by HJ Bellus
“Hunter. Is there a Hunter Yates in here?”
I peer over my shoulder and see that there are only three other women in here. I bite down on my tongue, trying like hell to control my frustration then stand up.
“I’m Hunter.”
“Dave is persistent about his man. He won’t stop and has been begging for his man, and is demanding to have you back there.”
I nod. “Well, I’ve been out here waiting to go back there. I knew he’d need me.”
The receptionist ducks her head and the nurse shrugs. “Follow me.”
We wind through a few different hallways, pass several rooms, and then I hear Dave yelling at someone.
“Where’s my boy? I know he’s out there.”
The nurse enters the room first, and I follow. Dave relaxes right away when he sees me.
“About damn time, Hunter.”
A large smile covers my face hearing the grumpy ass’s voice. “I’ve been waiting out there. Wouldn’t let me back here.”
“Well, you are my damn son. Isn’t family allowed back here?” Dave’s few rotten teeth shine behind the smile on his face.
I shrug. “You’d think they’d let family back.”
“Sorry, about the confusion. We will be back shortly once the test results are back,” the nurse finally announces.
When she leaves, I turn to Dave who even though is being swallowed up by a hospital bed he’s smiling with pride.
“I think Grandson would be more believable than a son, Dave.” I take the seat next to his bed.
“Naw, you are my son.” He pats the bed.
After a night from hell waiting on getting to him, I’m not about to argue with him about the vast age difference.
“What the hell happened?”
“Couldn’t get out of bed. My home phone wasn’t working, and I finally found an old cell phone on my nightstand that I bought from Costco. I called 911.”
“Jesus, Dave.” I scrub my face. “So, what’s going on?”
“My feet hurt so bad, I couldn’t even sit up to piss.”
“Think you have an infection?”
He shrugs. We wait in silence for another hour before a new nurse enters the room. Right off, I know this is going to go downhill fast because she’s one of the prettiest women I’ve ever seen.
“Holy shit!” Dave sits up a little higher in the bed. “You’re the prettiest gal I’ve ever seen, you need to go home with my boy here.”
The nurse is a good sport, nodding, and gives Dave a thank you.
“Nice rack, and I’ve taught my boy how to dance. You married? He’s looking for a wife.”
“Jesus, Dave.” I bury my face in my hands from embarrassment.
I should be used to this, but Dave is on one tonight with her. I can’t really blame him because she should be on the movie screen with her perfect body and face.
“The doctor will be in in a minute, Dave.” She pats his legs. “And I am married, but thank you.”
She turns her back and begins striding out of the room.
“Nothing wrong with a little fun on the side,” he hollers after her.
At least, his spirits seem to be up at the moment.
“One of these days you are going to get slapped across the face.” I lean back in the chair stretching out my legs.
“Will be the most action I’ve seen in years,” he replies.
“I’m proud of you for thinking to use that phone.”
“Yeah, was thinking about sending you to buy one for me.”
“I could do that.”
“You need to go down to the store on Main Street.”
“Okay.” I smile, wondering how Dave and a cell phone will go together.
“Ask for the manager and get the best possible deal on one.”
I jerk my head, acknowledging him, amused at his typical antics when it comes to saving money. The man is so tight, he’d never pay me a penny that I didn’t earn.
Our conversation is interrupted when the doctor comes in. I cringe when he has a deep accent, knowing Dave will never be able to understand him.
“Mr. Hendricks.” He sets his laptop on the table next to the bed. “Looks like you’ll be spending a few weeks in here.”
Dave looks over to me. I give him a knowing look that I’ve got him and will tell him everything the doctor says.
“You have a severe infection streaming through your blood, coupled with a MRSA infection. Your blood sugar was also way out of whack when you came in. Controlling your diabetes is crucial.”
I lean over the bed and relay the information to Dave.
“Bullshit. I’m not staying in here for a few weeks.”
“Sir, you don’t have any other options.”
“I’ve got two legs, and I can walk right out of here.”
“Dave.” I place my hand on his bed. “Listen, they are here to help you and ease your pain. You need to listen to what they have to say and follow their orders.”
He growls at me, but listens. I don’t know what it is, but he’s combative with everyone except me. It’s my job to be the middleman, talking Dave off the cliff and back into reality. You’d think he’d listen to the professionals, but he never does.
It’s well past three in the morning once he’s settled in his room on the third floor of the hospital. His good spirits from earlier when he saw me enter his room have vanished. Dave’s in pain and nearing the pool of hopelessness.
“Going to head out. I’ll be back tomorrow with a phone after school and work.”
He just nods, not making eye contact.
“It’s all going to be fine, Dave.” I grab the top of his hand with emotion clogging my throat.
“I’m tired, Hunter. Tired of the pain and living like this.” His words flow through the room, and he still doesn’t make eye contact.
The emotion nearly choking me, causes my eyes to water up. “Day by day, and I’ll be here for you.”
He never turns his head to make eye contact, before my boots finally move out the door. My legs are weak and tremble with each step. Dave’s downtrodden spirits, tear and pull at my soul. The parking lot is deserted, with only a few cars scattered around.
