Chapter 23: Is my son okay?
Demi and I just got home from school and I’m soo tired! Today was freakin stressful! I had two really hard tests back to back, and I forgot to study for both of them… I’m so nervous to find out how I did. I kicked my shoes off and I put them in the closet, along with my coat, and then I went upstairs, and I tossed my backpack onto the floor and then I climbed into my warm bed and I closed my eyes. If I failed those tests, I’m going to get my ass beat. I do okay in those classes, so maybe I’ll be fine… but I’ve been worried about it all day. I slipped my thumb into my mouth and drifted off to sleep. I woke back up though when my hand was grabbed, and my thumb was yanked out of my mouth. My eyes shot open and I rolled over onto my side and I looked up at my dad with wide eyes. He is still holding onto my hand.
Taylor: “daddy, I’m tired” I whined. “can I nap? I’ll do chores and homework before bed, I promise”
Dan: “where are your band-aids Taylor?” he asked, ignoring my question. I looked at my hand, and I swallowed nervously…
Taylor: “I.. I don’t know”
Dan: “you don’t know?” he asked raising his eyebrow at me. “when you left for school today, I know you had band-aids on both of your thumbs, because I’m the one who put them there. Why did you take them off?”
Dan: “did you take them off of your other hand? Let me see” he let go of my hand. I sighed and sat up and held my other hand up. I still have the band-aids on that hand.
Dan: “why did you take them off that hand?”
Dan: “that’s not an answer baby boy”
Taylor: “I don’t want a spanking…” I mumbled. he sighed.
Dan: “you know the rules.”
Taylor: “but that’s not fair!” I whined.
Dan: “why did you take them off?”
Taylor: “I had two really hard tests today that I didn’t study for, because I honestly forgot about them”
Dan: “how did you forget about them? have you not been paying attention?”
Taylor: “I don’t know dad, I just forgot… and so I was nervously like picking at the band-aids while trying to think through some of the questions, and by time I finished with those two classes the band-aids weren’t staying stuck, like they weren’t sticky anymore… so I had to take them off… it was an accident”
Dan: “well you were definitely sucking your thumb again, So clearly it hasn’t been long enough to help you break the habit, so the band-aids are staying for a few more weeks” I groaned and fell over back into my bed. I didn’t even do it in my sleep this time, I definitely remember putting my thumb in my mouth before falling asleep. I’m so stupid. “I’m going to give you a spanking. Then you are coming with me, because the car and the truck both need an oil change. We are going to do it”
Taylor: “are you serious?”
Taylor: “don’t want a spanking daaad”
Dan: “do you want me to take my belt off?”
Taylor: “no sir” I mumbled, getting up out of my bed… I get spanked like all the time, you think I would be used to it by now, but it still scares the heck out of me every single time. “is it gonna be a bad spankin daddy?” I asked nervously. He chuckled.
Dan: “every spanking is bad aint it?”
Taylor: “some are worse” He sighed.
Dan: “over my lap bud” he said as he sat on my bed.
Dan: “I’m serious about the belt Taylor, I will take it off” I whimpered and stepped closer to him, and then I nervously climbed over his lap. He patted my bottom once I was in place, probably to get my attention “I know you don’t like the band-aids, but we are doing this to help you, you know that right?”
Taylor: “you are doing it to be mean” He patted my butt a little harder this time.
Dan: “No we aren’t. You don’t need to be sucking your thumb, it ruins your teeth, and it’s not very sanitary. And I know for a fact that you don’t like it when people see you doing it” he is right about that, it’s so embarrassing. “you don’t want to suck your thumb anymore, now do ya?” I shook my head no. “then the band-aids stay on your thumbs until we say otherwise”
Taylor: “y-yes sir” He tipped me forward and he started landing really really hard smacks to my sit spots. “Ow! OW!” he landed a few more and then he lifted me up. I stumbled a little, in surprise. “t-that’s it?” he laughed.
Dan: “what? you want more?” I shook my head no. He stood up and he pulled me into a hug. I let out a breath of relief, I’m so glad he didn’t actually spank me. “go get your mother to put some band-aids on your thumb, and then meet me in the car, we need to go to the auto store” I nodded and pulled away and he left the room. I rubbed my butt a little, and then I went to the bathroom. My mom was sleeping, so I grabbed a few band aids and I went outside. My dad put them on, and we left and got the stuff we needed, and then we started working on our vehicles. I like working on the cars with dad, I don’t really know what I’m doing, but I like spending time with him, and learning my way around cars is kind of fun.
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(A few days later) Still Taylor’s POV:
I’ve been stressing out about those two tests all week, because I was almost positive that I failed them both, which would have sucked! But I did very well on both of them! As soon as I got home, I happily showed my momma, and she was so happy for me, she knew how worried I was about it. I haven’t got to show my dad yet, because he hasn’t been home, but I’m excited to show him.
Deb: “Taylor, go help your sister clean the kitchen”
Taylor: “but I already have a list of chores to do” I whined. She stopped what she was doing and raised her eyebrow at me.
Deb: “so does your sister, but she’s still doing what she was told” ugh. I rolled my eyes and went into the kitchen.
Demi: “hi” she’s washing the dishes, so I went over and I tried to help her, but she shooed me away.
Taylor: “mom told me to help”
Demi: “you can’t wash the dishes with band aids on your hands, you baby” I couldn’t help but blush in embarrassment. I hate the band aids! “Take them off”
Taylor: “I’ll be right back” I mumbled, walking away. “momma?” I called
Deb: “Laundry room!” she called back. I went in there, and I held my hands out to her. she stopped what she was doing and looked at me confused.
Taylor: “sissy won’t let me help with the band-aids on my thumbs”
Deb: “why not?” I shrugged.
Taylor: “the dishes” she sighed and stepped closer to me, and she started pealing them off.
Deb: “bring me some new band aids when you are done with your chores” she said as she handed me the band-aids so I can throw them away.
Taylor: “can I k-keep them off? please? I don’t need them anymore”
Deb: “oh yes you do. your daddy told me about your little nap the other day”
Taylor: “UGH! Momm! I’m going to have to wear band-aids foreverr” I whined dramatically.
Deb: “oh hush! go clean” I pouted and went back to the kitchen and I threw the band-aids away. They have probably spent so much money on band-aids lately. I hate it. I took over rinsing and drying and putting the dishes away for Demi.
Taylor: “so how are you doing?” I asked awkwardly. I know she’s upset with like the whole family because our parents made her break up with her boyfriend. I can totally understand where she’s coming from, I would be really mad too. I’m so glad they made her breakup with him though, I don’t like him a all, never have, and she knows that, so she’s been ignoring me.
Demi: “can you just be quiet?”
Taylor: “rude, I’m just-“ she dried her hands off and then she walked over and turned the radio up. I rolled my eyes and we cleaned the rest of the kitchen up without talking. After that I finished up the rest of my chores, and then I grabbed the stupid band-aids and I brought them to my mom.
Deb: “did you get your chores done?” she asked as she patted her knee. I nodded and turned and sat down on her lap and I leaned back against her and she grabbed my hand and bandaged up both of my thumbs.
Taylor: “when is dad coming home?”
Deb: “I don’t know, last time I talked to him he was at Paul and Denise’s house”
Taylor: “can I go over there? Please?”
Deb: “no honey, he will probably be coming home soon, and it’s going to be dinner time soon”
Taylor: “but I wanna go see my brothers, I don’t care if it’s only for a minute”
Deb: “you saw them at school all week, silly”
Taylor: “it’s not the same”
Deb: “well I’m sure you will see them soon” I pouted and snuggled close to her and we watched tv for a while. “your dads on his way home, and he is bringing some pizza” she said showing me her text message. I smiled and snatched her phone from her. and I texted him back.
Taylor: “can you bring me back a snack too? please? -Taylor” mom laughed
Deb: “you don’t need a snack”
Taylor: “yess I do! we don’t have any treats in the house right now”
Deb: “we have plenty of snacks”
Taylor: “yeah, healthy snacks, I want candy”
Dan: “what kind of snack?” he texted back.
Dan: “I’ll see what I can find” I smiled and showed momma
Taylor: “thanks daddy” I texted back. and then I handed mom back her phone. She opened up the camera and she held it up and took a selfie of us.
Deb: “you are so cute baby boy” I turned a little in her lap to look at her
Taylor: “so are you mommy. Do you want me to get off your lap? I know I’m probably heavy”
Deb: “no, you are alright” I nodded, and I cuddled with her until the front door opened. I sat up and I smiled big when a curly hair kid came through it.
Taylor: “Nickyy!” I stood up and he ran over and jumped up into my arms. he is wearing the cutest blue cookie monster onesie I’ve ever seen. I gave him a kiss on his cheek, and he giggled and squeezed me into the tightest hug ever. “Mooomaa, you didn’t tell me they were coming” I said as Dad walked in with Kevin and Joe.
Deb: “because I wasn’t sure buddy”
Taylor: “aww! You guys have matching Jammiess?! You guys are so cute!” I said when I noticed the other boys wearing the same thing.
Nick: “Grandpa got the same one’s for you and sissy too”
Deb: “aw! That was nice of him! they look warm too, and really cute! Go put yours on and give Demi hers, I want a picture” I laughed and put Nicky down, and I grabbed the onesies and I took them upstairs, and I knocked on Demi’s door.
Demi: “come in!” I opened the door
Taylor: “hey, Dads home, he got pizza. Grandpa Jonas got us and the boys matching onesies, momma wants a picture” I said walking over to her. I held them up and I handed her the smaller one. She smirked.
Demi: “cookie monster!” she said happily, she used to loveeee sesame street when she was little. she hugged it. “They are so soft”
Taylor: “yeah, I’m excited. Put it on and come down” she nodded, and I went into my room and I changed. It’s so comfortable, like the most comfortable pajamas I’ve ever had. I went downstairs and I went into the kitchen and I hugged my dad from behind. he smiled and turned around and wrapped his arms around me, and he kissed the top of my head.
Dan: “Hi baby boy! did you have a good day today?”
Taylor: “yes, and I did all my chores”
Dan: “good. did you get your test scores back yet?” he asked making me look up at him. I knew he was going to ask that; he has been asking every day. I nodded.
Taylor: “yes, I did really good on both of them” I wiggled out of his arms and I grabbed the papers off of the counter and I handed them to him. he flipped through them and smiled at me.
Dan: “very good, I know you didn’t study for them. I’m so proud of you” I smiled, and he put the papers down and he hugged me again. “I’m glad I don’t have to spank your little butt again” I groaned and pulled away from him.
Taylor: “yeah me too! did you get me a snack?”
Dan: “we got some stuff for cookies that you guys can make later. I thought it was fitting with the outfits” I laughed and nodded
Taylor: “thank you daddy. Are the boys staying the night?” he nodded
Dan: “yep, they will probably stay the entire weekend”
Taylor: “yes! can drake come over?”
Dan: “maybe tomorrow? they weren’t home today” I nodded, and we got some food, and then we joined the family. After dinner my mom made us all sit on the couch together so that she could take pictures of us.
Kevin :”Can you send those to grandpa?”
