Note: In reworking ‘Those Golden Eyes', it has become obvious that several of the peripheral characters kind of took over and detoured the main story. To do justice to these characters, which many of you have come to love, I have separated their stories and will post them separately. Jake and Charley already have been done in ‘Rough Road Ahead'. Now it's Pete and Jason's, Teddy and Gio's, and Arlen and Jim's turns. ‘TGE' will continue
Thanks, for your forbearance.
Pete still hadn't awaken from the coma when his parents, George and Pat, were ushered into his room. "The doctor will be in shortly to speak with you," the nurse said, and left them alone with their son. He lay in the white bed seemingly asleep. His head was covered in gauze bandages, his whole upper body and right arm were in a cast, and one side of his face had abrasions on it.
Pat walked up to the side of the bed and caressed her son's face. "Petey, wake up. Mom's here," she whispered.
Pete's eyelids fluttered, and he sighed, but he didn't wake up. Pat attempted several more times, but got no reaction. George stood at the foot of the bed with tears in his eyes, feeling helpless to do anything for his only son. He stumbled across the room and slumped into a club chair while Pat continued to stand beside the bed holding Pete's hand. It seemed to them that time had stopped, and all they could do was wait.
It was half an hour later, an interminable time, before Dr. Sanderson walked into the room and introduced himself. George stood, shook his hand and asked how his son was doing. The doctor studied the monitors a few minutes as George stood with his arm around his wife while they watched his every move. The doctor finally looked up at them and cleared his throat. He explained Pete's condition to them. "His brain waves are completely normal. Actually, he is actively dreaming and he could wake up at any moment... at this point - it's up to him."
After the doctor left they looked at each other, feeling helpless. All they could do was wait. George pulled a chair up next to his wife and held her hand as they watched their son sleep. They talked quietly, speculated a bit about Dave, the man that had met them at the airport and who had apparently paid for their private plane. He didn't look like he had any more money than they did. Even his big old Buick was older than theirs. And they agreed that their son was definitely a hero.
A nurse came in and checked the wires and machinery connected to the sleeping young man, took his temperature and recorded it on the clipboard, and then turned to his parents. "Everything reads normal. There is a cafeteria on the first floor. Why don't you go down and get some refreshments. I will call you if there is any change."
"Thank you, Ma'am. Let's go get a sandwich or something, Mom."
"I hate to leave him alone, George. He looks so vulnerable just lying there."
"There's nothing we can do for him right now. Let' stretch our legs and get a bite to eat. The nurse said she'd call us it there is any change."
Jason knew that Dave had flown Pete's parents in on a private plane. He had decided that when he met them, he'd simply tell them that he was Pete's roommate. They didn't have to know that he and Pete were planning on becoming permanent lovers at the end of the semester. As he stepped out of the elevator, he saw a couple coming out of a private room - that had to be them; they just looked so country. He walked toward them meaning to greet them, but they paid no attention to him as they walked to the elevator. Jason turned and watched as they entered it, shrugged, and went to the nurses' station. A kindly older nurse was sitting there writing. She looked up into Jason's big brown eyes and smiled at him. "May I help you, young man?"
"George Peterson? May I see him?"
"Are you family?"
"No, ma'am, but Pete's my best friend, and my dorm mate. Please, just for a moment."
Jason's big brown eyes and his 'little boy lost' countenance won her heart. "Well, just for a moment then, but you can't stay. His parents just went downstairs, and he still hasn't awakened." She accompanied him to Pete's room, stood in the doorway and watched as Jason went to the side of Pete's bed. He leaned down and kissed him on the lips.
"Pete, wake up, it's me, Jason."
Pete's eyes fluttered and he mumbled. Jason caressed the undamaged side of his face.
"Hey, hero. Open your eyes and look at me."
Pete's eyelids fluttered again, and then he opened his eyes. He smiled. "Hey, Jay," he hoarsely whispered. "Water."
Jason looked at the nurse. She motioned to the carafe and glass on the table next to the bed. Jason poured a little into a glass. He saw a straw laying on the tray. He put it in the glass, turned to Pete and with a gentle hand under his head, helped him to raise his head to let him sip.
The nurse went back to her station to notify the doctor that Pete had awakened and then she called the cafeteria to let Pete's parents know that he was awake. She said nothing to anyone about what had awakened him. She figured that was private between the two boys.
"I was dreaming that my mom and dad were here. It's so good to see you, Jase."
"I love you, Pete. The nurse said I could only stay a moment. I'll be back when you get put into a regular room."
He squeezed Pete's hand and left. Pete closed his eyes, the meds were making it hard for him to stay awake.
"I love you, too," he muttered, but Jason had already left.
