The Day My Life Began II

A New Beginning – Life With My Two Boys

 by: Miguel Sanchez

© 2005-2008 by the author

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

The next thing I knew I was locked loaded and ready to fire. I quickly turned around to Bryce and just held him and I fought to regain control of my body. When I felt my flag pole lower, I finished my shower and went to bed. This kid had some effect on me. My prick starts think it's a teen-ager again.

I crawled into bed and had my God spooned against my chest with his back and butt. That was the last thing we knew as we both drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 7

The Truth Comes Out

The remainder of the boys’ time off went by with little fanfare and Thursday was here before anyone gave it a second's thought. I received a call from Neil on Tuesday stating the test results would not be finished until the end of the week.

The boys were taking their end of the year tests a little earlier than usual because we had a mild winter and the school did not have to make up any snow days. The school calendar was built with 14 extra days in it so they would not have to take any holidays away from the children but in the case of a mild winter; extra days off are usually added during their spring and Memorial Day weekends. The school board agreed to end the school year two weeks early so parents, who miss their precious children, could spend two extra weeks with their little darlings. And if you believe this, I have some prime water-front property in Arizona for you, too.

Today is Thursday and I'm actually glad to be back at work. Now I can think about something else except Bryce and the blood test. My morning went rather quietly with two calls requiring my assistance. I was just finishing my lunch when my pager went off.

A voice said, "Rescue 5, Zone 14, Rescue 14, second ambulance call, EMS 5 call holding, 2156 Bonney at the Motel Suites, Room 235. Man complaining of chest pains and difficulty breathing. Priority One. Time 1213. Rescue 5, Zone 14, Rescue 14, second ambulance call, EMS 5 call holding, 2156 Bonney at Motel 8 Suites, Room 235. Man complaining of chest pains and difficulty breathing. Priority One. Time 1213."

I keyed the mike on my hand held radio and said. "EMS 5 dispatch. I will respond just send an ambulance. Who is the closest?"

The voice said, "Rescue 2021 is at Station 16 covering."

I started the Ram and turned on the lights and siren. I called the dispatcher saying. "10-4. Start them."

The voice said, "10-4 EMS 5."

I was about 7 minutes out when it hit me. This was the same motel where that pain in my ass was staying at but I thought the chance of this actually being him was about a million to one.

I pulled into the parking lot and there was a cleaning lady waving her hands at me. I told Rescue 2021C where the room was and to bring their drug box, heart monitor, oxygen and gear bag on the stretcher. I just started up the stairs when the ambulance pulled in to the lot.

When I went in there was a man in his late 40's on the floor barely breathing. His color was ashen and he was sweating as if it was one hundred degrees in the room but it was actually comfortably cool. The crew came in and there was a CT (cardiac technician) along with the driver. I took the monitor and put the leads on the man while the EMT got his vitals signs. The man was in ventricular fibrillation (the lower chambers of the heart were beating independently of the upper chambers) and needed medication before we could shock him. I had the CT start an IV with normal saline and then I went into the drug box to get the medication I needed and the CT was preparing him to be shocked as soon as I pushed the drugs. He was shocked twice and his heart beat was stable. We loaded him onto the stretcher and quickly got him down to the rig so we could get him to the hospital. I searched his pants for a wallet so I could find out who he was. I found it in his front pocket and his driver’s license confirmed my suspicions and it was my pain in the butt.

In five minutes we had him in the emergency room and in the care of doctors. I was concerned as to the out come of this event. If he died, I knew that the current problems Bryce and I were facing would be over and no matter what the results of the blood test it would be a moot point. On the other hand, however, I didn't want to see it end like this.

It was now 2:30 and I had checked back into service. At 4, I was back at the hospital so I decided to see how Mr. Collins was doing. I spoke with the emergency room physician who treated him and found out he had a mild heart attack and with time, rest and medication he should be able to leave the hospital in a week.

I decided not to say anything to Bryce about this latest turn of events. I handled one more call then returned to the station to call it a day.

I got home a little after 6 and the boys were just about to put dinner on the table. The weirdest thing was happening when I arrived. The house was clean, their homework was done and both boys were in one piece. Something was definitely wrong. I just had to figure out what. I hated this scene because I knew something was always up and it wasn't good.

I went upstairs and got out of my uniform and ate dinner. The boys were just chatting between themselves about nothing in particular. The suspense was killing me. "Alright you two. What have you done with the real Bryce and Jimmy?" I asked and held a straight face.

"What are you talking about, Dad?" Jimmy replied, also with a straight face.

"Cut the blarney, boys. I know you too well. Now what's going on?" I asked.

They looked at each other and Bryce stood to clear the table and then the truth came out, or in this case it reared his little head.

"Uh Jimmy. Why don't you stand up too?" I asked.

