Chapter 6

Almost a month after the shooting, Luke finally began to show the first signs of coming out of the coma. At first it was simply involuntary muscle twitches in his hands and face which slowly progressed to movements of his eyes that could be seen beneath his eyelids. Jesse was the only one with him when he finally opened his eyes for the first time since the shooting. Daisy and Bo had gone down to the cafeteria to get something to eat. His eyes darted around the room, finally focusing on Jesse's face when Jesse quietly said his name. Jesse could see the terror reflected in Luke's eyes and quickly reassured him, telling him that everything was going to be okay and that he was in the hospital. After several long minutes, the worst of the terror faded from his eyes although it was easy to see that he was still confused and afraid. Jesse quickly rang for a nurse to let her know that Luke had opened his eyes. She immediately paged Doc Applebee, who arrived within minutes and asked Jesse to step outside while he examined Luke. While Jesse was standing in the hallway waiting for Doc to finish examining Luke, Daisy and Bo returned from the cafeteria. They were both overjoyed when Jesse told them that Luke was finally awake.

When Doc Applebee came out of Luke's room, he looked at the rest of the family somberly and said, “We need to talk. Let's go down to the family room.”

“What is it, Doc?” Bo asked anxiously, his excitement over the news that Luke was awake quickly dampened by the seriousness in Doc's tone. “Is Luke okay?”

“Let's go somewhere more private.” Doc suggested, refusing to answer Bo's question immediately. He led the way back to the private room where he had met with them just after Luke was admitted to the hospital. Closing the door behind them, he turned to face the worried faces of the Duke family and said “Luke is awake and does seem to be aware of his surroundings but at the moment, he can not move or speak.”

“What?” Jesse said in a worried voice “Is it permanent?”

“I don't know. There is still some bruising in his brain and he could regain some normal function after that clears up but there is no way of knowing for sure until that happens. The brain is the most complex and the least understood organ in the body. Even if we know which parts of the brain are affected by an injury…we still can't predict with any certainty the disabilities that might show up from the injuries.” Doc paused “We do know that most of the damage was to his frontal lobe and that part of the brain does control the motor skills and there was some minor damage to the temporal lobe which is the part of the brain that affects speech. But I can not tell you right now if Luke's current condition is permanent or temporary.”

“You said that he's alert and seems to be aware of his surroundings….” Bo said choosing his words carefully “Does that mean that even though he can't speak or move, he knows what's going on?”

“Yes….and frankly he's terrified…which is a perfectly normal reaction under the circumstances.”

“What can we do to help him, Doc?” Jesse asked anxiously

“Just keep reassuring him that he's going to be alright…that he's in the hospital…that's he's being taken care of and that we're doing everything we can to help him. He can communicate by blinking his eyes…once for yes and twice for no….so you will be able to interact with him to a certain degree. I am going to schedule some more tests to see if I can give you any more definite answers about anything since Luke is awake now.”

“Thank you.” Jesse said “Can we see him now? I don't want him to be left alone anymore than he has to be right now.”

“Of course. And I will let you know as soon as I have the results of the tests back.”

Jesse thanked him again and the family hurried back down the hallway to Luke's room. They gathered around his bed and Bo reached out to take his hand, holding it tightly while Jesse reached down to rub is right arm soothingly. Luke looked at them, a look of near panic still reflected in his sapphire eyes. His thoughts screamed in his head but he had no way of telling them how he felt.

Uncle Jesse, Bo, Daisy…..help me….please help me! I'm so scared! I don't want to be like this! I can see you, I can hear you, I can feel you touching me but I can't move! I can't move! And I can't talk! I can't tell you how scared I am! Please help me!!!!

“We're all right here with you, Luke….you're going to be alright…and Bo is going to stay here with you so you won't have to be alone.” Jesse told him, trying his best to reassure him and to ease his oldest nephew's fear. But he could tell that he wasn't very successful. Luke's eyes were still afraid and filled with doubts.

I don't believe you! How can I be alright if I can't move or talk? I can't live like this! I don't want to live…not like this!!

“I know you're scared, sugar…..” Daisy told him “So are we….but the doctors are doing everything they can to get you through this.”

Scared? You don't know the meaning of being scared!

“I'm gonna stay right here with you, cuz…for as long as it takes…until you're well enough to come home.” Bo told him, trying to smile but doing a poor job of it. Their eyes locked and Bo could feel Luke's fear almost as if it were his own. The boys had always shared almost a psychic bond, often sensing each other's feelings or finishing each others thoughts. It could be unnerving to be around them when it happened if you weren't used to seeing it. “And you will get well enough to go home.” Bo added firmly.

Bo….I need you….help me….how can I ever go home like this? How will I ever get well enough to go home?