Jason stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor as the Petersons stepped into it. They had apparently just started to eat when they were called, they each carried a drink and a sandwich wrapped in napkins. They still paid no attention to him. Jason wandered across the quad, he couldn't believe he'd just told Pete that he loved him, but there was no way after Pete's close brush with death that he was going to let another day go by without letting him know how he felt. He wondered if it had registered with Pete since he was so heavily medicated. He silently promised that he'd tell him again tomorrow.
When they entered the room, Pete looked just like he had when they left. They dropped their food and drinks on a table and rushed to his side. Pat caressed Pete's face. "Son? Are you awake?" His eyelids fluttered. "Petey, open your eyes."
Pete opened his heavy eyelids and studied his parents a moment before smiling. "Mom, Dad, how did you get here?" he whispered. "I thought I was dreaming again."
"Mr. Gates had us flown here, in a private plane."
"You're kidding." His voice sounded raw.
Pat shook her head.
Doctor Sanderson entered, and Pete's parents stepped back to let him check Pete over. "How are you feeling, Son?" he asked.
"My head hurts, and my shoulder and arm are beginning to throb."
"Well, you cracked your skull and I had to drill a hole in it to drain the fluids that were putting pressure on your brain. Your collarbone was shattered and you have multiple fractures in your upper and lower arm. I'll give instructions to up your painkiller a bit."
"Doctor? Do you know how Mr. Gates is? Did the car hit him, too?"
"No, Son, your quick wits saved him from all but a few scrapes and bruises. In my books that makes you a real hero."
Pete blushed.
The doctor turned to his parents. "We'll keep him here in ICU overnight for observation. Tomorrow morning, if everything is alright, we will move him to a regular room."
When the doctor left, George and Pat moved back to Pete's bedside. "We're very proud of you, Son. We always knew you were someone special." George told him.
"Thanks, Dad. I hope you will always be proud of me."
Pete had an ache in his chest that wasn't caused by the accident. He knew his parents would be disappointed to learn about his sexual preference. His dad would be okay with it, he thought, but he figured his mother would treat him like she had her brother. But he knew that he couldn't hide it any longer, even if it did alienate her. He would have to tell them before they went home. A lone tear rolled down his cheek. His mom wiped it away, believing it to be from the physical pain he was experiencing.
They stayed a while visiting with their son as he phased in and out of sleep. The doctor eventually insisted that they leave and come back the next day. Soon after they left, Dave showed up. Pete was thrilled to see for himself that the man was okay.
Dave was full of news for him.
"I've hired a lawyer to sue that bastard that ran us down."
"But it was an accident Dave. Surely, he didn't mean to hit me."
"Pete, what you didn't see was that he was using a cell phone while he was driving. When he got out of the car to check on you, he was still talking on the damned thing. He showed no concern about having hit you. I had to insist that the bastard call for an ambulance. When the police came, they apparently knew the man and only cited him for negligent driving. Before we're through with him, he is not only going to pay all damages, but he's going to apologize, too.
"Oh, I've invited your parents to dinner this evening. They are really nice people... but then they'd have to be, to be your parents, Pete. I like them."
Pete smiled.
Dave stayed for a few more minutes and inquired about Jason. Pete blushed. "He came up this morning and woke me up."
"What do your parents think of him?"
"I don't think they've even seen him."
"Jason told me about your relationship. And that you are planning on telling your parents soon. How do you think they're going to take it?"
"Mom has a gay brother that she hasn't spoken to in years. He lives just a few miles from us. He and dad are friends, but it is behind Mom's back. I got to know him a bit during my last two years in high school. He's a great guy, but Mom won't have anything to do with him. So I guess I'll be joining the ranks of the vanquished when I do tell her."
"Jason means that much to you?"
"Dave, Jason is my all, my everything. I'll never be living with my parents again. And though I love them dearly and would love for them to continue being part of my life, if they can't accept knowing I'm gay, and accept Jason, then it's simply too bad."
"Well, I hope that they can accept it. I know they love you, Pete."
"Pray for me, Dave." He was exhausted and slipped back into sleep.
Pete slept through the night and most of the next day. When he'd awaken his parents were there and they would visit a bit before he dozed off again. Some of the time he just lay with his eyes closed wondering how he was going to tell his parents. He wished that Jason would come in. He needed to touch him, and feel his gentle touch. As he thought about it, he realized that he had become addicted to Jason's gentle touch.
Between classes Jason had twice gone back to the hospital, but each time the Petersons were in the room with their son. And there was a different nurse on the desk, but just looking at her made him feel uncomfortable, so he didn't even stop to inquire how Pete was doing.
