Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 8:12 pm
Once again, thanks for the feedback. It seems most people don’t want Max to go away. Well there is a lot more info in this chapter on the school and the life Max will need to learn to live. Kerri, thanks again for being my beta!
kerri240879 – Thanks, I did actually ask my mum what she would do…
POM – Don’t parents ALWAYS baby you a bit when you’re sick? Add a bullet in the brain and I have a feeling Max will have to get used to it.
roswell3053 - No I understood fully what you meant, Max will need Liz, but he’ll have to learn on others too because it’s too much for one itty brunette to handle.
RhondaAnn – Yep, there were a few empty chairs.
begonia9508 - No not CIA or FBI, maybe fashion police?
Erina – Isabel has been hiding without realising it since it happened, and I think the whole living in a fish bowl life will soon be starting.
Ellie – Yea it got pretty hot…but now it’s cold again and we’re in long sleaves again!!! Oh see now you’ve distracted me, chin-ups, *sigh*…. Lots more about the school in this chapter.
Natz - Thanks
pLANETv33n3ss – Thanks and here you go Miss.
Rigel – Welcome!! Not to worry, a lot of people (and well me) forgot there wasn’t aliens to save anyone!!
KatnotKath – Yes I am rubbing in the weather, I’ve seen the news I know the cold snaps hitting everyone!! I hope you’re better soon.
Grace52373 – I think you’re right, helping Max will be a team effort.
Anonymousarfan – Thanks!
Chapter Eleven
The next morning Liz stood at her mirror and looked at what she was wearing to the hospital. The brief thought of ‘Would Max like it’ was quickly brushed aside with a sad smile, he wouldn’t know what she was wearing, he couldn’t see what she was wearing.
So Liz made the trek to the hospital on Saturday like every other day that week. She pulled into the car park and walked in through the lobby doors, up to level one and down to room 1947. Knocking on the door lightly she opened it and looked in, finding it empty Liz begin to panic, had something happened to Max? Walking back to the nurse’s station she was startled when she saw Max sitting in a wheelchair being pushed down the hallway. Phillip was walking beside him and from the expression on his face he looked stressed. Liz was about to hide and come back in a little while when Phillip looked up and spotted her.
“Liz dear, perfect timing. Could you possibility do me a huge favour?” Phillip stopped in the hallway as Max was pushed back into his room.
“Of course, anything Phillip.”
“Great, can you stay with Max? Diane has gotten the flu and can’t come in an visit so she’s upset about that and I think Isabel is getting sick so I’ve banned her as well from visiting. I need to run to the store and stock up on some food for home, we have nothing in the house and I want to check in on the girls. But as you know we don’t really want to leave Max alone. So if you’re free for a few hours could you possibility stay here with him?” Liz wondered if Phillip had been spending time with Maria, he spoke quickly enough.
“The flu? That’s too bad; sure I can stay as long as you need me. Or if you want to stay maybe I could do the shopping for you?” if the Evans family needed Liz to stay an hour she’d do it, if they wanted her to stay a week she would.
“No it’s fine you stay with Max. He’s being a little difficult today so he’s not in the best of moods. The social worker will be here around 3 so I’ll be back for that.” Phillip looked into the room and saw Max was back in his bed, sitting up his arms crossed over his chest.
“That’s fine, take as long as you need.” Liz wondered if the reason Max was in a bad mood was because he never had a moment alone? Maybe she should see if he wanted some time alone and sit in the waiting room.
“Great, perfect. I’ll go, tell Max I’ll be back later. And if you need anything, umm, try the nurses or just call Diane at home.” Before Liz had time to respond Phillip was off down the hallway. Poor guy Liz thought, the last week had been horrible for them, on top of work and Max in hospital the rest of his family was now sick with the flu. Sighing Liz turned and walked into Max’s room.
“Hi Max its Liz. You’re dad had to leave for a few hours to get some things for your mom and sister, so you’re stuck with me.” Liz noticed at Max was following her as she walked into the room and sat down next to him.
“Good, I mean that man is sending me insane. They all are.” Max was angry, he wanted to be a part of his life again, instead of an observer. Not that he was an observer either, to be able to observe you had to be able to see and he couldn’t, he was merely a bystander. No one asked him anything except how he felt, everything was talked around him, not too him. Once he ‘woken up’ yesterday he waited for his parents to bring up the possibility of him moving to go to school. They never did.
“Ummm, I’m sure they don’t mean to be.” Liz was surprised; she’d never been around an angry Max, granted she’d never spent much time around him at all. But the few times he had the right to be angry at school he still seemed to be calm, and now he was red from anger.
“No they do, they have no idea what it’s like for me at all. They say they do, but fuck they’re not the blind ones are they? I mean they’re thinking of sending me away to school did you know that? They had this whole conversation after you left yesterday about it while I was still pretending to sleep. But they haven’t mentioned it to me at all have they? No because we wouldn’t want to discuss Max’s life with Max.”
“Ok, look I don’t even want to imagine what you’re going through right now Max. And no one knows what you’re feeling, but I think they think they’re just doing the right thing.”
“But it’s my life Liz, not there’s and I want to have a say in it.” Max’s hand hit the bed with a bang; he was frustrated and was taking it out on Liz.
“But it is there life as well Max, look I’m not justifying what’s going on, them not talking to you I think you should be included.” Liz could see Max was about to talk so she continued quickly. “No wait let me finish, see Max you’re blind and as tragic and horrible as that is, and trust me it is and everyone knows that. But you can’t go back to the life you had, you can’t as much as you want to or I want you to you can’t and so everything and everyone was to adapt to the changes. And they wont be easy for you, but they wont be easy for them either.” Liz could see the anger leave Max’s face a little, she knew he must be frustrated but it wasn’t his parent’s fault and she’d seen what they’d been through the last week.
“I know, I do really but sometimes I just wish they’d ask me instead of telling me. I mean I’ve been awake what 2 days? And already it’s too much.” Max felt bad for blowing up at Liz, but at the same time he was amazed how she just sat there and took it calmly.
“I can’t imagine. I mean my parents have been hovering and I’m fine. But Max I’ve been here everyday and seen you parents and how they coped and all I can say is that they are doing they best they can. They’ve barely left your room, let alone the hospital in the last week. And today with your mom and sister being sick, I’m sure they’re just exhausted and they think they’re saving you from more stress by not worrying you with the little things.” Max knew what Liz was making sense, he did but he still wanted to be a part of everything.
