Together Forever

The Shady Patio

As the light of day is breaking, a gentle morning breeze pulls through the room, the curtains dances to the waves of air. The smell of fresh air filling the room, the dust has been washed away by a lovely rain through the night. A faint smell of flowers on the table by the window, floated through the air. Everything was quiet. Only the gentle singing of the birds could be heard, echoing in a harmonious tone for everyone to hear. Everyone that was listening, anyway.

“Psst, psst. Lovey? Lovey are you awake?” The question floated in a whispered tone, yet no answer was received from this sleeping beauty. He tried not to wake this angle who was obviously having a wonderful dream, given the peaceful smile and calm breathing. “That’s allright my love, just dream forth” he thought to himself, hoping that he was a part of that blissful peace. Carefully he brushed a strand of hair away that danced around the eyes of his Sleeping Beauty and gently tucked it behind the ear. “Oh, how could I be this lucky” the thought echoed in his mind. “Having such a wonderful person to share my life with is a blessing; one that I never dreamt would become a reality for me”. The thought of the first day that they met, floods his memory and for a moment he is taken back to when it all happened. “What a wonderful day that changed the rest of my life” he thaugt to himself, not being aware of just how enourmous that change would actually be.

It was a hot summer’s day in November. It has been two days, running around, trying to get everthing under control. One model was in an accident and on a moments notice a replacement had to come in. Traffic was bad and everyone was in a panic. It’s not as if this did not happened before, but dealing with these issues really drains the energy from you. Between models, their agents and the photographers, it’s a wonder that anything gets done. It’s hours before the deadline and everything needs to be perfect. Hell, third time’s the charm. This client was one of the difficult ones. Often you get one of these, but this time, is must have been the worst. Putting everything together for a Launch is hard work. Working around the clock to get it together in time, otherwise it will not only be money, but also a client that will be lost. If it was for anyone else, it wouldn’t have been a problem, but this is his name on the table. His reputation, his business.

He was busy with an email to the difficult client, explaining what needed to happen next. A second photoshoot was scheduled for Thursday afternoon. Only supplying the best possible service, he thought it very important that the client is up to date as the campaign progressed, even if it meant a little bad news. Informing the client as you work on their account makes them feel included in the process, which creates a strong image of care and integrity. It’s what he prides himself on, integrity. His work always spoke off that. The problem was that he had 24 hours to find another photographer for this shoot. All the photographers he usually worked with is in some kind of commitment. This happened all the time, the great search for new talent to work with. It often made him feel powerless. What else could he expect from trying to help young upcoming photographers to achieve success.

When he and Michelle first started out to create this business, they said it would be a priority for them to bring the utmost professional experience to the client with excellent creativity, but to extend the opportunity towards people who, like they once, struggled to get a foot in the door of possibilities. Everyone they’ve worked with over the years are students aspiring to become successful, with a few exceptions from proficient professionals. They cared about their clients as well as their staff and contractors. It was exactly this aspect that made their firm as successful as it is today. Working together with the local community to further the business, while empowering the artists they worked with.

He finished with the email. His assistant sent a reminder for his 11 o’clock appointment. Michelle gave him a card of a new photographer she saw at the wedding of a friend over the weekend. Everybody was talking about how good his work was. It was fortunate that he could schedule an appointment so quickly on this warm Tuesday morning. Normally he would do a little research on the photographer, but with all the craze this week, it really slipped by him. He quickly opended the browser on his computer and entered the web address. Sean had a routine. He first would read about the photographer. The story behind his talent, behind his passion. For him is was important getting to know the person behind the camera first, before he would look at their work. If what they chose to write about themselves are evident in their work, he felt that trust was already present. What you say about yourself and what the viewer gets to see must reflect the same element. The same feeling. The same experience.

While busy reading throught the bio, there was a knock at his door. It was his assistant informing him that his appointment was here. He thanked her and asked to send him in. Shuffling a few files on his desk to bring some order to the chaos of this morning, the figure appeared in his door. He got up and went over to greet him.

