Tony sat in the classroom, listening to a rather boring lecture on what would the solution be if x + y = 2. But he had a hard time concentrating on the subject matter at hand. The night before, Tony had spent four hours vomiting (non-stop) and had had to stop on his way to school because another attack had hit him. He was spiking a fever but could have cared less.
Andrew scribbled down his answer to problem that the teacher had set before him, he was almost finished. On the occasions when he ventured to look up for his work, he noticed that young Master Dewhurst looked most unwell. Andrew felt sorry for Tony, after all the boy was often ill and missed a lot of school because of it.
"Dear God, please..." He thought to himself, forcing himself to concentrate. Waves of relentless nausea passed through him and he fought it back each time praying it wouldn't let loose while Tony was in the class room. What he longed to do was go outside and throw everything up that he hadn't that morning or the night before.
For a split second, Tony thought that he saw the teacher eyeing him with concern but he dismissed it. The next ten minutes passed slowly by and quite suddenly, there was his breakfast on the floor. Still gagging and choking, Tony leapt up from his chair and rushed outside, not hearing the footsteps behind him. He was too sick to care...
The teacher seemed startled, but quickly recovered, cleared his throat, and said, "Master Ffoulkes, I see by your lack of writing that you've finished the problem. Kindly go and collect young Master Dewhurst and take him to see the physician."
Andrew put down his pencil and hurried out of the room, it wasn't long before he discovered Tony. "Are you all right? Master Dominick sent me to take you to the physician."
Tony looked up at Master Andrew, wishing that he could avoid all contact with his other peers. After all, it wasn't their fault that Tony was so ill all the time. Not quite noticing the vomit running down his chin, he leaned further over to make sure that the vomiting had completely stopped before answering. "I-I don't know. I've been sick since last night. No doubt he'll put me straight back in the hospital." He hated being in the hospital. If it was one thing he hated worse than getting sick in a class room, it was being stuck in confinement for days on end in the hospital where he had nobody to talk to. Not even his parents as they had been killed when he was only four years of age. "You won't get in trouble? I-I'm sorry...� Tony stammered, trying to pull himself together.
"No need to apologize," Andrew said kindly and offered Tony his handkerchief in order to wipe his face. "It's not your fault that you're not well. Is there anything I can do for you? Our teacher wants me to take you to the physician or is there someone else you would like to see?" Maybe all he needs is some fresh Andrew thought.
Tony glanced at Andrew for a minute then shook his head wearily. "Ah, no. There is nobody I'd like to have see me like this. Not at all." Tony shook from fever and gingerly whipped his mouth with the hanky Andrew had given him. His body was sore and achy all over from this most recent 'episode.' "Have you a horse? My valet brought me this morning because he saw I was stubborn and was not going to back down from coming. I don't think I can walk very well."
"Yes, I do," Andrew replied. "It should be in the stable. Come on I'll show you the way. If you want you can lean on me on the way there. It's not far. I'll take you wherever you want to go." Andrew felt a little relieved that he could help out and held his arm out to Tony.
Tony glanced up at Andrew, feeling sick to his stomach again. "One second, Andrew...� He murmured, throwing up once more in the grass. They still had yet to figure out what was causing Tony to get so sick all the time. He hated it!
Finally, the nausea subsided enough for Tony to lean against Andrew's arm. The walk towards the stable was long and tedious, leaving Tony short of breath. For a split second, young Dewhurst wondered if he could even get ONTO the horse without collapsing.
"Doctor's office- then you will have to go get Ralph." After that, Tony remembered nothing more because his world had gone topsy turvy and before long, he had fainted onto the ground at Andrew's feet.
Andrew hoisted young Dewhurst upon his shoulders and carried the unconscious young man to the doctor's office. "He just collapsed," Andrew blurted out the moment that he saw the doctor.
"Set him down on the bed and go back to class," the doctor said. "I'll take care of him."
"But..." Andrew began.
"But nothing Master Ffoulkes back to class," the doctor ordered.
Andrew left, but not for class. He would find Ralph and, upon his honor, bring him back as Tony asked.
