Pyro

Open Plains

Chapter 1

I would like to thank Sid for his help in editing, and Jeff and David for their input and their help in this story.

Sitting on the hill and watching the sunset is one of the most brilliant things a person can experience. I should know I'm sitting here watching it now; the question is why am I sitting here. Well that is because I'm gay. Yes I know that doesn't seem like it's a big deal to most of you but to me it is.

You see my name is Billy Mathews; I just turned 14 and a freshman at the local high school. I'm actually kinda short for my age, I'm only 5'4 [1.63 m] and I weigh maybe 110lbs [50 kg]. I have dark red hair and blue eyes. I have a dusting of freckles under my eyes and over my nose.

I'm sitting here thinking of how to tell my family. You see we have an open door policy at our house. If you ever have a question or need to say something no matter what it is my sister and I can always go to our parents and we can talk about anything. It's kinda cool to be able to do that. Whenever I had a question about sex I just went to my dad and asked him if we could talk. He took me to his office shut the door and sat down, then let me ask him anything I wanted. He explained the birds and the bees to me, and it was kinda cool. He told me about all types of sex, and what they mean.

I knew my parents would be cool with me being gay and all, I'm just not sure how to tell them, but I feel that I must.

I have a best friend and I know I could talk to him I'm just not sure how he would respond. I don't think it would be that bad, but I'm not sure.

My best friend's name is Ben Woods and he is 15. Ben is about 5'9 [1.75 m] and 150 lbs [68 kg]. He has dark blonde hair and blue eyes. He is really hot but I don't know if I could ever date him. Don't get me wrong I like him but I don't love him past being a brother.

Ben and I have jacked off together and talk about the girls, well he did most of the talking and I just agreed. As I said I like him and all but I think we would only be best friends and nothing more.

Other then me there is just my sister Joy, she is 10 and pretty cool for a girl. She basically looks just like me, just shorter and with longer hair.

I know you must be wondering what my parent's look like well my dad is tall he is 6'5 [1.65 m] and 220 lbs [100 kg] but it is muscle not fat. He has red hair and blue eyes as well.

My mom is actually short like me; she is about 5'6 [1.68 m] and 110 lbs [50 kg] as well. She also has red hair and blue eyes. That's really all there is in my family.

So now you know who's who and all and you also know why I'm sitting here. I just don't know how to tell them. Should I just tell them or prepare the ground first. I just don't know.

Well it is almost 9 o'clock and It's time I head home. Well here goes nothing.

I walk in and my mom is getting dinner prepared and my dad is reading the newspaper. My sister Joy is just watching the TV. I walk up to my dad and just stare at him for a minute.

He finally looks up and smiles at me. He sets the paper down and just waits for me.

"Umm dad, do you think that after dinner you, mom and me can sit down and talk? There's something I need to tell you two," I asked.

"Sure son anything the matter?" he asked. I took a deep breath.

"No sir not really. I just need to tell you two some stuff," I said.

"Ok no problem," he said turning back to his paper.

We ate at 9 then dad, mom and myself all went into his study to talk. My mom and dad sat on the couch and I stood in front of them. I took a deep breath and looked at them. They waited patiently.

"Mom, dad what I have to tell you isn't easy, and I hope you still love me after I tell you. No mom please don't talk I have to say this before you say anything or I won't be able to ok. Well you see, ummm the thing is, I'm gay." There I said it now all I have to do is wait.

Mom started crying and dad just sat there looking dumb founded. All of a sudden dad got up and just looked at me with hate in his eyes.

"YOU'RE WHAT? How dare you come in here and say something like that. GET OUT OF MY HOUSE NOW," he hollered at me. I was frozen to the spot and the next thing I knew I was on the floor with a busted lip. My dad just hit me. I couldn't believe it. My dad stood there looking at his hand and then at me.

Dad just stood there with a weird look on his face, like he couldn't believe that he hit me. He started moving towards me and I jumped up pushed him on the couch and bolted out the office door then the front door. I heard the door slam shut and the little pains of glass shatter.

I heard someone screaming my name then a screech. I felt some air under me then heard a dull thud. I thought I saw some lights but I wasn't sure, I also thought I heard some screaming but I just wasn't coherent enough to make out anything.

Was that my dad's voice I heard. I wasn't sure. All I could remember was this darkness coming out towards me.

***

"Clear we got his heart back, 4 cc's of morphine, cim 7, and cbc, blood type and cross match," this voice said. I didn't hear anything else after that.

I don't know how long I was out and I couldn't feel anything, the only thing I knew was that one moment I was in a total blackness and the next I was in the open plain on my hill. I was there by myself and I was feeling free and relaxed.

I was by myself for a few minutes when another boy about my age and height came up to me. He was part black and part white. He had light caramel skin and brown eyes. His hair was part blond and brown with tight curls and it made him look very hot. He sat down next to me and just stared out.

"Hi I'm Darren Anderson who are you?" he asked me. I just smiled at him.

"I'm Billy Matthews, nice to meet you. Why are you here?" I asked him.

"I don't know I'm just here. It's real nice and peaceful here," he said.

"Yeah it is," I replied. We just sat there and stared at the sun as it set over the next hill.

We sat there for a few more minutes then I laid back and closed my eyes, the next thing I knew I was hurting and I slowly opened my eyes.

***

"OH MY GOD he opened his eyes," someone said. The light was hurting them so I closed my eyes immediately and I couldn't see who it was that said it.

I heard some noise and someone that sounded like a doctor talking and asking me question. My mouth was dry and I couldn't speak. The only thing I knew is that I hurt and I could barely move.

"Well it looks like he is finally waking up, he will be in and out of consciousness for a while but he will be waking up soon. After he is fully awake then we will tell him the rest," said the voice.

Rest, rest of what? – Oh well I'll have to wait and see.

I just relaxed and closed my eyes and went back to sleep.

I don't know how long I was going in and out of sleep but I know it was a long time. I know that there were people coming and going out of where ever I was a lot of the time. Finally one day I just had to open my eyes and look for myself as to what was going on.

I don't know what day it was or when it was but I slowly opened my eyes remembering that the last time the light hurt it. As I opened my eyes, I looked up and noticed the ceiling and then noticed I had wires coming and going to me.

I tried to turn my head and I had problems doing so, my neck seemed stiff and sore. I overcame the stiffness and slowly turned my head towards the left. I noticed my mom and dad asleep in some chairs there, and my little sister asleep on a roll away bed.

Why are they here? I asked myself. I still didn't know what happened or know how I got here. I saw a nurse walk in and come towards me she wasn't looking at me till she got right up next to me then she saw I had my eyes open. She smiled at me.

"Hey there, how are you doing?" she asked me. I tried to talk but nothing would come out and my throat hurt. She noticed this and grabbed a cup from the table next to the bed and had me sip it. "Here this will help you, your throat is sore because you haven't talked in a long time, and we had a tube down your throat to help you breath," she said. I just looked at her and nodded my head, it hurt but I was able to do it.

"W… Wh… Where… a… am… I?" I was able to barely get out. She smiled at me again.

"You're in the hospital, you're at Memorial," she said, about that time my parents and sister woke up.

"Oh my God he's awake," said my mom coming up to me and taking my hand. My dad came up next to her and put his arm around her and smiled at me. He reached out his hand to me then stopped.

When my dad came up to my mom I started remembering that he hit me, and told me to get out. I got angry and just stared at him. He slowly let his hand drop by his side and started crying he tried to say something but I turned my head from his side to the other and noticed that I couldn't hear out of it. Good I didn't want to hear anything he had to say to me.

A few minutes later the doctor came in and had everyone get out while he examined me. He started poking and prodding and asking if I was hurting anywhere other then my throat or neck.

"No sir" I was able to get out. He smiled at me.

"Good I'm Doctor Bradshaw, Billy, I'm the one who has been taking care of you. You gave us a very big scare young man. I'm not going to lie to you Billy you were in bad condition and you have some problems now and there's not a whole lot we can do. Do you want your mom and dad in here when I tell you what all has happened?" he asked me.

I thought about it for a minute. "No sir I don't want anyone right now, and as far as I'm concerned I don't have any parents," I said. He nodded his head, and unbeknown to us my mom and dad heard what I said.

"Ok well I am going to start by saying we know why you ran out into the street, social services has already come and talked with your parents and they know about everything and are going to be keeping an eye on your family because of this. We know that your dad hit you and of course the bruise isn't there. You dad was very forthcoming when he told us what happened and he is sorry. I know you don't want to hear that but I had to say that.

"Ok now onto your problems. First you were in a coma also by now I think that you have noticed that you can't hear out of your left ear. When the car hit you, you went in the air and landed on the left side of your body and you hit your head on the left side as well. Your eardrum got busted and your inner ear completely ruptured. We did ear surgery but there was no saving your hearing. Next when you landed you broke your arm and it is healed up now and the cast is off, the same with your left leg.

"The next thing is the worst of it all. Billy I really don't know how to tell you this but you can't walk. The car hit you in the back and shattered you lower spine. We repaired what we could but there wasn't much else we can do for you. You will be in a wheel chair for the rest of your life."

I couldn't believe what he said I wouldn't walk again. How could this happen? My dad that is how, he was the one who did this. Not me, him.

"Are you sure doc?" I asked with tears running down my cheeks.

"Yes Billy I'm sure, the damage was just too severe. There isn't anything we can do; you are going to have to go through physical therapy for your left arm and to help you keep blood moving in your legs. I won't lie, it will hurt and be hard work but you have to do it. Are there any other questions you want answered? Or do you want me to just let your parents back in?" he asked.

About that time my mom and dad walked in the room, I looked at them then said.

"I don't have any parents anymore just a sister," he was trying to say something but I turned my left ear to him and shut him out. I didn't want to hear anything else he had to say and I sure as hell didn't want to hear anything my parents wanted to say.

To me my life is over and there's nothing left. I don't know what to do now and I don't know what to say to anyone. I don't even know how long I have been here, and right now I don't care at all.

Chapter 2

I don't know how long I lay there with my left ear facing everyone or no one, I didn't know and I didn't care. Finally I turned around and noticed that my hospital room door was shut and I was by myself. I was relieved.

Speaking of relieving I really had to pee, I tried getting up but couldn't move my legs, I then noticed that I had something in my penis, I looked under the covers and noticed a tube there and was leading out of the covers into a bag that had urine in it. Cool I didn't have to get up. I just let it go and relaxed.

After a while a nurse came in with some food for me. She smiled as she sat it down.

"So I heard you liked hamburgers and fries. I smuggled some in for you," she said. I smiled back at her and looked at the burger, just the way I like it.

"Cool thanks," I said. I started eating and she smiled and left. After I ate I turned on the TV and just started watching it. I slowly felt myself falling asleep. The next thing I knew it was the next morning.

The doc came in around 9 and looked me over again.

"Well you're doing good so far, you will be going up to physical therapy soon. Billy I know you're mad at your mom and dad but you need to give them a chance to talk with you ok," he said

I just stared at him and didn't respond, he sighed.

"Billy Listen ok I know you're mad but please just give them a chance ok? Any questions?" he asked.

I thought about it for a minute then decided I wanted to know something.

"Yes there is one thing how long have I been in here? My sister looks a little bigger and all. I just wanted to know how much time has passed," I asked.

The doctor looked at me and thought for a minute. "Well I'm not sure if you need to know right now but since you asked, you've been in a coma for 6½ months Billy. You lost 6½ months."

Oh My God! 6½ months, I didn't know what to say I've lost so much time. It was May when dad hit me and I ran out of the house that makes it November now. I started to cry, I was speechless. The doctor tried to touch my arm and comfort me but I wouldn't let him.

"No don't touch me. I don't want anyone to touch me, not now or ever. Just get out," I sobbed. "Please just get out," I begged crying into my pillow. The doctor looked at me with sorrow then turned and walked out. I heard him talking to someone and I suppose it was my parents. I just don't know or care; I'm hurt and lost now.

I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew it was night and the TV was going. I looked and my dad was sitting in a chair by the side of my bed. He turned when he saw me and smiled. I stared at him then turned over and fell back to sleep.

The next morning my dad was gone and I was alone. A nurse came in about 8 and gave me breakfast. If you have never been in the hospital count your blessings the food is not that good. She left with out saying anything, but she gave me a smile.

About 9:30 the doctor came in with a man and a woman.

"Hey Billy how are you?" the doctor asked.

"Fine Dr. Bradshaw just sore, who are these two?" I asked eyeing both suspiciously. Dr. Bradshaw smiled at me.

"Well Billy this is Mrs. Blain, Hanna Blain she will be your physical therapist," he said pointing to a lady about 5'8 [1.73 m], 120 lbs [55 kg], with blond hair and brown eyes. She smiled at me, and I just stared back. I wasn't certain about her yet.

"Hi Billy don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you I promise. When you come down to the therapy room we are going to work with some weights for your arms to help strengthen them. I am going to have to work on both your arms because as the doctor said since you can't walk you will be in a wheel chair and we are going to have to get your arms strong enough so you can wheel yourself when you want to. I'll tell you now it will be hard and painful at first and I am not going to go that easy on you just because you're a kid. I have to make sure that you can use the chair and your arms are strong enough for that and to do other stuff by yourself as well.

