Chapter 11
Hours turned into days, which turned into weeks, as Noah made steady progress in his recovery.
His daily workout routine strengthened his core and upper body as well as his mental spirit, bringing his upper body back to near his previous fitness level.
Soon, he was able to hoist himself in and out of bed and to and from the wheelchair.
“Hey Ashley. Are you available?”
“Sure babe. What do you need?” She beamed as she entered the room and bent down to brush a kiss on his lips. “Ready for a shower?”
“Is this a good time?”
“Yup. The girls are fed and ready for school. Your dad is going to drive them this morning, since Katie has her project for the science fair today.” She giggled. “That thing is massive, but she’s so proud of it.”
“Why don’t we show up at the school and surprise her?”
“Do you think you’re up to it?”
“I’m going stir-crazy in this house. Let’s do it.”
Ashley’s face lit up. “Okay—you’re on.”
Ashley pushed Noah’s wheelchair into the multi-purpose room.
The area was dotted with students and their projects.
Noah scanned the room intently until he spotted Katie.
He pointed to the location with his finger as Ashley wheeled him over to where Katie and his parents were standing too.
His face split into a huge grin when aw them.
“Surprise!” he exclaimed. His face split into a huge grin as he saw her eyes widen in astonishment.
Katie rushed to his side, a broad smile creasing her face. “Dad! Mom! I’m so happy you’re here.” She turned to her grandparents and pumped her fist. “I hoped they would come, but I was scared it would be too much for Dad.”
They gathered around her project, chatting until the teacher, Mrs. Johnson, announced the beginning of the presentations. She held up a mic for each student so everyone could hear their description.
When it was Katie’s turn, she beamed and proudly explained her project. As she finished, she made eye contact with Noah. “Most of all, I want to thank my dad for his help and guidance.” She made a heart with her fingers. “You’re my hero. I am so proud of you...and so glad you’re still here.”
Noah held out his arms, and she ran to him.
He lifted her onto his lap and hugged her. “I love you, baby girl. And I’m so proud of you.”
A preteen boy swooped over to Noah’s side and threw his arms around him. “Chief Smith. I missed you. I haven’t seen you at church for a long time.” Felix touched Noah’s casts with a gentle trace of his fingertips. “I heard you got into an accident. Does it hurt a lot?”
“Hi Felix,” Noah ruffled the boy’s hair. “I missed you too. I’m doing better every day thanks to Nurse Ashley.”
Sue and Jeff Hendricks walked over. “Wonderful for you all to be reunited.” Sue clapped her hands together. “Felix insisted we pick him and Jason up from school early to see Katie’s project since she is a finalist. We just had to come and support her. Having you all here is an added bonus.”
Jeff stepped forward and shook Noah’s hand and hugged Ashley, then Katie. “Hey Katie. Fantastic job on your project.”
“Thank you, Mr. Hendricks. My dad helped me.”
Sue enveloped Ashley and Katie while giving Noah a warm smile.
“You’re back where you belong...with your girls. Oh, I want you to meet Jason.” She twirled around and scanned the room. “Jeff. I don’t see Jason. Felix, do you know where he is?”
“Nope. He was just standing behind you.”
“Sorry guys. We need to go find him. Jason’s having a tough time.” Sue said. “Ashley, it’s my turn again on the dinner schedule for tomorrow. Can I drop off your meal around 5:00?”
“That would be wonderful.”
“I’ll give you a call before I come over.” Sue squeezed her hand and Noah’s shoulder before hurrying off toward the exit.
Jason wound around the clumps of students and families grouping around their science projects.
Sweat beaded on his brow as he looked for an exit.
He had to escape. If Felix hadn’t broken away and run to the man in the wheelchair first, he would have come face to face with his victim.
He knew Noah Smith would recognize him from that night and make sure he was brought to justice. It was what he deserved.
“Jason. Stop.” Jeff grabbed his sleeve. “Don’t run away. What’s going on?”
Jason trembled like a caged animal. “I... I feel...sick. I have to get out of here.”
Sue spoke in a soothing voice. “Again? I think I’d better take you in for a check-up. But for now, let’s go home.”
He nodded and hung his head, hiding his lies under his mop of bangs.
Sue entered Jason’s room and set down a mug of chamomile tea on his nightstand. “Feeling any better?”
She touched his forehead, a little clammy but not feverish, and tucked an extra comforter around him.
She frowned at the splatters of blood on the sheets.
These were fresh. She had seen some blood smears last week when she had washed his sheets, but thought they were from some lingering scrapes when he first arrived.
She left to find Jeff in his study, watching the Super Bowl playoffs. “We need to talk.”