Deb: “of course” she ended up posting them on social media too, which is slightly embarrassing, but oh well, the pictures are really cute, and the pajamas are cool. Our parents joined us, and we watched some movies that daddy rented for us. Which was fun. Joey got up off of my lap and he walked over and sat on my dad’s.
Joe: “can we make cookies yet? Cookie monster wants them” Dad chuckled and started tickling him. Joey giggled loudly, which made me laugh.
Dan: “Demi, Taylor, do you guys want to help them make cookies?” I nodded
Dan: “and if you do, clean it up” he kissed Joey on the face, and then let him up, and I got up and went to the kitchen and started getting everything out. Demi and I let the boys do most of it, we just helped them when they needed it. and I put them in the oven and took them out. Joey tried to grab one, and Kevin smacked his hand.
Kevin: “don’t touch them, they are super-hot, and the pan is hot” Joey pouted
Joe: “I wasn’t going to touch the pan”
Joe: “I can’t be patient! I’m cookiieee monster! And It smells so good” he whined. I laughed and ruffled his hair. Demi rolled her eyes and she put all the cookies on a cooling thingy.
Taylor: “does anybody want milk?”
Kevin: “I’ll get milk for everybody”
Taylor: “Joe, go ask my parents if they want some and ask if they want milk” I said as I pulled him away from the hot cookies. I patted his bottom to get him moving. I figured that would distract him for a minute.
Demi: “they smell so freaking good, I shouldn’t have one though”
Demi: “because I’m trying to eat healthier” I frowned and shook my head
Taylor: “a cookie isn’t going to hurt you”
Demi: “shut up, nobody asked you”
Dan: “hey! demi, knock it off” he said as he walked in with Joey. Demi glared at me, and I glared back at her. she’s so grumpy all the time, and it makes me feel grumpy. We all got some cookies, and they are really good! the boys did a good job.
Joe took a second cookie and he shoved it into his face, making it all fall apart and crumbs go everywhere.
Joe: “NUM NUM NUM! COOOKIE MONSTERRR!!!” my dad laughed sooooo hard
Deb: “Joseph Adam!! Gross! Don’t do that! Daniel! Don’t laugh at that!” she said glaring at dad
Dan: “sorry babe, I can’t help it” Mom shook her head and she got a washcloth out, and she got it wet and then she walked over and tripped Joey’s head back and she wiped his face clean. Joey wrinkled his nose and tried to squirm away from her.
Deb: “clean up your mess mister”
Joe: “Can I have another cookie?”
Joe: “but I dropped most of it on the floor”
Deb: “you shouldn’t have wasted it like that”
Taylor: “I don’t want the rest of mine” I lied “you can have it” I said holding it out to him. Joey smiled and took it, and the glare my mom sent my way made me cringe. she didn’t yell at me for it though, so that’s good. and my daddy snuck me another cookie later.
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(A week later) STILL Taylor’s POV:
I’m sitting in History trying not to fall asleep, which is really difficult to do. My history teacher is so monotone and boring. Everyday I dread this class because of that. My phone beeped and Drake looked over at me. ugh. It beeped again and Mr. Neil crossed his arms and glared.
Mr. Neil: “who’s phone is that?” crap. It beeped again.
Taylor: “I’m sorry” I jumped up and I grabbed my backpack and I dug through it.
Mr. Neil: “Lautner! No phones!”
Taylor: “Sorry!” I said again. I finally grabbed my phone, and I went to shut it off, but it was texts from Nicky. I knew he wouldn’t text me during class unless it was important, because he knows that I would be upset with him for it. I quickly opened it.
Nick: “Matt’s here! first floor, bathroom! Help! -Nick”
Nick: “Tay! Hurry! Please -Nick”
Nick: “Tay! -Nick” another messaged popped up.
Nick: “Help -Nick” I gasped, and then left all my stuff there, and I quickly ran from the room, ignoring Mr. Neil and Drake’s questions. OH MY GOD! I ran as fast as I could through the halls, and downstairs. I looked at my phone and quickly called my dad. pick up! pick up! pick up! pick upppp!!! I thought in my head as I ran.
Dan: “Taylor, what are you doing calling during-“
Taylor: “Daad! MATT’S HERE! HE HAS NICK! BATHROOM FIRST FLOOR! DAAD! WHAT DO I DO?!?” I yelled.
Taylor: “the phones cutting out I can’t-“ the phone call ended and I groaned.
(End Of Phone Conversation)
I threw the damn phone and I saw it break into pieces before I turned the corner. Damn it! I jumped over this girl who was sitting in the hallway, and I willed myself to run faster, and I finally got to the bathroom, and I barged in. Nick is on the floor, and Matt is on top of him, and Nick’s only in his underwear and nothing else. Oh hell no. I ran over there and jumped at Matt tackling him to the ground, and off of my baby brother.
Nick: “Jo-Joey was right.. he.. he’s here” Nick cried out.
Taylor: “are you hurt?” I said glancing over at him, he has tears pouring down his little face. he shook his head no. “put your clothes back on Nicky” I said gently, before focusing my attention back onto Matt. I made him hit his head pretty hard… Good.
Matt: “well, well, well, Taylor is it?”
Taylor: “you know exactly who I am, I told you that you are done hurting my family, I meant it” I said as I pulled my fist back, to punch him in the face, He laughed.
Matt: “I wouldn’t do that if I were, you might want to think really hard about getting off of me”
Taylor: “why would I do that?”
Matt: “feel that?” I looked at him confused, and he moved a little bit, and then I definitely felt it, he has a knife, and he is pressing it into my lower stomach… holy shit.
Taylor: “NICHOLAS! GET OUT! NOW!” I shouted.
Matt: “hold up, cutie. Don’t move”
Matt: “If you leave, I’ll kill your brother” fuck.
Taylor: “NICHOLAS! GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE, RIGHT NOW!!!”
Taylor: “GO!!! NOW!” Nick started sobbing loudly. Ughh. Damn it. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to get nick to listen to me. fuck! I quickly got up, getting off of Matt. and then I grabbed nick and I pulled him away too, as Matt stood up. I cringed at my blood already on him. and I turned Nick away from him, and I made him look at me. “Nicky, listen to me, please. he isn’t going to hurt me”
Matt: “yes I am” he said interrupting me.
Taylor: “no, he isn’t, he is going to hurt both of us, if you don’t go get help” Matt laughed.
Nick: “I I d-dd-don’t w-wanna le-leave y-you” he sobbed out. he is shaking uncontrollably, and I just want to hold him and tell him it’s going to be okay, but I can’t do that right now.
Taylor: “you don’t have a choice. He isn’t going to hurt me. get out of here, now!”
Matt: “oh I am going to hurt you Taylor, I’m going to bend you over, and have some fun with you, and then I’m going to-“
Taylor: “you are sick” Matt laughed and shrugged. “NICHOLAS JERRY JONAS!” I shouted, making him Jump. “GET YOUR ASS OUT OF THIS ROOM RIGHT NOW, OR I WILL SPANK YOU!” I said glaring at him, I don’t know what else to say to him to get him to leave. I don’t want him to get hurt. Nick whimpered and he hugged me tightly. Damnit. I tried to push him away, but he had a killer grip on me… I leaned down and whispered in his ear “Nicky… you are the only one who can help me. go call the police or he is going to kill me. be brave baby. go get help. Run as far away from here as possible. Now!” with that I shoved him away from me so hard that it forced him to let go, and then I pushed him again, towards the door. Nick hesitated for a second before running off. I took a deep breath. Thank God he’ll be safe.
Taylor: “shut up… what do you want Matt?”
Matt: “well, I wanted him”
Taylor: “that’s not evert going to happen”
Matt: “yes, it is. But for now, I guess I’ll deal with you. go over to the sink and bend over” he said smirking at me.
Taylor: “I’m not doing that”
Matt: “yes you are” he said taking a threatening step towards me. holding the knife up like the psychopath he is.
Taylor: “bite me” I spat out.
Matt: “with pleasure” he advanced towards me, and I stepped back until my back was pressed up against the sink. “turn around”
Taylor: “go to hell” before he could respond, Nick came back in.
Nick: “NO! STOP! Don’t hurt him! Please! y-you can hurt m-me instead”
Taylor: “NICK! NO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! GET OUT!” he shook his head.
Nick: “he w-wants me, I-I’m not g-going to let him k-kill you tay”
Taylor: “Nick, please, go!” I begged, my eyes filling with tears. I don’t want anything to happen to him, he needs to get away.
Matt: “okay, I’m taking Nick with me, and you will never see me again if you stay put” he said pulling my attention away from my little brother.
Taylor: “you aren’t taking him. you’ll have to kill me first, before I’ll let you walk away with him”
Matt: “I’m impressed, what a good big brother, stupid, but good. I wouldn’t do the same for my brother”
Taylor: “yeah? Well that’s because you are a fucking monster.”
Matt: “I have to get out of here, because I’m sure you two have called the police. So I’m going to give you one more chance. Let me leave with Nick, or I’m shoving this knife into your heart” Nick screamed no, and I flinched as the Knife was pressed against my chest. “Make your decision!” he yelled, impatiently. I glared at him and then I spit at him. I hope that answers his question loud and clear. I heard Nick scream again, and he actually did stab me right in the chest. pain radiated from it and I stared at him in shock. He started talking to me, but I couldn’t hear him, both him and Nick seemed so far away all the sudden. He pulled the knife from my chest, and I lifted my hand up to feel where he stabbed me, because I’m kind of in disbelief. There’s blood everywhere, and I can hear loud thumping in my ears? Is that my pulse? I slid down to the floor, and Nick was on me right away, screaming and crying, but I couldn’t really understand what he was saying. I’m so dizzy now, and the room is turning grey. Holy shit.
Taylor: “I’m s-ss-sorry I couldn’t pr-protect y-you” I managed to get out. I hope he heard me, and understood that, my voice is slurring. The last thing I seen before I slipped into total darkness was Matt lifting Nick up off of me and carrying him over towards the exit. I’m going to die, and I’m never going to know if he is safe… I should have----
I am freaking the fuck out! As soon as the phone disconnected, I immediately called 911, and I quickly explained the situation to them, and they promised me that they would hurry. When I ran out of the house, I ran right into Paul really hard, I almost fell backwards but he caught me.
Dan: “the kids!” I said with wide eyes. He just looked at me confused. I grabbed his arm and pulled him over to his car, since his is behind mine, and I got in. “KEYS!” I said urgently. He jumped a little and then he pulled them out of his pocket, and I slammed the door shut and with shaky hands I started the car. Paul got into the passenger seat and closed his door, and I backed out and sped down the street
Paul: “oh my god! Put your seat belt on! And FOLLOW THE SPEED LIMIT!” he said sternly, as he put his own on.
Dan: “Taylor said that Matt is at the school!” I yelled, ignoring him.
Dan: “the phone was cutting out, but I heard him say the main bathroom on the bottom floor, and I think he said he had nick” Paul gasped.
Paul: “no nonno! This can’t happen again!”
Paul: “what if it’s too late?!”
Dan: “Taylor won’t let him hurt Nick” Paul took a deep breath and nodded.
