I smiled at Gerard. He got me new crutches that were much more comfortable and the doctor even said they were better for me. They kind of like a cane for either arm but they had a cuff at the top that went around my arms and gave me better support. I looked up at Gerard. Plus they were my favorite color: purple!
"I take it you like them then?" I nodded my head and walked over to him. I took the crutches off of my arms and hugged him. He hugged me back. "These'll help you get through your new school." I looked at him.
"New school?" I asked. He nodded.
"Don't worry. You'll have someone helping you all the time and you'll make new friends and all kinds of stuff." It was clear that he was excited about this. More excited then I was. Kids these days were cruel. Especially to physically and mentally handicapped students. His smile faded when he saw my expression. "What's wrong babygirl?" I looked at him.
"Nothing D-Gerard. Nothing." His face kind of fell when he realized I had almost called him Dad but stopped myself. I felt really small then. "Gerard?" He looked at me. "I'm sorry." He shook his head.
"No hon. It's okay. Take your time." I nodded slightly. "
"Time to go school shopping!" Lyn-Z yelled. Gerard and I both groaned. "C'mon ya big babies!" She grabbed Gerard's keys and ran out the door.
"Hey! Those are my keys! You are NOT driving my car Lyn-Z! Lyn-Z!!" I put my crutches back on and he ran after Lyn-Z. Well...ya see. This is what sucks about not being able to run. You get left in the dust. Gerard ran back inside. "Sorry honey. C'mon." He took my arm gently and helped me to the car. I felt like I was made of porcelain the way he held me. It was pathetic really. But I knew that he was just trying to help me. I've been here for about two months now and I still feel like he's merely a foster parent...but I did almost call him dad earlier. I smiled to myself. Gerard noticed my smile and gave me one of his own. "What're you smiling about?" I shrugged. I'll wait til he gets in the car. He sat down in the passenger seat. Obviously Lyn-Z would get her way this time. Gerard noticed me smiling still. He looked back at me. "What's making you so happy?" I shrugged.
"Nothing Dad. Nothing at all." I thought he was going to have a heart attack honestly.
