When suppertime came Gerard’s concern over Lucy’s health had grown. Several times over the past few hours he’d stopped writing to check on her by gently touching her forehead. Once she’d actually stirred but had awoken. She was definitely running a fever but he wasn’t sure if he should wake her to take medicine.

He stood slowly then decided to make dinner and when he woke her to eat he’d take her temperature so he’d know for sure.

When he came back into the living room twenty minutes later he saw her eyes were open.
“Hey, you.” He said placing the tray on the coffee table. “Made you some dinner.”

Lucy lifted herself up onto her elbow slowly blinking with confusion. “Dinner? What time is it?"

“Just after six.”

“I slept all afternoon?"

He could see by her glassy eyes her fever had spiked. “Uh, yeah and you’re hot.”

Lucy blinked, “Hot? I don’t think you mean that in a good way.”

He perched on the sofa next to her. “Well you definitely are hot in a good way but no, I meant you are running a fever.”

“But I’m cold.” She said, her body slightly shivering.

“Do you have a thermometer?”

She frowned, “I’m okay.”

Gerard sighed, “Lucy, you’re running a fever and we need to know how high it is.”

“No we don’t.” She said struggling to make herself sit up. “I’ll be fine.”

He reached out to place his hands gently around her neck. “Uh, just humor me. Thermometer?”

“Upstairs in the medicine cabinet.”

“Be right back. Go ahead and start eating your dinner.”

When she glanced over at the tray her stomach flipped.

Gerard took the stairs quickly and easily found the thermometer. He also grabbed the pain and fever reducer. Reentering the living room he saw she hadn’t touched her grilled cheese sandwich. “Not hungry?”

She sighed, “My stomach is kinda upset.”

Again he perched on the sofa next to her then placed the thermometer in her mouth. A few moments later it peeped.

Lucy saw the look on his face as he read the results. “Bad?”

He didn’t want to alarm her. Opening the bottle he took two pills out, handed them to her, and then reached for the glass of water from the tray. “Take these.”

Lucy swallowed them, “So how bad?”

“102”

“Shit.” Lucy closed her eyes. “I hate to be sick, I hardly ever get sick.”

“Can you try to eat a little bit of your sandwich?”

When she reached for it she noticed her hands were shaking. “Shit, I’m so cold.”

He went over to switch off the air but knew it was the fever making her feel cold. “I’ll open the windows.” He walked over, pulled back the drapes and soon fresh air entered the room.

“What about the storm?” Lucy asked still eyeing the sandwich disdainfully.

Gerard walked back over then grabbing the afghan he placed it around her shoulders. “Still lots of rumbles, couple flashes of lightning but no rain yet.” He sat beside her. “Does anything hurt?”

“Everything hurts” She whispered. “I just can’t be sick.”

“Honey, everyone gets sick from time to time.”

“I don’t.” She retorted angrily.

He reached out to stroke her cheek, “Hey, I’m here to take care of you.”

That was the wrong thing to say. Her high fever was controlling her emotions. “I don’t need anyone to take care of me.”

He understood the fever was talking, “Well you might not need anyone to take care of you but you’ve got someone. Now can you at least try to eat part of your sandwich?”

“I don’t wanna be sick.” She whined.

“Eat Lucy.” He tone was gentle.

She took a few bites, chewing slowly then placed the sandwich back on the plate. “Can’t eat anymore." she whispered as she lay back down.

Gerard stood, covered her with the afghan then lifted the tray. “I’m gonna take this into the kitchen. “Okay if I let Rex in?”

She nodded.

When he and Rex returned she was asleep. Gerard sat down at the desk again to write but his thoughts were on Lucy. He glanced over to see that Rex had taken a spot on the floor by the sofa.

“We’ll take care of her.” He said softly to the dog. “Don’t worry.”

She awoke again at ten pm. Gerard saw he struggling to her feet.

“Bathroom.” She muttered.

Immediately he was at her side taking her arm.

“You should stay away from me.” She said feeling slightly dizzy. “I might be contagious.”

“No way I can stay away from you” He teased.

He helped her walk to the bathroom noticing how weak she’d become. He waited just outside the door until she was finished. However when he saw her face his heart started racing. “What’s wrong? Do you feel that bad?”

Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I look terrible.”

