Page 69 of The Road Home
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
"I can't believe I'm getting out of here finally." Harry sat on the edge of the hospital bed while they waited for the nurse to bring a wheelchair in.
You're sure you got everything?
Orson turned, checking the small closet before looking inside the bathroom for the second time.
"Yeah, we got it all." Harry glanced over at Glen, one of the counselors at the rehab center he was going to be staying at until he learned how to get around without being able to hear.
Orson sighed, nervous but excited to see Harry leaving. So much had happened over the last week. He'd been so busy with his new job and his new relationship with Jared, that he hadn't had as much time with Harry as he wanted. Now with him going to stay halfway across town, their time would be even more limited.
Harry had been diagnosed with an extremely rare hearing disorder caused by the head trauma. It was called cortical deafness, and as Jared had feared, was due to the nerves in the brain and not the actual ears. There wasn't a cure. The good part, if there was one, was that it was so rare that there were programs to help Harry as long as he was willing to join a study, so the doctors could try and learn more about the injury.
"You'll come see me, right?" Harry looked nervous as he turned to Orson.
Orson smiled as he took a seat beside Harry on the bed and reached for the notebook.
I'll come see you often. I'm working nights, but I can come during the mornings when you aren't busy and on the nights I'm off. You know I won't leave you alone.
"I have classes in the mornings, right?" Harry looked at Glen.
Glen nodded. "For the first while. You'll have Sign Language classes." He used his hands to sign the words as he said them.
Guess I need to learn too.
Orson gripped Harry's shoulder, wishing there was more he could do to show his support. This wasn't going to be easy for Harry, but it was getting him off the streets finally and giving him a chance at having a somewhat normal life. Once he got used to being deaf, he'd be just fine. At least that is what Orson kept telling himself.
"Here we go." The nurse came in, pushing a wheelchair.
Orson stood, smiling as Harry turned to him. "You'll be okay," he said, hoping Harry could read his lips.
"I will." Harry smiled. "Thank you for everything." He pulled Orson into a gentle hug. "I'll call as soon as I know what is going on."
Orson nodded, wishing he had his own phone and hadn't had to give Harry Jared's number.
Glen reached for the bags as Harry sat down in the wheelchair. He held his discharge papers on his lap as he glanced back up at Orson. "Take care."
"You too." Orson fought the wave of emotion that hit him as he reminded himself that this wasn't goodbye.
The nurse pushed Harry from the room, and Orson watched them go, staying beside the bed, not wanting to make it harder than it already was.
As soon as Harry and Glen were out of sight, Jared stepped into the room, his eyes filled with concern. "You okay?"
Orson took a deep breath. "I know I'll see him again, but it feels like I won't."
Jared came to stand beside him, wrapping his arms around him and pulling him into a hug. "I'll drive you over any time you want."
Orson wondered if Jared realized that hugging him like this and touching him all the time the way he did pretty much gave away that there was something between them. He wasn't about to point out the fact. "Thanks, I'm just nervous for him."
"He's got a lot to face, but if anyone can get through it, Harry can." Jared kissed the top of Orson's head. "Come on, let's go home." He pulled back, keeping a hand on Orson's shoulder as he walked them out of the hospital room.
As they walked outside, Orson tried to force his worry about Harry behind. He had enough going on in his own life that he needed to deal with. Harry was a big boy. He'd figure out a way to make things work.
"So, I have an errand to run, will you go with me?" Jared unlocked the car.
"Sure." Sunday was the one day they both had off, and he was happy to spend it with Jared.
After working a few days, they seemed to be finally settling into a routine. Orson would take the bus to work, then Jared would pick him up after he finished his shift at the hospital. They always went home, relaxing together or working out in the shop until they would decide it was time for bed. Sharing a shower was the norm now, and it always led to more, be it in the shower or once they got into bed.
