The Boot - Three Years On - 11. Chapter 11

The Major drank the last of his tea and placed his mug on the side table next to him. “I need to speak to John about my things, I hope he managed to keep everything safe for me.”

“Pop you’ve nothing to worry about everything is here and in your room.” Ian considered his next words carefully. “Only Christian, yes everyone knows now and I’ll explain later, has touched any of your things and he has put them all in your room for you. If my guess is right he’s probably had them all cleaned and I know he put everything away but you can change it all around if it doesn’t suit you, just let us know if you need any help.”

“You lads were sure of yourselves weren’t you?”

“Well Pop we did have some help and I don’t think any of us would argue with Sister Judy.” Kevin laughed nervously before saying, “Come on I’ll show you your room and you can check everything out.”

Leading the way Kevin showed The Major to his room, it was a decent size and had been fully furnished to make it as comfortable as possible. There was a full-size double bed made up with crisp white cotton linen, blankets and four huge feather pillows, side tables at either side of the bed with a large double wardrobe and a chest of drawers. At one end of the room was a desk and chair, at the other end by the window was an armchair and small table, lamps had been strategically placed about the room. On the pillows lay a sealed envelope and a flat wrapped package lay on the desk.

“I’ll leave you to check everything out, just let us know if there is anything else that you need and we can arrange it. As soon as you’re ready I’ll cook us something to eat, as its Friday I thought cod and chips would be good is that okay with you? I'll cook chicken tomorrow and get you that rib-eye steak for dinner Sunday.” Kevin stood by the door hoping that it all met with The Major’s approval.

Amazed at the room The Major made his way over to the bed and picked up the envelope. “Thank you Kevin that sounds good to me.” The Major’s voice sounded a bit crackly as if he was holding in his emotions.

Kevin closed the door returning to the lounge and Ian.

“Is Pop okay?” Ian was quiet and sounded concerned.

“Yea I think so, he just needs a bit of time to himself.”

******

The Major held the letter in his hand staring at it, he was having his own inner battle nervous at the thought of opening the envelope and reading its contents, yet at the same time feeling the need to know what had been written and by whom. He sat down in the chair by the window and placed the envelope on the table next to him. After fifteen minutes of staring he reached out and opened it, he unfolded the piece of paper inside and read…

Dear Alex,

I’m guessing that right now you are feeling overwhelmed and wondering if you have done the right thing so I wanted to put into words what I feel you need to know, that way you will always have something to remind you in those times that you need reminding.

From the first day I met you I knew that you was a good man, I remember you sticking up for Beccy that night and I’ve seen you do the same for many others over the years. Yet you have never asked for anything in return or asked for anything for yourself, now it’s time for some of that goodness in your heart that you give so freely is returned. Before you think of raising any objections or trying to argue I want you to think back three years when we first became friends, you came to me for help again not for yourself but for two hurt and scared young men. I helped by taking them off the streets and helped them to start a new life with somewhere to live, but you gave them so much more, you gave them guidance and helped them to rebuild their lives in a way no one else could do, it is down to the love and care that you have given that has made them the men that they are today, only you could and have done that. The bond that you have with them is why they look to you as though you are their father and I know that you couldn’t feel any stronger for them or be more proud of them than any father could. I know and I’m sure you know in your heart that you are where you belong, with your family, with your adopted son’s. Ian and Kevin call you Pop out of love and respect as do I, they want their Pop to be with them and be part of their lives so please always remember that and be comfortable in your new home.

Also I have a confession to make, I hope that you will forgive me and not be upset by what I have done. When I was putting your things away in your room I accidentally knocked your special box and it fell open, as I was picking everything up to put it back safely I noticed a couple of photo’s that you have and appear to cherish. They have seen better days and are showing signs of age. I know I did this without your permission or knowledge but I took them to a specialist who has placed them in sealed wraps so that they will not deteriorate any more. They have also copied them and with care they have retouched them so that the copies are as close to the originals as possible and placed them in frames. If you want to you can hang them on the wall or store them which ever makes you happy. I am sorry if I have done the wrong thing, I just wanted to try to do something nice for you.

Love

Christian.

The Major opened the package on his desk and tears formed in his eyes as he looked at the framed photos. One of an officer, a young Lieutenant in combat fatigues smiling at the camera. The other a photograph of different young man, wearing an army dress uniform smiling at the camera and holding up sergeant stripes, it looked like they had just been awarded.

Placing both framed photos side by side on the desk with tears now falling the Major whispered, “I’m sorry boys, I let you down. I promise that I will not let these boys down, they have given me another chance. I love and miss you both and I love them too.”

After using the bathroom to freshen up The Major made his way to the lounge and ‘his’ boys, in a rare show of affection he opened his arms and hugged them both. “Thank you boys you have made this old man happy, it feels good to be home.”

Almost in unison they replied, “Welcome home Pop, welcome home.”

******

As Beccy and Jim were tucking into pudding, chips, peas and gravy Beccy’s phone rang, she recognised the number and answered with a smile. “Hi Jason.”

