Monday morning had started out like any other. The kids ‘most anxious’ to get back to school Matt came down the stairs in his usual fashion but Marc was a little slower.

“What’s the matter Marc?” Oscar asked as they all sat at breakfast.

“Nothing.” Marc said.

“Are you sure?” You don’t seem like yourself.”

“I’m fine really.” Marc assured him.

“Ok then let’s get going. ‘The bus’ leave in 10 minutes, I have to be at work early today.”

They ran about gathering up last minute items to put in their backpacks, things seemed to be running very smoothly without Mary there in the mornings. Everyone got what the needed gathered up the night before.

During the car ride to their school Marc kept reaching up and rubbing his right shoulder. Although no one saw this except for Matt and Marc had sworn him t secrecy Matt no longer held being the ‘oldest’ over Marc. Marc had told Matt he would punch his lights if he did.

Oscar dropped them off “Will you two please walk Joey to his class today. I am really running late this morning I am supposed to be in a meeting this very minute.”

“Sure dad, No problem.” Matt said

Oscar looked one more time at Marc. “Are you sure you’re ok? Maybe you better come with me, I’ll take you to see Rudy.”

“No dad really. I’m fine.”

Oscar pulled away. Marc turned to see Matt glaring at him. “It still hurts doesn’t it?”

“Just a little.” Marc replied

“No, more than a little. I feel it to.” Matt stated.

“Look you go on to class. Don’t forget to drop Joey off.” Marc turned to leave.

“Wait, where are you going?” Matt wanted to know

“To Steve’s Marc told him

“Why there.” Matt wanted to know

“Steve might know what’s wrong.” Marc explained.

“Maybe you better go see Rudy.”

“No way he’ll probably wanna give me a shot.”

“Ouch!” Matt proclaimed. “I know what you mean. What do I say to our teacher?”

“Just tell him I’m home sick. We have the same teacher.”

“Do you have money for the bus to get you to DC?” Matt wondered.

”Yep I do. See you later.” Marc turned and headed for the bus stop.

“See ya. I still say you should tell dad.” Matt called after him

“He would only take me to Rudy.” Marc argued. “You just heard him.”

“You’re right there.” Matt agreed. “But I’m sure Steve will do the same thing.

Marc left the school grounds and waited for the bus. He climbed on when it arrived and paid the fare.

He arrived in DC in a little over 10 minutes. He had to change buses. But arrived at Steve‘s apartment by 9:30

At the school Marc and Matt’s teacher wondered where Marc was. Matt informed him Marc didn’t feel well and had stayed home.

The teacher sent the attendance to the office attaching a note explaining that Marc was home sick.

The school secretary got on the phone and called Oscar. Callahan informed her that Oscar was in a meeting.

“Well we were just wondering how Marc was feeling. He was kept home today.”

Callahan looked up. “Just a moment. Mr. Goldman, Bates Academy on line two.”

“I’ll take it in my office.” Oscar walked in and lifted the receiver. “Yes what’s the problem.”

“No problem we just wondered how Marc was feeling, you kept him home from school today.”

Oscar thought for a moment “I did not keep him home.” He informed the secretary.

Marc rode the elevator up to Steve’s apartment. Jaime was visiting and she answered the door. “Marc why aren’t you in school?”

“Is Steve here?” Marc’s shoulder was really hurting him now.

“No he isn’t he went to the store he will be right back. Come on in. What’s the matter?” She asked after Marc was sitting in a chair in the living room.

“I really want to talk to Steve.” Marc told her.

“What about?” Steve asked as he came through the door, “and why aren’t you in school?”

“I need to talk to you. You said anytime, right?” Marc questioned.

“You’re right I did say that.”

The phone rang and Jaime went to answer it.

“What’s wrong Marc?” Steve asked sitting beside him on the couch.

“I don’t know. But it hurts.” Marc cried.

In the kitchen they could here Jaime on the phone. “It’s ok Oscar he’s here. He said he needed to talk to Steve.”

“Is he all right?” Oscar sounded concerned. “I knew something was wrong this morning he wouldn’t tell me though. I’m on my way.”

