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The Sweet Life	By : jai Category: Individual Celebrities > Athlete/Sports Misc Views: 8241 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know the people written about in this fanfiction. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 39
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- 41
Tuesday August 28, 2012 Philadelphia, PA

Ian paced restlessly up and down the waiting room with Harry in one arm and Robbie in the other. He wasn’t sure if he was comforting them or they were comforting him but at this point, he didn’t care. He just wanted someone to come out and tell him Michael was going to be okay.

He looked over at the police officer and nurse who were trying to get Jamey and Liam to calm down without success. Regretting that he didn’t have two more arms, Ian sat down on a long bench and gathered his boys around him. Oh, please let Michael be okay.

A few minutes later, the door of the waiting room flew open and his parents appeared with Chloe following hesitantly behind. She sped up as soon as she saw Ian and somehow wedged herself in amongst her brothers.

“Papa, is Daddy going to be okay?”

“I hope so, Chloe.” Ian said as he ran his hand over her hair and kissed her forehead.

“Ian, what happened?” Ken asked gently as he pulled a chair over for Margaret then added other and sat down.

“I’m not sure. Michael went to return the cart and the police said that someone was speeding through the parking lot and-.” Ian stopped, unable to continue.

“Ian I tried to call Debbie and Fred but there was no answer.” Margaret said, looking at Ian with worry in her eyes.

Ian shook his head. “God, they’re probably still at the hospital with Whitney. She had the babies this morning; Michael had just gotten off the phone with Debs. I should-.”

“That’s okay son. Mum and I will take care of it once we get some news.” Ken said, giving Ian’s knee a pat. Harry looked at his grandfather and held out his arms so Ken pulled him over into his lap. “Oh, there’s a good boy.”

Soon, each boy had a lap to sit in and arms to hold them and Ian felt a little calmer although if someone didn’t come out here soon to tell him something, he was going to get up and start kicking some ass.

He looked up hopefully when the door opened and tried not to look disappointed when Grant and Pieter strode in.

“Ian, has there been any news?” Grant asked.

“No.”

“Ah, then I shall go find out what’s what.” Pieter announced after giving each child a peck on the cheek and patting Ian’s back. He swiftly disappeared back through the door and Ian gave a sigh of relief.

“I think I’m going to go crazy if I don’t find out something soon.”

Margaret stroked his arm. “I know son. Did you happen to bring the diaper bag in with you? I think Mr. Liam could use a change.”

“Yes. Um.” Ian looked around and spotted it under the table. “Robbie needs a change too and the poor things are probably starving.”

Grant leaned over and pulled it out. “Here you go. Do you want me to run home and bring back some food for them?”

“Yes – oh hell. We have groceries in the back of the car.”

“Okay, give me your keys and I’ll take care of it. Won’t take but a minute.”

“Grant you don’t have to do that. You’re always giving and-.”

“No worries, Ian. You’ve got enough of your mind and we’ll talk later.”

Ian relinquished the keys and occupied himself by changing diapers and trying to not think about anything but the task at hand.

Grant had only been gone five minutes when Pieter breezed in the room and took a seat next to Chloe and putting his arm around her. “He’s going to be okay.”

Ian breathed for what felt like the first time in an hour. “Really?”

“Really. He’s got a broken femur but it was a clean break so it should heal nicely now that the cast is on. He’s banged up, bruised and they’re going to have to stitch that cut on his forehead but there’s no concussion. He’s bit out of it from the pain meds they used so they could set his leg but he’s awake and he wants to see you. Do you want to go back?”

Ian was standing before he knew he’d moved and then looked down at Chloe. “Can we both come?”

Pieter nodded and stood up also. “I already asked and the staff said of course she could.”

Handing over Harry to his mother, Ian put his arm around his daughter and followed Pieter through the door, down a corridor and through two more sets of doors before they were finally at Michael’s side.

His husband was pale and there were more cuts and road burns than unmarred flesh on his bare chest but he smiled brightly as soon as he spotted them. Ian couldn’t help wincing at the large white cast on Michael’s lower right leg that was propped up on several pillows.

“Hey, there you are. Chloe, why don’t you come right up here and sit next to me.” Michael said, patting the bed on his left side.

“Won’t I hurt you?”

“Nah, not a lightweight like you. Besides, I could really use a hug right now.”

Chloe cautiously climbed on the bed and laid her head on Michael’s shoulder. “I was really scared, Daddy.”

“I know sweetie. I was too.” Michael said softly as he cuddled her, his eyes locking onto Ian’s.

“You were?”

“Yep.”

“Did it hurt a lot?”

“Oh yeah but it doesn’t hurt near as much now that you guys are here.”

Ian reached over and took Michael’s other hand, squeezing it tightly but not saying a word as Michael assured their daughter that she wasn’t going to lose another parent in a car accident. Pieter discreetly waited by the door but noticed that Michael was tiring a few minutes later and stepped forward.

“Ian, why don’t Grant and I take your parents and the kids home? Michael’s going to be here overnight and they’ll be in soon to move him to a room. You can drive our car home.”

“Michael, what do you think?” Ian asked solicitously.

“Yeah, okay but I don’t like this staying in the hospital stuff.”

“And now you’re just proving that doctors make bad patients.” Pieter said with a grin.

Chloe said a slightly tearful goodbye to her father and Ian leaned down to give Michael a quick kiss.

“I’ll be back in just a minute, Love. Let me just go out and make sure the boys are okay.”

“Okay, give them a kiss for me?”

“Of course.”

Ian hurried out to the waiting room and wasn’t surprised to find Grant had returned and he’d brought Cheerios and fruit that the boys were quickly cutting a swath through. He did a quick round of kisses and hugged Grant and Pieter before turning to Chloe.

