TJ's Journey to Recovery - 2. Chapter 2

“Lucas?” I said shocked; looked really different.

“Yeah, it’s me; who’s the little guy?” he asked walking in

“This is Tristan; his dad’s work here at the hospital.” I replied

“So why is he here?” Lucas asked

“Well you see I didn’t know I was in a coma, I swear my life was going on as usual and then I abruptly woke up right after getting married.” I said

“Who was the lucky groom?” He asked

“JC Woolery.” I said blushing

“Ah your long time crush; figures your mind would go there.” He said

“Well it wasn’t too far off as I knew you and Beau were dating.” I said

“Oh wow, you must not remember; I told you the night of your accident. I had called you and you seemed off and then had the accident. Until they discovered your rape and you were drugged I thought I caused you to run off the road.” Lucas sadly replied

“Oh Lucas, I don’t remember much of that night; I know it was the 4^th of July and I was going to be with Sebastian to celebrate independence day and watch fireworks.” I said

“Well thankfully Dylan’s mom knew something was going on. Sebastian and his parents were trying to flee the country the day after your accident. Since his mom knows people at the State Department she had them held and from going back to Denmark.” Lucas said

“Did anything happen?” I asked since nobody had told me anything

“Well, Dylan’s mom found out about the rape and made Dylan confess and told the State Attorney not to go lenient on anyone. He admitted that it was Sebastian’s idea and they both participated. They got tried as adults and went to jail; here’s the sick part apparently Dylan’s dad participate.” Lucas said

“He what?” I said and jumped up and puked all over the floor.

“What’s going on in here?” The nurse coming into the room

“Are you ok, you look a little green” she said looking at me

I moved past her and into the bathroom and was dry heaving when another doctor came to check on me. He asked Lucas what had transpired and Lucas told him what we were talking about.

“I don’t think you should have talked with him about his rape young man; I am going to need to get Doctor Campbell and see if we can get Mr. Michaels to calm down” the doctor said

“Brudder?” I heard Tristan say from the bed

“Your brother is in the bathroom.” The doctor said to Tristan

“Take me” Tristan said and held out his arms

Lucas picked him up and brought him to the bathroom where I was sitting on the floor dry heaving

“Brudder, I love you” Tristan said and wrapped his arms around my neck

I could feel his love and I just met this boy. This is what his dad’s must do

“Thanks little man, love you too.” I said

“What is going on; and who are you?” Dr. Campbell said coming into the room and looking at Lucas

“Oh Lucas, you made it back from school. Your mother said you would be coming here; Dr. Campbell this is Lucas Collins, he is TJ’s best friend.” Mom said

“Nice to meet you; what did you tell TJ that caused him to vomit.” Kevin said

“I told him about the rape and Richard’s involvement” Lucas said

“You realize you could make his trauma worse right? Kevin asked

“No, I didn’t” Lucas replied

“I suggest that you keep conversation to mundane things like the weather; Mrs. Michaels I would like to start TJ’s sessions tomorrow.” Kevin said

“Yippe Daddy going to work with you.” Tristan shouted

“Son, you need to go back to day care; TJ needs rest.” Kevin said

“Brudder, I love you.” Tristan said

“Love you too little man” I said and Kevin and Tristan left

“Lucas, where did you land up going to college?” I asked

“University of Maryland College Park” He said

“Oh, I thought you went to Harvard” I said and he laughed

“TJ you and I both know I could never get in there.” He said

“Don’t sell yourself short.” I said

“So Mom, what happened to my school stuff?” I asked

“Well you missed your senior year; your father and I plan on getting you a tutor and if things go well and you can pass the final’s the school will only have you attend in the fall which means you can attend college in the spring.” Mom said

“But where would I go? Did I apply to Julliard?” I asked

“You think you could get into there?” Lucas said laughing

“Hey I can dance and have been for years.” I said

“Honey, you can’t dance anymore. You broke both your legs and I am surprised you jumped out of bed and made it to the bathroom; you are going to need extensive rehabilitation.” Mom said

“So I can’t dance?” I said crestfallen

“I can’t say for sure until you start rehab but we will see how that goes.” Mom said

“Did I apply anywhere? I don’t remember.” I asked

“Your father and I were trying to figure out if you did but we checked your laptop and you never submitted your applications.” Mom said

“Oh” I said and felt tears coming

“Honey, your mind must have been elsewhere. I am sure we can get you in somewhere.” Mom said

“Can you guys just leave please; I’m feeling tired.” I said and pulled the sheet over my head

“I didn’t mean to upset you TJ.” Mom said

“Me either buddy; please forgive me.” Lucas said

“Please leave.” I said and I heard them leave and the tears were flowing

I was laying there and I heard footsteps of someone entering

“Brudder?” I heard Tristan say and came out from under the blanket

“Hey little man escape again?” I asked and he reached up for me

“Yes, I come for my bridder.” He said and threw his arms around me hugging me

“Tristan there you are” Jeff said walking in and he noticed the tears stains on my face

