Darry-
I laid in bed with my brother at my bedside. I was glad he was here, i just wish both of my brothers were safe at home. I was so worried about Pony despite the fact Soda tells me about the Reeds and that he's safe. I wish my baby brother was here so i could give him a big hug. Oh, how i love him and i was going to tell him that. I've nearly lost him twice and i don't want to lose him again.
"Good morning", says Dr. Smith
"Morning", Darry says
"Darrel, I am happy with the way you are healing. I see no reason for you to not to go home today". Dr. Smith
"What do I need to do to help Darry heal?", Soda asks
"Darrel needs lots of rest and food. He will be given painkillers so his migraines and he will go home in a wheelchair. He needs to come back for a doctor's appoint in three days and thearpy three times a week", Dr. Smith
"Alright, I'll do it", Soda says
I was secretly so proud of my kid brother. Not that i would tell him that, he's done a remarkable job. I wasn't excited about going in a wheelchair. But at least it was one step in the direction of having a family back together. Soda makes me proud, i can't take credit for it though. That't just the person Soda is , loyal and the glue that keeps us together.
"Here's the perscibtion, I will see you Monday", Dr. Smith says
Soda shook Dr. Smith's hand before turning to me.
"I brought you sweats and a t-shirt from home. As well as slippers", Soda says
"Thanks", I say
"Do you want to get cleaned up before you go home?", Soda asks
"Yes", I say
"Just clothes or bathing", Soda asks
"Please help me get clean, I feel gross", I say
"alright big guy", Soda says
Soda helps get me clean with a sponge and a bucket. I was frustrated that i wasn't independent at the moment but i know it will get better. I just need to heal and then maybe i can learn to walk again.
"Alright, let's get the clothes on you", Soda says
I tried to help Soda the best I could and it was a struggle. But he got the sweats on me. While, I put on my shirt , Soda slipped my slippers and socks on.
I wanted to scream, I still hadn't come to terms with the fact I can't walk anymore. I feel like i can work out my feelings in a public place. With the fact I'm going home and Pony's trail is Friday I am just ready to get him home. Today was Wednesday, in two days my brothers will fight in court against the state. It was scary to think about what if I lose Pony yet again.
I was grateful for that fact i have so much upper body strength. It makes a difference it everything for being paralyzed .I transferred from the bed to the wheelchair without a problem.
"Ready?", Soda asks
"yes", I say
Soda signed the discharge papers and we were ready to go. We made two stops on the way home , Soda ran in to get a to go order and my meds.
We drove home and the ride was silent. This is what I was afraid of my own brother doesn't know what to say. I am still a person with feelings .
I transferred from the truck to the wheelchair.
"Soda, the house looks nice. Did you do all this work?"', I ask
"yes,I found your to do list so I finished it ", Soda says
"I am impressed little brother"' , I say
"thanks I need something to keep me busy. You would think two part-time jobs and taking care of your brothers would take up more I find a lot of extra time",Soda says
I wheeled myself up the ramp. Soda helped though the door. It takes two to get me though the front door. I was glad our doorways were wider.
"Welcome home big guy",Soda says
it's not home until Pony is home", I say
Pony-
I walked to school along side the oldest boy at the Reeds. His name was Thomas but he goes by Tommy. He was basically the older brother to the two younger boys Sam and Jimmy.
"Curtis, is it true you are being raised by your older brothers?", Tommy asks
" I was until my oldest brother was in an accident ", i say
"What happened?",Tommy asks
"Car accident, Darry lost the use of his legs. The state torn our fragile family apart so quickly", i explain
"I relate, my older brother Michael, or Mikey as i call him. He was my guardian after Mama died and Dad left. But he got drafted and lost both of his legs. He's been home nearly a year but I haven't seen him because of the state.", Tommy says
"It doesn't seen fair",Pony says
"Why our brothers? They are hard working and honest", Tommy says
" I know. It seems like we never catch a break", Pony says
Maybe I'll be friends with Tommy. It might make the time away from my brothers bare able. Tommy is east side too and he understands how I feel. This is great, it's sad we had to meet this way but now we can stick together until our brothers come back.
We drop Sam and Jimmy off at their before heading to the high school.
"so are your brothers names?", Tommy asks
" Sodapop and Darry, his actual name is Darrel but that's our dad's name. Its just easier to call him by his nick name", Pony says
"Who came up with these names?",Tommy asks
"Mom named Darry "Darrel, then Dad dubbed him "Darry". Dad named Soda and I , he was an original guy.", I say
" I would love to see the look on someones face when you have to show them your drivers liensces ", Tommy says
"I know, I can't wait", Pony says
We arrived at Will Rogers High School, we went our separated ways. I meet up with Two-bit and Steve. I was glad to see them , it meant part of my life is still morning had been great and Tommy digs alright.