"Back Home"

"Say it Loud" chapter twenty-one

Over time during Abby's stay in the hospital, the bandages were removed from her head, the cast on her left arm was replaced by one that covered just her forearm, so she could then bend said arm once again, allowing her to give better hugs! Of course she still needed assistance in the bathroom, her family taking over for the nurses when they were visiting, good practice for when they would have her at home. Her family and friends, of course including Luan and others of the Loud clan visited very often. Greg faithfully came on Sundays to have a little church with Abby, and Debbie started to come along during their fourth visit. Donna visited often as well, giving reports on the talks she would give at schools and other functions on the dangers of distracted driving. She was so happy to see Abby improve every visit, while still feeling guilty for putting her in the hospital in the first place. Placido having visited that one time, as he had to weigh his options of either being solely with Abby, or remain seeing other girls as he had been doing.

The day that Abby was finally able to come home was a happy day. Her parents and brothers were there to watch the nurse help Abby out of the bed and into the wheelchair. David was allowed to push her out of the room, and out of the hospital to the new minivan the Taylors got to accommodate their daughter and her wheelchair, it was a gift from the Kloostmans, on top of paying Abby's hospital bills and her college fund.

"I sure can't wait to finally be home again! I hated just seeing everybody at my bedside in a hospital. Now I can be home, and see you guys all day, except when you're at school, of course. I've missed you all." said Abby as the family pulled out of the hospital parking lot.

"It will be awesome to have you back home, sis! No more lousy hospital room, or visiting hours, but our dear sister at home where she belongs!" said David from his spot next to Abby. Abby smiled as the drive went on.

Finally arriving home, Abby observed several vehicles parked in front, some familiar, some strange.

"What's with all of these cars here?" asked Abby as the van came to a stop.

"Do you think you coming home from the hospital after over a month that people are just going on with their lives without having a little celebration?" asked Alan as he opened the side door of the van as Aaron and Joel helped Abby get into place on the lift.

While not being one to crave being the center of attention, Abby was thrilled to be home, and looked forward to seeing everyone that was gathered to see her homecoming.

After getting out of the van, Joel had the privilege of pushing Abby to the door and inside the house, where all gathered yelled "WELCOME HOME, ABBY!" Abby was happy to see everyone there, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and friends of the family along with Abby's personal friends, both from church and school. Greg and Debbie, Jimmy and Kathy, Donna, and the entire Loud family, especially Luan, who went to Abby and wrapped her in a hug.

"Great to see you back home, sis." said Luan as the hug continued.

"Great to be home, sis." said Abby, hugging Luan with both arms this time.

Luan was followed by Leni, Luna and Lincoln, then the rest of the crowd took their turn in greeting their beloved Abby with their own hugs and kisses.

It was going to be a long road to recovery, but Abby knew that with the love and support of her family and friends, and most of all Jesus, she would make it through.

The End

*Well, there we are, the end! I agonised over this chapter, trying to decide how things will go. Finally coming to the decision today to end up with a little party. While this is the end of "Say it Loud", this is not the end of this 'universe', as I plan to have Abby and other characters from this story in future writings maybe in the "I'm Proud of You, Sis" stories, allowing me to come up with a decision concerning Abby and Placido's relationship. That is one thing I still have not decided on, I have considered yea or nay, still conflicted on the issue. One reason why I end the story here. It was a lot of fun to type this (not write, all of this was typed up willy nilly with very few written notes.) I look forward to my next project, which just may be part nine of proud of you, sis.