Ask Me

Ask Me 55

By Maxieplus.

My name used to be Maxieplus1 but unfortunately now theres just me lolol. Thank you for all your emails and good wishes with this story, donations to Nifty are always accepted gratefully.

Conner.

Brent was so fucking sick even I could see he wasn't himself; he was all over the place. I didn't take much notice of what he said and hugged Ted snugly as I told him daddy was sick and I had to go make him better so could he stay with his grandpas for awhile. He wanted me to go and said his daddy needed me, so I kissed him and told him we loved him and I would ring him later.

Ray drove us to the hospital and by the time we got there Brent was in a bed waiting for a scan. He was pale and there was more blood all over the snow-white sheet that covered him. They had set up an IV drip and he looked very disorientated, he was lying on his side so I moved up the back of him and held his hand then kissed the nape of his neck and he swung around and looked at me like he didn't know who I was. A doctor came in with two orderlies and he explained he thought it was a ruptured spleen, and it would explain the mess Brent was in.

"Is he going to be all right doctor?" My eyes begged.

"We hope so Mr. Conners but we can't wait for the CT scan, he has to be operated on as soon as possible, its life or death at the moment, but by God I will do my best for this boy. The theater has been set up and it's imperative he has it removed as soon as possible, it's poisoning his body rapidly." I swayed and looked down at Brent, he had started crying, I took his hand and he squeezed it. A nurse came by and stuck him with a needle and he became very drowsy then the orderlies and nurse wheeled him off towards a lift with the doctor following.

I found a seat and sat heavily; then I wept. My head was aching by the time I had cried it all out. What Brent has been through this past year and a half is unbelievable, and to top it off with this crap it's so hard to comprehend. Taking a deep breath I went to look for Ray and to maybe ring my boy. I found him sitting in the waiting room with Grant deep in conversation.When he saw me he smiled and stood, taking me in his arms while patting my back and he whispered.

"He's going to be okay Con, be positive, they will fix it, come talk to Grant."

I sat between them and Grant took my hand.

"Conner the spleen was probably damaged in the accident but it's taken a long time to raise its ugly head. Stan had his removed after an accident on his motorbike and has to watch for infections constantly; of course he takes pills for it. If Brent is lucky the surgeon might repair it but mostly they like to take it out, there are too many complications." He squeezed my hand then put his arm around my shoulder.

"Stay strong Conner, he will be okay." He smiled at me.

"I had better ring Ted, he will be worried," I said to them.

Pulling out my phone, I rang home then realized he was staying in with John so I hung up and rang his number. We talked for a few minutes then he put Ted on.

"Baby I might have to stay here the night with dad, do you mind sleeping with grandpa, because if you do then I will come home or uncle Grant can come stay with you?"

"Its okay daddy, just make dad better, you stay with him. Grandpa and me are going to play computer games, he's really good too."

"All right baby, thank you, I love you, can you put grandpa John on?"

I passed the phone to Ray and he more or less told John he wouldn't be home until he knew Brent was out of danger. I didn't want to ring Bob and Jen with bad news so I left it to Ray; and Grant rang the boys, who were at the hospital hugging me within a half hour. They got us coffee and sandwiches then waited until there was some news. My tears were near but I knew he would be all right, I just knew it.

In saying this to myself tears started dripping down my face anyway. Phil took me in his arms and rocked me back and forth. I slept across the sofa and someone put a blanket over me and I don't have a clue what time the doctor appeared but suddenly the room came alive when he spoke to Ray who pointed him in my direction.

"He's out of danger Mr. Conners." The relief I felt was draining, my legs nearly gave way as I flopped down and the doctor followed me onto the sofa.

"The spleen could have been repaired but we deemed it too dangerous to leave so we removed it, that was the result of the seatbelt latch digging into his side. He will recover and at the moment he's being settled into a private room. You can see him shortly but he will be very groggy for awhile so please don't stay long, we need him to rest." He smiled reassuringly.

"Have you any idea what that man has been through doctor, there's no way I am leaving him alone tonight or any other night." My tears ran freely.