“I’m not going to ask you to behave because you’re always a great kid but can you do a favor for me when you get home?”

“Uh huh.”

“Will you talk to Granny Deb and Grandpa Fred and let them know that Daddy’s going to be okay? You know how worried Granny Deb gets and she’ll feel better if she hears it from you.”

“Okay Papa. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He practically sprinted back down the hall to Michael’s bay in the ER and saw the look of pain on his husband’s face before Michael tried to mask it.

“So the pain meds aren’t working that well.”

“No they’re wearing off pretty quickly but it’s okay. It feels a lot better now than it did before it was set. Are you okay?”

Ian sat down on a nearby chair and took Michael’s hand. “I am now. I was very worried there.”

“Me too. What happened? I mean aside from the fact I was hit by a car.”

“I’m not sure. The police were still questioning the driver and the witnesses when the ambulance left and frankly, I was more concerned about you.”

Michael’s reply was forestalled by the arrival of a doctor and two nurses.

“How are you doing, Michael?” The woman in the white coat asked.

“Stuff hurts. Ashley, this is my husband Ian. Ian this is Dr. Ashley Clementine and the two ladies are Felicia and Lee Ann.”

Ian couldn’t help a little chuckle that despite his injuries, Michael had taken time to learn people’s names. “Nice to meet you all. What’s the prognosis?”

Dr. Clementine handed over the chart she was holding to Michael and smiled. “Once Michael told us he was double jointed and x-raying all his joints would not be necessary, things started looking up. We are going to keep you overnight just as a precaution but you’ll be out in the morning and I think you’ll be able to come back in a couple of weeks and we’ll see about the air cast. Now we’re going to do something about that gash and get you moved.”

Ian was able to hold Michael’s left hand as the doctor cleaned the site and applied liquid stitches to the two inch cut above Michael’s right eyebrow. Despite Michael’s jokes and teasing about having a rakish scar and Ian’s blood phobia, he kept a firm grip on Ian’s hand and Ian could tell from the occasional tremble that Michael wasn’t taking this as casually as it appeared.

Walking next to Michael’s bed as it was moved from the ER to a room on the third floor; Ian felt his cell phone vibrate and pulled it out to see Fred’s phone number displayed on his missed call list.

“Love, your dad’s just called but I can’t use the phone in here. Mum and Dad were having a little trouble getting a hold of your folks so I’m going to dash outside and call him back. I won’t be long.”

Michael started to nod although he didn’t look happy about the prospect. “You’ll tell him I’m going to be okay, right?”

“Mr. Thorpe, we’ll be in Dr. Phelps’ room in three minutes and there’s a phone there. If your dad is anything like my dad, Dr. Phelps, he’s not going to be happy unless he talks to you.” Lee Ann said as she pressed the button on the elevator.

“Thank you. And it’s Michael and Ian. None of that doctor stuff please.”

The nurses quickly settled Michael in a bed and although they tried to be gentle, Ian saw Michael wincing and stepped forward to make Michael as comfortable as possible before he picked up the phone.

“Phelps.”

“Fred, its Ian. Sorry I couldn’t answer a few minutes ago but I have someone who wants to talk to you.”

Michael took the phone and took a deep breath before he started talking. “Hey Dad. Yeah, I know. No, just a broken leg and all kinds of bruises. They were in the car so they’re fine.”

Ian let Michael continue talking as he fussed around with the pillow and blankets. He also twitched at the blinds on the window to cut down on the sunny glare before ducking into the bathroom. He could hear Michael’s voice through the door and before he knew it, the tears and panic he’d been tamping down burst out.

He quickly turned the water on in the sink and somehow got himself under control in a minute or two. He splashed his face and used the toilet and washed his hands before taking a deep breath and rejoining Michael.

Michael took one look at him and told his dad that he’d call him tomorrow once he was home. Ian took the handset and hung it up and found his free hand snagged by Michael.

“Baby, I could really use a hug. Why don’t you come right up here?”

“I don’t want to hurt you.” Ian said as he gingerly sat down on the edge of the bed.

“Okay, I’m about to get incredibly hokey here. It hurts more when you’re not right next to me.” Michael gave him an exaggerated puppy eyed look which made Ian snort as he stood up and then carefully laid down on Michael’s right side.

“Incredibly hokey is right.”

Michael made a happy noise as he wrapped his arm around Ian. “But it’s true.”

Ian levered his head up. “And I suppose you’re next going to ask for me to kiss it and make it better.”

“Hm. Well my lips really hurt the most.”

Ian leaned in and carefully kissed Michael before laying his head back down on the pillow next to Michael’s. “I’m so glad you’re going to be okay.”

“Me too. The whole time I was laying there I kept thinking that it wasn’t supposed to end like this. I mean I knew I wasn’t seriously hurt but geeze already. Does it make me a bad person that I was glad this didn’t happen last month?”

“No, it doesn’t. Do you remember anything about what happened?”

“I know I didn’t even get to the cart return and then I saw – huh. I think I saw something out of the corner of my eye and turned. . . . uh then boom. Hey, is that lady okay?”

“What lady? The driver?”

“No, the lady who was walking next to me. I think I pushed her or something.”

“You were the only one injured Michael and I wasn’t really paying attention to anyone else but you.”

“Oh. I guess I can ask the police when they show up.” Michael said, distractedly as Ian nuzzled into his neck.

They spent several minutes reconnecting with each other although Ian didn’t let it get out of hand. They were in a hospital and Michael was injured after all. He was glad he didn’t let Michael talk him into anything more when there was a knock on the door.

