Happy Birthday Jennifer -- 2000 -- kris

Happy Birthday, Jennifer

copyright 2000

Roy was whistling as he went about cleaning the dorm. He was so happy, Jennifer and Christopher were coming for a visit for two weeks. He was doubly happy because the visit would co-inside with Jennifer’s twelfth birthday.

Roy knew that Johnny was planning a big party. He had checked around and gotten the names of all her friends both in L.A. and San Diego, where she now lived.

Roy was also happy because he and Johnny had those two weeks off. He was planning on giving Chris some driving lessons, as was requested of him by both Joann and Chris. He also planned on going horseback riding with both of his children. The biggest thought that captured his every moment was the birthday party for his daughter though.

Johnny came into the dorm and watched as his lover of three years was day dreaming as he swept the floor.

"Hey, Roy, it helps if you move the broom." Johnny giggled at his far away lover.

"Huh? Oh, hi Johnny. Did you need something?" Roy shook himself out of his reverie.

"Naw, I just wanted to watch you push that broom around." Johnny looked around then let the door to the dorm close. He walked up to Roy and gave him a quick hug. "I love you." He then released Roy and walked away.

"I love you too. Now shoo, so I can finish in here." Roy pushed Johnny out the door with the business end of the broom.

Johnny chuckled as he left the room. He headed over to where Mike was polishing the engine. "Hey, Mikey, you all set?"

Mike was in charge of balloons and other decorations, not to mention the Piñata. "Yeah, Brandon and I went shopping yesterday. Is Roy getting real excited? I heard him whistling earlier."

"Yup, he is, he is. I tell ya Mike, this party is going to be great. All of Jenny's friends have replied and all but one is coming. Their parents talked to me before giving permission and I assured them that Roy and I would behave ourselves and that the party was for children only and the only adults would be us are you and Brandon and Dixie and Cherry from peds. The fathers seemed to balk at the thought of so many males until I reminded them that there were just as many boys as there were girls coming to the party. That seemed to quiet them all down." Johnny was grinning ear to ear. He was also happy that Chet had been kept out of the loop and wasn't going to be making his presence known at the Ranch.

Their shift was a busy one. It helped to keep Roy's mind focused on the job at hand instead of being distracted by his children's impending visit.

Finally, 8 a.m. arrived and Johnny ushered Roy out the door and to the Rover. They drove off and headed back to the Ranch.

They had two of the best kids coming to visit and the party of the century to prepare for.

Joann pulled into the drive at one p.m.. It was Friday and the start of a long three day weekend with Memorial day just around the corner. The kids had started their summer vacation that day, having gotten out of school on Thursday. She was looking forward to having them stay at their father's for the next two weeks, things had been hectic around the house. She was expecting her third child, the first from her new husband, Terry Sherman, and she was tired.

Johnny met the station wagon. He was looking forward to the kid's visit as well. Now he had the reason to act childish. "Hi there. Joann, you look beautiful. How much longer?"

"Too long. Dr. Ashford is saying another month. I really do appreciate you and Roy offering to take the kids when this one is born." Jo helped the kids get their bags out of the back of the wagon. "Take these into your rooms." She called after them. "Well, Terry's getting off early so I better hit the road." She gave Johnny a hug and kiss. "Give one to Roy for me." She winked at the man and got back into her car.

Johnny and the kids waved as she drove away.

Roy was in the back firing up the barbeque that they had built last month. He was all smiles when he heard his children running up the stairs and into their rooms.

Johnny came out the doors carrying two beers. He walked up to his lover and held one of the bottles out. "They're here." He whispered in his ear. He then kissed Roy on the cheek.

Roy turned his head and captured Johnny's mouth in a hot kiss. They pulled apart when they heard approaching feet. Both of the kids had grown up around the two men showing affection for one another.

"Hey, Pops." Chris greeted his father.

"Hey Chris, what have I told you about calling me Pops?" Roy winked at his fifteen year old son.

"I know. Why do you think I do it?" Chris winked back.

"What about me?" Johnny whined.

"What about you, Uncle Johnny?" Chris asked. He loved tormenting his father’s lover to no end.

"Come here, Chris." Johnny crooked the first finger on his right hand and signaled for Chris to walk over to him.

"No way, man. I won't fall for that again." Chris turned and walked into the house.

They heard the fridge open and close knowing that Chris was looking for something to tie him over until the late lunch was going to be served.

Jenny came out onto the deck and ran up to her Father. "Hi Dad. How are you today?"

"I am very happy that you and your brother are here. I love you both so much. How's your mother?" Roy hugged his girl close.

"Complaining. She wants that brat to be born all ready." Jenny giggled.

"Well, it's due at the end of June so I can understand her being a little on the bitchy side." Johnny said.

"A LITTLE BIT? You go home to her then. I'll stay here thank you very much." Jenny threw back.

That got a laugh from everyone.

Roy turned to Johnny, "Hey babe, could you run in and get the burgers? Jenny would you set the table please and tell your brother to stop eating and come out here?"

They both went to do their chores. Chris came out and plopped down on the lounge chair. He was in one of those teenage moods that Roy knew to ignore. "So, how was the last days of school?"

"Too long. I'm pretty sure that I passed all my finals. Stacey said that she'd go out with me when I get back. I can't wait. There's this new movie we both want to see." Chris wasn't aware that his father was talking him out of his sulk.

"Well, that is just great. I know you'll do well on your tests. As for Stacey, good luck. I know you'll sweep her off her feet." Roy finished cooking the burgers and watched as Johnny and Jenny got the table ready.

Jenny and Roy did the dishes afterward. They enjoyed the time they got to spend alone together.

Chris was out sitting on the corral fence watching Johnny work his newest colt. A male Quarter horse. Chris saw the beauty that was the horse. He loved watching Johnny work them as well.

"Hey, Chris, bring that rope here will ya?" Johnny called over. He took his hat off his head and wiped his brow with his right forearm then set the hat back on his head.

Chris sauntered over with the rope in his hand. He handed it to Johnny then turned to head back to his perch on the fence.

