The Third War

Dustin's Hospital Adventures IV

"Just so you know, I can completely explain that," I said finally picking my head back up.

Macy grinned while talking with pancake in her mouth, "Please, explain away."

The sight of chewed up pancakes threw me off a bit so it started out rough, "Well, um, I had, um, okay, what happened was, back at where I stayed, they kept the room super cold. So, naturally, when my room wasn't super cold, it messed with me. The nurses suggested finding some way to cool down because they couldn't fix the temperature settings until morning."

Jackie nodded, "That's true at least." She said this as if I would lie to make up an excuse. Very rude. "But, why pink?"

"My sister should never be allowed to touch laundry. She'll find it hilarious when I tell her about this." Phoebe's face would immediately light up as she burst out laughing at my expense. When it first happened, she apologized but defended herself saying no one else would ever see them. No one else would ever see them huh Phoebe? Look where you got me.

Elyan laughed, "Is she pretty?"

I leaned forward pointing my fork at him and hissed, "Don't even think about it buddy." His eyes widened as he nervously laughed before moving his chair back. I continued eating my pancakes.

By the time my pancakes were gone, everyone had fallen into an awkward silence. Considering how they all kept looking at each other, I figured it was my fault.

"So, do any of you," just as I went to break the silence, a nurse walked into the room. Everyone turned to the door as it closed behind him.

"Hello," his tone made my heart jump. Something about him terrified me. I couldn't place it, like a memory just out reach. "How are you all today?"

They each gave some form of "fine" or "good" or  "how are you?" I remained silent trying to figure out why he looked so familiar. The guy continued chatting with them for a while completely oblivious to my presence.

Eventually he cleared his throat, "Anyways, I'm afraid I have more work to attend to. Dustin?"

My fork fell out of my hand clattering onto the plate. I knew exactly why he seemed so familiar. Somehow, somewhere in the twisted cords of fate, it was decided that this guy would show up in my life once again. I remembered it vividly; he had the same way of acting cheery as he had then. The same way of making polite conversation before delivering the final blow, he hadn't changed at all.

Hearing him say my name in that voice, the pitying, condescending, voice as if he cared what happened to me even though it was just a paycheck for him nearly tipped me over the edge. He looked confused, of course. After so many times, why would you remember one child from another?

I could never forget him. Just as I could never forget the moment he told me my mother was never coming back. The moment he said my house would be given to the bank. The moment he said if no one wanted me, I'd be put in the system. And he said it all with disgusting, apathetic indifference.

I hated him.

At that moment, I realized everyone had turned to stare at me so I cough lightly, "Y-yeah?"

The man's fake smile appeared, "I'm going to need you to come with me. The doctor would like to discuss things with you and then you can call your family and let them know."

Slowly nodding, I stood up, "Okay..."

"You don't talk much do you?" His laugh sounded hollow, as if all the joy had been sucked it leaving just a strange, dull sound.

I couldn't bring myself to respond. Upon realizing he wasn't going to get anything else out of me, he said goodbye to the rest of the group and headed out the door. As I went to follow, a hand wrapped around my wrist. I glanced back to see Macy looking at me. Her face screamed the question, are you okay? Behind her, Jackie, Hap, and Elyan all had concerned looks as well.

Guilt wormed its way into my stomach. It had taken a day for them to care about if I was alright or not. I forced a smile on my face making it reassuring enough so she'd let go.

Now free, I followed after the guy. He had patiently waited for me outside the room but started walking again as I exited. We went down the halls together taking different turns. The guy stopped at an elevator and pressed the button. Once it arrived, we stepped inside and he pressed the button for the third floor.

"You don't remember me do you?" I finally asked desperate to know if he was just holding back thinking I didn't remember him.

"What?" The guy looked taken back, "What are you talking about?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "Never mind. You reminded me of someone, I guess I was wrong."

I'm not wrong. You're just stupid.

He remained unsettled the rest of our time together. It gave me some sick joy to know I got under his skin. I almost felt bad. Almost.

"The doctor's inside," he gestured to the door still peering at me. "Should I know you?"

It's been said that everyone has darkness in them. A little bit of evil nesting in the bottom of their heart just waiting for a moment to be used, I am proud to admit I used that little bit of evil.

With a cold smile I told him, "Yes, you should, but you can't be bothered to know all the names of the children whose lives you destroyed. Sure, maybe it wasn't your fault my mother left, but you didn't have to smile about it. I hope your paycheck was nice."

His eyes widened in shock.

"Thanks for the escort buddy," I turned and walked inside the room slamming the door behind me. Maybe it was harsh, but I never got mad at anyone for what happened. I never yelled at Phoebe or her parents because I just couldn't. They did everything for me.

If this guy was the only person left from that period of my life, he could deal with it. I didn't care.