Ian moved slightly away but didn’t get off the bed before he gave permission to enter. The three people who walked in didn’t look exactly comfortable to see two men in bed together but Ian refused to be embarrassed or leave Michael’s side.

“Yes?”

“Uh, hello. You must be Mr. Thorpe and Dr. Phelps. I’m Bernard Dennis; I handle public relations for the hospital. These are Detective Aimes and Washington.”

“Nice to meet you.” Michael said.

Mr. Dennis managed to procure a few chairs and the three men sat down before the Detectives started questioning Michael. He didn’t have much to add to what he’d already told Ian and the detectives ended up giving them more information than they’d gotten.

“Apparently, Miss Fletcher was in a hurry to get back to work and she was also was trying to make a call on her cell phone. She whipped out of her parking spot without checking and that’s when she hit you. Mrs. Tompkins says that you did indeed push her out of the way and you probably saved her life. She’s eighty and much shorter and lighter than you.” Detective Aimes said then continued.

“Miss Fletcher admitted that she thought about not stopping but came to her senses quickly and called 911 as did several other people on the scene. We’re going to charge her with reckless driving and she’ll probably have her license suspended or revoked. Luckily her insurance was all in order and we dropped off her information at the desk.”

Mr. Dennis cleared his throat and twitched his tie. “And that brings us to the question of the press. Several local stations are already downstairs waiting for a statement. I know you’ve both had a bad experience and you probably don’t want to deal with this but I don’t want to do anything you won’t agree with.”

Michael and Ian shared a look and Ian slid off the bed, straightening his shirt. “I’ll make a short statement for both of us and that should take some of the heat off of the hospital. Is Mrs. Tompkins okay?”

“Yes.” Detective Washington said. “She was a little shocky and worried about Dr. Phelps. One of the EMTs treated her at the scene and the store’s manager gave her a ride home. I promised to call her later about your condition. I’m glad you’re okay, Dr. Phelps.”

“Thank you Detectives. Can you give us a few minutes?”

Their visitors left the room and Ian looked down at Michael. “Are you going to be okay alone for a while?”

“Yeah but don’t be too long.”

“I won’t and I’ll see about getting you something to eat. You’ve got to be starving.”

Michael thought about it for a minute. “Nah, not really. In fact I’m a little queasy from the meds still.”

“Then I’ll bring you some soup or Jell-o.” Ian said, trying not to be alarmed by the fact that Michael wasn’t hungry. He fussed a bit with the blankets and got Michael a cup of water and fluffed his pillows before Michael finally shooed him out.

The detectives and Mr. Dennis were waiting in the hall and Ian asked, “How do you want to work this?”

“I’ve never really done a press conference before. Not for something like this.” Mr. Dennis said nervously as the elevator arrived at their floor.

“Okay then. First the police should make a statement regarding the accident. Then Dr. Clementine gives a report on Michael’s injury and prognosis. Then I’ll speak. Mr. Dennis, you’ll run the show and make the introductions. The goal is to give enough information to satisfy the press but not let them take over so only allow a few questions before moving on. Where are we doing this at?”

“In the main conference room. It’s down on the first floor and I hope there’s enough room.”

Ian was almost going to scoff at that thought but the elevator doors opened and the lobby was filled with reporters so he just kept his mouth shut. Somehow, they got everyone down to the conference room and gave them time to set up while a few of the other hospital staff got the podium in position and someone went off to find Dr. Clementine.

Twitching a little at all the delays, Ian ducked out and called the house to check on everyone. His dad answered the phone and assured him everything was fine and that Gail was back from her vacation and was lending a hand with the boys.

The press conference, such as it was, was short and sweet. No one involved got long-winded, the members of the press corps didn’t ask many questions and Ian himself kept his statement brief and to the point.

“Michael and I would like to thank all the people who helped at the scene. The Ambulance crews from Germantown and Roxborough who arrived quickly and gave Michael exceptional care, the manager of the Acme who saw to Mrs. Tompkins’ safe return home, the police who have swiftly resolved this matter and the excellent personnel here at Chestnut Hill Hospital especially Dr. Clementine and the nursing staff. We’re relieved that Miss Fletcher herself is not injured and that she has owned up to making a mistake. This has just been an unfortunate accident for everyone concerned.”

“Ian, some of the people that we spoke to said that your sons were there. Did they see their father’s accident?” One of the reporters asked, jumping up before Mr. Dennis could even open the floor for questions.

“No. Our sons were there but the accident happened out of sight of our vehicle.”

“What kind of punishment do you think the driver should face?” Another reporter asked.

“I can’t really answer that. The state will do what the state does in these situations.”

“What impact will Michael’s injury have on his future plans?”

“Well it’s sort of ruined plans for our anniversary tomorrow.” Ian quipped as the reporters laughed.

“Ian, how did your daughter react to Michael’s accident?”

“She was upset naturally. As many of you may know, Chloe’s mother died in a car accident so she was a little shaky until she got in to see him. Guys, that’s all I have for you right now because I want to get back upstairs. Thank you for your time and I’ll relay any updates to Michael’s agent, Tim Carlisle, in New York.”

Since the key to ending a press conference was a quick exit Ian went out the side door and kept walking until they were in an elevator that was thankfully empty. He made a stop at the nursing station and checked on the food situation before hurrying back to Michael’s side.

As he expected, Michael was sleeping deeply and Ian sat down in the visitor’s chair with a thump. They’d gone from a normal day to near tragedy and halfway back again and he was suddenly exhausted.

He wanted nothing more than to go home and snuggle up in their bed with Michael and the kids but since that wasn’t going to happen, he started thinking about how Michael was going to negotiate through their house. The stairs to their room were going to be impossible for Michael to manage.

