Sorry so late for this….It's a little longer in length than usual for me to sorta make up for the long time not posting! Enjoy! Send feedback to feed the fingers!
CHAPTER 39
JoAnne gave the last dish a final swipe with towel then placed it into the cabinet. With a sigh, she closed the door and turned to visually inspect the clean kitchen. She grabbed her cup, frowned at the dregs within and poured the remains into the sink. Then she paused, debating whether she really wanted a cup of coffee or a nice tall glass of mint ice tea. Her decision made, she washed out her cup and placed it on the drying rack. Then she pulled out her favorite large glass and filled it full. She placed it on the table and sank into her chair with another sigh.
A glance at the kitchen clock made her face wrinkle up in disgust. How could it only be 3 o'clock? It seemed that this day would never end. As she sipped her tea, her mind went back to what had happened over the last 7+ hours.
When the alarm had gone off, she'd groaned, feeling like she'd just crawled into bed. A voice raised up from where her husband had his face was nearly buried in his pillow, his eyes still closed. "We don't have to go this morning. You don't have junior church and Chris is probably still beat from camp."
She sighed as she rolled over onto her back and blinked sleepily at the ceiling. "I know. And part of me agrees with you and the other part is feeling really guilty for even thinking about staying home from church."
Without opening his eyes, Roy rolled toward his wife and pulled her closer to him, "Well, let me know which part wins."
She chuckled at that and smacked him. He grunted and finally opened one sleepy eye. "Let me guess, the guilty part won."
She smiled as she pulled herself from his arms and sat up, drawing her robe around her shoulders. "Go shower, Mr. DeSoto, while I wake your children."
He muttered something she was sure she didn't want to hear as she headed out the door. She peeked her head into Jenny's room first, smiling at the sight of tousled blonde hair; the only thing visible from the mound of blanket. She grabbed what she thought could either be a foot or a shoulder and shook it, saying, "Jenny, wake up! Time for church."
At first there was a sigh, then a soft moan and finally the mound moved as Jenny sat up, blonde hair a tangled mess over her face. She sleepily rubbed at her eyes and yawned, then her face brightened into a smile. "Sunday! Chris is home! Does that mean we can go see Johnny today?"
Jo felt her breath catch in her chest at the thought of the man she thought of as a little brother hurt and alone in the hospital. She smiled gently and sat on the edge of the bed. "I don't know, dear one. We'll see."
Jenny's face fell and her head dropped, "I miss Uncle Johnny, Mommy. I can't help make him better like I promised if I can't see him." She lifted her face to look at her mom, tears filling her blue eyes to the point of overflowing. "What if no one is feeding him? He needs to eat. Dr. Brackett said so."
Jo reached out and pulled her daughter into a hug. "I'm sure the nurses are taking care of Johnny. And your father has been taking him in special food every day. OK?"
Jenny sniffled and pulled back, "I guess." She wiped her face on her sleeve. "Can we say a special prayer for him today?"
Jo smiled at her, "You bet. Now get up and get your teeth brushed and decide what dress you want to wear while I go get your brother up."
Jenny nodded and skipped over to her closet as Jo made her way out of the room and over to her son's room. She opened the door and looked inside. Her heart took another blow as she looked at her son. Roy had told her he'd told Chris about Johnny and had reported back he seemed calm with the news. "Don't think he took it as well as you thought there, dear." She murmured as she gently removed the photo album from under her son's face. Her gaze caught on the pictures and with a sad smile she touched the broadly grinning image of her husband's partner and her friend. 'Oh Johnny. We really need to get you to understand just how much a part of this family you really are.
'
Movement from the bed beside her drew her attention and she smiled as her son lifted his head and blinked at her. "Morning Mom."
She stroked the side of his face as she smiled at him, "Good morning Chris. It's good to have you home." He nodded then his gaze went to the album she held in her hand. She looked down at the photos and smiled. "These are such wonderful photos; you three boys really had a good time."
She handed the book back to Chris who stared at it a moment, then closed it and shoved it back under his mattress. Jo watched him, concerned over his quiet demeanor. She left him getting ready and headed off for her own morning routine. It was the first morning in over a week the family had been together. However, there seemed to be a strainedness that neither parent understood. Jenny was her usual bright self, eating while one foot swung wildly under her chair, chattering about who she hoped was in church today. Chris answered any question presented to him, but other than that, kept to himself. Jo eyed Roy then glanced at their son. Roy caught the silent statement and shrugged. Soon the family was dressed in their Sunday finery and out the door.
The service went well, several friends came up to talk to the DeSoto and Chris's friend were eager to hear stories about his week. Chris did his best to oblige but his mournful heart wasn't into it. Talking about the camp and all the neat things he did there only made him sadder to think he'd never camp again with his Uncle Johnny.
The good feelings from church and the pleasant conversations shared there had served to help Jo and Roy temporarily forget their injured friend and both were reluctant to lose that. So Roy looked at his wife and announced, "I feel like a treat. How about we have Sunday lunch at Richard's?"
Jenny cheered from the backseat and Chris gave the expected "Yeah Dad." Jo smiled at her husband and added, "That sounds good, Roy."
Roy nodded, "OK. Then to Richard's we go." They enjoyed their meal, the parents even splurging and ordering dessert. Chris had loosened up slightly and told about some of the things he'd done at camp. Both parent felt more relaxed as the family once more piled back into the car. As they pulled into the garage, reality came back and both parents felt their good mood gain a grey edge.
"Change your clothes then you can go out." Jo said automatically. Both kids responded as they headed into the house. Both adults were a little slow joining them. After changing, Roy looked out into the backyard and sighed. "I guess I should do the yard. It's looking a little shaggy out there." For a moment they stared out into the yard then blue eyes met green as it seemed a familiar voice echoed in both their minds, "Don't expect me to do it."
Jo's breath caught in a near sob and her husband pulled her close, his own eyes filling with tears. "Johnny promised he'd fix that old mower of yours, Roy. I don't know why he didn't get that done. He never breaks a promise." Jo knew she was babbling but she couldn't stop herself. All she could think of in that moment was how much she missed their energetic friend.
"I know." Roy mumbled from where he'd buried his face in her hair. His own breath hitched slightly as he confessed, "I just don't know what to do, Jo. I just…. Johnny…." His voice halted but his wife understood what he was trying to say. She pulled him tighter to her body, trying to give him comfort and receiving comfort herself at the same time. "I know." She murmured, "Me too."
Neither one noticed the silent figure near the door as they stared out into the backyard. Chris watched his parents for a few moments longer then, with head hung low, drug himself back off toward his room, any desire to play outside evaporated in his grief.
