Another Chance - Book Two

By Zarek Dragon

 

The Sheriff and Deputy Dawn came running upstairs when they heard the glass break. Nick Archer had his shotgun aimed directly at Mark Wallace's head. "Give me a reason to pull the trigger, you son of a bitch," Nick yelled.

Wallace laughed, "You may have gotten me, but your son won't live to testify against my brother."

"Look again, asshole," Nick smiled. "You just threw your life away for nothing. My son isn't even here."

When Wallace looked down at the cover that he stabbed, his heart dropped. His laughter and smile totally disappeared leaving a look of frustration and anger. "Mark my words, when I get out, I will make sure that you bury your son. Then after he is in the ground, someone will need to bury you," Mark Wallace stated.

"And you are as stupid as your pedophile brother. You are, or rather were, a cop. You should know better than to make such threats, especially while you are being arrested."

"If you need more time Nick, Dawn and I can go downstairs. He is in your house," the Sheriff said with a smile.

"What and let him not suffer? No, I hope they put him away for a long time with no special privileges. I imagine some of the scumbags that he arrested will love seeing him," Nick stated. "Dawn, would you take out the trash for me, please?"

Dawn cuffed Mark Wallace and led him down the stairs, reading him his rights as they walked. The Sheriff looked at Nick, "Glad you didn't take me seriously. Shows that you have character."

"You weren't serious?" Nick laughed.

The Sheriff laughed and said that he would accompany Dawn in taking Wallace to County and make sure that he didn't receive any bail. Nick duct taped a piece of cardboard over the broken window and went to bed.

In the morning, Nick drove around to Heather's house so that he and Chris could drive to the courthouse. He already made arrangements with the school since Chris HAD to be in court.

Chris was the first witness. At the request of Nick and Chris, Dr. Bear sat in the courtroom while Chris testified as to what had happened. They had asked him prior to Dusty's accident and told him that they would understand if he didn't attend, but Dr. Bear said that he would be there. And there was nothing he could really do for his son that he couldn't do after.

Chris gave a very detailed and lengthy description of what Matt Wallace had done to him. When the defending attorney crossed, he tried getting Chris to slip up. Finally, he asked, "Did anyone tell you what to say?"

"Only thing I was told was by my future mom. She said to tell the truth and only give the details that I remember. If everything is a hundred percent the truth, it will be hard for you to cause me to stumble in any way," Chris said proudly. Nick smiled at his son.

"No further questions," the attorney stated.

Chris stepped down and walked over to Nick. His dad hugged him as they sat down. Dr. Bear chose that time to leave for the hospital.

To Chris and Nick's surprise, the District Attorney had found other boys that Matt Wallace had raped. There were a total of six boys, some of them adults now, who Wallace had abused. One boy, who was now eighteen, gave almost the same story that Chris did, and he wasn't in the courtroom to hear Chris's testimony.

"When did he start abusing you?" the DA asked.

"He started when my parents were in a tight spot for a sitter. I was eleven at the time and he offered to watch me for them. He was a friend of the family," the boy stated. The whole courtroom gasped.

"And he abused you for how long?" the DA continued.

"He quit in 2012. He told me that he had a new partner who had a very handsome son and I was old trash compared to him," the boy sobbed.

"Why didn't you say anything or warn anybody?" the DA inquired.

"He told me that it was my word against his and that no one would believe a teen over a deputy," the boy admitted.

"I have no further questions," the DA stated.

Again, the Defending Attorney tried to trip up the boy on the stand. Like Chris, the boy stayed firm on his facts. "Your Honor, I would like a recess that I may discuss a deal with the DA," the Defending Attorney requested knowing that he couldn't win this case.

"Your Honor, at the request of those that testified here today and their parents, we will not be offering any deals. They testified with hope that he would serve as long as possible," the DA averred.

"In that case, Your Honor, my client would like to change his plea to guilty and fall on the mercy of the court. We also ask that since he was in law enforcement, he not be put into general population."

"I have no mercy for a child abusing pedophile. Once more, I've heard several boys testify that you used your position as a deputy to try and keep them quiet. I find you guilty of seven accounts of Child Abuse in the First Degree and sentence you to the max of fifty years per account to be served consecutively. And you may not get parole until after you have served your first term. Personally, I hope you never see the outside of the prison."