Reaching for the phone, he called the house again and this time Pieter answered.

“Thorpe-Phelps house, how can I help you?”

“Pieter you sound like a butler.”

“Well if my medical career doesn’t work out, it’s nice to know I have other alternatives. How’s our little patient?”

“Sleeping. How are the kids?”

“The boys are napping and Chloe’s been a bit weepy but Margaret is keeping her busy helping with the packing.”

“What packing?”

“Your parents are moving to the basement apartment and you’re moving into their room until Michael can do the stairs again.”

“Pieter, I was just going to call about that.”

“And as usual, I’m a step ahead of you. I’m such a perfect mixture of brains and beauty, I almost make myself sick.”

“Sick is one word for it. Pieter, thank you.” Ian said sincerely, wondering yet again what he’d done to deserve such great friends.

“Don’t worry; I plan on asking for a big payback later. And don’t worry about everyone here. Gail has the boys under control, Grant and I will handle moving the big stuff and your parents are all over Chloe. Your duty is to make sure Michael gets his rest. Are you staying there tonight? They’ll bring cot in for you and I could run a bag down.”

“That’s sweet of you Pieter but I think I’ll come home for a few minutes and get a shower before I come back. Michael wasn’t feeling hungry earlier so I’d like to bring him back something tempting.”

“One would think mere food would be enough but then what is served in hospitals might not qualify.”

“That is true. Pieter, do you know if anyone got a hold of Debbie?”

“She hadn’t gotten home yet but Ryan said he’d relay the news to her. Did Fred call you?”

“Yes and he spoke to Michael earlier. Pieter, I know you’re busy and I’ve got to give Tim a call to warn him about the media.”

“All right, my friend. We’ll see you in a bit.”

Ian hung up and immediately dialed New York only to be put on hold as soon as the line was picked up. He tapped his finger and stared at Michael until someone came on the line several minutes later.

“Carlisle Sports Management.”

“Hello Maureen.”

“Oh my god! Is Michael okay? Are you okay?”

Ian had never heard Maureen sound so rattled. “Maureen, he’s going to be okay and I’m fine.”

“You’re not just saying that?”

“No of course not. I would never lie to you.”

“Whew. The phones have been ringing off the hook with the press calling and they’re asking the craziest things.”

“It was a simple although regrettable car accident; a young woman in a hurry who wasn’t paying attention. Michael’s going to be in a cast for a while but no permanent harm done.”

“Oh thank goodness! All of us here were so worried.”

“I’ll be sure to tell him that.”

“Thanks. Hang on a minute and I’ll get Tim for you.”

The wait wasn’t as long this time and he was soon talking to Tim, explaining the whole thing all over again and confessing that he’d already done a small press conference.

“Well if anyone knows how to handle the press, it’s you Ian. Do you guys need me to come down there?”

“I don’t think so. Michael’s getting out tomorrow and hopefully they’ll leave us alone but I’ll keep you posted on whatever news there is.”

“I appreciate that Ian. Take care of Michael and I’ll leave a message for Dave. He should be in the office in a couple of hours and he might get a few calls there.”

“Thanks Tim.”

Ian rang off and jumped when the phone immediately rang as soon as he put it down. “Uh, hello?”

“Ian! Oh thank goodness it’s you.”

“Debbie, hi.”

“Hi? That’s all you have to say to me? Is Michael okay?”

“Yes he’s fine aside from a broken leg. I’d put him on with you but he’s sleeping at the moment.”

“And you couldn’t call me?”

“Deb, I’m sorry. I did try to call you earlier but there was no answer. Mum tried too and they were finally able to get Ryan.”

Debbie took a deep breath. “Oh, Ian. I’m sorry I snapped at you. It’s just been a long day and then I got home and Ryan told me but -. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay Deb. You’re his mum and of course you were worried. This has been a very emotional day for you and I quite understand.”

“I still shouldn’t have been so bitchy. How are you doing honey?”

“Aside from intermittent moments of sheer panic? I’m doing okay.”

“Oh honey. You didn’t see it happen did you?”

“No but I might have felt better if I had. I just heard the brakes, the thump and I saw him on the pavement. I immediately thought the worst and that wasn’t helped by seeing some blood. He cut his head somehow and you know how head wounds bleed.”

“So how did it happen?”

“Someone was in a hurry and wasn’t paying attention. The police didn’t say it to us but from their remarks at the press conference, I think they think Michael wouldn’t have been hurt if he hadn’t pushed Mrs. Tompkins out of the way.”

“Who is Mrs. Tompkins?”

“She’s a very sweet little old lady who lives down the block from the supermarket and walks over there every day to get fresh liver for her dog, Twinkles.” Ian replied, recalling what one of the detectives said at the press conference.

“Oh. Do you guys know her?”

“I’ve seen her at the library I think.”

“Okay so I’m not happy that Michael was hurt but I guess it could have been much worse.”

“Yes it could have and I’m just going to keep reminding myself of that. How are your new grandbabies?”

“Oh they’re so cute. They don’t have a lick of hair and they have those funny heads from going through the birth canal. Fred said we should paint them green and get them jobs as aliens.”

“I hope he didn’t say that in front of the new parents.”

“Fred is many things but he’s not that stupid.”

Debbie continued, telling Ian all about the new babies and the moment Whitney finally realized she was actually in labor (in the middle of rush hour traffic no less) when Ian became aware that Michael was actually awake. He made a motion with his hand at the phone but Michael only blinked and rubbed his side.

“Deb, I’m sorry to interrupt but I’ve got a few things to take care of. I’ll make sure Michael calls you tomorrow.” He hung up quickly and stood, brushing his hand over Michael’s forehead and almost springing back at how hot Michael’s skin was.

