Rogue

Ch. 12 | Needles

Hello friends! Friendly reminder, this book has a first one to it! If you go to my profile and look for "Hell of a Solider", you'll see it!

It's about Leo's parents and their struggles in the army as well.

It's completed and available to read.

🤍
Riley

  "Private Earningst has very high blood pressure along with water-electrolyte imbalances." An unfamiliar female voice filled my ears, pulling me out of a peaceful slumber.

I attempted to open my eyes but leftover sleep held them shut.

"Her charts show she enlisted close to 125 pounds. She's down to 107. Has she been eating?" The lady questioned someone.

"She has, but she's also been extremely nauseous and often is throwing up." The deep voice boomed throughout the room.

It took me only a second to realize it was Leo.

"I'm afraid she's showing signs of kidney disease. I understand it's already in her medical files?" I opened my eyes finally to see a beautiful blonde.

The doctor, i'd assume. The white lab coat could back up my theory. She looked to be in her mid 20's but to be a doctor, and especially a military doctor, she'd have to be in her 30's.

I looked over to Leo to see his face focused and sporting a serious expression.

His beautiful dimples were gone and replaced with clenched muscles. His dirty blonde hair was a mess on the top of his head.

He looked like he hasn't slept in days. His head slowly turned and his hazel eyes met mine.

"Riley," He sighed and walked over to my side.

"What happened?" I asked, my voice hoarse.

"You collapsed on duty. Your post mate brought you to the medical tent." The blonde spoke.

"Oh." Was all I could manage.

"I'm Doctor Rebecca." She smiled and touched my hand.

"Hi." I returned her smile. Her hands were freezing cold. How was that even possible in Italy?

"Riley, Are you aware of what's going on with your body?" She spoke cautiously. I nodded my head.

"You do? Why didn't you seek a doctor sooner?" Rebecca's eyes widened in surprise.

If I had listened to Leo, I'd be in America right now. Going through treatments I could never afford and possibly losing my place in the military.

"Pushing through never hurt anyone." I smiled and looked to Leo. His face was expressionless.

"In this case, it did. We could've gotten you on dialysis weeks ago and seen progress by now." Rebecca shook her head.

"Dialysis?" I looked between the two, confused by what that was.

"It's what helps your kidneys. We insert an I.V into your forearm. Said I.V is hooked up to a machine that takes blood and filters toxins out." Rebecca handed me a pamphlet and I began reading through it.

5 million people die a year from kidney disease. Thats a lot of people. 

"Its scary, I know. But we can help you, You just have to let us." The doctor smiled at me once more and I slowly nodded.

We talked a little while longer about side effects and military health care. 

The government would only cover 3 sets of treatments. After that, its $269 per treatment. 

I groaned at the thought of my bank account. I had saved up around a grand from working and just monthly checks for being enlisted. That'd cover a few more treatments, but was it worth it?

5 million people die a year from this retched disease. Who's to say I wasn't going to turn into one of these people?

"Does this treatment improve my odds of survival at all?" I asked, anxiety attacking my core. Along with hunger. I really wanted a cheeseburger. 

"It does, by a lot." I looked to Leo who was reading the pamphlet. Why was he still here? 

"Okay." I nodded and reached out, grabbing Leo's hand. His eyes jumped to mine and his features softened. I didn't understand why he was here or staying by my side. We weren't friends. He was simply my superior. 

"You can go," I smiled at him and he shook his head.

"Im staying." His tone shut down everything else I could've said, I was too tired to argue anything anyway. 

"I dont mean to push anything on you, but We should be quick when making a decision." Rebecca handed me a white paper attached to a clipboard.

"What's this?" I asked and observed the form. It was a consent and procedure paper.

 "If you're going through with the treatment, you'll need to fill out some paperwork. We'll also have to schedule a flight to get you home." Rebecca held out a pen and I couldnt help but just stare.

If I signed these papers, Everything was going to change. I'd be hooked up to machines for god knows how long. I'll be dependent on others. My dreams of traveling and climbing the ranks in the military will be gone. 

"Im not sure if im ready to leave all of this behind." I sighed. What was the best option?

"Leave what behind?" Leo asked, tilting his head to the side.

"This!" I motioned around me. Not the best way to explain as I am surrounded by I.V's and meds.

"You wouldn't be leaving it behind, beautiful. You're just taking a break to get better." Leo smiled at me and I could feel my cheeks turning red from his compliment. 

"I'll be able to come back?" I asked, relief flooding my every sense.

"Of course, Why wouldnt you?" Leo squeezed my hand, the small comfort giving me butterflies. 

I shrugged and grabbed the pen from Rebecca. 

I signed my name on the dotted line.