Chapter 8

"Tomorrow morning Kevin, we are going to try the stairs. You have done so well with your rehab and I think you are ready." Said Mark the therapist as he walked out of the room.

Kevin smiled and said, "I am so ready for that. I'm tired of being upstairs all the time and I want to get downstairs and see something different."

At that moment Molly the part time maid who came in on the days when his mother had to go to work and Edd was at school brought his breakfast tray and set in on the table next to his bed.

Looking the tray over Kevin noticed that she had placed the mail on the tray and he decided to check his mail before eating his breakfast. He glanced through the usual get well and best wishes cards and then he saw there was a long legal looking envelope in the mix.

As he opened this letter he noticed it was from the hospital. When he looked at the paper inside it was a bill for $127,000. He did a double take and looked at the bill again. Oh Lord, he thought, where am I to get this kind of money to pay this bill. Mother doesn't have it and it says the insurance won't cover it. I guess I will have to quit school and get a job to help pay this off.

There went his hopes for college and a great paying job. He had hopes of having a great job after college so that his mother would not have to work so hard. Just what kind of a job was a boy his age without a diploma going to get. He even started to wonder how he was going to maintain a relationship with Edd, when the dork went off to college.

He lay the paper on the table and looked at his breakfast, he suddenly wasn't hungry, his legs hurt from the morning therapy and he just felt so tired. Such high hopes and everything seemed to be coming together after Edd had said yes to being his boyfriend.

Double Dee had done so much for him and he couldn't burden him with this kind of debt. Tears welled up in the emerald eyes and flowed down his cheeks.

He looked again at his breakfast and thought the Dork will be so mad if I don't eat so I'd better eat it. After finishing his breakfast he picked up the bill and frowned. Just then there came a tap on his door.

"Come in," he called as he looked up to see who it was that had tapped on his door. A look of surprise came upon his face when he saw a willowy older lady with black hair with just a few strands of gray enter his room.

"Mrs. Vincent I never expected a visit from you. Especially not a house call." Kevin smiled at the older lady.

"I thought while I was in town I would check up on our patient in person. From all reports you are doing well. I just spoke with your therapist and he said, you are walking good with just a little limp. That should go away in time. Your muscles just have to get used to working like they used to. He also mentioned that you are going to try the stairs tomorrow."

"Yes ma'am, I can't wait to be up and about again."

"Well don't rush things along too much, your body still has much healing to do." Said Mrs. Vincent at she looked at his arm and leg, moving each limb around and checking their strength. After checking his surgical scars for healing she said, "That's enough playing Doctor, now for the real reason I stopped in to visit you."

Green eyes met blue and held for a few moments, then the mother came to the forefront and she said, I want to know you, Kevin. Edd has told us about you. It sounds like you boys have had and interesting relationship over the years. Most of all I want to know, do you love my son, and will you be good for him? Life hasn't been easy for him, with two in demand doctors for parents. We haven't been the parents he should have had. We weren't there during his teen years, especially the last few years. It doesn't excuse us from our responsibilities, Our research over those same years has helped you and many others to be able to live a normal life again. Eddward has always been a responsible child that we felt we could leave on his own at times. I'm glad he has had such great friends to help him along as he was growing up."

"That praise should go to the Eds, they were his constant companions. I wish I had been a better friend during that time of our life. I've let him down more often than I should have. It wasn't until recently that I understood my feelings for Edd, There were times when my fear of what others would think caused me to bully him. Tho I always tried to make it up to him afterwards."

"He has told me all about that, what I really want to know is do you love him now or will you, when your friends find out drop him again?"

"Mrs. Vincent, I want you to know I have actually loved Dee since the first day I met him. I am ashamed That I let so much nonsense get in the way of that love. Just before I had my accident, I had come to terms with just how much I loved him and wanted him to be a part my life as more than just a friend. Back when we first got our class rings, I put mine in a box that I had made for him with a note on it asking him to be my boyfriend. He never gave me an answer so I figured his answer was no. He just recently found the ring and said yes. That made me the happiest I have ever been in my life. He had forgotten what I had told him about the box." Kevin then walked over and picked up the box and showed her the secret compartments. "This one under the little heart is where the ring was hidden all this time."