“Good morning Mr. Pierce. Come please have a seat.” Gesturing him to have a seat.

“Please, call me Kyle.” The man replied with a soft smile.

Meeting new people on a daily basis, this was not something out of the ordinary for Sean, but this man stood out. He did not think about why it could be, because there was a more pressing matter. The photoshoot. Sean immediately started the interview, based on the few facts he just read. His work was beautiful and it offered a promise. The promise of honesty. Flipping through a few pages in his portfolio he closed the file. Kyle had a look of concern on his face.

“I’ve seen enough” Sean finally spoke. Making Kyle shift in his seat from the stress. “I like what I see here.”

The relief in Kyle’s body was visible and he wanted to speak, but was interrupted.

“Can you be here tomorrow morning at 8 o’clock? I’ll brief you regarding the shoot on Thursday, which you must prepare for.” Sean said, handing him one of his personal business cards.

“I can, sir. It would be my honour to work with your company.” He thankfully replied.

“Please, you can call me Sean” he said with a serious look on his face, but a calm in his voice. “Keep in mind, this work is high-pressure and not always easy.”

“I understand. I will do my best” Kyle replied, thanking him once more before he left the office.

He walked over to sit behind his desk. The relief of one task that’s been completed fills his mind. He got a good feeling about this photographer. He was very talented and from what he could see, he did not mind working hard to reach his goals. Being able to read people very well finally came in handy with this job. Recognizing talent and those that wanted to make something off themselves.

“Morning beautiful” the words cracked his thoughts, ripping him back to reality.

“Morning lovey. Did I wake you?” he replied.

“No. Where were you just now?” struggling to remove a tangled sheet.

“I was thinking for a moment.”

“About what?”

“About you. The day we first met” he replied, pressing his lips against the softly toned shoulder of his lover.

“Auww, that’s so sweet.”

“You know that I love you Kyle?” the question sounded hessitant.

“Yes, you tell me that everyday, Sean.” He said, turning around.

“You’re the best thing that happened to me in many years. I’m grateful for that, every day” he whispered. Leaning in for a kiss; their lips met in a passionate warmth.

Hessitantly breaking from the kiss “I love you too” Kyle replied with a huge Colgate smile. “I could stay here, in bed with you all day” the words landed between a few kisses.

“We could, but we need to clean the house today. Remember…?” he replied, spoiling the mood.

“Ugh, why today, of all days! I want to keep you in my arms, the whole day.” Smiling with a nauty grin at Sean.

“Lovey! We have to. Our parents are coming over for lunch. Do you really want them to see the celebration of last night?” Kicking the sheets to the bottom of the bed. “Come, get a move on. It’s a big day today” giving Kyle a soft peck on the lips while lightly smacking him on the ass, before rolling out of bed.

“Allright. Let’s get a move on.” he sighed, jumping out of bed to run to the bathroom.

Finding his way to the kitchen, Sean could not help to notice the chaos in the living room. With the morning light glinstening into the large open plan space, a feint smile appeared on his face. Seeing the candles on the table with the rose petals spread all over, it looked like a scene from a movie. That’s just how he was, overly romantic; sometimes bordering on too much. Kyle told him many times before that it’s not neccisary, but how else could he share his love with such a special man? Walking to the cubbord where the kettle was supposed to be, he only found a complete mess.

“Lovey?!” he shouted from the kitchen. No response. “Lovey!” he shouted that his voice traveled abruptly through the house.

“Yes?” a feint reply came from the bedroom.

“Where did you put the kettle?” Sean yelled as he looked in another cubbord.

“It’s in the dishwasher” Kyle replied.

