CHAPTER ONE
Keith Partridge put on his coat and, as an extra precaution, a knit cap. Now would be the perfect time to slip away and visit Guitar City where his dream machine awaited him. He would have to slip away because, for the past week, he'd been fighting a particularly bad case of bronchitis and if his mother were here, he wouldn't have even been allowed to go out to get the mail, let alone a few blocks to the store. But right now, his mother was out on a few errands, and it was just he, Laurie, Danny, Chris, and Tracy. He had to get out! He was tired of being cooped up in his room and besides, he needed to see if what he wanted was still there.
Now if he could just get past Laurie.
With Keith being sick, Laurie had the responsibility of watching the children while their mother was out. She was basically looking after her older brother too, making sure he got what he needed, when he needed it. All in all, it was a lot of responsibility but it made her feel more grown up, though she would have preferred to not have her brother be so sick.
Keith crept quietly down the stairs and into the living room. Laurie was sitting on the couch in the living room, quietly watching TV while the other kids were busy doing other things around her. Danny, in particular, was sitting near the Christmas tree shaking all of the presents with his name written on the cards. Keith prayed he wouldn't look up and see him as he crossed the living room quietly on his way to the kitchen. His hopes were shattered when, without even looking up from what he was doing, Danny calmly asked, "Feeling better *Keith?*"
Keith glared at Danny as he and the others spun around to stare at him. Laurie narrowed her eyes as she spoke. "And just what are you doing out of bed, Dear brother?"
"I was..." he averted his eyes as he tried to think up something. "... getting a glass of juice."
"In your coat and hat?" Danny asked as he cocked his head smugly.
Keith bristled. "I was cold, and besides, I don't have to explain anything to you!" he would have shouted at Danny, had his lungs not hurt.
"It's funny that none of us are cold." Laurie acknowledged, then more gently, "We're not trying to cramp your style, but you really should be in bed. Where were you planning on going?"
Keith sighed. He was caught now, so he might as well tell the truth. Besides, they really did care. They always did. "I was just planning to go down to the music store. But I was only going to stay for a few minutes and then be right back. And even though it's not all that cold, I have my coat and hat on, so I should be ok."
Laurie looked thoughtful for a few minutes. Danny stared wide eyed at Laurie. Was she actually going to let him go? After how sick he'd been and from the looks of him, still was?
"Laurie, don't tell me you're thinking of letting him go?" When Laurie didn't answer, Danny turned to Keith. "You can't go, you're still sick!"
Laurie thought of that too, but Keith had shown her and everyone else in the family the guitar he'd wanted for several months and, before he'd gotten sick, he'd been down to the store every single afternoon to lovingly admire it and give it a few test plays. He'd been trying to save up money to one day purchase it but, at $300 it was still way out of his league. "You promise me you'll be right back?" she asked wanting to let him go check out the instrument he so loved, but at the same time wanting him to be back in bed where he belonged.
"Scout's honor."
Danny nearly shouted. "Laurie don't!"
"All right, but be back here in a half hour." Laurie said to Danny's dismay and Keith's relief. Keith headed for the kitchen again. "You don't have to use the back door now" Laurie called to him smiling.
"Yeah, but maybe I should get that glass of juice before I head out." he smiled back. He took the juice out of the refrigerator and set it on the counter as he got himself a juice glass. He poured some and quickly drank it down before heading out the door.
Danny just watched him, anger smoldering...
Keith walked the few blocks from his house to Guitar City with his hands stuffed into the pockets of his coat. He was glad he'd dressed warmly, because while it wasn't *too* cold, it was a little colder than he'd previously thought. The cold blowing wind meeting with his eyes produced a constant stream of tears as he walked, and he felt the chill of them on his face. At first the walking wasn't too bad, but as he neared the store, he was out of breath, tired, and wheezing.
When Keith got there, he leaned on the display window, looking into it, pressing the edges of his hands against it to help him see in better. There, on a gleaming steel guitar stand, was the white Fender Stratocaster his heart was so set on! He gazed lovingly at it from the top of the neck down to the smooth curves of the body. He smiled to himself as he thought about how it was somewhat similar to a beautiful woman.
He went over to the door and pulled it open, walking inside. Bert Ramsey greeted him from the counter. "Hi Keithie!" he waved at him with a bright smile.
Keith waved back still breathing hard with a tired smile. "Hi Mr. Ramsey. Just... wanted... to check.... her out."
Bert smiled "Well, she's right over there waiting for you, as always." he said, but seeing how hard it was for him to breathe, he walked out from behind the counter with a chair offering it to Keith. "Sit here, I'll get her for you." he smiled kindly. Being too tired to object, Keith took the offered chair and sat down, shedding his hat and coat.
Bert walked over to the stand, gently picking up the guitar. He brought it back over to where Keith sat and handed it to him. Keith took it gratefully, pulling the strap over his head, and strummed a few chords. As he played, he sang a quiet little tune. A song he'd come up with just before he got so sick.
As we lay on the sand
on a hot summer day
I realize from me
nothing could take you away
And as I turn to you
And stroke your bright, shining hair
The thought that we'd ever
Be apart is not there
Keith continued to sing softly, until a fit of coughing overtook him. Bert quickly grabbed some tissues and ran over to Keith handing them to him in time. He gently smacked Keith's back to help loosen the congestion in the boy's lungs. After what seemed like forever, Keith's coughing spell quieted down, leaving him breathing heavily.
"Are you ok Keithie?" Keith nodded tiredly. "Are you sure you can make it home?"
Keith nodded again, pulling the guitar strap back over his head, and handing the guitar back to Bert. "Thank you." he breathed, smiling very tiredly. He pushed up off of the chair and shuffled slowly to the door. Bert called out to him. "Wait, I'll take you. Just let me get my jacket."
"Oh no... you... don't have to..." Keith said tiredly. "I can get home. And besides, the store's still open."
Bert walked over to the door, key in hand. He put his hand on Keith's shoulder. "I can close it for a few minutes. Anything for a friend."
Keith smiled weakly as Bert taped a sign to the door. Bert locked it, and they headed out to his car together.
"You know, I can shave fifty dollars off the price of the guitar and throw in an extra set of strings once you're able to get it. How much do you have saved for her now?" Bert asked as they drove to the Partridge home.
"One hundred dollars. But she's still way out of my league. I'm starting to worry that I'll never be able to afford her."
"Don't worry, you'll get her one day. And who knows? It may not be very long at all." he smiled, turning now into the Partridge's driveway.
Keith got out and Bert helped him to the door. When they stepped onto the stoop, Bert told him, "Now next time, you wait until you're all better before coming down there. I don't want to have to see a good friend of mine so sick like this again." Bert squeezed Keith's shoulder as he rang the doorbell.
