. Make sure she understands that this is a criminal investigation so she has the right to an attorney."

He took the tape out of the intercom and put it into a bag and sealed it and put that into a case he'd brought in with him. The other man was handcuffing the CPS woman, and telling her the 'You have the right...' thing they say on cop shows when they arrest someone.

The inspector turned to me and said, "I understand that you were just recently released from the hospital after a head injury. Is that true?"

"Yes," I answered. "I fell on the diving board of our pool and hit my head which knocked me out."

"Well, I guess that clears you for threatening a State official. Normally I'd have to do something about that, but considering the injury and the provocation, I don't think it'll matter. I would recommend, however, that you not repeat such a thing again."

"Only if that woman never comes here again. I may be under age, but this house is 1/3rd mine and I don't ever want her here again."

"Oh, I don't think that will be a problem. She's being charged with 2 felonies for this. Using her position to knowingly harass 2 disabled Veterans is a criminal offense, and I think we have sufficient evidence on that tape to convict her of it."

The older policeman said, "If you need more, I'm a witness and I'd be happy to testify. I've know Janny for years, and I knew her and Sally's parents too."

"I don't think that will be necessary, but I would like written statements from the both of you as to why you were here and what happened. You don't have to do them now, but I'd like them sent to the FBI office in Seattle tomorrow sometime. I'll make sure you have the fax number before we finish here, and I'll get any other information I need from you.

"Now, Mr. DeShade, what's your involvement other than the complaint you filed?" he asked uncle Dar.

Uncle Dar said, "I'm thinking about adopting the 2 girls as soon as I'm cleared by my doctors. That way, they won't ever be separated again by people like that." He pointed at the CPS woman.

"Aren't they sisters? They can't separate sisters here can they?" asked Mr. Reach.

"No, they're cousins." I said. "Their mothers were twin sisters and their fathers were brothers. They got married in a double wedding. They were killed in a traffic accident this morning on the freeway coming back from Redmond."

"I think I heard about that. An SUV got hit by a Semi and was crushed. No survivors."

I said, "I don't know. All I know about it is that they got phone calls at the same time and started crying and saying that both their parents were dead. They also told me that they don't have any other family that they know about."

"Hmm," Said Mr. Reach. "I'll have that looked into. For now though, since this is an on going investigation, they can stay here. The state won't be able to take them until after I'm finished. If they annoy me about that, I'll call the man that Mr. DeShade did and let him deal with it. I'm a nice person, but he isn't."

"You mean it," I squealed. "They can stay here?" I ran up and hugged him, saying, "Oh thank you. They don't have anywhere else to go, and I love them like sisters."

He said, "Well that makes my day. I don't often get hugs from pretty girls on my job, so it's my pleasure."

The other man looked at him and said, "You have all the luck, don't you boss?"

I ran over and hugged him too and said, "Well maybe not all. Thank you."

He smiled, and said "Like the boss said, we don't always get to do something nice for someone. It's worth it when we can, and the hug is a perfect payback." With that, he took the now crying CPS woman outside.

"Ok, we're almost done. When my other assistant is done questioning your friends and questions you we'll be going." He pulled out a card and handed it to uncle Dar and said, "And if you need anything else, just call me. It's easier on me and the rest of the office if we don't get called by the Secretary of the Navy too often."

"I asked," Who are you anyway? I never thought to ask." 

Mr. Reach said, "I'm the senior investigator for the local branch of the Navy Crime Scene Investigation unit. Mr. DeShade is still listed as an employee of the Department of the Navy pending a final analysis of his ability to resume his work for the Navy. He's currently assigned to the Office of the Secretary of the Navy. That means that this case falls under our jurisdiction so we came. Besides, the Boss said to fix it."

"Since I'm a smart man," he said, "I fixed it."

We chatted a bit more, and then his other assistant came in. Ellen and Nancy were pushing uncle Dar behind her.

She looked at me and said, "Your turn. If you want either of or both of your guardians there, they can come. But since you do have legal guardians, only they can be present unless they require a lawyer."

I said, "I don't think that's necessary. If I was in trouble I'd know it by now." I smiled at Mr. Reach.

We went downstairs and over to Georges desk and sat down. 

The woman said, "I'm investigator Harrison. I'm recording this interview. Since this is an investigation, I need to tell you your rights under the law." She proceeded to tell me the same rights as the other investigator told the CPS woman.

When she finished, she asked me, "Do you understand these rights?

I said "Yes."

"Since you are still a minor, you have the right to have a parent or guardian present. Do you wish this?"

I said, "No, I don't think they need to be here."

"Ok, if at any time you want them here just say so. We'll stop and I'll send for them" If you feel uncomfortable about answering any questions, we' stop and send for them."

"OK, I understand," I said

She said, "Fine. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."

"Now then, what's your relationship to Mr. DeShade? I notice that all 3 of you girls called him uncle Dar."

I said, "He saved Georges life in Iraq, and when he was released from the hospital we brought him here to finish his recovery. About 2 weeks ago, I had an accident in our pool and he saved my life. He almost died doing it too."

"I'm familiar with the incident. So, you're saying that in fact, he's not related to you?"

"No," I said. "We call him that, but he isn't related to us. It's just that we love him."

"Ok," she said. "Do you feel afraid of him in any way?"

"No."

"Has he ever scared you in any way?"

"No."

"Do you trust him?"

"With my life."

"Ok, we're done," She said. I had to ask those questions as part of the investigation because of the allegations made by the CPS worker. I didn't believe they were necessary, but I'm required to ask in a case like this."

"I have one question if I may," I said.

"What's that?" she asked.

What happens with Nancy and Ellen now? I'm afraid for them because of all this."

"Well, that's difficult to answer," she said. "The Navy doesn't normally get involved in civil matters like that but I think that they'll be staying here for now."

"That's what your boss said upstairs," I said.

"Well if he said that, then that's what will happen."

"I just wanted to make sure," I said. "They've lost so much today that I don't want them to loose any more."

"Well I guess that makes you a good friend then," she said. 

I said, "I had a good teacher. He almost died giving me that lesson. Friends help each other and don't worry about the price. Ellen and Nancy are my friends."

"I think they are lucky to have you as a friend. I hope we can talk again under better circumstances some day."

"I'd like that too," I said. "Are we done now?"

She said, "Yes. I don't need to ask you anything else. I'll be filing a report with CPS about this, and I'll tell them that the 2 girls upstairs couldn't find a better home than here with people like you and Mr. DeShade to look after them."

I smiled and then I got up and hugged her too. "Thank you," I said. That really means a lot to me right now. I know how they feel after loosing my parents 3 years ago, and I had someone to help me. They don't have anyone left."

"Don't worry about them," She said as she hugged me back. "I think they'll be ok now."

With that, we went back up stairs. When we got there, Mr. Reach asked, "All done?"

Investigator Harrison said, "Yes. I'm satisfied that the children will be fine here. I think it would actually be more harmful to them to take them out of here than to leave them."

"Fine," said Mr. Reach. "I'll note that in my report. I have sufficient evidence to conclude that the CPS representative overstepped her authority and was actively harassing 2 disabled Veterans and have place her in custody. We'll be turning her over to the FBI later for formal charges to be filed." He looked at uncle Dar and asked, Satisfied?"

Uncle Dar said," Completely. I have no doubt that this case has been handled in a satisfactory manner and I'll tell my boss that."

"Please don't," said Mr. Reach. "I'd just as soon not have his attention."

Uncle Dar laughed and said, "Ok, but only if he doesn't ask me. If he does, your stuck with an ataboy and at least one pat on the back." 

Mr. Reach said, "I think I can live with that. Wouldn't want you to get in trouble for not answering his questions. Well, we are done for now. Have a good day."

He turned to the 2 police officers and said, "You're finished too, so feel free to leave." 

After saying that, he and Inspector Harrison picked up their cases and left.

I told uncle Dar, "The said that Nancy and Ellen can stay. They really can stay."

Yes he did," said uncle Dar.

I ran up to the cousin twins and hugged them and said, "You can stay. For as long as you want to, you can stay."

I grabbed their arms and dragged them to the Den yelling, "They can stay, they can stay. They don't have to leave." The rest of the girls started yelling too.

Coach Coulter walked up to me and said, "Well that was a bit more than I thought it would be. In the end, though, it worked out. Now, I think we need to do something about another problem."

"What's that?" I asked.

"Well, I think we need to take them out and get them some things that they'll need. The courts will lock up their homes for awhile and do court things before they release any property. The girls will need clothes and such. Think we should take them shopping?"

"We'd already planned to do that before that CPS woman showed up." I said. "We were going to take them home to get some necessities and then take them shopping to get them something special."

"Good idea," said Coach Coulter. "I'll take the other kids home first, and then I'll bring my van over and we'll all go out."

"You don't have to do that coach," I said.

She said," Oh yes I do. You girls called me for help. Too late to back out now, so live with it." 

I hugged her and said, "Thank you. You were a big help with uncle Dar at first, and then when I got home from the hospital you took him and me to the carnival. Now this. Thank you so much."

She hugged me back and said, "Now you know why I've got my job. It's all worth it just for this one thing." She pushed me away and said, now quit trying to ruin my tough as nails reputation and get ready to go. I won't be gone long, and I don't want to have to wait on your little tail to go."

She turned back to the rest of the girls and said, "Now remember what I told you to do. Lets get loaded in the bus and get going cause I've got to get back here."

The girls all headed to the door but each stopped to hug Ellen and Nancy on the way out. When they were all gone, Coach Coulter hugged them both and then she left to take the team home.

I told them that she was coming back with her big van and then we'd go to their homes so they could get things that they'd need while they were here.

I didn't tell them about the shopping trip though, cause I thought that would be a nice surprise. 

Sandra and Shelly took them up stairs to get cleaned up and changed into some of my clothes that I gave them to wear, and I went into my room to change too.




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 07



In half an hour we were ready to go, and shortly after that Coach Coulter pulled into the drive way in a van with 3 bench seats in the back, and Erica was right behind her.

I ran up to Erica and asked if she knew what happened, and she said yes. She said that she'd have dinner for us when we got back.

Uncle Dar said, "No. Your coming to. I'll buy dinner for us so you don't need to cook and do your school work too. Besides, after all that work you did for Sally's home coming party, it's only fair you get a break too.

"Ok, you win," she said. "I need a few minutes to get changed, coach. Then I'll be back down.

"Ok," said coach Coulter. "I'll wait. Not long mind you, cause this handsome man here just promised me a free meal, but I'll wait a few minutes."

Erica smiled and took off running. Coach Coulter watched for a second and said, "I sure miss her on the girls track team. She wasn't the fastest, but she never quit. That's more important then speed. Never quit."

"I bet you were happy to get rid of me, though," said Janny.

"Actually, no," said coach Coulter. "I like having a rude spoiled brat now and then. Keeps me on my toes."

She and Janny both laughed at that.

We chatted a bit more before Erica came back down wearing one of her best dresses. She got in saying, "I decided I needed to look my best with all this completion for the only single man here."

We all laughed at that, though I thought that she didn't need to worry. She was much prettier than me, I thought.

We went to Ellen's home first, and she and Janny went in and got what she most needed, then we went to Nancy's home and did the same there. 

After that, Coach Coulter asked "Ok, what's next?"

Dar said, "Clothes. Work and dress up both. I want my girls to all be pretty for dinner. Then when we go in, every body will envy George and me."

George said, "I don't think we'd need to worry about that, Dar. We already have some of the prettiest girls in the state with us. And I bet we have the prettiest chauffer in the country to drive us around."

That amazed me. George never talked about other women like that. I bet he never even looked at them after he married Janny. What amazed me even more, though, was that tough as nails Coach Coulter blushed. She turned so red I thought she was having a stroke or something. 

She looked in the mirror at George and said, "Still the fast talking charmer, I see. No wonder Janice married you. You bedazzled her out of what brains she had, and then you fast talked her into it. Then I bet you dragged her to a preacher and bribed him to do the ceremony before her parents found out.

We all laughed at George as he blushed. I had already decided that I liked coach Coulter, but I thought that we would be friends now. I really liked her. She might have been gruff on the outside but I thought her heart was the purest gold ever.

When we got to the mall, she parked the van in the disabled bus/van parking and put up a handicap placard. We all got out and got uncle Dar into his chair. The cousin twins each took a handle and held on like their lives were at stake. 

I didn't argue as I new how they felt. I may have lost my job at least partly, but they needed it. Besides, I knew now that uncle Dar would always be there if I needed him, and I'd be there for him too. I didn't need to prove it by pushing him around. I realized that he was right when he said that some things can't be paid back.

We all went into the store, and headed for the better clothing stores first. We went into one that specialized in clothing for girls our age and Uncle Dar told Janny, I'm not up on women's clothes, so would you please help them?"

Janny smiled and said, "Of course uncle Dar."

She was calling him uncle now too! The only one left was George, but I didn't think he ever would.

Janny took Ellen and Nancy to the back to have them measured first, and Erica and I grabbed uncle Dar's chair. We looked at each other and smiled and said at the same time, "Coffee".

We pushed uncle Dar to the coffee kiosk and got him a cup. George had followed us with Shelly and Sandra and he got them each a drink too.  Erica got a soda for herself and one for me. Then we all went to a bench outside the clothing store and waited for Janny to get the cousin twins outfitted.

When they finally came out, I could hardly recognize them They were gorgeous. 

Sandra, Shelly Erica and I ran up to them and started cooing over their dresses.

George pushed uncle Dar up and coach Coulter came over also.

Uncle Dar said, "How much damage did this do me."

Janny said, "None. I used my card for this."

Uncle Dar said, "Poaching on my territory are you wench? We'll see about that."

Janny walked u to him and said, "It isn't you job yet. George and I are their foster parents until you adopt them so you just wait your turn." then she stuck out her tongue and gave him a huge raspberry. 

I was shocked! I'd never seen Janny act like that before even when mom and dad were still alive. She was acting like a kid and she was actually teasing someone besides George!

George laughed and said, "Well I guess you deserved that, Dar. After what you spent on gifts, she's determined how to get you back. I'd quit while I was ahead if I were you. If you push too much you'll have 2 more on you.

I glanced at the cousin twins, and saw shocked expressions on their faces. 

"Adopt?" asked Ellen. "You want to adopt us?

"Really?" asked Nancy. 

"Aw geez, said uncle Dar. Janny, you brat, you told. Shame on you."

Then he looked at the cousin twins and said, "Yes. If I adopt you, you'll legally be sisters and the CPS idiots won't be able to separate you. But it's your choice. If you want me for a father, I'm willing. How bout you?"

They didn't say anything, but the tears started again. It was different this time though. These were happy tears. They ran up to uncle Dar and said, "Oh yes. We'll make you the best daughters you could ever have."

The hugged each other, and then the 2 grabbed the wheelchair handles and said, "What's next?"

Coach Coulter said, "Well, I for one am hungry. Someone interrupted my breakfast this morning and I want to eat." 

Uncle Dar said, "I agree. I didn't get any of those sandwiches at home and I'm starved. Where's a real nice restaurant where George and I can show off our bevy of beautiful women? Since you drove, you pick."

"I know a little place. It isn't fancy, but the foods good. My husband and I used to go there when we came here to the mall. I hope you've got lots of cash though, cause it isn't cheap and you said you were buying for all of us. I for one intend to eat like a horse and I don't eat cheap."

Uncle Dar laughed and said, "I never thought of you as cheap. A bit trail worn maybe, but not cheap."

Couch Coulter glowered at him for a moment, then smiled and said, "You asked for it. Trail worn indeed." She walked up to him, bent over and gave him a big wet kiss on his cheek. Then she said, "If you want better, loose the beard." 

Even Janny and George were shocked over that. They'd know her from high school, and she'd surprised them too. I really liked this woman. She could make George blush and shock him and Janny and embarrass uncle Dar. Now that was some woman!

She then looked at the cousin twins and said, "You better watch this one real close, or I'm gonna steal him from ya. He's a keeper, he is."

They looked at her for a second, and then Nancy said "Well I guess we'll have to take extra special care of him, won't we, Ellen?

Ellen nodded agreement. 

After all this, we went to a real nice looking little restaurant and got a big table. 

After we ordered, uncle Dar asked, "What next? Work clothes or goodies?" 

We all said, "Goodies!"

"Ok, first we need 2 computers and a couple of T.V.s, and maybe a radio. That outa do for me. Now, I think Janny might need a new dolly or 2 and Erica looks like she needs a few bibs."

Janny threw a French fry at him, and Erica choked on her drink for a second.

Looking at the cousin twins, uncle Dar asked them what they wanted. 

Neither said a word so I said, "How bout a puter like mine for both of them? Then get a big desk so we can set them up in the den. Then all 4 of us can play games together and stuff.

Uncle Dar said, "Oh I don't know. Do you think I should trust 3 juvenile delinquents with puters? I'll have to think about that while we're looking around." 

The waiter came up and put the check on the table. Uncle Dar and George had a bit of a race to see who got it first. It was close, but uncle Dar won. He didn't even pick it up. Just put his credit card on it and handed it back to the waiter and said, add 20 for yourself and bring back the receipt to so I can sign it.

The waiter said, "Yes sir, and thank you sir."

Uncle Dar said, "You earned it feeding this pack. Thank you for excellent service and a very good meal." Then he looked at Coach Coulter and said, "You were right. Very good food here."

Coach Coulter said, "I know. I'm a teacher and track coach, so I'm entitled to being right all the time. Even when I'm wrong, I'm right."

"I don't know about the rest of that," said George, "but that was an excellent meal."

Janny said, "Uncle Dar, are you sure you want to spend that much money today?"

He said, "When I was working in Iraq, I was making almost $!50,000 a year. I spent very little of it during the 2 years I was there. Since I got back, I've been making $5,000 a month with my disability and such. I haven't even touched the interest yet, and I want to. If you have a problem with that, consider this. I'm bigger than you and I'm a bully."

"Yea, right," Janny said. "A bully. Almost kill yourself pulling a drowning kid of a pool and you're a bully. Offer to adopt 2 orphans so they can stay together and you're a bully. Buy over $10,000 in computers for people you hardly know and you're a bully. Fine. Pick on me some more."

I laughed at that. So did the others. I could feature uncle Dar as a lot of things, but not a bully. 

After we finished lunch and the rest of our shopping expedition, we went home. Coach Coulter dropped us off and said she'd be by tomorrow to check and see how things were and then she left.

We went inside and headed to the Den. It had been a long day with a lot of stress, but Ellen and Nancy seemed a bit better. I whispered to Janny that I was going to set up the couch for them to sleep down here tonight and she said that was a good idea. That way they wouldn't be alone. 

When I told Uncle Dar this he said, "Well you'd better invite Shelly and Sandra too or they might feel left out. Boy, I'm sure glad I got my bed walled of too. Won't have to listen to you brats tonight." I smiled and kissed him on the cheek and said, "I bet you're out with us helping us get them puters set up and working. I also bet that we'll have to drag you to bed later and tuck you in."

"Nope, he said. "Ain't gonna happen. George is putting them things together. He felt left out cause he didn't get a chance to get much for any of you girls. Janny and I had all the fun today, so he's going to set them up. I really need to lie down for awhile though. I'm a bit tired. I think you should to. You ain't all fixed yet, so get some rest."

With that, he had Ellen and Nancy push him to his little room.



This ends Chapter 7. Chapter 8 will be Eldarin telling his story. 



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 08



Chapter 8: The Hero Remembers

This story is a work of fiction only. Any chance resemblance to actual people or events is purely accidental.

*

I remember that incident in Iraq quite well. It's one of my clearest memories.

5 of us in a Humvee were going to one of the Iraqi government buildings where I was working on the computer network systems when we were ambushed. 

As we were driving down the road, an RPG exploded to the right of us. The vehicle was lifted off the ground on that side by the shockwave of the blast. When it came back down, the whole side sagged badly. 

Tires are gone, I thought. The Sergeant in charge of my escorts said, "Get out and find shelter, I'll cover you." One of the others grabbed me and the other got the driver as he was unconscious.

We got to an alley that provided some shelter from the ambush, while the sergeant continued firing the .50 caliber machinegun mounted on the roof of the humvee. 

The rig was shaken by another explosion, and Sergeant Carson was knocked out of the gun mount. He crawled out and started running toward us and was hit in both legs by enemy fire. 

I looked at the other. The driver was unconscious, and the one who'd dragged him clear was wounded in the leg. The last one was checking the leg wound when I said, "Carson's down. Cover me."

I didn't look to see if he did or not, I just got up and started running toward the Sergeant. I didn't hear any bullets go by me as I ran, but that only meant they hadn't seen me yet.

When I got to Carson, I saw that he was hurt pretty bad but didn't have time to do anything about that. I grabbed his sidearm and started lifting him up. That's when I got hit, while I was hunched over a bit. One in the shoulder, one in the back, and one in the left leg. The vest I was wearing stopped the one in the back, but the others felt like branding irons.

I stopped trying to lift Carson and just grabbed his vest with my left hand and dragged him back to the others. Wasn't much else I could do, but let them bandage him and me up. 

Then I remembered something. I had a small radio set to the local patrol frequency. It was still in the Humvee. I told the corporal that I was going back to the rig, and got up and hobbled to it. The corporal gave me covering fire as I went, and when I got there, I dove into the back where my equipment bag was. 

I opened it up and found the radio. It was intact so I turned it on and immediately picked up a patrol broadcast reporting shots fired. 

I contacted them and gave them my personal call sign and told them that my vehicle was under fire. I reported 4 casualties without telling them that I was 1, and that our vehicle was disabled.

They said that they had us in site and were coming for us. 

Just then, I spotted an ambush being set up for them and stated, "Negative. There's an ambush waiting for you to proceed, so hold in place for a second." 

Amazingly enough, I hadn't dropped that 9 mill automatic. I started shooting at the men that I could see, and they turned toward me and opened up on the Humvee. I'm sure glad these things are armored, even if lightly. I would have been dead otherwise.

I told the patrol that the ambushers were firing on my position and that they could now take them. That they did too. They hit the position with several grenades from launchers and heavy machinegun fire.

I started hunting around for that RPG that had hit us in the first place. Spotting the man, I fired the last couple of rounds from the 9 mill and got him. He dropped the RPG launcher and disappeared inside the door where he'd been hiding. That's about all I remember from that as I lost consciousness.

My next clear memory was several weeks later. I was in a military hospital and was being treated for a real nasty infection. My vision was blurry and I couldn't move much, but a nurse immediately came over to me. Since she was in a military nurses uniform with rank tabs, I knew what kind of hospital I was in. Other than that, I had no clue as to where I was.

The nurse said, "Welcome back to the real world. Your at Madigan Military hospital located at Fort Lewis." 

That surprised me. The hospital they'd sent me to was bout 100 miles from where I'd lived before I went to work for The Department of the Navy. I wondered who'd arranged that little thing.

About then, I faded out again. The next time I woke up, the uniforms were different and no rank on them. I figured I'd been transferred to a civilian hospital since I wasn't in the Army any more. 

I looked around and didn't see any one but I saw a whole bunch of monitors and such. I was too tired to look for the buzzer to call an nurse, so I just started tapping on my chest. This caused one of the machines to start an alarm at the nurses station, and one came in right away. She saw what I was doing and scolded me for it.

I was so dry in the mouth, I couldn't talk. I tried miming drinking with my left had and she got me some water. 

You ever tried drinking with a straw when you mouth is so dry you can't even hardly swallow? Not what I'd call fun.

I slowly sipped a little water from the cup and swished it around in my mouth. It felt wonderful. 

After swallowing the drink, I asked, "How long?"

The nurse responded by saying, "You've been here for 3 days. According to your chart, you were wounded in Iraq about 2 weeks ago."

I whispered, "Where?"

"The Seattle V.A. Hospital. You were transferred here from Madigan."

"How bad?" I asked. 

She said, "You lost a lot of blood when you were hit, and developed a bad infection. We're only just now getting it under control."

About then, I lost consciousness again. When I woke up next, I felt real fuzzy. I couldn't concentrate at all.

I wasn't sure how long I was awake when another nurse came in. She saw I was awake and got me a drink right away. I could barely draw water up the straw, I was so weak. I felt dizzy too, and couldn't focus my eyes well. 

The nurse put the water down on a small table next to my bed and said, "You gave us quite a scare, Mr. DeShade. That infection came back, and then you had a bad allergic reaction to one of the medications they used to try to stop it. We thought we were going to loose you for a few days."

I couldn't concentrate on what she was saying but I remember it now. I don't know how long she was there or what else she said after that either. It was like I had a fog bank in between me and the rest of the world. 

I don't remember how long this went on or what happened. The only clear memory is the 2 nurses who gave me drinks. I also remember that the second one would take me outside now and then so I could have a cigarette and she'd get me coffee too.

My next clear recollection was when a man I recognized and 2 women came into my room. I don't remember what I said to them, but the nurse came in and talked to them for awhile. After that, they left again and the nurse got me up like she would when she was taking me outside for a smoke.

Shortly after she was through, the man came back. I seemed to remember him wearing a military uniform. Desert camouflage, I think.

He took me out to the waiting area where the other 2 women were. Then we went downstairs and to the vending room where a young girl ran up and hugged me. She said something, but I don't recall what. I asked her, "Do I know you? I don't remember to well," or something like that. I'm still real hazy about that time.

I don't remember if she said anything at all, but one of the women from the ward gave me a cup of espresso which I was happy to except. If you've never had hospital coffee, you don't know what a joy any other coffee can be. 

While I was drinking it, the man and the girl came over and sat down with the other 2 and me. They were talking about something although I didn't pay any attention to what they said. That coffee was much more important to me than what they were saying. 

When I finished it, they got up and the girl started pushing me toward the front exit. I remember her looking at the man and saying, "My job now." I remember that very clearly and I was happy she was there. I had been lonely and depressed when I was thinking clearly, and these people were the first visitors I'd had that I could remember.

They took me to the smoking area out front, and the man took out one of my cigarettes and gave it to me. He said something about playing cards when I asked him if I knew him, but I'm not clear about it.

We sat there for awhile and I smoked a couple of cigarettes. I did remember that I didn't get to come out much so I was determined to enjoy this trip as much as possible.

As we sat there, I saw my aunt Donna, who was one of the few relatives I still had in this area. She and my uncle had come to visit me. I got real excited and started saying, "Aunt Dee, aunt Dee. You came to see me." I was real excited, since I hadn't seen her for several years.

She said something to me, but I don't recall what. Then she started talking to the others there. I went back to smoking and smiling at my aunt now and then. She'd been my favorite relative since I was a small child, and I new that if she was there I'd be all right. 

After awhile, we went back inside. The man who'd come to see me took me up to my room with aunt Dee following. When he left, Aunt Dee stayed for awhile.

She asked me, "So how bad is it this time, Dar?"

I said, "Real fuzzy. I can't think right and can't move my arm. I want out of here, aunt Dee. I can't go outside unless someone takes me and I got nothing to do. I hate it here. Can you help me? Please?"

She said, "I'll try. Those others that were here want to get you out too. They said that you got shot helping George when he was wounded. The young girl out there said that she'll take care of you for as long as you need. It seems that you saved her big brother and she wants to pay you back."

"Right now, I can't take you home with me," she said. "Mick lost his little girl recently, and the medical bills forced him to sell his house. He's staying with me right now, so I don't have any room. If you want, I'll check out those people who were here and see how reliable they are. If they look good, and if you want, I'll get you set up with them."

"Really?" I asked. "They want me to stay with them? Why? I don't know them and I barely remember the man. I just can't remember real good right now."

"I know Dar. It's not your fault. They gave you some medication and you had a very bad reaction to it. I was told that it affected your mind and that your right arm is paralyzed. I was also told, though, that you should recover in time."

"I don't understand," I said. 

Aunt Dee said, "That's ok. It isn't your fault. I'll do my best to get you out of here as soon as I can. I have to go now, but I'll be back in a couple days." She bent over and kissed me on the cheek, and said, "I love you Dar and I won't forget you. Trust me on that and I'll get you out of here."

She left after that. 

The next clear memory was when she came back with uncle Jim. They came into the room and told me that I was leaving. I wouldn't be coming back either as the hospital had released me.

I got real excited, and I think I was a bit of a problem to get dressed. It didn't help that I couldn't stand or move the right arm, but aunt Dee and uncle Jim were patient with me and got me ready to go.

When they took me downstairs, we went to the patient storage and got what little I'd had when I was brought in. 

After that, we left the front entrance and went to the bottom part of the parking lot. They got me into a car and off we went. Aunt Dee asked if I was hungry and I said, "You try eating back there."

She laughed at that and said, "I take that as a yes. Since we have a long drive, I'll get you a hamburger. Think you can handle that?"

"Don't know," I said. "Arm don't work right and other hurts."

Uncle Jim said, "Get him something and I'll help him. Be a shame if he starved with a hamburger in his hand."

We pulled into the drive through of a fast food place, and aunt Dee got me a burger and some fries and a Coke. The fries I had no trouble with, but uncle Jim had to help me with the burger and the drink. I just couldn't lift them to my mouth and I couldn't bend over much either.

As I ate, we got on the freeway headed north. I don't really know how long we went, but we took an exit and started east. We went through a couple of towns, and then we drove up to a huge house. 

When we pulled in, the 4 who'd visited me at the hospital before came outside. After Jim got me into my wheelchair, the little girl ran up and started pushing me. She said, "I'll make sure you get taken care of while you're here. You took car of my only big brother, so I'll do it for you." 

I didn't say anything that I remember but she took me inside and showed me around the house. One of the places she took me was a large room with a lot of books on shelves and a desk with a computer set up on it. There was also a hospital bed and a large bathroom with a bathtub. 

"This is your room now," she said. "Since you can't climb the stairs, we set this up for you for as long as you want."

I asked, "Can I read the books? I didn't get to read much at the hospital and I love to read. Can I use the puter too? I couldn't have one of them there either."

She said, "The computer is my old one and it's yours now. And you can read all the books you want. They were my dad's and I'm sure he would have been happy to share since he loved to read too."

"Thank you," I said. 

After looking over the room, we went into the kitchen. There was a pot of coffee already made and she got me a large travel mug and filled it for me. Then she took me out back. 

There was a good sized pool in back, with a fence around it. She said," The fence is so you don't have an accident, but any time you want to come back here, just tell me and I'll bring you. 

She pushed me up to a table where I could set my coffee and got out my cigarettes and helped me light one.

I don't know how long we were back there, but after I finished my coffee she took me back inside. We went to another room with a large sofa and a few chairs. Aunt Dee and uncle Jim were there with the others. 

Aunt Dee looked at me and asked, "Well, what do you think?"

I said, "I like it here. I get a big room with lots of books and even a puter. I miss mine but they have one just for me. Will I be staying here now?"

She sighed and said, "For now, yes. I hadn't decided until we got here, but I think you'll be all right with these people. They seem to care and that's what you need right now. Not a house full of people with barely enough room to breath."

The little girl ran up and hugged aunt Dee. I didn't here what she said, but aunt Dee hugged her back and smiled. 

We sat there and the others chatted for awhile, with the girl always right next to me. She would make sure my coffee cup was full and that I could reach a plate of cookies easily. When the man, who's name was George, I was told, moved the plate she grabbed it and moved it back.

I only ate a couple, but I remembered that little thing more than anything else that day. That, and her smile. Whenever she looked at me, she'd smile. 

After aunt Dee and uncle Jim left, she took me back to my room. She showed me the computer and the books that were back there. By the time we'd checked all the shelves, I had at least 10 that got put on a night stand by the bed. I also remember that the computer was almost brand new. It wasn't some kids cast off.

I'm a bit hazy about the next couple of weeks, but I remember when she got a letter and got all excited. She'd been invited to tryouts for the junior Cheerleaders squad at the high school where she'd be going in the fall. Then she got depressed because she thought that with me she wouldn't be able to go.

I told George, "I want her to go to that tryout. She's given me all her time since I've been here, and she deserves it. Can you help? I don't want her to miss something she wants so bad.

George said, "I'll make sure you have a ride there and I'll pick you up after. Sally (as I'd found out was the girls name) won't go if you don't, so I'll get you both there."

I thanked him and told Sally, "You go to that tryout. If you want to join the squad, then go. I want you to." She smiled and hugged me. That kid sure wasn't shy about hugs, but I loved it. With that and her smile, I felt better every time she walked into a room. She was one of those special people that would light up the whole world with her smile.

It was about then that I realized she'd gotten my heart. I loved her like a daughter. I didn't have any kids of my own and I realized that she filled that hole in my life now.

The day of the Cheerleader tryouts came, and Janny (Georges wife) and Erica (the middle sister) got me ready to go. When Sally pushed me out the front door, George was waiting in Janny's car. They helped me get in and then George put my chair into the trunk. 

We drove about 5 miles, and pulled up to a medium sized school with a track next to it. George and Sally got me into my chair and she pushed me toward a group of girls of about her age. 2 of them waved at her as we came up and walked over to us.

Sally introduced me to them and said that their names were Sandra and Shelly. She told me that they were her best friends.

I said something about them having to come over to visit sometime, but I don't remember exactly what I said. Sally then went over to get signed up for the tryout. 

The other 2 girls stayed with me and started chatting. One asked me why I was in the chair and I told her about the incident in Iraq with George.

They both squealed and the other said, "You're the one who saved George in Iraq! Well that settles it, Sandra. We have to help Sally with him no matter what. George was always nice to us kids, and I like him."

Sandra agreed with this. I started to wonder what was up with these 2 but Sally came back then. 

Shelly told her, "We'll help you with Mr. DeShade today. I'll get in line now and Sandra can get in the middle, so when I'm done I can come over here and sit with him."

I said, "Only if you call me Dar. I'm not a mister, I'm Dar."

Sally giggled at that and told the others, "That's what he told me the only time I called him Mr. He did it to Janny and Erica too."

After that, Sandra and Shelly got into line to wait for their turns at the tryouts. Sally sat with me. We watched each girl as they took their turns, and soon Shelly was back with us.

The girls chatted while they waited for Sandra to take her turn. I didn't pay much attention to what they said as I watched the tryouts. There were some real good performances for the age group.

When Shelly got done with her turn, Sally said something about being nervous. I told her, "I know they look good, but I've watched you practice and swim. You'll do fine and better than fine. Just trust your self and don't worry about the others."

When Sally's turn came, I saw that I'd been right. She did a tumbling routine, and none of the others had done anything like it. I was sure that Sally and her 2 friends would make the team with no problems. The other 2 that I thought were sure wins were twins. 

They had done their turn as a duo, and were quite good. Most of the rest were also good but I thought that my 3 were the best and the twins were next. 

When the tryout ended, the director told the girls to go to the gym in the school and shower up. A few left right away, and she noted it on her clip board. Bad mistake, I thought.

Sally, Sandra and Shelly pushed me to the gym. The director came in behind us and called to us to wait a second. When she caught up, she asked about me. Sally explained what had happened to me in Iraq, and about the drug reaction. 




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 08



She told them that she'd keep an eye on me while they took their showers.

I looked at her and said, "Won't that hurt? I know I wouldn't want to do that."

She gave me a blank stare and said, "Huh?"

I smiled and said, "Gotcha."

The girls caught on first and started giggling. Then the coach caught it. She glared at me and said, "Oh great, now the cheer leaders have a mascot with a bad sense of humor. Just what I need...."

The girls started laughing and headed toward the girls shower room. The woman started pushing me toward her office, while mumbling about bad jokes. 

I said, "If you liked that one, I know some others."

"Oh don't start. Don't even think of starting with me. You can't get away and I'm vengeful."

"And you like what you do, so you help 3 kids with a cripple." I said.

She said, "I helped 3 kids with a man who got shot saving the life of the brother of one of them. And don't use that word around me again. You may be a bit shop worn, but when we get done with you, you won't be a cripple."

I must have had one of my lapses about then, because I don't remember much else real clear for a bit. I do remember when the girls came back out wearing different clothes, and I remember the Coach slipping into her office so they wouldn't see that she'd stayed with me during my episode. 

When they got their, she asked them into the office. I don't know what they talked about but they were real excited when we left. When they came out, they were all saying, "We made it. I told the coach, "I don't want to be a problem for Sally, so when she comes to practice I'll stay home. She wants this so bad that I don't want to be a problem for her.

The coach said, "Now you listen to me. I had a grandfather who lost a leg at Normandy in World War 2. My father was a P.O.W. in Korea for a year. My oldest brother fought in Vietnam and I have a nephew in Iraq. They wouldn't forgive me if I cut you out like that." 

"Now, the question isn't whether you can come or not, but how. Sally is on the team and that's final. You are welcome to the after school activities and you will come. That's also final. All we have to do is figure out how." 

Shelly and Sandra said at the same time, "I'll ask my folks if they can help." 

I don't remember anything else about that conversation, but I was happy that I wouldn't be getting in Sally's way of being on the cheerleaders squad. That's all that mattered to me because of what she'd already done for me. 

After that, we headed out of the building. As we went outside, they chatted about the fact that all 3 had made the team. I remember saying to Sally, "Told you so," but I'm hazy on anything else. 

I do remember getting to the bus stop and the twins walking up. Turned out they were on their way to the mall too, so they joined us.

They all 5 chatted while we waited, and when the bus got there Sally got me loaded onto it and then strapped me into the wheelchair space. All of them found seats close to me and tried to include me in their conversation. I don't remember much about it but I started to feel less foggy as we got off at the mall. 

It wasn't as big as some I'd seen but was decent sized. 

All 3 pushed me in, and I saw the electronics store that George had told me about. 

I gave Sally some money and asked her to get me a cup of coffee.

While she was gone, I asked the others if they'd help me. I told them that I wanted to get a surprise for her and I needed their help to do it.

When Sally got back, she handed me my coffee. Shelly beat her to the back of my chair and said, "My turn to push for awhile. Since we're a team, we take turns."

Sally said, "Ok, but be careful of bumps. Dar's balance is a bit off."

I faded out a bit on the conversation but I remembered about suggesting having a party so Sally could have her friends over. Ellen and Nancy got excited when they found out that Sally had a pool at home, too. I figured that with that incentive, Sally would have more of a problem getting rid of her friends than getting them to come over.

I looked up and saw we were close to the electronics' shop and said, "Look, a lectronic shop. Can we go in and look?"

Right on cue Shelly said, ""Hey Sally, look at that shop. It has some cool music cd's. Lets go there for a second."

Sally said, "I need to stay with Dar."

"Aw go look at that stuff, Sally." I said. "You don't need to look at everything I want to look at. I just haven't had a chance to see any of the newest stuff so I want to look for a bit is all. Sandra won't loose me, will you Sandra?"

She laughed and said, "Now how would I loose a lump like you? Go ahead Sally, I'll take care of Dar."

Sally finally agreed and said, "Ok."

Sandra and the cousins took me into the shop and back to the computer sales. I got the attention of one of the sales people, and said, "I want to see the best you have right now. I'm looking for 2 full towers with the works. Full antivirus and such. One is for a girl of about 13, and is a gift. It'll get picked up in an hour or so."

I gave him Georges Cell number and said, "When we're done, call this number and tell George Carson that the goods are ready for pickup. I want this to be a surprise for her."

The man said, "I'm Larry, and I'll be happy to help you." He led us back to where there were several full tower systems set up for display. I checked them all out, and decided on 2. I also had him show me the desks they had and got a simple but sturdy one. 

After that, we went to the lap tops and I got one each for Janny and Erica. When we went to the checkout, I took out my Debit card. The sales man said that he needed to verify it because of the amount of the sale. He called the number on the back and started talking. After a moment, he asked for I.D. and I gave him my Department of the Navy civilian I.D.

After verifying it, he hung up and said, "No problem. It's just that we have a policy to verify all credit card sales over $500. 

I said, "I don't mind. In fact, I like that so I think that I might be doing business with you in the future. Do you take special orders at all?"

He said, "Yes. We can order just about anything you want and assemble it here. We have service techs that are certified with most of the major manufacturers that work for us. If you want a special system assembled, we can do it and we deliver too. Since we have several stores all over western Washington, we deliver free in most areas. As a matter of fact, with your current purchases we can deliver it to you."

I said, "I want it tonight. I don't normally hurry much, but this is special. I'm getting a girl a special present because she's been taking care of me since I got out of the hospital. She even gave me her new computer and started using the old one, so I'm in a bit of a hurry this time. I'll remember what you said, though and I'll be back."

With that, we left. I looked at a clock and saw that we had only been about 10 minutes or so. I guess it doesn't take long when you already know about what you want if it's available.

We met the others as we left the shop. I said to the 3 with me, no telling." They giggled and agreed.

When we met up with the others, I said that I was hungry. I asked if they were and said, "My treat. What do you want for lunch."

They all smiled and said, "Godfathers." I said, "Ok, lets go." 

I'm a bit fuzzy about the rest of the time we were at the mall, but when we met George outside later, he had all the stuff I'd bought at the computer store.

Sally asked if he could take the others home, and he agreed. Then he smiled and said, "How bout you 4 call your parents and get permission to come out to my place? I'll run you home so you can get some stuff for the night, and then we'll go home. Bring swim suits with you too and you can use the pool tomorrow."

I bet those kids set records getting out cell phones and calling home. We ended up taking all 4 to their homes and they got their stuff and packed it in back with the rest That done, we went home. 

When we got home, George said, "Ok ladies, Sally has to take Dar in, so I need some help taking all this in. You willing?"

They all agreed, so while Sally took me to my room, they helped George unload the truck. 

After I had cleaned up, Sally took me into the family room with the others, then went up to her room to get cleaned up and such.

Once she had started upstairs, we all went down into the basement and started getting everything put together. 

Shortly after we had started, Sally rejoined us. She asked what we were doing, and George said that he was setting up a desk that I'd bought. She asked about the other stuff, and George gave a vague answer about it being stuff that I'd gotten from the mall.