Each of them continued to talk to him, trying their best to encourage him and reassure him although they could sense that they weren't having much success. Luke wasn't buying any of it. Finally, his eyes closed and he seemed to drift off to sleep but that was what Luke wanted them to think. He couldn't bear to look at their anxious, worried faces any longer, not when he knew he was responsible for the fear he saw reflected in their eyes. It was easier to pretend to be asleep than it was to face them. He heard Jesse telling Bo that he and Daisy had to leave so that Daisy could go to work but that they would be back first thing in the morning and for Bo to call them if he needed them. After they had left the room, Luke opened his eyes and looked at his younger cousin. A faint smiled tugged at the edges of Bo's lips.

“You were playing possum, weren't ya?” he asked in a mildly surprised voice.

Luke blinked his eyes once for yes. Bo reached out and gently touched Luke's cheek. Luke tilted his head slightly and rubbed his face against Bo's hand as best he could, gaining comfort from Bo's touch. His head and neck seemed to be the only thing he could move and that was only a little. “I know it's not okay, Luke….no matter what anybody says…” Bo told him quietly “And I know how scared you are….” Luke blinked once again. “But somehow…we'll get through this…together…you and me. Okay?” Luke hesitated for a moment and then blinked once so that Bo knew he understood.

I'm still scared. So damn scared! Stay with me, Bo….I don't wanna be alone.

Chapter 7

Since Luke was awake now, the next day when they arrived at the hospital, Jesse insisted that Bo go home for awhile while Jesse and Daisy sat with Luke. Bo resisted, not wanting to leave his older cousin's side. Jesse insisted and Bo finally gave in but not without a fight. Finally, he comprised by agreeing to go home but only for a couple of hours, long enough to change clothes and take a shower, then he planned on coming back to the hospital. Little did he know that his plans would get changed in a completely unexpected way.

Bo was driving along the old Ridge Road just outside of Hazzard when a dark blue sedan suddenly roared off a side road and almost smashed into the General. Cursing under his breath and saying a few choice words that Jesse would have tanned his hide for using, he hit the gas and took off after the other car intending to teach the other driver some manners. As he pulled up alongside the other car, the driver swerved towards him, smashing into the front fender on the General. Bo kept the General on the road and stayed alongside the other driver, getting really mad now at the other driver's arrogance.

As the other man turned his head and glared at Bo, Bo recognized the other man. It was the man that Luke had gotten into a fight with at the Boars Nest the night he was shot. The man that they suspected of doing the shooting. Really angry now that he realized who the other driver was, Bo swerved the General towards him, trying to force him off the road. Suddenly, Bo saw Dobson's bridge up ahead and backed off since only one car could fit through the bridge at a time. As he fell back, he suddenly saw flashing red lights in his rear view mirror. Recognizing Enos Strate's cruiser, Bo grabbed the CB and keyed the mike.

“Hey, Enos…” he said rapidly “The guy in the blue sedan in front of me is the same guy Luke got into a fight with at the Boars Nest the night he got shot. I'm gonna try and make him pull over!”

“Be careful, Bo!” Enos said anxiously “He could be dangerous if he's the one who shot Luke! You better let me handle it.”

“Forget it, Enos…I got a score to settle!” Bo said in a determined voice as he flung the mike down on the seat beside him and concentrated on catching up with the other car. He hit the gas pulling farther away from the deputy's cruiser. He pulled up alongside the other car again and rammed against him. The other man swerved to avoid Bo and slid off the road into the ditch.

Throwing the General into park, Bo climbed out of the car and jumped over the hood to get to the driver of the other car. He jerked open the door on the driver's side and grabbed the other man by his shirt, jerking him out of his car. With a roar of anger, the other man tackled Bo around the waist, dragging him to the ground and the two men began throwing punches. Slamming his fist into the side of Bo's jaw, the other man suddenly pulled a gun from his jacket and aimed it at Bo's head.

“You just made a bad mistake, plow boy!” he growled

Suddenly, Enos' car screeched to a halt behind the General Lee, startling the other man enough that it distracted him long enough for Bo to knock the gun out of his hand.

“Alright now! Freeze!” Enos yelled, pulling his gun from his holster and aiming it at the driver of the sedan. “Stand up real slow and git your hands in the air!” Seeing that he had no choice the other man did as he was told. As Enos cautiously approached him to put the cuffs on him, Bo suddenly reached down and picked up the gun he had knocked out of his hand during their fight. Enos' eyes widened in alarm when he saw the gun in Bo's hand.

“Ding dang it, Bo!” he exclaimed “Put that gun down! You don't wanna do that!”

“Yes, I do!” Bo growled, his eyes burning with rage as he calmly pointed the gun at the other man “He's the one who shot Luke!”

“Bo, this ain't the way to handle this.” Enos said in a pleading tone “Don't do this! Think about Luke….he needs you with him right now not in jail for shooting this jackass.”

