Chapter Three

By the time I woke up June was slowing down and pulling into a driveway next to a quaint small yellow house. I admired the gorgeous garden out front with luscious hibiscus blooms, tulips, and other various flowers and plants. It was close to dawn as there were orange red streaks illuminating the sky. June pulled all the way into the open garage, and as if by magic the door started to close on its own plunging us into darkness for a moment before the garage lights came on.

I happily got out of the car and stretched before twinging at the pain shooting along my left side. This is where Vex had done the most damage to my ribs. It served as a stark reminder that I was not on some vacation, but I was running for my life.

“Are you ok?” June’s voice was laced with worry, she must have seen me twinge while I was stretching. I shook my head yes, letting her know that I was ok. Just then a door I hadn’t noticed before opened and I was surprised at the man sitting in the wheelchair.

“Hey June bug it’s been a while.” The man seemed to have a jovial tone in his voice. I couldn’t help but look over him. He didn’t appear to be much older than me, shaggy blonde hair adorned his scalp, his face seemed to be overtaken by his glasses, and he was dressed casually in sweats and a t-shirt.

“I hate when you call me that Whiz” but June was smiling as she replied to him.

“Coffee is hot, and there are pastries in the kitchen. I am just waiting for confirmation from Larry about her medical needs and then we will all be set to go for the next part of the journey. Tobias rang me earlier and told me to tell you that there are no signs that you were being followed. Him and Shawn are switching cars, and then he will be in a little while later.” June shook her head in acknowledgment of Whiz’s information.

“That’s great I am going to grab a pastry really quick and head upstairs to take a shower. Sorry Abigail this is Whiz, Whiz this is Abigail.” June hastily made the introductions as she popped the trunk and grabbed a few bags out of it.

“Awesome sauce if you follow me, I will take you into the kitchen and get you settled.” With that he started to wheel himself backwards till he reached an area where he could turn himself around. June motioned for me to follow Whiz, and she came in behind me.

In a few short steps we entered a neat kitchen decorated in light green with aloe plants in the windowsill over the sink. “Coffee is over there; mugs are right above it. I have a few juices in the fridge if that is more your style. The pastries are over there by the stove, and there is cereal on top of the fridge if you don’t like pastries. Please make yourself at home.” I was amazed at how well Whiz navigated through the kitchen as he spoke. June had already snagged a pastry and disappeared from my view sight. I happily grabbed a mug of coffee anticipating the welcoming feeling of caffeine flowing through my body, and looked over the buttery flakey variety of pastries that Whiz had available before deciding on a chocolate chip one. I settled in at the small table in the corner. Whiz had opened up the fridge and retrieved some chocolate milk before joining me at the table.

“Thank goodness Jenny sent me your original ID photo, because I don’t think that I could use a photo of you in your current condition.” As soon as he said the words his face twinged pink and he quickly tried to apologize. “I am sorry, I don’t get out that much and I am used to communication through a computer screen, my manners are lacking.” I quickly told him that it was ok and that I understood.

“You have a beautiful garden out front” I complimented.

“Thank you but I can’t take credit for that. My husband is the green thumb, and I am the computer technician.” Whiz must have noticed my confusion when he said husband. “Yes, honey I am gay, have been since the day I entered this world” he told me with a small chuckle.

“Oh no you shocked me that your married, you look so young.” The truth was he did surprise me by openly admitting he was gay, but I was also shocked that he was married.

“We met when we were younger. He left and went to school to become an engineer, while I pursued other dreams. He raced home though when I ended up in this chair.” Whiz had a wistful look as he recalled the past.

“How did it happen?” My curiosity got the better of me.

“A drunk driver hit me head on while texting on his phone. He went left of center and hit me dead on. I was in a coma for almost a month, and when I finally woke up Terry was by my side. He never left me the entire time, and even held my hand when they told me that I would never walk again. He didn’t allow me to wallow in self-pity, and time revealed that we made an amazing team together. He plants flowers and I program the system to self-water. He designs the house so I can access everywhere, and program all of our electronics.” Whiz explained happily.

“Sounds like you two have a very happy marriage.” I was slightly jealous of Whiz, and immediately felt guilty for feeling that way.

“Good I am glad to see that you two are getting along. Any new updates on Tobias?” June had come back into the kitchen, her hair still damp from the shower she had taken.

“No but he was about an hour and a half behind you so he should be here soonish. The guest bedroom is ready so you two can crash out if you want while I wait to hear back. I will have Tobias rest up in the downstairs room.” June shook her head yes, acknowledging that she would rest. Even though I had slept on the ride here I would not mind relaxing in a real bed for a while either.

“Whenever your ready I will show you the bedroom upstairs, and the bathroom.” I nodded to June that I was indeed ready. I gathered my dirty cup and placed it in the sink before following her up the stairs.

The room was almost directly in front of us, with the bathroom being on the left. I was relieved that that were two beds in the room. June claimed one and I happily climbed in the other. It felt good to fully stretch out, and it did not take long for sleep to claim me.