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 7

Lunch came quickly for the boys, and they once again were treated by a delivery from a restaurant. Marty had to have his hand in this. This time, it was an Italian dish, with chicken breast on a bed of pasta with a rich creamy sauce, and there was a nice salad on the side. Instead of Joy bringing it in, it was Joleen bringing the meal to them. While she was attractive, she didn’t get Sean all hot and bothered like Joy did. The meal was brought in and served, and pleasantries were exchanged.

“If you guys need anything else, just hit the buzzer. I think Marty will be here shortly, so eat up. I think he has some news for you guys.” She said, smiling as she left the room. She was more prone to just get the job done, not in a rude way, but efficiently.

“Wow, I think I am going to gain some weight, if they keep spoiling me like this.” Sean said, as he started to eat.

“Well, get used to it. I usually get to eat whatever I want, whenever I want.” Justin said after he swallowed his mouthful.

“Boy, this is good. I wonder where it’s from.” Sean asked.

“Who cares, as long as it isn’t the normal slop they serve in the hospital. Enjoy it while it’s still hot.” Justin said, trying not to talk with anything in his mouth.

“I wonder if I, or we, will see Joy again.” Sean said, in more or less a mumble.

“Dude, you have her phone number, just give her a call, if you miss her already.” Justin said, before he started on his salad.

“She just left. I would feel silly to call her now.” Sean said, with embarrassment in his voice.

“As long as you remember, she is only a phone call away. Don’t worry, I won’t let you forget.” Justin said, with an evil grin.

Sean nodded his head in agreement, and went back to eating. He was casually eating, and looking over at Justin, who was gobbling his meal down. He just shook his head, and went back to enjoying his meal. After a couple of bites, he sensed something was wrong, and looked over at Justin who was already looking at him.

“What is that Sean?” Justin asked, with a concerned look on his face.

“I have no idea, but you ‘felt’ it too.” Sean looked almost scared.

“How couldn’t I. That is the biggest surge I have ever felt. I wonder what it could be.” Justin said, as he looked troubled.

“How are you guys doing?” Marty said, as he walked into the room. He looked at the two, and noticed that they weren’t done eating. And neither of them had food in their mouths at all.

“What’s going on? Don’t you like your food?” Marty asked. He was concerned that there was something wrong with the food. Or with the guys.

Just as the weird feeling came on, it was gone. Sean realized it first, who looked over at Justin, who was just shaking his head in a sign not to say anything. Justin didn’t say anything, but Sean understood not to say anything.

“Nothing’s wrong, Marty. We were just talking, and trying to eat at the same time. Sean thinks that if I take my time eating, I will enjoy it better. I guess he doesn’t realize how things were when he was young. I know how long ago that was, but that’s still no excuse.” Justin said, trying to break the fog that the two were in. Pretty fast thinking for his part. Sean followed suit.

“Yeah, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, and the wheel wasn’t even invented yet. You had to enjoy your food, because you didn’t know when your next meal was going to be.” Sean said, trying to keep his face straight.

Marty just looked at the two, and shook his head. There was something they weren’t saying, but he wouldn’t push it. For now.

“Okay, then I will let you guys finish eating then. If you will excuse me, I will be back in a few minutes.” Marty said, as he turned and walked out.

“Well, that was close.” Sean said, watching the door close.

“Yeah, it was. But what was that charge we felt?” Justin looked over at Sean, with a questioning look on his face, as he spoke.

“I don’t know, but I have a feeling we will find out, sooner or later.” Sean said, before he went back to eating.

“Oh, yeah, better hurry up and eat. Marty will be back shortly, so we'd better be done soon.” Justin said, as he took his next big mouthful.

The two went back to eating, knowing good and well, the attorney would come back. Neither one of them wanted to let on what happened, just for the point that they would consider it abnormal. Justin was first to finish, with Sean only a few bites behind.

“Well, old man, you lose again.” Justin said, with his well known grin.

“I wasn’t racing, not that I would try to race a vacuum like you anyway.” Sean came back with his own comments.

