The spots appeared two days later. Soon as John saw them, he knew exactly what his son had. Part of him wanted to call up the school and tell Mrs. Wasp what his boy had. He banked the urge. Getting Dean and himself through this with both their sanity and tempers intact was all that mattered. He had hoped that things like the chicken pox, measles, and the mumps would wait until his boys were older before striking.
As if he'd be so lucky.
"Should I take him to the doctor?" He ran a hand over his face and debated pouring the rest of the whiskey in his coffee. "Isn't there something they can give him?"
"The only things they'd give him are the same things I'm giving you," Ellen said as she handed him a brown bag. "If the sores get infected, his fever keeps climbing or he complains he can't breathe are really the only time you'd take him to the doctor."
"Are you sure?"
"John, quit your worryin'." A small smile curved her lips. "It's good for kids to get chickenpox young."
"What about Sammy, though?" He glanced over to where Sam sat coloring and watching cartoons. "Isn't he too young to get chickenpox?"
"He's at just the age when most kids do get it," she replied. "Hell, most parents prefer their kids getting chicken pox at the same time."
"Why?"
"Get's it done and over with."
John didn't think he could handle Sammy coming down with the chickenpox. Dean was enough of a challenge. His oldest definitely took after him. He couldn't deny it. Not when his son was aiming his foul-temper and foul-mouth at him. No greater feeling in the world than your kid aiming your less than stellar qualities at you, he thought as Sammy giggled at something on the television.
"Would keeping Sammy away from Dean keep him from getting sick?"
"He's already been exposed at this point."
That's what he was afraid of. John set the bag on the table.
"So, Tylenol for the fever and calamine lotion for the itching?"
"Apply the calamine lotion after giving him a lukewarm bath." She reached into the bag and brought out a bottle she handed to him. "Put some of this in the water. It'll help with the itching."
"What is it?"
"An oatmeal based bath treatment." She turned to head for the door. "And make sure to pat Dean dry. Oh, and don't let him scratch. It'll infect the sores."
"Thanks, Ellen," he said as he followed her. "I really appreciate all you've done for me and the boys."
"I think of them boys like family, John." She glanced again at Sammy who continued to watch cartoons. "I'll do anything I can to help them." She looked at him. "And you."
John had a feeling she'd end up regretting helping them one day.
A/N: Hello, all! Hope this finds you well!