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 8

The night brought no new surprises, and the two had a very restful sleep. But once morning came around, that story would change. The boys had a big day ahead of them, for they were to be released, finally.

Justin was the first to wake up, he just looked around the room, settling his eyes on Sean. He was so peaceful laying there, not knowing what really lay ahead of him. Justin just looked at him, and was filled with happiness. He finally had someone that would always be there for him, or so he hoped. He knew that the road ahead would not be a smooth one, but he intended to be there for the long haul. He was enjoying watching Sean sleep, with his slight little snore. But nature was calling. He slowly got out of bed and went to the bathroom, trying to be as quiet as possible, so he wouldn’t wake up his sleeping guardian.

“What are you doing up so early, young man?” Sean mumbled out, as he heard the door click.

“I needed to go pee.” Came the muffled answer from Justin, behind the closed door.

“Well, please hurry up then, I need to go too.” Sean said, as he sat up and threw his legs over the side of the bed.

As soon as Justin was out of the bathroom, Sean went in. This was new to them, since they had been bed ridden for a number of days. Justin had been in bed a lot longer, but any adult can tell you, once they get better, any kid will not stay in bed for long. Justin was pacing about the room, more or less exploring all the things that were out of his reach all this time. He was checking the machinery when Sean came back from the bathroom.

“Ah, the pause that refreshes. What are you getting into?” Sean asked, after he noticed what Justin was doing. “You'd better not break that, they might get pissed at you.”

“I have seen these things being used, and have had them attached to me for weeks. Give me a break. If I break it, so what. You can just put it on your credit card.” Justin came back with.

Sean had almost forgotten the financial burden that was placed upon him. While most wouldn’t consider it a burden, Sean did. That was a lot of money, and he didn’t even have to be held accountable for it. He was instructed to just spend money. No worries. No bills. This was something that he would look into later, though, because something was just wrong with it. Even the richest company in the world, kept tabs on its spending. Was this just his guilt that he was feeling, or was there more to it? Sean really felt that there was more to it. Once he was able to, he was going to look into this matter. He really hoped that it was just his nerves, but his heart told him that there was more to it.

“Justin, those cards are nice to have. I really have no money worries, but that is just it. Why on earth give those to me now? There has to be something more to it. How can I be asked to just spend money, and never worry about paying it back? I am so unsure of this, it makes me nervous to even have them.” Sean said finally, with a worried look on his face.

“Dude, you have those because they’re yours. You are my guardian, and I own almost three-fourths of Dad’s company, now. You are put in charge of all that til I get older. So stop with the doubts, now. Okay?” Justin replied, as he walked over to Sean, to give him a quick hug of reassurance.

“I wish I could believe that, really I do. But there is something wrong with this. I feel it. Can’t you? There is more to it than this. Just like with Marty being here last night. He left something out, and was trying to hide it. I know you felt that. But just what, I haven’t a clue.” Sean said, keeping his arms around Justin. Somehow, it just felt right, being with him now.

“I know what you mean, about Marty. I can’t put my finger on it either, but he is covering something up. But as far as the money, just go with it for now. I hate to see the turmoil in your head. If you want, call the company to verify it. You have a pass and ID now, so they should have phone numbers on them.” Justin said, as he backed up a little, to give Sean room to get to his wallet.

“I think I will, then.” Sean said, as he opened the wallet, retrieving his ID card.

“You will what?” Marty said, as he walked into room. He was earlier than he had ever been.

“Look at my cards, to see how bad the picture is.” Sean said as he pulled them out of his wallet.

“The pictures were taken from your driver’s license, so they should suffice for now. If you want a better picture, we can wait 'til you get out, later.” Marty said, as he was trying to figure out what really was being said, before he walked into the room.

“Let me see.” Justin was trying to grab them. Once he succeeded, he said, “You look kinda funny in these, hang on.” Justin held up the card, and compared it to the real thing.

“What do you mean, I look kinda funny?” Sean said, as he was sticking his lower lip out, trying his best at pouting. But he was failing.

“Oh, I see, now. You have morning hair now. But you didn’t in the picture.” Justin said as he started to snicker.

