FOREVER CHANGED

CHAPTER 23

GIVING THANKS

Johnny's been going to physical therapy for about a month now, making great strides along the way. His right hand was getting stronger, he was able to move his fingers and wrist a little more, and with the help of a brace, he was beginning to feed himself; the next hurdle…re-learning how to write. He was also gaining some movement in his shoulders, but for now, even the slightest shrug caused a lot of pain as the scars stretched and pulled.

His asthma like symptoms were now controlled with inhaled medications during the day and a breathing treatments before bed and first thing in the morning…no more oxygen. The therapist was also working with Johnny to strengthen his back muscles so he could eventually graduate to a more comfortable, less restricting back brace.

Johnny was also doing great in his studies, so good, he was quickly passing up Ponyboy. With Wes' help, Johnny was making the best grades of his life. Conventional school, was always difficult for him…being picked on and ridiculed. Johnny had trouble concentrating and being quite and shy the teachers and students made him think he was stupid.…Wes knew he wasn't and made sure Johnny knew that too.

"Our last assignment before the holiday Johnny", Wes said looking through his briefcase. "Do you guys have any extra paper?", he asked, realizing he forgot to repack his briefcase last night. "Ponyboy's probably got some in his room", Johnny answered truthfully.

Wes glanced from the stairs to a sleeping Two-bit on the couch, then he looked back at Johnny and laughed. "Sorry", Johnny stated, breaking into a smile. It was so easy to forget about he wheelchair, when they were sitting at the table, Wes was just a regular guy. "I think there's one of Pony's old notebooks on the bookcase in my room", Johnny added.

Wes came back with the old composition book, he opened the front cover. "Wow A-plus, Ponyboy's a smart kid, huh?", Wes stated, questioningly. "Yeah", Johnny answered, curious about what was written on the pages. Wes tore a blank sheet out of the back of the book and started with the lesson.

Wes left a little early, he was preoccupied today, because he planned on proposing to his girlfriend this weekend, and history lessons were the last thing on his mind.

Johnny was having trouble paying attention too, he really wanted to know what Ponyboy wrote that gave him such a good grade. He vaugely remembered Ponyboy telling him about a composition he had to write for school...but that was early in his hospital stay and Johnny was heavily medicated.

"You need anything else Johnnycake….wanna go watch some tv?", Two-bit asked, collecting the lunch plates. "No, I'm good", Johnny answered, eyeing the composition book.

" 'Kay, I'll be cleanin' the kitchen if ya need me", Two-bit repiled. Johnny smiled. Taking care of Johnny during the day, seemed to bring out a great deal of responsibility in Two-bit.

Johnny took a deep breath and pulled the composition book toward him. He fumbled with the cover, trying to open it…finally hooking his finger underneath and lifting the cover over. His eyes scanned the page; "When I stepped out….".

"….Johnny…Johnnycake, you okay? "Two-bit asked concernedly. "I been callin' you.…". Johnny, who had been staring into space, looked over at Two-bit. "Yeah…just a little tired maybe", Johnny answered with a yawn. "I'll get you into bed then", Two-bit said, taking a hold of the chair handles.

Johnny nodded slightly, "…but first, I need you to do something for me.…".

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Thanksgiving day at the Curtis' was anything but typical. The boys usually spent the day with Two-bit and his family. This year, Darry was determined to give his 'family' a traditional Thanksgiving, something they hadn't had since their parents died, almost two years before...and something Johnny rarely had.

Most of the memories he had of Thanksgiving, consisted of his parents fighting, a beating or two from his dad and an turkey tv dinner. After that, he would sneak over to the Curtis' where Mrs. Curtis would be waiting for him with a warm plate of food and an equally warm hug.

Steve would stay home for as long as he could. He knew when his old man started to ride him about not going out for the football team, he'd head over to the Curtis house.

Maggie should have been spending Thanksgiving with her family, but she decided to work instead, staying late to make sure all of her patients got a special dinner.

She made it a point to get to the house extra early, putting the turkey in the oven before getting Johnny ready for the day...the rest was up to the boys.

Darry, Sodapop and Ponyboy bustled around the kitchen while Johnny sat at the table, and read the directions out of the cookbook.

Unfortunately, things did not come out as planned. "I don't remember Mom's stuffin' tastin' like this", Pony complained as he wrinkled his nose.

"Yeah and this gravy is sure lumpy", Soda added, pulling a blobby spoon out of the gravy boat.

"What do I look like, a short order cook?", Darry yelled in an annoyed tone. "Whadda 'bout you Johnnycake...what's wrong with your food?", he asked sarcastically.

Johnny's eyes widened. "I-I just need someone to cut my turkey", he replied innocently.

Darry smiled and sighed. "Sorry Johnny...I forgot", he apologized, and proceeded to cut the food.

Steve and Two-bit came in together carrying two large packages of food. "My mom had left-overs...thought you guys might like some", he said, chuckling as he noticed the relatively untouched food still on the table.

Steve and Two-bit sat down and joined the group, unpacking the food and sharing it with the others. Darry laughed at a joke Two-bit told, he looked at they guys around the table...it may not have been a traditional Thanksgiving...but it was definitly memorable.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE: I know it was short, but I needed to hint at a major plot point. Oh, and just what are our dear Johnny and Two-bit up to?

QUESTION: Does anyone know what winters in Oklahoma are like? I live in the northern midwest...and it's cold and snowy here.

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