Bo hesitated for a several seconds and then tossed the gun towards Enos and slumped against the side of the General, his heart pounding frantically as he suddenly realized what he had almost done. Enos quickly cuffed the other man's hands behind his back and locked him into the back seat of the cruiser. Only then did the young deputy holster his gun and walked over to his friend, gently rubbing his shoulder comfortingly.

“You okay, Bo?” he asked in a deeply concerned voice. Bo nodded his head without answering.

“I'm gonna take him on back to the station and book him for carrying a concealed weapon and reckless driving.” Enos said “But once we test that gun…if it's the gun that was used to shoot Luke….then he'll be charged with attempted murder.” He patted Bo's shoulder as he turned back to his car to take in his prisoner.

Bo stood there for several minutes after Enos had left, waiting for his hands to stop trembling, before getting back into the General Lee and heading for the farm. He had come so close for a second there to pulling the trigger and shooting the other man. Too close for comfort. Bo pulled into the barnyard and turned off the ignition, then he crossed his arms against the steering wheel and laid his head on his arms, the tears running down his face. Finally, he climbed out of the car and stumbled into the house. Climbing the stairs to the second floor, he went into the bathroom and stripped off his clothes. Stepping into the tub, he turned on the shower and adjusted the water until it was as hot as he could stand it without scalding himself. He scrubbed at his skin until it was red, trying to wash away his guilt over almost killing another man.

Finally he reached out to turn off the water and stepped out of the tub. Grabbing a towel from the rack, he dried himself off. Throwing his clothes into his hamper, he opened the bathroom door and walked down the hallway to his bedroom. Rummaging through his closet, he pulled out clean clothes and quickly dressed. Then he threw himself down on his bed and closed his eyes. Soon he slept, a deep dreamless sleep. It was the next morning before he finally woke up.

Daisy and Jesse were already up and downstairs in the kitchen when Bo came down. “Why didn't one of you wake me up when you got home?” he asked in a slightly annoyed voice as he poured himself a glass of milk from the refrigerator. He felt guilty about leaving Luke alone for the night after promising to stay with him.

“I tried.” Jesse told him “You were sleeping too sound…you didn't wanna wake up so I figured you needed the rest.”

“But that left Luke alone last night. He shouldn't have been alone.” Bo said in a worried voice.

“He wasn't.” Daisy told him “Cooter came by the hospital and said he's stay with him when you weren't back by the time we got ready to leave.”

“That's good.” Bo said in a relieved voice “At least he wasn't alone last night.”

He looked at his Uncle and cousin with a faint smile and said “I have some good news….Enos caught the guy that shot Luke.”

“What?” Jesse said “When?”

“Yesterday.” Bo said “Actually, he almost ran me off the road and I was trying to catch him to teach him some manners before I realized who he was. Then Enos started chasing me and I forced the guy off the road. Then Enos arrested him.” Bo gave them the condensed version of what had really happened, not wanting to tell them how close he had come to shooting the other men for revenge.

“That's great.” Daisy said in a pleased voice “Now he'll get what he's got coming to him for hurting Luke.”

“I agree.” Jesse said

“After I do the chores, I'm going back to the hospital.” Bo told them. Jesse nodded. He had been expecting that.

“Tell Luke we'll be by later this afternoon.” Jesse told him

Chapter 8

That afternoon, the doctor decided to try Luke on a liquid diet and then slowly work him back up to solid foods. Unfortunately, since he could feed himself that meant someone had to feed him. When he refused to eat for the aide they sent into his room with a tray, Bo volunteered to try. Luke didn't want to eat but when Bo reminded him that he had prove to the doctors that he could if he ever wanted to go home, he took a few bites. Even then, Bo could see the shame and humiliation in Luke's eyes at needing to have someone feed him.

Damn it! I hate feeling so helpless. A grown man shouldn't need to have somebody else feed him! Does this mean I can't even go to the bathroom by myself anymore? God help me…..I can't live like this…..

Bo sat down the glass and gently reached out to touch Luke's cheek. In a soft soothing voice he said “I know you hate this, Luke. I hate it too…..but you need to just keep telling yourself that this is only temporary.”

But what if it isn't? What if I'm like this for the rest of my life? God, anything but that! I'd rather be dead than to be like this forever!

Bo saw the tears that gathered in his cousin's eyes and knew how much all of this was hurting Luke. He carefully wiped away a tear that slid down Luke's cheek and tried to smile but couldn't quite pull it off. “It's gonna be okay, Luke…” Bo whispered “You spent all my life taking care of me….now it's my turn to take care of you for awhile….” With a crooked smile he added “And I expect to get paid back too…..”

