All That Jazz

by Hope Alexis Milam

  "That's fall weather." Harold laughed. "No wonder you guys are such wimps. You're all thin skinned and thinner blooded."

  "It's a fair trade off. It gets hotter at home than it does in New York." Laurel looked at him. "You'll find out if you're ever down there in the summer. I will admit the Grand Canyon almost killed us, but that was a dry heat. It's a wet heat and a wet cold that we're used to."

  "One roll of duct tape." BJ reappeared. "Do you think this will solve it?"

  "For the time being. Thanks." Steve slid back under the bus.

  "Well this is fun." Laurel rubbed her hands together. They were getting cold. Her nose felt frozen. She knew it was only going to get worse. For the second time in her life she would see snow. She was looking forward to it, but knew it was at least a month away. She also knew she would soon get sick of it.

  "Ok. This should do it." Steve pulled himself from under the bus. "We can get warm now."

  "This isn't cold." Harold told them again. "Wait until next month. You'll think this was summer."

  "You've got to be teasing." BJ looked at him.

  "A little, but not that much." The manager admitted. "Let's go find the hotel. I think we lost the caravan. I don't know if they'll look for us until they reach the hotel. We're only about an hour away."

  "Good thing too." Laurel bit back a yawn. "I sleep a lot better on a bed that isn't moving."

  "You and me both." Harold agreed.

  "Is it fixed?" The bus driver asked.

  "We'll see in a minute." Steve took a seat up front. "Start her up and check it out."

  The bus did crank. It still sounded odd, but it moved forward. Everyone relaxed back into his or her seats. Steve remained near the driver. Laurel knew none of them would be able to get back to sleep. She pulled a blanket around her to ward off the chill. The bus had cooled off considerably while it was parked on the side of the road. She watched the trees move slower past the old bus. This was another of those little things no one warned her about when she started this tour. However, she knew it was not the worst that could happen. She also knew she did not want to see the worst either.

  ***

  Nicole privately felt visiting the gynecologist was possibly the most humiliating part of being female. She still remembered her first visit. Like this one, it was because of Brian. She had prolonged the moment of embarrassment until her aunt had given her no choice. As soon as she confided in Kay, the older woman made the appointment and personally made sure that Nicole was on time for it. This time Sheryl waited in the lobby area. It was one thing for someone else to be in the doctor's office with her, it was a different thing entirely for that person to be in the examination room. It was a humiliation reserved for doctor and patient.

  "According to your chart, I haven't seen you in almost two years, Nicole." Doctor Johnson commented as he flipped through her file. She always found his name amusing considering his profession. She doubted he did though.

  "That's about right." She told him. It seemed to be correct.

  "You really should come in more often. It's not healthy to prolong everything." He chided. "Now, are you having problems or is this a routine exam?" He asked as he rolled his stool over. She hated this part. She hated it more that he talked during the exam. She really hated it when she discovered his hands were cold.

  "Just the routine exam." She answered. She rarely felt more vulnerable. At least the nurse allowed her to keep her shirt on instead of changing into a hospital gown.

  "No birth control pills or anything then?"

  "No." She felt the urge to laugh. It was nerves.

  "Fine. Tests or anything else I may need to know about?" He prompted. "After two years, it would help if I had a little more information. One does not normally schedule an appointment for the same week after such a long absence without a reason."

  "Well." She hated intuitive doctors. "I guess the tests should be ran. I mean it's been a while since I've had any, and I'm not all that celibate." She admitted.

  "The full battery? I recommend it and not because of the costs." He laughed. "I would say that after two years if you've engaged in intercourse at least once, then we should run every thing we have."

  "Ok." She wondered if her insurance would pay for it. She managed to keep it after leaving the paper. It cost a bit more this way, but she felt it was too important to let it expire.

  "This may sting a little." He warned. It did. "There, I didn't see anything unusual, but we'll send the sample off. It'll take a few days to get the results back. You can get dressed. I'll send the nurse in to take the blood samples. I'll be back in a few minutes, ok?"