Sure enough, he was in the same state as Bryce. I asked them. "Did I interrupt something?"

Both the boy's faces were as red as my sweat pants. "No, Dad." Bryce said. We were going to wait until later but I wish Jimmy would quit rubbing the back of my leg."

"I thought you could control yourself better than this Bryce?" I said trying to pull his leg.

"Not funny Dad." Bryce popped back. "The dirty sod knows all me weak spots."

"Well," I said. "I think that's your problem, if you get my drift.

Jimmy sounded off at that. "Ooooh, Dad. That's bad."

I jumped on Jimmy's words just as fast, "If you aren't the pot calling the kettle black. Yours is just as bad as Bryce's, just a little shorter."

Both boys decided to quit while they had a little dignity left. They finished eating in silence which was actually refreshing, no bickering to have to referee. We all finished eating and the lads cleaned up. I decided to watch the evening news when the phone rang. It was Davey, so I hollered up to Jimmy and they talked while I was watching the TV.

The next thing I heard was water running. The boys were getting cleaned up for school and the balance of the evening went without incident. I slept through the night and at 5 the alarm woke me.

Buzzzz, SMACK! Damn it's early, I thought. I got up and finished my usual morning ministrations and had my first cup of coffee. The boys were up a little later and since they took their shower before going to bed, I was able to spend some time with them before heading off to work. The boys had only two days of school left and each of those were half days for final exams.

By noon, I had handled three calls when I was about to request a break for lunch the radio blared. "Dispatch, EMS 5."

I replied "Go ahead!"

"Contact the lab reference DNA." the voice said.

"10-4" I replied and headed to the hospital.

When I arrived, I headed straight for the lab. Noel was there waiting on me holding the report. He handed me the paper and my mouth just hung wide open.

My mouth was moving but there was nothing coming out. "Shit Neil, now what?" I asked finally getting words out!

"Go and ask him." he said.

"How," I countered. "Hey, shithead. So, you're the father of Bryce. What's your next move?"

"No not like that," Neil shot back.

"Ok." I said. "I know what you mean, but I can't guarantee what will happen after he tells me."

Neil turned and headed for the elevator waving his hand as if to say "whatever" as the doors closed.

I headed for his room and my mind was running a hundred miles an hour all in different directions. When I got to his door, I took a deep breath and knocked before I opened it to enter.

I looked at the person lying in bed. He was wide awake and sitting up then said "I see you have the report."

I hesitated for a moment then said "So where do you go from here?"

"Well, as soon as I'm able back to Australia." He said with a grin.

"Huh?" I said. "Back home? Wi..wi..with Bryce? Just like that?"

"No, not just like that." He replied.

Collins sat up a little more then spoke. "I want to meet my son. I don't have any intentions of taking him away from you, mate. I just want to meet the lad I created."

I was in shock. Then I shot back. "I won't allow you to hurt him. He's been through enough what with his mother getting killed and his foster parents in jail for drugs. I can't let him face your sudden coming then going in and out of his life."

He thought then said. "I just want to meet him and see what kind of lad he is. You can handle the arrangements. What ever you decide is alright with me."

I thought for a moment so I wouldn't stick my foot in my mouth. I will let him meet you here at the hospital. Since it is neutral ground, he shouldn't feel too much pressure. Then I asked him, "Why the sudden interest in him after all these years? Is there something I should know?"

He laughed and said, "No, mate. I'm not going to die if that's what you're thinking, at least not yet. Like I said before, I would like the chance to meet the lad."

"OK," I said. You can see him tomorrow night after we eat dinner. We talked a while longer then I looked at my watch and it read 1:30. I said to him, "I got to hit the streets. We'll see you tomorrow about 7."

Tom smiled saying, "Thanks. You don't know how much this means."

As I headed towards the door I told him we should see him tomorrow. The rest of the day was quiet and uneventful which for me only added fuel to an already high burning fire. How was I going to break this to Bryce? We,, I had 24 hours to come up with something.

I signed out for the day and headed home. On the way I had to take a detour around some road repairs and I was about to turn back onto the main road when suddenly out of nowhere came this kid on a bike. It's a good thing I had my left foot on the brake because if I hadn't, he would have been a hood decoration. I watched this reckless kid as he headed up the street and cut into the bowling alley parking lot. He leaned his bike against a pole and chained it there.

I had to wait for traffic before I could turn but I followed and pulled into the lot. As I exited my vehicle I spotted two bikes I knew too well. As I walked into the lobby, it took a few seconds for my eyes to adjust to the darkened surroundings. As I looked for the kid, I spotted two familiar bodies. In the game room were Jimmy and Davey playing video games. Well, at least they aren't trying to become hood ornaments, I thought to myself.

I looked at the counter and low and behold there he was talking to the attendant. I walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder.

