Saving Dallas

by Jones, Kim

  “Ok Miss Dallas, We gonna help you get a cool bath and see if that brings your fever down a little. Then, if you want to, you can rest and we will see how you feel when you wake up.” I batted my eyelashes in agreement since that’s the only part of my body that seemed to be working. Soon, I was undressed and in the tub while Jackie and Gladene bathed me with gentleness I didn’t think either of them were capable of. I would have to remember to give them a raise. They hauled me out once I was clean and before they could dry me off, I was sweating again.

  “That’s a good sign Miss Dallas. You need to sweat that fever out,” Gladene said.

  “Thank you.” It was the first words I had managed to say, and even though it was just above a whisper they heard me.

  “Come on, let’s get you some clothes on,” Jackie ordered, but I could see the softness in her eyes.

  Gladene changed the sheets while Jackie shoved medicine down my throat and forced me to drink some water. I only managed a few sips, but she seemed satisfied enough. I felt like I had run a marathon. The strength it took just to open my mouth was equivalent to climbing a mountain. They hoisted me into the bed and closed the blinds, ultimately darkening the room. I needed to tell Scott I wouldn’t make it today and check my cell phone to see if Luke had called. I wouldn’t tell him I was sick because I didn’t want him to feel obligated to come up here. Not that he would come anyway; he would probably just send someone to make sure I didn’t die. My anguish must have been all over my face because Gladene was staring at me concerned.

  “You gonna feel better real soon, Miss Dallas. Doctors don’t make house calls anymore, but I’ll call Dr. Pritchett to see what he thinks. He will be coming down this weekend anyway. We will get Ms. Pearl to pay him in cobbler and don’t you worry about Mr. Scott at the office. I called him first thing this morning and he said he would handle everything. Oh and a Mr. Luke called and I told him you was busy, but I’ll let him know what’s going on when he calls back. Stacy told us you found you a man.” I watched Jackie as she scurried around the room talking fast and jumping from one subject to another. I rolled my eyes at her. Gladene threw her hand on her hip and pointed at me.

  “See that’s why you ain’t ever had a man, cause...”

  “Gladene, leave the girl alone or at least wait until she is better.” If they left after that, I didn’t know it. When I blinked my eyes, they wouldn’t open and the darkness settled in.

  Chapter 19

  It was cold, freezing cold. My body convulsed into shudders constantly. I felt like I couldn’t breathe and the movements were causing me to become even more winded. People were in the room with me, but I was not sure who it was. Stacy was the first person to realize I was somewhat awake.

  “Hey honey,” he said, his voice soothing me.

  “D-doctor. I need to go to the h-hospital,” I stammered. Enough of this trying to be brave shit. I wanted a hospital room with IV’s and medicine and white fluorescent lighting.

  “They’re coming honey. The ambulance is on its way,” he said to me from a distance. He should have gone with Gladene and Jackie to get that flu shot.

  “Who called the damn ambulance?” I could hear Jackie’s voice hollering over everyone else’s.

  “I did Jackie. Damn! Have you looked at her?” Stacy said running his hands through his hair.

  “Of course I have looked at her! That’s why I called Dr. Pritchett and he is on his way over. There ain’t no need in getting all worked up when we know what she has,” Jackie said staring at him with her hands on her hips.

  “How in the hell do you know what she has? This is ain’t the old days, Jackie. There are doctors who work in actual hospitals that can help her. She needs fluids. She hasn’t eaten in over twenty-four hours and she is dehydrated.”

  I appreciated the fight Stacy was putting up for me, but I wished he would do it in the hallway. My head felt like it was going to explode. I heard the sound of sirens and everyone rushed from the room at the same time. Did they really have to turn the damn sirens on? I figured I would close my eyes and enjoy the silence until they got here.

  It was the next day before I opened my eyes again. Sunlight poured in from the windows and judging by the brightness, I could tell it was well into the afternoon. I looked around the room and sent a prayer up that Stacy had won and I was in the hospital. The room was large and spacious and covered in flowers. I wondered who they were from.

