With Eyes to Hear and Hands to Speak

Chapter 32: Of Visits and Snoring

John's POV

I walked into the E.R. with Dad and Jane and began looking for Dirk, who was asleep in a chair by the door. The three of us sat near him, not wanting to wake him up, and waited for Rose and Roxy to arrive.

We didn't have to wait very long, and once Roxy spotted Dirk, she walked over to him and kicked him in the shin. He started and his shades slipped down his nose. He fixed them and said something.

The two of them talked for a few minutes, but I only made out a word or two.

Dirk then looked over to Jane, Dad, and me, and asked, *When did you guys get here?*

"Just a few minutes ago." I told him.

*Have you seen Bro at all?*

I shook my head and saw the others doing the same out of the corner of my eye.

Right then, Bro came back out with a woman who I assumed was the doctor. She looked a bit surprised at seeing all of us, and said something about either family or Stan Lee. I looked to Jane and asked her, "What did she say?"

*She was asking if we were Dave's family.* Ah. So not Stan Lee.

The doctor looked between us in confusion and said something else. Jane replied and then said to me, *She wanted to know why you asked me what she said.*

I nodded. It wasn't unusual for people to be confused.

I let the others explain how we were all connected to Dave. I didn't know if I would be allowed to see him or not, since I wasn't technically family, and I didn't know how strict the rules about visiting were at that particular hospital.

After everyone was done talking, Jane turned back to me to explain everything. She said that Dave was still asleep, but when he woke up we could visit him, but no more than two or three at a time. The seven of us sat in the waiting room, talking and waiting for Dave to wake up.

I dozed off a few times, but Jane woke me up when I did. Finally, I decided that I was too tired and I got up to go take my binder off so I could sleep.

I came back and plopped down in the chair, curling up and closing my eyes so that I could sleep.

It felt like hardly any time had passed at all when I was shaken awake by Jane. *It's our turn to visit Dave.*

I nodded as I yawned and rubbed my eyes. I got up and followed Jane to the back where Dave was.

The first thing that I noticed when we walked into the room was that Dave didn't have his shades on. The second thing I noticed was that he had a black eye.

"Oh my god, what happened?" I asked, rushing to him.

*I may or may not have decided to confront Slick and the crew after work.* He said, looking sheepish.

"Why? Was this about what happened in Mr. Novak's class?"

*Perhaps.*

"Jesus Christ, Dave, why did you think that was a good idea?"

*I was angry. And at least I know now that it was dumb. Right?*

I scoffed. "That's the understatement of the year."

*Sorry. I'll try not to do anything that stupid again, but I promise nothing. Although, it will be made easier by the fact that Slick will probably be going to jail.*

"What, why? What did he do?" I asked, once again worried.

*He tried to stab me in the stomach. Only got my arm. Still hurts like hell.* Dave answered.

"That mother f-" I began, but I was cut off when Jane smacked me in the head.

*Language, young man.*

I rubbed my head with my good hand and made a face at her.

"Yeah, but back on the subject of Slick trying to kill you. He's definitely going to jail?"

*Juvy, technically, and it's not certain yet, but it is pretty likely.*

I nodded and leaned in to kiss his forehead. "Alright."

Dave smiled gently. *You guys should go home and get some rest. It's late and you look exhausted.*

"What, no I'm not, that is ridiculous, you /wound/ me." I said, yawning immediately after.

*Sure. I believe you.*

"Okay, That's not fair, I just woke up from a nap."

*Sure you did.*

*He did, actually. I had to endure his snoring.* Jane said.

"I didn't know I snored." I said.

*You have for that past year and a half, John.* she told me.

"How am I supposed to know that, I've been deaf for the past year and a half."

*Oh yeah. July.*

The three of us sat around and talked for a little while longer before Dad came in to get me and Jane. I kissed Dave on the forehead again and waved. He waved back and I followed Dad and Jane out to the car. I fell asleep within the first few minutes of driving and the last thing that I remember thinking is that I wanted Slick to get what he deserved.

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I want someone to die, and soon. That's all. Have a wonderful day/night! Also, sorry for the crappy chapter.