"I am going to teach you how to go through doors, use the bathroom, don't look at me like that I am not going to be in a bathroom with you but you will have to learn to get in and out of the chair by yourself, that is what I'm going to be teaching you. I will also be teaching you how to get around in the wheel chair by yourself so you won't have to always have others help you. Any questions?" she asked me.

I just shook my head then turned back to Dr. Bradshaw. He smiled at me.

"Ok now that you know Mrs. Blain I will introduce you to the other gentlemen," he paused and looked at me for a moment. He sighed and continued. "Billy this is Dr. Williams. He is a psychologist. I know you're hurt and are mad at your parents and probably a lot of other people as well. He is here to help you work through them," he said eyeing me to see my reaction.

I was ok with the physical therapist but this is too much.

"No offense to you doctor or to Dr. Williams I don't have anything to say to anyone and I don't want to talk about what I am thinking or feeling. I just want to be left alone," I said. I started to turn away from them and put my deaf ear to them but a hand on my shoulder stopped me. I turned and looked into the eyes of Dr. Williams who was smiling at me.

"Well Billy you may or may not want to talk to me but you have too. I don't know exactly what you are going through but I am good at helping kids with their emotions and feelings. You may not realize this but you are shutting your parents out and us and that is not good for you," he said. He just smiled at me and continued. "You may not want to talk with me and I know you don't want me talking to you but you will just have to accept the fact that I am here and I am going to be here everyday to talk to you and when you get out you will be coming to see me.

Billy it is going to be hard and I have already talked to your parents…"

I stopped him there.

"I don't have any parents!" I stated looking hard at him.

He just continued to smile at me.

"See you do need to talk about that and why you feel the way you do so I can help you all become a family again."

"No I don't have a family!" I stated with venom in my voice.

He just sighed.

"Billy that kinda of hatred and actions won't help you. As I said I have already talked to you mom and dad and they told me what happened and what led up to you getting hit by the car. I know your dad hit you and told you to get out. He is very upset about that and he is sorry for doing that. He did that out of shock and not hate. I hope you can see the difference and forgive him," Dr. Williams said.

I just stared at him with all the hate I had for my father.

"FORGIVE HIM," I roared. "He hit me, and told me to get out, I can't forgive him for that, and my mom didn't even try and stop him, she doesn't care and neither does my father. How dare you say that to me, I have nothing else to say now Get Out." I hollered at them. They didn't move, so I turned and saw a vase on the bedside table and picked it up to throw it at them when Dr. Bradshaw grabbed it from me.

"No you don't," he said with a smile. "We will leave for now but you are going to physical therapy at 3 this afternoon and afterwards Dr. Williams will be in to see you, but you are not going to be throwing anything at anyone, not now or ever. I will be back about 1 to check on you," he said. All three of them left me alone and after they left I cried.

I noticed that my mom and dad didn't come and see me until I was asleep then one of them would stay the night then leave the next morning before 7. That was fine with me I had nothing to say to them. Joy came and saw me a few times and we talked for a few minutes but my mom and dad didn't stay or come in while I was awake.

I also noticed that Ben didn't come and see me, either he didn't know I was awake or was told not to come and see me yet. I looked to see if there was a phone so I could try and call him but there wasn't one in my room, I just laid back in frustration and waited till noon for my lunch and the doctor to come and check on me.

Finally lunch came and after eating Dr. Bradshaw came in to check on me, I already decided that I wasn't going to talk with him or anyone else. He poked and prodded and asked if I hurt anywhere and I just shook my head, not looking at him or responding to him.

"Billy you just can't ignore me I have to know if you are hurting anywhere so I can make sure that you don't have any other injuries. You are fine because of the amount of time that has passed and you are healed up, but I still have to check so just tell me are you hurting at all." I once again just shook my head and looked away. He sighed and left.

At 3 a tall black orderly came in picked me up, put me in a wheel chair and lead me to the therapy room. I still had my catheter in so it had to go with me under the blanket that was covering my legs.

When we got to the room Mrs. Blain was there with a man in a wheel chair helping him. She noticed us and told John the orderly to take me to the mats and to lay me down. She took a closer look and told him to hold on. She finished with the man then went to the phone and made a phone call. Dr. Bradshaw came in a few minutes later and wheeled me into a room attached to the therapy room.

"Sorry Billy I forgot that we had a catheter in you, now don't be embarrassed. Remember, while you were in a coma we changed it a few times so I have seen all you have. Now it may hurt some when it comes out but don't worry the pain won't last long," he said. He pulled up my gown disconnected the cord that led into the bag, then hooked up a machine that withdrew the air in the bag that was in my bladder (he told me about the bag while he was unhooking the cord), he told me to hold still and he slowly pulled it out. It burned as he pulled and I cried a little it hurt so badly. He gave me some tissue asked if I was ok and I nodded my head yes.

He sat me on the table and started taking the gown off and pulled out some gray sweat pants. He tried to put them on my legs but I snatched them from him and tried myself. I almost fell of the table and if the doctor didn't catch me I would have. He gave me a stern lecture about him being there to help me and I needed to start letting people help me so I can learn how to do things on my own. I just ignored him and let him put them on me. He handed me a shirt and said I should be able to do that on my own.

I put it on and then he helped me into the wheel chair. He wheeled me back out and said something to the therapist then left. She looked at me for a while then wrote some stuff down and came towards me smiling.

"Hey Billy how are you feeling?" she asked me. I just stared at her and nodded my head. "I guess that means that you're ok. The doctor told me that you decided not to talk to any of us, and that is fine. What I am going to show you has nothing to do with you talking just using your arms, but I will tell you this, it will help if you at least tell me when you are hurting so I know what your limit is." With that she took me to some weights and handed me two 10-pound weights, one for each arm. She showed me some curls she wanted me to do.

"Ok now I need you to do three sets of 15 curls on each hand." Then she walked over to her desk and wrote some stuff down. After a few minutes I was finished and she walked back over. "Good that was just the beginning. Next I'm going to wheel you over to the parallel bars and I want you to grab them and try and pull yourself up on them. It won't be easy and I won't help you, this is something you have to do so you can build up the muscles in your arms. All I want you to do it to try and pull yourself up, nothing else just that." With that she lead me to one end of the parallel bars and she went to the other with a file I was assuming was mine and just watched. I looked at the bars for a minutes sighed then grabbed them.

I was trying to pull myself up and I couldn't. Just as I would get a good hold on the bars and start to pull myself up my left arm would give out and I would drop back into my seat. I must have tried for a good 15 or 20 minutes when she stopped me.

"Ok good well at least we know that you need to build up more on the left then the right. Your right arm seems to be fine even though you haven't used it in 6½ months. That means that we won't have to work as hard on that arm. It will still be hard work for that arm just not as much," she said writing some more stuff in the chart.

She led me over to some mats then helped me out of my chair and down on to them.

"Ok now I am going to show you some exercises that you are going to need to do, some you can do on your own and some you will have to have someone help you with. The reason you'll need some help is because what I am going to show you, you can't do on your own. You will need some help to do these so you can keep blood flowing into your legs. If you don't do this then you may lose a leg and I know you don't want that." She started showing me how to rub the front of my legs and to move them with my hands so I can keep the blood moving through.

She had me do some crunches and sit-ups which weren't easy since I couldn't feel or use my legs. 4:30 rolled around and she told me that I was finished for the day and she would see me tomorrow. She called someone and John the orderly came and got me.

As he took me up to my room he asked how I was doing and surprising myself I felt comfortable with him and I talked to him.

"Fine she showed me what I was going to be doing and all, when we get to my room can you roll me into the bathroom I really need to use it and I need a shower too?" I asked him. He smiled at me.

"Sure has she shown you how to get out the wheel chair and into it yet?" he asked.

"No she didn't I just figured that I would play it by ear," I said smiling at him. He just smiled back.

"Don't worry I get paid to help you. I will help you get your clothes off and put you on the toilet and get your shower ready and you into it. Don't worry man I'm straight and married I'm not going to try anything," he said when he saw my worried look. I just smiled at him.

"Ok thanks," I said. As we approached my room I shut my mouth seeing the doctor and my parents there.

"Hey Billy how are you doing?" Dr. Bradshaw asked. I just nodded my head and refused to look at him. John noticed this.

"Hey doc I was just going to help Billy here to the toilet and into the shower we'll be out in a few ok?" asked John.

"That's fine John thank you, Billy is it alright if John helps or would you rather have your dad help you?" Dr. Bradshaw asked, I noticed my dad smiling when the doctor asked me but I just pointed my finger to John. My dad sighed and walked away. I noticed Dr. Williams coming up the hall I pulled on John's shirt and pointed to the bathroom. John got the hint and hurried me in there.

John helped undress me and put me on the toilet then stepped out and waited for me to finish.

"Ok John I'm through," I said after I wiped and flushed. When the door opened my dad stood there.

"Hey sport you want me to help instead of John. He's just a stranger and I know you're not comfortable with them. So what do you say want me to help?" he asked smiling. I just stared at him then shook my head. He got the point shut the door and a few minutes later John came in.

"Ok man you ready?" he asked.

"Yeah" I said upset at my dad for coming in. He noticed how down I was and squeezed my shoulder.

"Don't worry man it will be ok I promise. I am going to set you on the side of the tub and turn on the water, I will keep adjusting it till it is just right for you," he said.

"Ok and thanks John," I said smiling at him. He just smiled back.

A few minutes later the water was where I needed it and I got in. John handed me a washcloth and some soap, I washed my front by myself, and was even able to get my butt, and John was laughing a little at that. I just blushed.

"What?" I asked.

He just chuckled "nothing man just the way you washed your butt, one side at a time and the way you moved it was funny to me that's all," he said still chuckling. "You ready for me to wash your back?" he asked. I just handed him the soapy washcloth and leaned forward. After I was rinsed off, John helped me out and sat me on the toilet and dried me off. After I was dry he helped me put my underwear on and a new set of sweats, I put on my tee shirt and John helped me into the wheel chair. Before we left the bathroom John stopped me.

"I am not supposed to say anything but I want you to know that when you come out of here Dr. Williams will be out there. Your parents are there as well, just wanted you to know," he whispered into my good ear.

"Ok Thanks," I whispered back. With that I steeled myself for going out and facing my parents.

Chapter 3

When we exited the bathroom I saw Dr. Williams sitting on the end of my bed and my parents were sitting in some chairs, they were talking but stopped when we came out. They all turned and looked at us smiling.

"Thanks John we can take it from here," said Dr. Williams.

"Ok doc, see you tomorrow Billy," John said squeezing my shoulder. I just nodded my head not saying anything. After John left Dr. Williams shut the door, I wheeled myself over to the bed and tried to get in by myself but it was to high up. My dad got up and tried to help but I shrugged him off he just sighed and sat back down not knowing what else to do.

Dr. Williams came to help and I tried to shrug him off as well but he wouldn't let me.

"Listen Billy the bed is to high for you to get up on your own so you have to let one of us help and that is all there is," he said. I just pointed to the door. "No, John is gone so you are going to let one of us help you or just sit in the chair," he said. I just sat back and turned away from them.

Dr. Williams turned me back around.

"Billy you are going to listen to us whether you want to or not. I know you're mad and you don't want to talk but like it or not you don't have a choice. Your parents are here so they can listen to what you have to say about what they did and you can listen to what they have to say and how they feel. You may not want to but this is going to help you all.

We are going to do a few family sessions then you and I are going to talk alone about what you are going through being in a wheel chair and all," he said. I just stared at them and tried and turn my left side to them so I couldn't hear what they had to say but Dr. Williams stopped me. "No Billy, not this time. You are going to listen to us," he said.

I just shut my eyes and tuned them out. Dr. Williams was trying to say something but I just let my mind wonder and not hear them, finally I felt someone shake my shoulder hard, I opened my eyes and saw Dr. Williams looking down at me.

"I told you that you are going to listen to what they have to say Billy. We are not here to hurt you, you have already been through enough hell but you have a family that loves you and wants you back in there life. You can try and tune us out all you want but I won't let you do that. You have to do this, if not then you won't like what the other options are.

"If you're wondering what they are they can be anywhere from being institutionalized to being put in foster care and never seeing your family again. Do you want that? I don't think you do. I understand that you want to punish them for hurting you but it has been long enough. For 6½ months you were in a coma, for the first two to three weeks no one was sure if you were going to live or not. At one point they even called in a priest for last rights that is how close to death you came.

"Your parents have suffered knowing they caused this, and now is the time to try and get past all of this and to help you on the road to recovery. Now do you want to start first and tell them what you are feeling towards them and all that they have done to hurt you?" he asked.

I just continued to stare at him but he wouldn't back down. I just shook my head and looked away.

"Ok then Mr. and Mrs. Matthews why don't you start," he said turning my wheel chair around to face them. I just looked down and wouldn't meet their gaze.

