Chapter 9

November 17, 1994

Mrs. Garrett sat down in the living room with Jo, Natalie and Tootie.

"Tad called me today; he is bringing Blair home today. He told me she went through some tests with the therapists," Mrs. Garrett said. "He told me she can understand everything that is said, but the only things she can't do are talking, walking, writing, and feeding herself." Mrs. Garrett continued. "He told me she will need to work with therapists, when she gets home. He told me when she couldn't do something, she became frustrated and started crying. I need you girls to help Tad and I take care of Blair when you can."

"We will," Jo said. "Right guys?"

Tootie and Natalie nodded.

"It will be late when Blair comes home, so you won't see her until tomorrow," Mrs. Garrett said.

"When is Kelsey going to see her?" Jo asked.

"Oh, I almost forgot, Tad wants to tell her after school tomorrow. He doesn't want her here, when they get here," Mrs. Garrett said. "She is spending the night at a friend's house."

Tad had been driving since early in the morning. Blair had fallen asleep in the passenger seat, as soon as they'd entered the freeway. Tad had instructions to wake her every two hours, until 9 PM. Tad pulled into a rest stop and woke up Blair.

"I'm sorry to keep waking you, but it's doctor's orders," Tad said. "We're at a rest stop, do you need anything?"

Blair shook her head.

"OK," Tad said. "I'm going to get something; will you be OK by yourself?"

Blair nodded. Tad got out of the car and locked Blair in with the remote. When he came back, Blair was asleep again.

Hours later they were finally in Peekskill. Tad had told Blair that she would be home the next time she woke up. She was still asleep, when they pulled in the driveway. It was after 9 PM, so Tad didn't wake her. Tad carried Blair into the house and laid her on the couch. Mrs. Garrett was already in bed and no one else was around. Tad went back out to unload the car. When he was finished, he quietly unfolded Blair's walker and put it where she could reach it, and fell asleep in a nearby chair.