Tony lay on the examination table, shivering. Why couldn't he ever be well? His teeth quite literally chattered. Tony felt like crying, it was one day before his birthday. "You're gonna stick me back in the hospital aren't ya doc? I'm tired of going there, nobody can ever tell me what's wrong with me."
Slowly and painfully, Tony glanced up at the doctor and winced in pain. "What's going to happen now, doc?" He asked softly, his head beginning to spin. Why couldn't they figure out what was wrong with him, anyway?
The doctor paused, then looked Tony in the eyes and stated, "If you're health remains as such, you will have to go back to the hospital. Now, take this and lie back down." With this the doctor forced a spoonful of something awful down Tony's throat and when back about his business. Shortly thereafter Andrew returned covered in perspiration with Ralph behind him. He ran to Tony's bedside and said, "Look Dewhurst! I've brought Ralph! Are you feeling any better?"
Tony eyed Andrew carefully, feeling as though a sledge hammer had struck his chest. Without warning, he began to cough and then gagged a bit, before his insides slowly started to settle down. "No, not feeling better." Wearily, Tony glanced up at Ralph and tried to smile. "They're trying to get me back into the hospital, Ralph." Tony gave a pleading look. "Can't you stop them? I hate it there!"
"I'm sorry Master Dewhurst," Ralph replied, catching a stern look from the doctor. "I know how much you hate goin' to hospital, but the doctor thinks it's for your own good." Seeing the disappointment in Tony's face, Andrew asked, "Have you ever considered going abroad? I've got a friend who's mum is sick and they when to France where the climate is so much nicer this time of year. Maybe the warmer climate will do you good."
Tony gave a soft sigh, his voice hardly edible when he finally managed to speak. "Any place would be better than the hospital." He said glumly, twisting in agony on the bed. As much as Tony hated to admit it, the poor lad was in dire pain and he was warm- so warm. "You gunna be comin' with me, Ralph? I hate bein' alone- please, just make it go away." Then he turned his head so that neither man would see the tears in his eyes�
Tony gave a startled look over at Andrew- then the doctor for he had also not considered themselves as 'close friends' or so to speak- mainly classmates who saw each other every so often whenever Tony was well enough to go to school. "Will I still take my medication?" He made a face, the stuff made often made him ill and irritable. "Are you sure I'm not hallucinating again?"
The doctor chuckled, "No, you're not hallucinating, and yes you will take your medicine, at least until you've seen a doctor there. Then it will be up to him to decide." Tony clung to Ralph and nearly wept with relief when he heard those words. "Thank you, Andrew." His voice was weak and tired, felt like he could hardly talk for five minutes without having to stop to catch his breath. "When can we leave? But that stuff makes me so sick.."
"You may leave as soon as Master Ffoulkes's parents give their permission and arrangements can be made," the doctor replied.
"I'll go ask them right now," Andrew said and made for the door.
"No you won't!" the doctor stopped him. "You must return to class. You may ask them after school. In the meantime, you must get some rest Master Dewhurst." Andrew sulkily when back to class.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tony felt hot and achy all over, like he was burning up. "I don't think I could move if I tried." He murmured, his eyes slowly closing. "Wake me up when Andrew comes back, ok? I feel awful." Tony gagged once in his half conscious state and slowly a drug induced sleep came over him. He didn't wake up until Tony felt a hand on his shoulder and a cold wash cloth on his forehead. The drugs had all but worn off and he was left cranky and listless. "Doc, I'm sick." Tony whined, simply because he felt this need to complain about something but alas, it was not closer to the truth.
Ralph had placed the cloth on Tony's forehead, when Tony said "Doc, I'm sick." "The doctor will be back in a moment, Master Dewhurst. He is speaking with Master Ffoulkes right now. I asked them to speak outside so as not to disturb you," Ralph said in a hushed tone.
Moments later, the doctor entered followed by Andrew, peered in Andrew's direction curiously to see if he was wake or not. Ralph gestured to him that it was alright to approach, which Andrew did, while the doctor made his way to his desk intently scrutinizing a letter which his had in his hands.
"How do you feel?" Andrew asked.
Tony glanced up at Andrew, feeling weak and disoriented. "Not so good, Andrew. A bit sick to my stomach but I promise I won't throw up on you." His stomach churned and Tony let out a soft moan, closing his eyes lest keeping them open should cause his stomach to go into reverse again. "W-what's wrong with me?"
