Father Josh

Uncertain

~Simon's POV~

I laugh at JJ as our drinks arrive. The acidic smell of the bar burning my nostrils, but it feels nice to have a day out.

"There's no way that happened Jiddle. Absolutely no way."

He gulps back the shot he ordered and smirks at me. His phone makes an appearance on the countertop, and I can see the victory in his eyes.

"What if I told you, I had a video?"

My face contorts in horror and I shove his hand away from the phone.

"No way! I don't want to see it!"

Our laughter draws the attention of the people around us, but we don't mind. My phone buzzes in my pocket and I quickly grab it. Josh's face takes up the screen and I smile as I answer.

"Hi, Joshy! JJ and I just got here, but I don't think we'll be staying long."

No sound comes from the other end. Well, that's a lie. There's the faint sound of people talking in urgent voices and the occasional clicks of footsteps and doors.

"Joshua? You okay?"

JJ takes notice of my conversation at that point. Eyebrow raised in curiosity and concern.

"Josh! Please?"

"Si-Simon?"

"Josh, are you okay?"

Silence greets me again, but I can hear his breaths on the other end. I spy JJ beginning to pay for our drinks and gather our things.

"I-I'm a good da-d r-right Simon?"

"You are an amazing father, Josh. Vik adores you and you've taken such great care of him."

"I c-can't-t be that go-od."

"Josh, what happened? Where are you?"

"I... I failed Simon. I'm a h-horrible dad."

"Joshy, breathe for me. Where are you?"

"Hospital."

My heart and breaths freeze in my chest. My skin turns clammy and all my movements stop. JJ doesn't miss a beat, steering me out the bar and into the car. He starts the engine before turning to me.

"Where am I going?"

"J-joshy?"

"Yeah, Si?"

His voice sounds so broken.

"What hospital?"

JJ's eyes widen in horror once the word leaves my mouth, immediately he begins backing out of the parking spot, heading for the exit of the parking lot.

"St. Thomas, Si... I've got to go... please hurry."

The line clicks and I set my phone in my lap.

"St. Thomas. JJ, hurry."

My hands cling desperately to my phone. My knuckles turning white with the force of my grip. JJ awkwardly pats my shoulder as he maneuvers through traffic.

What had happened? Is Vik hurt? Josh? Is one of them sick?

"Simon. Stop."

I lift my face and look at my friend. He glances over at me before turning back to look at the road.

"Worrying yourself to death won't help either of them."

A horn blares and JJ slams his own, cussing out whoever was being a dick. I rest my head back, my mind still swirling with what-ifs. The lights of the city blur together and my throat constricts. I try to hold back the sob, but fail as I let a half chocked one out. I feel JJ's hand pry away mine from my phone. My ring clicks against my phone as it shifts. My tears renew as I gaze down at my left hand. The street lights reflect off the small stone. 

The car finally stops, and I unbuckle myself, practically sprinting through the doors. I hear JJ call my name, but I'm on a mission. There's no line at the desk, so I approach and wait for the nurse to turn around.

"May I help you?"

Her eyes sweep over me, taking in my disheveled appearance. She spies my left hand that's perched on the counter. She seems to deflate at the sight, but I ignore her. I feel JJ step up to my side, speaking for me.

"We're here for Josh Bradley."

The keyboard clicks and clacks as she types in the name. A huff leaves her as you looks back to us.

"I assume you are here for Vikram Bradley? Father is Joshua Bradley?"

 We both nod, and another huff is heard. My heart falters. 

It's Vik. Vik, my sweet little baby.

"Family only boys. Come back later."

Angrily, JJ takes my left hand and forces it into her face.

"You see this ring? This ring makes this boy family. Don't you dare to keep this boy away from his son and fiancé."

The nurse blinks and points to the elevators.

"He's in the pediatric ward. Room 321."

Still holding my hand, JJ tugs me to the lifts, slamming his hand onto the button. I hear the nurse call out, trying to say that he can't go, but he fixes her with an icy glare. Soft music filters through my senses. I feel a vibration in my pocket, and I retrieve my phone. I answer it, not looking a the screen to see who it is.

"H-hello?"

"Si? A-are you here? I...I..."

"Shh. Calm d-down Joshy."

"THEY DON'T KNOW IF HE'S GOING TO MAKE IT, SI! HOW CAN I BE CALM!?"

My heart absolutely shatters.