Sean's Angel
By: Hal
(Copyright 2006 - 2007, by the Author)
Editors: Radio Rancher & Str8mayb

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

 

Chapter 6

It was early morning, as Sean lay awake looking over at Justin. He was still amazed at the difference the young man in the bed next to his, had made in his life. Sean was filled with the innocence and love that Justin had for him. Sean just looked at him in awe. How special this young man was to him, and the dramatic differences that would be taking place, now and in the future, still scared him. Sean was accustomed to being alone, and not depending on anyone, that all this was foreign to him. Sean had no living relatives left, and no friends in this big city. He was out of his element, his usual day to day rut. But he knew he would survive, and Justin would be there to help. Not to mention Marty, Cecelia, and who ever else was there for Justin. They have accepted him, for the person he was, not who he could be. A single tear of happiness left his eye.

“How are you doing this morning?” Joy said as she walked in, being quiet, for she noticed Justin still sleeping. “Are you feeling alright?”

“Yeah, I am finally realizing that what a miracle it is for me to be here. Before that night on the bridge, well, lets just say, a few more minutes, and all of this wouldn't be happening.” Sean said, as his eyes got even more misty.

“Well, don't you worry one bit, everyone here is going to make sure that the both of you get the best care in the world.” Joy said as she walked over and sat beside him, grabbing his hand. “Whatever was in your past, stays there, no one here is going to judge you. Got that?” She was holding his hand, slowly massaging it. “You just sit back and enjoy it. You deserve everything that is happening to you now.”

“I'll try.” Was Sean's reply. His face starting to turn red. Something about a beautiful woman on the same bed with him, even holding his hand, was making him blush.

“Okay, you two, get a room already. There's kids present.” Justin said in his normal scratchy morning voice. “Jeez, as soon as I close my eyes, you two are at it again.”

Joy stood up, her face almost as red as Sean's, and glared at Justin. “And you, young man, are going to have runny eggs, and lumpy oatmeal for breakfast, if you don't behave.”

“Sorry, but the way Sean feels about you, kinda, oops.” Justin squeaked out, realizing that he said something he shouldn't have.

Joy looked at Sean, who was trying to melt into the bed. He looked as if he could die of embarrassment. All she did was bend over, and give him a kiss on the cheek. “Well then, maybe there is hope for me yet.” She turned and walked to the door, giving Sean a wink before she closed the door behind her.

“Way to go stud!” Justin was fully awake now, smiling over at Sean. “Looks like she feels kinda like you do.”

“I hardly believe that.” Sean said, with a slight frown appearing on his face. “I think she is a little out of my league, if you can think about that.”

“Sean, you have to understand, that this is a new life for you. And for me too. You have to understand that the things you went through, are over. You are here, and you are loved just the way you are. So I am sorry, if you took my teasing the wrong way, I will try not to do that again.” Justin had a sincere look on his face, to let Sean know he was serious.

“Well bud, I would like to believe you, really, but.” Sean had a sad look on his face, for as much as he wanted to believe the feelings to be mutual, he was just trying to protect himself from the pain of another relationship.

“Hey, no buts about it, you need to stop being so hard on yourself. You are a good looking guy, I guess, and it’s apparent that Joy thinks so too. You just need to accept that, please.” Justin was shocked over the way he was having to help Sean, but he felt in his heart that this was necessary.

“Um, well, it’s kinda hard to um,” Sean was stuttering, as he was trying to put into words what he was feeling.

“Just accept it now, and get on with life. Enjoy this new life that we both have been blessed with.” Justin said, with a warm smile.

“Well, uh, I just don’t know, it’s so hard to allow anyone in, you know, in my life, to get close.” Sean had his head hanging low as he said this.

“Dude, I can tell you now, that what she was feeling was simple interest. Nothing more. She likes you more than she lets on, but she’s gots the hots for you!” Justin said, as he was grinning madly.

“No way! What? What did you say? You can read her mind too?” Sean said, with his eyes big in disbelief.

“Well, not really. But with the emotional vibe, and her body language, I can put it together.” Justin said, as he was raising his eyebrows up and down.

