Page 61 of Chubs

Me: Yeah she did.

Cash: That’s impressive. Now I’m even a little scared of her.

Pooh: I’m fucking terrified of her. I have no shame when it comes to self-preservation. I’m taking up a pool if anyone wants to buy her flowers. You know, for buying goodwill and all that.

Gunner: Toes didn’t help?

Me: Uh, no. We’re almost at the hospital now. Explain later.

Gunner: Fucking Toes.

Horse: Fucckkking Toesss. You stiiilllll here Lucyyy? R U????

Gunner: Put your fucking phone down Horse!

“We’re here. Run inside for a gurney and help,” Candy orders as she throws the car into park and steps out.

I rush inside and call out to the first nurse I see. It’s not long, and they have Axel on a gurney and wheeled inside. He’s deathly pale, sweaty, and very silent. I approach the desk and answer what questions I can for them while Candy takes a seat. Sitting next to her, I realize my hands are shaking. It’s scary seeing someone you care about that’s normally so full of life laying on a gurney looking like a corpse.

“He’ll be fine. He’s young, in good health, and too excited to raise his kids to die,” Candy states in a no-nonsense voice.

I nod but stay silent. When the doors whoosh open, I watch James and Livi in uniform stroll inside. Spotting us, they move to stand in front of our chairs.

“Know anything yet?” Livi asks in a hushed voice.

“No, they just took him back,” I answer.

Doors open again, and Freddy, with one of Cash’s aunts on each side, walks in. They join our group, ask the same question, and receive the same answer. Within minutes, Taja and Tessie arrive.

“Where’s Toes? Wasn’t he at the clubhouse?” Tessie questions while looking around.

“He’s still at the gatehouse entertaining himself with his phone. Gate open, not paying attention. I’m going to have a little chat with him about it, and we’ll be making a return trip to the hospital when I’m done,” Candy says in a vengeful tone.

“I’m so glad my name is James,” James mutters.

“You do that, Candy. Man’s got a brain the size of a tiny fart,” Lottie states with a sniff.

“Let’s move to those chairs over there. We’re kind of in the way here, and we’re going to accumulate more bodies soon,” Taja recommends, and our whole group moves to one corner of the E.R.

A nurse steps into the room and asks loudly, “Family of Axel Taylor?”

James, Livi, Taja, and I move to stand near the nurse and listen as she explains.

“They’ve taken Mr. Taylor for some tests, but we’ve started him on fluids and are working to lower his temperature. I’ll keep you informed as we find things out. Does anyone know his symptoms or how long he’s been ill? Any pain?”

We answer with what we know then go back to our group to wait. Taja stays and speaks with the nurse for a few more minutes, then joins us.

“It’s possible it’s his appendix. That’s what they’re thinking at the moment. It’s major surgery but common, so he’ll be in good hands if that’s it. As long as it hasn’t ruptured,” she informs the group.

“He’s been sick for several days, though. Isn’t that usually something that comes on fast?” Freddy asks.

“Usually, yes. It may have been worse than he let on, though,” Taja says while nibbling on a thumbnail.

Tessie pulls Taja’s hand away from her mouth then says, “I doubt that, but ruining your nails isn’t going to help him.”

“What in the hell are you looking at?” Lola asks loudly while staring daggers at two well-dressed women sitting to the side of us.

The women both give haughty looks in our direction before whispering to each other behind raised hands. When both laugh quietly while still looking at our group, I know we’re the center of their conversation.

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