"And what about not being in general population?" the Defending Attorney asked.

"When I said that I show no mercy, that means no special privileges. He will be mixed with general population. Bailiff, remove this piece of trash from my courtroom. And if any of the guards slip and let it be known he's a pedophile, I don't want to know about it."

Nick thought, "He probably won't last a day in there." Part of him was happy, but he was hoping that Wallace would suffer like he made the boys he had abused.

Chris was smiling and glad that the trial was over quick. He and Nick were sure that it would have been strung out for a week or longer, but the DA and his team did their research and had their case tight. Nick asked Chris if he wanted to go someplace to eat.

"Can we stop at the hospital to see Dusty, first?" Chris asked.

Nick smiled at his son and drove him to the hospital. When Dr. Bear saw Chris enter the room, he put on a smile and asked Chris how the trial was going.

"It's over, the DA nailed him good and the Judge had no compassion for him. He was given a total of three hundred and fifty years and can't even be given parole until he serves at least fifty of them."

"I'm glad that you got some justice," Dr. Bear smiled.

"So, how's Dusty?" Chris asked with his smile disappearing.

"Not good, his brain activity started to decline again. I may be calling Jim so he can say goodbye soon," Dr. Bear sobbed.

"I'll pray extra hard that he recovers," Chris stated. "I know everyone at the school is praying for him. Even some of the teachers are taking chances by leading their classes in prayer at the beginning of the class."

"Thank you for telling me. It makes my heart feel good knowing that so many people love Dusty. I am so proud of him and what he's done so far. I pray that God sees it to let him do more," Dr. Bear cried. At that point, Dusty's brain activity spiked a little but then started going back down.

Chris didn't feel like going out to eat so Nick drove to Heather's. When Jim got home, Chris shared with him about talking with Dr. Bear at the hospital and the monitor spiking. "I just left Dr. Bear and Dusty. He didn't tell me that. Dusty had very little brain activity, but Dr. Bear said that he won't say goodbye to him until he is definitely gone," Jim sobbed. "I wanted to stay longer, but they wouldn't let me.

Jim's phone rang and the call said that it was Dr. Bear. Jim was scared to answer the phone, but he did. "Hello," Jim said in a shaky voice.

"He's gone," Dr. Bear cried. "The doctor said that he will leave him on life support long enough for you to come say goodbye, but they want to start disconnecting the machines soon. My heart aches so badly right now. I don't know what I'm going to do."

"NO!!!" Jim screamed and ran out to his car. Zac followed him.

"Dude, you are in no condition to drive. Let me drive you, I'm guessing to the hospital," Zac offered. Jim did let Zac drive. He noticed that everyone else had piled into cars and was following them.

At the hospital, Jim went into Dusty's room and hugged Dr. Bear and Cheyenne. "If either of you want to come to my office after school to discuss this, I won't charge you. It may be therapeutic for me as well," Dr. Bear offered with tears streaming down his face.

Jim looked at Dusty's lifeless body, and though he thought he couldn't cry any harder, he did. "Dusty, why are you leaving us like this? We don't want to see you go, we want you to wake up. You are my best friend and I don't think the internet goes to heaven. You promised me that we could stay connected via the internet. You promised," Jim wailed.

After a couple hours, Dr. Bear told Jim that he was headed home and they would start disconnected the machines in the morning. Cheyenne left with Dr. Bear. Jim said that he was spending the night and no one was kicking him out until he had to go to school. A nurse did ask him to step aside while they removed the tubes going into Dusty's mouth and down his throat.

Everyone left and Zac told Jim to call him when he was ready to go home. Jim had been holding Dusty's hand and talking quietly to him all evening long. He thought long and hard about what his dad had told him. He remembered that Dusty seemed to stabilize whenever a teacher led his class in prayer. And he thought about what Chris had told him.