  The bouquet next to my bed was a dozen white roses and I smiled at the thought. I knew Luke had sent them in lei of Neo. Was Luke here? My pulse quickened at the thought. He was here. I knew he would be. The door opened and I glanced up and saw a nurse entering the room.

  “Well hello there!” She said excitedly. “There are a lot of people waiting to see you. How are you feeling?” I felt like shit. My whole body ached and even my hair hurt. My mouth was dry and tasted like someone had died in it.

  “I feel great,” I said forcing a smile. I didn’t want her to refuse me visitors just because I felt bad.

  “Honey, you can lie to anyone you want, but I will not tolerate you lying to me. Now, let’s try this again. How are you feeling?” I smirked at her enthusiasm. She was young and feisty and reminded me a lot of myself.

  “I feel like I was hit by a train, but I want to see my visitors,” I said holding her gaze. She would not deny me that. I wanted my Luke. I needed him.

  “Of course you do. After I check your vitals I will give you one hour then it’s back to resting up. We need to get you well and out of here.” I didn’t argue. An hour was better than nothing at all and although I would never admit it to her, our conversation alone was wearing me out.

  My vitals seemed to be okay. My pulse was a little fast and my blood pressure a little low but she said that was normal. I was wearing a catheter, and the thought almost made me vomit, but she said it would be best if we left it in until the doctor said otherwise. I needed to remain immobile until he made his rounds again which would be in about six hours. She helped me wash my mouth out, gave me some ice chips, and then sat me up in the bed. I was prepared for my company and even though my eyes were getting heavy again, I fought through it with the thought of seeing Luke, fueling my stamina.

  “I’ll send them in,” she said turning to leave. She left the door open and soon the room was full of people. Stacy was first, coming over to kiss my head and tell me how good it was to see me awake and myself. Next were Jackie and Gladene who both looked like they were grateful I didn’t die, but not much more. Red and Gypsy were there with Regg and Kev, all four fussing over me as if I was a newborn baby. I was unable to register much of anything they said. I had only one question. Where was Luke? Red gave me a wink and a reassuring smile and I knew that she had some information to share with me, but didn’t want to do it in front of everyone.

  “Well ladies, now that we know she is gonna be alright, I reckon we better head back,” Stacy said forcing me to look at him. His eyes were bloodshot and he looked like he had not slept in days.

  “We will be back first thing in the morning.” I gave him my best attempt at a smile. He squeezed my hand, and ushered Jackie and Gladene out of the room.

  “So, how ya feeling?” Red asked pulling up a chair next to my bed. Regg and Kev had taken a seat on the couch on the other side of the room and Gypsy sat across from then in a reclining chair.

  “Where is he, Red?” I asked not beating around the bush.

  “He couldn’t make it Dallas. He sent us the minute he found out you were sick. I have strict instructions to be at your every beck and call. I even brought my bag to stay with you until you are well enough to travel,” she said as if that were better than him actually being here.

  “What do you mean he couldn’t make it?” I tried to sound firm and demanding, but I had no fight in me. I was hollow inside. Him not being here was like someone had sucked the life out of me. He was all the medicine I needed, yet once again he put his club before me and sent someone else to do wha
t he should be doing.

  “There is a lot you don’t understand, Dallas,” she said lowering her voice. “This is a tough time for the club and Luke has been trying to handle some things here lately that he can’t just walk away from. I told you before, this club is his life, but you need to know that he would rather be here with you than anywhere else in the world.”

  I didn’t believe her. If he wanted to be here he would. She was defending him like she always did, like she always would.

  “I know you are upset, but one day you will understand and hopefully appreciate the sacrifices he makes for this club.”