“Well, guys, looks like you’re in a better mood.” Marty said, as he walked back into the room. “And how was lunch?”

“Very good, thank you.” Sean said, with a warm smile.

“Yeah, thanks Marty, that was great.” Justin said, as he laid back rubbing his tummy.

“No problem guys. I want to let you know that it was no problem, I just hated it not being here earlier. I had some things I had to take care of. I won’t get into that now, maybe later. The good news is the test results are in, and the doctors should be in to relay the results.

Doc Meyers walked in as if on cue. He was carrying a chart, and his face didn’t give any clues as to the results.

“Well, here I am, are you guys ready for the news?” He asked, with a stone face.

“Is it good news?” Sean said, with a worried look.

‘Yeah, doc, is it good or bad news? Are you gonna let us go, or do you want to keep me around for awhile yet?” Justin said, trying to break the stress in the room.

“Well, if Marty hasn’t ruined it,” he said, with a somber face, “you guys get to get off the machine today!” Reid’s face returned to normal and was smiling. He was glad to deliver the news to the two, because his schedule had been so busy, he hadn’t had much time to get to know them.

“Alright!” Justin screamed. He was very happy to finally be able to get out of bed. Any twelve year old, would tell you how bad it is to remain in bed, if you weren’t dying.

“That is good news, doc. Thanks for not holding us in suspense.” Sean replied, with the sarcasm thick in his voice.

“What, did you suddenly lose your sense of humor Sean? I thought being stuck in here with him, your funny bone would be abnormally large by now?” Reid said, as he was looking over the charts in his hand, trying to hold back the laugh that building up in him.

“Oh, jeez, not you too!” Justin was not very happy, that it was ‘pick on Justin day’.

As if on cue, two nurses, Sandra and Joleen, and the intern, Brett, from the other day came in. They were here to help in the removal of all the tubes and wires from the guys. Brett and Sandra went to Sean’s bed, and proceeded to unhook the IV and the blood pressure sensors. Sean was starting to blush fiercely.

“Um, Sean, we can’t finish with you, in this condition.” Brett said, blushing himself.

“Um.” Was all the sound that Sean could make.

“What is the problem over there, you two?” Reid asked, then noticed the problem. He and Joleen were working on removing the same from Justin. He looked at Sean, then at the blushing intern. He had not realized that there would be this kind of situation to overcome.

“Mr. Cummings, would you mind stepping out into the hallway for a minute, I think we can get the rest without help.” Reid said, trying to keep his face straight.

“Sure, if you say so.” Brett said, still blushing over Sean’s reaction to his being there.

“Excuse me for a sec, Justin.” He looked at Justin in the eye, then turned to face Sean.

Reid bent over to try to whisper to Sean, so he wouldn’t be any more embarrassed at the sudden situation he was in. “Its okay Sean, sometimes we can’t help it. But unless we can get that under control, we won’t be able to get the catheter out. So I am going to give you a mild sedative to help, um, control things.” He asked Sandra for the shot, and injected it into Sean’s thigh, for the fastest results.

“Jeez Sean!” Justin was shaking his head.

“Young man, you too will know what happens when you least expect it, and you are about the right age now. So just be nice, or else!” Reid said, in his most menacing voice. Which wasn’t much, for the situation was kinda funny.

“Oops, sorry Sean, but you gotta try to control that thing. What would happen if Joy walked in now?” Justin said, in the most innocent voice he had.

“JUSTIN! Just shut up already!” Sean was in no mood at the moment to be nice.

“Err, sorry Sean. I know I shouldn’t have said that.” Justin was trying to behave, and was failing miserably.

“Well, it seems the shot is working, we should continue. That way Sean can strangle Justin if he wants.” Sandra said, with a big grin of her own.

“Yes, let’s get this done, so we can get out of the war zone.” Reid agreed, still trying not to laugh at the entire situation.

