I'll Catch You by Farrah Rochon Page A

the ultimate in caring for patients with Derek’s condition, and the New York Sabers were the closest NFL franchise to Woodbridge, New Jersey.
    Cedric had to remain a New York Saber. There was no other option.
    “Good morning,” Mrs. Bea greeted him from the porch of the group home.
    “Morning, Mrs. Bea. Thanks for letting me come in so early.”
    “You are welcome at any time, Cedric. There is nothing that lights up Derek’s face more than when he sees you, either in person or on the screen.”
    “Did he make everyone in the house watch yesterday’s game?”
    “Of course.” Mrs. Bea nodded. “That’s okay. I’ve got a home filled with Sabers fans.”
    Cedric held the screen door open for her before following her into the large house that had been renovated to accommodate both kids and adults with special needs. Cedric had personally funded several of the renovations himself.
    “Your mother drove up from Philadelphia yesterday,” the director commented in a lowered voice as they made their way through the house.
    “I know. I was hoping she would stay an extra night, but she had to get back to work. She thinks the elementary school will fall apart without its principal.”
    “She’s very dedicated to her students, and to Derek, too. You should have seen him preening as she cheered him on yesterday during his lessons.”
    “So he’s doing better?” Cedric asked.
    “Much better,” Mrs. Bea answered. “He’s been getting less frustrated with his lessons, and the new hydrotherapy sessions are really helping with his motor skills. I think you’ll be surprised when you see him.” She motioned for Cedric to follow her. “He’s already dressed and waiting in the sunroom. I wanted your visit to be a surprise, so I told him he was going into the pool early this morning.”
    Mrs. Bea guided Cedric past the kitchen and down the hallway, where the extra-wide, wheelchair-friendly bedroom doors were still closed. They made a quick left into the sunroom, and Cedric spotted his brother looking out into the vast backyard.
    “Derek,” Mrs. Bea called. “There’s someone here to see you.”
    Derek turned his head and his eyes opened wide as saucers.
    “Cedric!”
    “What’s up, buddy?” Cedric greeted, stooping so he could capture his twin in a bear hug. Cedric swallowed past the lump that always formed in his throat whenever he encountered his brother’s unrestrained love.
    Derek worshipped him, which only made Cedric’s guilt that much harder to bear. For years doctors had tried to convince Cedric that he wasn’t the cause of his brother’s condition, but facts were facts. Twenty-seven years ago, when they’d shared a womb, Cedric had stolen nearly all of the nutrients, leaving none for his brother’s brain and body to properly develop. It could have just as easily been him in this wheelchair, living his life vicariously through his brother, the way Derek lived vicariously through Cedric.
    Before Cedric could get a single word in, Derek started a slurred but enthusiastic recounting of every single play of yesterday’s game. As he listened to his brother’s excited monologue, Cedric could only marvel at the strides that had been made in Derek’s condition.
    When he’d first found Marshall’s Place, Derek was listless, bound by the confines of his wheelchair and spending most hours of the day parked in front of the television at the group home he’d lived in back in Philadelphia. Cedric had researched better care facilities for years, and he knew it was a gift straight from God when he’d been drafted by the Sabers and could afford to send Derek to Marshall’s Place.
    Being able to get Derek into this facility was an opportunity for atonement, at least what little he could allow himself.
    As he sat patiently listening to his brother, Cedric knew there was no other option for him. He wasn’t done making up for the damage he’d caused Derek.
    He had to remain a New York Saber. It was as simple as