Inside, Laurie heard the doorbell chime. She came down the stairs and went to the door. "Who is it?"
"Special delivery!"
Laurie recognized the voice as that of Bert Ramsey and opened the door. There stood he and Keith, the latter leaning against the doorframe. "Hi, Mr. Ramsey. Thanks for bringing him home." Narrowing her eyes at Keith, she continued. "We told him he was still too sick to go but he wouldn't listen."
"It's ok I understand." He smiled warmly at an embarrassed Keith. "Just don't let him out again until he's all better." he put his hand on Keith's shoulder. He spoke to Laurie again. "Can you do me a favor and please let Shirley know I need to discuss something with her?"
"Sure thing!" Laurie had an idea what that something might be, but Keith eyes opened wide and he swallowed hard.
Bert knew what Keith was thinking and calmly told him, "Don't worry, I'm not going to say anything about your visit today." At that, Keith looked considerably relieved. "Well, I'm afraid I need to go now. Just wanted to drop off Keithie here." He patted Keith on the shoulder before leaving. "Bye Keith, hope you get better soon." and he walked back to his car, waving at him as he got in and drove off.
Keith waved back then stepped inside, removing his coat.
Laurie pulled back her sleeve and looked at her watch. "You're a few minutes early. So Keith, did you have a good time?"
Too tired to be angry with her, Keith just nodded. "Um hum..."
"Come on now, Mom's on her way home, and you need to get back to bed." She told him, trying to pull him toward the stairs. Keith shook his head refusing and pulling away. "I want to stay down here."
"Keith! You're still sick and you need to go to bed." Laurie said, grabbing his arm again.
"No! I don't want to be in my room all day again."
Meanwhile, upstairs...
Danny, hearing the conversation downstairs, decided to take matters into his own hands. He knew how he could get Keith back upstairs into his room. Danny went into Keith's room taking something and coming back out, heading downstairs.
Keith and Laurie were still at it when Danny came downstairs.
"I'm NOT a little KID, Laurie!" Keith snarled, holding his head which was really starting to hurt.
"Well, you're sure ACTING like one right now!" Laurie shouted just as heatedly.
But Keith didn't hear it. He was too busy watching Danny with fire in his eyes. The boy had one of Keith's magazines in his hands.
Danny, looking through the girlie mag, pretended to just see Keith. "Oh! Back already Keith?"
Keith gave Danny a hateful glare. He spoke in a calm, deadly voice. "*What* have I told you about going through my drawers and messing with my stuff?"
"And I won't anymore, as soon as I'm done with this picture!"
"No! You give it to me RIGHT now!" Keith nearly shouted, advancing toward Danny.
'Good!' Danny thought, 'This is exactly what I want.'
Danny went around the couch with the magazine still in hand. He let Keith chase him around once then flew up the stairs, Keith in hot pursuit. Things were going as planned, but then something unexpected happened. Unnoticed by either of them, one of Chris's toy cars lay on one of the steps, and while Danny ran up missing the car, Keith stepped on it. It sent his feet flying out from under him and his body crashing down on the angled protusions. He grunted loudly as he fell and slid to the ground, where he curled up into himself clutching his wrist.
"KEITH!" Laurie and Danny shouted at the same time, both running to him. "Keith?" They saw him lying there, biting his lip, trying to keep from crying out. Still, despite his efforts, a few tears still leaked from between his eyelids. Laurie tried to pry his hand away from his wrist but he maintained a death grip on it. "Oh god, I think it might be broken." She rubbed Keith's hair out of his face. She then turned red faced to Danny. "What were you DOING?? Acting like that! You KNEW he was sick to begin with."
"I- I d- didn't know that was going to happen! I - I was just trying to trick him into going back t - to his room. I didn't know this was going to happen!" Danny said, the color already drained from his face. He looked at Keith. "I'm sorry Keith, I'm sorry!"
Laurie was no longer angry now that she knew what Danny had really been trying to do. "Here, help me try to sit him up." Danny did as he was asked and soon they had Keith sitting up on the second to the bottom stair. Laurie held Keith gently in her arms. "Danny, get me a cool wet cloth"
Danny hurriedly did as he was told and soon came back with a cool damp cloth which Laurie used to wipe Keith's face with. Laurie whispered to him as she continued to hold him until Shirley walked in the door.
Shirley walked in the door and nearly dropped the bags she was carrying. She saw Laurie, Keith and Danny sitting near the bottom of the steps. Laurie with Keith in her arms, Keith holding his wrist in a white knuckled hand, tears he was clearly trying to keep in running down his face, and Danny face pale, and looking scared.
Laurie and Danny looked up as she came in. "What happened here? Keith? Are you all right? What happened?" Shirley put her bags down and nearly ran over to him.
Danny and Laurie looked at each other before Laurie spoke. "Um... he slipped on something as he was going up the stairs and... I don't know... I think it might be broken." She said, trying to check out Keith's wrist again, but he still refused to let go.
Danny got up to let Shirley sit on the step beside Keith. She sat down and took Keith into her arms. Laurie went to wet the cloth again, then came back and handed it to Shirley. "I tried to look at it but he wouldn't let go. I'll go get the rest of the things out of the car for you, and then I'll be back." She glanced over at Keith's coat, put it on and walked outside, hoping that no questions would be asked about why she had Keith's coat and not hers. Danny followed Laurie outside to help with the bags.
"Come on, let me help you to the couch." Shirley said, standing him up and watching Keith's face as they walked over to the couch and sat down. "Here, let me see..." she said as she gently pried his fingertips away. What met her eyes caused her to take a sharp breath. His wrist was puffed almost grotesquely, and there were finger marks where he'd been gripping it in obvious pain. The joint was slowly discoloring, becoming a sickly gray color, and Keith's face was matching it.
"Can you move your fingers?"
He went to wiggle them, but cried out instead, "Oh, god, no!"
Laurie and Danny were just coming in after Keith's outburst. Hearing his plea, Laurie felt a little sick to her stomach, and Danny winced at the agony on his brother's face.
"Mom, what is it? What's wrong?" Laurie frowned, as Keith put another death grip on his wrist, biting his lip again.
Shirley turned worriedly to Laurie as Laurie paused by the couch. "Laurie. Please watch Danny, Chris, and Tracy while I take Keith to the hospital. I think you may have been right about his wrist. You can get the rest of the bags when we get back."
Shirley helped Keith up and walked him to the door. Opening it, she walked him to the car.
Laurie and Danny stood at the window, watching as Shirley put him inside the car, buckled him in and rushed to the driver's side. She got in and soon they were backing out of the driveway.
Keith lay on the exam table, his right arm extended, watching as the doctor layered gauze and plaster over his forearm. His wrist was, indeed, broken. The cast would reach from his hand, which was also partially covered, leaving his thumb and fingers to peer out from underneath the plaster, all the way to his elbow. And it was so heavy! The doctor had explained that the reason was because it was still wet, though Keith was sure it wasn't going to make much of a difference once the plaster was dry.
