In the Wrong Place

Chapter 9

Getting Steve dressed proved more of a task than both men had realized it would be...Steve's side was so sore he could only raise his left leg a few inches off the floor without his side protesting and with Mike's advancing years bending down that far was proving challenging too but eventually they managed to get his trousers, socks and shoes on...By this time, Steve was absolutely mortified and cursed the fact that he was so helpless...Mike felt sorry for the young man who was blushing and not catching Mike's eye and knew he was hating every minute of this particular exercise..However at the same time he admired the fact that Steve had accepted his help without complaining. It was also a further indication to Mike of how much pain he was in. When Mike removed Steve's top, and saw Steve's bandaged midsection it brought home to Mike how close he had come to losing the young man in front of him and he paused subconsciously , lost in the horrific memories of the day before... Steve realizing that Mike had stopped helping him looked at Mike who was staring at nothing in particular,lost in his thoughts...

"Mike...Are you ok?"

When Mike didn't answer...Steve thought that maybe Mike was embarrassed too at having to help the young man get dressed and felt even more ashamed and frustrated with his injury...

"I'm sorry Mike..."

This second statement brought Mike out of his thoughts and looking at Steve who looked very downhearted replied...

"Sorry Steve, I was miles away...What did you say?"

"I said I'm sorry Mike...I can manage the rest...it's ok..."and taking the shirt from Mike's hand he proceeded to place his right hand through the sleeve...

Realizing that Steve had mistaken his silence for embarrassment, Mike gently grasped Steve's arm, stopping him proceeding any further...

"Now, wait a minute buddy boy...I think you've jumped to a few conclusions there. My being miles away had nothing to do with helping you get dressed...Seeing those bandages just made me think of how close you came to joining Mel Shaffer that's all... Like I said you don't have to be embarrassed by my helping you...It's just one friend helping another...Ok?"

Relieved that Mike was ok with helping him, Steve visibly relaxed and smiled as Mike took charge again and carefully manoeuvred the shirt around his back and onto his left arm so gently that his side hadn't protested once.. Seeing the second bandage on the crease of his arm Mike looked questioningly at Steve as Steve began to do up the buttons...

"What's the second bandage there for?"

"Oh it's nothing...just a little skin reaction from where the needle was last night...it's fine now...The nurse earlier put cream on it..." Steve said offhandedly, concentrating on getting all the buttons in the right buttonholes.

"Nothing...huh? " Mike said making a mental note to check it out later himself as he knew Steve had a very bad habit of making light of things in order to avoid any fuss...Then seeing that Steve was engrossed in his task decided it was the right time to broach the subject of his accommodation ...

"Listen Steve, there's something else we need to talk about..."

This statement drew Steve's full attention and closing the last button he looked up at Mike anxious as to what Mike was about to say...

"You see the Doc wasn't keen on letting you out of here on account of you living alone and all and well I know you hate being fussed over but well we think that it would be best if...well by we, I mean the doctor and Jeannie and I...feel it would be best if you came to stay at my place...Just for a few days until you get your strength back..."

Steve was amused at how flustered Mike was getting and decided to put him out of his misery so before Mike could say anything else he countered...

"Ok...thanks Mike..."

"Now I know that's not what you want to hear but..." Then hearing what Steve answered he continued..."What did you say?" amazed that this once Steve was being so compliant ...

Steve smiled broadly again..." I said ok Mike. Thanks...The doctor already told me I wasn't allowed home by myself...Just one thing though...You know how Jeannie gets when she's in full nurse mode... You gotta rescue me if she gets a bit carried away...Ok?"

It was Mike's turn to smile broadly..." Yeah, she sure can smother a fella if you're not careful...Sure...I'll try... But you know what she's like so I'm not making any promises..." Then remembering earlier he added " You know I'm sorry for nearly undressing you in front of her earlier...I genuinely forgot she was in the room..." Mike looked suitably embarrassed ...

This last statement and Mike's crimson face made Steve chuckle heartily...

"Oh Steve, it wasn't funny..." Mike said seriously which made Steve laugh even harder...

"Yes it was..." Steve said laughing uncontrollably at this stage and holding his injured side firmly as his laughter pulled at his wounds..."You didn't see her face at the time..."Steve continued as tears of laughter came to his eyes...

"You know I don't know what she's learning in that college of hers if that's what she's getting up to..." Mike said still seriously although Steve's infectious laughing was starting to rub off on him and he could feel himself starting to smile...

With every word that Mike spoke Steve laughed harder and feeling the pull on his wounds, Steve tried his best to stop...

"Stop Mike...oh, don't make me laugh anymore..."Steve said holding his side tightly and trying to stop himself laughing...

"Ok,ok funny boy..."Mike said laughing himself now but realizing that Steve could do himself damage if he didn't stop laughing soon..." Shush now...she'll hear us and wonder what we're laughing at...Come on now...Let's finish getting you dressed and get out of here..." Mike felt bad for causing Steve to laugh so hard and risk bursting his stitches but at the same time it had been nice to see the young man laugh after all the angst and trauma he had been through over the last twenty-four hours...

"Ok..." Steve said finally managing to stop laughing and although his side ached a little it really was true that laughter was the best medicine as he felt happier than he had felt in a while...

After getting his tie and jacket on Steve looked at Mike gratefully and grabbing his arm he spoke from his heart...

"Thanks Mike...for everything... "

"Anytime buddy boy...anytime..." Mike said patting Steve's shoulder and smiling fondly at the young man sitting in the chair...

Then breaking the silence, a voice came from outside the room in the corridor..."Good Lord aren't you two finished yet?..." which just made the two men laugh even more...