"I thought you might just think that way so a very comfortable chair will be placed beside the bed, now can you tell your friends they must go home and get some rest, it will be just you and Mr. Walsh tonight."

I got the boys to go home as it was really late and I wanted Ray to hug Ted for me, even though he would be asleep by now. Phil and Davo had work today so they said they were heading for the jet, they will sleep there. I told them to be careful and to sleep then I hugged Grant and thanked him, he said he would be back in the morning. Finding my best mate was easy, I just followed a familiar looking nurse into a room and there he was.

I crept over to the bed and took his hand, his eyes were sparkling in the dim light and he put this big smile on his face and whispered to me,

"I love you."

I cried into his hand trying to expel all my saved up sadness and worry into it, whisper kissing it as he tried to dry my eyes with his thumbs. He pulled me down closer to his lips then we kissed, he asked me why was I crying? He was the one that was sick in hospital; I sort of smiled. Sitting in the big chair, his hand never left mine and I watched as he slowly closed his eyelids and went to sleep.

Brent.

I woke off and on, and each time I saw my Conner with his head in his crossed arms.He was still holding my hand until the doctor came in and looked at my chart; he nodded to the nurse and said to Conner,

"We did keyhole surgery, which is better than a big open operation, so Brent will be here for about five days then he will be sent home. It will take around five weeks to heal properly, no heavy lifting, nothing too rigorous, we expect a full recovery. He will have to wear a medical bracelet at all times and we will make sure he gets his preventative medicine before he leaves."

"Doctor there's a very upset little boy in the waiting room wanting to see his daddy," I overheard the nurse whisper.

"Are you up for a visitor Brent?"

"Oh yes, could you sit me up a bit before he comes in?" Con helped the nurse pull me up, I had no pain at all but I don't expect too much. While they talked a bit more I sneaked in a small cheek kiss on Con, his beautiful eyes shone on me.

"Daddy, I was worried about you," Ted said as Con lifted him onto the bed.His little eyes were everywhere and his hand reached up to touch the IV tube running into my hand.

"Same rules as the plane Ted, no touching." I smiled at him and breathed in his little boy smells.

"I missed you but dad stayed with me all night, did you have fun at granddad's place?"

"Yes daddy but he wouldn't let Benny sleep wif us but it was okay, I give Ben a big bone."

"Good boy, are you off to school now?"

"Yes dad I want to tell Shaun and Bubby all about you falling over in the kitchen." My heart sank, I wished he hadn't seen that part, but he seems okay.

"Yeah, you tell them how silly daddy was to slip on the tiles." I grinned.

I don't remember him leaving but I did feel the softest kiss on my lips, in my sleep.

Again I woke around lunchtime, Con was eating a pie and I spied another one sitting there, I guess it's for me but he was eyeing it off.

"You will get fat." I made him jump.

"Jesus Christ, Brent, give me a warning next time."

"You can have it, I'm not hungry." I wasn't either.

"No, it's for you, if I need another I can ask the nurse."

"Then I will save it for our boy."

"God, don't do that, John will get miffed if he eats here, you know what he's like," he added while still eyeing the pie.

I pushed it over, closer to him; he shoved the rest of his into his gob and picked mine up. He blushed then started in on it.

"Good boy, nice to see you're eating right," I said smiling into my pillow.

Con leant over then looked around and kissed me.

"I love you."

"I'm sorry, I should have noticed something was wrong earlier, none of this would have happened," I told him.

"Don't worry about a thing baby, I have it in hand. Ted is going to stay with the grandies for a few nights and Jen and Bob have offered to stay at our place for a night just in case he needs more hugs. He's okay considering it gave him a fright but seeing you this morning is a big plus, he knows you are okay."

"Not on Con, please don't make me get out of this bed. You go and pick him up from school and bring him here then you go home and eat. Tell him his story and maybe he can sleep in our bed. He needs you as much as me so I have to insist this happens Conner, no arguments."

He looked shocked but I detected a small smile, he knew I was sort of joking.

"The most important thing here is that Ted's routine isn't interrupted too much. I will be sleeping most of the time anyway, not that I don't want you here but our boy needs you too so you have to promise to bring him in for a visit in the morning. I should be sitting in a chair by this afternoon anyway and they will have me walking tomorrow and maybe home the following day, with keyhole surgery it's so much better nowadays."