“Do you know that my parents have been talking in hushed voices since I woke up? They refuse to get angry with me? I could all them every name under the sun and they’d just there? But you, you just yelled at me Liz Parker.” Liz wondered for a brief second if she’d gone too far, but then Max’s lip turned up into a smile.
“Well yea, I guess I did.” A smile grace Liz’s face as well, and for a few minutes they just sat in silence.
“So how are you anyway Liz? I mean mom said you’ve been here everyday since it happened?” Max made his mother repeat that information twice when he’d first heard it. Of course then his mother thought his ears had been damaged and called a doctor. But Max was too happy to care about the hearing tests he had to endure; Liz had come and sat with him everyday.
“I’m fine, better now you’re awake.” Instinct took over and Liz grabbed Max’s hand and she felt him squeeze it. For a second Liz was embarrassed at the blush that graced her cheeks, but then realized Max couldn’t see it and she smiled a sad smile.
“Yea, I guess I was sleepy huh?” Max tried to make it sound light, but even he couldn’t stop the sadness from coming through.
“Something like that. Hey can I ask you a question?” Liz heard the drop in Max’s voice and decided the least she could do today was keep Max’s spirits up.
“Sure.”
“It’s about Isabel and Michael…they’re not going out or anything are they? I mean they seem kinda close?” Although Liz seriously doubted they were she knew the question would bring a smile to Max’s face. She was wrong; a second later Max erupted in laughter, it didn’t last long though as his hand went flying to his neck.
“Aww, I think laughter is out for a little while.” Max was so surprised at the question he forgot about everything for a few seconds and even the pain of his wound couldn’t stop the humour he felt.
“Oh I’m so sorry I shouldn’t have…do you need something? Someone?” Liz stood to go and get a nurse.
“No it’s fine really. I just haven’t laughed since…well you know and I now know it hurts a little. Don’t be sorry, it’s the first time I’ve forgotten what’s going on, even for a second.”
“Well I guess that’s good, but you never answered my question, are they?”
“Isabel and Michael? God I hope not they’d kill each other in a second. Michael has no one really, he’s got a grandfather somewhere in Wyoming that he’s never seen and he wasn’t even close to his parents. So even before they died he was always at our house, and after the car accident Dad helped him get emancipated so he didn’t have to go into foster care. They wanted him to move in with us but he wanted to be life alone.”
“Wow, I mean there were always rumours about why he lived alone, you know bad foster care things like that. But that’s so, so simple a reason I guess.”
“Yea, he’s my brother and he’s Isabel’s brother, that’s as close as they’ll ever get.” Max was started to be distracted by Liz’s hand, he couldn’t believe Liz Parker was sitting next to him and holding his hand.
“I feel sorry for Isabel then he’s kinda protective of her. Did you know that Michael followed her for three hours yesterday? He even hid behind a dumpster.”
“Really? Yea, Michael was always been good at stealth…”
“Oh but he wasn’t, I mean Isabel knew he was following her the whole time.” Liz watched as Max started to laugh again, only to stop a second later and smile.
“Ok, well maybe he’s not so good then. What were you doing talking to Isabel anyway?” Liz explained how she invited them to dinner and how along with Alex and Maria they ended up having a pretty good time last night.
A few hours later Phillip Evans and the social worker walked in to find Max and Liz in an in-depth discussion on music. Phillip couldn’t believe this was his son, Max who hadn’t smiled since he woke up was waving his arms around and talking over Liz who herself was talking loudly.
“Oh you did not just say that about Michael Jackson Max Evans. If weren’t in this hospital bed, well I would…”
“Would what? Don’t let a hospital bed and blind boy stop you.” Max laughed and a second later felt Liz stand up, her laughter stopping.
“Phillip, hi, umm we were just…” Liz didn’t know how to explain the fact she had just threatened Max.
“Oh no don’t stop on our account. I’m sure he deserves everything he’s going to get.” Phillip looked at the smile and colour gracing Max’s face, he looked better than he had all week, hell he looked better than he had in months, Liz Parker was truly special.
“Hi dad, how’s mom and Isabel?”
“Oh fine, complaining about me banning them from visiting you. I had to leave before I did something drastic to them.”
“I bet, Isabel and mom aren’t the best patients at the best of times.”
“Max, Liz this is Lilly Kleeman, the social worker from Albuquerque. Lilly this is Max and Liz Parker a friend of the family.”
“Nice to meet you Liz and Max.” Walking in she shook Liz’s hand and grabbed Max’s and shook his.
“Well this is my queue to leave. I bailed on my shift last night so I have to work tonight. I’ll talk to you later Max.” As was her habit now she leaned over and planted a small kiss on Max’s cheek.
“You can stay if you want Liz.” Max didn’t want Liz to leave; the comfort he felt when she was around was so soothing.
“No I should go, really you have things to talk about. Wish Diane and Isabel well for me Phillip?” Liz looked at the older man.
“Sure thing, we’ll see you tomorrow.” Phillip watched as the young girl walked out the room and the smile from Max’s face faded.
“Hi Max, as your dad said my name is Lilly Kleeman and I’m a social worker and I specialize in cases of blindness or impaired vision in teens and young adults. Now I know you are most properly scared and have a million and one questions about everything and anything and I hope that today and through phone calls and meetings I’ll be able to help you sort some things out.” Lilly reached into her bag and pulled out a recording device putting it on the table next to Max. “I’ll tape the session for you, in case you want to go back and listen over anything we’ve said ok?” Seeing Max nod she got out her notebook and quickly scanned the information. She’d already spoke to Max’s doctors as well as Max’s parents over the phone yesterday and had a fare idea of who Max Evans was.
“Your dads going to stay Max, but this is really a meeting between you and me ok?”
“Sure.” Max wasn’t sure what was going to happen, but just the fact that Lilly was talking to him about his life instead of talking about his life made Max want to hear more.
“Well I guess the first thing is do you have any questions? I know it’s early and I can’t answer any medical questions but is there anything you can think of right now you want to know?”
“Umm not really, I haven’t really had much time to think about it.” Max was lying; he had a million and one questions floating around in his head, from the simple things like how he would get around to would he be able to graduate collage?