Unaware of their eldest's pain, the two adults broke apart. Jo looked at the clock on the wall even as she wiped the tears from her face. "Oh my. I didn't realize it was getting so late. You should be heading over to Rampart. Just let me get out the lasagna I made last night and quick make up some garlic toast. You know how much Johnny loves garlic toast with his lasagna and . . . and then I think a nice salad. Yes, he'll like that." Even as she talked, she began bustling around the kitchen.
Roy watched her for a few minutes then quietly said. "He loves all your cooking Jo."
She paused, hands braced on the counter as she choked back a sob. Then to Roy's surprise she turned to face him, a smile on her face. "Today is the day you'll get to see him, Roy. I just know it."
Roy gave a faint shrug, "Maybe." His voice echoed the skepticism he felt. But Jo just gave a firm nod. "I know it. That's why this meal must be special. I'll have it ready in just a few minutes."
True to her word, the meal was soon packaged up and ready to go. "Let him smell that and I guarantee he'll be . . ..he'll . . .drool worse than Pavlov's dog!" She finally finished with a grin.
In spite of himself, Roy laughed. "I'm sure he will." He agreed. Jo kissed his cheek as he gathered up the bags. "I also packaged up some of the scalloped ham and potatoes and some of the apple crisp Johnny's neighbor brought over." She eyed her husband as she added, "I made sure there was enough for both of you. That way you can join Johnny eating it."
Roy kissed her cheek as he gave her a grateful smile, "I love you Mrs. DeSoto."
Jo smiled back, "I love you too, Mr. DeSoto. And I love that scrawny partner of yours so go feed him." With his heart feeling lighter than it had in days, Roy headed off toward the hospital, desperately hoping his wife was right and Johnny would finally be ready to see him.
Jo sipped at her tea as her mind continued musing over the morning. The kids had both been unusually quiet, not asking to play outside. Roy had been gone now at the hospital for two hours. Jo could only hope that that was a good sign. Usually he dropped the food off, got a short report on Johnny's wellbeing and returned home, all within an hour. She was just debating her next task when a bone chilling scream came from upstairs.
"HE'S NOT! HE CAN'T BE! HE PROMISED! NO! NO CHRIS! HE PROMISED! HE TOLD ME HE'D GET BETTER!"
Jenny's voice screaming in near hysterics had Jo on her feet and running before she was consciously aware of doing so. Under her breath she was muttering, "So help me Christopher Daniel, if you've said something nasty to your sister again I'll …I'll…" her tirade ended as she stopped dead in the doorway to her daughter's room, shocked into immobility by the sight before her.
Chris made his way sadly up the stairs and back to his bedroom, the sight of his parents standing in the kitchen still in his head. He burrowed through the items he'd unpacked until he triumphantly pulled out a bundle of shirts. He cautiously unwrapped it, revealing a wooden frame made from popsicle sticks carefully fitted together and stained dark brown. A braided band of latigo dyed bright red and ending entwined in a bright silver concho encircled the open area for the picture. Chris touched the shiny metal piece thinking, 'Just like the ones on Tate's harness.' He traced the figures of a running pony and the firefighter's Maltese cross which braced each opposite corner and remembered how he'd painstakingly woodburned them into the surface.
With a sigh and holding the frame in his hand, he walked to his sister's room. Once there, he peeked inside, seeing Jenny sitting on the floor surrounded by half naked barbies and stacks of miniature clothes. Jenny was talking, changing her voice as she spoke for each doll. Chris watched her for a few moments then she sensed him and looked up, smiling.
"Hi Chris! You want to play dolls with me?" She chirped. He gave a half hearted smile. "Maybe later."
She shrugged. "OK." She went back to dressing the doll in her hand in a beaded gown, saying, "I think I'll wear this one to the movies, Midge."
Chris watched her for a little longer then rubbed his fingers along the edges of the frame as he lifted it. "Uhhh, Jenny? I uhhh . . . kinda made you somethin'"
That got his sister's attention and she dropped the doll to bounce over to him, "Oooooo, you did? At camp? Can I see it?"
Chris nodded and showed her the frame. He watched as her eyes scanned over it first then her face broke out into a huge smile."Oh Chris! This is sooo pretty!" She fingered the braid, "Just like on Tate's harness! And a cross just like on Daddy's and Uncle Johnny's cars!" She turned to hug her brother. "I love it love it, loveit!"
Chris returned the hug with one arm before pulling back. "It's . . .it's a picture frame. I thought, maybe, you could put the picture of you and . . .and Uncle Johnny . . ." He shrugged, "You know, ta kinda make up for . . .for the one I, uhhh, the one that got broke."
Jenny looked the frame over closer then scrambled to her dresser. She pulled the damaged picture out of her top drawer and brought it over saying, "Would you help me?"
Chris nodded and carefully slid the picture into the frame. It fit perfectly and the two children just stood there staring at it.
Chris found a sudden weight seemed to have settled on his chest as he stared at the image while Jenny smiled happily oblivious. "This is great, Chris. Thank you." She touched the image with one finger. "I can't wait to show this to Uncle Johnny when we go see him today."
At that Chris felt his breath catch. Without thinking about what he was saying, he blurted out, "We're not going to see Uncle Johnny today. We're not going to see him ever again."
He felt his sister freeze and she turned large blue eyes up to him. Her face was pale and her eyes wide as she asked in a small voice. "Wh . .what do you mean, never again?"
Chris took her arm and led her back over to her bed. Both children sat on the edge. Jenny's eyes never left her brother's face, her hands clutched tightly to the picture. Taking a deep breath Chris began. "Remember you told me Uncle Johnny was here and he was hurt?"
Jenny nodded, "Yes. He had bandages all over him everywhere and Mommy, Daddy and I had to feed him 'cause his hands were all wrapped up and Daddy had to even help him walk."
Chris nodded. "And then you said that an ambulance came and took him back to the hospital."
Jenny nodded again, silent now as she began to see where her brother was going with this. Both children knew ambulances were for very sick or very hurt people. Chris inhaled deeply and stated his case. "Dad took back the wheelchair saying Uncle Johnny didn't need it anymore. If he . . . Uncle Johnny I mean, were coming back here, he would still need it here. Since you said he couldn't use his hands he couldn't've gone home. And Dad and Mom have been real sad, and Dad hasn't been gone from the house much, right?"
Jenny nodded her head, tears beginning to fill her eyes.
Chris sighed, nodding sadly. "That's what I thought. 'Cause if Uncle Johnny were still in the hospital, Dad would be spending most of his time there with him."
"No." Jenny whispered.
Chris looked at the picture, his eyes on the smiling faces of his sister and their adopted Uncle. "And there's been food brought over by bunches of people. Lots and lots of food. I've seen it and I know you have too."
Jenny nodded, the tears that filled her eyes began overflowing and now just hung from her lashes.
