A New Friend

Angel smiled as she looked around the living room where Ryan was watching TV, Brianna was drawing, and Lily was reading her braile fariy tale book.

Angel smiled when she saw the door open.

Shelton poked his head from behind the door.

"Hey everyone" Shelton said.

"Hey there Shelton." Angel said.

The children paid him no attention, buried in thier activites.

Shelton slowly came inside, closing the door after him. He went over to Angel and gave her a hug.

"Good to see you again." Shelton said.

"You too Shelton." Angel said, returning the hug.

Brianna reached over and took the remote from Ryan.

"Brianna, I had it first.'" Ryan said.

"So, it's my turn." Brianna said.

"Mom!" Ryan whined.

"Brianna Renee, give it back." Angel said.

Brianna pouted and threw the remote at Ryan before storming upstairs.

"You'll have to excuse my children, they can't seem to behave today." Angel said.

"Haha, it's all good... It's what kids do." Shelton said with a small chuckle.

Angel smiled.

Lily walked over to her and curled up on her lap.

"Hey princess." Angel said, stroking Lily's hair.

"Who ya talking to, I don't know that voice." Lily said.

"My friend Shelton is here." Angel told her.

"Oh, hi I'm Lily." the six year old told Shelton.

"Hey there little girly." Shelton greeted.

Lily giggled a little.

"Mommy, where did you put my books?" Lily asked.

"Third shelf on the bookcase by the stairs Lil." angel said. 'Need help?" Angel asked.

"No, I can do it." Lily said. She picked up her blind cane and tapped around the house in case Brianna had left any toys on the floor.

"I'm so proud of her." Angel said.

"Haha, she's cute." Shelton told with a smile.

Angel nodded.

"That knuckle head on the couch is Ryan, and the one that is mad at me is Brianna." Angel said.

"Haha, i'd say hello, but I wouldn't want to disturb the peace." Shelton explained.

Angel smiled.

"Brianna isthe only one with behavior issues, she's the youngest." Angel said.

"Haha, naturally." Shelton commented.

"You've got a nice house here." Shelton said eyeing up the house.

"Thanks, I've lived in this same house since I was seventeen." Angel said.

"So, that's nine years." Angel said.

"Cool, it's really nice." Shelton went on.

"Thanks." Angel said.

Angel turned to the stairs when she heard Brianna crying.

"Bri, baby come here." Angel said. "Another muscle spasm?" Angel asked.

Brianna nodded. "it hurts mommy!" Brianna cried.

Angel pulled her daughter into her arms. "I've got you." Angel said rocking her.

Angel turned to Shelton.

"She has the same disability I do." Angel said.

"Oh right. Isn't there something like 3 or so types of conditions for this?" Shelton asked.

Angel nodded.

"With Cerebral Palsy you can be lucky like me and Brianna, you can be paralyzed like my daughter Tessa was, or you can be pretty much a vegatable." Angel said, still rocking a crying Brianna.

"I see, so these spasms hurt alot then?" Shelton asked in concern.

Angel nodded.

"Most of the time." Angel said. "It's like a muscle cramp but you lose control of the limb." Angel said.

"Oh right. So all your kids have it or...?" Shelton went on.

Angel shook her head.

"Just Brianna." Angel said.

"Lily went blind but they aren't sure why." Angel said.

"Oh right...." Shelton said in a low voice.

-----

"So you heard from Cody at all?" Shelton asked.

"We talked yesterday, but not about....you know." Angel said.

Ryan stood up from the couch. Even if Brianna got on his nerves, he couldn't stand to see her cry.

"Shhhh, sissy." Ryan said, taking her hand. "It's okay, it'll be over soon." Ryan soothed.