Dirty Visual

It had been a pretty good day for Zack; he hadn’t had any trouble selling the house an elderly couple had just bought and he was in a good mood. Jared had come out of his room last night and at least tried to talk to someone. He didn’t get any words out but when he saw his dads on the couch he ran and jumped between them wrapping his arms around Zack’s middle and squishing his cheek to his chest.

When his office phone rang Zack never expected it to be the sheriffs department. As the news was broken to him he dropped the folder and coffee cup he had been holding, Zack fell back into his desk chair. The husband of the elderly couple had just stood as the phone rang; he and his wife turned around when they heard the crash. Zack’s eyes were trained on them but he couldn’t see anything. Why did this have to happen now? Things were going okay and now this?

Zack had gotten a license to own a hand gun; he now carries one with him where ever he goes. For the past few days they did everything they could to get Jared to break out of his rut but not even sending him to Matt’s house worked. Brian had even gotten a call from the principal; they had to go in to have a conference. She had even noticed how inverted Jared had become and felt concerned. Brian and Zack had told her about what happened to the dog and she understood that the boy would be upset from that, but he would have gotten over it already, right?

“Son, are you okay?” The elderly man asked having walked up to Zack’s desk again.

“Thank you.” Zack spoke softly, putting the phone back on the receiver.

“Zack is everything alright.” The woman asked this time. Zack looked around himself to see his manager and a house sales woman looking at him in curiosity.

Looking back up at the old couple he nodded slowly. He turned his attention back to his boss. “I need the rest of the day off and maybe tomorrow. I have to go get my kids and take them to the hospital.”

“Is Brian okay?” His boss wondered, she knew and fully supported Brian and Zack. She knew about his kids and was one of the few people he trusted to talk to.

“He got in a car accident. I have to go.” He stood and quickly grabbed his coat. He even addressed the elderly couple. “I’m sorry to have kept you folks. I am sure you have lots of other things to do besides watch me flip out.”

“Don’t worry about it boy.” The man said.

“Who is this Brian man?” The woman asked. Zack paused and looked over at his boss, she nodded slowly.

“Brian is my boyfriend.” Zack grabbed his coat and headed for the door.
“Can we drive you to the hospital so you get there safe?” The woman asked looking Zack over.

“I have to get my kids. One of them is at school and the other at home. Thank you for the offer though.” Zack pushed at the door and almost walked out.

“I will take you to both. You are clearly upset and don’t need to be driving.” Had the older man seen the tears in his eyes?

“I have to take my car so I can get home later. But again thank you.” Zack assured the older couple.

“I’ll drive it to the hospital later tonight if you text me when ever you’re ready to head home. You can drop me off back here to get my car.” Kate his boss suggested, not wanting Zack to have to drive while upset. Why not? He had to run a back ground check on the little old couple before they could sign the house contract. They had come up clean, maybe a ticket or two but never anything major. He didn’t know what made him trust them but for some reason they reminded him of his grandparents.

“Sure. I’ll go get the kids and meet you out front, is that okay? I only live a few houses away and the school is right across the street.” Zack informed the couple.

“Go ahead honey.” The woman spoke patting his hand before letting him leave. He stopped by the school first and got Jared then headed home and got Bentley. It took him maybe ten minutes to do that and get back but he had called Matt on the way and told him what happened. Matt’s mom knew as well. When he burst through the door in the middle of the day she nearly had a heart attack.

The drive to the hospital was quick, maybe twenty minutes at most. Matt was at the hospital when Zack arrived. “Hey did you find anything out?” Zack asked immediately, Matt took the baby out of his arms.

“Not yet. They said he is still in surgery.” Zack sighed and slinked back in the char. Jared sat in his lap. “Um, hello?”

Zack looked up at the confused look his friend was giving the elderly couple that had followed him in. “Matt this is Mr. and Mrs. Bloom. I sold them a house and insisted on driving me here so we arrived in one piece.”

“Oh boy. I forgot, Ted you have to get your blood work done.” Martha the elderly woman reminded her husband.

“Oh don’t start that woman. I am not getting a needle shoved in my arm today.” He swatted her bum with a smile.

“Okay then lets get some lunch. Do you boys want anything from the cafeteria?” She asked swatting her husbands arm for being pervy.

“No thank you I just had lunch.” Zack replied; it was true he had eaten just before the sale began.

“I’ve eaten already. Thanks.” Matt tried to smile.

“I’m hungry.” Jared whispered into Zack’s ear.

“Will you be okay with Bentley for a minute? Jared needs a refill.” Zack asked quietly, just loud enough for their small group to hear.

“Yeah man, go get him fed.” Matt bounced the little boy slowly on his knees. “By the way your brother’s on his way with Kage.”

“Good. I forgot to call him. Thanks Matt.” Zack pecked Matt’s forehead and literally carried Jared while following the elderly couple.

The cafeteria was only a few rooms away from the waiting room just down the hall. Inside was nearly empty; no one was around accepting the staff and a man that looked like a doctor sat at one of the random tables; a computer in his lap.

Jared got himself a small bowl with fruit mixed with yogurt and a rice crispy bar. Zack had paid for everyone’s food and drinks; having to convince the older man that he wanted to pay for them because of their generosity. He had gotten Matt a coke and sat Jared down to eat at a nearby table. The elderly couple sat with him while they ate. The little boy was quiet. He hadn’t even asked why they were at the hospital and Zack hadn’t told him.

“How did this happen Matt?” Zack wondered out loud.

“A white dodge ran into the side of his truck. He was going through a red light and hit Brian’s side of the car.” Matt spoke quietly. “The sheriff came over and told me about it just before you showed up.”

Throughout the day Matty showed up. Matt’s mom and Zack’s boss came as well. They all sat and waited. Even the elderly folks stayed. After hours of waiting the doctor came out. “Anyone here for Brian Haner?” Everyone stood.

Notes