“Oh, Honey.” He said taking her arm. “No you don’t.”

“Yes, I do.” She whined. “I don’t want you to see me like this.”

Again he understood the fever was talking. “Come on, lets get you up to bed.”

Lucy allowed him to help her without another word.

Once in her bedroom she stood still while he undressed her. “Gown?”

Lucy could hardly stand. “Top dresser drawer.”

He grabbed the first one he saw then gently pulled it over her head. “Into bed.”

“I can’t be sick.” She whispered. “I’ll be better in the morning.” He was covering her when she spoke again, “I didn’t finish typing the chapter.”

“That chapter ain’t going anywhere.”

She tried to think, “You should. I don’t want to make you sick.”

“I’ll be right back, I’m gonna go grab the medicine.”

When he returned her glassy eyes were still open. He gently pulled her up into a sitting position. “Okay take these.”

Lucy swallowed the pills.

“Now try to get some sleep.” He said kissing her forehead as she laid back down.

“I’ve slept most of the day and I’m still tired.”

“You’ll be okay.” He said smoothing her hair.

Lucy closed her eyes. She’d just dozed off when she heard him reenter the room. She saw he was carrying some pillows and two blankets. “What are you doing?”

“Gonna sleep on the floor.” He said spreading one of the blankets.

“You don’t need to do that. Go to your own room.”

He smiled over at her. “No way I’m gonna do that. I gotta keep an eye on you and as much as I’d love to crawl into that bed with you…”

“I don’t want to make you sick.” She said again.

Gerard left the hall light on, then switched off the bedroom light. He settled down on the floor. “Need anything?”

“I need not to be sick.” She sighed. “I’ve never felt this bad before.”

“Wish there was something I could do to make you feel better.”

“Just knowing you’re here makes me feel better.” She whispered.

At four am when he heard Lucy getting out of bed Gerard shot up. “What’s wrong?"

She didn’t answer just rushed as fast as she could towards the bathroom.

When he reached the closed door he heard her retching.

“Go away.” She cried out as he opened the door.

Gerard knelt down beside her then gently pulled her hair back. As she continued to vomit he rubbed her back trying to offer comfort.

“Oh shit.” Lucy moaned when it finally stopped.

He helped her over to the sink where he grabbed a wash cloth then wiped her face.

“Really you need to stay away from me.” She whispered.

“Sugar, stop saying that. He was momentarily distracted when he moved to flush the toilet. What she’d thrown up looked bad, it was a reddish, brown color.

“What’s wrong with me?” she asked leaning heavily against the sink.

“Don’t know but in a few hours we’ll call the doctor and make an appointment.”

“I don’t have a doctor.”

He gave her a surprised look“You don’t?”

“Told you I’m hardly ever sick.” She closed her eyes.

Gerard grabbed her arm. “Think you can make it back to bed?”

“I still feel like I’m gonna throw up.” Her body was shaking.

He reached down to grab the plastic trash can. “We’ll take this with us.” He was tempted to lift her in his arms as they started back down the hallway.

She fell back onto the bed. “This sucks” She whispered tears filling her eyes. “You didn’t sign on for this.”

“I’m signed on for anything that involves you.” He said as he covered her body. “Now I’m gonna put the trash can right here, okay.” He placed it on the floor next to the bed.

“I’m really sorry.”

“I’m just sorry you feel like shit.” He said once more concerned because her skin felt very hot as he touched her cheek. “Does Iola have an emergency quick care?"

She ignored the question, “I’ll be okay in the morning.”

“It is morning.” He reminded her gently.

“I mean morning, morning. When I get up to take care of the chickens.”

“I’ll be dealing the girls.” He said noticing her eyes were fluttering shut. “You just try to get a bit more sleep.”

He walked back over to his bed on the floor but instead of laying back down he sat up watching her breathing which was concerning him. Since she’d laid back down it sounded shallow. He was also concerned by what he’d seen in the bathroom. He knew what she’d eaten all day and the color of her vomit didn’t appear normal. She was definitely going to get medial attention, no matter how much she protested. He made plans to deal with the chickens then drive her into Iola. He sighed as he wondered what would have happened if he wasn’t here. Would she have driven herself into town, could she have? He seriously doubted it as weak as she was. It broke his heart to think of Lucy, here alone in the house, sick with no one to care for her.

