Silent Pain

Part 3

After examining him, the doctors decided not to allow Chris to drive himself back due to the anaesthetic not wearing off well as the risk of his Tardive Dyskinesia worsening. Chris understood their reasoning so decided not to argue. As he sat on his bed, clothed and bandaged, he felt nauseous and shook with panic as well as illness. Who could bring him home? Robert wouldn't be a good choice as he always felt nervous in his car. Craig, no, out of the question; he didn't give a crap about him right now. Danny, no, he was busy in Guadeloupe. He wanted to drive himself back so much. He didn't feel it right Aleks seeing him this way, but then again, she was his wife and had been in worse situations with her.
He felt on his bedside table and found his phone. Although his hand was bruised from the cannula, he managed to phone her.
"Hello? Chrissy?" she answered,
"Al?"
"Chrissy, how are you? Did it go okay?" she asked concerned,
"Yes, it was okay. Was awake through it though but I'm fine. "
"I'm glad" she smiled with voice, "I'm sorry I couldn't come with you. Louis was ill and I had to sort him out..."
"Oh. Badly?"
"Just a sickness bug going around at school, nothing too bad."
"I see."
"Anyway, you okay? Coming home?" Aleks asked, wondering why he called,
"I need you to come and get me they erm, don't trust me to drive myself back."
"Alright Chrissy, I will come get you. Where are you?"
"Hospital still, I think in the recovery ward."
"Alright, well I will call you when I get outside the hospital. Stay safe."
Chris hung up and sat on his bed. He sighed and wondered how he would be when he got home. The doctors said he may have some 'problems' for a few days but he could deal with that. Then he wondered about how Louis was but Alecks was good at looking after him. Then, he wondered why Craig hadn't spoken to him. As he waited, he remembered that he had to be at an event on Saturday. He agreed it several weeks ago and didn't ideally want to give it up.

Chris waited in the reception area anxiously for her to arrive. It shouldn't take her long so why did it seem like forever to him. He moved his bag up his shoulder. As he moved it, his injury ached with numb pain after the painkiller the doctor dosed him with. He clenched his bag as he feared being recognised now there was an increase in people. Please hurry Aleks. Please.' He thought as he clenched his hand tight, closing his eyes and trying to hide himself. Just as the anxiety was reaching its peak, he saw Aleks coming towards him through the crowd.
He smiled at her and walked over, the nerves calming down a little,
"Hey." She smiled, looking him up and down. She noticed his bag on the opposite shoulder she assumed due to the operation being on his usual side.
"Hey."
"You alright?"
"Yes, more importantly, are you?" she placed a hand on his back.
"Been better."
Aleks took his bag off him, "Come on, let's get you back into civilisation."
Chris wanted the bag back, but reluctantly let her carry it. As they walked together down the carpark, surprisingly holding hands, he thought about how alone he'd been. Why hadn't Craig visited? Jackie might have told Aleks about Craig, after all they were friends.
"Erm, has Jack spoke to you recently?" he asked,
"No, not recently. Should she have done?"
"No." Chris sighed.
"Well, I wouldn't worry too much about him. Probably working on something. Anyway right now let's focus on getting you better."
Chris smiled at her concern for him, but didn't like too much attention or being made a fuss of.
As they got into the car, Chris decided to bring it up Saturday.
"Erm, I have to go somewhere Saturday."
"You don't have to go."
"I do."
She put her seatbelt on, "Why? Is it a legal requirement? Will you get arrested if you don't go to this place?"
"No."
"So why do you have to go?"
"Because, because they don't deserve to be disappointed again."
Aleks paused what she was doing, "I assume by they you mean the fans."
Chris nodded,
"Chris, what's more important? Your welfare or theirs?" she turned to him and looked concerned
He sighed, "Theirs. I...I don't matter." He broke eye contact and got his belt on.
She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, "You do matter and I bet they would be hurt if they heard you say that. I'm sure they'll understand if you can't go, you have just had an operation for God sake."
Chris was determined to go and couldn't let the fans down again. He needed them and vice versa. When he didn't go last time, the comments were bad and hurt him.
"I have to go...please let me. They...they need me and I..." He begged, almost crying,
She sighed, "Alright, you can go. But you must promise me that you'll be safe and call me if anything happens."
"I promise."
"Even if you're at the event at the time."
"Alright."
"Who else is going?" she asked, almost as if she was saying it to their children,
"Bob and Hat. If you're that worried, Bob could take me and bring me back."
"Hmm we may have to do that. At least you're with someone who knows about your problems,"
As they passed the various traffic lights, shops and crowds, Chris thought about where he would stay tonight. He didn't really want to stay with the children as he felt he would be a burden on Alecks looking after two ill people.
"So, erm, where we going?"
"Our house."
"Well erm," Chris began, hoping she wouldn't be against the idea,
"Chris, you cant stay at your place all the time. Not now."
"Just this once. Just for tonight to see how bad I am. Then tomorrow when I come back, I know how I am."
She sighed deeply and drummed her fingers on the wheel as they hit a red light. Chris knew she didn't like it but what other option? He didn't want to worry the children too much.
"I don't like this. Not at all," She glanced at him, worried, "I don't want you to stay away from me because you're ill."
"Just tonight I swear." He said, giving her a promising look, "then these next few nights I will stay with you."
She sighed, knowing she was beaten. "Alright, just for tonight but please call me. Please. I mean it."
"I will. Anything major happens I will."