Doctor Vincent took the box and looked it all over, she took in the delicate carving and the different letters and designs on the box. "This box must have been terribly expensive. Where did you purchase it? I would love to have one like it."

"No ma'am it wasn't expensive all it cost me was some time and effort on my part in shop class at school. All I can say that it cost me was my heart. When I made it I wanted it to show Dee how much I loved him. See his initials and mine are on there. If you would like, when I can get back into the shop I'll make you one like it." Kevin replied.

Doctor Vincent smiled and handed the box back to the redhead and said, "Now tell me what are your plans for the future."

"I had offers of a couple of sports scholarships for college, but it looks like I will have to let those slide and go to work as soon as I can so that I can help pay off all these medical bills." Kevin said sadly

"Bills, what bills? All your medical bills were covered didn't Eddward tell you about that? I'll let Eddward fill you in on all the details about that, but you have nothing to worry about."

"What about this? I got this in the mail this morning." Kevin said as he handed the letter from the hospital to Edd's mother.

Mrs. Vincent looked over the letter and pulled out her phone and called the hospital asking for the billing department. Hello, is Mrs. Payne in? Tell her Doctor Vincent is calling about one of my patients."

"Hello Mrs. Payne, Your hospital sent an invoice to a patient of mine, Mr Kevin Barr concerning some equipment that I ordered for his used in his rehabilitation. Why was that? That equipment was a donation from my husband and myself, so he should never have received any correspondence on the matter. Yes, I will hold while you check into the matter."

Kevin sat and thought why didn't I think to call the hospital about the bill? I know what she is wanting to ask me, what are my future plans and how will that affect Dee.

"Kevin, what are your future plans for your life, not your plans for Eddward but your plans for yourself?" asked Mrs Vincent looking directly at Kevin.

"I was hoping for a scholarship in a sports related field to get into college and get a degree in Physical Education. Then after graduation to get a job as a coach at a high school somewhere."

"That's admirable Kevin, but what if you can not get a scholarship, what then?" Asked the older lady.

"I will have to find a job, probably as a mechanic, I love tinkering with cars and motorcycles.

Doctor Vincent looked at her watch and frowned, "We will have to continue this discussion at another time. I have an appointment that I have to attend in a short while. If you ever get another notice like this just call Mrs. Payne at the hospital and she will sort it out. The Vincent Foundation has taken care of all your medical needs. Ask Eddward all about it. Keep up your studies and I am sure you will find a way for college. I will consult with my husband and see if you will be able to continue in your sports." said Doctor Vincent as she stood up and walked over to Kevin and give his a hug then she touched his chest and drew a circle then touched her own and drew another circle. "I'm sure Eddward has told you about the dream my husband and I both had concerning this action. And we want you to know that we feel you are a part of our family."

Mrs. Vincent turned and walked out the door stopping to look back and said, "Instead of one handsome son I now have two, I am sure your mother feels the same way. I'll see you in a couple of weeks Kevin. And, for now don't worry about college, just keep preparing for your chosen field. I think football is out of the picture, but you may still be able to get a baseball scholarship. If not, I'm sure we can find a way for you to get our college education."

"Bye Mrs. Vincent, I enjoyed talking to you." Smiled Kevin as she walked out of sight.

Kevin's mood felt lighter since his visit with Edd's mom. Tomorrow he was going to try the stairs he couldn't wait to be out and about again. Even though it would be a surprise to most of his friends he wanted to be able to sport around with his Dork on his arm.

He thought to himself: It's time to be free from social stereotypes, it's time to be me. I love my dork and I want the world to know it. Those who don't like it aren't my problem. They can go their way and I will go mine.

The redhead eased himself up from the bed he was sitting on and grabbed onto the walker that was standing next to his bed. Taking slow deliberate steps he made his way over to his desk. He looked at the picture of Edd sitting there and then looked out the window. He thought of all the times that he had watched out that window to see Double Dee across the street in his own home.