"Not so fast there pally. I want to show you how to do this. I have three more colts that I need to train and I could use your help. Now stand right here and hold this rope." Johnny positioned Chris where he wanted him then put the rope into his strong hands. Johnny marveled at how much Christopher looked like Roy in all ways. The boy's voice was even changing to sound like his father.

Chris worked patiently with Johnny and found he liked helping with the colts. Soon he was working one while Johnny worked another. Chris had a female Pinto. He walked her in circles just like Johnny was doing. The two colts were behaving beautifully.

Roy and Jenny stood on the deck watching the two working the horses. Roy hugged Jenny then turned to go into the house. He wanted to finish the grocery list. He didn't want to have to do anymore shopping over the next two weeks.

"Hey, Jenny, do you want anything special while you're here?" He called from the kitchen.

"Yeah, I could really go for some Ho-Ho's and Twinkies. I also need some vitamins, I ran out this morning and didn't have time to pick some more up. Oh and..." She broke off as she entered the house. Heading into the kitchen she walked over to her father and whispered into his ear. Roy turned red and wrote the request down on the notepad. "Thanks Daddy." Jenny headed back outside after grabbing a bottle of soda.

Roy groaned as he read over the list. He walked out to the corral. "Hey Johnny, I'm going shopping, anything you guys want?"

"I could go for some Twinkies." Chris called over.

"Could you pick up some of that cream I use on my arms and we also need some more K-Y." Johnny called over as well.

Roy groaned yet again and headed for his car. He really wasn't looking forward to picking up that special item for Jenny.

Roy drove down to the local Safeway and started his shopping. He hit the non-foods first starting with the vitamins and first-aid products then moved on to the K-Y and he picked up box of condoms as well. He then looked around him, he headed down the next aisle to feminine Hygiene products. He again looked around then down at the list to make sure he purchased the right brand.

He then headed to canned foods. He carefully filled the basket so that the personal hygiene products were hidden. He finished his shopping in the cold and frozen foods. He bought three gallon containers of milk, then thought better and added a fourth. He also picked up the largest containers of both Sour Cream and Cottage Cheese. He finally threw in a few frozen pizzas and dinners before heading for the check-out. He stopped just short when he remembered the prescriptions that were called in for Johnny's allergies and his ear infection. He backtracked to the pharmacy and picked those two 'scripts up and again headed for check-out.

Roy was busy reading an article in People Weekly when he pushed his cart up to the belt. He still didn't look up as he unloaded the cart. It wasn't until he'd added the magazine to the belt and headed for the little shelf to write out his check that he looked up.

Thirty-year-old Beverly was quietly watching the man who was purchasing the groceries. She knew he wasn't married, having seen him in the store mostly with a younger man, so she assumed he was either single and sharing a house with a friend or he was gay. She continued checking when she came across the personal stuff. Her heart almost stopped when she came across the feminine stuff and then the box of condoms gave her hope. She looked up at Roy and saw the blush on his face.

"Those are for my daughter the others are for me and my boyfriend." Roy spoke quietly but with strong inflections.

"Oh." Was all Beverly could say. She finished and gave Roy the total. "That'll be 56 dollars and 23 cents."

Roy finished writing out the check then left the store pushing the cart in front of him. He loaded the bags into the back of the Rover.

He turned on the radio and listened to some soft rock on the drive home. In fact if it hadn't been for Johnny, Roy would probably still be listening to what was now called 'easy listening' music. He had been introduced to The Stones and The Who as well as some of the newer stars like The Pointer Sisters and Dionne Warwick. Roy found that he liked this music as long as it wasn't loud or what Johnny called Heavy Metal.

Roy pulled up to the Ranch and parked as close to the side entrance as he could. He then called to the occupants to get their collective asses out there to help him bring in the groceries.

Johnny arrived first with Jenny right on his heels, Chris though was nowhere to be found.

"Where's Chris?" Roy asked as he took two bags into the side door and the kitchen.

"He was out at the corral. He might be in the barn. I know he hasn't left the property." Johnny answered as he too took in two bags.

Jenny followed with one bag of groceries and the five pound bag of cat food. "Well I hope he gets his butt in here to help."

Jenny then proceeded to start emptying the bags and putting their contents away. She smiled when she came to the items she'd asked her father to buy for her. She placed these items into a lone paper bag to take to her room when she was finished. She then blushed when she came across the K-Y and the condoms. She saw her dad and Uncle Johnny standing by the car. She then smiled when she saw them kiss. She set their stuff aside to take upstairs with her stuff.

She finally put the last of the food in the freezer that was in the mud room. Johnny had added this room that sat between the house and the garage. There was a car port for parking when bringing in stuff like they just did. The room led right to the kitchen with a three quarter bath and the washer and dryer in between. The door had a small pet door in it for the two cats that lived in the house and the one dog that lived outside the house.

Chris came into the mud room looking kind of smug. He'd gotten out of helping with the groceries.

Roy entered the kitchen and saw Chris rooting through the fridge. "Stop right where you are!"

Chris knew to heed that tone of voice. "What?"

"Get your nose out of the fridge and sit down at the table I want to talk to you." Roy sat down at the table.

ADVANCE \d4"What did I do?" Chris asked as he sat down with a bottle of Dr. Pepper. Roy reached over and took it out of his hand before he could open it.

"You know the rules of this house. Not helping with the groceries means you have to ask before you help yourself. I want to know where you were." Roy opened the bottle and took a long drink off it.

"I was in the tree house. Watching you guys cart in all the groceries." Chris had lost his smug look.

"That's what I thought. I guess then we'll hold off on the driving lessons for four more days." Roy said.

"That's not fair!" Chris whined.

"It's more than fair. Now go up to your room and unpack your bags, leave the stereo down, I do not want to hear it." Roy stood and headed outside.

Jenny watched all this and found it hard not to smile. She just knew her brother would blow it on the first day. She then started putting together a light dinner. She watched her father and Johnny standing by the fence. Their heads together in conversation. Then she saw Johnny lean a little closer and steal a kiss.

"I hope they go upstairs before things get too hot," she said to herself.

Jenny took the big bowl of salad outside along with plates and utensils. She then brought out a tray with salad dressings and croutons along with napkins and two bottles of beer and two glasses of iced tea. She then called them all to dinner.