I suggested that we all go out back so George could finish with setting up the computer for Sally. 

They agreed, so we all went upstairs and out the back.

Nancy said, "Wow, you weren't kidding about a pool.

Sally said, "Nope, nice ain't it? All 4 agreed. 

Sandra said, "We come over all the time to swim. It's fun when you don't have to scramble around for a good place like at the beach."

We talked for awhile, and finally George came out with some drinks. 

I asked, "Is it ready now?"

George said, "I may not be in your class with that kind of stuff, but I do now a bit. It's ready and running."

"Great," I said. "Lets go check it out." 

With that, we all went down to the basement.

When we got downstairs, Sally saw the new computer set up on the new desk and said, "I see you got a new computer. How come it's down here instead of in your room?"

I said, "Because I didn't get it for me."

She didn't get it and asked, "So who's it for?"

"You," I said. 

She looked at the system again, and started crying then she asked, "Why?"

"The computer you gave me wasn't your old one," I said. "It was brand new. You spent all your free time with me since I've been here with me instead of seeing your friends. When I want a cup of coffee, it's almost always you that gets it."

When you found out about the cheerleading competition, I asked George if he could help me see about what was happening with my pay. I'm 100% disabled with the Army now so I get a good pension from the V.A. I get another pension from the Navy since I was working for them when I got hurt. I get a lot of money every month."

"So, I asked George if I could get you something special. You've given me something special so I wanted to give you something special. You gave me back my hope. I was ready to die in that hospital and you gave me a chance to live again. That is for you."

She ran over to me and gave me one of those addictive hugs. I hugged her back with my left arm and said, "Go check it out and see if you like it."

She went over and looked it over. From the way she was smiling, I knew I'd made a good choice. She started it up and her grin got even bigger. 

When she was done looking everything over, she came back to me and said, "This is incredible! Are you sure this isn't for you?"

I said, "Nah. I got the good stuff for myself. This one is just an off the shelf system. I hope you like it though."

She started crying again, and George said, "I don't think she likes it. Can I have it?"

I laughed and said, "Too late. I already got a hug. It's bought and paid for now. Besides, I bet she hugs better than you."

George laughed at that. While we were talking, Janny came down.

"Where did that stuff come from?" she asked.

"Dar got it for Sally," said George.

"Dar, you didn't have to spend all that money," she said to me.

"It's my money and I wanted to," I said. She hasn't had much of a summer because of taking care of me and she gave me her brand new computer when I first got here. This is pay back. If I had to pay her for the kind of care I've gotten, it would have cost me a lot more than that computer."

Janny didn't say anything in response. She just walked over and said, "Thank you for letting me keep my husband. Sally is thanking you for letting her keep her brother. Erica is thanking you for letting her keep her brother."

"The only reason that Sally spends the most time with you right now is because George and I work and Erica is in school. We all take our turns, though, because you took the risk to save George and we're all very grateful to you for that. You don't owe us anything."

I said, "I owe you my sanity. I owe you for saving my life by getting me out of that hospital. When I could think straight, I was seriously considering suicide. I was going insane there. You saved me from that. But Sally has paid the most for that rescue and I do owe her for that.

George butted in and said, "Don't argue with him or he'll get mad and buy you something too."

I smiled and said, "That reminds me, now where are those 2 packages."

"Uh oh," said George.

Janny said, "What?"

Sandra picked one of the laptops up and said, "You mean this?"

I said, That's one of them."

She brought it over to me, and I gave it to Janny. "For you," I said.

She took a deep breath and said, "I guess it isn't worth arguing with you about this, is it?"

I said, "Nope. You'd just loose."

She looked at me for a moment, and then opened it. Inside was one of the newest Sanyo laptop computers. Top of the line for Laptops, in my opinion.

She looked at it for a bit then looked up at me and gave me one of those smiles like Sally had and said, "You really are a sweet man. Thank you. What about another package?"

"It's for Erica," I said.

When she got home a bit later, I gave her the second package. She didn't even argue like Janny had, but when she opened it she started crying and gave me one of those hugs and smiles and said, "Thank you. I've wanted one of these but with school cost, I couldn't afford it yet."

I said, "Well I think I got the better gift. I got 2 great hugs from 2 pretty girls and 3 of the best smiles I've ever seen from 3 pretty women. I think I came out way ahead of you 3."

With that done, I said to Sally, "I'm tired now, so I'd be grateful for a push to my room."

She came over and I whispered to her, "When you get me to my room, come back down and spend some time with your friends. You have 2 old ones to make up lost time with and 2 new ones to get to know better. I'll be fine until Janny and Erica help me get to bed, so have fun and enjoy yourself.

She gave me another hug and pushed me to the stair lift. When it had got me up the stairs, she pushed me into my room. I saw that the boxes with my stuff were already here, so I told her to tell George he had another puter to put together. She smiled and said, "Ok. He loves doing it so I bet he'll be right up.

I said, "Good. Now go be with your friends for awhile. I can get by till George gets here."

She smiled again, and left. 

George came up and helped me set up my new system and put the other one away. 

When we were done he said, "Thank you for what you gave the girls."

I said, "I didn't give them nearly as much as the 4 of you have given me the last few weeks. I meant what I told Janice."

We chatted a little longer, and Janice came in and the 2 of them helped me get ready for bed.

I asked how the kids were doing, and she said that they were all 6 playing video games on the 2 computers."

That made me even happier. It had been a wonderful day for me and with that thought, I drifted off to sleep.

*

This ends chapter 8. Chapter 9 will continue with Dar telling the story.



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 09



Chapter 9: The Hero's Gift

This story is a work of fiction only. Any chance resemblance to actual people or events is purely accidental.

Special thanks to Mistress Lynn for her assistance and advice.

*

The next couple of weeks were a bit of a blur for me, but I remember that Sally's friends came over just about every day. They took turns helping me around the house, and they would frequently take me places. All their parents helped with rides and such. I had a lot of fun during that time even if I forgot a lot of what we did.

One morning, after Sally had gotten us our breakfasts and taken me outside to eat, George came out and joined us for a bit. Sally asked him if he could stay with me while she ran up and got her swimsuit on so she could go in the pool for a bit. George agreed, and she ran into the house and changed. It didn't take her long, and she was back out.

George went back inside then and Sally went over to the diving board. She yelled at me to watch, and took a couple of running steps forward and jumped up. When she came down at the end of the board, her feet shot forward and she went down on her back and head.

Even though I was at least thirty feet from there, I heard the loud crack as her head hit. She bounced up and spun sideways and went into the water face down where she just floated. No movement at all.

I don't remember going through the fence but when I got to the edge of the pool I kept going. I don't remember how I moved the chair, just that I had to get to Sally as fast as I could. I went straight into the pool and sank to the bottom. 

I somehow got the chair braced so I could push against the back and I felt it tear free of the rivets holding it to the frame. I used my right leg and left arm to push myself through the belt around my chest and got free of it and the chair. I felt a tug as something pulled on the bum leg, but I just ignored it. Sally needed me.

I swam up to her and grabbed an arm and swam to the shallow end where I could use the good leg to push on the bottom and somehow got to the stairs in the corner of the pool. 

When I got there, I sat down and pulled Sally into my lap to check her out. She wasn't breathing, so I immediately started CPR. I don't know how long I did this, but she finally started coughing up water and began breathing on her own.

With her breathing again, I started yelling for George. He was out there fast, and when he saw me in the pool holding an unconscious Sally he immediately pulled out his cell phone and called for help. 

After that, he came over and got her out of the pool and lying down. I stayed where I was at since it was Sally we were both concerned with. 

Now that she was out of the pool, George got me Sally's phone from where she left it on the table and showed me how to use the speed dial to call his phone and went out front to wait for the ambulance to get there.

He was back a short time later with a paramedic team and a gurney. They immediately started checking Sally over, while I waited. I suddenly started feeling cold. I asked George to help me out of the pool because of how cold I was. He came over and looked into the water and yelled out, "I need help. We have a bleeder over here. 

I looked down into the water, and saw a stream of blood that originated at my left thigh. I remembered the pull on that leg when I'd fought free of the wheelchair. 

I suddenly felt light headed and as I stared at the water it seemed to get closer until every thing went black. I don't remember any thing until I woke up in what I could see was a hospital room.

My first thought was of Sally, so I tried to sit up. I got dizzy for a second, but I kept going. Sally needed me.

When I was sitting up, I looked around and saw a wheelchair not far from the bed. I slowly eased myself over the side of the bed and grabbed it and pulled it over to where I could sit down in it.

After that, I used my right foot and left hand to move myself to the door. I was going to find Sally. That was the only thing I could think of as I wasn't very coherent at the time.

I got out of the door, and headed down the hall. As I passed each room I looked in to see if Sally was there. Not seeing her, I continued on. I don't know how long I looked but a nurse finally caught me. She started saying something about my needing to stay in bed. I don't remember much else that she said.

She pushed me back to my room and had an orderly help her get me back into bed. I don't remember if they said anything or not at that point nor do I recall if I did. My only thought was that I had to find Sally because she needed me.

When they left, they took the chair with them. That only slowed me down. I was determined to find Sally so I again got myself out of bed, only this time I just lowered myself to the floor and crawled to the door. 

I got it open by grabbing it from the bottom and pulling it until it was open enough to get through, and then I slid out on the waxed linoleum tile. 

I kept crawling and looking into rooms until I was again found. This time, when they got me back into my room they strapped me into bed. I was crying by now and fighting them trying to get away so I could find Sally. I had to make sure she was all right.

They strapped me down tight, and an orderly stayed by my door to make sure I didn't get away again. 

I don't know how long I fought to get out of that bed, but George finally showed up. When he saw how I was restrained, he immediately undid the straps. 

The orderly came into the room and tried to stop him but he actually threw the man out the door and finished getting the straps off of me. 

When the orderly came back in, he ordered George to leave. George said, "I'm this mans legal guardian, and if you restrain him like that again, you are going out that window over there. I want to see the hospital administrator. Now!"

With that, he turned back to me and said, "It's ok Dar. She's fine. You got to her in time and she's fine. Just relax for a bit and I'll get this straightened out and then we'll go see her together."

I relaxed with that. If George said she was ok, I'd wait.

Shortly after that, another man came in. He was wearing a suit instead of medical whites like the nurses and the orderly I'd seen.

When he came in he started to order George to leave the hospital at once or he'd be arrested for trespass and assault.

George said, "That's fine with me. I'll be taking Dar here and my sister with me when I go. I'll also be calling my attorney and informing him of how you treated this man. He saved my sister-in-laws life and almost bled to death as a result. They were brought in here at the same time."

"If you want, I'll be more than happy to leave," he continued, "but they both will be transferred to a facility where they will receive proper medical care."

I don't recall anything else that was said, as I faded out. When I woke up again, George was still there. He looked at me and said, "When you feel strong enough I'll take you to Sally."

I said, "I'm hungry George. I don't know when I last ate, but I'm hungry. Can you take me to Sally and then get me some food?"

He said, "Yes. I'll get you whatever you want." With that, he helped me get up and gave me a robe to put on. It wasn't a hospital robe and looked like it was brand new.

I didn't ask questions, just let him get me into it and then into a chair. 

He then pushed me to an elevator and we went up a few floors. I thought to myself, "I would never have found Sally alone". 

Getting off the elevator, we went down the hall to a closed door. He opened it and pushed me in. I saw Sally was asleep or unconscious and hooked up to several monitors. She looked pale, but she was breathing.

I noticed that Janny was there too, but I was only concerned with Sally. After all she'd done for me since I'd been released from the V.A. hospital I couldn't bear the thought of her not getting better. I started pulling myself to her bed with my good leg, and George pushed me the rest of the way over.

He said, "You can stay here with her for as long as you want. I promise that the hospital staff won't cause you any more trouble about it either. They have enough problems with the complaints I filed against them. I also have an attorney checking into filing a law suit against them for how they treated you. That was inexcusable and I intend to make them pay for it. 

I looked at George and said, "Don't make it bad for other sick people, George. Just get the ones who did it and leave the rest alone. I don't need any money, and I don't think you do either so just get the bad ones."

He looked at me for a second then said, "If that's what you want, Dar, I'll do it your way. I already have a specialist coming in to see about Sally, and when he says she can be moved I'm transferring her to a different hospital. You are already released, and when I come back I'll bring you some clothes."

I said, "All right George, but I'm not leaving Sally. I stay here."

"That's fine with me," he said. "You can stay here as long as you want. Either Janny, Erica or I will be here too."

Janny walked up then, and hugged me real tight and said, "Thank you again. Now it's my baby sister, and I will never be able to repay you for that."

I said, "She's your baby sister, but she's my best friend. I don't have many friends and I won't loose one if I can do anything about it. You don't owe me anything anyway. She gave me more than I can possibly repay since I've been staying with you. I would rather die than loose her or any of the rest of you."

Janny hugged me again, and kissed me on the forehead and said, "As long as I'm alive, you have a home. No matter what, I'll always make a place for you. First my husband, and now my sister. I don't care what you say. I owe you."

I said, "You owe nothing for what is freely given. No debt for that."

She said, "You are a wonderful man and I love you for it. Very well, then, no debt for what was freely given. From both sides."

She then walked back over to the other side of the bed and sat down in a chair. I tried to lift my left hand up to Sally's right hand but I couldn't. 

My shoulder was throbbing and I just couldn't lift it up. George saw what I was trying to do, and lifted my arm for me so I could reach Sally's hand. 

I gripped her hand and just sat there holding it. I didn't even notice when George left. I did notice when he came back, however, because he said, "Time to eat boy and time to change into some decent clothes. I don't think it's right for an old man like you to sit in a girls room just wearing those rags you have on."

I looked at him and saw he had a large bag that smelled like Chinese food. He also had another bag in his other hand. I let go of Sally and pushed back from her bed a bit. 

George put down the large bag and pulled a table over to me and put the bag of food on it and started pulling out containers and some plastic wear.

"I'm sorry about the table wear," he said, but I thought you'd be happy just to have the food. I also got you a new shirt and some jeans since your's were ruined. Plus underwear and shoes and socks. After you eat, we'll get you dressed."

Janny came over and said, "I'll help him with the food and you can sit by Sally for awhile."

Because of the shoulder, I couldn't get a my hand up to my mouth. I couldn't even reach the table at the time. Janny had to feed me like a baby but I was so hungry I didn't care. I hadn't had anything to eat that I could remember since before Sally's accident.

After I finished eating, Janny put the left over food into the bag and told George that I was done. He came over and pushed me into a bathroom across the hall and helped me get changed into the new clothes. The were much better quality than what I'd been wearing when Sally had gotten hurt.

When I mentioned this he said, "Payback for the gifts you gave the girls. I told you that you'd get yours."

I didn't remember him saying that, but I excepted his explanation. 

When I was dressed, he pushed me back to Sally's bed and helped me lift my arm so I could hold her hand again. I fell asleep sitting there like that.

After that, I don't remember much for awhile but I do remember when Sally woke up. George and Janny were there too.

They talked a bit before she went back to sleep. I was relieved that she had woken up. I had been worried that she'd been unconscious for too long. I hadn't believed the specialist who'd examined her. 

By this point, after my experiences with the staff of this hospital, I wasn't very trusting of any one in the medical field. I hadn't even been given a meal after I was brought in, and George said that I'd been here for over 12 hours when he came to check on me.

He apologized for not coming sooner, but had thought I'd be ok. I told him that he was where he should have been, with Sally. If I'd have been able to get there, I would have been there too. She was the important one at the time, not me.

George said, "I should still have checked on you sooner. The hospital didn't even notify the V.A. that you were here even after I told them that some of your injuries were service related. When I notified them that you were here and for how long, they said they'd check on it. I think they did and they used a hammer to knock on the door here."

I asked, "Why do you say that?" 

He said, "While you were asleep, the guy in the suit came back and started apologizing like you wouldn't believe. He said that he didn't know how that error had happened, but he'd look into it immediately. He also said that your bill had been written off and you wouldn't be charged for any services."

I asked, "What services? I don't think they even brought me a meal tray and even if they had, I wouldn't have been able to eat without help. I can't feature them doing that either."

George agreed with that. He told me, "So far, I know lf at least three people that have been fired over this. That orderly was the first, and the person who authorized the restraints was one of them too. I think they also fired an admitting clerk for not notifying the V.A."

I said, "Just make sure they fired the right people, and not scape-goats. I want the guilty hung out to dry, but not the innocent."

George agreed to check.

Later on, the specialist came back and said that he'd made arrangements to transfer Sally to another hospital and that there'd be no trouble with me staying in Sally's room as long as I wanted. He also said that he'd personally make sure that I was fed and would have help eating as I had severely strained my shoulder.

I didn't remember doing that, but I knew that I'd done a good job of it as the joint was swollen and bruised. And that to the bad shoulder to start with.

I'd injured it while I was in the Army, and it had never healed right. I was twenty percent for that alone, and another ten percent for the right wrist which I'd broken. I had a lot of fun between the two at times.

I stayed with Sally as much as I could, only going home to shower and sleep for short periods of time. When ever I wanted to come back, someone would always be willing to bring me be it George, Janny or Erica. Someone was always there and always willing to play chauffer for me. 

I don't know how much time passed, but I tried to be there whenever Sally woke up. She seemed to wake up more often and stay awake for longer periods. This was a good sign, the specialist told me. She'd had a severe concussion and some mild bruising of the brain, but he said she'd make a complete recovery. She'd just have to take it easy for awhile.

I told him that I'd make sure of that. I wasn't going to let her get hurt again if I could help it. Almost loosing her once was enough.

Eventually, they let her go home. When we got her there, all her friends were waiting for her in front of the house. Every body came up and gave her a hug and welcomed her home, then they did the same to me. 

When everybody had finished with all the hugging and welcoming and such, we went out back where they had food waiting. George pushed me and I held Sally on my good leg. I wasn't going to let her go just yet.

When we got to the back, I saw at least two tables loaded with food. George pushed us to another one, and left us there. He said that he'd get us something to eat.

Sally got up and went and got a chair to sit in. She put it next to me and sat down beside me. After that, things got kind of fuzzy again. I don't remember much until the next day.

When Janny came in, I told her about the episodes I'd been having lately and she said, "I've expected that. The specialist that's been treating Sally has also been watching you. George got your medical records released to him, and after checking them and observing you he said to expect it."

"He said that because of the stress with Sally, and your own injury you'd be having a bit of trouble for awhile. So don't worry. I'm not going to loose you."

I said, "Ok, but I want to talk to that doctor. Can you take me in the next time Sally goes?" 

"If that's what you want, then no problem. The V.A. is footing the bill anyway and I think they're billing that first hospital. Serve them right if so."

That was a relief to know. I'd wondered how much this would cost me since I don't have any actual medical insurance. Rather hard to get when you're listed as permanently disabled.

I thanked her and went back to watching T.V. on that big plasma they'd gotten me. I'd know about the stuff for Sally, but that t.v. was still a surprise. When we'd walked into the room, I thought it was an animated picture until they told me.

It was still a bit early for Sally to be getting up, and the other kids that were around were being quiet so as not to wake her. We'd all been letting her sleep as much as she wanted and like when I first came here, there was always someone watching her when she was up and about. We'd all been worried sick about her while she was in the hospital, but she now seemed on the mend.

Shortly after my conversation with Janny, she got up and joined me by the t.v. She seemed much more like her old self, and looked a lot better. 

As we sat watching the tube, she asked me why I'd gone into the pool after her. I told her that I did it because she was my friend. I explained how a true friend would help no matter the cost. If someone you care for needs help the only consideration is how, not cost. There is no price on friendship.

I also told her how I'd grown to love her like a daughter. I didn't have any children of my own and hadn't even seen my nieces and nephews or any of my family except my aunt since before I went to Iraq over two years ago. 

I told her how lonely I'd been in the hospital after they shipped me back, and that she and her family were the first people that came to visit me just to see how I was doing. I hadn't known at the time that the government hadn't informed my emergency contacts about what had happened, and I thought they didn't care about me anymore.

When she'd jumped up that first time to push me outside, and said that it was her job now, I'd felt like I'd just seen the sun for the first time. She was that light. I got up and went to my desk where I'd but the medals they gave me after Iraq, and got out the Navy Cross. I walked back and gave it to her. 

When she told me that she couldn't except it, I explained why I'd gone after George. It hadn't been about anything more complicated than the fact that he was a friend. 

He and I became friends after he and his men had been assigned as my escorts while I was moving around Bagdad fixing and installing computer systems for the Iraqi government. George was just that kind of outgoing friendly person you had to like from the start.




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 09



When I saw him go down, I couldn't let him get killed. I told the two Marines that were conscious to cover me and grabbed a 9 millimeter side arm and went after him. No thoughts about what I was doing except that George needed help and I was able to give it.

It wasn't a question about bravery in my opinion. That required a conscious decision to do something dangerous. I hadn't made a conscious decision, I acted instinctively. Get my friend to safety.

I also told her what I believed about when someone saves your life. It doesn't incur a debt as it can never be repaid. It's a gift that one person gives another. You don't repay gifts like that because they are given freely with no strings attached. You just except the gift and honor the giver.

To me, bravery like what she thought was why I'd gone after her in the pool and George in Iraq isn't bravery. It's doing something that a normal person would consider extremely stupid. Doing something brave for the sake of bravery isn't bright. Most true hero's became such by surviving an act of stupidity.

I did what I did, not for medals or such. Not for having people think that I'm brave. I did what I did because a friend needed help. Nothing more, but nothing less either.

The medal didn't mean as much to me as the smile that I saw when Sally was happy or excited. It didn't mean anything next to seeing George happily working on a computer he had brought home from work either. What mattered to me was the smile, not the medal. I could live without the medal but I didn't want to think about the world without that beautiful smile.

We talked a bit more, and finally Sally excepted the medal as a remembrance. 

Shortly after that conversation, Shelly and Sandra came in. They asked why we were still in there and I said, "I didn't want to do anything much today. I'm just watching t.v. Sally agreed.

Shelly said, "Well you've got things to do today anyway. We've got plans for you and your not getting away from us. We're going out and having fun today."

Sandra said, "Yea. The cousin twins are coming over and we're going out and your coming with us."

"So what's the special occasion?" asked Sally.

Shelly asked, "You don't really know? It's Dar's birthday today. George told us several days ago, so we're taking him out. You're coming too because we know he won't leave you behind, so get up and go get dressed."

Sandra agreed, and grabbed Sally's arm and started dragging her to her room.

I saw George come in, and he took me over to my sleeping room and helped me get dressed too. I was able to use my right arm somewhat by this time, but I still needed help with little things like buttons and tying shoes. 

After he got me dressed, we went back into the main room. The girls were already there so we headed out to the front door. When we got outside, I saw a school bus with all the girls from the cheerleading squad inside. I saw several other kid too, and coach Coulter was driving. 

Sandra and Shelly pushed my chair over to the bus and Sally helped me get up the stairs while the other 2 folded up my chair and loaded it in the baggage compartment under the bus. Then they got on behind us.

I sat down next to the window with the cousin twins behind me and Sally sat next to me. Sandra and Shelly took the seat behind coach Coulter. When we were all loaded, we took off.

Sally started talking to Ellen and Nancy. I didn't pay much attention to what they were talking about, but when Sally started talking about me teaching them Martial Arts I interrupted and said, "Only if your parents give permission and only if you make two promises. You only use what I teach for self defense or to protect others. I don't teach anything else."

"The other thing," I continued, "is getting your parents to ok you learning something like that. I won't do it otherwise."

I looked out the front again and saw that we were approaching a large carnival. "I think we're here," I said.

"Wow," said Sally. "I haven't been to a carnival since I was eight or nine."

"Sandra said that too," said Ellen, "so we decided to go to this one. We did a car wash at the school and coach Coulter helped us set it up so we could make money for the trip. Lots of kids helped, and the radio station even sent over a D.J. and played music for us while we worked."

I was touched by that and asked, "You mean that you got together to do this trip for me?"

Ellen said, "Well not entirely. We thought we'd do something for fun, and thought that since your birthday was coming up we'd bring you too since you deserved something special. We also thought Sally deserved something so we brought her along. Happy Birthday, uncle Dar."

That last surprised me. It was the first time I'd been called uncle since my sister moved back east about five years ago. I liked the sound of it so I didn't say anything. I just smiled and let it go. By the end of the day, all the kids on the bus were calling me that. Even coach Coulter did.

Regardless of the motivation, I was still touched by the thought that all these kids had decided to include me in their plans for a field trip like this. I hadn't done anything like this since my older brothers kids were the age of these kids. That was a long time ago.

Ellen and Nancy helped me out of the bus while Sandra and Shelly got my chair out. When I was in it, they told me that they were going to take me anywhere at the carnival I wanted to go. Sally said she was coming with us too. We ended up spending the day as a group, and I loved every minute of it.

I didn't go on any of the rides, but it was still fun to watch the others. I did, however, win a bunch of stuffed animals and gave them to whichever one of the kids were closest. I think I got at least one for each of them by the end of the day. Even Megan, as I learned was the first name of coach Coulter. 

It was a great day but by the time we left I was tired. I don't remember the trip home real well, but when we got there my special gang of five got off the bus with us. Megan drove off to take the rest of the kids home and Ellen and Shelly pushed me inside. 

I looked at Sally and saw her beautiful smile and decided that the day had been a success. We went inside and had a light dinner as we'd been eating carnival junk food all day, and we all went to bed. I went to sleep thinking that this had been one of my best birthday gifts in my entire life.

*

This ends Chapter 9. Chapter 10 will continue with Dar telling the story.



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 10



Chapter 10: The Hero's New Family

This story is a work of fiction only. Any chance resemblance to actual people or events is purely accidental.

Special thanks to Mistress Lynn for her assistance and advice.

*

The day after my birthday excursion started out normally enough. Jenny and Erika had gotten me dressed and Sally's friends helped her. 

After that, we ate breakfast which Sandra and Shelly made for us. After eating, we went out back where the girls started chatting while I read one of Sally's fathers books. I had been impressed with his collection from the start and was determined to read as many as I could while I was here.

Shortly after we got out back, Ellen and Nancy got phone calls on their cells.

They both started crying almost immediately, and when they both hung up. Ellen said, " Our parents are gone. Oh my god they're dead." If anything, she started crying harder. I was shocked myself.

Sally asked them, "What happened?"

"They went to a party in Redmond last night. They were coming home today and they got into a wreck on the freeway. They're gone."

I couldn't think of anything to say to that, so I just moved myself in between them and hugged them both. The other girls joined me while I just held two heartbroken little girls. There wasn't much else I could do right then, but I thought about what would happen to them next.

I knew CPS would step in and take them into protective custody. The first thing that would probably happen was that they would be separated and put into foster homes. The chances of them remaining together was small.

I made a decision then that I would do whatever I could to prevent that from happening and a plan came to me. I would adopt them if they didn't have family that could take them in and keep them together. They'd lost enough, I figured, and didn't need to loose each other too.

I told Sally to go get George and Janny and tell them what had happened and that I needed to talk to them right away. She ran off to get them, and I told the other girls to stay with them. I went inside to talk to George and Janny and explain my plan to them and my reason for doing it.

When Sally got back with her sister and brother, I told her that I needed to talk with them in private for a bit so she should go back outside with her friends.

When she had gone, I told George and Janny what I wanted to do and what they needed to do if they wanted to help. Right now, I couldn't adopt two children because I was still listed as mentally incompetent. But they should be able to take the girls in as foster parents as they could show the means to take proper care of them.

They both agreed to my plan and Jenny told me, "I was right. You really are a nice man.

I disagreed with her on that, but she didn't know my past or what some of my duties in Iraq were. I am not a nice person. I love kids though, and I just couldn't bare to think about what would happen to those two little girls if I didn't try to help them. This was something that I had to do.

I asked George to get the two girls so he could tell them about him and Janny taking them in if they wanted to stay. I thought it best to wait for a bit before I offered to adopt them. One thing at a time, I thought.

When the girls came in, I went out to the others. I felt real tired about then. Emotional pain took a lot out of you. 

Sally asked me if I was alright, and I told her, "I'm just a bit tired. I talked to George and Janny, and they're going to try to get custody of your friends. I don't want them going into State custody if I can help it because I know what would happen."

Sally asked, "What would happen?"

I told here, "They would most likely be split up and put into foster homes alone. Since they aren't sisters, the CPS people wouldn't try to keep them together. Most people who take in foster children only take one at a time anyway. Once they're split up, they wouldn't be able to contact each other because of a policy against releasing that information."

I'm not going to let that happen to them if I can prevent it," I finished. I really meant that too. I would do whatever I could to keep the pair together.

"What did you do about it?", asked Sally.

"I asked George and Jenny if they'd take them in if I paid for their upkeep. The V.A. pays them to take care of me, so it doesn't cost me anything to stay here. Since I have a good income, I can afford that, and when I get the mental evaluation done and the incompetence rating removed I intend to adopt them. 

Sally asked me, "Why are you doing this?"

I looked at her in the eye this time and said, "Because I care about them as much as you three do. I want them to be able to stay together and this way I can make sure that they can if they want. I'd do the same for all of you."

Shelly asked, "You really mean that?"

"Yes," I said. "I hope something like this never happens to you, but if you ever need any help I'd be honored if you came to me. All of you have been my friends, and friends take care of each other."

George and Janny came out and Janny asked Sally if she'd be willing to give up her room. She agreed immediately and said, "They're my friends and I have a great room now thanks to uncle Dar. I can stay there so now my old room is free. I can also give them some of my clothes if they need them since we're close to the same size."

"Uncle?" Janny asked. "When did he become uncle?"

"At the carnival," said Shelly. "He's uncle Dar to the whole Cheerleader squad now. Even coach Coulter called him that a few times."

"Coulter called him that?" asked George. "I took senior math from her. She's a tough lady, but she's fair. If you had a problem, the only thing that would make her mad about it is if you didn't ask her if she could help."

"Yes, that's her alright," said Janny. I took girls Phys Ed from her."

George said, "Ok, here's what we do now. Janny and I are already approved foster parents. We called CPS and told them about the girls, and they're going to send someone out for an inspection tour. Once that's done, and CPS approves them being placed here, we need to take them home to get some necessities and then go shopping for some clothes."

Sally asked, "What should we do?"

"Just stay with them. Don't leave them alone at all. I'll set up the basement so you girls can all sleep down there tonight. After CPS is done, I'll take them home to get what they need and when the estate is settled, I'll help them get the rest of their things brought over here." 

"Tomorrow, we'll see about taking them shopping for whatever else they might need," George said. "They won't be able to get much except necessities for right now."

Sally said, "I think we'll need a bigger car. We won't have enough room for all of us plus uncle Dar's wheelchair."

"Dar already thought of that," said George. "He told me he wants a large van for himself anyways. He thinks he can get his drivers license back soon and wants something large like a big passenger van. We'll check out some of the car dealerships tomorrow when we go shopping."

Sally said, "That would be great. Then he wouldn't need to have someone drive him if he wants to go somewhere. I'll still go with him though."

"And you girls would have your own chauffeur to take you where ever you want to go," said Janny." I bet you five have him rapped around your fingers already."

Sally blushed and said, "I think you've got that backwards."

George laughed at that and said, "I bet if any of you asked him for just about anything, he'd get it for you. I also think that he'd be glad to do it for any of you. He told me that he plans to adopt Ellen and Nancy as soon as he legally can so they won't ever be split up. I'm sure that he loves all of you girls as much as Janice and I do."

Sally started crying at that, and ran up and hugged George. She said, "I love you too. I've loved you since you started dating Janny when I was a little girl. When you took her out, you'd take Erica and me too. You've never left us out of anything since we met you."

George hugged her back and said, "I knew it was a package deal. I'd have to take all three of you to get one. You were always ready with a hug, and you and Erica never got jealous of me and Janny. The three of you are the most important people in my life, and you always will be, twerp."

Although I had been talking to the cousins during all this, I heard them outside too. I realized that I had found a special group of people here.

I had told the girls that I would help them stay together. I also told them that if they needed anything at all, just ask. If I could help them, I would. For as long as they needed me I'd be there.

They both were still crying, but they hugged me and said "Thank you, uncle Dar."

I hugged them back and then told them to take me back out side. 

When we got out there, Sally ran over to them and hugged them both saying, "Your both welcome to stay here as long as you want. Just ask me if you need anything. I have some extra clothes that you can have since we're the about the same size."

I told her, "That won't be necessary. I'll get them some clothes later today along with anything else they need." I glared at her for a moment and said, "My job now."

She agreed and said, "Ok, your job now. But I'm helping. They're my friends and a wise man taught me that friends help each other." I had to smile at having my own words used on me like that.

"You're a smart girl," I said. 

"Yup," she said, "and I had a good teacher too."

"I had a good teacher too for some things, so just remember that, munchkin," I said.

I started to feel a bit wobbly and said, "I need to sit down for a bit." 

Ellen helped steady me while Nancy and Sally went for my chair. Nancy won and pushed it over behind me and Ellen helped me sit down. "Been doing a bit too much, I think. Why don't you girls take me to my room so I can lie down for a bit?"

Ellen grabbed one handle of my chair, and Nancy grabbed the other and they both pushed me into my room. I had them take me over to the recliner since I didn't want to go to bed before we were done with CPS. They each climbed onto an arm of the chair and hugged me like they were afraid I'd disappear if they didn't hang on tight enough.

I slowly relaxed and let them. I figured that they needed that comfort as much as I needed to rest. I may have been recovering, but I still wasn't as strong as I would have liked. 

While we were sitting there, I told the girls about what would happen if I adopted them. They would be my legal dependents, and that would give them certain benefits. Since I was one hundred percent disabled now, they would be entitled to I.D. cards and such and if I died before they were eighteen they'd get other things too. 

They needed to know these things before they made a decision as it would affect their lives a lot. I have always believed that it's best to be honest with kids, and tell them everything that would affect them. Even the bad things sometimes. 

One of the things was that if I died they needed to know how to contact my aunt. Since she was the only family I had left that I had contact with, and since the girls were under eighteen she was my emergency contact for them as well if I adopted them. 

I knew that if something happened to me, she would make sure they were taken care of. My aunt was a very special lady and if I told her that I loved these girls it would be enough for her. 

They also had to know how to contact the V.A. hospital in an emergency and other things. I knew that they were smart girls, and would do what was necessary but they had to know how. I also told them that if they needed anything at all they only had to ask. If I could get it I would. 

After the talk, I went to sleep for a bit. I don't know how long I was out, but when I woke up I still had a girl snuggle to each side of me. 

What woke me up was a couple of the girls from the Cheerleaders team walking in. They ran up to my new girls and hugged them. I don't remember what they said, but it didn't matter much I guess. It's the physical contact that helps the most at times like this."

Within a few minutes, the whole team was there along with Megan. Sally, Shelly, and Sandra brought in a couple of trays of finger food and a big jug of something to drink. Sally also had a cup of coffee for me. I thanked her when she gave it to me. She smiled at me and started talking to my new kids.

"I know it hurts," she said. "I know exactly how you feel because I've been there. I lost my parents when I was ten, and it still hurts. It gets better with time, I guess but I still miss them so much that I sometimes cry. I got through it because of my friends and you've got friends to help you too."

"If you want a hug, I've got plenty," she continued. If you want to talk I'm here. You're two of my best friends and if you need me I'll be here."

After that little speech, she went to her room. She didn't look well, so I thought she was going to lie down. I hoped that the stress of the day wasn't making her sick after her recent injury.

I bit later, the CPS official and two local police men arrived. They went into the family room to talk to George and Janny. After a bit, George called me on the intercom and asked me to bring Sally, Ellen and Nancy. I asked Megan to get Sally and had my girls help me into my chair. I was still a bit weak, so I needed the help.

As they started to push me to the door, Sally came out of her room and joined us. With her and Megan following, Ellen and Nancy pushed me into the family room.

I knew something was wrong as soon as I was inside. Megan had a blank face which told me that she knew what was going on. George looked angry and so did Janny.

Sally went up to George and quietly asked him something, but I was to far away to hear what.

George said, "The CPS woman has decided that because of Dar this is not a sound environment for children. She's going to take them and she's threatening to take you too. She says that having children in a house hold with a mentally disturbed person isn't safe."

Now I saw something new. Sally got a truly frightening look on her face, and almost screamed "she said what?"

I had never seen that little girl angry before. I'd seen her happy and sad, smiling and laughing and crying. But I'd never seen her when she was furious. 

Janny was also quite obviously angry. She said, "She said that Dar is mentally disturbed and is a danger to young children, including you.

Sally turned around and looked at the CPS official and said, "You've insulted a man who almost died when he saved my life. He was wounded in Iraq saving my brothers life. If you don't leave this house right now, I'm going to do something that I might regret but you will. Leave. Now."

Sally started toward the woman. George grabbed for her but missed, and Janny just watched. I didn't think that she'd interfere with whatever Sally did, and I knew that would be a mistake. I pushed myself in front of Sally and she stopped and looked at me. 

I said, "Let me handle this. I can fix this problem and her at the same time, so don't do anything foolish."

Sally said, "I wasn't going to do anything foolish uncle Dar. I was going to get rid of a problem that angered me. She insulted you and my sister and my big brother. If she doesn't leave now, I'm going to make her leave. Hard."

No. You've forgotten that this house has an intercom system with two recorders on it. They're both on and one of them is in here. Everything that was said in this room is on them and I'm going to use them and file a criminal complaint against these three."

"You're what?" exclaimed the CPS woman.

I said, "I'm going to file a criminal complaint against you. You should really think about getting a good lawyer right now."

"You can't do that," she said.

I said, "Watch me."

I wheeled myself over to the phone and dialed a number from memory from when I worked for the office of the Secretary of the Navy. When it was answered, I gave them my recognition code and explained the situation stating that if they didn't help, I'd handle the matter myself. I knew that the person answering the call would already have my records up.

They would have someone here real quick, because they knew how I sometimes handled situations that I found annoying and since I'm listed as temporarily mentally incompetent, I couldn't be charged for any criminal act. They'd have someone here as quick as they could get here.

It pays to know someone in high places sometimes, especially if you have a service record like mine. I worked with Special Ops people when I was in the Army, and I'd done a few things. I'd also worked for the military on some odd jobs after I got out. It's probably why they reactivated me when I got hurt in Iraq. 

When I finished my call, I hung up the phone and told the two cops, "This has just become a federal investigation into the misconduct of a State official who is using her position to harass and threaten two disabled military veterans. You have the choice of helping the investigation or being investigated as accomplices.

"Oh, you won't get any trouble from us," said the older one. I was going to file a complaint about this myself. I've been involved in cases like this before, and this is the first time I've heard of that the medical condition of someone not involved was considered as grounds to refuse custody of an orphaned minor." The other one nodded in agreement.

Sally said, "Well they better put her away for a long time for this. I meant what I said. Uncle Dar almost died saving my life after I had an accident in the pool and almost drowned a couple of weeks ago. If you want, I'll show you the wheelchair he wrecked getting to me."

I'm familiar with the case mam," said the older cop. "It's still being investigated as an assault with a possible intent to kill. That oil on the diving board was no accident and I'm the one who fished the chair out of the pool. I have no doubt about Mr. DeShade being safe to have around children. I'd trust him with the safety of mine anytime."

Sally finally smiled after that comment. I was glad that she was finally calming down. The stress couldn't be good for her considering the concussion. 

At that point, the CPS woman said, "Are you going to let that juvenile delinquent get away with threatening me? I demand that she be arrested at once."

The older cop said, "I can't do that mam. "We have reason to believe that this case will be investigated by federal authorities, and we have no cause to intervene in it. If that man in the wheelchair did what I think he did, then it's not the girl that's in trouble, it's you. We can only wait and hold all participants in the situation until higher authorities arrive. That includes you, by the way."

Since we're also witnesses to the incident, we have to remain here and keep all involved parties here until released by higher authorities."

Janny said, "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm thirsty. Can I get you two officers some coffee?"

"No thank you mam," they both said.

"Interesting," I thought. "She didn't offer the CPS official any thing." That alone told me how mad she was right now. Janny was invariably polite to everyone.

Janny took Sally and left the room.

While they were gone, I told Megan to check on the other girls and make sure they were ok. My two were sitting on the couch at this point and were glaring at the CPS woman. I moved over beside them, and said" Don't worry, this will get straightened out."

Ellen looked at me and said, "I won't go anywhere with that woman no matter what. I'm staying here."

"Me too,' said Nancy. "I won't get into a car with her and I won't leave. If I have to, I'll fight. But I won't leave."




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 10



I said, "I'm willing to bet that your going to get to stay, and that woman is going to be in a lot of trouble. She committed a felony by doing what she did. It's against federal law to use a position like hers to threaten or harass people like George and me. She did this in front of two reliable witnesses and her statements were recorded. She's going to be in a lot of trouble very soon now."

"And even if she could take you," I continued, "do you really think that your coach, George, Janny or I would let her? I don't think so. You should know us at least that well by now. I won't calmly sit by and let you go so now you're stuck with me."

I could see them visibly relax when I finished. They were still glaring at the CPS woman, but they weren't so tense now. That was an improvement compared to how they'd looked when they had heard what she'd said.

In a way, I was grateful to her. She'd done me a favor by what she'd said and made it almost inevitable that I'd be able to adopt these two girls. Any argument against it would look like a continuation of what she'd started and since she'd most likely end up in prison or at least fired from her job and on probation, any judge who got the case would be very cautious bout it.

As a result, I wasn't worried at all and I guess my demeanor as well as what I'd said helped them. 

I didn't know what the future would bring, but I would make sure that they'd at least have the choice of facing it together and surrounded by friends who cared about them and would help no matter what.

Shortly after that, Janny and Sally came back with some food and drinks for us. They put the goodies on the table in front of the couch and sally handed me my travel mug with fresh coffee in it. I smiled at her and thanked her. 