My father started. "Billy we are so sorry, we didn't… no I mean I didn't mean to hit you. When you told us you were gay I was shocked. Even though we had that talk and all I was still shocked and I didn't know what to do. I am so sorry for doing that. Over the last 6½ months I have been to parenting classes and have seen a therapist as well. He has been helping me to accept that you are gay, and that I have to learn to think more clearly.

"Billy I do love you so much and I am sorry for hurting you. When you got hit I was so scared that I was going to lose you that I cried almost every night. I didn't stop crying until the first time you woke up then I knew you were going to be all right. I held your head in my lap on the street right after you got hit and prayed that not only that you would live but that you would forgive me. God is great and he has answered my prayers so far, I even went to church and talked with the pastor there. I left and went to another church and the pastor there helped me understand myself and has helped me understand God love for every one.

"Billy I really don't know what else to say but I'm sorry and please forgive me?" he asked crying.

I didn't say anything or even look up.

"Good that's a good start Mr. Matthews. Billy what do you think?" he asked. I just kept looking down and shrugged my shoulder. "Ok Mrs. Matthews you're next," Dr. William's said.

"Billy I really don't know what to say, except I'm sorry to. I was in shock and I didn't try and stop your father either. I should have but I didn't, we should have seen that something was wrong by the way that you were acting and should have known that something was up, but we didn't and for that I am so sorry Billy.

"When you told us you were gay I was so shocked that I couldn't say anything and when your father hit you and told you to get out, I just didn't know what to do. I've been seeing a therapist and the preacher as well. Billy I have learned so much from them and I am sorry as well. Please forgive me, forgive us. We love you Billy," she said.

"Yes we love you son," said my dad.

"Well Billy you have heard what they have to say and they are sorry for what they have done is there anything you want to say?" Dr. Williams asked me.

I thought about it for a minute and still didn't know what to say. I don't know what to feel, I just shrugged my shoulders and shook my head. I grabbed the wheels on the wheel chair and turned around. I wheeled myself out of the room and down the hall.

Once there I just stared out the window not knowing what to say. How can you respond to something like that? My parents are sorry for what they did, but still they hurt me, how can I forgive that?

While I was sitting there thinking I felt someone come up next to me, I turned my head up expecting to see Dr. William's or one of my parents. But I didn't. Who I saw there couldn't really be there. I think I went into shook and so did the other person when he looked down and saw me.

The next thing I knew I was waking up in my bed with Dr. Bradshaw standing over me with a pin light looking in my eyes.

"What happened?" I asked. I think the doctor was shocked that I even talked to him. He smiled at that.

"Well young man you gave us a scare. You're rolled yourself down the hall to the window and a few minutes later we heard a thud and a clatter and found you and another young man on the floor with your wheel chair flipped over," he said.

"Oh my God he's real? Where's Darren? I have to see him," I said trying to get up, the doctor pushed me back down.

"Hold up young man you aren't going any where. You hit your head pretty hard, I don't think you have a concussion but still you don't need to be getting up any time soon," he said. I ignored him and tried again and fell back on my back.

"Damn it doctor I have to see him. You don't understand, I have to see him please," I begged. The doctor looked at me for a minute then helped me in my wheel chair with my father's help, this time I didn't refuse. Once in they wheeled me out of my room and next door to his room.

As they wheeled me in I saw him laying there and looking at the door. The doctor stopped at the door and I tried to push myself further in, the doctor got the hint and wheeled me right next to his bed.

"Darren?" I asked with hope. He smiled at me.

"Billy?" he said with surprise. "How?" he asked.

"I don't know I can't believe you're real," I said, he just smiled at me and we stared at each other.

A throat cleared it self. "Umm boys do you mind telling us what happened," the doctor said.

Darren and I just stared at each for a minute.

"When I was in the coma I dreamed I was on the hill I used to go to all the time looking out over the open plains, then out of no where he comes and joins me. We sit for a while and when I ask him his name he tells me Darren Anderson," I said.

Darren picks up from there. "And he tells me his name is Billy Matthews. I still can't believe you're real. How long have you been here?" he asked me.

I looked down then up at him again.

"6½ months, I just woke up a few days ago, what about you?" I asked.

He smiled at me. "I was shot about a week ago. Wow we were in the same dream I wonder what that means," he said smiling at me.

When he told me he was shot I started crying, everyone noticed this but before anyone could react Darren grabbed my hand.

"Hey man don't worry I'm not sore any more or anything, it doesn't even really hurt that much, but thanks for caring," he said taking my hand in his.

I looked up at him and smiled.

"Thanks. I didn't know if you were real or not, I'm glad you are, you were so nice and I liked you and I was hoping we could be friends," I said.

Darren smiled at me again and nodded his head.

"Yeah I'd like that. Why are you in here anyways?" he asked. I looked at him then down I didn't know what to say, I grabbed the wheels of my chair to go but something stopped it, and then I heard my dad's voice.

"Well Darren you see 6½ months ago my son told me something about himself and I was so shocked I hit him and told him to get out. He ran out the house and was hit by a car. Because of my stupidity my son is now paralyzed from the waist down and is deaf in his left ear," my dad said.

Wow my dad just came out and told the truth. I looked up at my dad with astonishment and tears in my eyes he looked down at me.

"I love you son and I am sorry," he said with his own tears. I grabbed his hand and he came and knelt in front of me.

"I'm sorry for acting like an ass to you and mom and I guess I do forgive you and her and I love you both," I said crying on his shoulder while hugging him. My mom came up to us and I hugged her too. After a few minutes I turned back to Darren and saw him with tears in his eyes as well. He smiled at me and took my hand.

"My dad shot me after I told him I was gay. He's in jail now and can't hurt me. I'm glad that you have your father and mother Billy, all I have now is my mother," he said breaking down and crying. I grabbed his hand and held it.

"I'm gay too Darren. We can be friends and help each other through this. What do ya say?" I asked. Darren just looked at me and nodded his head. He got up very carefully and hugged me and I hugged him back.

"Darren I don't know you but if you want I can try and help you whenever you need or want to do something that you need a father for ok. I will talk with your mom about it," Dad said.

Wow I couldn't believe that my dad just said this to Darren and he doesn't even know him. Darren looked at my dad with tears in his eyes and hugged him, and then my mom hugged him. About that time Darren's mom came in.

"What's going on?" she asked. We broke apart and Darren looked at his mom and smiled.

"Mom remember that dream I told you about where I was on the hill looking over an open plain and I met a boy there named Billy Matthews?" he asked her as she came over to him and hugged him.

"Yes what about it?" she asked. Darren smiled at me and took my hand.

"Mom meet Billy Matthews," he said. Mrs. Anderson looked at me then at Darren.

"What!" she said.

"It's true mom, we met in the hall, we both passed out from fright, then when we came too Billy made them bring him here, he's in the room next door," he said smiling at her. Mrs. Anderson turned to me.

"Is it really you?" she asked me.

"Yes ma'am it is," I replied. I introduced her to my parents, I asked if I could sit on Darren's bed with him and the doctor helped me up there after Darren scooted over. While Darren and I were in the bed talking his mom and my parents were talking. They told each other each of our stories and how we ended up in the hospital. I felt myself starting to get tired and leaned back, Darren yawed as well and turned over. Some how he helped me on to my left side, he scooted up behind me in a spoon position with his one arm under my head and the other around my waist, and my right arm covering his right arm. We slowly drifted off to sleep in each other's arms.

We didn't awaken until the next morning in the same position, as we feel asleep in. The nurse coming in with our breakfast woke us.

"Ok boys time to get up and eat, then after you eat Billy you have to get back to your room and get ready for the doctor's visit then your physical therapy," she said smiling at us.

"Oh man do I have to I want to stay here and talk with Darren some more?" I asked. She just smiled.

"Yes you have to," she said, then an idea popped in my head.

"Nurse Gene if the doctor says it's ok can Darren come to physical therapy with me?" I asked.

"Yeah can I please?" he begged. Nurse Gene just laughed.

"I'll check with the doctor while you two eat." With that she dropped off our food then left. After we were finished eating Darren helped me into the bathroom helped me on the toilet the funny thing is that I didn't feel embarrassed with him helping me or seeing me naked. After I peed and got my clothes back in order Darren took his turn and peed right in front of me. After we finished we washed our hands then went out to the room to wait on the nurse.

A few minutes later Nurse Gene came back in.

"Alright boys I talked with the doc and after you go and change and take care of your bathroom business then you two can hang out together and he can go to your PT with you," she said smiling. We smiled right back.

"Cool but Darren helped me to the bathroom so I don't have to go. You want to come to my room and help me change and wait with me?" I asked Darren.

"Yeah," he replied. I smiled at him and he smiled back. He helped me to my room and the nurse was going to help me change but he talked her into letting him do it. She agreed and after the door was closed he helped me change. We sat on my bed and waited for John to come and take me to my PT. Today was going to be a good day.

Chapter 4

John came about 30 minutes later and smiled when he saw me laughing with Darren.

"Hey Billy who's your friend?" he asked helping me into my wheelchair from the bed.

"Hey John this is Darren and you're not going to believe how we meet," I started and told him the story of the dream and then meeting Darren as John wheeled me down to the Physical Therapy room.

When we got there Mrs. Blain noticed Darren and saw me smiling. I think she was happy to see me smiling and being happy.

"Hey Billy I see your feeling better. I'm hoping you're talking to us now?" she asked me. I smiled at her.

"Yes ma'am I am, I'm sorry for how I treated you and not talking to you," I said feeling ashamed. She just smiled at me.

"That's ok I know it is hard for you and it will be hard for you for a while. So who's your friend?" she asked smiling at Darren.

"This is Darren he's my new friend and you won't believe how we meet," I told her the story and she was shocked and happy for me.

I worked real hard in PT and did my best. I was still having problem pulling myself up and Mrs. Blain wouldn't let Darren help me when I fell. She told him I had to do this on my own. I could see Darren didn't like it but I knew he understood. I worked hard for over an hour.

During that hour Mrs. Blain's also showed me how to get in and out of my wheelchair and how to get on and off the toilet by myself. She also showed me how to get in and out of the bathtub by myself as well. Darren thought this was funny and I just stuck my tongue out at him whenever he laughed and this just caused him to laugh more.

After working hard for over an hour and a half I was finally finished for the day, John came to get me then wheeled me back to my room.

When I got to my room, I thanked John and he left. I grabbed some clothes and Darren wheeled me to the bathroom. He was going to help me out of the chair and on to the toilet but I stopped him and told him I wanted to try on my own. He stood back and let me try. I forgot to set the brakes and when I lifted up and tried to move out of the chair, I fell and hit my head on the toilet. I blacked out.

When I came to I was on my bed and had a gown on me. The doctor was standing over me and my parents were there. I didn't see Darren and assumed he was back in his room.

"Well young man you gave us another scare. How are you feeling?" Dr. Bradshaw asked me. I thought about it for a minute and noticed that my head was hurting.

"My head hurts," I said. He smiled at me.

"Well you have a concussion you hit your head pretty heard. I'm glad that you are trying to do things on your own but you have to remember if you are going to move in and out of your chair you have to set the brake. Your head is going to hurt for a while and we will have to wake you up every hour for the next 24 hours. We don't want to take any chances and have you slip back into a coma ok?" he said. I just nodded my head.

"Where's Darren?" I asked wincing at the pain in my head. My parents were next to the bed now and were smiling down at me.

"Son after you hit your head he screamed and called for the nurse. He was crying and scared after you didn't wake up for a little bit he really started crying so Dr. Bradshaw gave him a sedative to help him relax. He's in his room asleep," my dad said. "You'll be fine son don't worry," he said smiling at me.

I just stared at him and thought of Darren, how could I have hurt him. I tried to think of what I could do to help but I knew I couldn't help I can't do anything. I started crying I was sad because I liked Darren but I couldn't be with him.

I imagined him having to help me with every single detail of my life all the way down to wiping my ass, him hating me for being so helpless. My dad put his hand on my shoulder and I shrugged him off. I turned over on my right side so I couldn't hear anyone or anything. I closed my eyes and cried myself to sleep.

I don't know how long I slept but I assume it was only an hour because a nurse was there shaking me awake.

"Hey how do you feel?" she asked.

"Fine," I said. My first thought was of Darren and the tears started again. I slept on and off through the night, they woke me, I'd drift off and felt like minutes later they woke me again.

The next morning I was quiet and withdrawn. The psychologist came and saw me but I didn't talk to him. Darren came in and I wouldn't talk to him either. I was so scared. I liked him, maybe even more than liked. I wanted to be with him but how could he be with me, why would he want to be with me when I can't do anything.

Dr. Williams came in about 1 and just looked at me. I stayed on my left side so I couldn't hear anyone but he grabbed my shoulders and made me turn over.

"Billy for the last few days you have been doing great, now all of a sudden you slip out on us again so what in the world is going on? Are you mad at your parents again or one of the doctors?" he asked me. I just shook my head. "Then what is it?" he asked forcefully.