In the wee hours of the morning, Jim knelt beside Dusty, "God, I know that I don't talk to you as often as maybe I should. I hear often how you love your children and right now I need to feel your love. My best friend is lying here, and they say that he's gone and I hurt so much. I'd ask to let me take his place and let him live, but I don't want to hurt those that love me either." Jim was sobbing so hard that he almost didn't notice a hand grab his, but he did notice. He looked expecting to see a nurse's hand, but this hand didn't belong to a nurse, it was Dusty's. Dusty grabbed his hand. Jim looked and Dusty's eyes were not only open, but they were staring right at him. Dusty smiled and said, "It wasn't my fault and no it doesn't."

Nurses came running into the room and had to pry Jim off from hugging Dusty. They called the doctor and told him that he was needed in Dusty's room stat. Jim was asked to wait outside the room while they checked Dusty over. Jim pulled out his phone and called Dr. Bear.

"Jim, do you know that it's three in the morning?" Dr. Bear answered.

"Yes, but you'll be glad that I woke you. You'll want to get dressed and come to the hospital. Dusty just woke up," Jim cried. He chose that time to look up and say thank you.

"He what? You better not be playing a trick on me. Never mind that, I know that you wouldn't do that. I'm on my way," Dr. Bear stated. Jim could tell that he was a little addle minded from the shock.

Jim was staring at a nurse at the nurses' station as she picked up the phone. "Dr. Bear, this is Nurse Matoya at the hospital and your son… Oh, he did already? We'll see you in a few minutes, then."

Jim called Cheyenne, knowing she would want to know as well. She, like Dr. Bear, complained at first about the time, but when Jim told her why he was calling, she didn't care what time it was. She was still talking to Jim as she woke her parents up. He chuckled at how excited she became.

Jim called Zac next. "I take it, you're ready to come home?" Zac asked, not caring about the time. He was just happy to hear Jim's voice.

"Not exactly," Jim stated. "Dusty woke up! He's awake!"

"Seriously? I can only imagine how you feel. I was so worried about you," Zac admitted.

"I know you were, and I love you," Jim told him.

"I'm going to let my mom and dad know that I'm coming there, and I'll let your mom and Joe know, then I'll see you in a few."

After the doctor finished checking Dusty over, he let Jim go back in. "Did you hear what I said? It wasn't my fault that my car was totaled. And no, the internet doesn't connect to heaven. I heard every word that you said. I'm sorry that I didn't wake up sooner. I was told that I had to wait."

"I'm just glad that you did wake up," Jim cried. "You wouldn't be around to force me to be your friend when I start getting depressed over losing you." Jim grinned and Dusty laughed.

"Does my dad know?" Dusty asked.

"That you're awake, I sure do," Dr. Bear said as he walked into the room.

"What about…" Dusty started as he watched Cheyenne walk in.

A nurse walked into the room, "Getting to be a bit crowded in here. Normally we like to limit it to two in these rooms especially after visiting hours, but I'm not about to fight any of you to get out. In an hour, we'll be moving Dusty to a private room, then you can have up to four people during regular hours."

"Thank you, Nurse," Dr. Bear said.

"Nurse, how do I get to the bathroom, I feel like I have to go real bad," Dusty asked.

"Just go, you have a catheter in that's been taking your urine to a bag already," the nurse responded.

Dusty closed his eyes and got a look of euphoria on his face. Jim chuckled thinking they were all watching as Dusty peed. After Dusty was done, he looked at Jim, "So, you have the highest grades in class now?"

"Still tied with you. All the teachers have agreed to help you get caught up and not hold it against you for missing class and not turning in the work. They've spoken with Principal Duncan and agreed to give up their free periods to come here and tutor you to keep you caught up. And with them doing that, from here on, you will be considered present in their class," Jim smiled.

"Did you set that up?" Dusty asked.

"I had been talking with them, but they are the ones who thought it would be in your best interest to keep you caught up so you can graduate with the class."

