Light in His Darkness ~ Part 3
Title: Light in his Darkness ~ Part 3
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: adam/kris
Summary: Kris is a rehab therapist who finds himself falling for his student, a rock star lost in a world of darkness.
Warning: angst
Disclaimer: I do not own anyone involved. I am not a rehab therapist; the information I share is from internet research and may or may not be accurate.
I’m not trying to make Leila out as a bad mom … she’s just trying her best in a tough situation and has been in over her head.
Part 1 ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/80872.html
Part 2 ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/81380.html
~~ ☼ ~~
They finished their trip around the lobby and returned to Leila. Kris attempted to pass Adam off to her but he wouldn’t let go of Kris’ arm. Not wanting to raise a fuss, he continued as guide and led the mother and son to Adam’s room.
Stopping in front, Kris took Adam’s free hand and brought it to the raised numbers at the right of the door.
“Do you feel the difference?”
Adam ran his fingertips over the ‘8’ and the series of bumps beside it.
“That’s the number 8 in Braille. I’ll be teaching you how to recognize the language but we won’t start that til next week. There is a lock on the inside if you want privacy but for safety reasons we have keys to let us in from the outside. Don’t worry; we won’t barge in unless it’s an emergency.”
“Has that happened? Emergencies I mean,” Leila asked nervously.
“Unfortunately it has but not often. Let’s go in.”
Kris opened the door and the trio entered. Each room was large and minimally furnished. Having clutter around was dangerous for the blind, just accidents waiting to happen, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. There was plenty of space between the bed, dresser, couch, table and chairs for Adam to move around easily.
“Adam, its beautiful … brown and blue colors … a big bed … glorious view.”
“Who cares.”
Those were the first words Adam had said clearly since he arrived. The blooming brightness in Leila’s eyes faded a little but she fought to keep the smile on her face, if not for her son than for herself.
“Yes … well … it’s still a lovely room.” Adam’s luggage had been left on the bed by the driver. “I’ll just unpack your things,” she stated, flipping open the latches.
“Thank you for the offer,” Kris interrupted, “but Adam needs to unpack himself. How else is he to know where everything is?”
“Oh … right.” She started ringing her hands. She looked out the window again. “After you unpack, maybe we can go for a walk in the garden.”
“Or you could go home,” Adam suggested from Kris’ side.
Kris bit his tongue as he watched the last traces of happiness melt off the mother’s face. He didn’t want to get in the middle. If it came down to it, he had to be on his student’s side but alienating Adam’s family wasn’t going to help.
“If that’s what you want son.”
“It is.”
Protocol at the center meant Leila wouldn’t be back for a visit until next week so Kris gave them some privacy to say goodbye. He took a step to leave and Adam tightened his grip. Gently but firmly, Kris pried the large hand free and told Adam he’d just be outside the door. Adam relented but didn’t leave the spot. Once he was in the hallway, Kris watched their exchange. Leila did all the talking and Adam just nodded or shook his head. She gave him a good-bye hug, a tear escaping down her cheek when her son didn’t reciprocate.
On her way out, she stopped and took Kris’ hand.
“Please take care of my boy.”
“I will … don’t worry.”
“Easier said than done,” she half laughed before looking back at Adam. “I’ll see you soon sweetie.”
“Bye.”
Kris watched the woman walk down the hall and disappear around the corner before entering Adam’s room and closing the door.
“Is she really gone?” Adam asked, an edge to his voice.
“Yes she is.”
“You know, sometimes she said she was leaving the room and then she’d hang around and watch me. Creeped me out.”
“How could you tell?”
“Smelled her perfume … just like I can smell your cologne.”
“Thanks for telling me. If I want to spy on you in the future, I’ll make sure I don’t put it on.”
Adam scowled.
“It was a joke.”
“I know … and not a funny one.”
“A little levity helps lighten the load. It’s not going to be easy, I won’t sugarcoat it, but with the right attitude, you’ll learn faster and you can get back to living.”
“If you call being blind living.”
“Well, we have plenty of time for an attitude adjustment. Why don’t you take you sunglasses off and we’ll get started.”
“I’m not taking them off.”
“I get it … it’s a fashion statement right?” Kris walked over to Adam, took his arm and led him back to the door. “I’m going to walk you through your room so you know where everything is.”