Paul: “I got mad at Joe a few weeks ago, because I thought he was lying…”
Dan: “don’t blame yourself man, this isn’t your fault, you couldn’t have known”
Paul: “I should have listened to him” when we finally got there, I didn’t even shut off the car, we both just jumped out right away, right as Matt was walking outside, with Nick. Nick was sobbing, but what scared me the most was blood, there’s blood all over matt, and there’s a knife in his hand. Paul and I ran over there, and I grabbed the knife, and when he tried to pull away, it sliced open my hand. I didn’t let go though.
Dan: “THIS STOPS NOW!!” Paul yanked Nick out of his arms. and I could hear nick screaming Taylors name. I let go of the knife and He tried to hold it up to me, but the cops came around, and suddenly like 5 guns were pointed at us. I raised my hands and stepped away.
Cop: “LET GO OF THE KNIFE!! HANDS UP NOW!!!” the knife fell to the ground and all of them crowded in, and next thing I know he was laying on the ground with his hands cuffed behind his back. I just want to kick him in the freaking face. I stumbled away.
Matt: “WHATEVER! I ALREADY GOT MY REVENGE! TELL JOE, NEXT TIME HE SHOULD LISTEN TO ME!” He shouted.
Cop: “YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT!”
Paul: “Nicky! Baby? you are okay now. I’ve got you. you are safe”
Nick: “Tayyyyyloorrr! He Hurt Taylor!” Nick screamed. I froze… oh no… no no no nooo. “He died! HE DIED!” Nick sobbed.
Paul: “w-what… where… where is he??”
Nick: “ba-bathroom!” I took off running inside, it took me too freaking long to find the bathroom, but when I did, I almost passed out at the sight. My son, my baby boy is laying on the floor, blood all over him. his eyes are opened but he is just laying there lifeless. Oh my god. Oh my god! I ran over to him and I got down on my knees next to him. I’m scared to touch him.
Dan: “Taylor?” I leaned down close to him, to try to feel if he was breathing, and I tried to find a pulse. I’m shaking too bad, I can’t tell. “SOMEBODY HELP!” I yelled. I don’t wanna leave him, but I need to get help. I reluctantly left him, because I’m too scared to move him, and I ran back outside.
Cop: “sir, the ambulance is here, we are going to get your hand to stop bleeding”
Dan: “My son! Please… my baby is hurt. He is in the bathroom, he has been stabbed, in h-his chest… please…” I said unable to hold it together anymore. A bunch of people rushed over.
Paramedic: “take us to him” I rushed back into the school, and once we got to the bathroom door, they rushed inside. I just stood there shaking. Trying not to focus on all the blood everywhere. I felt an arm around me.
Paul: “D-Daniel… Dan, don’t look right now” he whispered. pulling me away from the door. I turned towards him, he is still tightly holding onto a sobbing Nicky. He pulled me into a tight hug.
Dan: “I c-ca.. I can’t tell if-… I couldn’t.. No pulse”
Dan: “w-wwhaat am I going t-to te-tell Deb?”
Paul: “we… we don’t know a-anything yet”
Dan: “ch-chest.. he was stabbed in the chest” I said before starting to sob just as hard as nick. A few seconds later Paul stumbled back, I turned to look as a stretcher was pushed into the bathroom. Before they got him out of there, the halls started filling up with all the kids.
Paul: “can you please tell us if he is alive?” he asked as one of the paramedics walked back out.
Paramedic: “Yes, he is alone” I started sobbing even harder. My baby is alive, thank God he is alive. “Sir, you need to come with me, your hand is bleeding a lot, we need to stop the blood” I shook my head no.
Dan: “I’m n-not l-leaving m-my boy”
Paramedic: “we are taking him, please come with us, let us check your hand, and you can ride with him” I nodded.
Paul: “Daniel, let them h-help you. I’m going to get the kids, and then I’ll meet you at the hospital, okay?”
Paul: “Deb? Okay, I’ll call her” I nodded, and I tried to wipe my tears, but more just kept coming. A bunch of people walked out of the bathroom. Taylor’s on the stretcher, wrapped in a blanket, with oxygen on his face, and they are putting pressure to his chest. I sobbed. I can’t handle seeing him like this, but at least he is alive. That guy grabbed my arm and pulled me away from Paul, and we walked out of the school. I watched as they loaded Taylor up in the ambulance, and then they lifted me up too, because I’m kind of in the middle of a mental breakdown. And they had me sit on this bench thingy, on the side. The back of the ambulance filled with people, most of which were thankfully helping my baby. one guy is kneeling in front of me, trying to hold pressure onto my hand, to get it to stop bleeding. He kept asking me questions about Taylor, I tried my best to answer all of them, but I’m struggling to focus on him, because I’m so concerned for my child.
Dan: ”he.. he is… is he alive still?” I asked squeezing his hand. I just need to hear it again.
Paramedic: “yes, he is alive, he is a fighter” I nodded.
Dan: “is he going to make it?”
Paramedic: “we are doing everything we can”
Dan: “h-how is he a-alive?”
Paramedic: “I don’t know. Maybe somebody upstairs wants him to be” I nodded.
Paramedic: “I’m not sure… but you should talk to him” I nodded.
Dan: “T-Taylor… baby… stay strong okay? Daddy’s here. hold on for me… you can’t leave us, son” the guy smiled and patted my leg, and then he started taking my vitals. When we got to the hospital, I was unfortunately separated from Taylor. I wanted to stay with him, but they wouldn’t let me. I don’t even know where he is right now. But I know this is necessary, so they can save my kid. they had me wait in the emergency room waiting room for now. they said somebody would come for me for my hand soon. I don’t really give a fuck about my hand. I wish I could be with Taylor right now. I tried my best to keep pressure on my hand, and I closed my eyes and tried to calm myself down. after like 20 minutes I felt someone climb into my lap, and I shot my eyes open.
Demi: “daddy… is he okay??” I wrapped my arms around her.
Dan: “I hope so” the rest of the family walked over
Paul: “have you heard anything?” I shook my head no.
Denise: “we couldn’t get ahold of Deb, she wasn’t home, and she left her phone there”
Dan: “s-she’s at lunch with Emily”
Denise: “I’ll try to call her” she said before walking outside.
Drake: “what happened to him?” Drake asked confused.
Paul: “I haven’t told them yet...” I nodded. I can understand why. this is scary. Nick is still sobbing his heart out.
Dan: “c-can I see him?” Paul nodded and Demi got up, and Paul sat him in my lap. Nick immediately threw his arms around me.
Dan: “shh, it’s not your fault”
Dan: “Noo. Nicky l-listen to me. it’s not, okay?” he whimpered and buried his face into my neck. I held him close.
Paul: “here, let me hold that onto your hand” he said sitting next to me, and holding the bandages firmly against the palm of my hand. I winced.
Paul: “just let me help” I nodded, and I closed my eyes. I can’t tell if Nick is shaking harder, or if it’s me. Denise walked back in.
Dense: “Ken knows where Emily and Deb are, he is going to get them, and then they will be here”
Nurse: “Daniel Lautner?” he called. Paul immediately took Nick from my arms. and I stood up.
Nurse: “I don’t know anything about him yet. you need stitches though, so please come with me” I nodded, and followed him out of the waiting room. they took my vitals again, and then they took me back to a room and I had to sit there for a while before they came and cleaned up my hand, gave me a few shots. It is a really deep cut. They stitched it up, and then they wrapped up my hand, and gave me care instructions, before they finally let me go back into the waiting room. Paul was the only one in there, he is sitting with his face buried in his hands.
Dan: “p-paul..” he wiped his tears and looked up “where’s everyone?”
Paul: “they took Taylor back into surgery, we don’t know much at all. But everyone else is on the surgery floor waiting now”
Dan: “how much do the children know?”
Paul: “they know he was stabbed in the chest at school, but they don’t know by who yet… I.. I don’t know how to tell Joseph” I nodded. I’m worried about him finding out too. I know he is going to find out sooner or later, plus Nick saw everything that happened. Paul put his arm around me and he led me up to our family. walking into the waiting room and seeing how terrified all the kids were completely just broke my heart, because I don’t know how to comfort them, I’m scared too.
Denise: “Paul, he is inconsolable. He needs you” Paul frowned and walked over and he picked Nick up.
Paul: “Nicky, baby, you need to calm down, you are going to make yourself sick”
Nick: “t-taay.. I w-want t-taylorrr” he sobbed loudly.
Paul: “I know, I know baby” I can’t even imagine how scary that all must have been for Nick. He watched Matt try to kill his big brother, and then he got picked up and carried out. if Paul and I wouldn’t have been there… I don’t even want to think about it. Paul started pacing back and forth through the waiting room, rocking Nick in his arms. it reminds me of how we used to make Nick stop crying as a baby. I miss when all our children were babies, it was so much easier to keep them safe back then. I sat down and Demi walked over and climbed back onto my lap, I smiled sadly at her and wrapped my arms around her and I held her close.
Demi: “I w-w-was mean to h-him today daddy… wh-what if I never get to tell him sorry?” she whispered. I kissed the top of her head.
Dan: “when I was on m-my way here, I asked the paramedic if he was going to be okay, and they told me that he was a fighter. And he is right, our boy has always been a fighter” Demi nodded.
Demi: “what h-happened? Who w-would do this?”
Dan: “will talk to you about everything very soon baby girl… now’s not a good time” she nodded, and Emily, Ken, and Deb rushed in.
Deb: “have you guys heard anything yet??” Denise got up and hugged her.
Denise: “we just know that they are doing everything they can”
Deb: “He better pay for doing this to our son” she said clinching her fists.
Joe: “w-who… who did it?” Joe asked softly. He hasn’t said anything since he got here. I think he might know. “they don’t know yet?” Denise and I both shook our heads no. Ken and Emily walked over and sat by their children, to try to comfort them, and Deb let go of Denise and she came and sat next to Demi and I. Ugh… This whole thing is terrifying… I know the doctors and nurses are very busy helping everyone, but it’s so hard to just sit out here and wait, and not know anything. we don’t even know if he is alive still. I bit my lip and squeezed my eyes shut, and I started crying again. Which made Demi cry even harder. Deb grabbed my hand.
Deb: “I.. I’m sc-scared” I learned closer to her, and I put my head on her shoulder and I squeezed her hand.
Dan: “me too” I whispered… I’m not even sure how long we sat here. it felt like hours and hours. Nick Finally cried himself out and fell asleep, which is good, he has been crying for hours. I’m sure he is exhausted.
Doctor: “Lautner?” My eyes shot open
Paul: “that’s us” he walked over to us, and I moved Demi and stood up.
Dan: “is he… please tell me he is still alive” he nodded.
Doctor: “He is. What’s your relation to him?”
Doctor: “Okay, he is not doing very good. We did everything we could, we repaired a lot, we managed to stop the bleeding. He was stabbed just a few inches away from his heart, he is a lucky boy”
Deb: “is he going to be okay??”
Doctor: “I don’t know… we did everything we could. That being said, he lost a LOT of blood, he was already down but a lot before he got here, that’s why he went unconscious, and he hemorrhaged a few times during surgery, one of which, I’m surprised we were able to stop. It wasn’t good, and he is going to need multiple blood transfusions, his organs will begin shutting down and we will lose him if we don’t get him blood soon.”
