Joe came in around noon from running errands.
Mel was on the phone.
"Austin, I would love to come meet up with you. But, my nephew is sick and I have no one else to take care of him" she said in a commanding tone.
Joe waved his hands left and right trying to get Mel's attention.
"Austin, hold on one second" she said and put the phone aside.
"Yes Joe?" she said in a snotty tone.
"I'll get Ryder. You go" Joe told her.
"You sure? He's really stubborn" Mel said sounding unsure.
"I'm sure" Joe said.
Mel picked up the phone. "Austin. I'll be there, Joe's got him"
She hung up the phone and headed up the stairs.
She heard Ryder calling her and went into his room.
"What's wrong?" Mel asked in a concerned voice
"My head really hurts"
"Oooh, you look worse than this morning" Mel said sounding skeptical about going
Mel called Joe's name loudly.
He ran up the stairs to where Mel was.
"I don't think I should go. Look at him" she said to Joe.
"Go. He'll be fine" Joe said.
Mel went to her room and got dressed.
"Where's Aunt Mel going?" Ryder asked.
"She's going out with Austin for lunch. She'll be back later"
"I'll take care of you, since it's my fault "Joe told him.
"Joe, it's not" Ryder said and began to cough.
Joe felt Ryder's head and took his temperature.
It read 102.4. Higher than before.
"Let me getcha some Tylonel and I'll be right back" Joe told Ryder.
Joe went down to the kitchen. Mel was there about to leave.
"How is he? " Mel asked him.
"He's got a high fever. But, I'm going to see if Tylonel brings it down" Joe told her.
" I really shouldn't go" Mel said.
"Go! He's fine" Joe told her
Mel left.
Joe took care of Ryder until Mel got back.