The Fox in the Hen House

Chapter 12

“Susan!” Craig shouted.  “SUSAN!” he yelled again.  “Help me out of this fucking bed!  I want to go to the bathroom!” Craig screamed.  “Where are you?  And where the hell are we?” Craig continued to shout and curse as he looked around the familiar room.  He recognized was lying in a hospital bed but he was obviously not in a hospital.  And he was most definitely not in their own condo.  Craig had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach that he was in one of the rooms in the large cottage on Kinney’s private fucking lane.

“Susan!” he continued to shout.

Susan stood outside the door well out of sight.  Glen and Alex had just arrived.  Jennifer, Seth, and many of the other lane folk who had been there the day prior to give Susan support were sitting in the living room or busy in the kitchen.  Glen handed Susan a plastic urinal then silently urged her to go into the room.

“Don’t be surprised at a violent reaction,” Glen whispered.  Susan nodded.  She always knew Craig had a temper, but a violent reaction?  No, she couldn’t believe that of her husband, still unaware of the Craig Taylor who rammed Brian’s Jeep so many years before.

Glen stayed back and unseen.

“What the fuck is this?” Craig roared as he snatched the urinal out of Susan’s hands then flung it across the room.  Fortunately the urinal was new and he didn’t hit anything breakable. 

Susan burst into tears then ran from the room.  Glen made sure she was well cared for by Alex before entering the lion’s den.

“Charming,” Glen said out loud as he rolled himself into the familiar room.  He and Alex had the pleasure of staying there before their cottage was ready.  In spite of the current fire breathing dragon trying to burn away Glen’s happy memories of his and Alex’s stay, Glen would always remember the room fondly.

“Who the fuck are you?”

“Your therapist.”

“My what?” Craig asked nonplussed.

“Mr. Taylor, I’ve thoroughly read your medical records.  Aside from your hip fracture which according to your latest x-ray is healing nicely and your ulcer which is almost gone, you’re in pretty good shape for a man your age.  Hearing deficits are not listed among your diagnoses,” Glen commented nonchalantly.

“How dare you!  Who gave you permission to read my records?  Who are you?”  Glen watched with amusement as Craig’s face began to turn a lovely shade of crimson as he continued to shout.  Glen really wanted to check Craig’s blood pressure but he had left his tranquilizer gun in his other wheelchair.

“Okay, let’s try this one more time,” Glen said as he wheeled himself closer then removed a very professional looking business card from his pocket, tossing it close to the dragon.  “Dr. Glen Wilder, Registered Physical Therapist and practicing psychologist.  And yes, I do have two doctorates but saying doctor doctor is a bit pretentious, don’t you think?” Glen quipped.

Craig stared at the man in the wheelchair with disbelief.  He had no idea what to say or do.  What he did know was that if he didn’t get out of the bed soon he’d be in a big mess.

“Now are you ready to get out of bed?  I image your bladder is screaming almost as loud as you are,” Glen stated as he easily rolled over to fetch the urinal.  “Unless you want to use this,” Glen waved the urinal around.

“No, I don’t want to use that thing,” Craig sneered.  “And I don’t want any crippled…”

Before Craig could say anything that a more sensitive and perhaps politically correct person would never dream of saying, Glen got up close and personal.

“Mr. Taylor, before your spew anymore of your bullshit, just be aware that I can knock your ass out with one punch and I can guarantee you that you’ll be out cold for at least three hours.  When you wake up not only will you be sporting a shiner, you’ll be hungrier than you are now but you’ll also be in a puddle of your own piss and most likely caked in your own shit. 

“Now if you calm your ass down, take a deep breath, and pay attention to what I tell you, you’ll be in the bathroom in less than five minutes.  You can take a piss, have a good bowel movement, if you’re so inclined, and even take a shower.  Your toiletries are all inside and I’ll have Susan bring in a set of comfortable clothes.  That is if she hasn’t left the lane,” Glen said.  “Considering how you treat her, I wouldn’t be surprised if she isn’t half way to Pittsburgh and hasn’t contacted a divorce attorney by now.”

 Craig paled then flopped back onto his pillow.  Glen slowly rolled back to retrieve a standard walker that had been folded and was leaning against one wall. 

“I was using a cane in the rehab,” Craig mumbled.