Chris continued, his voice starting to waver. "You remember when Julie's other Grandma died? Everybody brought them lots and lots of food and everyone walked around sadlike and kept saying how they'd miss her." He took a shuddering breath, "Just . . .just like Dad and Mom keep saying about . . .about . . ."
"NOOOOOOO," Jenny wailed and Chris reached out, pulling her close as his own tears began to fall as well. "HE'S NOT! HE CAN'T BE! HE PROMISED! NO! NO CHRIS! HE PROMISED! HE TOLD ME HE'D GET BETTER!"
Chris held her closer as he whispered, "I know… I know"
"What is going on in here!" JoAnne demanded. Both children turned toward her as her shocked gaze went from one tear streaked face to the other. Jenny pulled herself free from her brother as their mother opened her arms. Both children snuggled up to their parent; Jenny looked up, tears streaming from her eyes. "Tell me . . . he's . . . he's not . . . Mom . .. my." She sobbed.
"Who's not what sweetheart?" Jo asked bewilderedly as one hand stroked her daughter's hair while the other encircled her son's shaking shoulders.
Jenny was shaking her head now, "That he's . .. not dead. I don't want . . . him to be .. .. dead. Please Mommy . .. . say he's not dead." She buried her head deeper into her mother's side as she sobbed broken heartedly.
"Who's dead?" Jo looked from one child to the other.
"Un . . .cle John . . .ny." Came the muffled reply.
Shocked, Jo could only exclaim, "Who told you Uncle Johnny was dead?" She glared at Chris. "Why on earth would you say . . ." Her words died out as she realized her son was upset as her daughter.
She hugged them both tightly then dropped to one knee. "Uncle Johnny is not dead." She said firmly. She squeezed them again as she repeated a little louder. "Do you hear me? Uncle Johnny is not dead."
Both children pulled back slightly to look into their mother's face; Jenny's tear reddened eyes trusting while Chris looked skeptical. "You . . .you pro . .. .mise?" the little girl hiccupped. Jo smiled as she wiped the tears from her daughter's cheeks. "Yes. I just packed him a lunch of lasagna and your Daddy took it to him in the hospital."
"Really?" Chris asked.
Jo nodded. "Really. Now, why don't you tell me what made you think such an awful thing?" She asked as she lead them into the bathroom. While she wiped their faces with cool washcloths and cleaned runny noses, both child told her of their conversation and Chris's assumptions. She sighed as she realized how the activities of the household would have looked to their just returning son. She continued to reassure her children but stopped cold as Jenny asked timidly, "Then . .. if he's not dead . . ." She sniffled a little and finished, "Can we go see him?"
Jo looked at Chris who cocked his head at her and raised one eyebrow, looking way too much like his father questioning her at that moment. She swallowed, her mind racing, trying to come up with a good answer when the shrill ringing of the telephone broke the uncomfortable silence.
"Why don't we go to the kitchen and you two can have a glass of milk and a cookie while I answer that." She hurried them off even as she spoke.
She scooped up the still ringing phone even as she pulled open the fridge and retrieved the milk. "DeSoto residence."
Her husband's excited voice filled her ear as she poured two glasses and set them down in front of her children. "You saw him?" She paused, her body stilling as she listened closely to her husband. She let out the breath she'd unconsciously been holding in a barrage of questions, "Oh thank God! How does he look? Is he better? Is he still so thin?"
As he answered her rapid fire queries she pulled the long cord around the corner into the laundry room and perched on the stool there. She listened, a smile on her face as he told her "Jo, he's talking again."
"Oh Roy, that's wonderful!" She smiled as he continued. Her eyebrows went up at his next bit of news. "His father? He told you something about his past?" That was good news. The times she'd heard Johnny talk about his past were few and far between. When Roy paused for breath, she broke in, knowing she had to tell him what had just happened. "That's terrific but Roy? We have a problem. I just had to calm down your nearly hysterical children. Chris had Jenny in tears." She could hear the frown in Roy's voice at her announcement.
"Yes, he did. He told his sister that they were never going to see Johnny again." She nodded, "I don't think he was trying to be mean, Roy. It seems that talk you had with him last night didn't quite go as you thought. Apparently it only confirmed our son's suspicions that Johnny was dead."
She pulled the phone away from her ear at her husband's loud exclamation then placing it back she confirmed, "You heard me. He thought Johnny was dead; that he had died in the hospital after he was taken back there in the ambulance and he told his sister that."
She paused, listening again, "Well, they explained it. Apparently . . ." And she went into the same reasoning her son had explained. "You have to admit, it does sound logical and with your talk last night . . ." She left that thought hanging.
He sighed and told her, "Hang on Jo, I've got an idea."
"I hope it's a good one. Jenny has already asked me to see Johnny if he's really not dead and I don't think Chris is still fully convinced. If there was some way they could perhaps just talk to him on the phone . . ."
She nodded as she relaxed a little, "All right. We'll be waiting for your call. I hope you can do something. I love you."
Her husband sent back his love and hung up. She walked back into the kitchen, hanging up the phone and leaned against the doorframe. Lost in her own thoughts, she watched her children eat their cookies, noting they still seemed too quiet.
She had no idea how long she'd been standing there when the shrill ringing of the phone made her startle. She closed her eyes briefly as she settled her breath then picked up the receiver. "DeSoto Residence."
"Jo." Came her husband's voice. "Get the kids . . ."
"He's going to talk to them?" She broke in, her voice showing her own
excitement at hearing from the man she thought of as a brother. "Roy, that's great!"
"No Jo," Roy's voice held more happiness in it than it had for a week, "Better
than that. Besides, he's asleep right now."
"Oh," Jo said, disappointed and wondering now what was going on.
"Jo, get the kids ready and come here. The doctor has ok'ed a visit. Johnny's
excited about it. Jo, you should have seen him. When I told him about what had happened with Chris and Jenny I thought I was going to have to hold him down." He paused then muttered, "Well, not that he isn't already kinda held down. But he was trying to get out of bed, begging Dixie to release him, determined to prove to our kids he was alive."
Jo's face almost hurt from the smile that stretched it. "It's alright? We can see
him? Oh Roy! That is wonderful. I'll get the kids ready and we'll see you in about twenty minutes."
They said their good-byes and Jo hung up the phone. When she looked over at
the table, both kids were watching her closely. She turned her bright smile on them and announced, "Finish up and get some good clothes on. We're going to the hospital to see Uncle Johnny." Two sets of blue eyes merely blinked at her for several heartbeats. She looked from one to the other, "Well? Come on! Daddy and Uncle Johnny are waiting!"
Jenny seemed to unfreeze first, she blinked and then asked, "Really? We're really
going to go see him? Now?"
