Ch. 19 Family Ties
There was a knock and Billy, Paul and the twin’s brother Josh and little sister Sarah entered the room. Josh took one look at Benji and he choked. He tottered towards the bed and Benji looked up at his older brother. Josh hugged Benji and whispered, “I love you, please get better.” Benji nodded and Josh laughed, “You ass! We’ve all been so scared.” Benji wiped his eyes and Josh went over to Joel and picked him up off the floor. Joel grabbed onto his brother and fumbled to stand up. Benji watched as Josh supported Joel and they passed Sarah on their way out of the room. He looked at Sarah and she was trembling quietly crying still standing by the door. He held out his hand to her and she ran to the bed. He hugged her and she sobbed as he cried too.
Julie slid off the bed and went over to where Billy and Paul were sitting. She sat down and put her head in her hands. Billy and Paul both put their arms around her. Josh and Joel crept back into the room. Their faces were red and Josh still had tears in his eyes. Billy leaned over, “I think we should leave the family.” Paul nodded and Billy stood up and tapped Josh’s shoulder, “Well be outside.” Josh nodded and Julie, Paul and Billy left the room.
Josh, Joel and Sarah all sat on the bed. Sarah hadn’t let go of Benji’s neck. Joel cleared his throat, “Did… Did you call mom?” Josh shook his head and Sarah replied, “She would go ballistic- remember when Joel fell out of that tree?” “She was a nervous wreck,” Benji nodded. Josh added, “We should tell her after Benji gets released.” They all agreed and tried to laugh about their situation. Laughter always seemed to be the way to lighten the situations in the Madden family.
Ch. 20 How’s It Gonna Be
Outside Benji’s room, Julie sat with her head in her hands as Billy called their manager. Paul looked over at Julie and touched her knee.
She looked up at him and he smiled, “Can I get you something?”
She shook her head, “Nah, I'm fine.”
Paul nodded his head as Billy came back. Billy sat on the other side of Julie and Paul continued, “So umm… how are things between you and Benji?”
Julie shrugged, “I still love him but I… I don’t know. I want to start over. I want to be with him- but at the same time I want to be sure that it was a mistake and that it wont happen again.”
Billy and Paul nodded. Billy added, “He didn’t mean to hurt you.”
Julie nodded and leaned back in the chair, “I know he was drunk but… God I just cant lose him. He was my friend first before boyfriend.”
Billy sighed, “We all would miss Benji.”
Paul got up, “Hey, I must use the bathroom. I’ll be back.” Billy and Julie nodded and Billy turned, “Do ya wanna walk around?” Julie agreed and stood up.
They started to walk away as Josh came out of the room, “Hey Billy, Julie wait a second. I just wanted to thank you for taking care of Benji. And really thanx for taking care of Joel. I know he would have been… just thanx for looking out for them. How are you guys holding up?” Billy nodded and Julie shrugged. “Are you okay?” Josh asked Julie. She nodded and looked down. Josh leaned in and hugged Julie, “Well thanx again. Sarah and I really owe you all.” He shook Billy’s hand and went off in search of Paul. Billy lifted Julie’s chin, “Come on let’s go walk.”