"Fine you want to know what wrongs, I'll tell you. I really like Darren and I can't stand the thought that I can't help myself, and all I can think about is that he doesn't want to be with me because I can't help myself and I can't do anything. How can I even think that, think that he wants to be with a helpless cripple? There are you fucking happy now? I hate you. I hate myself now get out!"

I turned over and cried into my pillow. He put his hand on my shoulder and gave it a squeeze then left and let my cry and cry till I fell asleep.

When I woke up I was alone and it was dark. I had to piss so I lifted off the covers and pushed my legs over the edge. I grabbed my chair and checked that the brakes were set. I lifted my self down into the chair.

I released the brakes and wheeled myself to the bathroom. This time when I got there I put the brakes on and lifted myself onto the toilet. After I finished I got back in my chair and wheeled myself back to the bed. I changed my mind and wheeled out of my room. I looked and noticed that there wasn't anyone in the hall.

I went next door and noticed Darren's door open. I wheeled myself into his room a little and just watched him sleep. He looked so beautiful lying there. I wanted so bad to go and hold his hand, but I knew he didn't want anything to do with me. How could he? I was a cripple who couldn't do anything for myself, or for him, so why should he want anything to do with me. With tears in my eyes I wheeled back to my room and got back in to bed. I turned over and closed my eyes.

A few minutes later I felt a hand on my shoulder I thought it was a nurse but when I turned over there was Darren standing there smiling at me.

"I like you too, and I don't care that you're in a wheelchair. I like you for you; I heard what you said to Dr. Williams and you're wrong, I do want to be with you too." With that he leant down and gave me a little kiss on my lips. I was speechless.

Darren lifted the sheets and I pushed myself over. He lifted up my head and put his right arm under my head. He turned me on my left side so I could face him. He took his left arm and wrapped it around my waist.

"I like you a whole lot Billy and I want to be with you. As I said I don't care that you're in a wheelchair, I just want to be with you," Darren said. I smiled at him and with tears in my eyes I lifted up and kissed Darren on the lips. He kissed me back and we lay back down. I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.

When I woke the next morning I was still in Darren's arms. I was smiling and when I looked over I saw my mom and dad sitting there watching us. I got scared till my dad and mom smiled and put their fingers over their lips so I wouldn't wake up Darren. I smiled back at them and shut my eyes.

A few minutes later I felt Darren stir. He looked down at me, smiled then lent down and gave me a small kiss on my lips. I smiled then blushed and pointed over at my parents. Darren turned looked and saw them then he blushed and looked back at me. I just giggled. About that time Dr. Williams and Dr. Bradshaw came in.

"Well what do we have here?" Dr. Williams asked smiling at us. I smiled back and just hugged Darren tighter.

"Oh Darren there you are. I was wondering where you gotten to, now I know. Hello Billy how are you today?" asked Mrs. Anderson. I looked at Darren then put my head on his shoulder and hugged him again.

"I'm fine now," I said smiling. She saw the smile on my face and Darren's and the light went on over her head. "Ah I see. So I am assuming you two are going to try and be boyfriends?" she asked. I looked at Darren for the lead and he smiled.

"Yes mom we are," he said I just smiled and nodded my head.

"Good it's about time," she said. Then her and my parents went out in the hall to talk, leaving Dr. Bradshaw and Dr. Williams with us.

"Ok boys we need to talk," Dr. Bradshaw started. "Now that we understand that you two are boyfriends we have a question for you. Do we need to give you the safe sex speech or have your families already did it?" he asked smiling at us.

"My dad already gave it to me about two or three years ago," I said turning to look at Darren.

"My dad did a few years ago to. He told me about sex and condoms and STD's" Darren said.

"Ok good, now that we have that out of the way, I would like you both to know that you are going to be released today," Dr. Bradshaw said.

"Yes!" we both said at the same time. The doctor continued.

"Now before you go Billy I have to give you another exam and make sure that the blood is flowing properly, also your parents are going to set up another counseling session with Dr. Williams. Billy I know you don't think that you need them but we need to make sure. With you being in a wheelchair you may have relapses especially after you go back to school. It won't be easy Billy and we just want to make sure that you're going to be ok," Dr. Bradshaw said. I just stared at him then put my head on Darren's chest.

"Yes doctor," was all I said.

Dr. Bradshaw asked Darren to get up and to sit in the chair so he could examine me. Darren got up and the doctor examined me and afterwards he pulled the covers up and called in both my parents and Darren's mom.

"Ok folks here's the deal, they can both go home today. Billy you can go to school next week and Darren you can go back at the end of the week. Billy you still have to go to PT everyday and you can make arrangements with Mrs. Blain. Also you need to soak in a hot bath or if you have a hot tub you can use that. It will also help the blood flow.

You will always need to do your PT exercises and I am going to say this whether you two plan on doing anything sexual or not, but for the sake of Darren's chest to heal right and your back to get in a position where there isn't much discomfort I suggest that you two don't try anything sexual, that means masturbation as well," Dr. Bradshaw said. Darren and I turned really red and our parents chuckled.

"Well I don't plan on them having sex, at least no time soon," said my dad, everyone but us chuckled.

"Well even though you don't plan on two young people having sex you must remember you can do what you can to stop it but if they are determined then it will happen. I have a feeling though with these two if they do have sex it is going to be well after they get to know each other better and it will be a commitment for them," Dr. Bradshaw said looking at us.

I looked at Darren and he looked at me.

"Yeah after we get to know each other, and when we are both ready and not before," he said.

"Yep when were ready," I said smiling at him. Everyone smiled at us.

"Well Billy your mom and I talked and decided that Darren is welcome any time and if you and Darren what to hug each other and kiss and hold hands in front of us that is ok with us. We can tell that you two really like each other. We did that when we dated and we want you to have the same freedom," said my dad putting his hand on Darren's shoulder.

"Oh dad thank you, I love you both," I said giving my dad a hug. Mrs. Anderson came around and put her hand on my shoulder looked down and smiled at me.

"Billy you're welcome at our house as well, and if you and Darren want to hold hands, hug and kiss at our house you can, I won't mind. Also I will make sure that we have the proper equipment so when you come over it will be easier for you to get around and use the bathroom and so forth when you come over," Mrs. Anderson said.

I started crying.

"Oh Mrs. Anderson thank you that is so sweet but why?" I asked.

"You make my son happy and he makes you happy I can tell. You two belong together, I don't know how or why but ever since you two told me about you two being in the dream together that tells me more then anything that you two need to be together.

No one has the same dream and talk to each other and then remember each other from a dream unless they are meant to be together. I will love you like I love my son," she said smiling I was crying harder now and I hugged her after I scooted up so I could sit up.

"Darren we will love you like a son as well. Your mom is right you two do belong together, no one can dream about someone else and be there together without that meaning something special and you two are very special," my mom said. She hugged Darren.

Darren turned made me look at him and in front of my parents and the doctors gave me a long kiss, one that made my head spin.

After an hour I was wheeled out in a special chair that the hospital gave my parents for me, and Darren was wheeled out in a hospital chair. We kissed and hugged and as Darren walked and got in his mom's car, dad lifted me and up and put me in the back of our car.

I was going home and I couldn't have been happier. I have a boyfriend and even though I can't walk and I can't hear out of my left ear I am happy and I can't wait to see what happens when I go back to school.

Chapter 5

As we drew closer to our house my mind went into over drive and I thought about the events of the last time I'd been home. Thought about the cause and effect of coming out. Was it worth it? I think it was, I found the love of my life, but in the process I lost the ability to walk. Was I still mad at my Dad about it? Yes I was a little bit. I forgive them but I'm still mad about it, and I have a right to be. Dr. Williams even says I still have a right to be mad at him.

I do forgive him but as I said I'm still mad because my life has changed, there are things I can no longer do, like tennis or bowling, or taking a walk by the lake. So yeah I do still resent him some but not as much as I did.

As we made the turn on to our block I thought about getting hit. All I remembered were the screeching of tires that was all. I guess it is better to forget.

We pulled into the drive and I looked at the steps and thought about how I was going to get up them, then I noticed there was what looked like an extra room attached to Dad's office and that the porch was extended and a ramp was there. Dad parked the car, got my wheelchair from the trunk and helped me into it. I stared at the ramp then looked at my Dad. He smiled a sad smile.

"Son after the doctor told us you were permanently paralyzed I had the construction crew rebuild the porch and add a ramp. I also made other adjustments to the house. All the doors are wider to allow you to get in and out of rooms. There are handrails in the bathroom by the toilet and in the shower. I also bought a waterproof chair for the tub so if you want a shower you can sit on it. Also a few of the counters and cabinets in the kitchen were lowered so you can get a plate by yourself or a glass. There is one more thing but I want you to see it," he said.

Dad wheeled me up the drive and the ramp, Mom unlocked the door and Dad pushed me in. I noticed that the living room was rearranged and that there were several intercoms in the hallway, living room and I think I saw one in the dining room.

"Yes son those are intercoms. I had them installed so if you are somewhere and if you need us or are in bed you can just call for something," Dad said.

I looked at the stairs and wondered about those. Getting up and down them was going to be a bitch. Dad wheeled me towards his office, and as we got closer my anxiety rose. That was where it happened, that was where it began.

We stopped at his office door and Dad and Mom smiled down at me. Mom opened the door and Dad wheeled me in. I couldn't believe it, Dad's personal and private area was transformed into a room, but not just any room: my bedroom. I noticed a bed bigger than my last one, a new dresser and nightstands. A TV, VCR/DVD combo system sitting on a table that was at a low level for me to reach while in the wheelchair. They had all of my posters and awards from school on the walls just like I had them in my room. They even had my desk and computer down here hooked up and ready to go. I also noticed the door I assumed led to the extra room that Dad had put in.

Before he pushed me over to the new door he took me to the closet door and opened it. There were all my clothes hung up on a bar low enough for me to reach. Dad shut the door then led me to the new door and Mom opened it up. There was a bathroom, with a low sink and cabinets for me to get in. Also the toilet was standard but it was a little lower with the handrails that Dad had mentioned. The bathtub was regular size with hand rails on the inside so I could push myself up He had handrails on the outside that could come up and down so I could put myself in a sitting position on the side of the tub then put them down so I could get out. I also noticed that the outside of the tub was wider so I could sit on the side and still use the handrails. The bathroom closet was small and all the shelves were low enough for me to get the towels and washrags out.

Dad wheeled me out of the bathroom and parked me in front of my bed. I looked at Dad with tears in my eyes; all he did was smile at me.

"Well what do you think?" he asked me.

"Why?" was all I could choke out crying. Dad picked me up and put me on the bed and held me.

"Son for two reasons one because you can't go up and down the stairs without help and there will be times when you're here by yourself or with your sister and you won't be able to go up or down the stairs and your sister is not strong enough to help. Also because I love you and this is a way to show you how sorry I am," Dad said starting to cry. We held on to each other and cried together.

"Dad I'm so sorry for being gay," I sobbed out.

"Shhhh son Shhh you have nothing to be sorry for, I'm the one who's sorry. And even though you said you forgave me I still have to forgive myself," he said looking at me. I just hugged him harder.

"Then forgive yourself and let's move on and not dwell on the past. I do have one question that has been bothering me for a while," I started.

"What is it Billy?" asked my Mom sitting next to me. I looked at her then Dad.

"Why hasn't Ben come to see me?" I asked. Mom looked at Dad the back at me.

"Son, he came to the hospital to see you. But he couldn't handle seeing you with all tubes and wires running in and out of you he couldn't handle it. So he said he didn't want to see you until you were home. Even when you woke up he couldn't bare to see you in the hospital room. According to his Mom he had nightmares about seeing you in the hospital. If you want I'll call him and ask him to come over," my Mom said smiling at me.

Well that explains it, I thought.

"Yes please." My Mom got up and went to my bedside table and called Ben. I heard her talking to his Mom, while she was talking to his Mom I heard the front door open and some running, Ben came running into my room. He saw me and started crying and ran up to me and hugged me, if not for my Dad we would have fallen off the bed.

"When did you get home? All I head Mom say to me is that you were home, the minute I heard it I was out the door," he asked smiling at me. I smiled back.

"Just got in about 30 minutes ago. I heard why you didn't come and see me and It's cool I understand. I'm glad you're here now, there's a lot we need to talk about," I said first looking at Ben then my parents. My parents got the hint and left the room shutting the door behind them. Ben looked around and noticed the wheelchair.

"So it's true you're really paralyzed?" he asked looking back at me. I nodded my head.

"Yes it is, but Ben there's more I need to tell you, I need to tell you exactly what happened that led up to me being in the wheelchair," I said. Ben looked at me for a minute.

"Well your Dad kinda clued me in. He told me that you told him something and that he hit you then told you to get out. He said you ran out the house into the street and then a car hit you. He never said what you told him," Ben said.

"Ben I want you to know that you are my best friend and that if you don't want to be after I have told you this I will understand," I said. Ben looked at me strangely.