Just before six he walked over to the bed to check her temperature. Gently touching her forehead he frowned, she was still very hot to the touch. He quietly slipped from the room.

In the kitchen he made only a half a pot of coffee sure she wouldn’t be able to tolerate it then went outside to the chicken coop. Quickly he gathered the eggs then threw some food down for the girls. Rex followed him back across the yard.

“She’s still pretty sick.” He told the dog as they walked. He was almost sure Rex looked upset. “But don’t worry. We’ll get her fixed up good as new.”

Back inside he poured himself a cup of coffee then while leaning against the counter he sighed, Lucy didn’t have a phone so of course she didn’t have a phone book. Still he was sure Iola was a large enough town it must have an emergency quick care. He was still lost in thought when he heard Lucy’s steps overhead moving towards the bathroom. When he arrived at the door he heard her retching again. This time when he opened the door she didn’t bother to protest.

“Hey” He squatted down next to the spot where she knelt in front of the toilet. “We need to get you dressed.”

Lucy sat back taking the washcloth he offered. “I think I’m better” She whispered trying to convince herself it was true. “I didn’t throw up as much.”

Again he was concerned by what he saw. He quickly flushed then said softly. “Please don’t fight me on this. We’re gonna get you dressed then we’re gonna head into town.”

Lucy closed her eyes, “I told you I don’t have a doctor.”

“We’ll find one.” He said taking her arm to help her up.

As they slowly walked down the hall she whispered, “I don’t have insurance either.”

He’d assumed that was part of her objection. “Don’t matter, I’ll take care of that.”

“No” She started shaking her head, “I don’t want you to. I’m not your problem.”

“No, you’re my answer” He whispered.

Lucy had started shaking so badly the remark was lost on her.

In the bedroom he helped her sit on the bed then grabbed a pair of shorts and a tee shirt. She allowed him to dress her, so weak she couldn’t do anything to stop him. She leaned heavily on him as they went slowly down the stairs.

Rex was waiting at the back door as Gerard pushed it open. “Rex guard the house, we’ll be back.” He said as he lifted Lucy in his arms to carry her to the truck.

“I can walk” She muttered.

“You could but this is faster.”

He got her settled in then went around to driver’s seat while realizing how grateful he was she’d taught him to drive the truck. When he glanced over she was leaning back against the seat with her eyes closed.

“You doing okay?” He asked as they started down the drive.

“What’s wrong with me?” She asked, her voice full of fear.

He tried to calm her, “Probably just the flu.”

“I’ve never had flu that feels like this.”

He noticed her voice sounded winded.

He drove faster than the speed limit but when he reached the outskirts of town he had to wake her. “Lucy, honey do you know where the emergency quick care is?”

She sat up slowly, blinking in confusion. “What?”

He repeated the question.

It was hard but she forced herself to think. “There is one in the strip mall towards the drive in, I think.”

He prayed she was right but if not he was taking her to the emergency room at the hospital. Remembering the way to the drive in he drove on watching the passing buildings. Finally he spotted the place.

Lucy forced her eyes open when the passenger door opened.

“Come on, Honey.” Gerard said helping her out of the truck.

Inside a woman behind the reception counter greeted them.

Gerard helped Lucy over to a chair then crossed over to the receptionist. It was impossible to keep the fear out of his voice, “She’s very sick. It started yesterday afternoon.”

The woman nodded as she slid a clip board across the counter. “Just start to fill these out and the doctor will see her shortly.”

He fought the urge to start ranting that they doctor needed to see her now but instead walked back over to take the seat next to Lucy’s. He filled in her name then paused. “Shit” He muttered looking at the questions he didn’t know the answers. Leaning over he whispered “Lucy I need a little help.”

Her eyes fluttered open. “What?”

“Uh, birthday, address..”

Lucy slowly recited her address and birthday.

He checked the box next to WIDOWED. However, the next part was medial insurance followed by medial history. Nervously he glanced around the empty office. They had to see her soon he told himself.

Getting up he walked back over to the reception deck. “She’s in no condition to answer these questions and I don’t know.” He explained lowering his voice.

The older woman looked up. “We need the forms filled out.”

His patience was running thin. “How long until the doctor sees her?”

