Page 80 of Sins of the Flesh
Ally has been looking after the church for me, though she thinks I may have lost my mind a little bit, she knows this is important to me.
I peer around the corner of the waiting room.It's 10pm and I’m hoping to catch a couple hours of sleep in one of the uncomfortable seats.I let out a breath when I see the coast is clear and settle into one of the seats.When an older African American woman steps out of the double doors wearing purple scrub pants and a white scrub top with cartoon cats on it.She stops at the front desk chatting with the woman there then heads back in the direction of the double doors but stops and looks over at me then decidedly draws closer.
“Sir you have been here for days, have you eaten anything?”If vending machine chips and cookies count, yes.I nod wearily.I don’t know who in this place is aware of my arrest and who isn't so speaking to anyone feels risky.“Let me rephrase that baby.Have you eaten anything that didn’t come from a vending machine?”I look down at my hands and shake my head and she scoffs looking at me with disapproval.I recoil waiting for something…negative?
She turns on her heels and disappears through the double doors and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.I cross my arms over my chest and tuck my chin settling into the uncomfortable chair to sleep.
After a few minutes I hear a throat clearing and open my eyes to find the same nurse standing in front of me with pursed lips holding out a wrapped sandwich and a bottle of water.I stare at her and she nudges the items forward indicating I should take them, so I slowly reach out and grab them.
I open the water and it feels like a soothing caress after days of drinking fountains on various floors.I didn't realize I was so thirsty until I finished the bottle.She raises her eyebrows, the line of her lips turning up in a smile.
I flush and look at the sandwich, slowly unwrapping the plastic wrap and taking a bite.My eyes flutter, yes it's a basic sandwich but I can't remember the last time I even had normal food and this thing tastes like heaven as I devour it.
The nurse takes a seat next to me chuckling and patting my knee.“My you were a bit in need weren't you?”I nod and try to swallow quickly so I can thank her but she stops me.“No need honey you're not the first poor soul I seen wastin away while waiting on a loved one.My name is Vera.”
I hold out my hand “Caleb.”My voice is a scratchy rasp from lack of use over the last two days I have been here.
“Well Caleb nice to meet you.Who you waiting on?”I gulp not knowing if I should say.I don't know what she's been told or even if she's his nurse but her kind eyes make my lips disobey my tired brain.
“Cole Abbot,” I rasp, her eyes glitter as her chuckle becomes more lively.
“He’s a sweet young man, a little bit of a trouble maker always trying to get me to bring him treats.”I smile and nod hearing this makes a rush of joy run through me to know he is his normal self and the poison didn't hurt him irreversibly.
“Are you his Father?”She asks and this question hurts a little, he hasn't talked about me.I guess it's for the best, he's safer that way anyways.I hang my head and shake it and she raises her brow.
“I see.”I look at her with question.“Only someone who really loves another would wait around the way you been doin so if you aren't his parent then you're someone very special.”Her eyes still twinkle but my heart squeezes, he’s special but I’m not…not anymore.
“I care about him very much and I just want to make sure he’s okay before I go home.”She nods as if understanding, I get the feeling she has had this conversation with many people over the years.
“Stay strong Mr.Caleb he's being released tomorrow so he's well on his way to a full recovery.”I smile at her gratefully and she walks away.When I saw Cole two days ago the look of terror in his face is what convinced me to stay close.I know it was directed at me but I need to tell him I would never hurt him or at least try and this might be the only chance I get to do it so tomorrow can’t come fast enough.
Forty-Five
Cole
The Scientist - Coldplay
W
ell Mr.Abbot your liver is responding nicely to treatment.We should be able to release you tomorrow.”Dr.Masters tells me with a grin.I let out a sigh of relief.Six days in this sterile prison has been six days too many.
"That's the best news I've heard all week, Doc."
She scribbles something on her clipboard."Just remember what we discussed.No alcohol whatsoever for at least six months, preferably longer.Your body needs time to heal completely."
"Trust me, after this experience.I don't trust anything."The word brings Caleb to mind and the night I saw him with Charlotte.My chest aches and I steel myself.Dr.Masters gives me a look that says she's heard that promise before.
"And you'll need to come back for weekly check-ups.This wasn't just a minor incident, Mr.Abbot.You were lucky."
"Lucky," I mutter, staring at the ceiling tiles."Right."
Lucky wouldn't be lying in a hospital bed with tubes coming out of my arms.Lucky wouldn't have a liver that tried to quit on me after the love of my life poisoned me.Lucky would mean Caleb had chosen me instead of…
"Mr.Abbot?"Dr.Masters is giving me that concerned look medical professionals perfect in their first year."Is there someone who can help you through recovery?Family, perhaps?"
I shake my head.Mom's been here every day, but I can't put this on her.She's already worried sick."I've got it covered.Thank you Doctor.”
.Masters hesitates at the doorway, her white coat crisp against the drab hospital walls."I'm serious about your aftercare plan.This type of poisoning doesn't just happen accidentally."
