Chapter 9

Ray Kowalski pulled up to their new home with Ben. They were both relived to see no welcoming party waiting for them. That was something they did not want.

Ray turned in his seat as he took out the keys, "You ok Ben"?

Ben looked from the house back to Ray, "I'm fine Ray. It feels good to be home. I suspect that Ray Veccico had a hand in keeping our arrival home nice and peaceful".

Ray and softly touched Ben's arm, "Ya I bet he did, come on lets get you inside".

Once inside the house they saw that Francesca had indeed been cleaning. There was also fresh flowers placed around and there was a note on the kitchen table.

Ray picked up the note and read it:

Welcome home guys,

I hope that you enjoy your new home.

We will try to be good neighbours to you.

You need anything you call ok day or night.

I mean it guys call.

Oh and dinner is in the oven just heat it at 240 for 1 hour.

Love

Francesca

Ray smiled and put the note down.

Ben moved closer to Ray, "Ray you alright, what did the note say"?

Ray looked down at the note again, "It's a note from Frannie she is welcoming us to our new home. She says they'll try to be good neighbours, whatever that means. Frannie also said that there is dinner in the oven we just have to heat it. What do you say will we take the tour"?

Ben smiled at the kindness of Francesca and then felt guilty for shutting her out.

Ray saw it in Ben's eyes what he was thinking.

Ray rubbed the back of Ben's neck, "Don't Ben, you did what you had to do at the time. So stop feeling guilty, now let's take the tour".

Ben took Ray's hand and kissed it, "Ok Ray".

First they looked at the downstairs. In the kitchen all the counters were on height adjustable brackets so they would suite them both. Ben could fit under the hob to cook. It had a safety splash and prop guard so he wouldn't have an accident and get burned. The oven was also suitable Ben felt pretty good about that as it gave him independence.

Next they moved to the sitting room. It was very comfortably furnished it also had a huge TV and a full cinema entertainment system.

Ben laughed on seeing this, "Your idea Ray".

Ray blushed and chuckled, "Would you believe me if I said it came with the house"?

Ben tutted, "Ray, Ray, Ray you know I've been in this house before. You know I used visit Mrs Grimes and she had a normal size TV Ray".

Ray shifted his feet, "Ok, ok you got me. I thought it might be nice to watch TV in style. It might make curling look interesting. On second thought maybe not".

Ben picked up a cushion and threw it at Ray, "Raaay".

Ray picked it up and put it back, "Ok Mum, lets move on to the rest of the house".

There was also a downstairs bedroom and bathroom if that's what Ben wanted to use. So it was up stairs next.

When they reached the bottom of the stairs Ben saw that there was a new chair lift and a spare wheelchair at the top of the stairs waiting for him.

Ben shook his head smiling, "You think of everything Ray".

Ray put his hand on the back of Ben's neck and stroked it, "When it comes to you Ben I try. I just wish I could do more"?

Ben leaned into Ray's touch, "Ray you do more then enough, I love you".

Ray leaned down and kissed Ben's cheek, "Love ya to, very much".

Ray watched as Ben got out of his chair and into the chair lift. Ben struggled at first but Ray knew to leave Ben alone not to interfere. That Ben had to do this on his own.

The upstairs was beautiful three bedrooms two were en-suite. In the master bedroom they both paused looking at the bed.

Ray moved to Ben's side, "Ben do you want to lye down for a little bit"?

Ben sighed sadly, "Yes Ray, would you, would you perhaps like to join me. I mean it's ok if you prefer your own bed now but I".

Ray put his finger over Ben's lips cutting him off, "Ben shut up. There is noting more I'd like then to lye on OUR bed with MY husband, you got that Ben".

Ben murmured against Ray's finger, "Yes Ray I got it".

Ray leaned in removing his finger and brushed his lips to Ben's, "Good now lets get into bed".

They both lay lying in each others arms as they slept. They slept for hours worn out by everything. Ray did wake once and rang Ray Veccico to let them know that they were home and ok just sleeping for a bit.

Ben suddenly started tossing and turning crying out in his sleep, "No, no please no. you can't my legs, Ray my legs. Ray my legs they cut off my legs. RAY".

Ben sat bolt upright in the bed sweating and shaking looking around wildly. Ben's pained eyes locked with the worried face of Ray.

Ray pulled Ben into a hug rubbing his back soothing him, "Its ok Ben I'm here Ben. I'm here".

Ben was shaking and crying his heart out against Ray's shoulder, "Ray their really gone aren't they. What am I going to do"?

Ray just held Ben, "Ben right now all you have to do is help yourself. The rest can wait to Ben".

The next few days passed Ben managed to get around the house with ease. What Ben hated was losing his temper especially with Ray. Ray knew it was not him it was the situation that Ben was mad at. So when Ben's temper was up Ray would go out to the gym in the shed.

Ben also made progress in letting people visit. It turned out to be a good idea they gave them extra strength that he needed. It also gave Ray a break.

After a few weeks Ben's wounds held and he got the call that he was waiting for. Ben would have to go into the rehab centre to be measured and fitted for his legs.

Ray sat at the table with Ben and Frannie, "Ben are you all set. Do you have everything packed that you need"?

Frannie bit her lip, "You sure Frase, is there anything that I can do for you"?

Ben smiled, "Look after Ray and Diefenbaker for me".

Ben played with the table matt, "I'll be fine Ray it's only for two weeks".

Frannie kissed Ben on the cheek, "Consider it done see you when you get home Frase. Take care".

Ray picked up Ben's bag, "Ok I guess we should be going then".

Ben nodded, "Ok Ray".

They left driving in silence one as nervous as the other to what was to come.