The doctor gently moved Keith's arm, twisting it just a bit to the left, and the young man gasped as pain shot up his arm clear into his collarbone.
"Sorry about that," Dr. Behrens smiled. "It's still hurting , is it?"
Keith nodded, lying back against the pillow underneath his head. "Yeah." He wished Mom were here; she'd make the doctor treat him more gently! But she'd gone to call Reuben and the kids for an update once they'd been told his wrist had been broken.
"I'll be prescribing a painkiller for you, but they're quite strong, so I want you to use them ONLY if the pain becomes unbearable!"
"Okay," Keith said. He wanted very badly to cough, but that could make the doctor slip and do something to his arm, so he stilled the urge, swallowing hard.
Shirley peered in the room before finally coming in all the way. Seeing the cast that was literally growing on her son's arm, she shook her head. "Oh, honey!" she said sadly, going to Keith and taking his 'good' hand.
"It looks a bit overwhelming at first," Dr. Behrens admitted, "but it's got to be strong so the bone will heal."
Keith looked up at his mother, his brown eyes reflecting not only pain but worry and fear. "What am I gonna do about playing the guitar? We have some concerts coming up in a couple of weeks!"
Shirley petted his head. "You just let Reuben and me worry about that, okay, darling? If we have to, we can hire a back up guitarist while you sing. There's always a solution to every problem, honey. You just heal. Although." she smiled. "That bronchitis of yours is NOT going to get any better unless you STAY IN YOUR BED. Why were you downstairs in the first place?"
Keith looked away. "Just got tired of my room, and it had been too long between my tormenting Danny, so I thought I'd have a little fun."
Shirley smiled, kissing his forehead. What WAS she to do with this boy?
It was starting to get dark by the time they got home. As Shirley eased the car into the driveway, she noticed that Keith had fallen asleep on the way home, his newly casted arm lying neatly in his lap, his lips slightly parted to get more air. Shirley turned off the car, undid her seatbelt and got out. She walked over to the other side and opened the car door for her son. She took off his seatbelt and gently shook him to wake him up. "Sweetie, wake up, we're home now."
Keith blinked sleepily, trying to clear his tired eyes. He looked up at Shirley as she helped him out of the car. Holding his arm, she walked him to the door and, opening it, they stepped inside.
Reuben and the other kids were sitting in the chairs and on sofa, turning around to look as they came in.
"Hi kids, Reuben. I'll be with you in a few minutes," she said as she started to help a very sleepy Keith up the stairs.
"Wait Shirley, I'll help you with him." Reuben said as he got up and walked over to them. He and Shirley helped Keith up the stairs as the others looked on.
They helped him to his room where he sat down heavily on his bed.
"Would you like a hot cup of chamomile tea to take your medicine with?" Shirley asked Keith as she brought him over a pair of pajamas to put on.
"Uh huh..." he sleepily nodded, as he reached for the pajamas she put on the bed.
Knowing her son wouldn't want her in his room while he was changing, Shirley told him she would be right back with the tea and his medication. Keith was having a bit of a time getting into his pajamas, so Reuben offered to help him. At first Keith refused, then, seeing how tired he was, he relented and let Reuben help him. Then he lay down as Reuben covered him up. Once that was done, Reuben took the humidifier to the bathroom to change the water, then brought it back to Keith's room, plugged it in and switched it on, watching as the warm mist soon filled the sick boy's room.
As Shirley started back upstairs with the tray with Keith's tea and medicine on it, bringing along some chicken soup as well, the other Partridge kids were sitting in the living room, awaiting word on their brother. Danny had been sitting with his head in his hands for the better part of the afternoon and evening thinking about what had happened, and now, seeing Keith like he was, not only sick but now with a huge bulky cast on his arm from what he'd done, had only made him feel worse.
They hadn't yet told Chris and Tracy exactly what had happened, but knew they had to once they'd seen the cast surrounding Keith's arm.
"Laurie? What happened to Keith?" Chris asked once their mother had gone back upstairs.
Laurie, who had been lost in her own thoughts about Keith, was somewhat caught off guard but answered the question quickly. "Huh? Oh, he slipped on the stairs and broke his wrist."
Chris's eyes widened, and he and Tracy looked at one another. "He did? For reals? Wow."
Laurie smiled sadly. "AND he still has the bronchitis on top of that. Poor guy."
"He's gotta get better! Santa comes in three days!" Tracy swallowed.
"Yeah! Will he be better by then, Laurie?"
Laurie took both children's chins in hand. "Let's hope so," she said, glancing toward the staircase.
Reuben sat worrying as Keith lay in bed, trying and failing to fight off sleep while he waited for his mother. As he sat listening to the quiet whirr of the humidifier, he wondered if Keith were going to be okay. He'd been so sick this past week and still had yet to recover. Gazing now at the cast on Keith's arm, he thought about the concerts they'd have to do in a few weeks. Would Keith be able to play? Sure they could hire a stand-in guitarist, but Keith would want to play himself. Well, it was all a few weeks away and they needed to get Keith better first, then worry about all of that later.
He looked up as Shirley came in with the loaded tray. On it were Keith's antibiotics, a pain pill for his wrist, cough syrup and a spoon, a cup of hot tea, and a bowl of chicken soup. Reuben took the tray from her as she sat down on Keith's bed and gently shook him awake.
"Keith? Wake up sweetie, it's time to take your medicine."
Keith frowned and moaned at being disturbed in his sleep but kept his eyes closed as he tried to go back to sleep. Shirley picked up the bowl of soup from the tray.
"Keith? Come on, wake up." Shirley shook him gently again. Keith forced open a pair of eyes that would much rather have stayed closed. Shirley smiled as his eyes came to rest on her face. "Come on sweetie, let's eat a little something before you take the medicine ok?"
"Please Mom... Not... hungry" he whispered quietly, wanting badly to just go back to sleep. His eyes closed of their own accord.
"Come on Keithie, please wake up so you can eat and take your medicine, and then we won't bother you any more tonight, okay? Come on sweetie." At least they wouldn't bother him until early tomorrow morning when he'd have to take his medicine again.
Keith forced open his eyes again, then tried to sit up on his elbows but the cast got in the way and he sunk back down, face in the pillow, too tired to try anymore. "Come on, I'll help you sit up." Shirley said as she and Reuben turned Keith onto his back, then held him up as they piled pillows behind him. They gently settled him down on the pillows. "Thank you..." he breathed tiredly.
"Okay, let's get some of this soup into you. Then you can take the medicine." She put the spoon into his hand and held the bowl for him. Holding the spoon awkwardly, Keith dipped it into the bowland shakily brought the spoon to his lips. The hot liquid felt good going down and he took another sip. After a few minutes his arm started to get tired, and he was spilling a bit with each spoonful.
