Hey everyone! I'm back with another chapter! I apologize for the delay as I've been struggling with a lack of motivation. Thanks for all your reviews last chapter! You guys are so sweet. :) Thank you to all of my guest reviewers, sorry I can't reply to you because that's how it's set up but thank you all the same! PLEASE REVIEW and let me know what you think of this chapter! God Bless.
-Vegter999
Chapter 7
Torsten's POV:
The early afternoon sun filtered through my bedroom window as I lay on my bed staring up at the ceiling. I wasn't particularly tired, but rather wondering what to do with myself. I sighed and turned my head, glancing over at my sketchbook that lay upon my desk. I had taken up the habit of drawing after the accident, as it had helped to calm me and helped me deal with my anger and post-traumatic stress.
Though the nightmares and flashbacks of the event had lessened over the years, at times I still struggled and on top of that thoughts of loneliness had begun to plague me along with a sense of frustration. Why did the accident have to happen? If it hadn't I would've been able to run and play like I used to as a child, I would've been able to drive my first car, I wouldn't have had to endure the bullies at school or the looks of pity, especially from girls. I thumped the mattress with my fist as I felt anger and resentment and frustration begin to boil within me.
'Just go to your book and sketch Torsten' I thought.
I rolled over and sat up on the edge of the bed, pulling my chair closer to me with my arms. I then turned and placed my hands upon the handles, beginning to lift myself into the chair when all of a sudden it skidded back and I went tumbling to the floor, striking my back against the chair.
"Ow!" I exclaimed. Pretty soon Pappa rushed into the room and saw me sprawled on the floor.
"Torsten are you hurt?! What happened?!"
I pushed myself up to a sitting position using my arms.
"I'm fine Pappa" I replied, unable to keep a note of bitterness from creeping into my tone.
"What happened?" he asked again.
"I tried to get in my chair off the bed but it moved and I fell."
"Why didn't you call for me?! I could've helped you."
"Because I don't like to rely on someone else to do something as simple as get out of bed!" I snapped.
Pappa quickly became quiet and a flash of hurt crossed his eyes and I immediately felt my temper cool. He was my Pappa and he loved me, he was only trying to help.
"I'm sorry Pappa" I murmured, unable to look him in the eye.
Pappa came closer and knelt down in front of me.
"Torsten look at me please" he said gently.
I slowly raised my eyes to gaze at him. I saw compassion there and love.
"What is really going on Torsten?"
I sighed and suddenly burst into tears, sobs escaping me as my shoulders shook.
Pappa pulled me to him and I placed my head on his shoulder as he stroked my hair.
"Shhh, shhh that's right, just let it out" he soothed.
"I'm so useless and so broken Pappa! I can't even get out of bed by myself! I feel so emasculated and like I'm such a burden to you and Mamma! I want a wife and a family just like Erik has but I can't because what girl would ever want me!" I ranted emotionally.
Pappa simply held me and allowed me to cry it out, continuing to stroke my hair until finally my sobs began to quiet.
I sniffled and finally lifted my head from his shoulder and sat up.
"Feel better?" he asked.
"No my head hurts now" I mumbled.
"Well maybe this will make you feel better."
Pappa took my face in between his hands, forcing me to look at him.
"Torsten, you are not a burden to us. You are our son and we love you and so do Erik and Ruth and your little nieces and nephew. And just because you need help with certain tasks that other people don't does not make you any less a man. A man's true strength lies in his heart, not in how many things he can do on his own. And as far as girls are concerned all I have to say to you is this: The right girl will love you exactly the way you are, because you're handsome and you're kind and you're smart and you're brave. You remember that boy."
I attempted a grin but ultimately failed due to the fact that my heart was still hurting.
Pappa seemed to understand this as he kissed me on the top of the head and said "You will feel alright again. Just maybe not right now and that is ok. Now let me help you into your chair."
He hooked his arms underneath mine and set me in my wheelchair almost as if I weighed nothing at all.
All of a sudden the doorbell rang.
Pappa's eyebrows drew together in confusion.
"That's strange. I wasn't expecting anyone today. Are you expecting anyone Torsten?"
I shook my head.
The doorbell rang a second time.
Pappa turned on his heel and went to answer it. I quickly wheeled after him, curious to see who it was.
Pappa opened the door and my heart nearly stopped as I beheld the figure that stood on the doorstep. It was none other than the cause of my lifelong impairment. Magnus.
"Hello Pappa" he said.
His gaze then turned to me.
"Hello Torsten."
I quickly recovered from my shock and felt ire consume me like a fire wreaking havoc on a forest.
"Don't you dare even talk to me you bastard!" I spat at him.
"Torsten!" Pappa chided, trying to placate me.