When he looked up, I thought he was going to faint. He had that look of "oh shit" on his face.

I asked him "do you always ride you bike like that?"

The kid swallowed hard.

The attendant said "what?" as he stared at the boy.

I waited for a minute before saying anything. "Do you always ride in such a hap hazard manner as to almost get yourself killed?" I asked him again.

"Ah, ah n n noo sir." was all he could get out.

Now I thought the guy behind the counter was going to faint. I looked at him and I asked "Do you know this young man?"

"Yes sir. I do." He said. "What happened?"

"Oh nothing much," I started. "He was weaving in and out of traffic, crossing against the traffic light and almost getting flattened by my Ram."

The counter man looked up and replied. "That's all?" Then he stuck his hand out and said "Hi, I'm Trey and this one is Chris."

There was a small crowd of kids standing around wondering what was going on with Jimmy and Davey being the first.

Trey called someone over so he could take a break. We headed to the snack bar so we could sit and talk with any more people butting in. My two were next in line followed by two more boys I didn't know.

We all pulled chairs up to a large table and I introduced myself. I stuck my hand out to Trey, "Hi I'm Mark Thomas. I'm a paramedic and your friend almost needed one."

Trey got a serious look on his face then I saw a tear roll from his eye. Just then Jimmy spoke up saying "That's my dad."

Chris looked around and saw my boys holding hands. When he saw the tear roll from Trey's eye he said "I'm sorry Mr. Thomas. I wanted to get here so fast I guess I wasn't paying attention to what I was doing."

"What could be so important that you couldn't pay attention to what you were doing?" I asked. Then suddenly it hit me just like a load of bricks.

During this time the other two boys I saw came into the snack bar and joined us. Suddenly one of the two spoke up and said "Oh my God, Davey! Is that you!"

Davey looked at the boy and smiled. "Hey Jamie. Long time."

"Hold it," I said. "You all know each other?"

Davey smiled saying, "Well, sort of. This is Jamie."

Trey did the introductions. "Mr. Thomas, this is Alex Wells and his friend Jamie. You have already met Chris."

I looked at the group and introduced Jimmy and Davey. By the time the introductions were finished, all three pairs were holding hands while Trey gave Chris a stern talking to about his biking habits. I heard his say if he ever heard of him doing that again, he would turn him over his knee and paddle him but good.

I got myself something to drink and I saw a woman come over to the table. Alex got up and went over and hugged her and introduced her to everyone. Alex said she owned the restaurant near our house. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

I stood and shook her hand saying "Ma’am, that's one of our favorite places to go."

She invited everyone to dinner Friday evening. I had to pass on the invitation and when I did, Jimmy and Davey wined.

"Ah Dad," They said. "Can't we go? Pleeaassee?"

Trey spoke up saying, "Mr. Thomas, Chris and I will be glad to pick the boys up and bring them home so you can do what you have to."

I thought about it for a minute and said, "Alright Trey, I will trust you with my boy and his friend. I just hope you drive better that Chris rides his bike." Chris just sunk down in the seat and turned red. I handed Trey a card with my sell phone number on it as I gathered the boys to head home. I knew Bryce would be wondering where we were since it was now almost 6 PM.

The boys loaded their bikes into the Ram and were home in about 5 minutes. Davey kissed Jimmy good bye and said he would see him tomorrow while I put the Ram in the garage.

I came into the kitchen and noticed right away Bryce wasn't telling me he was starving. "Bryce, where are you?" I shouted.

While waiting, I started dinner. He came down stairs holding an envelope looking like he lost his best friend. "Hey pal." I asked trying to cheer him up. "What have you got there?"

He handed me the envelope unopened. "Here, you open it. I already know what it says." Bryce said.

Taking it from him I asked "When did you get your ESP fixed?" He half laughed as I opened the envelope. What Bryce didn't know was I already knew what it said. If you passed the state notified you but if you failed, they sent a letter to your station. The sate lowered the age requirements from 16 to 15 for First Responders just as he was starting the program. They did this so they could have an extra year in the field before starting their EMT program. Right now all they can do is basic first aid and are partnered with an Emergency Medical Technician or higher. Bryce had been going to three other stations to get all the required training so he could take the state test. I read the letter and handed it to him. "Read it." I said to him.

"Why!?!" Bryce shot back.

He was beginning to piss me off. "What the hell's wrong you today? Did someone piss in your Cheerios?"

He was fighting back tears. "I just know I flunked the test, that's all." Bryce said.

I walked over to him and put my arm around his shoulder and held the letter in front of his eyes.

He was crying now, but this time they were tears were of joy. "I passed?" he said.

"Yep," I said. "I never had any doubts. You picked up everything that was taught you. You're a natural."

Jimmy came inside and looked at Bryce. "Hey, bro. Why are you crying?"