“What do you mean by that? Can you read her mind?” Sean was getting a little impatient.

“I don’t know how to answer that, Sean. I can’t really read her mind, it just sort of comes off of her, and I feel it.” Justin said, as his face twisted trying to figure out what else to say to describe it.

“Um, well, I don’t know, but I guess that will do for now. But if you can think of anything else you need to tell me.” Sean said, trying to leave the question open for Justin to finish.

“The only thing, else, that I will say is, that this is a new life for you, as well as for me. You need to lighten up and let the good things happen. Don’t question it. Take it as it comes.” Justin said, with a sigh of relief. He really didn’t want to try to explain how, or even why he could do this. He didn’t have any real answers.

“I can’t believe that she would like me, or anything, she is like way out of my league.” Sean said, with a slight frown.

“Trust me dude, the answer is right in front of you. Just let things happen, and you will see.” Justin said, with a big grin.

“Hi guys, are you ready to eat now?” Joy was bringing in the food cart loaded with food. “I hope you like this. I helped a little in getting it ready for you. They aren’t just letting anyone in here, you know.” She had a smile on her face to try to break the tension that was in the room.

“Wow, thanks Joy.” Sean said, his smile growing, and his face turning red.

“Thanks, I am hungry, really hungry.” Justin said, rubbing his tummy.

Joy served the food to Justin first. There were scrambled eggs, two pieces of bacon, a small piece of ham, and toast. And for a drink, milk and OJ. Justin was digging into his food, before she turned around to serve Sean. His breakfast was the same, except for the drinks, which were grape juice and tea.

“Thank you, this looks delicious. You said you helped?” Sean was trying to be nice, and actually talk with her.

“Yes I did. Someone called in sick, and they were short in the cafeteria. So since I was on this floor anyway, I volunteered to help with your meals.” She was smiling with pride, for her little gesture of kindness was noticed.

“This is good. Thanks.” Sean said, as he swallowed his first bite of eggs.

“Why thank you, I was thinking of you, while I was doing these.” Joy said, with a slight blush on her cheeks.

“Oh you two!” Justin said, with his mouth half full of food.

“Justin, please don’t talk with your mouth full, we don’t need to see what you are eating.” Sean said, with a stern look on his face, as he was trying to hide his obvious embarrassment.

“Oops, sorry.” Justin said meekly. This came as a shock to him, to be even slightly reprimanded. But it did make him feel wanted, in an awkward way.

“Well, I’ll let you guys eat in peace.” Joy said, as she walked over and gave Sean a small kiss on the forehead. She looked at him, and smiled and then turned to leave.

“Uh, okay, thanks.” Sean was blushing madly again.

“Hey, dude, uh, earth to Sean! Are you awake over there?” Justin was trying hard to get his attention, for he had been staring at the door for a few minutes after Joy had left.

“Huh? Oh, yeah, uh, I’m alright.” Sean said, shaking his head, then finally realizing his food was in front of him.

“See, told ya.” Justin replied, with the biggest smile on his face. “You'd better hurry up and eat, before it gets cold. You wouldn’t want to hurt her feelings, now would you?”

Sean shook his head, and started in on his breakfast. He had only thought he was a little hungry, but with the knowledge of her making his breakfast, it made it taste all the better. He was enjoying every bite like it was his last. After eating almost all of it, he looked over at Justin, who was staring at him.

“What? Can’t a guy enjoy his food?” Sean asked.

“Oh, sure you can. But if food does that to you, I don’t want to be around when anything else goes on.” Justin smirked, as he pointed.

“You just never mind, and let me eat in peace.” Sean said, as he tried to adjust himself without making it obvious.

“You know, she almost feels the same way about you.” Justin said, trying hard to hide his smile.

“How, how do you know for sure?” Sean asked, as he tilted his head, looking at Justin.

“Well, you have to admit, her bedside manners with you, are a little unique. Do you think she goes around to all her patients and gives them kisses? She hasn’t kissed me yet.” Justin had that ‘duh’ look.

“Uh, well, I guess your kinda right. It would be kinda funny to have a kissing nurse on staff though. I just don’t know how to accept it. I am nothing special, and she likes me. Or so you say.” Sean was thinking about something else to say, but it wouldn’t come out in words.

