Disclaimer: The following story is a work of fiction. Certain characters are based loosely on people known to the author, other similarities to actual persons, places, and events are purely coincidental. This story also includes graphic homosexual acts, some by minors. If this material offends you or is illegal in your area please stop now. The name Aquatic Rescue Response has been used with permission of Aquatic Rescue Response of Maine, a Division of R and G Enterprises. Thank you.
Sorry it took so long to post this chapter, I've been side-tracked. I now have eleven chapters so far and will be posting them on a more regular basis.
Chapter Seven: Recovery
John had moved off the ICU, the flexibility had almost completely returned in his right arm, and the strength was slowly coming back by lifting weights and swimming in the hospital pool with Pete. John had been excited about going home soon, but right now was trying to sleep in his hospital room.
John...John...HEY! John! Wake up!
Slowly John opened his eyes. Groaning as he sat up, he rubbed his eyes and recognized his father, Patrick, standing by his bed.
You gonna sleep the day away or you gonna get up and go to therapy?
OOOHHH! Come on Dad! I don't wanna get up today.
Tough! It's time to get up, things to do today!
John thought as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. It suddenly dawned on him. Yesterday Dr. Epson had told him that depending on how therapy went and how his blood count looked today, he could go home tomorrow. Pulling a pair of hospital issue PJ pants on over his boxers, John stood up and walked across the room to get a fresh white T-shirt. There was a knock at the door followed by a female voice.
Is it safe to come in now?
Yeah, Mom, come on in!
Michaela McCray-Cole opened the door to see the two most important men in her life standing there getting ready to face the day.
Well, don't you look like a louse in those jammies!
Oh mom! They're all they let me wear!
Just so you know you're not loafing around the house once you get home! Come here, give your mother a hug!
Mrs. Cole held her arms open as here son crossed the room to embrace his mother. Come on Patty, let's let Johnny have a few minutes to get ready.
Ok, John. We'll meet you down in the waiting room and catch some breakfast before therapy.
John thanked his parents, then went into the bathroom. He wet his hair, which was thankfully a crewcut again, in an attempt to style it, hair gel and mousse were not allowed in the hospital. A little scruffy, he decided to shave later if he felt like it. John brushed his teeth then went to meet his parents.
A mound of scrambled eggs, five slices of bacon, four sausage, two slices of cinnamon raisin toast with butter, and two very large glasses of orange juice adorned John's tray as he sat down with his parents in the hospital cafeteria. John had gotten far more food then was normally allowed but, the ladies who ran the cafeteria had taken a liking to him and made sure he was well fed.
Can you guys bring me some real food for lunch?
With all you have there Johnny you shouldn't need to eat for a week!
Leave the boy alone Michaela, he needs to regain his strength!
John blushed but never broke cadence shoveling food into his mouth. Finishing off the eggs, bacon, and sausage, John downed a whole glass of OJ. John ate the toast and drank the second glass of OJ slow enough to finish eating at the same time as his parents. The three got up and brought their plates and trays to the scullery then headed to the physical therapy appointment. Approaching the doors they paused, John hugged both his parents and said he would see them later. He then turned and walked through the door. One of the physical therapists shouted to him.
Hey John! Where's Pete today?
He actually got a job!
No kidding?!? Well let's get to work then.
Thank you for reading at least this far. This has is my first story I have been confident enough of to post online. Feedback and comments are welcome, however if you feel the need to flame I will, as the firefighter I am, assume that you are on fire and take appropriate action comenserate with my training. Thank you again.
Merman_Resq@yahoo.com