"Karen, are you feeling any better?" Nick asked as he watched her pick at her food.

"A little better, but not hungry. You want this, AJ? I didn't bite it."

"Even if you did, who cares it's McDikeys!" AJ grinned chewing happily.

Patty entered. "Good news, Karen, after a breathing treatment we'll remove the oxygen and IV. Then we'll see how you're doing, and if all goes well you might be able to go home. But I will need you guys to step out for a bit."

"Even Nick?" Karen asked fearfully.

Patty issued a new statement. "Everyone EXCEPT Nick."

"Thank you," Nick replied.

Fifteen minutes passed and treatment ran it's course. Patty smiled. "Okay, let's get this stuff off of you Then I'll send your friends in."

"Thanks," Karen whispered.

Nick kissed her forehead. "How'd it feel?"

"Really weird," she chuckled.

The group returned. Nick noticed the sly grin on Howie's face. "What's up, D?"

"I have a date with Patty."

"And y'all call me the flirt," AJ laughed.

Patty returned flashing Howie a special grin. "Well, Karen, the doctor said you can go home now."

"Finally," she sighed.

The nurse reviewed her charts. "I realize you're on tour, but with double pnemonia you cannot possibly stay on a bus."

Howie grabbed his ever present cell phone. "Don't worry guys. I'll make hotel arrangements. Let's see we're in Augusta..."

"Let's stay at Holiday Inn. No one would expect us there. It'll be more pleasant for Karen," Kevin suggested.

"Give me the room with two beds. Pollyanna can have her own room tonight. I want to stay with Karen," Nick remarked.

AJ groaned. "Dude, Nick, that's gross. Making moves on your sick girlfriend !"

"AJ, unlike you, not all guys are perverts," Pollyanna hissed.

Howie put away his phone. "Done."

Nick rubbed Karen's back. "I'm gonna' go back with Karen."

"I'll drive you," Kevin offered.

Nick nodded.

Pollyanna slid on her jacket. "Come on guys, let's go. We'll see you at the hotel. Feel better, Kare. Kev, drive them straight to the hotel. I'll get her prescriptions."

Kevin agreed and Pollyanna and the other three guys departed.

Nick helped his girlfriend put her jacket as Patty read off instructions. "All right. You'll be taking two antibotics and an inhaler. You have to rest and keep yourself well-hydrated."

The rest of Patty's words were unheard. Consciousness left Karen's body and she tumbled downwards. Kevin caught her in his arms and returned her to the bed.

"Karen? Karen, can you hear me?" Patty shouted.

"Mom, I'm too sick for school," Karen mumbled. She forced her eyes open. She glanced at her heavy coat and hospital surroundings. "What the--?"

"You passed out," Kevin whispered.

Nick hugged her tightly. "You scared me to death."

Patty gasped at Karen's blood pressure. "I'm sorry, sweetie, but you can't leave at 50 over 80. That's too low."

"Way too low," Kevin added.

"Rest another half hour, and then we'll try again. I'll go get you some juice. You're in great need of nutrients."

After Karen drank her juice she was able to stand, but ended up being braced by Nick due to dizziness. Patty realized how badly Karen wanted to go. After insisting on another hour of rest and nutrients, she finally managed to advise a release.

After sixty minutes had passed Karen was able to leave. She was walking, but so weakly had Nick insisted on bracing her and eventually carrying her to the car...

>>>>>

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