The Last Laugh novel Chapter 15

***

I woke up the next morning to find a man in suit and tie by me. I sat up.

"Good morning, Sheridan. How did you sleep?" the man asked.

"Um, well."

"Okay. Good to know. I'm Dr. James. Victor's doctor. Here to help. Do still feel pain all over your body?"

"Not really. Uncle Victor gave me pain killers and a little pomade to put on the wounds and bruises."

"I can see the wounds are dried up. And the bruises?"

"They don't hurt anymore. Though they're still there."

"Don't worry everything will be okay. Now I have to treat your knee."

"Okay."

He stood up and opened his briefcase before taking out some medical utensils from it. I was surprised.

"You're gonna treat me here?"

"Yeah." the man said amused, "Why go to a hospital when your uncle can get you his doctor to treat you at home."

This was too cool.

"Okay." I leaned back and allowed the man to do his job.

Some minutes later, after a medical knee massage, other stuff and a checkup, the doctor was done. He'd wrapped my knee up.

Uncle Victor's fiancee, Laury, came in and approached us. She smiled at me.

"Good morning, Sheridan. How did you sleep?"

"Quite well." I smiled back. She then turned to the doctor.

"So doctor, what about his knee?" she asked.

"Luckily it isn't dislocated like you thought."

"Really?"

"Yes. But it's badly hurt. Buy rub. One of the strongest. Use it to massage his knee everyday. By the end of this week. He'll be okay."

Thank goodness!

"Oh, that's good news." Laury said.

"Yes, it is. Now my work done, I'll leave."

We told the doctor goodbye and he left.

"Where's uncle Victor?" I asked.

"Gone to work dear."

"At my dad's company?" I asked. She smiled.

"Yes."

"Will he take me one day to see it??"

"You'll ask him, okay?"

"Okay."

She smiled. She had a very beautiful smile and she was beautiful herself. Her and uncle Victor made a beautiful couple. She was twenty five and he thirty two.

"I made breakfast. Bacon eggs and everything nice."

I smiled stupidly. I was hungry.

"Really??"

She giggled.

"Yup. Go shower. After you eat I'll go buy you some clothes."

"Thank you. Very much."

"Sure dear. You deserve it. It's thanks to your dad that Victor is this successful. We're thankful."

I smiled. She smiled back and left the room. I got up and limped my way to my traveling bag that I'd brought along. I took out a towel and some clothes that still fit me. I'd outgrown most of my clothes in only a year and a half. Since my dad's death, I'd grown taller and slightly different. Probably puberty starting like Christina had said.

I then made my way to the bath to shower. Even the bathroom was big and beautiful.

***

After one heavy and delicious breakfast, I and Laury got into her awesome car and drove off.

"Do you work?" I asked her while we drove through the beautiful city of California.

"Yeah."

"What do you do?"

"I own a spa."

"You work in a spa or you own one??"

"I own one."

"Wow! How?? You're too young!"

Laury switched off the TV. I felt a lump in my throat. I felt awful. Hatred. My hatred increased on the spot. Christina would regret.

"I can't believe this." Laury was as shocked and upset as me.

"Now you know why I quitted. I'm not gonna be that witch's personal assistant."

I looked at him.

"But how will you do, uncle Victor?"

"Don't worry, son. I've been investing in another successful company to become co-manager. I'm already gaining enough profit from the investment."

"O- okay."

"I'm sorry, buddy. You won't be visiting your dad's company no more."

I was sad but I knew what was better. I couldn't take the risk of letting Christina know I was still alive. I just couldn't. It was after hearing the bad news that everything changed.

******

Writer's POV:

Sheridan began to study even more, determined to graduate with the best of results. Years soon passed, Sheridan grew up to become a very handsome teenager. Victor and Laury had gotten married when Sheridan had turned thirteen and Victor's investment in the other company brought him a lot of profits that enabled him to start his own business that flourished.

Until the age of Eighteen, Sheridan was known by all as Ace. He was popular without making efforts. He had completely changed as he grew up with the traumatising memories of High Meadows. It turned him into a quiet and mysterious person. He was always thinking and on his own. He didn't approach people. People approached him, forcing contact and friendship. Other than that, he was friendly when you got to know him well. He talked less but was loved by all, teachers like students. He went from the joyful talkative little boy to a quiet and charismatic young man who didn't smile much.

He graduated from highschool at eighteen with excellent results.

At that age he'd become independent. When he started his first year in the university, he got the news that Victor was affected to Canada and had to go along with his wife and child. Yes, victor and Laury had a girl.

It was hard to say goodbye to the good people who'd raised him but he had no choice.

Before leaving, Victor left him with more than enough money in his bank account.

"Use it wisely. Finish your studies and get back what is rightfully yours. Call me if ever you need my help." Victor had said.

"I will."

"And come visit us in Canada soon."

"Of course, uncle. Thank you so much uncle Victor. Without you I won't be here today."

"No problem, son. Was the least I could do for you."

He hugged his uncle one last time.

"Take care, buddy."

After Victor packed out, he left his house in California in Sheridan's hands. It was his for the keeping.

Sheridan left university and made four years in a professional college. He graduated at the age of Twenty two with a Master's degree in Management.