Jo nodded, "Yes. That is, as soon as you are ready. Now scoot!"
"Yaaaa! We're gonna go see Uncle Johnny! Are we gonna take him some food
so he can eat too Mommy? Dr. Brackett said he hasta eat to get better!" The words bubbled out of Jenny's mouth as she finished her drink and put the glass into the sink then bounced in front of her mother. Jo laughed, feeling lighter than she had for days. "No, remember I told you I sent food in with Daddy earlier. However, how about we stop and pick up some ice cream? I'm sure Uncle Johnny would like that."
Jenny clapped her hands, "Yes! Strawberry! That's my favorite!" She darted
off, singing "We're gon na go see Un cle Johnnnniiieee!"
Jo watched her leave, her own eyes sparkling. A noise at the sink caught her attention and she turned back to see her son putting his glass down. She gave him a puzzled look, "Chris? You don't seem very excited. Don't you want to see your Uncle Johnny?"
Chris avoided looking at his mother but gave a nod. "I wanna see him." He
replied. "I'd best go change." And he was gone, leaving his mother standing with her hands on her hips, more than a little bewildered by his actions. "Well," She told herself, "He'll soon see." Then she giggled and softly sing-songed, "We're gon na go see Un cle Johnniiieee." She laughed as she imitated her daughter as she ran to change her own clothes.
Before the hour was up, Jo had the ice cream and she and the kids were walking
into the main entrance of Rampart General. It had taken nearly fifteen minutes just to find a parking spot since many people had come to spend Sunday afternoon with hospitalized relatives. Once they were in the cool air conditioned lobby, Jo took Jenny's hand and cautioned Chris to stay close. "Remember; your best behavior." She warned them. "There are people here who are very sick and we need to be quiet and very very polite. No skipping, no loud talking and definitely no jumping on Uncle Johnny. He's still very sick."
Large blue eyes looked up at her, "Can I give him a hug?"
Jo smiled at her daughter, "If you're very careful, I think giving him a hug would
be alright." She looked over at her son who had his gaze cast downward, his hand clutching something in his pocket. He hadn't said anything since they left the house. "Chris?"
He looked up at her.
"Are you all right?"
He nodded then looked around the busy lobby, "Is he really here?" She smiled
gently, "Yes Chris. He's really here. He's on the fifth floor in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. Just like I told you in the car."
Chris gave a nod as they walked to the elevator. A doubtful part of him had been
playing tricks on his mind since his mother's announcement. When they had turned down the road leading toward the church—and the nearby cemetery—his heart had felt funny in his chest. But his mother had only stooped at a store near there and bought the ice cream. Then they had headed straight for the hospital. Even though they were now in a elevator headed for the SICU, he still expected some nurse or doctor to suddenly appear and tell them that there was a mistake, and Uncle Johnny had died.
Lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice the door slide open until he heard Jenny
squeal "Daddy!" He looked up as his father scooped up the little girl and kissed her forehead. "We brought ice cream for Uncle Johnny!" She told him.
"That's nice; I'm sure he'll like that." His father said as he kissed JoAnne's
cheek. "How is he?" She asked, the worry evident in her voice.
Roy smiled at his wife, "Better. He's still asleep but he's eager to see all of you."
Then he frowned and leaned closer to his wife. "The infection is abating but he's still running a fever. Doc ordered more tests and they drew blood about an hour ago. But," and now he smiled, "Dixie said his vitals were stronger."
Jo squeezed his arm, "Praise God." She murmured. Roy nodded and whispered,
"Amen."
Chris watched all of this closely. His dad's words allayed some of the voices of
doubt still ringing in his head. Then suddenly his father was looking at him, blue eyes meeting blue eyes. "Chris." His name was spoken with firmness and Chris couldn't help giving a gulp.
Jo took Jenny from Roy's arms and gave her husband's arm a warning squeeze. "I'll go have the nurses put the ice cream into a freezer until we want it." She said.
Roy acknowledged her with a slight nod. Then he stepped forward and laid a hand on his son's shoulder. "Son, I'm sorry if our talk last night gave you the wrong impression. I was only trying to ease your fears, not add to them." He tightened his hold briefly, "I'm sorry, Chris."
Chris kept his gaze on his dad as he nodded, his hand clutching in his pocket so hard it nearly hurt. Roy smiled and clapped his hand on his son's shoulder. His smile broadened as Jo and Jenny rejoined them. "Alright! Now. How about we go see that partner of mine?" He lead the family over to the room marked '3' and Chris could see the name on the placard said, "Gage, John." He gulped, more than a little afraid of what he would see.
Their mother had spent part of the ride over explaining about the way the doctors'
had braced their uncle's injured hands and what other things there might be attached to him to help him. The preteen peeked around the corner and watched as his father advanced into the room. He could see the strange rigging surrounding the bed, the bedside table pulled close holding a pitcher and a glass with a straw on it. He could see someone lying in the bed, covered with a sheet and blanket but the face was hidden by the rigging and table.
Roy stepped close to his friend and laid his hand on Johnny's shoulder. "Johnny.
Wake up. They're here." Johnny's head moved and he shifted his position. His eyelids flickered but didn't open. Smiling, Roy gave the shoulder a slight shake, "Wake up, junior. You've got company." At that, sleepy brown eyes opened and blinked at him, becoming more focused with each blink. A grin spread across the younger man's face. "Roy? They here?" He croaked out then coughed. Roy instantly placed the straw to the water glass to his lips and he drank. Once he pulled back, Roy replaced the glass and reached for the controls to the bed. "Yeap. They're here. Let's sit you up some."
He raised the head of the bed so that Johnny was more comfortable and eager
brown eyes turned toward the figures standing hesitantly in the doorway. The grin spread wider across his face and he called out, "Hey! Don't be shy; come here!"
That was all it took. Jo rushed forward, still holding onto Jenny. "Uncle
Johnny!" Jenny squealed. Jo held her so she could wrap her arms around her Uncle's thin frame. With his arms restrained, Johnny couldn't return the hug, but he tucked his chin into the back of her head and used that to hold her close. "Hi there, Kiddle." He whispered into her ear. "Oh Uncle Johnny." The little girl cried, "I missed you so much. I was afraid you weren't getting anything to eat but Mommy said the nurses were taking care of you."
"They were, sweetheart; they take good care of me." He told her, nuzzling the
back of her head and inhaling the sweet scent of her hair with his eyes closed. Jo and Roy watched the tender reunion; Jo's eyes filled with tears and Roy discovered his vision seemed to get all blurry again. Then Jo put Jenny down and immediately took her place. She stared down at the dark haired man for several seconds as he grinned up at her, "Oh Johnny. You're still way too skinny." She burst out then pulled his body close to hers. She could feel his chuckle vibrate through his body as well as hear it, "I'm sure your cooking will take care of that." He teased.
