Brian was at Kinnetik when he got the call.  Sobbing, Jennifer informed him that Justin had survived being hit by a car, but was in critical condition.  She had already flown to NY, and at that very moment, was riding in a cab to the hospital.  She thought Brian would want to know.  
 
After the intial shock had worn off, Brian's mind desperately tried to process all that Jennifer was telling him.  He remained silent, listening to Justin's mother until she was finished.  Brian wished she would have called him sooner, he would have arranged for her flight and hotel.  At the end of the call, he offered his help with anything...money, doctors... anything her son, or she may need.   Jennifer thanked him, and promised to call him with updates.
 
Cynthia found Brian staring out the window, when she entered his office to ask him if everything was alright.  She had detected the angst in Jennifer's voice, and the urgency in her words, when she requested to speak with her boss.  When Brian didn't answer Cynthia approached him, and put her hand on his shoulder.  
 
"Brian, are you okay?"  
 
Brian turned to look at her.  His face was pale, and his eyes were wet with unshed tears.  
 
"No...I'm not.  Justin was hit by a car this afternoon, and he sustained serious injuries."
 
"Oh my God."  Cynthia couldn't help thinking that Justin had been dealt more than his share of  heartache.
 
Knowing the answer before she asked, Cynthia questioned, "Do you want me to book a flight to New York?"  
 
"Thanks, I'd appreciate that." 
 
Even though he hadn't seen Justin in two and a half years, he was still concerned with his well being, and he still had feelings for him.  He wanted to find out in person exactly what Justin's condition was, and what was going to be done to help him.
 
<i>Justin saw Brian and him dancing.  They were smiling and laughing.  Brian kissed him, and Justin was ecstatic.   Then he heard Brian call out his name, and saw the flash of a bat.</i>   
 
Justin opened his eyes, and when they focused, realized that it was his boyfriend of six months, and not Brian, who was saying his name.  "Justin!"
 
"Justin, thank God you're awake.  I'm going to get a doctor.  I'll be right back."
 
When Jennifer arrived, she was quickly ushered to her son's room.  Justin allowed Robert and Jennifer to stay, while the doctor gave him the news.  It seems his vertabrae, the T-12 to be exact, had been damaged.  His lumbar region was also affected.  Justin was confused as to what that meant, and asked the doctor to give him an honest appraisal of his prognosis.  
 
"Justin, I'm afraid that the injuries you've sustained have affected the lower half of your body.  Essentially, this means your legs are paralyzed.  You might regain some feeling in time, but more than likely, you won't be able to walk again.  I'm very sorry."  

"I'll leave you with your family, and come back later to discuss your treatment."
 
Justin heard a strangled cry, when the doctor said he was paralyzed.  He didn't know if it had been his mother, Robert, or possibly himself.  Justin noticed his mother and Robert had tears streaming down both their faces.  But Justin couldn't cry, in fact, he didn't know what he felt.  He asked both of them to leave.  "Please go."
 
"But Justin..."  
 
"Just go, get out both of you.  I want to be alone!", he yelled.
 
Robert looked at Jennifer, and she nodded her head as she said, "Okay, but we'll be back in a couple of hours."  Robert put his arm around her as they left the room together.
 
Brian stopped at the nurses station to inquire about Justin.  He encountered an elderly nurse with a kind smile.
 
"Can I help you sir?"
 
"Yes, I wanted information on a patient, Justin Taylor.  He was brought in this afternoon."
 
"Oh yes, Justin.  He's awake now.  Are you a relative?"
 
"Yes", Brian lied.  
 
"Well I don't know if I should be the one to tell you this, but he is going to need all the support he can get from his family right now."
 
"What are the extent of his injuries.  Is he still in danger?"
 
"No, he's going to be fine.  Well, as fine as he <i>can</i> be."
 
"What do you mean?", Brian asked, starting to feel ill.
 
"Justin is paralyzed.  He may never walk again", the nurse said in a solemn voice.
 
"What?"  Brian asked in disbelief.
 
"His spinal cord was damaged by the impact...I'm sorry.  His mother went to the cafeteria a while ago in case you wanted to talk with her."
 
Brian walked away from the nurse, and after turning the corner of the hall, leaned back against it.  He felt like he was going to faint.  He closed his eyes and thought, maybe when he opened them this would all be just a bad dream.  Brian took a deep breath, before opening his eyes again.  He had to find Jennifer.  She must be a wreck.
 
As Brian was making his way to the cafeteria, he saw Jennifer exiting.  She had a young man with her, and hesitated as she saw Brian, but then began walking towards him.  Brian looked at the young man with her, as they came closer.   He was about Justin's age, but a little taller, and with dark brown hair, and green eyes.  He wondered if it was a friend of Justin's.

Brian's curiosity was soon satisfied when Jennifer gave him a hug, and then introduced him to the young man.
 
"Brian, this is Robert, Justin's boyfriend."  He nodded hello to the younger man, and got a weak smile in return.
 
"Have you seen Justin yet?"
 
"No, but I've already spoken to the nurse. She told me about his condition.   I actually just came here to make sure you were okay, but I see that you're in good hands.  Please let me know how he's doing, or if there is anything I can do."   With that, Brian walked away, and headed back to the airport.