On the third morning, he went up early to see Pete before regular visiting hours. Since no one had paid any attention to him before, he chanced sneaking in... the room was empty. For a moment Jason panicked, but then collected himself and asked the nurse where he'd been moved to. He sighed with relief when she gave him the number of his private room one floor up.
As he stepped out of the elevator, he met a nurse who stopped and smiled at him. "I'm willing to bet that you are Jason," he said. All Jason could do was look hopefully at him and nod. "Pete has asked several times if you had come to see him. He's awake, why don't you go right on in. His parents won't be in for a while yet."
Jason couldn't believe it. He grinned his thanks to the man and darted down the hall to Pete's room. Cautiously opening the door, he stepped in. Pete's eyes were closed. Quietly Jason tiptoed to the side of his bed and studied his friend. He looked better without all those wires connected to his head and chest. Even the IV was gone. Only a small bandage swathed his head, and the abrasions on his face were healing. Jason reached out and caressed the back of Pete's arm. Without opening his eyes, Pete smiled and said, "I'd know that touch anywhere." He popped his eyes open and gazed at his love. "God, I've missed you."
"I came to see you twice yesterday, but your parents were here both times."
"They're going home today. The farm can't be left for long."
Jason wanted to say, "Good," but instead he just smiled.
"Get up here on the bed where I can hold you for a moment." He patted the bed with his good hand.
Jason climbed up and sat beside him. Pete pulled him over and held him against his body. "I've missed holding you."
Jason stretched up and kissed him on the lips. "Your parents could come through that door at any moment, you know."
"Let them. You're more important than anything else in my life. I've decided to tell them today."
Jason sat up and studied him. "Are you sure? They might cut you out of their lives completely."
"If they do, it's because they never really loved me to begin with, Jason. If they love me as they say they do, then they will still love me when they learn that I love you."
"What about your uncle?"
"I don't understand Mom, but Dad's always treated him like family. Of course, that's all behind Mom's back. I'll just have to see how she reacts. But whatever, it won't change how I feel about you."
"I love you so much, Pete."
"I love you, Babe."
Jason leaned over and kissed him again and then sat back up. At that moment the door swung open and the Petersons, followed by Dave Gates, entered. Jason quickly slid off the bed. Pete held tightly to his hand and wouldn't let him move away. Frightened, Jason glanced at Pete's parents and then back at Pete.
"I've got to do this now." Pete said in a harsh whisper.
Jason could only nod. He looked up at Pete's parents and gave them a tentative little smile. His big brown eyes frightened as a deer's caught in a cars headlights. They glanced at Jason and then at Pete's hand holding his. Their eyes moved to Pete and they smiled at their son. Jason glanced at Dave who nodded and gave him a warm smile. That gave him a bit of encouragement.
"Good morning, Son. How are you feeling this morning?" George asked. Pat just smiled. She looked like she was about to cry.
"Hi, Mom, Dad. Hey, Dave. You've all met Jason?"
"Not really, but we've seen him in the halls," George answered. He extended his hand to Jason. "Hi, I'm George, and this is my wife, Pat."
Pat just smiled and nodded to him.
"It's good to meet you, sir, ma'am. Hi, Dave." Jason said
Dave stood back by the door. He smiled again and nodded. Jason got the feeling that he knew something.
"Mom, Dad. I know you're going to hate to hear this. I've put off telling you for a couple of years. But now I can't keep it hidden inside me any longer. It's really eating at me." Pete closed his eyes. Tears slipped out and coursed down his cheeks. "I just hope you can still love me."
At this point Pat's mothering instincts took over. She moved up to his bedside, leaned down and kissed him on the forehead. "No matter what you tell us, my dear son, we will always love and accept you," she said.
Jason had moved back to let Pat up to the bed. She stepped back and gently pushed him back towards Pete. Pete watched this with wonder in his eyes. He'd been so sure that his mother would condemn him and reject him like she had her own brother. She took Jason's hand and placed it in her son's.
"You know?"
She nodded. Pete looked at his dad. George smiled and nodded, too.
"Well, I still have to say it." Pete squinched his eyes and then looked back at them. "Dad, Mom, I'm gay and I'm in love with Jason."
"We figured that all out. Jason, welcome to the family. We love you, Petey. And we're very proud of you, son. It takes a real man to stand up for what he is." George leaned down and kissed his son on the forehead. Pete's eyes got big. His dad hadn't done that since he was about ten years old. George moved back and snaked his hand around his wife's waist. He pulled her up against his side as he looked down at her. "And I'm really proud to be your husband, Pat."
"As long as you and my son are happy, I am, too. Now I've still got to go home and face Sam. And I'm changing churches. I'm going to find one that teaches love, not hate," Pat said.
"Well, in that case I just might join you, my dear."