Pulling on the handle of the dishwasher he found what he’s been looking for. That unmistakable bright green kettle. Only one of the new items for the house. The new life. Slowly he walked over to the sink, filling it with water and placing it on the stove. Moving around the counter he walked throught the living room, opened the doors and stepped out onto the patio. It was a lovely view over the town from the patio, looking over the city from the small hill. He removed a cigarette from the packet and carefully lit it. Inhaling that first breath of nicotene, he feels relieved. He can feel it filling his lungs and his legs get a little weak. This was a nasty habbit; one that he promised Kyle to kick, but not quite yet. Taking the second inhalation, his mind trailed off for a moment

“Carefull!” he heard someone shouting in the house, flicking the sigarette into the garden, before walking up to the front door. “What’s going on?”

“The idiots cannot think for themselves!” Kyle snapped in a frustrated tone.

“Lovey, calm down” he tried to lower the rising tempres in the room.

“But they do not have any respect for other’ property!” Kyle hissed.

“Still, it’s no reason to call them idiots.” Sean replied as he stood in front of Kyle, gently caressing his arm.

“I know, I know” he looked into Sean’s eyes. “It’s just, most of these pieces are eihrlooms from my parents.” Staring back at the old oak dining table.

Sean gave Kyle a stern hug. It always made him feel better. It made him relax. “I apologize” looking over to the man carrying the antique table. “Please, just be more careful.”

“Fine!” the man replied, shooting a look of disguist in their direction as Sean still held Kyle in his arms.

“Just ignore it. It’s not wort creating a scene over” Sean thought to himself as he saw the expression on the man’s face. “Come” he said as he led Kyle by the hand to the patio. “Have something to drink” he said, holding a plastic cup to him.

Taking a big sip Kyle choked, coughing “What’s in this?” he asked with a look of disapproval.

“It’s just Coke” Sean smiled with a devilish grin.

“Coke my ass!” he snapped back at him.

“Coke, with a something else.” Sean said as he started to laugh.

“Really?! You know that I do not care for rum!”

“Why not? It’s the perfect time, don’t you think?” Sean smiled with his squinted eyes at him.

“Your timing sucks!” he smirked, still not happy with Sean.

“Oh, lovey. You know I like to tease you.” Begging for forgiveness with his gorgeous smile.

“Well, it did take my mind of that…” he said, twitching his head in the direction to the man he just yelled at.

“Anything to make you happy, lovey. Even if I have to torture you a bit” Sean said as he playfully leaned over to kiss him on the cheeck. “Here, I promise this one is just Coke” handing him a new cup.

“You devil!” he said with half a smile.

Sean got up to walk into the house as the man called out to him. “We are done. That was the last of the furniture” shifting uncomfortably in his shoes.

“Thank you very much. We appreciate it” Sean replied as he walked with the man to the truck outside.

“Please sign here. And here” he said as he handed a clipbord to him.

Looking down, struggling to make out the fineprint, he remembered that his glases was still in the house, somewhere. Scribbling on the dotted lines he thanked them once more and turned around to find Kyle where he left him on the patio. Making sure the front door was locked, he almost fell over a box as he walked through the mess in the living room.

“Lovey” he called out to Kyle, still enjoying a peaceful sunset outside.

“Yeah… what is it?” the question lazily trailed off, as he could not be bothered less.

“Can I order pizza?” he asked as he was standing in the doorway to the patio, leaning on the frame.

“That would be nice. I do not know about you, but I’m in not mood to put something together.”

“Oh, hell no! It’s been a long day. He said while walking to the counter for his phone. “Shall I order the usual, or do you want something different tonight?”

“No, the usual is fine.” He replied, entering the house. “I just want to sleep, anyway.” Kyle said as he brushed past Sean, grabbing a handfull of that beautiful ass.

“Hey!” he jumped to his touch.

“I’m gonna get a bottle of wine.” He said as he winked back at Sean

“Sounds like a wonderful idea.” He said while the phone is ringing.

“Hey, what’s with you this morning?” he heard behind him. “Didn’t you hear the kettle?”

“No” he replied, snuffing his cigarette. “Sorry, I’ll go and make some tea” Sean said as he wanted to walk away.