Andrew was very grateful for the fact that Tony won't throw up on him, but kept himself prepared in case he might slip. Andrew then remembered why he had come by, "Dewhurst, I ask my parents if you could use our house in France and they agreed." He didn't mention their reluctance to having a boy potentially die in their summer residence or that he had to beg them for three hours until they gave in. "They're making arrangements right now and you can go in two days. Isn't that wonderful!"
Tony gave a weak smile in Andrew's direction and wondered why he had never considered him a good friend before. Perhaps it was because he had missed so much school that it was hard for him to get to know anybody. "That is wonderful. But I guess until then, I'm stuck here. Unless I can go home till then?" He asked, giving a hopeful look at the doctor and hoping he would agree for him to go back to Combwich Hall until he could move again.
The doctor looked up from his desk, "I'm sure Ralph can fetch your personal affects from home, but I would prefer it if you stayed close by so that I can monitor you. I must be certain that you will be strong enough to handle the trip."
"Master Dewhurst, if you wish I can go prepare your things right now or stay with you for a while longer," Ralph said looking down at Tony. Tony was so used to misery and disappointment that Ralph was happy to see some ray of hope in the future.
Tony slowly looked up at Ralph, still feeling weak from the latest episode that had landed him once more, in the hospital. He scarcely noticed Andrew's father arriving, though he should have been paying attention since it was them he was coming to see. Tony moaned, still feeling queasy but fought it with every fiber in his body. "I guess just bring a few things, might as well be comfortable if I'm gonna be stuck here for a couple days." Then he turned to the doc. "What are you going to do to me?" His voice had a slight quiver in it from fear.
* * * * * * * * * *
Michelle sat at a window seat, bored. There was nothing to do, unless, of course, you counted the sewing her mother insisted she learn. She couldn't pack for their trip to France, because servants were doing that. She had already read everything she felt was of interest in the library, and her mother didn't want her to go riding without an escort. She decided to try begging her mother again--"Mother, can I *please* go visit that sick boy who's Andrew's friend? I'm sure he's bored and has nothing to do, since he just has to sit there all day, not even allowed to study." She looked pleadingly at her mother. "He needs to rest," was the reply, again. The same reply she'd been getting since she had found out the boy was going to be going with them to France. "He doesn't need some nosy little girl coming to bother him." Michelle sighed, and looked out the window again. Her father looked up from his book. "Oh, let her go. I'll go with her."
Michelle jumped up, letting out a whoop of joy. "All right," her mother sighed, "But *PLEASE*, Michelle, act like a lady!" Michelle held back the face that usually came with this comment, as she hurried upstairs to get her riding clothes on.
Soon, they were on the road, riding at a walking pace. Michelle wished they could go faster, but decided not to push the subject. After what seemed like forever, the school came into view. They left their horses at the stable, and stepped into the school, arriving near the hospital wing. "You stay out here, Michelle, while I make sure our visit is all right with the doctor." She nodded, as her father stepped inside.
Andrew watched Ralph and Tony, he was impressed by the amount of dedication and loyalty the older man had for the boy. Just then Andrew's father walked in the door and Andrew jumped at the surprise.
"Father! I hadn't expected you to come. Is everything alright?" Andrew asked, glancing at the door behind his father he saw his sister peering in from behind the frame and guessed that she had convinced her father to bring her.
"Everything is fine," Andrew's father reassured him. "Your sister was just getting restless, so I brought her to see Tony, if he's up to it," he looked at Tony a bit worriedly, and stepped up to his side. He seemed a little delirious, and he wasn't sure if he wanted to expose his young daughter to somebody so sick. He wasn't worried about her catching it, but about how it would impact her. He glanced back and saw Michelle peeking around the doorframe, and she quickly pulled back out of sight.
"Don't worry, sister. Tony doesn't bite," Andrew said, then turn to Tony. "Are you up to seeing my family, Dewhurst."
Tony glanced up from his spot in the bed- he seemed lost in his covers. "Sure, Andrew- that would be great." He winced slightly and tried to focus from where he lay. He almost hated to hear the doctor's answer about treatment options. "It's nice to meet you- thank you for letting me stay with you in France. Nice change from the hospital. I promise, I'm not contagious."
