Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2020 14:15:12 -0500 From: Eric Murphey Subject: Transitions Book 2 Chapter 9 Gay adult youth I tell you what my life never ceases to amaze me. I sit and think you know my stories dont really mean anything to people. Its just fun to read and I question how many people really read them. I was sent a program by another author he set up for his stories to show how many people read them. I have no idea how to do this but it was pretty neat he did it for his. But, I have been emailing back and forth with Sparky the author of Boy from the shed. A fun story full of love and compassion. If you havent read it start. Its a great story. If you like mine I am sure you will like his as well. It seems he and I are very similar in our feelings. However on an even more exciting note. ANother person who at first was emailing me as a person who liked my story and we have sense become very good friends. He is starting a story. Its interesting how it started. I said in a text this might be an interesting idea for a story. Then he adds to it and back and forth. Anyway he will soon be posting on here as well. Its kind of exciting that I have done something positive in inspiring two people to write. I just think that is really very cool. ALso Sparky said he is linking my stories to his on wordpress. I cant say anything other then I am honored someone thinks my drivel is worth reading. I thank all of your emails and it is always nice to hear what you are thinking. If you rad Accidental paradise on bi adult youth you will see I was on QUarintine as I was exposed to Covid. It was a negative result thankfully. I appreciate all of you and especially Nifty for bringing us together. SO make a donation to then soon. Eric Transitions Book 2 Chapter 9 As Eric was sleeping he felt someone climb into bed with him. As they snuggle up to him he realizes its Tran. Eric notices when Tran snuggles in he is really warm and sweating a bit. "You feel alright buddy?" "I feel funny Ba. But, I think I am OK." He says as he wraps his arm over Eric and lays his head on his chest. "Let me up a minute." Eric slides out of the bed and he goes to the restroom and wets a wash cloth with cold water. He heads back into the bedroom and flips on the bedside lamp. He sees Tran isn't sweating a bit. But, he is pouring buckets now. He picks up the house phone and calls the front desk. "Yes I need a thermometer. Is one available?" "I think we have one sir. I will send it up as quick as I can. Nah hell I will bring it up myself. Otherwise it will take them forever. If you are calling in the middle of the night it must be important." The lady on the other end says. "Thank you." Eric says and rings off. Tran is back asleep already and Eric starts to gently run the cool towel over Trans hot body. Tran lets out a sigh in his sleep as Eric does. He gently rubs it over his chest then his face. Wiping away the perspiration. He takes it over Trans already wet hair. As he is doing this he hears a like knock on the door. He slips on some pants and opens it to see a young 20 something blonde haired girl holding a thermometer. "Here you go sir." She says holding it out to him. "Thank you. My son is undergoing treatments at St Jude and he is sweating rather profusely." "I am premed do you want me to take a look at him?" "It wouldn't hurt I don't imagine." Eric says to the young lady. She walks in the suite and Eric shuts the door behind her. "He is in here." He says as he walks to the bedroom he is using. She follows him in. She places the thermometer to his forehead. Just as she does his body begins to twitch. Then convulse. "We got to get him to the hospital and now. He is having fever convulsions." Eric shoves his feet in his shoes and races to the other bedroom the boys are in. "BOYS GET UP NOW!!!!!!!!! WE HAVE TO RUSH TRAN TO THE HOSPITAL!!!!!" Eric grabs his jacket and slips it over his naked torso. "COME ON BOYS RIGHT NOW!!!!!!" He screams back to the bedroom. He sees both boys hopping out of bed and grabbing their pants. Eric rushes back into the bedroom and scoops up Tran into his arms. He rushes back into the living room and shouts to the boys. "NOW BOYS!!!!! NOW!!!!!!" They both race out of the bedroom pulling on their shirts and grab their jackets. All three racing to the elevator. Eric frantically slams the button. "HURRY THE FUCK UP GOD DAMMIT!!!!!" Eric shouts at the elevator. After a moment the doors open and Tran is still having a convulsion in Eric's arms. They get in and Eric pushes the button to the parking garage level and the elevator takes them down. Once the doors open Eric opens the back door to the truck and places Tran in the back seat both boys clamor in on the other side. He races around and jumps in the drivers seat and turns the truck over. He backs out with