Sky’s the Limit
Book Two

Chapter Twelve

Thanks to Rec for editing!

 Over the next few weeks, Jonah settled into his new routine; getting up, doing his schoolwork, and going down to the gym with Reese in the evenings. On Fridays, he and Reese would go to the MAGY meetings and out with their friends afterwards.  Reese and Jonah would usually do something together on the weekends—go to the mall or a movie or something.   

Reese and Jonah had gotten closer. Jonah was getting very comfortable with their friendship, but Jonah knew Reese was feeling much more than comfortable.  They would kiss and hold hands, and they would cuddle and snuggle when they were watching TV or just sitting and talking.  They would even sneak a kiss in the gym when they were alone, but Jonah hadn’t let the relationship get really sexual.  Jonah had told Reese he just wasn’t ready yet.  Reese was understanding and patient, because he knew everything Jonah had been through and that Jonah was still emotionally fragile.  Jonah also knew Reese wasn’t going to wait around for him forever.    

Jonah’s leg continued on its slow road to recovery, eventually allowing him to be rid of the crutches he’d grown to loathe.  In fact, it was just a week or so after Jonah was walking without crutches that he and Reese decided to go somewhere different to celebrate Jonah’s freedom.  Reese took Jonah to a favorite steak place, and then they went to a movie.  When they got home, Jonah asked Reese in.  Chip was already in bed, and Billy was still at the club.  They went to Jonah’s room and started watching some stupid show on TV. Before long they were into a pretty heavy make-out session on Jonah’s bed, and very soon they were both shirtless. Reese felt good, and Jonah was really getting into it.   

They were both very aroused.  Jonah could feel Reese’s hardness through his jeans as they were grinding into each other.  Jonah was sure Reese could feel him as well.  At some point, Reese reached for Jonah’s pants and began to unfasten them. Without warning, Jonah jumped away from Reese and off of the bed, falling on the floor in the process because he couldn’t get his footing with the cast. It wasn’t another panic attack, but it was close.  

“Jonah, what is it?  What happened?” Reese asked as he jumped out of the bed to help him up. 

“I’m sorry . . . I don’t know . . .It was like  . . . I’m so sorry, Reese.” 

Reese helped Jonah get up and seated back down on the bed, and Jonah just started crying.  Reese held him and caressed the back of his head that was buried in Reese’s shoulder. 

“I’m so sorry, Reese.  I don’t know what happened.  I guess I panicked.  I want to be with you, Reese.  You’ve been nothing but wonderful to me. I just don’t think I can yet.  So much has happened.  I just can’t forget. . . .” 

“You mean you just can’t forget about Sky. . .” 

“Don’t be mad.  Please, Reese, I’m trying; I really am. It’s just . . .I don’t know anymore.  If I just knew what happened, whether he’s even alive.  I can’t help it.  I gave him my heart, I can’t just—” 

“Jonah, I’m not angry, and I’m not hurt.  Well, . . . maybe a little, but I do understand.  We’ve talked about this before, but you are going to have to decide when and how to let go.  I told you that I care enough about you to wait.  I still mean it, but you need to confront this thing and figure it out.” 

“Thanks, Reese.  I will; I promise.  I’ve been working through this with Margie.  She says basically the same thing you just did.  I will.  I will get through this.  I’m just scared that if I fall in love again, something else terrible and awful will happen.  I guess you think I’m pretty fucked up, huh?” 

“No, Jonah, I think you’re just scared.  I get that.  Guess I would be, too, if I’d had everything happen to me like you did.  Look, you gonna be okay tonight if I head back downstairs?” 

“Yeah, I’ll be fine, Reese.  Actually I’m pretty tired.  Please, Reese, don’t be angry.” 

“I said I’m not angry, Jonah.  I’m really not.  I like you a lot, Jonah.  I’m pretty sure I’m falling in love with you . . . . No, I know I’m falling in love with you.  It hurts me to see you hurting like this.” 