  "Ok. Can you send my friend in?"

  "Which one would that be?"

  "The artificial redhead. Her name's Sheryl." Nicole told him. She reached for her pants and pulled them on. There was no sense in waiting for him to leave the room. He already knew more about her than most people.

  "While you're here, we should schedule a mammogram. It's never too early to start." He made a note in her file. "You do the self examination right?"

  "Yes." She did, when she remembered.

  "You haven't noticed anything unusual then?" He made another note.

  "No sir."

  "Good. I'll tell the nurse to schedule one anyway. It's always a good thing to check these out. This is your health you know." He walked to the door. "I'll send your friend back and be back in a few minutes myself."

  "Thank you, Dr. Johnson." Nicole sat back down on the examination table to put on her shoes. She was glad the exam was over. However, the hardest part was waiting for the test results.

  "Now how come they let you keep your shirt on?" Sheryl asked as she entered the room. "I don't see one of those ghastly little hospital rags laying around."

  "I don't know. Maybe they think the appointment is humiliation enough." Nicole answered. "Or having you pee in a container the size of a film canister is their new preferred torture."

  "Well?" The critic took a seat on the rolling chair.

  "What?"

  "How'd it go so far?" Sheryl began turning the stool in circles. "I love these things."

  "You're gonna make yourself dizzy you know." Nicole cautioned. "It went ok, I guess. It was the same as any exam."

  "That's cool. It means he didn't find anything growing where it shouldn't be." Sheryl rolled over to the cabinets against the wall. "Wonder what he's got in here."

  "The nurse will be here any minute. I have to have blood taken."

  "Of course you do. How else are they going to be able to tell that you don't have anything?" The critic picked up a metal instrument. "Now this would make life interesting."

  "Sheryl! Put that down before the nurse comes in here." Sometimes Nicole thought her friend could be a little too curious for her own good.

  "You're no fun anymore." The critic pouted but did as requested.

  "I never claimed to be fun."

  "That's true. How long do they plan on making you wait?"

  "It's only been a few minutes." Nicole knew Sheryl's actions stemmed from nerves. The critic was attempting to keep the photographer distracted from the endless possibilities. Sheryl was also attempting to keep herself distracted from them as well.

  "Yeah. That's true too."

  "Ok. Nicole Hebert?" The nurse poked her head around the door. "Is that you?"

  "Yes ma'am."

  "Good. We've got a practical joker around here switching files in the door holders. I wanted to make sure this wasn't another one." The nurse entered the room fully. "I'm Verna and I'm here to take your blood." She smiled.

  "That's an unusual introduction." Sheryl commented.

  "Ah, but it's a true one. You'd be amazed how many nervous young girls come in here. They seem to relax easier when you plainly state your purpose in their lives." The nurse pulled out the needed equipment. "Right or left?"

  "Whichever is easier." Nicole answered. It did not matter to her.

  "Left." The nurse pushed up the ph
otographer's shirtsleeve. "Alright. Don't watch if it makes you queasy. I need to take three vials of this. You don't pass out or anything do you?"

  "I did once when I donated blood."

  "Well, I'll keep a watch. If you start to feel faint, let me know."

  "Ok." Nicole turned her head and watched as Sheryl began to turn circles on the stool again. She soon realized that was not a good idea and stared at a poster instead.

  "Just one more." The nurse told her. Nicole was surprised. She had not even felt the needle. "Ok. All done. We'll have to wait on a few of the results for a couple of days. The results for the pregnancy test will be available in a few minutes. Do you want to wait?"

  "Please." She answered. She saw Sheryl nod out of the corner of her eye.

  "The doctor will be back with those. I'm sure everything will be ok." The nurse reassured her before leaving.

  "That was quick."

  "Well, she did her stated purpose." Sheryl laughed. "Nervous?"

  "A little." She admitted.

  "I always am too, honestly. I stay protected, but sometimes you wonder."

  "I guess." She shrugged. She hated waiting.

  "Do you want it to be positive or negative?" Sheryl finally asked.

