The E.R.

 by: Miguel Sanchez

© 2005-2008 by the author

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

“Shut up TJ,” Freddy said. “That’s NOT what Mike said. He said before yesterday he didn’t want to be a parent.”

“So what made you change your mind?” TJ asked.

“Shit TJ,” Freddy said. “You can be sooo dense sometimes.”

“What?” TJ asked.

“YOU,” Freddy said. “You made him change his mind.”

“Oh,” TJ said as the tears started to fall again. “I’m sorry Dad. I didn’t mean to doubt you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

Chapter 4

TJ fell against my chest and started crying again. I held him and rubbed the back of his head for several minutes then said, “There’s nothing to forgive son. I love you and that’s all that matters.”

“But what I said,” he started to work himself up again.

“Doesn’t matter,” I said. “I love you and I want to be your Dad. When I saw you in the ER, you looked so scared and helpless that I wanted to help and when I saw what you had my heart went out to you. Now that I’ve gotten to know you a little better, I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”

TJ turned his head and kissed my cheek and said, “I’m sorry Dad.

“It’s alright son,” I said kissing him on the end of his nose. “Now, since you call me Dad, let me be your Dad and do my job and protect you.”

After almost two hours of crying I finally managed to calm TJ down and keep his emotions in check. He needed to get into the shower and I had Freddy stay with him in case he started getting scared again. We watched television then the boys started saying they were hungry. That was the draw back with Chinese food. A couple hours after eating, you’re hungry again. I fixed them a snack then at nine we all watched The Love Bug. The movie got over at eleven and we called it a night after I gave TJ his antibiotic.

I was sound asleep when the phone rang waking me from my slumber at 7:30. “Mike, you awake?” A voice said on the other end of the phone.

“I am now,” I said trying to clean the cobwebs out of my head.

“Dr. Miller told me to call you,” the voice said.

I sat up when I heard the name mentioned. “What’s going on?” I asked.

“She said to tell you they may have another case,” she said.

I stood up and said, “Tell her I’ll be there in about an hour.”

I put on some clothes then went and woke TJ and Freddy. I kissed the boys and said, “Get a move on guys. We have to go to the hospital.”

TJ moaned waking up and said, “What’s up Dad. Why do we have to go to the hospital?”

“Dr. Miller says they may have another case of gonorrhea,” I said as the boys crawled out of bed.

“Oh god,” TJ said starting to get upset. “Not some other boy.”

Freddy kept TJ’s mind on track while they got dressed. I went out to the kitchen and got his medicine and guzzled down a glass of orange juice.

We drove over to the hospital and we went into the Emergency Department. I gave TJ some money and his antibiotics and said, “You two go and get some breakfast in the cafeteria. Don’t forget to take your pill after you eat son.”

They headed out and I want to find Dr. Miller. I went to my locker to get my lab coat when I saw her walk past. I walked over and she said, “Looks like your boy’s friend struck again. But I know he’s not the only one out there.”

“I know,” I said looking at the chart. “You have incubation plus not every boy will be out at the same time unless he’s very punctual and I didn’t get that from talking to TJ. Let’s go see the latest victim.”

We went into Room 4 and Dr. Miller said, “Kelly, this is Mike Cummings. He works here. Do you remember what I told you about another boy?”

He looked over at me and said, “Is he your son?”

“He’s my foster son,” I said.

“Oh,” Kelly said. “I’m sorry.”

“Thanks,” I said. “Did Dr. Miller tell you that you will need to talk with a police officer?”

“Yeah,” Kelly said. “My parents are gonna kill me.”

“Why,” I asked. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I wanted to earn some money for a new video game in a hurry,” Kelly said looking toward the floor. “I didn’t want to wait for my allowance. I heard about this guy who would pay boys ten bucks just to jack them off. I didn’t think that was too bad so I let him.”

“How often would you do this?” I asked.

“I did it three times a week for two weeks,” he said. “I was going to go again but I started hurting when I peed and my Mom brought me here. She is so gonna kill me.”

I smiled at him and rubbed his hair and said, “No she won’t son. I can’t say she won’t be upset and you will probably have a lot of explaining to do.”

“Guess I really messed up, huh?” He asked. “We all make mistakes when we’re young son. The good thing is you’ll recover from this but the bad thing is your first dose of antibiotic is in the form of a shot.”

Another nurse came in and I took the syringe from her. Kelly stood up and dropped his pants so I could give him the shot. He was luckier than TJ in that he didn’t have the rash on his groin. He turned onto his stomach on the table and I quickly gave him the injection.

Dr. Miller went out to talk with his mother about what was wrong with him. He had just fastened his pants when the door opened and in walked the doctor and his mother. She went over and hugged him then popped him on his butt. “Kelly, I never thought you would do something like that young man. Just what were you thinking?”

The tears started to roll and he said, “I’m sorry Mom. I know I messed up. I was trying for a quick way to get the money for that video game.”