“Oh, Reese!  Why does this have to be so hard?” 

“Goodnight, Jonah.”   

Reese kissed Jonah on the forehead, got up and left.  Jonah fell back on the bed and cried till he fell asleep.   

The next morning was a Sunday. Jonah was awakened by Chip knocking on his door. 

“May I come in?” 

“Yeah.”             

Jonah sat up on the bed as he entered.  Jonah was shirtless, but he still had on the jeans from the night before.  

“Jonah, Reese called Billy at the club last night after he left here.  He was worried about you.  I came to check on you, but you were already asleep.” 

“Ah, that explains the blanket I found over me this morning.” 

“I didn’t want to wake you.” 

“Thanks.” 

“Jonah, would you like to talk?  If you don’t want to talk to me or Billy, I can call Margie.”   

“I’m okay, Chip, really.  I can wait till my regular appointment with Margie.”  

“You sure? Reese said you were pretty upset.” 

“I was. I wish he hadn’t said anything, though.” 

“Reese was just worried about you.  Billy and I have both asked him to keep an eye on you.  He was concerned, but I also think he likes you a lot.”  

“I know. I like Reese a lot, too.  I just don’t know what I’m feeling.  I panicked last night.  I felt like things were going too fast. I was scared.” 

“Did Reese do something?  If so, I’ll talk to him.” 

“No! Please, Chip.  It was mutual.  We were in here, and one thing led to another, but when it started to … you know, get … well …” 

“I understand, Jonah; I don’t want details.  I just want to make sure you’re okay.” 

“Yeah, I mean, Reese was really cool about it.  In fact, I can’t believe how nice he was.” 

“Well, Reese is a good kid, but if you need me or Billy to talk to him—” 

“No, Chip.  Thanks, but I need to handle this.  I need to sort out my feelings.  I have to do it.” 

“Well, if you’re sure. You sound as though you are giving this some thought, and I trust you, Jonah.  You know there is more to a loving relationship than sex.  I’m sure Margie has told you that, but if you need someone to talk to, you have me, Billy, or Margaret.  Please just let us know, okay?” 

“I promise.” 

“Good.  I have some news for you.  I know you finish your tests this week for school.  We have a surprise for you next weekend, but I’m not going to spoil it.  I just don’t want you to make any plans for next Saturday.” 

“Sarah?” I asked excitedly. 

“No, but you’ll enjoy it.  I promise.” 

“Okay, darn it.”  

“Oh, and the following Monday we have an interview with the headmaster of the University School.  It’s part of the admissions process. There’s also some placement testing, but you’ll do fine.  We have to get moving if you’re going to attend this fall.  There’s usually a waiting list to get in, but as you’re a legacy, so to speak, because Billy and I both attended, and since we’re regular donors, they’re waiving a lot of the regular red tape.” 

“Okay.” 

Jonah spent most of the rest of that day studying for his exams.  Jonah never crammed, but he liked to review study notes on the points he was weakest on.   Reese came up that evening, and they chatted for a while. Reese had been scared that Jonah was pissed at him for talking to Chip, but Jonah assured him it was okay.  They spent about an hour cuddled on Jonah’s bed watching TV till Reese decided he needed to go study, too. 

The next week crept by, but as Jonah was busy with exams and studying, it wasn’t too bad. He had the regular session with Margie, and they talked the whole session about Jonah’s feelings for Sky and Reese, how he was “conflicted,” and how he was going to deal with them.    

On Friday night, Reese and Jonah went to the MAGY meeting and then went out with Mike, Ben, Kat, and Nora.  Jonah told Reese he couldn’t stay out late, as Chip had something big planned for the next day.  They got home just after midnight, and after kissing Reese goodnight, Jonah went straight to his room and bed. 

The next morning, Jonah got up, showered and dressed. He found Chip sitting in the kitchen, sipping his coffee.  