The next day in school, Jim was sitting in his homeroom. He was tired as fuck since he was awake all night with Dusty, but he was ever so happy. The bell rang and Principal Duncan came over the PA, "I only have one announcement this morning. I want to thank Jim Bolt for keeping us updated on Dusty Bear and I am pleased to announce that Jim shared with me, Dusty came out of his coma just before three this morning. He'll still be in the hospital for a few weeks, but he will be returning to school as soon as he can. I also want to thank his teachers who have agreed to give up some of their time to help him catch up. I am declaring today a student holiday; classes are cancelled but you must still report to each one to get credit for being here today. After attendance, we will have cake and punch in the cafeteria and different ways of celebrating throughout the school. And today's lunch, we are having pizzas brought in. That is all and I hope you enjoy your day. We will need to work extra hard to make up for today."

The home room teacher this year was Mrs. Drayeh. She was a nice enough lady, but wouldn't put up with goofing off during school hours. As soon as the principal declared today a student holiday, she smiled. "As you all know, I believe that when the bell rings, you need to be in your seats and ready to learn. Now I know that this is only home room, so no lessons are taught, so I'm not so strict on that. Anyway, you all heard Mr. Duncan's announcement but if you are in any of my classes, I expect you to be in your seat when the bell rings. After I take attendance, then you may go celebrate. For the jocks, I hear there will be basketballs out in the gym. Along with cake and punch, there will be music in the cafeteria if you feel like dancing. You have a few minutes before the bell rings signaling to go to your next class, but if you want to go now to put your books away since you won't need them, fell free to leave," she stated after the announcement was over.

Everyone told Jim and Cheyenne how great they thought it was to hear about Dusty. Many students said that they had been praying for him. One boy walked up to Jim, he had red hair and only stood four foot eight. When Jim looked down towards him, the boy's green eyes seemed to sparkle like emeralds. "I'm sorry, I don't think I've ever seen you in school before," Jim apologized for not recognizing this student.

"Cúis mhaith le sin, mé laddy. Tá mé nua leis an scoil. Sa lá atá inniu mo chéad lá," the boy said.

"What?" Jim asked.

"I'm sorry, I am his translator. This is Aron O'lapid, his family just came from Ireland," a young lady who looked to be just out of school told Jim. "He understands English very well, but he doesn't speak it.

"So, what did he say? Jim asked.

"Good reason for that, me laddy. I am new to the school. Today is my first day."

"That would explain why I hadn't seen him around. How old is he?" Jim was curious due to the boy's height.

"Ní bheadh ​​gcreideann tú mé má Dúirt mé leat," the boy stated.

"He said that you would never believe him," the translator said.

"What is he a leprechaun in disguise?" Jim kidded.

Aron started to laugh, "Níl, ach tá mé ach aon cheann déag bliain d'aois."

"He's not a leprechaun, but he is only eleven years old. He could have graduated this year, but he wanted to take an extra year of schooling since he knew he was coming to the United States," the translator explained.

"I trying to learn your language, but afraid some students make fun of my speech. That why my daidí insist I have terpreter," Aron stated in broken English.

"You mean an interpreter, I can understand that, we do have our share of bullies. That sounded pretty good, though. How long have you been trying to learn?" Jim asked.

"I start yesterday," Aron teased. "Seriously, I start learning when told we come to United States."

"Hey Joe, come meet my new friend Aron," Jim called over.

Joe walked over to Jim and was a little surprised when he saw Aron. "Hey Aron, I'm guessing that you are new to Cody? Hope I don't upset you, but you look a little young for high school."

"He's only eleven but I'm guessing he's a genius. His translator said that he could have graduated this year."

Looking at the translator, Joe said "Tell him that I'm glad he didn't. I think it would be cool to become friends and learn about his culture."

"I understand English. I just not talk so good. Would love to teach you about my culture," Aron stated.

"The more you speak it, the better you'll become, but I can understand wanting a translator around some people," Joe commented. "In this school, though, most of the students will be understanding. Only a few made comments about my handicap."

"Good to know, Joe. You Jim's friend too?" Aron asked.

"We're brothers, actually. My dad kicked me out for being gay and when I joined Jim's family, it felt like I was finally home and accepted."

"Your daidí kicked you out for being happy?" Aron asked.

"No, gay as in a fag," Joe explained.

Aron shook his head, "Tá tú toitín Breataine?"

"No he means a homosexual," the translator explained to Aron. Then looking at Joe, "In England, a fag is a cigarette."

"I can see why he would be confused," Joe chuckled.