Just then he noticed a car pull in front of his house. He watched a man get out and start up the walkway to the door. It was his Uncle Bobby, what had prompted this visit. The man hadn't made any effort to see them since Kevin's father had passed away. The redhead slowly made his way back to the armchair that was placed next to his bed and sat down awaiting the arrival of his uncle.

His uncle walked into the room and scowled at the boy sitting there. "So boy you tried to kill yourself on that stupid motorcycle? I told your mother she needed to sell that thing and send the money to me so that I could invest it for her"

Kevin ignored the remark and said "Hi Uncle Bobby, How have you been?"

"Never mind the pleasantries, I haven't time for that nonsense. I'm a busy business man. What do the doctors say, will you be able to play football again? I am planning on getting my university to grant you a scholarship. But if you can't play football then there's no use me bothering about you. I was planning on donating a huge sum to the athletic department to get you that scholarship."

"The doctors have said that I can't play football, because of the chance of being hit wrong in the game and I could be crippled for life. They have said that I should be able to play baseball and I hope to get a scholarship for that. I prefer baseball anyway."

"Your father and I both wanted you to carry the Barr name into the NFL. We both had such high hopes for you, but you managed to spoil those dreams. Think how you have managed to disappoint your father in not being able to get a football scholarship. That's how he and I both managed to get into college."

"No, Uncle Bobby you may be disappointed in me not getting a football scholarship, but dad would support me in any decision that a I make in my career."

"Don't sass me boy, William was my twin brother and I should know what he would think better than anyone. What are you going to do about college now?"

"I have one more year of school to think about that, and even if college doesn't pan out, I'll find a job as a mechanic or something. I ain't afraid of hard work."

"I was planning for the day you would take over my business, when I decide to retire. After college and a good stint in the NFL you would be able to buy into my company and I would train you to run the business. If you can't get a college education then how would you be able to run a business such as mine."

"I have never even thought about running that kind of business, I want to do something with sports education or coaching."

"You can't make a fortune in that field boy, what's wrong with you? Think about how your poor mother has to work and scrimp just to get by. If you went to the NFL you could gain a fortune and she wouldn't have to work so hard. William would be so disappointed in you for not taking care of your mother in the way you would if you had an all star career."

"There's more to just having money Uncle Bob, there's love and happiness. Being able to spend time with the ones you love. Even poor my mother will never have to want if I have a say in it. Why this sudden interest in our finances. You didn't offer a dime after my father passed away and times got really hard for us. We made on our own and always will."

"He's right Bob, we can manage on our own. Kevin and I have done just fine. Bill would be so proud of Kevin if he were alive today. I'm sure that even in the hereafter he is proud of our son. Kevin seems to know what Bill knew. That having loved ones is so much more than having lots of money."

"But Kathleen he could do so much for you if he were rich. Think about your old age, What will happen to you. I'm sure his wife wouldn't want you under her feet."

"You needn't worry about that Uncle Bob, Mom and Dee get along just fine." retorted Kevin with a smile.

"He's right Bob, Dee and I get along famously, so I don't think you need to worry about us."

"Who is Dee, not that little blonde girl that lived down the street that I met when I was here last?"

"No that was Nazz, that you met, we are friends still, and she supports my relationship with Dee."

"But who is she? Is she from a good family, are they rich?"

Kevin looked at his uncle and grinned. "She is a he, and I love him very much and have loved him since we were little boys together."

"What! You mean you've turned into a fag? I told you that would ruin you. No one will hire you being like that. Think how ashamed your father would be if he were here to hear you talk like that. I knew I should have taken you after William died. This is what happens when you let a woman raise a sun without a man in the house." stormed the uncle pacing up and down the room. "You will have to come to you senses and get over this nonsense if you want to get anywhere in life boy."

"That will be all of that Bob, I am sure that Bill is proud of Kevin and he has made an effort to show us from the other world that he is proud of him and loves him very much. He has appeared to me and Dee's parents in dreams, and told us that he was proud of Kevin and loved him very much. Even when Kevin was unconscious he visited with Bill and he told Kevin that he was proud of him and loved him and Dee very much."

"Boulder-dash and rot, that just twaddle and nonsense. My brother would never condone such things as his only son being queer. What about grandchildren and carrying on the Barr name?"

