Hide Your Heart

Helping Tommy Pack

After dinner, Paul helped Tommy pick out loose comfortable clothing for the tour. He asked him if he wanted to take a blanket or two from the house. "I know it's hot right now but you might want them later."

"Sure. You know best I guess."

Paul finally sat Tommy on the bed when he began to tire. "Just rest baby." 

Tommy  closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. He heard Paul talking to him but didn't have the strength to answer. 

Paul covered him up before zipping the suitcase shut. He knew Tommy wouldn't last two weeks on the tour but didn't want to start another fight by insisting  he stay home.

The next day, Tommy drug himself down to the kitchen for coffee. Paul was making breakfast for the two of them. "Do you feel like eggs and toast?"

"Toast, yes. Eggs no." "I can't stomach the smell." admitted Tommy.

"Let's try oatmeal then or a fruit smoothie then."

"Okay." sighed Tommy. He felt awful but took a sip of coffee anyway. He immediately bolted up and ran to the bathroom. Paul could hear him throwing up and headed towards that way. 

"Baby, relax. Being sick sucks but try not to tense up."

Tommy nodded as another wave of nausea hit him. He finally was able to stop and sit up. "Help me, Paul." he cried. "My head hurts so bad."

Paul helped Tommy to his feet and practically carried him down the hall to the bedroom. "I need you to try to sleep. I'm going to call the doctor and see if he can come over." 

Tommy mumbled as he drifted in and out of consciousness. He barely remembered Paul picking him up and carrying him to the car. When he opened his eyes finally, the hospital lights blinded him.

"You're awake." "You passed out, do you remember?" asked Paul. 

A weak nod. "Am I okay?" "Can I go home now?"

"Not yet." 

Tommy started to say something but fell back asleep. 

Paul didn't want to tell him that he had to stay overnight. 

Later that night, Tommy opened his eyes again and saw Paul there. "What happened?"

"Apparently you're so weak from not being able to keep much down , you passed out. Right now you're being tube fed and hydrated. Baby, you've lost another 10 pounds."

Tommy reached out to grasp Paul's hand but realized he was shaking too much. "I'm scared. " he finally admitted. He noticed his ring was gone. "My ring!"

Paul had taken the ring off Tommy's finger because it kept falling off. He still had his on and was wearing Tommy's on his right hand.

"Please don't try to talk much, okay?" "I have it."

Not being strong enough to stay awake long, Tommy closed his eyes again.