The tension in the room slowly eased as we waited for whoever was sent by the Sec Nav (Secretary of the Navy) to show up. I didn't know what investigative service it would be, but I knew that since I was involved, the big guns would be sent. 

My old boss may not have known me personally, but he had my records and he'd know that if I stated that I'd handle it if he didn't I wouldn't be nice about how. Sometimes having a bit of a rough reputation could help.

While we were munching and chatting, the doorbell rang. Janny went to answer and brought back two men and a woman. They all had NCIS I.D.s. I had been expecting big guns, but they sent a battleship for this. Well, that works too. A fly is just as dead if you hit it with a hammer as it is if you use a flyswatter. Just mashed more. It was just harder to hit sometimes.

The older man introduced himself as Senior Investigator Reach. "I'll be handling this investigation," he said.

I guess some people don't know when to quit, because the CPS woman asked, "Under what authority are you here? I'm here to pick up two children and place them in foster care. These people are interfering with a State official and now you're here."

"Mam," said Reach, "we received orders from the Secretary of the Navies office to investigate an act of harassment against an employee of the Department of the Navy assigned to his office. The charge is directed against you and it will be investigated." 

The CPS woman said, "You don't have that authority. I'm here on official business and you are interfering with my carrying out that business. I demand that the two children I'm here for be turned over to my custody and I be allowed to leave."

"I can't do that until I complete my investigation, mam," said Reach.

"Now," he said, "who is Senior Warrant Officer Eldarin DeShade?

"I am," I answered.

"Good," said Reach. "I understand that you have some evidence that you wish to give me about this alleged incident."

"Yes," I said. "There's a recording of the conversation in question, and the two policemen present can attest that it hasn't been disturbed. The tape is in the recorder on that intercom on the coffee table. It's been recording the whole time since the CPS official arrived, and I think it still is."

The female investigator said, "I'd like to talk to the children involved in this case. Is there someplace we can talk in private?"

Sally answered, " Yes. We can go down into the basement. George has an office down there that we can use."

The woman asked her, "Are you one of the orphans in this case?"

Sally said, "No. They are," and pointed to Ellen and Nancy. 

They're the ones I need to talk to right now," said the woman. "But if you could show me the way, I'd be grateful mam."

The girls said, "Not without uncle Dar."

The woman asked them, "Are you related to Mr. DeShade?"

"No," said Ellen. "But since he saved Sally's life in the pool, we started calling him that. All the Cheerleaders call him that now. Sally's our friend, and she would have drowned if uncle Dar hadn't saved her. He's always been nice to us too."

The woman said, "I see. Well that answers some of my questions right there. If you really want him there, he may come after he's done here."

Nancy asked, "Can Sally come too? I don't want to go anywhere without her too."

"I'm sorry," she said, "But no. I'll allow Mr. DeShade to accompany you, but I can't allow more. Since I also have to question miss Brandt, she can't be there with you anyway."

"It might be better if you took Janny with you, girls. She and George will be your guardians anyway, so it might be better if Janny was there."

Ellen said, "But I want you there, uncle Dar. "I won't talk to them unless you're there and I don't care who they are."

Nancy said, "I agree. Since we can't take Sally with us, I won't go unless you come too."

The woman said, "Since the children don't have a legal guardian at present, and since this is an investigation, I can get a children's advocate here. But I have no problem with you being present if that's what the girls want. I understand that they've just lost their parents, and I don't want to upset them if it isn't necessary."

I reluctantly agreed, and Reach said, "Go ahead. I'll listen to the tape while you're doing that. I don't have any questions for you yet anyway."

I said, "Ok, lets go and get this over with."

The girls jumped up and each grabbed a handle of my chair. The investigator noticed this and said, "I see that you two are fond of Mr. DeShade."

The girls responded with "Yes, mam. He's our friend."

They pushed me out of the room and we headed to the basement. 

When we got to the stairs, the girls helped me onto the wheelchair lift. The investigator looked at it and asked me, "Did the Carson's have this put in for your use?"

I said, "No. It was put in for their uncle who passed away about a year ago, I think."

"Convenient for you though," she said.

"Yes it is, because they have a small gym down there. I do my physical therapy there and Janny monitors me. It helps that she's a registered nurse, and familiar with physical therapy. I don't have to go to the V.A. three times a week because I can do that here. Saves a bit of time."

"I notice that you're able to use your right arm and hand a bit. According to the file I saw, you were suffering from some kind of paralysis there."

"Yes. I worked real hard at it after Sally Brandt's accident. Had I been able to use it at that time, I would have been able to release the chest belt on my old chair and get to her quicker. She almost died because I couldn't get to her faster, so I worked the arm as hard as I could until I could control it better. I still work to get better with it."

"I read the report on the way here," she said, "I think what you did was impressive as it is. You managed to get through a fence designed and installed specifically to keep you from having accidents involving the pool, went straight into the pool in your chair then fought your way clear of it and saved a person's life.'

"I don't think I could have gotten out of that chair if I'd been in it with your infirmities. Why didn't you try to get out of the chair before you went into the pool, though?"

I said, "Vinyl stretches when it's wet. In the pool, it gave me a bit of an advantage forcing the vinyl chair back off the rivets in the frame. Actually made it easier that way."

"Good point," She said. "I'll have to remember that bit of info."

After getting down the stairs, the girls pushed me over to Georges desk and sat in a couple of chairs by it. The investigator took Georges chair and said that the questioning would be recorded. 

I said, "I think I should sit out of hearing for this. I don't want to be an influence on what answers the girls give you so I'll move over to where the t.v. is. If you need me, I can come back."

"I don't think that's necessary," said the investigator.

I said, "I'd feel more comfortable if I did that. I don't want to influence them but I'll be close by if they really want me. I think it would be better that way."

The girls looked at me and Ellen said, "You'll be right over there?"

I said, "I won't leave you. I don't think that you'll have any problems and I want you to be completely honest. You two aren't in any trouble so don't worry. Just tell the lady the truth whatever she asks you. If you need me, just say so and I'll come back. Promise."

Nancy said, "Ok, if you promise. We trust you."

The investigator said, "Well that answers a few more of my questions, girls. You really do trust him, don't you?"

"I do and I feel safe around him," said Nancy. "If he's there, I feel like there's nothing that can hurt me."

With that, I moved over to the t.v. and turned it on so that I couldn't hear what was said unless someone raised their voice. I didn't know exactly what the investigator wanted to ask them, but if I wasn't there I wouldn't be an influence on the answer.

I woke up when they came over to me. The girls seemed to be a lot calmer now and the investigator was smiling. "Good," I thought, "that's an improvement.'

The investigator asked, "Do you fall asleep like that often Mr. DeShade?"

I said, "Not any more, but yesterday was a long day, and today has been rather stressful. I still tire easily and sometimes I fall asleep."

"I can understand that," she said. "I took a long time recovering from wounds like that too."

"Oh?" I asked. "What happened to you?"

"Drug raid when I was with the DEA," she said. "I got hit and it was several months before I fully recovered."

"I see," I said. "Well I have learned one thing from this. I don't like getting shot. It hurts too much."

"I agree," she said. "Well, I'm done with these two and now I have miss Brandt to question. If she wants, I'll allow Mr. or Mrs. Carson to be present, but since she has a legal guardian here, I can't let you be present."

"I understand," I said. "I only came down because it made the girls here more comfortable."

"That's quite all right," She responded. "It made it easier not having to get an advocate here. That might have taken hours, so I have no problems with you having been present."

"Just so you understand, I would not have questioned them had they refused," She continued. "They've had enough trauma for one day and I really don't want to make it worse for them. And my personal opinion is that the CPS agent overstepped her authority and could have caused them unnecessary suffering. I'll note that on my report.

"I also think that you'll make them a fine father if you adopt them like they said you'd planned to," She added. "I'll also put that in my report."

"Thank you," I said. I appreciate that."

She said, "I think it might help your case. I'm a child psychologist now. I have a masters in that and a bachelors in criminal behavior. My professional opinion is that these two would be in good hands under your care." 

"Again, thank you," I said. "I really appreciate that."

I'm a bit hazy as to what happened after this, but the CPS official was arrested and taken into federal custody. The girls were allowed to stay in George and Janny's care. 

*

This ends chapter 10. Chapter 11 will be Sally telling the story. 



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 11



Chapter 11: The Hero's New Battle

The incorrect copy of this chapter was submitted before. I take full responsibility for the error. 

This story is a work of fiction only. Any chance resemblance to actual people or events is purely accidental.

*

I guessed that Uncle Dar really was tired. After Ellen and Nancy pushed him into his room, they came out alone. I called Janny on the intercom to tell her that he was in bed and might need some help, as he didn't seem to be feeling well.

She and Erica showed up a few minutes later and went in. Janny came back out right away and told me to call an ambulance. She said, "It's his leg. The infection is back and it's all red and swollen. Send one of the girls to get my bag and call George too." With that, she went back in.

I called an ambulance right away and then told Nancy to go to Janny's room and get her medical bag. She ran off as I paged George on the intercom to come to Uncle Dar's room right away.

He showed up running and I told him about Dar's leg. He immediately went into Dar's room. I told Ellen to wait here and let the others know, and I went out to wait for the ambulance. 

When the ambulance got there, I took the paramedics straight to Dar's room. They went in and George came back out with Erica. George looked very worried and Erica was crying quietly.

I asked George, "How bad?"

George said, "Bad. The infection is back and it looks like it spread into his abdomen. He's real sick right now. The medics took one look and called for a MAST (Medical emergency flight) flight to pick him up."

Ellen and Nancy started crying and I did, too. Erica came over to us on the couch and held us. As we sat there, Sandra and Shelly came in. 

"What's the matter?" asked Shelly.

"Uncle Dar's leg is badly infected and he has to go to the hospital," said George. 

Sandra said, "Oh no." She and Shelly came over to the couch with us and we huddled there together crying and watching Uncle Dar's room.

George went out to wait for the helicopter with his spotlight to guide it in. 

I told Erica, "I need to call Coach Coulter. She has that big van, so she can take us to the hospital." 

Erica handed me the phone, and I called the Coach. She answered right away and I told her what was happening. She said, "Well if it rains it pours. I'll be right over as soon as I get dressed. How many am I hauling this time?"

"All of us," I said. "We want to be with him at the hospital and we don't have a vehicle big enough for all of us."

"I figured as much. Ok, I'll be over in about twenty minutes so be ready."

"Thank you so much," I said. "I'm sorry we've caused you so much trouble."

She said," I don't mind the trouble, it's just the reasons. I'd rather come over for a party. Ok, I'm gonna get dressed and get the van over there. Tell the others to be ready." She hung up.

I told the others, "Coach Coulter is coming over to take us to the hospital once we know where they're taking Uncle Dar. She'll take us in the van."

Erica got up and said, "I'll get a few things we'll need while the rest of you get ready to go. Bring a change of clothes since we might be there a while." She went out of the room, leaving me with the other girls.

I told Sandra, "Go up and get some things packed for the cousin twins and get yourself packed to. Take Shelly since I don't think the others will be much help right now."

She nodded and grabbed Shelly and headed up stairs. I turned to the cousin twins and said, "I need help getting ready too. Will you?"

They got up and we went to my room. As I got ready, they helped a bit since I was still a bit wobbly and sore from my accident. When I was done, I got a few things together and put them in my daypack. While I was doing this, Ellen saw the medal Uncle Dar had given me and asked, "What's this?"

I said, "That's Uncle Dar's Navy Cross. He got it for saving George's life. He gave it to me right before we went to the carnival."

She reached up to it, then looked at me and asked, "May I?"

I said, "Of course."

She took it down, looked at it for a moment before turning to me, and said, "We're going to lose him too. First it was our parents, and now him." She started crying again and hugged the box with the medal to her chest. 

I walked over, hugged her. and said, "I don't know. I wish I could say that he'll be alright, but I can't." I started crying again too.

Nancy hugged us both. I thought at the time that she was the only one in the world with dry eyes, but she looked so sad. I told her, "You two need to get ready to go, too." I took one of their hands in each of mine and we went upstairs. 

I helped them get dressed and then we came back down. Sandra and Shelly were already waiting with a bag each and two more for the cousin twins.

I went into my room and got my bag, then we all went over to the couch and waited.

A few minutes later, George came in with two people wearing flight suits and carrying a basket-like thing. He showed them to Uncle Dar's room and came back over to us.

"They're going to fly him to Harbor View in Seattle," he said. "They have him on an I.V. right now. I don't know what he has, but Janny said that it spread fast. She doesn't know how bad he is but she told me that Harbor View is one of the best Emergency Medical Centers on the west coast. The only one better in Washington is Madigan at Fort Lewis."

Ellen just hugged the medal in its box tighter. I looked at Nancy and then I got up, went to Dar's desk, and got out the rest of his medals. I didn't know which was which except for the Purple Hearts. I put those back and took the other two over to the couch.

I told Ellen, "I know how much you care about him because I do, too. I'd give you that box if I could, but he wanted me to have it. But I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you and Nancy hung on to these two. " I handed each of them a box, and Ellen gave me mine back.

They both said, "Thank you." Both of them held on to their boxes like they were afraid to loose.

George saw what I'd done, and came over and asked to see what was in my box. I opened it and his eyes got real big. He asked me if I knew what it was, and I said, "Yes. It's Uncle Dar's Navy Cross. He gave it to me right before we went to the carnival.

George looked at it again, and then looked at the other two. He asked to see what was in them. The girls opened the boxes and he said, "Silver Star and a Bronze Star." He sat down with us and said, "The Navy Cross is the second highest award for bravery in the Navy and the other two are very high Army awards."

"I don't know if you girls know the whole story about what happened in Iraq, so I'm going to tell you," George said. "He didn't get the Cross for rescuing me. I think that's what the other two are for. He got the cross because he went back to the Humvee and got a radio he had and to call for help."

"While he was in the Humvee, he spotted an ambush being set up to attack the patrol that was coming after us. He warned them and then he started shooting at them with a handgun. They returned fire, and pinned him down inside the Humvee. Because of this, the rescue patrol was able to locate the ambush and attacked it."

"He also shot the man with the rocket launcher that had first attacked us. Some time after that, he lost consciousness because of how much blood he'd lost. That's why he almost died when we were ambushed and that's why he got three medals for it. 

"He also got two Purple Hearts for it I didn't find out about his going back until later. I passed out right after he got me to safety."

"The Navy gave him the cross for saving all of my team and the patrol. If he hadn't gone back, they would have been ambushed and at least some if not all would have been killed. The general who gave me my award told me about it."

When he'd finished, I looked at him and told him about when Dar had given me the Navy Cross to keep. When I'd finished, George said, "Don't you believe him about it not being important to him. He was telling you that you're more important to him than that medal."

I said, "Well he's more important to me than this box. I'll keep it because he wanted me to, but I'm going to tell him that he's more important than a box with a shiny bit of metal inside.' I looked and Nancy and Ellen and decided to do something else.

I went over to Dar's desk again, and got out the other two boxes. I took them over to Sandra and Shelly and gave one to each of them. 

I said, "Those are the Purple Hearts that Uncle Dar got in Iraq. When we can see him, I'm wearing this one. Will you wear the others with me? I want him to see them and know that we know what he did. I want him to know we all love him."

They agreed and we all hung on to those little boxes. They were like a lifeline to Uncle Dar for us, I think. 

It was about then that Coach Coulter came in. She was wearing some jeans and a sweatshirt. She walked over to us and asked, "How bad?" 

George said, "Bad. That infection is back and it spread. They're getting him set up and are flying him to Harbor View."

"Bad, then," she said. "I've got the van out front and I can take you all whenever you're ready."

George said, "Thanks, Meghan."

She smiled and said, "You ain't the only one that cares about that old wreck. I like him too."

The medics and Janny came out of Dar's room pushing him on the gurney and went straight out the door. I said, "I'm going to make sure the house is locked," and ran off to do it. We have a large house, so it took a few minutes. When I finished, I went out the front door and locked it too then turned on the security system.

I ran up to the van where everybody else was waiting and got in. George was in front and Coach Coulter was driving. Ellen and Nancy were in the first seat behind them, and Sandra, Shelly and Erica were in the next. That left room for me next to Nancy, so I sat there and buckled in. 

"Everybody ready?" asked Coach Coulter.

We all said "Yes." 

She started the van and headed out. We went to the freeway and got on heading south. The traffic was light which was nice. It meant that we wouldn't be too long getting to the hospital.

It took just under an hour for the trip all told. When we got to the hospital, we found Janny waiting in the emergency room waiting area. We all ran up to her and asked how Uncle Dar was doing.

She said, "They have him in emergency right now. They said that they won't know anything until after they run tests and see how he responds to antibiotics. Other than that, I don't know anything. We'll just have to wait until they tell us more."

I asked, "Can we go up?"

Janny said, "No, not until he's stable. I know the Nurse in charge of this shift there though, so you can all go up when he's out of danger. They won't say anything here about your ages so don't worry. When they say he can have visitors we all go."

I whispered to George, "We need to get something to eat while we wait. I know that none of us have had anything since lunch at the mall, and Ellen and Nancy need something now."

He said, "I'll see about getting something. I don't know this area well, but I'll ask."

He went over to the admitting clerk and started talking to her in a low voice. When he finished, he came back over and said "There's a restaurant close by that we can all go to for dinner. We may as well since we can't do anything here right now. The doctors have Janny's cell number and I gave the receptionist mine so they can call if something happens. Let's go eat."

Ellen and Nancy both said, "No." Nancy said, "I don't want to leave. I want to be here if he needs me so let me stay." Ellen nodded to that.

I said, "We haven't eaten for hours. If you want to help Uncle Dar, you need to get some food so you don't get sick. He needs us strong so we need to eat. Come on, I'm scared for him too, but I need food. I don't want to leave but I'm not eating here."

They reluctantly agreed, so we all went back out to the van and got in. George told Coach Coulter where to go, and she drove us to a small restaurant and parked. We all got out and went in.

The waitress that met us when we came in took us to a large booth next to the kitchen and gave us our menus then asked if we wanted anything to drink. 

I ordered some tea, and the rest of the girls did the same. George got a cup of coffee, and so did Coach Coulter. Janny had an iced tea.

After ordering our drinks, I looked through the menu. I really wasn't hungry but I knew I had to eat something so I ordered a hamburger and fries. I didn't pay attention to what the others got, I just sat there and held that little box Uncle Dar had given me.

I looked around and saw the other girls holding the ones they had. We all had tears in our eyes as we thought about the person who'd earned them and what he'd done. I slipped my left hand under the table and grabbed Nancy's hand since she was next to me. She looked at me for a second then squeezed my hand.

I was frightened and so was she. We were so scared Uncle Dar might die tonight and there was nothing I could do but wait. I'd never done anything so hard in my life as sit there and wait for a meal I didn't want and at the same time wait for either Janny's or George's cell phone to ring and give us the worst. That had to be the hardest time of my life that I could remember.

When we'd finished eating, we got up and George put a tip on the table. While he went to pay the bill, the rest of us went out side to get into the van..

As we were loading up, Janny's phone rang. She answered it and talked for a moment than said so we could all hear, "Thank you. We'll be right back." She closed her phone and said, "That was the hospital. The fever's down and he's awake. He's asking to see all his kids now and is very insistent. I think he's going to be fine." 

I started crying again, and took out my box and opened it. I took out the medal and put it on. My friends did the same thing when they saw me. Then we all got into the van and waited for George to come back out. 

When he came out, he was smiling so I knew he'd gotten the news too. He got into the van and we went back to the hospital. Janny took us up to the ICU ward and went to the nurse's station and talked to the woman there for a moment then waved us over.

We followed her down the hallway to a room that she entered. We came in behind her. 

Uncle Dar was in a bed surrounded by different types of equipment. He looked pale and his face was damp, but he saw us and smiled. 

The five of us girls ran up to his bed and took turns hugging him. He didn't try to move his arms, but I saw him relax as we each took a turn. 

I was so happy that he was alive and awake. This was even harder than when Uncle Sammy died last year. We'd all known that he was dying and that we couldn't help him. But Uncle Dar had been getting well and suddenly he was sick again. That was so much harder to handle than Uncle Sammy. Don't get me wrong, I loved him. It's just different when you know he's going.

Uncle Dar noticed that each of us was wearing one of his medals and said in a weak voice, "I see someone got into my drawer. Well, they look better on you than they would on me, so keep em. I'd rather have you kids than them any day."

Ellen answered, "We don't need them. We need our Uncle Dar to get well and come home. Besides, you have a promise to keep to Nancy and me. You said you'd make sure that the state could never separate us and I'm going to hold you to that. Now you have to get well so you can keep your promise to us."

"That's right," said Nancy. "You have to get well because you promised us and we're going to make you keep that promise. I'm not going home without you either."

We all agreed to that last.

A doctor came in while we were talking, and started talking to Janny and George. When he finished and left she told us, "They found what caused the infection. A piece of the bullet was still in there and that's what caused it in the first place. He said that they used a new type of x-ray and found it. They want to take it out tomorrow."

"After that," she continued, "they expect that Uncle Dar will be able to come home in a few days. Once they get that piece of bullet out and the infection is under control, they'll let him go."

A nurse came in and said, "It's time to go now. He needs to rest so you have to go. 

"I'm staying," I said. "When I was in the hospital, he was there for me and now it's my turn. I won't leave."

Nancy and Ellen said the same, and so did Sandra and Shelly. We weren't leaving and if they tried to make us, they'd have five of us to deal with.

The nurse shrugged and said, "All right. But you have to let him rest. He's going to have surgery tomorrow and he needs to sleep now. I'll let you stay if you're quiet, but if you make any noise then you're out the door."

We agreed.

That night, I sat next to Ellen and Nancy on one side of the bed, and Sandra and Shelly were on the other. We stayed there all night with Uncle Dar. We were still there when they came to take him to surgery the next morning. I don't know if I slept at all, but I do know that I didn't leave.

When they came to take him, I went with the others to a small private waiting room. We didn't talk at all while we were there. We just watched the door and at least on my part, I prayed. It was the first time I'd done that since Uncle Sammy got sick and I'd felt that it hadn't worked. But I didn't have anything else I could do that would help so I did that much.

After about an hour, a doctor came in. He said that Uncle Dar was in Post Op and was doing fine. They'd gotten the bullet fragment out and had cleaned up the wound. The doctor also said that the wound should heal better this time and Uncle Dar should recover quickly.

The poor doctor got mobbed by five screaming kids all saying thank you. He left the room with a smile. I looked around and saw everybody was smiling now. I also noticed that there wasn't a dry eye in the room. 

I felt dizzy after that, so I went and sat down again. The rest of the day is a blur but I do remember seeing Uncle Dar back in his bed. He looked a lot better now, and he even hugged us back a little. I was so happy about that. 

I sat down in a chair, and I guess I fell asleep. I woke up in the van with Janny holding my head on her lap. When she saw that I was awake, she said that I'd fallen asleep in Uncle Dar's room and that Coach Coulter had carried me to her van.

Janny also said that when George tried to help, she'd told him she wasn't going to let a beat up marine take something so special and chance him dropping it. Then she'd brought me here and sat with me for a couple hours. Janny had just come out so she could go to the bathroom when I woke up. 

That was something that I found hard to believe. Old Coach Coulter saying I was special? Amazing. 

I thought it was her that was amazing. She bought her own school bus to use for the girls on her Cheerleaders squads, and she was the one doing most of the driving for us because she had a van big enough for five kids and three adults with a bit extra. And she was the one who did it because she wanted to. That seemed pretty amazing to me.

I thought, "We got to do something for her to say thank you." She deserved it and I thought that if we could get the whole Cheerleaders squad involved, it would be great. 

I asked Janny what she thought of the idea, and she said, "Well I know a lot of people my age that would be interested in doing something like that. Let me talk it over with George and see what he thinks. Don't say anything to anyone else for a bit and we'll see.

I agreed, and asked about Uncle Dar. She said, "He's doing well. They think they got all the fragments of the bullet out and that should prevent future infections. He'll be real weak for awhile, but he should be fine now. We'll have to keep an extra close eye on him but I don't think he'll have any more problems.




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 11



I smiled at that. I had been so scared when he got sick so suddenly. After loosing my parents three years ago and Uncle Sammy last year, I'd been terrified about loosing him too. Uncle Dar was a special person to me and also to my friends. I think I loved him almost from when he first came to our home.

I sat up and said, "I want to go see him, then I'd like to get something to eat. Do you think the hospital would let us get Uncle Dar something?"

"Not right now," said Janny. "He won't be able to eat much for a bit. Lets wait till he gets a bit stronger, and then we'll get him something special."

"Ok," I said. "I just know how hungry I was while I was in the hospital is all. Uncle Dar brought me treats every time he came to see me, and I thought that he might like the same."

"A few small treats won't hurt," said Janny. "I think he might enjoy a bit of fruit or something like that. Maybe we can get him some cherries since he seems to like them. But nothing real substantial for a bit. It might make him sick after this. That infection was spreading into his abdominal area, so he won't be able to handle much."

I said, "I know. George told us at the house that you'd said that. It really scared me because I remember how Uncle Sammy was."

"It scared me too," said Janny. "I've seen a lot of people with infections that spread like that and they don't always make it. We were lucky with Uncle Dar because we caught it in time. If we had gone one day longer, we would have lost him."

I said, "I guess we'll have to watch closer then. I don't want to loose him too. I don't think I could take it if we lost Uncle Dar. After mom and dad, and then Uncle Sammy, I just don't think I could take it. And Ellen and Nancy just lost their parents yesterday. What would happen to them?"

"Don't worry about them," said Janny. "George and I will make sure they're ok. They're my friends too, after all. All of your friends are."

I sat up and hugged Janny and said, "Thank you sis. I really love you."

"I love you too, little sister. I always have and I always will."

"Can I go back in now,?" I asked.

"Lets wait a bit until Megan gets back," said Janny. "Then we can go in together."

I agreed, and dug out my hair brush and started brushing my hair. I felt messy after sleeping in my clothes, but there wasn't much I could do except fix my hair a bit. I would be glad to get a shower soon, but I wasn't going to leave Uncle Dar until I knew he was ok. I believed that Janny had been honest with me, but I remembered how fast he got sick too.

I'd finished brushing out my hair by the time that Coach Coulter came back. She saw I was awake and smiled at me as she walked up.

When she opened the door she said, "Well hello sunshine. Glad to see your back with us."

I said, "Thank you and thank you for bringing me here so I could rest."

"I have to take care of my investments, don't I? Besides, I ain't gonna trust no beat up worn out marine to handle delicate packages. How you feeling?"

I said, "Better now that I've had a little rest. And much better now that I know that Uncle Dar is doing well."

"Yes," she said. "He did give us a bit of a scare, didn't he? They don't do them MAST flights for fun."

"I know", I said. "That's how they took Uncle Sammy last year at the end. He wouldn't leave home until he was so sick he couldn't even eat any more. When George told me they were calling in a MAST flight, I almost panicked. I didn't want Uncle Dar to die too."

I started to cry again. I was remembering how much it hurt when I found out about mom and dad. Then Uncle Sammy and now it was Ellen and Nancy's parents and almost Uncle Dar. I just couldn't hold it in anymore.

Coach Coulter climbed in and she and Janny both hugged me. They didn't say anything for a bit, just held me. 

After I'd cried myself out Coach Coulter said, "I know how hard it's been for you the last few years. I've known your family for a long time. I was friends with your mother, and I was one of her Brides Maids when she got married. I was almost 10 years younger than her but she was still my friend." 

"Then when I went to college for my Teachers Certification, she'd come visit me and help me with home work. I went to the University of Washington, so I wasn't far from home and she'd come and see me during the week, and bring me home on week ends." 

"When my husband died, she was the first one to come see me. She stayed with me for 2 weeks while I got myself back together and then she helped me get the bus. I bought it, but it was her that found the contacts and helped me buy it."

"When she died, I thought the world was going to end it hurt so bad. She was my best friend for almost twenty years and she was gone. I didn't know your father well, but I also knew Samuel. He was my husbands best man at our wedding and your mother was now my Maid of Honor. I know much you hurt right now, but just remember that you have friends, ok?"

"I didn't know that," I said. "I didn't know you knew my mother or Uncle Sammy. How come I never met you before the Cheerleader try outs?"

"Because I didn't want to show favoritism to my students. Janny didn't know how close your mother and I were until after she graduated. Same with Erica. I have a rule about that because of the trouble it could cause. But I'm breaking it now because my best friends daughter needs me so I'm here. She'd have done the same for me and I'll do it for her and for you."

"I don't want to cause you any trouble," I said. 

She said, "You won't. It's me that will cause you trouble. I'll be harder on you than any body else on the squad, and I'll make you work extra hard when you take my Phys Ed classes. But when you go out on that field at games, you'll knock their sox off in the stands. You and those to friends of yours. I got plans fer you five." 

"Really? What kind of plans?" I asked.

"Well, I've got me a cheerleader that's had ballet lessons.... I got me a cheerleader that's had classical dancing lessons... I got me a cheerleader that's had gymnastics training.... I got me two cheerleaders that are almost identical... Now what can I do with that?" she asked.

I smiled and said, "Lots?" 

She laughed and said, "Yes, lots. And with those two girls that look like twins, I can do even more. All the girls on the team are great, but you three have training that I can use, and the twins have real talent for either dance training or gymnastics. That's a lot of potential for our little school. Five out of fifteen and all the same grade. You're going to be busy for years with me."

I said, "Well I think Ellen and Nancy are going to be around for awhile to. Uncle Dar wants to adopt them. Shelly and Sandra are also going to stick, I think because we all love him and we aren't going to let him get away from us or leave him. So I guess you'll be the busy one for four years with all of us."

"That kind of busy I can handle," said Coach Coulter. "I survived your two sisters and George. I can also survive you, I think. You're the smart one of the four of you anyway."

I said, "I don't know about that. Erica is much smarter than me."

"Don't you believe it," she said, "She's better at math, but you are still one very smart little cookie. I know that George knows more about computer software than Dar, but is he smarter? I don't think so. Dar knows hardware better than any body I know, but does that make him smarter than Janice? She's a registered nurse at twenty-three, but is she smarter than me?"

"All I'm saying is that we all have education. But of us all, you are the smartest except for maybe Dar. I don't know about him yet."

I was stunned at this. Even more so when Jenny nodded like she agreed. Me? Smarter than her? I wasn't that smart. Sure, I did well in school but my classes hadn't been that hard. I didn't like the math or English stuff but I did well in the sciences and art classes I took. I was even in the computer club during the last year of middle school. But smarter than my sisters? No.

They were always good at math and were way better than me with computers. I didn't think that even Jenny was as good with computers as Erica. She was even better than George. He said so himself once when he didn't know I was listening to him talking to Janny. 

It didn't matter though. I had found someone who knew my mother and could tell me about her. That mattered more than what couch Coulter said about me being real smart. I asked her if she'd be willing to tell me about my mom sometime. None of us girls knew much about her from before she married dad, so I was hoping to learn more. I still missed my mom so much.

She said, "Only on one condition. "You call me Megan like you sisters and George do. But not at school. If we're alone like this, it's ok but we'd both get in trouble for it at school."

I agreed immediately. Megan. I liked the name, and I liked her too. She had been willing to help when Uncle Dar got sick, and she'd been there after my accident too. I don't remember a whole lot about that, but I do remember that she'd been around while I was in the hospital. 

"Ok, now that that's settled, we need to go back in and see how Uncle Dar's doing," Megan said. "Then we need to find a place to stay for a bit while we wait for him to be released. So, lets go back in."

I waited for her to get out of the van, and then I followed. When Janny had gotten out we went back in and took the elevator up to Uncle Dar's floor. We got off and went to his room to see how he was doing. 

When we walked in, he was playing a game of chess with George. I walked over and said "Hi Uncle Dar. You winning?"

"Not yet, but George doesn't realize he's loosing yet either," said Uncle Dar. 

George looked up and said, "Loosing? I've got you pinned and you know it. Five more moves and your history."

Uncle Dar chuckled and said, "You wish. The first game you got lucky, but think about the last three. You're beat."

Three out of four and George lost? "Wow," I thought. I didn't know anybody that could beat George that badly. He was very good at chess. He had been in the chess club in high school and college. He'd even won a couple of competitions and was a nationally ranked player. And Uncle Dar beat him three times in a row? 

I asked where the others were, and George said that they'd gone to the Cafeteria to get something to snack on and some drinks. I said, "Well I hope they bring enough for all of us. I'm hungry again."

George said, "I guess we can go get something to eat if you want."

I said, "No. I want to stay with Uncle Dar for awhile. Now that he's awake and feeling better, I want to stay here. I looked at him and glared and said, "My turn."

He laughed at that, but I could still remember all the times I woke up in the hospital and he'd been there. Somebody had always been there, but he was the most constant presence until I was allowed to go home. Now it was my turn and I wasn't going to take no from anybody. Not even George or Janny.

I didn't have to worry, though. George just said, "I'm going to get a couple of motel rooms for us and we can take turns staying with him. It'll give us a chance to get some sleep and to take showers and such. Plus, we won't have to drive home either." 

"Who's watching the house?" I asked. "If we're all here, there's nobody to take care of it."

" Senior Inspector Reach has someone watching it," George said. "There's still an investigation going on with your accident and he said that since Dar was involved, NCIS was taking an interest in it so he sent someone over as soon as he was told about Dar being hospitalized for his leg."

"I live in a crime scene?" I asked. "Cool" 

Janny laughed and said, "Don't be so excited. It might be more of a problem then you think. We haven't been able to use the pool since your accident."

"Oh, well that's no good," I said. " I can't go swimming yet anyway so it doesn't matter much."

We chatted like that for hours while Uncle Dar consistently beat George at chess. He even played me a few times, but he always won. 

Over the next few days, we took turns staying with him and going to the motel where George got us our rooms. I kept my word, and whenever Uncle Dar was awake I was there just like he had been for me. 

*

This ends Chapter 11. Sally will continue the story in Chapter 12.



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 12



Chapter 12

The Hero's new Family

This story is a work of fiction only. Any chance resemblance to actual people or events is purely accidental.

It turned out to be a week before Uncle Dar could go home. We all stayed until he was better, including Shelly and Sandra. They'd gotten permission from their parents for that somehow. I think the fact that Megan was there helped a bit. She had even cancelled practice while Dar was in the hospital, and then would go get the whole team and bring them in to see him.

He loved the visits and would be happiest with a room full of kids. I was so happy that he was getting better, and so were the rest of my friends. 

The day he was released, I pushed his chair to the elevator after telling the others, "My turn." Even though he was still planning to adopt Ellen and Nancy, I had to do this. He'd pushed me out of the hospital when I was allowed to go home.

Ellen and Nancy didn't argue. They did tell me, though, that we'd all take turns after we got home. I agreed with them but this one time I was going to do it. He'd been there for me for almost two weeks, and I was there for him this time.

We got out to the van, and George helped him in. He was still real week but he seemed to be favoring his bad leg less than before the infection. I hoped this was a good sign.

We got loaded into the van with him in the front passenger seat, and Megan driving. She went to the motel first so we could all get our things that we'd left there, and George got us checked out and paid the bill.

Leaving the motel, we headed home. I was glad that we were going home and that tonight I'd be able to sleep in my own bed. I was also happy that I'd be able to play on that wonderful computer that Uncle Dar had gotten me what now seemed so long ago. 

I looked at the date on my watch and realized that he'd only been with us a bit over a month and a half. It seemed much longer since he'd come to us that first day and George had been home only a few days longer. 

With all that had happened, I'd also forgotten that my birthday was only a few days away. It was now July 21st and my birthday was the 25th. Then Shelly's on the 26th. I wasn't sure when Sandra's was or Ellen's and Nancy's. I'd have to find out.

When we got home Inspector Reach was there to meet us. He walked up to the van and waited while George got him into his chair, then walked up to him and shook his hand and said, "Welcome home."

Uncle Dar said, "Thank you. Sure is good to get out of that hospital even if it wasn't as bad as the last time. I actually had so many visitors that the hospital threatened to charge admission."

Inspector Reach laughed at that and said, "Well I hope you don't have to go back. With every body gone, and the boss taking an interest in this young lady's case, I've been a bit busy. I even got two extra agents assigned to my office just to have enough hands to keep an eye on the house here."

George said, "Well, I'm grateful for that regardless of the source. Thank you."

"Don't mention it. We have an ongoing investigation involving your house and you people anyway so it's our job. I also understand why you were gone. Only reason I didn't come in for a visit is my case load right now."

Uncle Dar said, "Is there another reason you're here besides welcoming me home?"

"Not really, just welcoming you all back and letting you know that there were no problems." Said the Inspector.

George said, "Thank you for the trouble."

"No trouble," he said. "This is still a crime scene that's under investigation. I can't make you move out, but I can make sure it stays secure. Just part of the job."

With that, he got into his car and left. I didn't know if I was happy he'd gone or not. 

We went to the door with Ellen and Nancy pushing Uncle Dar up the ramp that had been put in for Uncle Sammy when he got so sick. 

George disarmed the security system, and unlocked the door and we all filed in. 

When we got inside, I noticed that it looked cleaner than it should have with us having been gone for almost a week. I said something about it to George, and he said "Megan and Janice came home last night to do some cleaning, since we'd been gone for so long."

I said "Thank you" to Megan and gave her a smile. She was really thoughtful about helping.

Ellen and Nancy took Uncle Dar to his room. I took Sandra and Shelly into the kitchen to fix something to eat for all of us. It had been a long time since breakfast and we were all hungry.

We made up a plate of sandwiches and some Macaroni and Cheese. I also made a pot of coffee for Uncle Dar and George while Shelly made some lemonade for the rest of us. 

When the coffee was done, I filled the big travel mug for Uncle Dar and the coffee pitcher we used when we had company for George and anybody else who wanted some. I hated it, myself. Vile stuff.

With Shelly carrying the lemonade and glasses, Sandra the sandwiches and Macaroni and Cheese, I took the coffee and a few extra cups and we all took it into Uncle Dar's room. 

The others were already there, and had set up a table with some chairs for lunch. Uncle Dar was in his recliner next to the table and had Ellen on one side, and Nancy on the other. 

I looked at them and thought to my self, "I lost my job with Uncle Dar." I was sorry about it, but I knew they needed him more than I did. I had Janny, Erica and George. They only had each other and Uncle Dar. 

Megan looked where I was looking and leaned down and whispered, "He still needs you and so do they."

I whispered back, "I know. I feel like I just lost a friend though. I promised his aunt that I'd take care of him for as long as he needed me."

"Well you're still keeping that promise because he still needs you," she said.

"I need him too," I whispered. After what happened in the pool, I need him more than ever. He risked his life for me and I don't know how to even say 'Thank you' to him. All I know is that I love him for it."

"Then just tell him that," she whispered. "That's what he needs most right now. The same with your friends. They lost everything when they lost their parents. I know that you did too, but you had more than they do now when that happened. I lost my best friend and it still hurts but they lost their entire family."

"I know," whispered. "But I don't know what to do."

She smiled sadly and said, "Just be there. It's all you can do right now but it's important. They need Dar to hold on to but they need you for the same thing. They have to rebuild their entire worlds and that's a hard thing to do."

I sighed and whispered, "Ok. I'll be there when they need me and I'll be there for Uncle Dar too. Thank you for being a friend."

She smiled at that and said, "I'll be there for you too. Just like your mother was for me when first my father died, and then my husband died. She was my handhold on life when I needed it."

After that, we went back to eating while I thought about what she'd said. Handhold, she said. I would be that for Ellen and Nancy and Uncle Dar too. I wouldn't be able to help him much physically because of my head so I'd just have to be there. I guess that's what friends really are for. Someone to be there.

When we'd finished eating, I suggested that we call Uncle Dar's Aunt and let her know that he was home again. George said, "Already done. She'll be here tomorrow with her husband to see him."

Janny said, "Well I guess we should go to the store and get a few things for tomorrow and do a BBQ out back if we can."

George said, "I'll ask Reach and see if we can use the pool. I bet we can have a great party tomorrow."

I whispered to George, "Why not wait until my birthday, and we can have a big party. Shelly's is the day after mine, so we can have a big surprise party for her."

He whispered back, "I know, but lets do something just for Dar. Lets get some of his friends here tomorrow and have a party just for him. I know how to contact a few people that he knows and I bet I can get them here tomorrow. Then in a few days, we can do something for the two birthday girls. But tomorrow, lets do it just for Dar."

I agreed to that. It sounded like a good idea to me to have something just for him and I thought that he deserved it.

Later that day, George and Janny took the car and went shopping for tomorrow. While they were gone, Erica and I got the BBQ ready and made sure we had charcoal for it. We had plenty.

After that, Sandra and Shelly went home but promised that they'd be back for the party. We hadn't told Uncle Dar or Ellen and Nancy about it but Megan knew and said that she'd be there too. She made arrangements to pick up Sandra and Shelly to bring them back and they all left. 

The house seemed suddenly empty without them or Janny and George around. Erica had gone upstairs to catch up on her school work so it was just Ellen, Nancy and me in Uncle Dar's room. I thought that this was the emptiest the house had been in a long time. 

Uncle Dar was still in his recliner and the girls were still sitting with him. 

He called me over and said, "I have something to tell you three. While I was in the hospital, I got my mental re-evaluation done. I'm now considered legally competent. George has arranged with his lawyer friend so in two days, we go to court and I adopt you two. I waited till the three of us were alone to tell you."

I jumped up and grabbed Ellen and said, "I'm so happy for you." Then I ran around Uncle Dar's chair and did the same to Nancy.

Uncle Dar said, "I'm not finished yet."

I sat back down and said, "Ok, what else?"