a squeal of tires and races out of the parking garage going much faster then is safe. He hits ninety in the four blocks to the hospital racing through red lights. Glancing to make sure no one is coming. He pulls up to the ER and slams on the brakes he feels in the pedal the ABS kicking in. He slams it into park even before it is completely stopped. The transmission groaning its protest as he does. He jumps out and races around the truck leaving his door open. He grabs Tran out of the truck and rushes into the hospital. The boys right behind him. Alejandro shut Eric's door and Joey got the other. Trans convulsion have gotten worse. Eric rushes into the ER with him in his arms. "MY SON NEEDS HELP NOW!!!!!!" He screams as he walks in. A nurse races around from behind the desk. "Is he a patient here?" "Yes Dr Thomas is his doctor." "Follow me quickly." She says and he races after her both boys right behind him. She hollers for some doctor as they pass an employee lounge. She leads him to a room and instructs him to lay Tran on the bed. A the doctor she called for is right behind him. Eric lays Tran on the bed and the doctor kind of shoves her way in between them. Eric steps back. The nurse is already pulling out massive sized alcohol wipes and starting to wipe him down to get him to cool off. "When did the fever start?" The doctor asks never taking her eyes off off Tran and is checking him. "I don't know we were sleeping. He got into bed with me and I felt how hot he was. So I called for a thermometer and then the convulsions began. Maybe four minutes ago." "OK." She says and starts to listen to his heart. As she does Trans body stiffens and he lifts off the bed in an arch. Then falls limp. "His heart has stopped!" The doctor says and gives an order for a shot. Another nurse walks in at this time and hears. He calls over the intercom. "Code blue room 7. Code blue ER 7." He sees people rushing in and one escorts the boys out. The doctor inserts the needle into the vial the nurse handed her and withdraws some liquid. "Get him out of here!" The doctor says of Eric. The last thing he sees as he is being pushed out the door is the doctor injecting the needle into Trans chest, then the door is shut and he can see no more. "But, but, but....." "They will take care of him sir. They will do the best they can." The big man pushing Eric is saying. "But, but, but...." He looks at Alejandro and Joey and sees the fear in their faces. He doesn't make it better because they see the fear in his. "Sir take your boys and go sit down. There is nothing you can do to help. He is in the best hands possible." The big man says trying to assure Eric. He leads him to a waiting area and helps him sit down by backing him up and kind of bumping him in the chest. "But, but, but.." "We will let you know anything as soon as we can." The man says, and races back to room 7. Joey and Alejandro terrified hop up on Eric's lap. "Poppi he is going to be alright? Isn't he?" Alejandro asks tears streaming down his cheeks. "Yeah Dad he is going to be OK? Isn't he?" "I don't know." Is all Eric can muster to say. "He has to be OK Poppi. He just has to." "Dad they said code blue. That's bad isn't it?" Joey asks terrified. "No its not good." "But, he was just fine. We was playing and everything just a little while ago." "Guys I wish I knew the answers. But, I just don't. I just don't." Eric says glancing back and forth at the boys. He pulls them in and hugs them. They all sit there scared and crying. Knowing that there is nothing they can do to make it better. All wishing though that they could. About five minutes later they see Dr Thomas race by in his pajamas a house coat and slippers. His fiery red hair is a mess. "That was Tom Tom." A nickname the boys had affectionately given to the doctor. "Yeah its going to be OK now." Alejandro says. "I sure hope so guys." The time drags on and on. It seems like every second is an hour. Eric looks down. "Boys where are your shoes?" He sees looking at their naked feet. "There wasn't time dad." Joey says a bit defensively. "Its OK guys. We need to get some slippers or something for you guys. Cant have you guys getting sick too." Eric sits there another half an hour. Its been an hour and a half now. At one point a nurse came in to let them know his heart is beating on its own now. But, he is no where near out of the woods yet. She did however grab some slipper socks for the boys. Eric spies a little fridge by the door. On it is a sign that says Complimentary drinks provided by Boy Scout troop 199. Eric gets up and grabs himself a soda and the boys both an orange juice. He sees the basket on top of the fridge with a couple dollars in it. A little sign that says donations is under the basket. Eric pulls out his money clip and drops a couple hundred dollar bills in it. He covers