This choice: Story 1: Back to Kindergarten • Go Back... It's been nearly four years since the general public discovered the truth about Radeon Scientific. People were immediately outraged, accusing them of playing God. Then, global governments began looking into how they could create such foolproof identification for their clients. It took some time, but Radeon was able to survive both the negative press and the investigations.
They continued to provide their most popular service, but they also expanded into more mainstream areas. One of these areas was medical treatments for diseases that were previously thought to be incurable. My name is Clay Burdett, and I am 15 years old. I have muscular dystrophy. My parents took me to Radeon in the hopes of finding a cure. Radeon delivered, but not in the way I expected.
Follow my journey as I navigate a 5-year-old girl's life...
****************************
My father expertly maneuvered our large van through the crowded parking lot, a skill honed after visiting the same lot twice a week for nearly 15 months. Then he reversed the van into a nearby handicapped parking spot. I smiled as I noticed the van next to us belonged to my friend Josie Rutherford and her family. I use the term "friend" loosely because Josie and I have never spent any time together outside of Radeon. She was only 5 years old and paralyzed from the neck down.
Mom said as she saw the Rutherfords' car, "I guess Josie and her family got the same call." Then, as she unbuckled her seatbelt and looked back at me, Mom said, "I hope this means you'll both be cured after today."
Dad got out of the car and approached the passenger side. "I'm sure Carl and Diane are excited; didn't they plan a big Disney trip to celebrate?" he said as he opened the door and lowered my ramp.
"Yes, Diane told me about it a few weeks ago," Mom said as she cleared the way for me to leave. "The resort is providing Josie with a professionally made Belle gown, as well as a private photo session with all of the Disney Princesses."
Josie had told me all about the trip last week; she was so excited about it. “How about us? Are we doing anything to celebrate my cure?” I asked while rolling down the ramp.
“We’ll do something, Clay, but we don’t have the financial resources that Josie’s family does,” Mom said while squeezing my shoulder. “I think your brother said he had something planned for you two; a boy’s weekend, he called it.”
My brother Kyle was 20 years old, a sophomore at an upstate college. He’d been talking for months about everything he and I could do once I was cured. “I’m sorry so much of our savings went into my medical bills.”
I could see that my remarks had visibly hurt both my parents. They had started saving for my and Kyle’s education long before we were born. All that money eventually went towards treatments for me, leaving Kyle working hard to get a scholarship. “Don’t you dare apologize for that, Clay; your father and I would become homeless if it meant you were healthy.”
We checked in at the desk, and the receptionist brought us down to the same large room as every other visit. Once inside the room, I could see Josie’s bed in the corner, with wires and tubes hooked up to her. Due to the difficulties involved with moving her, Radeon had offered to let Josie stay here for the trial duration.
I wheeled myself over to her and took her hand, “Hey Josie, today’s the day.”
Josie had the biggest smile when she saw me, “Hi Clay! Don’t forget; you promised you’d dance with me.”
I had promised Josie a few months earlier that I would have a dance with her after we were cured. “I’d never forget about that, Josie.”
Josie and I continued talking while our parents talked amongst themselves. Our doctor, Eliza Holmes, walked into the room shortly after we’d arrived. “Well, if it isn’t my two favorite patients. I bet the two of you are excited for what’s about to happen.”
Josie and I both nodded excitedly, “You bet we are! I can’t wait to get rid of this wheelchair.”
Doctor Holmes chuckled as she gave packages to my parents and Josie’s. “It would be best if they received the injections before going to bed. There’s also a sedative included in the injection, but I must insist that you follow my advice.”
Everyone acknowledged Doctor Holmes’ advice, and she turned to leave. She barely made it two feet before my mom and Josie’s stopped her. “We can’t thank you enough for this; you’re giving our children a new life.”
**********************
My folks and I were exiting the lobby when I saw a familiar face walking towards me. Dylan Simmons and her folks had moved into town just before the school year started. No one really knew much about her earlier life, but Dylan had joined the cheer squad and quickly became one of the most popular girls in school. But what was she doing here?
“Hi Dylan,” I said as she got closer. I could tell by the look on her face that she didn’t know who I was. “I’m Clay Burdett; we have Geometry together.”
Dylan’s expression didn’t change very much, “Oh, right; I recognized the wheels. So what are you doing here?”
“I have muscular dystrophy; I’ve been coming here for the last year hoping they could help me.” Then, raising a curious eyebrow, I added, “What are you doing here?”
Dylan’s expression changed, almost like she was fighting herself. After this went on for a few moments, she said, “Only my closest friends know what I’m about to tell you, and they all promised not to blab; so, if word gets out, I’ll know it was you.” Then, taking a deep breath, Dylan said, “I used to be a 73-year-old man who had Alzheimer’s. My daughter told me about Radeon when I was in one of my lucid states. We both decided that it was the best thing for me.”
Dylan explained everything; how she went from an elderly man to a girl who was biologically her granddaughter. She also explained that she was here for her 8-month post-procedure check-up.
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing; the most popular girl in school used to be a 73-year-old man. “I don’t understand; I’ve seen you flirting with guys at school.”
“They changed more than just the chassis, Clay; I’m a Grade A All-American girl.” Pausing to think for a moment, Dylan said, “Of course, there’s plenty that I’m still getting used to; guys are far more vocal about their attractions than back in my day, and clothing styles have most definitely changed over the last 60 years. Probably the biggest change for me is that my daughter is now my mother.”
Our conversation continued for a few minutes before Dylan realized she was late for her appointment. We said our goodbyes before I left to catch up with my folks; while doing that, I wondered if I’d have a chance with Dylan after I was cured.
Little did I know, I’d never get that chance...   indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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