“OK, that’s fine it’s been a huge week for you. But I hate to say it but this is just the beginning Max, the road ahead of you is long and hard but with support of friends and your family I don’t doubt you’ll be able to achieve every dream you’ve had for yourself.” Lilly noticed Max had shut his eyes; she’d seen this before on her cases. It was a form of denial and a way of self consciously blocking out the world. Not waiting for an answer, as she doubted she’d get one she continued.
“So I guess I might as well start with the simpler things, like getting around, and what I call ‘blind etiquette’. This is more or less what you’ll have to talk to people you know about, things like leaving things on the floor, moving furniture without telling you. Things you don’t think of but can be dangerous and annoying for sightless persons. When people walk in and out of rooms, they should announce themselves to you, but they wont remember to do this at first so you’ll have to ask them to. You’ll find people will get embarrassed when they say things like ‘I’ll see you later’ or ‘did you see that?’. This normally happens after people get used to you being blind, they forget and treat you normally which you want, they don’t mean to offended you when they say see, or look.” Lilly looked over at Phillip and noticed he was taking notes and was already on his second page.
“Now getting around is a little harder, there are three ways, you go it alone, which means you rely on people to help you walk or do things. You rely solely on touch…”
“No, I don’t want to have to rely on people. If this is my life then I want to have a normal a life as possible.” Max sat up a little straighter in the bed, Lilly smiled, glad that he was listening.
“Ok, I don’t recommend that anyway. It’s not only dangerous but you’re right you can’t lead a normal life like that. The other ways are cane and guide dog. Having a guide dog gives you the most freedom over all; it allows you to walk in crowded places and to get around safely. A cane also has it’s benefits, it’s small they fold down to about the size of a ruler. They are very portable and well they’re not alive!!! Most people that are totally blind like you use both. Having a dog is good for everyday things, but when you just want to walk to the mail box in the front yard or walk around a friends house the cane is much simpler.”
“A guide dog? How do we look into that?” Phillip looked up at Lilly.
“Well you need to go to school for a month with your dog and learn how to use them. The dogs already have had over a years training by the time you both meet, but you have to learn the signals and how to give directions and it’s not as easy as it looks. Now I rang around yesterday to see what the dog situation was. There are about 25 schools in the US that you can get a dog through and a school in Nevada has openings in their November class.”
“November? Isn’t that a long time to have to wait?” Max didn’t want to wait until November to be able to do things alone.
“Yes but there are a lot of things you need to learn before you can make the step to get a guide dog Max. Things like learning to read and write Braille. Learning how to cook and clean without sight, all simple things you used to take for granted. Like I said it’s a long and not so easy process from here on out.” Lilly didn’t like to lie to people about what happened from here, she wasn’t going to say it was all a bed of roses, because it wasn’t, it was a hard slog to learn to lead a normal life for a blind person.
“I guess I just thought they’d come naturally to me. I mean I could cook before today why wouldn’t I be able to now?” Max stated to realize there was a lot of things he never thought about and was glad Lilly was here to help him through.
“Ok let’s go with cook then. How would you read a cookbook? Or what the settings on the stove? Or what you’re actually putting in the food. Everything in your house will need Braille labels and to be placed in there own spot. Even getting milk for your coffee, you wouldn’t want to pour orange juice in my mistake. Things you’ve never thought about will now take longer and require more care Max, your way of life will change.”
“Were do you go to learn this all? I mean what happens from here?” Max knew the answer, but he wanted to be told.
“School Max, and not West Roswell High, well at least not for awhile anyway.”
“You mean I could go back?” Max thought his high school days were over, that’d he’d have to graduate somewhere else, if he could graduate at all.
“I don’t see why you couldn’t finish school there Max. You’d be surprised at what books come in Braille and with a aid you shouldn’t have a problem at all.” Lilly saw him smile and knew that that was a question Max had wanted to ask from the beginning.
“Really? At West Roswell?” Max couldn’t believe that he might be able to finish high school where he started.
“Sure, but lets not think that far in advance just yet. Now I spoke to Dr. Pierce and he wants to get you up and about today, so I brought you a few different types of canes to try. They all do the same thing but like everything each one has it’s pros and cons. There are some with a large ball at the bottom, some have a slightly crocked stick, and others have a sensor. Use them and decide what you like and let me know and I can order one for you. They should all be the right size for you, I checked your height yesterday.”
Max’s head was spinning, this much thought went into a cane? And Lilly said this was the simple stuff!!!
“Ok so that’s the actual cane, now let me explain how to use it, then well get you up and give them a try ok?” Lilly spent the next 30 minutes talking over how to use a cane properly. Phillip and Max both asked a lot of question, they had no idea walking was such a complicated thing.
After Lilly thought Max had shown how to sense the changes in the cane she went and got a nurse to remove his drip, a few minutes later Lilly and the nurse had Max standing and out the door. Together the three of them went on Max’s first walk as a blind person. Phillip walked a few feet behind Max, watching his son’s hesitant steps, the frantic waving of the cane in front of time and before he realized what was happening his eyes began to water and he had to sit down. This was his son’s life now, his Max the boy who ran almost daily couldn’t walk down a hallway without a look of fear in his eyes. Phillip wanted to scream out loud and kill whoever did this to his son, how dare they live there lives when his son’s was changed in such a life altering way? Seeing Max turn around, Phillip noticed Lilly and the nurse back off, walking a step on either side, and how Max’s face went white. Oh God, he was so scared and this was just a hospital hallway. Standing up Phillip whipped his eyes and took a deep breath.
“Looking good Max, although I better tell your sister to be nice to you, you have a decent weapon against her now.”
“Yea, I guess.” Max knew what his father was trying to do, lighten the mood and he was grateful.
“Your dad’s right Max, you did great just now. How do you feel? Tried?” Lilly knew that Max would pick up walking with a cane, but she found the more active the person the harder it was. They were used to control over where they went and there own movement and suddenly they had to rely on something else.
“Ok actually. It’s nice not to be in bed.” Max felt like he had been lying in bed for years.
“Great, the nurse said we could go out into the court yard. I had a look when I arrived and it has some grass and gravel and even some dirt so we can get some experience on some different services. But you need shoes for that? Phillip do you have some shoes for Max?” When Lilly had spoken to the Evans’s yesterday she had mentioned she’d need a few things brought in to work with Max.
