Chapter 9

“When you hurt, you know I hurt

just as much as you do.

And when you hurt, you know I hurt

with you. I hurt with you.

 

You’ve gotta believe.

Put your trust in me.

 All it takes is faith.

 I’ll help you believe.”

-Krystal Harris

“When You Hurt”

 

 

By now the nurses had pulled the top of Brian's hospital gown down to his waist and were placing cool, wet cloths all over his chest and abdomen, careful not to touch the bandaged area in the center. They had also set a fan up at the foot of the bed to keep cool air circulating in the room. When they had finished one of them promised to be back shortly to check on him and they left him alone in the room, or so they thought.

Jessie took one of the small ice cubes and ran it gently over Brian's lips to moisten them. They heard a noise at the door and expecting a nurse, were surprised to see Nick poke his head in.

 

"Frack?" Brian said slowly.

"Hey Bri." Nick replied as he shut the door behind him. His eyes scanned the room and Brian all at once. "Guess the fever's pretty bad, huh?" he asked, motioning toward the wet towels and the fan.

"Yeah." Brian said. "Just my luck, isn't it?"

"You'll get through it." Nick said, trying to sound encouraging as he sat next to Brian's bed." Kevin will be here in a minute. So, what do you think of my new outfit?" he teased, changing the subject “I’m thinking we could guest star on ER or something.” He joked.

“Why not? Get a video camera from someone outside and we could do three or four episodes with my story alone.” Brian said. “You’re pretty accident-prone, we could get another couple from there.” He said half-heartedly.

“I don’t know about you, Rok.” Nick sighed.

“Nah, my life is starting to feel more like a soap opera than a sitcom anyway.” Brian sighed.

“What? Now you think this is ‘Touched by an Angel’?” Jessie teased. He rolled his eyes at her and was glad to see that Nick hadn’t noticed.

 

“Soap opera or not, you’re still the star.” Nick added. “You can imagine all of the get-well cards, and e-mails and everything we’ve been getting for you.”

“I don’t have to imagine, Nick. I’ve been here before.” Brian said. “That reminds me, could one of you guys make a statement to the press to let the fans know what’s goin on? Maybe if I get things figured out I’ll make a statement myself but I don’t exactly feel up to it right now.”

“No problem.” Nick said. “Kev and I will take care of it. It shouldn’t be too hard to find the press.” He teased.

“You’ve got that right.” Brian sighed.

“Oh, man I knew I forgot something.” Nick said. “I was gonna bring my Play Station so you wouldn’t get bored during all of this down time.”

“Gosh Nick, you’re slacking off.” Brian said with a grin. Suddenly he felt a rush that made him sick to his stomach. He moaned softly and Nick saw that something was wrong.

“What is it, Bri?” he asked.

“I dunno…All of a sudden I don’t…feel too great.” Brian said weakly. Nick reclined his bed back and told Brian to lie still while he went out to find a nurse.

 

Jessie went to Brian’s side and took his hand. He was breathing heavily and his face looked pale.

“Calm down, Bri. Just breathe.” She said.

“I…I’m trying.” He replied. Nick returned with a nurse and she read Brian’s temperature again. It was up to 104 degrees. Dr. Lake walked in with Kevin following closely behind.

“His temperature is up to 104.” The nurse informed him.

“Okay, we need to get another line of antibiotics to bring it down.” Dr. Lake ordered. He wrote something on the chart and then told them he’d be back shortly.

 

Kevin pulled a chair up next to Brian. Jessie still stood on one side holding his hand as the nurse prepared another IV.

“Brian, I’m here.” Kevin announced. Brian looked from Jessie over to see Kevin.

“It’s about…time.” He sighed, trying to breathe. “What’s with the bandage…on your elbow?” he asked.

“Uh…I’ve been giving blood.” Kevin said softly.

“Really? What for?” Brian asked. Kevin remained silent, avoiding Brian’s eyes. “Oh God, no.” Brian gasped. “Not again.”

“Brian, if they have to give you a transfusion then I’d rather they use my blood.” Kevin tried to explain.

“I appreciate that cuz, I really do…I just don’t know if…I’m strong enough.”

“Brian! Don’t you ever say that!” Kevin ordered. Brian looked up, shocked. So did Nick.

 

Jessie quickly stepped in front of Kevin so that Brian had to look at her.

“Listen to me Brian, you don’t have to be strong enough. That’s what I’m here for.” She said. “You just have to be willing to try.”

Brian’s head was spinning, his heart was fluttering like a caged bird inside his sore chest, and he felt sick. Dr. Lake walked back into the room and approached his bed.

“So, what are you going to do Mr. Littrell?” he asked.

“I…I…don’t even care.” Brian looked at the pain in Kevin’s eyes and sighed. “Let’s just…get this…over with.” He replied. Relieved, Kevin slumped back into his chair.

“I can see you’re having trouble breathing.” The doctor said. “Have you been wearing the oxygen all day?”

“Yes…sir.” Brian moaned.

“Okay, let’s prep him for the transfusion.” He said. “Mr. Littrell I know you’re in pain but understand that I can’t really give you anything more because of your fever.” He explained. Jessie squeezed his hand.

“It’s okay Brian. I’m right here. We’ll do this together.” She added. Brian nodded.

“I’m ready.”