them with a few of the singles on top so someone doesn't steal them. He thought to himself. Someone was thinking on this one. Because you get thirsty here and there is no way you are leaving the area. He looks back at the boys and they look as terrified as he feels. "Guys did I ever tell you about my pet frog Henry?" He says trying to alleviate some of their fears. They both shake their head no. Of course he hadn't. He never had a pet frog Henry. "Yeah when I was about your age I had a pet frog I called Henry." They both look at him as he stands in front of them. "Yeah guys I loved old Henry a lot. One day I took him outside to play in the yard. Because old Henry loved some free time to hop around in the yard. Free time is important to frogs." He says and smiles at the boys who give half smiles back. "Yeah so one day." Eric says taking a sip of his Coke and sitting it down. "I took him out to get his frog exercises hopping around the yard. Because I don't want a frog to get all fat. So a hawk swoops down and snatches old Henry from the back yard. I was terrified this Hawk is going to make Henry his lunch. So I acted fast and I grabbed a rock and luckily hit the hawk. It dropped old Henry on the ground from about twenty feet and flew off." He says gesturing with his hands. The boys watch as if they can see the bird fly off. "So I rush over to Henry and he is looking bad. One of his eyes popped out and was hanging there so I tried to push it back in but it didn't work so I grabbed him up and rushed into the house. I grabbed some super glue and put his eye back in. I noticed that the hawk had bitten off one of his feet and he was bleeding. So I grabbed a band aid and covered it up." Eric says while acting like he his gluing his eye in and then putting a band aid on where his foot used to be. "I was scared I tell you because Old Henry was my friend. I told him everything. Even about when Joy and I kissed." "You kissed Joy?" Joey asks. Eric smiles thinking he didn't mean to say that. "Yep when I was about your guys age. We have been friends a long time." "Did you like it?" Alejandro asks. "Well, we aren't married. What do you think?" They look at each other and giggle, and say in unison. "Nah." They look back at him to hear more. "So for three days Henry didn't wake up. I was a nervous wreck. I tried to get out of going to school so I could stay with him. But, my parents wouldn't hear of it. So after the third day Henry finally wakes up much to my delight. He was giving his usual ribbitt greetings again. Only one problem though after that." Eric says and waits. "What dad?" "Well since he lost that foot. He could only hop around in circles." Eric says and starts hopping in circles. The boys start giggling at Eric's carrying on. Eric is laughing as he does this. After a minute or so they all start to calm down a bit. Their fears temporarily put aside. Which was Eric's goal to get them to think of something else. Anything else. Himself included. He sits back down after telling the story and the boys sit next to him on a couch. He wraps his arms around them and they sit in silence a good while. All worried about Tran. After they had been there about three and a half hours in total Dr Thomas walks in. "He is OK at this time." He starts off. "It is still touch and go for now. We have gotten the fever to go down a bit. It is now at 102 which is still high but, not nearly as dangerous. As you know his heart stopped and my colleague gave him a shot of adrenaline. We gave him an ice bath and we are going to move him to ICU in a few minutes. But, the next few hours are critical." "What caused it?" Eric asks. "The treatment. Each person has a different reaction. I thought he was doing fine with it. All signs indicated he was. But, sometimes the body reacts adversely to the drugs." "Is he going to be able to continue with the same treatments? Because you said this has the best chance for his survival." "I cant answer that at this time. Because I just don't know. If he is able to continue with them it will definitely be in the hospital and he will stay until they are done. That way we can monitor him a lot more closely. To be honest this is the first reaction we have had like this. From now on all my patients will do this in house. I don't want this happening again." "Can we see him?" Joey asks. "Not at this time." Dr Thomas says rubbing the top of his head. "When?" Joey asks. "Maybe in a few hours you can go in for a few minutes. When I say a few I mean five at the most. He needs as much rest as he can get at this time." "Did he wake up?" Eric asks. "No. Frankly what I am worried about is a fever that high can sometimes cause brain damage." "Do you think it did?" "We have to wait and see. I know that's not the answer you want. Nor are any of my others. But, at times like this everything