Dan: “okay, what are you waiting for? Do that”
Doctor: “he has a very rare B negative blood type, so we struggling to find what he needs, we are having some delivered here, but that could be awhile, and he doesn’t have awhile”
Dan: “can we help? Um.. I… I don’t think I have that blood type… honey? What are you?” I asked looking back at Deb.
Dan: “he would have the same blood type as his mother, wouldn’t he?” the doctor shook his head.
Doctor: “it’s possible, though very rare, parents often pass down different blood types. we can still check though”
Emily: “Drake is B negative” she interrupted. I looked over at them.
Drake: “oh yeah, I totally am. Can I help?”
Doctor: “of course. we will need to do a directed donation, immediately. What’s your name?”
Doctor: “alright Drake, I’m going to have someone came and get you, they are going to poke you, and double check some things, and then if everything goes well, we can get some blood out of you for him” Drake nodded. and the doctor walked out.
Deb: “drake, thank you” Drake nodded.
Drake: “I guess we really are family huh? Taylor has the same blood as me” I smiled a little.
Dan: “yes, you are definitely family buddy” I walked over, and I gave him a hug. “I love you, thank you”
Nurse: “Drake?” we pulled apart
Drake: “that’s me” she smiled at us.
Drake: “Um… Dan, can you come with me?” I nodded.
Dan: “of course” we followed her back into this different section of the hospital. He honestly looks a little scared. She had him hop up on a bed and she started getting some stuff ready.
Nurse: “okay, we are going to draw a little blood, just to test for some stuff first”
Drake: “am I going to get poked twice?”
Nurse: “unfortunately yes, I wish we could do it all at once, I’m sorry” Drake nodded, and she started getting everything ready for him.
Nurse: “so do you play any sports at school or anything?” she asked, trying to distract him.
Drake: “no, I… I suck at sports.”
Dan: “He is really good at playing the guitar and singing though”
Nurse: “Oooh that’s awesome!! My son likes playing the guitar too” she said as she checked his arms, and then cleaned off a spot.
Drake: “ssoo… uh.. d-do you... do you like poking people?” he asked nervously. she laughed and nodded.
Nurse: “yeah, I do. I like helping people… you are going to feel a little pitch now” He nodded, and she stuck the needle in, and I cringed as she wiggled it around a little. “there you go” she said as blood started coming out into the tube. Drakes eyes widened when he saw it. I cupped his face with my good hand
Dan: “hey, look at me” he darted his eyes around until they met mine. “it’s okay, buddy. The worst part is over” he nodded. “You know, if Taylor was having to do this, he would probably be hiding under this bed, he doesn’t like needles” Drake giggled a little bit.
Nurse: “okay, all done” she said as she pulled the needle out. I smiled and kissed the top of his head.
Nurse: “we are going to try to rush this with the labs, so you guys can sit tight in here, and I’ll be back as soon as we have the results”
Dan: “okay, thank you” she finished up and then she left the room. I had him move over, and we both laid on the bed.
Drake: “we were sitting in history class, and Taylor’s phone started beeping a bunch, Mr. Neil got mad, so Taylor grabbed his backpack and dug for it, I thought he was just going to shut it off, but he like dropped his backpack and took off out of the class. I grabbed his stuff, and next thing I know, the school was locked down, and then I was being pulled out of school, and then all of this” he said gesturing around us. “like what happened? Who did it?”
Dan: “Taylor called me, and he said that Matt was at the school, and he had Nick in the bathrooms” Drake gasped.
Drake: “oh no… was Nick hurt?”
Dan: “Nick’s been inconsolable, I don’t think Paul and Denise have been able to talk to him yet, but I don’t think he was hurt, I hope he wasn’t”
Drake: “but… but his shirt was inside out.” He said looking at me with wide eyes… my stomach dropped... I didn’t even realize that. I know Drake could feel me go tense beside him, because turned and wrapped his arms around me and laid his head on my chest. I took a deep shaky breath, and I started rubbing his back. we are going to have to talk to Nick… what if Nick was being sexually abused already when Taylor got to him? oh God, that makes me feel sick.
Dan: “we will talk to him about it” Drake nodded.
Drake: “why is Matt such a bad person? Why would he want to hurt them?”
Drake: “Joey was right, he warned us that he saw Matt at the school a few days ago”
Dan: “I know… Joey doesn’t know… don’t tell him. he is already really scared about Taylor, we don’t want to tell him yet”
Drake: “I won’t tell him” I closed my eyes and let my mind drift back to Taylor. Man, today has been awful. I wish I could see him right now. I feel so helpless. “I’ve never had a friend that means as much to me as Taylor does… I need him to be okay” I pushed Drakes hair away from his forehead so I could kind of see his face and I frowned at the new tears on his face.
Dan: “I need him to be okay too” we laid in silence for a while, until the nurse came back with someone else.
Nurse: “okay, you are a match, everything’s good. we are taking a little bit more blood from you then we would from normal donors, but you’ll be fine, you might just be a little more tired than most for a few days” she said as she started laying everything out again. I grabbed his arm and turned it, so that it was in the right position for them to do it. they tied the thing around his upper arm and then they felt around, before choosing a spot and wiping it clean.
Dan: “Drake, close your eyes buddy, don’t look at it” I said softly. He nodded and his eyes closed. I can feel him trembling a little bit. I held him closer and tried to offer as much comfort as possible. I know this isn’t fun. But I’m so thankful he is able to do this for Taylor.
Nurse: “okay, are you ready?”
Drake: “yes ma’am” she put the needle in his arm, and he flinched a little bit
Dan: “it’s okay buddy, it’s almost over” he nodded, and they got him all set up. Drake relaxed in my arms when she was done messing with him, and I watched as his blood started going up the tube, and into the bag.
Nurse: “Drake, you might feel a little nauseous when we are done, and you may be a little lightheaded. That’s completely normal, especially with the amount of blood that the doctor wants us to take”
Dan: “it’s a safe amount though? correct?”
Nurse: “It’s more then I’ve ever taken from someone before, so he is probably not going to feel good, but Taylor is going to die without this. And Drake’s body will replenish the red blood cells he is donating within a few weeks, he will be fine, just tired”
Drake: “don’t worry Dan, I’m okay, I want to do this” He said softly. I sighed. I wish I could do this instead. It took quite awhile, I was talking to Drake, and he ended up passing out, like his eyes rolled back, and he fainted, which totally freaked me the heck out. the nurses both tried to reassure me that he was okay, but I don’t like this at all. I texted Ken, and he just came in.
Ken: “sorry, it took me a little bit to find you. how’s he doing?”
Nurse: “he is almost done.”
Nurse: “he passed out, but he will be okay, it happens all the time” Ken nodded.
Dan: “Have you heard anything about Taylor?”
Ken: “no, they came to get medical history and everything from Deb, but they didn’t have any new information. He is still fighting though” I nodded. and Ken sat down next to the bed. After a little bit they finally finished with the blood, and they pulled the needle from his arm and bandaged him up. I’m not sure how much blood they took from him, but it sure looked like a lot.
Nurse: “okay, when he wakes up, he probably isn’t going to feel very good, don’t let him get up, he should stay in bed for a little bit” we nodded and thanked her, and then they both left the room.
Dan: “Drake mentioned that Nick’s shirt was inside out…” I said looking over at Ken. he looked confused for a second, before his eyes went wide...
Dan: “I don’t know. I really hope not… is he still asleep?”
Ken: “yeah, Joe wanted Paul, so when I left, Denise was holding Nick, but they were able to move him without him waking up.” I nodded. “how are you doing? I know all of this is very scary”
Dan: “I’m trying to stay calm, for the family, but I’m really scared”
Ken: “I’m scared too… but you know what, this is a great hospital, and he is in good hands, he made it through quite a crazy surgery, and he is still holding on. So I think he is stronger then we know, and he will be okay” I nodded and after a little bit Drake wiggled.
Dan: “Drake? are you with us buddy?” he groaned and sat up. I immediately pulled him back down. “the nurse said you can’t get up” he made a whiney sound, and he tried to get back up.
Ken: “Drake. Lay down” he said sternly.
Drake: “but I feel like I’m going to be sick” he whined.
Ken: “I’ll go getcha something, just stay put” he walked out of the room.
Dan: “I’m sorry you don’t feel good Drake, but thank so much for what you did for Taylor” I said running my fingers through his hair.
Drake: “wanted too” he mumbled, trying to get up again. I rolled my eyes and turned him towards me a little, and I slapped his bottom. He yelped. “ouch”
Dan: “your father and I both told you to no” he pouted and hid his face in my chest. I sighed and rubbed his back. He asked something, but it was muffled, and I couldn’t hear it. “what’s that, buddy?”
Drake: “how much blood did they take out?” he mumbled, louder.
Dan: “I’m not sure, it was a lot” Ken came back in with a puke bag thingy, and some napkins, and water.
Ken: “they are going to get you something for nausea”
Drake: “dadddy, Dan spanked my butt” he whined. I rolled my eyes.
Ken: “oh did he? I’m sure you deserved it” Drake groaned. And he started wiggling around way too much. I lifted him, and pulled him up, so that he was directly on top of me, and I wrapped my arms around him.
Dan: “you are staying put for a while nurses, daddy, and I’s orders”
Drake: “fine, whatever” he mumbled. about 20 minutes later, a guy came in with some medicine to help him feel better.
Nurse: “how are you feeling Drake?”
Nurse: “understandable. it’ll get better. Do you need anything?”
Drake: “I need to pee, but my overbearing fathers won’t let me get up” Ken and I both laughed. The Nurse chuckled.
Nurse: “well, we will help you” he lowered the railing to the bed, and he helped Drake slowly sit up, I sat up too.
Ken/Dan: “are you okay?” we both asked.
Nurse: “are you feeling a little dizzy?” Drake nodded. “okay, just sit there for a second, get used to being up right” he nodded again. “I’m going to go get you a wheelchair, because the bathroom’s down the hall” drake went to argue but both Ken and I shut that down real quick. When he came back, they helped drake get up, and they put him in the chair, and then the nurse wheeled him out. I got up and stretched.
Ken: “I can stay here with Drake, I think you should go be with the family, they need you” I nodded.
Dan: “thank you for letting Drake do this”
Ken: “yeah of course, I hope it helps Taylor” I nodded. I really hope it does too. I gave Ken a hug, and then I walked back to that waiting room.
Dan: “Paul? Where is everyone?” Paul’s eyes shut open. Joseph is in his lap sleeping, and Nick is sleeping in Kevin’s lap, and everyone else is gone.
Paul: “Dan… how’s Drake?”
Dan: “he is kind of dizzy, he will be okay though” Paul nodded.
Paul: “the girls were an anxious mess sitting here waiting, Denise and Emily took Deb and the girls to get some food for everyone” I nodded.
Dan: “Kevin, how are you doing buddy?” I asked walking over and running my fingers though his hair.
Kevin: “I wanna see Taylor”
Dan: “I know, I want to see him too.” I said as I sat next to him.