I can't let you do that, Bo. I can't let you spend the rest of your life taking care of me…not like this….not if I don't ever get any better! God help me, Bo…..I'm so scared.

Bo could feel the slight trembling of Luke's body and he gently began rubbing Luke's good shoulder, trying to communicate with his eyes, trying to give Luke some measure of comfort even though he knew that nothing much was comforting Luke right now. He knew how scared he would be if he was the one in Luke's place right now. Finally, he felt Luke stating to relax and his eyes slowly closed. From the gentle sound of his breathing, Bo knew that he had fallen asleep. Bo sighed softly as he looked at the face of his oldest cousin and wondered how they were going to get through this and just what they would do if Luke never got any better than he was right now. As he slept, Luke made a soft whimpering sound deep in his throat. Bo continued to gently rub Luke's shoulder and make soft soothing sounds of comfort. Luke could still make sounds so the doctors were confident that he would at least regain his ability to speak, they just couldn't say when that would be.

Over the next few days, Luke made a few more subtle improvements. He went from liquids, to soft foods, to semi-soft and finally to a regular diet. He still didn't have much of an appetite and refused to eat more than a few bites at a time. He continued to resist anyone feeding him, except for Bo. But even when Bo fed him, he still ate very little. Daisy started bringing food from home hoping to encourage her oldest cousin to eat more. That helped some but he still wasn't eating as well as he should have been. Bo knew that part of it was just that stubborn Duke pride that made Luke so resistant to accepting so much help.

He more grateful than he had ever been before for the love and support of his family. He wanted so much to be able to touch them, to hug them, to tell them how much he loved them and how scared he was but he had no way of doing any of that right now and it made him angry and frustrated. And he had no way of expressing that anger or that frustration except by refusing to cooperate.

Two weeks after Luke came out of the coma, Doctor Applebee called the family together for a conference concerning Luke's condition. As they settled into the family room, Doctor Applebee introduced the second doctor who had been involved directly in Luke's care, Dr. Casey. It was Dr. Casey who spoke first.

“Mr. Duke, most of your nephew's physical injuries have healed enough that he doesn't need constant medical care any longer. Obviously, there is still some concern about the head injury and the most recent tests we have done show that there is still some bruising and swelling there that could be causing some of Luke's current physical disabilities. Your nephew will be strong enough that we can release him in a week or so and I need to know what arrangements you want me to make.”

“What do you mean arrangements?” Jesse asked supiciously.

“Your nephew is still going to need constant twenty four hour care for awhile. He still can't do anything for himself. He can't dress himself, feed himself, bathe himself, all the things you and I take for granted Luke needs to have someone do for him. He's basically going to have to relearn how to do almost everything. I would like transfer Luke to a rehabilitation center in Atlanta where he can continue to get the care he needs.”

“NO!” Bo said loudly and sharply “Luke's coming home!” he looked at his uncle pleading with his eyes “Please Uncle Jesse, tell him…..Luke's coming home with us where he belongs!”

“Homer, do you agree with all this?” Jesse asked his old friend solemnly

“I can't tell you what to do, Jesse. Luke is still going to need a lot of care, including all of his personal care….not to mention therapy to help him regain as much of his motor skills as possible…a rehabilitation center would be the best option to meet those needs…but the final decision is up to you. No one can force you to put Luke anywhere if you chose not to.”

“Uncle Jesse, Luke ain't never gonna get better if you send him away!” Bo cried anxiously “He's scared to death as it is…..at least at home we'll be the only ones taking care of him and not a bunch of strangers.” He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly to control his own raging emotions “You know Luke….if you send him away, he'll just give up and he'll never get any better. He'll just give up and let himself die.”

Jesse sighed as he looked at Daisy and Bo, then at the two doctors who were waiting for his decision. Finally he said, “Bo's right….Luke would just give up and stop trying. I've always taught these kids that family is the most important thing in the world and that family sticks together no matter what. I can't send Luke away just because he got hurt…so you just tell us what we have to do and we'll make sure Luke gets the best care that he can…..at home where he belongs.”

“Mr. Duke, you don't realize what you're committing yourself to.” declared Doctor Casey “And I would strongly advise against this course of action.”

“Young man, you don't know us Dukes. We look after our own. And Luke needs to be home with us…..not with a bunch of strangers. And once he gets home, he will get better….you just wait and see.”

Dr Casey sighed deeply, realizing when he was fighting a losing battle. “As Homer here said, it is your choice and I can't stop you. I can keep Luke here for another week and in the meanwhile, I can have one of the nurses go over the techniques you will all need to learn to help Luke and someone from therapy can show you some exercises that Luke will need to do to regain use of his arms and legs. I just hope that you and your family don't regret making this choice once you get Luke home.”