is out of my hands mostly." "I understand." Eric says looking down. "Come on I will walk you gentlemen down to the ICU waiting room." The doctor says and they follow him to the new room of what feels like doom. "I am going to go home and put some clothes on and I will be back shortly." The doctor says running his hands in front of himself showing his pj's. He takes his leave and they all sit down. "I think its a good sign Tom Tom is going to change." Alejandro says. "I hadn't. thought that. That's very intelligent thinking. Eric says giving him praise. "Well it makes sense, If he was worried he wouldn't leave." They sit and wait for eons for sometimes to let them know another update. In actuality it was about fifteen minutes. After half an hour Dr Thomas comes back in wearing his usual suit with bow tie. "Alright I will let you guys go in now. But, like I said five minutes no more." He says sternly. "Yes sir." The three of them say. They follow him into the room and Tran looks just awful. His color is way off his hair is all askew which it never is. Eric thought he never had to comb it. He woke up with a hair not out of place. The boys go to either side of the bed. Each taking a hand. "You got to get better Tran." Joey says. "Yeah Tran we got lots of stuff to do yet. How are we gonna make the model train set you wanted to do otherwise?" Model train set Eric thought. He never knew of any model train set wants. Its good the boys talk and share things. But, he feels a little left out of the loop on this one. With that Trans eyes flicker open briefly and he looks at them then at Eric he smiles then his eyes close back and he is back to sleep. Eric thinks that's kind of cool he loves model trains too. He thinks of the time he put the train around the inside of his first store how much fun he had doing that. Maybe that is something he can do with Tran. If he makes it. Surely he will make it. "Did you see that Poppi?" Alejandro asks excited. "I did." "Me too." Says Joey. "I am going to take that as a positive sign he recognized you." Dr Thomas says. "Good." Alejandro says. They talk to him until Dr Thomas rushes them out of the room. "Now I know you wont but, I feel obligated to say it. You guys need to go home and get some sleep. You need rest too." Dr Thomas says. "We will be in the waiting room.' Eric states. "I figured as much. I will have them send up some breakfast for you in a few minutes." He responds. Joeys tummy rumbles at this. Seeing as how it is getting to be breakfast time. The doctor again takes his leave and true to his word a while later three trays were delivered to the lounge. "French toast, sausage and eggs Poppi." Alejandro says as he uncovers the dish. He pours on the syrup after putting on the butter. Joey does the same. "Its almost as good as yours dad." Joey says taking a bite. Eric hasn't touched his. He is worried if he eats it he wont keep it down. He is probably right his stomach is in knots. He does however sip on the coffee from his tray. It hits his stomach like acid. Or taking a shot of whiskey on an empty stomach. He is pretty much done with it now. Neither boy ate more then a piece and Eric took notice. "Eat boys. You need your energy." "You aren't eating dad. Besides. It isn't sitting too good." "Yeah that's why I'm not eating." He replies. They sit in silence a while and Eric sees both boys nodding off. He thinks this isn't too bad of an idea and puts his chin on his chest and closes his eyes. They all sleep kind of for a couple hours as they had so little sleep last night and the worry had depleted their energy. Eric woke up first his neck stiff as could be. He knew he shouldn't have tried to sleep that way he thinks as he gently rubs his neck trying to release the stiffness. He gets up and gets a cup of coffee someone had been so considerate to brew. He added some sugar and looked at his boys sleeping all cuddled together. He smiled and worried about them. What if Tran doesn't make it. How bad will they be. How bad will i be. Even though Tran has only been in their lives a very short time. The love they have for him is very deep and very real. Its as if he has always been a part of their lives. Eric sips his coffee and hopes for the best possible scenarist that Tran is better and better soon. But, he also knows the chances of him not making it are very real too. Just because you want everything to be happy and rosy. Doesn't always happen that way. Eric figures he should call Joy not only because she is his friend and may be able to give him some comfort. She is also his case worker and needs to know. So he texts her. Call me when you can. Its important. Not fifteen seconds later his phone rings. "Hello Joy." "Is everything alright?" "No. No its not. Last night Tran had a massive fever and he went into convulsions. He is in the