“Love, are you okay?”

Michael shook his head and moaned. “No…hot…hurts.”

Ian snatched up the call button and pushed it, trying not to give in to the overwhelming sense of panic but was close to the edge when a nurse entered.

“There’s something wrong. He’s very warm to the touch and he keeps grabbing his side.”

The nurse went from looking pleasant to worried and hurried over, pulling out a device from the array above the bed and sticking it into Michael’s ear. She also took his pulse and checked his heart before the device beeped.

“He’s definitely got a fever.” She said as she reached for the phone and paged a Dr. Festus to room 514. “How long has he been like this?”

“I was on the phone with his mother but he said earlier that he wasn’t hungry which is unusual for him.”

“Okay. Dr. Phelps? Michael?” The nurse, whose nametag read ‘Holly Wood’, started to reach for the phone again when Michael suddenly twisted away from them and vomited all over the floor. She reacted quickly and grabbed an emesis basin as Michael choked then vomited again.

The doctor arrived in the middle of Michael’s third bout of vomiting and instantly came over, “Holly, what’s going on?”

“Temp is 102.3, localized pain on the right side and vomiting. He’s also not responsive.”

“He’s the pedestrian accident victim?” The doctor asked then reached for the chart when Holly answered affirmatively. “There was no sign of internal bleeding when he was admitted.”

The doctor put the chart back and then palpitated Michael’s abdomen causing Michael to whimper in pain when the doctor’s fingers hit a spot a few inches up from Michael’s tattoo.

“Holly, please do a blood draw and get it down to the lab for a white blood cell count.” Dr. Festus reached for the phone. “Bill, can you come up to 513? I’ve got a ped accident vic with a high temp, localized ab pain and vomiting. Great.”

Dr. Festus put down the phone and turned to Ian. “Are you a relative?”

“His husband. I also have medical power of attorney.” Ian said as the nurse rushed out.

“Okay then. I’m sure you heard what I think is going on here but we’re going to do a blood test and ultrasound to hopefully confirm my diagnosis. There’s also a chance that uh-.” The doctor reached for the chart again.

“Michael Phelps. Michael.”

“Thank you. There’s also a chance that Michael has a complication from the accident earlier. How hard was he hit?”

“I’m not sure. The driver wasn’t going that fast, she’d just pulled out of a parking space.”

“But he broke his leg?”

“I think it was more the way he fell when he was hit but I don’t know for sure. In either case, you’re going to have to operate correct?”

“If it’s his appendix, we definitely will. Has he had any tenderness in his abdomen lately?”

“He hasn’t complained about anything but he wasn’t hungry earlier.”

“Sir that really isn’t a symptom of-.”

“You don’t understand. Up until a few weeks ago, Michael was eating seven to nine thousand calories a day. Aside from a few incidents brought on by unusually high levels of stress, Michael is an eating machine. It means something when he’s not hungry.” Ian said agitatedly.

“Okay sir. I’ll keep that in mind.” The doctor said calmly as another man entered the room pushing a big square gray thing on a cart with Holly and a janitor following him.

Ian studiously did not watch as blood was drawn from Michael’s already abused arm and if he hadn’t been so worried, the ultrasound would have been quite interesting but he was worried and he was also considering starting to chew the leg of the chair or shredding the curtains. He was also considering slapping himself when he realized he was mentally babbling.

The ultrasound was inconclusive but the tests showed an elevated white blood count and after two other physicians came in to examine Michael, who was definitely not getting any better, Ian had to make a decision. As the physicians waited, he picked up the phone and called home.

“Thorpe-Phelps residence.”

“Hello Dad.”

“Ian my boy. How’s Michael?”

“Uh, there’s a problem.” Ian said, not able to lie to his father. “Can I speak to Pieter for a minute?”

“I’ll get him for you.” Ken said without questioning him. Two seconds later, Pieter was on the line.

“Ian, what’s going on?”

“Michael’s got a fever, high white count, pain in his right side and vomiting. They want to do an-”

“Appendectomy. Put the doctor on the phone.”

Ian passed the phone over and waited while Pieter talked to all three doctors and the nurse before getting the phone back.

“Well?”

“Grant and I will be down in ten minutes; I’ll observe and he’ll hang out with you and let you solve all his problems. Tell them to prep him and hang up the phone, Ian.”

Ian looked at the phone and hung up on the silence. “Get the papers.”

The medical personnel went into a flurry of activity as they pulled some machines out of the room and brought other machines in. Ian sat down next to Michael and clasp Michael’s hot sweaty hand in his as he tried to stay out of the way. He walked down next to the bed as it was pushed through the hospital with an IV drip already started.

He quickly read the papers on the clipboard someone shoved at him and signed on the line as they got to the area outside the operating room and during a pause in the action, took a moment to kiss Michael who looked so fragile and alone on the bed.

Leaning down, he caressed Michael’s cheek and whispered in his ear. “I love you so much. Please be okay, love because we’ll be so lonely without you.”

“I-ian?” Michael croaked out. Ian turned and saw Michael looking at him blearily.

“Michael, yes its Ian.”

“W-what’s wrong – hurts?”

“Michael love, it’s your appendix. They’re getting ready to take you into the operating room in a minute. Michael do you understand?”

“Uh hell.”

“My thoughts exactly.” Ian said relieved that Michael appeared to be back with them. “Pieter’s going to be in there with you and you’re going to be just fine.”

“You?”

“Grant’s going to wait around with me so you’d better not take too long in there.”

“love you ba-.”

Michael’s eyelids fluttered closed but before Ian could get alarmed, the nurse pointed to the IV bag and the anesthesiologist that was standing nearby talking to Pieter.