“Good morning, Jonah.  We’re doing a light breakfast, as we’ll eat a big lunch. There’re some sweet rolls and pastries over by the stove that Billy brought in.” 

“Okay. Where’s Billy?” 

“He had to go to the grocery store and somewhere else.  He’ll be back before lunch.” 

“Well?  Where’s this big surprise?”   

Chip started laughing.  “It’ll be here anytime.  Go ahead and eat something, and be patient.” 

It wasn’t even an hour later that Jonah heard the door chime.  He did the closest thing to a sprint that one can do in a walking cast and threw open the door.  His jaw hit the floor as the reality of the sight before him sunk in.  It was Dex!  He was sitting in a wheelchair, and Doc was standing right behind him.  

“Dex!” Jonah screamed, and he bent down to hug him.  

“Chill, dude! Let me breathe!” Dex chuckled. 

Jonah released him and went over and grabbed Doc in an equally tight hug.   

“Um, dude, you gonna ask us inside or what?” Dex asked. 

“Oh, yeah, of course, y’all come in.” 

Doc pushed the chair inside.  “Wow, Jone, you’re really livin’ it up up here, aren’t ya?” 

“Yeah, it’s nice isn’t it?  What’re you guys doin’ up here? Dex, we chatted on the internet just a couple of days ago. How come you didn’t tell me? How long can ya’ stay?” 

“Whoa, man, one question at time. Slow down.”  

Chip and Doc were both laughing at Jonah by this time. “Okay, I guess I need to back up some, anyway.” Jonah said, chuckling. They went into the living room, and Jonah sat on one of the sofas.  Chip sat across from him, and Doc was standing behind Dex’s chair.   

“Please sit down, Doc,” Jonah stated. 

“Dex, how are you doing?  You still doing the therapy thing?” 

“Yep, I still go to Birmingham every other week, and I have some therapy I do at home and at the hospital.” 

“How’s that goin’?” 

“Wanna show ‘em, son?” Doc asked. 

“Yeah.” 

About that time Jonah watched Dex move his feet off of the footrests.  Doc unfastened some metal poles that Jonah hadn’t noticed from the back of the wheelchair and handed them to Dex.  There were some handles near one end of the poles along with clamp-like things.  He put the clamps around his forearms and grabbed the handles.  Then he put the poles on either side of the wheelchair and slowly stood up!  He started walking over toward the sofa.   He walked several feet, slowly sliding one foot ahead of the other. When he got to where Jonah was, Jonah jumped up and grabbed him in another bear hug.  

“Wow!  That’s great! Dex, you’re walking!” 

“Yeah, well, I guess you can call it that, but it’s getting better. Um, you mind lettin’ go now. I really need to sit.” 

“Oh, uh, sorry,” Jonah said, releasing him to collapse onto the sofa. “Dex, that’s wonderful!  I had no idea.”  Jonah sat back down next to him.  Dex was grinning. 

“Now, I’m really glad to see ya, but what’re you guys doing here?” Jonah asked. 

“Well, that’s the rest of the surprise, I guess,” Doc interjected. “We brought your truck.” 

“What!? Oh, wow, that’s great.  Thanks. I really mean it.”  Jonah went over to give Doc another hug, but then it dawned on him. “Wait a minute, if you guys brought my truck, how’re you gettin’ back home?” 

“In my car,” Doc said. 

“Huh? I mean, well, if you’re in your car . . . Dex!! You can drive!?”   

“Well, not yet, but I am getting a F-150 extended cab next month with hand controls.” 

“Wait, I still don’t understand?  Who drove my truck up here?” 

Chip stood up and came over and sat next to me. “Jonah, that’s sort of the rest of it.  I’m sorry to spring this on you like this, but it’s your dad.” 

“What?  He’s here?” 

