Chapter 8

A few weeks passed and Ben was physically getting stronger but emotionally he was still hurting. The only three people that Ben would let visit him were his Ray, Ray Veccico and Mrs Kowalski.

Today was the day that Ben would learn how to use the wheelchair on his own.

Ray Kowalski was sitting by bedside reading a book when a lady entered the room pushing a wheelchair.

As she entered she smiled on seeing Ben, "Ben long time no see".

Ben looked blankly at her, "Hello Ms Kennedy".

Gill frowned, "Ben what happened"?

Ben looked away from her, "I'm sure you've read the files Ms Kennedy".

Gill shook her head, "Ok Ben".

Gill now saw Ray, "Hi I'm Gill Kennedy. I'll be Ben physiotherapist".

Ray shook her hand, "I'm Ray, Ben's husband".

Gill's mouth dropped open, "Husband, Ben I didn't know you got married, congratulations".

Ben still did not meet her eyes, "Thanks, can we just get on with it. I want to be able to go home tomorrow".

Gill understood that he wasn't been sharp with her on purpose. It was just what he was going through right now, "Sure Ben, no problem".

For the next few hours they spent going over how to get from the bed to the chair and back. Ben learned how to use the bathroom and how to get in and out of the car. Ben sweated and worked really hard so by the time they finished he was worn out. Gill left saying she'd be back in the morning with his wheelchair he'd take home and his appointments for his outpatient's physiotherapy sessions.

Ray brought Ben a nice cold glass of water, "Ben you alright"?

Ben sipped his water, "I'm fine Ray, just tired".

Ray brushed Ben's hair back off his forehead, "Ben we should hear about the house today".

Ben nodded, "I hope we get it Ray, it's a beautiful house".

Ray smiled sweetly, "Yes it is Ben we'll get you home. You can rest and do what you want when you want. Then when you get your legs you can get back to training for the marathon. Hell I'll train with you maybe even take part in the marathon with you, what do you think would I be up to it"?

Ben kissed Ray's hand, "Ray I'd love that and you'd be more then capable".

Just as they were kissing again Ray Veccico walked in, "Oh Sorry guys".

Ray's face flushed, "Its ok Veccico. We were just talking about the house we should hear today".

Veccico smiled widely, "I've have come baring good news then. The hose is yours I brought you the keys".

Ray took the keys from Veccico, "Ben we have our house. Even if our neighbours will be the Veccico's sure there is always a catch on a house this good".

Ben laughed for the first time in ages, "True Ray. Ray thanks for bringing us the keys".

Veccico took off his coat, "No problem Benny. How did the training go with the wheelchair today"?

Ben sat back, "It went well Ray. Ms Kennedy did the training. I'm afraid I wasn't very nice to her".

Veccico looked to Ray and in a mocked voice, "Really you, the nicest man on the planet never".

Ben shot him a look, "Really Ray. I'm glad to be going home tomorrow though".

Veccico smiled a real smile now, "So are we Benny. The house is ready lucky it was already wheelchair friendly. Frannie is cleaning like crazy and Ma is fixing your flower beds. We only got the keys this morning as well they just wanted it to be right for you".

Ray laughed, "Thanks Veccico, you all have been really great to us".

They all chatted for sometime making plans as to what they were going to do when Ben gets out. Ben had convinced his Ray to stay on at the Chicago PD. Ben also promised his Ray that he would think about the teaching job that was offered to him. The only problem was they would have to move to Yellowknife to do it.

Veccico convinced Ray to take a break, to go for a walk and get something to eat.

While they were gone Gill came back in waving a white flag, "Is it safe to come in"?

Ben looked embarrassed, "Of course Ms Kennedy. I want to apologise for how I was with you this morning. I had no right to speak to the way I did, I'm sorry".

Gill sat down, "Its ok Ben your going through a lot it's understandable. It's a really big changed for you. You'll do it Ben you won't let a little thing like losing your legs stop you will you"?

Ben chuckled, "I'm trying but I just can't seem to stop my temper lately. I'm glad to be going home though".

Gill smiled, "I bet you are. You can do what you want when you want at home. Just remember everything I've showed you and told, like you'd forget anyway".

The night passed fast and Ben was dressing to go home. The only thing that Ben was nervous of was people seeing him. He had not let anyone visit him and it was stressing him out that now he'd have to.

Ray put Ben's bag over his shoulder, "So Ben you ready to go home"?

Ben let out a breath that he was holding, "Yes Ray lets go home".

Ben rolled himself to the car with ease and got into the car with ease. He remembered everything that Gill had shown him. Ray put the wheelchair and bags into the trunk of the car.

Ray smile while starting up the car, "Don't worry Ben you'll be fine".

Ben smiled back while putting his hand on Ray's thigh, "With you at my side I know I will, I love you Ray".

Ray leaned over and kissed Ben's cheek, "I love you to Ben, very much".