ICU now." "Is he OK?" "We don't know yet. The doctor is doing everything he can. But, Joy I'm scared. The boys are scared." "I can imagine." "I am trying to stay strong for the boys. But, it sure isn't easy that's for sure." "No I imagine its not. But, you are a strong man. Not to mention Tran is a strong boy. I am certain he will be fine." "I wish I was as sure as you." "I wish I could say something to assure you. But, I know as you do that nothing I can say will make it better." "No there are no words." "Do you want me to come down there?" "No that's not necessary. We will take care of ourselves. But, thanks for the offer." "If you change your mind I will be down as fast as I can drive." "I love you. You are so great." "I love you too. I am certain that if anyone can help Tran and the boys its you." "Glad you have so much faith in me." "Always have." "Never knew why. I'm just a regular guy." "You my friend are hardly regular. You are a special man." "Pshaw." "Pshaw yourself." "I better get off of here it looks like the boys are starting to wake up. I need to get them some lunch. They hardly ate breakfast." "Did you eat?" "I thought about it." "You do more then think mister. You have to keep your strength up for those boys." "I will give it a try. But, I make no promises." "You better or I will come down and kick your ass." "Yeah, yeah, yeah." "Seriously Eric you have to take care of yourself." "I will." "Promise me you will eat." "I will try." "No you promise me you asshole." "I promise I will eat." "You better." "I will keep you informed." "Make sure you do. If you need anything just call." "Will do." With that he rang off. He texted Linda to let her know what is happening. She texted back that their hopes and prayers are with them. Prayers Eric thinks. What good is that? People always say that. The boys finally wake up and look around rubbing their eyes. "Anything yet dad?" "No news as this time." "I was hoping." Alejandro says. "Me too buddy. I was just on the phone with Joy letting her know whats going on. She said we need to eat lunch." "Yeah I am a little hungry." Alejandro says. "Come on then lets let the nurses know we are going to the cafeteria and have something to eat." "Sure dad." They all walk down after letting the nurse on duty know where they will be. She said she will get them if anything happens. So they walk down Eric in his loafers with no socks which he hates. The boys with their hospital slipper socks on. They all have the special which is hamburger steak with mashed potatoes and green beans. They all eat everything which is hard because they are worried and it is hitting their stomachs like eating rocks. Not good but, they all know they need to eat for Tran. On the way back Eric sees a chapel and thinks why not. I've nothing to lose. Eric walks in and the boys follow him. He gets on his knees at the altar. The boys follow suit. Eric starts out. Mi Sheberach Avoteinu:Avraham:Yithak: v'Yaakov. V'Imoteinu: Sarah, Rivka, Rachel v'Leah. Hu yiverech virapei et hacholeh Transition ben Eric Hakadosh Baruch Hu yimalei rachamim alav Phachalimo, u-I'rap'oto, u-I'chay-oto, V'yishlach lo r'fua shlemah, r'fu-at hanefesh u-r'fu-at hagoof, b'toch sha'ar cholei Yisrael v'cholei yoshvei tevel, hashta ba'agalahu-visman kariv, V'no-mar Amen! Both boys are looking at him not having a clue as to what he is saying but, once they here the Amen they repeat Amen as well. Eric gets up and sits in a pew. Both boys say their own prayers for Tran. Alejandro prays as he knows how. Dios de salve Maria llena eres de Gracia, el Senor es contigo Bendita Tu eres enter todas las mujeres y bendito es el fruto de Tu vientre, Jesus. Santa Maria, Madre de Dios ruega por nosostros, pecadores, ahora y en las hora de nuesstra muerte Amen After Alejandro says amen Joey and Eric do as well. Joeys is a little simpler. He isn't Catholic or Jewish he is just Joey. "God, I think that it is great that Tran is my new brother. I know that you have given me a lot lately. A new dad who I love very much and I know he loves me. We have a great house and of course my brother Alejandro. I thank you for all of this. But, God please make my newest brother Tran better. I love him so much and I don't ask for anything. Can you please make him better for me. For our family. Because our lives will be so much sadder and so much less without him in it. Please god make him better. Amen. After he said amen Alejandro and Eric repeated the Amen. The boys sit by Eric each taking one of his hands. They sit in silence a few minutes gathering their thoughts and trying to think positive. Alejandro breaks the silence. "Poppi?" "Yes?" "What did you pray I never heard you talk like that before. It was like you were singing and talking at the same time." "It is the Mi Sheberach. It is a Jewish prayer. I was praying for my