Page 101 of Seasons of Love
“Yes, boss,” we all say and spill out of the building through the kitchen door.
I wave everyone goodbye, but I’m not sure what to do with Ellis.
“Um…I guess I’ll see you when you’re next shopping…or maybe here?” I ask, putting my hands in my jean pockets.
He smiles. “Do you want a ride home?”
I point at the street behind me. “I really do live just around the corner. It would take you longer to drive me there.”
“Oh.”
He half-turns to go but doesn’t, and I’m not sure what to make of it. It’s like he’s disappointed.
Nah, the chili must be going to my head. Or maybe it’s spending time with Ellis and managing several complete sentences without breaking down in a pile of goo that has clearly messed with my brain.
“Well, as you say, I’ll see you around,” he says and then walks away.
I wasn’t lying when I said I live nearby because, in just a short walk, I’m turning onto my street.
I hear Sara crying and screaming, and I run toward the house.
Florrie is holding her, and I see her go-bag is ready.
“We need to get to the hospital. Sara’s temperature is too high, and I can’t get it down.”
“Have you given her anything?” I ask, knowing it’s a stupid question because Florrie looks after Sara well.
“I’ve given her Tylenol and used some cold compresses, but her temperature hasn’t gone down.”
My hands shake as I hold Sara in my arms.
She’s burning even through her clothes. Thankfully, Florrie thought to change her into something lighter and easier to remove than her one-piece pajamas. I strap her into the car seat while Florrie goes to the driver’s side. I get in on the other side of the car next to Sara.
“It’s okay, baby. We’re going to the doctor, and they’ll make you all nice and better, okay?” I know she’s probably not listening to or understanding what I’m saying, but I say it for my sanity because right now, I’m close to losing it.
Florrie is driving as fast as she can. We’re not talking. I know she’s as worried as I am. We can talk as soon as we see a doctor.
She drops us outside the hospital, which I’m not even sure is allowed, but I don’t care. I grab the car seat and run to the reception desk.
“Hi, my baby is running a really high fever. I need to see a doctor or a nurse. Please, can you help?”
My hands shake as I expect the woman behind the desk to tell me I have to wait a long time to see someone. Sara is crying so hard her face is red and streaked with tears.
“I’m no doctor, hun,” she says as she types on her computer. “Hold up.”
She’s looking at her screen and then at sheets of paper. Behind me, the waiting room is full of people. Babies have priority, right?
Please, god. Let babies have priority.
The receptionist looks up, “Hey, Darius, be a sweetheart and help this gentleman over here.” I turn and see a tall guy approaching. He’s wearing scrubs, so he must be a doctor or a nurse.
He looks straight at Sara and touches her forehead. “Hey, gorgeous. Wanna be my date for the night?” He has a deep, calming voice that seems to have an effect on Sara. Then he looks at me. “I’m Darius. I’m a nurse practitioner, and I’ll be looking after your baby. Follow me.”
“Um…my friend, she’s my babysitter. She’s been with Sara all night, so she might know more about when the fever started. She’s parking the car.”
“What’s her name, hun?” the receptionist asks.
“Florrie.”