Doc came over and put his hand on Jonah’s shoulder.  “Jonah, this has been hard on him, too.  I know you two haven’t spoken...  It’s hurting him.  He’s been talking with me.  I’ve gotten him to join the PFLAG group in Birmingham.  He’s really working on this, Jonah. You’re still his only son, and he’s your dad.  He’s downstairs waiting.  If you want to see him, ask him to come up.  If you don’t, he’s going to go on over to the hotel we’re staying at tonight.” 

“What about Jessie?  Is he here to take me back home?  I don’t think I can do that.  I just can’t . . .” 

“No Jonah, nothing like that,” Doc replied. “I’m not sure anything will change her attitude, but with the baby coming and all, well, your dad’s caught in the middle.  I don’t know if there is a solution right now other than where we are now, but I think you owe it to yourself at least to hear what your dad has to say.”

Jonah looked over at Chip.  Chip nodded back.  Dex just smiled and nodded, also.  Jonah went over to the phone and punched in Sam’s extension and asked him to send Jim Knight up. 

In just a few moments, the door chime was ringing.  Jonah nervously walked over to the door and opened it. Jonah and his dad just looked at each other a few minutes. His father finally spoke.  “Hey Jonah, you’re looking well.  I’m glad to see you walking without crutches.” 

“Hello, Dad.” 

“May I come in?” 

“Oh, um, yeah, sure.” 

Jonah backed away from the door, and his dad walked in.  By then Doc and Chip had joined them in the foyer.  

“Look, Dad, I wasn’t expecting . . . I mean I don’t know what to—” 

“Don’t, Jonah.  Don’t say anything. Let me.  I’m so sorry for everything.  I was so wrong.  I was so wrong about everything.  I put my happiness above you and Sarah, but I did fall in love with Jessie, at least I thought . . . but now there’s this baby.  Jonah, I don’t know why she’s being so hateful about this, but I know she’s wrong, and  I know I was wrong.  I was wrong to punish you for something you can’t . . . for being you.  I want you to know that I was acting like a bigoted idiot and a fool.  I see that now.  Worse, I was willing to sacrifice my only son’s well-being and our relationship because of my prejudice.  Jonah, I don’t have the words to tell you how sorry I am, but I hope one day you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I was so close to losing you once without making this up to you.  I won’t let that happen again without trying.  I couldn’t live with myself.” 

“Dad, I . . .”  Jonah didn’t know what to say to that.  He totally was not prepared for that. “Dad, do you really mean it?” 

“With all my heart, Jonah.” 

“My being gay—you’re really okay with it? I can’t change, Dad.  I can’t be the ‘perfect son’ like you always wanted.” 

“Son, you already are more than I ever hoped for.  You’re one of the bravest men I’ve ever known.  Facing what you have and not backing down.  I had no idea what gay teens face every day. I’m very proud of you.  As for whether you’re gay, straight, or somewhere in between, that’s your business, and it’s just part of who you are.  I just want you to be happy, son.  More importantly, I want to be your dad again, even if it is long-distance.”

By now, Jonah’s eyes were tearing up.  His dad opened his arms, and Jonah stepped into them, and they hugged tightly.  By the time they let go, Jonah looked up to see a tear coming down his dad’s cheek, which his dad quickly wiped away. 

After the love fest was over, they all went back into the living room where Dex was patiently waiting on the sofa.  Jonah sat down next to Dex, and Doc sat on the other side of Jonah.  Chip and Jim sat on the opposite sofa, facing them.  They started talking about some of the news from back home—at least until Jonah couldn’t stand anymore and finally asked, “Dad, I know you and David still talk.  There’s got to be some news.  What’s going on? Where’s Sky?” 

“Son, if I knew – if anyone knew—I would tell you, believe me.  There hasn’t been one word since he disappeared from that Refuge place up here.” 

“Yeah,” Jonah interrupted. “You know that place is under investigation by the State of Tennessee for abusive practices against kids that are forced into that program as Sky was.  Some gay groups have been organizing protests.  Reese and I may go to one next weekend if I’m up to walking that much.” 