His brow furrowed as he reached for the remote and paused the game. “What’s up, honey? Is it Jason?” At her nod, he continued. “He’s been acting strangely lately. I think he’s extremely troubled by something.”
“I agree. I think he might be cutting. There were blood spots on his sheets just now and last week when I did laundry.” Sue settled into the adjacent recliner and curled her legs beneath her.
“The more I think about it, the more it makes sense. From the time he arrived, I’ve sensed that he’s hiding something.
Leaning in toward her husband with a serious expression, she softly said, “Jeff, we’ve seen this before. I think he may be cutting himself.”
“His behavior was strange today at school. His eyes were wild, like a frightened animal. He was about to bolt. But from what...or who?”
Sue tapped her shin with her index finger. “Hmm. Do you think he’s faking being sick?”
“I’m not sure. You would know more about that than me. But this cutting is a red flag. I think we need to notify CPS and set up behavioral help services.”
“I’ll call them tomorrow. Maybe we can meet with a school counselor or psychiatrist.” Sue rolled her shoulders and stretched her arms. “Oh, by the way, I’m going to stop by the Smiths’ house tomorrow.
I offered to bring dinner. Ashley might have some insight into this.
She’s going to be the school nurse for special education at Felix’s school. ”
“Good idea.” Jeff rose and stretched. “I’m going to check on the boys.”
Sue unfolded her legs and swung her feet to the floor. “Thanks, hon. I’ll go make their lunches and put together a shopping list for tomorrow’s dinner. I found a new recipe to try.”
Jeff wrapped his arms around his wife and bent down for a soft kiss. “Anything you make will be delicious. And I know the Smiths will appreciate it.”
Sue kissed him back. “Such a small gesture, really. I thought by now they surely would have found the hit-and-run driver. Didn’t you?”
Jeff shrugged his shoulders. “I know they’re on it. These things take time, especially if Hank’s lawyer filed an appeal. CPS would have notified us if Jason’s dad had been released.”
The next evening, the Smith family, including Todd and Mary, enjoyed the dinner provided by Sue. Noah wiped his mouth and patted his stomach. “I’m going to need to do some hardcore workouts after all these wonderful meals.”
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll bounce right back,” Ashley grinned. “You were blessed with those amazing genetics to be naturally lean.” She patted her thighs. “Not like me.”
“I don’t know. From my viewpoint, you rock.”
Katie pretended to gag into her napkin. “People...children present.”
Ashley giggled. “Okay, okay. Change of topic. Your dad and I want to share some terrific news.” She turned to Noah. “Do you want to tell them?”
“Tell us what?” Emma clamored.
“What is it?” Katie chimed in.
Noah glanced at Ashley with a grin. “I’m having my casts removed next week, after my check-up, if all goes well.”
“Yes!” both girls cheered.
“That means I’ll be starting intensive physical therapy on my legs, but the docs think I’ll be walking and standing on my own in a month or two.”
“Great news, son.” Todd laid his hand on Noah’s shoulder.
“Yes. You’re making such wonderful progress. We couldn’t be happier.” Mary looked at her husband meaningfully. “Dad and I will be heading home after your casts are removed. The time has come, and you all are ready to get your house back and get on with life.”
Noah’s eyes filled as he looked around the table at his family. “I’m so thankful for each of you.” He reached out his hand to his mom and dad. “You two have been incredible with your time and dropping everything to help us. I can never thank you enough.”
Mary grasped his hand in hers. “We love you sooo much. It’s our privilege to be able to help.”
Todd stood and wrapped his arm around his son’s shoulders. “We’re so thankful for you and the incredible healing God is providing.”
Noah’s jaw tightened as tears sprang to his eyes. “Thanks guys. I appreciate you both.”
Ashley and the girls joined in the hug.
Later, as Ashley was helping Noah prepare for bed, he found her staring at him, an odd look on her face—one he had seen before.
“What now?”
“You,” Ashley sat on the bed and patted him on the arm. “You would be a fantastic mentor.”
“A mentor? To whom?”
“To a young man who needs a role model and some positive, manly guidance. You’re perfect.”
Noah laughed. “Now what are you up to, Ash?”
“Sue and I chatted today when she dropped off our dinner. You know she and Jeff adopted Felix and were planning to retire soon from being foster parents.
“Yes, I remember you mentioning that.”
They took in a teenager on Christmas Eve, no one else was willing or able to foster him. He came from a horrible situation.”
“Okay,” Noah said. “And how does this all fit in with me as a mentor?” He gazed at his plastered legs with a grimace. “I’m such a prime model of health and fitness.”