"Oh, we just thought since they brought you in together. He hasn't spoken since you've been here, didn't even know his name until now," the doctor looked slightly confused.
"Johnny, what's your last name?" I looked over hoping he would answer.
He responded without flinching, eyes still concentrated on the TV, "Potter."
"What's your mom's name?"
"Angewa," still no movement from the child.
I turned back to the doctor, "Jonathon Potter. I guess if you need anything else just ask, he'll answer me I guess. He can stay with here until they find his dad right?" my voice was quiet, grim, and I did not break eye contact with the doctor.
He broke the eye contact to look at Johnny, "Well, we are not…" the child interrupted him.
"I don't have a dad. Just me and my mommy that's it." Johnny was like a statue still sitting looking toward the TV, the only thing that moved was his mouth. The sadness from losing his mother was growing.
"How about any grandma and grandpa or aunts and uncles?" I asked hoping the sadness did not continue to spread further.
"Nope just me and mommy," still sitting there as if this did not affect him at all.
The entire room was uncomfortably quiet. My heart sank, no more mom, I know how that feels. Poor kid, no parents, who is going to take care of him now? The awkward silence lasted for a couple of minutes then the doctor spoke, "I'll notify a social worker of the situation. We will move him up to pediatrics as soon as possible."
"He can stay here, it's fine. Just leave him," I could not help but feel bad. He needed someone familiar even if it was just me. The doctor just gave an understanding nod. I changed the conversation and tried to make light of the situation, "So, when are you going to fix my face?" I asked with a smile.
"He can't fix that face no matter how hard he tries!" Brandon appeared in the doorway, "What's wrong bro you hated planes that much, you had to bring it down?"
"A couple of days," the doctor responded before walking out the door.
"Remind me to kick your ass when you get out of here. I was paranoid as shit flying. What's with the kid?" Brandon questioned. Bryon shook his head in disappointment.
"Why not now, too scared?" I laughed.
"Beating someone that is in a hospital bed is frowned upon in most places," Brandon said with fake sincerity. After a while of the hellions making fun of the whole situation, they left to eat, and find a hotel to stay in for the night. My father showed up after they left. He only stayed minutes before getting a phone call, he said, "I'll be back tomorrow." I have heard that before. I remember my father came to my baseball game once. He ended up getting hit with a foul ball because he was more concentrated on talking to someone for work.
The next morning my brothers came back to "visit," it was really just seeing what they can do and not get into trouble. The average person would not believe these men were actually responsible adults with families of their own. The issue is we all grew up without a lot of supervision. We were responsible enough to survive and not be arrested. We tend to egg one another on to conduct activities that others would question our intelligence. Things were thrown, wrestling ensued and a nurse approached with disapproval plastered on her face. She shook her head quickly and gestured her thumb over her shoulder in a get out motion. The offenders dropped their heads low making their way to the door. Bryon stifled a laugh, "See you later little bro."
My father showed up shortly after the boys made their return, he was more concerned with emails, text messages, and phone calls rather than me. We just ignored him and made quiet jokes. Social services arrived that day and told Johnny he would be placed in emergency care until they could find a permanent placement for him. Johnny's face was very serious, "No."
The social worker was shocked by this response, "I'm sorry, but this is how it has to be," she really did look apologetic.
He just repeated, "No."
"I really am sorry sweetie, but you don't have a choice in the matter," she tried to smile with sincerity.
Johnny did not seem to care what she was saying. "No. I want Bwock," he said folding his arms across his chest. The tension rose as we all sat there quietly. I was shocked at his stubborn attitude; he usually does what he was told no questions asked. Why the hell would this kid want me anyway? The social worker was thinking hard about how to make him more compliant.
"What if he stays with me temporarily, until you find something permanent? We are going to have plenty of follow up appointments anyway. It'll only be a couple of weeks. Is that okay with you Johnny?" I was trying to help, not really thinking about what I was saying. He gave a hesitant nod.
The social worker had a disapproving look, "That's not really how this works."