"Well, it might be a challenge but one I gladly accept." She teased back as she
released him. He looked over his adopted family as they gazed at him with love. Then he paused frowning slightly, "Roy? Where's Chris? Didn't he come?'
Roy looked around, "He was right here Junior . . .." He broke off as he scanned
the room but there was no sign of his son. Johnny's face took on a sorrowful expression. "He doesn't want to see me?" he asked, the pain that thought caused him showing in his voice.
Immediately both parents inhaled, preparing to assure the bed-ridden man that wasn't the case but before either one of them could utter a syllable a quivery voice spoke up, "No Uncle John-ny. I want to . . .to sssee you." Chris came slowly into the room, his tear filled eyes taking in every inch of the figure in the bed. It was the first time he'd seen his uncle since the Memorial Day picnic and the difference was a little frightening to the preteen.
Roy and Jo stepped back from the bed, pulling Jenny back as well, letting Chris
and Johnny have a moment.
Johnny watched Chris as his eyes traveled over the injured man's badly marked body, lingering on the restrained hands, resting for several heartbeats on the still healing cuts on his arms and neck, then traveling slowly up to his still bruised and cut face. When blue eyes finally met his, Johnny gave him a gentle smile. "C'mere Chris."
Chris moved closer bit by bit until he stood at Johnny's bedside, neither one took their gaze off the other. Johnny's smile was loving and gently as he softly said, "See? I'm not dead."
Chris's eyes swept over his uncle's body again before returning back to his face, "You don't look too lively either." He mumbled. Johnny blinked at him a second, then threw back his head and laughed until he broke off coughing. Chris reached over and placed the straw of the water glass to his uncle's lips just as his father had done, "Here Uncle Johnny, drink." He watched as Johnny did just that then replaced the glass saying, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you choke."
Johnny shrugged as much as he could and made a frown while making a dismissive sound through his nose, "Forget it." He said. "Laughing is good therapy; it gets the blood flowing and oxygen deep into your lungs." He glanced over at his partner with a lop sided grin. "Right partner?"
Roy grinned back, "Actually, he is right Chris."
Johnny rolled his eyes, "Well, don't act so surprised. I do know a thing or two." He scoffed which finally caused Chris to give a faint smile and relax marginally. Johnny grinned at him then shifted in the bed so he could lean a little closer. "Here, climb up here a bit. I've been dy . .. uhh," He caught himself on the word, and quickly changed it, "real eager to hear all about your week at camp." As Chris climbed carefully up on the edge of the bed, Johnny expounded excitedly, "So… was it fun? What was your cabin like or did you have a tent? Was the weather good? Did you get to do any hiking? What about badges, what badges did you get to work on?"
That was all it took. Soon Chris was very animatedly telling more about his week than his parents had heard. He told Johnny all about his cabin and his cabinmates. He described the rope bridge he'd helped make as well as the trails he'd helped blaze. He grumbled about the washing area and Johnny laughed, saying he knew exactly what the boy meant. Johnny listened with just the right emotions and reactions as Chris relayed the story of Neil's heroism. He laughed over some of the silly jokes Chris had learned. Finally Chris seemed to be talked out and sat just staring at his uncle. "Well bucko, it sounds like you had a great time." Johnny grinned broadly, his eyes twinkling merrily.
Suddenly Chris seemed to droop, his gaze dropping to the sheet he twisted between two fingers of one hand, the other still deep in his pocket. He shrugged his shoulders. "It was alright, I guess."
Johnny made a scoffing sound, "Just all right? Chris, from what you just told me it sounded incredible!"
Chris shrugged again then looked up at his uncle through his lashes, "It wasn't as good as the last campout I had with you."
Johnny stopped, understanding in his brown eyes. "Oh." He gave a gentle smile, "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine." Then he tilted his head slightly and squinted his eyes as his face took on a contemplative look. "You know," he said in a musing tone, "once I get out of here I'm sure I'll have ta take some time off –to heal right and for therapy and stuff." He looked at Chris who nodded in agreement but didn't really have any idea where his uncle was going with this thought. Johnny now began to slowly grin, "And camping is great therapy, lots of stuff to do with your hands. Soooo," He glanced at Roy and winked before turning back to Chris with a serious expression, "Do you think maybe you and your dad could go with me? You know, just to like help me ohhh, say, gather firewood and to get the tent up, stuff like that that I might have a little trouble with at first. Do you think you'd be able to help me with that?"
Chris looked deep into the brown eyes watching him, seeing nothing but earnest encouragement there. His face finally broke into a grin and he reached out, wrapping his arms around his Uncle's body and pulling him close. Johnny let out a "oofff" of surprise but slightly shook his head when Roy took a step toward him. He dropped his head down, using his chin to return the hug as much as he could, just like he had done with Jenny.
"I'd really love that, Uncle Johnny." Chris whispered in his ear. "I was really afraid you were . . ." He paused as his voice hitched, "And I wasn't sure I wanted to ever go camping again if you were."
"Well I'm not dead, and I'm gonna get out of here soon so don't you worry." He told the boy, moving his head so his cheek rubbed the back of Chris's head. "OK? We good?"
Chris nodded and pulled back so he could see into Johnny's face. "Yeah," he nodded, "We're good."
"Good." Johnny pronounced then looked at his partner's son, his own gaze very serious. "Chris? I want you to make me a promise. Can you do that for me?"
Chris hesitated then gave a faint nod. Johnny's voice was firm and authoritative as he spoke. "Chris, I want you to promise me you will always remember this conversation. I love camping and being outdoors; it's a part of who I am."
Chris nodded as he agreed with what his uncle said.
Johnny gave a firm nod too as he continued, "I know you know my job can be very dangerous . . . ."
Again Chris gave a nod, fainter though now. Roy began to frown, "Johnny . ." he broke in but Johnny cut him off. "No Roy. I want you to promise me this also."
He looked over at Roy and waited until he, too, gave a reluctant nod before he continued. "If some day something happened to me, don't you even think about never going camping again. I wouldn't want you to give that up. In fact, the best way you could honor me would be to go camping. Go on a hike, take lots of pictures, find a nice stream and fish, do the things I wouldn't be able to anymore. You promise?"
Chris bit his lip as he looked straight into his uncle's eyes then he gave a nod. Johnny shifted his gaze to Roy.
"Johnny . . ."
"Roy..?" Johnny spoke his name firmly but his eyes said more. Reluctantly and with a great sigh, Roy too nodded.
Johnny now gave a slight smile just turning up his lips, "And when you do, I'll be right there with you, just like before."