son to be healed both physically and spiritually." "But, I didn't think you believed in god." Alejandro says. "I don't not believe in a god. Its just at this point I wanted to make sure if he or she is really there he or she knows I care enough to ask him or her to help my son." "So are you Jewish dad?" "I had a bar mitzvah when I turned 13 so yes I am. Mr Brown was Jewish and he took me to temple often with him and Mrs Brown. I learned from them and Hebrew school as well." "So are we Jewish Poppi?" "You are whatever you choose to be." "It was really pretty though dad. You know when you were praying." "Its because it was from my heart." "Dad do you think Tran will be OK?" "I wish I knew." "Do you think our prayers will help?" "They certainly wont hurt anything. I know I feel a little better now. What about you guys?" "I do kind of yeah." Joey says. "Me too Poppi." "I don't know if prayer works or not. Some people say it does. I just know that now I feel a bit more relief and calm since I prayed." "My tummy isn't as rumbly now." Alejandro adds. "Well, that's a good thing then." Eric says. "We better get back up there." Eric says. The boys and he walk back to the waiting room to wait. After they sit an hour or so Dr Thomas walks in. "I have some news for you guys." He says. They all look at him with fear and hope. "His fever has broken. So that's good. That's very good. I think he is out of the woods on this part. Of course we still have the cancer to deal with. I don't know if we will be able to continue with the treatment regiment we have started. We may have to go with chemo and radiation." "I hope not." Eric says knowing how that is not a pleasant treatment. Many people he has known have sworn they would never do it again. Even though it saved their lives. "When will we know?" "Well, the plan is to keep him here and to try to give him the third treatment and see how his body reacts." "I hope well." "We all do." "Is he awake yet?" Joey asks. "Not yet buddy. But, we think he is just resting up and we don't want to disturb that. But, we are certain that once he does wake up and we run a few tests on him we will move him to a regular room and out of ICU." "That's a good sign then." Eric says. "Yes it is. We still need to check to make certain he hasn't gotten any brain damage from the fever." "We aren't as worried about that. Just that he gets better." Eric says. "But, of course we hope he is perfect as he was." "Me too. He is a special boy that one."Dr Thomas says twisting his mustache between his fingers. "We of course have woken him a few times. With each time he does wake up with some prodding. But, he is a very tired boy right now." "He is having one hell of a fight that's for sure." Eric says. "So once you move him will we be able to be in the room with him?" "I don't see why not. So long as two little monkeys allow him to rest." He says smiling at the boys. They both look at him. "We will let him sleep Tom Tom. We promise." Alejandro says with sincerity. "I know you boys will. I was just getting your goat." He says smiling at them. "What goat? I don't have a goat." Joey asks. "He is just pulling your leg buddy." "Oh." Joey says giggling. "When do you see Tran getting moved?" Eric asks. "Within the hour I am guessing. We would do it now. But, its a matter of waiting on a person that can move him." "We can." Alejandro says. "I wish that was possible." Dr Thomas says. "But, it will be just a little longer. Just have patience." "I aint got no patience." Joey says. "Well, you better get some." Eric responds. "I know dad. I'm just scared is all." "Me too buddy. Me too." Eric says putting his hand on Joeys shoulder. After what seems like an eternity they finally move Tran to a room. The boys all head to that room and Alejandro suggests they get a bunch of flowers because he knows Tran liked it last time. "You think so buddy?" Eric asks. "Yeah poppi. When he wakes up and sees a ton of flowers it will make him happy. He liked the flowers last time a lot. So I say we get a ton of them." "Good a reason as any I guess." So they head down to the gift shop and buy as many bunches of flowers as they can carry. Its six in total. When they get up to the room Eric and the boys place the flowers all over the room. Eric sits down next to the bed and takes Trans hand into his. The boys sit next to Tran on the other side of the bed. They both take his other hand and gently stroke it. When they are there for about an hour a lady comes in carrying a tray for dinner. She sits it on the table and smiles at Eric and the boys. "Dad should we wake him up to eat?" "I don't know. I know he needs his rest. But, he also needs to eat for his strength as well." "I say we wake him up and have him eat then make him go back to sleep." Alejandro says softly. "I'm not hungry." Tran mumbles. His eyes