The good doctor turned around to finish up on Justin, and as soon as the last tube was removed, Justin was ready to jump out of bed. He had been in bed far too long. After sitting up, and stretching, he jumped off the bed to run to Sean.

“Oh no you don’t! You wait for a minute, let's even out the odds for Sean.” Reid said. He finished unhooking Sean, and then, without warning, was pushed aside by Justin.

The two seemed to be surrounded by a slight glow as they hugged. Everyone in the room froze, because the light around them seemed to brighten with each passing second.

“Sean, what happened?” Justin asked.

“I don’t know, bud. Where are we?” Sean asked.

“I don’t know. One second we are in the hospital, and then we are here. But where is here?” Justin was sounding a little scared.

The two were in a different place. This place had no substance to it. Just white. The color white was everywhere. There was no up or down, not even the air was moving. The two tried to stay in the hug that brought them here, for they didn’t want to get lost. They ended up arm in arm, as they looked around, and started to walk.

‘You are safe here. Do not fear me. I am here to help you.’

The two stopped walking, and froze in their steps.

“Where did that voice come from?” The panic in Justin’s voice was more evident now.

‘Neither of you have anything to fear from me. This was the only way for me to contact you.’

“Who said that!?” Sean tried to sound brave, but didn’t, his voice was evidence of that.

‘If you would like, I will let you see me. But you need to separate first.’

Sean and Justin didn’t want to let go of each other, but they saw no point in staying in the hug. They separated, but stayed holding hands.

‘Not exactly what I requested, but it will do.’

“Oh my GOD!” The pair said, with their mouths hanging open.

What they were seeing was different for each. They had both seen someone, but it wasn’t the same person.

‘Now that you know I won’t do you any harm, you need to trust me. You were brought together for a purpose. I cannot tell you what it is, but you need to stay together, to find out. It was no small feat to bring you two together, and if you were any later, Justin, you wouldn’t have survived. That in itself was a miracle. But the true miracle, will be what you do together. Trust in each other, and always be there for the other. Sean, your future is in your hands now. You must allow your heart to grow and feel again. For without your heart, you would not be here now. You both are very special, and I have chosen wisely. Now, you must do the same. Let your hearts guide you, and learn to listen to each other. There is one more piece to the puzzle, and when you are ready, it will be revealed. This is the only instructions you will get. The next time we meet, there will be no going back. You alone have the say in how long that will be. I hope that it will be a very long time.’

With that, the figure disappeared, leaving the two standing alone once again.

Justin about jumped out of his skin, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning around, he was looking into Marty’s face, who looked even more surprised than Justin did.

“What just happened?” Marty asked.

“How long were we gone?” Sean asked, looking around at the people in the room.

“Gone? What are you talking about? You didn’t go anywhere. You both were hugging, then a light was coming of you two. I was wondering what was happening, so I touched Justin. It was only a couple of seconds, I think.” Marty explained, trying to figure out what was going on.

“What are you saying, we didn’t go anywhere? But we , uh, we, er, um.” Sean was out of words, and almost out of breath. He couldn’t figure it out. But if they didn’t go anywhere, what happened?

“Sean, you’re just being weird.” Justin said, trying to break up the confusion. He had no idea what happened, but he knew who he saw. And those words will be burned into his brain forever.

“All that from a hug from this little monster?” Marty understood, that it was time to change the subject, until they were alone.

“Maybe, I was just hoping that I would wake up from the nightmare of being stuck here with him.” Sean said, as he pointed across the bed.

“Okay, looks like we have everything unhooked, any questions guys?” the doc said.

“I’m the first one in the bathroom!” Yelled Justin, as he ran to the door and slammed it behind him.

“Well, it was good timing then, that we got to them when we did, huh?” the nurse said.

“You got that right, after all the rich food that Marty had been giving them, I am surprised that there wasn’t a rush to the bathroom first.” Reid chuckled.

“Well ladies, and gentlemen, if your business here is done, I have business to take care of too.” Marty was trying to be polite, but he was coming off more rude than normal. He knew of the pending disconnect, and postponed it until he could be there. He knew that there would be something happening, and he was right. For now, he wanted to try to find out just what happened, but he knew his chances were slim.