Bit by bit they mapped the room out in Adam’s mind. Kris told him to touch everything so he had an idea of their size, height, texture. They rounded the bed and as Adam ran his hand over the bedside table he found something unexpected.
“This feels like a remote control.”
“It is.”
“For what?”
“The TV.”
“A TV! What kind of fucked up game are you playing with me?! Who puts a TV in a room with someone who can’t see the damn screen?!”
“Haven’t you ever had the TV on while in another room and just listened to it.”
Kris saw the realization come to Adam’s face.
“Yeah, I have.”
“This is no different. Some of the programs also have what’s called ‘Descriptive Audio’. A narrator tells you what’s on the screen and what’s happening when there’s no dialogue to listen to. This TV will also call out the channels as you surf.”
They continued the tour, concluding with the bathroom which was to the right of the entrance door. There was no tub, just a shower stall that was flush to the floor so Adam wouldn’t trip getting in and out of it.
Back in the main room, Kris helped Adam unpack.
“You have three dresser drawers and the closet. The easiest way to find your things is to organize them. Like, put socks and underwear in the top drawer, shirts and sweaters in the second, etc … hang up jackets and anything that shouldn’t wrinkle. Keep your phone in the same spot. In the bathroom, line up your products in alphabetical order from left to right by type, not product name, like ‘conditioner’, ‘shampoo’, ‘shaving cream’. Later when I teach you Braille, you can make labels to slip into your clothes and stick on your food containers and other products to help you identify them.”
Adam felt around for the bed and carefully sat on the edge. Finally, he removed his sunglasses, rubbing his eyes and shaking his head in defeat.
“I … I can’t do this.”
“Sure you can.”
He looked up, his blue eyes staring ahead, glistening with unshed tears.
“No … I … can’t.” He swallowed hard, and continued, half laughing, half crying, “I don’t even know what clothes I have; my mom packed everything. She’s been micro managing me within an inch of my life since the accident … doing practically everything for me and I hate it! I feel like I’m three years old again, not thirty. It’s … it’s humiliating.”
“Have you told her that?”
“I tried and at first she relented. Then I went into surgery to get my sight back and when it didn’t work, I went into a funk and she took over and I let her. I guess it was easier than dealing with it.”
Kris pushed the suitcase aside and sat beside the dejected man. The wall he had built around himself was starting to crack and Kris was going to push on through.
“That’s not uncommon. It’s not that she’s trying to control you, it’s that she’s trying to make it easier for you ….”
“She’s not.”
“I know and it’ll be a learning curve for her too; it’ll be a learning curve for everyone close to you. You need to be patient with them Adam … and with yourself.” He patted the man’s knee. “Let’s get you unpacked then you can rest before we head to the dining room for dinner.”
Adam turned his face in the direction of his therapist’s voice and Kris’ brain momentarily froze. The combo of beauty and sadness he saw was overwhelming and Kris had to sit on his hands to keep from reaching out inappropriately.
“I don’t want to eat in public,” the man whispered, “I don’t want everyone watching me.”
“Technically, only half the people there will be watching you … the rest are blind too.”
“Is everything a joke to you?” Adam asked, his voice tainted with a aggravation.
“I’m not being funny man. You aren’t the only person here who’s had their life turned upside down by becoming blind. You have a right to feel sorry for yourself but the sooner you decide to stop being a victim of circumstance, the faster you can become a victor instead.”
“Now you’re sounding like Dr. Phil.”
“Do you like Dr. Phil?”
“Not especially.”
“Then you’ll just have to get used to me.”
“If I have to. Seriously, though,” Adam looked down and picked at his nails, “I really don’t want to eat in the dining room … I’m afraid I’ll make a mess.”
“There’s a way to do that too.”
Finally, a smile appeared, “Why am I not surprised. Still, I’d rather eat in my room.”
“I’ll make you a deal. Tonight, we’ll eat here and I’ll show you how to find your cherry tomatoes then from here on out, we eat in the dining room. No one is going to judge you. Get some rest, I’ll see you soon.”
Adam nodded and Kris left, closing the door softly behind him. On the way to the staff room, he ran into Cale.
“How’s it going?”
“He’s frustrated and discouraged but I’m not giving up on him.”
“You never do.”