“Mr. Thorpe, I’m sorry but you’re going to have to leave now.”

Pieter peeled away from the other doctor and came over to give Ian a big hug.

“That’s from Chloe and this kiss,” Pieter gave him a big smack on the cheek, “is from Margaret. I’ll take good care of him, Ian. I promise.”

“Thank you Pieter.”

“Grant is waiting right outside.”

Pieter gave him a little push and Ian went semi-willingly, turning around to watch as Michael was wheeled through a set of doors. He wasn’t even aware he’d gone through to the more public area until he felt a familiar arm wrap around his shoulders.

“How are you doing, Ian?”

“I think I’m sort of numb at this point. He was fine, going to get better and then this! I mean, this is just ridiculous! Can’t we just be happy? Do we always have to have some kind of drama or trauma going on? We’re not bad people. We’re kind to animals, we’re raising our children the best way we know how, we respect and love our parents; we even pay our taxes. I know I haven’t been such a good friend lately but hey, I have an appendix and I was right here in too. Why is Michael the one who this is happening too? It’s not bad enough of that he’s got a broken leg but now he’s got to deal with an operation?”

As Ian ranted, Grant towed him into a small waiting room that was thankfully unoccupied at the moment and pulled a flask out of his pocket. He unscrewed the top and passed it over to Ian as Ian paused to take a breath. “Here, drink this.”

Without thinking about it, Ian took a healthy and nearly choked on the taste. “Fuck! Are you trying to kill me? What the hell is this?”

“Peppermint schnapps. That’s from your dad by the way.”

“I hate schnapps. You know that and Dad knows that. You are trying to kill me.”

“Oh stop being so paranoid. We all figured you could use a drink about now and it’s no good if we start you on a dirty habit. Michael would not thank us and we’re all scared of him.”

Ian felt the effects of even a moderate amount of alcohol on his empty stomach and quickly sat down. “Oh.”

“Good sitting job there, mate.” Grant remarked as he reached into a rather large cooler bag and pulled out a plastic container of pasta salad. He popped the lid and fished for a fork, handing both over to Ian. “Now eat this like a good boy.”

Ian poked at the food for a moment and then took a tentative bite. The taste reminded him again that he hadn’t eaten since breakfast and he started shoveling it in. Grant smiled widely and put several other containers on the table in front of Ian before getting up and getting two waters out of the machine. One bottle went on the table and he sat down with the other one, propping his feet up on a nearby chair and observing Ian for a few minutes.

“So, did I tell you that I’ve gotten a new job?”

Shaking his head, Ian tried to swallow and reply but Grant didn’t wait for him.

“It’s something I started investigating last spring. Not that I wasn’t happy at CHC, the students were fun to work with and I liked my coworkers but it was a bit uncomfortable being the token gay guy on staff. So I went on a few interviews, got a couple of second interviews and ended up with several offers. The one from Princeton was intriguing but I wasn’t thrilled about the commute. The offer from Columbia was very flattering but the same problem. So I went with the offer from Wharton.”

Ian actually stopped eating for a moment. “Wharton? Grant, that’s fantastic! I’m so impressed.”

“Thank you. I’ll be teaching International/Multinational Finance, Multinational Corporate Strategies and Multinational Management.”

“The Huntsman Program?”

“Yes. It’s not tenure track but it could turn into one if Pieter and I decide to stay here. That will depend on where Pieter ends up working once he graduates.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? I could have spoken to Dr. Fitz; I know he had to be on your hiring committee.”

“That’s why I didn’t tell you. Dr. Fitz was well aware that we’re friends but I’ve never been your professor.”

“I beg to differ. How else would I have gotten an A in Global Analysis without your help?”

“Oh please. You’re such a bookworm that you would have gotten it even if you did have to get a waiver for half the course requirements.”

“Well it was just silly of them to require me to take a language course for an undergrad class I was only auditing.” Ian said defensively.

“Stop talking, Ian and eat.” Grant said and waited to continue until Ian had complied. “Anyway, so that’s what was going on with me professionally and I didn’t tell you partially because I didn’t want you to wield your considerable influence at Wharton on my behalf. The other reason I didn’t say anything is because I didn’t want Michael blaming himself for how things turned out at Chestnut Hill.”

“We both know how he gets and although the swimming privileges were a nice benefit for all of us, it was not the only reason I took the job there. But I’m sure Michael would have had a fit or two before he believed me and that’s the last thing he needed this summer.”

Ian put the last (empty) container down and burped discreetly before picking up his water bottle and mimicking Grant’s relaxed position. “So how are things between you and Pieter?”

“We’re okay but we’re going through a little conflict at the moment regarding the baby issue. We both want to have a child but neither one of us is thrilled with the idea of leaving most of the care for that child in the hands of a stranger. Now don’t get me wrong, Gail is a wonderful person but you’re the primary caregiver and you do such a great job with the boys.

“Truthfully, I’m a little worried that we’d come home from work one day and our little boy or girl would be calling the nanny, ‘mama’. I know I’m being silly but I want our baby to know we’re his or her parents. Pieter says he’s perfectly willing to take a year off once he graduates but then we’ll have to go through the surrogate selection again and there’s no telling what a sabbatical would do to his career at that point.

“I’d also be okay with being home with the baby but then Pieter’s worried that if I don’t get a serious position in the near future that could impact my teaching career down the road. Financially, we’d be okay if one or the other of us took the time off but I’m not sure how either one of us would do mentally over the long run. Tell me something, Ian. Are you happy at home with the boys?”

“You mean, how do I survive without some kind of outside stimuli?”

“Ian, that’s not what I meant.” Grant said quickly.

