AND YOU INVITED ME IN by Cheryl Moss Tyler

Author:Cheryl Moss Tyler
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ATRIA BOOKS
Published: 2008-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

19

WHITLEY HOME WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

“W E’RE HOME.” Wayne pulled into the gravel driveway with potholes that had been there since Alex was a child. He drove the van directly up to the front of the steps.

“There’s Harley,” he commented as Harley came out of the house. Seeing an anxious look cross Alex’s face, Wayne added, “Harley isn’t a nauseating macho man now that he’s a Christian.”

“I’m happy for him,” Alex mumbled.

Harley carried Alex into the house and took him to the bedroom that had belonged to The Coach. Painful childhood memories inundated Alex as soon as he entered the house. In the living room he avoided the scornful eye of his father’s ghost. He used to hide in the corner closet and cry longingly for his mother’s arms around him.

The smells of the countryside were pleasant. The crisp white room was inviting. A hospital bed was next to the large window overlooking the yard where Alex had played as a child. He could see the traffic coming from Hallton. Mirrors had been removed so Alex would not reflect on his physical appearance. A daybed with a pillow and blanket was next to Alex’s bed so someone else could sleep in the room with him.

Harley laid Alex on the bed and Annie began to make him comfortable.

“Let me go help unload the van. Kitty will be here soon to check on you,” Harley said to him. Turning to leave, he looked back at Alex. “I’m glad you came home.”

Alex managed a weak smile before Harley left. Annie walked out of the bedroom carrying some of Alex’s medications that needed to be refrigerated.

“Looks like they’re coming down the driveway now,” Wayne said. He was standing in the middle of the living room gazing out the large set of double windows.

“Who?” Annie asked as she walked toward the kitchen. A stack of mail caught her attention. Putting down the meds she flipped through it.

“Kitty and Susan are bringing food.” Wayne walked over to open the door.

Annie opened an envelope. She read a few lines and ran her fingers through her hair and then tore it into small pieces and placed it deep within a garbage bag. Kitty and Susan entered the house with their hands full of medical paraphernalia and food.

“The timing is perfect.” Annie hugged them.

“Welcome home,” Kitty said. “How’s Alex doing?”

“Real well, actually. This has been a smooth transition compared to when he came home from the hospital two weeks ago. I’m encouraged,” Annie said.

“Dr. Moss felt that you being in Atlanta made all the difference. He said the improvements Alex made were nothing short of miraculous.” Kitty put down her medical bag. “Where is he?”

“In The Coach’s old room.” Annie turned to Susan. “Thanks for all you’ve done.”

“There’s more in the car. Where’s Harley when I need him?” Susan asked.

“He went to the workshop with Brian. They’ll be coming right through this room any minute. Kitty, come with me,” Annie said.

Kitty followed her into Alex’s room. Ben closed the suitcase he was unpacking.

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