“Steve Oscar is on his way.” Jaime called

“Tell him to wait. I think we will be coming there.” Steve said coming into the kitchen. He took the phone from Jaime. “Oscar tell Rudy I’m brining Marc in.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know, he seems to be in pain. He says his shoulder hurt and the upper part of his legs.”

“Just a minute Steve Rudy wants to talk to you.” Oscar passed the phone to Rudy.

“Steve exactly where is the pain located?” Rudy wanted to know.

“Marc.” Steve said. “Show me again where it hurts?” Steve was saying when Jaime walked back into the living room.

Marc pointed to his shoulder. “Here.” He said. “And here” He pointed to his upper thigh.

“What’s wrong with him Steve?” Jaime wondered.

“Rudy he says it’s in his shoulder and the upper section of his legs.

“Ok Steve bring him in.” Rudy instructed.

“We’re on our way.” He hung up the phone “Jaime, can you drive?”

“Sure, no problem. Let’s go.” They headed out to the car.

Steve carried Marc out to the car. “I’ll ride in the back with him.”

“Ok “ She said as she climbed into the drivers seat.

Steve set Marc in the back seat then crawled in beside him He held Marc against him as they drove. “It’s going to be just fine.” He kept trying to reassure not only Marc, but himself as well.

“Steve what’s going on?” Marc asked.

“We will find out soon.” He said. “You just stay with us ok?”

“I’ll try. But I feel real funny.”

Jaime pulled into the OSI parking lot Steve took Marc out of the car and carried him up to Rudy’s office.

Oscar and Rudy were waiting just outside the door. “I’ll take him Steve” Rudy said.

“No!” Marc cried. He held onto Steve.

“Ok bring him in.” Rudy said.

“Here Steve lay him down here.” Rudy pointed to a bed.

Steve laid him down. “You stay?” Marc called out.

Steve looked at Rudy who nodded his approval

“Yea I’ll stay Marc.” Steve assured him.

“Russ is on his way to pick up Matt.” Rudy said as he began his examination. “From the conversation we had, I have a pretty good Idea what’s going on.”

“What?” Steve demanded!

“He’s growing. I’ve been ready for this for about a month now. I figured he would really feel it if he grew about a quarter of an inch.

“That’s all it took?” Steve grilled.

“Yep. I sent Russ to pick up Matt just to make sure. I’ll measure him and see if he’s grown. That will cinch it.”

Matt arrived and sure enough he had grown a quarter of an inch.

So began the change over. It was a day they knew was coming but no one had looked forward to..

That had been yesterday morning and now Oscar waited. Steve and Jaime waited with him.

Rudy finally came through the door. “He’s doing fine. I think you can take him home tomorrow sometime.”

“That’s great Rudy. Thanks, but if we have to go through this every time Marc grows a quarter of an inch…”

“I’m afraid we more than likely will. But at least next time Marc will know what’s going on and he’ll come to me.”

“Can I go see him?” Oscar asked

“Sure Oscar, go on in.” Rudy approved

Everyone seemed to hover around Marc. Matt was getting a little tired of it. Anything Marc did was just fine. He was tired of Marc getting all the special treatment.

Marc had been back home for only two days. He and Matt weren’t getting along at all Matt seemed angry for some reason but wasn’t saying anything.

After dinner the second night. Steve stopped by. Oscar answered the door. “Hi Steve glad you could come. I really think Marc could use a buddy right about now.”

“Is anything wrong?’ Steve asked.

“No it’s just that he and Matt are barely on speaking terms again. I don’t know what’s going on.”

“I’ll talk to Marc, can we use your office? Steve asked.

“Please go right ahead.” Oscar nodded.

They walked through the living room Marc and Matt were watching a TV program. Oscar popped the TV off “Ok Matt time for bed.”

“What about Marc?” Matt protested.

“Steve stopped by to talk to Marc. You need to go on to bed it’s about ten to eight. I’ll send Marc up when he’s finished.”

“That’s not fair!!” Matt hollered.