“But that’s what you inferred. Oh, stop denying it. Even Michael occasionally looks at me like I’m undergoing torture and you should hear what some of the parents of Chloe’s friends say. I’m not ashamed to be a house husband or a stay at home dad or whatever you want to call it. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to cope either but then I realized how incredibly lucky I was to have this opportunity.”

“I’m there every day to see the changes, big and small in our boys. I’m there when Chloe gets home from school and we have the greatest talks. I love feeling needed at the end of the day. I know Michael regrets that he’s had other obligations and it in no way means he doesn’t love the children just as much as I do but there’s a big difference between me and the three of you.”

“You all have this love and passion for your professions. You should hear the way Michael talks about his patients and the way he glows when they make the tiniest improvements. Pieter is the same way about his patients and Grant, you love teaching. You may bitch about the students who are there filling space but you get so excited when you’ve had a great class discussion or you get a paper from someone who shows they’ve learned something from you.”

“You know I think I’m a lot more like my mum than I ever realized. One of the things she always mentioned about teaching children was that for a small amount of effort, you could make a big difference in their lives. I think that if I hadn’t had a swimming career, I might have ended up teaching at a primary school.”

Grant stroked his chin reflectively. “Do you remember a conversation we had a few months after we met? We were all talking about what we wanted to do in our futures and from out of nowhere, you said you’d like to be a headmaster.”

It took Ian a moment to search his memory and laughed. “You said you wanted to be a racecar driver. Well I guess I am a headmaster albeit at the world’s most exclusive nursery school.”

“So you don’t look think I’m a big wimp for being scared at the thought of full-time parent?”

“Not at all. If I did, I’d have to think the same thing about Michael. He was so happy to be home but the way he’s been casting about for a hobby makes me wonder if maybe he’d have liked to start work a little sooner.”

“I thought that was a combination of Michael not wanting to step on your toes at home and feeling a bit one dimensional.”

Ian sat up. “What do you mean by that? Michael’s just as much their father as I am and he’s as faceted as a brilliant cut diamond.”

Grant laughed heartily. “Oh Ian, if there was ever any doubt that you are indeed gay, that whole diamond thing would have dispelled all doubt. I think he feels a little lost at the moment. We all had our adjustments to retirement but we all had outside interests to keep us occupied during the transition. I used cooking, Pieter got married and you’ve always so many things that caught your interest.”

“Hm. So this sewing thing is not only a way to fill some time but it’s something he can do for the family that I don’t do so he’s not venturing into my territory. Well, I’ve been such a fool. God, he even said that he wanted me to design some of the things he’d try to sew. I was just joking about having this exclusive thing and he’s been trying to tell me how excluded I’ve made him feel from our own children. I’m such an-.”

Grant leaned over and smacked Ian’s leg in a very ungentle manner. “Stop that.”

“Ow. Dammit that hurt!”

“It was supposed to. You and Michael have a wonderful relationship; don’t get yourself all filled up with doubts. You in no way exclude him from the children. It doesn’t all have to be about you, centrifuge boy.”

“So you’re saying this is all Michael’s thing?” Ian asked while he rubbed his leg.

“To a large degree, yes. Michael’s never really had a chance to be ‘just’ a husband and a father. I think he’s not sure how he’s supposed to go about it and he’s a little leery. Fred is a great guy and he tried his best but he wasn’t really there for Michael on a daily basis. You’re probably the only real example he’s ever seen of a hands on dad and he can’t be you now can he?”

Ian dropped his head back and stared at the ceiling for several long minutes. He ran his finger over his lips for a while and thought about how uneasy Michael had seemed the last few days and how hard Michael had been trying. Ian had really thought that maybe Michael was regretting his retirement and had half been expecting Michael to rescind his decision.

But Michael truly been happy to be home and had spent most of his time as Ian’s ‘assistant’ in caring for the boys, deferring to Ian’s damned schedule at every turn. Ian had seen that a sign that Michael didn’t really want to be that involved in the day-to-day care but now Grant’s words had put those actions into a new light.

“Well fuck me stupid.”

“No thanks mate, that’s Michael’s job but you’re turning into quite a little potty mouth, aren’t you? You’d better watch it before the boys pick that nasty habit up.”

“Grant, has Michael said anything to you about this?”

“No and he hasn’t said anything to Pieter either. I’m just putting to together my observations and some of the things Michael has said over the years. He really does go on and on about you; it can get quite nauseating when he gets a good steam going.”

Ian rolled his eyes and stood up to start clearing the plastic containers off the table. He tidied up and put the containers back in the bag, stopping to swiftly plant a kiss on Grant’s cheek. “You really are a piece of work, Hackie.”

“Hey now, don’t go getting all sloppy on me.”

“Hush up. I’m trying to thank you for being a friend beyond measure.”

Grant grinned up at him. “Oh I don’t know about that. How much of a friend will you think I am when I remind you that you really should call Michael’s parents. Do you really want to explain this to them tomorrow?”

“Oh crap!”

“There’s that potty mouth again.”

Ian reached for his phone on his way out the door then came to a stop when Pieter and a woman entered the room.

“Well it was definitely his appendix.” Pieter announced. “Michael’s doing fine and he’ll be moved up to recovery in a short while. This is Dr. Holtz and she performed the operation. Bettina, this is Michael’s husband Ian and my fiancé Grant.”

“A pleasure to meet you both. The operation was a success and I’m expecting no complications. It was quite a lucky thing Dr. Phelps was already in the hospital because the organ was quite inflamed and close to bursting. Another day or two and he might not have been so lucky.”

“Dr. Holtz, thank you.” Ian said gratefully shaking her hand gently. “When can I see him?”