“Yep, I brought him some clothes as well so you don’t have to wear the hospital clothes outside as well.” Phillip watched as Max’s face lit up, Phillip knew that Max was self conscious enough as it was and walking around in a hospital robe was just making it worse.
“Perfect. Ok Phillip you help Max get ready and I’ll down the let them know I’m stealing Max for a little while.” Lilly walked down to the nurse’s station and let them know she was taking Max outside for an hour or so. The nurses had been told by Dr. Pierce to let Lilly have free range of Max that day, she was experienced in helping the blind and medically Max was well enough to do everything they had talked about and the sooner he got out and about the better.
A few minutes later Max’s door opened up and Max and Phillip walked out, and Lilly was in shock. She knew Max was a handsome boy, and just wearing sweats with a bit of colour made all the difference. It was like a different person. Pushing the wheelchair she had borrowed he motioned for Phillip to push it.
“Looking good Max, ok. Lets head out. Now Max, like before you grab my arm where it’s comfortable and I’ll lead you. But remember to still use the cane. I’ll make sure you wont walk into anything, but you need to sense objects yourself ok?” Max nodded and together they walked out into the hallway and towards the lift.
“Now Max this is the first time you’ll be around people since the accident and it wont be easy, so if at anytime you get uncomfortable or uneasy you let me know ok? Your dads got a wheelchair if we need it, so don’t be embarrassed if you get tired or want a break ok?” Again Max nodded his head. His heart was beginning to pound and his hands felt sweaty. People, people would see him as the blind boy now. Although Max had thought about that already, hearing someone else talk about it was so real. He stood at what I assumed was the elevator holding onto Lilly’s arm. He could hear people moving all around him and a second later the lift peeped and Lilly was walking forward.
A few minutes later Max took a deep breath, fresh air. He hadn’t realized how much he missed the smell of fresh air until this very second. He could hear birds flying above and the gentle hum of traffic in the distance. Max could feel the warmth of the sun on his face and instinctively he lifted his head towards the sun and breathed in.
“I know I bet you haven’t felt this good in a while right Max?” Lilly knew going outside wasn’t just about walking with the cane. Max had to realize the world was still there; still the same and he had to want to be a member of it still.
“Yea, I didn’t realize how much the air outside doesn’t smell.”
“Arr yes hospital smell. You tend to get used to it, but the second you leave you suddenly realize what things should smell like.”
Phillip, Lilly and Max spent the next two hours walking around the hospital’s courtyard. By the end of the time Max seemed pretty confident walking alone and although he had had a few near misses he hadn’t fallen or walked into anything and Lilly was pleased. Back in Max’s room she explained what happened from here.
“You did brilliantly today Max, really you did. Remember its baby steps for awhile. Now I’ll be coming back down on Monday and I’ll stay in Roswell for a few days. I need to go over your house with your parents to make sure it’s safe and talk about any modifications that need to be done. We also need to talk about what happens now. Now I’m not sure if you’re parents mentioned it but there is a fantastic school in Texas that has what we call a speed integration program.”
“Speed integration?” Max wasn’t sure if he wanted to know what that was.
“I know sounds weird but it’s a great program. Basically it’s for people just like you. Newly blind and wanting to get back to as normal a life as possible as quickly as possible. They’ll teach you everything you can think off, and everything you didn't think of. They have had some amazing results in teaching Braille in the short time of the program, as well as cooking, cleaning, getting around. Things like now to use a computer and how to shop at a supermarket. Now the program is 6 months long and they only run it three times a year and there happens to be a place in the course starting in 2 weeks.”
“Two weeks?” Max knew he most properly would be going away to learn all he needed to know, but 2 weeks was awfully soon.
“Yea, I know it’s very short notice but if you want I can tentatively book you in. And you can talk it over with your family and let me know next week.”
“Would I even be able to go? I mean I was shot a week ago isn’t it too soon?”
“Well a little, I spoke to Dr. Pierce and he said he’d be willing to clear you to go if you wanted to. They have doctors at the school so your care can be taken over by them. It’s a rush I know Max but if it’s not April it’s August, which means you’ll just be finishing in a year’s time.” Lilly knew Max was ready to go, he took to the cane pretty well after only a short time, and the way he talked about finishing high school, she knew he wanted to start moving forward.
“Wow, it’s a lot. Dad?” Max wanted to know what his parents thought of this.
“As hard as it will be for us to have you leave so soon, your mother and I think it’s a good idea Max. You’d finish in time to get a guide dog in November and hopefully go back to school in December or January. But it’s up to you Max, Lilly can tentatively book you in and you think about it for a few days ok?” Phillip moved and sat next to Max on the bed and took his hand. He could see that Max was confused and scared about what happens now, and as hard as it seemed things had to be thought about.
“Sure, ok.” Max’s head was beginning to hurt, and all he wanted was to sleep for a few hours.
“Great, Well I’ll give you a call sometime on Monday Phillip, I have all your numbers, and Max we’ll catch up in a couple of days. Try and walk around as much as you can to get used to it. Ok?” With a nod of Max’s head and a shake of Phillip’s had Lilly was out of the room before either had time to blink.
“Well that was a interesting few hours wasn’t it?” Phillip thought Lilly was great, perky and upbeat she was perfect to be around Max right now.
“Yea, she was a little, umm, upbeat wasn’t she?” Max head was really starting to pound but he knew his father would really start to worry if he said that.
“Just a little, but she sure knows what’s she’s talking about.” Phillip watched as Max lent back on the bed and closed his eyes, he’d noticed how tired Max had seemed since they had come back inside.
“Yea, dad sorry I’m a little tired, I might sleep for a little bit if that’s ok. You can go home to mom and Isabel and come back tomorrow.” Max wanted to be alone; his head felt like it was about to explode, not just from the information overload, but also from the pain radiating from his neck.
“Well maybe that’s not a bad idea. Ok then, I’ll see you tomorrow, call if you need anything ok?” Phillip stood up and gave his son a small hug and left the room.
Max heard the door shut and before he knew what was happening the tears were flowing down his cheeks. This was his life now, walking with a cane, guide dogs, going away to learn how to do the simplest of tasks. Max wanted someone to blame, someone to scream at, but there was no one; he was alone in the room and at that moment felt like he was alone in the world. Max waited until the tears slowed down and called a nurse in, asking for something to stop the pain in his head, a few minutes later Max felt a wave of drowsiness flow through him and before he knew it, sleep came.
kerri240879 – Thanks, I did actually ask my mum what she would do…
POM – Don’t parents ALWAYS baby you a bit when you’re sick? Add a bullet in the brain and I have a feeling Max will have to get used to it.
roswell3053 - No I understood fully what you meant, Max will need Liz, but he’ll have to learn on others too because it’s too much for one itty brunette to handle.
