Inferno Part 2

~137~ Flicker

Ellie's POV

Thankfully I got Nolan into the doctors pretty quickly. I wanted him to be seen ASAP, because his medical records showed he hadn't been to the doctor in four years. That's WAY to long for anybody, let alone a kid.

So, after work I swing by and pick Nolan up from the house. Taylor is off today. We haven't even had Nolan a week yet. We've only had him for five days. He's supposed to start school tomorrow, and I think he's pretty nervous.

I get in the house, and Taylor and Nolan are playing the Switch.

"Come on, Bud. We've gotta go or we'll be late."

"I'm good with that," he says over his shoulder.

Taylor chuckles as he shuts off the game.

"Be a big brave boy, and we will get ice cream after," Taylor teases.

Nolan rolls his eyes. "Do I have to get a shot?"

"Yeah, Bud. A couple."

He sighs again as he puts his shoes on and follows me out to the car.

He's extremely quiet all the way there.

"What's wrong, Nolan?" I ask as we pull into the parking lot.

"I hate needles," he says, looking out the window.

I squeeze his hand. "A lot of people do. It won't last long."

He says nothing as we get out of the car and go in.

I check him in, and then I sit down and fill out a TON of forms. I feel bad that I have to ask Nolan so many questions. Even the allergy section I didn't know how to fill out without him.

Apparently he's allergic to shellfish. That would have been good to know. Stupid Justin.

While we're waiting, his leg is shaking. I put my hand on his back and start rubbing it lightly. He says nothing, but he starts to relax just a touch.

"What do you hate about them?" I ask softly.

He looks at me hard for a moment before he answers. "They were always around the house. I almost stepped on one once."

Dang. I didn't even connect the dots. Of course he hates needles.

"I'm so sorry, buddy," I say, wrapping my arm around him.

He doesn't say anything.

When they call his name, he flinches. "Want me to go back with you?" I whisper.

He just nods.

When we get in, and they give him his checkup, I'm relieved to hear that he's healthy. As we're waiting for the nurse to bring in the shots, he starts bouncing his leg again.

"How many do I have to have?" He asks me.

"Three, I think."

He sighs and puts his head down.

I go up to him and start rubbing his back again softly. He lets me.

When the nurse comes in and sees him, she gives me a soft smile.

"Nervous?"

I just nod.

"Why don't you stay here and hold his hand, mom," she says gently.

I'm fully expecting him to correct her, but he doesn't. Instead, he just grips my hand tight.

He doesn't open his eyes at all. As soon as she put the tray down, he closed his eyes tight.