Roy looked up and saw the table set and Jenny dishing something up. "Well, well. Jenny sure is taking good care of us."

"That she is. I wonder what she has in store for us." Johnny followed closely with his hand on Roy's lower back.

As Roy and Johnny walked up the steps leading to the deck they had to smile. Jenny had made a large chef salad and heated up some French bread. It was the perfect meal for the later than normal meal on a hot day.

"You did all this, Sweetheart?" Roy asked.

"Yeah, you and Uncle Johnny were outside with the horses and Chris is in his room, so I thought that I'd do this as I started feeling hungry." Jenny soaked up the praise that her father bestowed on her.

"Well, thank you very much. Can you go up and get your brother?" Roy smiled at his daughter.

They all enjoyed a quiet supper filled with lively chatter.

They called it a night around eleven after watching some TV. Chris was better behaved that evening and Jenny was getting excited about her birthday. She wasn't aware of the party her dad had planned but that didn't stop her from being excited. After all, how many times does a young girl turn twelve?

Saturday dawned warm and sunny. Jenny ran downstairs at seven in the morning. She made herself a bowl of cereal as was the rule. They all got together for brunch on Sunday after church, but on Saturday it was catch as catch can.

Jenny was just sitting down to watch the Saturday morning children’s fare when she heard Johnny coming downstairs.

"Mornin' Peaches," Johnny called out to her.

"Morning" Jenny called back. "What'ch ya doing today?"

"Well, after I turn out the horses and clean out the barn, I thought that maybe you and I could go for a ride down to Millers Lake and do some talkin and fishin’." Johnny sat down on the couch next to the girl.

"That sounds great!" Jenny planted a soft kiss on Johnny's cheek.

Johnny stood and went into the kitchen to make some coffee. He then ate some toast and juice while the coffee brewed. He poured a cup and took it out to the barn.

An hour later, Johnny walked into the house and packed a picnic lunch for Jenny and himself. He made sure to fill both canteens with water from the fridge. He preferred his water Ice cold.

He then hunted up Jenny and took her out to the barn. There he helped her mount China, a beautiful chestnut colored Morgan. Then Johnny mounted his horse, Thunder’s Pride. A Black Morgan that he's had since he was a teen.

They rode down to the lake without really talking. This is the way they always started their trips together.

Once they reached Miller's Lake, Johnny dismounted then helped Jenny down. He tied the horses and unpacked the gear and lunches.

"Happy Birthday Jennifer." Johnny hugged his lovers daughter.

"Thank you Uncle Johnny. I love you." She returned the hug with all her might.

They then sat down and commenced to fishing. Talking about school and the weather and the upcoming holiday.

They stayed at the lake until one in the afternoon, they then made the forty-five minute ride back to the Ranch.

As they got closer, Johnny whipped out his neckerchief and blindfolded Jenny. She just knew that it was for the party her dad was planning for the family.

Johnny waited another three minutes before leading Jenny and her horse into the barn. He then helped her down and put the horse in his stall. He set Jenny down so he could take the saddles off the horses and give them a quick brush down.

"What's going on Uncle Johnny?" Jenny asked. She was excited but scared at the same time.

"Just giving Thunder a quick brush down. You doin' okay?" Johnny didn't want Jenny to be scared.

"Just a little scared. I'm okay though." Jenny spoke softly.

Johnny put down the brush he was using. He then took hold of Jenny's right arm and guided her out of the barn. He hoped that all the kids had arrived. He saw Dixie and Cherry as well as Brandon. He knew that Mike would be inside working in the kitchen.

He got Jenny into the middle of the yard before taking the blindfold off. "This is for you, Jenny." He exclaimed.

Jenny looked around at all her friends as they all shouted, "SURPRISE!!!!"

Jenny ran up to her father and threw her slender arms around his waist. "Oh, thank you Daddy. Thank you!"

Johnny stood off to the side watching Roy and Jennifer. They both seemed to be enjoying the party. Johnny looked around and noticed that Chris was nowhere to be seen.

Johnny joined Roy on the deck. He stood close, but not too close. "Have you seen Chris?"

"No, I haven't. He was upstairs moping earlier. I guess he's still upset over the fact that I won't give him any driving lessons until Tuesday." Roy watched the burgers on the grill and the kids in the yard.

"I'll go up and see if he wants to join in on the fun." Johnny headed inside.

Just as Johnny walked into the house, Cherry Blossom followed. She walked up to Johnny as he entered the livingroom. She hadn't noticed that he had taken off his boots and was wearing nothing but his white tube socks. He turned when he heard the sound of hard sole shoes on his wooden floor.

"Uh, Cherry? No one is allowed on these floors with hard sole shoes. Sorry you weren't told earlier. I thought Dix had said something." Johnny gave her a slight smile in apology.

"Oh, sorry." Cherry stepped out of her shoes, continuing into the room with her bare feet. "What are you doing?"

"I'm looking for Christopher. Roy said he was up here earlier." Johnny headed upstairs to Chris' room.

Cherry followed. She only knew that Roy and Johnny were sharing the house. She just thought that they were roommates. She wandered around when she got upstairs. She wondered which of the rooms were Johnny's and which was Roy's. She only saw four doors and one was to a bathroom. The two that had open doors were bedrooms, one a girl’s room and one an adult male’s room. She didn't get a chance to go in and look to see who's room it was.

She was startled when she felt a hand on her shoulder. "May I help you?" Johnny asked.

"No, I was just nosing around. Sorry. I think I'll go join the party." She then turned and headed down the stairs.

Johnny stood there wondering what was going on in her head. He also wondered where Chris was.

Roy had watched as Cherry followed Johnny into the house. He knew that he didn't need to worry about Johnny cheating on him. What he was worried about was Cherry trying to take advantage of Johnny. Cherry had a reputation for being a girl who never took “NO” for an answer.

He searched out Dixie when he noticed that Cherry didn't remove her shoes. He saw the woman he was looking for and went over to her.

"Hey Dix, didn't you tell Cherry about the no shoes in the house rule. If Johnny catches her walking over that hardwood floor, he's gonna flip." Roy grinned at the thought of his lover reading the Pediatric Nurse the riot act over walking on his hardwood floor.

