Well, I guess a month or so has past since I moved here. Everything is going well and our relationship is growing at a nice pace. And like with anything, we have our ups and our downs. Just minor squabbles, we’re just looking for solid ground to stand on. To most of our mutual friends and co-workers, we're just roommates, but to a select few, we are a couple.

Work is going very well. I got my own little world there, and it's actually more handy than being at the main office. I'm on a first name basis with most of the staff and I get calls from Nigel at least a couple times a week, just to BS. Overall, things are going well.

The engine swap for my BMW started on time, but was grounded because we were missing a couple things, nothing huge, but enough to stall the project. We did get it finished, and when we finally started it up, I swear I was going deaf, it was so loud. And talk about a cackle! This thing is going to scare half the stuff on the road, and the other half, we'll just beat. I told him, once this is broken in, I wanted go after the Vette and see what kind of match they are. He just chuckled and said I didn't have a chance.

"Put up or shut up, my greasy stud," I said, needling him.

"Oh, play dirty will you," he retorted.

I batted my eyelashes at him and ran out the door. He was in hot pursuit and I got tired, and let him catch me.

The days were kinda like that-laid back, not a care in the world, feeling comfortable with who I am for a change instead of hiding it. I could sense the same in Nigel. I'm content and happy for the first time in my life, but, I was afraid. With all the good times lately, something bad was going to come to compensate. I pushed those thoughts out of my head and live every day the way it is supposed to be.

It was a few days later, while I was at work, I got a call from a friend back home. I was told that Todd was in a serious accident and in critical condition. I told them I would be there tonight. I called my boss and told him that I had to go immediately and would be gone for a few days, but I would call with any particulars when I found out any news. I then called Nigel, telling him what is going on and I would be going to the house from work, to grab some things for me and take the BMW back. Nigel asked if I wanted him to go with me, I told him it was up to him and to take care of the shop first.

When I got home, the Bimmer was outside and ready to go with Nigel’s stuff already inside, seems he packed my things too. I went inside, cleaned up and changed. Then we left. Once on the interstate, I throttled the car to the point of mid triple digit speeds, passing people like they were parked. Nigel never asked me to slow down, as I told him before of my best friend, and the importance of my speed. At one point, I lost sight of the Speedo needle. It went to 160mph, so we were obviously flying as we eventually got to my hometown. Searching for the hospital I was told he was at, we found it and parked, then went inside to get his room number.

Once inside, we found the nurse’s desk and asked for the room number, but were told it was restricted, family only. Seeing I was about to lose it, Nigel pulled me back and thanked the nurse. He dragged me outside telling me to calm down. It wouldn't do any good, for me or Todd, to get so upset. After a bit, we went back inside and he pointed to a chair and told me to sit and he would see what he could do. I sat, still fuming, as Nige went back to the nurse’s desk.

"I apologize for my friend, but he and Todd are close. Is there any way, to let him up there-maybe call a family member down to at least give him some news?"

It took a few minutes, but someone did come down. Nige didn't know who they were, but told them when he was asked were I was. It was Todd’s sister. After a tearful hug, she told me what happened.

It seemed that he missed a stop sign and was hit on both sides almost at the same time, spinning the car and crushing it at the same time. There were a couple of passengers with him and the one in the front passenger seat was killed instantly. His friend in the back got banged up pretty good, but is in no danger. Todd, on the other hand, my God, he was busted up from head to toe. Broken arms, a broken leg, cracked ribs, a lot of internal damage. The doctors lost him a couple times trying to stabilize him, he is stabilized now, but still in intensive care and is still unconscious.

We decide to head to my mom’s place so we can get some sleep, but before we do that, Todd’s sister says she will get us added to the visitors list so I can see him. We leave but stop at a diner along the way, since we hadn’t eaten since breakfast and it was early evening now. Stopping at a nice chain restaurant, we find a booth and look over the menu for something different for a change. Once that was settled and our orders taken, I start feeling down, with Todd lying unconscious in a hospital room.

Nigel sees me and says, "Dar, he will be ok. I have a feeling about this. It's not his time yet." A tear rolls down my cheek.

"We've known each other since we were in grade school. He's a brother to me, Nige. I hope your instinct holds true."