“I already made some. It’ll be ready in six minutes.” Wrapping his arms around Sean, looking deep into his eyes. Searching for his thoughts. “What’s going on with you? You seem to be far away.”

Using both his hands, he wiped the hair from Kyle’s forehead “nothing is wrong” he said. “I can’t help myself. I keep thinking how lucky I am to have you, how happy I am.”

“Oh, you are completely smitten today, aren’t you?!”

“Can’t help it. It’s just what you do to me, lovey!” Sean said, kissing him deeply. “Come, we must get busy.”

“Hmm… I like what I hear” a naugty tone came as reply.

“Hey!” chuckling smile “later, I promise. Then I’m all yours.”

“And I thought you said you love me?” he looked at Sean with a naughty expression.

In a brief moment of eye contact he grabbed Kyle with both hands and pushed his back against the glass door. Without hessitation he pressed his lips againts Kyle’, kissing him intently. The passion gets hot. Pressing his tonge up to his mouth, it was happily received. Their breathing grew heavy in this intense struggle for oral domination. Sean moved his hands to his lovers’ face while Kyle grabbed him by the shoulders as his arms rose behind Sean’ back. Shifting to the left side of the glass, they nearly fell into the house, struggling to regain their balance. With a brief chuckle and in one movement they resumed that passionate kiss while searching for their way to the inviting coushions on the couch. Knocking a candle or two off the table in their struggle they fell into a heaving embrace. You could see the rose petals puff through the air as they softly plunged into the comfort of the pillows. Sean moved his hand down inbetween them to get a better feel of the growing pleasure as Kyle gasped for air, while Kyle threw his head backward, futher into the pillows. Slowly moving his hand to squeeze Sean’ sexy ass. For a moment they are completely lost in the heat of passion.

Suddenly Sean’ phone started to ring. “Leave it” Kyle said as he momentarily broke the kiss.

“I can’t. It’s my mother calling” he replied, reluctantly getting up from the couch as he reaches for the phone.

“What a mamma’s boy” Kyle snipped while getting in a last squeeze.

With a wave he gestured his hand away from grabbing his ass again. “Hello mother” he answerd.

“Hello, hope I didn’t wake you.”

“Nope, we’re already up.” Sean said, looking over at Kyle who was undressing on the couch.

“I’ll be a little late for lunch. My flight was delayed.”

“It’s not a problem. What time will you be at the airport?” he asked as he threw a grape at Kyle who was trying to seduce him with that sexy dance he always did.

“Should not be later that noon.”

“Allright, everybody should be arriving by that time anyway. You can join us when you get here. Should I come get you?” he asked, trying to be serious as he turned his back to Kyle.

“No it’s allright. I left my car there, so I’ll see you later then?”

“Sounds good. Safe flight, mother. See you soon.”

“Thank you, see you soon. Goodbye”

“Bye” and then hanged up. “Put you clothes on” he turned to face Kyle.

“No! I want you and I want you now” Kyle said, slowly moving towards Sean in only his black boxers.

“Lovey…” he started to speak, but he was quickly silenced as Kyle grabbed him and planted a well deserved kiss on his full lips. For one brief moment he gave in, then pushed Kyle away. He brushed with his thumb over his face. “I would love to take you now” he said in a heathing tone “but it’s time to tidy the house.”

“Allright, allright” Kyle sighed with disappointment, letting his grip slip to walk into the kitchen.

“Don’t look so sad” Sean said as he whipped him on the butt with his own shirt. He was greeted with only more lust in that gorgeous pale blue eyes.

He almost didn’t hear the doorbell over the loud music, blasting at full volume. He hated a quite house, while he worked. It was helping to put a spring in Kyle’s step as they prepared the house for the parent’s usual Saturday lunch. He looked for the remote to turn the volume down.

“Kyle” he shouted towards the bedroom. “They are here!” he said, walking over to the door.

“Hello, mrs Pierce. Please come in” he said as gave a step backward.