Kevin: “I wish we could summon and angel or something, to help heal him” I chuckled and nodded
Kevin: “we all prayed for him”
Dan: “that’s very good. it’s going to be okay” I said, even though I’m not quite so sure. Kevin nodded. “Paul… um, Drake pointed out Nicky’s shirt” I said softly. Paul looked over at him confused.
Paul: “whats wrong wit- Damn it!”
Kevin: “daddy? what’s wrong?”
Dan: “maybe you should let him sleep”
Paul: “if he needs medical attention I need to know, right now” I nodded.
Dan: “Nicky” I lifted him up and out of Kevin’s arms. “Wake up sleepy head” Nick woke up and rubbed his eyes. “Hi baby, we need to talk to you, can you look at me, please?” he moved his hands out of his face and he looked up at me with his big brown eyes.
Nick: “is Taylor o-okay?”
Dan: “he’s hanging in there. Hey, so um…” I hesitated to say more. I don’t want to upset him… we need to know though. “Nicky, Did Matt hurt you?”
Paul: “SHH! I don’t want you to wake up Joey” Paul said as he reached over and smacked Kev’s thigh. Kevin jumped and rubbed his thigh.
Dan: “Nicky, look at me baby” he looked back up at me with tears in his eyes this time. “Did he hurt you?” he shook his head no. “Nick, I need you to tell me the truth”
Paul: “Why is your shirt inside out Nick?”
Nick: “He.. He was going to.. he tried too” Nick bit his lip.
Dan: “you can tell us, Nicky. What did he do to you?” Nick whimpered and through his arms around me, and he hugged me tightly, and he laid his head on my shoulder. I rubbed his back.
Paul: “tell us everything baby boy” Paul said softly.
Nick: “I was walking to class, and Matt grabbed my arm and started pulling me into the opposite direction, I was so scared that I didn’t even try to g-get away. He took me to that bathroom, and told me he was going to enjoy taking me, like he took J-Joe…” I shook my head, and Paul clinched his fist. “I got away from him and I locked myself into the stall and I texted Taylor, until my leg was grabbed, and I was dragged under the door. Matt took my clothes off, all of them except my underwear, and then he got on top of me, and I couldn’t get him off. and he kissed me a lot and touched me everywhere. It was so scary… Then t-taylor came in. He tackled Matt to the floor, and he told me to put my clothes back on. But my hands were shaky, and I had a hard time d-doing it. and then Taylor gasped, and that’s when I saw the knife, he hurt Taylor’s tummy with it, and then Taylor yelled at me to get out. but Matt told me not to move, and then they both were yelling at me to listen them. then Matt said that if I left, he would kill Taylor… I-I didn’t know what to do. I told Taylor that I didn’t want to leave him. but he told me I didn’t have a choice. and then he told Taylor he was going to bend him over a-and… and he said… he..” Nick is really struggling to tell us about it. I feel bad making him go over all this again. He is going to have to tell the police all of this again. “anyway, Taylor yelled at me and told me if I didn’t leave, he was going to spank me, but I didn’t listen to him, b-because I didn’t want Matt to hurt him… So I hugged Taylor, and I tried not to let go when he pushed me away. Taylor told me that I was the only one who could help him, and I needed to leave and call the police… and then he shoved me away, and I called 911, and they told me they were already on the way, so I went back inside, and I tried to save Taylor. I thought if I let Matt hurt me, then he wouldn’t kill him, but then Taylor… he saved me, and… and now he is hurt, really hurt. And it’s my fault.”
Paul: “Nicky, it’s not your fault”
Nick: “if I never would have texted him” I pushed him away, so that I could see his face.
Dan: “Nick, what happened to Taylor is awful… But we are praying for him, and he is going to push through it. If Matt would have taken you? you could be dead right now and none of us would have even known where you went. You were in danger, and you did the only thing you knew to do. this isn’t your fault. Matt’s the ONLY one responsible for this, and he will rot in prison for it. you understand?” Nick nodded. “I don’t want to hear you say it was your fault again, because that’s not true. If you say it again, I’ll put you over my knee, okay?” Nick whimpered and reached his arms towards me, wanting to be close again. I let him; he hid his face in my shoulder. I sighed. it was hard hearing that… but I’m so glad that Matt didn’t get the chance to Rape Nick, or Taylor. I really hope the rest of Matt’s life is miserable hell for everything he has done to Joe and this family.
Paul: “I don’t think we should tell Joseph about this, any of it. I don’t want him to know that it was Matt who stabbed Taylor”
Dan: “he is going to find out eventually? Won’t he?”
Paul: “not if I can help it… he has PTSD from what happened, I think this will set him back, big time”
Kevin: “Daddy… he is going to ask; he will want to know what happened”
Paul: “I know, but… I don’t want him to know”
Dan: “if you don’t want to tell him, we will try our best to make sure he doesn’t fine out”
Paul: “what do you think we should do?”
Dan: “I think that he has been through enough, and not telling him is probably the right decision” He nodded. “Nicky?” I asked patting his back
Dan: “were you listening to us?” he nodded.
Nick: “not supposeta tell Joey” he mumbled. I kissed the top of his head.
Paul: “try to go back to sleep baby boy, you need some rest”
Nick: “I want to see Taylor”
Dan: “I know, me too, but we can’t see him yet” Nick started to cry again, so I stood up with him and I started walking around the room with him like Paul was doing earlier, because I really want him to go back to sleep. He needs it.
-----------------------------
Hours and hours later. (still Dan’s POV)
Taylor was in recovery for hourss! And they did give him the blood transfusions with Drakes blood, he needed monitored during that, and it went okay, thank god. And then they had to do another emergency surgery on him, they came and told us that he made it out of surgery, and now he is in recovery again. Our poor boys been through so much... We’ve been waiting all night, and we still haven’t got to see him at all… I haven’t seen my baby since they took us out of the ambulance and separated us. Nobody wanted to leave, so we all stayed, and my whole family slept in the waiting room. I tried to sleep, Paul even made me lay down on the blankets the hospital let us all use, but I just can’t sleep. I laid down with them though mostly because Paul wouldn’t let me pace around anymore, but also because I wanted to cuddle with Demi, and Deb. I know it’s uncomfortable, and hard to sleep on the hospital waiting room floor, but I’m so glad that my family stayed here with us. Even Ken and Emily. I am so thankful for all of them. the family we have is so special. I hope they let us see Taylor in the morning.
Joe: “mommy?” Joe whispered. I sat up
Dan: “Joey? What’s up buddy?”
Joe: “am I allowed to go find a bathroom by myself?”
Dan: “nope, I’ll come with you” I stood up and I helped Joe get out of his dad’s grip.
Joe: “but Kevin went by himself” he whined through a yawn. I chuckled and pulled him up, and I patted his bottom to get him moving.
Dan: “Kevin’s bigger than you, and Kevin doesn’t wonder off like you do.”
Joe: “I don’t wonder off”
Dan: “oh yes you do. do you remember the amusement park, and when we went camping?”
Joe: “those were an accident” I smirked and put my arm around his shoulder as we walked down the hall.
Dan: “mhmm. no going off on your own, losing you is the last thing we need”
Joe: “is Taylor doing better?”
Dan: “I hope so… he had a couple surgeries. I don’t really know anything still”
Joe: “did you guys get to see him?”
Dan: “not yet. don’t worry bud, I would have woken you up” he nodded. we turned the corner and I opened the bathroom door and gestured for him to go inside. And I leaned up against the wall and waited for him to come out. I really want to go try to ask how Taylor’s doing, but we’ve been bothering the hospital staff all night, so we agreed to leave them alone for a while. It’s hard though, because I just want to know how he is doing. A few minute later Joey came out and we started walking back.
Joe: “is it almost breakfast time?”
Dan: “it’s only like 3am buddy”
Joe: “ugh… can I have a snack?”
Dan: “you don’t need a snack; you need to go back to sleep”
Joe: “but all I ate all day was one piece of toast for breakfast, and I’m hungry” Joe did fall asleep early and he didn’t eat dinner with everyone else, neither did nick.
Dan: “you didn’t eat lunch at school?”
Joe: “my daddy came and got us before Lunchtime” I hadn’t realized it was so early. we’ve been here for a long time, and we still don’t know anything.
Dan: “I don’t think the cafeteria is open this late, buddy” he frowned and nodded… I can’t see Taylor; I can’t make him better. I feel so helpless… but what I can do is get Joseph something to eat, and maybe that will help distract me from my worry just a little bit. “how about we go get some keys, and then we can go get you something to eat”
Joe: “really?? thank youuu!” I smiled at him, and we walked back to the waiting room. I think I need to wake Paul up, because if they wake up and Joseph isn’t there with them, I know it’ll freak them the hell out, especially with what happened with Matt. Paul would kill me if I scared them like that. I held my finger up to my mouth, signaling to Joseph to stay quiet. He nodded and I walked over to where Paul is sleeping, and I squatted down next to him, and I shook him a little. He sucked in a deep breath and rolled over onto his back.
Dan: “Hey... Paul?” I whispered. he blinked his eyes opened and then he looked up at me.
Paul: “Daniel, what’s wrong? Is Taylor-”
Dan: “no, no... it’s okay. I haven’t heard anything about Taylor… Can I have your keys?” he narrowed his eyes at me.
Dan: “I need your keys, we brought your car, remember?” he sat up.
Paul: “Daniel, you aren’t leaving, you-“
Dan: “I just want to go take Joey to get something to eat, I’m okay, I just can’t sleep… we will be right be right back. please Paul? I need to clear my head”
Paul: “Joseph doesn’t need… what time is it?”
Dan: “it’s like a little after 3am… Joey is hungry, all he had was toast yesterday for breakfast”
Paul: “oh... where is he?”
Dan: “Joseph, come here” Joey walked over, and he sat on the blanket in front of his dad.
Paul: “hey baby, are you sure you can’t go back to sleep for a few hours?”
Joe: “I’m hungry” he mumbled, with a pout on his face. Paul sighed and pulled him into a hug.
Paul: “Okay. I’m sorry buddy, we had a late dinner last night, and I wanted to let you and Nicky sleep”
Paul: “Dan... why don’t you stay here and try to get some rest; I’ll take him to go get something to eat”
Dan: “no” he raised his eyebrow at me.
Dan: “please let me… I.. I’m scared and I’m losing my mind waiting around. I need to get out of here for a minute. I need a distraction because I can’t do anything here but be scared”
Paul: “have you even slept? Are you going to be able to drive safely? I don’t like this Daniel” I sighed.
Dan: “I’m good… you know you I’ll bring the baby boy back safely. I promise I’m fine”
Paul: “you aren’t fine, and I’m coming with you. help me up” He said reaching his hand up. I rolled my eyes and grabbed his hand and pulled him up. I should have known that he wouldn’t let me leave without him.
Deb: “Dan?” she asked sleepily. I went over to her, and I kneeled down and gently tucked her hair behind her ear. “is everything okay?”
Dan: “yes. still haven’t heard anything about our boy… go back to sleep beautiful”
Deb: “why are you awake? Come lay down with me”
Dan: “Joseph is hungry, Paul and I are going to go get him something to eat… I need to get out and clear my head” she nodded in understanding.
