Free Strong by Jennifer Rivard Yarrington Page B

walk?!”
    “ You're gonna walk again if you keep pushing yourself. I'm telling you, it's all about hard work and perseverance,” his dad says loudly.
    “ Dad, I can't heal my own spine! It doesn't matter how much I work at it, my spine will always be damaged! Why can't you get that?”
    “ Because of that attitude, right there, son! You don't have the right attitude. You don't know how much better you will get unless you try !”
    My face has been on fire for several uncomfortable moments, and I know there is no way to hide it. I am mortified by the turn the conversation has taken, but I am also becoming indignant. How can Chase's own parents not see how strong and capable their son is?
    I avoid looking at Dr. Nichols at all.  If I look at him, I'm quite sure I will burst into flames from my fury. I can't believe the words coming out of his mouth.
    Mike gently tries to steer his in-laws away from the disaster they are creating. “Mom, did you say we had some more gravy to go with the roast?” 
    Mrs. Nichols gets up and walks to the stove, but she doesn't take the not-so-subtle hint from Mike.  As she returns to the table with the gravy boat, she takes over the conversation again and says, “Kate, you just have to understand how much work it's going to be to take care of Chase.”
    Dr. Nichols turns on his wife and says, “You're not helping him at all by coddling him! Chase doesn't need someone to take care of him!”
    Chase has long since finished eating and has been trying to cover the humiliation on his face. With his parents' last comments, he simply gets up and leaves the table.
    Not quite sure what to do, I simply say, “Thank you, Mrs. Nichols. Dinner was wonderful. I'd like to excuse myself as well.” I don't wait for permission as I get up quickly to find Chase. I can hear very loud and agitated whispers behind me as I leave the dining room.
    I find him sitting on the couch, where I had fallen asleep on his shoulder a few nights before. I sit down quietly and take his hand. I'm not sure there are any words that I can say, so I don't say anything.
    A few minutes later, Mike comes in and says, “Chels and I would like to take you two out for a drink.”
    “Well, I'm not quite old enough, but I'm happy to just order a soda,” I smile at the first sign of prudent behavior I've seen in the last 20 minutes.
    Chelsea follows and quickly says, “How about dessert, then? Obviously, I can't have a drink, either; although I could really use one right about now.”
    Chase and I climb in the back seat of the car. He wastes no time in putting his arm around me and tugging me into his shoulder. “So, you survived my parents,” he whispers.
    “ Just barely,” I admit. He laughs and pulls me even closer.
    “ I am so sorry. That was just so...wow...I'm so sorry.” 
    I close my eyes and feel my discomfort evaporate, enjoying the warmth and smell of the guy who has stolen my heart. My guy.
    As we finish our gooey desserts and fancy coffees, Chelsea smiles at us and offers, “Mike and I figured everyone needed a stiff drink after that train wreck. But a sugar overload works, too.”
    I find myself relaxing more, knowing that not everyone in Chase's family finds the idea of “us” to be absurd.
    “ You two are good together,” she says in all seriousness. “I can feel it.”
    She turns to me, “Kate, I've never seen him so happy.” I blush as she continues, “I'm being completely honest. We all know it's been a tough few years, but Chase is so determined, so strong. I have no idea what on earth Mom and Dad are talking about.”
    She turns to look her brother straight in the eye. “Chase, you will make a great husband and a great father. They're full of it!”
    We all burst out laughing and I feel comfortable for the first time all night.
    “Thanks, Chels,” Chase finally says. “But you might want to tone it down a bit. I don't think Kate is ready to marry me yet. We've only known each other a few