“Sean, look at me please. Okay. Now listen. You have had a bad experience in a relationship, and there are probably hundreds of thousands of people in the same boat as you. Got it? How are you going to find out anything, unless you try again? Don’t give up on love yet, it is out there. You appeared to me, because I didn’t give up.” Justin had a serious look on his face. He was right, and he knew it.

“Okay already. I am the one who is supposed to be teaching you, remember. I am older than you.” Sean said, with a look of giving up and accepting the facts.

“Just because you are older, doesn’t mean that you are wiser!” replied Justin.

Sean went on to finish his breakfast, for there was no argument there. Justin sat there and smiled, having finally gotten to him, at least a little bit. Sean was a little uncomfortable having Justin watch him eat, but he would have to get used to it. They would be sharing many meals together from now on.

“Gosh, you make that look so good, taking your time, enjoying every bite, hmmm.” Justin was trying to tease Sean again.

“Well, at least I am getting to taste mine. You just inhaled yours.” Replied Sean.

“Hey now, I am a growing boy. I need lots of food. Not only that, I was asleep for a while, and didn’t get any food at all. So there.” Justin was enjoying the little verbal sparring match.

“Alright guys, are you done yet?” Joy walked back into the room, and looked at them.

“I am, but slow poke over there, is just finishing up.” Justin said, with a big grin, as he pointed over at Sean.

“I am just enjoying this great food.” Sean said, as he tried not to look at Joy, but was failing miserably.

“It’s nothing special, but thanks all the same.” She replied, as her cheeks were turning colors.

She started to gather the dishes from Justin’s table, then turned to clean Sean’s. She was obviously taking her time at his table, trying to stay in his view as long as possible.

“How come you didn’t wipe my table down like that?” Justin questioned, already knowing the answer.

“Because you would only mess it up more next time, rugrat.” Joy said, as she turned to face him.

“Well, at least I ain’t afraid of being near you. Ooops.” Justin knew he opened his big mouth, again.

“And you are supposedly afraid of little old me?” She questioned Sean.

“It’s, not that. Um, its just, well, you’re too pretty.” Sean mumbled.

Joy was happy to see her little flirts with him were paying off. She bent over, and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. She stood back up, and just looked him in the eyes.

“Umm, um, um.” Was the only thing Sean could get out, as far as sounds went.

“Thank you, for your compliment. I think you’re cute too.” She said, with the second part being whispered.

Justin was about ready to jump out of bed. It was all he could do to contain all the emotional energy that was in the room. “AHEM.” He said, as he tried to break the spell the two were in.

“Yes, well, if there is anything you guys need, just buzz, and let the desk know.” Joy finally said, as she was heading for the door. Justin’s interruptions were getting to her now. She was really interested in Sean as a person, but with Justin there, well, he wanted attention too. Just not the kind she wanted to give Sean.

“Justin! What the hell?” Sean almost yelled. Here the kid is trying to tell him one minute that he should go for it, and then turns around and interrupts him while he is trying.

“Sorry, Sean.” Justin said, as he hung his head down. He was embarrassed for ruining the moment for him. “But you gotta understand, the energy coming off of you two, is too much for me. I really am sorry.”

Sean looked over at Justin. The little guy had his head hung low. His face had a different look on it altogether. He was mad over the interruptions, but with the sad look on Justin’s face, he couldn’t stay mad for long. He honestly didn’t understand a thing about Justin and his little ability. He would just have to accept it for now, or go crazy in the meantime. He could tell that Justin wasn’t happy either, and it would just take some time to get used to things.

“Hey bud, it’s okay. I accept you apology, but you need to try to tell me in other ways, what you are getting, in the way of ‘vibes’ or whatever. You can’t keep jumping into things, because it confuses me, and makes me wonder about stuff. Understand?” Sean was taking the calm approach now, because he could tell that getting upset wasn’t going to work.

“Yeah, I guess.” Justin whimpered.

“I guess since we’re on the subject, how, what, when and why can you do ‘this’ reading stuff you do?” Sean was really curious, and now was a good a time as any to try to find out.