"I didn't get a chance to. I did though tell her NOT to wear hard sole shoes. I guess she didn't listen. I'll go in and tell her that she needs to stay outside." Dixie headed into the house after leaving her sandals on the deck by the sliding glass door.

She saw Cherry walk down the stairs just as she entered the living room from the dining room. "Cherry, can you come here for a minute?"

"Yes, Dixie." Cherry said as she approached the Head Nurse, (and we all know what she was head of.)

"I remember asking you not to wear hard sole shoes. I guess I should have added that Johnny is real particular about his floors. He doesn't want anyone on them with hard sole shoes, that's why there are all those shoes sitting in the mud room. Now, may I ask what you are doing in the house? Did some of the kids decide to split off and go exploring?" Dixie was trying to not sound angry.

"Johnny reminded me. My shoes are in the kitchen. As for why I am in the house, I was just wondering what Johnny was doing. He seems to have lost one of Roy's children." Cherry said this last part with a touch of smugness.

"I am sure Johnny can take care of Roy's children just fine. He has been doing it for three years now. I would like you to go outside and help Brandon at the Piñata." Dixie then headed upstairs to talk to Johnny.

Johnny was standing at Chris' bedroom door. He turned when he heard someone approaching. "Hi Dix. Have you seen Chris?"

"No, not since I got here at twelve-thirty. Are you worried about him?" Dixie walked up to Johnny and rubbed his back.

"Not really, Roy said he was in here moping but I don't think he's in here. I don't hear anything." Johnny then opened the door. Sure enough, Chris wasn't in sight. "Damn. He better be in the barn or the tree house."

Dix and John walked downstairs. Dixie went out the same way she came in and slipped her sandals back on. She then went over to Roy and told him that Chris was missing and that Johnny was going to go look for him.

Roy waved at Johnny as he headed down the steps of the deck and towards the barn.

Johnny climbed the ladder that led to the hay mow that was in the roof of the barn. He knew that Chris liked to come up here and be by himself. What Chris didn't know was that Johnny also knew that Chris would bring his girlfriends up here to make out.

This time there was no sign of the boy or a girl. Johnny cursed then headed out to the large Oak tree that sat right by the lake. Johnny, Roy and Chris had spent three weeks the first summer after Roy's divorce, building the tree house. It had two rooms and a rope ladder and a fire pole not to mention a ladder that was nailed into the trunk of the tree. This was the ladder that Johnny used to climb the tree.

Chris had seen Johnny go into the barn. He himself was in the room above the garage. He'd gone up there to get away from the party preparations. He just didn't feel like hanging around with a bunch of kids. Mostly the eleven- and twelve-year-olds. Although, Chris did see a couple of girls there who were thirteen, but they seemed to be going gaga over Johnny and Brandon.

Chris then watched as Johnny left the barn. He knew where Johnny was going next so he figured he had at least fifteen minutes to do what he had planned to do. He was gonna show his father that he knew how to drive.

Johnny cursed yet again when he entered the tree house and saw that it too was empty. He descended via the fire pole and headed back towards the house.

He'd just gotten the barn in sight when he heard the screaming. He started to run back to the house. He came to a screeching halt when he heard what sounded like his Rover. He looked up and saw the vehicle as it came careening towards him. He never had time to get out of the way.

Roy was busy talking to some of the boys that had come to the party about the fire department when he heard an engine start. He had just turned towards the sound when Johnny's Land Rover crashed through the back garage door.

Chris wasn't watching what he was doing he threw the truck into gear and stepped on the accelerator. He looked up as he tried to get the garage door to open. He'd only wanted to drive it out onto the lawn. He went to hit the brake and slammed his foot on the gas instead. He burst through the wood door turning it to so many splinters sending shards and splinters everywhere.

Roy watched in horror as the Rover headed right for Johnny. He could see Chris in the driver’s seat. He could tell his son was panicking. He wished he could stop the car from its path of destruction.

Johnny tried to jump out of the way. He ended up dropping to the ground. He felt the pain as the one ton truck ran over his back and legs.

Roy stood frozen. All he could do was scream, "JOHNNNYYYY!!"

Mike Stoker and Dixie McCall were the first ones to Johnny's side. Mike went to gently turn Johnny over when he heard the man gasp. "NO! Don't touch me!"

Mike and Dix backed off. Mike yelled at Brandon, "Go call the fire department then take care of Roy!"

Brandon was in motion before Mike finished his commands. He ran into the kitchen and grabbed the phone. He dialed the station by heart. As soon as he was assured that help was on the way, he ran back outside and straight towards Roy.

"JOHNNY!!" Roy yelled again. He still wasn't moving. "NO Johnny, NO!"

"Roy, Roy, come on man. Let's get you sitting down." Brandon took Roy by the arm and led him to the picnic table. Bill from down the lane had heard the screaming and had hopped on his horse and rode the quarter mile to Johnny's. He jumped off his horse and went to Roy.

"What happened?" Bill looked around and saw all the kids crying. He watched as Jennifer ran up to her father.

"Chris was in Johnny's car. He lost control of the vehicle and hit Johnny." Brandon explained to the neighbor.

"Shit. How bad is he hurt?" Bill asked.

ADVANCE \d4"Don't know. He won't let anybody touch him. I think..." His voice faded from there. He didn't want to voice his opinion.

Roy looked at Brandon. "He wouldn't let anybody touch him? Why? Dammit Brandon tell me why?"

"Roy, the truck ran over Johnny's back and legs. I, uh, I think his back is broken. He hasn't made any attempt to move." Brandon left Roy in Bill's care and walked to the front to await the arrival of the squad and ambulance.

Squad 65 arrived seventeen minutes after they were toned out. They arrived on the scene just as the police did. They were all led to the back where Johnny was lying on his stomach and Chris was sitting on the driver’s seat with the door propped open with his foot. He couldn't stand watching his Uncle suffer. All he could do was mumble over and over, "I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry."

Mike Burd from the sheriff’s department was there along with several other deputies. They were getting all the information.

Down on the lawn, Johnny was under the care of Paramedics, Pete Thomasson and Charlie Dwyer, who was filling in for Juan Lopez. Charlie took one look then called for the back board and C-collar.

