The Odd Couple - A Norman Reedus Fanfic Romance

Chapter 20 - Take Two Of These And Call Me In The Morning

LUCY

He's swaying and his legs begin to buckle as I sprint towards them.

Jackson manages to keep him on his feet. And together we prop him up until he comes around a little bit.

"Norman, stay with us please....please "  I beg in a whisper.

He looks so ill. I've never seen him like this before....and it's terrifying.

"My bedroom, it'll be easier"  We get him in the elevator and up to the first floor.

Jackson keeps a tight grip until I yank the bedclothes back and we gently lay him down. Norman's babbling a little, but I can't understand a single word.

"Lucy, you get his shoes and that off. I'm just going to call Ira....our family doctor. He does house calls"  He gave me a quick comforting hug.

"I'm sure it's just the flu, sweetheart....that and exhaustion probably. We'll get him right again."

Jackson walked out into the hall and I heard low rumblings as he spoke on the phone.

I tug Norman's boots and socks off. Hesitate for a moment, before starting on his jeans. My hands shake somewhat when I undo the zip and peel them down over his hips. Finally get them off and cover his legs with my doona.

Luckily Jackson returned quickly. Helped me to get his jacket and shirt off. Because he's too big for me to lift his whole upper body up that far from the bed.

All the clothes are sodden with sweat.

Norman is only in his boxers now but covered up with bedclothes. Feverish and totally out of it.

*

It took half an hour for Doctor Lewin to arrive and Jackson strode downstairs to open the door when the bell rang.

Norman's been alternating between shivering uncontrollably and sweating bucket-loads. Now and then he opens his eyes, but they just roll around unseeingly in their sockets.

I hold his hand tightly in mine while the Doc does his examination.

He's a kindly old gentleman with a shock of snow-white hair. Puts me instantly at ease with his gentle bedside manner.

Unlike some of the abrupt and self-absorbed doctors who I had to deal with when Mum was ill  🥹

"Well, young miss....your man has himself a particularly nasty dose of the flu. Probably a touch of bronchitis as well going by the sound of his lungs. Damned cigarettes, I bet....silly pup!"

"Now, I've given him a shot of high-dose antibiotics for that. Keep an eye on his temperature. Bathe him down if need be and try to get these paracetamols into him every few hours. Helps control the fever."

He handed over a few blister packs of tablets and some sachets of hydration powders.

"He needs plenty of fluids. The mineral salts plus water are ample....no vitamin C as yet. I'll come back to check again later this evening, but in the meantime here's my number. If his fever hits a hundred and three degrees, you're to call me immediately....understand?"

I nod emphatically and give him my heartfelt thanks.

This is one area I've had more than enough expertise in. Just didn't think I'd ever have to do it again....or so soon.

But it's what you do, isn't it?

When you love someone more than anyone or anything else in the world....