“You can go up in a half hour or so. I’ve got some paperwork waiting for me but I’ll be around to see Michael in the morning. Pieter, always good to see you and don’t be a stranger.

The doctor excused herself quickly and Ian pounced on Pieter, hugging him tightly.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

“Don’t go getting emotional all over me. I only observed.” Pieter said, his hands patting Ian’s back and belying his words.

“I would have been much more worried if you weren’t in there. It was really only appendicitis?”

“Yes. I’ll go out on a medical limb here and theorize that the stress of the accident, the way he was hit or the way he fell may have hastened the evitable. From the state of the organ, it must have been in distress for some time although it obviously wasn’t painful enough to cause him problems.”

“I’m just glad you were here. Both of you.” Ian said, giving Pieter one last squeeze before stepping away. Um, I’m going to go visit the loo and then make a few phone calls. Will you come get me when they let us up?”

“Of course we will.”

Ian walked swiftly out of the room, found the restroom and took a moment to gather himself. He clenched the edge of the sink and stared into the mirror. “He’s okay. This time he’s okay and he’ll be home in a few days and things will be fine.”

His image didn’t look quite so convinced of that fact so he told himself that they’d had a very bad day but tomorrow would be much better. He washed and dried his hands and walked out, found the stairs and headed for the exit. The late summer sun was low in the west and Ian checked his watch with surprise.

The boys’ appointment had been at nine am so it had been a very long, very bad day after all. He dialed his phone and wasn’t surprised when then line was picked up after a single ring.

“Ian?”

“Hi Mum. Michael’s fine, they just finished the surgery and they’re going to move him back to his room shortly.”

“Oh thank goodness! So it was his appendix?”

“Yes. How are the children?”

“The boys are already in bed but we had to play their lullaby tape several times before they settled down. Chloe’s right here so I’m going to pass the phone to her.”

“Papa?”

Ian’s heart broke a little at the tremor in his daughter’s voice. “Hi sweetling. Daddy’s going to be fine.”

“He is?”

“Yes Chloe. He’s not awake yet but pencil us in your schedule tomorrow and we’ll come down to visit him.”

“He’s not coming home tomorrow?”

“I don’t think so. They’ll probably keep him a couple of days but I’ll check with Uncle Pieter to make sure.”

“Okay. Papa, are you coming home tonight?”

Ian swiftly thought it over. “Yes but probably not for a couple of hours. I’ll come up and check on you when I get home but I’m not going to wake you up.”

“But how will I know you’re home?”

“I’ll flip over your comforter and you’ll also see me in the morning. Is that okay?”

“Okay. Will you kiss Daddy good night for me?”

“Of course I will. Is Nana still there?”

“No, she went up to tell Granda about Daddy.”

“All right then. I need to call Granny Deb and Grandpa Fred but don’t forget to look at your comforter before you go to sleep tonight. Daddy and I love you lots.”

“Love you too Papa.”

Ian hung up with a sigh and then made the tough call.

“Callahan residence.”

“Good evening Ryan.”

“Oh, hello Ian. I didn’t recognize you number on the caller ID. How are you doing and how’s Michael?”

“I’m doing fine and so is Michael now. Is Debbie around? I should tell her myself.”

“Uh oh. Hang on a minute and I’ll get her.”

Ian waited, listening to the TV program that Ryan must have been watching and then Debbie was there.

“Ian, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing now but I wanted to let you know that Michael underwent an emergency appendectomy a few minutes ago. Pieter was in observing and he said the surgery went well. I would have called you as soon as they started but it didn’t take long and I didn’t want to leave you hanging and waiting for news.”

“Surgery?”

“Yes but now he’s appendix free and on the mend for real.”

“Did you know about this when we spoke earlier?”

“No although I suspected something wasn’t quite right since Michael wasn’t hungry and he hadn’t eaten for hours.”

“Oh well that’s usually a bad sign.” Debbie said with a sigh. “I swear that son of mine is going to make me old before my time. When do they expect to release him?”

“I have no idea but I’ll find out tomorrow and let you know.”

“All right. Have you called Fred?”

“No he’s next on my list.”

“Then I’ll let you go but please keep me posted.”

Ian was glad that Debbie hadn’t been too upset with him and dialed the phone number for Michael’s other set of parents.

“Hello?”

“Hi Fred, its Ian.”

“Ian! How are you son?”

“I’m doing well. I was just calling to tell you that Michael had an emergency appendectomy a short while ago but he’s going to be fine.”

“Oh, well I’m glad to hear that. You guys have really had a rough day. How are you holding up?”

“I’m better now. Pieter was in watching the surgery and Grant was keeping me busy by pointing out my faults.”

“Trust those two!” Fred exclaimed with a delighted laugh. “Do you need me to come up and help out, take the kids for a couple of days or just stay out of your way?”

“I’m not sure at this point what’s going on but I appreciate the offer Fred.”

“No problem. You know, you might want to investigate renting one of those little electric chairs for that husband of yours. With a broken left leg and surgery on his right side, he’s going to have a hell of a time just getting around.”

“That’s a really good idea, Fred. Thanks for the suggestion and I’ll mention it to Michael.”

They spoke a few more minutes before bidding each other a good night. Ian stood for a moment and watched the sky start to change colors and wondered when it had become easier to talk to Fred than to Debbie.

As he’d originally gotten along famously with Debbie, he also wondered when this awkwardness between them had sprung up and where it came from. Ian shrugged and pushed the thought out of his mind. He had other things to worry about at the moment.

Just before he walked inside, he looked up at the sky again and thanked whatever it was that kept saving them from total disaster. Call it luck or serendipity, he didn’t care. He was just grateful.
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The Sweet Life