My obsession with Rafe Vega : Teen Fiction

Chapter 21

 That afternoon when I got home, I called the Head Social Worker at the Orphanage where I helped out asking their assistance in referring me to a specialist who offered HIV counseling. During lunch break at school, I sought Nate out, he seemed to take over my turf permanently now.  I let him, because it offered solace, and he needed it.  I got his mobile number and demanded that he answer when I called him later from home.  He smiled and joked about how often he’d dreamt I’d beg him for his number, and I was finally doing it.

'Yeah cos you’re an irresistible stud!' I smiled and playfully punched his arm.  It was scary that he was losing much more weight, at a much more alarming rate. The previous evening I’d emailed him about five pages of foods he should start eating three times a day, and foods he should avoid.

 ‘Nate how you doing?’

‘I’m not doing?’ I could hear a grin on the other end of the line.

At least he still had his warped sense of humour. I was also pleased when he’d called me from the supermarket to verify something on my suggested food list that I’d emailed him.

‘Nate I’ve made an appointment with a counselor and I ‘m going with you,’ I informed him.

There was silence on the other end.  I was silently praying he won’t tell me to mind my own business.

‘Why are you sticking your neck out for me Katy?  I don’t deserve it.’

‘I care about you Nate.  You’re going to fight this thing, and damn it you’re going to live,’ I exclaimed passionately.

‘I like your never say die spirit,’ he spoke unconvincingly.

‘Yes I’m a winner, and winners don’t quit. And you’re not quitting either,’ I rallied on.

‘I’m glad I have you Katy,’ he spoke sincerely.

‘Nate I heard of a book written by a high court judge who wrote how he contracted HIV about eighteen years ago, and in his book he teachers others how to achieve that same victory.’

‘How can we get a copy?’

‘I ordered two copies already,’ I smiled, ‘we should have it in forty eight hours.’

‘I glad I confided in you Katy.’

‘I’m glad too Nate, and call me night or day, when you need to talk.’

 ‘I don’t think Rafe’s going to be too pleased,’

Ah my cameo love interest!

‘Nate have you told your parents?’

‘No!’ came the instant denial.

‘You have to Nate, you need all the support you can get.  And I know your folks will be supportive.’

I have met his folks, they were influential business people in Sydney.  We had met on some occasions when Roger insisted on dragging his family to some social functions.  Nate’s folks were good, caring people.

‘Will you be with me when I have to tell them?’ Nate pleaded.

‘Sure if you need me, I will Nate.’

‘So should I pick you up for your counseling session in my brand new Mini Cooper?’ I boasted.

‘I’m sure you want to show off, but no thank you. I’m a gentleman, what time should I be at your home?’

‘Are you __safe to drive?  Should you be behind a wheel?’

‘Yes I am,’ he laughed, ‘I don’t have an endorsement, and I have not been declared medically unfit to drive,’ he added.