"Here, let me help you with that." Shirley reached up to take the spoon, but Keith shook his head and pulled it away.
"No... that's ok... I got it." he said as he continued eating.
"Yeah, you got more on your shirt than you did inside you!" Reuben quipped smiling gently. Keith scowled tiredly at Reuben making the older man chuckle.
Seeing her son's frustration, Shirley shook her head. "Reuben, he's tired, leave him alone."
"I'm sorry, kid," Reuben smiled. "Just don't like seeing you sick, you know?"
Keith coughed, and Shirley handed him a tissue, feeling his forehead.
"Hurry and get this down, so you can have your medicine."
Pulling a face, Keith dropped his hand that held the spoon. "Tired."
Shirley picked up the spoon. "Here, let me feed you, then." She gave him a stern look as he went to protest. "You need it and you're too tired to do it yourself, so don't argue with me, young man."
A little embarrassed but also a little relieved, Keith allowed Shirley to feed him. He fought to stay awake as he slowly emptied the bowl. Then he took his medicine, washing it down with the hot cup of herbal tea. A coughing fit took hold and Shirley got a few tissues and held him, gently slapping his back as he coughed. As his coughing subsided, he leaned against her as she slowly rocked him back and forth.
The thought that he wouldn't be able to play the guitar weighed heavily on his mind and heart. As he sat there half asleep in his mother's arms, he imagined himself in concert, standing before the crowd, about to launch into the first song. As his fingers danced over the strings, every note came out wrong. He tried to force his fingers to hit the right notes but they seemed to obstinately refuse. The crowd booed and hissed the group right off the stage. Then his own family turned against him, blaming him for ruining their careers. He tried to explain but they wouldn't listen. Then, he imagined himself many weeks later, finally free of the cast. He picked up his guitar and tried again to play, but once again fumbling over notes, playing everything all wrong. Suddenly, his doctor was standing near him talking to his mother.
"No, Mrs. Partridge, I don't believe Keith will ever be able to play guitar again." Keith heard the doctor tell his mother. "He's not totally out of luck though. He'll probably be able to get a career in fast food."
Those last words echoed in Keith's head as he gasped awake. Eyes wide open, he looked around him. His mother and Reuben were still in the room with him, and he was still in Shirley's arms. He grabbed her shirt, fear plain as day in his eyes. "Mom! Mom, what *if* I *can't* play anymore? I've *got* to be able to play again! I've just got to!" Tears slipped out of his eyes as he clung to his mother, then buried his head in her chest sobbing.
Shirley clutched him to her and hugged him tightly as he cried his heart out. "Keithie! Keithie, shh... It'll be okay, honey, this is just a temporary setback, shhh... it'll be okay." She held him and continued to rock him gently. She knew it was the meds tearing down his defenses and making him feel vulnerable. She stroked his hair and began to sing quietly to him until finally the sobs subsided, and a calm, more relaxed, peaceful sleep came over him.
As Keith's breathing became more rhythmical, Shirley continued to hold him to her, feeling the warmth of the fever he was suffering.
"Poor kid," Reuben said softly.
Shirley looked up, having forgotten for the moment that the manager was even there.
Reuben smiled. "Sorry, he just sounded so scared."
"Yes, he did. I didn't think his breaking his wrist would create such havoc in his mind. But I think it was the meds, don't you?"
"Part of it, yeah, but you know how much his music means to him." Reuben absently tugged at the knot in his tie. "He WILL be able to play, right?"
"Of course, but not for six weeks, and even then I'm sure the doctor will limit him," Shirley said, carefully trying to maneuver her son so that she could get up and not wake him while doing so.
Reuben stood up, helping her. Together, they eased Keith to the pillow. Shirley adjusted it under his head, her fingers brushing the bangs away from his eyes.
Keith sighed and rolled over onto his side, and she smiled. "I remember how Dan used to calm the children after a nightmare. He would do a magic trick, a sleight of hand, pulling the bad dream from their ear and 'depositing' it into a special bottle that he made, with glitter and water in it. He'd push the lid down on it tightly and swish it around, showing them that the dream was dissolving, and they would believe him every time. They called it the dream jar," Shirley kept her hand on Keith's warm face. "Poor Keith used it a lot when he was younger, but he outgrew them, I suppose. Until now."
Reuben smiled, reaching down and patting his young superstar through the blanket. "Maybe you should find it and put it here for him, huh?"
Shirley nodded, as he put his arm around her. "C'mon. You need some rest, too, kiddo."
Danny was in the kitchen, getting a pitcher and filling it with lots of ice. Then he ran some water into the pitcher and swirled it around to make it nice and cold. He got down a glass and took it and the pitcher of water upstairs. Danny's mind was reeling. He'd been at the door listening to his Mom and brother. He'd seen how tired Keith was, how hard it had been for Keith to feed himself, and he seen Keith go to sleep briefly only to awaken from a nightmare a few minutes later. Keith had been so worried that he'd no longer be able to play his guitar, and if he couldn't, it would be all his fault. If he hadn't made Keith chase him up the stairs, his brother's wrist wouldn't be broken now and Keith wouldn't be so afraid.
Danny took the pitcher to his own room and waited until Shirley and Reuben had left Keith's room before he took it to his brother. Danny quietly opened the door to Keith's room and crept inside. He lightly set the pitcher and glass down near Keith's bed, and gently sat down on the bed near Keith. He watched his brother sleep for a time, thinking about what he'd done. Keith was having a time getting into a comfortable position as he lay sleeping. He'd try to lay his head on his hand, only to find that it was uncomfortable with the cast in the way. He moved his hand a few more times before finally sliding it under the pillow.
Danny hung his head in remorse. "I'm really sorry about what happened, Keith. I'm so sorry. I was only trying to get you back into your room, and I only made things worse. I'm really sorry."
As Danny watched Keith shift somewhat uncomfortably in his bed, a tear slipped down his cheek. Just then, he did something he would normally never do. He hugged his brother and gave him a light kiss on the temple, then he carefully got up off the bed and walked to the door. With one last look at Keith, he quietly opened the door and left, closing it gently behind him.
Shirley was coming out of her room as Danny was coming out of Keith's. She called to him angrily, keeping her voice to a near whisper. "Danny! What were you doing in Keith's room? He needs to sleep!"
Danny sighed, hanging his head. "I know Mom, I was just giving him some water." When he looked up again, she saw the tear he had shed in Keith's room on his face. Now she felt bad that she'd reprimanded him; he'd only been seeing about his brother. She went over to him, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him tightly.
"He'll be okay Danny... He will.... It's just going to take time."
Danny hugged her back tightly, hoping with all his heart that she was right.
