Chapter Three

The first thing Campbell's mind noticed was that he was awake. The next thing he noticed was a sharp pain inching up his right side and something was dripping and beeping in his ear. He slowly opened his eyes when he looked at a fuzzy ceiling and blinked. The ceiling came into focus as he looked around then saw the metal pole to his right and a plastic bag was hanging from it. Slowly raising his right hand, he saw the plastic tube taped to the back of his hand and frowned. He gently touched the plastic tube when the door opened and he looked at Nurse Allyson Halloway coming inside the room.

"Well, I see someone's finally decided to wake up," Nurse Halloway said with a smile.

"Hello," Campbell said and Nurse Halloway walked to the bed, picking the chart off the small hook at the foot of the bed.

"What's your name?"

"You first," Campbell said with a small smile.

"I am Nurse Allyson Halloway."

"I'm Campbell."

"What is your last name?"

"It's Bain."

"As in Campbell Bain's Loony Tunes Show?"

"Aye, you listen to it?"

"Every day," she said with a smile.

"How long have I been asleep?"

"Four days," Nurse Halloway said, opening the chart and looked at the piece of paper with a record of his vitals.

"What's wrong with me?"

"According to this, your appendix almost popped."

"It did?" he asked with a worried look.

"Aye, in fact, you gave us a scare. Your pressure dropped a few times and your heartbeat was a bit off," Nurse Halloway said, pointing to the heart monitor to his left and he looked at the lights moving up and down.

"I'm going tae be ok?"

"Aye, you're going tae be fine."

Campbell watched as she examined him and she smiled at him from time to time.

"Um, I was wondering something. See, I'm manic/depressive and…"

"We know aboot that. Dinnae worry. We've been giving you your drugs through the drip," Nurse Halloway said then picked up something from the nightstand that looked like a small plastic watering can.

"WHAT is THAT for?" he asked with wide eyes.

"Do you have to pee?" she said with a smile.

"Aye, I do."

"Well, guess what you have tae go in," Nurse Halloway said, jiggling the plastic watering can. Campbell smiled as he rolled his eyes when she pulled the curtain around the bed to give them some privacy and Campbell looked at the ceiling.

Opening his eyes, Campbell felt someone touching his hair when he looked at his mother and she smiled sweetly at him.

"Hello, Sweetie," she said as he blinked and she took his hand in hers.

"Hello," Campbell said with an angry look on his face.

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm alright. Where's Dad?"

"Right here," Mister Bain said when he walked closer and Campbell looked at him.

"You mad at me?"

"Why would I be mad at you?"

"For ruining your plans," he said and glared at him.

"I dinnnae understand."

"Please, dinnae get him upset," Mrs. Bain said, taking Campbell's hand and wrapped their fingers together.

"I'm talking aboot me going tae Perth. I'm nae going. I'm twenty years old and can take care of myself. I'd also get in big trouble at work. I'm under contract and they'd sue me if I just up and left. So just forget it!" Campbell said, looking at the window.

"Who said you were going tae Perth?" Mister Bain asked.

"Am I or am I nae still living at St. Jude's?"

"No, they released you."

"Which means you were going tae send me tae Perth. You told me so the last time you came tae see me."

"Yes, we were going tae do so at the time."

"I am nae going!"

"Calm down, Love, you're nae going tae Perth."

"Then where was I going?"

"You were coming home with us! We have your old room all ready for you."

"Really?" he asked with wide eyes.

"Aye, I even got you your favorite shampoo and toothpaste."

"What aboot Doctor Greene? He said he'd put on Ward Three if I pulled something."

"He was very upset but your father told him this wasnae your fault. He isnae going tae do anything," Mrs. Bain said and kissed the top of his head.

"You're telling me the truth?"

"Aye," Mister Bain said.

"I'm confused. I thought you were ashamed of me."

"Where did you get such a silly idea?" Mrs. Bain asked.

"Well, you keep telling me that I have tae grow up and be responsible. You never approved of whatever I wanted tae do. Like my radio show," he said with a pout.

"I love your show," Mrs. Bain said and he gave her a shocked look.

"You do?"

"I listen tae it every day. It is very funny. Everyone thinks so. You know Mister Kelly, the butcher?"

"Aye," he said with a nod.

"You know how he always gives Old Lady Flynn the best cuts of meat? Guess who he gives it tae now," she said with a smug look.

"Wow,' he whispered then smiled.

"And I keep getting asked if I'm your dad down at the pub. You are quite the attraction there," Mister Bain said.

"I am?"

"Aye, Henry Fynn said that the next time you go tae the pub, you can have a free beer."

"I'm nae allowed tae drink."

"That's what I told him. He said his wife will cook you that lamb stew you like then."

"Och, Da, dinnae talk aboot food," Campbell said as he felt his stomach churning and Mister Bain nodded.

"Sorry, sorry, I forgot," he said when Nurse Halloway walked into the room and they looked at her.

"I am sorry but visiting hours are over," she said as they nodded and Campbell's mother kissed the top of his head.

"We'll come back tomorrow. Now, you behave," she said, wagging a finger at him and Campbell saluted her. Laughing, she followed Mister Bain out of the room while Nurse Halloway walked to the bed and he winked at her.

"Someone's feeling better," she said as he nodded and she moved the curtain around the bed, making him sigh and roll his eyes.