He said, "When we're finished at the court house, we're going to dinner. Just you three and me. I want to take my special girls out for a treat and nobody else will be there. Just you three." 

He looked at me and said, "I know you feel left out right now, but I want you to know that I haven't forgotten the little girl who ran up to my chair awhile back and said 'My job now' and started pushing me around. Now I have two more to help me. All of you have helped. Since that first day at your cheerleader tryouts, there have been five of you taking turns helping me."

I got tears in my eyes and said, "I did it because you were there when George needed you. But when you'd been here a few weeks, I did it because of you. You are special Uncle Dar. I love you because of that."

Ellen and Nancy were also crying now, and we all hugged Uncle Dar and said, "We love you."

Uncle Dar said, "Well I love you too. You three and Shelly and Sandra have a place in my heart. Remember that and know that whatever else happens you will always have that place. After court, I want to take you three out and maybe the next day, I'll take all five of you somewhere special."

I don't know how long we sat there together, but after awhile I said, "We need to go check out what we have to wear for court. I want to look my best for after when Uncle Dar takes us out."

Ellen and Nancy agreed, so I used the intercom and asked Erica if she'd mind sitting with Uncle Dar for awhile, because we still had to watch him. He was a long ways from being well.

Erica came right down and said, "Well since I have to baby sit for awhile, I'm going to use that big fancy computer."

Uncle Dar laughed and said, "I already have a user account set up for you. All you need to do is set up a password and have fun."

Erica squealed and ran up to him and gave him a hug and a kiss on the forehead and said, "Thank you Uncle Dar."

"You need another one for your self now, Uncle Dar," I said. "I haven't seen you do much with your computer since you got it."

He laughed again and said, "I already have one. I got three lap tops that day at the mall. I just have the other hidden so I can use it."

I laughed and took Ellen and Nancy upstairs to see what we had to wear to court and the dinner Uncle Dar had promised us. 

We went into my old bedroom first, and I looked to see what was still in the closet. When the others had moved my stuff down stairs, they hadn't take my dress clothes down. All my fancy stuff was still up here.

I opened the closet and saw that whoever had this room hadn't moved any of my stuff. She'd put her clothes way over to the side and left mine alone. 

"Ok, who's using my old room now?" I asked.

"I am," said Nancy. "Is something wrong?"

I said, "Yes. It's your room now so it's also your closet now." I started taking my dresses out of it and laying them on the bed.

Nancy said, "You don't need to do that. I don't mind sharing a closet with you."

I said, "Well I do mind. I don't want to have to come up here to get my clothes out of your closet. It's your room now so use it."

She looked at me for a second and said, "You aren't mad?"

"No," I said. "I'm not mad. I said that you could have my old room, remember? I've got that nice room that Uncle Dar had set up for me and I have an empty closet in it. I do need help taking my stuff down there though."

"You really aren't mad at me?" She asked. "I didn't want to take over your room but Janny said that I should and Ellen should take the other one."

"Well Janny may have been a bit wrong," I said. "Maybe Ellen should have taken this room."

Ellen laughed and said, "I wanted it. I like looking at the mountains out there."

Nancy still looked worried. I hugged her and said, "As far as I'm concerned, we're sisters now. Ever since we met, you've been my friends. Uncle Dar once told me that friends help each other no matter what and you needed this room more than me. I don't care if you throw my stuff out the window as long as you're my friend. Ok?"

Nancy finally smiled and said, "Ok, sister. But I'm not going to just toss your stuff out the window."

I said, "I was only kidding about that. I'd rather you helped me take it down stairs. Now, lets see what we have to wear."

I started going through the clothes that Nancy had in her closet and found a beautiful blue dress that matched her eyes. "Perfect," I said. "I have one almost identical and it's the same color." I moved my stuff around on the bed and found the dress.

"Now," I said to Ellen, "We need to see if you have one like it too." 

She said, "I have one that's identical. Janny got them for us at the mall."

"Well go get it," I said. 

She ran over to her room and went in.

When she was gone I said to Nancy, "I know how hard it's been for you two. I'm not mad about you taking my room and I'm not mad about you helping with Uncle Dar. I can't do that much right now anyway. I still get dizzy sometimes and my back still hurts from landing on the diving board. You aren't taking over anything from me, your helping me. 

"I meant it about us being sisters now," I said. "Both of my sisters are way older than me and it's real nice to have you and Ellen here. You're my sisters and my friends for ever."

Nancy didn't say anything, she just hugged me real tight. I hugged her back and said, "Forever."

Ellen came back in with her dress and said, "Forever what?"

I turned around and hugged her to and said, "Forever my sisters and friends."

Ellen hugged me back and said, "Forever."

We let each other go, and I got the dresses for Nancy and me and we went back down stairs to Uncle Dar's room. Erica was still on the computer and Uncle Dar was asleep in his chair when we got there. 

Erica looked up and said, "Back already? I'm hardly started yet."

I said, "We're going to be busy for a bit. I still have a lot of my clothes up stairs and we're going to bring it all down." 

I held up the two dresses that I was carrying and said, "What do you think? I held mine closer to her and said, "Me in this one, and Nancy in this one." I held out the other. "Ellen will wear that one." She held up her dress.

Erica said, "You three will look so good in those. What's the special occasion?" 

I said, "Ask Uncle Dar. "I don't know if he wants us to talk about it, so you have to ask him. I just wanted to know if you thought that we'd look good in the dresses for him."

Erica said, "Oh yes. He'll love them."

I said, "Thanks."

"That's what big sisters are for," she said.

"Yea, and being bossy sometimes," I said.

She laughed and said, "That too. Janny taught me that."

We took the dresses into my room and put them in the closet for now. I said, "Now we have to see about shoes."

Ellen said, "We only have one pair of dress shoes each right now."

What size," I asked/

"We both wear size 6," Nancy answered.

I said, "Well so do I and I've got lots of them from Erica and Janny. I also have some of mom's shoes."

We went back up stairs to mom and dad's bedroom and went in. I took them to mom's closet and opened it and said, "I can't wear her dresses, but she wore a size 6 too so lets see what we can find."

We found a pair that would match the dresses we were going to wear and took them and went up to Nancy's room. I opened my closet again, and started going through all the shoes there and found a pair of Erica's old shoes and a pair of mine that both matched."

"There," I said, "Now we're ready for Uncle Dar. When we get ready, we'll have to do it in my room so we can all walk out and show him what we have."

They both hugged me and said, "Thank you."

I hugged them back and said, "Forever."

After taking the shoes back to my room, I had to lie down. I was feeling a bit dizzy after all the running up and down the stairs. I fell asleep lying there and don't know how long I was out, but when I woke up I saw that all my dresses and stuff were now in my closet. The cousin twins had brought all my stuff down from my old room and put it in my there. 

I sat up and saw that they'd brought down all my shoes too. Getting up, I went out to the main room and saw that Uncle Dar was awake and playing a game with them on the plasma t.v.

I walked over and asked, Who's winning?"

Uncle Dar said, "Nancy is right now, but she doesn't realize that I'm sneaking up on her."

Nancy said, "Yea right. Your just making that up to mess with me. You haven't got a chance."

We all laughed at that and I went out to the kitchen to fix a snack. Jenny and George were still gone and it had been quite a while since lunch. I fixed up the left over Mac and Cheese and made up four plates for the others. I took them in to the Den and set the plates down on the coffee table and said, "Lets eat."

They stopped playing the game, and Ellen helped Uncle Dar into his wheelchair and pushed him over. Nancy came over too and they both sat down.

We'd just finished when George and Janny came in. George asked "Can you girls give me a hand with the groceries while Janny checks Dar's leg?"

We all jumped up and went out and helped him take the stuff in. I asked, "So how many are coming tomorrow?"

"About ten or so," he said. "Plus your two friends of course. Most of the guests will be Dar's friends and his aunt and Uncle."

I said, "Great. I'm glad that you were able to get some of his friends. I bet he'll be happy to see them."

"That's the idea, twerp." I punched him for the twerp and he laughed and continued. "I contacted five of them and they all said they'd be here by about noon. They'll com up together and stay the night at a motel room I got for them.' 

He also said, "His Aunt and Uncle will be here with both of his cousins too. They found a baby sitter for the kids for the day and will be here about the same time."

Ellen asked, "What are you talking about?"

I said, "We're going to have a welcome home party for Uncle Dar. George got ahold of some of his friends and his Aunt and Uncle. They're all coming tomorrow."

Nancy said, "Great. I'll bet he'll be real happy to see them."

"That's the idea, twerp," said George.

Nancy looked at him for a second then she punched him too and said, "Don't call me that. I am not a twerp."




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 12



George laughed and said, "Ok. How bout shrimp?"

Nancy punched him again.

"Midget," said George. Nance just glared at him for that.

George laughed again and said, "Ok. Ellen's the shrimp, you're the midget and Sally's the twerp." We all punched him that time.

I looked at the others and said, "Well I know who we have to toss into the pool tomorrow if we can use it."

George said, "You wouldn't dare. But yes, Inspector Reach said that we can use it now. He said that they had all the evidence they could get off of it and there wasn't anything else they could find so the pool is now opened again."

I looked at Nancy and Ellen and said, "Sandra and Shelly are coming with coach Coulter. It'll be five on one so I say we toss him in."

They agreed and George just laughed. I didn't know if he believed us or not but he was in for a wet surprise tomorrow.

We took all the groceries in and then went out back to set up all the tables and chairs for tomorrow. We also took down the fence around the pool since Uncle Dar wouldn't be alone out there, and there weren't going to be a lot of little kids around. This party was mostly for adults so we weren't worried about the fence.

Going back inside after we'd finished, George said, "I'm going to fix something to eat. You girls want anything?"

We said no since we'd just eaten before he and Janny got home. I told him that we'd had some leftovers from lunch and that Uncle Dar had eaten too, but that Erica might be hungry.

He said "Ok, I'll ask make enough for her and Janny too. I'm glad you took care of Dar while we were gone."

We looked at each other and smiled and at the same time said, "Our job now," like we'd rehearsed it.

He laughed again, and said, "Ok. It's all three of you, I see."

Ellen said, "Yup. All three of us now."

I said, "Five of us." 

Nancy looked at me and nodded her head. Ellen said, "Ok, five of us now."

We went to Dar's room and I knocked to make sure that Janny was done checking his leg. She said, "Come on in." We went in and over to the couch where she was sitting.

"Where's Uncle Dar," Ellen asked.

"Asleep," said Janny. "He's not that strong yet, and he's been up all day so I took care of the leg and got him into bed."

"Did he tell you about the evaluation yet?" I asked.

"Yes," she said. "He also said he wanted to take just the three of you out to dinner after court."

I said, "We have our dresses picked out and I borrowed a pair of mom's old shoes and a pair of Erica's that she gave me and I already have a pair. Is it ok to use mom's shoes?"

Janny said, "Of course. She'd love knowing that you used her old stuff and she'd be real happy to help your friends too."

I said, "Thank you." I hugged her and said, "I still miss her and dad. I felt like they were still in their room when we went in to get the shoes."

Janny hugged me back and said, "I miss them too."

I let go and said, "George is making something for you and Erica. We already ate and so did Uncle Dar."

She said, "I know. He told me that the four of you ate just before we got home. Thank you for taking care of him today."

I smiled and looked at the other's and we all said, "Our job now."

Janny laughed and said, "Ok. Your job now. I know he loves it to have the three of you help him. He told me that the five of you are the best thing that ever happened to him." 

"He's the best thing to happen to me in a long time," I said. "He gave me a purpose this summer and he's been a friend."

Janny said, "He's been a friend to all of us. I think that he's been lonely for a long time, and he's adopted us as a family. I know that I have him. He says that he's not a real nice man because of his past, but I don't agree. He's the nicest kindest person I know."

"I agree," I said. 

Ellen and Nancy nodded their heads in agreement too.

"Ok," I said. "I'm tired so I'm going to bed. See you in the morning, sisters."

We hugged each other and I went to bed feeling happy that I had two new sisters that I loved, and two others that I'd always loved and all of them loved me. 

The next day, when I got up I found Ellen and Nancy already up but Uncle Dar was still in bed. I asked them if he was ok, and Nancy said "Yes. He's just sleeping in a bit. He said that he was still tired from yesterday is all."

"Well," I said, "with what's going on today he needs the extra rest. He's going to have a busy day today and so are we. Couch Coulter said she'd be over early with Shelly and Sandra to help set up for the party and Uncle Dar's friends and family will be here at about noon."

Ellen said, "Janny's already checked his leg and George is out getting the BBQ ready. Erica is making up munchies and they told us to stay here in case Uncle Dar needs anything."

I said, "Ok. I'm still feeling a bit off so I think I'll just watch some t.v. for awhile."

Nancy asked, "Can we join you?"

I said, "Well, I was planning on using the Plasma so if you want to watch it's fine with me. Besides, we're sisters now. Maybe not officially but that doesn't matter. So lets watch t.v."

We sat down on the couch and got the remote. I don't know how, but I ended up in the middle with them snuggled up to me. I put my arms around them and we watched an old Sci Fi movie that I'd seen lots of times and still loved. 

After the movie, I went to look in on Uncle Dar. He was awake now and reading one of dad's old books. He looked up as I peeked in the door and said, "Good morning."

"Good morning," I answered. "Ready to get up?"

"Now's as good a time as any," he said.

"Ok, I'll tell Janny," I said.

I went out to the kitchen and found Janny helping Erica with the munchies and said, "Uncle Dar's awake now and he's ready to get up."

"Tell him I'll be there in a moment," said Janny.

Erica asked me, "Can you help a bit?"

"Sure," I said. 

I helped her make up some potato salad and some fruit salad.

While we were doing this she said, "Are you feeling better now?"

I said, "Yes. I get tired easy sometimes, but I feel a lot better now."

"Good," she said. "I was real worried about you for awhile. I don't need to loose a sister. To hard to find good ones now days."

I said, "Well I think your stuck with two new ones now."

"Oh I know," she said. "But I still want to keep the ones I already have. I just want you to know that."

"Thank you," I said. "I don't want to loose you or Janny either."

She smiled and said, "You know, it takes a special person to do what you did for Uncle Dar when he first came here, and then for Ellen and Nancy when they lost their parents. I'm proud of you for that. You have a big heart for someone so small."

My eyes got misty at that and I said, "I had very good teachers with my sisters and my big brother. They showed me how."

She kept smiling and hugged me. I hugged her back and we finished making the salads together.

That day was a blast. Uncle Dar's friends got there at noon like George said, and so did his aunt and Uncle with his cousins. Megan showed up with Sandra and Shelly and we got every thing ready for them just in time. George made hamburgers and hot dogs and steaks for all of us. Best though, was how happy Uncle Dar was. 

He spent the whole day talking to his friends and relatives and smiled the whole time. I was glad that we'd managed to do that for him. 

The best part was when us girls got our swim suits on and got George. The five of us caught him and dragged him to the pool and tossed him in. That was fun.

Then we got Janny and Erica and Megan. We had a great time that day.

After the party, when everybody had left, I helped Erica clean up in the kitchen and Ellen, Nancy, Sandra and Shelly cleaned up in back. Janny and George were with Uncle Dar in his room.

I said to Erica, "That went real well. Uncle Dar was so happy today. I hope we can do that again for him."

Erica said, "Yes, that was great. We all had fun today."

When we'd finished in the kitchen, I went out to see if they needed help around the pool. They were already done and I said, well since Erica and I did all the work we're going to eat all the ice cream."

Shelly said, "No your not. We helped to so we get some too."

I laughed and said, "George got a big tub of it so if you want some chocolate ice cream, come in and help yourselves. Just make sure to save some for George and Janny and Uncle Dar."

They agreed and we went in and fixed up bowls for the five of us and Uncle Dar. We took them into his room and gave him his then sat on the couch and ate.

After we finished, George and Janny got Uncle Dar ready for bed. 

I asked Janny, "How's his leg?"

She said, "It looks better than when he first came here. All the red's gone and it's healing nicely now."

I said, "Good. I was so worried about it when he got sick. I thought that he might loose it when you said that the infection had spread so much."

"So did I," Janny said. "I haven't seen that bad an infection in a long time and it really worried me.  But now that they've found that piece of bullet, it's healing quite well. He shouldn't have any more trouble with it now."

I said, "I'm glad." I hugged her and said, "I'm going to bed now so good night."

I went into Uncle Dar's little bed room and saw he was still awake, so I walked over to him and gave him a hug and said, "Good night Uncle Dar. I love you."

He hugged me back and said, "Good night munchkin. I love you too. Thank you for a wonderful day."

"You're welcome," I said. I hugged him again and went back out and said good night to my friends and went to bed happy that the party had worked so well. Uncle Dar was happy and my friends and I had had a wonderful day.

Best of all, in two more days, Uncle Dar would adopt Ellen and Nancy. He'd have a real family then, and they'd have a new father that loved them and would do anything for them. I'd found this out myself when he rescued me from the pool. He'd die for them if necessary and would do his best to protect them and take care of them.



This ends Chapter 12. Sally will continue with 1three.



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 13



 Chapter 13

The Hero's Duty

This story is a work of fiction only. Any chance resemblance to actual people or events is purely accidental.

Special Thanks to Desert Pirate for editing.

*

We took it easy for the next two days, and then when it was time to get ready to go, Ellen, Nancy and I put on our chosen outfits. When we walked out to where Uncle Dar was waiting with George, Uncle Dar said, "Oh my god. They're not twins, they're triplets."

We all three blushed at that comment and then George said, "Yes, they may very well be but you only get two of them, so don't get greedy. The other is already taken, and even if you beat me, you still have Janice to worry about and she don't fight fair. Take that from me."

Uncle Dar laughed and said, "Well I don't know about that, but I do know that with two such lovely daughters I won't be lonely ever again. Also, since they're friends with the one you're claiming I won't have to worry about her being around either. I bet she spends more time with me than with you."

George said, "No bet. I don't like to loose, and that's definitely a fools bet if I ever heard one. I do have an advantage though. You have to feed em . You know, on second thought, take the third too. You want em you feed em."

I said, "I think we're being picked on. What say we do something about it?"

Ellen said, "I think we can get to the couch before them. Think those three cushions are enough?"

Nancy said, "I think so." She looked at me and said, "How bout you?"

"I don't know for sure, but lets find out," I said.

We ran up to the couch and grabbed the cushions and threw them at Uncle Dar and George.

Uncle Dar said, "On second thought, you keep em all George. They play much to ruff for an old fart like me."

George laughed and said, "Too late. You already promised em and I think if you try to back out we'll both be in even more trouble. Maybe if we ran, we might escape."

"Yea, right, " Uncle Dar said. "I'm going to run. Coward. Deserting your comrade at his time of need like that. I should out to report you to the VFW for that."

George said, "Wouldn't do you any good. I'm not a member."

"Drat," said Uncle Dar. "Well, I think I'll just surrender to their mercy and let you get beat upon."

We all laughed at that and I walked up behind Uncle Dar and pushed him to the door. The others followed us and we went on to the family room where Erica and Janny were already waiting.

I saw that they were wearing matching dresses too. Thiers were a dark green color that matched their eyes. I used to envy them the green eyes, but now I had two friends who like me were blond and blue eyed. I looked like mom, and my sisters looked more like dad. He was dark haired with green eyes. 

While the girls and I were getting seated to wait for Megan to show up with Shelly and Sandra, the phone rang. "George picked it up and said, Carson and Brandt residence. Oh, hello Mr. Reach. Yes, I'll tell him, and thank you."

He hung up and turned to Uncle Dar and said, Mr. Reach is going to meet us at the court house and he's bringing Ms. Harrison with him. He said that he'd be willing to testify as to your fitness to adopt these two girls. He also said that Ms. Harrison would do the same."

"Good," said Uncle Dar. "It's always nice to know that the heavy artillery is available if you need it."

"Amen," said George.

Uncle Dar asked Janny, "Do you have all my paper work from the psych evaluation?"

"Yes," said Janny. "I have copies of everything that was requested by the court, and George's lawyer friend also has them."

I said, "That means we're ready I hope."

"As ready as we can be," said George. "I don't think that we'll have any problems though. After what happened to the CPS woman, I doubt that they'd want to start any more trouble about Dar's fitness to adopt two girls. He has more than sufficient means to support them, and as of right now he's renting his room and their rooms from us."

"Renting?" I asked. "Why is he renting them?"

To show his ability to provide adequate shelter for them in a fit environment," said Janny. "We signed a five year lease agreement with him yesterday when the lawyer was here. The first year is already paid in advance and we have receipts and deposits to show that the transaction is real and not just on paper."

"Oh," I said. "So he's renting his rooms from us is just for the court showing that he's providing proper shelter and such?"

"Exactly," said George. "Our lawyer recommended it and said that a long term lease would look good too. We've also listed available facilities that they can use as tenants while they live here. The fact that Dar can do his physical therapy here and having a certified nurse to monitor the health of the girls helps too. That's how we managed to keep you so easily."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

George said, "The fact that we have a small gym and a swimming pool for recreation and the fact that there is a registered nurse living here was a telling argument for us to keep custody of you. CPS tried to say we were too young at the time, but Janny had just gotten her qualification as a nurse."

"We demanded that CPS provide the same or better for a foster home for you if they took you away," continued George. "We also stated that Janny was your eldest sister and as a nurse, was more than adequately qualified to care for you. They dropped the case and the judge awarded us permanent custody of you and Erica."

We've also got a teacher who is certified to instruct both Physical Education and Mathematics at the local High School. With her and two police officers willing to testify to his fitness, I don't think we'll have any trouble at all," finished George.

I said, "Well that's good to know. I was worried about what happened with the CPS woman, but now I'm much more confident. I'd hate to loose two of my best friends because someone decided that Uncle Dar wasn't good enough to be a father for them."

"I understand, Sally," George said. "I wouldn't put it past them to try again, but this time we're ready. They don't have a chance if they try anything now."

I trusted George. If he said that we would win, I knew that we would. I also knew that if it came to a fight, the losers wouldn't like it.

Shortly after that, Megan showed up with Shelly and Sandra. We all went out and piled into her van and took off for the court house. 

When we got there, Megan used that disabled placard again, and parked close to the entrance where we met Inspector Reach and Agent Harrison. They shook hands with all of us, and Agent Harrison said to me, "So, how do you like your two new house guests?"

I said, "I like it a lot. It's nice to have someone my own age around and I've got two now. We help each other take care of Uncle Dar and have lots of fun besides. And now that we can use the pool again, we have even more fun. Thank you for your help."

"Don't mention it," she said. I like your Uncle Dar too. I know a bit about him that I can't talk about, but I can tell you he's a brave man and a good one."

"You didn't have to tell me that," I said. "After what he did for George and me, I knew first hand. I don't know of many that would have done what he did for both of us. George told us how he got those medals in Iraq too. The five of us all wear one for him now."

She said, "Good. Wear them always to honor him."

"I will," I said. "I have mine on a chain and I'm wearing it now."

Take it out where everyone can see it," She said. "Let them know that he's a brave man and that you care about him. Don't hide them."

I pulled the chain with the Navy cross out of my dress and let it hang down where everyone could see it. I didn't know whether I was supposed to or not, but decided that if Agent Harrison said it was ok, it must be. The other four saw what I'd done and did the same with theirs.

We went into the court house with Ellen and Nancy pushing Uncle Dar and the rest following. Inside we met George's lawyer who took us to the court room where the hearing would be held.

When we went in, I saw that the room was empty except for us. I asked the lawyer if that was normal and he said, "For this time of day, yes. We're first on the docket and we won't be more than a few minutes most likely. I expect this to be a formality only since I have so many witnesses to testify on Mr. DeShade's behalf."

"Good," I said. "I hope this is as easy as you say."

He smiled and said, "I wouldn't lie about something like this. If George says that he's fit, then I'm satisfied. I've know George for several years and he's never been wrong about somebody."

Just then, a man wearing a police uniform came in and said, "All rise. The Honorable Judge Jameson Presiding." We all stood up and the judge walked in. He sat down and said, "Be seated."

"Bailiff," he continued, "call the first case."

The bailiff called Uncle Dar forward and he and the lawyer went up to the podium in front of the judge.

The judge said, "Are the two minor girls present?" 

The lawyer said, "Yes your honor. Also present are several witnesses to testify on behalf of the petitioner for the adoption."

The judge said, "I don't think that will be necessary. I only want to ask a few questions of the two girls in question and Sally Brandt and Mr. DeShade himself. If I need more information, I'll ask for further witnesses."

"Very well your honor. Who do you wish to speak to first?"

"I'd like Nancy Tremons to take the stand first. Please call her forward." The lawyer gestured for Nancy to go to the witness stand and sit down. She did so.

The judge looked at her and said, "Since you're a minor, if you wish I can appoint counsel before I question you. Do you wish this?"

"No sir," said Nancy.

"Very well, let the record show that Nancy Tremons does not wish to consult with legal counsel at this time."

"Now then," he continued. "My questions are very simple. Do you want me to grant Mr. DeShade legal custody of you until you reach your legal majority?"

"Yes sir," Nancy answered.

"Would you mind telling me why?" asked the judge.

"Because he cares about what happens to me and he cares about what happens to my cousin Ellen," answered Nancy.

"How do you know this?" asked the judge.

"He's the one who helped get us placed with George and Janice Carson so we wouldn't be separated from each other." Nancy started to cry, and said, "Ellen is the only family I have left and Uncle Dar wanted us to be together."

The judge looked at the medal she was wearing and asked her what it was for.

Nancy said, "It's one of the ones Uncle Dar earned in Iraq last spring when he was wounded rescuing George. All five of us girls wear one of the medals he was given to honor him and to show that we all love him. We also wear them because of how he saved Sally from drowning."

The judge looked at the medal again and asked, "What medals exactly did he earn in Iraq?"

Nancy said, "This one is a Bronze star. He also got a Silver Star from the army and a Navy Cross from the Navy, plus two Purple hearts for the wounds he got there."

The judge said, "I wasn't aware of that. I knew that he'd been injured there, but not the circumstances." He looked at the lawyer and said, "Can you verify this?"

The lawyer said, "Not at this time. I didn't see the need to get copies of the orders awarding the citations in question so I don't have them at this time."

Inspector Reach interrupted just then and said, "Your honor, may I approach the bench and show you my credentials?"

"You may," responded the judge.

Inspector Reach walked up to the judges stand and handed him his ID folder with his NCIS ID and his badge. 

He said, "If necessary, I can provide the needed documentation to the court but if my word is good enough for now I'll vouch for the authenticity of the citations in question. I will also state for the record that Mr. DeShade is entitled to a total of three Silver Stars besides the one here today."

"He has also been given several commendations for actions under fire from when he was originally in the service. Most of what he did is classified, but I will state that he earned each of them."

The judge said, "Let the record show that Senior Investigator Reach for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service has stated that Mr. DeShade is in fact entitled to a total of four Silver Stars, one Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for various actions of bravery under fire."

Inspector Reach said, "That's not quite accurate. He is also entitled to two more purple hearts from past actions."

The judge said, "Please amend the record to show that Mr. DeShade is entitled to a total of four Purple Hearts for past actions in the military

He smiled at Nancy and said, "You may step down now, I'm all through with you. I'd like to question Ellen Tremons now."

Ellen went up to the witness stand and sat down. "Do you wish legal counsel before we continue?" he asked her.

Ellen said, "No sir."

"Very well then. Let the record show that the minor Ellen Tremons does not wish to speak with counsel at this time."

He asked her, "Do you want Mr. DeShade to adopt you?"

Ellen answered, "Yes sir, I do. I love him very much and I want him to be my father."

The judge said, "Very well. So, what medal did you get if I may ask?"

Ellen held up the Silver star and said, "The Silver Star Uncle Dar was awarded in Iraq."

"Very well, that's all I have for you. You may step down." he turned toward the lawyer again and said, "I'd like to question Sally Brandt now please."

I went up to the witness stand and sat down. The judge again asked, "Do you wish to speak with counsel before I question you?"

I said, "No your honor. I don't believe I need to."

"Let the record show that Sally Brandt has declined legal counsel."

He turned back to me and said, "My questions for you are fairly simple since I understand that you've spent the most time with Mr. DeShade after he was released from the Seattle Veterans Hospital to the care of your family while he's been recovering from his injuries."

"What I'd like to know," he continued "is this. Do you think he'd be dangerous to Ellen and Nancy Tremons?"

"Never," I said. "He'd never harm them and he would risk his life to protect them."

"How do you know this?" asked the judge.

"Because of how he risked his life to save George and how he almost died saving mine after I fell on the diving board of our pool and fell in," I said. " I was unconscious from the fall and he tore up the fence we had around it and went straight into the pool after me."

"When he hit the bottom he tore the back free from the wheel chair and swam to me and pulled me to the steps on the shallow end and did CPR on me while he held me in his lap. He reopened the wound on his left leg and almost bled to death as a result of that."

"I think he would do the same for Ellen and Nancy, or my friends Sandra and Shelly too," I continued. I don't think he'd hesitate whatever the cost to himself. That's why I'm wearing his Navy Cross. To honor the man who saved both my brother's life and my own." I held up the medal.

The judge looked at it for a second and said, "I am familiar with the incident. I'm required to ascertain the fitness of an adoptive parent though. I've always found that the best source of information is the children being adopted and in this case, the one who's had the most contact with the prospective parent. Very well, you may step down."

He looked at the attorney and said, "I bet your happy to get an easy one for a change. My decision is this. I grant Mr. DeShade custody of the two minor children, Ellen and Nancy Tremons. From this day forward, sir, you are responsible for their well being. I wish you well sir and congratulations."

Uncle Dar grabbed Georges arm and stood up and said, "Thank you your honor. I will do my best by these two girls."

He slowly sat back down, and I saw him wince with pain as he did so. The judge saw it to and asked, "Are you alright, sir? If you need medical attention say so."

Uncle Dar looked at him and said, "I'm still a bit tender from the surgery that removed the last bullet fragment from my leg. I shouldn't have stood up is all."

The judge said, "Very well. Let the record show that Eldarin Clarence DeShade is now the legal father of record for Ellen and Nancy Tremons. Court is adjourned."

He stood up and said, "Congratulations, by the way. I hope every thing works out for you and your new family."

Uncle Dar said, "Thank you your Honor."

Ellen and Nancy ran up to him and hugged him saying, "Thank you your Honor. Thank you very much."

He hugged them back and said, "Your very welcome. Some days it's really good to be a judge." With that, he went out the back door.

We all filed out of the court room and went back to the van. The two police men got into a patrol car and drove away waving as they passed. George's lawyer friend shook hands with him and Uncle Dar and said, "It really is nice to get an easy one now and then. Good luck to you sir, and thank you George. This one is on me." He left too after that.

When we were all in the van, Uncle Dar said to Megan, "Can you take me to that place I asked you about now? I'd like to celebrate with my daughters and their friend now. As a matter of fact, I'd like to take all three of their friends."

Megan said, "Now how come they're so lucky and all I get is to play taxi driver?"

Uncle Dar said, "You have a few other passengers to take care of first. I'd like to have dinner with my daughters and their friends, but after you take the others home, your invited to come join us."

"Oh yea?" responded Megan. "Just what do I get for picking you up again?"

"Desert," said Uncle Dar. "I just want some time with the girls before you ship me back home and lock me up again. I haven't had a chance since before Sally's accident and I'd like this one time to celebrate with just them."

Megan smiled and said, "I was just teasing you. I'll take you where ever you want to go any time you say. Don't tell them kids, but I love them too. They're special, but I don't want em ta know I think so. Might go to their heads."

Uncle Dar laughed and said, "To late. The whole Cheerleaders team knows your just an old softy."

She laughed to and said, "You're probably right, but I got to keep up appearances at least a little."

She laughed again, and drove toward the middle of town. We went to a real nice restaurant and George helped Uncle Dar out of the van and into his chair. 

George said, "You sure you don't need help? You're a bit out numbered, you know."

Uncle Dar laughed and said, "You looking for a free meal again?"

George laughed too and said, "Can't blame a guy for trying. Ok, we'll see you when you get home." He turned to the rest of us and said, "Be careful with this old man. He's kinda fragile now that he's so old."

George laughed again, and got back into the van. Megan took off and Sandra and Shelly grabbed the chair, one on each side.

They looked at the rest of us and said, "Our turn."

Nancy, Ellen and I laughed and said, "Ok, your turn."

I said, "But when we come back out, it's my turn."

We went inside and Uncle Dar told the woman at the Hostess station, "Reservation for DeShade please. I have two extra's, though." 

She looked in her reservation book and said, Yes, DeShade, party of four and it's no problem for the other two." She picked up six menus and said, "Right this way please." She led us to a secluded table and helped Uncle Dar move from his wheelchair to a chair at the table.

He sat down at the table and said, "Ladies, please be seated." I blushed at the 'Ladies' part but sat down across the table from him. Nancy sat at his right and Ellen sat at his left. Sandra and Shelly sat next to me, one on each side.




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 13



Uncle Dar told the hostess, "I'd like something for a toast. I'm here to celebrate with because these young ladies here," he said while gesturing at Ellen and Nancy, "have this day become my adopted daughters and I'd like something that we can all drink a toast with."

The hostess said, "I have just the thing. We have a nice sparkling cider for our younger patrons here that is quite good."

"Perfect," said Uncle Dar. I'd like six glasses of it please."

When the hostess had brought the drinks, Uncle Dar picked his up and said, "I would like to make this toast in honor of my new daughters and to the other three of you who are daughters of my heart. To you whom I love above all else."

We raised our glasses, and I saw that I wasn't the only one who had a tear or two in her eyes. Uncle Dar was in my heart and always would be. So were Ellen and Nancy whom he'd adopted as his legal daughters. Shelly and Sandra too, were my best friends and I loved all four of them like sisters. 

After we drank the toast Uncle Dar said, "You can have whatever you want to eat. Don't skimp because of price. I can afford it. This is a special dinner and I want you to remember it for a long time." 

I said, "Even if it was just tuna sandwiches and some lemonade, I would never forget."

Just being here with my five best friends is enough to make it unforgettable" I continued. I picked up my glass again and said, "I'd like to propose a toast now. To Uncle Dar who gave me my life without regard to the cost to himself and to my four best friends whom I love as sisters. Thank you for being my friends."

The others made the toast and put down their glasses. Nancy said, "I don't want to make a toast. I just want to say that I appreciate the friends I have now and to thank you for being there when I needed you most. I also want to thank you Daddy Dar."

Ellen said "I agree. Thank you all and thank you Daddy Dar."

Uncle Dar looked uncomfortable for a second and then said, "You don't have to call me daddy or dad or anything like that. I can't replace your parents and I don't intend to try. I'll try to be a father to you and do the best I can, but you don't have to call me that if you don't want to."

Ellen said, "I don't expect you to replace Mom and Dad, but your still Daddy Dar to me."

Nancy said, "You gave us the chance to stay together. It was you who talked to George and Janice and it was you who prevented CPS from taking us away and maybe splitting us up. Thank you daddy Dar."

I said, "It was you who saved my life and it was you who saved my big brothers life. Thank you Daddy Dar."

Sandra said, "You've always been kind to us and have never said anything about us being around so much. You saved the life of one of my best friends and you sat and held my hand and told me that she'd be all right at the hospital. You gave me hope when I didn't have any. Thank you Daddy Dar."

Last was Shelly, and she said "I can't think of anything to add to that except thank you for what you've done and for being a friend. Thank you Daddy Dar. I love you."

We all said, "I love you Daddy Dar."

He looked at each of us one at a time and smiled. Then he said, "Daughters of my heart in truth." He didn't say anything else for a moment, and then said, "All right, this is a celebration for all of us. Lets celebrate."

He picked up his menu but not before I saw that it wasn't just us girls with a few tears in our eyes. 

We had a very good meal and when we were finished, Uncle Dar said, "Ok, It's about time we went out and met Megan so I can keep my promise to her."

I said, "How bout having desert here? I don't think there's a better place in town, and the food was very good. I bet that the deserts are at least as good."

Uncle Dar said, "Ok, then your elected to go out and wait for her and bring her in since it's your idea. And since I can't smoke in here, you can just push me out for a smoke while we wait for her."

I got up and walked around the table and grabbed his chair.

After helping him into it, I pushed him back to the front where he had me stop at the Hostess station and told the woman there, "I need another chair for my table if possible, please. I think I'll have another guest joining my party for desert. And please bring desert menu's. I'll be going out side for a smoke while I wait for my last guest."

The woman said, "Yes sir. How was your meal?" 

Uncle Dar said, "I don't know about the girls, but I was very satisfied. Very well done."

The hostess said, "Thank you sir. I'll let the chef know that you're pleased."

"Thank you," said Uncle Dar.

I took him out side, and he had a smoke while we waited for Megan. I still had a bit of trouble thinking of her that way, but I was getting used to it. The real hard part would probably be calling her Coach or Mrs. Coulter next fall when school started. 

She pulled up and parked as Uncle Dar finished his cigarette. He put it out in an ashtray by the door, and we went over to the van.

Megan opened the window when we got there and said, "All done?"

Uncle Dar said, "Not quite. We're missing one person for desert. I had a very wise young lady suggest that we have it here as the food was so good. Would you be kind enough to join us?"

Megan smiled and rolled up her window. When she got out I was surprised to see that she had on a dress that matched the ones that Ellen, Nancy and I had worn today. It was a beautifully cut dress with matching shoes. I looked at her and said, "I hope I'm as beautiful as you when I'm older."

She looked at me and said, "Don't worry about it. You already are beautiful and you look gorgeous in that dress. Don't waste your time waiting for something that's already here youngster."

I smiled at the compliment and said, "Thank you."

She said, "You don't need to thank me for telling the truth. You look so much like your mother now that it hurts sometimes to see you. But you are your own person too and I love you for that."

I hugged her and said, "You really think I look like mom? But she was so pretty. I don't think I'm nearly as pretty as she was."

Megan said, as she hugged me back, "You look like she did when I first met her. She was only a bit older than you are now, and a bit taller, but other than that you could be her twin. You really do look like her. Take my word for it cause teachers and coaches never lie. At least not to friends."

She let me go and said, "And now to quote something that five girls keep repeating all the time when you're around for some reason, my turn." She walked around to the back of Uncle Dar's wheelchair and pushed him back in side.

We had a wonderful desert and we talked for a long time. Since the restaurant wasn't very busy, the staff didn't say any thing about us staying so long. After we finished, Uncle Dar took out his wallet and put his bank card into the little wallet like book the bill was in and sent it back when the waiter came by again to refill our drinks.

When the Hostess brought back the receipt for Uncle Dar to sign, he must have added a big tip because when the hostess looked at it she smiled and said, "Thank you very much sir."

Uncle Dar said, "Thank you for an excellent meal and an even better desert. That was truly spectacular cake."

The hostess said, "We make all our pastries and other baked goods ourselves. I'll tell the chef that you were pleased with your meal."

Uncle Dar said, "Yes, tell him that please. I'm quite satisfied. He asked the rest of us, "How about the rest of you?"

We all agreed whole heartedly. It really had been a wonderful meal.

We left the restaurant and went out to the van. Megan and I helped Uncle Dar into the front and I helped him get his seat belt on, then I climbed in back with the other girls.

Megan got in and said, "Where to next?"

Uncle Dar said, "I think we should take Shelly and Sandra home so they can show their parents that they haven't been kidnapped and let them deal with the sugar rush when it hits."

Megan laughed and said, "Coward. Ok, two for home. Then what?"

"I think that it should be the same for me now too. I'm a bit worn out and Sally should be getting to bed soon too. She isn't quite over trying to test the hardness of her skull yet. At least she didn't break the diving board before I'm well enough to use it."

Everybody laughed at that except for me. I was a bit busy turning red and glaring at Uncle Dar. "I said, boy are you going to get it."

"Promises promises," he said. That time I laughed too.

We took Shelly and Sandra home, and then Megan took us home. 

When we got there, George came out and helped Megan get Uncle Dar into his chair. I was a bit wobbly, so Ellen and Nancy each grabbed one of my arms and helped me up to the house while Megan pushed Uncle Dar up the ramp and we went inside.

We went back to the old Den and Ellen and Nancy helped me get ready for bed. I was really tired by then so I didn't argue about the help. 

After I got into bed, I must have fallen asleep right away as I don't remember anything else until the next morning. 

I woke up and felt much better so I got up and put my robe over my PJ's and went out into the main room. Uncle Dar was still in bed, I thought because his chair was next to his door. Ellen and Nancy were asleep on the floor by the couch. I snuck over to Uncle Dar's room and looked in. 

He was reading a book when I peaked in but he noticed me and said, "Good morning munchkin. Sleep well?"

I said, "Yes, very. Want a cup of coffee?"

He said, "No, not right now. I just want to read for a bit and relax. I'm worn out from yesterday."

I said, "Ok. The others are asleep on the floor by your couch, so I'll go into my room and watch t.v. till they wake up. I'll leave the intercom on so if you need something just buzz me. I think we should let them sleep as long as they want today."

"Good idea, munchkin," Uncle Dar said. "I bet that they're worn to a frazzle emotionally and sleep is the best therapy for them right now. If I get bored I've got a laptop and internet, so go ahead and watch t.v. I don't need anything and it won't be long before Janny comes in to check the leg anyway. Go rest."

That's how the day went for us. We were all tired for one reason or another, so the four of us took it easy for the rest of the day. It was nice to have a day, for a change, when something wasn't going on that had to be dealt with immediately. 

I hoped we'd have more days like that.

This ends chapter 13. 

Chapter 14 follows with Sally continuing the story.



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 14



Chapter 14

Birthday for Two

Special thanks to Desert Pirate for his editing.

This story is a work of fiction only. Any chance resemblance to actual people or events is purely accidental.



