Chapter 8

Smiling, like a teenager in love, Sharona asked Randy if he was ready to leave. Shaking his head "yes", they started to walk out the door, when the door flew open, nearly banging Randy in the face. Stepping back, to avoid the occupant barreling through, Randy was surprised to see Joy running through his door.

"Joy! Are you all right?" asked Randy.

"Randy!" exclaimed Joy, "Are you all right?"

Stunned that Joy spoke, Randy just stood there in shock. Concerned, Joy snapped her fingers in front of his face.

"Randy? Randy?" asked Joy, now worried.

"Joy, you spoke!" exclaimed Randy, finally finding his voice. Sharona was just as surprised when she realized that Joy had spoken.

"Yes, I spoke," said Joy, impatiently, "but what happened to you?" as she pointed to his shoulder.

"Oh, this is just a graze," said Randy, trying to downplay his injury.

"No, it's not," said Sharona, "don't let him tell you otherwise. He got it saving mine and Adrian's lives."

Joy thought of what Sharona said and what Randy had said and decided to not pursue it. Surprising herself and Randy, Joy threw her arms around him and gave him a hug, mindful of his right side. Startled, Randy wrapped his good arm around Joy.

"I'm glad that you are ok, Randy. I'm sorry that I caused you so many problems. I understand if you want to send me away," cried Joy.

Looking at Sharona, Randy asked, "Could you leave us alone for a few?" Nodding her understanding, Sharona walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Turning back to Joy, Randy looked down at her. Wiping a tear from her eye, Randy said, "You're no problem, Joy. I'm glad you are with me. I know that I am clueless about raising teens but, I'm trying my best. I only wished that you would have come to me and talked. I was so scared when I saw you on the bathroom floor. I thought that I had lost you and then I would have failed Trent. Most importantly, though, I thought I had failed you, Joy. I'm sorry that I took your scrapbook without asking first. I was trying to find a way to talk to you and to get you to talk to me."

Still crying, Joy said, through a muffled voice, "I'm sorry, too. I know I've been a brat. It's just so hard, Randy. I feel so alone. I was so scared when Adrian told me you had been shot. I was disappointed and angry that you weren't in my room when I awoke and then I found out that you were here as a patient. When Adrian told me you were a hero, I panicked, thinking that I had possibly lost you as well."

Taking her hand, Randy led Joy to the chairs. Sitting down, Randy faced Joy and said, "Joy, I want you to go to counseling for me. I think talking to someone will help. I plan to go see someone as well. I want you to get better. I know it's going to be a long road but, I have two weeks off that we could get to know each other. I think Dr. Johnson wants to keep you so that he can make sure that you recover fully. Will you cooperate with the staff, Joy? For me?" asked Randy.

Sighing, Joy replied, "Yeah, I'll try. I won't guarantee you that I'm gonna like it, but I'll try."

"That's all I ask," said Randy, giving her a quick hug. "Now, let's go back to your room."

"Ok," said Joy, as she followed Randy out the door.