"No matter what it is you have to tell me I will always be your friend Billy," he said putting his arm over my shoulder.

"Even if I say I'm gay," I asked putting my head on his shoulder.

"Even that," he said putting his head on mine.

"I'm gay Ben," I said still holding onto him.

"I know, I've known for a long time. Trust me as your best friend there's not much I don't know. I don't care that you're gay just as long as you're happy," he said holding me tighter.

"I have a boyfriend as well," I said. I lifted my head and told him about Darren, he smiled the whole time.

"Awwww that's so sweet little Billy's in love," he said mocking me.

"Bite me," I said laughing punching him in the shoulder. He laughed and punched me back. We joked around for a bit then the phone rang. My Mom's voice came through the door.

"Billy it's Darren," she said I smiled at Ben and reached for the phone but I head Joy's voice coming through door.

"Who's Darren?" she asked.

I picked up the phone.

"Hello," I started.

"Hey Billy how are you doing?" Darren asked me. I just smiled bigger.

"I'm fine, now that I have heard from you," I replied.

"Oh My God that is so lame," Ben said laughing; I shot him the bird and laughed out loud.

"Who's that?" Darren asked.

"That's my best friend Ben, remember I told you about him when we were waiting on John to take me to PT?" I asked Darren.

"Oh yeah, so you told him you're gay?" Darren asked me back.

"Yes he said that he has known for a long time, and he's cool with it. I can't wait to see you and I want you two to meet. When do you think you can come over?" I asked him. Darren giggled.

"Well if you want I can stay this Friday after I get out of school" he said.

"Really cool hold on and I'll ask."

"Ok. Darren said.

I was about to get up when I remember I couldn't move my legs. I tried to turn over and get my wheelchair from the end of the bed but with Ben sitting there I couldn't reach it. Ben saw this and hopped up and grabbed my chair. He wheeled it over and set the breaks and I got in it.

I went and found my parents and asked them.

"Mom, Dad is it ok if Darren stays the night this Friday please," I asked begging with my best puppy dog look. They just laughed at me.

"Let me talk with his Mom," said my Mom. She went into my room and had Darren get his Mom. She agreed and so did my Mom and Darren was going to stay the night in two days.

"Cool Darre and I can't," I said.

"'Darre', where did that come from?" he asked laughing I blushed and was embarrassed.

"Sorry I thought it would sound cute, I won't say it again if you don't like it," I said, Darren just laughed.

"It's ok if you call me Darre as long as were by our selves. I guess I better get going even if you don't have to go back till Monday I have to tomorrow. Good night Billy, sweet dreams, and I can't wait to talk to you again. And Billy?" Darren said.

I gulped and prayed he would say the three words that I have been waiting to hear.

"Yes Darre."

"I love you" he said quickly. I smiled.

"I love you too. Bye" I said.

"Bye" we hung up from each other. I looked at Ben and he was smiling trying not to laugh. Finally he couldn't stop him self.

"Hahaha I love you Darre," he mocked I socked him in the arm and we both laughed.

"What? I do love him," I said with conviction. Ben stopped laughing and looked at me smiling.

"I know and I'm happy for you. Well I can't wait to see the guy who has taken your heart. I need to get home I have to go to school tomorrow. When do you come back?" he asked. I smiled at him.

"Not till Monday. You know I am going to have a massive late start for 9th grade," I said to him.

"Yeah I do but remember I'll be there to help you, and so will Darre," he said his name in a high-pitched voice. He laughed and so did I. He said his good byes gave me a hug and left.

I sat in my room for a few minutes then went into the living room. My sister came up and gave me a hug.

"Hey when did you get here?" I asked her.

"While you were in your room with Ben. How are you feeling?" she asked me. I smiled at her.

"Never better," I replied. She hugged me again.

"Who is Darren?" she asked me. I looked at Mom and Dad and they nodded their heads.

"Why don't you come to my room and I'll tell you."

Joy followed me into my room and shut the door. She sat on the bed and I told her about me and then about Darren. She took it well and she was happy I told her. I told her she couldn't tell anyone and she agreed.

She left the room about thirty-minutes later and I lay down. I couldn't wait till Friday night.

Chapter 6

After my Dad left for work on Thursday my Mom and I talked about school. I was going to be a freshman again and I already missed most of the first semester. She had already talked with the school and I will be given a chance to catch up on the work as much as possible, I may have to go to summer school.

We had lunch around 12:30 or so and the rest of the day I just played in my room on the computer.

Joy came home at 4 and we talked and I helped her with her homework as much as possible. Since it was all easy stuff it wasn't that hard.

Darren called me at 5.

"Hello" my Mom said. "Yes hold on Darren, Billy Darren is on the phone for you." I took the phone call in my room.

"OK Mom got it." I waited till she hung up. "Hey Darre how was school?" I asked. He just laughed.

"Well hello to you and I love you and school was fine," he said still laughing. I laughed as well.

"Sorry hey, and I love you too. So did you have a lot to make up?"

"Naw not too much, but it will take a while for me to catch up to it all. They said if I can do all the assignments and pass it all by Christmas vacation then I will be caught up. What did the school say about you?" he asked, I sighed.

"I may have to go to summer school. I am going to try and catch up as much as I can, but I don't know if I can make up that much work or not," I replied.

"Don't worry Billy I will help."

"Thanks Darren. I miss you."

"I miss you too." We talked for about an hour till my Dad came home and we ate dinner. After dinner I went and sat on the porch. It was getting colder now and in a week it would be Thanksgiving.

I looked and wished I could go to my hill and watch the sun set but I knew I couldn't make it on my own, and I didn't want anyone else going with me, well maybe Darren but then again he was there already once, even if it was a dream.

A few minutes later my Dad came and sat next to me.

"Hey son what'cha thinking so hard about?" he asked me.

"Nothing just thinking of things I can't do any more. Like going to the hill," I said looking at him and smiling. He smiled back.

"I can take you there," he said. I shook my head.

"No Dad you can't. That is my own special place. The only other person to have ever been there was Darren and that was in a dream," I said looking at him then back out over the hills. My Dad just nodded his head and put his hand on my shoulder.

"I understand son maybe you and him can go there this weekend," he said squeezing my shoulder then getting up and going in side.

I sat there for a few minutes more then turned and wheeled myself inside. I went to bed about 9:30 that night and slept a dreamless sleep.

That Friday I was excited all day. I mean come on Darre was coming over and I was VERY excited. I couldn't wait till he got here; we were going to have so much fun.

Joy was picking on me from the time she came in from school till he got here.

"Oh Billy, I love you; Oh Darren, I love you too." She would tease I'd laugh and tell her to go jump off a bridge then she would leave me alone for a while then start again.

Finally Darre showed up at 5 with his Mom. She stayed for dinner then left about 7:30. Darre and I went to my room and hung out in there. We laid on the bed with my head on his chest and his arms around me.

"Hmm this feels nice," I said.

"Yeah it does," he replied.

"So how was school today?" I asked just hugging him to me he returned the hug.

"It was fine, kinda boring and I was so excited about coming over I barely paid attention in class," he said giggling. I giggled with him.

"Well I don't want you to get into trouble. Darre I am so glad you're here; I have missed you so much. I know we talked last night and all but still, that was then. By the way what high school are you going to?" I asked looking up at him he smiled down at me.

"Jenkins. Which one are you going to?" he asked me. I looked at him and smiled really big.

"Jenkins too. Cool, we are going to have a great time," I said. He hugged me to him.

We lay there and slowly fell asleep on top of the covers in each other's arms. I don't know what time it was but when I opened my eyes it was still dark outside and we were covered. I had to use the bathroom but Darre was sorta blocking my way.

I started to gently crawl over him and try not to wake him but it didn't work, he woke up.

"Hey what's going on?" he asked me eyes still closed.

"I have to use the bathroom. Sorry I didn't mean to wake you, but my wheelchair is on your side of the bed," I said pointing to the chair.

"Oh I'm sorry baby," he said. He got up and helped me in my chair.

"You can lie back down I can do it, and yes I'll remember to lock my chair before I try and get up," I said smiling at him remembering the last time he helped me. He smiled back and lay back down.

I did my business then wheeled back out. Darre was sitting up waiting on me, as I got closer to the bed he bent down kissed me and walked towards the bathroom.

"My turn," was all he said as he walked passed me. While he was in the bathroom I got back into bed and scooted over giving him plenty of room. He came back out, saw me, smiled and got back into bed. We cuddled up and went to back to sleep.

We woke Saturday morning snuggled up with each other. We looked at each other and smiled and gave each other a gentle kiss.

"Morning baby," Darren said.

"Morning, how did you sleep?" I asked smiling at him. He smiled back.

"Great, with you by my side I sleep perfectly," he replied. Darren got up and headed to the bathroom and I got in my chair and followed him. After he finished I took a turn at the toilet. Darren started the shower and asked if I wanted it first. I told him to go ahead and he just smiled and wheeled me over to the edge of the tub.

Darren helped me get into the tub and set me on the bath chair that was in there. Darren took a washcloth and put soap on it and handed it to me while he washed my hair. After I was washed and cleaned off he turned off the water set me on the side of the tub and dried me. He sat me in my wheelchair then took his shower. I loved him he did this for me and I didn't even ask him, I cried tears of happiness. When Darren got out and dried he noticed I was crying.

"What's wrong?" he asked kneeling in front of me.

"Oh Darren you did this and didn't mind helping me. I love you so much," I said smiling at him with the tears still running down my cheeks. He smiled back kissed me then finished drying. He wheeled me back to my room and helped me get dressed then he got dressed himself.

We went out into the kitchen and my Mom was there making breakfast.

"Morning boys how did you sleep?" she asked putting bowls, cereal and milk on the table.

"Fine, how did you and Mr. Matthews sleep?" Darren asked.

"Just fine. Did you two already have your shower?"

"Yes ma'am, where's Joy and Dad?" I asked noticing them not here. Mom just smiled at me.

"Your Dad ran to the store and Joy went with him," Mom said as we fixed our breakfast.

"Oh what did he go and get?" I asked shoveling cereal in my mouth. Darren laughed at the milk running down my chin. I looked at him and stuck my tongue out. He just laughed harder, my Mom even joined in the laughter and handed me a napkin.

"You will just have to wait and see," was all she said smiling at me. I looked at Darren and he shrugged his shoulder and I shrugged mine in turn.

Darren and I went into the living room to watch some TV. He sat in the armchair and I sat next to him so we could sort of cuddle up together. A few minutes later my Dad came in the front door. With him was my sister Joy and she was helping him carry in a big box. Darren went over and helped pull it into the living room.

"Hey Dad whatcha got there?" I asked. He turned and smiled at me.

"Well son you will just have to wait and see. I got you two things though I will tell you that much," he said smiling at me. "Hold on for one more minute and no picking. And you don't even think about letting him talk you into picking either," Dad said ruffling Darren's hair.

Darren laughed and came back and sat next to me and held my hand. Dad came in with another box, and sat it down next to the bigger one.

Dad called Mom into the living room and had her and Joy sit on the couch. Joy was just smiling at me with glee.

"Now son as you can tell that wheelchair is a little too big for you, even though you will be growing into it I thought you might like this better," he said. Pulling out a smaller wheelchair that looks like it would fit me better, he said smiling at me.

"Wow Dad that's so cool, thanks but you didn't have to," I said. Dad came over to me and knelt in from of me.

"Well son I know I didn't have to but I felt that this would have been easier for you to get around in," he said smiling at me. "This wheelchair is for around the house and at guest houses. Now what is in this next box is for when you go out to dinner or the mall or for a walk with Darren or one of us or for going to your hill with Darren," Dad said, Dad got up from in front of me and went and open the other box.

Dad called Darren over to help him, when Darren looked in his eyes got really big and he looked so happy. He and Dad pulled the box apart and I noticed a lot of parts there.

"What is it Dad?" I asked him wheeling myself over. Dad turned and smiled at me.

"Well son it's a motorized wheelchair. That way you won't wear your arms out," he said smiling at me. I started crying and looking at my Dad then turned and wheeled to my room. I shut the door and wheeled myself over to the window. I heard the door open and then a hand on my shoulder.

"What's wrong son?" Dad asked me. At first I couldn't say anything then I turned myself to my Dad.

"Dad I thank you for everything that you have done. But I feel like your trying to buy my forgiveness. Dad you don't need to try and buy my love or forgiveness you already have it," I said staring up at my Dad. Dad just smiled at me.

"Son I'm not trying to buy your forgiveness or your love. I know that you have already forgiven me. And I know that you love me, son I'm doing this as a way to make me feel better and to try and help me forgive myself. If not for my stupidity you would not be like this. All I want to do is to make all of this easier on you as much as I can. I love you son and I just want you to be as happy as you can," Dad said with tears running down his cheeks and a smile on his face.

"Oh Daddy," I cried hugging him. I cried for about five minutes then just held onto my Dad.

"Come on son let's go and put your chair together," Dad said. Dad wheeled me out of my room into the living room. Darren came up to me and knelt in front of me and gave me a hug and a kiss.

