The Great Escape: Care

I heard the leaves crunching under their feet as they walked through the backyard. I knew that it was only seconds before they discovered where I was, so I turned around and walked back towards them.

I felt significantly better, but still slightly unsteady. I thought of what to tell them, but came up with nothing. Too late to turn around, and I hoped that it wasn’t obvious that I was not feeling well, not drunk.

“Claudia Joy.” I greeted, looking around the house. “Was that Denise I just heard?”

“Yeah.” In quick strides, Denise appeared beside her as they shared a look. It wasn’t hard to tell what they were thinking either. “We missed you at the meeting.”

“Kevin and I got in an argument last night—”

Denise changed her stance, looking slightly uncomfortable. “Jackie, I have to ask. Are you—?”

“Drunk?” I intervened quickly; my thoughts going back to the night of the banquet. They both nodded, looking at me intently for a response. “I had a little sip of wine last night, but Kevin had just as much as I did. When we started arguing, I didn’t even take the glass with me upstairs.

Claudia Joy chimed in, with certain gentleness. “Have you even told him about the pills?”

I let out a deep sigh, along with a shake of my head. “Kevin and I haven’t really been eye to eye for awhile. Those notes from the meeting?”

“Yeah. We thought that since you weren’t there—” Claudia Joy shrugged, handing me the file. I hoped that I could get them on another subject before I really had to explain. “We just thought that you could use the notes, since either Denise or I will be there for awhile.”

I felt my body waver and looked up to see that glint in Denise’s eye that said that it hadn’t gone unnoticed. I felt like my knees were going to buckle, if I didn’t sit down soon. “Thanks, 

I’ll take a look at it.” With the file in my hand, I felt their eyes on me as I walked the ten steps back over to the patio and sat down.

“I couldn’t help but notice—are you sure you’re feeling alright?” Denise inquired as I began flipping through the notes, I welcomed any distraction. My plan was destroyed, when I could no longer concentrate on the words in front of me.

“It’s probably just a virus that I picked up somewhere. I would hate if either of you got sick because of it—especially before the surgery.”

“As much as I’m flattered, I have to agree with Denise.” Claudia Joy offered, folding her arms over her chest.

“At least let us make sure that you’re okay, before we leave you alone in that house.” Denise could tell that she was majorly concerned, and I knew that they wouldn’t even think about leaving until I did.

I soon figured that it wouldn’t hurt to have a little reassurance.  So, I stuck out my arm and Denise sat down beside me with satisfaction.

Claudia Joy quickly suggested, “Why don’t we go inside?” I could only nod as she grabbed one arm and Claudia Joy grabbed the other. They helped me into the house, and sat at the table while Denise took my pulse.

Picking up on the vibe, Claudia Joy spoke her name with some concern a few minutes later. “Denise?”

“Jackie, your pulse is faster than it should be. When’s the last time that you ate or drank anything?”

I thought about it, but my thoughts still felt fuzzy. “I drank some water while I was making dinner.”

“And what about eating?”

“I had some cereal after I woke up, but couldn’t keep it down.” I felt a shudder at the thought and absently rubbed at my arms.

“You cold?” This time it was Claudia Joy posing the question, as she then turned to Denise. 

“Could she be running a fever?”

Looking me over, Denise let go of my arm. “It’s possible. Actually, I would be surprised if you weren’t.”

“Take it anyway?” Claudia Joy insisted with a shrug, moving towards the counter.

“Yeah. That way, we can at least make sure that we have a base temperature later on.”

I should be the one that should be worrying. The two of you are about to have major surgery at the end of the week.”

“Nonsense. Where can I find the thermometer?” Raising her eyebrow, she looked expectantly for an answer, anything she could use. Sighing, I pointed towards the cabinet right next to the oven.

“Lower right side of the cabinet.”

It didn’t take Claudia Joy more than a minute to find it. The thermometer was slightly rounded and you scanned it over the forehead to get a temperature.

“101.2”

“How long did you say you were outside?”

“I don’t know. I walked over to the back porch and emptied my stomach. Sat down inside the patio and made it out just fast enough to empty my stomach again. That’s when I heard you Denise outside.”

“So probably no longer than ten to fifteen minutes.” Claudia Joy chimed in, standing near the counter.

“Well, that’s probably not long enough to raise your body temperature significantly, but you’re most definitely running a low-grade fever.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but really I’m fine.” I stood from the chair and grabbed a glass from the cabinet. As I filled it up, I noticed that my hand was shaking as I filled it up with water.

“Have you seen yourself in the mirror lately?” Denise inquired, not meaning to overstep, but she was looking at me like I had just grown horns.

“What Denise is trying to say is that you look pale, and we’re concerned.”

I took a sip and looked towards the ceiling, before walking over to them. “I know you are. It’s just that no one has ever been this concerned, and I’ve managed to concern everyone in the last two days.”

"I think that's what we call being human." Denise laughed, as Claudia Joy nodded right alongside her. The care they showed for me, made me smile. And alright—it made me feel a little better too.