Deb: “I want you right here as soon as you come back.” she said sternly, patting the floor right next to her. I smirked and leaned down and gave her a kiss
Dan: “please call me if you hear anything? I’ll be back soon”
Deb: “I will. I love you”
Dan: “I love you too” I got back up, and Paul grabbed Joseph’s hand, and he checked for his keys before we left. It took us a long time to find our way back through the hospital to where the emergency room is, because Paul’s car is parked by there.
Paul: “what do you want to eat Joey?”
Paul/Dan: “No” we both said at the same time.
Joe: “no fun” he mumbled as we walked outside. It’s much colder outside then it was earlier. Joey Shivered… Poor kid is just wearing a T-shirt.
Dan: “come here kiddo” I said unzipping my hoodie. he let go of Paul’s hand, and I took my hoodie off and wrapped it around him.
Joe: “thank you” I nodded and wrapped my arm around him, and we followed Paul to his car and we got in.
Paul: “we should stop by our houses and get chargers, and some warmer clothes” I nodded.
Dan: “Yeah, my phone is dead… Damnit!” I exclaimed. Paul looked over at me with a glare. We try not to swear in front of the kids. I sighed and buckled my seatbelt. “I forgot to call my dad and Matthew”
Paul: “oh yeah… I called my dad, I didn’t remember to call yours”
Dan: “he is going to be mad that we didn’t”
Paul: “your dad and Matthew are both probably sleeping, and we don’t know anything yet… so you should call them later”
Dan: “alright, but if my dad freaks about me waiting so long to call, I’m blaming you” Paul chuckled and started the car and backed out. Joey giggled loudly from the backseat. I grinned. “what are you laughing at back there, little one?”
Joe: “I’m not little… ANNDD I’m laughing because you guys sound like Kevin and I do sometimes”
Dan: “well, your dad is my big brother Joey” I said looking back at him. he tilted his head to the side.
Joe: “does that mean you are my uncle kind of?”
Dan: “I guess you could say so”
Joe: “but I always thought you were like my second Daddy” I couldn’t help but to smile at that.
Dan: “well, your daddy and I technically aren’t related, we were best friends, so I can be anything to you that you wanna be”
Joe: “I like you being my second daddy better”
Dan: “me too Joey” I said reaching back and patting his leg.
Paul: “well, technically he is your second Father Joey, He and Deb are your god parents… so if anything bad ever happened to your mother and I, they would take care of you”
Joe: “do you like being our second daddy, god parent thing?”
Dan: “of course I do. I love you boys just as much as I love my own babies, you know that, don’t you?” he smiled and nodded.
Paul: “what do you want to eat Joey?”
Joe: “can I have a bagel?”
Paul: “sure baby boy, we have bagels at home” I turned the heat up even warmer, it really is cold out.
Joe: “d-do you think Taylor is gonna be sad that we left him?”
Paul: “don’t worry about that Joey, Taylor’s sleeping, and we will only be gone for just a little bit”
Joe: “I hope the sleepy head wakes up soon. I miss him”
Dan: “I hope he wakes up soon too” We arrived at Paul’s house like 10 minutes later, and I took a quick shower and borrowed some of Paul’s warmer clothes while Joey ate his little middle of the night snack. “Hey Paul, can I use your phone charger?”
Paul: “of course. I think it’s in my room, by the nightstand”
Dan: “okay thanks” I went into their bedroom, and I unplugged it, and I brought it into the dining room, and I plugged my phone in, and then sat next to Joe. he finished his bagel and now he is eating some candy. “does your daddy know you have that?” he froze… “Joseph?” I asked, sternly. He put the candy down and he looked at me with sad guilty eyes.
Joe: “h-he.. he said I could…” I raised my eyebrow at him.
Dan: “are you sure about that?” I asked as I crossed my arms and glared at him. I know that there’s no freaking way that Paul would ever let him eat candy at 3:30 in the morning. I know my brother better then that…
Joe: “he s-said I could take it with us, and share with everybody else later”
Dan: “mhm. That’s what I thought” I said as I snatched the bag of candy away from him. He pouted. “if you are still hungry, have an apple or something”
Joe: “can I have some strawberries?”
Dan: “if you have some, go for it” He nodded, and he got up. but I grabbed his arm before he could get far. “don’t lie to me again, or I’ll be taken my belt to your bare backside… do you hear me kid?” he pouted and nodded. when I let go of his arm, he wrapped his arms around my neck and smooshed his face up against the side of mine. I chuckled and hugged him back.
Joe: “I’m so sorry… I don’t know why I… I just wanted candy. I’m sorry” he climbed into my lap and kissed the side of my face.
Dan: “what’s wrong Joey? Are you just being a little cuddle bug?” I don’t mind the cuddles at all. I love them. I just wanna make sure he is okay.
Joe: “I j-just… I know you are sad, about Taylor, and… and I… I shouldn’t be being naughty… I’m very sorry” I sighed.
Dan: “it’s okay Joey… I’m not upset with you”
Joe: “well, I’m sorry anyway… thank you for not spanking me”
Dan: “just this once baby boy. don’t tell your father about this though”
Paul: “don’t tell me about what?” Joey let go of me and jumped out of my lap.
Joe: “n-nothing daddy!” he said quickly. too quickly. I rolled my eyes and smirked. Joey is not very good at keeping secrets at all. “I’m going to go get some strawberries” he quickly left the room.
Paul: “what was that all about?” I shrugged.
Paul: “mhmm” he said as he sat down. “how are you doing Daniel?”
Dan: “I just wanna see him…” he nodded.
Paul: “I know… I’m sorry. you’ll see Taylor soon”
Dan: “I better, or I swear I’m going to lose my mind” Paul grabbed a couple more chargers, and some blankets and hoodies and jackets and stuff, and then we drove back to the hospital. Everyone was still sound asleep in the waiting room. Paul and Joe stayed up and watched Tv. I laid back down where Deb wanted me, and I actually did end up falling asleep.
-----------------------------
Taylor ended up having ANOTHER surgery early this morning because he started hemorrhaging again. They were able to stop the bleeding again, thankfully. But he lost a lot of blood again… His hemoglobin is only at a 5, which is actually a little higher than it was when we got here, because of Drakes help, but it’s still dangerously low… it should be like a 16 or higher… and Drake can’t donate anymore blood. They are shipping more blood here for him, so it’s a waiting game right now. He is in the ICU, getting the best care possible. They promised me that we could see him soon, as long as the bleeding doesn’t start again. Paul walked over and sat next to me, and he handed me his phone, because right now Nick and Joe are watching a movie on mine. I looked at Paul confused.
Paul: “you need to call your dad, and your little brother…”
Paul: “Daniel… they need to know”
Dan: “Matthew probably won’t even answer”
Paul: “then I’ll go get him and spank him, and then drag his sore little ass over here” I laughed. I have no doubts that Paul would do that. “He loves Taylor, if he doesn’t answer, leave a message, he will call back”
Dan: “can you call Matthew please? I’ll call my dad… I j- I just don’t think I can handle Matthew ignoring me right now” Paul nodded, and he took his phone from me and he called him, and left a message quickly explaining what happened. And then he handed his phone back to me. I sighed and went through his contacts and found my dad’s number, and then I held my phone up to my ear.
Scott: “Hello Paul! Is my little boy behaving himself?” I rolled my eyes.
Dan: “little boy dad? I’m old” he laughed, and Paul smirked.
Scott: “Hi baby. I tried calling you yesterday”
Dan: “oh you did? I… dad, something terrible has happened”
Scott: “son, what is it?”
Dan: “Taylor… he is alive, but it isn’t good, he has been stabbed and-“
Scott: “that’s what I was calling about, on the news yesterday I saw that there was a stabbing at the kids school and I wanted to make sure all our kids were okay… it w-was Taylor?” he said in a shocked voice.
Dan: “yes, he was stabbed just a little bit in his belly, but he was stabbed deeply in his chest” my dad gasped.
Dan: “he has been in and out of surgery all night, and this morning, it’s a miracle that he is alive… but he is, our boy is strong”
Scott: “I’m going to stop and get some gas, and then I’ll be on my way baby boy” he said softly. I instantly teared up.
Dan: “I’m scared daddy” I whispered, not wanting any of the kids to hear me. Paul heard though, and he wrapped his arm around me.
Scott: “I know son, I’m scared too, but it’s going to be okay, I’m going to be praying the whole way there”
Dan: “thanks dad... drive safely, please”
Scott: “yes, I will. Call me immediately if anything changes, I’ll pull over”
Dan: “yes sir… call us when you get here, someone will come down and meet you outside” Paul’s phone started beeping, so I pulled his phone away from my ear to look “Dad, Matthew’s calling, I gotta go”
Scott: “okay, I love you”
Dan: “I love you too daddy”
I switched over to Matthews call.
Matthew: “Danny, Taylor was stabbed? What the hell happened?” I took a deep breath.
Dan: “yeah, he was. Right in the chest… he is in the ICU, we don’t know too much, but he lost a lot of blood, he is unconscious, and he is not doing so well”
Matthew: “Oh my gosh… who did this to him?”
Dan: “I can’t say right now, buddy”
Matthew: “what? why not?”
Dan: “because I don’t want to scare the kids” more specifically Joseph. All the other kids know now.
Matthew: “was it the guy who hurt Joseph?”
Matthew: “UGH! Seriously?! What the hell? I fucking hate him, I hope he rots in prison forever”
Matthew: “is Taylor going to be alright?”
Dan: “I really hope so… I’ll let you know if anything changes”
Matthew: “okay, I’m going to come there, I don’t really know where I am though, so it might take me awhile”
Dan: “what do you mean you don’t know where you are?”
Matthew: “I.. I was at a party last night, and this isn’t the house I remember being at, and none of my friends are here, so..” he said awkwardly.
Dan: “Matthew Joseph Lautner…” I said in a disappointed tone
Matthew: “don’t full name me Danny”
Dan: “if you keep doing this crap, you are going to get yourself hurt”
Matthew: “don’t be dramatic”
Dan: “Ugh! You are so-“ Paul patted my leg, and shook his head no. Matthew and I have done nothing but argue for a long time… Today’s not the day. “never mind… just.. be careful”
Matthew: “I’ll be there as soon as I can. Bye”
Dan: “bye” I hung up the phone
A couple hours later, I ended up falling asleep, and I woke up to a nudge to my side. I jumped, and my eyes flew open. The doctors in here talking to everyone. I quickly stood up and went over to where everyone was standing.
Doctor: “not much has changed, we haven’t got anymore blood for him yet, but the last surgery was successful, and all the bleeding has stopped, which is a very good thing. We have him in a room, ready for visitors. He isn’t awake, but I believe that being around people who care about you is probably the best medicine. Usually in intensive care we only allow 1 person to go in and see him, but since all of you have been here all night, and I can tell you all care very much, I’m going to let you all go in.” I let out a breath of relief. I want to see him so bad. “Go to the desk, and they will let you back. we already made an exception for you all”
Deb: “thank you soo much!” he smiled and nodded.
Doctor: “I have a boy his age at home too, and if I went through what you all have been through… well, I would want the same courtesy.” I thanked him too, and then we all gathered up our stuff, and we went to the desk and they let us back. they told us where to go, and when we walked in, Deb and Nick both started sobbing. I walked over to his bed, and I gently ran my fingers through his hair. He is so pale, I’ve never seen him look like this, even his lips have no color. it must be from all the blood loss. He is hooked up to lots of monitors, and he has a bunch of bandages visible on his chest.