Andrew's father beckoned to Michelle, who was once again peeking around the doorframe. She was happy, but tried to stay still. Her father had spoken to her on the way over on how she was to act, and if she didn't act appropriately, she wasn't going to be able to ride her horse until they went to France--a punishment almost worse than death, in her opinion. She stepped up next to her older brother. "Hello! I'm Andrew's sister Michelle. It's a pleasure to meet you," she suddenly felt shy and didn't know what to say.
Tony smiled brightly up at her though inside he was scared to death about going to France- what if he only got sicker? He must not think that. "Nice to meet you too- sorry if I can't do much, I promise not to be a pain."
"I didn't think you would be," Andrew's father reassured Tony. Though, in reality, he was still worried about the boy getting sicker, and possibly dying, which he felt would be terrible for his children to witness. They may be teenagers, but they were still young. He watched as Michelle hugged her brother, then addressed Tony: "Just wait! It'll be fun, you'll see! There are all kinds of things you can do there, even if you're sick! There's a library, with all kinds of books! And we have a carriage, so you can go for rides if you aren't feeling up to being on a horse. And we have friends out there, too. Both French and English!" her excitement made her feel less nervous about being around Tony.
Tony was glad to have somebody to talk to because he felt as though it were getting harder and harder for Andrew to try to understand him. "The library part sounds good- I love to read, books can be great friends." The second he said it, Tony felt absolutely stupid but put on a bright smile. "I don't mind the company, honest- it sure gets lonesome around here." His eyes were tired but happy. "What do you like to do in your spare time, Michelle?"
Michelle gave a quick glance at her father, then said. "I like to ride. I have a great horse, and I go whenever I can. And I like to read adventure stories. What kind of books do you like?"
Andrew watched Tony and Michelle chat away and was happy to see that Tony was cheering up a bit.
Tony noticed Andrew standing off by himself near the corner and felt bad. "Andrew, why don't you join us over here?" He asked in a small voice, beginning to tire out a bit. "I don't bite ya know."
Michelle went over and pulled on Andrew's arm. "He's *your* friend, Andrew! And he wants you!"
Andrew drew closer, "I didn't want to wear you out. I know you've had a lot of excite lately."
The doctor coughed in agreement. "Well, Sir Ffoulkes, are you quite sure that you want to take on the responsibly of young Master Dewhurst." Andrew turned to his father, another plead look in his eyes, hoping his father wouldn't change his mind.
Michelle also looked up at her father pleadingly. As Sir Ffoulkes looked at his children, he knew he couldn't refuse. "Yes, I'm sure. I know of a good doctor in France who I am sure will be able to help him," actually, he wasn't so sure, but he wasn't going to say that in front of his children. Michelle practically jumped on her father as she gave him a hug. "Thank you, Daddy!" He smiled, hiding his concerns for now. "Doctor, could I get a list from you about what we need to do for young Master Dewhurst while he is under our charge?" he asked.
Tony waited with a somewhat annoyed expression on his face as the doctor began to produce his regime of medications in front of Lord Ffoulkes. Too many bottles of syrup- he didn't even know what was wrong with him! Moaning softly, a wave of nausea swept over him and Tony doubled over a bit on the bed, forcing himself not to become ill�
The doctor hurried to Tony's side, now wondering if the trip were such a good idea. "Perhaps all this excitement is too much for young Master Dewhurst's health."
Andrew's eyes shot from Tony's sickly condition to the doctor. Was the doctor going to change his mind? He looked at his father. Would his father change his mind? "Is there anything wrong Dewhurst?"
The doctor rushed to Tony's side with a bowl, which he ordered Ralph to hold up to catch any further vomit. Then grabbed a rag and began cleaning up the mess, the blood concerned him. "Perhaps it is best that we keep Tony here for a while longer," he finally said.
Andrew could allow this, Tony was so looking forward to the trip! "Father knows an excellent doctor, don't you father? He could get worse staying here!"
Tony continued to gag and vomit. He was so ill that he did not care. "Urgurghurgh," Tony groaned, whimpering about the fact that he had to stay in the hospital longer. Suddenly, Tony began to choke. "I f-feel awful.. w-want to die.."