“Matt! I have put up with your attitude for the past two days. I told you it’s bed time and I meant it!”

Matt stomped off and went upstairs. ‘Nobody cares about me’ he said to himself.

Steve and Marc sat in Oscar’s home office. “How are you doing Marc? I’ve been wondering how you felt about everything that’s happened in the past few days?”

“I’m fine Steve really.” Marc told him

“Is there anything you want to talk about? What’s going on between you and Matt?

“I don’t know. He hardly talks to me again.” Marc replied

“Are you ok with that?” Steve wondered.

“Not really.” Marc admitted.

They had spoke for sometime when they walked out of Oscar’s office. Marc said “I’m going on to bed I’m tired”

“Ok son, I’ll be up in a minute.”

He turned to Steve “Is he ok?”

“Yea it’s just with the holidays coming he’s really feeling the loss of his folks. I think maybe we will tackle one hurdle at a time with him. Maybe right now concentrate on dealing with his parents accident, then maybe he’ll be ready to handle the bionic end of things.”

“I agree, thanks for coming out. Did he say anything about Matt?”

“Just that he and Matt have hardly spoken.”

“Well that’s par for the course, Matt has hardly spoken to anyone.”

“Ok I’ll leave it at that then. See you tomorrow.” Steve started for the front door.

“Yea see you tomorrow pal.” Oscar called after him.

Marc climbed in to bed “Good Night Matt.” He said.

“Yea” Matt said.

“What’s bothering you?” Marc asked.

“Nothing. Not a thing. We better go to sleep.”

Oscar walked into their room “Matt!” he barked “You should be asleep.”

‘How can anybody sleep with people coming to bed late, and interrupting you’ Matt thought.

Oscar sat down by Marc’s bed. “So you had a nice chat with Steve?”

“Yea he’s nice I really like him”

‘I think he’s an idiot.’ Matt said to himself.

“Anyway he told me that you are really feeling sad about your mom and dad. I under stand that with the holiday coming up it is really hard for you.”

“Yea, I really miss them.” Marc explained

“That’s ok to feel that way.” Oscar stated.

‘What! They weren’t my parents? I guess I’m not supposed to miss them only Marc. Marc, Marc, Marc it’s always about Marc.’ Matt rolled over and tried the best he could not to listen to the conversation.

“Well you try and get some sleep. I’m just down the hall if you need me.” He got up to leave. “Good night son.” Then he turned to Matt “Night Matt.”

‘Why does he get goodnight?’ I’m not supposed to have a goodnight. And don’t bother calling me son.’

The next morning Oscar was in the kitchen making breakfast when they all came downstairs. Dan was first “How would you like your eggs this morning Dan?”

“Over easy I guess.” Dan said. He had his nose in a book and barely looked at Oscar.

“Sounds like a winner, and what have I said. No books, toys or anything else at the table. It is family time.”

Dan laid his book down. “Right I forgot. How’s Marc doing by the way?”

“He and Steve had a long talk last night. He’s still upset about your parents.”

“I guess I have to admit it bothers me every once in a while too.” Dan said.

“What about Joey?” Oscar asked.

“You know, I don’t think he remembers them much. He was having all those problems before and I think he believes you are his dad.”

“Well that’s good:”

Matt was coming through the dining room and heard the conversation. He waited. But they said no more on the topic.

‘That’s good, that’s good.’ Matt mocked to himself. ‘How does Joey feel, how does Dan feel and always how does Marc feel. Nobody cares how Matt feels.’

Matt walked into the kitchen. “Listen mister about last night.” Oscar began. “I am really getting tired of this attitude of yours. When I say bed time it’s bed time and I want no argument.”

“Yes sir.” Matt spoke to his dad but never looked at him. ‘Your not my dad anyway.’ He thought.

Marc and Joey were the last ones to come down. “Morning Marc hey Joey how would you guys like your eggs this morning? I have one request for over easy.”

“I want scrambled, “ Joey exclaimed.

“Sounds good to me.” Marc said.

“Matt how bout you.” Oscar turned to Mat.

