Okay, some people will recognize this story, and it is not perfect. I will say that up front. I went through and edited it though and have already gotten through another chapter. I have been watching, learning, and studying writing and writing styles. I think I have motivation to finish this now. Please read it and help me. I’m definately not an english major or pro writer by any means.
I dedicate this story to the gem that has come to my coal mine of a life. You know who you are 
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Chapter 1
Finally, I am 16 years old and licensed to drive! My dad let me drive on the way to the restaurant we were going to eat dinner at. He had been so busy while I was getting my permit I barely got to drive enough to get past the Driver’s Ed. I was so happy, but I just wish my mom could have been here to see this. She had died 2 years ago from breast cancer. She had put up a 4 1/2 year fight, and we thought she was winning. Then things took a turn for the worst, and she passed away one night in here sleep. I guess god didn’t want here to have to suffer anymore, and I understand she is in a better place.
“Hey Ben you should probably go ahead and turn on the lights, its starting to get a little dark out” said my dad, Berry.
“Yeah, I was just about to ask when I needed to” I replied.
That was the only thing he had to say to me on the way. I was so proud that I was doing so well at driving, especially the lack of practice i had gotten. We got to the restaurant and we went in to find it less crowded than usual, which didn’t bother us, me and my sister sally, at all because we got to sit in our favorite area. We loved sitting on the deck because there was usually live entertainment.
We sat and talked about our day while our drinks were coming out after we had placed our order and had a good time. When our food came out I was glad because this place had the best snow crab I had ever eaten. It was delicious! After we left dad, a little weary, finally decided to let me drive on the way home. It wasn’t extremely late, but I was extra careful and right after I had gotten onto the interstate a truck slammed into us spinning my little car around and the passenger side into the wall. All I could think about before I blacked out was “Why Me?…”
I am in an unfamiliar room, in unfamiliar clothes, and I can’t really remember how I got here. Ouch, something is wrong with my left arm and my right leg. I finally come to enough to realize that I’m in a hospital. There is a tube in my throat, an IV in my arm, and something weird down below, and it isn’t just my leg. The door to my room opens and a doctor comes in followed buy a nurse. He did a few things and checked something.
“Hello Ben, my name is Dr. Acre. I’m going to take this tube out of your throat, and I’m not going to lie. Its not going to feel very good” said the Doctor.
I nodded my head in acknowledgement and it turned out that it wasn’t quite as painful as I thought it would be. After the nurse, whom was introduced to me as Ms. Gooden, gave me a glass of water I finally thought I could speak.
“What exactly happened? And were are my dad and sister?” I asked hoarsely.
“Well Ben, you were in a car accident. A drunk driver hit your back left side and spun you around a few times before you hit the concrete divider. I’m sorry to say that…” My eyes welled up with tears as I realized sometime during the second or third sentence what he was most likely going to say. “…your sister and father didn’t make it. Your father took the majority of the impact and for some reason the side airbag didn’t deploy so his body was crushed.”
I wanted to kill myself after he said that. We had gotten the car for a bargain and nothing in the passenger side door worked. That weekend we were going to replace it. I had known better than to nag my dad about taking my car. Another pang of guilt hit when I realized I had been the one driving. So many thoughts flooded my mind.
“And you sister apparently wasn’t seat belted in and she made it to the hospital, but a rib had punctured her lung, and her arm was totally crushed. It was bleeding in many places. It was just to much for her to handle. Now about your injuries…”
CH 2
“Now about your injuries Ben, you have sustained a broken leg and arm. As well as, some minor bruising” said Dr. Acre.
“Why does it feel so weird down… you know…?” I asked uncomfortably.
“O that’s nothing to worry about we put a catheter in before we operated on your arm. We had to put a small plate in your fore arm. We then put it in a cast and as for your leg it was 2 hairline fractures and we put a cast on the entire leg to keep it immobilized. You were lucky, one of the fractures was 2 inches away from a growth plate we would have had a harder time if it would have hit that. Now then, if you feel up to it you have a very anxious visitor who has been here a long time. I believe she would like to see you” informed Dr. Acre.
“O well I feel ok now but when do you think I can get this catheter out?” I asked, hoping that he would say soon.
“Well with that leg like it is we are just going to leave it in until you are discharged. That reminds me, we couldn’t find any relatives or anybody to contact. Unless you know of some family members or someone that will take you in before the end of the month, the CPS said you will have to go to the boy’s home” said Dr. Acre.
“Okay well I really don’t know of any relatives, but I’m sure I will think of something.” I replied.
“Okay I have to go check on some other patients; I will have Ms. Gooden send in your visitor.”