"I love you Billy now and forever," he said hugging me. I smiled at him.

"And I love you as well." With that I gave him a kiss then wheeled myself over to the floor where the motorized wheelchair was. I had Darren help me on the floor and my Dad, Darren and I sat and put it together.

About 3 we were finished and Darren and I took it out to try it out. We went up to the hill and sat watching the day go by.

"Wow it's just like it was in the dream," Darren said holding my hand and looking out over the open plains.

"Yes it is, but I think it is prettier," I said squeezing his hand.

About 5 we left the hill and went back home. We ate dinner at 6:30 then watched TV till it was time for bed. Darren and I cuddled on the bed and soon feel asleep.

The next day was Sunday and we all got dressed and headed to church.

This would be the first time I would be out in public. After Darren and I got dressed we waited in the living room for my Mom, Dad and Joy.

When they were ready we all headed out to the car. Dad helped me in and put the wheelchair in back. We decided not to take the motorized chair because it was too heavy to lift right now. We had to wait till we could get a lift for the car and truck. Darren sat next to me in the middle and Joy sat on the other side.

As we drove I noticed we weren't headed to the church that we regularly attend.

"Dad I thought our church was back the other way, did they move?"

"Nope we no longer go there. After the accident I went and talked with the pastor and told him what happened. How I caused it and all after you came out to us," Dad stopped and took a long breath, "He looked at me for a minute then said that what happened to you was God's way of punishing you. Well needless to say I said something's that weren't right. I told him that no God would do that.

"Well after I left I went and sat in the park and thought for a while when a man came up to me. We talked for a few minutes about the park then he said he was Pastor Robbins. He asked why I looked so down so I told him what happened and what the other pastor had said. He was appalled and said that no decent pastor would have said that.

"He invited me to his church called New Christian Fellowship, I went there and I liked it. He talked about how God loves everyone even gay people. From that moment on I knew that that was the church for us," Dad explained.

Wow that is cool, it's sad that our old preacher would say that, but it was still nice of Dad to change churches because of me.

"Oh also I told a few of the others in the congregation about what the pastor said and they told some more and turns out that half of the congregation left."

"Wow" was all I could say. Darren took my hand and kissed me on the cheek.

"See told you you were special," he said, I kissed him back and Mom Dad and Joy just smiled.

We pulled up and Dad got my chair out and helped me in it. Darren stayed by my side all the way in. As we approached the church a man was there and said hello. We replied and kept on going.

When we entered the main sanctuary we saw some people sitting and some standing all talking. They all seemed nice to us even with me being in a wheelchair. Dad wheeled us up to the front pew so I would have plenty of room.

A man that was up at the pulpit spotted us and came over and started talking to my Dad. A few minutes later they came up to Darren and me.

"Hello Billy I'm Pastor Robbins, I have heard a lot about you young man. How are you feeling?" he asked me shaking my hand and smiling at me.

"Fine thank you, um this is…" I kinda stopped because I wasn't sure how Darren wanted me to introduce him. Darren noticed this and stood up and shook the pastor's hand.

"Hi I'm Darren, Billy's boyfriend. We have heard a lot about you," Darren said smiling at Pastor Robbins and me. Pastor Robbins smiled at him and returned his handshake.

"Hello Darren It's nice to meet you. I'm glad that you two are doing well and you both seem so happy with each other. Don't worry I don't preach about gays going to hell. I don't believe that, I believe that God is a loving God and loves us all," he said.

"That's good Pastor Robbins I'm glad to hear that. I think we are going to like it here," I said.

"Good well let's take our seats," Pastor Robbins said smiling back.

The service was great and I loved the way he talked. After the service we left and got something to eat. We dropped Darren off and I gave him a good bye kissed, I wanted to walk him up to the step but that would have taken to long and to much time, Dad was going to help but I stopped him.

"No Dad not this time, but next time I will walk or wheel you up to the door. I love you and I'll talk to you later," I told Darren giving him another kiss.

"Ok deal," he said returning my kiss. I watched him walk up to his house turn and wave. After I waved back Darren went inside, we left and headed home.

That night I talked with Darren for a while, Darren told me he would wait for me out front since we don't take the same bus. I told him ok and we hung up after we said our love you's. I took my bath and got into bed by 9:30. Tomorrow was the first day back to school for me. I was both excited and nervous. I was nervous and scared of how the other kids would react to me but excited about finally going back to school. Tomorrow was going to be an interesting day. I fell asleep with dreams about tomorrow and the adventure that was about to start.

Chapter 7

I woke up Monday morning at 5:30. I had to get up earlier since I was in a wheelchair it takes me longer. I moved from my bed to my chair then into the bathroom. I did my morning rituals and took a bath then dried off and got dressed. I was ready by 6:15.

I wheeled myself into the kitchen and Mom had breakfast on the table.

"Morning sweetie, are you ready for your first day of school?" she asked me. I looked at her and smiled a nervous smile.

"Kinda I'm sorta nervous about what people are going to say to me with me being in a wheelchair and all," I said eating my cereal.

"Don't worry dear it will be ok. But if you have any problems just call me and I will come and get you ok. Isn't Darren going to your school as well?" she asked fixing cereal for Joy as she sat down at the table.

"Yes ma'am but he won't be with me all the time."

"Well at least he will be with you some of the time," she said smiling at me. About that time Dad came into the room.

"Morning everyone, are you excited?" Dad asked us. Joy said yes and I told him the same thing that I told Mom.

"Don't worry it will be ok. We talked with the school and there will be a special bus that handles kids in wheelchairs that will be here at 7 to get you," Dad said. "You'll see you're not the only one.

"Ok thanks," I finished eating and went to my room to brush my teeth and grab my book bag. My Dad walked me down the ramp and to the end of the sidewalk.

"Do you want me to wait with you or do you think you'll be fine by yourself?" he asked. I looked at him and smiled.

"I think I'll be fine thanks for asking," Dad smiled back and gave me a hug. He turned and went back into the house. A few minutes later I felt like someone was watching me and turned and saw him looking out the living room window. I smiled and waved and he waved back. About that time my bus pulled up.

The bus driver got out and came up to me.

"Good morning you must be Billy," she said smiling down at me.

"Yes ma'am I am," I said returning the smile.

"Ok good, my name is Mrs. Lewis and I'll be your bus driver for the remainder of this year and probably for your entire time in high school, she paused to let me see a ramp descending from the side of the bus. "When the platform gets all the way down I will roll you on it and lock your wheels. Then I will get back on the bus and bring you up.

"Once you're up I will pull you into the bus and park you on it. Since you're my first pick up of the day I'll let you decide where you want to sit," she said smiling at me and putting me on the ramp.

"Um I guess behind you if that's ok."

"Sure that's fine," she replied smiling at me. Once I was on the bus and the doors were closed again we took off.

We made about four more stops then headed to the middle and high school. I was the last one to get off, the only one in the high school.

Mrs. Lewis got me out of the bus and gave me a thumb's up.

"I'll be here at 2:15 on the dot," she said.

"Ok and thanks" I replied

"No problem dear knock'em dead." With that she got back on the bus closed the doors and left. I sat there for a few minutes and looked at the school and slowly began to wheel myself up to the front doors.

A few of the kids looked at me and stared and a few looked and turned away. I heard people whispering and was hoping it wasn't about me, but I wasn't sure. I was at the door and trying to open it with no real luck. The doors at the school opened out instead of in so I kept hitting my chair. I was getting tired of it and was about to look and see if there was a teacher I could ask for help when someone behind me talked to me.

"Hey need some help?" he asked. I knew that voice. I turned around and smiled.

"Hey Billy, sorry I'm late the bus didn't show up on time," Darren said.

"That's ok Darren at least you're here now," I said smiling at him. Darren smiled back at me. Darren grabbed the handles on the wheelchair and pulled me back a little and opened the door. While he held the door I went inside.

"So what do you think so far?" Darren asked me.

"I don't know. I'm a little scared and in a way wish I wasn't here. I know you're here and all but still it is a little overwhelming being here in a wheelchair," I said looking down. Darren bent down and made me look at him.

"I understand don't worry. I'll take you over to the office and let you get your schedule," Darren said. I smiled up at him and he smiled.

Darren lead me to the office where a nice blonde was sitting there typing. She looked up when we came in.

"Good morning boys what can I do for you?" she asked us. I was about to speak but Darren got there first.

"Good morning Mrs. Whiner this is Billy Matthews he is just coming back to school. He needs to get his schedule," Darren said. She smiled down at me.

"Ah yes Billy Matthews I have been expecting you. I have your schedule right here," she said smiling and handing it over to me. We thanked her and left the office.

"Well what is your homeroom?" Darren asked me. I looked at the schedule and found where my homeroom was.

"It says 207," I said looking at him. Darren started smiling.

"Cool that's my homeroom. What classes do you have?"

"Hmm lets see. I have Science first period, then history, math, lunch, English, art, and then gym. What classes do you have?" I asked him in return.

"My first class is science, then English, history, lunch, math, government, and then gym," he said. He grabbed my sheet and looked at it, then smiled even bigger. By this time we were at the elevator, where a teacher was standing with a key.

"Good morning, you must be Billy I heard that you will be using the elevator. You can go on in and head up. Your friend will have to go up the stairs," she said looking kinda stern and mean.

"Um ma'am I'm new I was hoping he could go with me and show me where everything is," I said. She just looked at me and shook her head.

"No and that is final." With that she opened the elevator and I wheeled in. I had problems turning around and starting to get upset because it wasn't easy because it was a small elevator. I felt hands on the back of my wheelchair and looked up and saw the same teacher. "I'm just going to turn you around," she said still looking stern.

"No thank you I will wait," I said putting the breaks on. She huffed and puffed.

"Fine then." With that she walked out. When I got upstairs and the door was opened I took off my breaks and started going backwards when hands on the chair stopped me. I turned and saw Darren standing there smiling at me. He brought me out of the elevator and turned me around.

"Sorry about that Darren I wanted you to help me," I said he just smiled down at me.

"Don't worry you will like our homeroom teacher maybe he can help," Darren said smiling down at me, to which I smiled up.

Darren took me down the hall and showed me where our homeroom was. There were already several other students in there talking and they stopped when we walked in. Darren took me over to where he sat which was the very end of the first row. While he sat in the desk I sat in my chair next to him. The students started talking again, and Darren and I continued our conversation.

A few minutes later the teacher walked in. He looked over and noticed me and smiled at me.

After the bell rang he started the roll call, he skipped my name till afterwards. After he went over some stuff that the school had him go over he let the class talk among themselves for the last 15 or 20 minutes. Mr. Jakes waved me over and Darren pushed me to his desk.

"So young man what is your name?" he asked smiling at me.

"Billy Matthews," I said.

"Good do you have your papers?" he asked. I gave them to him and he read over them.

"Good good, so you are the one that Darren met while he was in the hospital?"

"Yes sir I was," I replied.

"I didn't call you up because I didn't think you wanted them to ask you a bunch of questions about why you are in the wheelchair. Darren filled me in on some of it but not all. That is your business; I'm glad that you're here and doing well. So any questions?" he asked looking at me.

I looked at Darren and as if he knew what I was thinking he nodded his head.

"Yes sir one thing. When I went to the elevator the teacher who runs it was very rude and mean. When I asked her if Darren could ride in the elevator with me because I was new and wanted him to show me around she said no in a mean way. To me she just seemed hateful. I was just wondering if she is always like that?" I asked

Mr. Jakes just chuckled.

"Unfortunately she is, but I will talk with her sometime today and let her know that you will need Darren here to help you how does that sound?" he asked smiling at us. Darren and I looked at each other and nodded our heads.

"Yes sir that will be good thanks," Darren said.

"No problem," Mr. Jakes said. The bell rang and we all left for our first class.

Since Darren and I share science as our first class we left and headed for the elevator. As we were walking towards the elevator we saw the saw teacher as before standing there waiting for me. She just looked at Darren then the stairs, Darren sighed looked at me and started heading for the stairs, but before he got there Mr. Jakes' voice stopped him.

"Hold on Darren," Mr. Jakes walked up to the teacher and said something to her. At first she was shaking her head then she just sighed and said fine. Mr. Jakes turned towards us and motioned for us to come forward. "Boys I think Mrs. Hendrix has something to say to you," he said looking at her.

"I'm sorry for this morning. I didn't realize you were so new to being in a wheelchair. You can go with him when he needs you Darren." With that she activated the controls and the elevator opened.

"Thank you Mrs. Hendrix, you're very kind," I said. Darren helped me onto the elevator backing me in and we smiled at her as the elevator doors shut. We went down and Darren wheeled me out of the elevator.

Darren took me to room 109 on the first floor. We came in and the teacher saw me, and frowned. I didn't understand why. She pointed to a space in the back and Darren started to wheel me there but because of the desks we couldn't make it.

"Sorry ma'am but the desks are in the way," Darren said turning back towards her. She frowned then pointed to the last desk on the front row. Darren took me there.