open barely, and he looks rough. "You have to eat Tran. You have to keep up your strength." Eric says. "I don't think I can Ba." He grumbles. "Can you try?" Eric asks. "I can try. But my tummy is all rumbly and upset." Eric gets up and pulls the tray over and removes the lid. Inside is chicken broth and some crackers. A thing of lime jello with fruit in it. Not exactly great cuisine. But, he thinks Tran will be able to handle it. Eric takes the spoon and starts to feed Tran the broth. Eric can see it isn't going so well for Tran. Though he is trying. After a few bites Tran looks at Eric. "Ba..." Then he loses all he has eaten. Eric grabs a pan that is next to the bed for just an occasion. He leans Tran up and forward so he doesn't choke on his vomit. Tran retches and heaves. Sadly it isn't all going in the pan and is all over Tran, the bed, and Eric. "Boys go let a nurse know we need new sheets and a gown for Tran." He knows they will come and do it. He just really wanted the boys out of the room. Its never fun to watch someone vomit. A moment later the boys returned with a nurse in tow. As the nurse walks in Tran is dry heaving. "Its OK buddy. Dry heaves are the worst I know." "Ba....." He says tears streaming down his cheeks. More heaves. "I'm so sorry I tried to get you to eat." More heaves. The nurse grabs a wash cloth and wipes off Eric's arm which got some attention from Tran. He hadn't. even noticed it was the least of his concerns at the moment. Another nurse comes in and looks says. "I better call the doctor." She leaves just as fast as she came. The other nurse stays until Tran is finally calmed down and no longer trying to vomit. "I will go get you some fresh things Tran." She says to him. Got to love St Jude's. They treat every patient with love. Just knowing his name when he just came on the floor is really impressive to Eric. Tran lays back on the bed. Covered in sweat, his hair is even wet from it. It was not a good episode. "I should have listened to you when you said you weren't hungry." "No Ba its not your fault. You are trying to take care of me. I know I need to eat. You were trying to make sure I did." "I still should have listened." "No Ba stop blaming yourself. Its over. You did the right thing." A nurse comes back with new linens and a gown for Tran. "Do you think you can get up sweetie?" "If Ba helps I can." Alejandro and Joey are standing in the corner watching and scared. Sure they have seen someone get sick before. But, this was different. For one it was a bit violent the way he convulsed. Second they are already scared for him being sick. Eric just lifts Tran off the bed and sits him in the chair. "You want me to give you a bath?" "Please. I feel gross." Eric takes him into the bathroom sitting him on the stool. He starts the water in the tub and carefully removes Trans soiled clothes. The boys are at the door. Both shaking. Eric puts Tran in the tub and notices Alejandro and Joey. "Whats the matter guys?" Eric asks. "Is he going to be OK?" Joey asks. "Yeah he just got sick is all." "I never seen anyone get sick like that." Alejandro says. "Yeah it did seem he was trying to vomit up his toenails." Eric says making all three boys smile. Trans a bit forced. But, he wants the boys to calm down. "I am OK guys. I just got sick is all." They both step next to the tub. Holding their own hands kind of wringing them. "You sure your OK?" "I feel a lot better now. Funny thing is I feel hungry now." "Really?" Eric asks. "Yeah. Weird huh. But, I don't want any chicken soup." "Anything you want Tran just say it." Eric answers. Tran smiles showing all his teeth. "Can I get some of those awful fries?" Eric laughs. "Buddy I will get you five pounds of them." All the boys giggle. "Don't need that many. But, if you got them I would try to eat them all. They are really good." "Lets get you cleaned up and the boys and I will go get you some." "Cool." He says smiling. Dr Thomas walks in the restroom that is already overly crowded. The boys make room for the doctor. "I hear you got sick young man." "Yes sir." "How do you feel now?" "Really hungry." "That's good. Sounds to me like whatever was in your tummy you got out." He says as he nudges Eric aside to examine Tran. He is poking his tummy. "Tell me if anything hurts." He says as he does this. Tran feels fine. Nothing hurts. "Dr Thomas he wants those awful fries. I told him he could have them. I hope I wasn't wrong for saying it." "Awful fries. You guys." He says and rolls his eyes. "I don't see anything wrong with it. I say if a patient wants something they get it. So get those wonderful fries for him." The doctor says smiling. "I sure will." Eric says smiling. Tran is smiling too. "Well everything seems to be as it should be here. If he vomits again have them call me." He says and takes his leave. "Thanks