As the days until my birthday went by, Janny made me take it easy. She said that I'd overextended myself too much since Uncle Dar had gotten home. I didn't argue much. Having Uncle Dar and his daughters around made it easy to sit back for awhile. 

Having Ellen and Nancy around was a big change for me though. I'd had friends over several times, but they always went home eventually. Ellen and Nancy were home and that took getting used to. I loved them dearly and was grateful for their help but it was still hard.

I think that what was hardest was the fact that they'd be running around doing house hold tasks that I usually did and when I tried to help, I'd get told "No, Our turn now." That phrase was coming back to haunt me, it seemed.

I couldn't even fix my own food if they saw me. I'd start making a sandwich, and next thing I know, I'm being told that I'm supposed to rest and either Ellen or Nancy would take over. I was beginning to understand how hard it was for Uncle Dar at times. If you're used to doing for your self, and suddenly you can't and someone else does you feel a bit lost at times.

We did have fun though. They were both practical jokers of very high skill. I was never a target, but not even Uncle Dar was safe otherwise. I'd still like to know how they got whip cream into a shampoo bottle though. That might be a handy skill some day.

Since I wasn't allowed to do much and had two watchdogs who made sure of it, I took to watching TV with Uncle Dar. We'd snuggle up on the couch, and he'd let me choose any program I wanted. I don't know if he liked what I did, but he'd sit there for hours and just hold me. 

Every now and then, either Ellen or Nancy would sit on his other side and he'd hold that one too. More than once I fell asleep like that, and when I woke up he'd still be holding me. 

I remember asking him why he was so patient with us girls, and he said, "You three have had too many hurts for being so young. You need time to heal just like I did. You gave me that time, so now it's my turn to give it back. Friends do that for friends."

After thinking about that for awhile, I told Ellen and Nancy what he'd said. Nancy said, "He's more than a friend. I don't know of anybody else who would have done what he did for you. Then he spent all that money so he could adopt us and he's only known us for about a month."

Ellen said, "Yea, did you know that on his rent agreement he's paying about $1000 a month? And he paid a year in advance."

I was shocked. I hadn't known that he was paying that much. I told them, "I really didn't know how much he paid us for rent. How did you find out?"

"His bank book on his computer. He left it open one night after looking at it. The list for expenses included $12,000 for one years rent here, and he had other things for us. He spent over $40,000 total to get us. I didn't know he had that much money, but he didn't seem to care about it either."

That shocked me even more. Uncle Dar had once told me that he had plenty of money from working in Iraq for two years, but I didn't think that he'd made so much as to just spend $40,000 and forget it. I wondered how much he really had.

We talked about it for a bit, and then Ellen said, "I don't really care how much he has left. If he was broke, I'd still love him and would want to be his daughter. He's always there if you need him. Always has time to talk if you want to talk. " 

"I know," I said. "He always has time for us and he's always honest too. I have never known him to lie to me. If he doesn't know or can't answer he says so. I just didn't know that he'd spent so much money for you. I didn't even know he had that much."

Ellen said, "He told us that he makes more in interest than he's spent so far, so he must have a lot somewhere. I don't care though. Like I said, if he was broke it wouldn't matter. I love him for him and not his money."

We talked for awhile longer, and then they went to the game room in the basement. At least I was allowed to sit with Uncle Dar. That was about the only thing I seemed to be allowed to do around here.

The day of my birthday party arrived, and I was so excited when I woke up that morning.  I wanted to get a shower before Uncle Dar got up so I jumped up and grabbed my robe and the clothes I'd set out the night before. I ran to the shower and jumped in before even turning on the water.

It was cold when it started, but I didn't mind. I liked cold showers in the morning because they woke me up fast. 

I took my shower and dried off. Using the hair dryer, I dried my hair and then got dressed. Putting my PJ's in the dirty clothes hamper with the towels I'd used, I finished up by brushing my teeth and then going out to the kitchen.

When I got there, I was surprised to see Uncle Dar already there with Janny, George, Ellen and Nancy. Uncle Dar didn't usually get up this early and George was almost always gone to work by now. 

I went to the fridge and got myself a glass of orange juice and asked, "Why are you all here now? I thought you worked today, George, and you usually sleep later than this uncle Dar."

George smiled and said, "I took the day off. I didn't want to miss today because we have a special birthday girl coming over in a bit. She should be here in about half an hour."

Uncle Dar said, "I wanted a bit of time with the other special birthday girl before too many people got here." He handed me a small package and said, "Happy birthday special girl."

I opened it and found a jewelry box inside. I opened that and saw a gold pendant. I gasped and picked it up to look at it closer. It was engraved on both sides. One side was just my name, Sally R. Brandt. The other side said, "To the daughter of my heart, know that I will always be with you."

I opened it up and saw a picture of a young Uncle Dar without the beard and wearing a military dress uniform.

I looked at him and started crying. All I could do was put it on with the medal I still wore and then I ran up and hugged him. It's beautiful, Uncle Dar, " I said.

He hugged me and said, "I guess that means you must like it."

I said, "I love it. I wouldn't care if it was just cheap aluminum with gold paint half worn off. I love it and I'll wear it and always remember you."

He hugged me again and said, "Well I'll have to remember that for next year then. That way I won't have to spend as much."

We all laughed at that and I let go my hug. "Thank you Uncle Dar," I said.

Ellen said, "Mine next." She handed me a similar package and I opened it. It was the same kind of jewelry box. I opened it and found a pair of ear rings that were the same stile as the pendant. Good thing I had pierced ears already. 

I looked her in the eye and smiled at her as I put them on.

Nancy said, "Now it's my turn." She handed me a bigger box that was flatter. I opened it and found a framed picture of her and Ellen standing with Uncle Dar in the middle.

It looked like it had been taken the day of the court hearing when Uncle Dar adopted them. They had on the same clothes that they'd worn that day but Uncle Dar was standing with an arm around each of them as they all smiled at the camera.

The frame was gold colored and from the weight, I thought it was real gold. It could have been cardboard for all I cared. I loved it for the picture, and not the frame anyway.

I hugged it to my chest, and with tears in my eyes I looked at the three of them and said, "I'll always treasure this. I love you guys and I'll always keep this with me no matter where I go."

Janny said, "Now it's my turn." She handed me a package that was a lot bigger. I opened it and found a beautiful blue dress. I held it up. From the feel of it, I thought it was real silk. I very carefully folded it up and hugging her I said, "It's gorgeous. I've never had such a pretty dress before.

She said, "I saw it when we took Ellen and Nancy to get their new clothes. It was your size and I just had to get it. They promised me that they wouldn't tell and I'm glad to see that they didn't."

Erica said, "Now it's my turn, little sister." She handed me a box that was like the one Nancy had given me but was much heavier.

I opened it and saw that it was a plaque like the ones that dad had gotten as awards when he was on a bowling league.

I picked it up and turned it over, and saw that it had a picture mounted on it of her, Janny, George, Uncle Dar, Ellen and Nancy. I didn't know when this one had been taken. Below the picture were the words: To Sally from all of us with our love and best wishes. Your family.

By this time, the tears were really coming down and I couldn't say anything at all. I just reached over and hugged her. 

Something like that was a treasure. I knew that Erica had made it herself in George's little work shop beside the house. Erica liked to make things like that and did really good work. But it was the picture and the words underneath that got me the most. I hadn't felt so happy since my last birthday with mom and dad when I turned nine. That had been four years ago now.

While I was hugging Erica and crying, she said, "I think she might like it."

I said, "I love it. Thank you for such a beautiful gift. Now I have some real treasures that I'll always keep."

George cleared his throat and asked, "So, is it my turn yet?"

I said, "Well you're the last one so I guess so.

He said, "Then come with me."

We followed him out the back door and I saw a small motorcycle with a helmet hanging from the handle bars.

I looked at it for a second then ran up to George and hugged him too saying, "You remembered. You promised to get me one when I turned fourteen and you remembered. Thank you so much."

I walked over to the bike after the hug and looked at it. It wasn't very big, but since I'm not either, I didn't care. I just wanted to be able to go with him and Janny when they went for rides on our property.

George said, "When the doctors and Janice OK it, I'll teach you to ride it. This one won't be hard because it's only a three speed, but I'll make sure you know how to ride it safely."

I looked at him and said, "Thank you for remembering, I know that you promised me a long time ago and I even forgot about it. I'll wait until I'm better, but then I want to learn."

Ellen and Nancy said, "We do too. Please teach us too."

I said, "You don't have to wait for me. Whenever George wants to teach you how you can ride it. I'll wait."

Ellen said, "It's your bike so you get to ride it first. But I'd really like to learn how too."

Uncle Dar said, "I think you need to ask someone else if you can first, but if you really want to, I have no problem with it. I just wish I could join you."

"You can if you want, uncle Dar," I said. "My dad had a 4 wheeler and we still have it in the shed where George and Janny's bikes are." 

I asked George, "Do you think it still runs?"

"I had it running a few days ago while you girls were at dinner with Dar," said George. "I think it ran OK and it shouldn't be hard for Dar to ride if he wants."

"I'll wait awhile before I try," said Uncle Dar. "I don't think I want to risk a wreck on it yet."

"It isn't a fast one," said George. "Jack got it to roam around the property, not to race. It's a four wheel drive but it doesn't have a lot of speed. More of a tractor than a ATV." 

I've driven it a few times, myself," I said. "It isn't hard to drive. Almost like a golf cart."

"I'll still wait awhile," said Uncle Dar. "I don't want to push it right now but if you girls want to, and George and Janny OK it then go ahead."

Ellen and Nancy looked at him and both said, "Really?"

"Really," he said. "I don't see any problem if you kids are careful. Just remember that neither of you are race car drivers and go from there. If you really want to drive the thing and the owners say OK, then I won't stop you. Besides, it's probably a lot safer than the go cart I built when I was your age."

"Go cart?" asked George. "What did you use for a motor?"

"!25cc Honda motorcycle," said Uncle Dar. "We got it off an old bike we found in an abandoned house that was going to be torn down."

"Better than what we had," said George. "We used an old 50cc chain saw motor. Didn't get much power off it but it did run for awhile."

"Cops confiscated ours," said Uncle Dar. "One of my friends took it out on the highway and passed a cop car doing about seventy-five. When they caught him he got taken to the precinct and his father had to come get him. They kept the go cart though. I bet one of them took it home."

"Seventy-five, huh?" George said. "Not bad for a home built cart."

"That's what the cops said," Uncle Dar said. "That was back before radar guns but I wouldn't be surprised. We mounted the motor and the tranny on the cart and used the chain on an old bicycle sprocket. It worked and it was fast. I just don't know how fast. Kinda hard to set up a working speedometer on it."

Laughing at Uncle Dar's story, I started pushing the bike around to the shed where the other bikes were. Ellen and Nancy helped me and we got it put away.

We went back and joined the others. I told them, "I don't care what else I get. I've already got the best presents I've ever had. Thank you all."

We went back inside, and I started fixing something to eat. Erica said, "Already done, sis. We fixed a nice breakfast and we were waiting for you to get up."

What did you fix?" I asked.

"French Toast," she said.

I said, "Goody. I love French toast with strawberries and whipped cream," I said. Uncle Dar shuddered at that.

"I hate strawberries" he said.

"Well too bad cuz I like em," I said.

"Blah," he said. "I'll stick with blueberries."

Erica took a big pan of French toast out of the oven and put it on the counter while Janny got a bowl of fresh strawberries out of the fridge.

Uncle Dar looked at the bowl and shuddered.

Janny said, "Well you don't have to eat them."

She reached back in and took out a bowl of blueberries and said, "How does this look?"

Uncle Dar looked at them and said, "If you ever get tired of the bum you're married to, I'll take you in."

She said, "If I ever get tired of him I'll boot him out and maybe you with him, old man."

Uncle Dar and George both laughed.

"Remind me never to get her mad at me," Uncle Dar said to George. "I don't think I'd survive it."

"You remember on your own," said George. "I'm too busy not making her mad right now, myself. She didn't want me to get the bike and I had to remind her of what her mother said and my promise to Sally. I don't think I'm safe yet."

"Better believe it," said Janny. "The only reason I let you at all is because you did promise her and mother said when. Otherwise you'd have been sleeping with it instead of with me."

"Now that might be something to see," said Uncle Dar. "A beat up has been Marine cuddled up to a kids dirt bike in an old shed. I'd love to get pictures of that."

We all laughed at that thought and George said, "I don't think you have enough money to pay me for that kind of picture."

"What if I said please?" asked Uncle Dar.

"No," said George. "Not a chance. Not even if you said pretty please."

"Pretty please with sugar and whipped cream on top?" asked Uncle Dar.

George said, "No. Hard enough with Janny being mad at me. Isn't a chance of me doing that with you and that fancy computer you have. I can just see you posting them pictures on the net."

"I wouldn't do that to you," said Uncle Dar. "Posters and such, maybe. But not on the net. You can sell posters."

George asked, "So is that how you made all that money you have stashed around?"

"No," said Uncle Dar. "Blackmail. Works much better."

We all laughed again.

After we finished breakfast, I got chased out of the kitchen and told to go do something useful, like watch T.V.

Later on as my friends started to arrive, I went out back again. It was a nice day, not to hot but the sun was out. 

The party went real well. I didn't even have one of my dizzy spells. Megan told me I looked much better, and maybe I should consider coming to practice again. I told her that I had to ask Janny but if she said I could, I'd be at the next one.

Megan said, "I hope so or at least real soon. We've all missed our tumble weed."

"I've missed it and all of you too. I know that Uncle Dar stays home to be with me when Ellen and Nancy go so I don't feel totally left out, but he misses it too. I'll try to come even if I can't join in."

"That would be good too," said Megan. "I need someone to do the towels any way."

I said, "I'd do it just to be there. I really miss the fun. You're all my friends and it gets lonely being stuck here so much. It was easier when Uncle Dar was so weak, but now I can't do much either. Now I know how he felt now, though."

"Some lessons come harder than others," said Megan. "We don't appreciate what we have so much until we loose it. I learned that the hard way when my father died. Then loosing my husband and your mother. It felt like the world had ended. I learned to appreciate what I have now even more than ever before when you almost died too."

"I know what you mean," I said. "I lost mom and dad, then Uncle Sammy. Then when Uncle Dar got sick with the leg, I thought the world was ending it hurt so much. Now I know what really matters and you are part of it too. I don't want to loose you and my other friends."

Megan smiled at me and said, "Thank you for that. You really are special, ya know?"

I hugged her and said, "You are too."

She walked over to the small group of adults there after that. I watched her walk away and thought, "She really is a wonderful person."

I wondered around after that, and talked to my friends. I was so happy that day and wanted them to know that they were the reason. 

We had lots of food from the BBQ and stuff that others had brought. Even a cake, and it was huge. Only fourteen candles with a big one on top, but they were so far apart that I asked Shelly, the other birthday girl, for help. 

She agreed and we blew them out. Then they all re lit. I'd never seen candles do that before so Shelly and I tried to blow them out again. And they re lit again.

That's when I heard Ellen and Nancy chuckling with Uncle Dar.

I turned around and asked, "What did you do to the candles?"

Ellen said, "Nothing. She pointed at Uncle Dar and said, "He bought them."

I glared at him and said, "Mister, you are really going to get it now. I won't say how or when, but you are really going to get it."

"Really?" He asked. "Can I have it on a plate with some of that ice cream?"

Every body was laughing by that time, including me as it really was kind of funny. I just wondered how we were supposed to put them things out. 

George solved that by just wetting his fingers and pinching them one at a time. Then he pulled them out of the cake and handed me a knife.

I grabbed Shelly's hand and made her help me slice the cake up since this party was for her too. 

When we were done, every body clapped and started singing "Happy Birthday" to us. While they sang, I hugged Shelly and said, "Friends forever."

She said it too and we smiled at each other as the song finished. 

After that, she and I were busy for quite awhile opening gifts. I got a lot of jewelry that year, and it wasn't cheap either. I thanked each person as I opened the package then put it on the table George had brought over for me. 

Shelly got mostly the same kind of gifts that I did, although they were somewhat different. The best, though, was the matching jewelry boxes. I looked at them and then at Erica. She was smiling at me so I started putting all those ear rings and necklaces into it. Shelly did the same with her goodies. 




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 14



I whispered to her, "Erica made the boxes," since there wasn't a card on either of them.

She thanked Erica for the beautiful gift.

I didn't know what I'd do with most of the things I'd gotten, but I new that I was going to make a list of each type of gift and who gave it. I knew what I was going to be spending my allowance on for awhile.

I'd have to say the party was a complete success. All my friends had made it, and we had fun with all the games we played. We even had a water volleyball match in the pool with the kids against the adults. I sat that one out with Uncle Dar.

He put his arm around me while we watched the game and said, "Soon you'll be back at it again. When Janny says you can, I'll help you get back in shape real quick. I promise you that you'll be doing everything just like you used to in just a few weeks. You haven't been down long, so it won't be that hard."

I said, "Thank you Uncle Dar. Maybe we can work together when Janny says that I'm well enough."

"That's the idea," he said. "When your ready to start, just let me know and I'll get you on stretching exercises first and then get you on a few weights and a bike. By the time your up to the bike, I should be too. Then we can go on bike rides and have fun while we get back into shape. Think you can handle that?"

"I can handle anything you throw at me, old man. I bet that when we go on them bike rides you'll have to call George to come get you cause you won't keep up."

"Ah," he said. "A challenge. Good. That'll make it more fun when I run your little tail into the ground."

I laughed and hugged him and said, "I don't care if you do. I'll do it just because you'll be there with me."

"Always, munchkin, always," he said.

That was good enough for me and was one of the best presents I got that day. 

Later in the day, when everybody was starting to go home, Janny came up to me and said that we were going in to my doctor the next day. She said that he was going to give me a physical and if he OK'd it I'd be able to start Cheerleader practice again.

This excited me more than the party! If the doctor said OK, then I could go to practice and start swimming again! Now this was a great birthday present!

After everybody but Shelly and Sandra had left, I told my friends and Uncle Dar what Janny had told me. They were almost as excited as me, I think.

Ellen said, "Oh I hope he lets you come back. We've all missed you at practice."

"Yea," said Sandra. "It would be great if you could start again. I know that Coach Coulter has something special she wants to work on, but we need our super ball back for it to work."

"Oh?" I asked. "I wonder what that could be. Whatever it is, though, I bet it's fun."

Nancy said, "I think she wants to include Uncle Dar in something too. I don't know what, but she was talking to us all and asked if we'd mind doing something that included him. We all said yes, of course. We all love Uncle Dar."

"Well," I said. "We have to wait for tomorrow and see, I guess."

They agreed, and we all packed onto the couch to watch TV. I don't know exactly how long we were there, but eventually Janny came in and told us that it was time for me to go to bed since we had to make an early start for my appointment. I said good night to my friends and went into Uncle Dar's little room and said good night to him to, giving him a hug.

I went to my room and I got ready for bed. I was tired by that time, but it was a happy tired after a wonderful day. I put my locket up on the dresser where I had placed the pictures I had gotten. I had the box for Uncle Dar's medal in the middle and I put the locket on a pad in front of it. These had already become my most cherished possessions. That done, I got into bed.

It didn't take me long to fall asleep that night, and I slept well. Janny woke me up at about five the next morning and helped me get ready, then we went into the kitchen and had a quick breakfast before heading to the doctor.

Even leaving that early, the traffic was heavy. It took us almost an hour and a half to go a bit over thirty miles. Even with that mess, though, we got to the medical clinic where my appointment was in time.

The exam went well, and the doctor told me that I was fit to go back to my regular routine. He knew that I was a Cheerleader and was studying gymnastics, so I was real happy about that. All he said about it was, "Just don't go landing on your head any more. I don't know if it will be fixable next time."

I laughed and said, "I don't plan to do any thing like that again. Once was too many times for me."

He smiled and said, "Good. I don't want to see you as a patient any more."

I said, "Then you'll just have to come to our place as a friend some time."

"All right, I will," he said. "Might make it easier to examine Mr. DeShade anyway."

I said, "I wouldn't bet on that. He sees you coming and I bet he breaks into the storage shed and swipes the ATV we have. Then It'd probably take hours to find him."

That reminded me about my bike. I asked him, "Do you think I'll be able to learn to ride a small dirt bike now?"

He said, "I don't know about that." He paused for a moment like he was thinking then said, "Do you think your able to learn how to ride one?"

I laughed and said, "Then all I need now is a letter from you for my coach and to tell Janny I can try to learn to ride my new dirt bike."

He did up the letter and signed it then handed it to me. I put it in my purse, and thanked him. He took me back out to the waiting room and talked to Janny for a bit, then said "Good bye." 

I said, "Good bye, Doctor and thank you."

He smiled and went back in to his office.

Janny and I went out to the car, and she said, "Well the doctor said that it's all right for you to go back to your cheerleader practice and you can ride your bike as long as you wear that helmet and you're careful. I don't like the bike but mom did say it was OK when you were 14 so I guess I'm stuck with that.

"Thank you Janny," I said. "Since it'll be George teaching me, I'll be all right. He won't let me get hurt."

"He can't stop you if you aren't careful," said Janny. "George will teach you how to ride safely, but it's up to you to do it. That's why I'm worried. I don't want you going out and getting hurt is all. Once was enough."

I looked at her and said, "I don't intend to get hurt. Once in the hospital was enough for me, thank you. I don't want to go back again. I promise to be careful on the bike."

Janny said, "I know you will. It doesn't stop me from worrying though. I just don't want to loose my baby sister."

I hugged her and said, "Thank you big sister. I don't want to loose me either." We both laughed at that, and left the clinic.

On the way home, I saw a computer shop and pointed it out to Janny and asked if we could stop. Janny asked why as we pulled in and I said, "I want to see if we can find something special for uncle Dar. He's gotten us all nice things, so I want to get him something special. Since he likes computers so much, I think that this would be the best kind of place to look."



We went in, and I looked around to see what they had that uncle Dar might be interested in. I saw a lot of neat stuff, but nothing I could afford so I told Janny that it was a waste of time.

She asked me why, and I told her that I didn't have enough money for the things that uncle Dar would like.

She told me, "Well I wasn't planning on telling you yet, but your allowance went up from Mom and Dad's estate. You get a lot more now so I think you can afford a little bit here."

"Really?" I asked. 

"Really," Janny replied. You get two thousand a month now, so you have enough. But you had better save some of that each month or I'll get real mad and make you save. You need to start planning on college and other things now. If you want to get Uncle Dar something, though, I'll advance a little bit to you for a good present. But you have to pay me back on the first."

"I promise, Janny," I said. "I'll pay you back first thing."

"That's good enough for me, sis," she said.

I went back to the area where the hard drives and stuff were. I saw a CD copier that I thought Uncle Dar would like as he hadn't gotten one for his computer when he bought it. I decided that was the perfect thing and I took it to Janny and told her how much it was.

She said, "A bit pricey, but these things are expensive. All right, I'll get it for you and we'll get a card and some wrapping paper for it and take it home. I'd suggest putting something like ‘Happy Belated Birthday' on the card. I know he didn't get any gifts for his birthday, but that trip was real nice. Now he has a gift too."

I thanked Janny and gave her a hug saying, "Thank you. I really appreciate this."

She hugged me back and said, "No problem. I want to get him something too, so you show me what he'd like and we'll both get him gifts. He out to be real happy when we give them to him."

"Uncle Dar is almost always happy," I said. 

"Well, how bout happier?" Janny asked.

I laughed and said, "That works."

We went back to the area where I'd found the CD copier and I saw a web camera that I thought he might like. They also had some nice printers that were on sale. I told Janny, "I think he might like that camera or one of those printers. He uses Georges right now, and I bet he'd love having his own."

"Good Idea, sis," Janny said. "How bout one of each and the CD copier?"

I said, "I bet he'd like that. OK, I'll go in halves on the printer with you and pay you back on the first. That OK?"

"I have a better idea," said Janny. "How bout I call George and see if he wants to get one and I'll get the other? That way we can each get him a gift that he'll like. Then we'll get them home and wrapped up for him and give them to him after dinner."

"OK," I said. "Deal."

We got the stuff and put it all in the trunk to sneak in when Uncle Dar was busy. We drove the rest of the way home talking about the stuff we'd gotten for Uncle Dar and how we'd surprise him with it. We even stopped at a bakery and got a cake large enough for the bunch of us and candles for it too.

When we got home, George was waiting for us and came up to the car. He told us that Uncle Dar was out back with his girls and Shelly and Sandra. Since he was out back, we took all the stuff inside and up to George's and Janny's room to wrap. 

George put the cake into the fridge in the pantry while Janny and I wrapped the gifts up. I signed my card for him and put it on the CD package. Janny did the same with the camera and when George came back in, he did his card for the printer.

We went back down stairs after we'd finished, and went out back. Uncle Dar was in the pool for the first time since my accident and was playing tag with Ellen and Sandra.

I saw the fun they were having so I ran back inside to my room and put on my suit. Going back out, I went to the side and gave Uncle Dar a cannon ball just as he turned around toward me. Got him good too.

When I came up, Uncle Dar was laughing. He ducked under and took off. "Wow," I thought. "I don't want to race him in the water." The funny thing was that he hardly seemed to use his legs, more his hands and skimmed along the bottom like a fish.

I'd never seen anybody swim like that before, and he sure was fast. Turned fast, I saw when he spun around and came back at me. When he reached me, he grabbed my legs and yanked me down. I didn't have a chance to escape, so down I went and got dunked.

When I came back up again, he was gone again. I looked around and he was already half way across the pool. I decided that it wasn't safe to pick on him in the pool and looked for someone safer to pick on. 

The others seemed to be playing some kind of tag, so I started swimming toward them when my legs were grabbed and I got dunked again!

When I came up that time, I looked around and saw George laughing a couple feet away. He hadn't even bothered to get his suit on, since he'd been wearing shorts anyway. I glared at him and exclaimed, "Boy, are you going to get it!"

He laughed and said, "Now we're even for when you girls tossed me in awhile back."

I growled out, "Even? You deserved it!"

"Well your just going to have to catch me then," he said.

"I've got a better idea," I said, I turned around and told the other girls, "George needs another lesson, come on, lets get him!

The others immediately started splashing and throwing balls and other things at George. This lasted for a few minutes, and then he said, "All right. I surrender."

"No prisoners!" shouted Nancy. We all continued the attack on George till we all got tired and climbed out of the pool to dry off.

"I've sure missed playing in the pool," I said.

George said, "Well I think you should still take it a bit easy, but Janny told me that you can swim now, and next weekend when I'm off work, we start lessons with the bike."

"Thank you George," I said. "I've wanted to learn to ride one for a long time now."

"I know," he said. "But since I don't want Janny to kill me, I suggest you be very careful on it for awhile. No hot roding, no jumps or such like that. Take it easy till she gets used to it."

"OK," I said. "I'll behave on it."

"Good," He said. "That's all I ask."

After we had all dried off, we went in and changed. When we came back out, I said "Since Uncle Dar didn't get a party for his birthday, Janny and I got something for him."

I went back in and got the cake and brought it out to the biggest table. While I was gone, Janny and George had disappeared. They were soon back, though, with the presents that Janny and I had picked up for him.

I set up the candles for Uncle Dar and George lit them.

Uncle Dar looked at the cake then said, "I only wish Megan was here. Then all my best friends would be here."

I said, "Oh shoot. I didn't think to call her."

Janny said, "Well I did, and she'll be here in about five more minutes."

I asked Uncle Dar, "So, you think you can wait on the candles?"

"Yes," He said. I put the candles out and we waited for Megan to get there. 

It wasn't long before she came around through the gate to the pool from the front.

I lit the candles again and said, "OK, now she's here. Ready now?"

Uncle Dar said, "I thought I already had a party."

"This is just us," I said. "We want to give you a real birthday today, and we're going to."

I lit the candles and we all sang happy birthday to Uncle Dar. After we finished, he blew out the candles.

George handed him a knife to cut the cake with and he cut it into pieces for each of us. When he was finished, Janny served them and George passed out the ice cream.

Uncle Dar looked at us and said, "Thank you all. I really am glad to have you all as friends."

I said, "We're glad you're here. We all love you."

Uncle Dar's eyes clouded up and he said, "I love all of you to. No matter what the future brings, I always will."

After we had finished the cake and cleaned up I told Megan, "Tomorrow I'll be at Cheerleader practice. The doctor said I can start again." I gave her the note from him.

She said, "Good. I'm glad you're back with us. We'll take it easy on you at first so you can get back into shape, and then I want to work on something with your four friends here. Having an acrobat and two dancers and two look-alikes can make an interesting combination."

"They told me," I said. "It out to be fun to try something, and the others want to go with me to my gymnastics classes if they can get permission from their parents."

Uncle Dar looked at his girls and asked, "Do you want to do this? It'll be hard work, but if you want, I'll approve it and get you signed up."

Ellen and Nancy both got up and ran over to him and Ellen asked, "Do you mean it?"

Nancy asked, "We can take the classes?"

Uncle Dar said, "No, I just said it to be mean. What do you think?"

They both hugged him and said, "Thank you Daddy Dar."

Uncle Dar looked at Megan and asked, "Can you give us a lift? I still need to get my drivers license back and I need to get a vehicle. We never did get a chance to look for one, so can you help?"

Megan said, "All you need to do is ask, and since you did and I'm not busy until the afternoon tomorrow, I'll be happy to take you around."

We made plans to get Ellen and Nancy signed up with my gymnastics instructor, and to see about whether or not Sandra and Shelly could also. Then we were going to the Department of Licensing so Uncle Dar could see about getting his license back. Sounded like a busy day to me, but it would be nice to go out with my friends too.

Later, after talking for a couple more hours, Megan left and I went to bed. I had pretty much given up my job with Uncle Dar as he had two helpers now and was getting much better. I'd miss that but I was glad for the three of them too.





This ends Chapter 14. Chapter 15 will continue with Sally telling the Story.



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 15



Chapter 15

The Hero's Gift

This story is a work of fiction only. Any chance resemblance to actual people or events is purely accidental.

Special thanks to DesertPirate for his assitance.



When I woke up, I remembered the party and what we'd planned for today. Uncle Dar was going to get Ellen and Nancy signed up with my gymnastics instructor and we were going to go car shopping. 

Uncle Dar wanted a big van so he could take us all at once without having to call Megan for rides and such. 

We were also going to see if Sandra and Shelly could get into the gymnastics classes too. Uncle Dar had said that if their parents couldn't afford it, he'd pay. He'd said that he could afford it easily enough since he was making a lot of money with two pensions and was still employed by the Department of the Navy. The two pensions were non taxable too, he'd explained.

The disability pension from the navy was for when he got shot in Iraq, he'd said. Since he was injured while on an assignment, he was still employed by them too. He was on a medical leave of absence while he recovered from his wounds, and he thought he might go to work for the local Navy base.

I don't know for sure how much he got a month, but I remember he'd once said that he was making over fifty thousand dollars a year. I think that was as much as my sisters and I together made before I turned fourteen and my monthly allowance went way up. 

I'd gotten about two hundred before, and Janny told me I got ten times that now. I wondered why I got so much all of a sudden.

I decided to ask Janny later as I got up and got ready for the day. 

After taking my shower, I got dressed and fixed my hair. Once I was done, I went and checked on uncle Dar. He was already dressed and ready to go eat, so I took him into the kitchen to fix us both breakfast. 

While I was doing this, Ellen and Nancy came in. They were ready to go too, I saw. 

Sandra and Shelly came in next, also ready to go. Since they were all up, I fixed us all some pancakes and eggs. 

After we had finished, uncle Dar called Megan to see when she'd be over. She told him that she was already on the way and would be here in just a few minutes.

Since she was so close, we went out front to wait for her. She pulled in with her van a few minutes later.

We got uncle Dar loaded up and his chair in, then piled in ourselves. After getting sat down and belted in, Megan took off toward town. 

The first thing we did was go to Shelly's house so she could ask about signing up for the Gymnastics classes. Megan and uncle Dar went in with her to talk to her parents, while the rest of us waited. When they came out Shelly was smiling so wide I thought her face would split open.

She helped uncle Dar in and then put his chair in back. This done, she jumped in with us and said, "My parents both said yes. I have to get good grades next year in school, but as long as I do I can take the lessons."

We all congratulated her and went to Sandra's house. Her parents were divorced now and she lived with her mother who worked as a business tax preparer for a local accounting firm.

Uncle Dar and Megan went in with her too, and were gone longer this time. When they came out Sandra was smiling too so I thought that she'd gotten permission. She helped uncle Dar into the van and put away his chair and jumped in with us.

We asked what her mom had said and she told us, "She said no at first, but uncle Dar offered to pay for the classes. She didn't want to do it then either but uncle Dar told her that he didn't mind as I'd be going with his daughters. He explained about the cousin twins and how he ended up adopting them."

"Then he said that since it would be therapeutic to be with their friends, he'd be pleased to pay for my lessons. He also said that all five of us would be going and he didn't feel right leaving one out. After that mom agreed on the condition that when she could afford to she'd pay him back."

"Uncle Dar told her that there was no need since I'd already paid for at least a years worth helping with helping him at home when she was there. He told her about how all of us helped him and that this was his gift to me. 

Mom started crying then, and told me that I was to keep doing a good job and that I had to do good in school to or she'd take me out of the classes and off the team."

"I agreed, so now all of us can go together," she finished.

I leaned up to Uncle Dar and said, "Thank you Uncle Dar." The others also thanked him.

Uncle Dar said, "Don't worry about it. I meant what I told Sandra's mother. She helped me as much as the rest of you so this is pay back. I can't hire any of you legally since your too young, but I can do this and I can afford it."

I said, "You don't owe any of us, Uncle Dar. Friends help each other, a wise man told me once. Cost don't matter, he said. All that matters is that you help a friend the best you can when the friend needs you. You're a friend so you don't owe us anything. Besides, the Veterans Hospital pays us quite a bit for taking care of you."

"Sally," Uncle Dar said, "What the Vets hospital pays for is basic care. They don't pay for someone to take me to the mall with their friends. They don't pay for someone to give me two parties. They don't pay for someone to get on a step stool to get me a book that I can't reach, and they sure don't pay for smiles and hugs. 

"I get all of that and more from all five of you every day," he continued. "I get the smiles and the hugs from each of you and you never get tired of helping me. You all take turns and you are all giving me your time every day. That is much more than the Vets hospital would ever pay for and you give it freely. This is a gift in return for all of that."

"Thank you Uncle Dar," I said. 

Now that Sandra and Shelly both had permission, we went to the small private gym where I got my lessons. When we got there and helped Uncle Dar into his chair, Sandra grabbed it and said, "My turn today. He's giving me this for what little I've done so I'm going to do more to earn it."

I looked at the determination on her face. I understood how she felt and didn't argue with her. Neither did the others. We let Sandra push Uncle Dar into the building and went to my instructors office. 

When we got there, he was doing some paper work. Looking up and seeing me, he smiled and asked, "So, are you back with us now?"

I nodded and handed him another copy of the letter from my doctor. He took it and read it then put it into a drawer in he desk and said, "Now what can I do for the rest of you?"

Uncle Dar said, "The other two blonds are my foster daughters. The two mismatched ones are friends. They'd all like to find out about signing up for instruction here with Sally. I'll be paying for three of them. What we need is the necessary paperwork for two of them to take home and I'll do my two now, and set up payments."

"Good," he said. "It's been slow here with my favorite pupil gone and most of the other students off for the summer. I can handle four new students OK even if they are a bit old to start. By the way, my name is Thomas Franks. Just call me Tom."

Uncle Dar held out his hand and said, "Eldarin DeShade, Dar to my friends."

They shook hands and Tommy, as us students called him, got a file out and pulled out some papers. He handed 2 pages each to Sandra and Shelly and said, "These are the applications and parental consent forms. Take them home and get them filled out and be here tomorrow at 9:00 A.M. and don't be late."

He handed some more to Uncle Dar and said, "Fill these out and give them back or send them in with the girls tomorrow. I've also included a fee schedule. I have to charge one month in advance and payment can be made by check if you wish. Since you're here with Sally, I'll take that for the 3 you are paying for."

"You all need physicals too," he continued. "Just a note from your doctor saying you're physically fit to participate in sports like gymnastics."

Sandra asked, "Will the one for our Cheerleader team work? We did that just over a month ago so we could join."

"That'll work, "Tommy said.

Uncle Dar nodded and began reading the papers he'd been given while Tommy chatted with us girls. 

He asked the others about what kind of things they had done and was pleased when Sandra and Shelly told him about the dance instruction they'd both had. Sandra had given up the classes when her parents got divorced, but had kept up with her exercises and had worked with Shelly on what she'd learned to keep up with her. 

They'd both taken ballet classes and tap dancing classes together and both were very limber.

Ellen and Nancy had never taken lessons like that but both had been on the track team in middle school and were in good shape too.

Tommy said, "Well I'm pleased. Most of my new students either haven't had any training or were out of shape. You four will do OK although you'll have to work hard at first. Gymnastics requires a lot of strength and stamina as well as being limber. I'll start you out with simple exercises at first and we'll build on that."

Ellen said, "Daddy Dar has already started teaching us some stretching exercises at home, and he works with us all the time.

"Oh?" asked Tommy. "What kind of exercises has he taught you?"

Nancy said, "Uncle Dar used to study karate and judo when he was younger and started teaching us too. He said, even if we don't ever use it we'll still learn things and get stronger and better coordinated. He also said that it would help us with this if we wanted to do it."

"Well he's right about that," said Tommy. "A lot of the exercises are similar and that will help you here. OK, we'll see what you can do tomorrow."

He looked at uncle Dar and asked, "Any questions?"

Uncle Dar said, "One. Can I do a direct deposit for payments?"

"Yes," said Tommy. "That works for me. I'll get you the form for that and you can fill it out and take it to your bank."

He got out another form and handed it to uncle Dar. 

Uncle Dar said, "I'll have these done tomorrow and I'll give you a check for the first month then too. That gives me enough time to get the direct deposit started for next month since my bank is out of town and I have to fax it."

"I can do the fax here if you want," said Tommy. "I have a fax machine so all I need is a number and I'll get it sent."

"OK," said uncle Dar. "I'll have the rest of this done for you and bring it all in tomorrow. Do you mind if I stay during the lessons?"

"Oh that's no problem," said Tommy. "Several parents come in with their kids and I have some adult students too. Feel free to come in and watch or you can wait in the lobby."

Uncle Dar said, "Thank you. I'll do that then. See you tomorrow."

After saying good bye all around, we went back out to the van where Megan was waiting for us. 

"All done?" she asked.

"Yup," said uncle Dar. All that's left is for the kids to get the paper work done and I'll do mine tonight. Now lets go see what I need to do to get my drivers license back and go find a rig for me."

We went to the drivers license place and Uncle Dar went in. He was in there for quite a while, but when he came out he was smiling. 

When we got him back into the van and he said, "All done. I had to take the written exam and they did my license. Now all I need is something to drive and a bit of practice with it and insurance."

Megan said, "I know where you can get the insurance. I use it myself. They aren't the cheapest but they take care of you when you need it. I have full coverage for this beast, the bus and my car. I even get breakdown assistance from them as part of the policy."

Uncle Dar said, "That sounds good. Lets go there next and see what they say."

We went to Megan's insurance company, and she took him in while the rest of us waited in the van.

When they came out, Sandra got out of the van and helped Uncle Dar back in. He was smiling when he got in and said, "Being a vet can be helpful sometimes. Since I'm medically retired now, they gave me a good discount. I get even better rates than Megan."

"The bums," grumbled Megan. "I been with them for ten years, and they don't give me a break. This old fart walks in and gets ten percent off what I get now."

We all laughed at her at that. She glared at us then smiled and said, "Well at least you get something for your service."

"Yea," said uncle Dar. "A bunch of scars and bad memories and god awful food while I was in."

We laughed again at the comment.

"Well," said Megan, "Lets go find you some decent wheels attached to something drivable."

Pulling out, Megan headed for the freeway. When we got on, we headed north. 

Megan said, "Since you want a large van like this thing, I'll take you to where I got it first. They have a large selection and some have wheelchair lifts pre installed."

"Sounds like a winner," said Uncle Dar. "The lift might be nice to have even after I get rid of this thing."

"I'll remember that," said Megan. "I'll put you to work hauling stuff for out of town games."

"Aren't all the games but home games out of town?" I asked.

"Yes, but don't tell the old fart that," said Megan.

I said, "OK, I won't. Which old fart do you mean?"

"The one with the lift on his van," said Megan.

We chuckled at that and Uncle Dar said, "Well I won't tell either, since I don't know an old fart with a lift on his van. When do I get to meet him?"

That got another laugh.

When we got to the south Everett exit, Megan turned onto it and headed for Broadway. We were chatting and laughing as she drove to a medium sized car lot that had a lot of vans and pulled off there.

Uncle Dar said, "Well you were right about the selection. I hope they have a full sized Chevy with a lift."

"Why not a Ford?" asked Megan.

"I just don't like em much," said Uncle Dar. "I've always had better luck with Chevy's and GMC's. Nothing wrong with a Ford, I guess but I go with Chevy first."

Megan said, "Well this Ford has over a hundred thousand miles and I've only had to do general maintenance on it. I'll stick with it."

"Like I said, I like Chevy's," said Uncle Dar. "If your comfortable in a Ford then drive it. I just never had good luck with them."

Sandra got Uncle Dar's chair out while we were talking, and she and I helped him into it. Sandra pushed the chair while we walked up to the office.

When we went in, Uncle Dar said, "Well I'll be. How you doing, Bobby? Talking care of my cousin?"

The man he was talking to jumped up and said, "Oh my god. They let you loose on the world again. I better call the nut farm and tell them where you're at."

He walked up to Uncle Dar and grabbed his hand and said, "What's it been? Ten years? I hope your going to be around for awhile this time. Trish would never forgive me if I didn't bring you over."

