Chapter 19

(Nick's point of view)

"I just can't understand it!" Dr.Turtle sighed in exasperation as she ran her cold hands over my swollen glands. "The symptoms aren't relating. The aching in the head, throat and ears could be combined, but I don't see how it could exist with the severity of Nick's stomach ailment."

"Aren't there any other tests?" Brian stammered.

"Plenty. However, most of them irritate either the stomach or throat. I don't know how I would feel about causing him further discomfort at this stage."

I took a shaky deep breath. "Any ideas as to what it could be?"

"There's a possibility of gall bladder attacks. That would explain the temperature and stomach problems. However, the rest of the symptoms go unknown."

"What tests are you planning?" Kevin asked nervously.

"Another ultrasound in a few hours, then proceed with an entire body scan and dye injection followed by a scope if all else fails."

Kevin's questions continued. "What happens until then?"

"I'm going to continue the sedative. Increasing it slightly to attempt to give Nick a few extra hours of sleep. Honestly, I don't know what else I can do at this point. I'm very sorry, Mr.Carter."

I attempted to smile despite my pain. "That's okay. It's not your fault I got sick."

She massaged her brow. "Yes, but it is my fault that you're not getting better. I'll have the tests scheduled for as early in the morning as possible and begin to contact specialists in the various areas."

Brian rubbed my shoulder. "What do we do until then?"

"Add a bit more to the sedative and try to have him sleep another few hours before  the testing."

I shivered. "Are they going to hurt?"

"Nick, I won't lie to you. Yes, it will hurt. I'm sorry."

I groaned throwing my head against the pillow.

"But if they find out what's wrong then the testing and illness will stop all together. It'll be worth it in the end, Nick," Kevin assured me.

Dr.Turtle looked over my IV. "I'm sorry. Really I am."

I nodded. "I know. I'm really not mad at you I'm just frustated that I can't feel better."

"I know you are, but we'll see what we can do. Katie will be along to up his dosage." She faced my friends. "Will one of you be staying with him?"

"I will," Kevin offered. "Brian, you're looking a little tired why don't you go with AJ and Howie? They're making arrangements for a hotel right now."

He shook his head. "No, he needs me."

"Bri, go on. You need your sleep. Kev won't let anything happen to me." I coughed roughly. "Will 'ya, Kevy Kev?"

"Of course I won't. I'm a hardass and proud of it," he scuffed.

Brian felt my forehead frowning. "You're sure?"

"Yeah. You need your rest.

"But Nick..."

Kevin raised his hand. "Go on, Bri, you heard him. You and the others can come back tomorrow then I'll go to the hotel and you can stay here."

Brian stared at me fidgeting. "You're positive?"

"Yeah. I'm gonna' be fine."

He hugged me tightly. "Okay, buddy, you just hang it there. And you let them know everything that is wrong with you. And Kev will be with you and..."

"Brian," I breathed. "You could really take someone's ear off, ya' know. And you're...uh...hugging me a little too tight!"

He blushed loosening his grip. "Oh, sorry, kid."

"That's okay. Just get some sleep you look like a zombie."

"Me?" he chuckled. "I wouldn't say too much if I were you, Casper."

Kevin cleared his throat lifting Brian's hugging form off of me. "Okay, that's quite enough children I'm afraid I have to seperate you now."

Brian ruffled my wet hair. "You hang in there. I love you, Frack."

I took a deep breath. "I love you too, Frick."

Kevin patted his cousin's back. "I've got him. Go on."

Brian lingered at the door.

"GO!" Kevin demanded.

Brian sighed exiting. "Okay, I know when l'm not wanted."

Katie returned. "Hey, sweetie, sorry to be back. But hopefully this should help. You need anything else?"

"No, I've got Kevin here as my own personal servant."

She laughed. "Congratulations. I should get one for myself. I'll see you later."

I turned away wincing as she left refusing to look at Kevin. "Nick?" he called softly rubbing my back. "What is it?"

I gasped. "It just hurts so much."

"Your stomach? Should I get a doctor?"

"No," I moaned. "Everything is just throbbing. l just can't take it." I fought the tears coming to my eyes. "But I didn't want Brian to see how much it hurts. He's been through enough."

"You're a good friend to do that, Nick, but you can't fight this. You're seriously ill it's okay to be upset and show it. Holding it in won't get you anywhere."

I winced clutching my head. "I'm scared. Why does it have to hurt so much? And why do I keep on getting so confused?"

Kevin held me. "I don't know, buddy. I wish it was me instead of you."

"I wouldn't wish this on anyone." As my stomach churned again I couldn't take it-I sobbed. "Kevin, it hurts."

He sniffled cluching me. "I know, Nicky. I wish there was something I could do."

I stuttered pulling away from him. "I'm okay. You don't have to baby me."

Kevin wiped the sweat from my brow. "I'm not babying you. I'd do this for any of you if you were this sick."

I grasped his hand still crying. "Have you ever had any of those tests?"

"No, but don't worry. One of us will be with you as long as you can. And your Dad is trying his best to get here."

I attempted to wipe my tears. "Where is my family?"

He took a tissue clearing my face. "They're in Europe right now with Aaron, remember? Right now the weather is too bad for your father to catch a plane. But he's trying, Nick, he really is."

I believed him. My dad and the rest of family loved me dearly. I'm positive he was trying.

"Is the medicine helping at all?"

My eyes drooped. "I'm getting a bit drowsy."

"Just let yourself fall asleep."

"Kev?" I whispered.

"Yeah?"

"Would you.....oh nevermind."

"What? What do you need?"

"Would you mind um...singing?"

He wrinkled his nose. "Singing?"

"Yeah. Would you sing to me?" I cleared my throat taking a manly tone. "You know, I just figured you never get to sing in the studio, so, I would be nice and ask you to sing now."

"All right, you little smartass, I'll sing to you."

He lifted my Care Bear into his hands glancing around the room to make sure no one was in ear shot. "What song do you want me to sing?"

I shrugged. "Doesn't matter."

He spoke very quickly. "Do you want me to sing 'ReturntoPoohCorner'?"

"What? You spoke too fast."

He grimaced with embarrassment whispering. "Return to Pooh Corner."

I giggled. "You know that song?"

"Yes...and if you tell-"

"I won't."

"Okay." He patted my shoulder. "Just try to get to sleep. And remember this is our secret..."

'Christopher Robin and I walked along..Under the branches lit by the moon'

As Kevin sang and wiped my forehead I realized why he was so worried about us all of the time...He was going to be a great father.

'Winnie the Pooh doesn't know what to do...Got a honey jar stuck on his nose....'

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