Tom Tom." The boys say to him as he leaves. "Anytime guys." Eric gently washes Trans hair then works down his body. "Ba? I have a stupid question." "No such thing but, ask away." "Why am I in the hospital?" "I didn't even think about it buddy. You were out of it when we came. You had a really high fever and we needed to get you here." "You were shaking real bad. We was scared." Joey says. "He was having fever convulsions. And yes we all were pretty scared." "I'm sorry." Tran says looking down. "Hey you got nothing to be sorry about. We were just very worried for you because we love you so much." "Yeah Tran our brother was sick you would be worried if it was us." Alejandro says. "Yes I would be very worried. I haven't had anyone love me in a long time." He says as a tear escapes his eye. "Well you got us now forever." Eric says hugging the wet boy. Tran overcome with emotion hugs him back. The boys aren't having it not being a part of this. So they step up and hug him too. Now everyone is drenched. "I better finish getting you washed up and go get you some fries." "Thanks Ba." "Anytime son. Anytime at all." Eric finishes washing him and puts a new gown on him the nurse provided. He heads first to the hotel to get him and the boys changed and to get them some shoes. They all take a quick shower and head to Corky's. Once they arrived he walks up to a waitress. "Excuse me ma'am I need to place a to go order please." "Absolutely I will be right with you sir." "Thank you." Eric goes and waits by the register for her to come back over. She arrives in a couple minutes pad in hand. "What can I get you guys?" "I need about ten orders of fries..." "Yeah they are for my brother he is at St Jude's. and wants your fries." Alejandro says. "Oh." Is all she says. "I better get a few racks of ribs for me and the boys here." "Yeah he had convulsions last night. But, he is OK now." Joey puts in. "I'm sorry to hear that." She responds and Eric can tell she means it. "Better get some sodas as well. I guess four large will be enough." "Anything else?" "Poppi?" Alejandro looks with pleading eyes. "Fine but, we cant get it with ice cream." Alejandro smiles as does Joey. "Better put a pecan pie in the bag too." "Sure thing. So you guys must really like our fries." "They are all for Tran. He loves them. We always give him most of ours." "Arent you guys sweet. I will have this ready in a few minutes guys. "You want some tea or something to drink while you wait?" "Actually yes that would be nice." Eric says. A little while later they were sitting down and drinking the tea the nice waitress had gotten them she comes back out with four huge sacks. "That looks like a lot." Eric says. He gets up to go pay. "No sir no charge." She says. "Oh now I cant do that." He replies. "You can and you will." She says not up for any argument from him. "Well, OK then. He folds the money he got out in half and tucks it in her apron pocket. Then this is for you." She reaches in quickly to retract it. "No arguments if I don't pay you get that as a tip." She looks down and its $300. "But sir." "No buts. I appreciate your generosity now appreciate mine." "Yes sir." She says smiling. As she walks away he hears her tell another waitress. "I was so worried how I was going to pay my light bill. They were going to cut it off tomorrow. Now I got it." Eric smiles at knowing he truly helped someone. He and the boys grab the bags and head to the hospital. Once there they go to Trans room. They sit the bags on a little dining room table with four chairs. Eric opens the bags and one is completely full of French fries. There must really be five pounds of them. "Ba!! I thought you were joking about five pounds." "I thought I was. The boys told the waitress you were here and love their fries. I guess the staff wanted you to have your fill." Eric says chuckling. "Dad there are two pies two and it looks like a thing of ice cream too." "Well, I'll be snookered." Eric says. "She is a crafty one that waitress." They sit down and Tran does his best to eat all the fries. But, makes it about a fourth of the way. It was a lot of fries. The boys and Eric have ribs and a few handfuls of Trans mountain of fries. Once they get done they put pie on a plate and ask a nurse to heat it up for them. Eric dishes out the ice cream on top when it comes back. He thanked the nurse and gave her a pie for the staff. Because the boys and him hardly need two. They would surely eat it. That and he knows the staff will appreciate it. He also takes them a couple racks of ribs the waitress put in extra. Once they are done eating they Tran gets back into the bed and dozes off. Eric sits next to him and the other boys on his lap and they watch some cartoons. The all fall asleep that way and don't wake until morning when the sun starts to shine through the window.