Chapter 9
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Nick buried his face in the pillow, his shoulders shaking and his tears silently falling. "I can't see anything." he said finally. His voice hesitant and cracking with emotion. "I'll never see again." he cried softly. "Mr. Carter, we haven't run the tests yet." Nick turned his face to the doctor. "You told me if I couldn't see now..." he sniffled, running his hand under his nose. "I also said we would run the tests on the chance that there may be something we can do, that we may be able to restore your vision, if you remember." Nick nodded and wiped his face. "What do you need me to do?" The specialist helped Nick out of the bed and into the examination chair. As he settled in, Nick felt a wave of pain wash across him and he clutched his chest. "Oh God!" "What is it?" The doctor was by his side immediately. "I don't know, I think I might have just strained myself." Nick gasped out. "Are you alright? Do you want to continue or go back to your room?" The doctor hovered over him, checking his heartrate. After a few moments Nick murmered, "let's get it over with." The doctor nodded. "Just let me know if you feel any pain while you are sitting up. We'll get this over with as quickly as possible and get you back to your room for some rest. Just relax."
When the tests were over the doctor paged Kathy to come and return Nick to his room. "I should have the results shortly, Mr. Carter. I will get them to you as soon as possible." Nick sat quietly, contemplating. "If I am blind, is this what it will always be like? Like a fog?" "It's hard to say. It may stay like this or over time darken to a sort of blackness." The doctor glanced at his watch. "Can you make anything out now that your eyes have had a chance to adjust to the light?" Nick strained and squinted, wanting desperately to report that, yes, he could see the doctor, the door, anything at all. "No." he said flatly and sank back into the pillow. "I still can't see anything." "Here's the nurse, I'll have the results to you as soon as I can." Kathy moved into the room and pushed the wheelchair close to the bed. "How are you doing honey?" "I've been better." Nick said in the same flat tone. "Well, you have the pads off, that's a good sign!" Nick choked back a sob and she leaned down to look into his eyes. His face looked towards her, but his eyes wavered, unfocused. "Oh my God." She put her hand to her mouth. "Oh, I'm so sorry Nick." That was all it took for Nick to burst into a fresh round of tears. Kathy perched on the edge of the bed and took him into her arms. "Oh honey, is it certain?" Nick shook his head against her shoulder. "No, he needs the results from the tests he just took, but it doesn't look hopeful." Kathy embraced him in a hug and then leaned back, her hands still on his shoulders. "Then let's think positive! No gloom until we hear the test results." As she wheeled Nick into his room she motioned to everyone, pointing to her eyes and shaking her head no. Jane gasped and then regained her composure as Kathy glared at her. "How are you sweetie?" Jane asked, moving closer and helping him pull his good leg onto the bed and under the covers. "I'm tired ma." Nick breathed heavily and leaned his head back, closing his eyes. Kathy made a notation on his chart and took his blood pressure and measured his heartrate again. "I think you need to relax, Nick. You're reading a bit high here. You've had a lot of activity today that your body is just not ready for." Nick nodded and opened his eyes a crack. "I need to stay awake for the results." Kathy looked at him sternly. "I know you need to know the results of your eye tests, but the health of your heart is more important." Nick started to protest and his brother cut him off. Aaron climbed up next to Nick and snuggled against him. "Listen to her Nick. We don't want to lose you." A tear trickled down Nick's face and he hugged Aaron to him. "You won't Air-bear, you won't lose me." He bent his head and kissed the top of Aaron's head, closing his eyes again. Bob went to move Aaron and Kathy shook her head no. "His pulse his dropping to normal, it's helping him relax, leave them." Nick woke a few hours later and Aaron was still cuddled up with him, fast asleep. Nick kissed the top of his head again and called out, "Is anyone there?" Recieving no answer, he fumbled for the call button and rang for the nurse. After a few minutes, Kathy popped her head in the door. "Hi honey! How was your sleep?" Nick turned to the sound of her voice and nodded. "Not bad. Did the results come back?" Kathy looked sad for a moment. "I believe so, let me get your doctor." "Wait!" Nick called. "Where is everyone?" "Your band mates went home for some sleep and said they would be back later. Your oldest sister took the younger ones home and your mom and dad are in the cafeteria, I think." "Okay." Nick stroked Aarons hair absent-mindedly. "I'll get the doctor." Kathy murmured. Nick sat in silence, wondering what he was about to find out. If his life would be changed forever. "Hello son." The doctor greeted Nick as he entered the room. "How are you feeling?" "Fine, do you have the results?" The doctor was surprised at Nicks abrupt tone. "Do you want to wait for your parents?" "No, I need to know now. What did the tests show?" Aaron stirred in Nicks arms and looked up at him. "Hi Nick, what tests?" "About my eyes, Air. Please tell me doctor." Nick pleaded. He could hear the doctor rustle some papers and sigh. He took a big breath and held it. "I'm sorry son..." Nick didn't hear anything else. He let go of Aaron and clapped his hands to his ears. Aaron was hugging him and crying, but Nick paid no attention. "I'll go get your parents." the doctor said, getting up from the chair. "NO!" Nick yelled. "Take Aaron to them. I want to be alone right now." "No Nick!" Aaron begged. "You need us, everything will be alright!" "Go Aaron." Nick said coldly. "I don't need anyone."
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