“Look, I think David knows that place was a mistake, but he . . . well, he hasn’t been dealing with this too well.  I finally got him to go to a PFLAG meeting with me, but I’m not sure he’s accepted… well, I’m not sure he understands . . . ,” he said, just shaking his head.  Then he continued, “It’s worse, though.  After Sky disappeared, his mom got worse.  She went into some sort of depression in addition to the other issues she apparently already had, and, well, she attempted suicide.  Damn near accomplished it, too.  A neighbor found her just before it was too late.  She’s been in a mental hospital ever since.  She’s liable to be there for a while, too.  Regardless, she won’t be fit to take care of Sky even if they find him, and I’m not sure David is, either, given his attitude about this whole thing.  Don’t get me wrong, he’s worried sick about Sky, but I don’t know that he’ll ever accept Sky being gay.” 

“Oh, my God!” was all Jonah could say. “Is anyone at least looking for him?” 

“Oh, yes, Jonah. David has spent a small fortune on private investigators.  He’s printed flyers, mailed or faxed them to police departments all over the country, and even started a website.  I think he’s doing everything humanly possible.  It’s just impossible to know even where to start looking.  He thinks Sky may have had some cash stashed away. It’s something he had always taught him to do.  He could have made it a long way from Memphis.  Based on the letters he sent you, he doesn’t want to be found.  It makes it that much harder.” 

It was just about that time that they heard the door open and close, and Billy walked in, pulling the little two-wheeled cart he used for groceries, with an armload of groceries in addition. When he saw Jim Knight, he stopped, dropped the bag he was carrying, and just stood there staring at him with such hatred that Jonah expected flames to start shooting from his eyes. 

Billy looked over at Chip and said, “What the hell is he doing here?” 

“Billy, calm down.  He’s here to talk to Jonah.” 

“Why the hell didn’t you tell me he was coming? I would’ve made arrangements to be somewhere else.” 

“Billy, I can explain . . . ,” Chip started. 

“Wait, Chip,” Jim interrupted. “He didn’t tell you because I begged him not to, Billy.  Because I wanted to talk to you, too.” 

“What if I’m not interested in hearing a God-damned thing you ever have to say to me?” 

Jonah took this opportunity to look over at Dex and Doc, and they both looked as though they were going into shock.  Jonah quickly realized they weren’t aware of the resemblance between Jonah and Billy, or the animosity between Jim and Billy. 

“I wouldn’t blame you, Billy.  After this long, an apology isn’t . . . I could say I’m sorry to you all day long, but that wouldn’t begin to make it up to you.  It took almost losing my only son for me to realize that I’ve been a damn fool. I was wrong to treat Jonah the way I did; I was wrong ten years ago to treat you the way I did.  I’ve been doing a lot of thinking.  I’ve been talking to a lot of people, and I’ve joined a PFLAG chapter.  What I’m trying to say, Billy, is that I really am sorry, and I know I’ll never be able to make it up to you.” 

“Do you have any idea how much hurt you put me through?  I was already disowned by my own father, then you throw me of out of your home and forbade me to see my only niece and nephew. God, I was only sixteen, just as Jonah is now.  I wasn’t even allowed to go to my own sister’s funeral for Christ’s sake.  Now you expect me to simply accept your apology and act like it never happened?  Fat fuckin’ chance.” 

“I know, Billy.  I deserve that.  I said I was wrong.  I don’t know what else I can say. But for Jonah’s sake, can we at least try to start over? I’m begging you here.” 

“Jim, I honestly don’t know if I can ever forgive you, but for my love for Jonah and Sarah, I’m willing to call a truce and try to build on that.  I can’t promise more than that.” 

“That’s all I can ask,” Jim replied. Then Billy and Dad walked towards each other and shook hands. 

Jonah jumped up, went over and grabbed Billy in a big bear hug.  Billy was a little surprised, but hugged Jonah back tightly.   

“Thank you, Billy,” Jonah said. 