“I know but it was a long drive here and you were in bed all night.  It’s natural to be feeling a little weak.  Use this just for today.  Once you get three good home cooked meals in you and walk from this room to the kitchen several times today, by tomorrow you’ll be back to using the cane,” Glen promised.

“You seem confident,” Craig stated unconvinced.

“Muscle memory.  Your muscles know what to do but you may not have the confidence in them just yet, hence the walker.  This will steady you.  Now are you ready?” Glen asked.

Craig raised his head.  “Are you really a physical therapist?”

“I swear on my husband’s life,” Glen said as he held up his hand.  Craig groaned.  “No homo cracks, please; no pun intended.”  Glen laughed as Craig flopped back down again and groaned one more time.  “And by the way, my husband is your local doctor.”

“You’re kidding me.”

“Nope.  Dr. Alex Wilder, M. D. and board certified psychiatrist to all of Pittsburgh and beyond.  He’s such an overachiever,” Glen boasted with true pride.  “Now, are you ready to get the hell out of that fucking bed?”  Glen threw back Craig’s own words at him.

“Yes.”

“Well, all right!” Glen said with passion as his arms went up making the touchdown symbol.  “Just follow my instructions,” Glen said gently as he pushed the walker closer. 

As promised, Craig was out of the bed and through the bathroom door in less than five minutes.  He paused just in the doorway to look back at Glen.

“That’s some bedside manner you have,” Craig grumbled.

“I bet you say that to all the boys!”  Glen said with a bright smile, batting his eyelashes, and bringing a hand to his chest with a flourish.  Craig rolled his eyes and mumbled a few expletives before continuing on into the bathroom.  Before he could shut the door all the way Glen called out to stop him.  

“Mr. Taylor, please leave the door open just a little, for safety reasons,” Glen instructed, sounding like the professional once again.  “Use the shower bench and the shower wand.  It’s all there for your comfort.”  Glen quickly left the room to get Susan as soon as he heard Craig mumble, okay.  Susan all but ran into the room then gingerly entered the ensuite bathroom to be there for her husband.    

“Was it as bad as you look?” Alex asked as Glen came into the kitchen.  

Emmett handed Glen a large mug of Brian’s favorite blend of coffee.  “It’s decaf, Honey!”  Emmett swore.  Glen inhaled the rich aroma before taking several satisfying gulps.

“And do I need to hire a special cleaning crew to get the blood out?” Alex asked almost seriously.

“I left him in one piece, I swear,” Glen said as he held up one hand.  “Not one drop of blood spilt.  But it was close; real close.”

“Babe, you’re shaking!”  Alex stated with concern as he squatted in front of Glen.

“I have never ever spoken to any of my patients like that in my entire career and I have had some real challenges.  I had to actually threaten him with violence.  What does that make me?” Glen asked sadly.

“I’ll psychoanalyze you later,” Alex said.

“Promise?”

“Scout’s honor,” Alex swore. 

Glen was somewhat relieved.  “Jennifer must have strong genes.  It’s amazing that man produced someone as beautiful and sensitive and talented as Justin,” Glen remarked and Alex agreed.

“Believe me, I still wonder that every day of my life,” Jennifer said as she walked up to them.  Glen and Alex both got that deer in the headlight look and sputtered.  She put her hands up to forestall any apology.  “Don’t worry about it.  Fortunately Craig was a workaholic during Justin’s formative years.”

“Well that explains it,” Glen exclaimed.  He toasted Jennifer with his mug.  “You, madam, should be put up for sainthood as well as that lady in there.”

“He wasn’t always that bad,” Jennifer stated.  “And I think he could have eventually come to terms with Justin’s sexual orientation if it wasn’t for…”

“If it wasn’t for Brian,” Debbie said, finishing Jennifer’s train of thought.

“Yes, unfortunately,” Jennifer agreed.  “And I’m afraid I had a big part of that in the beginning too,” Jennifer sadly admitted.

“But that’s all ancient history now, Honey,” Debbie said.

“It sure is, Sweetie,” Emmett chimed in.  “And see how well it all turned out,” Emmett said as he waved his hand around.

At Glen and Alex’s perplexed look Jennifer and Debbie quickly filled in the boys regarding Brian’s rocky introduction into the Taylor family.  Not to mention Craig’s reaction when he felt it was Brian who was responsible for leading Justin to the dark side. 