“Um, well, let me see if I can remember.” Justin said, trying to put into words his little ability. “I guess, I have always seemed to feel others emotions, but since the coma, it seemed to grow some. And since the operation, your emotions are the strongest yet. We seem to have a link to each other, but I don’t understand why you can’t read my emotions.”

“Well, there is a funny feeling I get when I think of you, or look at you, but I can’t put a word to it. It kinda feels like a brain itch of sorts.” Sean said, twisting his face to display his lack of description.

“I guess that’s how it starts, and I can’t tell you how to use it. I guess you need to try to focus, or exercise it, or something.” Justin said, with his head cocked to the right a little. He never gave it much thought, it always just happened, usually at the wrong time and in the wrong place.

“Well, that’s enough hard thinking for now, I am going to let my food settle a little. I still feel tired, so if I fall asleep, wake me up for lunch, okay bud?” Sean looked at Justin, as he was trying to figure a way out of the conversation.

“No prob, I know how old people need they’re sleep and all. Hehe.” Justin said with a chuckle.

Sean just shook his head in disbelief; this was going to be a big change in his life. And Justin was going to make every moment a surprise, if he had his way.

Justin looked at Sean, who was lying back with his eyes closed, looking as if he was already asleep. He wasn’t as tired as Sean was, so he turned the TV on, and turned the volume down so it wouldn’t bother Sean. He got to watch, briefly, soap operas, game shows, and the news, but nothing worthwhile to a twelve year old. After flipping through the channels for over an hour and a half, he kinda fell asleep with the news channel on.

The following was an excerpt from the hot news file, that scrolled at the bottom of the screen.

“LOCAL BOY, 12, RUNS AWAY FROM HOME, IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON HIS WHEREABOUTS, CALL THE NEAREST AUTHORITY, OR THE RUNAWAY HOTLINE AT 1-800-786-2929”(run away) There was a photo included in the lower corner of the screen, and the face looked very familiar.

Too bad Justin and Sean were both asleep at this point, for it would have definitely caught they’re attention.

The nurses at the desk were watching the monitors, for any unusual activity. Heart, pulse, and temperature were being printed out continuously. The alarm on Sean’s heart monitor started to flash to recognize a change in pattern. Sandra was at her station, and the flashing light caught her attention. She looked around and saw Joy standing at the counter with a chart in her hands. She was not the cause of this sudden change in heart rate. When his pulse started to go up, an audible alarm went off, and the intercom on the floor went off. The flurry of activity was astounding, the running to the room sounded like a herd of horses on stampede.

Doctor Meyers was the first to the door charging into the room and to the side of Sean’s bed. Sean was sweating profusely, shaking his head, yelling ‘no,no,no’.

Dr. Meyers went to Sean’s side, and tried to hold him down. He realized that this was just a nightmare, of cosmic proportions. The added noise in the room had the normal effect of waking up Justin.

“What is going on?” Justin said, as he was shocked to see the doc’s and nurses in the room, standing by Sean’s bed, looking at him.

“We aren’t sure, but it looks like he is having one hell of a nightmare, right now.” Reid said as he looked over at Justin.

“Oh! Is he alright though? Isn’t this a little like too much for someone who is having a bad dream?” Justin said, as he was rubbing the sleep stuff out of his eyes.

“Well, for a normal person, yes, but his readings were acting abnormal, and it is just precaution that we make sure everything is going to be okay.” Reid replied, with a slight grin.

Sean opened his eyes, and attempted to sit up, forgetting completely where he was. Reid gently held him down, until his eyes focused again.

“How are you feeling, Sean? Do you know where you are at?” Reid asked, his voice deep with concern.

“Huh, what?” Sean looked around the room, trying to gain his bearings.

“You gave us quite the scare young man.” Sandra said, with a concerned look on her face.

“Yes, Sean, you had all of us worried.” Joy said, from behind Sandra, trying not to get too close to him. She realized that the other nurses were watching her interact with Sean, by the monitor readings they saw.