"Just curious, but do you by any chance know what your IQ is?" Jim asked.

"He doesn't like to give it out. Too many people have treated him differently once they learn it," the translator informed them.

"I would love for you to meet my best friend Dusty," Jim grinned.

"He boy in hospital?" Aron asked.

"Yes, and I'm not sure who's smarter between him and Jim. Until you came along, I thought they were the smartest students in the school," Joe explained.

"He going to be OK because you pray," Aron said.

Jim looked at him dumbfounded. "Only one in the room with me when I prayed was Dusty. The nurses didn't even come in until he woke up. And I never told anybody, how did you know?"

"You are mistaken, someone else was in the room. To whom were you talking when you prayed?" Aron spoke in perfect English and with that, he walked away so Jim could think about what he had just said. After a few minutes. Jim went looking for Aron. He looked everywhere and finally asked Principal Duncan if he knew him. "To my knowledge, we don't have a new student, and definitely not one who needs an interpreter," the principal stated.

"I was just talking to him, he's only eleven but he's so intelligent. I swear, I'm not crazy, and Joe talked to him, too," Jim stated. "His interpreter said that his name was Aron O'lapid." Principal Duncan went white as a ghost when he heard the name. "What?" Jim asked.

"When I first started teaching, we had a new student. Thinking back, I believe that he was eleven and fit your description of him. His first day at this school, he was out in the yard and a drunk driver hit him. His interpreter was killed and he's been in a coma ever since. His name was Aron O'lapid. His family had recently gone back to Ireland giving up hope and considering him dead, but he's still in an ICU unit here in Cody. He has a heart as big as Wyoming, maybe slightly bigger than yours."

"I'd like to go see him," Jim stated.

"You have my permission, maybe he was reaching out to you to help him like you did Dusty. Mind you, he's been in a coma for seven years, so he'd be eighteen now and may not look like how you had seen him," Principal Duncan said. "I'll let your teachers know so that they can count you as present, both of you."

Jim and Joe headed for the hospital. Since Zac brought Jim from the hospital to school, Joe drove. When they went up to ICU, one of the nurses looked at them funny. "Weren't you here when they moved Dusty to a private room?"

"I was; I came to see another patient. I'm told that he's been here for several years and that his family moved away," Jim informed her.

"You must be speaking about Aron. He's had only one visitor for about two months now. But she comes every day. How did you hear about him?" the nurse asked.

"I'm not sure, but I think that his spirit reached out to me," Jim said.

The nurse started walking Jim to Aron's bed and stopped dead in her tracks. "I don't believe this; you must be a miracle worker!" the nurse exclaimed. There, Aron was sitting in his bed looking right at Jim and Joe as they walked into the room.

"I just got here, I didn't do anything," Jim explained.

"You had faith to come see me and see if prayer would help. I woke up when you started coming here. It was your faith that allowed it," Aron said in a heavy Irish brogue.

"I see that you learned to speak better English while you were asleep," Jim chuckled.

"Aye, I could hear everyone talking and picked it up from them. Is Principal McConahan still at the school? If possible, I'd like to finish me education," Aron asked.

"Mr. Duncan is principal now. I never met McConahan," Jim informed him.

Nurses came into the room and asked Jim and Joe to step outside. "Can you give us a few minutes before you make them leave," Aron asked.

"They don't have to leave, but we would like to check you out, then they can come back in and chat for a few," the nurse explained. Jim and Joe stepped outside the room and it didn't take long for them to check Aron out.

"They say maybe I get released tomorrow, but I don't know where I will stay since my family left," Aron looked said.

"Shouldn't there be some sort of program to help you?" Jim asked.

"I don't know, but the nurses said that they would see what can be done. So Mr. Duncan is the principal? I've only met him once; he was my calculus teacher. I had his class, then Miss Wallace. She was a real nice lady, think her first name was Pearl. She was my English teacher and offered to help me learn English."

"Is she related to a Matt and Mark Wallace?" Joe asked.

"Aye, they were her younger brothers, but the older one, Matt I think, was just made a deputy, and you didn't want to cross him. My family was harassed by him the day we came to town. He looked at me and said, wait a few years and smiled. He creeped me out. Mark was a senior and pushed me into a locker. She was so different than them. She had a heart of pure gold I tell you."