They cut away Johnny's shirt so that they could see the damage to the man’s back. It did not look good.

They got Johnny packaged up just as the first parents were arriving to pick up their kids. Mike and Brandon stayed behind to get the kids taken care of. Dixie drove Roy to Rampart.

Johnny laid on the exam table at Rampart Emergency. He was still strapped to the back board. He felt no real pain. His head was pounding from where he hit it on the ground but this was just a small pain. He couldn't feel the pain that would surely be bad. He was aware of the room and the people around him. He tried to smile but he just didn't have the strength.

Dr. Kelly Brackett walked into the room. He looked down at Johnny and placed his hand on the younger man's shoulder. "Heard you tried to play dodge ball with your car?"

"Yeah, Doc. I think I lost. Why can't I move?" Johnny was starting to worry.

"Take it easy Johnny. I'm sure we'll figure this out. Now, you just relax and let us do all the work." He looked up at Nurse Betty Snider and shook his head. "Start another IV, this one D5W. Also draw blood for a CBC, Electrolytes, I want it all. Cross match for two units as well." Brackett left the room. He was not looking forward to telling either man that Johnny's life has just changed.

When Kel had arrived at the Nurses Station he called X-ray for them to send down a portable unit and he told the tech to use full spinal measures. He then went into the doctor’s lounge to talk to Roy.

"How is he?" Both Dixie and Roy said together.

"He's not out of the woods. I'm not going to tell you anymore until I have all the facts and I can tell you the truth. Right now, all I can suggest is that you pray." He drained his coffee cup and left the room. He headed back to Treatment Room 3.

"Oh God." Roy sobbed. "I just know it. His back is broken and now he's paralyzed."

"Now, Roy, we don't know that. All we can do right now is let Johnny know that he's loved." Dixie rubbed her hand up and down Roy's back.

Just then the door opened and Jenny came in slowly. She had big tears running down her pretty face. "Daddy? How's Uncle Johnny?"

"We don't know yet, Sweetheart. I'm going to go and see him in a minute. Would you like to go with me?" Roy didn't want his daughter to move from his side at the moment.

"Daddy, the police wanted to take Chris to jail. Mike stopped him. Chris is sitting in the waiting room. He doesn't want to see you. He thinks that you don't love him anymore." Jenny took the tissues that Dix offered and blew her nose.

"It's okay, Sweety. Uncle Johnny is going to be all right. Let's go talk to Chris and let your father stay with Johnny until the doctors take him to surgery." Dixie led the upset child out to the waiting area. ADVANCE \d4

Roy stood and headed out to the treatment rooms. He slowly pushed open the door to Treatment Room 3 and stepped inside. He saw Johnny lying on the exam table still strapped to the backboard. The x-ray's had been taken and they were just waiting for Radiology to translate them. He noticed that Johnny had been completely divested of clothes and laid with only a light sheet to offer him some modesty. He also noted that a Foley catheter had been inserted and shuddered.

"Johnny? Hey babe?" Roy spoke quietly. He watched as the silent tears ran down his lover’s face. "Hey, don't cry." Roy now wanted to do nothing more than gather his love into his arms and rock away the tears. He knew that he couldn't even touch Johnny for fear of hurting him worse.

Dr. Brackett walked in as Roy sat by Johnny running his hand up and down Johnny's arm. This was the only way he could touch the man without risk of doing further damage.

"Roy? It's time to take Johnny up to surgery. He has minimal internal damage. His right leg needs to be set and we need to determine the amount of damage to Johnny's spine." Kel didn't like this part of being a doctor. He found this part harder since both people were his closest of friends.

"Okay, Kel. I'll wait in the lounge with my children. Do you think it will be a long wait?" Roy had a very sad look on his face. He also looked lost.

"I really don't know, Roy. I'll keep Dixie or Betty updated at regular intervals. How's that sound?" Kel stepped aside as the orderlies came in to take Johnny up to surgery.

Roy watched silently as Johnny was wheeled away. He then left the room looking around at the debris left behind from stabilizing his lover. Getting him ready for surgery and his future.

Dixie watched Roy exit the room. She was with Chris and the lad looked a little peaked. "Come on Chris. Your father needs you right now." She took the boy's arm and led him to the lounge.

4Roy was sitting on the couch when Dixie pushed Chris through the door. She then let the door close as she went to call Joann and let her know what had happened. She knew that Jo was on the tail end of a long and hard pregnancy so she wasn't looking forward to telling her that one of her children ran over Johnny.

Roy looked up when he heard the door open. Jenny had already joined Roy in the doctor's lounge so he wasn't surprised to see Chris enter.

"Dad, I am so sorry. I made a mistake." Chris couldn't finish as his father folded him into his arms and the two cried for Johnny and themselves.

Jenny walked over and felt herself being pulled into the hug by Roy's strong arms.

They were still standing there when the door opened. Dr. Mike Morton entered. "Roy? What happened?"

"Johnny was run over by his Rover. I, uh, I think he..." Roy couldn't finish with what he was saying. He just stood there staring at his children.

"Wait a minute. His OWN car ran him over!? How the hell did that happen?" Mike asked totally stunned by what Roy just said.

Chris looked up at the doctor, his face tear stained. "Yes, Sir. I was driving the Rover and I smashed through the garage. I tried to stop, but I couldn't. I ran over Uncle Johnny. I am so so sorry. I should've gone to jail like that cop wanted."

"Now, Chris. It was an unfortunate accident. You have expressed remorse, so don't talk like that." Dr. Morton was the calm one of this group. "Roy, where's John now?"

"Surgery. Mike, will you come out into the hall?" Roy led his children to the couch, then headed for the door.

The two men stood in the hall. "What's the matter Roy?" Mike asked.

"Johnny's back is broken. Brackett doesn't know how much damage there is to the spinal cord because of some internal injuries and the scar tissue from when his spleen was removed. He just couldn't get a clear picture." Roy was having a hard time keeping his composure.

Mike led Roy back into the lounge. He poured a cup of coffee for them both. "Roy. I'm sure that the problems we've discussed are not as serious as you make them. Johnny is in good hands."