“Now you be nice, Justin, I can’t think of one person whose picture looks good that small. Like I said, once you are out, and can move better, we can get new pictures done at the office. They have better equipment than that of the DMV.” Marty said, trying to hide his smile from seeing the two get along so well.

“I don’t think that he needs new pictures, he might need a new face though.” Justin said as he was starting his day in hot water already.

“That’s it, munchkin, you are in deep doodoo now.” Sean said, as he was going after Justin. He started to run away, but Sean was quicker, and with one arm, grabbed him. He proceeded to get him into a head lock, and give him a monster noogie.

“Hey, hey guys. Enough rough play, you are in a hospital, after all.” Marty was trying to control the situation, before the doctors and nurses came rushing in after all the noise.

“I give, I give. I am really sorry I said those things.” Justin said, about out of breath.

“Okay, then. Maybe I will let you live to see breakfast, then.” Sean said, releasing him.

“And the biggest thing I am sorry for, is your face.” Justin said, starting to run again.

“Alright, you two, back to bed. NOW!” Marty was getting concerned with the rough housing that they were doing. They still had stitches, and they could open back up if not careful. He didn’t want his number one clients to get hurt, for that would hurt his wallet as well.

“Okay, I give.” Said Justin, as he sat back down in his bed.

“Next time, rugrat. Next time Marty won’t be here to save your hide.” Sean said, as he too sat back down on his bed, breathing rather heavily.

“What next time? You are so winded now, you wouldn’t be able to catch me out in the open.” Justin said, with a big sneer.

“You will learn sooner or later, young one.” Sean replied.

“Now, now. Come on guys, let's all get along. I just came by to check on you guys, to see if you had any special requests for when you get out, today? Did you guys want anything special for breakfast, or lunch? I think that lunch might be postponed, due to your release, but as far as breakfast goes? Anything?” Marty was trying to be nice, but the two guys, in the moods that they were in already, were making that tough. He was beginning to realize that Sean wasn’t the only one that was deserving the big bucks. He was going to be kept on his toes, from now on.

“Well, I am really hungry, but I don’t know for what?” Justin said, as he squinted his eyes, thinking.

“I am kinda hungry too, but don’t have anything special in mind. What do we have to choose from?” Sean said, knowing full and well, whatever he wanted would be his.

“Do you have your phone Sean? You could call and request anything you wanted.” Marty said, with a big grin on his face.

“I don’t know. A breakfast like the other morning would be nice, though.” Sean said, as he was thinking about the good breakfast Joy had helped make. This brought a big smile to his face.

“I know what you’re thinking.” Justin said, teasing his friend.

“Well, I will ask, and they will bring it in a short while. Okay?” Marty said, as he was heading for the door. “And by the way, where do you guys want to go for lunch? If they release you before, we can go anywhere for lunch. My treat, for this day is one to remember.”

“I don’t know. How 'bout you Justin?” Sean said, as he looked at him.

“I want, um, hmm. Let me think about it, and I will get back to you on that.” Justin said, with that thinking look on his face, once again.

“Well, you both think about it then, and I will see what they can do for your breakfast then.” With that said, Marty left the room.

“What quick thinking that was. I am proud of you, Sean.” Said Justin, as he got up to go give him a hug.

“Thanks bud. I didn’t realize he would be here so early. I just went with the first thing that popped in my head. I still feel as if he is hiding something, though. He was hesitating when he first got here. He is hiding something from us. I find that hard to believe, he is being so nice, while not telling the whole truth.” Sean said, as the disappointment was evident in his face.

“I know what you are saying. I felt it too. I can’t understand. He has always been so nice and honest, before. That’s it, before, you weren’t here to make me think. And now that you are, he can’t hide the facts anymore.” Justin said, as he was about to start jumping.

“Okay, bud, calm down. Let’s sit and think about this for a minute.” Sean said, as he sat down first.

“Are you guys ready for breakfast?” Gordon said, as he pushed the cart into the room.

“Have you ever heard of Justin turning down any food item?” Sean said.

“Hey now, be nice, or I will tell him about the pictures.” Justin said, with a slight smirk on his face.

“I don’t think I want to know about any pictures. But you are right about the food though.” Gordon smiled, and then turned to the door. “I guess there was a big car wreck out on the highway, and they are short staffed, as is. I hope that this doesn’t set back your release times today. I am getting like you guys, I want the heck out of here.”