Just moments later I saw my door open again, and there was a sight for sore eyes. Alyssa Stone, my girlfriend of 3 years, came in. Our families when back to our grandparents. They founded a law firm together, and my dad and her dad had continuted it on. So me and Alyssa where more than just boy friend and girl friend. We had been life long buddies and playmates. She looked as weary as I felt, but I was still glasd she was here.
“Ben!” She cried as she entered the room. “I was so worried about you. I am so glad to see you’re awake. I stepped out to call my mom and then they wouldn’t let me back in. I thought something was wrong.”
“It’s good to see you to Alyssa” I tried to laugh, but realized I was a little tender and winced. I had to make a mental note not to laugh until I felt better. “How long have you been waiting?”
“I’ve been here since Friday night when Nathan called me with the news. I thought he was kidding at first till my mom walked in hanging up the land line and she confirmed it. It’s nearly time for lunch and you have to be starved. I mean missing 4 meals and being in a car wreck would probably make me…”
“4 MEALS!?! How long have I been out Alyssa?” I interrupted, totally stunned.
“Well today is Sunday so I guess close to 36 hours, but you have been through something very tramatic. Your body needed time to heal.” She said trying to comfort me.
“Wow, I didn’t realize it was Sunday, I guess I assumed it was Saturday. And I am a little hungry.”
On that cue there was a light knock on the door and a lady holding a lunch tray opened the door, and asked if I was hungry.
“Yeah I am going to eat a little bit. You can just set it down there” I said while pointing to the funny looking table all hospital rooms had. “I’m going to need to sit up a little more. Do you think you can help me Lys?” I asked, calling her by my nick name for her.
After several unsuccessful and quite painful tries, Alyssa reached over and pressed the nurse button. Within a moment a nurse came in. Actually he looked like he should be on Monday Night RAW instead of working in a hospital, but his size and strength came in handy.
Finally, I got sat up, with some help from the hulk and pulled the tray toward me. Man did it look good Turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, and jello. Unfortunately for me I was left handed. I got the fork in my right hand and I went to get a bite of turkey. It worked out better than I had expected. Then I got my spoon and attempted to get some mash potatoes. On the third try with 2/3’s of the mashed potatoes on the tray and myself, I guess I looked a little helpless and frustrated with it.
“Would you like me to feed you? You are making a huge mess trying to do it yourself.” Alyssa asked me, giggling at my new wardrobe of mash potato.
My face light up like a Christmas tree because it’s just a little embarrassing have your girlfriend ask you if she needs to feed you.
“Don’t be embarrassed. I know, as well as you do, that you can barely do anything with your right hand and if you want to eat that before it gets cold and get any at all into your stomach I would suggest accepting my offer.” She said, noting my Christmas tree face and raising an eyebrow in my direction.
“Okay I guess you’re right.” I said, feeling somewhat defeated not even being able to feed myself.
Thirty minutes later I had finished off my meal and something kept bothering me, apparently it showed more than I thought.
“Ok baby what is the matter. Don’t try to lie because I can tell something is bothering you” Somehow she always knew. Then again after knowing someone for your whole life, you learn them.
“Well when Dr. Acre was here he told me the CPS had not successfully found any family members so unless I knew of some or found someone to take me in by the end of the month, which is next week, I will have to go to the boys home.” I sighed.
“That’s just not right. Hey, why don’t I see if my parents will take you in? I mean you are at my house 50% of the time anyway. We have that extra bedroom we never use.” She kept planning for about 5 minutes before the door opened once more.
“Well Ben how are you feeling?” Dr. Acre inquired.
“Better now that I have something in my stomach.” I replied.
“Well then, that’s good to hear.” He said right before he turned to leave
“Hey, doc before you go, when am I going to be discharged.” I asked nervously.
“Well we don’t have anyone to release you to, and cps can’t come get you till the day after tomorrow.” He said.
Alyssa and I, mostly Alyssa, talked to the doctor a little longer about me going to live with her and her parents.
“Well if that’s ok with your parents Alyssa, and they are willing to sign the papers saying they will be responsible for him I will have to talk to CPS but I think it should be ok. In that case you can go home tomorrow.” Dr Acre said, after patiently listening to us.
Alyssa and I are so thrilled she called her mom and dad to come pick her up and asked them to come into my room. We talked about the plan and it was a done deal. The next day Alyssa and her mom would come and pick me up about 10 am. They had been a little hesitant at first, but I can imagine a few of the thoughts that ran through their mind. I guess they really do see us as two responsible young adults.
Yes it is quite short but i’m working on that. I hope you enjoy it. More will be posted possibly tomorrow. Please leave any comments and criticism.