Truthful, Beating Heart

Chapter Ten

Tom pulled the car into the drive and he shut the engine off. I heard doors open in the front and I opened mine as well. My brother, Eli, who was home from college for summer break put his arm under my casted knee and the other around my shoulder. He picked me up like a little blind ragdoll and carried me to the house.

The front door squeaked, like it always had, when it opened and we walked into the cool, air-conditioned foyer. I breathed deeply through my nose savoring the familiar smell of the house. Tom set my wheelchair on the floor next to Eli and me and Eli gently set me down in it. I rolled farther into the living room and ran my hand along the couch. It was so good to be home.

I made my way to my bedroom which was, thankfully, on the main floor. I clicked the button on my radio and found it still tuned to my favorite station. I hauled me and my useless legs onto the bed and sighed as my familiar pillows and blankets surrounded me.

I pulled the Braille book from the pocket of my wheelchair. I ran my fingers over the hard cover and I felt the little markings on it. A sudden and unexpected sadness filled me. I suppose that I was sad about being blind, which probably was normal, but it came on so fast that it took me by surprise. I listened to the sad, slow song on the radio and I realized tears were streaming down my face. I buried my head in my own pillow, on my own bed, in my own house and I cried. I wondered what Tony was doing and why he hadn't called me back yet. I wondered if my parents were worried about my future the same way I was. Then, I heard soft footsteps on the carpet. I quickly swiped the tears off my face and turned to the doorway, waiting for them to identify themselves. Tony's familiar voice drifted to my ears as he said,

"Are you okay?" I sniffled and replied quietly,

"I guess." I was a little embarrassed that I had gotten so emotional all of a sudden."It's just a little overwhelming I guess."

"You have every right to be upset. I can't even imagine what you're going through." His strong arms wrapped around me. The tears started coming again and I cried into his neck. He just held me and I felt safe.

My tears had long since stopped when his phone rang. He grumbled and said quietly,

"Sorry," before taking the call. I layed my head on his shoulder and he said,

"Hello?" Someone mumbled on the other end. Tony said,

"Right now?" Another mumble. "Shit." I hadn't never heard Tony curse before. More mumbling came from the other person.

"Where are you now?" Even more mumbling and Tony said,

"Okay, I'll be right there." He sighed as he hung up the phone. He put his arm back around me and said, "I'm sorry, but I need to go."

"Is everything okay?" I asked.

"Yeah. My sister is...sick and my brother needs to go to work."

"Oh. Tell her I said to get better, okay?" His cheek rested against my hair as he said,

"Okay I will. I'll call you as soon as I can." He kissed my forehead and hugged me tight. "One more thing." I waiting for him to say more. He said, "I know that I hurt you a long time ago-" I started to stop him but he kept talking, "-and I'm so so sorry about that. But, if you could find someway to forgive me, would you want to come over to my place on Friday night to have dinner?" I grinned and said,

"I would love to." He pulled me into a bear hug and I nuzzled into his neck, taking in his beautiful smell. He, reluctantly, got up off the bed and walked out the door. I heard the front door slam and my heart swelled with happiness for the second time in two days. I squealed, yes, out loud and I fumbled for my cell phone. I immediately called Bree who had still failed to return my call.

Once again I got her voicemail and at the beep I practically screamed into the phone,

"BREE! Call me like ASAP! I have more big news! It has to do with a certain male figure that has returned to my life. It's right up your alley! I need to speak with you, like, now! Call me! Bye!"

I hung up, gathered my thoughts, and remembered the phone call that Tony had received. I wondered what it was about but I was much to happy to be concerned. I was going on a date with Tony!