It was at that moment out of the corner of his eyes he saw Lucy moving. Turning his attention to her he saw she had sat up and was frantically looking around. “Shit” He muttered. “Where’s the restroom?”

The woman who was also watching Lucy understood. Quickly she stood and when she came through the door she had a small bucket. Ignoring Gerard she ran across the room. “Here you go, Honey.”

Lucy retched into the bucket. When she stopped there were tears in her eyes. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” The woman said softly. “Come on let’s take you on back.”

Gerard was at her side helping her stand. At the door leading to the back he stopped. “Uh, can I go with her?”

“Please” Lucy said tightening her grip, she was afraid and desperately wanted him with her.

“Of course” The receptionist said. She led them to a small examining room. “We usually stop and get your weight but I think we can bypass that for now.”

Gerard saw there were two chairs and an examining table. He helped Lucy up on to the table.

“The doctor will be right in.”

Gerard muttered his thanks. “It’s gonna be okay.” He said letting Lucy lean against him.

“I’m scared.” She whispered.

He took the bucket from her hand then placed it on the floor. “Don’t be scared” he said trying to hide the own fear in his voice. “You’re gonna be fine.”

“Think I’m dying.”

He cupped her face in his hand forcing her to look at him. “Don’t say that. You’re gonna be fine.” Her face was so hot, her eyes glassy.

The fever made her speak the truth, “It’s what I’ve wanted for years.”

The admission broke his heart.

Tears rolled down her cheeks, “But now I don’t want to.”

He was about to answer when the door opened. Another woman, this one older than the first walked in.

“Just need to get her vitals.” She explained.

Gerard nodded, then walked over to one of the chairs. He watched closely as the woman took Lucy’s temperature and blood pressure. When she was writing on the chart Gerard spoke lowering his voice. “Her temperature is pretty high, isn’t it?”

The woman smiled kindly, “103 at the moment. When is the last time she had any fever reducer?”

“About ten last night.” He answered nervously. “Shit, I should have given her more”

The woman nodded, “It’s okay. We’ll take care of that.” She turned her attention to Lucy. “Is their any specific pain?”

“Everything hurts” She whispered.

“Don’t worry, Dr Green will be right in.” She took the clipboard with her leaving them alone in the room again.

Lucy looked over at Gerard. “Sorry I’m being such a baby.”

“Honey, you’re not being a baby. Shit I’m a mess when I’m sick.” He was about to stand and go back over to her when the door opened.

A young blond, wearing glasses and a white smock walked in. Her eyes were on the chart the previous woman had been holding. “Hello” She said without looking up, “I’m doctor Green.” She stopped in front of Lucy giving her full attention. “So Lucy, what’s wrong with you?”

Gerard uttered a curse under his breath. The woman looked to young to be a doctor.

“I don’t know.” Lucy whispered. “I’ve never felt this bad in my life.”

The doctor set the clipboard down on the small desk then turned back to Lucy. Placing the stethoscope on her chest she said, “Okay, deep breath.”

Lucy was shocked at how hard just taking a deep breath had become.

Moving the instrument slightly the doctor asked her to take another breath.

Gerard nervously spoke, “Uh, she’s been throwing up too.”

“I heard.” Dr Green smiled at Lucy. “Best way to get seen quickly is to throw up in the waiting room.”

Lucy gave her a shocked look, “I didn’t mean to.”

“It’s okay.” The doctor smiled, “I was kidding. Another deep breath.”

Again Lucy tried.

“Uh about her throwing up…” He didn’t want to say anything that would upset Lucy further but he felt the doctor should know.

Dr Green looked down at the bucket. “Startling isn’t it?”

Gerard was beginning to wish he’d taken Lucy to the hospital emergency room. “Yeah” He muttered.

Dropping the stethoscope back to its spot around her neck she placed both of her hands on the sides of Lucy’s neck checking her glands. “Well” She said softly. “It’s startling I know but not unusual when you have pneumonia.”

“Pneumonia?” Gerard and Lucy repeated at the same time.

“Pneumonia” The doctor confirmed. “And with that diagnosis comes good and bad news.”

“Not sure I can take any bad news.” Lucy said closing her eyes.

Dr Green patted her sympathetically on the arm. “Yeah, I know what you mean. I had it once in college. My roommates and I were on a ski trip. Let me tell you having pneumonia in the mountains takes on a whole new world of pain.” She paused, “It felt like I couldn’t breath, thought I was gonna die.”