He turned back to Magnus.
"I had no idea you would be coming."
"I know. I'm sorry I probably should've called first Pappa but..."
"But you just decided to be inconsiderate of others people's feelings and lives as usual!" I interrupted.
"Torsten please!" Pappa exclaimed, a warning note edging his voice.
"Pappa..." Magnus said, drawing Pappa's attention back to him.
"I know it's short notice and I wouldn't normally ask but all the hotels are booked and we were wondering if..."
"We?" Pappa questioned.
Before Magnus could answer a woman with blonde hair and a slim waistline approached us and I recognized her immediately. Elsa, Erik's ex-fiancé.
"Darling did he say yes?" she asked, placing a hand upon his arm, and therefore displaying a rather exquisite engagement ring along with a silver wedding ring.
"I was just about to ask him sweetheart" he said, smiling at her. I found the display absolutely sickening and it made me want to throw up the latest contents of my lunch. How dare they both come here and act so in love after the pain they put Erik through!
Magnus turned back to Pappa.
"Pappa would it be alright if we stayed here during the remainder of our visit?"
"Of course you may stay. This is your home."
"Pappa!" I yelled, feeling a sting of betrayal.
"Torsten, he is your brother" Pappa said firmly.
"Then I'm not staying here. I will not live under the same roof as him even for a second!" I turned and wheeled towards my room.
"Torsten where are you going?!" Pappa called after me.
"To call Erik! I'm going to stay with him! At least at his house I'll be in the presence of decent company!"
When I got to my room, I slammed the door and locked it, just in case Magnus decided to follow me into my bedroom.
I wheeled to my desk and picked up my cell phone which was lying next to my sketchbook. I pulled up my contacts and then pressed Erik's number...
###
Erik's POV:
My eyes shot open as my phone vibrated on the bedside table next to me. I groaned and sat up, reaching for the device and gazing at the screen. The words Call Torsten were displayed across the screen. I quickly pressed the accept button.
"Hey Torsten what's up?" I said, yawning.
"Were you asleep? Why are you asleep in the middle of the day?"
"Oh..." I gazed over at Ruth who was sleeping next to me "I'm...uh...with Ruth."
"Oh, oh" Torsten said, slightly awkwardly as he grasped my meaning.
"Yeah, anyway what's up?"
"Magnus showed up at the house."
I sat bolt upright.
"Really?"
"Yeah and now the bastard has convinced Pappa to let him stay here while he is visiting."
I groaned.
"And Erik there's something else. He brought Elsa with him. She's his wife now."
My grip on the phone tightened.
"He didn't" I seethed.
"I'm afraid he did. Anyway I was wondering if I could possibly stay with you until his visit is over?"
"Yeah sure buddy."
"Thanks Erik, you're the best. Do you think you could come and pick me up? I wouldn't normally ask but Mamma is visiting her sick friend till tomorrow and Pappa is busy getting things ready for them and has to run out the store to get extra food after he does that and I don't feel comfortable being left alone for even a minute with these two."
"Sure I'll be right over."
"Thanks big brother. I owe you one."
"Don't mention it" I said, and hung up the phone.
I then turned to Ruth who was still sleeping peacefully. I kissed her bare shoulder and gently shook her.
"Ruth sweetheart wake up."
She moaned and slowly opened her eyes. She smiled at me.
"Hello my darling" she whispered.
"Hey, I have to go to my parents house."
"Why?"
"Magnus showed up and Pappa is letting him stay at the house during his visit and he brought Elsa. She's his wife now. Torsten called me and asked if he could stay with us because he doesn't feel comfortable being in the house with Magnus and I told him he could so now I have to go and rescue him."
I moved a piece of hair out of her eyes.
"I hope thats ok with you that I said yes."
"Torsten is my brother. He is always welcome in this house."
I smiled at her.
"You really are such a blessing to me Ruth" I kissed her forehead.
She smiled.
"And you are a blessing to me Erik" she leaned over and kissed me.
When she pulled away I said "Well I should probably get going. I'll pick the kids up from Naomi's on the way back."
"Alright. While your doing that I think I'll take the opportunity to feed Sarie and ride him so he can get his exercise in for the day."
"Sounds good." I gave her one last kiss and reluctantly got out of bed and dressed and grabbed the car keys. I headed downstairs and outside to the car, quickly getting in and starting the engine.
I turned the car around and began heading down the long gravel country driveway that led up to the house.
As I drove along I glanced at the crucifix hanging from the car mirror.
"Why God? Why did he have to come back into my life?"
Perhaps to heal what has been lost my son.
I shook off that thought and continued on my way to Oslo.
Hey guys I hope I did this chapter alright. Please REVIEW and let me know what you think. God Bless.