RhondaAnn – Yep, there were a few empty chairs.
begonia9508 - No not CIA or FBI, maybe fashion police?
Erina – Isabel has been hiding without realising it since it happened, and I think the whole living in a fish bowl life will soon be starting.
Ellie – Yea it got pretty hot…but now it’s cold again and we’re in long sleaves again!!! Oh see now you’ve distracted me, chin-ups, *sigh*…. Lots more about the school in this chapter.
Natz - Thanks
pLANETv33n3ss – Thanks and here you go Miss.
Rigel – Welcome!! Not to worry, a lot of people (and well me) forgot there wasn’t aliens to save anyone!!
KatnotKath – Yes I am rubbing in the weather, I’ve seen the news I know the cold snaps hitting everyone!! I hope you’re better soon.
Grace52373 – I think you’re right, helping Max will be a team effort.
Anonymousarfan – Thanks!
Chapter Eleven
The next morning Liz stood at her mirror and looked at what she was wearing to the hospital. The brief thought of ‘Would Max like it’ was quickly brushed aside with a sad smile, he wouldn’t know what she was wearing, he couldn’t see what she was wearing.
So Liz made the trek to the hospital on Saturday like every other day that week. She pulled into the car park and walked in through the lobby doors, up to level one and down to room 1947. Knocking on the door lightly she opened it and looked in, finding it empty Liz begin to panic, had something happened to Max? Walking back to the nurse’s station she was startled when she saw Max sitting in a wheelchair being pushed down the hallway. Phillip was walking beside him and from the expression on his face he looked stressed. Liz was about to hide and come back in a little while when Phillip looked up and spotted her.
“Liz dear, perfect timing. Could you possibility do me a huge favour?” Phillip stopped in the hallway as Max was pushed back into his room.
“Of course, anything Phillip.”
“Great, can you stay with Max? Diane has gotten the flu and can’t come in an visit so she’s upset about that and I think Isabel is getting sick so I’ve banned her as well from visiting. I need to run to the store and stock up on some food for home, we have nothing in the house and I want to check in on the girls. But as you know we don’t really want to leave Max alone. So if you’re free for a few hours could you possibility stay here with him?” Liz wondered if Phillip had been spending time with Maria, he spoke quickly enough.
“The flu? That’s too bad; sure I can stay as long as you need me. Or if you want to stay maybe I could do the shopping for you?” if the Evans family needed Liz to stay an hour she’d do it, if they wanted her to stay a week she would.
“No it’s fine you stay with Max. He’s being a little difficult today so he’s not in the best of moods. The social worker will be here around 3 so I’ll be back for that.” Phillip looked into the room and saw Max was back in his bed, sitting up his arms crossed over his chest.
“That’s fine, take as long as you need.” Liz wondered if the reason Max was in a bad mood was because he never had a moment alone? Maybe she should see if he wanted some time alone and sit in the waiting room.
“Great, perfect. I’ll go, tell Max I’ll be back later. And if you need anything, umm, try the nurses or just call Diane at home.” Before Liz had time to respond Phillip was off down the hallway. Poor guy Liz thought, the last week had been horrible for them, on top of work and Max in hospital the rest of his family was now sick with the flu. Sighing Liz turned and walked into Max’s room.
“Hi Max its Liz. You’re dad had to leave for a few hours to get some things for your mom and sister, so you’re stuck with me.” Liz noticed at Max was following her as she walked into the room and sat down next to him.
“Good, I mean that man is sending me insane. They all are.” Max was angry, he wanted to be a part of his life again, instead of an observer. Not that he was an observer either, to be able to observe you had to be able to see and he couldn’t, he was merely a bystander. No one asked him anything except how he felt, everything was talked around him, not too him. Once he ‘woken up’ yesterday he waited for his parents to bring up the possibility of him moving to go to school. They never did.
“Ummm, I’m sure they don’t mean to be.” Liz was surprised; she’d never been around an angry Max, granted she’d never spent much time around him at all. But the few times he had the right to be angry at school he still seemed to be calm, and now he was red from anger.
“No they do, they have no idea what it’s like for me at all. They say they do, but fuck they’re not the blind ones are they? I mean they’re thinking of sending me away to school did you know that? They had this whole conversation after you left yesterday about it while I was still pretending to sleep. But they haven’t mentioned it to me at all have they? No because we wouldn’t want to discuss Max’s life with Max.”
“Ok, look I don’t even want to imagine what you’re going through right now Max. And no one knows what you’re feeling, but I think they think they’re just doing the right thing.”
“But it’s my life Liz, not there’s and I want to have a say in it.” Max’s hand hit the bed with a bang; he was frustrated and was taking it out on Liz.
“But it is there life as well Max, look I’m not justifying what’s going on, them not talking to you I think you should be included.” Liz could see Max was about to talk so she continued quickly. “No wait let me finish, see Max you’re blind and as tragic and horrible as that is, and trust me it is and everyone knows that. But you can’t go back to the life you had, you can’t as much as you want to or I want you to you can’t and so everything and everyone was to adapt to the changes. And they wont be easy for you, but they wont be easy for them either.” Liz could see the anger leave Max’s face a little, she knew he must be frustrated but it wasn’t his parent’s fault and she’d seen what they’d been through the last week.
“I know, I do really but sometimes I just wish they’d ask me instead of telling me. I mean I’ve been awake what 2 days? And already it’s too much.” Max felt bad for blowing up at Liz, but at the same time he was amazed how she just sat there and took it calmly.
“I can’t imagine. I mean my parents have been hovering and I’m fine. But Max I’ve been here everyday and seen you parents and how they coped and all I can say is that they are doing they best they can. They’ve barely left your room, let alone the hospital in the last week. And today with your mom and sister being sick, I’m sure they’re just exhausted and they think they’re saving you from more stress by not worrying you with the little things.” Max knew what Liz was making sense, he did but he still wanted to be a part of everything.