"Well, Matt went to prison, he seemed to like boys from thirteen to sixteen years old. And his brother tried killing one of the boys once he was caught," Jim informed Aron.

"Explains why I felt creeped out," Aron gave a slight laugh.

A nurse came in, "Aron, we spoke with the doctor. You will be checked out here, but he wants to check you in at the rehab center to get you used to walking and everything again. He said you should expect to be there for a couple of weeks at least. Also, we called your parents and they are getting on the first flight here. You can expect them tomorrow."

"Thank you, nurse," Aron said. "I'd like to talk to you boys again, but I'm getting tired. Before you go, I would like to meet Dusty, though."

"Nurse, can we take Aron to meet Dusty?" Jim asked. She brought them a wheelchair and helped Aron into it.

Jim pushed the wheel chair to take Aron to Dusty. As they entered the room, Dusty looked at Jim, "In a coma for just a few days and you already replaced me?"

"Dude, first, you were in a coma for almost two weeks. Second, there is no replacing you, but this is Aron, he was hit by a drunk driver and was in a coma for seven years. He reached out to me after you came out of your coma," Jim told him.

"So you're piggy-backing on my waking up?" Dusty teased.

"Sort of," Aron smiled.

"That's cool, I'm glad to see that you woke up as well. You remind me of someone," Dusty said staring at Aron's face.

"Would it be an eleven-year-old? That's how old I was when I went into my coma," Aron offered.

Dusty's face lit up, "It was you that told me that I couldn't wake up yet. You never told me why."

Aron looked Dusty in the eyes, "I never saw him, but I believe it was God that told me to tell you that. He said that Jim had to pray before you could come out of your coma. Then he allowed me to go to the school and talk to Jim. He said that if Jim even thought he could pray and ask for me to wake up, then I would. Once Jim left the school to come here, I woke up and watched for him to come to my room. Like I said, I don't know for sure, but that's what I believe. After all, who else would want Jim to pray?"

"You have a point," Joe said. "I'm guessing that I'm here just because I'm Jim's brother and he needed a ride."

"Joe, you had faith as well or you wouldn't have been eager to bring Jim. You were helpful, too."

"I only had faith because Dusty woke up. I really didn't think that he would, but Jim refused to give up hope," Joe's eyes started to tear up.

"And that is why his faith was required, but you still had faith," Aron explained.

"Can we change the subject, I'm starting to feel a little creeped out," Jim asked.

"How about discussing how Dusty is going to practice martial arts with his legs in a cast?" a voice asked from behind Jim and Joe causing them to jump.

"Sensei, sorry, I've missed the last two weeks, but I was in a real deep sleep," Dusty smiled.

"And I hear that you won't be in for the next several weeks," Sensei stated. Then he turned to Aron, "Hello, my name is Matsuko Hamasaki, I am these boys' sensei."

"My name is Aron, one 'a', O'lapid. What martial art form do you teach?"

"I teach several different styles, but my students get a mixture of all of them," Sensei responded.

"Where did you learn?" Aron asked.

"I trained in a dojo in the Mie Prefecture of Japan. I am not at liberty to explain any more than this," Sensei told him.

"That's cool, I think I need to go back to my room, may seem weird after just waking up after a seven-year nap, but I am tired," Aron laughed.

Jim and Joe took Aron back to his room and then went back to school. Jim found Principal Duncan, "So did Aron wake up?"

"He was awake before we got there. Question for you, do you know a Pearl Wallace? She was an English teacher when Aron was hit," Jim asked.

"She quit teaching school that day. Said that it was too much for her, seeing how her drunken father was the one who hit Aron. Shortly after, her grandfather passed away and left everything to her. Stated that he washed his hands of his son who he tried numerous times to get help for his drinking, and Pearl's brothers just weren't worthy. She has a small ranch, about two hundred acres, sitting outside the east side of town. I bet that she would love to know Aron is awake," Principal Duncan was very informative.

"Do you know the address? We'd love to take her to see Aron," Joe asked.