"I want to stay here with you but I see your point. Unfortunately you may get quite a few visitors today. I just wanted only us to be here but I can't prevent it, sorry baby."

"It's okay Con, if I get tired I will sleep, no apologies needed from me and anyway little Conner will be over too." His eyes lit up.

"Oh no you don't, you haven't got time to go to Kmart anyway, you've only got an hour to pick Ted up." He gave me a sad face.

As it happened he sat with me, and John and Ray collected Ted who proceeded to tell me about his day. He was asked to go to Mrs. Green's office to tell her how I was and to pass on her very best wishes to me. I was a little surprised she didn't give me homework for being a prick the other night.

A cute guy in tight jeans that showed his ass off came with them. Tom was the same as Ted, his eyes were everywhere and he even read my charts, checked my eyes and asked the nurse if he could do my blood pressure. Teddy was watching every move he made and he did it all to the book, I couldn't stop smiling, I was so proud of him.

"They will send you home in three days Brent, everything's perfectly normal so I don't see any reason to keep you here."

"Thank you Doctor Tom." I put my arm around his shoulders and hugged him.

I was sitting up straight and he asked if I wanted to get into a chair for awhile. I said yes, so cautiously, he and the nurse got me settled into Con's comfy chair. I then pulled Ted in to sit on my knee and he got loads of cuddles. Another little kid arrived, spitting dribble everywhere.He screamed when he saw Con, and struggled to get to him, so Bob handed him over then kissed and hugged me while moving Jen out of the way in the process. I got a hug from the baby, before he and Ted went off to play with a bag of toys Jen had brought with her. Di and Marty came with Hope who was promptly placed with the kids who looked after her. Di held my hand, she was beautiful and yes, she glowed.

"Well, what a way of getting the whole family together, we must do this more often," I said smiling.

"No way brother, you stay well and next time dickhead, tell someone you're not feeling a hundred percent," Bob chided.

"I will Bob but I really did feel okay until two days ago, guess it's a Brent thing."

I was getting very tired and Con was torn between Ted and I, but Ted won. Thank God my room cleared, I wanted Tom to stay but he said he had a hot date so he also left. I climbed back into bed and just as my eyes closed my phone rang, it was Con saying goodnight. I fell asleep feeling a bit lonely and cold.

The next day they had me walking around, I even managed to make it to the nurse's station as a very happy man and our son came out of the lift; both their faces lit up. I walked them back to my room and asked Con to lift Ted onto the bed so I could give him a proper hug which I did, then I did a little more with Conner. Time stood still as I deeply kissed him, I'm sure he had a hardon...he would have because his hand was on my ass, through the opening of my hospital gown.

Turning back to Ted I asked him many questions. I missed him telling me how he was planning his day and his footy training, my God, the season will start soon so I better get on top of it all.

"Con before the season starts I want to do something for Ted's class, maybe an ice cream day to launch the new field and rooms." Teds eyes lit up, his fists tightened.

"Cool daddy, that's sooo cool." I thought I might start something on my own, an ice cream day before the season and maybe one for the winner's school when it finished. Con can do the pie day and Ray and John can maybe do a cake day or something mid season. Con looked put out so I leant over and said,

"You do the pie day, did you forget?"

"Oh yeah that's right, I build the new million dollar park and I also get to do the pie day." He was joking of course.

We spent the next half hour talking about his homework then they had to go and I wouldn't see Con until the afternoon because he had business with Marty. I thought about the Disney movie premier and although I would have loved to be there with my son, it was going to be resting on the couch for me. It's only for one day and I'm sure the press will be all over it anyway, my son the movie star!

I had an unexpected visitor for lunch and he arrived with this gorgeous man on his arm who was holding onto two equally gorgeous kids, not that Cody wasn't handsome but I would describe him more as beautiful, those full pouty lips reminded me of Con's.

"It's so good to see you both, what brings you to town?" I said as each of them kissed me.

"I had to come and do stuff at my shop so these three tagged along when they heard you were ill," Cody answered.

