Could Have Lost You

Reminiscence

"Joel," a voice said from the doorway. He turned to see a tanned boy walking towards him.

"Do I know you?"

Ray's heart sank. "Joel, its me. It's Ray... Your boyfriend." Joel pushed himself up. "I'm GAY? Wow. Okay." Ray stuffed his hands in his pockets and shuffled over to the window on the left side of the bed. "Well, you're bi. We've been dating for a year now."

Joel scratched his arm and looked up at the Puerto Rican who was staring at the courtyard through the huge bay window. His skin was smooth like a porcelain doll's, his dark hair curling at his eyebrows. The glasses that framed his hazel eyes were perfect. A nurse walked in, interrupting his thoughts.

"Mister Heyman, I'm here to set you free," she announced in a silvery voice as she began to stop the IV drip. "Yay," he replied halfheartedly. She continued on. "Just make sure you take it easy for a bit and if you begin to feel any discomfort or pain come back to see us." She threw in an over happy smile. 'Come back to see me,' she added in her head. She had half a mind to make up an excuse for him to stay but that would be wrong.

The nurse wheeled the machines out leaving Ray and Joel alone again.

Joel swung his feet over the side of the bed, flinching as they hit the cold tile. Sitting on the chair next to him was a bag that he'd kept in his car. He remembered it had clothes in it. "Joel," Ray called turning away from the window, interrupting him mid reach. "I could just ask for some scrubs so you won't have to go through the trouble."

Joel thought about it. That sounded easier than trying to piece together an outfit and then stuffing his sore body into it. Scrubs were loose and comfy and easy to put on. "Sure," he finally replied and sat back on the bed. Ray popped his head out the door and asked a nurse. She glanced in at Joel and then pulled a black pair off the cart she was pushing.

Ray handed the scrubs and turned to the door. "Where are you going," Joel asked.

"I figured you wanted some privacy."

"You're my boyfriend. It's fine."

Ray glanced over in time to catch Joel lifting the black material over his head, abdominal muscles contracting slowly. A chill shivered down his spine. He remembered all the times they'd taken days off to lay in bed together, Ray tracing the contours of Joel's muscles and wishing he could stay there forever.