Page 58 of Seasons of Love
Slade seemed a little lost, so I stepped into his arms, hugging him tight. I didn't care who Mike thought I was to Slade. Friend was an accurate term and friends supported friends in difficult times.
"You'll be okay. And if you're not, that's okay too. I'll be here. I promise."
He nodded and disappeared into a corridor with Mike.
I took a deep breath. The nurses station was quiet, so I thought I'd chance my luck. Slade had told me last night he took Ted's surname when he got his new ID, so I approached with a smile and fingers crossed.
"Hi, I was wondering if you could help me, please."
"I'm afraid I'm limited in the information I can give out if that's what you’re needing."
I smiled at her. "You get that a lot, do you?"
"Yup."
"I don't want any specific information. I just…my friend has gone to see his uncle. They're very close. All I want to know is…is he likely to be very upset when he comes out of there later?"
She gave me a sympathetic smile. "What's the patient's name?"
"Ted Warren."
She tapped on her computer and seemed to be reading some information.
I already knew the news before she even spoke because her eyes spelled it out.
"There's a cafeteria down that hall. Buy a bottle of water. Next door there's a small store that sells essentials. Get a pack of tissues. You might not need them, but…"
"Thank you so much."
A few minutes later I was back in the waiting room. It was hard to guess if Slade staying in the ward too long meant good or bad news.
I nearly jumped out of my skin when my phone buzzed in my pocket.
Richard's name was on the screen.
What the hell?
I declined the call, but a few seconds later, he rang again.
"Hello?
"Aiden… Hi, how are you?"
"Surprised to hear from you if I'm honest."
This was so not the time for this.
"Yeah, I'm sorry. I wanted to get in touch but…well, we didn't part on the best of terms."
Gee, I wonder why.
"Richard, I'm busy at the moment. How can I help you?"
"When are you back in town?"
"What…what do you mean?"
"I stopped by the apartment and you weren't there. I'd love to take you out when you're back."
