by J. Bengtsson
It was well over an hour before I was summoned again. Dr. Weiss was waiting for me at the door.
“Jake asked that I fill you in on his condition.”
“Is he alright?” I asked in concern.
“Yes. I was able to drain almost all the fluid. He’s feeling much relief.”
“Oh good,” I smiled.
“I gave him a dose of morphine to settle him down. He’s sleeping now. I’ve recommended to Jake that he stay the night, however he’s adamant that he wants to leave. So, at the very least, Jake will need to stay until the next dose of antibiotics can be given to him intravenously. That will be in two hours.”
“Okay. Does Jake know this?”
“Yes. I told him. He wasn’t real happy about it but he has agreed. I’m going to get you a couple of prescriptions to give to him. One is the antibiotics. He must take the entire course. The other is an anti-inflammatory.”
“I’ll make sure he takes them. Thank you.”
The doctor left and I walked in the room. Jake was sleeping. His face was flushed and he still looked feverish but he also looked peaceful. The mask of pain that had clouded his senses, even in sleep, was mercifully gone. Jake’s knee, although bruised, resembled normal size again. I bent down and gave him a kiss. Jake didn’t even stir.
Since he was sleeping, I stepped out to call his parents.
Michelle answered on the first ring. “Hello? Casey?”
“Yes. I just talked to the doctor. He was able to drain most of the fluid and Jake was feeling better. He’s knocked out on morphine right now. They will release him in about two hours.”
“Okay. Good. Have you seen him since the procedure?”
“Yes.”
“How does he look?” I could hear strain in her voice.
“A lot better than before. He isn’t as flushed and feverish. The doctor said he would be fine.”
“That’s good,” her voice cracked.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“Yes. I just…I worry.”
“I know. So do I.”
“How is his…um…his mood?”
I hesitated. She obviously had been through this with him before. I didn’t want to worry her but I didn’t want to lie either.
“He has been struggling this past week.”
There was silence on the other line.
“But before that he has been really happy. I think now that the swelling is down he will feel a lot better.”
“Hopefully, yes,” she said.
I could hear the anxiety in her voice.
“Have we met before Casey?” Her voice softened.
“Yes. At the wedding, actually.”
“You’re the girl from the wedding?” she asked in surprise.
“I am.”
“Jake invited you to go on tour with him?”
“Not right away. We talked on the phone for a couple of weeks and then he invited me to visit him in London. Once I was here, he asked me to stay.”
“Really? So how long have you been with him then?”
“A little over a month. I have to go back in three weeks because I start my senior year at the end of August.”
“You’re a college student?”
“Yes. I’m studying accounting.”
“Do you live in Arizona?”
“I do.”
“Jake never tells me anything. I didn’t even know he had a girlfriend,” Michelle said, sounding disappointed.
I didn’t know what to say so I stayed silent.
“Anyway, once Jake is awake will you have him call me?”
“Of course. And, Mrs. McKallister…don’t worry…Jake is surrounded by people who love him. When the band and crew found out he was in the hospital, they turned around and came back. Everyone is in the waiting room. No one wants to leave until they know he is okay.”
There was a moment of silence before Michelle said, “Thank you, Casey. That makes me feel a lot better actually. You seem like a lovely young woman.”
“Thank you,” I replied, surprised.
We said our goodbyes and then hung up. I walked to the waiting room to inform the others that Jake was doing well but that he would need to wait a couple more hours before being released. There was a sense of relief in the air. The concern was genuine.
I returned to Jake’s bedside and sat with him for a nearly two hours until the pretty nurse came in and connected a new IV bag. She glanced at me and I was insecure enough that I secretly hoped she noticed I wasn’t as homely as she’d once thought. The nurse turned her attention back on Jake. She seemed to be assessing more than just his health. I was used to women ogling my boyfriend so I don’t know why it bothered me so much. Jake was always so good about deflecting his admirers but, in his vulnerable state, there was no protection. Without Jake defending my honor and validating my presence in his life, I was nothing more than a gold-digging groupie. The nurse checked Jake’s blood pressure and other vitals.
The tightening of the blood pressure cuff roused Jake from his morphine-induced slumber.
“Hello again,” the nurse cooed.
“Hey,” Jake answered back, groggily.
“I just attached the IV so once it’s empty the doctor will come in and discharge you.”
“Okay, thanks,” Jake said, blearily attempting a smile. He turned his head and saw me. “Hey babe.”
“Hey yourself,” I smiled and then took his hand and squeezed it. “You look better. Are you still in pain?”
“I’m not feeling anything right now,” he grinned weakly.
“I bet.”
“You think they will let me take an IV filled with morphine for the bus?”
“Oh yeah, I’m sure,” I smiled.
The nurse left the room. Maybe she realized that three was a crowd.
“I called your parents during and after the procedure to let them know how you were doing.”
“Was my mom freaking out?”
“She was sufficiently concerned but I eased her fears.”
“Thanks.”
“I think she’s a little pissed at you though.”
“Why?”