“I hope so too. It would be really nice to be able to go somewhere, today.” Sean said, as he was straightening the food out.

“Me too. This place is giving me the creeps, now. I have been here a lot longer than you, so you can only imagine how bad it is on me.” Justin said, as he was glaring at the food.

The cart was set up to be like a small buffet. There were scrambled eggs, toast, sausage, bacon, fresh diced fruit and hash browns. They were all in their own containers, so they would stay warm. Once the boys grabbed their plates, they dug in. Justin made sure he tried a little of everything, which added up to quite a lot. Sean was doing the same, but was more inclined to smaller portions of each. After they had gotten about half way through, they just looked at each other and laughed. It was just the timing of it, they both had mouthfuls of scrambled eggs, and with the laughter, it didn’t stay there long.

“How come you made me laugh?” Sean said, as he was wiping the eggs of himself.

“Made you laugh, you started first.” Justin whined back, trying to clean the egg off his own shirt.

“Well, let’s hurry up then. After breakfast, I want to see if I can take a shower. It has been some time, and I feel really grungy.” Sean said, with a serious look.

“Yeah, not only do you look grungy, you smell like it too.” Justin said, as he was quick to move out of Sean’s reach.

The boys were quick to finish their meals. While waiting for someone to pick up the dishes, they sat on Justin’s bed, for the other had food spit on it.

“I wonder when they are gonna come and get the dishes?” Justin said, with a curious look.

“Let me go and ask Gordon, he is right outside the door, right?” Sean said, standing and going to the door. Once he opened the door Gordon just about jumped out of his skin.

“Oh, jeez. Talk about being snuck up on. Sorry Sean, didn’t mean to startle you. What can I do for you. Do you guys need something, or are you done eating?” Gordon asked, still shaking a little, from someone coming up behind him. That was totally unexpected, for no one had gone into the room. He had become accustomed to the guys staying in bed. But with them able to get up, he had better be on his toes from now on.

“It’s okay. I just wanted to ask if someone was going to get the dishes, and if it would be okay to take a shower?” Sean said.

“Well, I can get the dishes for you, but as for the shower, you will have to ask the nurses.” Gordon said, as he turned to go into the room.

“Hi again Gordon.” Justin said, as he was smiling real big. He had heard the exchange at the door, and was surprised how easy it was to startle a security guard from behind.

“You can just buzz the front desk for the nurse, and I am sure they will answer you directly, about the shower.” Gordon was trying to settle things down, for he was being put on the spot.

“Oh, right.” Sean said, as he headed to his bed, to hit the buzzer.

After a few seconds, a nurse that he didn’t recognize came on and answered his question. They were both clear to take showers, but they had to be careful of the stitches. They were to wash them, but carefully, so as to not loosen them. The shower was outside the room, two doors down, on the right. After Justin took his shower, Sean went to take his. While he was waiting, Justin turned the TV on. He was flipping through the channels when Sean came back.

“Anything good on?” Sean asked, with a look of utter contentment on his face. The shower felt so good, after lying in the bed for that long a time.

“Nah, just soaps and the news.” Justin said with disappointment.

“Well, at least it’s something to watch or listen to. Leave it on the news for awhile, maybe you can learn something. Besides, it’s been over a week since I have had contact with the outside world, I kinda miss it.” Sean said, with concern all over his face. Soon he would be back in that world. The same world that almost drove him over the side of that bridge.

“Okay, if you insist.” Justin said.

At the moment, they were doing live coverage of a major car pileup, on the freeway, not too far from the hospital they were in, as it turned out. The main cause of the accident was a drunk driver. Some woman was driving all over the road, which caused a twenty car pile up. The drunken woman was killed instantly, while the rest of the drivers and passengers were taken to local hospitals in the area. All the hospitals were packed to the maximum, with new patients. Some were in critical condition, while others were minor scratches. The woman who caused it all, was killed instantly; being almost cut in half. The scene was a large mess of bent and twisted metal, blood, and glass was strewn all over the freeway. It was not a pretty sight at all. The carnage was atrocious. This was the worst scene that either boy had seen in their entire life. Justin just looked at the screen in disbelief. Sean looked at it and gasped.

