ROAD WORK AHEAD: EXPECT DELAYS
CHAPTER 14
*******************************
If Hutch had to deal with another perky volunteer offering a magazine or slippers, he would throw those slippers back at them. Did those people actually think he had any use for slippers at the moment? His leg suspended from the bed prevented him from getting up and signing himself out of the hospital. He hated hospitals. But the only good thing was that at least he and Starsky were in the same room. They'd been there now for two days and the official word was that they both had another few days before they could go home.
Actually he still felt pretty lousy. His nose itched because of the forced air he received from the oxygen cannula. His leg was badly broken and needed surgery to repair the bone and tendon. He was held hostage in bed since his leg was suspended and attached to pulleys in order to keep the bone in place. The reaction to the ant bites was the real concern for the doctors. Hutch's breathing was compromised but did not require anything more than IV solutions to counteract the allergic reaction. He was still attached to several different IV's, the tubing dangling from the bags, dripping into his hand. Then, since he wasn't able to get out of bed, the catheter was another tube attached to him. At least he wasn't itchy any more since most of the red blotches had disappeared.
Even the hickey had faded, much to his relief. He never had to explain that one even though he was sure his doctor knew the difference between a hickey and a hive.
He shifted his butt, trying to get comfortable. His back ached but he looked forward to the massage the nurse would provide later. He could roll enough to get on his side and enjoy the healing touch.
Hutch turned his attention to his partner in the bed next to his. Starsky had been quiet for some time now and Hutch wondered what the reason for that was.
"Hey Starsk, what's up? You okay?"
Starsky was on his back, his left arm strapped to his chest. Surgery corrected the torn tendon and broken arm and 25 stitches snaked up Starsky's right leg. When he'd fallen over the hill, he'd landed on a small tree that had ripped his leg from the ankle to knee. The leg wasn't broken but the branch had punctured his leg, causing a large open wound. He also was attached to several IV's and the enforced catheter.
He turned his head toward the blond and put the book he was reading on his stomach. He also had two broken ribs but they were healing. He no longer had pain when he took a breath but his chest and abdomen were bruised and discolored.
"I'm just thinking about Al and Rose. I hope he was able to help Huggy. By the way, where is our bar tending friend? Haven't seen him since we got here."
"Well, you were sleepin' earlier when the phone rang. Huggy called to say he wouldn't be in for a couple days. It seems that Al was able to line up a couple trucks and stocked them with booze and drove one of the trucks himself. Your Aunt Rose went with him. She took along a pot of chicken soup to feed the guys. They left a few hours after they'd eaten and a little later, Huggy got… uhhh.. Montezuma's Revenge! Now Huggy's not sayin' it was 'cause of the soup but…" Hutch giggled and watched as Starsky just rolled his eyes and groaned.
"Now I really owe Huggy a favor. I love my aunt dearly but jeeze, her soup is a lethal weapon!"
Starsky sighed and rubbed his face. He picked up his book again but immediately let it slide back onto the mattress. Just as he reached for the T.V. control, the door to their room opened.
"My, my, you boys sure are popular! Look at what I have for you!" Another of the perky volunteers that constantly annoyed Hutch, walked over to the blond with a box wrapped in brown paper. She smiled sweetly at Hutch before she put the present on Hutch's table.
"Thanks Allison." Hutch thanked her but didn't want to offer any further comment. He'd discovered given the slightest incentive, Allison took it as an invitation to stay and would talk your ear off. More than once he'd turned his head away, closed his eyes and just ignored her. It seemed to him that she'd find any reason just to come to their room, with magazines, crossword puzzles or mail.
Starsky tried to suppress a laugh. The woman was perhaps in her 60's with short gray hair and a bit chubby. Obviously she had a crush on Hutch which delighted the other man. But his leg hurt and he needed something to distract him from the pain. He knew he could ask for pain meds, but hated the disconnected feeling they caused and would rather not take anything until bedtime.
Hutch did his best to tune her out.
Clearly disappointed, Allison shrugged her shoulders. Once more she stared at Hutch, wanting to do something that would enable her to stay longer.
"Here, hon, let me plump up your pillow." Allison reached under Hutch's head and somehow, her elbow connected with his face.
"That's good enough Allison, thanks." Hutch waved her away while rubbing at his nose.
"I can't leave you without fresh water. I'll be back in a jiffy." Allison grabbed the water pitcher and floated out of the room. She never noticed Starsky holding out his to be filled. All too soon, she was back with fresh water for Hutch. She picked up his glass, poured the water but unfortunately, she was looking at Hutch rather than the glass.
"Stop!" Now look what you did. Just leave the pitcher. I'm fine." Hutch swiped water off his face and flinched as the cold water hit his bare chest. He heard Starsky snicker but didn't dare look at him for fear he'd loose his temper completely.
"I'll just get a towel, you'll be cleaned up in no time."
"Please.. just go away! Thanks for bringing the gift." Hutch shooed her out with his voice and a wave toward the door. He rolled his eyes as he wiggled away from the water that was pooled at his side.
She turned toward Starsky who just winked at her. Benignly she smiled back, but looked over her shoulder once again at the handsome blond.
"Well, there's always the dinner trays later!" Allison whispered to herself as she left the room. She quickly headed to the volunteer office to put her name beside the dinner distribution schedule for her favorite patient.
"Aww, she's got a crush on you! " Starsky chuckled as he stared at the Hutchinson finger.
Quickly, Starsky changed the subject, anxious to see what was in the box.
"Hurry up, who's the package from? What's in it? Want me to open it?" Starsky's enthusiasm was just like at Christmas. He loved presents but hated to wait till it was time to open them.
The box was wrapped in brown paper, with both their names on it. No post mark, so it had obviously been dropped off at the nurse's desk.
Hutch examined all sides, looking for a return name. He shook the box once, but didn't hear anything. He slyly glanced over at Starsky who just gave a great sigh of frustration.
Hutch knew how curious his partner was and wanted to distract him from the pain he could see on the other man's face. Starsky would never say so, but Hutch could see it in his eyes and on his face that he was uncomfortable. This would be a fun way of diverting both of them from their individual aches and pains.
"Will you hurry up already? Is there a card?" Starsky tried to keep his voice level. If he showed too much annoyance, then his friend would delay as long as possible on purpose.
"Just a minute. I gotta remove this tape. The card must be in the box." Slowly and with much grumbling from Starsky, Hutch finally unwrapped the present. A white envelope sat on top of the box. No longer able to keep his own enthusiasm under control, he ripped open the envelope. He pulled out the card and showed the outside of it to Starsky.
A masculine scene with a boat on the water, a dock in the background and birds flying overhead graced the front of the card.
Starsky nodded his head in appreciation but frowned again as Hutch took his time reading the verse. The blond shook his head and smiled to himself before offering it to Starsky.
The dark-haired man reached out to take the card as Hutch continued with his tight lipped throaty laugh.
On the inside, instead of a manufactured greeting, a hand written message flowed over the blank page:
This time, the beer's on me.
Relax and get better.
But as I see it, you owe me!
Respectfully,
Harry Hawkins
As Starsky read the card, Hutch opened the package to find two cans of beer. He held them up for Starsky to see, just as his friend let out a belly laugh.
Hutch joined in. A laugh shared with a friend was just the thing.