“Hello, my dear.” She sternly replied as she slowly entered with Jonothan and Kelly following her footsteps.

“Hello” he greeted them both

“Hello” they both replied in unisin with a wink and a big smile.

“Kyle will join us shortly. He’s just in the shower. Please have a seat” he invited everyone to make theselves comfortable in the living room.

“My goodness” Kyle’s grandmother started to speak “it really is a very lovely home” she nodded with an approving look. Today is the first time she gets to see the house. It took them six weeks to redo the entire house, making it their own home.

“Thank you so much” Sean replied with a sigh of relief. He was weary of Kyle’s grandmother. It often felt as if she looked at him like a thief. A thief, for stealing her grandsons’ morality from him, even after they’ve been dating for almost a year now. She’s like a mother to both the Pierce boys.

After their parents passed away thirteen years ago on a cold night in June, the only parents they new was Dorothy and Patrick. Caring grandparents, but often Patrick could be cold and distant. Both being strict who believed that moralinty and a sin-free lifestyle was all that mattered, it was difficult for Kyle to tell them the truth. His relationship with his grandfather was always strained by the fact that he did not partake in any traditional activity which is perceived to be manly. He hated hunting, but when he was younger he did go with his grandfather, once or twice. They became indifferent and started to drift further apart. An unspoken silence rested between them.

Not having a healthy relationship with a male authority figure led to Kyle feeling broken and lost in this world. Dorothy was silent in the matter. She visited Kyle just to make sure that he was allright. Often bringing him homebaked goodies to cheer him up. It was a dark time for Kyle. He fell deeply into depression and became somewhat of a wreckloose.

No matter what, she was there for him. She was there for both of them. Jonothan had a meltdown after their parents died and was hopitilized for a few months. Ever since that day he was not the same boy anymore. It took years for him to learn how to live with severe axiety, thankfully the medication and constant therapy did help him. Still only a fragile broken boy, but at least functioning. That’s why Kyle is very protective over his little brother. When he got straightened out, he offered Jonny a position as his assistant in the photography world. Modelling shoots, advertisement shoots, weddings; if there was a camera needed, the Pierce boys were ready for action. Loving every moment of what they are doing. That is what Sean admired about Kyle so much. His enourmous love for his brother. While pain and suffering threatened to rip their reality apart, they stood together, as one. Sean could relate to that, more than any off their other friends. It only reminded him about Jessica even more. Making that longing, often too much to bare.

“Numsy…!” Kyle joyfully said as he appeared from the bedroom, moving towards her with open arms for a hug.

“My dear…” she replied. “How are you?”

“Tired, but well thanks.”

“I believe you. It look like you put a lot of work into the house.” she complimented while scanning the large open room.

“Well, I had help at least. Vicky was gracious to assist us.” He smiled back at her.

“Hey, what about me?” Sean’s head popped from around the corner as he yelled from the kitchen where he was busy preparing refreshments for everyone

“Off course, Sean helped.” he said with a smirk on his face.

Kelly and Jonothan only laughed at his sarcastic comment.

“Don’t listen to him Numsy” Jonny responded while winking at her. “He had a lot of help. He just wants to take all the credit.” Snapping his head towards his brother.

“In all seriousness, he did help a lot.” Moving next to Sean who’s emerging from the kitchen with a tray of drinks. “Everyone did their part, even Kelly offfered moral support.”

“You little liar!” a snap shot in his direction, Kelly throwing her head past Jonny’s face to make eye contact.

Kyle just laughed, putting everyone at ease with this banter.

“Lovey, will you please check on the oven for me, quickly.” Sean said placing the tray on the coffee table. “I do not want the chicken to be overcooked.” Serving everyone.

“Allright” as he disappeared around the corner.

Once again the doorbell rang. Sean walked over to answer the door.

“Hi mother.” He greeted her, giving her a hug.

“Hello darling.” She responded, sounding a bit out of breath.

“Did you have a difficult time finding the house?” the question came as he let her in the door.