  “I don’t give a shit about the club!” I yelled. “He is the one who wanted this. One minute he tells me he loves me and he would do anything for me and then when I really need him he isn’t here. I can’t take this, Red. I have given up everything for him. I’m not even the same person anymore and what has he given to me? Huh? Tell me Red! Tell me what sacrifices he has made for me and our relationship. I’m with him not the club.” Tears streamed down my face as I fought to keep my shallow breathing under control.

  “He is the club, Dallas. I know you don’t understand this now, but I hope you will soon.” I could see the pained look on Red’s face. I knew I shouldn’t take it out on her, but I had to take it out on someone and since Luke wasn’t here, she would have to suffice.

  “Look darlin’, we know you are upset, but believe me, he wanted to be here. There are some things that were planned a long time ago, shit that was set in stone and he had to be there to sign off on it. I promise you as soon as he can get away, he will be here,” Regg said from the foot of my bed.

  I had not even realized he had walked up. His words put me somewhat at ease, but still left me feeling empty.

  Jenn came to sit next to Red and held my hand in hers. “I have known Luke for years and I have never seen him as smitten with someone as he is with you. Trust us when we tell you that he wants to be here. I know this is a lot to take in and we have all been through it, but we are your family and we will help you get through this. By this, I don’t just mean the sickness. I mean everything. We are here for you.”

  Jenn reminded me of a motherly figure and just her soft voice and warm caresses on my hand had me feeling better about the whole ordeal. I needed to think this over and my eyelids were getting heavier with each passing second. I would sleep on it and maybe by tomorrow I would have some kind of conclusion to this fucked up life style I had decided to live by. Unable to respond I just nodded my head at them and closed my eyes. Sleep-I just needed a few hours of sleep and I would be fine.

  I woke to someone shaking me and calling my name.

  “Dallas, Dallas come on, wake up.” I opened my eyes and saw a girl I didn’t recognize standing next to my bed. She looked worried and very anxious.

  “Who are you?” I asked my voice thick with sleep.

  “Listen to me. We don’t have much time. You have to get out of this hospital. I don’t care what you do or how you do it, but you must get out now.” What the hell?

  “Why?” I asked trying to sit up in bed to get a better look at her. It was dark outside and the lights were off. I could only make out part of her face and nothing more.

  “I, I have to go.” She was out the door before I could ask her anymore questions. Maybe my meds were too strong, or not strong enough. That was weird. I needed to find out who she was, but my thoughts were interrupted when the nurse came in.

  “Hey girl! How about we get this catheter out and let you do a little moving around.” I nodded my head in agreement. Hopefully I could walk to the shower. I was beginning to smell funny. The nurse removed the catheter and took my vitals which were perfect. Maybe I would be out of here soon after all.

  “Do you know who that girl was that just left?” I asked the nurse while she helped me to a sitting position on the side of the bed.

  “What girl honey? It’s two o’clock in the morning. Ain’t nobody here except you and me. We ran the other ones out of here because they had not had the flu vaccine. We still aren’t real sure if that’s what ya got. The blood work hasn’t come back yet.”

  What? I was so confused. Shit, maybe I imagined it. I shook my head to try and clear my thoughts, and with a lot less energy than I thought I would need, I made it to the bathroom.

  I owed Red. She had pulled through for me. I was able to shower with my own shampoo and body wash and she had not only bought me a brand new set of pajamas, she washed them too. After I was clean and dressed, the nurse helped me to the recliner in the room and I sat feeling much more refreshed. I was still tired and my body achy, but it was tolerable.

  “I am so fucking hungry,” I announced, more to myself than the nurse. She looked at me with a raised eyebrow and I remembered that my language was probably not suitable for her ears. “Sorry,” I muttered.

  “The doctor is on the floor. I will see if you can have some jello or something light.” Fuck the jello. I wanted a hamburger. Maybe one of those Wards’ big one with chili and cheese, or a chili cheese dog covered in onions and mustard.

  “You need anything before I go?” the nurse asked interrupting my imaginary buffet.