"I'm okay, just another hiccup in my life. It's so good to see you both and you two gorgeous things too." I smiled at the babies. They were so cute; Cody and Conner sat on Dan's knee talking about the plane ride and the sky and clouds.

"Did you fly up in Con's plane?"

"Yes Brent and we go back later this afternoon. I can't stay away for long as I have a team to help train but we had to come see you. When are you both coming to visit again and I believe you have a young man for us to meet this time?" Dan said.

"Oh yes, a gorgeous little boy called Ted, and he's also the footy team captain, he will so want to talk to you, you know get tips and things, he's already sorted out the pie day," I chuckled clutching my side.

"Anytime Brent, when you're feeling a bit better bring him up, we can hang out. I don't mind at all, he can do some training with my boys on the beach on Sundays," Dan suggested.

"Thought you would get it sorted Dan, give Brent a card so Ted can call you anytime to get some... tips," Codes added.

"When is his first game?" Dan asked.

"In three weeks, the training is grueling." I grinned.

I touched my side as it was hurting now, Cody went to get a nurse and one little kid followed him. She gave me the once over then popped a pill into my mouth. We talked for the next half hour and I started to get sleepy so they said they had a plane to catch and would be in touch.

"Do me a favor will you Cody?"

"Anything Brent."

"Ask Adam when Hobbit season is," I asked giggling.

"What are you up to Mr. Walsh?"

"Nuthin, Mr. Mitchell."

He laughed then hugged me.

"Oh we so really need to get together buddy, and soon."

Dan laughed and the babies chuckled along, what a beautiful family.

Before he left, Dan opened his backpack and took out a photo and signed it for Ted, what a great thing to do, my boy will be over the moon.

I slept until I could hear Con's voice.

"He's sleeping baby, don't wake him."

"You can wake me anytime, where are my kisses?" Con kissed me then Ted.

I reached over and gave Teddy, Dan's photo.

"Awesome dad, he's my favorite footballer, ace."

"He also left his card so you can ring him about footy stuff if you want."

He was almost shaking with happiness by this time; he carefully put the items in his backpack then sat on my bed.

"Did you like your surprise baby?"

"Yes Con, we spent a great hour together, it was nice, we have to make time to go visit them, maybe after the footy season when the weather is better."

"That would be great, when are you coming home?"

"Tonight," I said offhandedly.

"When?" He looked shocked.

"The doctor said I could go tonight but I have to be transferred by Mica van, they will get me settled, but I'm thinking Sven might not like it." I was in a funny mood.

"Sven, who's Sven?"

"Your masseuse Con, you know the one you used for a flight attendant in Europe?" I winked.

"He will be pissed off Brent, he likes my big, er maybe come home tomorrow?" He shyly smiled then looked at Ted.

"Okay you have some fun tonight because it stops when I get home." I trumped him.

"No, all jokes aside baby, I think you should stay the night, it's too soon, maybe I can collect you tomorrow, I don't want to take any chances."

"You're scared aren't you?" I smiled at him.

"A little, Brent, what if I hurt you during the night?"

"You won't, you couldn't, I will be pretty well wrapped up and the drugs will keep me pain free."

"Okay if you want to, we miss you and want you home." He looked worried.

"Only kidding Con, I know, silly joke, I can go home tomorrow, hopefully early so we can both drop our boy off at school."

"Cool," was all I got out of Ted.

I spent the rest of the night walking around the ward. I did at least ten laps until I dropped into a chair at the nurse's station. I heard the buzzer go off but no one was there, it went off again urgently beeping. I looked over at room three, put my nurses cap on and almost ran to the room. I found a young lady who looked so distressed, she was crying.

"What's the matter honey, the nurse won't be long,"

"My legs cramped, the left one it hurts," she cried.

I flipped the sheet off her leg and started massaging it, she screamed but almost instantly the pain left and her leg relaxed.

"Thank you, that hurt so bad."

"Cool, pleased to help, your legs will do that when you're lying around all day."

"Yes it happens a lot, I feel like I've been here for months instead of days, I'm so bored." The nurse came in and took one look at me then the girl and asked,

"Cramp?"

"Yes but it's okay now thanks to?"

