Chapter 10: Reunion

Novak's POV:

Kelsey came to visit me every day. The doctors and nurses were always on their guard while she was here and was told several times that she may not be allowed back. She always makes a joke out of it.

Today is my last day here. I am looking forward to going back home to the crew. They would visit me sometimes too and always with Kelsey. I try to think about everything that has happened but it is hard since I still haven't had my fix.

Maybe I can change, this whole situation almost cost me my best friend. I know I can change for her. It will be so hard to leave to go to rehab knowing that I am leaving her behind. Maybe she will understand.

I continue to think about this when the doctor walks in.

"Congratulations Mr. Novak, you are making a full recovery. Two of your friends are in the waiting room. They were told that you would be out soon, you can leave whenever you want." I thank him and lay back for a few minutes, sighing with relief. It is finally over.

I get out of the bed slowly and get my clothes right next to the bed. I change out of the hospital gown and put them on. I walk out of the room and into the waiting room where I find Bam and Kelsey sitting together. Kelsey is the first one to spot me.

"Brandon! I'm so excited that you're coming home today!" She runs up to me and hugs me. It only hurts a little bit but for her it is worth it. We intertwine hands and leave the hospital with Bam.

It takes about 30 minutes, but we finally arrive home. The drive back was almost silent. There was the occasional comment on what we would do when we get home, but other than that not a word was said.

We walk in the door to find the whole crew waiting and they all cheer and start clapping when I am in the door. I hug each and every one of them individually and we all sit in the living room.

I am almost overwhelmed with questions and feelings of relief. I assumed that Kelsey and Bam always kept them updated, maybe they just wanted to hear it for themselves. Eventually the questioning stops and I whisper to Kelsey that I have to talk to her. She nods her head and we excuse ourselves. I lead her up to my bedroom and close the door.

"Kelsey, I just wanted to thank you for everything you did." She smiles at me.

"I would never let anything happen to you and you know that." I sit on the bed and she follows me and sits next to me.

"Listen, I did a lot of thinking while I was in the hospital." I look at her, her face goes from happy to concerned. I can tell what she is thinking. "The whole time I was in that warehouse they threatened me with a dope injection. I know it was supposed to be a threat, but I wanted it. I was in so much pain from not getting my fix for three days that I would have done anything."

She nods to let me know that she is listening. "That's normal Brandon; it's just what happens when you're addicted to something."

"It's not normal Kelsey! I didn't know if the needle was infected with AIDS or if it was really dope in there. I was so desperate I would have risked it." I snapped harshly and she was taken aback. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I can be here anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"I think I am going to check into rehab." I looked at her thinking that she would burst into tears, but instead she smiled the biggest smile that I have ever seen from her and threw her arms around me.

"Yes! Brandon I am so happy that you finally decided on going to rehab! This is going to help you so much!" I hug her back and smile.

"You mean you're not upset?" She looks at me confused.

"Of course not, why would I be upset? You've decided on your own to get your life together. I couldn't be happier for you!"

"Thank you for understanding. I'm not sure how long I'll be."

"Take as much time as you need. This is your health we're talking about. When are you leaving?" I take a deep breath for a moment before responding.

"I need to go as soon as possible, I called one in West Chester and I am going tomorrow."

"I'll always be here to support you and know that you will have me to look forward to once you come home sober."

"Thank you so much, you mean the world to me."

"Let's go tell the others about you going!" I nod in agreement and take her by the hand to go down and begin the rest of my life.

Narrator's POV:

The crew was thrilled when Novak announced his decision to go to rehab. He registered for heroin addiction and self-injury. He stayed in rehab for one month before deciding to come home. Kelsey welcomed him back with open arms. He has since relapsed and gone back a few times. Each time, Kelsey supports him.

Kelsey's father was killed on impact of the bullet. The man that was with him was arrested and charged with assault, attempted murder, and drug possession. He was sentenced to 20 years in a maximum security prison.

Bam's house remained open to Kelsey, but once she turned 18, she decided to go to college. Bam offered to pay her way through school since she didn't have any money and she gratefully accepted. She majored in drug counseling and made that her career.

Today, Novak is sober and still living in Bam's house. Kelsey visits him on occasions. She met a guy in college and got married at the age of 23. She named her first son Brandon. Though they don't see each other very often, Novak remained a huge part of Kelsey's life and they will always be more then best friends.

The end! I hope you enjoyed thee story! Suggest more stories and I'll see if I can do it. I'll give you credit of course. :) I am currently working on a story for the BBC show Sherlock. If you watch that, you'll be in for a treat.