“We won't. You don't have to worry about that.” Bo said firmly

“Then I guess this meeting is over.” Dr. Casey said, leaving the room. Doc Applebee looked at the Duke family and smiled. They had made the decision he had felt they would make. And knowing the family as well as he did, he knew that Luke would do better under their care than in an institution.

“For what it's worth, Jess….I think you made the right choice. I'll stop by every few days once you get Luke home to make sure things are going okay and see if you need anything. I also know a girl that used to do some therapy for me. I'll get in touch with her and see if she can help out too.”

“Thanks, Homer.” Jesse said “We appreciate everything you've done. Now, if you'll excuse us….we'd like to go tell Luke that he's coming home soon.”

Chapter 9

The day had finally come. After almost two months in the hospital, Luke was really going home. He still couldn't talk although he could make a few inarticulate sounds and he couldn't move his legs at all, even though he had regained some movement in his hands and arms but not enough to do much for himself. Doc Applebee continued to be optimistic that Luke would continue to improve as the swelling and bruising in his brain continued to heal. In the meantime, therapy and routine exercises would help him to regain the muscle tone he'd lost during his hospital confinement and help to rebuild his strength. He had no doubt that Luke's family would give him excellent care at home. And if anything could help him to recover completely from what had happened to him, the love of that family could.

A faint smile crossed Luke's lips as two nurses helped him out of bed and into the wheelchair. He knew that he was going home and he was excited. He just wished he was going home a whole man again instead of a broken shell of a man with an alert mind that was trapped in a useless body. One of the nurses pushed the chair out of the hospital, followed by Jesse and Daisy. Bo had gone ahead to pull Daisy's jeep up to the front entrance. They knew that it would be easier to get Luke in and out of the jeep than it would be getting him into the General Lee with the doors welded shut. Once they were outside, the nurse wished them good luck and bent down to give Luke a kiss on the cheek before disappearing back into the hospital. All of the nurses assigned to his care during his time in the hospital had become quite fond of the handsome dark haired young man who had been so seriously injured in a tragic shooting.

Bo grinned as climbed out of the jeep and walked over to the wheelchair. Leaning down, he slipped Luke's left arm around his neck and gently slid one arm under his cousin's legs to lift him out of the chair. He straightened up carefully. Since Luke still didn't have much control over his arms, he couldn't hold on tightly as Bo lifted him so it was up to Bo to make sure he had Luke held securely. He easily transferred Luke into the passengers seat in the front of the jeep and reached down to securely fasten the seatbelt around Luke's waist. Daisy and Jesse climbed into the back seat and Bo slid under the wheel.

Chapter 10

A week passed with Bo doing most of the tending to Luke. Each morning, Bo woke Luke up and helped him move and exercise his arms and legs. Bo dressed him and helped him to eat before going out to do the morning chores and helping Jeb in the fields, leaving Jesse to care for Luke. Jesse was firmer with Luke, encouraging him to do as much for himself as he could. Sitting at the kitchen table, Jesse watched as Luke attempted to get his mouth around a sandwich. He did, swallowed and reached for his glass of milk. Jesse tried not to watch too closely not wanting to make him nervous, or self-conscious. When Luke drank from the glass and placed it back on the table, Jesse smiled and said encouragingly, “You're getting' better every day, Luke. I sure would like to hear you say something soon.” Luke turned his head away and looked down. “You have to try and it's gonna take time….but I know you can do it. You were at least trying in the hospital, why did you stop?” Luke shrugged his shoulders in response which annoyed Jesse who decided to take a more direct approach “Luke, look at me and try to talk.” Luke looked away again so Jesse took hold of his chin and turned his head towards him firmly but gently. “I said look at me, Luke. I expect you to make some kind of effort. Now try.” Luke's mouth remained shut and he stared straight ahead. “So you're not even going to try, huh?” Jesse said. Luke shook his head stubbornly. “Boy, you are trying my patience. Okay, let's try something else.” He took a sheet of paper and placed a pencil in Luke's hand. “Write your name, Luke. Come on, I know you can do it if you try…..”

Luke stared down at the paper lying in front of him and pushed the pencil against it. His coordination was still poor and he could only make scratches with the pencil. Frustrated with the results, he threw the pencil across the kitchen. “No!” Luke said quite clearly, surprising them both. Jesse grinned happily and said with a chuckle,

“I should have known that the first word out of your mouth would be no.” He reached out to pat his nephews hand gently “I knew you could do it, Luke….” Luke, however, was in no mood to be cooperative or even remember his manners. He swept his hand across the table, deliberately upsetting the half-filled glass of milk, his flashing with a sudden burst of anger. Jesse sighed and stood up, quickly pushing the wheelchair into the bedroom. “Okay, Luke…it's time for a nap. I'm tired of this attitude. I love you and will do anything I can to help you but this stubborn attitude is not going to get you anywhere.” After pulling down the covers on the bed, he lifted his nephew out of the wheelchair and placed him on the bed. Luke swatted his hands at him, trying to resist.