‘I’m surprised you’d ask.’ “I don’t care.” Matt started flipping his fingers not paying attention to anything else.

Oscar finished fixing the eggs and set the over easy eggs in front of Danny and gave each of the twins and Joey a plate of scrambled

‘He knows I don’t like scrambled.’ Matt grumbled

The other kids started eating. Matt just sat there staring at his fingers.

Oscar had had enough. He snapped his fingers “Come on Matt eat your breakfast I have to get you guys to school.”

Matt picked up his fork and took a small bite. “I have had it. We will be in the car. When you are finished you may join us there.”

Matt waited for all of them to leave. Then he took his plate and dumped into the sink. He grabbed his coat and backpack and joined everyone in the car.

Oscar stopped in front of the school “You guys have a good day” He said. “I’ll see you when I get home from work.”

“By dad.” Marc said as he got out of the car. “Come on Matt I think we still have a few minutes to play.”

Marc raced ahead and Matt followed behind.

“Come on Joey, I’ll walk you to your class real quick.” Oscar said as he got out of the car and reopened one of the back doors for him.

He escorted Joey to his class and then headed into DC to drop off Danny and then head for the office.

“Matt what’s wrong with you?” Marc asked when Matt didn’t play at recess.

“Nothing, and don’t try climbing in my head to find out. Just go play with your friend Steve.”

“Huh, what are you talking about?” Marc was perplexed.

Matt turned and walked to the other side of the playground until the bell rang. When they got to their class the teacher asked everyone to hand in their homework.

Marc eagerly removed his from his book bag and handed it up to the front of the room. Matt just sat in his seat playing with a pencil.

“Matt, do you have your homework?” The teacher asked.

“Matt just shook his head not saying a word. He continued to watch his pencil as he rocked it back and forth between his fingers.

“You don’t have your homework done?” The teacher asked him one more time.

Again Matt didn’t answer. He just shook his head.

“Ok then you will stay in at recess and complete it.”

Matt just nodded. ‘You don’t like me either.’

At recess Matt stayed inside he sat drawing pictures. When the teacher asked him for his homework he handed it to him. ‘I didn’t want to go to recess anyway. Then I would have to play with Marc I wish we were in separate classes again.’

Oscar had only been in his office a few minutes when Rudy walked in.

“Hi Rudy what’s up?” Oscar asked.

“I was just wondering how Marc was getting on? He seems to be adjusting to everything ok?”

“He’s doing great Rudy. He and Steve talk all the time.”

“That’s great. He needs to talk. Steve say’s he’s dealing with a lot right now. First there is the loss of his parents and everything else. I don’t know how he has held up so well to be honest.”

“He is doing pretty well isn’t he?” Oscar stated

“Yea, quite frankly I’m amazed. How is the Christmas shopping coming?”

“I’m almost done. I’ve been meaning to ask you. Matt says he wants dog. But you said they’re allergic.”

“Well they may not be allergic to all dogs, just that particular breed. Go ahead and get one, we’ll see what happens.”

“I’ll do that. Although I don’t know if Matt is going to get much of anything the way he’s been acting lately.

“Why, what’s the problem with Matt.” Rudy asked.

“Nothing is wrong that a good old fashioned spanking won’t cure.” Oscar noted.

“Well Oscar if you’re going to buy them a puppy it would be a good idea to get it before Christmas.” Rudy suggested

“Why is that?” Oscar wondered.

“It’s easier on the puppy to be there before the excitement of Christmas Day.” Rudy informed him.

“Maybe I’ll stop off tonight and pick one up so I can surprise them. I want to make sure they are not allergic though.”

“Get a poodle they are a breed that is less likely to cause allergies.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. I think I will take the rest of the day off. Why don’t you come over for dinner tonight? I’ll ask Steve and Jaime to come to.”

“That sounds good.”

“Ok then I’ll see you around 5:30.” Oscar said as Rudy opened the door. “I still wonder what you are working on.”

“I told you, it’s a secret. I’ll see you then.” Rudy said. “I have to get back to work.”