“Do you know that my parents have been talking in hushed voices since I woke up? They refuse to get angry with me? I could all them every name under the sun and they’d just there? But you, you just yelled at me Liz Parker.” Liz wondered for a brief second if she’d gone too far, but then Max’s lip turned up into a smile.
“Well yea, I guess I did.” A smile grace Liz’s face as well, and for a few minutes they just sat in silence.
“So how are you anyway Liz? I mean mom said you’ve been here everyday since it happened?” Max made his mother repeat that information twice when he’d first heard it. Of course then his mother thought his ears had been damaged and called a doctor. But Max was too happy to care about the hearing tests he had to endure; Liz had come and sat with him everyday.
“I’m fine, better now you’re awake.” Instinct took over and Liz grabbed Max’s hand and she felt him squeeze it. For a second Liz was embarrassed at the blush that graced her cheeks, but then realized Max couldn’t see it and she smiled a sad smile.
“Yea, I guess I was sleepy huh?” Max tried to make it sound light, but even he couldn’t stop the sadness from coming through.
“Something like that. Hey can I ask you a question?” Liz heard the drop in Max’s voice and decided the least she could do today was keep Max’s spirits up.
“Sure.”
“It’s about Isabel and Michael…they’re not going out or anything are they? I mean they seem kinda close?” Although Liz seriously doubted they were she knew the question would bring a smile to Max’s face. She was wrong; a second later Max erupted in laughter, it didn’t last long though as his hand went flying to his neck.
“Aww, I think laughter is out for a little while.” Max was so surprised at the question he forgot about everything for a few seconds and even the pain of his wound couldn’t stop the humour he felt.
“Oh I’m so sorry I shouldn’t have…do you need something? Someone?” Liz stood to go and get a nurse.
“No it’s fine really. I just haven’t laughed since…well you know and I now know it hurts a little. Don’t be sorry, it’s the first time I’ve forgotten what’s going on, even for a second.”
“Well I guess that’s good, but you never answered my question, are they?”
“Isabel and Michael? God I hope not they’d kill each other in a second. Michael has no one really, he’s got a grandfather somewhere in Wyoming that he’s never seen and he wasn’t even close to his parents. So even before they died he was always at our house, and after the car accident Dad helped him get emancipated so he didn’t have to go into foster care. They wanted him to move in with us but he wanted to be life alone.”
“Wow, I mean there were always rumours about why he lived alone, you know bad foster care things like that. But that’s so, so simple a reason I guess.”
“Yea, he’s my brother and he’s Isabel’s brother, that’s as close as they’ll ever get.” Max was started to be distracted by Liz’s hand, he couldn’t believe Liz Parker was sitting next to him and holding his hand.
“I feel sorry for Isabel then he’s kinda protective of her. Did you know that Michael followed her for three hours yesterday? He even hid behind a dumpster.”
“Really? Yea, Michael was always been good at stealth…”
“Oh but he wasn’t, I mean Isabel knew he was following her the whole time.” Liz watched as Max started to laugh again, only to stop a second later and smile.
“Ok, well maybe he’s not so good then. What were you doing talking to Isabel anyway?” Liz explained how she invited them to dinner and how along with Alex and Maria they ended up having a pretty good time last night.
A few hours later Phillip Evans and the social worker walked in to find Max and Liz in an in-depth discussion on music. Phillip couldn’t believe this was his son, Max who hadn’t smiled since he woke up was waving his arms around and talking over Liz who herself was talking loudly.
“Oh you did not just say that about Michael Jackson Max Evans. If weren’t in this hospital bed, well I would…”
“Would what? Don’t let a hospital bed and blind boy stop you.” Max laughed and a second later felt Liz stand up, her laughter stopping.
“Phillip, hi, umm we were just…” Liz didn’t know how to explain the fact she had just threatened Max.
“Oh no don’t stop on our account. I’m sure he deserves everything he’s going to get.” Phillip looked at the smile and colour gracing Max’s face, he looked better than he had all week, hell he looked better than he had in months, Liz Parker was truly special.
“Hi dad, how’s mom and Isabel?”
“Oh fine, complaining about me banning them from visiting you. I had to leave before I did something drastic to them.”
“I bet, Isabel and mom aren’t the best patients at the best of times.”
“Max, Liz this is Lilly Kleeman, the social worker from Albuquerque. Lilly this is Max and Liz Parker a friend of the family.”
“Nice to meet you Liz and Max.” Walking in she shook Liz’s hand and grabbed Max’s and shook his.
“Well this is my queue to leave. I bailed on my shift last night so I have to work tonight. I’ll talk to you later Max.” As was her habit now she leaned over and planted a small kiss on Max’s cheek.
“You can stay if you want Liz.” Max didn’t want Liz to leave; the comfort he felt when she was around was so soothing.
“No I should go, really you have things to talk about. Wish Diane and Isabel well for me Phillip?” Liz looked at the older man.
“Sure thing, we’ll see you tomorrow.” Phillip watched as the young girl walked out the room and the smile from Max’s face faded.
“Hi Max, as your dad said my name is Lilly Kleeman and I’m a social worker and I specialize in cases of blindness or impaired vision in teens and young adults. Now I know you are most properly scared and have a million and one questions about everything and anything and I hope that today and through phone calls and meetings I’ll be able to help you sort some things out.” Lilly reached into her bag and pulled out a recording device putting it on the table next to Max. “I’ll tape the session for you, in case you want to go back and listen over anything we’ve said ok?” Seeing Max nod she got out her notebook and quickly scanned the information. She’d already spoke to Max’s doctors as well as Max’s parents over the phone yesterday and had a fare idea of who Max Evans was.
“Your dads going to stay Max, but this is really a meeting between you and me ok?”
“Sure.” Max wasn’t sure what was going to happen, but just the fact that Lilly was talking to him about his life instead of talking about his life made Max want to hear more.
“Well I guess the first thing is do you have any questions? I know it’s early and I can’t answer any medical questions but is there anything you can think of right now you want to know?”
“Umm not really, I haven’t really had much time to think about it.” Max was lying; he had a million and one questions floating around in his head, from the simple things like how he would get around to would he be able to graduate collage?
“OK, that’s fine it’s been a huge week for you. But I hate to say it but this is just the beginning Max, the road ahead of you is long and hard but with support of friends and your family I don’t doubt you’ll be able to achieve every dream you’ve had for yourself.” Lilly noticed Max had shut his eyes; she’d seen this before on her cases. It was a form of denial and a way of self consciously blocking out the world. Not waiting for an answer, as she doubted she’d get one she continued.