I was about to speak when there was a knock on the door. Dr. Miller opened it and in walked Detective Moreland. I made the introductions then left so I could see about my two boys.

Freddy and TJ were leaving the cafeteria walking back to the department. Freddy looked at TJ and said, “There’s no need to get scared now TJ. That clown isn’t gonna hurt you. You’re so lucky TJ. Mike is a great guy and he does love you. I wish I had him for a Dad too.”

TJ smiled when he said that. “He is cool,” TJ said. “He doesn’t care I’m gay and I think he’s happy we’re boyfriends. I know one other thing too. I can’t wait until this infection is cleared up. I miss your hand rubbing me and having me shoot.”

“I miss that too,” Freddy said thinking he’d better change the subject before he boned up on the spot. “I wonder how bad that kid is in the emergency room.”

They boys came into the waiting room and went to the registration desk and asked that I be paged. I came out and took them into the back and had TJ meet Kelly. Kelly and his Mom came out of the exam room with Pat and Dr. Miller and walked towards us. I looked at Kelly and him Mom and said, “Kelly this is my foster son TJ, TJ this is Kelly Barnes and his mother Sara.”

“Nice to meet you both,” TJ said. “Kelly, I’m sorry you got this too man. How bad is it?”

“Not to bad,” he said. “Dr. Miller thinks I caught it early. That thing she did hurt but that was my fault. I shouldn’t have wanted to be in such a hurry to get my video game.”

“Yeah that’s true,” TJ said. “But that guy knows what he has and he shouldn’t have done what he did. That part wasn’t your fault.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Kelly said. “I told the Officer where this guy was and where we went when we were done. I also told him what he looked like.”

“Yeah,” Pat said walking over to the group. “This guy has moved from where you two were TJ. I would like you and Kelly to come with me tomorrow afternoon and see if you can spot him, if that’s all right with you Mike?”

“That’s fine,” I said. “What time are you going to need him? I have to work tomorrow and TJ will be with Freddy.”

“I’m not exactly sure,” Pat said. “Freddy, can you give me your phone number and I will call you when I’m about to come over?”

“Yes Sir,” Freddy said. “Then we can call Mike and let him know too.”

“That sounds good,” I said. “I guess we’ll see you tomorrow Pat. Kelly, take care of yourself and don’t forget to take your antibiotics like you’re supposed too. If you should start itching, came back in and we’ll take care of you.”

TJ and Kelly exchanged phone numbers and said they would keep in touch. It was almost two and boys were complaining they were hungry so I called in a pizza order for pick up and left the hospital. It took us about ten minutes to get to the pizzeria and it was just coming out of the oven as we walked in to pay for it. I had to threaten the boys with bodily injury so they would stay out of it until we got home. As soon as they got the pizza to the dinner table they were in it and I had to hurry or risk being left out.

We spent the rest of the day taking it easy. After dinner I called Candy and asked if TJ could spend the night with them because I had to be at the hospital at 7 in the morning. I had the boys get their showers then I took TJ and Freddy over to Freddy’s house then came back and got ready for bed. The house suddenly felt empty without TJ. He’s been here only 2 days but it’s as if he’s been here a lifetime.

I crawled into bed and I guess I was more tired than I realized because the next thing I knew the alarm was buzzing telling me it was time to get up. I fixed a small pot of coffee and then showered and shaved. I was wondering how TJ was doing at Freddy’s but felt pretty confident he was sleeping soundly. I had my coffee then headed out the door for work. I hoped it would be a busy day so I wouldn’t be sitting missing my boy.

It was pretty busy with several traumas taking up the morning. The afternoon was pretty routine, seeing a variety of patients. Mrs. Rosenblat was having another migraine and was in for her Demerol fix. The Doctor on duty didn’t call neurology for a consult and just wrote the orders.

I had just come out of her room from giving her the injection when I had a phone call. It was TJ telling me that Pat was on his way over to Freddy’s to pick them up to go see if they can find that man. I said, “Just relax now kiddo, Pat is there with you and Kelly so nothing is going to happen. Is Freddy coming also?”

“Yeah Dad, he is,” he said. “Pat is going to get us lunch on the way too, then drop me home when we’re done.”

‘Now there is a really brave man,’ I thought as I said, “You guys go easy on him.”

I heard TJ laughing when I said that. He replied, “Sure Dad, I’ll only get three burgers instead of four.”

He had me laughing with that one. I heard Freddy say in the background that Pat was there so I ended the call telling him I would see him when I got home from work.

I got home about four and Pat and TJ got there about 4:30. “Dad, we’re home.”

I was just stepping out of the shower when I said, “I’m back here TJ. I’ll be right out.”

I was still drying off when TJ appeared holding the cream when he said, “Dad, I need you put this on. I’ve been itching almost all afternoon.”

I looked out and noticed TJ had closed the door so I felt better about stepping out of the bathroom naked. “Are you alright being here with me naked son?”

