"Come on Pete, everything will be alright. I'm sure Mr. Morris didn't mean what he said," Micky said gently to his sobbing friend.
"Yes he did, or else he wouldn't have said it with so much certainty. Guys, what if I never get to see Julie again? I don't know what I'll do," Peter said between his sobs. He sounded scared and helpless, like a lost little boy.
"He didn't say you never could, Peter, he just said..." Davy began, but was cut off with a warning look from Mike as not to finish the rest. Mike knew that if Peter was reminded that he needed to grow up, he would be worse off yet.
"Listen Peter, I think Micky is right. Mr. Morris was just upset. He was just acting like, well, a father. Once he sees that Julie will be alright, he'll probably forgive ya," Mike said, trying to convince Peter. Mike really hoped he was right.
"I hope so, "was all that Peter could say. Just as the guys were about to go into a group hug, Mr. and Mrs. Parker, and Stella, came into the waiting room. Davy suddenly became frightened as an angry looking Mrs. Parker approached him.
"What did you do to my baby? Young man, I hold you completely responsible," Mrs. Parker said as she pointed a finger right into Davy's chest. She then turned and started in on Stella, "You see, I told you I should have never let Cindi out of the house. She's probably so scared, so upset. You're friend here has caused a lot of trouble."
"Mother please," Stella said in defense, "you haven't even given Davy a chance to explain what happened. I'm sure this was all just an accident. Davy would never hurt anyone...not on purpose anyway." Stella looked over in Davy's direction with longing in her eyes.
She knew he was a gentle person. She was also hurt too. They had broken up after one week of dating because Davy was afraid they were getting too serious. She could have moved on if it hadn't been for recently, when she did Davy the favor of giving his pal's girlfriend a makeover. Then he turned around and did the sweetest thing by taking her little sister to the prom. It was just out of the blue, no strings attached, just Davy wanting to be kind like always. Davy met her gaze and smiled as a thank you for her defending him.
"I'm not done dealing with you, Mr. Jones," Mrs. Parker said as she and her husband were led by a nurse to their other daughter.
Stella stayed behind, wanting to talk more with Davy. Her mind went blank, so she ended up just staring at him. Micky, Mike, and Peter got the feeling that they were intruding, so they politely excused themselves.
"Well, I think some fresh air would be nice, don't you, Micky and Peter?" Mike asked in the most nonchalant way possible.
"Sure, let's go," Micky said
"Um, I left my jacket in the room Davy was in. I'll be right back," Peter said, as he sneaked into the double doors to the examination rooms.
When all was finally quiet, Davy spoke," Thank you for sticking up for me. I really appreciate it. You have no idea what all of us has been through tonight."
"Try me," Stella said with a straight face. She loved being coy with the young Cassanova.
"First of all, I know you're mother doesn't like me, or trusts me. I swear though, all of this was just an accident. I'm sure Cindi is just fine. You see, I was attacked by a couple of school bullies that were giving Cindi and Julie a rough way to go. Peter and I both were defending them, but the bullies got the best of us. I guess they decided to knock the stuffings out of the little guy. No matter, I would do it again. I promised you I was going to protect Cindi this evening, and I gave it my best shot, whether you believe that or not," Davy said, looking Stella straight in the eye.
He became nervous as he noticed that their lips were just inches away from each other. Stella, slowly and with slight reservation, reached out and touched Davy's face.
"That's why I was so glad when you were the one to take Cindi to the prom. I trust you, Davy. I knew you would take care of her. Mom just doesn't understand that Cindi needs her freedom too. Just because she acts like a child at times doesn't mean that she's not a woman," Stella said with a smile. That smile is all it took.
Davy slowly leaned in, careful not to put pressure on his ribs, and kissed Stella. She returned his kiss, and wrapped her arms around his neck. The next thing they knew, they had been interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat. Davy and Stella pulled away from each other as quickly as possible. Looking right at them was a disgusted Mr. and Mrs. Parker. There also was Cindi, who was grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"What in the world is going on here?" Mrs. Parker asked sternly.
"Hoo-wee! Kissy, kissy Davy," Cindi said with a laugh.
"I...I...well." poor Stella stammered.
"I was kissing your daughter. I think I love her," Davy said boldly, then turned to look at Stella. Stella shyly lowered her eyes and smiled.
"Cindi, does it bother you that your date likes your sister?" Mr. Parker asked his other daughter calmly.
"No way, I already have boyfriend," Cindi replied with a grin.
"Oh honey, you don't have to say that. If Mr. Jones has hurt your feelings you should let him know," Mrs. Parker replied then turned to Stella. "How can you get together with him, especially after what's happened? Your sister has a broken wrist because of this man."
"Mommy, I do have boyfriend. His name Stevie. We meet at camp last summer," Cindi said, begging her mother to listen.
"I don't understand. If you already have a boyfriend, why didn't you ask him to the prom instead of agreeing to go with me?" Davy asked.
"Oh, he from Utah. That too far to travel for prom. Beside, Stevie dumber than me. Derk and Keith hurt him for sure," Cindi said. Davy took Cindi by the shoulders and looked her in the eyes.
"Cindi, you are not dumb. You have Downs Syndrome, which is a genetic dysfunction and nothing more. The only limitations you have are the ones you allow people to put on you. You're pretty, funny, interesting, and kind. You have a lot more going for you than most so-called "normal" girls," Davy told her. When he looked, Stella and Mrs. Parker both had tears in their eyes. After wiping her eyes, Mrs. Parker approached Davy.
"Thank you, young man, thank you for helping me realize that I've been suffocating my daughter's abilities. She is rather bright in many ways. It's just hard to see her when she comes home crying, telling me how mean people are to her. I just want to lock her away and protect her forever, but I know I can't… she's a grown woman," Mrs. Parker said with a shrug.
"Does this mean I can date Stella? Well, if she wants to, that is," Davy asked.
"Yes," Mr. and Mrs. Parker said. Davy and Stella just gave each other a smile.
Chapter 8
Chapter 10
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