Imitator: Chapter 10
Kris couldn’t remember getting to the hospital, but he did remember telling Michael he could walk. And he remembered that Michael ignored him, scooping him up effortlessly and carrying him in to get seen like some kid.
This local hospital’s endocrinologist was pissed off when she saw Kris. At first he thought it was because it was late, and she’d probably had a long day. But then he noticed what she held in her hands and got a bad feeling. His medical stuff. Kris had no idea how she’d gotten a hold of all of it, and she didn’t look happy about what it said.
She’d checked him out, and tested his glucose again, before she let him have it.
“It says here, that less than a week ago in Salt Lake City you were hospitalized with a concussion from a fall, due to low blood sugar. Is that correct?”
Kris nodded silently.
“Trust me when I tell you that if you don’t start taking care of yourself, and alerting those close to you to look out for you when you can’t, things can get a whole lot worse. This can kill you if you don’t stay on top of it, and manage it the way you were taught.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Kris answered, though he still felt confused.
--
In a secluded waiting room, all the rest waited.
Though Danny had wanted to stay and be there in case Kris needed anything, he learned quickly that hospitals still got to him, and he excused himself to go wait on the bus, where Megan had gone to sleep after all the commotion. Michael went with him, so he wouldn’t be by himself. Allison had fallen asleep on her mom’s shoulder, as it was now pushing 2 AM. Scott sat silently, shaking a little and praying everything would work out. Anoop and Matt had gone to contemplate vending machine choices, Lil was sipping coffee and Adam was working the room, making sure everyone was okay, before walking out to the bus to check on Danny.
And when Kris was finally released a few minutes later and they arrived at their hotel hours behind schedule, it was Adam who offered to stay with him.
--
Kris didn’t really need anyone to stay with him. He was fine on his own, and he tried to tell Adam that, but he didn’t listen.
“I bet you just wanna share the big hotel room, and not stay in the little one," Kris joked.
“You’re only half right,” Adam said, smiling in spite of his exhaustion. “The room’s amazing as hell, but I’m here because I want to make sure you’re okay. So why don’t you stop wandering around and go to bed?” he suggested gently.
Kris shook his head. “I’m not wandering, I’m just thinking.”
“You can’t think lying down?”
“No. ’Cause I think I need to go find some other people to thank them and stuff…” Kris trailed off, going for the door.
Sighing Adam got up and stood in front of him, blocking the exit and gripping his shoulders. “Okay. Be straight with me.”
Kris smirked. “I am.”
“Yeah, yeah,“ Adam dismissed, trying for seriousness but cracking up. Once he had control of himself again, he asked. “Are you still, like, symptomatic right now? Because you’re acting like you’re not quite right.”
“No, I mean, if I was still symptomatic, I’d be acting kinda weird,” Kris said honestly.
“Kris. You are acting weird. Trust me.”
“I’ll just say thanks real quick and come right back!” Kris tried, though he was so tired he could barely keep his balance to walk around Adam.
Wordlessly, Adam pulled Kris in for a hug and then walked him back to the bed, pushing on his shoulders until he sat.
“Trust me, okay?” Adam repeated gently. “Just stay here with me. Get some rest. You’ll feel better in the morning.”
Because Kris finally seemed to realize just how tired he was, Adam kissed his forehead gently, the way his mom did whenever he was sick, and pulled the covers back. Then he walked over to the little table and pulled the two comfortable chairs together, curling inside them to sleep.
“Don’t leave without telling me, okay?” Adam warned softly.
“All right, I promise,” Kris yawned.
“Good night.”
“Adam? Thanks for not bein’ mad at me. Thanks for taking care of me.”
Sitting up, Adam looked his friend in the eye. “I never was mad. Kris. I was worried. And I’ll always be here for you,” he promised.
And though neither one could sleep for a long time, both took comfort that the other was in the room with him. Both were glad for the company, and the peace of mind it brought them, knowing the other was there, and that he understood.