Dan: “Taylor” I whispered. I know he probably can’t hear me. but I wanted to say it anyway.
Joe: “Daddy… w-why does he look like that?” I heard Joey ask.
Paul: “because he is… sick” Paul said, for lack of better words.
Nick: “up! up! Dan” He said tugging on my arm.
Dan: “it’s okay” I put my hands under his arms and lifted him up and onto my hip, and once I had him in place, I tried to wipe away his tears.
Nick: “I’m s-sorry” he cried, holding onto me tight.
Dan: “hush. it’s not your fault Nicky” He whimpered and cuddled close. A nurse came in, so I stepped back from Taylor’s bed to let her get to him.
Nurse: “we are working on bringing some chairs in here for you guys. we are getting the big ones, so you’ll be able to share“
Denise: “thank you so much” she smiled and nodded, and she took all his vitals, and she hooked something up to his IV. And then she left. Deb calmed down enough to be able to focus better on Taylor. she held his hand.
Deb: “t-they left his band aids on his thumbs” I smiled sadly…
Dan: “he doesn’t need those at the moment” she nodded, and she took them off of his thumb, and then she walked around the bed and removed them from his other hand. “if he was awake, he would be really happy about losing the band-aids” she nodded, and then some people came in with like 6 chairs, they are like large two people chairs. We lined them up around the outside of the room, out of the way.
Nick: “C-can I lay next to him? please?”
Denise: “No nick, he had surgeries, he needs to-“
Dan: “um..” I said interrupting her... “giving what h-happened… I.. I think he needs to be close to him, there’s room for him on this side”
Paul: “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Dan”
Dan: “Paul… Nick seen this happen to him… he is so upset that he is shaking uncontrollably… he needs Taylor… it’s okay” Paul nodded. “Nicky… look at me” he reluctantly pulled away and looked up at me. “if I let you lay by him, do you promise to be very very careful? He has very bad incisions on his chest, and probably his belly, I don’t know… and he has all this stuff hooked up to him, so you need to be careful, so squirm around, just stay still” he nodded, and I kissed his forehead, and then I carefully laid him down next to Taylor. Nick didn’t move much, he just held onto Taylor’s hand.
Joe: “How long is Taylor gonna sleep?”
Denise: ”until his body is well rested and he wants to wake up“
Nick: “but Tay likes to sleep, that could take daaays” he whined.
Joe: ”can’t you just tell him you’re gonna spank him… that’s what you usually do when he won’t wake up” I chuckled. I wish that would work this time.
Deb: “that’s not gonna work this time baby, He was hurt really bad, so he needs to sleep until his body heals up some. Kind of like when you get sick, and you have to stay in bed until you get better” I sighed and I sat next to Drake in one of the chairs, and I grabbed Joseph’s waist and pulled him back and sat him on my knee. I think when Matt went to their school, his goal was to find Joseph, and take him. Who knows where he would have taken him, and what he would have done to him... Matt is going to prison for sure, He has attempted murder, and kidnapping to go along with his rape charges now… He will be locked away forever and I can’t wait to see them hall him off to prison. I wrapped my arms around Joseph and kissed the top of his head. it makes me so fucking angry that he was hurt like he was. It’s not fair. I wish we could go back to before it happened, and protect him from this, because he will never be the same, and I hate this. Joey turned in my lap, and he looked at me.
Joe: “are you okay?” I made myself smile, and I nodded. and he leaned in closer, and he hugged me. even though Taylor’s severely hurt, I’m so glad that Joey is safe with us.
--------------------------------
I got a call from Daniels dad, so I stepped out of the room to take it.
Scott: “Hey, I tried to call Daniel, but my kid ain’t answering... of course” I chuckled.
Paul: “Yeah, he is a little preoccupied because they let us back to see Taylor finally. And I think his phone is on silent, I didn’t hear it, and I was sitting right next to him”
Scott: “I’m glad they are letting the family in now. Matthew and I are here. we don’t know where to go”
Paul: “oh really? Matthews with you?” I said surprised. Matthew hasn’t been around for awhile.
Scott: “yes, he had me pick him up… we are parked by the emergency room doors”
Paul: “you know what... that’s quite a long walk. I don’t want you having to go that far, so I’ll come down and meet up with you. stay there”
Scott: “okay, thank you Paul”
(End of phone conversation)
I went back into the room
Paul: “your father, and your brother are here, I’m going to go get them” I said to Dan.
Dan: “I.. I’ll come with you” He stood up and he sat Joseph in Drakes lap, and then he followed me out, and we were both kind of quiet as we walked through the hospital. I know that Dan is thinking about stuff, and I didn’t want to interrupt that. sometimes you don’t need to say anything, you just need to be there for someone. We reached the emergency room section of the hospital and then we went outside, and we both shivered at the cold air once it hit us.
Dan: “they are over there” He mumbled, walking down the driveway. I noticed that Scott was walking towards us. We both picked up the pace and met up with him. when we reached him, Scott pulled Daniel into a big tight hug.
Dan: “Thanks for coming daddy”
Scott: “Of course Daniel. I love you”
Dan: “I love you too daddy” I smiled. I love when Daniel calls him that, I think it’s the cutest thing in the world. He is very much a grown up old man… but he reminds me so much of what he was like when we were both so much younger whenever his dad is around, and I love it. I wish Scott was here more, and I know Daniel wishes that too. I left them alone, and I walked over to his car. Matthew got out.
Matthew: “you can sit up front” he said as he opened the back door.
Paul: “hold up” I said grabbing his arm. “Come here kid” He sighed and let me pull him into a hug. “I’ve missed you”
Matthew: “I’ve missed you too, all of you” when he pulled away, and turned to get in the car, I smacked his bottom hard. he yelped.
Paul: “YOU need to stop being rude to your dad, and your big brother” I said sternly. He huffed.
Matthew: “they… YOU all need to stop treating me like a little kid” he said before sitting in the car and slamming the door. I sighed. I got into the car, and a few minutes later Scott and Daniel got in.
Dan: “Hey Matthew” he said softly.
Matthew: “Hi Danny.” He said awkwardly. “I’m sorry about what happened to Taylor” Dan nodded.
Dan: “Thank you for coming” we went to the other parking lot, and then we went upstairs to Taylors room. Nurses are in here checking on him. Kevin gasped
Kevin: “Uncle Matt!!!” he said surprised.
Matt: “Hey Kevy, come here you” Kevin smiled and got up, and He walked over and hugged him. I walked over to the bed to check on Taylor.
Paul: “do you need me to move him?” I asked the nurse, referring to Nick. He is asleep again. She shook her head
Nurse: “no, he is okay, I’m just drawing some blood.”
Paul: “I thought Taylor didn’t have any to spare” she nodded.
Nurse: “yeah, it isn’t ideal. But we need to keep checking a bunch of things, to make sure he is okay” I nodded. when I turned around, Matthew had Joe and Kevin sitting on his lap. I chuckled. they’ve missed their Uncle Matthew a lot. Drake walked over he gripped the side of the bed, looking down at Taylor.
Paul: “how are you doing Drake?”
Drake: “better than him” he mumbled. I nodded. “I can’t wait until he wakes up and gets past this. I don’t want to go to school without him, and neither does Selena and Demi.”
Paul: “my boys don’t want to either… are you feeling better Drake? I know they took quite a bit of blood”
Drake: “yeah, I’m alright. I felt a little dizzy for awhile, but after I ate and relaxed for a little while, I felt better” I nodded.
----------------------------------------
(A few weeks later) Dan’s POV:
Right now I’m the only one at the hospital with Taylor, because the kids are at school, and Paul needs to work, My dad had to go back home, Matthew left last week because of classes, and Deb needed to get some stuff done at home. I know Deb, Paul, Denise and the kids will be back later though, and Probably Ken and Emily and the kids too. I don’t mind being here by myself with him though, it gives me time to think. Not much has changed with Taylor, except he isn’t in the ICU anymore. He is still unconscious though, which really freaks me out. He had several blood transfusions and stuff, and so he doesn’t look as pale anymore. I got up and I pulled my chair closer to his bed, and then I sat down and grabbed his hand.
Dan: “so the doctors have told me that you probably couldn’t hear anything, but the kids still talk to you every day, it’s really sweet, so I hope you can hear it… I hope you can hear me too. I miss you so damn much buddy… We have talked every single day of your little life, so not being able to talk to you, and hear your voice is really hard. the doctors aren’t very optimistic about you making it through this, but we aren’t listening to any of that… you are a tough kid, and you can make it through this” I sighed and closed my eyes and ducked my head. I felt his hand move, his thumb totally ran softly over my hand. My eyes shot open “Taylor?! Are you… Baby? are you awake? Can you hear me?... can you move your thumb again baby boy?” I asked hopeful. “Taylor...” a nurse walked in, so she could take his vitals and stuff. “He moved his hand” I said looking at her with wide eyes.
Nurse: “it’s completely normal for there to be twitches and-“
Dan: “no… he moved his thumb across my hand… I know it was him” she checked him over and then she shrugged.
Nurse: “I’m not sure what you felt, he is still asleep, I’m sorry sir”
Dan: “I’m sorry… I just… I thought he was awake”
Nurse: “it’s okay, I know you want him to wake up, but… if he does, it’s just going to take time… I.. I wouldn’t get your hopes up” Jeez.. that’s mean. she finished doing everything she needed to do, and then she left. I looked at Taylor and I frowned.
Dan: “Taylor, I know that was you… I’m here baby boy, right here” I whispered as my eyes filled with tears. “I don’t want to lose you…” A few more hours passed, and Taylor made no other movements, which really breaks my heart. “Taylor… please wake up… I love you so much, and I need you to wake up” I let out a sob and put my head down on top our hands, and I cried into the mattress. When all the kids are here, I try not to cry, because I don’t want to upset them, or scare them… I feel like I need to be strong for everybody. But when I’m here by myself with him, I feel like I can let my walls down, and cry, because I am scared.
Taylor: “d-da-“ I heard just above a whisper. I stopped myself from sobbing, held my breath and froze… is my brain playing tricks on me? my eyes shot open and I sat up and I looked at him through blurry tear-filled eyes. He hasn’t moved, his eyes are still closed. Ugh. I let out a louder sob.
Dan: “T-Tay… b-baby, can you hear me? please wake up” I begged. his eyes started fluttering open and I gasped, and I jumped up. “TAYLOR!” His eyes searched the room a little bit, and then they found me. “oh my god, Taylor, you are awake!” he made a confused face.
Dan: “talk to me baby, what is it? are you in pain? Oh my god, you are awake! I love you so much” I leaned down and kissed his face, and I couldn’t help but to sob harder, out of relief.
Taylor: “ni-nick” he whispered.
Dan: “he is safe, he is okay, he wasn’t hurt… we got him”
Dan: “yes, you are all safe. I promise”
Taylor: “d-daddy” he whispered.
Dan: “I’m here, right here baby”
Taylor: “do-don’t cry” he said before closing his eyes. I took a deep shaky breath, to try to calm down.
