Dawson Awakes

That’s when Chandra gasped looking over at Dawson. The two men turned to see Dawson laying there awake looking at his mom. They all returned smiles as Dawson lifted his hand up to his mom. Chandra walked over and grabbed his hand before cupping his face gently.
     “Mom…I’m so happy to see you.” He whispered.
      “I’m happy to see you too, Bud. You really had me worried.”
      “I’m sorry. I wasn’t supposed to get hurt.”
Chandra laughed as she kissed his forehead and hugged him to her. Brushing her hands through his shaggy blonde hair. That was her Dawson. He always thought he was invincible. Thank you, Shawn, for answering my prayers. She thought.
      “Parker? Is Parker okay?” Dawson asked softly.
      “She’s gonna be just fine. She has a minor concussion, a few cracked ribs and plenty of stiches and staples but, other than that she will okay.” Eli answered.
      “I’m sorry she got hurt Eli. I didn’t want her too, but I stopped him from doing worse.”
      “You don’t have anything to apologize for Dawson. You saved her just like you promised. I owe you an apology. I said a lot of things I shouldn’t have about you being a criminal and being nothing but trouble. I was wrong. You are good kid, and I am so happy my daughter has someone like you.”
Dawson smiled as he looked over at Chad who had walked up to the side of bed behind his sister. Chad wiped a few tears from his eyes as he smiled back at his nephew.
      “Why are you crying Chad?”
      “I was afraid I was gonna lose you, Bud. You really scared the daylights out of me.”
      “I’m sorry for scaring you.”
      “It’s okay, Son. You were only doing what you had to. I’m proud of you. So proud of you.”
Dawson nodded and before shaking his uncle’s hand. He never thought he would hear those words come from his uncle’s mouth about him. Not after all the trouble he caused. Dawson was taken by surprise when Chad wrapped his arms around him in a hug. I’m finally free of all the chaos I created. No more gang. No more drug dealing. I can change my life for the better right here and now. He thought as he hugged Chad back. For the first time, he knew exactly what he wanted to do in his future.
      “Is Travis alive?” Dawson asked as he let go of Chad.
      “Yes, he is as of right now. He still has a long road to recovery but, they started blood transfusions today and I guess it’s going well.”
      “Mom, Chad I know what I want to when I graduate. I’m going to be cop. I’m going to make my dad and you both proud of me. So, I can put guys like the ones who hurt Travis and Parker away.”
      “I’ve never heard just great news in my life. Shawn would be so happy to hear you want to be like him. You remind me of your dad all the time.” Chandra cried wiping tears from her eyes.
Chad nodded in agreement with Chandra. Dawson was turning into the man Shawn would have wanted him to be. He knew he would make an amazing cop one day. One who would be fair and understanding. Someone Mackenzie could look up to. Dawson would be a better cop than he was. The thought of that made Chad’s heart burst with joy.