"You know this bum?" asked Megan.

Bobby said, "Well kind of. My father was his fathers uncle. I met him about twenty five years or so ago when I started dating my wife. He was staying with them for the summer while he was going to the local Community College for the summer. He was also the only one at our wedding wearing a military dress uniform."

"That must have been a site," said Megan.  "A church full of Quakers and one man in uniform. I wish I could have seen it."

"You and your folks were invited," said Bobby. "I still wish my little angel could have been there."

"Mom was sick at the time," said Megan. "The cancer treatment wasn't working and she didn't have the strength. Dad and I just couldn't leave her alone so we stayed home. I hope you got my letter though."

"Yes we did," said Bobby. "Trish still has it in the wedding album. It's yellowed a lot since then, but she still takes it out to read now and then."

Megan sighed and said, "Well I'm glad of that. I really wanted to come but I just couldn't leave Mom."

"I understood that then and do now too," said Bobby. "We still missed our little angel but we knew why you weren't there."

Megan hugged him and said, "Thank you for that."

Bobby hugged her back then pushed her out to arms length and asked, "So why are you here now? That van giving you problems?"

"No," said Megan. "I brought you another victim today. That bum over there needs something like mine with a lift. He forgot to duck in Iraq and is being lazy while he sucks up the sympathy from those poor innocent girls over there."

Bobby laughed and said, "Well, I can't victimize him too much. He did have a sword at one time and was fairly good with it."

Uncle Dar said, "Still got it too. Got some other toys for you to drool at if you promise to where a bib when I show em to you."

"Oh yea?" said Bobby. "I'm going to have to find out where you live and maybe come over sometime and borrow the sword."

"Well you'll just have to fight my body guards here if you do," he said while gesturing at us girls. We giggled at that.

"If you go after Uncle Dar you have to go through us," I said. He may have been joking, and it may have been funny but I meant it too. The other girls nodded at that. If someone wanted to hurt our Uncle Dar, it would be a team effort.

Bobby looked at me for a second and said, "You really meant that. What's makes this bum so special to you?"

I said, "He saved my brothers life in Iraq and got shot twice doing it. When he got out of the V.A. hospital, we took him in to pay him back. While he was there I had a fall on the diving board of our pool and was knocked out. He wrecked his last chair to get into the pool and saved my life. He almost died from that. I love him for that."

Bobby looked at Uncle Dar and said, "Sounds like you have some stories to tell. When I get the chance, I'm tracking you down and getting them from you even if I have to turn the grandkids loose on you."

"You threatening me, Bobby?" asked Uncle Dar.

"Yes," he said.

"Well bring it on since I haven't met them anyway," Said Uncle Dar. "Oh, and bring that lovely wife of yours too. I want to see if I can talk her into dumping you for a real man. Besides, I haven't had her cooking in a lot of years."

Bobby laughed and said, "OK. Now to business. What are you looking for?"

Uncle Dar said, "Something like Megan drives. I need a lot of passenger room for these five and maybe a few others at times. A Chevy with a lift would be nice."

"You in that chair permanent?" asked Bobby.

"No," said Uncle Dar. "I still have a bit of healing to do on the leg but I should be able to burn it by September. I still want a lift though."

"OK, I can set you up with that and if you want to get rid of it later we can do a trade in," said Bobby. "Next question is new or used?"

"New," said Uncle Dar. "I don't want to fix someone else's problems."

"How much can you afford?" asked Bobby.

"About half the lot right now," said Uncle Dar. "I'm a bit short right now so you'll have to put the rest on layaway for a few months."

"Buy or lease?" asked Bobby.

"Buy," said Uncle Dar.

"Cash or finance?" asked Bobby.

"Cash with no trade in," said Uncle Dar.

"Alright, lets go see what we have," said Bobby.

He led us to the show room and said, "This is the best one I have right now," while pointing at a dark green Chevy.

"It's a three quarter ton 11 passenger with a lift on the side," he said. "There's enough room to get out of your chair and into the drivers seat and it has air conditioning all the way back for the passengers and reading lights too."

"It has an A.M. and F.M stereo with CD and cassette player with     speakers on the sides in the middle and the back," he continued. "Automatic transmission and power steering are included of course."

"It has one modification that you might like," he said. "This one was a special order but the customer passed away before he could buy it." "It has four wheel drive and a dual transfer case with a hand clutch for the transfer stick. Grab the stick and squeeze the handle and push it down for low range."




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 15



Uncle Dar perked up at that and asked, "How much? Cash price."

"$56,000 and no negotiating," said Bobby. That's as low as I can go already. I have to get rid of it so I'll let you have it for that."

"How bout a test drive for my chauffeur?" asked Uncle Dar.

I looked at Megan. She looked like she was going to start drooling.

Bobby went to his office and got a set of keys and came back. He used one to unlock the glass door in front of the van and opened it then got into the van and drove it out.

After parking it, he went down to the lot gate and opened it.

Uncle Dar said, "OK, lets load up and see what this baby can do. You drive, Megan."

We got in and pulled down to the gate. Uncle Dar rolled down his window and said, "Well I guess we're going to have to take you home and feed you, so call Trish and have her come in. Don't tell her why, just get her here. We'll be back in a few minutes."

He looked at Megan and said, "OK driver. Drive."

Megan looked at him and grinned then pulled out onto the road and headed north. She drove us into down town Everett and turned back toward the lot.

We got back and unloaded. There was a woman there when we arrived that Uncle Dar started wheeling himself to as soon as he was in his chair. He yelled out, "Trish!" and stood up.

The woman looked at him and came running up and grabbed Uncle Dar in a hug so tight I thought I heard a rib crack.

"Oh my god," She said. "Dar you bum. How many years has it been? Three?"

"A bit over," said Uncle Dar. "Grandmothers funeral. I heard about Uncle Al but I couldn't get here."

"We got your card from Iraq," Trish said. "I understand why you couldn't come, but you were missed."

"I really tried but I had a job going that I couldn't stop and couldn't turn over to someone else," said Uncle Dar. "I'm really sorry about that."

"Well your back now," she said. "How come the chair?"

"I forgot to duck when a mad husband came home," Uncle Dar said.

Trish laughed and said, "Well your going to have to come over for dinner and tell me about it tonight."

"I can't tonight," said Uncle Dar. "I need you and Bobby to come with me instead. I don't want to drive my new van in the traffic yet and I need Bobby to drive the other one home. That woman over there would kill me if I didn't give her a chance to drive it home." He pointed at Megan.

Trish looked at her and said, "Oh my god," again. She let go of Uncle Dar and ran over and grabbed Megan in a hug.

"Angel, Angel," she said. "Why haven't you come by lately?"

Megan hugged her back and said, "I've been a bit busy the last couple of months with my Cheerleaders squad and a sick bum. Your cousin got an infection in his leg a while back and kept me tied up. I also had my favorite kid get hurt on me and that kept me busy too. Tomorrow she's back on the team and I'll be busy with that. If you want to see me so bad, you can come by."

Trish said, "OK, I'll do that. Give me your schedule and I'll come to one of your practices."

Megan said, "All right. I'll give it to you at dinner." She looked at me and said, "You better let Janny know that we'll have two extras for dinner tonight. Tell her that they're Dar's cousin and her wife. She'll want to meet this one anyway."

"Don't I get a say in this?" asked Bobby.

Megan and Trish said "No" at the same time.

Uncle Dar said, "I warned you about that a long time ago. The only choice you get is easy or hard with the women in my family. Be smart and don't argue with this one or her friend. She's almost as bad."

"I want you two to meet some special people now," he said. He waved us over and said, "These girls are real special so treat them like it." 

He pointed at me and said, "This one tried to give up her summer to help me when I got out of the hospital. Her name is Sally Brandt."

Trish walked over and hugged me and said, "Thank you for taking care of my little cousin."

Uncle Dar pointed at Shelly and Sandra next and said, "When I talked Sally into going to her Cheerleader tryout, these two started helping too. They're Shelly Miller and Sandra Robinson."

Trish walked up to them and gave them each a hug with the same thank you.

Then he pointed at the cousin twins and said, "These two started after the tryout and after loosing their parents, I adopted them. My daughters Ellen and Nancy. Just to really confuse you, they're first cousins through their mothers and fathers."

Trish gave Uncle Dar a strange look for a second, and then went to them with hugs and a thank you for each of them.

She walked back over to Uncle Dar and said, "OK, out with your joke and explain how twins can be first cousins through both parents."

Uncle Dar chuckled and said, "Their mothers were twins. The found themselves two brothers and married them. Now to confuse and confound, the cousins that look like twins are also sisters."

"You are a sick man, Eldarin DeShade," she said.

Uncle Dar smiled and said, "Genetics. And you share from the same gene pool."

Trish laughed and said, "OK. Bobby drives Megan's van and follows the rest of us. I'm riding with you guys for the conversations. That sound OK?"

"Only if you ride inside with us instead of on top," said Uncle Dar.

He looked over at Bobby and asked, "How soon before you close for the day?"

Bobby said, "I'm only here to do paper work. The sales man was at lunch when you got here and is mad at me for selling the Beast as we call it. He wanted that commission."

"Did you tell him what you really made off of it?" asked Uncle Dar.

"Yes, and I didn't make a dime for myself. I sold it at the lowest price that my boss said he'd take. I didn't do any work for the sale any way, so I'm not worried. Besides, I'm the boss for this lot so I get a salary. I don't need the commission since I get a cut on all sales."

"OK, then lets do the paper work and go get dinner," Uncle Dar said. "I'm hungry and we have kids to feed as well. They might dry up and blow away if they don't get their ten pounds of oats every night."

I don't know who punched Uncle Dar first, but we all got him for that. Even Trish slugged him and she wasn't gentle.

She said, "Don't pick on these innocent darlings. I'll tell my kids about it if you do and tell them where you live too."

"Really?" asked Uncle Dar. "Will they bring their mobs over too?" 

Trish glared at him for a second and then laughed and said, "You haven't changed. You still tease and you still make me laugh."

Uncle Dar said, "That's my job. Someone has to keep the family laughing. You'd all be a bunch of lemons otherwise."

Bobby laughed at that and said, "Yes, but we love them anyway, don't we?"

Uncle Dar said, "Yes we do. They may be sour grapes and lemons, but we love them anyway. Even the women."

Trish just shook her head and said to Megan, "Now you know what I go through. Only two comedians in the family and I made the mistake of marrying one of them. Now the other has turned up like a bad penny."

She and Megan laughed at that.

Sally pushed Uncle Dar back into the office with Bobby while the rest of us stayed outside chatting with Uncle Dar's cousin. She was quite a bit older than him, but talked like she was a lot younger. Best of all, she treated us girls the same way Megan did. We weren't just a bunch of kids to her.

I realized that all of Uncle Dar's family and friends that I'd met were like that. They even treated little kids like that instead of ignoring them or talking down to them. 

We'd been talking for about a half hour or so when Sally pushed Uncle Dar back out and Bobby followed them. He waked up to the van and opened the back door and put a temporary paper license in the back window then closed it. He took the dealers plate off and took it back inside and came out. 

Another man followed him out and walked down to the gate. "OK, we're ready to go," He said

He asked Megan for her keys and went and got into her van while the rest of us loaded up into Uncle Dar's van. Megan drove us out to the gate and signaled Bobby to follow. After getting on the road and making sure that Bobby was keeping up, she headed to the freeway and got on it.

I called Janny and told her that we were on the way home with two guests for dinner that were related to Uncle Dar. She said that she had plenty and to come on home.

When we got home, Janny, George and Erica were waiting at the door. That's when I got the biggest surprise of the day.

Trish got out and Janny turned white and asked, "Trisha? Is that really you?"

Trish turned around and saw Janny and said "Jan. Oh my god, Jan." She took off running and grabbed Janny and said, "I don't believe this. First I find my lost cousin and now my daughters best friend is taking care of him. I just don't believe this."

Janny didn't say anything but she hugged Trish back.

I looked at Megan and whispered to her, "Did you set this up?"

Megan whispered back, "No. I didn't know that Dar knew Bobby and I sure didn't know that his wife knew Janice. I'm as amazed as you are kiddo."

Sally pushed Uncle Dar up to the porch while the rest of us followed them. 

Uncle Dar said, "Well I see it was a good idea to invite you for dinner for a change, Trish. Now I'd like to go inside and your blocking the door.

Trish looked at Uncle Dar for a second and said, "You know, you really are a pain sometimes."

Uncle Dar smiled and said, "Yes, but I'm a good pain. I'm also hungry so move over wench."

Bobby said, "Yea, Trish. Besides, it's my turn to hug Jan. I haven't seen her for a long time either."

Trish looked at them for a moment and then said, "OK, but only if I get another later."

She moved out of the way and we went inside. 

I asked Janny, "How do you know Uncle Dar's cousin?"

"Her oldest daughter was Erica's and my sitter before you were born. When she got married and had her first child I babysat for her for awhile. We've known each other for years. I just haven't seen them since George and I got married."

"Wow," I said. "Small world, isn't it?"

"Yes," said Janny, "it is. What is truly amazing is that Uncle Dar is related to them. I've known them for years and never heard about him."

"He isn't that close of a relation and we don't hear from him often," said Trish. "Even with that though, we love him. I just don't like most of the rest of his family much. I loved his father and I still love Cousin Dee but I don't like the woman that Jack married and I don't like Dar's brothers or sisters much."

"I don't have much to do with them any more," said Uncle Dar. "I haven't seen my mother or brothers or sisters for years. Tabbie's gone now though. She passed away last year in the spring. The rest I don't see."

"I'm sorry to hear that," said Trish. "I don't wish any of them ill, I just don't like them much. I'm truly sorry about Tabbie though."

Uncle Dar said, "Loosing her is part of the reason I don't see my family. They told me I would be unwelcome at her funeral and won't allow me to see her daughter. They don't even know I'm back in country now because of that. I don't want to see them and if you should, I'd be grateful if you didn't say anything about me."

"Deal," said Trish. "Now all you have to do is come to dinner soon. I'll get the kids over so you can meet their kids."

"Deal," said Uncle Dar. "I don't know how soon, but if you give me your phone number I'll call as soon as I can. As long as the invitation includes all of us that is. I have my two foster daughters and their friends, plus Janny and her husband and Erica. All or nothing for this. They're my family as much as you now."

"OK, I can handle that if you come over early and help with dinner. That large a crew, I'll need a few extra hands and Aunt Doris always said that you were good in a kitchen."

"Not me right now. I can't stand that well yet on this leg," Uncle Dar said while pointing at the left leg. Bullets make holes that take a bit to heal. How bout I get you the ones that do most of the cooking for me?"

I said, "I'd be happy to. I like to cook."

Trish looked at me for a second and said, "Hired. If Dar says you can cook, I'll take you."

I said, "Ellen and Nancy are good too although they don't do much fancy stuff. I make a good Lasagna though."

Trish laughed and said, "I bet your getting Dar fat then. He loves a good Lasagna."

"I noticed," I said. "I never have to worry about left overs when I do mine. He even sneaks out at night to raid any left in the fridge."

Trish laughed and said, "I bet he does. He did that when my mother made hers that summer he spent with us. She finally just started making two. One for him and one for the rest of us so we could have more the next day."

"Trish," said Uncle Dar, "she makes one at least as good as your mothers."

"Really?" she asked. "Well, you'll just have to make a big one and bring it over when you come," she said to me.

I said, "OK. Let me know the day before and I'll make it that night and lock the fridge to keep Uncle Dar out of it."

"Great," she said. "Set up a date soon Dar. I want you to come over for a visit. I've really missed you over the years."

"OK Trish," said Uncle Dar. "I'll do it as soon as possible. I'll even bring that stranger over their," he said while pointing at Megan.

"You do that Dar," Megan said. "But I get to drive and we use your van."

"Nope, my turn to drive," said Uncle Dar. "I bought it I get to play with it. My Beast and my turn. You'll just have to settle for being a passenger for once and go for the ride."

Megan laughed and said, "OK. Just this once I'll be a passenger."

"OK," said Uncle Dar. "You have to behave though. No throwing things and no spit wads in my van."

That one got us all laughing as we finally went inside. 

I could smell the food and my stomach started rumbling as we went into the dining room. I looked around the table and saw that the best china was out. Janny had set the table and had a large roast waiting with all the fixings. 

I went to my place at the table and started to pull out my chair when someone took it. I looked back and Uncle Dar was standing there holding it out for me. I smiled and let him seat me. He went and did the same for his daughters and Sandra then Nancy. 

Although he still had a limp, he walked well now. 

Once he'd seated us and George and Bobby had seated their wives, Erica and Megan, Janny said grace. She said the normal one for our meals then added, "And we thank you for the presence of Eldarin for the joy he has brought us and for our friends Megan, Bobby, and Trish being here today."

We all said, "Amen." George carved up the roast and we all started passing the various dishes around. I loaded up my plate and looking at Janny, I said "Thank you for the wonderful dinner, Janny. This is great."

Janny smiled and said, "I had a bit of help from your sister. She kept George out of the way and made the onions and cheese sauce."

I said, "Really? Oh goody. She makes the best cheese sauces in the world."

Erica blushed and said, "Thank you sis."

"For what?" I asked. "I'm only telling the truth. You make a great sauce and I love it."

Everybody tried the sauce and agreed. Uncle Dar said, "Your right, Sally. This is good. Almost as good as mine." He tried some more and said, "Maybe even better."

Still blushing, Erica thanked him too. 

After that we chatted as we ate. It was a wonderful meal. Even better than the one we got at that fancy restaurant that Uncle Dar had taken us to, I thought. Janny is a wonderful cook when she wants to be.

That was a great dinner and a wonderful night for all of us. Uncle Dar had found another one of his family that he liked and Janny and Megan had found an old friend that they hadn't seen in a long time. 

It had been a wonderful day for all of us.

This ends Chapter 15. Chapter 16 will continue with Sally and Eldarin telling the story.



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 16



Chapter 16

A Hero's New Job

Special thanks to Desert Pirate for his kind assistance.

The next day, I got up feeling real excited. This would be my first day back with the Cheerleading squad. I was real excited about it and happy at the same time. I loved working with Megan and the other girls and I had missed it so much. It would also be my first day back for my gymnastics classes, which I'd also missed.

I got dressed and went to check on Uncle Dar. He was already up and dressed. Ellen and Nancy were up too and ready to go.

I told them, "Don't eat a heavy breakfast today. Your both going to be real busy at the gym to start. We can get a good lunch after that if we smile real nice for Uncle Dar."

Nancy said, "That might work. I bet if we said please too, he might take us for a ride after Cheer practice."

"He might," Ellen said. "I bet if we offer to do a wash and wax on the Beast, he'd do it."

Uncle Dar said, "Well I suppose if you asked nice." 

After we ate, we went out and loaded into the van. Uncle Dar used the lift for his chair and seemed real happy that he didn't need help getting in. After the time I spent not being able or allowed to do much, I could understand that. I hated not being able to even mow the yard now and then.

Uncle Dar started up the van and headed to Shelly's house since she was closest. We picked her up and headed to Sandra's. 

I told Shelly, "I hope you ate light this morning. Your going to be working real hard at the gym today."

"I remember what you told me, so I had half a Grapefruit and some juice," she said.

I said, "Good. Jimmy's going to work us all hard today so be ready. This will be a lot harder than Cheer practice."

Uncle Dar asked her, "Did you bring your paper work?"

"Yes," she said. "I've got it all here." She took the papers out of her purse and held it all up where Uncle Dar could see.

We pulled up to Sandra's house and found her waiting at the curb. She climbed in and sat down buckling herself in.

"Got your paper work?" asked Uncle Dar.

"Right here," she said. She handed Uncle Dar a folder with all the papers in it.

Uncle Dar took Sandra's and put it with the stuff for Ellen and Nancy. 

"OK, I guess we're ready then," he said.

He pulled out and drove to the gym. 

When we got there, the parking lot was empty except for Jimmy's car. 

We all got out and went in side and to Jimmy's office. He was sitting at his desk drinking coffee when we walked in.

"Good morning," He said. "Got everything done?"

Uncle Dar said, "Good morning. Yes, Here's all the stuff for the girls and here's the one for the direct deposit." He handed the folder and another sheet to Jimmy and then gave him a check. "This is for the first month," He said.

"Good," said Jimmy. "We start at Nine. Since it's 8:45, Sally can take the others in and get them started on warm ups. Want a cup of coffee?"

Uncle Dar said, "I never refuse a cup of coffee if it's any good."

Jimmy smiled and said, "I get the good stuff. Try some, the pots over there." He pointed to a coffee machine on a small table with a few cups on it.

Uncle Dar went and got a cup and filled it. After a sip he said, "Boy thats good. You ought to teach these kids how to make it."

"I did with Sally there," Jimmy said. "She made a good pot, but it wasn't worth the grumbling about how nasty it is. Her mother at least didn't complain about not liking it."

Uncle Dar laughed and said, "Well she does all right at home and I haven't heard a single complaint. I guess she likes me better."

Jimmy glared at me and said, "To think. I even let you practice with your mother when you were little and all I got for thanks was you complaining about making me a pot of coffee now and then."

I gave him my best little girls look and said, "I'm sowy Unca Jimmy. Pwease fergive me. I'll do better next time, I pwomise." I batted my eyes at him.

He and Uncle Dar laughed and he said, "OK, I'll let you by. But no more grumbling about it."

I said, "Fine. I'll just stomp and shuffle my feet while I make a pot of the vile stuff. I still don't understand how you two can stand it."

"Thats easy to explain," said Uncle Dar. "We're sitting."

"Jimmy," I asked, "can we change our times a bit? We have Cheer practice on the same days as your classes. I know that you don't have many on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Saturday is an open house for workouts. Can we come in on those days at 9 instead?" 

Jimmy said, "No problem. It'll give me something to do on those days. Today, I just want to test your friends to see what they need to do to start, and to see how much work you need to get back into shape." 

"Good," I said. "That'll be a lot easier than doing both this and practice on the same days. When we go back to school next month, I'll let you know what our schedules will be for practice and games as soon as I can."

Jimmy said, "I can take care of that." He picked up the phone and punched in a number. 

"Hi Megan," he said after a few seconds. "It's Jimmy. Yes, they're here now. No, I won't wear em out on you. I need your fall schedule so I can set up classes around it for them. No, I'm just going to test them out today to find out how well our super ball really is and how much work the other four need before the real lessons start."

"Fine, I'll see you then," He finished. He hung up the phone and said, "That takes care of that. Megan will give me a fall schedule when she gets it. Just remember to save me a seat up front at the games."

"You know coach Coulter?" asked Shelly.

"For years," He said. "I knew her when she used to come in with Sally's mother before she was born. She never got into it, but she'd watch during the lessons. I wish she'd have signed up though. She had a great sense of balance and was very loose jointed."

I said, "She told me that she knew my mother for a long time. I didn't know how long though. How long have you had this gym?"

"My parents started it about forty years ago," said Jimmy. "As a joke when I was born, they named me Jim. Now that they're retired, I run it. Back when your mother was a student, I was studying to. We worked together a lot and Megan would always come in with her."

"When I asked why," He continued, "she said that she was babysitting Megan. Her parents had divorced and she stayed with her dad. Your mother started babysitting her when she was 6. She spent most of her time after school with your mother until her dad got off work. Even at 14, she'd hang out with your mother."

"I didn't know about that," I said. I only recently found out that she knew mom at all."

Jimmy said, "They were always together for a lot of years. When your mother got married, she was the brides maid. Your mother only had one. I remember how proud Megan was when she asked her. They were almost inseparable back then."

"I sure miss her," I said. "I didn't know many of her friends and I really didn't know much about her either." I felt a few tears as I said that. I really do miss her.

Jimmy said, "We all do. She was my friend for a long time too."

"OK," he said. "Take your friends out for warm ups. We have a bit to do today before I chase you out of here."

"Fine," I said. I took the other four into the gym and we started stretching exercises while he and Uncle Dar stayed behind talking and drinking that nasty coffee. 

After about twenty minutes, he came out and watched us for awhile. We were doing a leg stretch that Uncle Dar had taught me right then. 

He stopped us and said, "OK. I want Shelly first."

He took Shelly to another room to test her while the rest of us kept stretching.

Uncle Dar came out in his chair and said, "That isn't the way I taught you." He got up and slowly started doing the stretch with his right leg straight in front and said, "like this."

He did the stretch once and said, "Now you. Do it once on each leg and keep the other straight. Go down slowly as far as you can."

We did it the way he'd shown us and he said, "Much better. Keep doing it that way."

While we were doing the stretches like he'd shown us, Shelly came back. She looked a bit tired but was smiling. 

Jimmy followed and said, "Your done for now so go shower up. Sandra next."

He took Sandra back and told us, "Thats enough for now. Don't get worn out."

We rested while he was testing Sandra. Uncle Dar said, "I'll work with you more tomorrow after gym. You need to work more on what I taught you so you don't hurt yourselves. Doing some of those exercises wrong isn't the best idea."

I said, "I'm sorry, Uncle Dar. It's my fault."

He said, "No. It's my fault. I should have paid more attention when I was teaching you to start with. I'll correct that later so don't worry. The way you were doing that stretch wasn't bad, but you weren't getting as much out of it as you could have." 

I said, "I could feel the difference in my legs. I'll do better next time, I promise."

Uncle Dar said, "Don't worry about it. I know you'll do well cause you always have. I need to pay more attention to you when you do those stretches instead of concentrating on myself. We'll start tomorrow afternoon."

I said, "Fine. You;ll need to get Shelly and Sandra, though. We need to work out together."

"I still need permission from their parents before I start teaching them any thing." He said. "I don't instruct unless thats covered first."

"Thats OK," I said. "We'll ask them when we take them home tonight after Cheerleader practice. If they say yes, I'll invite them over for dinner tomorrow."

"Good," said Uncle Dar. "If they get permission, I'll start all of you at the beginning and work you up. I'll even teach you a bit about Judo. We'll start with basic falls and such. Learning how to land will be a help with here and Cheerleading too."

I said, "Great."

Sandra had finished while we were talking and Jimmy had taken Ellen for her test. We kept chatting while we waited.

Five minutes or so later Jimmy and Ellen came back out and Jimmy took Nancy back with him. They were gone for about five minutes also. When they came back, Jimmy waved me over.

"I know what you've learned so far," he said. "I need to know how much work you need to do to get back up to where you left off after your last lesson. Just basic stretches for now. Don't worry about anything else just show me how stiff you are."

I did all the stretches and exorcises he'd taught me since I started here. I felt a little stiff, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. 

When I finished, Jimmy said, "Well it's good to know that you won't take too long to get back into shape. I think in two weeks or so you should be back up to speed and it won't take long for your friends to catch up either. Either they're naturals, or all that cheerleader stuff helped. Thats good because now you'll have some competition."

I asked, "Do you think they'll be as good as me?"

"At least," answered Jimmy. "Ellen has the potential to be even better if you don't work hard. Even then, she might be much better than you."

"I hope she is," I said. "That might be a help for her since she just lost her parents."

Jimmy looked at me for a second then pulled me into a hug. He'd never done that before, so I was real surprised.

He said, "Now that's something your mother would have said. You get more like her every day. Be proud Sally. I know she is."

He let me go and we went back out to the others. He whispered to me, "Don't tell Ellen what I said. Let her go at her own speed and find out if she likes this."

"I won't," I whispered. "If she decides she likes gymnastics, I'll help her as much as I can. Maybe she'll be as good as you say too, and I want that for her."

Jimmy smiled at me and whispered back, "You have a big heart for someone so young. Keep it always."

I whispered, "I've had good teachers. Like you and Janny and Mom."

We got back to the others and Jimmy said, "Well I think I have some good material to work with. Take care of them Eldarin. I would hate to loose my best student and her friends."

Uncle Dar said, "I will. By the way, call me Dar. Thats what my friends call me."

"Since todays Wednesday," Jimmy said, "I want them back on Saturday. That way they won't be too tired after their work out tonight. I also want them to continue those stretching exercises and maybe start working on weights a bit. Nothing to heavy, just build up a bit of upper body strength."

Uncle Dar said, "I planned on starting them on some basics for Judo if Sandra and Shelly get permission from their parents. They already said fine to the exercises I've taught them and I'll start working with them tomorrow afternoon."

"That would be good," said Jimmy. "I'll see you five on Saturday then."

We said goodbye to Jimmy and left. 

When we got outside, Uncle Dar stopped and said, "I want a promise from all of you. Promise me that you'll stick this out for one month even if you don't like it. At the end of the month, if you don't you can quit. Is that a deal?"

The others all agreed and I said, "I'm in for as long as I can stay. I love this as much as being a Cheerleader."

"I wasn't worried about you Sally. I just want the others to give it a fair chance before deciding if they want to do it or not. I know how hard you have to work to even become a fair gymnast. It isn't easy and you have to keep up the work. It's even harder if you want to be good."

I agreed with that. I started with Mom when I was 6, and when she brought me in to sign up with Jimmy, he'd said the same thing. Being a gymnast was hard work and if you slacked off for even a short time you felt it when you started again, just like for me today. I hadn't worked out properly since Uncle Dar had arrived and I'd felt it today.

Eldarin continues.

After the girls finished at the gym, I took them out for lunch. I loved my new van, because I didn't need help getting in and out anymore. I just used the lift and since I could fit my chair next to the drivers seat, all I had to do was switch.

After eating, I went first to Sandra's home and then to Shelly's. I got permission to instruct them in the basics of Judo and Karate. I hadn't trained in years, but I could get them started well and I knew a few things that they wouldn't learn in a regular class. Comes from working with Special Ops people for all the years that I'd done so.

With the permission slips signed, I took the girls to the school for their practice. We'd arrived a bit early, so we went into the gym to see if Megan was there. It was unlocked and she was in her office.

She saw us come in and waved as we headed toward her office. When we got there she said, "I need you to sign permission slips for Ellen and Nancy to be on the squad. I hate having to do this, but since you are now their legal guardian we need new slips. 

I signed them and put in the number for the phone in my room that George had gotten installed for me and listed his and Janice's numbers as emergency contacts. 

I decided to contact George's lawyer friend to get a power of attorney done so that they'd be listed as guardians if something happened to me.

I gave the slips back to Megan and said, "I'm going to set it up so if anything happens to me George and Janice are able to take care of the girls in an emergency. I don't want CPS to play games with them again.

Megan said, "Good idea. You can list me as an emergency contact too if you wish."

"Thanks, Megan," I said. "I'll do that."

I then asked, "Do you mind if I use a mat to teach the girls a few things? I'm going to start teaching them a few basics for Judo and Karate and I'd like to use a mat for a bit to teach them how to fall."

Megan said, "Go right ahead. Just put them back when your done. I've got some work to do before practice anyway so have at it."

"Thanks," I said. "I'll make sure it gets put back."

We went over to where a few rolled up exercise mats were and I had the girls grab one and drag it out onto the floor where we would have a bit of clearance from the walls and such. They unrolled it and I had them take off their shoes and socks.

Getting up out of my chair, I walked slowly to the center of the mat. Kneeling there, I meditated for a few minutes and then had them line up in front of me.

Pointing at Nancy I said, "You first. Come and stand in front of me." She walked up and stood where I wanted her . I said, "To start, I want you to do those leg stretches I taught you at home."

She did five on each side and I had her stop.

"Thats good," I said. "Now I'm going to use you to demonstrate how to fall. Turn to your right." She did as I asked.

I slowly took her through a basic back fall and taught her how to roll out of it. After three times, I had Ellen come up.

We went through the same thing with the stretches and then the back roll. I took all five of them through that twice each.

After we finished, I told them to practice it. They went through it with out me holding them three times each. They did well and I told them so. 

I started them on some basic movements and a few other things and had them practice on each other slowly. I'd been taught to go through each move I taught them and told them, "Practice this every day. You don't have to spend a lot of time on it, just do it until it feels natural."

Getting up from my knees was a bit hard but I managed and I walked back over to my chair. Sitting down felt good. I had the girls roll up the mat and put it back before taking them out to the field.

Once outside, I told them that what I'd taught them was very basic but could still hurt someone who hadn't had any training like that. I made them promise me that they would only use it for self defense and until I told them otherwise, they were not to try to teach someone else. I'd seen a lot of kids get hurt trying to learn without proper instruction.

They were good listeners and from what I'd observed, they would all do well. My first Sensei had told me that a good student would be visible right from the start. These girls all made me think that they could be even better than I had been 30 years ago.

Other members of the squad started showing up while I'd been talking to them. They had all come up to Sally to tell her that they were glad to see her back. Within a few minutes, that beautiful smile was there and seeing it, I thought my heart would melt. It had been so hard on her while she was waiting to get cleared by the doctor.

Megan came out shortly after the last girl arrived and took them to the end of the field where they normally worked out. 

She started them on basic exercises and I watched. She was good at her job and I could tell she loved working with the kids. 

I was watching the football game some kids were playing for awhile. I liked watching kids like that. While I was watching, one of the girls came up to me and said, "Coach Coulter wants you."

I said "OK," and started wheeling myself toward the girls. The one who'd come over to get me started pushing me.

We got to the others and Megan said, "How would you like to be involved?"

I said, "I don't know. Tell me what you want first."

Megan said, "I need someone who knows how to march. I want to teach this group so when we go out onto the field at a game it isn't a bunch of kids just running and jumping. I want them to go out as a group and to look good. I'd also like to teach them a few tricks that aren't normally done by Cheerleader squads like this. How bout it?"

I said, "I can teach them to march and I know a few simple things that aren't hard to learn and can look pretty good. They have to learn to line up first, and then we can have them march standing in place so they learn to do it together as a group. Then they learn some commands and we go from there. It doesn't take long."




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 16



"Good," Megan said. "Can you start at the next practice? I want them to learn and I have a few friends who want to do something for the games too."

I asked, "What are these friends going to do? I don't want to get involved with surprises if I'm going to teach something to kids."

"I don't blame you," said Megan. "What I want to do is get a few of the vets I know and put together a color guard. I'm in the auxiliary at the local VFW hall because my father was a Korean War vet. It would be nice to get some of them involved with the kids."

I agreed with that and said, "Fine. Now where do I fit in besides teaching them how to march?"

"We get you a uniform with all the shinnies on and rank pinned on. If I remember right, you can wear your dress uniform for things like that."

"So you want me to get a new set of greens and all my ribbons and qualification badges just to march a bunch of kids onto a field for a game?" I asked.

"Yes," said Megan.

I said, "Sounds fun. We can start at the next practice if the kids don't mind being an hour early. I want permission slips for it though, and you have to be out here with me."

Megan said, "That sounds fine to me." She looked at the girls and asked, "What do you think? Are you interested in doing something a bit different this year?"

They all yelled, "Yes."

I said, "I'll do it then. Since next practice is Friday, I want you all here one hour early and bring those permission slips. Don't try to cheat because I'm going to call each of your parents to verify them."

They snickered at that and Megan told them to go take their showers. 

When they were gone she said, "I always wanted to do something like this. We can combine the regular cheering stuff with a bit of marching and maybe even get the school band involved for half time." 

"You trying to get into one of those Cheerleader competitions, Meg?" I asked.

"Not a chance," she responded. "Too much work with them and I have enough with this and my regular classes. Three gym classes and 2 math classes a day is enough."

I laughed and said, "You have a full table."

She smiled ruefully and agreed.

I stayed outside after she went in and waited for my crew to come out. When they did, we went to my van and loaded up.

I took Saundra and Shelly and dropped them off at their homes and headed for the barn myself. 

When we got home, I got on the phone and called Reach. When he answered, I said hi and told him who I was. 

He said, "Oh, good evening Chief. What can I do for you?"

I said, "I need a personal favor if you're up to it. I need a set of Dress Blues. It seems my daughters Cheerleader coach wants it for a color guard for games and such. Also, if you know a senior NCO (Non Commissioned Officer) who was navy and the same for Air Force, I'd like to get a hold of them. Be nice to have all services represented."

He said, "I'll look into it. I do know a retired Master Chief though."

"Great," I said. "Who is it?"

"Me'," he answered. "I was in the navy for 22 years before I retired and took this job. I worked for the Judge Advocates Office for the last 10."

I said, "Works for me. Still got your dress whites?"

"Yes, and they still fit," he said. "Be nice to do something like this for a bit of a change."

"Be glad to have you even if you were a swaby. My brother was a bubble head anyway."

"Oh?" he asked. "What submarine?"

"Patrick Henry," I told him. "It was his first boat and then he was on a fast attack boat somewhere. Never did find out where and don't really want to know."

Reach laughed at that and said, "With what them boats did while we were in, I don't blame you. Don't think I'm even curious considering your record."

"Well," I said, "I don't think you got the whole thing. I bet it was cleaned up a bit. Like that deal in Frisco with them shore patrol dudes."

He laughed again and said, "I didn't hear that and I don't know anything about it. So, When should I show up with that uniform and bring mine?"

I said, "Friday is the next practice. Be nice to have 2 M14's too, if you can manage that. I'll check with the Jar Head here and see if he's interested too. He might need the dress uniform, but I think he might like it."

Reach said, "OK. I happen to know of a Tech Sergeant that might also be interested. I'll check on him, although them fly boys are kind of spacey sometimes."

"Lack of oxygen probably," I said. "Fly too high and forget the oxygen will do it every time."

"Well I think that covers what I wanted to pester you about," I said. "See you on Friday at about 3."

I hung up and wondered if he'd call back and ask for my clothing size or if he might already know. Dress Blues are usually tailored. Didn't matter much since I wouldn't be walking out onto the field for awhile. But It would be nice to do something like that. 

I went into the kitchen to see about something to eat and found the girls all there making dinner. I made a strategic withdrawal in the face of superior numbers before I ended up being put to work. I like to cook, but not for so many people. With my two, and four others I just didn't want to do the work right now. 

About half an hour later we ate dinner. It was a pleasant meal and good company. The girls went into the Den to play with my computer and that plasma set while Janice and Erica disappeared down stairs. Since the kids were gone, I told George about Megan's Idea. He was interested and said that he still had his dress uniform.

That left Reach to find a fly boy for the guard. We had two flag bearers and two for the rifles. Now all I had to do was get my leg into shape for it. 

I worked out for a bit in the basement, then went up to my room. Since I had that huge tub, I was going to use it. 

I soaked for about half an hour, then cleaned up and got out. It was about 7:30 by then, so I decided to call Megan. 

I got her number from Sally and called her. She answered and I told her that I'd found a Sailor, a Marine and might be able to locate someone from the Air Force. She asked me who I'd gotten so far and I told her.

She seemed surprised that Reach was in the Navy but thought it would be good to have someone from each branch for a Color Guard. I told her that was why I'd called him. If anyone new where to look for that, I thought it would be him.

After talking to Megan, I went to Sally and asked if I could borrow the medal on Friday. She said yes without even asking why I wanted it. I told her that I'd give it back after Cheerleader practice and that it would always be hers.

Shortly after that my girls came in. I also asked them if I could borrow the medals back on Friday. They said that since they were mine anyway, I didn't have to borrow them.

I told them that they were wrong. The medals didn't mean much to me as such and never had. My girls meant much more to me than some shiny bits of metal. They could keep them if they wanted. I just wanted to borrow them for Friday. I didn't need the forgot to duck medals so I didn't bother to contact Sandra or Shelly. I'd get more later.

That done, I went back down stairs to see if George could direct me to a shoe store that sold dress shoes that could pass as low quarters as we'd called the issue dress shoes when I'd been in the Army way back when.

He told me that there was one that could custom fit me if I wanted. I agreed that would be a good idea since I had real wide feet. Hard to get a 8½ triple E shoe.

That done, I went back to my little hidy hole and called Janice on the intercom. That thing was sure handy. I told her that I was ready for bed so she could come and check the leg. Having a real nurse in the house was sure handy, I though. She was also a lot nicer and better looking than most of the ones at the V.A. hospital.

After she checked the leg, I got ready for bed. I went out to check on the girls and they were watching T.V. After giving them each a hug and kiss, I told them good night and went to bed. It had definitely been a long day but the smiles were worth it. It was sure good to see all three of them happy and getting along so well. 

Sally continues

After Uncle Dar went to bed, I asked Nancy and Ellen if they had any idea why he needed the medals back. I didn't care if he kept mine, because he'd earned them. They said they didn't know so I forgot about it. I'd give him the medal back whenever he wanted, and if he kept it that was fine. 

I curled up on the couch between my two friends and we watched T.V. for awhile. It was nice to have them there now that I was getting used to it. I loved them like sisters and was happy they were there. They had worked so hard to help me and Uncle Dar while we were both recovering from the pool incident and Uncle Dar's infection. 

Thinking about that, I realized that I had never said thank you to them. Now was a good time, I decided. 

I sat up and told them that I had something important to tell them. I told them how grateful I was for all the help they'd given me. They'd never asked for anything back and they'd always been willing. I also told them that I would never forget that.  

Nancy said, "We just wanted to earn our keep. I don't know what would have happened if your family hadn't been willing to take us in. We don't have any other relatives that I know of and we would probably been separated. You guys gave us a home and help when we really needed it."

"We helped friends that needed us," I said. "You don't owe us anything at all. Now that Uncle Dar has adopted you, and he paid rent you don't have to worry about earning anything anyway. You two are my friends and I wanted to help. Forever, remember?" 

"Deal," said Ellen. "Friends forever."

I went to bed after that. I think I was happier than I'd ever been since my parents died. Having friends like them and Uncle Dar, Sandra and Shelly did that. 

I woke up the next morning, got up and put my robe on. When I went out to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee for Uncle Dar, I found Janny sitting in the kitchen reading the newspaper.

I got myself a bowl of cereal and a banana and went over to the breakfast counter and sat down next to her. I said, "Good morning sis."

She said, "Morning. Hows my baby sister today?"