Justin came out of the bathroom in time to see everyone leaving. He waved at them, and the look on his face was priceless. The small things that you take for granted, aren’t missed until you can’t do them.

The doctor and nurses, just looked at Marty, and then smiled and left the room. Reid stopped at the door, looked at the boys, and shook his head, smiling. He knew something was special about those two, and now he had proof. How he would prove it, he couldn’t figure out, but he would have one hell of a story to tell around the dinner table, sometime.

“Okay, guys. Spill it. Now.” Marty said, with a stern look on his face. He was all business, and he was hoping that he would get some answers from one of them.

“Spill what, Marty?” Justin was the first to voice his opinion.

“What just happened? Now, I have known for years, that you have a special gift, Justin, but what I just witnessed, is way out of your normal.” Marty said, with a look of disbelief.

“What do you mean, you have known of Justin’s gift, for years. You could have warned me, you know.” Sean said, as he sat up in the bed. He was not very happy at this latest finding, but he had other business to take care of. He stood up, and headed toward the bathroom to take care of nature.

“How did you know, that there was more to me than meets the eye?” Justin asked, after Sean had closed the door.

“Your Father clued me in, some years ago. I had no idea you were progressing like you have. I never gave it much thought, but with everything that has happened, and what I just witnessed, well, um.” Marty said, as he was starting to stumble over his words. This was unusual for him, for he never was speechless.

“Marty, I have no idea of what to say. All I know is that, if Sean wasn’t here, there would be a lot of different things going on.” Justin said, not wanting to go into details of what just happened.

“Marty, I am shocked at the oversight that you forgot to tell me earlier. I don’t think it would have changed my mind, but it would have been nice to know in advance.” Sean said as he walked back over to his bed. He wasn’t really mad, but the shock of finding out he could have had a warning, was unsettling, to say the least.

“You said it wouldn’t have made a difference? How am I supposed to tell you the kid you saved has special abilities? I don’t even know how to describe it, myself. How would you describe it?” Marty was getting flushed in the face now, for he was being put on the spot, by his new boss none the less. Sean wasn’t very smart, but he would have to watch out for anything he said now.

“I don’t know how to describe it Marty. But the one thing I will tell you, is never try to lie to me or Justin again.” Sean was dead serious, and his look showed it. “I want to know what, when, where and how, on all matters that involve us, from now on, and I am very serious about it.”

Marty was taken aback, for he was never talked to like this before. Dale was always firm, but friendly with him, and never second guessed anything Marty would suggest. There was always trust between them, and he was going to have to rebuild this closeness to these two. But there were things that he knew that couldn’t be discussed, right now.

“Yes Marty, please don’t try to keep secrets from us. We have always been friends, but you really need to earn Sean’s trust. I know you will, but you have to be patient with him.” Justin said, with a look of concern about him.

Marty looked at the two, and knew he'd better not try to get more information from these two. If he wanted to keep confidential facts secret, he had better try to change the subject now, or he would get into hot water, and quickly.

“Okay guys, you win.” Marty said, with a defeated tone, and look.

“Well, what have you got for us today?” Sean asked, knowing well that he wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t super important.

“Well, I already told you guys about what Dale was doing with the business; handing the control over to you guys. He has also decided to move out of the house, to an apartment closer to the main office. That way, you guys have a very nice home to go to when you get out. And speaking of which, that will be tomorrow, if everything works out.” Marty said, with a big grin. This was definitely good news, for everyone involved. That is, providing they both agreed.

“Dad’s giving us the house, too?” Justin said, with his eyes as big as saucers.

“A house? He is giving us a house too?” Sean said, as his eyes were larger than normal. He was having a hard time believing this, a house. Someplace to call home.

“Yes Sean, a real home, for you and Justin. Someplace to live, and be a family. Justin, can you describe it please, the only places I have ever been is the library and the den.