Keith Partridge put on his coat and, as an extra precaution, a knit cap. Now would be the perfect time to slip away and visit Guitar City where his dream machine awaited him. He would have to slip away because, for the past week, he'd been fighting a particularly bad case of bronchitis and if his mother were here, he wouldn't have even been allowed to go out to get the mail, let alone a few blocks to the store. But right now, his mother was out on a few errands, and it was just he, Laurie, Danny, Chris, and Tracy. He had to get out! He was tired of being cooped up in his room and besides, he needed to see if what he wanted was still there.
Now if he could just get past Laurie.
With Keith being sick, Laurie had the responsibility of watching the children while their mother was out. She was basically looking after her older brother too, making sure he got what he needed, when he needed it. All in all, it was a lot of responsibility but it made her feel more grown up, though she would have preferred to not have her brother be so sick.
Keith crept quietly down the stairs and into the living room. Laurie was sitting on the couch in the living room, quietly watching TV while the other kids were busy doing other things around her. Danny, in particular, was sitting near the Christmas tree shaking all of the presents with his name written on the cards. Keith prayed he wouldn't look up and see him as he crossed the living room quietly on his way to the kitchen. His hopes were shattered when, without even looking up from what he was doing, Danny calmly asked, "Feeling better *Keith?*"
Keith glared at Danny as he and the others spun around to stare at him. Laurie narrowed her eyes as she spoke. "And just what are you doing out of bed, Dear brother?"
"I was..." he averted his eyes as he tried to think up something. "... getting a glass of juice."
"In your coat and hat?" Danny asked as he cocked his head smugly.
Keith bristled. "I was cold, and besides, I don't have to explain anything to you!" he would have shouted at Danny, had his lungs not hurt.
"It's funny that none of us are cold." Laurie acknowledged, then more gently, "We're not trying to cramp your style, but you really should be in bed. Where were you planning on going?"
Keith sighed. He was caught now, so he might as well tell the truth. Besides, they really did care. They always did. "I was just planning to go down to the music store. But I was only going to stay for a few minutes and then be right back. And even though it's not all that cold, I have my coat and hat on, so I should be ok."
Laurie looked thoughtful for a few minutes. Danny stared wide eyed at Laurie. Was she actually going to let him go? After how sick he'd been and from the looks of him, still was?
"Laurie, don't tell me you're thinking of letting him go?" When Laurie didn't answer, Danny turned to Keith. "You can't go, you're still sick!"
Laurie thought of that too, but Keith had shown her and everyone else in the family the guitar he'd wanted for several months and, before he'd gotten sick, he'd been down to the store every single afternoon to lovingly admire it and give it a few test plays. He'd been trying to save up money to one day purchase it but, at $300 it was still way out of his league. "You promise me you'll be right back?" she asked wanting to let him go check out the instrument he so loved, but at the same time wanting him to be back in bed where he belonged.
"Scout's honor."
Danny nearly shouted. "Laurie don't!"
"All right, but be back here in a half hour." Laurie said to Danny's dismay and Keith's relief. Keith headed for the kitchen again. "You don't have to use the back door now" Laurie called to him smiling.
"Yeah, but maybe I should get that glass of juice before I head out." he smiled back. He took the juice out of the refrigerator and set it on the counter as he got himself a juice glass. He poured some and quickly drank it down before heading out the door.
Danny just watched him, anger smoldering...
Keith walked the few blocks from his house to Guitar City with his hands stuffed into the pockets of his coat. He was glad he'd dressed warmly, because while it wasn't *too* cold, it was a little colder than he'd previously thought. The cold blowing wind meeting with his eyes produced a constant stream of tears as he walked, and he felt the chill of them on his face. At first the walking wasn't too bad, but as he neared the store, he was out of breath, tired, and wheezing.
When Keith got there, he leaned on the display window, looking into it, pressing the edges of his hands against it to help him see in better. There, on a gleaming steel guitar stand, was the white Fender Stratocaster his heart was so set on! He gazed lovingly at it from the top of the neck down to the smooth curves of the body. He smiled to himself as he thought about how it was somewhat similar to a beautiful woman.
He went over to the door and pulled it open, walking inside. Bert Ramsey greeted him from the counter. "Hi Keithie!" he waved at him with a bright smile.
Keith waved back still breathing hard with a tired smile. "Hi Mr. Ramsey. Just... wanted... to check.... her out."
Bert smiled "Well, she's right over there waiting for you, as always." he said, but seeing how hard it was for him to breathe, he walked out from behind the counter with a chair offering it to Keith. "Sit here, I'll get her for you." he smiled kindly. Being too tired to object, Keith took the offered chair and sat down, shedding his hat and coat.
Bert walked over to the stand, gently picking up the guitar. He brought it back over to where Keith sat and handed it to him. Keith took it gratefully, pulling the strap over his head, and strummed a few chords. As he played, he sang a quiet little tune. A song he'd come up with just before he got so sick.
As we lay on the sand
on a hot summer day
I realize from me
nothing could take you away
And as I turn to you
And stroke your bright, shining hair
The thought that we'd ever
Be apart is not there
Keith continued to sing softly, until a fit of coughing overtook him. Bert quickly grabbed some tissues and ran over to Keith handing them to him in time. He gently smacked Keith's back to help loosen the congestion in the boy's lungs. After what seemed like forever, Keith's coughing spell quieted down, leaving him breathing heavily.
"Are you ok Keithie?" Keith nodded tiredly. "Are you sure you can make it home?"
Keith nodded again, pulling the guitar strap back over his head, and handing the guitar back to Bert. "Thank you." he breathed, smiling very tiredly. He pushed up off of the chair and shuffled slowly to the door. Bert called out to him. "Wait, I'll take you. Just let me get my jacket."
"Oh no... you... don't have to..." Keith said tiredly. "I can get home. And besides, the store's still open."
Bert walked over to the door, key in hand. He put his hand on Keith's shoulder. "I can close it for a few minutes. Anything for a friend."
Keith smiled weakly as Bert taped a sign to the door. Bert locked it, and they headed out to his car together.
"You know, I can shave fifty dollars off the price of the guitar and throw in an extra set of strings once you're able to get it. How much do you have saved for her now?" Bert asked as they drove to the Partridge home.
"One hundred dollars. But she's still way out of my league. I'm starting to worry that I'll never be able to afford her."
"Don't worry, you'll get her one day. And who knows? It may not be very long at all." he smiled, turning now into the Partridge's driveway.
Keith got out and Bert helped him to the door. When they stepped onto the stoop, Bert told him, "Now next time, you wait until you're all better before coming down there. I don't want to have to see a good friend of mine so sick like this again." Bert squeezed Keith's shoulder as he rang the doorbell.
Inside, Laurie heard the doorbell chime. She came down the stairs and went to the door. "Who is it?"