"I know. I'm just scared." Roy let his kids surround him.

Johnny was in surgery a total of four hours. His small intestine was fixed and all the scar tissue was cleaned up. Then the doctors got a good look at Johnny's back. The damage to the spinal column was minimal but the cord seemed to be in shock.

Brackett walked into the lounge with Neurosurgeon Steve Stephensen. The two men didn't have a look that went either good or bad. Brackett watched Roy as he silently stared at the television, which was running a story on the accident on the six o'clock evening news. Some of the kids and Mike Stoker had been interviewed. The police declined to release names pending the notification of next of kin.

Roy looked up at the doctor. "How's Johnny?"

"Right now, he's in recovery. He's breathing on his own and his leg is in a cast from mid thigh to his toes. He had no other broken bones. His spinal cord appears to be in shock. So far there has been no spontaneous movement of his legs. He does have feeling from the groin up. He does respond to painful stimuli in that area but not in the lower regions. We do not at this time know if the paralysis is permanent. We won't know until the swelling goes down." Kel looked at the devastated family sitting in front of him. He reached out and lightly touched the children offering his condolences. "Roy, you can go up to see Johnny in about thirty minutes, then I want you to take the kids home and you get some rest. Remember what we talked about at your last physical. You go home and get some rest. Come back in the morning. Johnny will be more alert by then." Kel stood up and left the room.

"Daddy, will Uncle Johnny ever walk again?" Jennifer asked. She suddenly wasn't feeling very grown up right now.

"NO!" Chris yelled. "He won't and it's ALL MY FAULT!!!"

"Christopher! It is not your fault!" Joann said as she stood in the door way.

"MOM!" Both children yelled.

"Hi Jo. I'm sorry." Roy walked up to his ex and gave her a gentle friendly hug.

"Oh, Roy, I am so sorry. How's Johnny doing?" Jo and Roy's divorce had been on friendly and even terms. In fact she was very liberal on letting the kids visit.

"It's okay, Johnny just got out of surgery. He's going to be all right. They just aren't sure about his back. It wasn't broken but his spinal cord is in shock. These things take time before we know the outcome." Roy looked Jo in the eye. He was hurting and he wanted to go up and talk to Johnny.

"Is he in the ICU?" Jo sat down next to Jenny on the couch.

"No, not this time. He's in recovery. At least he was. I need to go and see him. Will you watch the kids?" Roy headed for the door almost at a run.

"Sure. You go." Jo went to the vending machine and deposited her thirty cents. She then pulled the lever and an apple popped out. She picked it up and took a bite before sitting back down with her children.

Roy stood outside room 413. He was scared. More scared then he'd ever been in his life. He knew what happened to people who were extremely active that were left paralyzed. He hoped Johnny wouldn't become one of those people. He couldn't handle the depression. He loved Johnny enough that he'd let him go if asked but he'd put up one hell of a fight before he'd do it.

Betty came out of the room and saw Roy standing there. "Roy. Johnny's asking for you."

"Okay." Roy whispered. He then pushed open the door and entered.

They had Johnny in traction. With his leg broken, they couldn't put him in the more traditional fracture bed. Roy pulled up a chair and sat by the bed. Johnny was lying there with his eyes closed. His breathing told that he was conscious. "Johnny, sweetheart?"

Johnny slowly opened his eyes. Once he saw Roy, he then let the tears fall. "I think I'm in trouble here."

"Shhh, it's okay. You're going to be all right." Roy grabbed Johnny's hand and held on for dear life.

"I goofed up. I'm so sorry Roy. But I don't believe the doctor's. They say to wait and see. I can't feel the broken leg, Roy. I can't feel the scrape on my left knee either." Johnny whispered.

"Please babe, don't blame yourself. It was an accident. That's all." Roy tried his best to set aside Johnny's self doubt and self blame. He knew how Johnny thought.

"Why not? I'm the one who leaves his keys sitting anywhere. Chris had access to them. I also should have checked the garage before I went to the tree house." Johnny started feeling tired. "I'm sorry. 'M sleepy now." Johnny closed his eyes and let the darkness claim him.

Roy brushed the hair off Johnny's forehead then laid a soft kiss on his lover’s forehead. "Please don't blame yourself." Roy turned and left the room. He headed back to the lounge and his kids.

Roy entered the lounge and looked at his children huddled around his ex-wife. He walked over to the table and sat heavily into the chair. He dropped his head into his arms and started sobbing.

Jenny ran over to her Daddy and threw her arms around the grieving man. "What's wrong, Daddy? Is Uncle Johnny okay?"

Roy sniffed and took the tissue that was offered to him by Jo. "Uncle Johnny's okay sweetheart. I'm just scared, tired and worried." He hugged Jenny and let her love flow through him.

"Is Uncle Johnny paralyzed?" Chris asked from his perch on the couch.

"We won't know for a couple more days son." Roy answered. Right at this moment, he was very angry with his son. Now that his lover was out of surgery and safe in his room, Roy was finally letting all that had happened catch up with him. He couldn't look at his son, but he had no strength to yell out his feelings. "We just have to wait." He looked at Jo and gave a wan smile. "Can you take the kids back to the ranch? You can stay there tonight then take the kids back to San Diego in the morning." Roy didn't want to be away from Johnny and he didn't want to be around his son.

Jo nodded and started picking up the debris from the snacks they had eaten.

"I want to stay with you Dad." Jenny said.

"I know honey, but it's late and you need to get some rest. Now go with your mother and behave yourself. And Jenny, Happy Birthday Sweety. I am so sorry that it ended the way it did. Maybe when Johnny's is better we can have another party." He kissed his daughter and pushed her towards the door.

"I'm sorry, Dad." Chris said yet again. He still didn't know how his father really felt. He knew that they were all tired and he wanted nothing more than to go home and bury himself in his bed. He never wanted to see another car again and he wanted to see his father happy.

"Go with your mother, Christopher." Was all Roy would say to the boy.

Jo walked the children out the door. She then turned and looked at her ex-husband and friend. "I am so sorry, Roy. I will be back in the morning. Do you want me to bring anything for you or Johnny?"

