Stay (MxM)

The Rejected Appointment

Ant was in the conference room, listening to the presentation of one of their interns when his phone buzzed. If it was any other day, he would have ignored it. Hell, he would have switched it off or given it to Anne- Marie or Ali for safe keeping. But it wasn't any other day. Dec was ill and Ant really was alert all the while, his hands many times itching to dial home but controlling as he knew Dec would be resting.

So when the phone buzzed, he didn't think a second before taking it from his pocket and his heart skips a beat to see Mrs Dennis . She never calls me!

He attends the call in hurry, inviting surprised glances from the people around him, the intern looking between Ant and Stephen, unsure of what to do. Stephen watches as Ant's face turned into one of utmost horror and  a frown forms in his forehead as Ant hurriedly packed his stuff.

Stephen puts an arm on Ant's hand as Ant promised someone in the other end that he will be there soon. As Ant raised his concern-filled eyes at Stephen, he gestures  to the group.

Ant: "Eh, I am so sorry but some emergency came and I can't avoid it. Please continue with the presentation and Thomas, I have jotted down some points and suggestions and Stephen will monitor the rest. Have a good day all.  Stephen!"

Ant finishes hurriedly and calls Stephen out who walks out concerned.

Stephen: "What was that Ant! You have never-"

Ant: "It's Declan! Mrs D called me asking me to come home soon. His fever has hiked and he collapsed. She has called the doctor but the hasn't yet woken up and I don't know what else to do and I know I shouldn't have left him alone at home-"

Suddenly Stephen goes into his Supervisor mode and stops Ant.

Stephen: "Take a deep breath and think clearly. Dec is ill, Mrs D is worried and she wants you there. But is Patrick here?"

Ant: "N-no. I will take a taxi"

Stephen digs into his pocket and pulls out his key "Take my car- don't hesitate. I will pick this up when I come to return the files "

Ant sighs and gives Stephen a one arm hug "Thank you, Stevie..."

Stephen places a hand on his elbow "Ant, don't panic. Mrs D just informed you, okay? And doctor is there. So Dec will be fine. He needs you. Drive safe"

Ant nods and walks swiftly away while Stephen went back to the conference room.

To say Ant was worried will be an understatement. His palms were sweating and the only relief was Mrs D informing the arrival of doctor.

As he reaches home in record time, he sprints upstairs and barges into his bedroom in hurry. Dec was lying on the bed, the doctor beside him setting an IV and Mrs Dennis and Patrick on either side of the bed, concern etched on their faces. As she sees Ant, Mrs Dennis walks to him and holds his hand

Mrs Dennis: "Doc  'ere said that he'll be fine"

Ant nods and sighs as he saw Dec sleeping peacefully. The doctor stands up seeing him entering and smiles "Low B.P. He will be fine... I have administered glucose and also antibiotics for his fever. Remove it only if the bottles get empty. Let him rest for two days and we will see how it goes from there. I have prescribed some medicines and do give it to him accordingly. I will come back tomorrow to take the cannula off him."

Ant: "Low BP?"

Doctor: "It's due to exhaustion. There is nothing to worry about. And he has hit his cheekbone while falling down. Nothing serious. Just bruised it. He will be fine.Keep him hydrated though and he must be fed adequately. His immunity and nutrition level is low. I would advice you to give him vitamin tablets. This is not common with elderly males but-"