JOURNEY FORTH: A Life Given Back

CHAPTER 12

My therapist gave good results because actually all I had in my head was to see you, in 8 months, I was out and back home in New York with my Parents. Jojo had travelled back to her family before then so she wasn't home. Then one day, Some Professors from school came over to the house. Professor Troy, he's in your faculty, "I remember him", yeah and Professor Nathe and Professor Kimberly. They came on behalf of the school, thankfully they met my parents, I was surprised at first but my parents knew they were coming , I Just wasn't told because I might have said I don't want to talk to them, "really, what did they say?", "They expressed their Condolences, explained they have met with the parents of our other friends, Pointed out that the school has been supportive too. That was when I got to know about the Medical bills and other bills, it's all on the school. They told me about you too. They've met your parents, and How they're praying together as a school and with Us not to lose you. They explained that it was a huge blow to the school so they'll do everything possible to help as we were Among their best students." "My Dad asked them about my degree," "Professor Kimberly said since the exams have been concluded before the incident, our degrees are waiting." I was kinda relieved to hear that. "You can come for it anytime besides, the Vice-Chancellor and Professor Racheal Crown would like to meet you but that will happen after we hear the final medical report of your friend in coma."

    "That's a lot Ray", "Yeah, nodding his agreement, so you should expect them anytime soon at your parents", "Dad mentioned Professor Troy one time, but I didn't push, and he didn't explain further and there was this phone conversation Mom had yesterday at the hospital. It was about me but I didn't ask who it was, I was too disturbed to care. Maybe that was them at different times". "Yeah Maybe, for the remaining part of that year, being the second year of the incident, I went to Mike and Ben Family Home." "You didn't, I sat up", "Yeah I did, had to, I and Officer Phyllis, the one that was at the hospital; we went there together, I actually told him to accompany me because honestly, I can't face them alone and it was painful Anna, it really was. Mike's old Man, Ben's Mom, they wouldn't stop crying. I was with Mike's folks first in Colorado then to Ben's in Minnesota. After promising to come check on them sometime again, I went back home.". I sniffled, "shit!Anna, stop." I wiped my tears, "it's okay Ray, it's just still fresh to me", he pulled me in for a hug, "it's okay Anna, he kissed my hair, guess I should stop, I shouldn't cause you anymore tears." 

"It's been a shitty day, but you made it anyway. Thanks for caring when I didn't know". "My pleasure babe, did you get my letter?", "What...oh!, So it's you", "yeah it's from me to you" he smiled, I smiled too,"I got it and the parcel been wondering who sent it, Olly won't say" he chuckles," yeah, I made her promise and she wouldn't anyway Because of Doctors instructions not to trigger your memory, and I am a huge Trigger" he added Smiling, "I smiled, a huge one". "Wait, Ray, how did you know this place?", "He chuckles, your place, let's just say I'm a helpless stalker, he smiles, ever since Olly told me you're awake, you're home, you're getting along great, but I couldn't see you, many times I'm tempted to come to your folks place but I kept reminding myself it's for good, it's for good. I saw you and Vera one day at the Mall", "really?", "Yeah, you both didn't see me, and seeing you Anna, the feeling I get, Happiness, joy, relief all rolled into one. I watched you guys till you leave then I followed", "what, I smiled, you're so helpless", he laughed out loud, "Yeah, I am", "Oh Ray", I put my arms around him again,inhaling his scent. He mirrors my action, "It's okay Babe, You have me Now, you're not alone anymore" it was a brave thing to say and it touched my heart. "Are you mad at me for stalking you?", "Should I be?" "No"  I giggled, "you're very biased Ray, I'm very sure if I told you about anyone stalking me you'll have their head", he smiled, "I'm the only one allowed to stalk you mi pequena flor". Really? "in that case, I might get a restraining order", he let out a big belly laugh,"we haven't seen in four years and you're gonna hand me over to the police?, Anna. I chuckled.  "I hate to leave you but I should get going, it's pretty late and you should get some rest", "okay, drive safe okay", he stands and we embrace again. "Is your Place Far?", " Roughly 45 minutes drive, it's worth it babe", Olly, Carly, I called, both came out a while later, "Ray's leaving, wants to say goodbye", "oh, thanks for Staying with Anna Olly said", "my pleasure, Carly thanks for dinner". They took turns embracing him and I too. "Will see you tomorrow" he said, "Alright" he exits the door and I watch till he gets into his Car, with a final wave , he maneuvers his car out of the parking lot into the street. 

   As I closed the door, Punched in the lock code, I walked into the open arms of Carly. "I love you both, thanks For Ray". It felt like Their gift to me, an indispensable gift. "We love you more, I brought your meds Olly adds, it's on the table". I took them and we went to the room together. I am exhausted, they are less so.