“How can anyone be so incredibly stupid as to drive while drunk and put everyone’s lives in danger? That just pisses me off.” Sean said, as he walked over to the TV. He looked at the screen in shock. As he walked closer to the screen, he felt funny. A sudden chill ran down his spine, as he looked at the carnage on the screen. What was happening that would cause this, he wondered.

“What’s going on Sean? You look kinda pale, like you saw a ghost or something?” Justin said, as he walked to Sean putting his arm around him and looking at his face.

“I don’t know, bud, it’s just a weird, funny feeling I had while looking at the TV.” Sean said, as he put his arm around Justin. Pretty soon, his eyes were starting to water somewhat.

“I knew watching the news would be bad. It always happens. Somewhere, someplace, there are always bad things happening. Can we change the channel now? Please?” Justin was starting to almost beg, and his face had taken on a look of being sad, a tear falling down his face. He hugged Sean for all he was worth, not knowing what was happening.

They were standing in front of the TV, hugging, starting to cry, when an alarming sound came from Sean’s side of the table. His cell phone was ringing. They jumped when the thing made a sound, for they had never heard it ring before. Sean came to his senses first, grabbed the phone and flipped it open, answering the call.

“Uh, hello?” Sean said, as he was trying to figure the new device out.

“Oh, hi Marty. Yeah. Okay. Then we will see you in a bit.” Was Sean’s side of the conversation.

“Who was that?” Justin asked, with a funny look.

“That was Marty, he had an emergency, and won’t be here for another hour or so. He just called to let us know that he hasn’t forgotten about us.” Sean answered, as he looked at the phone. There was something about receiving his first call on the phone, that made him feel funny.

“Well, now what are we gonna do? What is with the funny look? It’s just a phone. It won’t bite.” Justin said, as he smiled at Sean.

“It’s just weird. I have never had one. Now, it is kinda weird that someone actually called me on it. It is just that this is new, it will take me a while to get used to it.” Sean said, as he closed the phone and set it back down.

“Don’t worry, you will get used to it. They can be quite useful, once you get used to it. And for your new life, you will need one.” Justin said, as he looked at Sean.

“Well, we will have to wait and see how much I will end up using that thing. I never liked being constantly open to everyone who wanted to talk all the time.” Sean said, as his smile turned to a frown.

“All I will say, Sean, is that you will learn to adapt to new things. You have lots of new stuff in front of you, but don’t worry, I am here to help; I promise.” Justin said, as he gave Sean a quick hug.

“Okay bud, I will try. Just for you, k?” Sean said, as he returned the hug.

“Hey, while we are on the subject, why don’t we check your ID and pass out?” Justin asked with his sly little grin.

“I guess, um, well what do we do?” Sean replied, with his face down turned.

“Here let me see.” Justin said, reaching for the wallet and phone. He gave Sean a reassuring look.

Justin took the cards out of the wallet, and examined them. After looking at both, there was a toll free number on the back of both. Justin picked up the phone and called. He listened to prerecorded message as his eyes got big. Closing the phone, he looked at Sean with surprise.

“Dude!” Justin almost yelled, as his eyes were the size of saucers.

“What is it, what did you find out?” Sean asked, as he started to look alarmed at Justin’s reaction to the phone call.

“If your card is lost or stolen, you will need to appear in person, and have two other forms of ID, along with two witnesses to prove who you are. Your fingerprints, are on file, so your will need to be printed again, for comparison. These are the real things, I think, for those are some strict rules for these cards.” Justin said, as he motioned with hands about.

“Huh?” Sean gasped out.

“These are the real deal, they are secure and not able to be counterfeited.” Justin said, as he sat down and stared at the plastic cards in his hands.

“Wow. What do I need those for, or what would I use them for?” Sean asked, as he looked off into space.

“These are your proof of who you are, to the people that need to know.” Justin said plainly, as he shrugged his shoulders.

“I guess. But when would I ever need to use them?” Sean said, as he turned to face him.
“I don’t know, but it would be nice to have. Too bad they have your picture on them instead of mine. These would be fun to have, just to flash them around.” Justin said, as he thought about all the trouble he could get into with these.