Lucy glanced over at Gerard then quickly back to the doctor. “What’s the bad news?”

“The bad news is you’re not gonna feel a lot better for a while.” When she saw Lucy’s face fall she added quickly, “But the good news is you’ll recover. First thing we are going to do is give you a very strong injection of medicine. By tonight you’ll feel a little better.”

“Just a little?” Lucy whispered.

Dr Green patted her on the arm again, “I know that sucks. Now I see you didn’t fill out the paperwork about medial history. Do you have any preexisting illnesses?” When Lucy shook her head she asked “Taking any medications?” Again Lucy shook her head.

Walking over to the small desk the doctor took a seat noting Lucy’s answers on the clipboard. “That’s good.”

“I never get sick.” Lucy said softly.

“Well you are now.” Dr Green sighed. “It’s a good thing you came in as soon as you did. Left untreated I have a feeling by tomorrow I would have had to admit you to the hospital.”

Gerard saw Lucy flinch.

“But you don’t have to do that right?” Gerard wanted to reassure Lucy.

As of yet the doctor hadn’t looked over at Gerard but now she did.

This time it was Gerard’s turn to flinch, he saw by the shocked look on the doctor’s face she believed she recognized him. His brain went into overdrive trying to think of a way to deal with this but it was Lucy who handled it.

“ Gerard…bucket” She cried out.

He jumped up and handed her the bucket just in time.

Dr Green stood. “Okay Sherry will be back in with the shot to start you on the road to recovery.” Looking at Gerard she explained, “After Lucy receives the injection she’ll need to stay for fifteen minutes to make sure she doesn’t have an adverse reaction then you can go. I’m going to my office to write up her prescriptions.”

“Thank you doctor.” Lucy said without looking up.

Again Dr Green patted her on the arm. “You’re going to be fine.” She looked at Gerard. “When Sherry comes in she will stay with Lucy. Come to my office.”

He nodded nervously.

Once the door closed Gerard asked, “Can I take this now?” She was still clutching the bucket.

Lucy loosened her hold.

The door opened again and Sherry, the woman who had taken Lucy’s vitals walked in. “Okay” She smiled as she took the bucket from Gerard. “We’ll put this right here in case we need it again.” She explained setting it down on the desk. When she turned back she spoke kindly to Lucy. “Honey, this is a wicked shot and it’s gonna hurt going in.” She looked at Gerard, “Do you want to stay while I give it to her?”

Lucy reached for Gerard’s hand.

Sherry smiled, “I take that as a yes. She moved to the end of the table to pull up the bottom portion raising Lucy’s feet. “Just roll over it goes in your hip.”

It took all her strength to roll over on to her side. Gerard grasped her hand tightly. Sherry opened a foil packet when the cold running alcohol hit Lucy’s skin she tensed.

“No tensing” Sherry said softly, “That will make it worse.” Her eyes were on Gerard letting him know he needed to try to calm Lucy down.

“Sugar, just squeeze my hand.” He whispered leaning down to her ear. “I’m right here.”

Lucy closed her eyes but as the needle pierced her skin she cried out.

Sherry spoke soothingly. “I know it hurts but you’re doing fine.”

“Ouch” Lucy muttered again holding on to Gerard’s hand tightly.

“Just think how this is going to make you better.” Sherry said.

And then it was over. She wiped the injection spot again with alcohol then applied a small Band-Aid. “All done.” When Lucy moved she added as she pulled her shorts back into place, “Just roll over but don’t get up.”

Lucy rolled over and closed her eyes.

Sherry spoke to Gerard, “I’ll stay with her. Dr Green’s office is just across the hall.”

He nodded then leaned down to whisper to Lucy. “I’ll be right back, Sugar.”

Lucy let go of his hand.

Gerard quickly rounded the table moving to the door. His mind was in turmoil. How should he handle this? He was sure the doctor had recognized him, was there anyway he could lie? He took a deep breath then knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

He saw the doctor behind the desk scribbling on a prescription pad. “Take a seat.”

Slowly he lowered himself into the chair.