“Lucas Kristopher Duke, stop trying to hit me or I'm gonna slap your backside and I'm gonna do it hard!” Luke calmed some at the admonishment and let his uncle cover him up. “You sleep for a while, and then we'll try again.” Jesse noticed the tears that gathered in the young man's eyes and sat down on the side of the bed. “I know this is hard, Luke….it's hard for all of us. But you're going to be ok. It's just going to take time. You're with your family and we are going to help you every way we can but you gotta stop fighting us like this.” He reached out and brushed at the tears that were now falling down Luke's cheeks. Jesse leaned down and kissed his forehead before getting up to exit the room. Jesse knew that Luke was trying and he felt bad about getting upset with him but Jesse knew that he wouldn't be helping Luke if he let him get away with throwing a temper tantrum. Jesse knew that he was going to have to talk to Daisy and Bo too about doing so much for Luke. He knew they were doing it out of love but it would take Luke longer to get better if they kept doing everything for him and didn't push him to do as much as he could for himself.

The rest of the evening passed quietly without any more outbursts from Luke, who was quiet and subdued. Jesse tried to encourage him to say a few more words but he refused to speak again. Jesse saw the sad look in Luke's eyes as he watched Bo playing his guitar. Luke and Bo had often played their guitars together in the evening and Jesse knew that Luke was wondering if he would ever be able to do something that he had loved so much again. Everyone decided to turn in early and soon the only sounds came from the crickets and owls outside. The peacefulness was broken less than an hour later by a loud scream.

The sound of the scream jarred Bo awake with a start. Luke was all tangled in the blankets, flailing about with his arms in an effort to ward something off. Bo grabbed his wrists and held on tight so Luke wouldn't hurt himself. “LUKE...LUKE... SHHHH” he shouted above the screams. Startled out of his dream, Luke awoke with a jerk and broke into sobs. Instinctively, Bo reached out and gathered Luke into his arms, holding him close. “It's okay, Luke….it was just a bad dream, that's all. Shhhhh…I got ya….I got ya.” Bo said, rocking Luke gently back and forth in his arms.

Jesse burst in the door “What happened? What's wrong?” He asked his voice full of worry and fear.

“It's okay, Uncle Jesse.” Bo told him quietly “Luke just had a nightmare that's all.”

“Are you sure he's ok?” Jesse asked anxiously, unable to see Luke's face because it was buried against Bo's shoulder. Bo pulled back a little and looked at his cousin's face. Luke's eyes were closed and he was breathing softly. “He's asleep again.” Bo whispered.

Jesse nodded. Satisfied that Bo had things under control, he turned to go back to his own bedroom. Gently, Bo laid Luke back on his side of the bed and wiped away the stray tears from his face. Covering him up, Bo stretched out beside him keeping one arm protectively lying across Luke's chest. Luke slept quietly for the rest of the night without any more bad dreams. The next morning, he was irritable and didn't want to get up so Bo decided to let him stay in bed for awhile, at least until after he finished the morning chores. Jesse agreed when Bo told him that Luke seemed to still be tired and didn't feel like getting up. He knew that Luke's tolerance and endurance was still limited and he could use a little extra rest after having a bad night. After Bo had finished the morning chores, Jesse left to help Jeb in the fields, leaving his youngest to tend to Luke. Bo woke Luke up, did his exercises and got him dressed. Then he transferred him into the wheelchair and took him into the kitchen for breakfast. After feeding him, Bo grinned and said “What do ya wanna do today, cuz?” Luke shrugged his shoulders and looked at his cousin questioningly wondering what Bo had in mind. “How about a ride in the General?” Bo suggested. Luke grinned happily and nodded his head, his eyes shining with excitement at the thought of going for a ride. “I thought you'd like that idea.” Bo said. He wheeled Luke outside and gently helped him into the General Lee. Sliding across the hood, he slid under the wheel and turned on the engine. Before pulling out of the drive, he made sure that Luke's lap belt and shoulder harness were both fastened securely. When he tried to put on Luke's helmet, he shook his head stubbornly and pulled back saying “No…Bo…”

Bo grinned happily just to hear Luke speaking again even if his voice sounded hoarse and raspy from not being used for so long. “Okay, cuz….have it your way. But we best keep this little ride just between you and me or Uncle Jesse will tan both our hides.”