  "I don't know. I mean I've thought about both results. I would like children, but it just seems strange to see myself as a single mom." She admitted. "If it weren't Brian's I'd really want a child, but if it turns out positive, I'll never tell the child about its conception."

  "That's wise. I can't see where that would do any good. You could ask Danny about it though. If it turns out positive I mean."

  "Yeah. It's just kinda pointless to think about when we don't know for sure yet." She had thought about doing a home test, but decided to let the doctor perform it. It was more accurate that way.

  "We'll know in a few." Sheryl answered.

  "What do you think?"

  "About what? If you're asking whether I think it'll be positive or negative, I don't know. Would you keep it?"

  "Of course I would." There were some beliefs she still held to strongly.

  "Good. I can't see you doing otherwise."

  "Alright, Nicole. I have the results of one of the tests." Dr. Johnson announced as he reentered the room. "Ahem." He looked at Sheryl. The critic took the hint and moved to sit beside Nicole.

  "And?" She could not keep the nervousness from her voice. She felt Sheryl take her hand and give it a reassuring squeeze.

  "Were you planning on having children?" He asked.

  "Yes. Eventually. Why?" His question made her more nervous.

  "Good. I hate bearing bad news. If I were you, I'd plan on eight or so months." He smiled. "We should schedule a check up in six weeks."

  "I'm pregnant?" It did not quite sink in to her brain. Sheryl squeezed harder.

  "I thought you wanted children?" He seemed a baffled.

  "I do, just not next year." She paused. "I mean, I wasn't expecting one this soon."

  "You're what? Twenty-seven? That's a good age to start a family. It gets harder as you get older. You'll still have plenty of time to give this little one brothers or sisters, and be able to keep up with them." He reassured her. "Congratulations. See the receptionist to schedule a follow up. I'll see you again in about six weeks, unless something shows up in your tests. I doubt anything will. You seem to be in good health, but as you know appearances can be deceiving. I'll call you as soon as the tests come in, ok?"

  "Ok." She seemed at a loss for words.

  "Well, young lady, you're free to go." He told her as he opened the door. "Don't forget to schedule that appointment before you leave."

  "Thank you. I won't."

  "Are you ok?" Sheryl pulled her in for a hug.

  "Yeah. I think I am. I think we need to get Danny down here." She wondered how her old friend would take the news.

  "Ok." Sheryl looked at her expectantly.

  "What?"

  "Can I be Aunty Sheryl?"

  "Of course." Nicole laughed. She felt better about the situation. Regardless of what happened between her and Laurel, she would not be required to raise her child alone. Her friends would be its family.

  "Good. Let's go pretend to celebrate." Sheryl hopped off the table. "I'll even buy."

  "Now that is a cause for celebration. It's so rare."

  "Ha, ha. Keep it up and it'll be fast food." The critic threatened.

  "Have I ever told you how wonderful a friend you are?" Nicole pulled her friend into a hug. "Thank you."

  "It is just lunch."

  "I wasn't talking about lunch."

  "I know you weren't. For the record, you're pretty incredible yourself, Hotshot. Now make your appointment and let's get out of here. I'm starving."

  "Actually, so am I." For the first time in a week, she was hungry. It was a good sign.

  Chapter Twenty Seven

  "Can I get you anything?" The waitress asked from behind the counter.

  "Coffee." The word was harsh. Her throat hurt, her chest hurt, her head hurt. Laurel knew she should be in bed under the influence of cough syrup, but she did not have the time.

  "Yes, sir."

  "Excuse me?" Indignation made her voice crack.

  "Sorry, ma'am. Your voice was just so deep. Sorry." The waitress meekly placed a cup of steaming hot coffee in front of the bassist.

  "Thank you. I have a cold. It's not my fault I sound like a foghorn." Laurel placed less sugar than usual in her cup. She wanted the liquid's heat to soothe her throat. That was more important for her than taste at the moment.

  "It could be the baseball cap." BJ pointed out as he joined her at the counter seats.

