The next morning, I woke up when I heard my cell phone ringing. I sat up and grabbed it off the table by the couch. It was my Mom. "Hey Mom" I said as I got up and walked into the kitchen. I didn't want to wake up Riker. "How is Jackson doing?" I asked as I started the coffee. "He's doing good." she said. "In fact, the doctor said that he should be able to come home this afternoon. So we need to make sure that everything is ready. We also need to figure out some way to get him up the front steps." "Don't worry about that" I told her as Riker came up behind me and put his arms around my waist and kissed me on top of my head then went and sat at the table. "Mark, George and Ryland took care of that yesterday for us. They built a ramp over part of the front steps so we can get Jackson's wheelchair in the house. So there's nothing for us to worry about." I talked to her a little longer, then told her to call when she was on her way home with Jackson.
When I hung up, I fixed some coffee for me and Riker and took it over to the table. "Sorry if I woke you up" I told him as I gave him a hug and quick kiss. "Mom just called to tell me that Jackson should be coming home later this afternoon." "Hey, that's great. I know you have been anxious for him to come home." Riker said as I sat down. "Yeah, I really hate him not being here." I said. "But I know that it will be a lot of work when he does come home. I mean, he won't be able to do anything for himself, which he will absolutely hate. But he can deal with it for a few weeks. At least its during the summer so I don't have to worry about Jayce and Whit's homeschooling on top of taking care of Jackson. And Jayce and Whit can help me with either the dogs or Jackson, so hopefully I won't go too crazy." I laid my head on the table with a sigh. Riker laughed. "I knew you would think that you have to do everything by yourself. I know now why Jackson has such a hard time asking for help. He has learned that from watching you his entire life." I raised my head and looked at Riker. "I'm not saying I have to do everything, but most of it will fall on me since Mom and Evan have to work every day. And yes, I do hate asking for help. Besides, there is only so much Whit and Jayce can do. I mean, they can help with the dogs, but they aren't strong enough to lift Jackson. So stop laughing at me."
Riker put his hand on my head. "Honey, it's not just up to you, Whit and Jayce. You have my family right next door to help you every day. I mean yeah, we have rehearsals and some stuff scheduled regarding the new album, but Mom, Dad and Ryland can be here any time. And you know I will be here when I'm not working on band stuff. So don't put everything on yourself. Just let us know what you need done and someone will make sure it gets done." "Thanks Riker." I said with a smile. "I hate to ask you guys to do anything. You all have your own things to take care of. But I'll keep your offer in mind. For now, let's eat breakfast . What would you like?" Riker and I both chose cereal since it was easy and wouldn't make too much of a mess.
After Riker and I finished breakfast, I went to let the dogs out and feed them while Riker went to wake up Whit and Jayce. They came down and ate their cereal while I finished with the dogs and Riker cleaned up our bed from the living room. I loaded the dishwasher and started it, then everyone went into the living room. "OK guys," I told Jayce and Whit, "Mom called this morning and said that Jackson should be home this afternoon. Riker's dad and George got the ramp on the front steps finished yesterday, so we won't have a problem getting him in the house. I have the downstairs guest room all set up for him, and I will be sleeping on the loveseat in his room so I can be there if he needs something at night. I just need you guys to help with the dogs and the household chores the day so I can take care of Jackson." Riker leaned forward and said "I told Rayne this already, and now I am telling you both as well. My family and I are right next door if you ever need anything. Yes, we do have band stuff to take care of, but Mom, Dad and Ryland are usually home when we are rehearsing. Please, don't be afraid to ask us for help." Riker turned to look at me and said "Before you say anything, I know for a fact that my parents and Ratliff's parents have already said the same thing to your parents." I leaned over and put my head on Riker's shoulder. "Thanks again for offering. I'm not used to asking for help, but I'll try to change that, as long as you promise me that you won't change anything you already have planned to help us." He nodded and kissed me.
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Quiet vs. Loud
FanficRiker meets his new neighbor Rayne. But where his house is LOUD and getting LOUDER, Rayne is surrounded by quiet. Can the two come together and equalize the volume? Sorry, I know this description sucks. Hopefully you think the story is better.