Billy’s eyes were watery now, and Jonah turned to his dad and said, “Thank you, too, Dad.” 

When Jonah turned, he could see Chip was smiling at them. 

“Wow, Jonah, you and your Uncle Billy—” Dex started to exclaim. 

“Yeah, we know there’s a bit of a resemblance,” Jonah chuckled. 

“A bit! You look more like brothers than most brothers do!” Dex retorted. 

“Jonah, it really is uncanny,” Doc joined in. 

“I didn’t even realize how much you two favored each other till just now. Jonah, I knew you looked like your mom, and I knew Billy at your age, but seeing you two here together really is . . . well, amazing,” Jim said. 

“Billy, let me help you with the groceries,” Jonah said, picking up the bag Billy had dropped. 

“Okay, thanks, Jonah.  Just help me get everything to the kitchen.  I’ll put it all away,” he replied. 

They took everything to the kitchen, and when they got back to the living room, Dex was getting back into his wheelchair.  “Going somewhere?” Jonah asked. 

“Nah, just want you to give me the grand tour of this place while the ‘grownups’ visit, plus your Uncle Chip tells me we’re doing lunch in a little bit.” 

“Lunch?” Jonah asked looking over at Chip. 

“Yeah, I ordered some barbeque takeout from the Rendezvous.  Billy doesn’t know it yet, but he’s going to run and fetch it as soon as he’s done in the kitchen.  I thought we’d eat out on the terrace.  It’s such a nice day.” 

“That sounds great. Well, Dex, you wanna see the rest of this high-rise hacienda?” 

“Yeah, but I want the ten-dollar tour, not the cheap one,” he said smiling. 

Jonah took him through the dining room and out onto the terrace.  Dex loved the views of the river and the city.  They went back inside and headed back towards Jonah’s room.  When they got there and went inside, Dex looked around at the huge wall-mounted TV, the video-game gear, the computers, the keyboard, and said, “Damn, Jonah, I knew you said something about being rich, but I thought you were kiddin’.  This is incredible!” 

“Billy did all this. This is pretty much the way I found it when I got here.” 

“Wow, Jonah, you got it pretty nice here.  I didn’t know what to expect when I heard you lived in an apartment downtown, but it certainly wasn’t this.  Listen, um, you guys don’t happen to have a large bathroom, maybe with a handrail or two?  If not, I can get my dad to help.” 

“Yeah, use mine.  They installed handrails everywhere when I was in the wheelchair. They’re still there.  Do you need help?” 

“I’ll call if I do,” Dex said as he wheeled himself toward the bathroom. 

Jonah sat down and turned on the PlayStation while he waited on Dex. In a few minutes Dex came out and closed the door behind him. “Whew, that’s better, but I wouldn’t go in there for a few minutes,” he chuckled. 

“So, Dex, It’s great to see you walking, but how are you doing really. I mean the other stuff.” 

“Well, I still get those damn headaches.” 

“Yeah, me, too.  Tom says they can last for months.” 

“My docs say the same thing.  One of the weird things is that I still don’t have much memory of the day of the wreck, and I get really nervous in crowds.  I never was like that before, but I can’t stand to be in crowded places now.  Guess that’s why we’re eatin’ here. Mom and Dad are really takin’ great care of me.  Best thing is I can pee without a catheter and I don’t need a diaper or anything. 

“Ewwww, TMI man.”  

“Seriously, Jone, that made me happier than walking.  You can’t imagine how embarrassing. . . .” 

“Um, Dex, I guess I never thought about that, but. . .” 

“I know,” he chuckled, “TMI. But it’s something people with spinal-cord injuries have to deal with every day.  I’m damn lucky.” 

“What about that other, um, problem you were worried about?” 

“My dick?” 

“Uh, yeah, I mean does it . . . can you, um . . .” 

“Honestly, I dunno.  The docs don’t know how much normal function, as they call it, I’ll get back.  The fact that I have some bladder and bowel control is a really good sign.  They say I may benefit from Viagra or something, but those pills don’t give you a woodie, you still have to have someone to, you know, get you started.” 