“And it’s a damn good thing they don’t. I know what you’re thinking, so don’t go there. Besides, as long as we are together, you won’t need a card of your own. Yet.” Sean said as he ruffled Justin’s hair.

“Why do you like making my hair all messed up?” Justin said, stepping back, running his hand through his hair, trying to straighten it again.

“Why, is there something about your hair? Do you like it only semi-messed up? I didn’t see you comb your hair after you got out of the shower. So I am not really messing it up. I am just giving it more character.” Sean said, with a prize winning smile.

“I am not complaining, really, it is just weird to have someone do that all the time.” Justin said, as he hugged Sean tightly.

“It’s okay. I am not used to the closeness of someone else either. We’ll both get used to it in time.”

They stood there and just hugged each other, not wanting to let go. They were bonding, and not in the mental sense either. They were getting used to each other. The interaction between the two was a special gift. All to itself. Being able to touch, and hug, and hold hands, was something they have both wanted since that morning they woke up. This type of thing would take place as often as possible. They both needed the love and attention, and were not afraid to show it.

“Hey guys, oops. Sorry, am I interrupting anything?” Marty said, as he walked in.

“Nah, we are just enjoying being able to hug each other.” Sean said, as he released his grip on Justin.

“Yeah, it’s really nice to be able to hold someone you care about.” Justin said.

“Oh, good. I am glad to see you are both okay. I was starting to worry about how I would find you guys. I was starting to think Sean might have wrung your neck by now or something.” Marty said, with a smile. He was joking, and the smile would make sure they knew it.

“Well, not yet anyway. Did you come here to get us out? We were starting to wonder if you forgot about us.” Sean said back to him, smiling, doing his best to cover his distrust of the attorney.

“Yeah Marty, are we gonna get outta here? Truthfully, I am getting a little stir crazy from being in here so long. You said we were going to get outta here today.” Justin said, as he was giving Marty his best pouty face.

“Yes, gentlemen. You are going to get out as soon as they have enough staff to help bring you downstairs. The usual protocol is to use wheel chairs to get you to the front door, then you are on your own. The staff is currently working on accident victims, and is stretched a little thin right now. Which is why it took me some time to get here. Traffic was a real hassle, what with the big accident.” Marty said, trying to hide the truth behind the statement. The accident was only part of the real reason he was late.

Sean noticed something about the way Marty spoke. There was something that was being held back. There was something dark in the way he spoke. Sean was unsure if it were his distrust of lawyers in general, or if it was his sharing of Justin’s gift. Even his distrust of lawyers wouldn’t explain the feeling he was getting now.

“So, we are just waiting to ride in wheelchairs downstairs? Why? We are able to walk, so why can’t we just walk down stairs?” Justin asked; he couldn’t understand if you go to the hospital to get well, you still had to leave in a wheel chair.

“Yes, as soon as they get a couple of orderlies free, they will be in. There should be someone here, shortly. So, did you guys do anything while I was gone?” Marty asked, as he looked at the two. His eyes were focused on Sean, who was giving him a less than friendly look. He was getting nervous, but his years of court battles kicked in, and he turned to his court mode, to hide emotions.

“Nothing, really. We watched TV for awhile, and saw the wreck, or the aftermath. How is everyone doing? They said there were some bad injuries. I hope that everyone will survive, it doesn’t look like anyone could’ve survived.” Sean said, looking at Marty, to judge his reaction to the news.

“Well, from what I heard, the only fatality so far is the driver that caused it all. But if the rumor mill is correct, a couple of others might not survive the surgery they are in right now.” Marty said, as his smile went away. All he could think about, was all the innocent lives that were devastated in that wreck. He could see what he could have done to help prevent it now.

“Well, at least the driver got what she deserved.” Said Justin.

“Don’t be too quick to judge people. There is more to her story than any of us will realize, Justin.” Sean said, with a disapproving look.

“How right you are Sean. That is something an attorney must always think of. And a good rule of thumb to be sociable too.” Marty said, with a slight smile to Sean.

“I guess.” Justin said, with his head starting to go down.

“Easy bud, don’t worry about it.” Sean said, giving his shoulder a slight squeeze. Being a role model was going to be tough, for his own little children didn’t have such ideas, they didn’t get the chance to grow up much.