"Brent." I shook her hand.

"Rachael, thank you."

"Sorry, I was with a very sick patient who's in a lot of pain, car accident," the nurse said.

"Oh poor thing, she must be going insane in here too," Rachael replied.

"Would you two do me a favor and go visit her sometime, she is bored shitless?" Jade asked.

"Sure, are you able to get around Rachael?"

"Yes Brent, I am only here so they can get my diabetes levels right."

"Okay let's go." I helped her up.

"Jade is she in a single room?"

"Yes Brent."

I went to my room and got the phone, I explained to Con what was happening so he said he would be a half an hour. Ted was asleep and he would get Ray to come in and sit for an hour or two. With my impromptu concert organized I collected Rachael and headed off to another room. The young lady, Susan, was relaxed and pleased for the company, her leg was in a cast, which we both signed and then listened to her dreadful story.

She was the only one injured in the car crash with her parents,thank god, but she hated to be away from home and school, she missed her friends. We found out she was from an outer suburb so it was hard for her girlfriends to visit but her mum and dad came every day and they brought her cards and flowers from the kids. Sometime later there was a knock on the door, I knew who this would be.

Conner poked his head in the door.

"Did anyone order a hot rock star in here?" I waved him over and the girls nearly pissed themselves, they were speechless, he slightly touched my hand as I introduced him to them. When Susan finally found her voice she rasped out,

"No one will believe me, oh my God! Rick Conners is visiting me." She looked at Rachael and added,

"And Rachael and Brent." She really was on a high, Con started strumming his guitar and launched into a diluted version of,'Rock on Loud,'so I took Susan's phone and started taking loads of photos of the three of them. Con was gorgeous; he had dressed in his standard black outfit.

Well at least this broke my boredom but I also had another idea. He strummed his way through four songs and the nurses on duty arrived, they too took photos, previously they afforded Con and I some privacy but now he's in this mode, they gushed and crooned.

"Is there anything I can do for you both?" he asked.

"You have done enough Mr. Conners, this is awesome," Rachael beamed.

"Okay I will be back in the morning to see you both but for tonight sweet dreams and be strong, both of you."

"What about Brent?"

"He's my mate, I am picking him up in the morning, and please call me Conner, that's my real name."

"Brent is your mate?"

"Yes, flat mate girls, it is he you have to thank for this." Suddenly I was Mr. Popular.

I blushed when they both wanted to hug me then I walked Con to the lifts. He pulled me in with him then pushed ground floor then kissed me until we heard the ding that we had arrived.

I didn't walk him to the car just waved and went back to my room where I made a note to talk with Grant in the morning about getting a small bus to get Susan's friends from school over for a visit, that should make her day.I might just go a little overboard and get Rick Conners to visit her at the same time. But for the moment I need rest and with that thought I turned the night light off and drifted off to sleep.

The next day I had showered and packed my things then waited for the arrival of Conner and Ted. I had already said my goodbyes to the girls and said I would be in to see them in the next few days. Rachael was going home tomorrow and Susan will have another week then go home to mend.A smiling rock star and a happy little kid emerged from the elevator so I held my arms out to squeeze Ted to bits. He looked so good in his uniform, John must have pressed it for him, I could see seams on the shoulder of his shirt.

While Con went to visit the girls I sat talking to Ted about what he's going to do today, and I promised I would be there for his pickup. Con arrived and we said our goodbyes to the staff.

"Well Mr.Conners are we ready to go home?"

"Yes Mr. Walsh your carriage awaits." He indicated the wheel chair that had to carry me out of the hospital building, then I'm on my own. I was looking forward to my own bed; plastic covered pillows are really not my thing.The nurse got me to the car and I was made comfortable in the front seat. Conner drove, he was being extremely careful not to go over any bumps and it took ages to travel the five blocks to Ted's school but we all made it in one piece. After a long goodbye to Ted, my man then drove us home.

I thought I would let Conner baby me for an hour or two, then take back the reigns, and get back on the horse before I start organizing my life again. The first thing I did was call Grant and he was on the doorstep within minutes.