“Oh, well, like do they know how long . . . I mean how do you find out?” 

“That’s the thing, Jonah, I don’t have full function of my hands.  I’m way too embarrassed to ask a girl.  I mean, even if I was dating someone, which I’m not, I’d be way too embarrassed.  I mean, what if it didn’t work? How embarrassing would that be with someone I didn’t really know that well?” 

“So, um, how do you find out? Is there like some other test they can do?” 

“No, um, I’m sorta glad you brought that up.” 

“Huh?” 

“Well, Jonah, I was kinda hoping, I mean, um, you know how to make a guy . . . um, you know what to…, I mean . . . damn, I was hoping you could . . . Forget it. I’m being stupid.” 

All of a sudden it hit Jonah as to what Dex was trying to ask. “Oh, Dex, oh, man, I don’t think I could . . . . That’s just too weird, man, don’t take this wrong, but I really . . . I mean I don’t know what to say...” 

“Don’t. I’m sorry, I was being really dumb.” 

“No, Dex, if it was me, I don’t know what I would do, either.  It’s just that I don’t think… I can’t just, um, you know.  You’re like my brother.  I’ve known you like since we were in kindergarten. It’s not that your . . . Look, Dex, I’m sure you’re going to meet some really nice girl that you really like and will really like you.  If she’s worth anything, y’all will find a way to. . . you know.” 

“That’s what my doctors say, too.  I guess I just really want to know . . . um, if it’ll . . . I guess I’m just impatient.” 

Jonah looked at Dex’s expression, and he seemed really down. For a moment Jonah almost offered, but then the mental image hit him, and it was just really too weird.  THIS IS DEX! There’s just no way . . . 

“Look, Dex, give it a little more time.  You’ve made so much progress, and it’s barely been a couple of months.  I haven’t even, you know, been with anyone,” Jonah continued. 

“I thought you told me you were dating this Reese guy on the phone a couple of weeks ago?” Dex replied. 

“Dating doesn’t automatically mean I’m fucking him, anymore than it means that a straight couple who are dating are fucking. Sheesh, Dex, I’m not a slut.” 

“I’m sorry, man, I don’t know how this gay thing . . .you’re the only gay guy I ever. . . Shit, I’m sorry.” 

“Nah, in fact, I don’t know what’s wrong with me, either.  Reese wants to take it further, but I’m . . . I’m just not ready.” 

“That’s cool man.  It’s your life.  Just do what feels right.  What about you? How’s the leg?” 

“Not bad.  I’m hoping I lose this walking cast this week.  I may be in a brace for a little while, but it’ll be such a relief to lose the cast.  Sarah’s promised me a visit to New York as soon as I can walk okay. . . maybe by next month.” 

“Wow, that’ll be cool.  Man, you are sooo lucky.” 

“There are a lot of times I would’ve given you a big argument over that.  I didn’t always feel lucky, but I guess, you know, it could’ve been a whole lot worse.  I keep thinking what it would’ve been like if I hadn’t had the chance to come up here with Chip and Billy.  I know a few people back home changed their opinions after what happened with Zach, but I know if I was there, there would still be some people who would want to make me miserable. I’m also sure Jessie would still try to make me as unwanted as possible.  I also think that the only difference in you, me, and Zach, just happened to be where we were sitting in that Jeep.  Yeah, I guess I was pretty lucky.” 

“Or blessed, Jonah.  Have you told God thank you?  I have, every day after I got over being pissed at him for being in this chair,” Dex stated very seriously. 

“How did you get over that?” Jonah asked. 

“Gloria came to see me in the hospital.  She said she saw you at the memorial service but couldn’t talk to you before you left. Anyway, she wanted me to know that she did not blame me or you at all for what happened to Zach.  Then she told me something wonderful—something she made me wait to tell you till I actually saw you.” 