“Why don’t you two run along now, and go about your duties, I want to talk to Sean, and ask him a few questions.” Reid said, as he looked at the two nurses.

“Yes doctor.” They replied. Joy was a little hesitant to leave, but Sandra ushered her out the door.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Reid asked Sean, then glanced over at Justin.

“Yeah Sean, like what the hell was that about?” Justin had to put his two cents in.

“Um, well, uh.” Sean was looking over at Justin with disbelief. One thing was that he was here, and the other so was Sean.

“Justin, let him say it by himself, in his own words. Please.” Reid said, in a more firm voice directed at the youth.

“Well, I don’t know what to think of it. It's kinda like I was having a dream of Justin, being alone in the world, and he didn’t have anywhere to go. He was under a bridge, with only the clothes on his back. He was miserable and lonely. No child deserves that shit.” Sean realized what he had said, and looked at the doc.

“That’s okay Sean, continue.” Reid said, nodding his head in agreement.

“God, it was so real. It was like I was there, going through it with him. I don’t know what to think. It couldn’t have been real, because here we still are. And Justin never had bad stuff like that, from what I understand.” Sean said, lowering his voice.

“Well, from what I understand, bad dreams can come from anything. What you were dreaming about was probably just an overactive imagination, of what could be. I wouldn’t worry about it. The big thing here is how you were reacting to it. That is what is causing me concern. I don’t know what your guys plans are, but you might think to stay around for an extra day or so, so our sleep study program can take a look. For now, it is only a request, but if another episode takes place, it might become an order.” Reid said, but he didn’t want to put a damper on the guys. They had been in the hospital for too long already, and if it wasn’t for the attorney, they would be out of the wires and stuff now. But Marty had insisted that they do it while he was there.

“Okay, doc, if you say so.” Sean said, sounding uncertain of his life, and where it was going.

“Yeah, no more bad dreams, Sean. I don’t want to stay here any longer than absolutely necessary. I have been here way too long as it is already.” Justin said, his voice overconfident.

“Well then, I heard Marty is going to come in after lunch, he is running a little behind schedule today. He said he apologizes; he is going to miss lunch, but for you guys to enjoy. If there isn’t anything else, I will be taking off for now. Sean, seriously consider the dream tests. They don’t hurt, and all that happens is they watch you sleep, and monitor you responses.” Reid said as he stood, and headed for the door.

“Sure, I will think about it. But, can it wait for a few days, it has been awhile since I have been in here, and I want to get out and stretch my legs too.” Sean said sheepishly.

“Well, one step at a time. First, let’s see if those test results came back favorably so we can get you guys off the machines anyway. Then, only time will tell. I don’t want to get your hopes up, but it should only be a day or two more before you can be released.” Reid said before he left the room.

“Yahoo! Only another day or so! Yippee!” Justin was happy as can be over event the slightest hint of finally being able to get out of bed. If it wasn’t for the equipment hooked up to him, he would be running the hospital staff ragged. After all, he was a child. And for him to be bed ridden for so long, was out of the ordinary.

“Settle down, bud. If you act too excited, they might make you wait an extra day, just so you stay in bed and recuperate. Besides, I am kinda getting used to being pampered.” Sean said with a slight grin.

“No wonder, with all the extra attention you are getting from you know who, I wouldn’t want to leave either.” Justin said, with a big smirk on his face.

“Hey now, be nice. You are about the right age, where someone will catch your attentions. And then it’s going to be payback time, in spades.” Sean replied, with an evil grin.

“Not me, no way. No girls for me. Or guys either. I am just going to enjoy life, now that I have one. It’s just going to be me and my big brother, Sean. That’s all I’ll ever need.” Justin snapped back.

“Oh, I don’t think so. Sooner or later, there is going to be someone who steals your heart.” Sean replied, knowing good and well, it would happen. It always happens. Someone out of the blue, would come and light his fire. Sooner or later.

“Well, that's okay, you believe what you want. I know what I feel. I just don’t think I am ready for anything else in my life right now.” Justin said, as he had a thoughtful look on his face.

“Okay bud, I will save my teasing for later. But remember, I owe you big time.” Sean said back to him. That evil grin of his coming into play.