"Could you bring me a change of clothes and Johnny’s grey sweats? He also needs his toothbrush and his favorite comb. Ask Jenny, she knows where everything is." Roy then turned his back to his friend and ex-wife.

Jo left the room and led the children out to her car. She drove the kids out to the ranch in silence. When she got there, Mike and Brandon had cleaned the mess up and were getting ready to leave.

Chris got out of the car and headed for the corral. He noticed that the horses had been taken care of. He looked at his watch for the first time since the accident and noticed that it was almost eleven at night. He wondered where all the time had gone.

"Chris, come on in honey." Jo called. "You need to eat something then take a shower and go to bed."

Chris slowly walked into the house. He looked at the plate that Jo had set on the table. He felt his stomach contract. He put his hand to his mouth and raced for the mud bath. He threw himself on the floor as he raised the seat on the toilet. He threw-up for several minutes before giving in to the dry heaves. Chris felt a strong hand on his back as a glass of water came into his view.

"Drink this Chris. It'll make you feel better." Mike Stoker soothed the lad.

"Thanks, Mike. Boy am I a fuck up." The boy whispered.

"That's no way to talk. You finish up here then go upstairs and lay down. Your Mom will be in to check on you." Mike turned and left the room. He too was having a hard time being more then civil to the boy. He wanted to do nothing more than shake the kid and find out what he was thinking, even though it was clear he wasn't thinking.

Johnny woke up to an empty room. He was slightly disoriented and looked around. "Roy?" He called out.

Nurse Cherry came into the room. "I'm here John. Shh, it's all right." She crooned.

"Where's Roy? Why isn't he here?" Johnny was starting to feel apprehensive. "Roy? ROY? Where's Roy? I need to see Roy!"

Just then Roy walked into the room. "I'm right here, Johnny. You need to calm down. Don't try to move." Roy placed his hand in the middle of Johnny's chest to keep him from trying to sit up.

"Why? Why can't I move?" Johnny was confused. His head hurt and his mind was all foggy.

"Do you remember what happened?" Roy asked. He signaled to the nurse for her to get the doctor.

"Some kind of accident? Right? I mean, it was an accident, wasn't it? I can't seem to get a clear picture." Johnny was really getting upset now.

"Take it easy. Yes, there was an accident. Chris was in the Rover and he crashed through the back wall of the garage. He lost control and stepped on the gas pedal as he drove through. He ran you over. Your back was bruised as was your spinal cord. Your right femur is broken and you have a slight concussion. Not to mention various bumps, bruises and scrapes." Roy took his time explaining all the injuries Johnny had suffered.

"Chris? How is he? Did he get hurt?" Johnny asked quickly.

"Chris is fine. Jenny's fine, I'm fine. You need to rest." Roy ran his hand up and down Johnny's right arm as he told his lover that everyone was all right. "Now, go back to sleep. I promise to be here when you wake up."

Johnny let his eyes close as he felt the darkness come. He didn't like the darkness, it was scary there. He whimpered softly in his sleep.

"Shh, it's okay. Just sleep babe." Roy soothed. He'd seen this behavior before. He knew what was coming next so he let the nurse know to inform the doctors. He then went back to sitting with his lover.

Chris wasn't sleeping at all. Every time he closed his eyes he saw Johnny dropping to the ground trying to get out of the way. He then felt his hands turn the steering wheel then he felt the big vehicle run over his beloved Uncle Johnny. He suddenly slammed both his feet down on the middle pedal. He felt the jerk as he stalled. He couldn't stop screaming. "UNCLE JOHNNY!!!!"

Joann ran to her son's side. She pulled the fifteen-year-old into her arms and rocked him. She spoke quietly and softly trying to calm the upset youth. "It's okay, Chris. Johnny's okay."

Chris slowly calmed and looked at his mother. He hadn't had to have his mother hold him in more than four years. Even after his parents’ divorce over four years ago. He was a man now and didn't need to be coddled. "I'm okay, Mom."

"Are you sure? That was some nightmare you had. Do you remember any of it?" Jo was concerned for the emotional well being of her son.

"I think so. I don't know. I feel kinda funny inside." Chris wiped his nose on his bare arm garnering him a reproachful look from his Mom. "Sorry." He grabbed a tissue out of the box by his bed.

"If you need to talk to someone let any adult know." She again hugged the boy. "Your father’s mad at you now, but he will get over it. You scared us all. Why did you get into Johnny's car in the first place?"

"Dad said that because of the fact that I hid when I was supposed to be helping with the groceries, I had to wait another two days for a driving lesson. I guess I was just pissed at Dad. I didn't mean for anything like this, I swear." Chris took a sip of the water his mother had brought him. "I got confused. I forgot that Uncle Johnny's Rover has a manual transmission. Dad's sports car is also a stick but his pickup is an automatic like your station wagon. I guess by not paying attention, I really screwed up."

"Well, I guess you could say you did. I hope you learned something. As for getting confused, your father tried to teach me how to drive a stick after we were married. I failed miserably. I just couldn't get the hang of shifting. I was sure I was going to wreck your father’s Ford. I finally gave up and your Dad bought me my first car with an automatic transmission. I felt so stupid at first. Then you know what your Dad did? He told me that even his mother and Aunt Ruby couldn't drive sticks. I felt a little better. Now, I suggest you get out the drivers manual and study that tomorrow. Right now, snuggle on down and go back to sleep." Joann kissed her son on the forehead and pulled the sheet up over his shoulders. It was only late May but the temps were all ready climbing and Johnny hadn't had the air conditioner checked and turned on yet.

He was planning on doing it this week.

Johnny's head was a little clearer this time when he awoke. He tried to turn his head to look around and found that he couldn't. 'Oh yeah, I'm in traction.' He remembered. "Hey Roy? You still here?" He called out softly.

"I'm here, Sweetheart. How're you feeling?" Roy was standing so that Johnny could see him.

"With my fingers usually, but right now? Not much. I still can't feel my legs and my head is killing me. Can you get the doctor? I have some questions." Johnny gave Roy that look that Roy knew he was not to question his lover.

"Sure." Roy stepped out of the room and beckoned the first nurse he saw. He asked her to page Dr. Brackett. He then went back to his lover's side and spoke of nonsense things until the doctor arrived.