No, he never did give up on a student. This time, though, his determination had nothing to do with professional obligations.
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: adam/kris
Summary: Kris is a rehab therapist who finds himself falling for his student, a rock star lost in a world of darkness.
Warning: angst
Disclaimer: I do not own anyone involved. I am not a rehab therapist; the information I share is from internet research and may or may not be accurate.
I’m not trying to make Leila out as a bad mom … she’s just trying her best in a tough situation and has been in over her head.
Part 1 ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/80872.html
Part 2 ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/81380.html
~~ ☼ ~~
They finished their trip around the lobby and returned to Leila. Kris attempted to pass Adam off to her but he wouldn’t let go of Kris’ arm. Not wanting to raise a fuss, he continued as guide and led the mother and son to Adam’s room.
Stopping in front, Kris took Adam’s free hand and brought it to the raised numbers at the right of the door.
“Do you feel the difference?”
Adam ran his fingertips over the ‘8’ and the series of bumps beside it.
“That’s the number 8 in Braille. I’ll be teaching you how to recognize the language but we won’t start that til next week. There is a lock on the inside if you want privacy but for safety reasons we have keys to let us in from the outside. Don’t worry; we won’t barge in unless it’s an emergency.”
“Has that happened? Emergencies I mean,” Leila asked nervously.
“Unfortunately it has but not often. Let’s go in.”
Kris opened the door and the trio entered. Each room was large and minimally furnished. Having clutter around was dangerous for the blind, just accidents waiting to happen, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. There was plenty of space between the bed, dresser, couch, table and chairs for Adam to move around easily.
“Adam, its beautiful … brown and blue colors … a big bed … glorious view.”
“Who cares.”
Those were the first words Adam had said clearly since he arrived. The blooming brightness in Leila’s eyes faded a little but she fought to keep the smile on her face, if not for her son than for herself.
“Yes … well … it’s still a lovely room.” Adam’s luggage had been left on the bed by the driver. “I’ll just unpack your things,” she stated, flipping open the latches.
“Thank you for the offer,” Kris interrupted, “but Adam needs to unpack himself. How else is he to know where everything is?”
“Oh … right.” She started ringing her hands. She looked out the window again. “After you unpack, maybe we can go for a walk in the garden.”
“Or you could go home,” Adam suggested from Kris’ side.
Kris bit his tongue as he watched the last traces of happiness melt off the mother’s face. He didn’t want to get in the middle. If it came down to it, he had to be on his student’s side but alienating Adam’s family wasn’t going to help.
“If that’s what you want son.”
“It is.”
Protocol at the center meant Leila wouldn’t be back for a visit until next week so Kris gave them some privacy to say goodbye. He took a step to leave and Adam tightened his grip. Gently but firmly, Kris pried the large hand free and told Adam he’d just be outside the door. Adam relented but didn’t leave the spot. Once he was in the hallway, Kris watched their exchange. Leila did all the talking and Adam just nodded or shook his head. She gave him a good-bye hug, a tear escaping down her cheek when her son didn’t reciprocate.
On her way out, she stopped and took Kris’ hand.
“Please take care of my boy.”
“I will … don’t worry.”
“Easier said than done,” she half laughed before looking back at Adam. “I’ll see you soon sweetie.”
“Bye.”
Kris watched the woman walk down the hall and disappear around the corner before entering Adam’s room and closing the door.
“Is she really gone?” Adam asked, an edge to his voice.
“Yes she is.”
“You know, sometimes she said she was leaving the room and then she’d hang around and watch me. Creeped me out.”
“How could you tell?”
“Smelled her perfume … just like I can smell your cologne.”
“Thanks for telling me. If I want to spy on you in the future, I’ll make sure I don’t put it on.”
Adam scowled.
“It was a joke.”
“I know … and not a funny one.”
“A little levity helps lighten the load. It’s not going to be easy, I won’t sugarcoat it, but with the right attitude, you’ll learn faster and you can get back to living.”
“If you call being blind living.”
“Well, we have plenty of time for an attitude adjustment. Why don’t you take you sunglasses off and we’ll get started.”
“I’m not taking them off.”
“I get it … it’s a fashion statement right?” Kris walked over to Adam, took his arm and led him back to the door. “I’m going to walk you through your room so you know where everything is.”
