Chapter Forty-One:

Doug’s lawyer drew up adoption papers, but for now, we were on a stand still. It’s been a month since I was released from the hospital and Oliver and Hayden were still in town. Oliver insisted that he could finish his classes online and he wanted to be here for me. He didn’t really have a reason to go back to New York since he broke up with Grace and his father was deployed. Hayden said that he wanted to stay around. He wouldn’t say why, but I’m pretty sure it was for Jimmy. They’re so fucking cute together – it’s ridiculous.

I’m glad that they’re sticking around. It’s nice to have friendly faces nearby.

Things are going pretty well with Brian. I don’t see him as much during the day, because he has school. But, what can ya do? I sleep a lot during the day and I’m almost always doped up. Apparently, brain surgery is serious business.

It’s becoming harder and harder to predict my moods. It makes me appreciate the guys so much more for sticking with me. I know it’s not easy, but they handle it like pros. I don’t know where I would be without them. They’re my sanity.

Since the hospital, Lynn hasn’t tried anything. I haven’t seen my father, either. Right now, I’m just counting my blessings. As long as they aren’t going out of their way to create problems, I’m not going to go out of my way to look for them. What’s the point? It’ll happen soon enough.

I was serious about wanting to find a good woman for Doug. But, with my limited physical activity, I’m not sure it’s all that possible. Aside from teachers, all of the women I know that are his age, are in New York. It’s a bit of drive. Long distance never works anyways. Balls.

---

I’m beyond restless. I want to go out and run a marathon or tackle some intense world problem. Hell, I’d even settle for school. But, alas, I’m confined the house and its immediate surroundings. I’m not even supposed to walk around all that much until three months after surgery. Based off of my calculations, I still have a little over a month until it’s possible.

The guys make it bearable. Tiffany has even been coming by and hanging with me around the house. Let me tell you, that girl takes manis and pedis seriously. She fills me in on all the gossip I’m missing at school. I don’t know if ‘missing’ is the right word, considering I barely knew the kids. Even though she yet to admit it, I’m pretty sure that she’s crushing on Zacky.

She’s supposed to be coming by sometime today. She told me when, but I just can’t remember. The surgery has really been fucking with memory, like nobody’s business.

Brian has been out of town with his parents to visit some family for the past couple days, so it’s been quiet around here.

I jumped when I heard a knock on my bedroom door.

“Come in!” I chimed. Tiffany opened my door, smiling. She looks nervous. I pushed myself up, off of my bed. I walked over to her, slowly and pulled her into a hug. She hugged me back.

“Don’t be mad.” She started. My eyebrows rose. “He wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer.” She apologized.

“Who?” I asked, as someone else opened my door the rest of the way. In the hallway, stood none other than Mike Chambers. I sighed and my eyes flickered down to my attire. I was in basketball shorts that I stole from Zacky and an old band tee. At least I slept in clothes last night. Mike smirked, seeing my distress. “Why are you here?” I asked him. Tiffany giggled.

“What? You’re not happy to see your schoolmates?” He questioned, feigning hurt. I rolled my eyes.

“No, not schoolmates, just you.” I corrected him. He chuckled.

“Well, you haven’t been in school. Can’t a guy worry?” He asked.

“Look, I don’t want you in my room. We can go downstairs. Okay?” I told him. He just shrugged. I walked back over to my bed and grabbed a sweater and my phone. I followed Tiffany out of my room, before shutting the door behind me. We descended the stairs and I could hear Doug talking with someone. It’s probably his attorney. They’ve been chatting a lot lately. I think he just wants a game-plan in motion, in case something else does happen. I don’t blame him. I’d want my butt covered, too.

Doug was pacing the living room when we walked into the room. He looked over at us and said goodbye to whoever he was speaking to on the phone. He hung up and smiled at me. He came over to hug me and kiss my temple. He gave a warm hello to Tiffany and sized up Mike. Mike shifted awkwardly under his powerful gaze.

“I don’t believe I’ve met you before.” Doug finally spoke to him. Mike blinked a few times before opening his mouth.

“I’m Mike, Mike Chambers. I go to school with Zacky and Lydia.” He introduced himself. A look of dawning spread over Doug’s facial features.

“Oh, you’re that boy.” Doug breathed. He didn’t say anything else. “Well, I’ve got to get going. I have a few things to take care of. I’ll pick up some things for dinner. Zacky should be back soon with the rest of the boys. You two are more than welcome to stay.” He told them. He gave me another quick hug and kiss on my cheek. “Call me in you need anything. Roger and Tony will be ‘round if you need them.” He assured me. I nodded. Roger and Tony are the guys that work for him, or currently, our security. “I love you, Sweetheart. Be back soon.” He excused himself, before leaving. I smiled as I watched him walk away. Blood related, or not, he’s family. We’ve become a mismatched family and I love it.

“So… What do you want to do?” Mike asked. Tiffany grinned.

“Since you invited yourself, I say we have a chick flick marathon. You are so going to suffer.”

Notes

SO Doug dropped the "L" bomb. I needed to have some sweetness in the story, before things get heavy again.

Comments? Predictions?

You all are fucking awesome.

So much love,
Katie