Part XVII

While still a little miffed that Roy's daughter was of the opinion that Dixie ran the hospital, Dr. Brackett had to admit that the time Dixie had requested for them to be alone with Roy had worked wonders for the paramedic's mood. Now that he was satisfied that Roy wasn't showing any delayed trauma from the blasts, he released him from the hospital the next day - with the strict admonition to rest and not do anything to aggravate his ribs. Johnny volunteered to give Chris a hand with Roy's normal household tasks until the doctor gave Roy a clean bill of health to return to full activity.

It didn't really come as a surprise that Joanne's mother made a half-request/half-demand for a visit from their family on New Years Day. After Christmas, neither of the kids were really looking forward to it, but Aunt Cathy and Uncle Jack would be there. Joanne would be the one driving since Roy was still on pain medication. For his part, Roy said nothing for or against the trip. He and the kids played various car games along the way, like trying to spot out of state tags.

When they arrived, Kim and Chris flanked their father so that they would be there to fend off any possible hugging in case anyone forgot or didn't know about their dad's mending ribs. Cathy and Jack were the first wave of greeters and introduced Roy to some of the others that had been invited. When Roy was re-introduced to Michael Zane, he pretended that he couldn't quite place where he might have known Joanne's old flame from.

Joanne had gotten a discrete heads up from Cathy that their mother had practically told Michael that she had always regretted turning him down. So when Joanne went to Michael to shake hands with him, Cathy was hard pressed not to start laughing when Joanne took a similar tact as Roy had - only a little meaner.

"Michael Zane - that sounds so familiar. Didn't I have a class with a younger brother of yours?"

Most of the chairs sat out were of the harder variety and the couch was one of those that people practically sank into. There were only a few upholstered chairs that would give enough support that Roy could sit in them without a lot of discomfort and, as one of them was currently vacant, he settled down in it with Kim sticking near while Chris went to get a drink for her and their dad.

Joanne's mother picked that time to make an appearance. Her greetings to both of her daughters were on the theatrical side. Jack got the next greeting, though now that she was watching for it, Joanne noticed that her mother was introducing Jack more by his company and title than by his actual name. Kim and Chris got kisses and hugs. Roy got a remark.

"Finally decided to leave the hospital?"

Roy answered it as if it were a normal question rather than borderline rude.

"Yes. Always nice when the doctor agrees that you can go home."

The mention of the hospital seemed to click Roy's identity in place for one of the guests. He came over and offered Roy a handshake.

"Hey - you're that fireman medic guy that was in the paper the other day, aren't you?"

Taking the offered hand, Roy just gave him a slight smile.

"I have to admit that I don't know. I haven't seen a paper since Christmas Eve."

From his side, Chris spoke up.

"That was him alright. I saw that issue. I think Uncle Johnny saved it for you to look at later, Dad. The Medinas said some really nice things about you and him."

After that, Roy found himself as the center of attention and fielding quite a few questions - some rather goofy and others very serious. He did his best to politely answer all of them - at least those that he actually knew the answers to.

The more her neighbors seemed to treat Roy as her guest of honor, the more prickly his mother-in-law was getting. When things died down after awhile and the others had moved off to other conversations, she went over to Roy.

"Why don't we get you moved over to the couch? The chairs are really just for company."

Cathy's eyes narrowed, but Joanne had heard and gave an exaggerated look at her watch.

"Would you look at the time? Kids, say goodbye to your grandmother. It's time to go."

Her mother turned to look at her. So did Kim and Chris, but after a moment of surprise, both of the kids grinned at their mother and immediately hugged their grandmother before hurrying over to say goodbye to their aunt and uncle.

"But - but - you've only been here an hour. We haven't even eaten yet."

"I know. Such a shame we can't stay, but we simply must get going."

As she got close enough to give her mother a farewell kiss, she spoke softly.

"I believe I told you that I won't argue or discuss this with you, Mom. Happy New Year."

"But Joanne -?"

True to her word, Joanne didn't stay to discuss the matter. She moved over to help Roy get back up so that he wouldn't strain his side. Once he was on his feet, he pulled her into a hug and spoke softly into her ear.

"Have I told you today that I'm crazy about you, Mrs. DeSoto?"

"Yes, but I don't think I can ever hear that enough, because I'm crazy about you too, Mr. DeSoto."

They held hands as they made their farewells on the way out, breaking contact only for Joanne to give her sister a hug while Roy shook hands with Jack. Cathy touched foreheads with her older sister briefly after the hug.

"So, does this mean the smart one is coming back to the forefront?"

"You're no slouch in the brains department yourself, Sis. Thanks for the kick in the pants."

"What else are baby sisters for if not for reality checks?"