"It's a little early in the game to talk about grandchildren. If they decide later on that they want children they can always adopt. "

"But how can I hold my head up among my friends, when they find out that my star athlete of a nephew is queer?"

"That will be enough of those words Bob, we don't use such in my house. If I put a whole football team out because of such talk then I am not afraid of putting you out as well. Edd is such a sweet boy and has done so much for Kevin and myself that I cannot allow you to say such things."

Mrs. Barr looked at her sun and saw that he had slumped into the chair he was sitting in and said, "Honey, you look tired, I think you need a little nap. It won't be long before Edd gets here and you wouldn't want him to see you looking like that. Now Bob, come down to the kitchen and have some coffee and we can visit without disturbing Kevin any longer. He needs to rest and get his strength back. I heard that tomorrow is going to be a milestone day in his rehab. Come Bod, lets go downstairs and let him get some rest."

"But I have more to say."

"No you don't have anything else to say." Mrs. Barr grabbed the man by the arm and drug him from the room and pulled him downstairs to the kitchen. She pushed him down into a chair and turned to make the coffee. She heard the man start to stand up. "Sit down Bob, you and I have a lot to talk about."

He glared at the woman's back. "That boy had such a promising future. I told you to sell that motorcycle and this house and come out to live with me and let me invest your money for your future so that you would have something for your old age. But, no you stay here and work a minimal job and slave away in a pitiful existence. Now you have a cripple on your hands, who may never be able to support you."

"As long as Kevin is healthy, and happy I don't care about anything else."

"Who is paying for all these medical bills. You needn't expect me to cover them, not after what I found out today. "The bills are taken care of, and even if they weren't we would not ask you for a thin dime. If that is your only worry in life, then just pretend you don't know us. It's not like you have ever supportive of our family."

"You know I have everything invested in my business. I have to keep the family business running. It's what father wanted. William could have been a partner in the business and made a fortune by now. I wanted Kevin to come into the business and I could train him to be an astute businessman such as I am."

"Yes, such as you are a miserable old skinflint who lives alone. Why don't you ask one of Diane's boys to come into the business. They are so much in need of money since Richard passed away last year."

"They can't afford to invest in the company. That's why I wanted so much for Kevin to become a professional football player. With the kind of money they make he could afford to buy into the company."

"Why should any of old Hiram's grandchildren need to buy into a company that their grandfather started?" asked Mrs. Barr with a raised eyebrow.

"I had to buy into it, that was father's requirement for us to come into the family business." whined Robert Barr. "Now I've lived my whole life for that company. Who will take it over after me? Kevin will be missing out on a great opportunity by not coming into the family business. But he still can but he has to get over this phase and marry a nice rich girl. I can't have a pansy running my company."

"I don't think you have noticed that my son may be gay, he is still very manly to anybody that knows him. You need to get over the stereotypes and get to know your nephew and his boyfriend."

"Just who is this boyfriend and what do you know about him?" asked Uncle Bobby.

"Edd and his family have lived across the street most of Edd's life. His parents are very renowned doctors. They are the reason that my son is able to be up and about as good as he is. They say he will get even better. Although they recommend him not to try football because of the injury to his back. One wrong tackle could undo all their hard work and may even cause his death. Edd has been taking care of Kevin since the accident almost single handely and doing a superb job of it."

"I'll send my own specialist to check Kevin over, they will know what he can and cannot do. I am sure they are better doctors than any you can find in this backwards town."

The irate man pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed a number when the party on the other end answered he said, "Kenneth, this is Robert Barr, I want you to fly out to Peach Creek and look my nephew over. The doctors here don't know what they are talking about. I want you to tell them that he can and will be able to play football in the future."

"What? Oh my nephew Kevin, I've mentioned him to you before, Yes, that's the one. Also I need you to round up Charlie and tell him I need a good psychiatrist, my nephew is going thru a phase that I need him cured of. I will be staying at the Peach Creek Inn come there when you arrive and then we will come to the house and you can put those backwoods doctors to shame. Ok I'll see you tomorrow afternoon."