“So I guess I might as well start with the simpler things, like getting around, and what I call ‘blind etiquette’. This is more or less what you’ll have to talk to people you know about, things like leaving things on the floor, moving furniture without telling you. Things you don’t think of but can be dangerous and annoying for sightless persons. When people walk in and out of rooms, they should announce themselves to you, but they wont remember to do this at first so you’ll have to ask them to. You’ll find people will get embarrassed when they say things like ‘I’ll see you later’ or ‘did you see that?’. This normally happens after people get used to you being blind, they forget and treat you normally which you want, they don’t mean to offended you when they say see, or look.” Lilly looked over at Phillip and noticed he was taking notes and was already on his second page.
“Now getting around is a little harder, there are three ways, you go it alone, which means you rely on people to help you walk or do things. You rely solely on touch…”
“No, I don’t want to have to rely on people. If this is my life then I want to have a normal a life as possible.” Max sat up a little straighter in the bed, Lilly smiled, glad that he was listening.
“Ok, I don’t recommend that anyway. It’s not only dangerous but you’re right you can’t lead a normal life like that. The other ways are cane and guide dog. Having a guide dog gives you the most freedom over all; it allows you to walk in crowded places and to get around safely. A cane also has it’s benefits, it’s small they fold down to about the size of a ruler. They are very portable and well they’re not alive!!! Most people that are totally blind like you use both. Having a dog is good for everyday things, but when you just want to walk to the mail box in the front yard or walk around a friends house the cane is much simpler.”
“A guide dog? How do we look into that?” Phillip looked up at Lilly.
“Well you need to go to school for a month with your dog and learn how to use them. The dogs already have had over a years training by the time you both meet, but you have to learn the signals and how to give directions and it’s not as easy as it looks. Now I rang around yesterday to see what the dog situation was. There are about 25 schools in the US that you can get a dog through and a school in Nevada has openings in their November class.”
“November? Isn’t that a long time to have to wait?” Max didn’t want to wait until November to be able to do things alone.
“Yes but there are a lot of things you need to learn before you can make the step to get a guide dog Max. Things like learning to read and write Braille. Learning how to cook and clean without sight, all simple things you used to take for granted. Like I said it’s a long and not so easy process from here on out.” Lilly didn’t like to lie to people about what happened from here, she wasn’t going to say it was all a bed of roses, because it wasn’t, it was a hard slog to learn to lead a normal life for a blind person.
“I guess I just thought they’d come naturally to me. I mean I could cook before today why wouldn’t I be able to now?” Max stated to realize there was a lot of things he never thought about and was glad Lilly was here to help him through.
“Ok let’s go with cook then. How would you read a cookbook? Or what the settings on the stove? Or what you’re actually putting in the food. Everything in your house will need Braille labels and to be placed in there own spot. Even getting milk for your coffee, you wouldn’t want to pour orange juice in my mistake. Things you’ve never thought about will now take longer and require more care Max, your way of life will change.”
“Were do you go to learn this all? I mean what happens from here?” Max knew the answer, but he wanted to be told.
“School Max, and not West Roswell High, well at least not for awhile anyway.”
“You mean I could go back?” Max thought his high school days were over, that’d he’d have to graduate somewhere else, if he could graduate at all.
“I don’t see why you couldn’t finish school there Max. You’d be surprised at what books come in Braille and with a aid you shouldn’t have a problem at all.” Lilly saw him smile and knew that that was a question Max had wanted to ask from the beginning.
“Really? At West Roswell?” Max couldn’t believe that he might be able to finish high school where he started.
“Sure, but lets not think that far in advance just yet. Now I spoke to Dr. Pierce and he wants to get you up and about today, so I brought you a few different types of canes to try. They all do the same thing but like everything each one has it’s pros and cons. There are some with a large ball at the bottom, some have a slightly crocked stick, and others have a sensor. Use them and decide what you like and let me know and I can order one for you. They should all be the right size for you, I checked your height yesterday.”
Max’s head was spinning, this much thought went into a cane? And Lilly said this was the simple stuff!!!
“Ok so that’s the actual cane, now let me explain how to use it, then well get you up and give them a try ok?” Lilly spent the next 30 minutes talking over how to use a cane properly. Phillip and Max both asked a lot of question, they had no idea walking was such a complicated thing.
After Lilly thought Max had shown how to sense the changes in the cane she went and got a nurse to remove his drip, a few minutes later Lilly and the nurse had Max standing and out the door. Together the three of them went on Max’s first walk as a blind person. Phillip walked a few feet behind Max, watching his son’s hesitant steps, the frantic waving of the cane in front of time and before he realized what was happening his eyes began to water and he had to sit down. This was his son’s life now, his Max the boy who ran almost daily couldn’t walk down a hallway without a look of fear in his eyes. Phillip wanted to scream out loud and kill whoever did this to his son, how dare they live there lives when his son’s was changed in such a life altering way? Seeing Max turn around, Phillip noticed Lilly and the nurse back off, walking a step on either side, and how Max’s face went white. Oh God, he was so scared and this was just a hospital hallway. Standing up Phillip whipped his eyes and took a deep breath.
“Looking good Max, although I better tell your sister to be nice to you, you have a decent weapon against her now.”
“Yea, I guess.” Max knew what his father was trying to do, lighten the mood and he was grateful.
“Your dad’s right Max, you did great just now. How do you feel? Tried?” Lilly knew that Max would pick up walking with a cane, but she found the more active the person the harder it was. They were used to control over where they went and there own movement and suddenly they had to rely on something else.
“Ok actually. It’s nice not to be in bed.” Max felt like he had been lying in bed for years.
“Great, the nurse said we could go out into the court yard. I had a look when I arrived and it has some grass and gravel and even some dirt so we can get some experience on some different services. But you need shoes for that? Phillip do you have some shoes for Max?” When Lilly had spoken to the Evans’s yesterday she had mentioned she’d need a few things brought in to work with Max.
“Yep, I brought him some clothes as well so you don’t have to wear the hospital clothes outside as well.” Phillip watched as Max’s face lit up, Phillip knew that Max was self conscious enough as it was and walking around in a hospital robe was just making it worse.