“Here we are!” Susan cheerfully called out from the hall as she guided Craig toward the main room.  He was showered, shaved, and wearing a comfortable sweatsuit.  Plus, he was using the walker appropriately.

“I hope you’re hungry!” Debbie shouted as she busied herself in the kitchen making fresh toast and eggs just the way Craig liked them.

“I am,” Craig said somewhat meekly.  He was hungry and the medications he was taking made him felt a little weak.  At Glen’s direction, Alex had the special chair brought closer to the counter for Craig.  He eased himself up under Glen’s supervision and was also treated to a mug of special decaf coffee.  Craig then enjoyed his breakfast.  When he was finished and feeling a bit more human, Craig noticed the amount of people in the room including his ex-wife.

“Jennifer?”

“Hi, Craig.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Vacation.  Spending time with the kids and the grandkids,” Jenn replied nonchalantly.

“Molly’s here with Taylor?”

Debbie winced when there was no mention of Bree.  She was about to rip Craig a new one when Carl patted her hand.

“And Briana?” Craig added.

“They’re both here; although Bree will be going to soccer camp for two weeks soon,” Jennifer explained.

“I, uh, I’m a little…” Craig began to stutter.

“Glen, when’s your first session with Mr. Taylor scheduled?”  Alex asked giving Glen a poignant look.  Glen checked his watch.

“Eleven,” Glen replied.

“Good.  That gives me a little time to give Mr. Taylor an exam and for him to rest for about an hour before you put him through his paces.  Mr. Taylor, if you’d allow me to escort you back to your room and we’ll discuss when I think you’re strong enough to have young visitors,” Alex stated as he took control before emotions got out of control.

“That son-of-a-bitch,” Debbie muttered when Craig was out of earshot.

“He’s right, you know,” Jennifer said.  “Both Bree and Taylor are more than a handful for anyone who’s at one hundred percent.  But for Craig, it’ll just frustrate him.  Let the kids visit when he’s feeling better,” Jenn advised.

Debbie reluctantly agreed.

*****

“How do you think it’s going down there?” Justin asked Brian.

“I think it’s going the same as the last time you asked me like five minutes ago,” Brian snarked as he grabbed Justin’s wrist to pretend to look at his watch.  

“Okay, I get it, I’m being a pest but I just feel so helpless,” Justin said.

They were in Brian’s attic office where Brian was trying to review the contracts Ray brought while Justin was wearing a hole through the floor by pacing.

“Is it too early to go back to bed or maybe hide in the treehouse and fuck you senseless?” Brian asked in all sincerity.  Justin gaped back.  “Or not.”  Brian stood, captured his restless spouse in a bear hug and hung on for dear life.

“It’ll all work out, Sunshine,” Brian murmured into the blond locks.

“You don’t know that.”

“Yeah, I do.  I have faith in Glen and Alex, and in our friends,” Brian whispered.

“You do?”

“Yes.  The Silver Fox hasn’t let me down yet and I think his partner is made of the same stuff.  It’ll be fine.  Okay?”

“Okay.”  Justin hugged back, nestling himself in his spouse’s strong arms and chest.

*****

“What are you doing?” Gus asked Bree as they drove down the lane toward the gate.  Bree was in the back of the Jeep with Ashley.  Bree had her nose pressed to the window.  They were on the way to soccer camp.  Gus would drop Ashley home on the way.

“Nothin’.”

“Try again, Short Stuff.”

“I’m hoping I see Grampa Craig,” Bree said in a small voice.

“I bet when you get back he’ll be ready for your visit,” Gus said.

“You think so?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

“Okay!” Bree said temporarily mollified and looking forward to camp.

*****

A week later Brian was in his garden weeding.  He was wearing his hat, overalls, and was shirtless.  Justin was in the sun porch appreciating the view and sketching as fast as his hand could move.  When he was satisfied that he captured the essence of his hot gardener, Justin brought out a large glass of iced tea to Brian.

“Thanks, Sunshine!” Brian exclaimed as he greedily drank it down.  Then he gave Justin an icy kiss making Justin laugh.  “So, Sunshine, are we still having fun?”

“Oh yeah!” Justin said as he led his sweaty gardener inside and toward their room.

 -tbc-

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