"Special delivery!"
Laurie recognized the voice as that of Bert Ramsey and opened the door. There stood he and Keith, the latter leaning against the doorframe. "Hi, Mr. Ramsey. Thanks for bringing him home." Narrowing her eyes at Keith, she continued. "We told him he was still too sick to go but he wouldn't listen."
"It's ok I understand." He smiled warmly at an embarrassed Keith. "Just don't let him out again until he's all better." he put his hand on Keith's shoulder. He spoke to Laurie again. "Can you do me a favor and please let Shirley know I need to discuss something with her?"
"Sure thing!" Laurie had an idea what that something might be, but Keith eyes opened wide and he swallowed hard.
Bert knew what Keith was thinking and calmly told him, "Don't worry, I'm not going to say anything about your visit today." At that, Keith looked considerably relieved. "Well, I'm afraid I need to go now. Just wanted to drop off Keithie here." He patted Keith on the shoulder before leaving. "Bye Keith, hope you get better soon." and he walked back to his car, waving at him as he got in and drove off.
Keith waved back then stepped inside, removing his coat.
Laurie pulled back her sleeve and looked at her watch. "You're a few minutes early. So Keith, did you have a good time?"
Too tired to be angry with her, Keith just nodded. "Um hum..."
"Come on now, Mom's on her way home, and you need to get back to bed." She told him, trying to pull him toward the stairs. Keith shook his head refusing and pulling away. "I want to stay down here."
"Keith! You're still sick and you need to go to bed." Laurie said, grabbing his arm again.
"No! I don't want to be in my room all day again."
Meanwhile, upstairs...
Danny, hearing the conversation downstairs, decided to take matters into his own hands. He knew how he could get Keith back upstairs into his room. Danny went into Keith's room taking something and coming back out, heading downstairs.
Keith and Laurie were still at it when Danny came downstairs.
"I'm NOT a little KID, Laurie!" Keith snarled, holding his head which was really starting to hurt.
"Well, you're sure ACTING like one right now!" Laurie shouted just as heatedly.
But Keith didn't hear it. He was too busy watching Danny with fire in his eyes. The boy had one of Keith's magazines in his hands.
Danny, looking through the girlie mag, pretended to just see Keith. "Oh! Back already Keith?"
Keith gave Danny a hateful glare. He spoke in a calm, deadly voice. "*What* have I told you about going through my drawers and messing with my stuff?"
"And I won't anymore, as soon as I'm done with this picture!"
"No! You give it to me RIGHT now!" Keith nearly shouted, advancing toward Danny.
'Good!' Danny thought, 'This is exactly what I want.'
Danny went around the couch with the magazine still in hand. He let Keith chase him around once then flew up the stairs, Keith in hot pursuit. Things were going as planned, but then something unexpected happened. Unnoticed by either of them, one of Chris's toy cars lay on one of the steps, and while Danny ran up missing the car, Keith stepped on it. It sent his feet flying out from under him and his body crashing down on the angled protusions. He grunted loudly as he fell and slid to the ground, where he curled up into himself clutching his wrist.
"KEITH!" Laurie and Danny shouted at the same time, both running to him. "Keith?" They saw him lying there, biting his lip, trying to keep from crying out. Still, despite his efforts, a few tears still leaked from between his eyelids. Laurie tried to pry his hand away from his wrist but he maintained a death grip on it. "Oh god, I think it might be broken." She rubbed Keith's hair out of his face. She then turned red faced to Danny. "What were you DOING?? Acting like that! You KNEW he was sick to begin with."
"I- I d- didn't know that was going to happen! I - I was just trying to trick him into going back t - to his room. I didn't know this was going to happen!" Danny said, the color already drained from his face. He looked at Keith. "I'm sorry Keith, I'm sorry!"
Laurie was no longer angry now that she knew what Danny had really been trying to do. "Here, help me try to sit him up." Danny did as he was asked and soon they had Keith sitting up on the second to the bottom stair. Laurie held Keith gently in her arms. "Danny, get me a cool wet cloth"
Danny hurriedly did as he was told and soon came back with a cool damp cloth which Laurie used to wipe Keith's face with. Laurie whispered to him as she continued to hold him until Shirley walked in the door.
Shirley walked in the door and nearly dropped the bags she was carrying. She saw Laurie, Keith and Danny sitting near the bottom of the steps. Laurie with Keith in her arms, Keith holding his wrist in a white knuckled hand, tears he was clearly trying to keep in running down his face, and Danny face pale, and looking scared.
Laurie and Danny looked up as she came in. "What happened here? Keith? Are you all right? What happened?" Shirley put her bags down and nearly ran over to him.
Danny and Laurie looked at each other before Laurie spoke. "Um... he slipped on something as he was going up the stairs and... I don't know... I think it might be broken." She said, trying to check out Keith's wrist again, but he still refused to let go.
Danny got up to let Shirley sit on the step beside Keith. She sat down and took Keith into her arms. Laurie went to wet the cloth again, then came back and handed it to Shirley. "I tried to look at it but he wouldn't let go. I'll go get the rest of the things out of the car for you, and then I'll be back." She glanced over at Keith's coat, put it on and walked outside, hoping that no questions would be asked about why she had Keith's coat and not hers. Danny followed Laurie outside to help with the bags.
"Come on, let me help you to the couch." Shirley said, standing him up and watching Keith's face as they walked over to the couch and sat down. "Here, let me see..." she said as she gently pried his fingertips away. What met her eyes caused her to take a sharp breath. His wrist was puffed almost grotesquely, and there were finger marks where he'd been gripping it in obvious pain. The joint was slowly discoloring, becoming a sickly gray color, and Keith's face was matching it.
"Can you move your fingers?"
He went to wiggle them, but cried out instead, "Oh, god, no!"
Laurie and Danny were just coming in after Keith's outburst. Hearing his plea, Laurie felt a little sick to her stomach, and Danny winced at the agony on his brother's face.
"Mom, what is it? What's wrong?" Laurie frowned, as Keith put another death grip on his wrist, biting his lip again.
Shirley turned worriedly to Laurie as Laurie paused by the couch. "Laurie. Please watch Danny, Chris, and Tracy while I take Keith to the hospital. I think you may have been right about his wrist. You can get the rest of the bags when we get back."
Shirley helped Keith up and walked him to the door. Opening it, she walked him to the car.
Laurie and Danny stood at the window, watching as Shirley put him inside the car, buckled him in and rushed to the driver's side. She got in and soon they were backing out of the driveway.
Keith lay on the exam table, his right arm extended, watching as the doctor layered gauze and plaster over his forearm. His wrist was, indeed, broken. The cast would reach from his hand, which was also partially covered, leaving his thumb and fingers to peer out from underneath the plaster, all the way to his elbow. And it was so heavy! The doctor had explained that the reason was because it was still wet, though Keith was sure it wasn't going to make much of a difference once the plaster was dry.