Pat turned to Dave. "David Gates, you are an angel. Thanks for all you have done for us. But most of all, thanks for helping our son."
"It has been a pleasure, Pat. I've enjoyed all I've been able to do. And I am very happy that you are still together as a family."
"Yes, we're still together, and it's thanks to you, I've just gained a new son." Pat said beaming at Jason.
Pete glanced at his dad who was beaming and nodding in agreement.
The emotions washing through Jason as he stood frozen next to Pete's bed were overwhelming. If the grip that Pete had on his hand were released, he felt that he'd surely crumple to the floor. He'd been filled with fear when they'd been caught holding hands as Pete's parents entered the room. It took all the courage that he could muster, not to pull away and flee the room. After what Pete had told him about how his mother treated his uncle, Jason had been sure that she would scathe both of them.
He grinned at Pete after they were left alone in the room. Pete reached up and pulled his face down to his. The kiss was feathery light, but it left Jason's lips tingling. Wanting more, he bent into Pete's lips searching with his tongue. Pete opened to him.
Finally the kiss got to be too much for Pete. "You've got to stop, Jay," he said, breathing hard, "I'm going to mess the bed."
Jason pulled back, out of breath and red faced. They smiled at each other as they calmed down. "I'm so proud of you Pete, and you have wonderful parents. Your mother is nothing like you led me to believe."
Pete chuckled.
"For sure she is nothing like I led you to believe. I wonder what happened to my old mom?"
"I'll bet Dave had something to do with her changing."
"You know, I've always been afraid that my mother would reject me like she did Uncle Sam, but what was worse was that I was sure I'd be a disappointment to my dad. Yet he showed total acceptance and really seemed happy that you and I are together.
Three days later, Pete was squirming in his hospital bed. The doctor had removed the drainage tube from his head three hours ago. Now he was restless to get out of bed and get on with his life. He'd finished the homework assignments that Jason had brought. He needed to pee, but being he hadn't been out of bed for a week, he would need help, but he hated to have to call for assistance. His arm was itching inside the cast about four inches up past his wrist, and he felt like he had a flea bite on his left shoulder blade, it itched intensely. He could freely move his right arm, but that didn't help one damned bit. With the full left arm cast immobilizing his whole left side, he wanted to scream in frustration. He finally gave in and pushed the call button.
He insisted on getting out of bed to go to the bathroom, and then insisted that the nurse had to leave the room while he relieved himself. She in turn insisted that he sit on the bowl rather than stand. After she closed the door leaving him alone, he was glad that he was sitting for he was very light headed. He managed to get back to the bed by himself and was just climbing back onto it when Dave popped in to see how he was doing.
"Do you need help there, Cute Butt?" Dave asked.
Pete turned crimson, but he grinned at Dave as he tried to hold the back of his gown closed. "Fuck you, man." They had become close friend in the last three weeks, despite their age difference. Pete was on his knees in the middle of the bed. His left arm in a cast stuck out in front of him. He couldn't figure out how to get turned around and over onto his back, and still keep his gown closed with his other hand. He felt like the proverbial monkey gripping the bright coin with his fist inside of the milk bottle, but he was not about to give Dave another view of his naked butt. "Would you please turn around so I can let go of this damned gown and get into this bed?"
"Grouchy this morning are we?" Dave asked as he turned his back to Pete. "I've seen a few buns in my life, so you've got nothing new. Although, yours are awfully cute." He was in a good mood this morning. The doctor had removed the stitches from his cheek and though there would be a scar, it wouldn't be terribly noticeable once the redness went away.
"Dave." Pete whined. He let go of the gown and managed to get laid back down. "Okay." He was breathing hard from the effort. "You can turn around now."
"So when will they release you, Pete?" Dave asked walking up to the bed.
Pete looked a little down as he answered.
"I could leave now if I had someplace to stay besides the dorm. Plus, I'll have to have someone nearby to make sure I don't hurt myself trying to do things. This stupid cast is so awkward."
"I see. So what time does Jason come around to see you today?"
"He should be here any time now."
"Oh good." Dave popped out of the chair. "Listen, Pete, I'll stop back by later if I can," he said, squeezing Pete's foot as he headed for the door. "Relax. You'll be back in the grind in a few days."
Pete frowned at Dave's back. He'd half hoped that Dave would offer a solution for getting him out of this damned hospital.
Dave waited outside Pete's room for Jason. He spoke with him for a couple of minutes and then Jason went in to see Pete. A few minutes later he emerged from the room and gave Dave a rueful look. "He's not happy that I'm not staying my usual time."
"So what did you tell him?"
"Just that I have a special project I have to work on."
"Good, you didn't lie to him." Dave responded as they left the hospital together.