“A bit. The bloody GPS took me to the house at the bottom of the street.” She angerly replied. “If it wasn’t for the photo that you sent me I would probably still be driving up and down.”

“I forgot to mention that this is a new development, so it’ll take time to get it updated on the system.” He apologized, as if it’s his fault.

As she entered the house, her eyes went through the entire living space in front of her. “Very nice.” She complimented on the décor. “Hello” she greeted everyone in the living room.

“Hello” Kelly replied

“Hi, there” Jonothan replied

“Good day dear” Dorothy said taking another sip from the cold refreshing drink.

“Where’s the bathroom” she anxiously looked at her son. “I need to freshen up after this heat.”

It’s been an unusually hot November. They issued a warning of severe drought, if this heat continues like this. With the energy crises in the country, airconditioning is not always a solution.

“It’s here to the left, down the hall, first door on the left” he pointed out the way as she started to move.

“Here’s something to drink, when you’re finished” he said as she disappeared down the hall.

“Thank you” her calm voice echoed.

Gently taking a seat in the soft seat she sighed with relief. “That feels better” Elaine said

“Here you go Mrs M” Kyle smiled, handing her a glass.

“How was your trip to Cape Town?” Kelly enquired.

“It went very well, thank you.” Taking a sip of her drink.

“What were you doing down there?” Numsy looked at her.

“The launch of my new book.” Elaine replied, placing her glass on the side table.

“Oh, another one?” Kelly responded in surprise.

“Yes. I’ve been working on it for the past two years. Finally it’s done.” She replied with a slight relief.

“My goodness deary. You are a busy woman” Numsy said with surprise in her eyes.

“What can I say, it’s my passion. I can only try to inspire others, not true?” Feeling satisefied with herself.

“We all have our part to play in life” Numsy said, leaning forward to place the empty glass on the tray.

Jonothan reached over to help her reach the tray as she struggled to move forward from that spot. She was not a tall woman, she had a difficult time to comfortably sit with her feet grounded. The couch was big enough for two grown men to comfortably lie next to one another. There’s absolutely no doubt that Kyle picked this couch specifically for that reason.

“The food is ready” Kyle announced with excitement in his voice.

Everyone got up from their seats and Jonny helped Numsy; walking outside to the patio where Sean was welcoming one and all to their officcial first lunch at their new home. Absolute attention to detail was evident as the entire layout on the table was a beautiful presentation of a new beginning. A new, happy life. Outside in the cool shade with joyful laughter, surrounded by loved ones.

Delightfull conversation filled the air. Laughter sprung up into the cool breeze of the early afternoon light. You can hear the joyfull clinging of cutlery as everyone was enjoying a delisiously prepared meal. It truly was a wonderful Satruday afternoon at their new home.

“Sean. I have to congratulate you on a lovely lunch.” Kelly smiled, shifting in her seat.

“Yeah, I must agree” Jonothan added. “You’ve truly outdone yourself today.” Numsy and Elaine also nodded in agreement.

“Thank you very much. It was my pleasure” he smiled at everyone “and I thank Kyle for helping.” looking over to the other end of the table, winking. “It’s not over yet.” he announced, standing up from the table. “Lovey, will you give me a hand?”

“Please, it was too much already” folding her napkin, Numsy tried to protest.

“No, it’s nothing huge, just wait a minute” the words trailed off as he and Kyle rushed towards the kitchen.

“Oh, so I must give you a hand, hey?” Kyle seductively wispered in his ear, softly brushing his lips in his neck.

“Lovey. Not now…” he responded with reluctance.

Both of them just chuckled softly, looking over their shoulders to their guests outside, continiuing in laughter.

Returning to join their party in the shade with a try of chapaigne, Kyle started to place a tall glass in front of each one as they circled the table.

“Champaigne?” the question came vaguely from Numsy

“To celebrate the new house” Elaine proudly announced.