"Better than I've been for awhile," I said. "I had a lot of fun yesterday."

"Well your going to have more this weekend," she said. "George said that he was going to start you with your bike on Saturday."

"Really?" I asked. 

Really," She said. "I still don't like it much, but I was your age when Dad taught me and George is a good instructor. I just don't want you to get hurt again."

"Don't worry, Janny," I said. "I'll be careful."

"Worrying is my job, hon," she said. "I'll always worry about you . I worry about Erica too. Your both my sisters and I care about you."

"Thanks, Janny," I said. "If you really want, I won't ride the bike. I don't want to cause problems."

"Oh go have fun," She said, "I worry about you when you walk up the stairs sometimes. You going to stop doing that just because of that? I told you, it's my job. If Mom were still here, she'd worry too."

Thinking of Mom made me sad for a moment. I remembered her so clearly it was like I could see her standing in front of me. "I sure miss her," I said.

"I do to," said Janny. "Every day, I think of her and I miss her. I miss Dad too. I remember when George took me to the Senior Prom. Dad loaned him his car that night. George never told me, but he also gave George some money and told him to make it a special night for us."

"George didn't tell me until after we got married the next year," she continued. "That night, he took me to the same place that Uncle Dar took you girls to the day he adopted Nancy and Ellen. I'll never forget that night or that Dad made it possible for George to take me there."

"Wow," I said. I remembered the prices and the cheapest meal was almost twenty dollars. Even the deserts were expensive there but the food was really good.

"Wow is right," said Janny. "Neither of us had ever been there before. Dad had made us the reservations and Mom put a card on the seat in the car. It said that this was their gift to us that night."

"I never knew that," I said. "I remember that Mom and Dad liked George a lot but I don't remember much from when you were still in high school. I do remember, though, that you two would take Erica and me out with you sometimes. George used to say that all the guys envied him because he had three beautiful girls to date. I miss those days."

Janny said, "Well we're going to have to fix that. One day soon we'll have to go out. Just the four of us like we used to do. I miss that too."

"Miss what?" asked George as he walked in to the kitchen."

"We were talking about how you'd take all three of us girls out when we were dating," said Janny. "We both miss doing that, so I told her we'd have to do it again soon."

George said, "I miss that too. We had a lot of fun then."

I said, "Well we'll have a bit of a problem with that. There's three more now."

"You got a point, twerp," said George. I punched his arm for calling me a twerp and he grinned at me then said, "Well I'm for it. I bet Dar would like it too. Going out with such beautiful ladies would be great. Maybe with Megan and your other two friends too. Now that would be fun having two guys like us taking out so many gorgeous girls."

"Expensive, too," I said. "Eight of us at once would probably bankrupt you and Uncle Dar both."

"I think we can handle that," he said. "I also think it might be fun."

We made plans for a family outing like we used to do when Janny and George were dating. We decided to wait for Erica to finish her summer quarter at college first so that she'd be free for a few weeks. George even insisted that Sandra and Shelly be included. I demanded that Megan come with us also. They were all family now.

It looked like the Beast would be busy at the end of August and I knew that Uncle Dar would have fun just driving us around. He'd have even more fun when our football season started, I thought. He'd get to help out and I think that was the thing that made him happiest of all. He really liked to help.

We talked for quite awhile about what we could do after Erica finished for the summer. 

We talked for over an hour like that. It had been a long time since the three of us had just talked. The only thing missing was having Erica there too. 

I realized how truly special my big sister was and I also realized how lucky I was to have her and George. 

Later, after Cheerleader practice, Uncle Dar gave us our promised stretching exercises and lessons. Saundra and Shelly had gotten permission and joined us. I never new how tired I could get, but It was fun anyway. 

We worked out for about an hour then Uncle Dar told us to go shower and come back.

We went and cleaned up. When we got back, Uncle Dar had gifts for us. We opened them and we saw we all had the same things. A suit of clothes that looked like a short bathrobe top and pajama bottoms. I wondered why the top was so wide, but had no buttons.

Uncle Dar then took out a small box and opened it. He took out some long white belts and said, "These are your belts that show your rank. Since you are just beginning, you get white. As you improve, you get different colors."

He handed each of us a belt and showed us how to tie them. "Next time we do this, you wear the Gi which is what I just gave you and the belt closes the top like a belt ."

We all agreed and he showed us how to bow and when we worked out he was to be called Sensei. He said that means 'Teacher'. 

All in all, it was a very tiring day with all the workouts we'd done and such but it was a good day too. 

After dinner, we all went to bed tired but happy.

*

This ends Chapter 16. Chapter 17 will continue with Sally and Eldarin telling the story.



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 17



Chapter 17: A Hero Falls

Special thanks to Desert Pirate for his kind assistance.

The next morning, I was still a bit stiff and sore. I got up slowly and put my bathrobe on. Going to Uncle Dar's room, I saw that he was awake so I asked him if he minded me using the tub for a long soak.

He looked at me and asked, "Bit sore this morning? Bet that teaches you to start a bit slower."

I glared at him and said, "Well at least I did good. Jimmy and Megan were both happy with what I could do."

"Yes," he said. "But you have to learn moderation. You've been out for a bit over a month and that takes your muscle tone away. You aren't in bad shape, but you need to realize that even a week away will mean starting slow and working back up. I let you get away with it yesterday so you'd remember better than if I'd just told you to go slow."

I thought about it and admitted that he was right. I would be more careful after today without having to be told. I told Uncle Dar, "Your right, I guess. I'll be more careful now and work up a bit without trying to do to much at once."

"Good," he said. "I was watching you yesterday, and so were Jimmy and Megan. We wouldn't have let you really hurt yourself but we wanted you to learn on your own. I hope you forgive me for this. I wouldn't have let you injure yourself."

I laughed and said, "I know. I've known that since I got hurt. You wouldn't have come into the pool after me if you were going to let me hurt myself bad. You wouldn't have insisted on pushing my wheelchair out of the hospital if you didn't care. You wouldn't have given me that medal if you weren't my friend."

Uncle Dar smiled and said, "Go take your bath and soak as long as you want. I have a feeling that some other girls will be using some other tubs around here for the same reason."

I laughed and said, "I bet your right. It's a good thing that there's a bathroom on each floor plus the basement. I never figured out why this house was built like that, but now I can see a good reason for it."

Uncle Dar chuckled and said, "Now you see why it's nice to have even a small extra bathroom in a large house. My Grandfather did that when he built a house for himself and Grandmother years ago. He had three bedrooms and a full size bathroom and a small closet sized one with a toilet and sink. It's really nice not to have to wait in line."

I laughed and said, "That sounds like the voice of experience."

"I spent over ten years in the army," he said. "I've lived in barracks with over one hundred other men and the latrine as it's called wasn't big enough for that many in most of them. It could get a bit crowded with that many trying to get shaved and showered early in the morning."

I laughed at that thought and said, "Well I think you just talked me out of a military career with that."

Uncle Dar laughed and said, "Good. I don't think you'd do well in the military. You're too kind and loving to even go through boot camp. You care too much about people."

I thought about that for a moment and said, "I wouldn't want to hurt anybody. I'm learning to fight but I don't know if I could."

Uncle Dar motioned me to come over to his bed and had me sit down on the edge. He said, "Let me tell you a secret." I nodded and he continued, "If you have enough reason you will fight. If you thought you were protecting someone you love you'd fight as hard as you could. You might hate yourself afterwards, but you'd do it."

"The most dangerous person in the world is someone fighting for their loved ones," he continued. "I've seen the best and the worst of people and I know that anyone will fight for that. A mother protecting her children will attack a lion with a broom if thats what it takes. She'd loose the fight but even knowing that wouldn't stop her."

I thought about that for a bit. He was right, I realized. I'd fight to protect Janny or Erica. I'd do whatever I could to protect George too. I might hesitate but I'd do it. Shelly, Sandra, Ellen and Nancy too. 

I looked at Uncle Dar and said, "Thats why you came into the pool. Not just because I'm your friend."

"Yes," he said. "No hesitation or thought. I saw you floating face down and that was enough. I've never been so afraid in my life as I was while I waited in the pool for the medics to check you over. I knew my leg was hurt but it didn't matter because you were to important to worry about that. It wasn't until I asked George for help that I saw the blood."

"If someone you care about is in danger, you don't worry about the cost to yourself. You act. Only a coward won't act and even some of them will to save their children or spouse. For you and your family, my two girls, Megan, Shelly and Sandra I'd do whatever was necessary. I couldn't live with myself otherwise."

When he'd finished, he pushed me off the bed and said, "Go take your bath. I'm not in a hurry and theirs no need to rush so go have a good soak. There's Epsom salts under the sink. Use some of that and relax for awhile. We aren't doing anything special today."

I thanked him and went to the Dens bathroom. Filling the tub, I put some Epsom salt in the water. While it was filling, I went to my bedroom and got some clothes for the day and took them back to the bathroom.

After taking off my robe and pj's, I got into the tub and stretched out. 

I thought about what Uncle Dar had said for a long time. I didn't want to fight, but he was right. I would do what it took to protect my friends and family. I don't think I could just fight even in a tournament, but he was right about the rest.

When I started feeling more relaxed, I got out of the tub and cleaned it out after drying myself off. When I finished, I got dressed and went out to the main room.

Ellen and Nancy were playing games on the plasma when I came out of the bedroom. I said good morning to them as I went to the kitchen to fix my breakfast. They both said good morning back and went back to their games.

I went to Uncle Dar's door and looked in. He was reading when I looked at him. He looked up and asked if I needed anything.

I said, "No, I was just checking to see if you did. I'm going to make something to eat if your hungry."

"I ate while you were in the tub," he said, "but if you could get me some coffee in a bit I'd be grateful."

I told him I'd bring him a cup in a bit and left to go to the kitchen. For a change, nobody was there. I checked the coffee pot and seeing that it was empty, I started some.

That done, I made myself some oat meal while the coffee was brewing. I got done with that about the same time the coffee was done so I cleaned up my mess and took Uncle Dar a cup.

That done, I went to my room to watch some TV for awhile. I watched a few shows, but couldn't find much on really worth watching so I went back out to the main room. Ellen and Nancy were gone now so I went to my computer and started it up to check my email and do a little surfing.

When it finished booting and I logged on, my calender popped up with a notice. I read it and slapped myself on the forehead. Today was Janny's and Georges anniversary. I'd forgotten all about that. 

I went to Uncle Dar's room and told him. He said, "Well I guess I'll need some help. Can you call Janny and ask her if she'll help me get dressed? Just tell her that I want to take you and go do a bit of shopping for a few things I need."

I said, "OK. Do you want me to get the others?"

"No," he said. "Just you and me this time. I've been so busy with Ellen and Nancy that I haven't had time to spend with you. Go get your sister and let me get ready. We'll go get them something special. While we're gone, we can get the others to fix a real nice meal for Janice and George. They can cook and we'll get them a couple of gifts."

I agreed. Going to the intercom, I called Janny and asked if she could help Uncle Dar get dressed because he wanted to go get a few things for his computer. She told me she'd be right down.

Erica and Janny came down and helped Uncle Dar get ready while I talked to Ellen and Nancy. I told them that we were going to get Janny and George anniversary gifts and asked them to help with dinner.

They got real excited and agreed immediately to help I got them started in the kitchen and came back to find Uncle Dar ready to go. He said, "Erica is coming with us to drive. The Beast is way to expensive for just the two of us but I don't feel comfortable driving you car. Too small for my leg to stretch yet.

We went out to the car and I helped Uncle Dar get in the front while we waited for Erica. She came out shortly after I got in the back.

After starting the car, she asked, "Where do you want to go?

I asked her if she knew what day it was, and she told me the date. I asked, "And whats so special about today?"

She thought for a moment and exclaimed, "It's George's and Janice's anniversary"

I laughed and said, "Right the first time. Ellen and Nancy are fixing dinner for them and we're going to get them a gift."

"Well I guess I'll have to get them something too," she said. "So, where do you want to start?"

Uncle Dar asked, "How bout a jewelry shop? We can get them something nice there, and then I want to go to the liquor store to get them a bottle of champagne to go with their dinner."

"I want to get them a flower arrangement for the table and maybe something special for dessert. Maybe we can get something from that place you took us for dinner if they do take out orders."

"Thats a good idea," said Erica. "I know George likes fancy cakes and such."

Uncle Dar said, "Now we have a plan. "Lets get going."

We headed to town. I used my cell phone and called Megan and told her about it. She said she'd meet with us after we picked up the champagne so she'd have time to shop too.

We went to a jewelry store first and went in to look. The woman at the counter asked us what we were looking for, and Erica said, "Todays our older sisters anniversary and we want something special for her and her husband."

"How special?" the woman asked.

Uncle Dar answered, "Well they've been raising these two since their parents passed away. They took me out of the V.A. hospital and gave me a place to live while I recover from some injuries from while I was working in Iraq. Real special, I'd say."

Erica and I agreed with him.

"And how much do you want to spend?" the woman asked.

Uncle Dar looked at us and said, "Try to keep it under twenty please. I spent a bit much on that van yesterday."

I said, "Well I've got about fifty I can afford."

Erica said, "I have two hundred."

Uncle Dar laughed and said, "I meant thousand. I can by whatever you two pick out. You can chip in but pick something really nice for both of them. Don't worry about the cost."

Erica stared at Uncle Dar and asked, "How much money do you really have?"

Uncle Dar said, I was teasing my cousins husband at the car lot when we got the van. I told him I could only afford about half his stock. I lied a bit about that. I could afford the whole lot if I cashed in some bonds I'm holding right now."

I whispered to Erica, "He's not kidding. He paid for the van out right. He also paid twelve thousand for a year for rent for the court when he adopted Ellen and Nancy. He's got tons of money, I think."

Erica stared at me in shock and said, "He's renting from us? Why?"

"To show the court that he can support two teenagers," I said. "He paid a full year to show that they had a stable home. George's lawyer set it up and the amount was fair value for a similar apartment with the pool and exercise room."

"Oh," said Erica. "I understand now. If it was my say, he could stay there forever and not have to pay rent."

I agreed with her on that, but I understood why he paid the money and why Janny accepted it. It had to be a real transaction for the court and the amount had to be realistic too.

While we'd been talking, Uncle Dar had been looking in a display case that the sales woman had shown him to. He called out to us and said, "Hey girls. I found something interesting here."

We went over and he pointed to a matched set of his and hers watches and said, "What do you think? They're Swiss and have a life time guarantee on them. Think they'd like em?"

I looked at them and said, "I think I'd like them. They're beautiful."

Erica agreed so Uncle Dar said to the sales woman, "We'll take the set. Can you gift wrap them please?"

She agreed to wrap them and took them up to the counter. Uncle Dar gave her his card and signed the receipt when she gave it to him. 

While she was wrapping the watches, I asked Uncle Dar, "How much were they? I need to know so I can pay you back my third."

He said, "How much do you think Janny and George are worth to me?"

"OK," I said. "So how much do I owe you? I have to pay something if they're from all three of us."

"Fifty is what you said you could afford. That's enough."

Erica said, I'll stop at a bank machine and get you the two hundred I said."

Uncle Dar said, "Fifty is enough. That'll leave you with enough to get something else for them."

Erica smiled and hugged Uncle Dar and said, "Thank you. Sally and I have never had enough to get them something really special before."

Uncle Dar hugged her back and asked her, "Well who helps me get up in the morning and who helps me get ready for bed at night? My turn for special now."

We laughed and thanked him with more hugs. 

The woman finished wrapping the watches and handed the package to Uncle Dar and said, "If there's any problem with them all the recipients have to do is bring them in here with the guarantee inside the box. It has our store information on it and we have a certified watch repairman who can fix them or ship them back to the manufacturer."

Uncle Dar thanked the woman and Erica bumped me out of the way to push him back to the car. I helped him in and got the chair into the trunk and Erica asked, "Where to next?"

Uncle said, "Well I think that if you can get a cake from that restaurant, we can get the champagne. Drop us at the liquor store and then go get the cake. Sally can help me get in and then wait at the door while I see what they have."

"OK," said Erica. "Next stop it the liquor store for the champagne and while your there I'll get the cake."

I said, "Then the florist for something for the table."

"That works," said Erica. 

She drove us to the store and I helped Uncle Dar get into his chair. Erica said, "I should be back in about twenty minutes to pick you up," then drove off.

I pushed Uncle Dar up to the door of the store and he went in.

While I was waiting, I saw four men walking down the street toward me. I don't know why, but I suddenly felt afraid.

When they got up to me one of them grabbed me and put his hand around my mouth before I could scream. Then two of the others each grabbed one of my arms and they dragged me into the alley next to the store.

The one holding my mouth said, "You and your family have been a problem for a long time. Too bad you didn't drown in the pool like you were supposed to. Now your going to hurt before you die."

I was terrified at this point! I didn't know the men but they really frightened me when they mentioned the pool.

They turned me around and pushed me against a brick wall. The one holding my mouth took out a knife and pointed it at my throat and said, "Now you get to die."

I heard a voice behind them that said, "I would recommend you reconsider. I don't think you'll like what will happen if you don't."

The two holding my arms let me go and turned around. The three not holding me pulled out knives, and one said, "You should leave while you can old man. If you don't want to get cut up you should go."

The one still holding me turned sideways and I saw Uncle Dar. He was standing on the sidewalk at the entrance to the alley looking at us.

He said, "I don't think you understand. This alley is a dead end and to get out you have to come this way. If the girl is hurt you won't make it."

The one holding me dropped his knife and pulled out a gun, saying, "If you don't leave your dead."

Uncle Dar looked at the gun and laughed. He said, "You really aren't very smart. There's a cop car about a block up. You shoot and they'll be here in less than a minute."

The three holding knives suddenly rushed Uncle Dar. I didn't see much of what happened, but they were on the ground so fast that I couldn't believe it. One had his head turned funny and the other had his eyes wide open and was just staring straight up. The third was face down, but he wasn't moving either.

Uncle Dar looked at the fourth man and said, "Now you're alone. Put the gun away and leave or shoot and deal with the cops. Your choice."

The man pointed his gun at Uncle Dar and shot him! Uncle Dar's face didn't change at all. He just kind of sagged down to his knee's and leaned forward a bit.

The man with the gun looked at me and said, "I didn't want to do that but..."

Suddenly there was a knife in his neck. He dropped the gun and fell down making a gurgling sound.

I looked at Uncle Dar. He was still on his knees with one hand on the ground. 

He spat on the ground and said, "Idiots," then fell forward.

I ran up to him crying. I thought he was dead. I got to him and slowly rolled him over. His back felt funny. Like it was made of something really hard. I didn't see any blood on his chest and he was breathing so I knew he was alive.

He opened his eyes and said, "Call George now. Tell him what they said. Don't call the police until you talk to him."

I called George right away. I was crying when he answered and I told him where we were at and what had happened. He said that he was calling Inspector Reach right away on his cell phone and that I should not hang up.

Uncle Dar opened his eyes and said, "Phone."

I held it to his ear and he said, "Four of them. Said whole family. Tell Reach. Nice vest."

He closed his eyes again and seemed to relax. I knew he wasn't dead because he was still breathing but I thought he was unconscious now.

George didn't say anything for a few minutes while I was waiting. Then he said, "Reach is on the way. Call an ambulance and the police now. Tell them when they get there that the NCIS is investigating this. Don't let them try to talk to Dar and stay with him. I'll get Janny and meet Erica then we'll come to you where ever they take Dar."

I said I'd do it and hung up. I called emergency and told them where I was and what had happened. They said that a police unit and an ambulance were on the way. I told them that I thought the four attackers were dead and that the NCIS was coming too.  

He said, "I don't know anything about that. Just stay on the line and tell me about your Uncle."

I said, "One of them shot him. He isn't bleeding though and his back and chest feel funny. Real hard, kinda."

The man said, "He's got a vest on. He should be OK as long as nothing got broken by the bullet. How are you feeling?"

I started crying again and said, "I'm scared. They said they were going to kill me. They had knives and one had a gun. I'm really scared."

A police car pulled up while I was saying this. The driver was one of the two from court and CPS problem.

He ran over and asked, "You all right?"

I again said, "I'm scared. They were going to kill me and they shot Uncle Dar."

The man on the phone asked, "Is the police man with you?"

I said, "Yes, he's here and I know him."

The man said, "Alright, you can hang up now."

I turned off my phone. Still crying, I asked the cop, "Is Uncle Dar going to be OK? I don't want him to die."

The cop was checking Uncle Dar and said, "He should be. He has a bullet proof vest on and the round didn't go through it. He probably has a very sore chest, but he should be just fine."




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 17



"Easy for you to say," said Uncle Dar.

I looked at his face and saw his eyes open.

"I think I have a cracked rib or two and it hurts like hell right now. Can't breath well."

He closed his eyes again but didn't seem to loose consciousness again.

I don't remember what I said, but I kept talking to Uncle Dar. While I was doing this, the ambulance pulled up. Two men got out with their equipment and ran over.

The police man told them about the vest and that Uncle Dar thought he had broken ribs. They went back and got the gurney and brought it over. 

One said to Uncle Dar, "We don't want to take that vest off until we get you to the hospital. It might cause more damage if you have broken bones under it.

Uncle Dar said, "Well how bout a smoke? I think one more is coming to the party and we need to wait for him. I'm not coughing up blood, so I'm good for a few minutes."

The medic said, "We need to get you to the hospital as soon as possible. We can't wait."

Uncle Dar said, "I refuse treatment. Go away."

The two medics shrugged their shoulders and backed off to the ambulance.

I said to Uncle Dar, "You really need to go. What if you're hurt worse. I don't want you to die, so go to the hospital. Please."

He said, "Need to talk to Reach first. I'm not dying yet so don't worry. Smoke please."

I got out a cigarette for him but couldn't find his lighter. I asked the cop for a light and he gave me his.

While Uncle Dar was smoking, Inspector Reach drove up.

He got out of the car, walked over and asked Uncle Dar, "How bad?"

"Hurts, couple ribs. Tell the ambulance crew where to take me. Secure. They were after Sally. Said they did the pool too."

Inspector Reach said, "OK. I'll have them take you to the Navy facility in Everett. They have a small medial clinic there and I can have some guards there too."

"Marine," said Uncle Dar. "Tell George and get him there. After all of them."

While they were talking, I saw Erica walk up to the alley. I got up and ran up to her still crying. She grabbed me in a hug and asked, "What happened?"

I told her the story while we walked back to Uncle Dar. When I finished, Uncle Dar said, "Call George again. Tell him Everette Navy base. Erica's with us."

Inspector Reach had the medics put Uncle Dar on the gurney while I was telling George. When I finished, I went to get into the ambulance. The medic in back said, "You can't ride back here."

I said, "He got shot saving my life. I'm going with him."

The medic said, "No. I can' let a minor in here unless they're a patient."

I said, "If I can't ride back here then you aren't either. I climbed in and sat next to Uncle Dar. "I'm going with him no matter what."

The medic just stuck his head out the back and said, "I've got the girl. Lets go."

He closed the doors and moved back next to Uncle Dar on the other side.

I grabbed Uncle Dar's hand and held on during the ride. I don't know how long it took but I didn't let go. I just sat there holding his hand and crying.

We got to the clinic and unloaded Uncle Dar. I stayed with him still holding his hand.

They took him into an examining room and cut his shirt off, Underneath it he had on a heavy looking vest. I remembered what the cop had said. A bullet proof vest. It looked thick and heavy to wear.

The doctor and the nurses helped Uncle Dar take it off and put it on a chair. The Doctor told me, "We have to take x rays and you can't stay with him for that. I'll let you stand with the x ray technician if you want, though. You'll be right with him." 

I told Uncle Dar and said, "I'll be right there. I'm not leaving you."

Uncle Dar opened his eyes and said, "I know. You've told the whole world by now. Don't worry, I've been hurt worse. I'm not dying, just in pain for the moment. Broken ribs hurt."

Looking at the bruise on his chest, I winced and said, "I believe you. You have a bruise the size of my hand."

"At least it ain't a hole this time," he said. "I hate getting shot."

I could believe that. The bruise was purple and bigger than my hand. I couldn't see where the ribs were broken, but I'm not a doctor either. I just hoped that he didn't have a punctured lung or other organ. 

When they pushed the gurney to the x ray room, I followed. While I waited outside the room I saw Inspector Reach come in with Erica. 

They saw me and I waved them over. When they got to me, I told them that Uncle Dar was getting x rays to see how bad he was hurt.

Uncle Dar looked up and saw Inspector Reach and motioned for him to come into the room. They talked for a bit then Inspector Reach made a phone call on his cell phone.

He talked for a few minutes, and then went over to the doctor and handed him the phone. The doctor talked for a while and then handed back the phone and went to talk to Uncle Dar. I don't know what they were saying but the doctor came out and told us that we had to go to the waiting room for a bit. 

I said to him, "But you said I could stay with the x ray technician while Uncle Dar was in here. I want to stay."

The Doctor said, "I just talked to someone that told me to isolate the patient for now. I can't tell you who he is, but he has enough rank to make that an order. You have to go to the waiting room."

I didn't like it, but knowing what happened after Uncle Dar made his phone call the day that CPS woman tried to take Ellen and Nancy away, I decided not to argue. 

When we got to the room, Erica asked it we could have something to drink. I didn't feel thirsty, but I didn't argue with her. The nurse who had shown us the way to the waiting room went and got Erica a cup of Coffee and a cup of tea for me.

I sipped it and I realized that I really was thirsty.

While Erica and I sat there drinking our beverages, Janny and George came in with Ellen and Nancy. The were each holding the hands of one of the girls when they did. 

I could see that Janny, Ellen and Nancy had all been crying when they came in. Ellen and Nancy ran over to me and asked, "Hows Daddy? Is he going to be all right? Please, is he going to be all right?"

I started crying again, and said, "I don't know. They've got him in x ray now but they said we had to wait here and haven't told us anything since. Inspector Reach is with him and thats all I know for sure, but he said he had broken ribs."

Janny asked me, "What happened?"

I said, "We were getting some gifts for you and George for your anniversary. He wanted to get you a bottle of champagne. While he was in the liquor store, four men grabbed me and dragged me into the alley next to the store. They said they were going to kill me."

"They said that I should have drowned when in the pool and that since I didn't, they were going to make me hurt," I continued. "The one holding me had a knife. Then Uncle Dar told them to let me go. Three of them pulled out knives and attacked him and he killed them with his bare hands. It happened so fast that I don't even know what he did."

George said, "It's all right. You didn't do anything wrong."

"They said the whole family," I said. "I think they were after all of us for some reason."

I heard Inspector Reach say, "They were. We've been investigating the deaths of your parents since the car wreck. That was no accident either, I'm sorry to say. You weren't told because of security reasons but we didn't think they'd come after you until the pool incident. We've tried to keep an eye on you since, but I'm real short handed."

Janny screamed, "NOT AN ACCIDENT? When were you going to tell us that our parents were murder victims? Why didn't you tell us?"

"Do you know what the company they own actually does?" he asked?

"They do computer programing and security," said Janny.

"Yes," said Inspector Reach. "They also do work for the Navy on some of the ships that port here. What they do is highly classified so I can't talk about it, but thats why we're involved with the investigation of their deaths."

"Then why didn't you tell us?" Janny asked. "We have a right to know."

"We couldn't. We had to keep our investigation as quiet as possible. Until the incident with that CPS person, I don't think that whoever is behind this knew we were involved. That changed when we intervened in that incident. I wouldn't have done it then if I hadn't been ordered to. Eldarin is still an important man because of his work."

"What does he have to do with this?" asked Janny. "Is he involved with the investigation?"

"No," said Inspector Reach. "He's just what you always thought as far as the injuries he suffered in Iraq. He didn't know about the investigation or any thing else. I'm glad he was here, though. If he hadn't been, I don't think your little sister would be alive. He was an unarmed combat instructor at one time, and I wouldn't want to fight him."

"He's also qualified with several military weapons and demolitions," he continued. "I don't think your sister could have had a better body guard than Chief Warrant Officer DeShade." 

He looked at me and said, "Girl, that man would move mountains for you. He told me in the x ray room to tell you that it isn't your fault. He knew the risks and accepted them. He would have done the same for any or all of you. He said that all of you are as much his children as Ellen and Nancy and he would rather die than see harm come to you."

A nurse came into the room and said, "You better come now. He wants to see you all."

That scared me even more and I asked, "What's wrong?"

"He's dying," said the nurse. "He has bone fragments in his heart and spleen. The internal bleeding is bad and we can't operate."

I ran out of the room to the x ray room. He wasn't there so I went back to the treatment room where they'd taken him first.

He was there and hooked up to several monitors. I didn't know what they were and didn't care. I ran up to him and grabbed his hand.

"Uncle Dar," I whispered, "please don't die. We need you. Please don't leave us."

Ellen and Nancy came up beside me. We were all crying.

Uncle Dar opened his eyes. They seemed to wander until he looked at us. He said, "Hello angels. I love you all."

He closed his eyes again and suddenly stopped breathing. An alarm started and the doctor and two nurses ran in. The doctor checked his pulse and then used his stethoscope to listen for a heart beat. He shook his head and took it off and pulled a blanket up over Uncle Dar.

I remember screaming, but I don't remember much else. The doctor came up to me and gave me a shot and I passed out.

This ends chapter 17.



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 18



Chapter 18

A Hero Prepares

Special thanks to Desert Pirate for his kind assistance.

*

When we went to the liquor store after buying the watches, Sally helped me out of the car and pushed me up to the door. I went inside and asked the cashier about champagne and she showed me the various types.

I selected a bottle of one of the better French brands and bought it.

When I got back out the door I didn't see Sally. I looked around but she wasn't in site but I heard voices from the alley next to the store so I went to see if she was there talking to somebody.

When I got the the entrance, I saw the man threatening her with the knife. 

Feeling a sudden chill, I stood up as the man was saying that her whole family was a problem and that she was going to regret not drowning in the pool.

At that point, I said, "I would recommend you reconsider. I don't think you'll like what will happen if you don't."

We did the threat counter threat routine with the apparent leader pulling out a gun and threatening me with it. I laughed at him and said that there was a cop car just down the block. 

I'm not sure, but I think that's when the other three charged me. They weren't any good, but since it was Sally in danger I didn't play. I broke the first one's neck and hit the second one in the chest as hard as I could. I felt his breast bone break and collapse inward dropping him too. The third got his throat crushed when I hit him there."

Three down now. I looked at the fourth as he pointed the gun at me and fired. Glad I had a vest on, I thought, as I collapsed to my knees. He looked at Sally then, so I grabbed a knife off the ground and threw it at him. I didn't expect to hit him but got lucky. He took it in the throat and dropped. 

I spat on the ground to see if there was any blood. Luckily there wasn't. By the pain, I suspected two or three broken ribs but no punctured lung. 

I remember saying, "Idiots." Things went black for a bit after that. Pain does that to you sometimes when you have a hard time breathing.

I woke up to Sally turning me over, so I figured I hadn't been out more than a few seconds. I let her roll me and opened my eyes. She was crying which would be expected, I guess. 

I told her to call George right away and tell him what happened. She did this. When she was done, I said, "Phone."

She held it to where I could talk and I warned George as best as I could that Erica and Janice were in danger too.

I don't remember much after that but I do recall Erica and Reach showing up. I think I warned him that the girls needed to be protected, but I'm not sure. 

My next clear memory was being in an x ray room with Reach. I told him to call the boss. I had an idea, but I new that the girls wouldn't like it. I had to fake my death. If I was dead, nobody would be watching for me.

We got that cleared with Reach's people and the doctor did the x rays. He told me that I had a bad bruise but no broken bones. That would be a big help for what was coming. 

Reach got the doctor into the plan and when they took me back to the treatment room, he gave me a shot. He told me that I would look like I was dead but the effect wouldn't last more than a few minutes at most.

I had him give me the shot and tell the girls that I was dying. That was the hardest thing I have ever done. When they came into the room I greeted them then passed out.

I woke up with Janny standing there. She looked mad enough to eat nails and spit bullets, but she didn't say any thing.

I whispered to her, "I don't like it either, but the punks that went after Sally said that they were after all of you. If I'm dead they won't watch for me."

She said, "I hope it's worth it. There are four heart broken girls in that waiting room crying their eyes out because they think their Uncle Dar is dead. I don't care what your reason is for this but I won't tell. Just be right or I'll never forgive you for what you did to my sisters or your daughters."

"I intend to get the person behind the death of your parents and the tries on Sally. I never new your folks, but for what they tried to do to Sally, I will get them."

She just nodded her head then hugged me. After that, she left the room. 

Reach came in and saw I was awake. He walked over to me and said, "I hope you know what your doing. Janice knows, but the rest believed it so it looks like it worked for now."

I nodded and asked, "Did you get the word to the rest of my old team?"

"The office is handling it," he said. "I need to know what your going to want and we need to set up some kind of communication."

"I'll get my own gear," I said. "Plausible deniability that way."

Reach agreed and I asked him to look after the girls for me.

He said, "Already taken care of. They'll have round the clock surveillance from both my people and the FBI."

"Make sure of that," I said. "I won't be very understanding of any accidents or foul ups with their safety."

"Don't worry," he said. I'll make sure that the guards know that they don't want to make a mistake."

"Make sure they understand that if the girls get hurt, they better be dead," I said. "If they aren't, they will be. I will get the ones responsible for the attacks on Sally and her parents. If they get hurt, I won't care much about me so remember. NO SLIPS OR FOUL UPS."

Reach stared at me for a moment and then said, "I read your files. I was given the whole thing, I think and I guarantee that I'll do my best. If nothing else, I like to sleep at times and I like to wake up after."

I nodded at him and told him that they had to get me out of here now before any one else figured out that I was less dead than they thought. This wouldn't work if the girls knew I was alive.

Reach left and came back with Janice again and the doctor. 

I told her to look in the pocket of the jacket I'd been wearing. She checked it and found the box with the watches in it and I told her that it was from Erica, Sally, and me. I also told her that I loved them all and was sorry for what I was doing but that it was necessary to give me the chance to get the ones who were after her family.

She looked at me and said, "I understand. Just make sure that you don't die for real because we all love you. I know how hard this is for you, but I don't think the girls would be able to go through this twice."

I said, "I wouldn't be putting them through this if I knew a better way. Remember something, though. I ain't easy to stop and I have friends coming that will help me. We're all professionals, and the jokers who started this will find out what it means to have the three survivors of Scratch Team Delta after them."

"What's that?" she asked. 

I looked at Reach and said, "We were a mixed group put together in an emergency situation. We were all specialists of one type or another although we hadn't worked together before. After that first mission, we were kept busy for almost ten years. Now there's three of us left and we're all a bit old for this. But we're still mean and ornery."

Reach glared at me while I told Janice that, but I thought that she deserved to know. She was going to cover for me even if she didn't like it, so she had the right.

Janice walked over to me and gave me a hug. It hurt where I had that bruise from getting shot but I didn't say anything about it as I hugged her back.

She didn't say another word as she walked out of the room. The doctor and Reach helped me get into a body bag and then I was pushed out to the ambulance. When they had me loaded, someone opened it again so that I could breath.

Reach said, "We're sending you to the lab where my teams coroner works. He's expecting you and knows what we're doing. I had to do that since he's the one who signs the death certificate, but he'll be there alone so don't worry. He'll also have the clippers to give you a shave and there's some clothes waiting for you. I got shoes too."

"I hope you got the right size," I said.

"Yup, 9 EEE for you," he said. "Steel toed boots like you had in Iraq. I also got you a revolver that's untraceable."

I thanked him and he shut the door. After that, we went to the building where they zipped my back up and wheeled me into an elevator. I could feel it go down but I didn't know how far.

When it stopped, the door opened and they wheeled me out. I heard a voice tell the ambulance crew to leave me there and head on back.

I heard the elevator again, and then someone unzipped the bag.

I saw a large, slightly balding man who held out his hand and helped me sit up. 

He said, "My name is Frank. I have your clothes and weapon on my desk, and I have the electric razor for your beard."

I thanked him and slowly got off the gurney. He led me over to a desk with a pile of clothing and a large caliber revolver were piled. 

I got dressed and checked the weapon. It was a Ruger .357 magnum with 5 rounds in it. I put the empty cylinder under the hammer and carefully released it.

Frank handed me a shoulder holster for the gun and a box of ammo for it. 

Putting the ammo back on the desk with the now holstered gun, I picked up the electric trimmer and asked where I could shave.

He led me to a small restroom with a toilet, sink and mirror.

I shaved off my beard for the first time in three years and walked back out to the desk and put on the shoulder holster. 

After I had put on the jacket to hide the gun, Frank handed me a wallet and said, "You have a gas card and two credit cards. Your name will be Jerry Winston. You have two hundred in cash, and since this has been approved, the cards will be paid by our department as a legitimate expense."

"I won't need them after tonight," I said. "I have access to plenty of funds that I had set up for emergencies just in case I had to disappear like this. You won't be able to trace me but I will be able to contact Reach if I need to. He'll be my only contact while I get my team set up and we start digging. Tell him not to try to find me cause that'll be bad."

Frank laughed and said, "I think we know that. He showed me your file after he read it and we both know that whatever happens, we don't want to be in the way of you nut cases."

I laughed too and said, "Well thats smart. Just make sure the rest of your people know not to get too close if they find something. I'll pass along anything I find to you and I want the same back. Just remember, though, we do the closing statement in this case. They went after someone who means the world to me and now it's their turn."

"You intend to take them out?" he asked.

"Yes," I said. "I promised a woman who gave me a home when I came back from Iraq pretty badly messed up. Her little sister was the first target, but they want all three of them. I take it real personal that someone attacked a little girl who helped me as much as the sister did. I take it even more personal that they want the other two."

"OK," Frank said. "I won't argue that after what I heard happened today. I have the entire file from the murders of the parents up to today. We don't have a report on the fight you had yet, but everything from before that is in the file. I also have a lap top for you with wireless capability."

"Is it clean?" I asked. 

"Yes," Frank said. "I just got it today and it isn't even registered yet."

"Make sure you don't have the serial number or anything else," I said. "I'll trust you for now, but I don't want any attempts to trace me until I tell you to."

"The boss already said that," Frank said. "You have a free hand. I'll make sure that you have whatever we find out from the four you took down today when I find out anything. Set up an email and I'll send you the records."

"Send them through the boss," I said. "I still have a password that will work."

"OK," he said. "I'll pass it through his office Eyes Only."

"Good," I said. "Now all I need is a way out of here so I can get started."

Frank took me to the elevator and and we rode it to the garage. When we got there, he led me to an older model Toyota four by four pickup. 

He said, "Reach got this from an auction for a surveillance vehicle a few weeks ago. It has civilian licensing and the title is made out to your new identity. He said to tell you that you could use it as long as you needed it and then dispose of it as necessary. Don't worry about bringing it back if you can't."

I said, "I don't like Toyota's much, but having a four by pickup could be useful. All right, I need the keys and then we need to talk."

"About?" he asked.

"I need access to a doctor who can handle anything up to minor surgery. If necessary, he should be able to set broken bones and remove bullets in the field. Know anybody like that?"

Frank laughed and said, "I might. I did two tours in Nam when I was a bit younger. I'll need a field surgical kit though. I can get one but it'll take a couple of days. After that, all I need is a victim or two."

"Well I hope you won't ever need it but I'm glad to know that you can. Here's hoping."

"One more thing," Frank said. He handed me a cell phone and said, "The account on this is under the same name as your ID. It has emergency numbers already programed so you can contact Reach, The Sec. Navs office or me. Reach is one, the boss is two, and I'm 3. Just use the speed dialer and you'll get one of us."

"Is it secure?" I asked.

"Yes." He said. "It has some goodies built in by the tech squad and when you dial the first three numbers it'll scramble automatically. It will also scramble incoming calls from those three and any you might set up later."

I nodded and said, "I'll need two more in the next day or two. I'll set up a pickup with you or Reach. Nobody else is in from this end. I don't want any extra complications in this."

"OK, I'll tell Reach when he gets back from the base," Frank said.

I held out my hand to Frank and said, "Thanks. Tell Reach I'll be in touch as soon as I go get some things. I just hope he included a permit for the pea shooter."

Frank took my hand and said, "In the wallet. Concealed weapons class three from the Feds. I hope thats good enough."

"Well I Federal Marshals badge might be nice," I laughed.

"I don't think we can do that, but you do have a DOD ID," (Department of Defense) said Frank.

"Good," I said. I let go of his hand and he handed me the keys to the truck. "See you soon, Frank."

"Take care chief," he said.

I got into the truck and started it. It sounded like it had a good sized engine. I hoped it had some power too.

I drove out of the garage and headed to the interstate. I had a long drive ahead of me and I wanted to get as far south as I could before I had to stop.

Although I was tired, I wanted to get away from an area where there were a lot of people who had known me before I grew the beard. I had quite a bit of family around here from my fathers side, so there was a real risk of being recognized.

It was early afternoon when I left, but it took me over three hours to get through the traffic of Seattle. I got off the freeway in Federal way and went to the old truck stop there and got some dinner. This place had been here for years and I'd come here when I was living in Auburn as a kid.

After eating, I went to the truckers motel to get a room with a wake up at 3:00 A.M. The desk clerk didn't bat an eye as he was used to truckers with weird delivery schedules. I signed the registration with my new name and took the key.

I went to my room and went in. I could see that it had been recently cleaned and the bathroom was clean too. 

I went back out and locked it then went and got into my truck. I drove out of the parking lot and headed north to go to the mall that was about a mile away. I needed some clothes and that was a quick place to get them.

I got a few changes of clothes and another pair of boots and went back to the motel. Taking in one change of clothes, I went into my room and locked the door. I put a chair under the handle and made sure it would take some work to get through it for safety. That done, I got undressed and took a shower then got some sleep.