The three 'men' exchanged glances as Roy stepped forward, placing one hand on his partner's shoulder and one on his son, connecting them in the promise. The long moment was broken when Jo and Jenny returned with plates and the ice cream. Jo had left with the squirmy girl while Johnny and Chris talked. She knew that for a few moments, her son needed his uncle's undivided attention and Jenny had begun to whine that she wanted to talk to Uncle Johnny too.
Now they waved the plates as they came forward. "We've got the plates and the spoons. Now, let's have some ice cream." Jo brightly said. Roy took the container and began filling bowls and passing them out. "Mommy got the napepolan ice cream 'cause she wasn't sure what flavor to get." Jenny giggled.
Johnny smiled, "That's my favorite kind."
Jenny frowned, "I thought before you said chocolate was your favorite."
Johnny gave a nod, "It is."
Chris looked confused, "Uncle Johnny? You told me that bubble gum was your favorite. Like the kind we got that day at the one store with all the different flavors." He giggled, "'Member? We picked the bubble gum pieces out of the ice cream then had a bubble blowing contest and yours popped all over your face."
Johnny chuckled, "I remember, bucko. And it is."
Now it was Jenny's turn to be confused, "But . . if I'm right and Chris is right and Mom was right . . . How can that be right?"
Roy rolled his eyes at his partner as he filled a spoon and placed it to Johnny's lips. "I think what Uncle Johnny means is whatever kind of ice cream he's eating at the time is his favorite." Johnny's eyes twinkled as he took the bite, closing his eyes in pleasure as the sweet mixture melted soothingly down his throat. "You're right, Pally!" He grinned even as he moved to get another bite.
"We're all right!" Jenny crowed, "'cause Uncle Johnny just loves ice cream!" Everyone laughed. Roy interspersed his own treat with bites for his partner, making sure his mouth was never empty long. It made that happy feeling in his heart overflow as he watched the obvious pleasure his younger friend was getting as his gaze went from one person to the other, his brown eyes sparkling and the grin never leaving his face.
"Well! You're all in here having a party and no one invited me?" Came a voice as the door closed. No one had even noticed it opening. All eyes turned to see Dixie standing there, her hands on her hips and her face stern but her eyes twinkling merrily. Johnny tried—and failed—to quickly emptied his mouth and instead ended up burbling, "C'mon in and have a bowl, Dix!" Frowning at the odd sounds his cream-coated voice had made, he swallowed again as Roy placed the straw to his lips. "Don't choke." He cautioned as Johnny drank. Johnny glared up at his nursemaid and Roy chuckled.
Once he pulled back, he muttered something in Dakhota and Roy chuckled again as he patted the dark haired man's shoulder. "You want more, Johnny?" He quietly asked. Johnny looked at the amount still in the dish and sighed heavily. Although he had been enjoying the treat and he did want more, there was no way he could eat any more at that moment. Roy nodded his understanding and discretely threw the still half filled dish away before turning his attention back to his own bowl. Dixie had wrapped a BP cuff around Johnny's upper arm and was now letting it deflate. Johnny's guests had quieted their talk in respect for her, knowing she needed to hear to get an accurate reading. That done, she took his pulse, grinning at him as she commented, "Still chugging away on all cylinders."
He grinned back as she took the thermometer out and shook it down. He frowned now, "Uhh, Dix? I just ate ice . . oh." He stopped as she pushed the glass tube into the crease of his armpit and gentle pushed his arm a little more closed. To oblige her, he shifted his body so that he was more closely holding that arm against his side, even if that made the other arm pushed out at a more uncomfortable angle.
"Which flavors, Dixie?" Jo asked, the serving spoon hovering above the frozen treat. The nurse looked into the container, "mmmm, Neapolitan. I'll take some of each."
"Alright." Jo acknowledged as she scooped up a fair amount. She placed the bowl on the bedside table and disappeared into the bathroom. She returned with a wet washcloth. She first washed Jenny's face then grabbed Chris's. "Motherrrr . . ." he groused and Johnny chuckled. Dixie removing the thermometer, distracted him, and as she moved back he flinched when his vision was obscured by something wet and white. "ummppfff!" he exclaimed and then it was gone. Both Jenny and Chris giggled helplessly as Johnny scowled at Jo who looked at him with one eyebrow raised, "Motherrr!" he imitated Chris. The two children dissolved into laughter again as Roy suddenly had trouble with a 'cough' behind his hand.
"I don't tolerate dirty faces and you know it." She told him firmly. "And I'm not old enough to be your mother, young man."
Johnny grinned sheepishly at her, dropped his head and mumbled, "You're right: I'm sorry." His eyes took on a wicked glint when he lifted his head and added, "Big Sisterrrrr."
Dixie chuckled at the antics as she marked her readings down in his chart. Once she shut the cover, Jo handed her her bowl and spoon. The conversation remained pleasant as the four adults got caught up while the two kids filled out some puzzle books Jo had brought with her. Suddenly Jenny looked up from the picture she was tracing, a frown on her face. "Uncle Johnny? Who's taking care of Tate and PQ while you're here?"
"My neighbor, Bud Spencer is." He replied.
Roy nodded, "I met him; nice guy."
Johnny grinned as he agreed, Roy's grin turned a little evil as he added, "He said he knew you as a boot."
Johnny's grin faltered, "Now Roy . . ."
Roy nodded, "Yep. Bet he knows lots of good stories about your boot days."
Johnny's eyes took on a slightly panicked look, "Roy, c'mon now."
Roy seemed to be thinking it over, "Bet Chet would pay dearly for that information . . ." he mused.
Johnny's eyes now went wide. He whined, "You wouldn't . . ." Roy lifted an eyebrow and tilted his head, "I might." Johnny whimpered and dropped his head.
A small hand smacked Roy's leg and he looked down in surprise into a set of angry blue eyes. "Don't you dare, Daddy." Jenny huffed at him, her hands on her hips. "Don't you dare tell Mr. Kelly anything that he might use to hurt Uncle Johnny. He gets mean." As suddenly as the anger had come it dissolved and tears filled her eyes. "you . . . you need to 'pologize to Uncle Johnny." She stuttered. "You . . .you pro . . .promised you wouldn't be mean to . . to him anymore . . .like . .. like you were before he got hurt."
Instantly all four adults reacted. "They're just teasing each other, sweetie." Dixie soothed, "They do this all the time!"
Roy bent down quickly as he tried to comfort his daughter, "oh honey, I wasn't serious. I wouldn't really do that. I was just kidding Johnny."
Johnny sat as forward as he could, his face showing his alarm. "Jenny! It's ok! Your daddy was just teasing me! I'm not really upset!"
