Chapter 18

Wedensday night finally arrived. The boys, the DeBauviers, Pascal's new friends, and the families of the boys all showed up at the airport. They were put in a special room so as to not be disturbed. A staff member would bring Pascal to them. Everyone was restless in anticipation. Justin nervously paced the room. Finally, a young man came in and said that Pascal's flight had arrived safely, and she would be with them shortly. Everyone jumped to their feet. This may have seemed like a big ordeal for just one person, but Pascal was no ordinary person and had touched each of them inside in a very special way. The door opened.....

Pascal was in a wheelchair being pushed by a steward. She was wearing flannel pajamas and a white wrap could just barely be seen creeping up her arm. A pillow was behind her back to comfort her sore back. Her hair had been braided and pulled into a tight bun. She was wearing no make-up. Her eyelids drooped and she had a dejected look on her face. Everyone rushed to her. Justin's heart skipped a beat. All of the women in the room began to cry tears of joy. The men began to clap and welcome her home. Justin allowed her family to be with her first. They were all crying and speaking rapidly in French. Pascal began to cry and cling to them.

Justin then made his way to her and wrapped her in his arms. He knew she was probably in pain from his hugging her, but he could not help it. She looked so helpless and forlorn. Never had he seen her look like this. When he first saw her when she moved to Orlando, she had looked detached, but still the same confidant young lady that the was crazy about. But now, she looked like a weak little lamb. She looked at him and they kissed briefly, but it was enough for each of them. Then everyone else hugged her and welcomed her home. They knew Pascal was tired, so they began making their way to the car. The boys said they would get her luggage. Justin sat by Pascal in the car with one arm around her and the other one holding her right hand. Solange sat on the other side of her.

When they got to the DeBauviers', Justin carefully picked Pascal up. She grimaced. "I am so sorry if I am hurting you," Justin whispered.

"Don't worry about. Things are going to be like this for a while."

"Well, we are going to get through this together, okay?" With that he kissed her forehead. He brought her upstairs and placed her on her bed and put the covers over her. Everyone made sure she was alright and as comfortable as possible then left to leave her to rest. Justin was the only one remaining.

"Jusin, stay with me for a while," she requested. He smiled and nodded. He layed down beside her putting his head on her shoulder. She sighed but not from contentment. She began to speak and as she did, tears fell to her eyes.

"It was so horrible" she whispered. He wiped the tears from her face and held her tighter comforting her. "I have never been so scared in my life. Guns were going off, people were screaming, and blood was everywhere. I cannot bear to think about it," she cried.

"It is okay," he comforted. "I don't know why this happened, but everything is going to be alright. I promise."

"I know the pain will cease, but I hate feeling so helpless. The worst part of it is, I cannot play the violin or piano for at least six weeks," she moaned.

"I am so sorry...."He rubbed her right arm and began to sing softly to her. Finally, she dozed off. Justin got up slowly so as to not wake her, softly opened the door, and looked back at her. He shook his head and prayed that she would have a speedy recovery. She deserved it.