A woman strides in front of me with a large purse over her shoulder. It happens in slow motion, the tip of her shoe catches on the pavement, and then her body lurches forward tumbling hard onto the unforgiving parking lot.
“Are you okay?” I race forward and kneel down, offering help.
Her scent hits me first, then her piecing blue eyes peer up at me.
“Hunter.” My name falls gracefully from her lips.
My exhausted body hums to life with her near presence. I find myself lifting her up and holding on to her until she’s able to stand on her own.
“Are you okay, Teale?”
“Yeah.” She swipes her bangs from her eyes. “Distracted.”
Without thinking, I guide her over to my truck and lift her up in it. The dome light gives off just enough light to see her knee.
“Good one, Jeff Gordon.” I cringe once her nickname slips. “Let me get this gravel out.”
Several different pieces of gravel are embedded in her kneecap. I use a bottle of water to run over knee to clean it up.
“Don’t have a Band-Aid, but should be good enough to get you home.”
When I straighten up, I notice Teale is staring at me with tears streaming down her face. The rest of her facial features bare and blank.
“You probably have a lot of Band-Aids at home since you have a young daughter.”
She nods her head, offering no further explanation. My hand moves until my palm is cupping her cheek. My thumb runs small circles along her familiar, delicate skin. Teale’s tears fall faster down her face. Neither of us says a word not knowing where to begin. Our minds, hearts, and souls haven’t forgotten each other, but the complication is too thick to start to muddle through.
It’s the ringing of her cell phone that finally breaks our eye co
ntact. I refuse to look down at it in her lap, only to see a picture of her husband’s face on it.
“Hello.” She brings her phone to her ear in a shaky matter.
Then the silence cuts through the air, only with a male’s muted voice streaming from the other end.
“I’m on my way home. Is she asleep?”
More silence and the man’s voice. I take a step back growing sick to my stomach, and it’s not the pain from my side I’ve been experiencing.
“I’ll be home in a bit. Bye.”
I take another step backward.
“No.” Teale grabs my forearm, tugging me back to her.
Our chests collide, her legs spread wide letting me settle in with her arms lacing around my neck. I’ve never felt so much emotion in one simple hug. I want to let go and run, and stay here forever, all in the same moment.
“I’m sorry, Hunter. So sorry,” she whispers into my ear. “I wanted to tell you, but couldn’t.”
I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. This is the goodbye we never had. The last few moments to hold each other and grieve the loss we are both experiencing.
“Did you ever truly love me?” I whisper through the hurt tearing me apart.
“I still love you, Hunter, but…”
I pull back not letting her finish that sentence. I can’t hear it. There’s no way I’d be able to process to it and fall to my knees surrendering. I nod my head and then hold my hand out to Teale. She’s hesitant, but finally hops down, not taking my hand. She keeps her head hung and walks to her shitty, little car. I don’t move until she’s safely in it and drives off.
What a prick! He can wear a fancy suit, but lets her drive that piece of shit death trap. Must be a real piece of work there. I hop in the truck and open the glove box. The black box is nestled in there, even though it’s a different truck. The diamond still shines as bright as the day I bought it.
8
Hunter
“Beneath the stains of time the feeling disappears, you are someone else I am still right here.”
-Johnny Cash
I didn’t know if they still made such a thing, but thank God they do. I bought Dave the simplest flip phone the store had. I didn’t go to the one on Main Street, and also didn’t ask to talk to the manager of the joint.
“Dave.” I nod, entering his room.
Dave’s rocking in a chair in the corner of his room, staring out the window with a blank stare.
“You okay?” I ask nearing him.
It’s then I smell it, then moments later spot it. Dave had shit himself, and more than likely doesn’t even know it. The gown exposes some of the sores on the sides of his legs. He’s been in here a week, and he’s still in severe pain and depressed. His bottom is raw from not being to control himself.
“I’m tired, Hunter. The pain is too much. I want to go home.”
“Have the doctors been in to see you today?”
“No.”
“I brought you that phone.”
“About damn time.” He turns to look at me.
Even though I bust ass to see him every single night, I haven’t had the chance to stop at the store until today. If I’m honest, I haven’t been looking forward to teaching Dave how to use the damn cell phone. I have it all charged and my number programmed in it.
“Let me grab a nurse and get you to the bed, then I’ll show you how to use it.”
“I don’t need no damn help.” Dave struggles to get up.
I ignore him and grab a nurse’s attention in the hallway. He’s been getting more stubborn about doing things on his own. It’s his pride. Dave doesn’t like having me see him in this state, and I get that. I always step out in the hall until he’s ready.
Dave’s settled in the bed when I walk back into the room. He holds his hand out for the phone, eager to get his hands on it.
“Not sure you’re ready for this,” I joke.
“Give me the damn phone, son.” I hand him the phone and try to explain what he needs to do.
I give him a call from my phone to test out the ringer volume, and it’s not loud enough for him to hear, so I adjust the ring tone. Dave sets the phone on the bed next to him.