“Because apparently you never mentioned to her that you had a girlfriend.”
Jake suddenly looked guilty, like he’d been caught in a lie. “I know. I’m sorry. I just didn’t want all the questions. I’ll tell her all about you. I promise. I mean, after the week we’ve had, you’re still my girlfriend, right?”
“You aren’t getting rid of me that easy.”
“I don’t want to get rid of you.” Jake frowned. “I really am sorry.”
“I know.”
Jake stared at me a long moment. “So are the guys at the venue yet?”
I laughed.
“What?” He grinned.
“They are in the waiting room.”
“No they’re not,” Jake stopped smiling. “Why didn’t they keep driving?”
“Well because about five hours ago we didn’t think there was going to be a venue. I mean even you have to admit that it’s a little hard to put on a Jake McKallister concert without Jake McKallister.”
Jake was not happy. “God Dammit. I thought I just had to worry about getting myself there. Now I have to worry about everyone else.”
“You don’t have to worry about anything. Sean is handling it.”
“Can you get him for me?” Jake said frowning.
“No.”
“No?”
“Not if you’re going to get mad at him. Sean has been on the phone non-stop since you were brought here. He has been trying to hold off the label. They were pushing to postpone. Sean saved the tour. He’s the only reason you can still perform tonight. So you will play nice,” I admonished.
Jake looked at me like he wanted to argue but, instead, he sighed and said, “You’re right. I’ll be nice.”
I smiled. “Besides, the guys weren’t told to come back. They just did. They wanted to be here for you.”
Jake
mumbled something then asked, “Has the media picked up on this?”
I hesitated then nodded, “There are busses and semis lining the street for two blocks. With the tour logo on the sides, it was a little hard to miss.”
“Are there reporters?”
“Yes.”
“Great,” Jake replied in frustration. “What are they reporting?”
“Just that you were brought to the hospital.”
Just then Dr. Weiss walked in. “How are you doing, Jake? You look better.”
“Yeah, I feel a lot better.”
The doctor picked up the chart and looked over it. “Blood pressure is normal. Fever is down. I think you’re turning the corner.”
“Does that mean I can get out of here?”
“You have about 30 more minutes. I’ll start the discharge orders.”
“Okay great. Thanks.”
Dr. Weiss walked out.
“Can you go to the bus and get me some jeans and a long sleeve shirt? Some underwear and socks too and my tan leather shoes? Also some toiletries. I want to take a quick shower before braving the cameras.”
“Yeah sure.”
“And please send Sean in. I promise to be nice.”
“Okay,” I grinned.
Chapter Twenty-One
Jake
After Sean left, I laid back on the bed. Although I was feeling way better now that my knee had been drained, the past week had shaken me. The flashbacks. Lashing out at people who didn’t deserve it. Pushing Casey away. It had to stop! She’d forgiven me for my dick behavior this time but she wasn’t going to put up with it forever. I had to figure out a way to get my shit together. I couldn’t let what happened last week happen again even if it meant having my knee amputated. That had been an option for me since the kidnapping but my parents decided against it, hoping I would regain normal use of it over time. Obviously that hadn’t happened. Basically I lived from one cortisone shot to the next. The pain was always there but sometime, when it swelled up like it had, it became unbearable. And the shitty part was…it was never going to get any better. Every tour was the same. Swelling increased after each show until I was in excruciating pain.
The nurse came into the room. “Are you doing alright?” she asked in a slight German accent. Her hand rested on my arm.
“Yeah, better.”
“That’s good. You know, I’m a big fan of your music and just you in general. You seem like a very down to earth guy.”
I looked up at her. How in the hell could she tell that? I’d been writhing in pain for the majority of time she’d been around me.
“Oh yeah, well thanks.” I smiled, although I was really not in the mood for a conversation. “How much longer now?”
She checked the IV bag. “Just a few more drops. Are you so eager to leave?”
Seriously? Who would want to remain tethered to an IV in a hospital? “I have a concert tonight that I need to get to so yeah…kind of eager.”
“Well, I know you’re leaving but if you’re ever in Germany again you can give me a call,” she shoved a note in my hand with presumably her number on it.
I looked down at the paper, shocked that she would have the balls to do this while she was working. Plus she’d clearly seen Casey. “I have a girlfriend,” I stated matter-a-factly.
“I know but let’s be honest. What are the chances you’ll still be with her next time you’re travelling through Germany?”
“Hopefully the chances are high,” I replied.
“You like her a lot then?”
I didn’t respond. My relationship was none of her business.
“Seems like a waste if you ask me,” she smirked.
Well I didn’t ask you, I wanted to say but I held my tongue. I wasn’t going to give a complete stranger the satisfaction of getting into a discussion about my girlfriend and me.
“You’re too young to be tied down right now? Why limit yourself? Have a little fun.”
“Yeah. Been there, done that.”
The nurse gave me a look of pity.
“Anyway just put my number in your phone under German Gia. I’ll make it worth your while.”
