Chapter 17
(AJ's point-of-view)
"Temp's 100.6," the nurse informed the doctor removing the object from my beneath my tongue.
"Why do I have a fever?" I asked nervously.
The heavy old man sighed. "Undoubtedly from this stomach condition of yours."
"Stomach? Hey, man, I'm in here because I hurt my leg."
"Yes, you are Mr.McLean, but you also are having stomach problem, correct?"
"Correct," Howie answered before I could open my mouth.
"Listen, Dr....."
"Shaw."
"Dr.Shaw, I'm a Backstreet Boy I don't have time for illness."
He adjusted his glasses. "Well, son, you don't have much of a choice but to make time."
'Son?' A random doctor can call me 'son' he's one step above my father.
Howie laid a hand on my shoulder. "We have new management now, I'm sure time will be arranged."
If we have time for my medical treatment, then we have time to enroll Howie in A&A.....
The old man scribbled away at his clipboard. "I'd like to have a series of tests done to rule out anything specific. And I think testing for an ulcer is highly important."
"I'm fine!" I practically spat.
Howie sighed. "AJ, calm down."
"AJ," the man began, "you tore the ligament in your right leg. Now, we don't know the severity at this time, so, you'll be kept for a period of observation." He walked towards me. "And the symptoms your stomach presents could lead to premanent damage. Would you kindly make the correct to stay and relax?"
I slowly nodded. "Fine, sir."
Howie cleared his throat. "How long do you think he'll be off?"
"Well, he'll be here for at least two days for observing. Then, I can only estimate. But I would assume at least two weeks."
"Two weeks!" I exclaimed.
"Yes, now just relax and get some sleep. We'll have further results in the morning."
"Relax? How in the hell am I suppose to relax?"
"Well, for starters it might help if you shut your mouth," Howie suggested.
"Thanks....."
"Hey, calm down a little. Things will look better in the morning. They guys will be here and you're mom is flying in tonight."
I turned away staring at the empty wall. My mom? Get my dad's ass up here. He owes enough child support to pay all my hospital bills.
-