The doctor gently moved Keith's arm, twisting it just a bit to the left, and the young man gasped as pain shot up his arm clear into his collarbone.
"Sorry about that," Dr. Behrens smiled. "It's still hurting , is it?"
Keith nodded, lying back against the pillow underneath his head. "Yeah." He wished Mom were here; she'd make the doctor treat him more gently! But she'd gone to call Reuben and the kids for an update once they'd been told his wrist had been broken.
"I'll be prescribing a painkiller for you, but they're quite strong, so I want you to use them ONLY if the pain becomes unbearable!"
"Okay," Keith said. He wanted very badly to cough, but that could make the doctor slip and do something to his arm, so he stilled the urge, swallowing hard.
Shirley peered in the room before finally coming in all the way. Seeing the cast that was literally growing on her son's arm, she shook her head. "Oh, honey!" she said sadly, going to Keith and taking his 'good' hand.
"It looks a bit overwhelming at first," Dr. Behrens admitted, "but it's got to be strong so the bone will heal."
Keith looked up at his mother, his brown eyes reflecting not only pain but worry and fear. "What am I gonna do about playing the guitar? We have some concerts coming up in a couple of weeks!"
Shirley petted his head. "You just let Reuben and me worry about that, okay, darling? If we have to, we can hire a back up guitarist while you sing. There's always a solution to every problem, honey. You just heal. Although." she smiled. "That bronchitis of yours is NOT going to get any better unless you STAY IN YOUR BED. Why were you downstairs in the first place?"
Keith looked away. "Just got tired of my room, and it had been too long between my tormenting Danny, so I thought I'd have a little fun."
Shirley smiled, kissing his forehead. What WAS she to do with this boy?
It was starting to get dark by the time they got home. As Shirley eased the car into the driveway, she noticed that Keith had fallen asleep on the way home, his newly casted arm lying neatly in his lap, his lips slightly parted to get more air. Shirley turned off the car, undid her seatbelt and got out. She walked over to the other side and opened the car door for her son. She took off his seatbelt and gently shook him to wake him up. "Sweetie, wake up, we're home now."
Keith blinked sleepily, trying to clear his tired eyes. He looked up at Shirley as she helped him out of the car. Holding his arm, she walked him to the door and, opening it, they stepped inside.
Reuben and the other kids were sitting in the chairs and on sofa, turning around to look as they came in.
"Hi kids, Reuben. I'll be with you in a few minutes," she said as she started to help a very sleepy Keith up the stairs.
"Wait Shirley, I'll help you with him." Reuben said as he got up and walked over to them. He and Shirley helped Keith up the stairs as the others looked on.
They helped him to his room where he sat down heavily on his bed.
"Would you like a hot cup of chamomile tea to take your medicine with?" Shirley asked Keith as she brought him over a pair of pajamas to put on.
"Uh huh..." he sleepily nodded, as he reached for the pajamas she put on the bed.
Knowing her son wouldn't want her in his room while he was changing, Shirley told him she would be right back with the tea and his medication. Keith was having a bit of a time getting into his pajamas, so Reuben offered to help him. At first Keith refused, then, seeing how tired he was, he relented and let Reuben help him. Then he lay down as Reuben covered him up. Once that was done, Reuben took the humidifier to the bathroom to change the water, then brought it back to Keith's room, plugged it in and switched it on, watching as the warm mist soon filled the sick boy's room.
As Shirley started back upstairs with the tray with Keith's tea and medicine on it, bringing along some chicken soup as well, the other Partridge kids were sitting in the living room, awaiting word on their brother. Danny had been sitting with his head in his hands for the better part of the afternoon and evening thinking about what had happened, and now, seeing Keith like he was, not only sick but now with a huge bulky cast on his arm from what he'd done, had only made him feel worse.
They hadn't yet told Chris and Tracy exactly what had happened, but knew they had to once they'd seen the cast surrounding Keith's arm.
"Laurie? What happened to Keith?" Chris asked once their mother had gone back upstairs.
Laurie, who had been lost in her own thoughts about Keith, was somewhat caught off guard but answered the question quickly. "Huh? Oh, he slipped on the stairs and broke his wrist."
Chris's eyes widened, and he and Tracy looked at one another. "He did? For reals? Wow."
Laurie smiled sadly. "AND he still has the bronchitis on top of that. Poor guy."
"He's gotta get better! Santa comes in three days!" Tracy swallowed.
"Yeah! Will he be better by then, Laurie?"
Laurie took both children's chins in hand. "Let's hope so," she said, glancing toward the staircase.
Reuben sat worrying as Keith lay in bed, trying and failing to fight off sleep while he waited for his mother. As he sat listening to the quiet whirr of the humidifier, he wondered if Keith were going to be okay. He'd been so sick this past week and still had yet to recover. Gazing now at the cast on Keith's arm, he thought about the concerts they'd have to do in a few weeks. Would Keith be able to play? Sure they could hire a stand-in guitarist, but Keith would want to play himself. Well, it was all a few weeks away and they needed to get Keith better first, then worry about all of that later.
He looked up as Shirley came in with the loaded tray. On it were Keith's antibiotics, a pain pill for his wrist, cough syrup and a spoon, a cup of hot tea, and a bowl of chicken soup. Reuben took the tray from her as she sat down on Keith's bed and gently shook him awake.
"Keith? Wake up sweetie, it's time to take your medicine."
Keith frowned and moaned at being disturbed in his sleep but kept his eyes closed as he tried to go back to sleep. Shirley picked up the bowl of soup from the tray.
"Keith? Come on, wake up." Shirley shook him gently again. Keith forced open a pair of eyes that would much rather have stayed closed. Shirley smiled as his eyes came to rest on her face. "Come on sweetie, let's eat a little something before you take the medicine ok?"
"Please Mom... Not... hungry" he whispered quietly, wanting badly to just go back to sleep. His eyes closed of their own accord.
"Come on Keithie, please wake up so you can eat and take your medicine, and then we won't bother you any more tonight, okay? Come on sweetie." At least they wouldn't bother him until early tomorrow morning when he'd have to take his medicine again.
Keith forced open his eyes again, then tried to sit up on his elbows but the cast got in the way and he sunk back down, face in the pillow, too tired to try anymore. "Come on, I'll help you sit up." Shirley said as she and Reuben turned Keith onto his back, then held him up as they piled pillows behind him. They gently settled him down on the pillows. "Thank you..." he breathed tiredly.
"Okay, let's get some of this soup into you. Then you can take the medicine." She put the spoon into his hand and held the bowl for him. Holding the spoon awkwardly, Keith dipped it into the bowland shakily brought the spoon to his lips. The hot liquid felt good going down and he took another sip. After a few minutes his arm started to get tired, and he was spilling a bit with each spoonful.