Luke nodded, settling back in his seat as best he could as Bo pulled out of the drive. Bo cut across the field and put the General through a series of quick turns, driving only slightly slower than he would normally did. Then he stomped on the accelerator, heading for Dobson's Creek. He threw a quick grin at his cousin as he hit the mound of dirt at the edge of the creek bed and the General went airborne, sailing effortlessly across the creek. There was that momentary sense of weightlessness and then the General landed on the other side with a bone-jarring jolt. Bo looked at Luke to make sure he was okay after the sudden landing and received a huge grin from his cousin in return. At least for a few moments anyway, Luke could feel normal again riding shotgun beside Bo in the General Lee. Bo drove around the countryside for another hour before finally returning to the farm. He was in good spirits as he helped Luke out of the car and put him back into the chair. They had both needed that.

Chapter 11

Over the next two weeks, Luke continued to make slow progress. He regained more control over his hands and arms, his fingers becoming more flexible. He was also trying to talk a little more but it was hard for him since it took so much concentration and effort for him to form the words he wanted to say. And he got frustrated when he couldn't say what he wanted to say. But it was still a positive improvement and definitely a step in the right direction. When he did speak, his speech was slow and halting with a slight slur, especially when he was tired.

With more control over his hands, Luke started feeding himself again. His coordination wasn't as good as it should be but he was doing his best. Bo still insisted on doing any cutting Luke needed, even though Jesse preferred he let Luke learn to do it himself. Daisy was also constantly trying to do too much for Luke. Jesse decided to talk to them all together about it. “Bo, Daisy, I want you two to listen to me. Luke is getting better and the more he does for himself the better. You two don't need to hover over him so much. If there is something that he needs he will ask, won't you, Luke?” Jesse looked at Luke, who nodded slightly.

“Milk....pl...please.”

“There you see? Okay, Daisy, could you get Luke some milk?” Jesse smiled and patted Luke's hand encouragingly. “If you can do something for yourself then you tell us Luke, ok? His uncle said.

“Yes...sir.”

Bo looked at Luke intently, realizing his uncle was probably right they had been doing too much for Luke. He needed to do as much as he could for himself. “I'm sorry Luke. I just don't want you to get hurt again.” Bo told him.

Luke looked at him and smiled, “I'm f...fine. A ...litt...le…clum…sy…is…all.” He concentrated on his next words “Sti…ll…need…you…”

“You got it, cousin.” Bo told him with a soft chuckle, patting his cousin's shoulder and getting a smile in return. Luke was getting better and it was a cause for celebration for all of them.

That evening Bo helped Luke into the bathtub, and did most of the washing for him. Jesse poked his head in while Bo was lathering up a washcloth. “He needs to have his hair washed too.” Jesse stated, as he passed a pitcher to Bo who filled it with water and gently wet Luke's hair. “Let him scrub it himself, Bo.” Jesse instructed as he passed his youngest nephew the shampoo bottle.

“Yeah okay,” Bo said as he took both of Luke's hands and placed them on his head, “There you go, cuz. Scrub it good.” Luke tried hard to wash, but he still tired quickly and so Bo finished for him. Jesse and Bo lifted Luke from the tub, and sat him on the closed toilet seat lid. Jesse draped a warm towel around his back and dried him thoroughly. He draped another towel over his head and gently dried his hair.

“S...soo mu...much h..help.” Luke said.

“So much help?” Bo said, as he started to dress Luke in his sweat pants for bed. Luke nodded at him. “Yeah, well just remember…I expect pay back for this.” Bo replied laughing.

“BO!” Jesse scolding, shaking his finger at Bo with a faint smile tugging at his own lips.

“Just kidding, Uncle Jesse.” Bo said with a chuckle “Come on, Luke. Time for bed.” He gently lifted his older cousin into his arms and started carrying him towards the door.

“Bo,” Jesse said stopping him. Bo paused and glanced back over his shoulder at his Uncle who added “I think it's time to start building those parallel bars for Luke to use.”

“I'll get started on that tomorrow.” Bo promised, as he carried his cousin out of the bathroom and down the stairs to the bedroom that they were still using. As he laid him down on the bed, he saw the concerned look in Luke's eyes. “What's wrong, cuz?” he asked, sitting down on the bed beside his cousin.

“Sca…red…” Luke stammered

“About what?” Bo asked in confused voice

“Can…n't…wa..lk…”

“You worried because Jesse wants me to start building those parallel bars?” Bo asked

“I…I'll….fa…ll.” Luke said

“No, you won't. I'll be right there to catch ya if ya do.” Bo told him

“Pro…mi…se..?”

“Of course I do.” Bo said, rumbling Luke's hair fondly. “And just wait….you'll be back on your feet in no time.” He could see the doubt and the fear that still lingered in Luke's eyes. “Come on….let's get some sleep.” He quickly changed into his own sweat pants and lay down beside his cousin.