“Yeah, whatever. Go ahead, and believe your illusions. Whatever. I ain’t gonna fall for anyone. That’s final.” Justin said, with a stern look.

“Hey guys, everything okay in here?” Joy said, as she walked in.

“Yes, thank you.” Came the reply from both.

“I am about to get off my shift, and I thought I would come and see you guys before I left. Do you have any requests for lunch today?” Joy asked, as she walked over to Sean’s bed. She looked him in the eyes, then grabbed his cell phone from his table. She flipped it open, and started keying in her phone number, and name. “There, anytime that you need to talk, or anything, you can call me.” She said as she winked at Sean.

“Um, okay. Thanks, Joy.” Sean said, as he started to blush again.

“If you don’t have any special requests, I guess they will call in for a special lunch then. I mean it, Sean, give me a call, please. You have no excuse what so ever, now, you have my name, number and address now.” Joy said, as she headed for the door, turning to blow him a kiss.

“What did I tell you, dude!? I told you so. Ha ha!! You should really start to listen to me. When I know something, I know it.

All Sean could do was stare at his cell phone, like it held the key to the universe. His face was a little pale, but he felt so good about the little gesture.

“Are you okay, you look like you are spacing out.” Justin was trying to get Sean’s attention.

“Yeah, I'm good. I am just thinking about something.” Sean said, without blinking at his phone.

“Okay, but unless you are going to live with your eyes open all the time, you might want to blink sometime. Your eyes haven’t blinked since she left.” Justin said, smiling over at his friend.

“Uh, yeah, I guess.” Sean said, as he finally took his eyes off his cell phone and blinked.

“You have it bad, you know. You really like her a lot, don’t you?” Justin said as he looked over at him.

“Uh, yeah, kinda. I guess.” Sean said with a dreamy look on his face.

“Well, then, be nice to her. She likes you too. Just take your time, and see what develops.” Justin said with sincerity in his voice.

“From out of the mouths of babes. A teenager telling me how to get into a relationship. Especially one that doesn’t want one himself.” Sean said, grinning at his little ward.

“Well, you can listen to me, or not, whatever you want. It’s your life, but I can help you, if you want.” Justin said, giving him a big smile.

“Thanks Bud. I think I will take you up on that offer.” Sean said, smiling back.

“Cool, she is a real nice person, and I hope you can get to know her better. At least she will be a good friend, so don’t get upset if that’s all she wants. She is a nice person, so you need to find out for yourself what you want.” Justin said, with a look of seriousness.

“Yeah, I know what you mean. And thanks for understanding.” Sean replied. His look was one of understanding and love for Justin.

“Good, now that’s taken care of. I wonder what’s for lunch. I am kinda hungry again.” Justin said as he rubbed his stomach.

“Teenagers and their bottomless pits for stomachs.” Sean said, as he rolled his eyes back into his head.

“I’m just a growing boy, and I need my nourishment.” Justin said, in his defense.

“If you say so. But lunch does sound awfully nice right now.” Sean answered back, with a big grin.

To be continued....

Editor's Note:

It looks like Sean and Joy really are starting to hit it off, at least as friends. What was it with that runaway kid? Something is up with that or it wouldn't have been mentioned, I'm sure. I know cause the same thing happens in my stories. If I want to call attention to something, I usually point to it and then let it go for a while, so people can have it in their minds ahead of time. It's like what happens in a movie, if something is going to happen, there will be a close up of something, and then the music starts in the minor key. It always seemed so strange to me that no one in the movie ever hears it and they always go down in the basement and start looking around behind that strange machine they find down there or go into that room where the weird noise was coming from. Then their flashlight stops working. What a strange coincidence that is.

Well I can hardly wait to see what happens next.

Darryl
AKA The Radio Rancher.


Another Editor's Note:

Okay, Sean and Joy, that's cool, but what about the cute intern? Now this kid that isn't Justin has been in both of our heroes' dreams, Hmmm. Yes, there is that music, is there an orchestra out in the hallway? Come on Hal isn't that a bit much? Okay, onward!

I'll keep reading and enjoying.

Str8mayb