Before he left his office he called Steve at his apartment. He thought dinner sounded wonderful. And he knew Jaime would too. He agreed to be there at 5:30

Matt remained quiet all afternoon at school. Marc had tried a couple of times to climb inside Matt’s head but Matt had blocked him out. They had discovered early that they both had to want to ‘read each others minds’ Matt obviously didn’t want to right now.

“Come on Matt, tell me what’s wrong?” Marc pleaded.

“Leave me alone!!” Matt demanded. That was the last thing he said for the remainder of the afternoon. He lifted his hand up beside his face and began to flick his wrist up and down staring straight ahead.

“Matt, please talk to me.” Matt begged.

Matt turned his head and didn’t say a word

Oscar hit the dog kennels with a vengeance. A dog might be just what Marc needed. He thought as he drove from one to the other searching for a poodle.

The last one he went to he hit the jackpot. Ten poodles were in need of a home. He picked out a chocolate colored one and paid the breeder.

“Come on little fella I think you have a new home”

Oscar made it home by 5:00 he was anxious to surprise the twins with the new puppy. ‘I’m glad I made it here before the gang got here.’ He thought to himself as he parked in the garage.”

“Hi Mary you can go now. Thanks for fixing extra at the last minute. Where are the twins?”

“No problem sir. Marc is doing his homework and Matt is in the living room.”

Oscar went to the bottom of the steps. “Marc come down to the living room I have a surprise for you and Matt “

Marc came down the stairs. “Go on in. Wait with Matt I’ll be right there.”

“Ok” Marc said and walked into the living room he was shocked by what he saw, Matt was sitting in front of the coffee table. He had a coffee can cover in his hand he was setting it up on the table and letting it spin around. It made Marc think of the way Joey used to be.

Oscar walked in with the puppy. “Hey guys look what I have for you. Matt, what are you doing? Come on put that thing down.” Oscar took the plastic lid away from him. Matt looked up but never looked at his dad. “I thought you would be the most excited. You’re the one that wanted a puppy.”

Matt only nodded and walked over to the dog. He looked down at the 8-week-old puppy and promptly kicked it across the room.

Oscar was shocked. “Alright young man. That is it. You go to your room right now. You will come out for dinner and then you will spend the rest of the night upstairs!”

Matt shrugged his shoulders grabbed his coffee can cover and went upstairs. ‘I don’t want you dumb ole puppy. You didn’t buy it for me anyway. You bought it for Marc.’

At 5:30 Rudy, Jaime and Steve arrived for dinner. “We had a little trouble. I don’t know what has gotten into Matt. I bought the twins a puppy. That is one of the things Matt said he wanted.

“Did you get a poodle?” Rudy wanted to know.

“Yes, anyway. I brought the puppy in and showed it to the twins. Matt kicked it across the room. I think he almost killed the poor little thing.”

“I’m not a vet, but I’ll take a look at the puppy if you like.” Rudy offered.

“Thanks Rudy. Listen I need to go get Matt it’s dinner time. He’s grounded to his room for the remainder of the night though.”

“Can’t say I blame you there” Steve said as Oscar headed up the stairs.

Rudy went to see if there was anything he could do for the dog.

Matt was sitting at their game table spinning the coffee can lid again when Oscar walked in. “Matt what is going on?”

Matt said nothing. He sat in the chair and continued to spin the lid. Oscar reached over and took it away from him. “It’s time for dinner come on downstairs.”

Without a word Matt got up and followed Oscar down to the kitchen.

“How’s the puppy?” Oscar asked Rudy when he got down stairs.

“I’m sorry I wish there were something that could be done. I’m afraid it was a little more than a little puppy could handle. They all turned to Matt who was tapping in hand against his thigh.

“He doesn’t even care.” Danny cried.

Matt exploded. “I do to care!!” he shrieked. “Nobody cares about me!!” He yelled even louder. “You only care about him!” He pointed to Marc. “How does Marc feel about this how does Marc feel about that. Marc, Marc, Marc!” He was crying now and everyone else was shocked.

“Matt I do love you son” Oscar tried to comfort him.