Dan: “I’m just so relieved to hear your voice Taylor… I was so scared I wouldn’t e-ever hear it again”
Taylor: “wheressa nick?” he slurred, sleepily. I can tell by his voice that he is very out of it, and tired.
Dan: “he… I’ll get him here” I said kissing him on his face again. I can’t believe he is awake. I knew I felt his hand earlier! With shaky hands I found the call button next to his bed, to alert the nurses.
Nurse: “what do you need?” someone said over the speaker.
Dan: “my son, h-he is awake”
Nurse: “that’s amazing!!! I’ll call his doctor, we will be in a second” I put the call button down and I refocused my attention back on Taylor, he looks asleep, which made me start to panic, I don’t wake him to fall back to sleep, and have the nurses not believe me, that lady didn’t believe me when I told her that his hand moved.
Dan: “TAYLOR?!” His eyes shot open, and he jumped, and then he whimpered, and tears filled his eyes. I gasped “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you” his lip trembled, and he squeezed his eyes shut tightly, “I’m so sorry” I said again, feeling horrible.
Taylor: “h-hug” he whined.
Dan: “I.. I’m scared to touch you baby, I don’t want to hurt you”
Taylor: “h-hugg daddy” I bit my lip, and I leaned over him, and I gave him a gentle hug, trying not to put any weight on him, or touch his chest at all.
Dan: “I missed you Taylor” before he could respond, the door opened, and the room flooded with nurses. I pulled away and they asked me to step out. “b-but…”
Nurse: “just for a few minutes?”
Dan: “Taylor… I’ll be right back? okay baby?” I called out, as they kind of pushed me out of the room. I took a deep shaky breath. I need to get nick here… I need to get all of them here. I tried to call Deb, but she didn’t answer, so she’s probably driving here. so I called Paul, and he answered on the first ring.
Dan: “he is.. he-he is awake”
Dan: “he woke up, he talked to me! oh my gosh my babies awake” Paul gasped. “He wants Nick.. please get nick”
Paul: “I’ll go get the kids from school right now, and then we will be there”
Dan: “Paul… I can’t believe he is awake!”
Paul: “I’m so relieved to hear that! he is going to be okay! I gotta go Daniel, I’ll be there soon”
(end of phone conversation)
I paced back and forth in the hallway nervously. Taylor’s doctor went in his room. I sighed and continued pacing. I wish they would have let me stay in there with him. like 20 minutes later I was grabbed and pulled into Paul’s arms.
Paul: “Hey Daniel, we’re here” I took a deep breath and hugged him tightly. “I called your dad, and your brother, and told them he was awake, and we got ahold of Deb she’s getting Demi, and then she will be on her way”
Dan: “j-just I w-want to be in there with him” I felt Paul nod, and little arms wrapped around us. I looked down and smiled at Nick, I reached down and picked him up. “Taylor asked for you”
Nick: “I wanna seeee him!” he whined, bouncing a little in my arms impatiently
Dan: “as soon as they let us in” a few minutes later the door opened and a lot of them walked out, and the doctor walked over to us.
Doctor: “He is awake! That’s incredible! I’m really happy for all of you”
Doctor: “he is stable, I don’t know what’s changed, but he seems to be doing well. his wounds are healing good, I’m impressed with how well he is healing, if he keeps going at this rate, he should be going home before to long”
Dan: “that’s awesome! I can’t wait to bring him home! When he woke up, he was in a lot of pain when he moved, I’m worried about him”
Doctor: “we upped his pain medicine already, he should start feeling better soon. We want to get him up and moving later, but for now we are going to let the pain medicine start working” I nodded.
Dan: “can we go in there and see him now?” the doctor nodded.
Doctor: “he is kind of confused, and disoriented. He wants to see all of you, but for now, I don’t want to overwhelm him, so I ask that only two visitors go in there at a time, just for today” we nodded. I’m a little disappointed, because I know that we all want to be in there with him, but we will do whatever is best for him. the doctor left us, and the rest of the nurses came out of the room.
Dan: “he wants Nick, y-you should take him in there first” I said to Paul. He shook his head no.
Paul: “I think you should go back in with Nicky”
Dan: “I’ve already seen him”
Paul: “Daniel, we will all get to see him. but you are like freaking out… you need to be in there with him right now” he said in a no argument kind of tone. I nodded, and I gave him another hug. “we will be in the waiting room… Nicholas, look at me” I pulled back again and looked at Nick, he turned his head to look at his dad “I want you to behave, and be very careful. Taylor has owwies, and I don’t want you to hurt him. okay?”
Nick: “I’ll be good daddy, I promise” Paul smiled and nodded, and then he grabbed Joseph’s hand, and Kevin followed them down the hall. I sighed
Dan: “ready Nicky?” he nodded, and we went back into the room. Taylor’s bed is sitting up a little bit, and he is biting his lip, and squeezing his eyes shut, he still looks like he is in a lot of pain, and I feel horrible.
Nick: “T-Tayylor?” he said quietly as we walked over to the bed. Taylor’s eyes opened and he looked over at us.
Taylor: “n-nicky” he whispered. “you are safe”
Nick: “because of you… you saved me tay… I’m sorry you got hurt”
Taylor: “it’s not your f-fault.. y-you should have listened to me though”
Nick: “I’m sorry... I was s-scared” Taylor coughed, which made him whimper, and then start to cry, which made Nick start to cry too.
Dan: “are you okay Taylor?”
Taylor: “yes, my… my chest hurts”
Dan: “I’m sorry baby, I wish I could make it better”
Taylor: “w-what happened? Where... I thought… he... he stabbed me” he asked, confused.
Dan: “he did stab you, right in the chest, and in the belly… that’s why your chest hurts, you had a few surgeries that night, your all stitched up”
Taylor: “w-what happened to Matt? how did y-you… how is nick okay?”
Dan: “we got to the school, and a bunch of police came, they arrested Matt. he has attempted murder, and kid napping charges on top of the charges he already has for hurting Joey. He is going to prison for a very long time”
Nick: “we aren’t supposed to t-tell Joey” I nodded.
Dan: “Joey doesn’t know that Matt was at the school, we aren’t telling him, because we don’t want to scare him”
Taylor: “I th-think that’s a good idea” He said before closing his eyes again.
Nick: “tayy.. I missed you” Taylor smiled a little bit, and then he opened his eyes and he tried to reach up to him, but he was in too much pain. I carefully sat Nick on the bed beside him.
Taylor: “I missed you too… so happy you are okay.. hug?” Nick looked up at me. and then he shook his head no.
Nick: “I don’t wanna hurt you”
Taylor: “you won’t hurt me”
Dan: “lay down nick, you can cuddle next to him” Nick nodded and slowly laid down next to him, and he laid his head on Taylor’s shoulder. Taylor slowly reached up and he placed his hand on the other side of Nick’s head, and he closed his eyes.
Taylor: “I thought he got you, I.. I was so scared” he whispered. I never thought about how traumatic that must have been for Taylor, to pass out, and the last thing he saw was Matt and Nick. I leaned down and kissed Nick’s forehead, and then his.
Dan: “you gave us a pretty bad scare Taylor”
Nick: “you wouldn’t wake up Tayy… everyday we kept hoping you w-would wake up and, you d-didn’t. it was scary” Taylor looked at me with a confused look on his face.
Taylor: “what? I.. I was asleep?” he asked me. I nodded.
Dan: “you’ve been unconscious for weeks baby… we seriously almost lost you”
Taylor: “I always was a heavy sleeper” he joked, tiredly. Which made me smile. My babies finally back. The whole family took turns seeing Taylor all day today, he slept a little, which Nick was NOT okay with. Nick cried the whole time he was asleep. We kept promising him that he was just taking a nap, and that he would wake up, but Nick wasn’t hearing any of it, which I can understand, this whole thing has been so hard on him. right now Deb and I are in here, and the nurse just took his catheter out, because they want him up, and walking around. Taylor Screamed his head off when they pulled it out of his penis, which made me cringe, it looked really freaking uncomfortable. Right Now Taylor is sitting up on the edge of his bed, and he is leaning up against my chest, because he is a little dizzy, and because he is in pain. The nurse is being really patient with him.
Deb: “are you okay Taylor?” she asked running her fingers up and down his back. he has a hospital dress on, which means his little bottom is on display. Which I think he is too out of it to even realize, otherwise he would not be okay with a room full of people seeing his tushy.
Taylor: “hurts” he mumbled.
Nurse: “the first time getting up out of bed is always the worst, but you made it through the hardest part, now all you have to do is stand up on your feets” Taylor took a shaky breath, before trying to stand.
Dan: “I gotcha baby boy, you are doing so good”
Taylor: “I feel like I can’t stand straight... my legs are shaky and my chest burns”
Dan: “just take your time Taylor, it’ll get easier”
Nurse: “would it be easier if we got you a walker to hold onto?” he shook his head no.
Taylor: “wanna hold onto my dad” he mumbled, stubbornly. I chuckled.
Dan: “try to take some steps” He nodded, and took some slow, shaky steps. I made sure to secure him and hold him tight. But he still did most of the work on his own, and I’m proud of him for that. The nurse placed a pad on the chair, and I led him over to it, and helped lower him onto it, and then I pulled away. he looks so uncomfortable.
Nurse: “are you okay sitting there for a little bit? then you can try walking again later” he nodded, and she brought the call button over to him, before leaving the room.
Deb: “are you doing okay?”
Taylor: “ugh… momma, it hurts so bad” he whined.
Deb: “I’m sorry sweetie… it’ll get better”
Taylor: “I want to go home”
Deb: “you’ll be out of here before you know it”
Taylor: “that catheter thingy hurt so bad… it still kinda burns”
Dan: “do you think you have to pee?” he shook his head no.
Taylor: “is it supposed to burn?”
Dan: “I don’t know buddy; it was a pretty big tube up there… it’s probably going to feel weird for a little bit”
Taylor: “why the heck did you let them put that up there?” he said glaring at us.
Deb: “we didn’t, that’s just what happens when you aren’t awake to be able to go pee”
Dan: “um… you were back in diapers kiddo, didn’t you notice it? they pulled your gown up, spread your legs, untaped it, cleaned you up, took it off and everything before they took the catheter out. you were squirming around a lot, so I thought you-“
Taylor: “EWW! Daaaaad!” he exclaimed. “that is so embarressssingg! Stop talking about it!” he whined. “I think I’m still out of it, all I noticed was… pain… those were girlsss!” his face turned a bright shade of pink and reached up and covered his face.
Deb: “it’s okay Taylor, it’s their job, they deal with that kind of stuff everyday”
Taylor: “doesn’t make it any less embarrassing” I pulled his hands away from his face, and he looked up at me with a pout on his face. I don’t even care that he is being whiney right now, I’m so glad he is awake, and talking to us.
Dan: “I shouldn’t have told you, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to embarrass you. it’s okay though buddy, they see people naked all day, they don’t care.” He cringed. “but I guess that’s what you get for almost getting yourself killed and scaring the shit out of all of us” he scrunched up his nose
Taylor: “not my fault” he mumbled. I sighed and kissed the top of his head.