"Jenny," Her mother began as she reached for the little girl. Jenny darted out of their reach and launched herself up onto the bed. Her small body impacted Johnny's with an audible smack and Johnny's breath left him with a whoosh as he was forced back into his pillows. Jenny hugged him tightly as she cried, "Don't go away again, Uncle Johnny. Please don't go away again. I didn't like it when you went away."
"G . . .go away?" He gasped as he drew breath back into his surprised lungs. Dixie tried to get her to release Johnny but she only clutched him tighter. Johnny gave a faint gasp of pain and Dixie instantly stopped what she'd been doing, not wanting to hurt her patient. Figuring the best way to get the obviously frightened child to release her tight grip was to calm her down, she asked in her best nurse voice. "What do you mean by 'go away', sweetie?"
"Uncle Johnny had to come to the hospital so the doctors could do tests to make sure he got the right medicines to make him better." Jo tried to explain.
"Yes honey. That's why he had to leave our house. It wasn't anything I did or said to him." Roy added.
Jenny shook her head, "No. no, not then. Before. When I came home and he was sick and staying in his room. I went in to give him the water and to talk to him but he wasn't there."
Suddenly Roy understood. He sat back on his hunches with a faint "oh." as he remembered. Jenny released her hold enough to look into her Uncle's brown eyes. "See? He's there now. I don't want him to go away again. It scares me."
Johnny looked at Jo and Dixie and seeing they were as confused as he, his gaze traveled on to Roy. Roy had a guilty look on his face and Johnny questioned, "Roy? What's she talking about?"
"When Jo first brought you home." Roy's voice was quiet as he painfully remembered those first few days. "That first weekend. Jenny had been at Joyce's when you got there. Then later she wanted to help feed you and give you water."
Johnny gave a faint nod, remembering. But his face showed he still didn't understand. Jenny was still clutching him tightly with one hand around his neck while the other held firmly to his chin, her blue eyes looking unwaveringly into his. By now Jo also was remembering and she put her hand to her mouth as Roy continued, "I . . . went up to tuck her in and . . .and she was crying. I asked her what was wrong and she asked me 'where has Uncle Johnny gone?'. I told her you hadn't gone anywhere; you were too weak to even get out of bed so I knew you were still downstairs. She insisted you were gone and she begged me to make you come back." His gaze raised up to face his friend's concerned gaze, "She told me you weren't there. She said she looked into your eyes and you weren't there." He finished in a near whisper. "And she was right."
Johnny gave a faint groan as his eyes closed. Jenny pulled herself closer to him, resting her cheek against his as she sobbed. "Please don't go away again, Uncle Johnny."
"I'm sorry, honey." Johnny's voice was soft and filled with remorse. He remembered vividly the apathy that had gripped him those dark days, the deadness he'd felt in his soul must have been seen in his eyes. "I'm sorry I scared you. I'll try not to ever scare you like that again."
She pulled back and looked him in the eye again. She watched as his eyes filled with tears and he blinked to hide them. "Promise?"
He gave her a gentle smile, "Promise." She hugged him again and this time when Dixie's hands attempted to lift her away, she released him. Dixie turned the child, giving her a hug herself. "It scared me too when he went away." She whispered in the little girl's ear. "And I'll make sure he keeps his promise."
She handed the child over to her mother who gratefully took her. Her fears quieted, Jenny's crying had ceased and now, tired, she laid her head on her mother's shoulder. "Looks like someone is sleepy." Jo stated.
Roy looked over at Johnny who was yawning mightily. "Looks like she isn't the only one." Jo followed his gaze and smiled as Johnny blinked at her. "Huh?"
She laughed at him then looked at her watch, "Oh good grief, Roy no wonder! It's nearly 7:30!"
Roy's eyebrows raised, "Really? It sure didn't seem that long." He picked up the books and placed them back into the cloth bag Jo had brought. He nudged Chris where the boy was engrossed in a novel. "Chris. It's time to go."
Chris looked up and around. Dixie had returned to her nursing duties, his sister was draped limply over his mother's shoulder. He turned back to his uncle, seeing Johnny's head was leaning back into his pillows, his eyes blinking sleepily. He slid the paperback into the back pocket of his jeans and carefully went over to the hospital bed. "Uncle Johnny?"
Johnny pulled open his eyes fully and sat up a little more, "Yeah Bucko?"
Chris reached into his pocket and carefully pulled out a wad of fabric. "Uncle Johnny? I ummm, made you something while I was at camp. I was gonna wait to give it to you on your birthday but . . ."
"You don't have to give it to me now," Johnny interrupted, "Why don't you just hold on to it and give it to me then."
But Chris adamantly shook his head. "No. I don't want to wait. When I thought you were . . you weren't ever gonna have a birthday again, I put it in my pocket. By keeping it there, it made me feel like I was still holding on to a piece of you."
The boy's words were having a profound effect on the injured paramedic. "You don't have to give it to me, Chris." He said softly. "Why don't you just continue to hold on to it."
Chris looked at the lump of cloth then shook his head. "No." He stated, his voice firm. "Now that I know you're gonna be alright, I want you to have it. Last night I kept trying to imagine what it would be like when I could give it to you." He moved closer to the bedside as he began unwrapping the bundle. "And now I don't want to imagine it any more: I want to see it."
That said, he pulled the last bit of cloth away and extended his hand so that the paramedic could see. Johnny leaned forward then his breath came in a audible gasp, his eyes widened and his mouth dropped open.
"Oh. Wow. Chris! You made this? For me?" He leaned as close as he could, his body straining forward until his arms were almost straight out behind him. Roy finally took pity on his friend, "For cryin' out loud Johnny, you're gonna dislocate your shoulders." He pushed the younger man back into the bed and lifted Chris's hand. "Here, hold it up more so he can see, yeah, that's it."
Chris did as his father showed, even turning the knife sheath slowly so that Johnny could see it from different angles. When Johnny looked up, Chris blinked in surprise to see the admiration in his uncle's brown eyes. "Did you design this all yourself?" Johnny's voice was soft.
Chris nodded. "Mr. Reynolds showed me how to draw it out on graph paper then I used that as my pattern. See? I used the same star that's on your quilt. And the turtle? They told me it's the emblem for the Indian Nations and the divide colors on its back . . "
"Are the four directions, the four stages of life." Johnny finished, his voice still soft. How he longed to be able to touch the sheath, to turn it in his own hands feeling the weight of it and the smoothness of the beads. "And you did all the stitching and the leatherwork?"
Chris nodded, pleased to see the actual reaction he was getting from his uncle was better than any he had imagined. "Yeah. Mr. Reynolds helped me punch the holes and thread the awl but I did all staining and cutting."
Johnny's eyes hadn't left the sheath since Chris had revealed it. His mouth still hung slightly open but he was now silent.
"That's really something, Chris." Roy smiled at his son. "You did good work."