“Don’t call me son, I’m not your son. My real daddy loved me. Don’t you think I miss him and mommy too? No! Only Marc misses them. I’m tired of Marc!! That mean old dream Jaime was right he’s a weirdo bionic freak.”

Oscar reacted wrong. He slapped Matt across the face and told him to go to his room.

Matt turned and ran upstairs crying.

Marc only stared after his twin who at this moment was a total stranger.

Steve walked over to Marc. “Are you all right?”

“I don’t know. I know he didn’t meant it.”

“Well I’m going to go have a chat with that boy.” Steve said. He marched up stairs to Marc and Matt’s room.

“We need to talk!” Steve said entering the room. “That was a mean vicious cruel thing you said to your brother. Do you know how that made him feel? No! And I bet you don’t care either. Do you?”

Matt only stared out the window rubbing his cheek.

“Do you have any idea the amount of time I spent working with him trying to get him to feel good about himself? Again no, cause you don’t care.”

“I hate you. And I hate him.” He pointed to Oscar as he came through the door.

“My daddy never hit me. I am going to go stay with them.”

“Don’t talk silly Matt, you know your parents are gone.” Oscar scolded. Now you come down, aplogize to your brother, eat your dinner and come back up here.”

“Yes sir.” Matt said.

After dinner Oscar told Matt, “I want you to sleep in Joey’s room tonight. He will sleep in with Marc tonight. I want all of you to go up stairs now.”

“Yes dad.” Marc, Dan and Joey said.

“I don’t know what to do Steve. What happened here tonight?” Oscar asked

“You want my honest opinion?” Steve replied

“Of course.” Oscar said.

“I think Matt is jealous of the attention Marc has been getting.”

“But to say that to him.” Oscar said.

“I know. I would like to spend more time with Marc, especially now. But Matt gets in the way.”

“I don’t think you will have to worry about that for a while.” Oscar assured.

“You may be right. Maybe I’ll take him again tomorrow morning. Do you mind if I stay the night?” Steve asked

“Not at all. In fact, why don't you all stay?” Oscar offered.

Everyone agreed that would be fine.

“I'll get the guest room ready. I put twin beds in there rather than the double. I hope you two don't mind." He turned to Rudy and Steve.

"Not at all, that would be fine." They said.

Matt had come downstairs for a drink, he over heard the entire conversation.

Late that night when everyone was asleep, Matt crept out of Joey’s room and slipped downstairs. He grabbed the keys off the counter where ‘he’ always kept them. He went out to the garage and started the car. He slowly backed it out of the driveway, and then he took the garden hose and put one end in the exhaust pipe and the other end in the window of the car Matt then went around to the drivers side of the car opened the door and slid in. He sat behind the steering wheel He had written a note, he laid it on his lap…

The sound of the idling car woke Jaime up. She wondered why anyone’s car was running. Since their cars were the only ones around as Oscar lived in the country. She looked outside. It wasn’t her car or Steve’s, and Rudy’s car wasn’t running either.

She went upstairs to Oscar’s room and knocked on the door. It was opened a moment later by a sleepy Oscar.

“Oscar is there any reason why your car would be running?”

“No why?” Oscar rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.

“Well it’s running.” She informed him.

“I’ll go check it out.” Oscar grabbed his bath robe.

“I’m coming with you.” Being careful not to wake Rudy, she woke Steve up too and the three of them went out to the garage.

When they entered the garage they saw the garage door was open and Oscar’s car was in the driveway. They started walking toward the car. When Jaime saw the hose going from the exhaust pipe to the window, she knew it meant trouble she screamed. Oscar ran for the car. “Steve! The door is locked! Matt’s in there!” he screamed.

Steve was standing right beside him, he reached over and ripped the door completely off and let it fall to the ground. Matt sat in the drivers seat slumped over the steering wheel. He was unconscious

“Jaime go get Rudy!!” Oscar bellowed.

She ran in the house and up stairs to wake Rudy up.

Steve carried Matt into the house his skin had a purplish tint to it.

As Oscar started for the open garage door he saw a slip of paper on the garage floor. He picked it up and followed Steve inside.

