Page 8 of Puck Me

“He’s not planning to use razors. He’s got rope, though I don’t know where.”

Noah pales. “I’ll find it,” he promises. “I’ll tear that house upside down. I won’t even leave him with a phone charger. Don’t worry, Dr. Roth, I’ll keep him safe.”

“I admire your dedication, but Chester needs more than a good friend right now. I’m admitting him to the hospital.”

“And he agreed to that?”

“Not exactly. I have the right to admit suicidal patients regardless of their consent. I can only hold him for three days, but I’m hoping that by that time, I’ll have convinced him to stay longer.”

Noah nods slowly. “He’s exhausted all the time right now. If you make it a lot of effort for him to leave, he might not have the energy to go through the process.”

“Thanks for the tip—I will take that into account. Will you be able to stop by his place and pick up some essentials for him? I’m going to have an ambulance take him directly to the hospital.”

“That sounds like a good idea. I can get him whatever he needs. You just focus on taking care of him. H-he’s going to be alright, isn’t he?”

“While I can never make any promises, I can tell you that I’ve treated a number of patients in very similar mental states and physical situations to Chester, and I’ve had mostly good outcomes. I believe that recovery is possible for everyone; I wouldn’t be in this line of work if I didn’t.”

“I suppose that’s the best I’m going to get. Thanks, Doctor. I’ll go wait with Chester while that ambulance arrives.”

“Thank you, Noah. You’re a good friend to him and he’s lucky to have you. You saved his life today, getting him here—and I’m certain that today wasn’t the first time.”

Noah shrugs. “It’s what friends do. He’d do the same for me.”

I wish we all had friends like that.

“I’ll let you know about visiting hours. I’m sure Chester will be happy to see you as often as you can make it.”

“I don’t know about that. He’s not exactly pleased with me right now.”

“Well, he’s even less pleased with me, so you may be the lesser of two evils.”

Noah grins. “That’s something, at least. Thanks for updating me, Dr. Harris.”

“Sure thing, Noah.”

I’m relieved to find Chester still in the waiting room. I had my doubts, even having taken his crutches. It gives me hope that a part of him really does want the help.

The ambulance comes to take Chester and I see to it that he gets inside.

I find myself staring as he does and shake myself slightly. Sure, Chester is attractive, what with his broad shoulders, his messy brown hair that looks a lot lighter in the sunshine and his angry blue eyes, but none of that is relevant. He’s a patient—a suicidal patient at that—and having those thoughts about him is highly inappropriate, bordering on unethical.

The thought takes me by surprise. I glance once more at Chester as the ambulance closes. I… I’ve never had those thoughts about a guy before.

I’ve always been with women previously. Although nothing very serious at all. I was never that interested in anyone. My sport was my priority, I used to travel a lot and had no time to date. And these days, well I make work my priority. It takes some effort to get myself into the right mood with a woman, and I’ve always had a problem with getting hard, but there are pills for that. Once I’m there, I can usually come without a problem, but i’ve never been a great lover.

Guys, though… I’ve never seriously thought of a guy that way. Has it been triggered by seeing on my Google search that Chester is openly gay? I’ve never even considered the possibility that I might be into a guy, and Chester Russo, my patient, is not someone who I can explore this possibility with.

I try to get my head straight.Straight.

I need to worry about keeping Chester Russo alive, not about things he might be stirring within me. When I remember the sobering things he said to me, all thoughts of his fine form fade to the background.

I’m deeply worried about him. I just hope that I am able to help him before it’s too late.

3

Chester

I’ve never felt so angry and helpless at the same time. I want to scream and rage, but I know it will do no good. The paramedics are eyeing me warily and I’m sure Dr. Harris has briefed them on the situation. I know that trying to escape will likely just end with me being sedated.

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