  “Would you hand me my phone please?” Someone, probably Red, had been kind enough to put it on the charger for me. She brought my phone to me and left the room. I must have pissed her off with my foul language. Oh well, I was the patient.

  My phone had been turned on silent, so the notification tone that would have gone off twenty-three times went unheard. I had text messages from Lindsey letting me know that she had everything under control. I had one from Scott telling me that the tenants were moving out over the weekend. A few more were from various people from the office expressing their concerns, which surprised me. The greatest surprise was the eleven missed calls and the two text messages I received from Luke.

  *I love you babe. Sorry I can’t be there for you. Call me when you can.* *I miss you so much it hurts. I love you.*

  Luke was so frustrating. What could be so important that he couldn’t be here? Well, there was only one way to find out. I didn’t care that it was almost three in the morning. I dialed Luke’s number and held my breath as it rang.

  “Yeah,” came a groggy voice from the other end of the line.

  “Hey stranger,” I said. I was still upset with him, but just hearing his voice had me smiling.

  “Dallas?” His voice was clearer and I could picture him sitting up in the bed.

  “It’s me,” I replied still smiling.

  “Hey baby! How ya feeling?”

  How did I feel? Lonely… Hurt… Betrayed…

  “I’m feeling better. Sorry to call you so late, but I just woke up.”

  “Don’t apologize, baby. I’m glad you called. What has the doctor said?” I could hear Luke up and moving around. What I would give to be there with him right now. I choked back my tears and forced my voice to remain steady.

  “I haven’t seen him yet. I think it’s the flu, but it hasn’t been confirmed. This is the first time I have gotten out of bed since I have been sick. What are you doing?” I didn’t want to talk about me. I wanted to talk about why he had not been here to see me.

  “Baby, I know you are upset, but I promise when you get home I am going to tell you everything. That may not sound like a lot to you, but it is the greatest thing I have to offer. I have kept you in the dark because I don’t want to lose you and I’m afraid you will run when I tell you what I have been avoiding since the first night I met you. You deserve to know Dallas and I have been selfish for keeping this from you. It kills me to know that when you need me I can’t be there.”

  “I understand Luke,” I said stopping him before he could tell me anymore. “I’m fine, really. I should be home in a few days.”

  I had made up my mind. Luke was everything I had ever wanted in a man. His complicated world had turned me upside down, but I loved it. I loved his friends and the relationship they had. I wanted that for myself, bu
t most of all, I just wanted to be with him. Being without him these past few days were tough, but not as tough as it was before I knew he existed. I would take Luke anyway I could get him, and if that meant I had to come in second then so be it, because only one day with Luke was better than a lifetime without.

  “I will make it up to you baby. I know you are tired of hearing that, but it’s the truth. I’m not perfect by any means, but I am a better man with you. Please don’t leave me.” His plea tugged at my heart. “Give me just a little time baby. I promise it will not always be like this.” I knew he wanted to tell me right then what was going on, but I trusted him. More than I had ever trusted anyone. “I’m not going anywhere. I promise. Go back to sleep. As soon as the doctor comes in I’ll text and let you know what he says.”

  “No, you call me. I always have my phone on me. If you need anything or you just want to talk, call me.” I smiled at how fast he had gone from love struck Luke to biker bad boy, LLC.

  “I will. I love you Luke.”

  “I love you too baby. I’ll talk to you soon.” I hung up the phone feeling a little better about my situation. My glory was short lived when the doctor walked into the room.

  “Hello, Miss Knox. I know the hour is unusual, but since your schedule is messed up and I just so happened to be on the floor, I thought I would stop by.”

  The doctor was an older gentleman with hair as white as snow and kind brown eyes. He pulled a chair up next to me and took at seat.

  “Miss Knox, I want you to know that no one other than myself and the lab techs know about the results of your blood work.” I felt like I was missing a piece of the puzzle, but I just nodded so he would continue. “Do you know anyone who would want to hurt you?” His question caught me completely off guard.