Dr Green finished writing then looked up. “Okay, these are Lucy’s prescription. There is a pharmacy just down the block where you can get them filled. The first one is for nausea” She pushed the paper across the desk. “This one is a strong fever reducer” Gerard leaned forward to grab the first two. “And this one” Dr Green explained, “It the most important. She must take these antibiotics, all of them.” She sat back in her chair looking at Gerard closely. “When I said she’s not going to feel better for some time that was true but because she feels so terrible right now any bit of relief is going to seem great. But under no circumstance can she stop taking the medicine.”

Gerard nodded.

“It’s very important that she let her body recover completely. Pneumonia is a serious illness. For the first few weeks she needs to rest, complete rest.” She paused, “Does she work?”

“Uh, no.”

“I ask because if she had a job I’d write something up excusing her from work for a month.”

“A month?”

“Yes that is the standard time it takes to completely recover from pneumonia. After two weeks she can start moving around more, maybe small outing but definitely nothing that will tire her out.”

“I understand.”

Dr Green’s eyes feel to the clipboard. “I see she’s a widow. Does she live alone?”

Gerard tried not to read anything into her question. “Usually but I’m staying with her right now.”

“So you’ll be able to care for her?”

He nodded.

“That’s good. She will need that.” She looked up at him. “Uh, so…”

Gerard sighed, “Lucy is an old friend. I needed to get away from the crazy out in LA and she offered me a place to stay.”

Dr Green smiled, “You know when I first saw you I thought I had to be mistaken. I mean what on earth would Gerard Way be doing in Iola Kansas. But then when Lucy said your name…”

Gerard shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “The thing is, like I said Lucy and I are old friends. She knew I needed a place to get away.” At least part of that was true. “But I’ve been trying to keep a low profile.”

Much to his surprise Dr Green laughed, “That can’t be too hard here. I’ll let you in on a little secret, I’m the only one in this office that would have any idea who you are.” She paused, “I saw your band back in 04 I think. Warped Tour in KC. My husband and I really enjoyed your set.”

Gerard felt himself relaxing. “You’re married, shit you don’t look old enough to be a doctor.”

Dr Green laughed, “Well thank you but actually I’m thirty five.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah, seriously. Married with three kids.” She pointed to photo on her desk.

Gerard exhaled feeling the tension leave his body. “Cute kids.”

“Thanks.”

“So anyway….”

Dr Green held up her hand, “I understand you don’t want anyone to know you’re here in Kansas.”

“Yeah” He smiled.

“Got it.” She reached across to hand him the last prescription. “Honestly it’s very fortunate for Lucy you’re here.”

Gerard hoped that was true with all his heart. He slowly got to his feet. “Thanks so much and it was nice meeting you.”

“If for any reason you think she’s getting worse take her immediately to the emergency room.”

Fear filled his heart, “That’s a possibility?”

She smiled kindly, “That’s always a possibility but I don’t expect it to happen. Since she has no other medial issues she should recover nicely, it will just take time.”

“Don’t think she’s gonna like being treated like an invalid.”

“She won’t mind for the first week but as she starts to slowly feel better you’ll have to remind her how serious pneumonia can be if she doesn’t allow her body to recover completely.”

“I will.” He nodded.

When he walked back into the examining room Lucy’s eyes were closed.

Sherry met him at the door. “Just a few more minutes and I’ll come back when you can leave.”

Gerard thanked her then walked over to Lucy’s side. Here eyes opened slowly.

“Stupid pneumonia” She whispered.

He smoothed the hair away from her face.

“Stupid doctor.”

“Hey, that’s not nice.” He said with a smile.

“Stupid doctor saying I won’t feel better for a long time cause of stupid pneumonia.” She muttered.

“I see stupid is the word of the day?” He teased.

Lucy frowned, “Stupid smiley doctor.”

“Smiley doctor?”

Her eyes closed again, “I saw her smiling at you.”

“No she wasn’t” He answered quickly.

“Yes she was it’s cause you’re so handsome.”

“Oh no, the fever is talking again.” He said before placing a kiss on her forehead.

“It’s true.” Lucy whispered, “Smiley doctor is pretty and I look like shit.”

He took her hand in his, “To me you look beautiful but damn woman you had me scared shitless.” And that was from his heart, the idea of losing Lucy had been almost too much to bear.

“Wanna go home.” Lucy muttered.

“In a few minutes.” He said softly. “We’ll go home.”