Regeneration

Little Boys And Girls Are Seen, And Not Heard.

Niall sat very still whilst the Doctor examined Louis. Alberto Alvarez  was actually very kind and gentle with the boys, explaining what he was doing and why., but even though he seemed kind, Niall's stinging backside reminded him that things could change so he wisely stayed where he had been placed and kept very quiet.

"All done, Louis" Alberto chirped as he lifted Louis down from the examination couch." You get dressed quickly, we don't want you getting colder than necessary, do we. Once you are dressed, sit down and wait until I have finished with Niall. You can both go and get something to eat after, fill those little tummies, yes?  Now, little Niall , it's your turn" he said as he scooped Niall up and placed him down on the couch. "Let's check you now."

Niall's face was beet red with embarrassment during his medical examination. Even though he was used to having an annual checkup, this time he felt very uncomfortable as he didn't know what was behind it all. And, just as he had done with Louis, the doctor kept muttering to himself, before pausing to write in his notes, then continuing his examination. Finally the ordeal was over and Niall was lifted down and told that he too could dress . He sighed with relief.  A tap on the door heralded the arrival of a small but muscular man who smiled at both boys before turning towards Doctor Alvarez who handed him the notes he had taken about the boys. The man nodded and departed without a word making Niall and Louis exchange looks. ' What was that all about ?  'they both thought.

Doctor Alvarez smiled at both boys "Nurse will come and collect you both  and take you to get a drink while you both  wait for your parents to come and collect you. I will need to speak to them before they  come to take you home .  I shall give them time to read your medical reports and see what, if anything, they would like me to do before you leave. Ah, here she is now ! Off you go little ones, I expect I will see you later." He waved a hand towards the door which had quietly opened, the nurse standing there with a gentle smile on her face. Niall and Louis exchanged confused looks and followed her out of the room. Their confusion grew when she took them down the corridor and to the school cafeteria  where  some of the other children who had been called from classes were also gathered there but were all seated well apart from each other. Louis and Niall were also instructed to sit in the seats pointed out to them and told there would be absolutely no talking and they were to raise their hand if they needed anything. Louis shuffled nervously in his seat then raised his hand.

"Yes, sweetie?" the same muscular man who they had seen earlier approached him. "What's the problem?"

"Umh, what's going on? Why can't I sit with my friend? Why can't we talk?" Louis asked hating that his voice sounded shaky and anxious.

"Little boys and girls are seen and not heard" the man responded. "Now you be a good little boy and do as you are told. It won't be too long before you go home. I expect you are tired and need a nap, it's been a long day hasn't it sweetie. Little boys always get fretful when they are tired."

"Excuse me, I don't need a nap and I am not a baby so don't talk like I am one" Louis growled.

"Oh dear, like I said, little ones always act out when they are over tired" the man replied in a sickly sweet voice. "Now I suggest you sit here and behave. You don't want trouble do you?" His eyes bored into Louis who gulped and shrank back in his seat. No he didn't want trouble but he did want to know just what was going on. Hopefully his parents would collect him soon and give him the answers he needed.

The room was eerily quiet, the only sounds being the slight shuffling of feet and the occasional cough. Finally the door opened and a nurse appeared carrying a tray loaded with plastic cups and a plate of cookies. She then went around the children handing them out. Niall gasped when she reached him. The cups were baby sippy cups. He looked up at the woman then down at the cup she was trying to hand him.