By the time Steve brought Matt in Jaime had managed to wake not only Rudy but the rest of the house as well. Dan and Marc stood watching.

Marc saw his brother he was almost purple from lack of oxygen Marc started crying. Jaime went over to him “You two better come out to the kitchen.” She spoke softly.

“What happened?” Rudy questioned as he took Matt from Steve and laid him on the couch. He reached for Matt’s wrist and tried to find a pulse. There was none. “Steve start the car.” Rudy commanded as he began CPR.

“I don’t know” Oscar said as he made his way to where Rudy was leaned over the couch. “We found him in the car. The motor was running. He had the garden hose stuck in the window. Rudy is he going to be alright?”

“Do you know how long he was in there?” Rudy said between breaths.

“No not at all. Does it matter?”

Rudy continued CPR “We have to get him to the hospital “ Rudy picked Matt up off the couch. “Jaime we are taking Matt to the hospital. You stay with the kids. We will keep you informed.”

“Ok.” She called from the kitchen.

Oscar got in the back seat with Rudy who was still holding Matt.

“He has a pulse, it’s very weak but its there. Step on it Steve!”

Steve hit the gas and they made it to the National Medical Center in less then 10 minutes.

They rushed back to the OSI Special Bionics section and Rudy rushed Matt into the lab. Leaving Oscar and Steve in the hall.

“Listen to this” Oscar said as he read Matt’s note.

Dear Sir

’I am sorry this didn’t work out. I know you like the other kids better than me. I want to be with my real mom and dad. Tell Steve I won’t be in the way anymore. Please tell Marc I love him.’

Matt

“He did this on purpose. He tried to kill himself.” Oscar stated to cry.

“I don’t understand.” Oscar began. “How the hell does a seven year old know how to try and kill themselves? This is my fault you know. I never should have hit him. I didn’t mean to it just sort of happened.”

“I think we are all guilty.” Steve said. Did we really listen to what Matt was saying last night?” Or did we just concentrate on what he said to Marc.”

“What do you mean Steve?” Oscar asked.

“I think he was calling out for help last night.”

“I agree with Steve.” Rudy added. As he came out of the room.

“How is he Rudy?” Oscar asked.

“He’s breathing on his own. His pulse is stronger and his color is returning. I think he’ll be alright.”

“What do you mean, you ‘think’ he’ll be alright?”

“As I said. I don’t know how long his brain was without oxygen. There could be some brain damage.”

“Brain damage?” Oscar questioned. “What kind?”

“I won’t know until he wakes up and can answer, or not answer questions which ever the case may be.”

“I understand. I still want to know how does someone Matt’s age know what to do?”

“I really don’t have an answer for you Oscar,” Rudy affirmed. “Only to say he may have seen it in a movie.”

“Maybe someone should have been working with Matt the same way we were Marc,” Steve suggested.

“Well from now on someone will.” Oscar assured them. “I don’t want to lose any of my kids. I can’t help it guys, I love them. I do wonder though. I thought all four wanted to be my sons. From what Matt said last night. I don’t think he wants to.”

“Of course he does Oscar.” Rudy confirmed. "He doesn’t think you want him he said that last night.”

”I’ll be right back. I want to be here when Matt wakes up. I just want to let Marc know that Matt is ok.”

Oscar walked down the hall to a pay phone. He put in a dime and dialed his house.

Jaime answered. “Oscar? How is Matt?”

“Rudy thinks he’ll be alright. He is at least breathing on his own.”

“Well that’s good.” Jaime stated

“Can I speak to Marc?” Oscar asked.

“He’s asleep.” Jaime informed him.

"I hate to wake him." Oscar said. Then he heard Marc’s voice on the phone. “Dad how’s Matt?”

“Rudy thinks he’s going to be fine.” Oscar explained.

“Thinks?” Danny asked. He had picked up the extension.

“He doesn’t know if there is going to be any brain damage or not. We will know more when he wakes up.”

“You’ll call as soon as you know something? Won’t you Oscar?” Jaime asked.

