Nick tries to shake Sebastian awake, but his roommate just moans. Nick makes a decision.
He goes to his computer, and searches for a name that is both familiar and strange. He punches the seven digits into his cell phone. His stomach flutters nervously as the phone rings. Nick is an easy-going guy. He has never needed to be in control, he can roll with the punches. He's not sure why he's nervous now.
"John Smythe's office," A cheerful voice says on the other end of the phone. "How may I direct your call?"
Nick takes a steadying breath. "I need to speak with Mr. Smythe." He prays it will be easy to talk to the man.
"May I ask who's calling please?" The woman on the other end is pleasant. He's surprised she's not trying to block him.
"Nick Duvall," he says quickly. "Can you tell him that it's about Sebastian?"
John Smythe picks up on the first ring. "Hello, Nick." His voice is deeper than his son's, and filled with a confidence so deep that no cutting words are necessary to make it clear. Nick can tell that Sebastian tries to emulate his father, but that his efforts are like a crayon drawing trying to reproduce the Sistine Chapel.
"Sebastian is sick." Nick speaks without pretext. He's not sure how to start the conversation. Butterflies fill his stomach. Sebastian's father is a powerful man.
He pauses, waiting for Mr. Smythe to say something. When there is no response, he continues. "He's tired, confused, almost comatose."
"Did my son say what's wrong?" John Smythe's voice is gentle, but there is a hardness behind it.
"No, but I think he has ketones?" Nick feels the words rush out of him. "He doesn't know I'm calling. I'm just worried."
Nick watches as the previously unconscious Sebastian runs out of bed. He hears more retching through the bathroom door.
"Sebastian is throwing up, again."
Mr. Smythe sighs. "I'll be there as soon as I can, Nick. It will take me maybe, half an hour. Try to get some water into him, if you can. And, thank you."
"You're welcome," Nick says quietly. "I'll see you soon."
The phone clicks.
Nick picks up a water bottle and follows his roommate into the bathroom. Sebastian's body is once again actively purging. It rolls over him like waves, the nausea taking control of everything in the boy.
Sebastian accepts the water bottle, using it to rinse his mouth and throat. He spits into the toilet, a thin stream of yellowish liquid. He seems to defeated.
Nick is glad Sebastian's father is coming to take control.