About that time, our dinner arrives and my emotion subsides. We eat in silence until   there's nothing left but bare plates. We settle the bill then climb back in the car, finally, on the road to Mom’s house.

She was obviously bummed about what happened, and we didn't talk much about that. I introduced Nigel to my mom and they hit it off well as I brought our things to my old room. It still held a double bed. We all talked about our lives at Nige’s place, our jobs, and everything in between. It was getting late, and we needed to turn in so we can get to the hospital at a decent hour. We get a funny look as I take Nige’s hand and go to my old room, but I don't dwell on it and we get ready for bed.

The next morning, we awoke to the smell of a big breakfast, Mom-style. After we made ourselves presentable, we sat at the table, complementing my mother on the spread already on the table. She said it was fun and actually missed cooking for others. After decimating the contents on the table, we went over what we were going to do today. The hospital first, of course, was first on the list. We play the rest by ear. After getting cleaned up and changed, we hop in the car and roll to the hospital, feeling a little better on the outcome.

Once parked, we headed inside to check if we were added and to eventually see Todd. After checking in with the nurse at the front desk, we’re directed to the CCU waiting room, where the family is at. We find the waiting room where we find Todd’s mom and sister. Sitting down, I ask how he's doing and how long they expect until he wakes up. I was told that he was stable, and should be waking up soon, but hasn't responded to anything yet. Eventually, I was asked if I wanted to see him. Of course I did. I was told to be prepared for what I'm going to see, so I expect the worst. Leaving Nigel with Todd’s sister, Todd’s mom and I go to his room. It was not what I was expecting, I was prepared to see a mummy, but what I saw was my best friend, with enough hoses and wires for Nigel to have him running in no time. There were casts on his arms and right leg, at least his head wasn't messed up much, a few cuts. Mainly, his insides weren’t in good shape right now.

Back in the waiting room, we all talk, I tell them about my last day here, when Todd helped me move. From the go-carts, to the mall, I talked about our antics from that day, basically, acting like a couple kids. We went on talking of the past, the trouble we got into as kids, things we did that the parents never knew of, that's always fun. Funny though, they always knew something was up, but we never got busted for it. It was getting late in the afternoon, so we decide to head out. After giving them my cell number, Nigel and I trot off to the car.

"Where to Hoss,” I ask with a slight grin.

"How about that go-cart place you were talking about?"

"Cool"

Driving to the cart place, we make a side trip to a quickie burger joint for some simulated meat products and something to drink. Sitting at a table outside, we chat about whatever, when nationalities come up. I ask Nige if he has any Irish in him.

He says, "I'm all English, 100%."

With a grin I ask him, "Want some?"

With great thought, he says "In time, my ugly American."

With that, he lets a hearty laugh out and nearly falls off his stool, causing some of the customers to look our way, shake their heads and return to what they were doing.

Arriving at the go-cart place, we get out tickets and find a couple empty carts to destroy. Getting on the track was a chore because Nige kept shoving me in the barricade, but, we eventually got out and found the fast line around the track. It was busier than the last time I was here, but that made it more fun, passing, people trying to pass us. Me, stuffing Nige in the wall, backwards. He gets straightened out and we trade paint for a couple more laps until it's time to turn the carts in. Inside, we attempt to play some of the games in the arcade, but neither of us is any good at those so we play Skee-ball and collect coupons. Together, we accumulate enough coupons to get us a snazzy little deck of cards. Nice trade off, $20 in Skee-ball for a 50 cent deck of cards. The memories will last forever though.

On the way to Mom’s house, I call to see if we need to bring anything home with us or if she would like some take-out. Getting a negative on both counts, we head straight back. Once inside, I found out why she didn't need anything. She had a spread set out for us all; pork chops, without applesauce, corn on the cob, and an apple pie-cooling off in the kitchen. Damn, I miss my mom’s cooking.

We dig in, and after a few minutes, the only thing left are bones and cobs. The pie is going have to wait a while. After getting everything picked up, we go to the living room, where Mom props herself on her recliner. Nigel and I take the couch. I decide to push the envelope some with my mom.

"Mom, what do you think of us, like this?"

I held our hands out as Mom thinks for a minute.