“Well, we have a big screen TV in the family room, there is a fancy room for entertaining guests, next to dad’s room, the kitchen, and dining room. That is all on the first floor, and the second floor is where the game room is, my bedroom, Cecelia’s room, and a spare bedroom, and a storage room.” Justin said, almost in one breath.

“Can you get any more specific? I think there is more to the house than just that, don’t you?” Marty asked, with a smirk on his face, knowing good and well, the house was pretty large.

Justin stood up, and looked at Marty with a tilt of his head. He wasn’t sure how to describe it better, but he was willing to try.

“So you walk in, and what is the first thing you see?” Sean was able to find his voice, and help out Justin a bit. He sat up and was at full attention for the unfolding of details.

“Well, as soon as you walk in, the library is here,” Justin said, pointing to his left side. “Then as you walk forward, the stairs are here.” He was pointing to his right side. “Then the split in the hallway, never turn left, cause that’s Dad’s room, and he never lets anyone in there now. Going forward is the living room, and to the right is the family room, with the eating table in the corner. You turn around and there is the kitchen, and on the other side is the formal dining room. Finishing off the first floor is the garage.” Justin was very animated, as he was describing the house, for everything was this way or that. From his point of view, everything was always close at hand. He had lived in the house all his life, and it was very familiar to him. Trying to describe it, however, was more difficult than he thought.

“Wow, all that on the first floor? You said there was a second floor too?” Sean was getting as excited about hearing it described, as Justin was about describing it.

“Yeah, the second floor doesn’t have as much. But the bedrooms, and the game room. You have got to see the setup I have. Big screen TV, with every game counsel and game ever made! And I am so gonna kick you butt!” Justin was about to jump on Sean, but he was already standing, getting excited too.

“That’s what you think, little man. I used to be pretty good at vid games, so you will have to put your money where your mouth is.” Sean said, as he walked over to Justin ruffling his hair. After which a big hug followed.

“Okay you two, we have some more things to cover, unless there is something else you want to say, Justin?” Marty said, not wanting to interrupt the two and the special moment they were currently sharing.

“Well, until we get there, there isn’t any better way to describe it, for now.” Justin said, matter of factly.

“You did a great job, bud. I could almost picture it as you were describing it. I really felt as if I were there walking through it with you.” Sean said, with a big smile, giving Justin one more big hug.

“Thanks, but it would be better when we get there. It is really hard to describe to someone.” Justin said, blushing.

“Okay, can you guys take a seat now, please. I have something for you, Sean.” Marty said, and waited for the two to settle down, and of course they sat side by side on Sean’s bed.

“What is it Marty?” Sean’s face took on a look of seriousness.

“Nothing bad, it is just something that you will need, before you get out.” Marty said, reaching into his pocket pulling out a wallet.

“This wallet contains your personal ID, your corporate pass, and your business ID. Then, to make sure you have enough funds with you at all times, you have a corporate credit card, and ATM card. The limit for your credit card is one million, and the debit card is two hundred fifty thousand dollars.” Marty finished, waiting for Sean to speak up... Or faint.

“Wow, Sean, what are you going to buy me first?” Justin spoke up first, shaking Sean’s arm, just about ripping it out of its socket.

“Um.” Was all that Sean could say.

“Is that all you can say? I expected a little more of a reaction than that. Go ahead and scream, or something.” Marty was trying to get a reaction from him, something to acknowledge that he was registering what was happening.

“Um, thanks, er, well, thanks a lot.” Sean finally spit out.

“No, thank you, Sean. This is part of your package. You earned it. This is all yours, and you deserve it. Your credit card will always have a zero balance, and the debit card will always have the same amount available to you, for your expenses.” Marty was grinning madly now, for he knew that this was a large sum of money for anyone.

“B-b-b-but how?” Sean was shaking his head in disbelief. He had never had any money to speak of, and now he is basically a millionaire, and had plastic to prove it. Not only the credit and debit cards, but the corporate and business ID’s to back it up.