"I passed." He told Jimmy. "I passed my First Responder's test."

"Way to go bro!" Jimmy shouted as he ran upstairs. He came down holding a large box and handed it to Bryce.

Bryce stood there stunned. "What's that?"

Jimmy smiled and said "Well, open it and see."

When he lifted the top off, he saw a light blue shirt. He picked it up and it fell open to reveal a Station 5 uniform shirt. There was a Station 5 patch on both sleeves, his state issued First Responder's patch above the right pocket, a name plate on the right pocket flap and his station badge over the left pocket. He set the shirt down and took out the next item. A pair of navy blue EMS response pants. They have extra pockets for holding all essentials plus there is room for additional items. He took them and went to his room to try them on so we could see how he looked. I have to admit he looked very sharp. He came over and hugged both of us. "Thanks Dad. I'm sorry about the way I acted. I have very low self esteem and there isn't a thing I can do about that.

"Yes you can, son. Now that I'm aware of this, we can work on that." I said. "You see son, in medicine the most important thing is to always trust your instincts. Most of the time your instincts will guide you properly because of your training and experience. Here's another news flash, I knew what the letter said before I opened it. You only get a letter from the state if you pass."

I finished cooking dinner and we all sat down to eat. Then I dropped the other bomb shell. "Hey pal." I started. "Got any plans for tomorrow?"

Bryce looked at me weird and said, "No, Dad. Not really. What's up?"

Just then the phone rang. It was Neil telling me that he finally found out why Bryce’s father wants to meet him.

I came back into the dining room and said, "OK. Here's the deal. Bryce, it seems that your father never married or had any other children. You are him only child and as such you are the heir to his estate. Now, don't go and think this guy is a wealthy banker or something else like that. But, on the other hand, he isn't poor either. Neil has the details and will talk to us later about that."

Bryce looked puzzled by this. He couldn't figure out if there was still some hidden motive on the guy's mind. "So when do we meet him?"

I responded, "Tomorrow night. I said we would see him around 7."

Jimmy was sitting there eating quietly while we chatted back and forth but I could tell there was something going on inside his head. When we finished eating, Bryce cleared the table while we went into the living room. I sat in my recliner and Jimmy took the arm. "What's going on, Dad?" Jimmy asked with a very serious look on his face.

I thought for a moment and the spoke. "Son, I don't know. I do know that he doesn't want to take him back to Australia with him. Maybe he just needs to see for himself that the child he helped to create is doing alright. I know Bryce has his father's looks. It's like looking into a mirror."

Jimmy gently slid down into my lap and said, "I just don't want to see him get hurt that's all. He is my brother and I do love him."

I wrapped my arms around him and replied. "I know you do son and so do I. Neil will be there when we arrive so business can be taken care of then we will just see what happens. I may even let the two of you spend some time alone so the can get to know each other."

"Will you be able to adopt him then?" Jimmy asked will a seductive look in his eye.

"Cool your hormones little man," I said back. "I will talk to Neil about that. I think his father will agree to the adoption since he wants to keep him here in the states. Believe this or not, he does want what's best for Bryce as do we."

Just then Bryce came in from filling the dishwasher and asked. "What's going on?"

"Just chatting about nothing in particular," I lied. Don't you two have any homework to finish?"

Bryce came over to the other side of the chair and sat on the arm. "Nope," He said smiling. Tomorrow's the last day of school, remember."

"How could I forget," I replied picking up the remote control. You will need to go to the station and get yourself put on the schedule. Better yet, why don't you give Terry Adams a call?"

Bryce's eyes lit up when I mentioned her name. "I think I will dad." He said with a smile.

Suddenly Jimmy was confused. "What's up with him?" He asked getting up to stretch out on the sofa and watch the tube.

I even had to think about that question. "Terry is from Australia like Bryce so there is a common connection there. Other than that, I haven't a clue."

Jimmy smiled and asked. "You think he's straight, Dad?"

My head quickly snapped over to him. "And if he is would that change anything?"

Jimmy fired back, "Oh, heck no. If he is I might end up an uncle and you a grandpa. Either way I would still love him."

I had to admit that thought pleased me but also scared me. I would then have to admit that I was getting old. "Whatever." I said as I pulled the leg rest up and got ready to watch TV.

Bryce came back in and snuggled next to me and said. "Terry said to see her tomorrow after school and we can work out a schedule. I told her it would be easier if I had day shifts and she said she would take care of things."

The rest of the evening passed without further comment about tomorrow. I had to admit though, I wasn't quite sure how things were going to go and I didn't want Bryce getting upset. I felt if things were taken slow and his father explained things gently, Bryce would understand. This kid does have a head on his shoulders. Only tomorrow know what's in store.

To be continued...

Posted: 07/18/08