Page 19 of King

I quickly went into the files and looked for his results. As I opened them, I checked the image. I read the notes the radiologist left and saw there was nothing abnormal. Inside I was so pleased that everything was okay, but honestly, who in their right mind would put themselves through what he did.

My stomach was in knots. I had to wait for the Doctor to look at the results for confirmation but nothing stopped me from checking. I knew I had to go back into that cubicle and see him. I just wanted to be prepared. I guessed at least this way I could patch him up and send him on his way. I closed the CT scan report and opened his X-Ray. His hand was broken, that was a definite, and would need a cast. I needed to get my head on straight. I had to get through this so he could leave, and I could go back to basking in ignorance and forgetting every good thing there had ever been about us.

“Phoenix, it’s me and you in number two.” I looked around and smiled at the doctor. “Have we got results?”

“Yep, I was just checking them.”

We exchanged places and he took my seat as he went through the results. “Ouch.” Doctor Stevens said as he looked at the X-ray. “Bad break. How did he get like that?”

I shrugged, “He didn’t say.” I sipped from my drinks bottle while he went through Jacob’s results before I put it back on the desk.

“Come on, then. Let’s go and give him the good news.” I forced a smile before I got up from the chair and quickly closed the file while I followed behind him. At least I didn’t have to go in there by myself. I guess there is a God after all.

When we reached the cubicle, Danny was outside the cubicle and on his phone, he looked up as I approached. Rounding him, I drew back the curtain and went in.

“Mr King, I’m Doctor Stevens.”

“Doc.” Jacob greeted.

“I’ve taken a look at your CT scan…”

“Did you find a brain?” Ethan piped up and I bit back a smirk.

Doctor Stevens chuckled lightly but I could tell he wasn’t amused. It hadn’t been an easy shift. We’d had all sorts in today. I was actually counting down the hours to the end of my shift when Jacob was brought in. Since then, my mind has been full of Jacob and time seemed to slow down.

“Anyway, I’ve also looked at the x-ray on your hand and arm. Two of your metacarpals are broken. You will need a cast, but there is a lot of swelling right now around the breaks, we’ll put you in a splint while the inflammation goes down and bring you back into the department in a week for another x-ray. Fortunately, the CT scan on your head was clear. You’re a lucky man, Mr King. Phoenix here will clean you up and put some stitches in those cuts.”

I looked between Jacob and the doctor but not once did he look at the doctor, his eyes were on me the whole time.

My stomach churned even more now. I didn’t want everyone to know that we were once a couple because there would be way too many questions. The gossip round here would spread like wildfire.

“When you leave here make an appointment for outpatients in seven to ten days at the A&E desk.”

The doctor walked around me and paused, “Good luck, Mr King.”

“Thanks.”

I felt the doctor’s hand on my arm and I looked round to him. “Can I leave this to you?” He asked in a hushed tone.

I smiled back, “Of course.” As I glanced sidewards, Jacob’s gaze zoned in on Dr Stevens’ hand and I knew he hadn’t missed that little manoeuvre.

“Oh, and maybe you should keep away from trouble.”The doctor added with a knowing look.

Jacob looked at me before eyeing the doctor. “Sometimes it’s not that easy, Doc.”

As the doctor left the cubicle, Ethan followed him out. I wanted to shout at Ethan and tell him to stay. My stomach was in my mouth, I didn’t know what to say or where to look. Jacob looked so sad, and every time I looked in his eyes it was like he was trying to tell me something.

“Right then, let’s get you cleaned up and out of here.”

“Do you want me out of here?” Jacob asked and I swallowed. I couldn’t answer him, the lump that was in my throat had grown so big it was threatening to choke me. I went through the cupboards and got everything I needed and placed it all on the trolley. “Let me just get this done.” I demanded. He might not have spoken, but he watched me.

He moved to sit up, so I could bandage his ribs tightly, as I wrapped them, he lifted his arms. “Can we talk later?” He whispered into my hair.

“We’ve got nothing to say, Jay.” I kept my voice quiet. I didn’t want him to hear the shake in my voice, the nervousness that I only ever got around him.

“We have loads to talk about, Nix.” My eyes closed briefly at the nickname he always used for me, so familiar…

“Okay, you’re all done.” I tried to sound upbeat and cheery but my disposition was waning. I was tired and emotionally spent. I hadn’t felt like this for a while. I’d almost forgotten what it was like.

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