“Your expenses are going to be kept track of, on a daily basis, and the amounts will always be the same. So when you buy something, the bill is paid immediately, so you will never have to worry about it.” Marty explained.

“Okay, I guess. But with limits like these, aren’t you being a little too generous?” Sean asked, still not believing it.

“Well, as the new owners of the company, these are to be expected. As far as all the paperwork involved, you needn’t worry. It will all be taken care of, by the accountants. Just enjoy it, Sean. You will soon discover, taking care of Justin will be more demanding on you than the money is worth.” Marty said, trying hard to hide his chuckle.

“But, the paperwork, who takes care of all the finances?” Sean was curious now, for he had a little experience working with accounting.

“There is a whole accounting firm that handles all that. And they have their own team of lawyers as well. If you want to see all the paperwork, and all the reports, I can have a team of accountants meet with you when you get out and settled. That would be no problem, but there is lots involved with all the reports.” Marty said, wondering why the sudden interest in the business aspect of things.

“If I am going to be paid well, and am designated to oversee the company, in a way, I see no problem with at least looking?” Sean answered, and was serious, he was curious as to the proportions of the company. Anyone that would give a one million dollar credit card, needs to be looked at closer.

“I will see what I can do. Anything else? Justin?” Marty was indeed curious, if Sean knew how to read financial reports, and track down expenditures, there could be trouble brewing.

“Nothing I can think of right now.” Justin said, plainly. “But it’s good to see Sean wanting to learn some new things.”

“Well then, that is the biggest news for now. I think I will get running, before traffic kicks up. Your dinner should be delivered soon, I think. Enjoy your meal.” With that said, Marty took his leave. He had to work on some things, to make sure they were not discovered.

“Wow Sean, you sure got him riled about something.” Justin said, as he looked at him, giving him a quick squeeze.

“I know, something is there, I can tell that much. What about you?” Sean replied with his own quick squeeze back.

“I don’t know, but he is hiding something from us. He started to act more nervous when you asked him to see the reports and stuff. He is definitely hiding something, but that is all I could tell.” Justin said.

“Hey guys, glad to see you up and about.” Gordon said, as he walked into the room. “Your dinner is here, delivered by a restaurant, and the nurses are all busy, so I brought it in for you. And what is up with Marty, he sure seemed to be in a hurry today?”

“I don’t know, but we will find out soon, I hope.” Sean answered, with a look of concern.

“Well, your dinner has been out in the hallway with me, for a few minutes, waiting for you guys to finish. So you better hurry up and eat it while its hot.” Gordon said as he brought the cart in, setting it in front of the two.

“I wonder what it is. I am starving.” Justin stated.

“It's from the seafood place down the street, Marty had called it in before he came in here. It should be really good.” Gordon stated.

“Let's see then, what we have.” Sean said, as he opened the containers. “Wow, grilled salmon steaks, king crab legs, sautéed shrimp over a bed of noodles, and a baked potato. And a small salad. Jeez, that looks and smells great.”

“Well, you guys enjoy. If you need anything, I will be right outside.” Gordon said, as he left.

Justin being a normal growing boy, had already dug into his dinner. Sean, on the other hand, was enjoying the fine seafood dinner, slowly. Enjoying every bite, like it was his last. After thoroughly stuffing themselves, they laid back down in their own beds, to rest their stomachs. Before long, they had fallen asleep. It was another long tiring day for the two.

Tomorrow, they are scheduled to be released. And then, the real adventure begins, life together, outside of the hospital.

To be continued

Editor's Notes:

Well Hal, that was another great chapter.
Wow, finally they are going to get out of the hospital. I wonder what kind of sneaky stuff Marty is up to? I hope it isn't something bad. I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens.

Darryl
AKA The Radio Rancher

Another Editor's Notes:

I sure could use credit card like that. I hope Sean recovers from the shock soon. I'm also worried about the bad feeling they had, not to mention that weird experience when they hugged. I wonder just who each of them saw and heard. I wonder if HAL is going to try his hand at a bit of misdirection.

Str8mayb