The McCoys looked at each other.
‘I think,’ said Mrs McCoy, ‘I think we just have to wait.’
I wanted to ask for how long, but knew it wouldn’t get an answer.
‘Results come through for some of the tests tomorrow, we think,’ said Mr McCoy, ‘so you’re not the only one waiting on results, Brendan, but at least allyourtests are out of the way.’
‘Well, one more test to go so don’t be relaxing too soon,’ said Dad.
‘Which?’ asked Mr McCoy. ‘Oh aye, the driving test, some birthday celebration that!’
The very notion of me taking my driving test, never mind celebrating my birthday, seemed completely absurd sitting by Ronan’s side.
‘Well, let’s see how things are here first,’ I said.
‘Now Brendan,’ said Mr McCoy. ‘Things’ll be fine here, there’ll be no reason for you not to go ahead with anything, we’re in good hands, I’m sure we’ll be back home again in no time. But if we are still here on the day of your test I need you to promise me something: when you pass …’
‘…ifI pass …’
‘…whenyou pass I want you to drive straight here, or if we’re at home go there, bring your L plates with you and tear them up, tear themrightup and throw them in the air like confetti for us all to see. There’d be no greater boost than to see that. What do you say?’ He put his hand out across the bed over Ronan’s knees. ‘Shake on it?’
‘Mr McCoy, that’s an awful lot of pressure.’
‘Nothing you can’t handle, son,’ Dad said.
‘Aye, because you’ve paid for the test already,’ I said.
‘Belief overrides money, Brendan, and I believe you’re ready.’
‘I second that,’ said Mr McCoy.
‘I third it,’ said Mrs McCoy.
‘And he fourths it,’ said Mr McCoy, nodding at Ronan.
‘Well, if Ronan fourths it then …’
I shook Mr McCoy’s hand.
‘Good lad,’ he said. ‘Something for us to root for over the next wee while; can’t have Ronan stealing the spotlight altogether.’
‘And do like Aaron said,’ said Mrs McCoy, nodding rapidly, almost desperately. ‘Come here, or to the house if we’re there by then, after your test and rip those L plates right up and we’ll celebrate the new driverandthe birthday boy.’
I nodded and smiled tightly, worried I’d just made a promise I had no guarantee of keeping.
We chatted for a while longer as Dad went and brought back cups of terrible tea.
‘Not like we brew at home,’ said Mr McCoy. ‘If we’re here much longer I’m bringing the teabags in.’
‘Doctor’s not given you some sort of timeframe?’ Dad asked.
‘Not really, no,’ said Mr McCoy. ‘Plenty of tests done already and more scans tomorrow so we’ll probably be here for another while yet. He’ll need to show signs of stability for us to get him home. But I’m happier he’s here and being looked after properly. We’ll just keep the prayers going and hope it’s not too long until we’re back up and running where we left off.’
‘And will Ronan be like how we left off?’ I asked. ‘With his speech and everything?’
‘We don’t know yet,’ said Mrs McCoy. ‘When he comes round they’ll be able to do all those kinds of tests.’
‘We’ll just keep the prayers going,’ said Dad. ‘It’s all we can do.’