Doc Applebee came by to see Luke the next day and was pleased with his progress. He had come a lot farther a lot quicker than even Doc had expected him to and he knew that it was the love and support of his family that had helped him to do that. It also helped that they had been able to give him the kind of attention that he couldn't have gotten if they had sent him to an institution. Letting Jesse take Luke home had been the best decision for everyone. He agreed with Jesse that Luke was ready to start working on the parallel bars. He had regained most of his upper body strength now he needed to work on learning how to stand again and to walk. In order to do that, he had to regain the strength in his lower body. He also gave them some new exercises to use on his legs that would help to build up the weakened muscles. They all knew that this would be the hardest thing that Luke had had to do so far. And that it would probably take the longest to see any positive results from. It was the one thing Luke was going to resist doing the most because it was going to be so hard for him. He would need all of their love, support and encouragement to master this next phase of his recovery.

Chapter 12

Bo built a set of parallel bars in the barn for Luke to start practicing to stand with and eventually to walk again. At first he couldn't even keep his balance without Bo helping to hold him up and after just ten minutes of working on the bars, he would be exhausted and his face dripping with sweat from his efforts. But he kept at it, relying on that Duke pride and stubbornness to see him through. After a few days, he could balance himself well enough to remain in a standing position for five minutes without falling. Over the course of the next three weeks, Luke was standing and taking small steps with the help of the bars and Bo.

“Arghhh....” Luke grunted out as he tried to make his legs move, every day it got easier, and every day he pushed himself harder. His speech had improved too, along with his hand co-ordination. He could write and spell easily again but he still couldn't read because it gave him a headache each time he tried but Bo didn't mind reading out loud to him. Luke half walked and half pulled himself through the bars with Bo waiting on the opposite end for him, watching carefully ready to grab him if he started to fall.

Two days later Bo was steadying his cousin as he got him to a standing position without the help of the bars and backed away. He still stayed an arms length away in case Luke fell. “There we go Luke.” Bo told him encouragingly “Let's see how long you can stand like that.” Bo watched him carefully. A moment later it appeared as though Luke might fall, but instead he took a step forward and then another one, before starting to lose his balance. Bo caught him in his arms. “YOU DID IT, LUKE! YOU DID IT!” Bo yelled in an excited voice as he pulled back from their embrace and gave Luke a little shake. “Luke, did you hear me? You did it!”

“Yeah...I did!” Luke said with a huge grin on his face as he clung to his cousin for support. Bo shouted at the top of his lungs for his uncle and cousin to join them so they could all share in the moment. Daisy and Jesse came running out of the house, worried and scared, afraid that Luke had gotten hurt. They both were as excited as Bo when he told them that Luke had stood by himself and took two steps without the help of the bars. Jesse and Daisy both hugged Luke tightly and kissed him, all of them crying tears of relief and joy. It had been almost five months since he had been shot and with their love and the grace of God, Luke was recovering.

That night, he was even able to join Bo playing his guitar. Luke had regained enough strength and flexibility in his fingers to form simple chords and the first time he was able to play a piece all the way through without any mistakes, he got tears in his eyes. Jesse and Daisy got teary eyed too when they saw how much pleasure Luke got from being able to do something that he had always loved so much.

Within another three weeks, Luke was taking more steps without the aide of the bars and Doc Applebee brought him a walker to start using in the house instead of being confined to the wheelchair all the time. For the first time in months, Luke was finally back on his feet. Bo even built handrails on either side of the steps that led upstairs so that Luke could practice climbing up and down the stairs with Bo's help. Soon, they might even be able to start sleeping in their own room again.

One morning after Bo had finished the morning chores and the boys were at the house alone, Luke looked at Bo and said with a smile,

“Bo…..I wanna drive the General. Okay?”

“Luke, are you sure?” Bo asked in a surprised voice “Your reflexes are still kinda slow.”

“I'm sure. I'm tired of always being the passenger.” Luke told him “I can do this, Bo…..I know I can….”

“Okay, cuz….we'll go somewhere and you can try.” Bo helped Luke into the General and slid underneath the wheel. He drove to an abandoned area where he knew they would have privacy and Luke wouldn't be distracted by any other traffic. He helped Luke slid into the driver's seat, then he ran around to climb in on the passenger's side of the car. Within seconds, Luke had the General racing across the field. Bo watched him closely, ready to grab the wheel if he needed to, but Luke had things under control. Relief flooded through Bo's veins and he felt the urge to shout for joy. Taking a deep breath, he yelled “YEEEEHAAAA!!!” Luke laughed and pressed his foot hard on the accelerator as he sped across the open ground. Bo let Luke drive for almost an hour before finally taking back the wheel so they could head for home. They both knew that Luke had a long way to go yet but that he would eventually recover fully and be the same old Luke again. Rosco had called a few days before and told them that the man who shot him had finally confessed and had been sentenced to ten years in prison. Thanks to the love and support of his family, life for Luke would soon be back to normal.