“Candy?” He grins slyly.
I pull the packages of candy from my pocket. Some things never do change. Dave still harasses the nurses and me for candy or any sweets. I’ve also chosen to be on his side of the war; it’s just easier that way.
“What are you doing after this?” He asks, gnawing on a peanut M&M.
“Friday night parties. The big college life,” I reply.
I promised Connor I’d join him tonight, because I’m simply not in the mood to sit in my apartment. The encounter with Teale left me rattled beyond belief. In moments of solace, it worsens.
“It’s not called that.” Dave pops an orange M&M in his mouth with chocolate drool running down his chin.
“Oh yeah?” I ask.
“It’s Friday night pussy.”
I can’t help but laugh and shake my head at the man. Of course, he’d go there.
“You getting any pussy tonight, Hunter?”
“No, Dave just hanging out with buddies.”
We haven’t spoken of Teale, but it’s silently understood between us. The man is sharp as a tack and knows exactly what’s going on.
“Ah, life is short, take it by the pussy.”
A nurse had stepped into Dave’s room mid-sentence.
“Jesus, Dave,” I whisper and bury my face in my hands.
“My son here is looking for some pussy tonight. He’s a good man, and you’re a good-looking woman. How about it?”
She blushes a bright red. “I’m good. Thanks.”
“A run at me?” He flips back the blankets, smiling his full megawatt smile, drool and all.
“I’m sorry.” I shake my head.
If I had a dollar for every single time I’ve used that phrase apologizing for Dave, I’d be a billionaire.
“No worries. We are used to it.” She pats my shoulder and sends me a wink.
Once she’s out of the room, Dave goes on and on about how the nurse wants him until the doctor walks in.
“Good evening, Mr. Hendricks.”
Dave growls, popping in more M&M’s.
“Have some good news. It looks like you’ll be going home in a few days.” The doctor’s words are loud and clear, so Dave needs no interpretation. “We will have some care coming in every few days to check on you.”
“Bullshit. Ain’t nobody coming in my house to stick shit in my body. I’ve had enough fucking shit up my ass in here.”
“Mr. Hendricks, this will help you heal and stay healthy.”
“Not happening.”
The doctor glances over to me with a pleading gaze.
“Dave, I think it sounds like a good plan, and it will hopefully keep you out of this place and nursing homes in the future.”
He remains quiet for a few moments, then finally nods. We all learned real fast that Dave would take anyone head on not letting up, but for some reason listens to me. The doctor’s discovered this quite quickly, and waits for me to be in the room before discussing any issues with him.
“I’ll get it all setup and get the schedule to you.”
“And to my son,” Dave adds.
The doctor grins, but eventually nods in agreement before leaving.
Dave goes right back to demolishing his candy without a second thought. I know he doesn’t like it when I leave at night and tends to drag out conversations to keep me around him. He’s in candy devouring mode right now, so I spark up the conversation on my own.
“Bought a new motorcycle this summer and I’m going to start riding up here. Practicing for summer competition races.”
“Those things are damn death traps. Hate them.” Dave turns his head to stare at me. “Don’t be an idiot and ride.”
“Have been since I was a young kid. I’ve got all the gear and know what I’m doing.”
“Keep your ass off of it. Those are death machines. I’m not kidding, Hunter.”
“Okay, Dave.” He raises both hands in the air.
“I’m damn serious.”
I’ve only seen Dave passionate about his farm and being an asshole to people. His fierceness takes me by shock. There’s no way in hell I’ll ever stop riding, but not going to argue with him.
“Good news, you get to go home in a few days, eh?”
“Yeah, got lots of work to do on the farm,” he replies.
And just like that, the subject is long gone.
“Get your ass up, Connor.” I throw a pillow at the sleeping giant on my couch. “Let’s go mow Dave’s lawn.”
“Need my mommy,” he mumbles into the pillow, then lets a fart rip.
“I’m not sure what’s more disturbing, you wanting your Mommy or the fact you’re stripped down to your boxers on my couch. Man, that’s one layer between my poor couch and your whacker.”
“Whacker?” His voice muffled from the pillow.
“Dick,” I correct.
“Your couch would be worth more with no layers.”
“Get your ass up!” I toss another pillow at his back. “I need to head out to Dave’s to mow his lawn. You’re going to shit when you drive this mower.”
He slowly sits up with sleep still covering his face. “You are getting a boner over a lawn mower? You need your damn head checked, Hunter. Or a good lay.”
“Just get your ass up. Trust me you’ll never be the same.”
Connor is up and dressed, but demands to stop at a drive thru for coffee and breakfast. He’s never been out to Dave’s place. As we pull up to it and the wagon wheel fence comes into view, then the acres and acres of machinery and junk, his jaw drops open. It’s quite amusing watching people’s reactions when they first see this place. It’s unlike anything else, but today it’s missing the star of the ranch, Dave.
Which will allow us to race the shit out of his lawn mower. Connor stumbles as we walk to get the riding lawn mower out of the shop, because he can’t quit staring at everything in front of him.