"Go out Powell Highway, after you cross Sage Creek Rd., it'd be the very next right."

"Thanks Mr. Duncan," Jim replied.

Jim took a short nap as Joe drove. When they reached the ranch, a lady in her mid to late thirties was coming out of the ranch house. "Are you Pearl Wallace?" Jim asked.

"I am, but can this wait, I'm on my way to see a friend at the hospital. I haven't missed a day of visiting him in seven years," the lady responded.

"We were actually wanting to take you to him, I think," Joe said.

"Why, did something happen to sweet loveable Aron?" Pearl turned pale.

"Yes, but something good. We wanted to surprise you, and him. He woke up today, and he went on about how great you were," Jim explained.

"He's awake? Please take me to him. Hearing this, I'm too excited to drive!" Pearl started shaking.

Driving back to the hospital, Joe went as fast as he could, legally. When he parked, Pearl was rushing to go see the young man that she had watched grow while he was in a coma. She walked in the room to see Aron with his eyes closed. Disappointedly, she turned to Jim and Joe, "I thought you said that he was a wake, this is a rotten trick to be playing on me."

"I am awake, I was just taking a nap," Aron stated. Upon hearing that Irish brogue, Pearl turned around.

"I'm sorry for jumping on you boys, it's just that Aron means so much to me," Pearl stated without looking back at them.

"You look the same as when I was hit by that car," Aron grinned.

"Poppycock, I've aged seven years. Has anyone called your family?" Pearl inquired.

"Yes, they should be here tomorrow," Jim answered.

Looking at Aron, Pearl asked, "Do they plan to take you back with them?"

"Perhaps, but I have physical therapy and rehab before I get out of here. And I'd like to apply for citizenship and stay. They left, giving me up for dead, but you came everyday talking to me, asking me to wake up. You've been more of a family than they," Aron responded.

"When you get out, if you have no place to stay, I do have a spare bedroom. I didn't get the chance to teach you English, but I would love to help you prepare for your citizenship exams," Pearl offered.

"Aye, but you did help me learn English. You talking to me was a big part of me picking it up so well. As for your offer, I would be honored to have your assistance."

"It's the least I can do since it was my father who put you in here," Pearl sobbed.

"You're not him, so don't feel guilty. I'm only accepting because I value you as a friend, not because I think you owe me, 'cause you don't," Aron said.

"I'm glad you feel that way," Pearl smiled.

"I hope I don't upset you, but you're nothing like your brothers," Jim commented.

"And I hope you don't think I'm making an excuse for them, but I think our father was partly to blame. The rest is their fault. See, when he got drunk, which was any time that he was awake, he used to beat them. And I'm not sure, but I think when mother died, he started abusing Matt sexually. Matt was thirteen at the time."

"But how did you escape from being beaten and abused," Joe asked.

"Because I went to live with Grandpa. Matt tried to get Grandpa to take Mark also, he really did love his brother, but Mark had threatened Grandpa on many occasions, so it wasn't happening. See, Mark was already being evil before Dad started drinking or Mom dying."

"Wow, I almost feel sorry for them. Matt's already sentenced so long that he may never get out of prison except in a coffin, and Mark is awaiting trial for attempted murder," Jim said.

"No need to feel sorry for them. They are my brothers, but this world will be better off with them behind bars," Pearl seemed cold toward her brothers.

Jim and Joe asked Pearl how long she wanted to stay and she told them that she wanted to spend time with Aron now that he was awake. Principal Duncan walked in the room and hearing the boys asking Pearl, he said the he would drive her home when she was ready, so the boys left. They stopped to visit with Dusty for a few minutes before going home.

When they got home, they were sharing their experience with Aron to the rest of the family. They told Nick about Pearl and what she said about her brothers. "I can't say that I disagree with her, Pearl seems like she took all the good and left them with the bad seeds. Mark won't be having a trial, though. His attorney made a deal with the DA. He pleads guilty to First Degree Attempted Manslaughter and he'll be out in fifteen years. He will also have the first five years away from General Population, but after that, his chances are dependent on if he's recognized."

"So in fifteen years, he may come after you and Chris again?" Jim sounded concerned.