"Sorry I sit near the back," he said.

"Ok thanks anyways," I said smiling at him. He smiled back and headed to the back of the class. The teacher walked towards me.

"Well Mr. Matthews glad you could join us. I hope you don't think that just because you are in a wheelchair that I am going to give you a break, because I won't," she said in a sarcastic condescending tone.

I just stared at her for a minute.

"No ma'am I don't expect you to do anything as far as favoritism, I just hope that you are a better teacher then my last science teacher. She was boring and didn't interest me in the least," I said staring her down. I was getting tired of mean teachers and I wasn't going to take it any more.

"How dare you talk to me like that?" she said.

"No how dare you. I am just a student in a wheelchair and you want to treat me like I'm some sort of disease. That is not only irresponsible but also rude and mean. I will not tolerate this just because I can't walk. You ma'am are mean and rude and hateful. I am going to the office right now," I said. I grabbed my books and took my wheels in hand and started for the door.

"Darren sit down. If he wants to be stupid and go to the office then let him," she said.

"No ma'am if he is going then I'm going," he said. I turned and saw Darren walking towards me with his book. Together we left the room and headed to the office.

When we got to the office we went in and Mrs. Whiner was there typing. She heard us come in and looked up and saw how mad we looked.

"Hey boy's what's wrong?" she asked. I was about to open my mouth when someone else said something first.

"How dare you walk out of my classroom and say that to me. You had no right to do that. Now get back down to my classroom right this minute," Mrs. Harper said trying to grab my wheelchair.

"DON'T TOUCH ME," I hollered at her she froze when I raised my voice. When I hollered the principal came out.

"What is going on?" he asked seeing me glare at our science teacher.

"Nothing sir, nothing at all," she said.

"Yes sir there is something going on. I want out of her class. I came here to learn not to be ridiculed, talked down to and I didn't come here so teachers can make me feel stupid because I am in a wheelchair," I said.

"I don't understand. What happened exactly?" he asked. Before Mrs. Harper could say anything Darren stepped in.

"Well sir this is Billy Matthews; last May there was an accident and he ended up in a coma for 6½ months and as a result of the accident he is in a wheelchair. First Mrs. Harper here tried to make him sit in the back then when he couldn't' get back there she sighed and made him sit on the end of the front row. This is fine, after a moment or two she came over and told him in a condescending tone that just because he was in a wheelchair that he better not expect special treatment. Billy replied he didn't expect any and just hoped she was a better teacher than his last science teacher. Mrs. Harper got very upset and threatening then.

"Sir when I was in the hospital after being shot I met him there. We talked and laughed he is a very smart young man, and Mrs. Harper treating him the way that she did and making him feel stupid is not only irresponsible, but wrong. If Billy wanted he now has grounds for a lawsuit," Darren said.

Wow I didn't know that he knew all of that. I turned and looked at the principal.

"Sir I think I should call my mother and see what she and my father think I should do," I said.

The principal looked pale but nodded his head. As I went to the phone the principal called Mrs. Harper into his office. I dialed and waited for Mom to answer.

"Hello?" she said.

"Hey Mom it's me. There's been a problem," I said, I told her everything that happened since I'd arrived at school and asked her what I should do.

"Hmm let me call your father and see, tell the school I will call them right back," she said.

"Yes ma'am," I replied and hung up.

"She is going to be calling right back," I said, swiveled and rolled to where Darren was sitting.

I told him how proud I was of him and whispered that when we had a chance to be alone I was going to show him how proud with a big kiss. He blushed. The phone rang and the secretary answered it. She looked at me and nodded then hung up.

"Your parents will be here shortly, along with Darren's Mom," Mrs. Whiner said. I looked at her and smiled.

"Ok thank you," I replied then turned my head back towards Darren.

"Now we wait," he said. I nodded my head and sat back in my chair to wait for my parents and Darren's Mom.

Chapter 8

It took about thirty minutes before my parents and Darren's mother arrived. When they got there they asked us what was going on. We told them everything that happened from my problems getting in the door to the elevator lady and science teacher but also how nice Mrs. Whiner and Mr. Jakes had been.

The principal came out and they all introduced themselves then went into his office. About twenty minutes later they came back out. The principal just looked at us for a minute. Then he turned to Mrs. Harper.

"I would like to apologize for my actions and the way I treated the both of you," she began. "I didn't realize that Billy went through so much. I also didn't realize how smart he is. I am used to when people getting hurt they think that they should have special treatment. I guess I need to look at everyone on in individual bases for now on," she finished.

I looked at Darren and he nodded.

"That's Ok Mrs. Harper we understand, I just hope that you realize that just because someone is different that that doesn't mean that they should have special treatment. I understand that there are going to be kids who do need it, but trust me I may get to class a minute or so late but short of that I don't think I need anything special," I said.

"I accept your apology as well," Darren said. She thanked us then left to head to her classroom.

"Well boys I think you need to be heading to your next class," the principal said.

"Yes sir" we replied. We told our parents bye and that we loved them then headed off to our next class. For me that was history and for Darren it was English since we both just missed our first class.

We separated and met back up for lunch. My history class was cool but as always I hated math so that wasn't that good. But hey I'm back in school and that is all that matters. Darren said that his classes were going good as always except for a pop quiz in history.

I told him we had it to but since I was new it wouldn't count against me. We had lunch together then headed for our next classes. By 6th period I was tired and my arms were sore. Darren and I meet up in the gym class and ran right into the gym teacher. I looked up and up. He must have been like 7 feet tall. Man he was the biggest guy I have ever seen.

"6'8 [2.03 m]," he said smiling down at me. I gulped and nodded my head. Darren was laughing so hard he was leaning against the wall. I turned and looked at him.

"He he, sorry Billy but the look on your face," he said laughing again.

"Oh like you didn't look at me the same way when you first got here," the gym teacher said, then laughed, I too joined in. "You must be Billy Matthews; I'm your gym teacher Mr. Smith. I know you can't do a lot but after you got signed up I called your physical therapist and she told me what you were doing, and how I could help you build up the muscles in your arms," he said, at that I winced. And he looked concerned. "You ok?" he asked.

I nodded, "Yes sir my arms are just very tired from all of the wheeling I've been doing," I said.

Darren looked at me and I could tell that he wanted to hold me but we knew he couldn't.

"Hmm, ok. Mrs. Blain said that that might happen. Go ahead and get changed and I'll see you all out here. Darren since you're his friend help him," he said. Darren nodded his head and wheeled me into the locker room.

When we went in the guys kinda of stopped and stared. Darren kept going till he got to his locker. There was an empty one next to his and I took it. I got out of my chair and started on my pants.

"You need some help?" Darren asked me.

"Naw I got this, just wheel my chair if you don't mind," I said.

He nodded his head. I finally finished changing and got back in my chair. Darren had finished long ago and waited on me.

Once in my chair Darren wheeled me out to the gym.

The guy's all stared are me as Darren wheeled me to the bleachers. The Coach called the class to order then did roll call. Afterwards he had them start on a game of basketball.

Coach Daniels took me over to some weights and gave me ten pound bar bells. He had me start on those.

"Mrs. Blain says that this is the amount you use in PT. As you know this will help you to strengthen up your arms. I want five reps of fifteen each," he said then walked away to help with the basketball game going on.

After I did my five reps the coach took me to the parallel bars and had me to pull myself up and then lower myself back into my chair. I did as many of those as I could. When I was finished he let me go and take a shower.

I was embarrassed going into the locker room and showering with other boys. I know we all have the same thing but it is still embarrassing.

I got out of my clothes and was about to wheel myself into the shower area when the coach came in. I covered myself up and he just smiled.

"Don't worry I have seen them all before. Here's your towel you get them from over there and when you're finished you put them in that basket. Also since you're in a wheelchair and you don't want to get it wet you can go and use that shower there. There is a chair in there that is especially made for that shower so you won't get our chair wet," he said.

"Ok thanks" I replied. He walked out and I went into the stall. I got in the chair pushed my wheelchair out and shut the curtain. I showered then dried off. I got back in my chair wheeled myself over to my locker and changed.

As I was going out into the gym to wait on Darren the other boys came in and started stripping to take their showers. Darren smiled at me.

"I'll be out in a few," he said. I nodded my head and went into the gym. The coach was putting up the basketballs when he noticed me sitting there. He came over and talked with me.

"So what do you think so far?" he asked.

"I like it. I'm glad I'm able to take gym," I said he smiled at that.

"I'm glad that you are too. There will be a few things that you will be able to do with the class but a lot of things you aren't going to be able to do. On those days you will do the bells and the bars to help your strength." With that he turned and walked away.

A few minutes later Darren walked out and came up to me.

"Hey so what did you think?" he asked. I smiled at him.

"I loved it." The bell rang about then.

"Well I guess that is our cue I'll walk you to your bus," he said.

"Thanks" we started walking and a few of the guys from gym class joined us.

"Hey Billy I'm Jarred and this is Ben, and Tony. Nice to meet you, we heard all about you from Darren here. So how was your first day?" he asked. He seemed real nice and didn't mind me being in a wheelchair at all.

"Cool thanks for asking. A few people seem to want to avoid me but hey that's there problem not mine," I said smiling back. He nodded his head.

"Yeah there are a few jerks here but don't worry about them they won't bother you. See you tomorrow" with that he left.

I got to the bus and Darren left me to get to his and he told me he will call me later, I reminded him I have PT today so he said he would wait till tonight. I agreed.

Mrs. Lewis helped me onto the bus.

"So how was your first day dear?" she asked.

"Pretty good, thanks." She just smiled and closed the door. We left and about twenty minutes later Mrs. Lewis let me out of the bus in front of my house.

I wheeled myself up to the ramp and looked up it. I knew I could wheel myself up it and all but still I was too tired to deal with it. I grabbed the wheels and was about to start up the ramp when I felt hands on the chair. I turned and saw Ben there.

"Hey can I help?" he asked smiling down at me. I smiled back.

"Yes please my arms are so tired," I said, he just laughed and wheeled me up the ramp. We got up the ramp with no problems and I unlocked the door. We went in and went to the kitchen for a snack.

"So how was school?" he asked handing me some cookies and a glass of milk.

"It was fun. Darren's there and he helped me when he could, had a problem with the science teacher but other then that and a few of the kids looking at me funny not much else happened. What about you, how is your preppy school doing?" I asked smiling at him. He chuckled.

"Fine gimp," he responded, we both laughed as I shot him the bird. We sat down and started our homework. We were finished by 3:30, and my sister and Mom came home by then as well.

Ben helped me into the car and put my wheelchair in the back for me. We said our goodbyes and Mom took me to my therapy lesson.

At therapy Mrs. Blain had me use more weights to help build up the muscles in my arms and to help me stay in shape. She also had me lie down and use a triangle pulley that I could lift myself up with so I could stay in shape as well.

One of the final things she had me do before the massage was the parallel bar again. I had to pull myself up and with my arms move across the bars. When I got to the end Mrs. Blain was there with my wheelchair and let me sit down for a few minutes, and then I was up again and was back across the bars. When I got across this I sat down and was finished for the day.

Mrs. Blain did the massage on my legs and reminded me to use either a hot pack or a whirlpool if I could to help the muscle relax and to help circulation. I told her I would and she let me go. I reminded Mom about that whirlpool and she asked me if I really looked at my bathtub.

I told her no and she told me to have a better look.

When we got home I went to my room and look at the bathtub and noticed a switch to help circulate the waters just like in a whirlpool. Cool. I took off my clothes filled up the tub and got in when it was filled up about half way. I turned on the whirlpool buttons and watched it come to life with a silent hum.

After soaking for about 30 minutes I got out and dried off and put on my shorts with no shirt. I wheeled my self into the living room where my sister and Mom were there.

"Hey whatcha doing?" I asked as I wheeled myself next to the couch.

"Just watching some TV. What about you? Did you soak?" she asked me. I looked and rolled my eyes.

"Yes Mom. I did. I'm going to go and call Darren now ok," I said. She nodded her head and I wheeled myself back to my room. I went and got on my bed and called Darren. He picked up a few rings later.

"Hey Darren how are you?" I asked smiling. He laughed.

"Fine Billy, how was therapy?"

"It was ok, wore me out but other wise I'm fine. I love you Darren," I said.

"I love you too and I'm glad that it was good," We stayed on the phone for about hour then said our good byes.

When my Dad came home we all sat down and ate our dinner. We talked about our day and what we have all been doing.

I went to bed by 9:30 and was asleep by 10.

The whole week was pretty good and nothing really happened. Mrs. Harper was true to her word and as I told her on Friday a lot better science teacher. I did notice a group of boys looking at me and laughing. I paid them no mind and just stayed talking with Darren.

Darren and his Mom came over for Thanksgiving and we all spent the day together and Darren stayed the night with me. We had a great time holding, kissing and cuddling each other.

Darren and my relationship was really growing. When he came over one day we stayed in the bed kissing and hugging the entire time. He almost got in trouble when his Mom came to get him and he didn't want to get up. I giggled and he finally relented after panting a huge kiss on me in front of his Mom and telling me how much he loved me.