Bit by bit they mapped the room out in Adam’s mind. Kris told him to touch everything so he had an idea of their size, height, texture. They rounded the bed and as Adam ran his hand over the bedside table he found something unexpected.
“This feels like a remote control.”
“It is.”
“For what?”
“The TV.”
“A TV! What kind of fucked up game are you playing with me?! Who puts a TV in a room with someone who can’t see the damn screen?!”
“Haven’t you ever had the TV on while in another room and just listened to it.”
Kris saw the realization come to Adam’s face.
“Yeah, I have.”
“This is no different. Some of the programs also have what’s called ‘Descriptive Audio’. A narrator tells you what’s on the screen and what’s happening when there’s no dialogue to listen to. This TV will also call out the channels as you surf.”
They continued the tour, concluding with the bathroom which was to the right of the entrance door. There was no tub, just a shower stall that was flush to the floor so Adam wouldn’t trip getting in and out of it.
Back in the main room, Kris helped Adam unpack.
“You have three dresser drawers and the closet. The easiest way to find your things is to organize them. Like, put socks and underwear in the top drawer, shirts and sweaters in the second, etc … hang up jackets and anything that shouldn’t wrinkle. Keep your phone in the same spot. In the bathroom, line up your products in alphabetical order from left to right by type, not product name, like ‘conditioner’, ‘shampoo’, ‘shaving cream’. Later when I teach you Braille, you can make labels to slip into your clothes and stick on your food containers and other products to help you identify them.”
Adam felt around for the bed and carefully sat on the edge. Finally, he removed his sunglasses, rubbing his eyes and shaking his head in defeat.
“I … I can’t do this.”
“Sure you can.”
He looked up, his blue eyes staring ahead, glistening with unshed tears.
“No … I … can’t.” He swallowed hard, and continued, half laughing, half crying, “I don’t even know what clothes I have; my mom packed everything. She’s been micro managing me within an inch of my life since the accident … doing practically everything for me and I hate it! I feel like I’m three years old again, not thirty. It’s … it’s humiliating.”
“Have you told her that?”
“I tried and at first she relented. Then I went into surgery to get my sight back and when it didn’t work, I went into a funk and she took over and I let her. I guess it was easier than dealing with it.”
Kris pushed the suitcase aside and sat beside the dejected man. The wall he had built around himself was starting to crack and Kris was going to push on through.
“That’s not uncommon. It’s not that she’s trying to control you, it’s that she’s trying to make it easier for you ….”
“She’s not.”
“I know and it’ll be a learning curve for her too; it’ll be a learning curve for everyone close to you. You need to be patient with them Adam … and with yourself.” He patted the man’s knee. “Let’s get you unpacked then you can rest before we head to the dining room for dinner.”
Adam turned his face in the direction of his therapist’s voice and Kris’ brain momentarily froze. The combo of beauty and sadness he saw was overwhelming and Kris had to sit on his hands to keep from reaching out inappropriately.
“I don’t want to eat in public,” the man whispered, “I don’t want everyone watching me.”
“Technically, only half the people there will be watching you … the rest are blind too.”
“Is everything a joke to you?” Adam asked, his voice tainted with a aggravation.
“I’m not being funny man. You aren’t the only person here who’s had their life turned upside down by becoming blind. You have a right to feel sorry for yourself but the sooner you decide to stop being a victim of circumstance, the faster you can become a victor instead.”
“Now you’re sounding like Dr. Phil.”
“Do you like Dr. Phil?”
“Not especially.”
“Then you’ll just have to get used to me.”
“If I have to. Seriously, though,” Adam looked down and picked at his nails, “I really don’t want to eat in the dining room … I’m afraid I’ll make a mess.”
“There’s a way to do that too.”
Finally, a smile appeared, “Why am I not surprised. Still, I’d rather eat in my room.”
“I’ll make you a deal. Tonight, we’ll eat here and I’ll show you how to find your cherry tomatoes then from here on out, we eat in the dining room. No one is going to judge you. Get some rest, I’ll see you soon.”
Adam nodded and Kris left, closing the door softly behind him. On the way to the staff room, he ran into Cale.
“How’s it going?”
“He’s frustrated and discouraged but I’m not giving up on him.”
“You never do.”
No, he never did give up on a student. This time, though, his determination had nothing to do with professional obligations.