Kelly Brackett walked into the room. "Hi Johnny. You wanted to see me?"

"Yeah, I got a question for you." Johnny was suddenly not to sure about the question he was about to ask.

"Ask away." Kel folded his arms over his chest as he looked intently at Johnny.

"Am I permanently paralyzed?" Johnny asked quietly.

Kel looked first at Johnny then at Roy.

"We don't know, John. It's still too early to tell. I hope not. Your spine wasn't broken, Johnny, but it was bruised. That put the cord into shock. The bruise is low enough that you haven't lost the ability to urinate on your own and if the paralysis is permanent, you will still be able to enjoy an active sex life. Right now, though, we just don't know." Brackett gave both men a reassuring look as he stood there waiting for Johnny's reaction.

"I think it's permanent. I mean, it's been over fifteen hours and I should be able to feel something. I don't. Not the bruising or the bumps or even the damn break. I feel my cock all right but it feels sorta not there. If you know what I mean. My back hurts about here." Johnny pointed to his stomach about half way up his chest.

"That's where the bruising starts, Johnny." Brackett said. He was having a hard time with this. He usually didn't, but Johnny was making this hard.

"I figured." Johnny sighed and closed his eyes, signaling that he was finished and wanted to rest.

"You get some rest, Johnny. I'll come back after lunch and we'll talk some more." Kel left the room. He went to the one person he could trust to help him feel better, Dixie McCall.

Kel called Dixie into his office after he'd talked to Johnny.

"Is something wrong, Kel?" Dix asked as she closed the door to his office.

"It's Johnny. He's certain that the paralysis he's experiencing is permanent. He's refusing to listen to reason and the fact that more than likely the paralysis is temporary and will go away as his spine heals from the shock." Kel sat at his desk. He had his head in his hands and he felt like the world was falling apart.

"It's not your fault, Kel. Christopher chose to get behind the wheel of the car and smash through the garage. It was an accident that left Johnny the way he is. It is not your fault that he is feeling the way he is. I think the whole family needs to talk to a counselor about what happened. It just might help Johnny deal with his injuries." Dixie provided the voice of reason that was needed by the good doctor at that time.

"I'll suggest that when I go back up there after lunch. Right now, I need to get to work here in the ER." Kel drained his coffee cup and ran his hand through his dark hair.

They went back to work and tried to leave their worries for their friends behind.

Roy was sitting by Johnny's bed talking quietly. He hadn't had a chance to tell Johnny about the results of the physical he'd had three day's prior.

"Brackett told me that along with my blood pressure being on the high side, he wants me to cut down on the refined sugar I ingest. I have to undergo a glucose tolerance test next week. I can't believe that since the divorce, I've gained over twenty pounds. You and I eat the same, in fact you tend to eat more than me and yet, you don't gain any weight and I do. Brackett's putting me on medication. I start tomorrow. He wants me to stop worrying so much, I guess I have what's called a Type-A personality. It's a nice way of saying I'm high strung." Roy looked at Johnny and saw the smile on his face.

"I'm hyper and you're uptight. Don't we make a pair. Hey, Roy? Would you scratch my upper arm. The right one? I can lift my left arm, but it's still too sore to move over my chest." Johnny lost the smile that had been on his face a moment earlier.

Roy stood and reached over. "No problem, Junior."

"Thanks Roy. Now, you need to go home and get some rest. Who's watching the kids?" Johnny suddenly thought about Jenny and Chris.

"Joann drove up from San Diego and took over the kids. She's bringing them here in about an hour. I'll go home after she and the kids have a chance to visit. Okay?" Roy hoped it didn't upset his lover that Chris was going to be visiting.

"That's good. I need to talk to Chris. Let him know that I'm not that mad at him and that I still love him. You need to tell him that too. Call Mike for me, ask him and Brandon to watch the house and horses." Johnny yawned and his eyes drifted shut.

Roy watched as Johnny fell back into the darkness. Roy waited for the demons to come and wasn't disappointed. He sighed and sat back down on the chair by the bed. He knew he needed to rest. He could feel the effects of the stress as his blood pressure climbed.

Dixie walked into the room and watched the two men. She went to the bed and noted Johnny's vitals. She then pulled a blood pressure cuff out of her pocket and walked up to Roy. "Give it up handsome. Kel told me to check the numbers and report back to him."

"Well, how high?" Roy looked at his favorite nurse.

"High. 175 over 95. You my friend need to relax. Why don't you lay down on that bed over there and catch some sleep while Johnny's sleeping." Dixie prodded Roy out of the chair and into the second bed in the room.

Roy laid back and thought that it was sneaky for Brackett to have Johnny put in this room with two beds. He also secretly thanked the doctor for understanding. Roy was sleeping peacefully when Jo came in carrying a gym bag an hour and a half later. She set the bag down and walked over to Roy. Kissing him on the forehead, she spoke quietly that he was loved. She then went to Johnny and did the same.

Jo was keeping watch over the two men she loved almost as much as her new husband. She never did hate Roy, she just fell out of love with him and was grateful for Johnny. He was there to pick up the pieces as Roy fell apart.

Johnny woke up a little while later. Jo went to his side as she heard him mumbling. "Hey, Johnny. How are you today?"

"Jo? Where's Roy?" Johnny was still not waking up totally clear headed.

"He's asleep on the bed next to yours. He needed some rest and I guess the doctor knew what to do in order to get him to rest." Jo held a glass with a straw for Johnny so that he could take a drink. She then went into the bathroom and brought out a small bowl with some cool water. Using a washcloth, she held the cloth up to Johnny's mouth to wet the lips and make them less dry and chapped.

"Thanks." He whispered. He didn't want to disturb Roy's rest. "What time is it?" He'd been pretty much turned around.

"Just after eleven in the morning. The kids are waiting in the cafeteria. Would you mind if I went down and brought them up?" Jo wanted to make sure that they both would be accepted, and not just one of the children.

"Yes, bring them both up. I need to talk to Chris and Jenny needs to be reassured. Jo, don't tell them...." He let it hang there.

"I know." Was all Jo had to say. She headed out of the room smiling.