Jonothan and Kelly looked at one another in excitement with a big smile. It was difficult to contain their excitement for one moment longer.

“Well…” Kyle paused for a moment “well yes, off course” he smiled, placing the tray aside, standing next to Sean.

“We are thankful…” Sean started his toast with his arm around Kyle’s waiste. “… that everyone we love is here today with us to celebrate this lovely new home” he gestured with his glass in hand.

Kyle shifted his head to his left, staring into those deep blue eyes of Sean as he smiled.

“I…” he corrected himself “Kyle and myself want you all to know…” he smiled back at his man “we got engaged last night” the cheerful excitement floated over the table.

“What…?” the question came from Sean’s mother as she leaned forward in her chair “ah, that’s woderful news!”

Numsy was sitting next to Elaine, staring at these two boys in front of her. Technically, they were grown men, but to her, they will always be boys. She shifted her gaze, carefully placing her glass onto the table. Tears made their apearane in her eyes. Looking back them, still standing there with their smiles, she could see the joy in each others eyes.

“I am so very happy for you two” her reply finally came. “I was hoping that you two would find the one most important thing in this life. That one thing that everyone longs for…” she said with an approving smile. The years was visible on face, yet it was not destracting at all.

With utmost surprise in their expressions, they joyfully accepted Numsy’s words. Both of them did not expect her to be happy for them. Moving towards the two elderly ladies they embraced each one in a warm hug. Kelly and Jonothan sighed with relief that everyone came to know this wonderful news and congratulated both of them too.

“Here’s to my brother” Jonothan raised his glass “and his future husband, my brother in-law. After many years of hardship, I am glad to see him this happy for once.”

“Here-here.” Everyone responded with joyfull cheer as the glasses clinked in beautiful harmony.

Waking up, his legs did not want to move. The bright light from the new day was blinding his eyes. He struggled to wake up. He struggled to move. A strong whiff of coffee reached his nose, with a voice speaking next to him, holding the cup in one hand. Sean, wiggled his way from the chair in the hallway where he fell asleep. It was definitely not a comfortable position to sleep in. His entire body was sore. With tired eyes he thanked Michelle for the coffee and took a sip.

“How long have you been sleeping?”

“Don’t know” he said, taking a sip off his coffee. Rubbing with one finger the dust from his eyes. “Any news…?” he looked up to search for an answer, the red in her eyes still visible.

“No. Doctor Connors will come by in an hour. There was no change when he checked earlier.” With a heavy tone she replied.

Looking around to where he was sitting, stil half asleep, he searched to find Jonny. “Where’s Jonothan”

“Kelly took him home. He was sleeping most of the time anyway, so she thought it would be better at home. Perhaps you should go and freshen up a bit as well.” Suggesting carefully.

“No!” he responded as he directed his gaze at her with a serious expression. “I want to be here when…” his words trailed off as his eyes searched for the room where Kyle was, two doors to his right.

“Sweety, I’ll stay here with him” she tried to persuade him. “As soon as there’s any development, I’ll let you know” placing a gentle hand on his knee.

“I really don’t want to leave him” he mumbled tiredly.

“You’ll feel better after a shower and a strong cup of coffee, not that…” she looked at the cup in his hand.

“Allright” he did not want to admit that a shower would be nice “but you’ll call immediately?” looking her in the eye.

“Yes, I promise” she said with strong conviction in her voice. “Now go. The sooner you leave, the sooner you can be by his side again.” She shoved him on.

Sean reluctantly started to find his way through this maze of tunnels in this builing. He made sure to walk past the room where Kyle was under observation, to confirm that there was no change. All he could see was the strangling wires and tubes. Stumbling through the doors he blocked the sun with his hand from blinding him, walking towards his car. Before starting the car he reached over to the passanger’s seat, removed a cigarette and carefully lit it. Pulling that cloud deep into his lungs, he could feel the nicotene tingling through his body. “Feel better after a shower…” her words interrupted his moment. “Better how…” he mumbled as he started to drive away.