When he did that I blushed and just stared into his eyes. I got lost all over again, and I fell in love with him all over again. We stared at each other and he slowly bent down and kissed me again. Finally my Dad had to practically pry us apart much to our disagreement. He just laughed and told us to be nice. I stuck my tongue out at him and Dad just laughed.

Darren slipped from my Dad's hand and rushed over and gave me a quick kiss smiling at me then everyone else. We all laughed and Darren left. I went to sleep and slept a very deep sleep.

A few weeks later at school I noticed that the boys who were laughing at me a few weeks before were still watching me and whispering. I told Darren about it and he noticed it but like me didn't say anything about it because they weren't doing anything wrong.

One day after I got off the bus and the bus pulled away I was at the bottom of the ramp and was about to roll up when I felt hands on my wheelchair. I turned around expecting to see Darren there but when I looked up my smile fell. Standing there were the boys who were laughing at me and staring.

"Well well boys looky here, we have our self's a little crip," said the biggest boy. I tried to wheel myself up the ramp but his hand on the back of my chair stopped me. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked me. "We just want to talk," he said.

"About what?" I asked feeling scared and not trying to show it.

"Well we have seen you and that mix-blood boy of yours around the school. If you know what is good for you not only will you stop hanging out with him but you'll leave our school. Boys like you in a chair don't belong and won't last. You're weak and we don't like weak people here," he said. The boys behind him started laughing.

"Whatever, Darren is my friend and I don't care what you think. As for me being in a wheelchair that isn't my choice and I won't leave the school because I'm in a chair and you don't like it. Just because I am in a wheelchair doesn't mean I'm weak. I have an idea if you don't like me then why don't you and your friends leave," I said pushing his hand away from my chair and wheeling myself up the ramp.

As I was going up the ramp the leader of the boys grabbed my chair and pulled me back down. As I hit the bottom of the ramp he pushed my chair over and I fell on the ground. He stood over me and picked me up by the shirt.

"Listen you little shit you're going to go and leave school with your little boyfriend. Just so you know I mean business." With that he punched me in my left eye. He hit me so hard I had tears in my eyes and it was hurting. "Don't even think about telling anyone about us. You do and you won't make it." With that he hit me again. I don't know what happened after that because he hit me so hard my head flew back and made contact with the ground.

I woke up a few minutes later with my head in Jared's lap. My face, ribs, arms, legs, and pretty much my entire body hurt. I don't know how much damage was done but I know it was a lot because of the amount of pain I was in.

"Oh My God Billy what happened?" he asked me.

I looked at him and was only able to say. "Tell Darren I love him," I said in between gasps. With that I passed out into blackness.

Chapter 9

I didn't know where I was; I was in a gray haze. I felt people around me but I couldn't move. I couldn't open my eyes. I wanted to but it was too painful. Finally I slowly opened my eyes. Well eye anyways, my left eye wouldn't open, I knew it was swelled shut.

I tried to move my head and noticed that I was in a neck brace. I moved my eyes and saw my Dad asleep in a chair next to my bed. I tried to say his name but my throat was so dry I couldn't talk. I tried to move my left arm to get my Dads attention but noticed that it was in a cast and I could barely move it. I must have made some kind of sound because my Dad turned his head and looked at me.

"Billy are you ok?" he asked me. I tried to shake my head but couldn't. I pointed to my throat and Dad understood that I needed some water and handed me some. I took a sip and choked a little which caused more pain to shoot through my body. My Dad took the cup. "Billy I'm going to go and get the doctor ok?" he said. I nodded my head and he went and got the doctor.

A few minutes later Dr. Bradshaw came in and smiled at me.

"We have got to stop meeting like this young man," he said chuckling. Dr. Bradshaw checked my eyes and my vitals. Then he sat down on the bed next to me. "Ok Billy what happened? I know you got beat up and if you want to know the extent of your injuries that will have to wait till tomorrow. I am only on for another three hours and I don't have all day to explain them to you. But you should know that you did have another surgery and that you no longer have an appendix. There's more of course but as I said I don't have all day. So who did it?" he asked looking at me.

I looked at him and just slightly shook my head. I was too afraid that anyone who knew who did it would get hurt or hurt me for telling.

"Billy what is it? Why are you scared? Did someone threaten you?" Dad asked me. I looked at him and started crying and slowly nodded my head. "Oh baby I'm sorry but come on tell us we can stop them from hurting you again," Dad said. I looked at Dad and just cried more.

"It's because they threatened me as well. Wasn't it?" a voice asked. I turned and there was Darren standing at the door. I looked at him as more tears fell from my eyes and nodded my head. Darren came over to me and took my hand. "Baby you don't have to worry. No one is going to hurt me. I promise you that," Darren said then leaned over and kissed me on the lips.

I started crying and held Darren tightly.

"I'm afraid that if I do tell that they will hurt me and you. They said if I did they would come back," Darren just held me and comforted me.

"Baby if they are in jail then they can't hurt you or me. I promise you," Dad came up to the other side of the bed and took my hand.

"Son they won't hurt you or Darren, as your father and Darren's father-in-law I swear to you son, no harm will come to either of you," Darren looked at my Dad then nodded.

"It was some boys from our school. I don't know their names but when I got home from school and was going up the ramp they stopped me. They told me if I didn't stop hanging out with Darren and if I didn't leave school they would hurt both of us, Darren because he is part white and black and me because I'm in a wheelchair. They said I was weak and they didn't like weaklings in there school." I told them what was said then broke down crying again.

"Son trust me no one is going to hurt either of you. Now I'm going to go and call the police." With that Dad left the doctor and Darren alone with me.

"Billy don't worry no one can hurt you now," Dr. Bradshaw said, then turned and left us alone.

Within the hour there were two policemen in my room along with, Dr. William's. Dr. Williams was there to make sure that I didn't get too agitated. If I did then he would stop the interview immediately.

After the police left Dr. Williams had everyone leave so he could spend some time alone with me.

We talked about how I was feeling with my family and how I was handling myself being in a wheelchair.

I explained to him that I didn't mind being in a wheelchair most of the time, but there were times when I wished that I could do things that the other kids did. We talked for about an hour then Dr. Williams left.

That night Darren stayed with me without any objections.

I stayed in the hospital for a few more days then was able to get out on Wednesday. The rest of the week I stayed home and Darren brought me my schoolwork and homework and helped me with it all. Ben was there to help as well with the subjects that we had problems with.

The next Monday I went to school but this time Dad took me late.

When we they got to the school Dad helped me out and into the wheelchair and then wheeled me into the office. Since my left arm was in the cast I couldn't wheel myself at the moment.

We went to the office and Mrs. Whiner was there.

"Hey sweetie what happened to you?" she asked me looking concerned.

"Hey Mrs. Whiner, I was attacked. This is my Dad can we see Mr. Smith please?" I asked. She nodded her head and called him on the intercom.

We went into his office a few minutes later and we explained what happened. We also explained that at lunch I was not going to be going to the lunchroom right away that my father and several police officers would be meeting me and I would be going in with them and pointing out who did this to me. Mr. Smith agreed and gave me a pass to my class.

When lunch came around I went to the front and waited on my father and the police to show up.

I was amazed to see five police cars and one unmarked police car. There must have been about eight police officers there. My Dad came up and gave me hug.

We went to the lunchroom and looked in the window. There was Darren sitting at a table with the bullies around him. He was trying to get up but they wouldn't let him.

Finally we all went in. Dad wheeled me in the door and he, the detective, several police officers stood at the front door, and the rest covered the other doors.

When we walked in the whole place got quite. Darren looked up and saw me then smiled. The bullies looked and I could see murder in their eyes.

The leader saw me and he just shook his head. I smiled and nodded mine.

"Detective the guys sitting with my friend Darren right there are the ones," I said pointing to where Darren was sitting. He nodded and started over there. One of the guys tried to run but another officer was there and got him.

Finally they got them all together. The principal was there and started saying their names for us. Finally the leader tried to come after me.

"I warned you, you little shit. Wait till I'm out you're dead!" he said, I started shaking but Darren came up to me and took my hand. Before he could say anything my Dad was there and grabbed the boy by the shirt.

"You ever threaten my son again and I'll see you dead," he said. The police separated them and dragged the boys away. I told my Dad I wanted to go home and he agreed. Darren asked to call his Mom and Mr. Smith agreed and Darren called his Mom and with her permission he left with us to go home.

When we got home Darren and I went to my room and lay on the bed and cuddled. We both needed it now. We soon feel asleep and were awoken by my Mom coming in to get up for dinner.

We ate then lay back down and went to sleep. I awoke the next morning alone with a note from Darren on the pillow next to mine.

Dear Billy

Mom came and got me about 9:30 and I didn't want to wake you. I'll see you in class and know I love you.

Love, Darren.

I smiled when I read that and got up and went to the bathroom. When my morning rituals were finished I got dressed and went and ate the wonderful breakfast that my Mom had made me. Boy was it good too! About thirty minutes later Mrs. Lewis arrived and helped me into the bus and took me to school.

The school day went great, along with the rest of the week.

Soon the Christmas break was on us and we were out for two weeks. Mom took me to the mall to look for Christmas presents for everyone. I got Dad a pocket watch, and Joy a bracelet. I made Mom go for something to drink and I got Mom some perfume that she had always wanted (White Diamonds of course). Finally it was Darren and his Moms turn.

With Mom's help I got Mrs. Anderson a painting that she mentioned that she liked. As for Darren that was a little harder. I wanted to get him something to show him how much I loved him and for him to know that I thought he was the other half of my soul. I just wasn't real sure on what that should be.

Finally as we passed a jewelry store I noticed a necklace in the window. The necklace was a heart made of black hills gold with an eye in the center. I thought that the heart represents the love we have for one another and the eye is the window of my soul and Darren is and will ever be my one and only soul mate.

I talked with my Mom and she agreed and bought it.

A week later Christmas was here. We ate breakfast and Joy and I opened our presents from our parents. We both got clothes and I got some DVD's I have been wanting and some games for my computer and N64. Joy got some DVD's as well and some games for her N64. We all had a great time and everyone loved there presents.

We invited Darren and his Mom over for Christmas lunch and they agreed. They arrived about 1. Mrs. Anderson got gift certificates from Joy and our parents, and I gave her the painting. She loved them.

Mom, Dad, Joy and I got gift certificates from them but Darren also got me a present separately.

I gave Darren my present to him and he gave me his. Dad helped me onto the floor to sit in front of the fireplace with Darren so we could open our presents together.

Darren opened my present to him first and I saw tears of gladness in his eyes.

"Oh Billy that is so beautiful" he said, I smiled at him.

"Read the back" I said. Darren turned it over and read what I had inscribed on it. He read it first to himself then out loud.

To my soul mate
I will love you forever
Love Billy

Darren smiled and gave me a kiss, which I accepted with a blush. I then opened Darren's to me. I opened it and couldn't believe my eyes. There sitting in black velvet was a gold bracelet, and just like mine It had a heart with an eye on it. I smiled at Darren and he smiled at me.

"Read the back" he said.

To the love of my life
And my soul mate
Love Darren.

I smiled and gave Darren a kiss. "I love it. Thank you Darre," I said. Darren smiled at that and gave me another kiss. I put the necklace I got for Darren around his neck and Darren put the bracelet that he gave me on my wrist. We kissed one last time then Darren helped me into my chair.

We all ate lunch and had a wonderful time talking and joking with each other. After lunch the adults did the dishes and sat in the kitchen talking while Joy, Darren and myself sat in the living room to watch one of my new DVD's X-Men. Darren sat in the armchair and I sat next to him in my wheelchair and we gave Joy the couch to herself.

Later that night Darren and his Mom left around 9:30. After giving each other a kiss good night and a hug I watched them drive away.

I went to bed that night with a smile on my face and the bracelet on my arm. I dreamed of Darren and myself and I was truly happy for the first time in a long time.

Epilog

In the last two years of high school both Darren and I have gone through a lot. We have had to fight our way to prove our love.

We were outted in our senior year and that almost broke us up, but we proved to ourselves and each other that our love was worth fighting for.

Our parents and family stayed behind us the entire time and supported our love for each other.

If you were to look into our future you will see me as a doctor and proving that no matter what handicap you may have you can do anything you want. Darren went on and became a child psychologist to help kids with their problems and with any handicap that they may have. Since he is with someone who has a handicap he has learned what to say and what can be done to help others.

Darren and I went and adopted two wonderful kids. One girl named Hanna and a boy named Danny. Hanna was five when we adopted her; she has long dark hair and blue eyes. She is blind in one eye.

Danny was seven when we adopted him after he lost his left arm from the elbow down in an accident. Seeing me in a wheelchair and being a doctor has helped him see that he can still do anything that he wants.

Our life hasn't been perfect we have had our fights but we have learned to work through them and learned how to help build a stronger relationship because of them.

We love each other now and forever and we are truly each other's soul mate.

The End