Chapter 33
(Brian's point-of-view)
"Are you sure you're okay?" Kevin asked as we entered the studio.
I nodded. "Yeah, I'm gonna' be fine. LeighAnne just thought it would be a good idea for me to talk to this guy I told you about last night at the hotel."
"I think she's right. I really think it would help."
"You do?"
"Sure. I mean when Dad," he paused speaking slowly, "passed away. I really needed someone to talk to. And I considered it. I just couldn't afford it at the time."
I smiled. If Kevin had considered it, maybe my fears really are nothing to be ashamed of. "I'm not crazy."
"Of course not, I had my appendix removed and I spazzed. I was a real wuss."
I remembered the event. "Kev, you were a young guy in a foreign country having your skin split open by people who may have known English as a second-language! That is scary!"
He paled placing a hand over his right side. "You know when you word it like that..."
I covered my mouth. "Oh! Uh...sorry, cuz."
"It's okay. I just won't be going near people with accents for awhile."
I heard the door opening. "Um...Kev, could we keep this on the downlow between you and me?"
"Certainly."
"Morning guys," Howie said bringing in a load of coffee.
AJ followed behind. "Hey, people, who have two good legs."
I patted his back. "It'll be better soon."
"I hope so. This stick is not a fashion statement."
The door open once more with our youngest member joining us. "Morning," a raspy voice greeted us.
Nick entered dressed in baggy sweats dragging himself inside. His skin was pale, his cheeks a deep crimson and his eyes dreary.
I frowned. "You don't look so good."
He set down rubbing his stomach. "I think I caught Leslie's flu."
Kevin patted his back. "God forbid it's your appendix be thankful you're in America."
Nick lifted his head. "What the hell?"
I rolled my eyes. "Ignore him."
AJ rested his leg. "Are you up to this?"
He nodded. "I'll be fine. Let's just get to it."
*************************
"Nick, you're flat," Kevin stated removing his headphones.
Nick massaged his brow. "Yeah, I know, I'm sorry."
Howie sighed. "Let's just take five."
AJ nodded. "Great idea, I gotta' piss like a mother!"
I couldn't help but laugh as he hobbled off to the restroom. I set the headphones aside. "Nick, do you want to lay down?"
"Nah. Thanks, man."
Kevin frowned. "Maybe you should listen to him. Besides, how sick has Leslie been with this thing?"
"High fevers, vomiting, sore throat, headaches, tired....."
I raised an eyebrow. "And you don't think you should lay down?"
"I'm okay. I'm not half as sick as she's been."
"Yeah, not yet," Howie whispered.
Nick rested his head in his hands. "Ooooh."
"What is it?" Kevin asked.
"I just don't feel so good right now."
AJ returned. "Aw, man! That's better!" He paused. "What's with the kid?"
Nick clutched his stomach. "AJ?!"
"Yeah?"
"Where's the bathroom?!"
"Straight across the hallway."
Nick took off running in the given direction. Many unpleasant sounds followed increasing in volume.
Howie sighed. "I think it's safe to say he's sick."
Kevin nodded. "Poor Kaos, that does not sound comfortable. I think he better just call it a day and head home or to a doctor."
"I agree," I answered standing. "I'll go check on him."
"Nick? Nick?" I softly called into the restroom.
"Brian...." he moaned pushing the stall door open a crack.
I knelt down. "Hey, buddy, how 'ya doin?"
"Bad. Very bad."
"You wanna' call it quits and go home?"
"No," he refused. "I have to sing this song!"
I dug into his pocket taking his car keys. "It'll all be fine. Let's just get you to bed and you can come back later. Okay?"
"But I--"
I pressed my palm to his forehead. "You're burning up. Listen to me, you are going home right now." I demanded starting to lift him up.
"BRIAN!" he shouted.
"What?"
He forced me away returning to the toilet. I covered my eyes. "Um....I'll just wait outside."
Kevin faced me. "Is he okay?"
"He's getting sick again. I'll tell you what, Kev, you go get him out and I'll go get his car."
He crossed his arms. "Why do I get the feeling I'm being set up?"
'Because you are, Kevin,' I thought to myself. I cleared my throat. "Um...no no no. You're stronger than me and you might need to carry him."
"Carry him? Carry an eighteen-year-old like he's an infant?"
"Okay, if I watch anymore I'm going to be joining him over that toilet. Now, I'm going to the car. The three of you decide how to get him out there."
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