"I wasn't sure how I would handle it, seeing you with another man, but, I see the two of you and you look good together. Tell me, Darren, do you love him?"

"Without a doubt, I love him."

Mom looks to Nigel. "Nigel, do you love my son?"

"Without a doubt, ma'am, I love him to pieces." It seemed Nigel was really getting into this, talking with my mom and everything in general since we got here.

After chatting for a while, Mom disappears to the kitchen for pie and ice cream. Nige goes to help her haul everything out and to start on the pie.

“Oh my God, Mom, I miss this. It’s so good, still warm too,” I say between bites.

I need to get the recipe for this to take home. It's getting late, and we retire to our respective rooms and get ready for bed.

Once we settle in, Nige starts talking.

"At the burger place, you asked if I'd like a little Irish in me, and I'm not sure where you stand on the subject, but I want to have our emotional sides in order before we go there."

Kind of stunned, I think for a minute before I respond.

"I was joking about that, I remembered that line from someplace, and thought it was a good time to use it. I do feel the same, the emotional part. As much as I'd like to go there, I know there will be plenty of time for that. When it does come, it will be special."

I see a tear go down his cheek, and I pull him close for a hug and give him a kiss.

I woke early the next day, letting Nigel sleep, as I did my morning bit and went to the kitchen, debating if I should start breakfast or wait. Hearing the toilet flush, I decide to start with sausage and eggs. Seeing Mom poke her head around the corner, I ask if she wants anything special, she says nah, she'll take what I'm burning now. Grinning, she left for the living room. A few minutes later, Nige shows his face, still with his bed-head too.

"Breakfast will be ready in a few bud, go wake up."

Hearing him stumble to the bathroom, I had to chuckle, then continuing at my task. A few minutes later, Nige and my mom return to the kitchen, sitting at the table.

"When did you start cooking,” Mom asks, “Does he do this at home too?"

"Yeah, he does cook at home, but I do keep a fire extinguisher handy. I’ve almost needed it a couple times too."

My mom laughed loudly. I just shook my head.

I wasn't sure if he was talking about my cooking, or my odd ability to get him worked up. Oh well, time for breakfast.

When we were almost done eating, I hear and feel the table shake. I looked to Mom.

"What do you say-my complements to the cook?" I look to Nige and he's there almost falling off his chair and all I'm thinking is 'Some people, and their parents'.

After breakfast and the clean up afterwards, we head to the hospital to check on Todd. Once parked, we checked in at the nurse’s station and went to the waiting area, on the way, I told him not to encourage my mom. She could go all night if allowed. To that, I got an astonished look that said 'You’re shitting me'. I just nodded. We found remnants of the family there, and got more news. It seems that he's been awake a few times, and did some mumbling. We all go to see him, and hopefully, he'll be awake and aware, because I had something to tell him. Getting to his room, we file in, and seeing he is still sleeping, we sit down and chat quietly. I look to Nige, shrugging my shoulders, asking him if he wants to be 'out' here, he gives me a slight nod. I walk over to Todd’s sister and dad, and, I go for broke.

"I introduced you all to Nigel, didn't I?" They nodded.

"I never said why he was here with me. He’s my boyfriend."

Todd’s dad’s eyes got wide, and then he shrugged his shoulders and smiled to us. His sister, on the other hand, wasn't as easy to fool.

"I kind of had that figured out when you got here. I was hoping to save myself for you but you already have someone." With that, she gave us both a hug and told Nigel to take care of me.

After talking with them, telling how we got together and about everything up to then, we got up to leave for a while, when, we heard a mumble. Todd’s dad got to him first, asking him questions, but not getting him riled up at all. His sister was next. She took his hand and told him to get better and then she told him that she had a surprise for him. She pulls back, and Nige and I walk to his side, and my messed up best friend grinned when he saw me, even more when he saw Nige, and more still when he saw the both of us holding hands.

I walk to Todd’s side, taking his hand, and said, "Is it possible that you got uglier?"
For my effort, I got a smile and a hand squeeze. My best friend was alive.

Again, life is good, its ups and its downs.



To Be Continued...

It seems that I've got a knack for this writing bit. I should put my wrenches down more often.

Comments? Questions? Pass ‘em along!

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