“Well?” 

“She wanted us both to know how we had blessed Zach’s life just by being his friends.  I felt so guilty about how I treated him at first that I almost couldn’t face her.  Apparently Zach talked about you and me and Lori almost every day.  Especially you, Jonah.  She said she didn’t know or care about the gay stuff, but she knows you must be a wonderful Christian because of all the love you share from your heart.  It was such a comfort to her to know that Zach had Christian friends who loved and cared about him.  It was then I realized how lucky I was to have what I did.  I was still alive.  I have good friends and loving parents.  I have a heck of a lot to be thankful for.  I felt like I needed to tell Him that, and I have—every day since.” 

“You know Sarah told me something like that on her last visit here.  She told me not to lose my faith.  Maybe someone’s trying to tell me something.” 

“Maybe you should listen.” 

“Yeah, I’ll give it some thought, but most so-called Christians I ever knew in my life turned out not to be Christian at all,” Jonah replied tersely. 

Dex and Jonah started talking about school, Lori, and about things generally, and it wasn’t long before Chip was calling them out to lunch.  Dex certainly hadn’t lost his appetite.  He put away a whole rack of ribs and a sizable hunk of another.  

As they were finishing up, Jonah asked, “What’s the plan for this afternoon and tonight?” 

“Well we gotta go check into the hotel after a while,” Doc replied. 

“Chip, can Dex stay here in the guest room? Pleeeaase?” Jonah begged. 

“Jonah, I don’t know. He needs special help sometimes,” Doc interjected.   

Chip sensed Doc McGee’s discomfort with the suggestion and replied, “Jonah, let’s try that next trip.  Maybe after you’re out of that cast and can help him with any special needs.” 

“Awww, okay,” Jonah groaned. “Where y’all stayin?” he asked. 

“The Peabody,” Doc replied. “They told me they had plenty of handicap-accessible rooms and suites. 

“Oh, cool.  Let’s get there by five and watch the ducks march through the lobby and up the elevator,” Jonah offered. 

“What?” Dex asked. 

“I know it sounds like kid stuff, but it’s really cool.  They have these trained ducks in the lobby that swim in this huge fountain all day.  In the evening they march on command to the elevator and ride up to a rooftop Duck Palace, that’s what they call it, till the next morning, when they march back in.  It’s a big production.”   

“I don’t know. Sounds like there’d be a big crowd there,”  Dex said, a little anxiously. 

“Sometimes, but if so, we can watch from the balcony on the mezzanine level, and since we’re that close, we can walk over to Billy’s for supper.” 

“I’m already ahead of you,” Billy chimed in. “I just called and got the private dining room reserved; just let me know if anyone else is coming.” 

“I was thinking about asking Reese, but if Dad . . .” 

“Jonah,” his Dad interjected, “You invite whoever you want. I’m fine with it.  Chip has already filled me in on Reese and your MAGY group.” 

“You sure?” Jonah asked almost unbelievingly. 

“Yeah, I’m sure,” Jim replied with a smile. 

“Well, I’ll add another place,” Billy said, smiling now. 

“Billy, nothing fancy tonight.  We’ll order off the menu. Promise me,” Chip said in his parental voice. 

“All right, spoilsport, but at least allow me to select a good wine and plan a special dessert.” 

“If it makes you happy,” Chip sighed. “Oh, after dinner I’ll have Leon standing by with a fully stocked limo, and we can go anywhere you guys like, or just sightsee around the city.  I’d like to show Jim some of the properties we’ve invested in, if he’s interested.  If they want, we can drop the boys back by here, or they can catch a movie at the Peabody Center mall. They may want to go somewhere in Reese’s car.” 

“I’m very interested,” Jim replied. “Sounds like a plan to me.”

 Again, a special thanks to Colin and CJ for special help and suggestions.   Please keep those comments coming… and as always THANKS FOR READING!!!!

 Hugs everyone,

Rick