Hearing the voice on the other end she first looked puzzled, then extremely upset. “Hello ma’am from the entry in this phone I believe that you are the mother of the young man who owns it, did you say his name is Jason?”

Thinking quickly she replied, “Yes that’s right, who are you and where is Jason?”

The expression on Jim’s face was one of worry.

“I’m sorry to inform you that Jason has been brought into A&E at Manchester Royal Infirmary, he is currently being assessed by our Doctor and is unconscious.”

“I’ll be there as soon as possible.”

“Thank you we thought that would be the case. I need to ask you a few questions so that we can help Jason, can you tell us if Jason has any medical problems that we should be aware of?”

“No none at all.” Jim was getting impatient wanting to know what was going on, Beccy told him to be patient and she would explain soon.

“Can you tell me if Jason is currently on any medication?”

“No he isn’t.”

“Can you tell me if Jason uses any recreational drugs?”

This last question made Beccy angry, “No he doesn’t, he’d never touch any drugs and what do you mean by that comment, don’t you dare go accusing him of anything he’s a good boy.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t mean to upset you but we have to ask these questions so that we give him the best treatment possible. I need to know Jason’s full name and date of birth?”

“Erm my name is Rebecca Andrews so his name is Jason Andrews he is eighteen and his father and I will be there as soon as possible.” Beccy was flustered by the last few questions and cut the call off.

“Jim we have to go the infirmary Jason is there unconscious, it seems he’s put me in his phone as his mum. I don’t know what we are going to do but we have to get there fast.

******

Danny was being comforted by Steve and Kate, hospital staff wouldn’t give them any details of the new patient except to say that his family had been called and they were on their way. The paramedics had found a mobile phone in his pocket and the only two contacts found had been contacted.

“I’m sure it’s JJ but they said his family is coming and JJ doesn’t have any family, what’s going on?” Danny was distraught and adamant that it was JJ.

While this was taking place in the reception area in an emergency cubicle a doctor was trying to treat the unconscious young man when a nurse entered holding a clip board. “Doctor I have some information but I’m not sure how reliable it is.”

“Okay nurse let’s have it anyway it may still be useful.”

“The lady listed as mum has given her name as Rebecca Andrews and confirmed that this should be Jason Andrews. He has no known medical conditions and is not receiving any treatment medical treatment or taking any prescribed medication. She was insistent that he doesn’t use any recreational drugs and became very upset when asked.”

“All of that sounds perfectly reasonable, so what makes you think its unreliable information?” The doctor continued to examine the boy and ordered blood tests to be rushed, also requesting an immediate CAT scan.

“When I asked for his date of birth she became flustered and just said that he’s eighteen, then said that she and his father would get here as soon as possible then cut me off!”

“Well did you think that she may be upset at hearing her son is in hospital?” The doctor was starting to get irritated by the nurse and it showed in his voice.

“I think we should be careful, she said he’s eighteen but he looks to be about fourteen or fifteen and there’s a boy in reception, I think you treated him, who claims to know him and he said his name is Jay or something.” The nurse was also getting annoyed as she felt that the doctor wasn’t listening.

“Okay nurse.” The doctor was starting to listen. “We’ll be careful just let me know when his parents turn up.”

The nurse had just got back to the reception when Beccy and Jim came rushing in. “I’m Rebecca Andrews I’ve come about Jason Andrews.”

“Thank you Mrs Andrews I’ll let the doctor know.” The nurse went to get the doctor.

Hearing the familiar voice and recognising the name Kate went to the reception desk. “Beccy? What are you doing here? Is everything alright?”

“Oh hi Kate, erm… I’m here about Jason, the hospital called me and they seem to think that I’m his mum. I don’t know what’s going on yet but maybe you can help.” Beccy went on to explain about the phone call and the confusion.

After listening Kate told Beccy and Jim to wait then called Steve and Danny over, she insisted that Beccy explain to Steve which she did. It was agreed that Beccy would go through and Steve would go with her. That left Jim, Kate and Danny in the reception area waiting.

When they met the doctor Steve explained how there had been confusion about Beccy’s relationship to Jason and that he was homeless and living on the street mostly staying at The Boot. He also explained about Danny’s reaction and asked for him to be allowed to see Jason as it may help in identifying Jason properly. Not happy, but understanding what had been explained the doctor agreed.

Steve got Danny and took him into Jason’s cubicle, as soon as Danny saw the boy on the bed he recognised him. “JJ, I’m sorry.” Danny felt bad for JJ and thought it was his fault that he was here. “Please be alright, I’ll do anything just please be okay.” Danny broke down sobbing.

Danny helped by giving the hospital all of JJ’s correct details and Steve contacted Danny’s social worker who it turned out was also JJ’s social worker.

The social worker turned up just as the blood test results were given to the doctor. JJ had regained consciousness, although feeling very groggy he was happy to see Danny. When the doctor informed them of the test results they were all shocked. JJ was lucky not to be seriously harmed, someone had given him a high dose of Rohypnol!