"It is a possibility, but Chris will be thirty, and I think his dad will teach him how to protect himself and Mark will be forty-one and hopefully wiser."

"Chris can join Joe and me at our martial art class," Jim suggested.

"Can I, Dad?" Chris got excited. "Then at home, you can help me practice."

"I would want to talk with the sensei before I agree," Nick stated.

"I think you'll like Sensei Hamasaki," Jim commented.

"Wait, his first name isn't Matsuko, is it?" Nick asked.

"It is, I take it you know him," Jim replied.

"He was my best friend growing up. We took Aikido and Jeet Kune Do together until his family went back to Japan. You have my permission, since he's the sensei, but I still want to talk to him, see if he remembers me," Nick smiled.

Joe started whistling, "It's a Small World After All," as he walked out to the kitchen. Jim went upstairs to take a nap before supper. Having only napped while Joe drove, he was extremely tired.

With Dusty in the hospital on Valentine's Day, no one held a party, but Joe and Buster did go out to celebrate their anniversary. Jim and Zac took Vince and Marilyn, along with Heather and Nick, to a new fancy restaurant. The guys had to wear ties. They let Chris join them even though he didn't have a date. They didn't want him to feel left out.

It was almost a week after Valentine's that Dusty was released. He still had casts on both legs, so he had to use a wheelchair until the casts came off. And he had to go to physical therapy once a week where they worked his legs to avoid getting atrophy.

It was Dusty's first day of school and, true to his word, Principal Duncan called a general assembly. He had let the school board know in advance and told them who he was having speak. They advised that he hold it open to the public as this was a message not only for the students.

Principal Duncan stood on the stage, "I'd like to thank everyone here today, you students didn't have much of a choice, but everyone else, and I do appreciate you taking the time. First, I want to welcome Dusty Bear back to school, He was sorely missed and we are all grateful for his return." Principal Duncan pointed out Dusty among the students. Then he continued, "The main reason we are here though, is a matter of grave importance. We have two speakers, three if Dusty would like to share his experience."

"I'm good," Dusty shouted out but the student body started chanting his name wanting him to speak. Dusty wheeled to in front of the stage. "I don't have anything planned, but many of you know, I was just driving my car when another car crossed the yellow lines and we hit head on. I almost died, and was in fact, determined to be braindead. It's only a miracle and the faith of my best friend that I am here today."

"Thank you Dusty," Principal Duncan said. "What Dusty didn't tell you is, the guy driving the other car was drunk. Not only that, he was so drunk that he thought Dusty crossed the yellow line. As you may have guessed it, we are here today to talk about drinking and driving. Our first guest speaker was a student here, well briefly. He attended the first four classes of his first day and was hit by a drunk driver at lunch. For those that don't know him, I'd like to introduce Aron O'lapid."

Everyone applauded as Aron took the stage. "Thank you, Principal Duncan," Aron said before he started telling about his experience and being in a coma for seven years. He didn't mention Jim's name but commented that it was the faith of Pearl Wallace and two brothers that helped him come out of his coma. He explained that Pearl came to see him every day without fail to talk to him and tell him that she couldn't wait for him to wake up and talk back to her. He also explained that his family had given up hope and moved back to Ireland just a month before he woke up, but Pearl still came around, read him stories and looked forward to him opening his eyes. He concluded his speech, telling the seniors that he passed all of his tests and was approved to join the class and graduate with them at the end of this school year. Everyone cheered for him.

"Now our next speaker, I had to pull some strings to get him here. Most of you have never met him, but this young man was a drunk driver. After one drink, he got behind the wheel of his car and killed someone. When I heard that he wanted to hold rallies around the country once he was released from prison, I called the warden up and the parole board. I told them about this general assembly and they said that they would work with me, if this young man was willing to let this be the first of many speaking engagements. Even though he has a little over sixty days to complete his transition class, they felt that he was doing such a good job and agreed to pass him and let him out earlier than planned. I'd like to introduce you to…"

I hope you enjoy the story and that it draws you in, wanting more. If you have any suggestions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email me.  Thoughts and suggestions are always welcomed and may or may not be implemented. Concerns will be considered and addressed as much as possible.

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