Albert opens his eyes seeing his brother taking care of him. He took his blood pressure, checked his vital signs, the dextrose, machines and monitors. He is being assisted by a male nurse. While Francis is writing:
"You don't have to do this sissy. I want another doctor. Nurse, nurse can I request for another doctor? Hey there answer me" says Albert
The nurse looked at Francis. He signaled him to just ignore.
"Have you heard what I said?" Albert Says to Francis
"I'm just doing my job here Albert. Nothing else. I'm gonna have to take you for your CT scan. In a few days, If you're tests results are Ok I will take you home"
The nurse gave him his medications then Francis made the injection. A few minutes later he assisted Albert to a wheelchair with the help of the nurse. Francis is just silent but in his mind "you have no job, no money, no nothing Albert. What am I going to do with you?"
They were about leave when:
"Smile you're on candid camera!!!" Sandra took a picture of them. "Wow you both look nice here" and shows it to them."Good morning sweetie, good morning Francis"
"Good morning Sandra. That bag over there is his things. I'm not into changing someone's diapers" answered Francis with a smile.
"Oh what the fuck. Can you delete that. I look terrible. And why are you smiling you .... you.... (pointing at Francis but stops to say a bad word) is this a happy time for you now?huh huh"
"Cmon now Albert don't be such a grouch, he's taking care you" says Sandra.
"No one asked him too" says Albert
"He's a doctor in this hospital Albert. Please be nice. You're not in your house" says Sandra
Francis and Sandra just looked at each other. He just remained silent. They now proceed for the CT scan. After that Albert is brought back to his room. Sandra stayed with him. Francis then went to the second floor to visit Ben. Francis loved being in the nursery. He likes the babies and kids in the pediatric ward. Gives toys and reads stories whenever he got a spare time. He held one baby boy.
"That one has some respiratory problems. But he's a strong baby. He's getting the hang of it. The quadruplets, almost lost them but they survived." Ben enters the nursery.
"Oh poor thing. You're a strong one right.(baby talks) so strong like superman" baby chuckles.
" and how's the baby loving doctor slash entrepreneur? Having a good day?"
"Just a fine day. Except for this one patient. You know who"
"I know. Still treating you bad? After all that you do for him?
"He wants me replaced like he can afford it. I'm taking him home in a few days. Just have to give instructions to Rita for his meals. Sandra will be there too I hope"
"That's good at least there are other people who can take care him besides you. I hope things will be fine for the both of you. C'mon let's have dinner after our shift. There's a bistro in the corner street with good reviews. My treat☺"
"Well Ok. I feel hungry all of a sudden after hearing it's your treat" says Francis. They laughed. He then went back to Albert to check if he has taken everything for the day.
"So how're you feeling?" Puts on his stethoscope and placed the other end on Albert's chest.
"What do you hear?" Asked Albert
"I hear it loud and clear. It says I hate you and I despise you. Seriously, are you feeling ok?"
"I'm glad you know what ur supposed to hear .... in there. I know you're taking care of me now but this will not change a thing"
"I am not going to change whatever you believe or feel. I'm just doing what Papa wants us to do. Now you're here in hospital. Papa wants us to take care of each other. Trust me, when the 2 years is over. I won't be here anymore"
"You can leave right now. You have a choice. Why don't you just do it? Why do you have to care? Dad will not rise from the grave to follow you"
"Is that what you want me to do? If you say YES right now Albert I'll do it.
Without a word I'll leave. Quietly""Only mom cared for me. But she's gone now. My life is a waste anyway. So what I don't care"
"That's the life you chose Albert. No one puts you in that situation. You're too blind to see the love of the people around you. Coz you choose to be bitter. That makes you selfish God Albert just let it go"
" Shut up. I don't need your advice. Thank you very much"
"Will you be ok if I leave?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Just answer my question Albert"
Albert went silent. He covered himself with the blanket. "I want to rest now"
"I guess that answers the question"
Sandra who came from a nearby Chinese restaurant was listening. When Francis was already out she came to him and held his hand "Please don't give up on him" Francis looked at her and touched her shoulder. Then he left.
In the parking lot:
"Whose car, yours or mine?" Asked Ben.
"Since it's your treat, I'm driving. And yes my car. Let me find my keys" he searched inside his bag. As he pulled it the key:
"Hey you dropped something" Ben picked it up "It's a key for what?" Francis looked at the key.
"It's the key to Papa's safety box in the bank. It was given to me by uncle Sam a long time ago"
YOU ARE READING
The Brother
General FictionIts not just your regular stories about brothers and family situations. Its totally about two people with huge differences. Almost strangers to each. Nope its not even the long lost brother thing story or discovering you had a brother story. Nope no...