There's a Story Behind the Story || Newsies

Chapter 76 - Andrew's First Day Back After Being Sick

- Chapter 76 - This is a crappy chapter so I'm sorry -
Warnings: mentions of sickness, worry
Third Person POV

Isaiah stood in the doorway of the bathroom, leaning against it. "I feel as though there is a different question we should ask," he started.

Andrew rolled his eyes, but said nothing as he combed his hair.

"Is it a smart idea for you to go today?" Isaiah questioned.

Andrew turned to face him. "Maybe, maybe not," he answered, "but I'm not missing anymore rehearsal, Isaiah. I took Advil Cold and Sinus, I'll be fine," he assured him.

Isaiah sighed. "Andrew, I get it, but you're going to get overwhelmed if you go in today, still sick, and then try to go to a five hour rehearsal," he tried to talk some sense into him.

"I get your worries, Isaiah, but I'm fine," Andrew told him, flicking the light off in the bathroom and leaving the room. He paused for a moment to cough, then started walking again. "If forcing myself to get through the school day will let me go to rehearsal, then that's what I'll do," he stated.

"Why are my brothers so stubborn?" Isaiah grumbled to himself. He sighed and followed Andrew down to the kitchen.

Most of their other family members were in the kitchen.

Laura looked at Isaiah when he walked in

"I tried." Isaiah put his hands up as if he was surrendering. "He's being stubborn."

Laura sighed. She turned and looked at her youngest son. "Andrew, I'm keeping Declan home from school and rehearsal today," she informed him.

Andrew looked at his brother. He cringed when he saw him.

Declan was sitting at the table, looking out of it and like death. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes were glossy, and it was abundantly clear that he was still struggling.

Andrew nodded. "That's a good idea."

Lyndon walked into the room with a thermometer. He walked over to Declan. "D," he started softly, "I'm gonna take your temperature, okay?"

Declan didn't respond.

Lyndon gently held his head and ran the thermometer over his forehead. He looked at it when it beeped and frowned. "102.1," he read, looking over at his mom.

Laura frowned. She looked at Tyler, who was standing by the doorway of the kitchen.

Tyler nodded and quickly ran off to find medicine.

Laura turned to Andrew again. "Your brother is still struggling a lot," she informed him as if he didn't already know that. "I understand if you go in today, but Declan won't be there to help you if you get overwhelmed and honestly, I'm worried that you're going to overexert yourself and feel sicker, but ignore it because you want to go to rehearsal," she said.

Andrew frowned.

"I need you to promise me that you'll call me if you need me," Laura told him. "No ifs, no buts, no hesitation because you want to be there," she added.

Andrew nodded. "I will, Momma," he promised. "I promise I will."

Laura nodded. "Alright..." She looked over at Michael. "Michael, I don't want him walking to school today. Do you mind driving him?" she asked.

Michael shook his head. "You ready to go, Drew?" he asked.

Andrew nodded.

"Alright, I'll be back soon." Michael grabbed his keys.