“Or course I will, I want to be with Matt when he wakes up. So it may be a while.”

“Look we will be there as soon as Joey wakes up. I’m sure you don’t mind if the kids miss school?” Jaime inquired.

“No, that’s fine. They have been up most the night anyway. Neither one would do well in school today.” Oscar admitted.

“Ok then as soon as Joey wakes up.”

Oscar hung up the phone and went back down to Rudy’s lab.

“He’s just sleeping.” Rudy informed him.

“I’m not leaving him for an instant.” Oscar affirmed.

“That’s fine with me. But you might have to move out of the way when I need to examine him.”

“That’s ok, I just am not leaving this room.”

“I said that would be…”

Their attention was drawn to Matt who had started moving around.

‘That’s good,' Rudy thought to himself. 'He’s moving his body.'

Oscar was at his side in an instant. “Matt, Matt. It’s dad. Come on son.”

Matt slowly opened his eyes. He looked at Oscar. “D d d dad?

“Yea it’s dad son. You just rest.”

“Wh wh wh where am I?”

“You’re in the hospital Matt.”

“W w why?”

“Oscar looked at Rudy. “Why is he stuttering like that?”

“It could be that he just woke up. Matt, can you tell me what day it is?” Rudy asked.

“I i i it’s M m m Monday.”

“Ok you just relax. I want to talk to your dad for just a moment.”

Matt closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

“Rudy, it’s Friday. Why would he say Monday?”

“I warned you there could be some brain damage. I am waiting for the results from the brain scan I did earlier. They should give me some answers. I’m going to go see if they are ready.”

As he was leaving the room Jaime, Marc, Danny and Joey were getting ready to open the door.

“Can we see him Rudy?” Jaime asked.

“Just Marc for now. He’s sleeping. But first I want to talk to him. Marc, Steve would you follow me?”

They followed Rudy. “Marc, Matt has some brain damage. Do you know what that means?”

“I think so.”

“I’m afraid he may have no memory of what happened last night. He thinks it’s Monday. That’s why I am telling you this. I know what he said must have hurt you very much but Matt was hurting too. None of us saw the signs. But we are aware of it now.”

“I understand. I think.” Marc said. "Can I see my brother now?”

“Sure, Steve will you take him on in. I think you better stay with Marc.”

“I will, don’t worry.”

Rudy retrieved the brain scan and headed back for Matt’s room. “It’s just what I thought,” He said showing Oscar the tests. “The damage occurred right in here the area of the brain that controls speech.”

“What about the memory loss?”

I think that is from the fact that Matt doesn’t want to remember. We call it selective amnesia. Does it really matter though? He has forgotten his anger at you. And most important he has forgotten trying to take his own life.”

“Maybe it is for the best.” Oscar agreed.

As the day wore on Matt seemed fine accept for the fact that he continued to stutter

By 8:00 that night Rudy had to kick them all out so Matt could get some rest. “We have a lot of work to do tomorrow. I have some tests I want to run. You guys can come back then."

Rudy turned to Marc. “You ok with this?”

“I guess so. Why can't we take Matt home and bring him back in the morning?”

“If I send him home, he will never get any rest.”

“That’s fine, Rudy we will be here first thing in the morning.” Oscar said as he ushered the children out the door.

“Ok Matt.” Rudy said the next morning. “I told you we had a lot of work to do. I want to run some tests to check your motor skills.” He gave Matt a variety of puzzles to do. Then had Matt write his name and so on.

By the time Oscar and the kids arrived Rudy was pretty well finished. “I think you can take him home. I have gotten a speech therapist who will work with Matt daily to try and improve his speech. She is also a child psychologist I hope Matt can talk out some of his problems. She is willing to work with Dan and Joey also. Hopefully he will recover from the speech problem completely by the first of the year.

“That sounds great. I think I will have Dan meet with her too. Right now I think Joey is fine.” Oscar said.

“Well she is willing to work with the three of them. Marc seems to be getting along great talking to Steve”

“I agree.” Oscar said.

By noon they left the hospital and headed home.

...Continued