“TJ are you ok?” he asked concerned

“No.” I said and the tears continued to fall and I felt Tristan squeeze me harder

“Well I’m not Kevin but I am good listen.” Jeff said

“Yeah dad a ther-a, there a piss” Tristan said making me chuckle

“He means therapist.” Jeff said

“I don’t want to bother you with it.” I replied

“TJ listen; I understand you just woke up from a coma that you had been in a little over a year and I completely understand if things aren’t how you imagined. Sometimes our brains keep moving even if we don’t. It’s ok to have an active imagination.” Jeff said

“Well I just can’t believe it all and to think in my alternate universe this little guy kills people.” I said

“I kill people?” Tristan says

“Yes, bad people; anyone who wanted to hurt me.” I say

“TJ, I am starting to wonder if something even more traumatic didn’t happen to you.” Jeff said

“I don’t know; up until what happened I think I lived a pretty normal life. I just know that Tristan makes me feel like all is right in the world.” I said

“Sometimes kids or even pets can have that effect on you. Kevin is worried since we don’t know what happened to you that you could hurt Tristan.” Jeff said

“Jeff I get it; if I was Kevin or you; I’d be scared. How did this kid know about my family? Honestly after my mom went away to college did you stay in touch?” I asked

“No, I only knew about you and your brothers from Jack. He, Tracy and I remained friends and stayed in contact. Everyone went their own ways.” Jeff said

“See but somehow I knew about things. Did you ever come visit me here?” I asked and he got quiet

“I didn’t but he did.” Jeff said pointing at Tristan who was sleeping in my arms

“What do you mean?” I asked

“He escaped numerous times from day care and somehow landed in your room each time. They’d move you and he’d find you; it got to the point where we had a monitor on him so we’d know when he left.” Jeff said

“This is so strange.” I said

“Listen TJ, when I said earlier that Tristan doesn’t open up to anybody it’s true. There are people he’s been around since birth he won’t go near but with you; it’s like he knows you.” Jeff said

“So is Kevin going to help me?” I asked

“Your mom pleaded with him as he is the best doctor here at the hospital that could help you. He tried to back out of it but he knew Tristan would protest if he did.” Jeff said

“Wow, I guess I mean the world to him. How did you come up with his name?” I asked

“Well our surrogate had suggested the name. Apparently she had always liked it and Kevin and thought it was a unique name.” Jeff said

“It is, at least other than dad I don’t remember ever meeting another Tristan.” I said

“How about Joshua and Jacob?” I asked

“Well we were in New York over a year ago and there were two boys who were murdered in cold blood just because they were gay. Kevin tried to revive the boys and so did I but we were unsuccessful. We got to know their families really well after and when we found out we were having twins, it just felt right.” Jeff said

“So knowing I’ve been in a coma, humor me? Did Jacob work at Abercrombie and was a buff and good looking guy but Joshua was the complete opposite but they were madly in love and Jake died protecting Josh?” I asked

“Holy shit, that is exactly the case.” Jeff said amazed

“Daddy needs the wear jar.” Tristan said stretching

“Welcome back little man” I said

“T2, yous so comfy to lay on.” Tristan said and stretched

“TJ, we need to talk a bit more but I need to get this rascal and his brother’s home. Kevin will be by tomorrow and I will let him know what we talked about; I am hoping he can help you.” Jeff said

“Thanks Jeff, I hope it’s not too freaky.” I said

“Oh it’s freaky but we can figure it out, hopefully.” He said and smiled and picked up Tristan

“Bye T2, see you tomorrow brudder.” Tristan said

“Bye little man; have a good night.” I said

I didn’t have a cell phone here with me and I had sent Mom and Lucas away. I kind of expected Beau and Grayson to come by after school but they had yet to show up. The hospital brought me some food and I wasn’t that hungry and I pushed the food around on the plate. As I sat in the bed I tried my hardest to think about what happened; I had a feeling that meeting with Kevin eventually I will uncover things but that scared me the most. What had happened that my mind went into overdrive; was it the drugs Dylan had given me? I honestly don’t know if I want the answer. So with it being September I had been in a coma a year and two months but it felts like years. I wonder when I can spring this place and go home.

“Hello TJ.” I heard from the door and my head shot up

“Grandpa Ron and Grandpa Tony; am I excited to see you.” I said

“Hello young man, you’ve given us quite the scare.” Grandpa Tony said and hugged me and kissed my head

“That is true, we spent many weeks up here with your parents and they were a wreck.” Grandpa Ron said

“You don’t have to ask but we were too. We didn’t know if you’d ever regain consciousness.” Grandpa Tony said

“Well I did but things aren’t like there were before. I had some kind of strange thing going on when I was in a coma.” I said

“Your father warned us and he also said you chased your mother and Lucas out.” Grandpa Ron said

“I just feel so alone.” I said and tears started

“TJ, you were in a coma after a horrendous accident. From what we were told by the grace of god you survived. Had the 4 Runner hit just a quarter of an inch to the left you would have been killed. Your brain probably got all jumbled and shaken from the impact and they had to use the Jaws of Life to get you out. So your brain or whatever put a scenario together to get you through it until you healed.” Grandpa Tony said

“Just so you know Grayson was watching the news and they were talking about the accident and he noticed the Holton-Arms school sticker that you put on upside down on the vehicle in the live shots and he started screaming you were dead. They had River Road shut down for hours trying to piece things together. They still aren’t sure what happened because you passing out while driving made no sense during the computer models; so maybe something did happen.” Grandpa Ron said

“So maybe this is an alternate universe?” I said hopefully.