“Perfect. Ok Phillip you help Max get ready and I’ll down the let them know I’m stealing Max for a little while.” Lilly walked down to the nurse’s station and let them know she was taking Max outside for an hour or so. The nurses had been told by Dr. Pierce to let Lilly have free range of Max that day, she was experienced in helping the blind and medically Max was well enough to do everything they had talked about and the sooner he got out and about the better.
A few minutes later Max’s door opened up and Max and Phillip walked out, and Lilly was in shock. She knew Max was a handsome boy, and just wearing sweats with a bit of colour made all the difference. It was like a different person. Pushing the wheelchair she had borrowed he motioned for Phillip to push it.
“Looking good Max, ok. Lets head out. Now Max, like before you grab my arm where it’s comfortable and I’ll lead you. But remember to still use the cane. I’ll make sure you wont walk into anything, but you need to sense objects yourself ok?” Max nodded and together they walked out into the hallway and towards the lift.
“Now Max this is the first time you’ll be around people since the accident and it wont be easy, so if at anytime you get uncomfortable or uneasy you let me know ok? Your dads got a wheelchair if we need it, so don’t be embarrassed if you get tired or want a break ok?” Again Max nodded his head. His heart was beginning to pound and his hands felt sweaty. People, people would see him as the blind boy now. Although Max had thought about that already, hearing someone else talk about it was so real. He stood at what I assumed was the elevator holding onto Lilly’s arm. He could hear people moving all around him and a second later the lift peeped and Lilly was walking forward.
A few minutes later Max took a deep breath, fresh air. He hadn’t realized how much he missed the smell of fresh air until this very second. He could hear birds flying above and the gentle hum of traffic in the distance. Max could feel the warmth of the sun on his face and instinctively he lifted his head towards the sun and breathed in.
“I know I bet you haven’t felt this good in a while right Max?” Lilly knew going outside wasn’t just about walking with the cane. Max had to realize the world was still there; still the same and he had to want to be a member of it still.
“Yea, I didn’t realize how much the air outside doesn’t smell.”
“Arr yes hospital smell. You tend to get used to it, but the second you leave you suddenly realize what things should smell like.”
Phillip, Lilly and Max spent the next two hours walking around the hospital’s courtyard. By the end of the time Max seemed pretty confident walking alone and although he had had a few near misses he hadn’t fallen or walked into anything and Lilly was pleased. Back in Max’s room she explained what happened from here.
“You did brilliantly today Max, really you did. Remember its baby steps for awhile. Now I’ll be coming back down on Monday and I’ll stay in Roswell for a few days. I need to go over your house with your parents to make sure it’s safe and talk about any modifications that need to be done. We also need to talk about what happens now. Now I’m not sure if you’re parents mentioned it but there is a fantastic school in Texas that has what we call a speed integration program.”
“Speed integration?” Max wasn’t sure if he wanted to know what that was.
“I know sounds weird but it’s a great program. Basically it’s for people just like you. Newly blind and wanting to get back to as normal a life as possible as quickly as possible. They’ll teach you everything you can think off, and everything you didn't think of. They have had some amazing results in teaching Braille in the short time of the program, as well as cooking, cleaning, getting around. Things like now to use a computer and how to shop at a supermarket. Now the program is 6 months long and they only run it three times a year and there happens to be a place in the course starting in 2 weeks.”
“Two weeks?” Max knew he most properly would be going away to learn all he needed to know, but 2 weeks was awfully soon.
“Yea, I know it’s very short notice but if you want I can tentatively book you in. And you can talk it over with your family and let me know next week.”
“Would I even be able to go? I mean I was shot a week ago isn’t it too soon?”
“Well a little, I spoke to Dr. Pierce and he said he’d be willing to clear you to go if you wanted to. They have doctors at the school so your care can be taken over by them. It’s a rush I know Max but if it’s not April it’s August, which means you’ll just be finishing in a year’s time.” Lilly knew Max was ready to go, he took to the cane pretty well after only a short time, and the way he talked about finishing high school, she knew he wanted to start moving forward.
“Wow, it’s a lot. Dad?” Max wanted to know what his parents thought of this.
“As hard as it will be for us to have you leave so soon, your mother and I think it’s a good idea Max. You’d finish in time to get a guide dog in November and hopefully go back to school in December or January. But it’s up to you Max, Lilly can tentatively book you in and you think about it for a few days ok?” Phillip moved and sat next to Max on the bed and took his hand. He could see that Max was confused and scared about what happens now, and as hard as it seemed things had to be thought about.
“Sure, ok.” Max’s head was beginning to hurt, and all he wanted was to sleep for a few hours.
“Great, Well I’ll give you a call sometime on Monday Phillip, I have all your numbers, and Max we’ll catch up in a couple of days. Try and walk around as much as you can to get used to it. Ok?” With a nod of Max’s head and a shake of Phillip’s had Lilly was out of the room before either had time to blink.
“Well that was a interesting few hours wasn’t it?” Phillip thought Lilly was great, perky and upbeat she was perfect to be around Max right now.
“Yea, she was a little, umm, upbeat wasn’t she?” Max head was really starting to pound but he knew his father would really start to worry if he said that.
“Just a little, but she sure knows what’s she’s talking about.” Phillip watched as Max lent back on the bed and closed his eyes, he’d noticed how tired Max had seemed since they had come back inside.
“Yea, dad sorry I’m a little tired, I might sleep for a little bit if that’s ok. You can go home to mom and Isabel and come back tomorrow.” Max wanted to be alone; his head felt like it was about to explode, not just from the information overload, but also from the pain radiating from his neck.
“Well maybe that’s not a bad idea. Ok then, I’ll see you tomorrow, call if you need anything ok?” Phillip stood up and gave his son a small hug and left the room.
Max heard the door shut and before he knew what was happening the tears were flowing down his cheeks. This was his life now, walking with a cane, guide dogs, going away to learn how to do the simplest of tasks. Max wanted someone to blame, someone to scream at, but there was no one; he was alone in the room and at that moment felt like he was alone in the world. Max waited until the tears slowed down and called a nurse in, asking for something to stop the pain in his head, a few minutes later Max felt a wave of drowsiness flow through him and before he knew it, sleep came.
…you’re too sweet!!
Evil is my middle name, actually how cool would that be? Max does need to talk about what happened to him bottling things up never really works in the long run does it?