Chris shifted uncomfortably as Johnny still made no further comments. "It's . . . ok, right? I mean, I know your Dad made your other one and . .. and I know this can't really replace that. But when I saw your old one had that hole, I got the idea and when they told us we had to make something leather for our badges, well, I didn't just want to make a dumb old key holder or a coin purse. Uhhh . .." Chris's voice trailed off.
Johnny finally raised his head, breaking his gaze from the sheath to look at Chris. To Chris's surprise he noticed his uncle's dark eyes seemed to be tearing. "Uncle Johnny? Are you alright?" He asked in a small voice.
Johnny slowly shook his head, "It's . . .it's. wow. I'm . . . I'm so flattered you thought of me. I can't believe you made this for me!" Then his face broke into a dazzling smile. "Thank you!"
Chris smiled shyly. "So, you like it?"
"Like it?" Johnny's eyebrows raised as high as they could go, "I love it! I wish I could put my knife in it right now." He looked back at the gift again and shook his head in wonderment, "Chris, this is perhaps the best birthday gift I've received in a long time."
Chris placed the sheath on the bedside table and reaching out, pulled his uncle into a tight hug. "Thank you Chris." Johnny told him as he rubbed his chin on the back of the boy's neck. "Thank you very much." He pulled a little further away from the boy and Chris looked him in the eye. Johnny smiled, slightly inclining his head as he said, "Pilamaya aloh, Chrisopher."
Chris's face broke out in a huge smile, then he inclined his head and very seriously replied, "You are very welcome, Uncle John."
Once Jo and the kids had left, Johnny leaned tiredly back into his pillows and let out a long sigh. Roy nodded his head in silent agreement. "Do you think that helped, Roy?"
Roy again nodded, "Johnny, I think just seeing you helped."
Johnny frowned at his trapped limbs. "You don't think me looking all trussed up like this upset them?"
Roy chewed his bottom lip before he carefully answered. "I think it upset them." When he saw the pained look in his partner's eyes he quickly went on. "I think it upset them that you are here, in the hospital and hurt. I think that upsets them because they care for you and don't want to see you hurt. But I still think the visit was good for them."
He now grinned at his partner, "And your idea about them going out to your place and personally checking on your pup, Tate and PQ for you was great. It'll give them something to do, something to help them feel like they are helping you."
Johnny smiled shyly and again Roy wondered at the sometimes timid side he saw of his mostly gregarious partner. Then Johnny sighed again and licked his dry lips. Roy immediately filled a glass with water and offered the straw to him. Johnny drank deeply then sat back with a nod. "That was good; thanks."
"Thought you looked a little dry there, partner," Roy answered. Johnny nodded in agreement then tried to stifle a yawn. "Just close your eyes and rest for a while, Junior." Roy soothed him. Johnny nodded again then suddenly looked up, eyes wide.
Roy chuckled, "I'll be right here, Johnny. You still have the dinner Jo brought to eat, remember?"
"Oh. Yeah." Johnny grinned broader at the thought of the scalloped ham and potatoes with Mary Spenser's apple crisp for dessert. Content for the moment, he let sleep pull him under. Roy watched as Johnny's face eased into the laxness of sleep. He drank the last of his coffee and left to refill the cup. The floor was quiet and he ended up leaning on Dixie's desk, talking with the nurse while she charted.
Johnny only dozed for about an hour as a growing sense of unease filled him. He woke up suddenly, his eyes hurting and his throat felt dry. He coughed and tried to suck moisture into his mouth. 'Wha…?' Johnny frowned as he shifted uncomfortably in the bed. Something was going on…. Still frowning he cataloged the feelings. Eyes burning, mouth and lips feeling like he hadn't had a drink in days, he was cold despite the sheet and light blanket pulled up to his chest. He tallied up all his symptoms then he calculated the results and it dawned on him what was happening. A faint unconscious whimper escaped him. Not again….
Roy had just returned to the room in time to hear his partner. Instantly he was at his side. "Johnny?"
Johnny looked at his friend, "Get . . . nurse. . ."
A heavy feeling centered in his stomach as Roy looked his friend over. Sweat was beginning to bead on Johnny's upper lip and his eyes were becoming glassy. His hand reached for the younger man's flushed face even as Johnny looked up at him with a nod.
Roy knew by the heat he felt before his hand even came in contact with Johnny's skin. "Oh Johnny." He pushed the button as he turned. He quickly went into the bathroom and returned with a basin and a washcloth. By now Johnny was starting to shiver. "Easy Johnny, easy." He soothed as he wet the cloth and sponged off his friend's face.
"Roy," Johnny tried to wet his lips but couldn't find any moisture in his mouth. Roy looked into the dark amber eyes, saw the fear there and felt it echoed in his own soul. "No Johnny. You'll be fine. You'll beat this yet."
"Roy . . ." his voice was raspy and barely audible but the fear, and anguish was obvious.
"Shhhh, Johnny. Here, let's get your temp." He wiped off the thermometer and placed it under Johnny's tongue. Johnny moved restlessly in the bed as his body shook with chills.
Roy continued to bathe his face while sad brown eyes stared up at him. He took the thermometer out of Johnny's mouth just as Dixie came through the door. Before the smiling nurse could utter a greeting Roy announced. "Dix, his fever's spiking. It's 103.4"
Johnny groaned at the news and Dixie immediately came forward to do vitals. Now that Roy had taken his temp, he offered Johnny more cool water which the younger man immediately sucked down.
Dixie frowned as she recorded the elevated respirations and still low blood pressure. Johnny still stared at Roy, his eyes now filling with tears. "Roy, I don't . . . I can't . . ."
Roy wiped off his neck. "Yes Johnny. Yes, you can. I'll be with you every step of the way."
"Watuka, Roy." He murmured, his eyes blinking slowly. He shook his head as he looked at Roy and repeated in English, "I'm just so tired of this, Roy."
Roy nodded as he placed his hand on his friend's shoulder, "I know you are Johnny. I understand. But just keep hanging in there."
Johnny looked up at him and gave a slow nod.
TBC…
Author's notes.
I wanted to say a few words to those of you who have stayed with me on this. As Johnny would say "Pilamaya aloh" or in my nation's tongue, Tizameh. In English, Thank you very much. I hope to have this all finished up by the end of the year…my muse has given me the pieces missing from this point until the ending, which has been written for months. Real life has finally slowed down as well. All summer long, I was the only EMS provider 24/7 for a rotating schedule of 200 people each week at a summer camp. I handled everything from homesickness to severe concussions and EVERYTHING inbetween! I now have now started a new job as an inhome healthcare provider and actuality have some free time to devote to writing! Hang on! We're almost there! (Cello music…..) Kent is coming!