TJ smiled and said, “Dad, I’ve seen naked guys before. I take gym in school and we take showers too.”

“I know son,” I said. “But those are all guys your age, not adults.”

“We still have the same things though,” he said. “Yours is just a little bigger, that’s all.”

I finished drying and put on a pair of boxers briefs then reached for the cream. I put on a rubber glove and he dropped his pants. “Did you get hard because of me son?” I asked looking at his stiffy.

“I guess I did,” he said as I rubbed in the cream.

I looked at his penis and I needed to rub a little cream on it also as it was a little red. It hadn’t been bothering him but I thought it would be better to catch it early before it did.

I got dressed then went out and joined Pat. “Sorry for the wait,” I said shaking his hand. “I take it you struck out?”

“Yeah,” he said sounding dejected. “I don’t know what we’re going to have to come up with in order to catch him.”

“I have one idea but selling it might be hard,” I said. You just might have to get some guys and stake out the spots he’s been at. It might take a couple of weeks too. I know he’s not gone that long without being out there somewhere.”

“I think I might have to sell that idea,” Pat said. “If this guy wasn’t carrying an STD I would suggest maybe TJ and Kelly be out there so he could see them but that’s a risk I’m not willing to take.”

Pat left about five minutes later and I got dinner started for the two of us. We were eating dinner when I said, “Tomorrow you go back to school. How far are you behind son?”

“I’m not,” TJ said smiling. “I went every day and did my homework in the library. Now that I have a place to live, I can bring my books home here.”

 

“I’m glad you said that because your schooling is important,” I said rubbing his hair. “I’m glad you continued going rather than just hanging out on the street.”

When we finished eating, TJ helped me with the dishes, took his pill and got his shower. I saw him go into his room and I gave him time to get dressed as I saw him wearing just a towel when he left his bathroom. I got up and knocked on his door when TJ just said come in. He was getting his school clothes out for the morning. “Here son, put this in your pocket,” I said handing him a key to the apartment.

“A key to your apartment,” he asked looking at it.

“A key to your home,” I said hugging him.

He looked up at me and smiled saying, “Thanks Dad. It does feel like my home too now. I missed you last night.”

I kissed him and said, “I missed you too. You have an hour before bed son.”

We headed out to the living room and he said, “Aww Dad it’s only 8:30, why so early?”

“You have school tomorrow,” I said sitting on the couch.

TJ cuddled beside me and said, “I know but I don’t catch the bus until 7:30.”

“That’s fine son,” I said wrapping my arm around him. “I’m up at 5:30 and I have to leave here at 6:30. I want to make sure you’re awake and up before I leave. You have to eat breakfast before you go to school too.”

“Alright,” he said snuggling close to me.

At 9:30 TJ went off to bed without a problem and it wasn’t long I was heading to my bed. The next morning TJ woke up as soon as I went in. I poured my coffee and fixed TJ some cereal but left the milk off so it wouldn’t be soggy. I was about to pour my second cup when he came out and kissed me saying, “Morning Dad, sleep well?”

God he’s chipper. “Morning son,” I said in reply. “I died when I went to bed.”

We chatted for a few minutes until I had to leave for work. I kissed him then made the morning commute through the traffic to the hospital. I called him at quarter after to make sure he was alright and to tell him I loved him. The morning was usual for a weekday morning, quiet.

I had returned from lunch and was looking at the charts when I heard a commotion in the waiting area. I walked in there and heard a man shout, “I’m Calvin Preston and I want to see Mike Cummings. I know he works here. Damn it, now where is here.”

I came out to where he could see me and said, “This is a hospital. If you don’t know how to conduct yourself, you will be escorted out of here.”

I was about four feet from him and he said, “You’re the son of a bitch I wanna see. You have that fucking faggot of a nephew of mine.”

This clown just crossed the line. I wanted to know how he found out I was TJ’s foster father and where I worked. I looked at him and said, “Why don’t you. . . .”

“I want that faggot out here now,” he yelled interrupting me.

I lost it. I grabbed him by his shirt and pushed him back against the wall. I put my forearm against his throat and said, “You shut your fucking mouth now.”

“Mike calm down,” a voice said.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and I saw Pat standing there with a couple of uniformed officers. I backed away from the bastard and let the uniforms have him. “Get him the hell out of here,” I said still mad as hell. “How the hell did he find out I was TJ’s foster parent? Better yet, how did he find out where I worked?”

“I don’t know,” Pat said but I’ll find out. “You’re lucky I’m not taking you with me.”

“You’re taking him?” I asked. “It’s about time the DA agreed to prosecute.”

“Freddy’s mom came in and filed a complaint against him,” Pat said leading me to a chair. “That was enough for him to agree to go after him.”

“How can we get his parental rights terminated?” I asked. “I don’t want that sorry son of a bitch getting TJ back.”

Pat thought for a moment and said, “I think you should consult a lawyer.”

To be continued...

Posted: 06/20/08