Chapter 11Well I'd like to introduce the newest member of the Daniels' Family, Ray Daniels.
He's seven and a half and has went from Orphange to Orphange all his life.I'm hoping he'll be happy with his new permanant home, I know me and Matt are sure happy to have him.
I sold my old 2 bedroom house and bought a three bedroom was that was closer to a hospital and school.
Well, Ray had a pretty hectic first day so I let him explore the house and get to know Matthew.I could see his eyes getting droopy and decided it was time for bed,as I was starting to get tired myself.I showed Ray to his room,which wasn't much yet, and reassured him we'd go furniture shopping very soon.He didn't mind,telling me that his old bed was a cot in a room with at least 20 other children.He was the sweest little kid I met at this age and I already loved him,but I knew it'd be awhile until he got used to me.I told him he could call me Trevor,or whatever else he wanted to.He hadn't done much talking yet though,but I was hopeful to learn more about my oldest son.He was now my son and it was as great a feeling as when I adopted Matthew.
I was relaxing in my bed when I heard footsteps down the hall,coming towards my room.Matthew's out of his crib again,I thought thinking about the many times he'd attempted the stunt at the hospital.I didn't mind though,I was so relieved to have him home and healthy after seven months of back to back hospital stays.I was wrong though. To my surprise,the footsteps were not those of Matthew,they were Ray's.
"I couldn't sleep" He said in a guilty voice.
"It's okay,I couldn't either.Come on,you can sit by me."
Ray approached the bed cautiously,set his teddy down and sat beside me.
"Could I ask you something,Trevor"He said in a still shy voice.
"Anything. As long I can ask you something in return."
"That sounds like a fair trade."He chuckled sightly feeling a little more welcome.
"Why'd you decide to adopt me? I mean of course I'm greatful and love it here,but most parents only want to adopt babies,and you already have Matthew,your life is already so complete.Why another child?"
The intensity of the question shocked me a little,but I already knew the answer.
"Well Ray,I'm guessing you didn't know this but Matt was adopted too.I got him a couple of days after he was born,because his mommy was very weak and passed away after having him.A couple of months after I adopted him,Matthew became very sick and has been back and forth in and out of hospitals his whole life.This is his third night home after being realeased from about 7 months of hospital stays.His 3rd birthday is tomorrow and he wanted a big brother as a gift.Well, I thought he deserved someone to help him have fun and survive,so I adopted you and I'm really glad I did.I wish I could tell you what was wrong with Matthew but not even the doctors know.We just take life day to day and at times it can be hard,but he's family and I'll always be there for him,and now I'll always be there for you too."
"Wow" was all Ray could choke out.He was on the verge of tears but quickly collected himself.
"What were you going to ask me?" He finally responded.
"I'll have to think about that,if your willing to come and sit with me again tomorrow night ."I winked at him hoping the answer would be a yes.
"I'd love too!" He almost shouted.
"Haha.Well,I'm glad,but I think right now we should both get some sleep,come on I'll walk you to your room."I slowly got up,handed Ray his teddy bear and headed to his room,with him trailing slowly behind me.
I wished him sweet dreams and headed back to my room,but I was interrupted by the sound of Ray's voice.
"Goodnight Daddy.I love you."
His words melted my heart as the sun does to snow,and I told him I loved him too,trying not to let him know I was crying.
They were happy tears,and I cleaned them off before going back to check on him.He was already sprawled out on the bed asleep and exhausted,just like Matthew.
Then, I went to sleep,feeling completely worry free for the first time in almost three years.