Right on time, the phone rang at three. I answered and a female voice said, "Good morning sir This is you requested wakeup call. Have a nice day."

I said thanks and hung up. I got up and put on my new clothes and put the old ones in the shopping bag. I went out and locked the room, throwing the old clothes in the trash.

After checking out, I went back to the restaurant and had breakfast before heading south again.

When I got to the Madigan exit at Fort Lewis, I took it and went to an old restaurant that had been there for over fifty years. I had some time to kill before I went to the post and stirred up some hornets.

My chest was feeling a bit better this morning, but I was still tender so I was taking it easy on the trip. I needed a few things from the Army anyway, so this was a good place for a break.

I sat there drinking coffee until 6:00 A.M. and paid my tab. I went back out to my truck and got in. Starting it, I headed back to the freeway where I saw a young girl about Sally's age hitch hiking. I know it was stupid, but I couldn't help myself. I stopped and she climbed in.

I told her I was going to the post for a couple hours, but if she wanted a ride I could get her as far as Olympia before I headed west. 

She said, "Oh I'm not going far. How bout a date for fifty?"

I looked at her and asked, "How old are you?"

She looked scared and said, "I'm fifteen. I need the money though cause my father's out of work and mom don't make enough."

"OK, how bout this?" I asked. "I'll take you to get something to eat after I do my business at the post and then I'll take you home. You don't have to do anything, just wait in the truck for me while I'm at the post. When we get you home, I'll give you some money to help. You don't have to do anything at all. I have two girls your age."

She started crying then and said, "I'm sorry I lied to you. My dad left us when I was three and my mother is in the hospital. They tried to put me in to a foster home but I ran away. Please don't make me go back."

I pulled out my cell and checked it. It had a camera feature that Sally had shown me how to use with her phone, so I took a picture of the kid.

After that, I hit the speed dial for Reach. He answered it on the first ring. I told him about the kid and then asked her for ID. She gave me a high school ID and I read it off to Reach and asked him to check on it. He said he would and I hung up.

I looked at the girl and said, "If your telling me the truth, I'll help you. If your lying to me I'll take you to the cops. The person I called will tell me in a few minutes if your telling the truth, so make sure that's the story you want."

"I told you the truth, mister," she said.

"Good," I said. "Here's what I'm going to do then. I have some friends up north that can help you. If you want, you won't have to go into the foster home system. My friend can get you with some very good people that will take care of you until your mother is out of the hospital. The problem is that it'll take a couple of days before that."

She looked at me and asked, "Why are you doing this?"

I said, "I told you I had two girls your age. I can't see them but I love them and you reminded me of them. I'd want someone to help them if they were in trouble so I'm helping you."

She said, "Thank you mister. I'll do whatever you want if you don't send me to CPS. They tried to keep me from going home the last time mom was sick."

"That won't happen this time," I told her. "By the way, my name is Henry." I held out my hand to her.

She took my hand and said, "I'm Amanda."

"Glad to meet you Amanda," I said. "I hope you can stand being around an old fart for a few days, but I'll take you to some friends when I finish my business. I have to go to the coast and get some things I have stored there, then I'll take you to my friends."




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 18



"What do you want me to do to pay you back?" she asked. 

I said, "Well I'm expensive. You have to smile and be happy for three days."

"Smile and be happy?" she asked. "Don't you want anything from me?"

"No," I said. "Just try to smile once in awhile and be happy if you can. Nothing else."

She sighed and leaned back. I told her to put on her seatbelt and headed south to the main gate for the post. 

When I got there, I went to the visitor registration and got a temporary pass for the truck. It's a good thing they gave me that DOD ID. After that, I went to the Criminal Investigation Office. 

When I got there, I asked to speak to the senior agent on duty. A man a few years younger than me came out and I asked him if we could talk in a secure room with a secure phone line. 

He took me to a small meeting room and I asked him to call the Sec. Navs office and gave him a code.

He did this and gave me the phone. The person on the other end said, "Good morning. I have instructions to help you however necessary and am cleared for your case."

I said, "I need you to verify my authority to the person I'm speaking to. He's CID and I need him to help me get a few things I need for my case."

The woman said, "OK. Your authorization has been sent to the office on a secure fax. It should be there in a few minutes. The boss said no tanks or artillery."

I laughed and said, "But I've never been in a tank. Ask him if I can have just one."

She laughed and said, "He said you'd beg but no. OK, the authorization for assistance should be there. Anything else you need?"

I said, "No. I should be able to get it here."

"Very well," she said. "Good luck on your case and the boss said that he's taking a personal interest in the girls."

I said, "Well just to irritate him since I can't have a tank, tell him I have another one that Reach is checking on. If she's clean I want her out of the CPS system and I want her to go to Janice. He'll know who I mean. I think this kid needs help." 

"They said you pick up strays all the time," she said. "I'll let the boss know. Good day."

She hung up and I turned to the CID agent and said, "There should be a fax about me on your secure system." 

He left the room for a few minutes then came back holding several pages of printer paper. He sat down at the desk and started reading. After about five minutes, he put the last one down and asked, "How can the Army help you, Sir?"

"I said, "I need to speak to someone about getting some special equipment. I'll also need a new vehicle, preferably with a wheelchair lift. I should be using one right now because of a bum leg. I'd also like a cane for when I have to walk."

"Easily done," he said. "We can get you a small bus with a lift. As a matter of fact, the DEA has a few in the impound yard that might work for you. One is a bus converted to a small RV with a lift in at the back where the emergency exit was. It's a bit big, but has a full kitchen."

I said, "I'll take it. I also need to borrow one of your female agents for a shopping trip. I picked up a girl that needs some help and some new clothes without having questions asked, at least three complete changes."

"No problem," He said. He picked up a phone and dialed an extension and said, "This is Gray. Can you come in to the briefing room? Good."

"My best agent is on the way. She has three kids, two girls and a boy. I'll have her take your girl to the PX and get some clothes."

"And two cartons of Marlboro cigarettes for me would be nice. Thanks."

"No problem," he said. "What else do you need?"

I explained the gear I'd need. I wanted some Special Forces como gear and night vision goggles. I also needed some other equipment that he said he could provide.

By the time I'd finished, there was a knock at the door. The agent said, "Enter." A woman who looked to be in her mid thirties entered. 

She asked, "Got a job for me sir?"

He pointed at me and I told her what I wanted. The senior agent said, "It's covered. The Navy will pay for whatever you get."

I said, "Along with the work clothes, I'd like you to see about getting her something nice to wear. She's had a rough time lately and I think it might help."

The woman said, "No problem sir. They have some nice dresses and such so I'll get her set up."

"Good," I said. "I"ll take you out to the truck and introduce you so you can get started. If she asks for a name, though, don't tell her your real one. I don't want yours and you don't want mine."

"Yes sir," she acknowledged. "I'll get her set up and ready to go in about two hours."

"Thats good enough," I said. "It would help if you could feed her too. We're going to be tied up here for awhile so I'd appreciate that and you keeping her busy until we're done. I'd also like to see what you can get out of her and find out why she'd be hitchhiking on the freeway looking for a date to make money."

"How old is this girl?" she asked. 

"I said, "Her school ID says 15. I picked her up at the south bound freeway on ramp at Madigan. I'd like to know whats so bad that a kid that age would run away from a foster home like she claimed and do that. She said her mother is in the hospital but there's something else wrong if she's that desperate."

"I'll see what I can find out sir," she said. "I'll try to be casual about it so don't worry."

I smiled and said, "Your boss said that you had kids, so try like she's one of them and has a secret. I don't want her scared."

"Yes sir," she said. 

"Thats all," I said.

She left and I turned back to the senior agent. I told him, "I need to call the NCIS agent I'm working with. I have my own phone, but I need to be alone. He was going to check on the girl for me for official information."

"Yes sir," said the agent. He got up and left the room.

I called reach on the cell phone. He again answered immediately and said, "I hope your having fun. I got your info."

"I'm at Fort Lewis right now getting a few things," I said. "I'll be here for a couple hours. You can pick up your truck from here if you want. I've got a better vehicle that they're storing for the DEA at the impound yard here."

"Oh? What did you get from them?" he asked. 

I told him about the bus with the lift and said, "I can't handle that truck any more. The leg just isn't up to a clutch yet. I'm also going to get a chair from them and a cane. When I get home, I'll have a better cane that I got from my father."

"What kind of cane is that?" he asked.

I told him about the ebony sword cane my dad had left to me. It was spring loaded and would punch an eight inch blade an inch or more into a two by four board. I'd left that in storage with some other stuff that I wanted. I figure if your going to use a cane, have one that's useful for more than just walking.

After I finished with that, he gave me what he had on the girl. She'd run away from a foster home yesterday and there was evidence of abuse and neglect. Her mother really was in the hospital and the father wasn't around any more. The condition of the mother was critical and wasn't expected to live more than a few days. 

The hospital had reported this to CPS, but they hadn't told her or allowed her to visit. I told Reach, "I want her placed with my girls. I'll try to get her into the hospital to see her mother as soon as I'm done here and I don't want any interference from the cops of CPS. Tell them what I did with that woman last time and tell them I won't be nice."

"How won't you be nice?" he asked.

I told him, "If that kid has been abused and they won't let her see her mother or tell her how bad she is, I'll shoot the first five and the rest will have to settle for hands and feet. Then I'll be real nasty and let you take care of the mess."

"I take it your serious," he said.

I just said, "Yes."

"Remind me never to piss you off, chief," he said. "I don't like hospitals or doctors much."

"Reach, you have been a big help," I said. "I wouldn't be doing this without that help. I just don't like CPS or officious idiots like that woman. I especially don't like people who abuse a fifteen year old girl so bad she tries to sell her body for food money."

"That bad?" he asked.

"I picked her up on a freeway on ramp while she was looking for a date for fifty bucks," I said. "I want the people responsible for that hung. If you can't do it, I will and I won't worry about the law this time. I really don't like CPS."

"For something like that I have one requirement," said Reach.

"What?" I asked.

"Wait for me to get there so I can help," he replied. "Putting a kid in that kind of mess is unconscionable.

"OK," I said. "When I get done here, I'm taking her to her mother then heading south to get some stuff I need. I need you to scrounge up something to sweep for bugs and I'll get it from you when I get back."

"Good enough," He said. "I'll see you when you get back."

He hung up and I turned off my cell phone.

I got up and went to the door and told the agent that I was done.

He said that the gear I'd requested was on the way and that we could go pick up the bus. 

I asked him about holding the pickup until someone could come get it and he agreed to do it. We took my truck to the impound yard and I got my stuff out of it.

There was an officer and a man in civies waiting for us. The officer let us in the gate and the other man handed the agent a set of keys. He told us, "The bus is gassed up and ready to go. The paper work is inside and you can transfer it at any Department of Motor Vehicles office. The tabs are good for another three months."

I asked him, "Where do I take it when I'm done?"

He said, "Don't worry. We wrote it off as an exchange to the Navy. They can keep it if they want."

"Thanks," I said. "I just might keep it after I finish my job. My boss owes me a few and if I like it I might take it as down payment."

"What's he owe you for?" he asked.

"I did some work in Iraq and came home with a couple of holes in my hide. I'm still on medical leave and I get stuck with a job that should have been finished a long time ago," I said.

"I don't want to know," he said. "Anyway, there's your bus and good luck."

I thanked him again and he left. The officer showed me where the bus was and told me that it had been gone over and was mechanically sound. 

I went up to it and saw that it had a towing bumper on it. That would be handy coming back and since it was converted to an RV I'd be able to travel and could have a mobile command post to use when Bear and Hawk got here. They'd like it too, I thought.

I got in and started it up. It started quickly and ran smoothly. The engine sounded quiet. It also had an air conditioning unit on top which I could turn on from the drivers seat and a back up camera with a flat monitor on the dash. Nice, I thought. Someone had spent some big bucks on this rig. 

Best of all, it was an automatic.

When the motor was warmed up, I backed it up and got it out the gate then drove to the CID office. I parked it in a parking lot next to the building where I'd have enough room to turn around. After I'd shut the bus down, the CID agent and I went back to the briefing room where we found the stuff I'd requested on the table.

I checked out all the gear and found it all to be in good shape and all there. They even remembered the chair and the cane which helped. My leg was getting sore now.

The agent had a few of the office people haul the equipment out to the bus and got it loaded.

I checked the lift at the back and it worked fine. I was really considering buying this thing from whoever when I finished this job. This thing was nice.

Shortly after we'd finished loading the bus, the agent who'd taken the girl shopping got back. I could see that the girl was upset about something but looked a lot better with the clothes she was wearing. 

They got out of the car and walked over to where I was sitting in my new chair.

The girl asked, "Why are you in that thing?"

I said, "I got hurt in Iraq a few months ago and the leg isn't completely healed yet. My last chair got damaged and I needed a new one. I also got a bit better rig for the trip we're taking. I have one other thing for you. I want you to go put on the nicest clothes you have and clean up the best you can."

She asked, "What do you have for me?"

I said, "That's a secret for a bit. Go get cleaned up and changed."

The woman said, "I can take her home so she can get a shower if you want."

I said, "I'd really appreciate that and I bet the kid would too."

She took the girl's hand and said, "Lets go get you fixed up so you can come back and knock their socks off."

The girl laughed and said, "OK, I'd like a shower. She looked at me and said, "Thank you. I don't know why your being so nice but thank you."

"Go get in the car and wait for a minute please," I said, "I need to talk to this lady for a moment. She went over and got back into the car to wait.

I told the woman, "I need a big favor from you now. I found out part of the problem and I need some help. Her mother really is in the hospital and is listed as critical. They think she has three days at most."

"Oh god," said the woman. "I'll help if I can."

I said, "I'd like you to take us to the hospital. I want you there to help when she sees her mother. I don't know if I can handle her when she finds out."

"I"ll call my husband," she said. "He can get out early if I tell his boss it's an emergency and I need him home for the kids."

"I really appreciate that," I said.

"I'll help as much as I can," she said. "That kid has had a hard time and needs it."

"Well I'm going to fix that but I have to make a trip first," I said. "I'm going to put her with a good family while I finish my current job. I'll make sure she's taken care of regardless though. I have two foster girls about her age that lost their parents and I'm not going to leave her with CPS. They stuck her in a dump and I don't like them."

"I'll take her and get her fixed up for her mother then," she said. "I'll let you tell her about her mother. That's one job I don't want."

I nodded my head and watched her leave. 

I got some coffee while I waited and had a smoke. I'd done what I came here for and I'd gotten a much better vehicle too. It had a bunch of nice stuff. 

I normally prefer a stick shift on something that big, but with the leg I was better off with an auto. The clutch on that truck was murder.

I'd just finished my third coffee when they got back. I had Amanda put her new stuff into the bus and then we got back in the car with the woman. She put my chair in the trunk and we left for the hospital to see Amanda's mother.

When we got there, I told Amanda that her mother was real sick and might not be able to talk but we'd go see her anyway.

She nodded her head without saying anything. We went in and found out where her mother was and went up to her room.

When we got there, she was conscious so I let Amanda go in and talk to her alone. After a few minutes, she came out and told me that her mom wanted to talk to me alone.

I went in and wheeled myself over to her bed. She looked haggard and worn. I'd heard that expression used many times but never really understood it. Now I did.

The woman said, "I'm Charlotte, Amanda's mother. Thank you for what you did."

I said, "I have two daughters her age. I had to help."

"Well I'm still grateful. I'm sorry to put you in this position, but I don't have a lot of time left and I want my daughter taken care of. Please help her."

I said, "I already know. "I work for the government and I have some contacts. I knew about the tumor and how bad before I brought Amanda here. I have a friend working on the case and by the time I finish some business on the coast she'll be with my daughters. I'll make sure she's taken care of."

"Thank you," She said. "She's all I have left and I can't help her any more. I'm not afraid for me, but I want her to have the best."

"I'll make sure of it," I said. "I have some friends north of here that I know will make sure she's OK and when I finish my job I'll adopt her. She will have a home as long as she wants it."

"Charlotte smiled and said, "I wish my husband had been as good a man as you. Thank you."

I said goodbye to her and went out. I told Amanda that she could go back in now and talk to her mother.

She went in and moved a chair to the bed and sat down. I could see her mother talking to her but couldn't hear what she said. When Amanda started crying, I knew that her mother had told her about the brain tumor that she had and that she was dying. I told the agent to go in and I followed her.

She hugged Amanda from one side and I did from the other. I remembered when my father was dying. I new how painful it was for her because I'd been there. 

We held Amanda until she stopped crying. I told her that we had to leave but I'd stop on the way back. Then I told Charlotte, "Two days. We'll be back then."

"I'll be here," she said. "I'll wait until your back."

I took Amanda's hand and said, "We have to go now."

She nodded and stood up. When I started wheeling myself to the door she stepped behind me and started pushing. When I told her she didn't have to do that she said, "Mom said that you were a nice man and that I had to help you as much as I could."

That reminded me of five girls and I almost lost it. I missed them so much it hurt.

We went back to the post and got loaded onto the bus and I headed for a home I hadn't seen in over two years.

*

This ends Chapter 18. Eldarin will continue in 19. 



Recovery of a Hero Ch. 19



Chapter 19

A Hero's Homecoming

*

Special thanks to Desert Pirate for his kind assistance.

*

After picking up the bus, I drove over to the Commissary and stocked up on some groceries. After we got every thing stored away, I headed off. The next stop being Olympia, I headed for the south gate and got on I-5.

It took us about forty five minutes to get to the exit I wanted. I drove to the Department of Motor Vehicles licensing office and got the bus transferred, using the office address for the NCIS office in Everett.

That done, I headed for highway 101 and got on it heading west. The drive was still easy as we'd beaten the rush hour traffic. It took us about an hour to get to Aberdeen. 

I drove through Aberdeen, using the truck route, and got to Hoquium with little problem. Even the Home Depot was dead since it was still fairly early. 

Staying on 101 north, I drove through the town. It's amazing how little had changed around here during the time I had been gone. Even the paper mill was the same. 

About three miles out of town, I took the cut off toward the North Beach area and continued on.

Amanda had slept most of the trip but woke up and came up to the seat just behind the right side door. She sat down there and asked where we were.

I told her, "We're about 10 miles or so from where I used to live. I'm going to get some stuff a friend is storing for me here and then get some other stuff I have stashed around here."

She asked, "You used to live out here?"

"Since I was about your age," I answered. "I liked it here because of the solitude. There aren't many places you can go now days and sit in your kitchen drinking coffee while you watch deer browsing in your front yard."

"Cool," she said. "I've never been any place but the Tacoma area and to Seattle. After my dad left, we couldn't afford to go."

"Well enjoy the next two days then," I said. "I'm going to get my stuff tomorrow and head back north the next day. When we get to Everett, I"ll take you to a friend who'll take you to your new home. When you get there, I want you to remember not to say anything about me."

"How come?" she asked.

"Because it could put the lives of some people I care about in danger," I said. "They aren't supposed to know about me so don't tell them." 

"I promise, Henry," she said.

We were silent after that while I drove the bus on the winding road. It had more curves that ten strippers at a topless joint, a friend had once joked to me. Driving this rig, I had to agree. It was only about twenty feet long, but the turns were still a bit sharp for it. It made me appreciate how good the bus drivers out here were.

We went through Copalis Crossing and continued on to an old lumber town called Carlyle. It wasn't considered a town anymore as the population was under a hundred now days, but at the turn of the last century until the thirties, it had been a booming mill town with a couple thousand and three lumber mills.

I turned off on an old logging road and went down it for about half a mile where we came to an old double wide factory home. 

I stopped the bus and got out. The welcoming committee hadn't changed as I was immediately attacked by two extremely vigorous tongues attached to a pair of large dogs of rather colorful breeding. A moment later, my friend Cris came out of the house.

He smiled and walked up to me saying, "You sure look dead. just like the news has been saying."

I held out my had and he shook it. 

I hadn't seen Chris since I had him store some of my stuff in an old trailer he'd put in his barn. He didn't seem to have changed much except for a few more gray hairs.

"As far as your concerned, I'm Henry. Dar is dead and should be buried soon," I told him. "I'm on a job and I don't want anybody to know I'm around. Especially with the news your talking about."

Chris shook his head and said, "Some things never change. The news is wrong. You don't want it right. It rains in Washington. Now tell me your story."

"Later," I said. "I have a passenger who doesn't know and needs to stay that way. She's in a bit of trouble that is getting fixed." I looked Chris in the eye and said, "Her mother is dying and she's a CPS runaway. She ain't here, and neither am I."

Chris shrugged his shoulders and said, "Like I said. Some things never change. You get in trouble and then find someone else in trouble to help while your still trying to fix your own."

I laughed at that and said, "At least I'm good at it. Gotta do what your good at."

Chris shook his head and asked, "So when do I meet this passenger?"

I called Amanda out and introduced her to Chris. He shook hands with her and said, "Well you look like someone who can help me with a problem."

Amanda looked at him warily and asked, "Help with what?"

"I made too many blueberry pies to eat by myself," he said. I need someone to help me eat them." He then asked, "Think your up to such a tough job?"

Amanda laughed and said, "Bring them on. You set them up and I'll knock them down."

"Better be careful, kid," I said. "He'll bury you in those pies. He grows his own berries and makes pies then freezes them. This time of year he probably has twenty or more in his big freezer."

"Now stop giving away my secrets, Henry!" Chris exclaimed. I don't tell your's so don't tell mine."

"You can't tell my secrets cause I don't tell you," I said.

Chris shook his head in mock disgust and took us inside. 

We sat down at his kitchen table while he got us some pie and coffee. I whispered to Amanda, "If you don't like real strong coffee, you better put some water in that. He makes it strong enough to melt steel plate."

Amanda didn't even laugh as she was busy inhaling the pie. Smart girl, I though. Chris used his mothers recipe for his pies. They were really good with home made crust and every thing. I'd missed them while I was in Iraq.

After we'd each finished a piece, Chris got Amanda another slice and refilled our coffee. Then he and I took our cups and went into his computer room.

I sat down while he closed the door and took the other chair.

"OK," he said. "Tell me the story and then what you need."

I told him the entire story from the ambush in Iraq to now.

"What are the plans now?" he asked. 

I said, "Hawk and Bear are coming and we're going hunting. I want whoever started this. Going after that kid really irritated me. Going after the whole family means gloves off. We're taking them out and the Sec. Nav. approved. I'm dead so I don't show up on radar and they don't know about the others."

Chris shook his head and said, "Dar, you really need to learn to chill out. Stop getting into this crap and retire. Your getting too old to play cowboy and you know it."

I shrugged my shoulders and said, "I dare you to tell the others that. Especially since Bear knows that one of the targets is a kid. Then tell Hawk that someone tried to kill a woman twice. Then tell them hands off. I'd really like to see that discussion."

Chris shuddered in real fear thinking about the results of that little conversation. He knew how Bear was with kids and Hawk after the death of his wife. They might not have gotten violent, but those are two you don't want mad at you.

Chris said, "I still have that trailer with your stuff in it. Tell me what else you need and if I have it you got it."

I showed him my DOD ID and said, "I have all I need with this and my bosses say so to the Army. All I need is a utility trailer with a box on it. About a ten footer out to do it."

"I know where one is that I can get cheap," Chris told me. Lance has one he's been trying to unload for a few years."

"That one you built him right after I got out?" I asked.

"Yea, that one," Chris agreed. "It's twelve feet long with double axle and power brakes so it should work for you. I'll check and make sure you have the wiring harness and give Lance a call. I should be able to pick it up tomorrow."

"You do that and I'll get the stuff I need out of the old wreck I left here," I said. "I don't want to load the bus too much since we'll need it for sleeping and cooking."

"Not coming to dinner?" asked Chris.

"No," I said. "I'm going out to my lot tonight. The kid and I'll be fine there and I want to check it out."

"OK," said Chris. "I'll see you when you come back tomorrow."

I agreed and we went back out to the kitchen to find Amanda washing the dishes.

Chris said, "Well I think I'm going to keep this one, Henry. She's better than having you around. You don't even wash your coffee cups."

I laughed and said, "To late Chris. I got her first. You out to go get married like your brothers or go buy an automatic dishwasher."

Chris shook his head at me and thanked Amanda.

As we were getting back on the bus, he brought us out another pie and said, "This out to make it survivable. I've had your cooking."

Amanda said, "I'm not going to trust him to cook, but thanks for the pie. They really are good."

That got her a smile from Chris and he waved as we pulled out and headed further down the logging road to a lot I'd bought from his father after I got out of the Army. The property was under another name I'd used while I was working for the Navy when I bought it and Chris paid the taxes on it from a bank account under the same name.

This gave me a hiding place that not many knew about. We'd done a lot of work on the place over the years since I'd bought it but most of it was out of site. Hills are nice with the right equipment and we had friends with interesting skills too. 

I drove to the property and down another logging road to a cliff with a small shed next to it. 

Parking the bus in front of the shed, I told Amanda that we were home for the night.

I got out and unlocked the door with the key that Chris had given me while we were in his office and opened the door.

We went in and I heard Amanda gasp in surprise. My hidy hole does that. Chris and I had dug out a nice little storage spot in the side of a small ridge that ran through is property. Took us a few years, too. We'd dug back about one hundred feet and fifty to each side to make a square in the rock and clay, then put in concrete pillars for support. 

Then we'd used concrete brick for the walls. The ceiling was ten feet high and reinforced also. I don't know how Chris did that or what exactly he used, but it survived two earthquakes over the last few years.

Inside was our gun shop. Most of what was here would be illegal to own but it was well stocked with a bunch of equipment for modifying guns and had a complete reload shop. It also had numerous weapons and plenty of ammunition for each of them.

I went to where we'd stored the long range stuff first and picked out a couple of Springfield bolt action rifles. They were both equipped with sniper scopes. I also grabbed several boxes of ammo for them.

Next was the short ranged stuff. I got two Beretta nine millimeter pistols for Hawk and Bear. I also grabbed ammo for them too.

Passing the guns to Amanda, I told her to take them out to the bus and come back. She did so and came right back without saying a word.

Leading her over to where we put the hide out guns, I got out several smaller handguns. I took two Colt automatics that were .25 caliber with shells for them too. The next one was for me. It was a little .32 cal. revolver that I'd picked up years ago. I also took out shells for them too and put them in a small shoulder bag that was hanging on the wall.

After that, I went to another gun cabinet that had the medium range stuff. I took out 3 AK 47 rifles that had been manufactured in semiautomatic and re modified to automatic, then grabbed some ammo for them too. 

I had Amanda take these out to the bus too. While she was doing that, I grabbed clips for the rifles and handguns that needed them, putting them in another shoulder bag..

That done, I went to the safe where Chris and I kept the nasty stuff that was really illegal. I opened it and took out several packages of military C4 explosives which I put into a small duffel bag. 

I took the bag out to the bus myself and put it into a small cupboard built under the passenger seat behind the passenger door. I went back in and closed up all the doors on the various gun racks and ammo drawers and made sure that they were all locked up. 

The last thing I did was get the detonators and remote controls for the explosives. Each was in it's own small box that was padded to protect them from damage. I took these to the back of the bus and put them in another cupboard well away from the explosives. I'd been taught a long time ago never to store them near the explosives.

Amanda was still silent, but looked scared. I told her that I would explain in a moment and went back out and turned out the light in the storage room, then locked it up again.

Getting back on the bus, I sat down at the small table and had Amanda sit next to me. She did so and I said, "I'm sorry to scare you like that, but I need this stuff. The only choice was either to leave you behind or let you see the stuff."

She didn't say anything, so I continued. "I'm sorry if your frightened but I'm going to be in a fight soon. There's a girl that's your age who needs my help. People have tried to kill her twice, and I'm going to stop it."

Amanda thought about that for a moment and said, "She must mean a lot to you then."

"Yes," I said. "When I was in Iraq a few months ago, I was involved in an ambush. One of the Marines I was with got shot up pretty bad so I had to drag him to cover. I got hit twice doing it."

"I spent some time in the V.A. hospital in Seattle, since I'm a vet. myself. They gave me a medication while I was there that messed me up pretty bad for awhile. The family of the Marine I saved took me out of the hospital and took care of me in their home. Now someone wants to kill them and I'm not going to let that happen."

"When we get back to Tacoma tomorrow, I'll take you in to see your mother," I continued. "After that, I'm taking you to these people to stay awhile. You should be safe there since your not related to them and it's the best place I can think of for you to stay. I want you to promise me, though, that you won't tell them what you saw here or about me."

"Your really going to take me with you?" she asked. "Your not going to turn me over to CPS?"

"Yes," I said. "I'm really going to take you with me to Everett. "I won't turn you over to CPS and I promise that when this is over you will always have a good home."

"Why?" She asked.

"Because of two things," I answered. "One is that I promised you and your mother. Two is that I have two foster daughters that went through the same thing you are twice."

"What happened to them?" she asked.

"Their parents were killed in a car accident a short time ago, and they think I'm dead. I want you to promise me that you won't tell anybody about what you've seen or anything about me. I need everybody to think I'm dead for awhile so I can do my job. I'm going to stop the people who are trying to kill three people that I care about."

Amanda sat there for several minutes before she replied, "I'll promise. You've been kind to me and helped me see my mother when nobody else would." 

She started crying then and said, "I know my mom is dying and there's nothing the doctors can do. When she's gone, I won't have anybody else. You promised that I wouldn't have to go to CPS again and said you'd get me a good home. I won't tell your secrets to anybody no matter what."

I nodded and took her to the bed in back and told her to go to sleep. After getting her into bed, I went up to the pull up bunk that I'd found while inspecting this rig and made up my own bed. 

That done, I laid down and went to sleep.

I woke up early the next morning to the smell of eggs and ham cooking. When I sat up, I saw Amanda at the stove making breakfast.

When I sat up, she looked over at me and smiled. I swear, If she and Sally ever did that at the same time they'd put the sun out of business. As it was, I thought I'd see spots for a week..

While she was cooking, I got up and got cleaned up. I was sure glad that I'd bought that electric razor as I was about 10 years out of practice shaving.

When I was done, I went back to the small kitchen area and found that Amanda had finished breakfast and had my bunk folded back up and breakfast on the small table.

I gave the cook the best compliment I know, eating every bite. After finishing, I told her that it was very good. That got me one of those thousand watt smiles.

"OK, Amanda," I said, "it's time to hit the road. I'll take you to see your mother first and then we'll be meeting a friend who will get you set up in your new home. I won't be able to see you after that until this is all finished but you won't have to worry about CPS again."

Amanda frowned and said, "I don't want to leave you. Your the first person who really cared about me since my mother was put into the hospital."

"To dangerous," I replied. "I can't put you into that kind of danger. These people I'm after have already killed at least two and tried for another girl your age twice that I know off. I won't be able to protect you and do this."

She nodded and said, "I understand. I want you to know that I want you to come back after your done."

"I can't even promise that,"I said. "It depends on who's behind all this and I don't know that yet. I'll find them, though, and I'll put an end to the mess. After that we'll see what happens. I will promise you that you will always have a home with my foster daughters. You should be fine with them no matter what else happens."

Not saying another word, she started cleaning up from breakfast. I helped her get it done and then we put every thing away.

This done, I started the bus and let it warm up. When the engine was warm, we left my hidy hole and went back to Chris's place. 

The old trailer that Chris had told me about was already there and loaded when we got there. Chris had been busy last night.

We pulled up to his house and I got the bus backed in to hook up the trailer with Amanda helping guide me in. Chris came out to watch as we did it.

When I was backed up to the trailer, I shut the bus off and got out. Chris walked up to me and handed me an odd looking cane and said, "This out to be helpful to you."

I looked at it carefully and noticed that the rubber tip had a hole in it and looked closer. The cane was hollow!.

Chris said, "It's something my dad made years ago. It's actually a .30 caliber rifle barrel with a single shot chamber just under the handle. You fire it with your thumb and to reload, you twist the handle counter clockwise and it pulls out. Just drop the bullet in and close it again. It cocks when you twist it closed."

Now that is some present. I gave Chris an evil grin and opened the chamber the way he'd described. It had a .30 caliber bullet already in it and I closed it again.

Chris said, "It doesn't have a safety so be careful, but with practice you can hit a target fairly easily up to one hundred feet or so. It isn't good for much further because it doesn't have sites but it will do the job. It fires the old M1 Carbine round so you shouldn't have problems with ammo either."

I thanked Chris and put it into the bus. After that, we got the trailer hooked up and the lights working. 

Finishing this, I shook Chris's hand and thanked him. He pulled me into a hug and said, "Don't get in too deep. We're both to old for this kind of thing so be careful."

I shrugged and said, "I have it to do. They went after a kid that I really care about and they want her sisters too. That isn't going to happen and I'm going to make sure it isn't with a bit of help from a mad Bear and a pissed Hawk. We may be a bit long in the tooth for this kind of thing, but we have a lot of experience doing it. That should help a bit."




Recovery of a Hero Ch. 19



Chris nodded his head and turned to Amanda and held out his hand. She just stepped up to him and gave him a hug and said, "Thank you for helping my friend."

Chris said, "He's my friend too. I've known him for years and I knew his dad too. He used to help my mom and dad years ago and I've never forgotten. Just watch out cause he thinks he's still tough."

She laughed and hugged him again. When she let him go, Chris said, "Wait a moment. I forgot one thing."

He went back in to his house then came back out with a box.

"Here you go," he said. "Put this in the fridge and enjoy."

Amanda took the box and showed me what was in it. Three more of his blueberry pies. I just shook my head at Chris as he waved and went back in.

When Amanda had the pies put away and was sitting down, I started up the bus and pulled out. I didn't even feel the tug from the trailer as we drove up to the road, but I sure felt it when I stopped. That thing was really loaded!

We got on the road and headed back for Tacoma. It took us about three hours with the load we had but the traffic was lite for the most part.

I took the exit for the hospital where Amanda's mother was and drove to it.

When we got there, I took my sword cane with me but used the chair. That leg of mine was hurting again and I wasn't interested in any unneeded walking.

We went up to Amanda's mothers room. She was asleep when we got there, so Amanda went in and sat next to her bed.

I think we were there for about half an hour before she woke up and saw Amanda.

She looked bad. Much worse than the last time, I figured she was down to hours now, or maybe minutes. 

While I waited, I called Reach and told him where I was. He gave me a bit of good news for a change and told me that he'd gotten in contact with Janice and had her appointed as the girls guardian. She was still mad at me but was willing to help.

I told Reach that I was going to stay here till the end so Amanda could have this last bit of time with her mother and then I would take care of the burial and such. He told me that it was already taken care of. My boss had stepped in and made sure of it. 

I thanked him and told him I'd be in touch when I got to Everett so he could make the arrangements for Amanda to be taken to Janice. 

That done, I hung up and waited. 

We'd were there for a bit over three hours when Amanda came out and said her mom wanted to talk to me.

I went in to her bed while Amanda waited outside.

The woman looked at me and said, "Thank you for taking care of my daughter. She's all I have and I was so worried about her. All her things were picked up by the woman you were here with before and she said that it would be picked up by someone named Reach."

I said, "He works for the same man I do so don't worry. When I leave, I'm taking Amanda to where my daughters live. I won't be able to take care of her for awhile, but the woman who's caring for my girls will make sure she's fine. She won't have to worry about anything now and she'll be safe."

The woman swallowed and said, "I met a woman named Janice yesterday. She came to visit and told me about you. She said that Amanda would be welcome with her for as long as she wanted to stay."

I nodded and said, "Janice is a fine woman. If I was twenty years or so younger and she was single I'd be chasing her until either she said yes or I died of it. Her and her family are really special. Her little sister will make sure that Amanda isn't lonely either. She's as special as Janice."

"Thank you for all you've done," she said. "I know that Amanda is in good hands now."

"Don't worry about her. She'll be fine," I told her. "She may take awhile to adjust but she'll be fine."

The woman nodded and asked for me to get Amanda. I wheeled myself back out to the hall and told her her mother wanted her now.

She went back in. About fifteen minutes later, the monitors in the room went off with all kinds of alarms and Amanda started crying.

I stayed out of the way of the rush as the flood of medical people started. One of the nurses brought Amanda out to me while the rest started unhooking the machines.

I pulled Amanda into my lap and asked the nurse to take us somewhere private. She took us to a small staff break room and left us after saying that we'd be left alone for as long as we wanted to stay.

All I could do at that point was hold Amanda and let her cry it out. I new how much she hurt from loosing my father and youngest sister. Some pain just can't be talked about and this was one of the worst. It really hurts to loose someone you care about and it's worse for the young.

Amanda cried for a long time and finally fell asleep with her arms around my neck. I just sat there and held her for awhile and let her sleep.

I don't know how long I sat there holding here, but when she woke up she started to apologize.

"Don't worry," I said. "You didn't do anything to be sorry about. I know exactly how you feel. I lost my father a few years ago so I know."

Amanda didn't say anything but nodded.

"OK," I said. Time to go get something to eat and hit the road. Your mother is taken care of so we need to get moving. My friend that you'll be staying with will bring you back for the funeral."

"How will I pay for that?" she asked. "We didn't have any money and we don't even own our home."

"That's taken care of," I said. "Don't worry about it. The arrangements are done and paid for. All you have to do is go to my friends. She'll bring you back for the funeral,"

We left the hospital after that and went to a small restaurant to eat. Amanda didn't eat much, she just sat there mostly and picked at her food.

I didn't blame her so I didn't say anything. When I'd finished, I just had her meal put into a to go box and payed the check with a good tip for the waitress. She asked me what was wrong with Amanda so I told her about her mother. 

The woman said, "I'm sorry." She walked over to Amanda and hugger her and talked to her for a bit before she came back.

I thanked her for her courtesy and left.

Amanda helped me get loaded into the bus and we got going to head for Everett.

Using the headphone set up that came with the cell phone, I called Reach and told him we were on the way. He told me that Janice would be waiting at his office in about two hours. I told him that it would probably be closer to three before we got there. I told Reach that I didn't want to push the bus hard because I wasn't familiar it.

He agreed and we made arrangements to meet when I got there. 

It ended up taking about two and a half hours to get to Everett so I stopped for a quick snack for Amanda. This time she ate what we got. While she was eating I called Reach to tell him that we'd be at his office in about forty five minutes or so. He said that Janice would be there and hung up.

When Amanda was done, we got back into the bus and drove to the building where Reach had his office. I saw my van sitting there when I drove by. That made me nervous as I didn't want to see the kids and let them know that I was alive. That would ruin my disappearance completely.

Parking about a block from the building, I had Amanda get all her stuff together and we went to the building. When we got there, Janice was waiting inside the door.

I wheeled myself in with Amanda right behind me. Janice just glared at me for a moment then bent over to hug me.

"She whispered, "I haven't told the girls about what's going on so this will be a bit of a surprise when I get home. I hope it's a good one because they're still upset about you."

I said, "I'm really sorry to put them through that, but it is necessary. This takes me out of the picture so I can do something about the people behind what happened to your parents and what almost happened to Sally. I promise you that I will get them no matter what it takes. I love you all and I'm going to stop this."

Janice stood up and said, "Then take them. I want the ones who killed my parents and tried to kill my little sister and I want them on a platter."

This was a side to Janice I hadn't seen before. I had never seen her look so angry, even when she'd found out that her parents had been murdered.

Shaking my head, I said, "Remind me to never get you this mad at me. I may not be able to get them on a platter, but I will get them. I don't care who they are. Going after a thirteen year old girl is just a bit much and what they did to her is something that I won't forgive ever."

Janice nodded and walked over to Amanda. She held out her hand and said, "I met your mother yesterday and I'm sorry for your loss. I promise you that you will always have a home with my family for as long as you want."

Amanda put her suitcase down and took Janice's hand and said, "My mom told me about meeting you. She said that she liked you and wished she'd had time to get to know you better." 

That's when Amanda broke down again. She started crying and Janice hugged her. 

Reach came out of an elevator and walked over to me while Janice was trying to comfort Amanda.

He said quietly, "I got it all set up. She's your cousin. I'll explain it all to her later."

I thanked him and told him, "Make sure she understands that she can't talk to any body about me. I know it was a risk to do this but sometimes you just have to go all in. I couldn't leave her once I knew her story and I really don't like CPS."

"After that bit when we met, I don't either," Reach said. "I'll make sure that she understands she can't talk about what happened while she was with you. I'll tell her as little as possible, but I'll make sure that she understands that talking about you could get you killed."

"Don't put that kind of load on her," I said. She's been through a very bad experience. Just tell her that I need her to keep quiet so I can do my job to help Janice. I told her about the attacks on Sally and the parent's so she knows why."

Reach glared at me and asked, "Was that wise?"

I nodded and said, "I think so. I also gave her a small hand gun. Make sure she knows how to use it. Send that woman who works for you if possible. Teach my girls to, for that matter. If possible, teach them all. They might need it."

Reach nodded and handed me three more cell phones.

He said, "These are the same thing you have except that they have the other two added as secure communication when you speed dial them. I'm one, the boss is two and three is my coroner. Number four is set for one of the others and so is five. If you use them they are automatically scrambled.

Thanking him, I said, "If I need anything else I'll let you know. I'll let Bear and Hawk know too."

Reach left me then and walked over to Janice. I looked at the three of them and wondered if I'd ever see them again. I hoped so but I knew that in this kind of work there was never any sure thing.

Wheeling myself out the door, I went back to my bus and drove to the rest area where I was supposed to meet my partners. They should have been there by now. I knew that they wouldn't worry about me being late as they knew what I had been doing. 

This wasn't going to be the best way to meet up with old friends, but I was glad to be seeing them again. We'd worked together for a long time while in the service.

This ends chapter 19. Eldarin will continue the story in 20.

*

Due to ill health, I was unable to keep up with this story. I am now working on getting caught up. I apologize for the delay in the posting of the newest chapter.