"There Kathleen, We will see how quick I can get things straightened out when my doctors get here. I will be at the Inn. I'll be back tomorrow about five pm with doctors in tow have Kevin ready for their visit." after saying this the irate man stormed out the door knocking the two people standing in front of the house to the side. He got into his car and drove away.

Mrs. Barr had hurried behind the man to close the door that he had left open, looked out as the two men stood up and dusted themselves off. "Oh, Edd, I'm sorry about that, Bob can be so brusque at times and doesn't pay attention to where he is going. Especially when he is angry."

Double Dee looked up at the lady and smiled. "Hi Ms Kathy, I was just bringing a friend to visit Kevin. I hope it is alright."

"Sure Edd, Who is your friend?" She asked looking the stranger over.

The man lifted his fedora and looked at Mrs. Barr, a look of recognition came into his eyes and he said, "Kathy don't you recognize me. I'm Eddie Livingston, we went to school together."

"Eddie is that you? Well come in. I didn't know you knew my son. What a small world. When did you come to Peach Creek. Edd why don't you go check on Kevin and I'll fix Eddie a cup of coffee and talk about old times for awhile then he can go up and visit Kevin for a little while. Although he may be asleep, he did look sort of tired after Bobby's visit."

Edd ran lightly up the stairs and into Kevin's room. When he entered the room he saw that the redhead was sleeping but it seemed he was having a bad dream. Edd walked over and sat on the edge of the bed and placed his hand on the boy's forehead. His temperature felt normal. He then took up one of Kevin's hands into his own, which seemed to quieten the boys restlessness for a time. Just when Dee thought that the redhead and settled in his sleep, he sat straight up in the bed without opening his eyes and said "No! Uncle Bobby, I will not do that. I love my dork more that life itself." Then he mumbled something that Dee didn't understand and fell back on his pillows. Dee still held Kevin's hand which seemed to tighten around his own as if holding on to something to keep it from slipping away..

The sleeper spoke again "Don't leave me Dork, Uncle Bobby doesn't speak for my family. We love you, I love you..."

Dee spoke softly as not to wake the sleeping boy, "I'm not going anywhere Kevin, I love you too." He gripped the hand tighter. The redhead sighed in his sleep and seemed to quiet down a bit.

After awhile the dork's hand was starting to cramp from being held so tightly and Dee gently slid his hand from Kevin's to flex it a bit. The redhead moaned in his sleep and said "come back Dee, please don't go.."

Double Dee shook the sleeping boy and said "Wake up Kevin, you are just having a bad dream."

The emerald eyes opened and looked at Dee sleepily then the redhead sat up and held the dork tightly and said, "please don't leave me Dee. I was having the worst dream that you had left me. Please promise me that no matter what my uncle says you won't leave me."

Double Dee held Kevin even tighter and said, "I'm not going anywhere Kevin, I've worked too hard to bring you back to lose you now. I've learned to be strong. I've had to fight some battles to get you the care you needed. If I can fight for that then I will fight to keep you. You need to be strong too Kevin, don't let him treat you they way he did when he was here after your father died. Be strong and stand up for what you believe in. For years I could have went to any private academy for prep school that I could have chosen, however I chose to say in Peach Creek because you are here. I don't want to be anywhere else in the world but here with you. Until you send me away I will always be here by your side. Why do you think I always forgave you when you had hurt me. I love you and always will Kevin Barr. I want this to work out between us." Dee the reached in and placed his lip on the ginger's lips. As the kiss deepened Kevin pulled Double Dee in closer to him. He wrapped his arms around the dork and ran his hands up and down Edd's back. Edd in the meantime had placed his hands on Kevin's chest.

"Ahem, I hate to interrupt you molesting your caregiver Kevin but you have a guest, who wants to see you." Grinned Mrs. Barr winking at the two boys.

Kevin whispered into Dee's ear "Damn, cock blocked by my own mother, we need to talk later Dee."

Edd laughed and said, "Yes, we will have an in-depth conversation later Kevin. I have a feeling I need to explain somethings to you about your medical expenses. I'm going to go down and help Mrs Kathy with supper so that you and your friend and have a nice little visit."