Con politely told me to stay on the couch until Ted comes home and pillows and blankets appeared from nowhere, maybe that concert void has moved into my house. I explained to Conner and Grant about Susan and her school friends and gave them both my idea of getting her girlfriends over to the hospital Saturday afternoon for a visit. I asked Con if he would come with me to see her at the same time, but if it was going to be a problem I would understand, but he explained it would be his pleasure to come then smiled and said he might even sing one song. Grant would organize the people mover and the schoolgirls and boys if any want to come. With that out of the way, Grant went back to his body guarding but before he left he said something to Conner quietly.

"What are you up to Mr. Conners?"

"Nuthin."

I slept off and on during the afternoon and apart from a little kissing and groping Conner was a bit standoffish but I understood his concerns and decided I would wait until tonight to bust his nut. I showered and dressed to go pick the boy up and grabbing the car keys I looked at Con and said,

"I'm fine Con, the sooner I get going again the better,coming?" I asked.

"Yep but take it easy Brent, you're still not healed properly." That worried look was back. I kissed him deeply and nodded my understanding, then handed him the keys.

The circus was back in town and Ted had his mates exercising on the fence again, the handball court forgotten today. He saw the car pull up and waved then waited for Con to go get him to walk him across the street. They hugged and then he climbed into the front seat and kissed me before he scrambled over to his seat. Con buckled him in and I smiled at him in the mirror. Arriving at the park we were met by Ray, John, Bob and surprise, Helen. She gently hugged me and thanked me again for making her beautiful car happen, she was filled with emotion. I noticed she had her pad and pen in her hand; maybe some kind of meeting is going to happen?

"What's up Con?" I whispered in his ear.

"Go ship meeting,Ted's team needs sponsors."

"Oh I guess they do." I walked with them towards the picnic table and couldn't help but notice how good the park looked. The guys stopped and looked at the reflection pond then laughed. Helen sat at the head of the table notebook in hand as Conner called Ted and his vice captain Shaun over and I leant in and whispered to him,

"Don't forget the five hundred dollars this time."

"Eh?"He gave me a funny look.

"Well men as you know Go Ship management are all here and they want to talk to you about sponsorship for their business, they want to negotiate with you to put advertising signs around your footy ground." Ted looked at Shaun and clenched his fists.

"What's the deal?" Shaun asked as he waved Bubby over.

"Well we would like to advertise Go Ship on your uniforms and have some advertising put up around the oval and we will donate a thousand dollars to the footy team each month for the privilege. You can discuss it between yourselves for a moment then give us your answer." Bob gave a stern official kind of look at the three of them, they did their huddle thing and I heard a lot of talking, when they nodded Bubby took over.

"That sounds cool to us but the price is fifteen hundred a month,big sponsors pay a lot more than that in the AFL so we think that's a fair price." Go Bubby.

"And you are?" Bob asked.

"I'm the club secretary, Bubby, and I am here to look after the interests of our club."He smiled proudly but I heard some sniggering coming from Andy's way.

"Okay agreed, we will get Helen to do a contract and will install our signs next week, the money will be put in a special account for club outings and special school things," Ray advised them.

"Not so fast." We all looked at Ted.

"What's up captain?" Helen inquired.

"Well it's a small thing but important I think, if we agree with your terms and things, there's also the matter of five hundred dollars for me, seeing it's my team that's going to play,I want that fee to be paid in cash by the end of business today or it's no deal."

"What?" Con was nearly pissing himself.

"Well daddy you got the school team cheap I think but this is my team so you have to pay the money to us first or we won't play."He looked like he was having fun.

"Okay captain, five hundred dollars for the use of your team that I already bought ages ago but I will overlook that one."

"No contract was signed Mr. Conners, it wasn't legal," Bubby said.

"Oh what a smart boy we have here Mr. Walsh. Maybe we had better offer him a job in the Go Ship office, okay, no problem you get the five hundred."

"In cash and that will be five hundred each,"Bubby blurted out.

"What?"

"Five hundred for each of us or we don't play." He stared Conner down.

"That's blackmail.'

"That's business." He again smiled and slapped Shaun and Ted's hands.

"Fu," Con started to say.

"Con!!"

Maxieplus