When I get back to the hospital, Lindsay is still there with Justin, just like she’d promised. She smiles at me and I notice she looks at her watch. I’d been gone too long obviously.

“Did you sleep well?” She asks as she notices for the first time that I’m hauling in tons of junk.

I yawn and shake my head as I put the portable CD player and a stack of CD’s that I’m carrying on the table beside Justin’s bed. I remove the bag that’s slung over my shoulder and set it on the floor near the table. Gus walks in behind me and he’s got all of the rest of our stimulation project.

“Where should we start?” He asks.

I look around and point to the wall just in front of Justin’s bed.

“Probably over there, we’ll tilt the bed some when his eyes are open.”

Lindsay doesn’t say a word as she watches Gus begin to tape up our various paintings.

“How’s he been?” I look over at Justin who appears to be grimacing in his sleep. His sleep has been peaceful for the past two weeks that I’ve been staying here.

“He’s been having some nightmares I think.”

I put my hand on his and sit down in the chair next to him.

“What is all of this?” Lindsay finally asks looking around at the paintings, then nosing into the bag shuffling things around.

Gus begins to explain things to her as I watch Justin’s face closely. His eyes slowly begin to open and he stares blankly ahead just as he has for the past two weeks. I press the controls on the bed and it raises his head slightly, just enough so that everything Gus has hung up is within his line of vision.

I release a breath that I didn’t realize I’d been holding as I see Justin’s eyes scanning the shapes and colors in front of him. It’s not the biggest change in the world, but it’s something.

Even Lindsay noticed the change in his eyes. Her eyes were filled with tears as she kissed and hugged Gus and I before she left.

“I think you guys are on to something here.”

I just gestured to Gus. This was all his doing and I couldn’t take credit for it.

“Yeah, well I’ve always said that thanks to my genes our son is a genius.” I smirked a little.

After she left Gus and I sat in silence for awhile.

“So Dad…” Gus was looking right at me as I watched Justin.

“Yeah?” I asked absently.

“Do you think you could write me some kind of excuse for skipping my afternoon classes?” He smiled innocently.

I sort of laughed as I turned my attention to him.

“Don’t tell me you’re suddenly afraid of detention?” I smile and he knows I’m going to write the excuse.

“Never afraid of detention, I just want to be here tomorrow when we add the CD’s.”

The next afternoon as soon as Gus got to the hospital he put a CD in the player and we added sound stimulation for Justin. I know talking is good, but I can only find my voice around him when he’s asleep.

He seems to be a little more aware of things today, than he was yesterday, or maybe I’m just imagining it, wanting it so badly that I think its happening. That this is helping. He has been conscious longer today than he’s been before. Of course that’s how it’s been everyday, he’s awake a little longer and sleeps a little less.

Gus started talking to me and I realized I’d been zoning out just watching Justin. I smiled and looked up at him.

“What?”

“I said. You really should get some sleep.”

“I’ve been sleeping off and on.” I yawn. “I’m fine sonny boy.”

“I know. You’re fine, you’re always fine.” He’s giving me a bit of a disappointed look.

“Gus…” I say it softly, as if I can explain myself. I’m not sure what I want to say.

“Dad…” He says it in the same tone as mine. Okay so now he’s mocking me.

“Gus…” I say a little louder, with just the slightest hint of aggravation bordering on anger.

“Dad…” He’s back to mocking me, talking to me in my own voice.

“Stop that.” I shoot him a dirty look, and then look over at Justin.

“Stop what?” The innocent act, I laugh and roll my eyes.

“You’re being a brat.” I smile at him and shake my head.

“I know. I just worry about you. You don’t have anybody else to look out for you. It’s kind of my job.” He says it smiling, but he’s totally serious.

“Then you should understand. Justin doesn’t have anybody else either.” I whisper, not wanting Justin to hear me.

“What about his mom? His dad? His sister?” Now we’re both whispering.

I shake my head and shrug.

“I tried to call his mother. Her office said she was on an extended vacation in Europe. They wouldn’t give me anymore information. All I could do was leave a message. I’m sure I’m not high on her list of people that she wants to call back right away.”

“Does his dad know?” I shake my head.

“I don’t know Gus. I’m sure someone has called him.” I remember back to the day in my office, if he knew then he sure as hell didn’t seem to care.

“But Molly…”

“I don’t have her number Gus. I don’t even know what city she lives in, or if she’s married, she wouldn’t have the same last name. There’s nothing else I can do to let them know.”

“Don’t get defensive.” He comes over and hugs me.

“I’m not defensive. I’m tired.” I say hugging him back.

“Which is why you need some sleep” He whispers in my ear. “but I’m not going to push it.”

I almost believe him, until I remember who I’m talking to. He’ll keep pushing; he’s a lot like his mother that way. He always seems to get his way. I stand up and walk toward the door.

“Where are you going?” Gus asks.

“Home. Can you handle four hours?” I look back at Justin and feel guilty. His eyes are closed again.

“Yeah.” He smiles and knows he’s won.

“I’ll be back by 7:30.”

“We’ll be fine. I’ve got homework to do, so take your time.”

I felt good leaving Gus with Justin. Hell if he can handle looking out for me, I figure Justin should be a breeze. As soon as I got to the loft I set my alarm clock and fell asleep within seconds after I dropped down on the bed.

To be continued.