Just then Casey walked in holding a pile of my clothes, looking disheveled and a bit sweaty but the minute she appeared in the room it brightened. As if sensing tension, Casey glanced at German Gia and then at me. I smiled. She smiled back.
“Perfect timing,” the nurse said to Casey. “I was just about to remove his IV.”
“Oh good,” Casey replied, her face bright and happy. God…how I loved her. Casey had an inner beauty that radiated and ignited everything it touched. How could any woman ever compete with her?
German Gia grabbed hold of my arm and, with her nail, traced a line to the IV. I looked up at her in surprise and she smiled. I glanced over at Casey hoping she hadn’t seen it but one look at her face told me she had. Once Gia was busy pulling the needle out of my arm I raised my eyebrows and gave Casey the look, the one that said both, ‘What the fuck’ and ‘I’m totally not into her, I swear to God’. Casey smiled and rolled her eyes. I loved that about her. She didn’t blame me every time something like this happened. It was like we were partners in this bizarre world I lived in where nurses actually hit on their patients.
As soon as I was free, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and attempted to stand up. I immediately got dizzy. Gia grabbed me by my arm and sat me back down.
“You might be a little light-headed from the morphine,” she said. She was back to being my nurse, thank God. “Take a couple deep breaths.”
I did and it helped. I stood up again and this time I felt stronger. I took a few steps to the bathroom. “I’m going to take a quick shower.”
“Has the doctor cleared that?” Gia asked.
“I didn’t ask but I’m going to take one anyway,” I said.
Gia raised her eyebrows then smiled.
“Well, okay then. A decisive man. I’ll give you your privacy,” German Gia shook her head and laughed as she walked out.
Casey brought me my stuff from the bus.
“Do you want me to stay in here, just in case?”
“Just in case what? I fall flat on my face?”
“No, just in case the nurse comes back.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Casey
Jake was discharged and the only thing he had left was to brave the media. All the staff and crew got back in their busses and semis. The line of vehicles stretched for blocks. It was a sight to see but the tour staff wanted to show a united front. Everyone would retreat together. Lassen pulled Jake’s bus to the entrance of the ER.
Jake was standing with Sean and Eric inside the room making final preparations.
“Jake, do you want me there or should I go to the bus?” I asked.
“What do you want?”
“I would prefer to not be on camera. I haven’t showered or anything today.”
“I think you look beautiful.”
“That’s sweet,” I smiled. “It’s a lie but still sweet.”
“Go. I’ll meet you there in a couple of minutes.”
I walked out of the room, through the ER and headed toward the bus. A half a dozen reporters and camera crews were waiting, held back by hospital security. As I knocked on the bus door, several reporters called out questions to me. Lassen opened the door and I slipped in.
“Is he on his way?” Lassen asked.
“Yes. He should be here any minute. He wants out of here as much as we do.”
“Oh I can only imagine,” Lassen agreed.
“Thanks for everything this morning,” I said, obviously referring to my crying fit.
He shrugged.
“It’s just frustrating sometimes. I want to help but I don’t know how.”
“I know how you feel. I would do anything for Jake. I love that kid,” Lassen said, clearing his voice. I could tell he was not used to sharing his feelings and he was now done.
“Me too,” I nodd
ed, smiling. I was really starting to love Lassen. “Did you get any sleep?”
“I did, actually. Sean made all the drivers go and sleep for a few hours. We only have a six-hour drive. Sean has hired extra staff for tonight to help with set up.”
We heard a commotion outside.
“Sounds like show time,” Lassen said. He opened the bus door.
Jake walked out of the hospital looking healthy and strong. I knew he wasn’t but the reporters didn’t need to know that.
One female reporter called out, “How are you feeling Jake?”
Jake smiled and waved but did not respond. A barrage of questions followed.
“Jake, what brought you to the hospital?”
“It’s being reported that you passed out.”
“Do you have HIV?”
“Did you have a drug overdose?”
“Are you entering rehab?”
Through all the intrusive questions Jake’s neutral facial expression stayed the same. He focused on getting to the bus.
“Are you cancelling the show in Cologne tonight?”
Jake ducked inside the bus.
Sean then turned to the reporters. “Jake was brought to the hospital with a fever. He hadn’t been feeling well for a few days. He was treated with antibiotics then released. The tour dates haven’t changed. Jake is feeling better and looking forward to playing in Cologne tonight. Thank you.”
Sean climbed in and Lassen shut the door and got in the driver’s seat. We pulled out of the ER and joined the line of busses and trucks as we made our way to the next concert.
Sean and Eric had come in the bus with us. The men had a lot of scheduling issues to hash over. After reminding Jake to call his mom, I happily retreated to the bedroom and changed the sheets. Jake’s sweat was all over the old ones. After making the bed, I collapsed under the fresh linens and fell fast asleep. When I woke up hours later, Jake was snoozing by my side. We were still driving. I got up and went to the living room area. The other guys were gone. We must have stopped somewhere while I was sleeping. I went to check on Lassen.
“Hey, how are you doing?” I asked him.
