Stellar Melodies

Chapter 2- Bollocks

"Any pain?" She asked, snapping on a blue glove.

I scoffed and sat back, balling the empty packing and tossing it swiftly into the waste bin. She stopped what she was doing and squinted at me, annoyed, "What's with the sass?"

"I'm always in pain. I've got cancer, and a strange tube just inserted right here in my side, and frankly, I'd love a good smoke, but I can't because, you know," I gestured to myself, "I've got bloody cancer n'all."

She went to my IV pouch and checked it, flicking the drip a bit, then came over and gestured for me to sit back. I gave her a weird look. "What are you doing now?"

She didn't answer me, just took the long stethoscope from round her neck. "Your father-"

I winced, "Ah, don't call him that. He heard you refer to him as father, he'd kick you right out of the med program."

She cleared her throat and tugged my hospital gown up.

"Wow, a bit eager?" I chuckled.

Her hands flew away from my body so fast, I myself almost panicked.Then I remembered.

"Ah, I see. It's the cancer," I waved it off as nothing, exaggerating my shrug.

She rubbed her eyes and groaned, yanking the gloves from her hands. "No. It's not. Sorry, just- stay still, and stop talking, so I can check the tube for infection."

I lay back and allowed her, watching her face as she peeled back the tape holding the tube in place. She tugged a bit at it, and I gasped at the sharp pain.

"Some pain there, then?"

Her green eyes flashed to mine for a second and I nodded. "A bit. Yeah."

She pushed on it lightly. "Alright. How long've you had this?"

I shrugged, not knowing if she'd meant the cancer or the catheter. "Maybe about... three months."

She nodded. "Alright. Well, there's no infection. Minimal drainage. Just be sure you keep it covered at all times, with gauze. And change them frequently, to prevent bacteria."

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah. I've been in this hospital long enough to have the routine etched into my brain."

She smiled, her lips tugging at the corners of her mouth. She ripped a piece of gauze and leaned close, wisps of her hair falling into her face. I watched her carefully, her eyes squinting, her nose wrinkled just the tiniest fraction. Suddenly, she was gone, grabbing her clipboard and nodding at me in farewell.

I let my head fall back onto the pillow, and gave a deep breath. "Bollocks."