“Well, while we are waiting, you two had better get dressed, don’t you think?” Marty was stating the obvious, but the two wanted out of the hospital so bad, they forgot they were still in gowns.

“Oh, um, yeah. I guess it wouldn’t hurt, would it?” Sean said, as he started to blush.

“I would be so happy just to get out of here, I would almost go naked.” Justin said, before he thought about it, and started to blush himself.

“Sean, you will find some new clothes in the closet for yourself and Justin. I took the liberty of having some delivered for you, and they arrived while you were still unconscious. They should fit perfectly, we took the sizes off of your old clothes.” Marty said, as he pointed to the small closet in the corner.

“New clothes? Why?” Sean said, as the shocked look on his face replaced the red face he had.

“Nothing wrong with your old clothes, but you are starting a new life. Please accept my apology if it offended you.” Marty said, as he was hanging his head low.

“Um, let me see, first. I rather enjoy having comfortable clothes.” Sean said, as he walked over to the closet. He took two bags out, and placed them on his bed. Looking over at Justin, he shrugged his shoulders.

“Well silly, all you have to do is look inside the bags to see what belongs to who.” Justin said, as he reached for the bags. Justin was used to new clothes whenever he wanted them. So this was no big surprise to him. He grabbed his clothes and went off to the bathroom to put them on.

Sean looked into his bag, and discovered he had new shoes, socks, pants and a sweater. Not his usual taste of flannel shirts, but it was a nice sweater. It looked like it was hand knit somewhere. The jeans were of a brand he would normally not even look at, because of the price. He just shook his head as he looked at Marty.

“Sean, I can see the confusion in your eyes. I know this can come as a surprise to you, but please accept this small gift. It doesn’t matter where it came from, it is for you. I hope you are not hurt by the simple kind gesture. I can’t imagine what it feels like to have your life take such a turn for the better. I admit, I was overly cautious with you, at first. But after seeing you and Justin get along, I know that you are the right one to raise him. I hope you can forgive me, if anything I have said or done, has upset you in any way.” Marty said, as he looked serious. He was honest about his opinions, and his feelings were and open book to Sean.

“Thanks, Marty. Really. I guess I have some adjustments to make in my life. Excuse my paranoia, I haven’t had good experiences with the legal profession, so far. No hard feelings?” Sean said, as he extended his hand out for a shake.

“No hard feelings.” Marty said, as he held his hand out, not knowing what would happen.

Sean shook his hand, not expecting the reaction he got. He was able to tell there was more to Marty then he let on. He could tell there was something big he was hiding. But Sean didn’t know how to use his gift yet, so he couldn’t pinpoint what.

“Glad to see you two getting along.” Said Justin, as he walked out of the bathroom in his new clothes.

“Yeah, I think we crossed a major hurdle today.” Marty said, as he let go of Sean’s hand. He was glad for the interruption, for he had no idea what touching one of these two would do. He had a secret he had to keep. He swore to it.

“I guess it’s my turn then.” Sean said as he turned to go to the bathroom to get dressed.

“Yeah, go make yourself pretty. I won’t go out in public with someone wearing a dress like that.” Justin said, with a big grin, as he watched Sean go into the bathroom.

“Just because you aren’t wearing the same, rugrat.” Sean called back from the bathroom.

While he was in the bathroom, the orderlies finally came in with the wheelchairs, to escort them downstairs. Justin was already sitting in his chair when Sean came out of the bathroom. He came out and looked at Justin, and just shook his head. Justin was about bouncing in his seat, waiting to leave. When they finally got downstairs and were waiting at the entrance, a big black Lincoln Towne car pulled up and stopped. Justin was the first one out of his chair and he smiled broadly at Sean.

“Oh my God, is that for us?” Sean said, as his jaw dropped.

To be continued...

Editor's Note:

Here again, we have another great chapter. I am beginning to dislike Marty. He has some information that he is holding back. I don't like people that are dishonest. If Justin is his boss, then he should tell him what is going on. I can hardly wait for the next chapter.

Darryl
AKA The Radio Rancher

Another Editor's Note:

Marty may be in big trouble. He better have a really good reason for not telling Sean, and he better not be standing to close either.

I really like this story and instead of writing more here I'm going to go start on Chapter Nine. Keep reading and Enjoy.

Str8mayb