The doctor waited until the vomiting stopped, and poured some more syrup down his throat, "Master Dewhurst, at this rate I'm going to have to reconsider the trip. I'm sure Sir Ffoulkes agrees."
"You can't!" Andrew cried. "It means so much to him, tell them Ralph." Ralph remained quiet, he didn't know which would be better for Tony.
Tony's whole body shuddered after the vomiting had stopped long enough to catch his breath. His forehead was drenched with sweat and Tony was burning up with fever.
He was far too weak to argue with what the doctor was saying. "W-what is going to h-happen to me?� Tony asked, his eyes wide with fear.
Sir Ffoulkes was quite concerned, and had sent his frightened young daughter out of the room when Tony started to be sick. He looked down at his son, however, and knew that he had made a promise to his children that he couldn't break, no matter what. "I told young Master Dewhurst that he could come with us, and that promise stands if he still wants to. I do, in fact, know an excellent doctor in France, who I will send for straight away. That way, we shall have a doctor to go with us to France and take care of Tony on the trip." He put a hand on Tony's shoulder and spoke to him. "I promise you that I will do all that I can to help you, Tony, whether you go with us or not."
The doctor looked at the faced each of the people in the room in turn, Tony - resigned to illness, Ralph - doting over Tony in an almost maternal fashion, Andrew - determined to see Tony to France, Sir Ffoulkes - startled and worried but determined to fill his promise, and Michelle, who peeped in from the door with her face filled with fear. "I'm afraid I cannot allow Master Dewhurst to go in this condition. You may call in your specialists but the answer is a firm no, until Master Dewhurst is in more fit condition."
Tony broke into tears. He had wanted to go to France so *badly* but then he had gone and thrown up blood. "I didn't mean to throw up!" He wailed, fighting to stay conscious as he did so.
Sir Ffoulkes turned to the doctor. "Doctor, if I gain the approval from my specialist to take him to France, will you also concede? I have the utmost faith in your skills, but I believe you can understand why I feel the need for a different opinion in this case?"
The doctor sighed, "Do as you think best, Sir Ffoulkes. If your specialist feels that it is in Master Dewhurst's best interest to travel to France, then I will concede."
Andrew was so overjoyed by his father's actions that he nearly forgot decorum and ran to hug him, but caught himself in time.
"Thank you, doctor," Sir Ffoulkes replied. I shall do so at once. He squeezed Tony's shoulder reassuringly before turning to leave. He nodded to his son, and gave him a pat on the shoulder as he went out the door to Michelle. "My dear, I'm afraid we must return home now." Michelle looked disappointed, but he continued. "Young Master Dewhurst needs to rest, and I need to write some letters to France." She was still disappointed, but followed her father out to the stables, mounted her horse, then returned home.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
After they returned home, Sir Ffoulkes went into his study to write a letter to his friend, a French doctor named Fran�ois Jacquot.
"M. Jacquot," he wrote, "I have recently become acquainted with a young man who I believe could use your special expertise. He is quite ill, and we would like to bring him with us to France to recuperate. The doctor here will not let us do so without your consent." He went on to describe to the doctor Tony's symptoms and the medicines the young man was taking. He finished with "I would appreciate it if you could come with deliberate speed to visit us in England and examine our young patient. I will, of course, fund your voyage. Yours, Respectfully, Sir Matthew Ffoulkes"
Tony felt yet another wave of nausea hit him. "R-Ralph.." He gasped out, suddenly beginning to gag again, more blood coming out of his mouth this time. Tony was weak and could hardly sit up on his own when he threw up the third and fourth time in a row... this time, he began to choke..
Ralph fought back tears as he looked to the doctor for some sign of reassurance. "Isn't there anything you can do for him?" Ralph finally said.
"Nothing I haven't tried yet," the doctor replied ominously. "I can't give him anything else he won't keep it down. And if I could give him something to sleep, he may choke. All we can due is wait for the specialist."
"Master Andrew, perhaps it is for the best that you return home for the evening and let Master Dewhurst get some rest," the doctor told Andrew. "You can visit him later. He's in good hands for the night."