  "Women wear baseball caps. Besides, it's too damn cold outside to wander around with a wet head. I'll take a shower after we get back to the hotel." Laurel adjusted the brim on her baseball cap. It was a green one with their logo on the front. She liked it more than she liked the shirts. The cap only had the gecko on it.

  "Yeah, but you dress like a guy. Sometimes you have to expect the less enlightened to make ignorant errors." He waved over the waitress. "Can I get a cup of coffee please?"

  "Sure. Anything else?" The waitress made a note on her pad.

  "Not at the moment." He accepted his coffee eagerly. "It's part of the mysteries of the world, you know."

  "All that reading you've been doing lately is working wonders on your vocabulary." Laurel told him. The coffee soothed her throat enough to allow her to speak in sentences again.

  "Yeah well, it's not like we have much else to do. Quit scratching." He commanded.

  "But it itches." She complained as she stopped rubbing her hand over her arm. The first one had not itched as badly. Actually it had, but it wasn't in a spot where she could easily scratch it in public.

  "It itches because it's healing. If you scratch it, the scabs will come off and then the ink won't be even. It'll stop in a few more days."

  "How do you survive this?" She asked. The Celtic tattoo on her bicep was driving her crazy. She liked the pattern, after the ring she wanted to give Nicole, but the itching had to go. The bass playing blue gecko on her thigh was already completely healed so it no longer itched. The other was newer and only partially healed.

  "I put lotion on it every time it itches. You should be doing the same." He looked at her. "Bless you."

  "Thanks." She sniffed. She hated sneezing. "I feel like road kill."

  "For the record, you look like possum on the half shell." He flagged the waitress down again.

  "Thanks. I needed to hear that I look like a dead armadillo." She made a face at him. "Just wait until you catch this cold."

  "Do you have any soup?" He ignored Laurel's protests. "We need a bowl of chicken noodle, an order of hash browns, and a large glass of orange juice for my friend here. I'll take the pork chop meal with double hash browns."

  "Do you want those scattered or dressed?" The waitress asked as she made more notes on her pad.

  "I want mine do
ne everyway you can do them. Hers should be plain. I don't think it'd be a good idea to add anything to them yet." He turned back to her. "If you would eat properly, sleep properly and maybe cut down smoking, you wouldn't be so prone to colds."

  "I rarely get sick." She protested. "Half the guys have this." It was true. The current cold was running through the roadies, bands and managers. The tour doctor could not tell if it were flu or a common cold since it varied so much from person to person. Laurel had yet to see him for her diagnosis.

  "Yeah, but you seem to be suffering more than the rest too. I'm worried about you, kiddo. You're not taking very good care of yourself."

  "I eat. I sleep."

  "You eat when you remember and you sleep when you pass out from exhaustion." He pointed out. "Don't make me call Mandy again today."

  "You've already talked to her?" Laurel asked. Her head was starting to pound.

  "Yep. Sam was there when I called."

  "And?" She prompted. She was fighting the urge to cough.

  "We talked. They're going to join us during part of our vacation."

  "So you two made up then?" She was happy. She knew he was miserable without his girlfriend. He was almost as miserable as she was without Nicole.

  "We talked some things out. We're going to talk more when I see her. You know, she can play the bass but doesn't because Derrick can only play the bass."

  "No, I didn't know that. What does that have to do with anything?" She was confused more than normal. Her head felt as if it were about to explode. Her chest really wanted to join it.

  "If you needed a break or anything, I think she could cover for you." He suggested.

  "Is that it?" She felt paranoid. "Are you trying to edge me out?"

  "Laurel, I hate to say this, but you talk in your sleep. If you really want to go home, maybe Sam can cover for you. If she were to join the band, I'd stay with them."

  "Have you mentioned this to anyone else?"

  "No. It hit me after I got off the phone. That's why I followed you over here. I really am worried about you. I know you miss her, why don't you go get her?"

  "I haven't heard from Jessie in a few weeks. I don't know what the situation is down there." She explained. "Thank you." She moved her elbows so the waitress would have more room to set the food.