"Here, let me help you with that." Shirley reached up to take the spoon, but Keith shook his head and pulled it away.
"No... that's ok... I got it." he said as he continued eating.
"Yeah, you got more on your shirt than you did inside you!" Reuben quipped smiling gently. Keith scowled tiredly at Reuben making the older man chuckle.
Seeing her son's frustration, Shirley shook her head. "Reuben, he's tired, leave him alone."
"I'm sorry, kid," Reuben smiled. "Just don't like seeing you sick, you know?"
Keith coughed, and Shirley handed him a tissue, feeling his forehead.
"Hurry and get this down, so you can have your medicine."
Pulling a face, Keith dropped his hand that held the spoon. "Tired."
Shirley picked up the spoon. "Here, let me feed you, then." She gave him a stern look as he went to protest. "You need it and you're too tired to do it yourself, so don't argue with me, young man."
A little embarrassed but also a little relieved, Keith allowed Shirley to feed him. He fought to stay awake as he slowly emptied the bowl. Then he took his medicine, washing it down with the hot cup of herbal tea. A coughing fit took hold and Shirley got a few tissues and held him, gently slapping his back as he coughed. As his coughing subsided, he leaned against her as she slowly rocked him back and forth.
The thought that he wouldn't be able to play the guitar weighed heavily on his mind and heart. As he sat there half asleep in his mother's arms, he imagined himself in concert, standing before the crowd, about to launch into the first song. As his fingers danced over the strings, every note came out wrong. He tried to force his fingers to hit the right notes but they seemed to obstinately refuse. The crowd booed and hissed the group right off the stage. Then his own family turned against him, blaming him for ruining their careers. He tried to explain but they wouldn't listen. Then, he imagined himself many weeks later, finally free of the cast. He picked up his guitar and tried again to play, but once again fumbling over notes, playing everything all wrong. Suddenly, his doctor was standing near him talking to his mother.
"No, Mrs. Partridge, I don't believe Keith will ever be able to play guitar again." Keith heard the doctor tell his mother. "He's not totally out of luck though. He'll probably be able to get a career in fast food."
Those last words echoed in Keith's head as he gasped awake. Eyes wide open, he looked around him. His mother and Reuben were still in the room with him, and he was still in Shirley's arms. He grabbed her shirt, fear plain as day in his eyes. "Mom! Mom, what *if* I *can't* play anymore? I've *got* to be able to play again! I've just got to!" Tears slipped out of his eyes as he clung to his mother, then buried his head in her chest sobbing.
Shirley clutched him to her and hugged him tightly as he cried his heart out. "Keithie! Keithie, shh... It'll be okay, honey, this is just a temporary setback, shhh... it'll be okay." She held him and continued to rock him gently. She knew it was the meds tearing down his defenses and making him feel vulnerable. She stroked his hair and began to sing quietly to him until finally the sobs subsided, and a calm, more relaxed, peaceful sleep came over him.
As Keith's breathing became more rhythmical, Shirley continued to hold him to her, feeling the warmth of the fever he was suffering.
"Poor kid," Reuben said softly.
Shirley looked up, having forgotten for the moment that the manager was even there.
Reuben smiled. "Sorry, he just sounded so scared."
"Yes, he did. I didn't think his breaking his wrist would create such havoc in his mind. But I think it was the meds, don't you?"
"Part of it, yeah, but you know how much his music means to him." Reuben absently tugged at the knot in his tie. "He WILL be able to play, right?"
"Of course, but not for six weeks, and even then I'm sure the doctor will limit him," Shirley said, carefully trying to maneuver her son so that she could get up and not wake him while doing so.
Reuben stood up, helping her. Together, they eased Keith to the pillow. Shirley adjusted it under his head, her fingers brushing the bangs away from his eyes.
Keith sighed and rolled over onto his side, and she smiled. "I remember how Dan used to calm the children after a nightmare. He would do a magic trick, a sleight of hand, pulling the bad dream from their ear and 'depositing' it into a special bottle that he made, with glitter and water in it. He'd push the lid down on it tightly and swish it around, showing them that the dream was dissolving, and they would believe him every time. They called it the dream jar," Shirley kept her hand on Keith's warm face. "Poor Keith used it a lot when he was younger, but he outgrew them, I suppose. Until now."
Reuben smiled, reaching down and patting his young superstar through the blanket. "Maybe you should find it and put it here for him, huh?"
Shirley nodded, as he put his arm around her. "C'mon. You need some rest, too, kiddo."
Danny was in the kitchen, getting a pitcher and filling it with lots of ice. Then he ran some water into the pitcher and swirled it around to make it nice and cold. He got down a glass and took it and the pitcher of water upstairs. Danny's mind was reeling. He'd been at the door listening to his Mom and brother. He'd seen how tired Keith was, how hard it had been for Keith to feed himself, and he seen Keith go to sleep briefly only to awaken from a nightmare a few minutes later. Keith had been so worried that he'd no longer be able to play his guitar, and if he couldn't, it would be all his fault. If he hadn't made Keith chase him up the stairs, his brother's wrist wouldn't be broken now and Keith wouldn't be so afraid.
Danny took the pitcher to his own room and waited until Shirley and Reuben had left Keith's room before he took it to his brother. Danny quietly opened the door to Keith's room and crept inside. He lightly set the pitcher and glass down near Keith's bed, and gently sat down on the bed near Keith. He watched his brother sleep for a time, thinking about what he'd done. Keith was having a time getting into a comfortable position as he lay sleeping. He'd try to lay his head on his hand, only to find that it was uncomfortable with the cast in the way. He moved his hand a few more times before finally sliding it under the pillow.
Danny hung his head in remorse. "I'm really sorry about what happened, Keith. I'm so sorry. I was only trying to get you back into your room, and I only made things worse. I'm really sorry."
As Danny watched Keith shift somewhat uncomfortably in his bed, a tear slipped down his cheek. Just then, he did something he would normally never do. He hugged his brother and gave him a light kiss on the temple, then he carefully got up off the bed and walked to the door. With one last look at Keith, he quietly opened the door and left, closing it gently behind him.
Shirley was coming out of her room as Danny was coming out of Keith's. She called to him angrily, keeping her voice to a near whisper. "Danny! What were you doing in Keith's room? He needs to sleep!"
Danny sighed, hanging his head. "I know Mom, I was just giving him some water." When he looked up again, she saw the tear he had shed in Keith's room on his face. Now she felt bad that she'd reprimanded him; he'd only been seeing about his brother. She went over to him, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him tightly.
"He'll be okay Danny... He will.... It's just going to take time."
Danny hugged her back tightly, hoping with all his heart that she was right.