“I doubt it TJ; I really think the impact of the truck hitting the tree jumbled your mind along with the drugs.” Grandpa Ron said

“Knock knock” Dad said as he and mom entered

“Hello Son.” Grandpa Tony said to dad and gave him a hug

“Thanks for calling us and letting us know he was awake. I think if we had access to a rocket we would have been here sooner.” Grandpa Ron said

“I get it; I sped to the airport; not like you wouldn’t have done the same.” Grandpa Tony said with a smirk

“Stop fighting like an old married couple” Dad said laughing

“I’ll show you old sunny boy” Grandpa Ron said laughing and tickling dad

“Where is Beau and Grayson?” I asked

“Beau went out with Lucas to take his mind off upsetting you and Grayson he’s just nervous and all.” Mom said

“Nervous; why would he be nervous? “I asked

“TJ he really missed you and he slept in your bed just about every night curled up to your pillows; most nights he cried himself to sleep.” Mom said

“Well I don’t know what happened so don’t expect answers from me.” I snapped

“Mini, calm down and just breath; could you guys clear out and let me talk to him a minute?” Dad asked

“Sure, Emily let’s go get coffee” Grandpa Ron said and they left and dad shut the door

“TJ, what’s wrong? You are so snappy.” Dad said and sat in the chair next to me.

“Dad I don’t remember the accident; in what happened to me I came home and you thought I was drunk and you lectured me and didn’t hear me out and then you deployed and I never saw you again until after mom apparently died.” I said on the verge of tears

“You and your mother never had a solid relationship and sometimes I thought you were oil and water. I think a lot of it has to do with you being gay; she loves you but she worries and she is so over protective. Remember she grew up in Ohio and things are much different there. As for me you know we always talk things out and I haven’t been active duty Army in five years. I am an Army Civilian working at the Pentagon and I rarely get the opportunity to go overseas and I don’t anymore because I don’t want to miss anything.” Dad said

“I just don’t know any more dad; I don’t know who to trust or why Tristan is fascinated with me.” I said

“The first time your mother and I found him in here we didn’t know who’s kid he was. We had talked with Kevin and not Jeff so we didn’t know. Maybe you do have a connection with him; you didn’t knock any girls up did you?” Dad said playfully

“Gross dad; they don’t have the parts I’m interested in” I said and he laughed

“I think you just need some time to recover; don’t rush things. Don’t go guessing who people are either. See where things take you.” Dad said and there was a light knock on the door and dad went and opened it and there stood Grayson

“Hi” He croaked out

“Come here G” I said and patted the bed and he ran over and hopped up and I pulled him tight

“I love you big brother.” Grayson said and I could feel his tears

“I love you my little G man” I said squeezing him

“Promise me that you’ll never scare me again?” He said

“Grayson that is not something TJ or anyone can ever promise.” Dad said

“How about this, I promise to be your tickle monster.” I said and started tickling him

“Stop or I’ll pee” He said and I stopped and he ran to the bathroom

“He really missed you.” Dad said and smiled

“I can tell” I replied

Mom and the Grandpa’s came back just as Grayson came from the bathroom.

“We need to get going TJ” Dad said

“Can Grayson stay?” I asked making puppy dog eyes

“No, someone would have to come get him; it would be inconvenient.” Mom said

“Well Grayson, make sure to come back tomorrow.” I said

“You have your appointment with Kevin; so only your father and I will be by later in the day.” Mom said

“Go ahead and start down; I’ll be out in a minute” Dad said

They left and dad stood there

“Mini, I don’t know why she’s acting strange; maybe she’s being overly protective. I’ll call Beau and see if he and Lucas can come over or just Lucas; I don’t want to poke the bear.” Dad said

“Thanks dad; could you bring me tablet or phone tomorrow.” I asked

“About that, you phone was smashed in the accident and we got you a new one but need to set it up. I’ll have Grayson here tomorrow with everything to do so.” Dad said then kissed my forehead and left

I sat in bed staring at the ceiling and listening to the surrounding people. Neither Beau nor Lucas had arrived and I was getting really bored. I wanted my tablet so I could research the people I had interacted with in my supposed alternate reality. My silence was interrupted by a knock and I had expected it to be Beau and Lucas but it was somebody else

“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” they said as three more people came in behind him.