The Brother He Never Had

"Hi, George. How are you feeling? I am sorry for what's been happening around you lately. I just wish there was a way I could help out," Kelly spoke as he entered the ward with Doctor Escobar. Like a concerned friend, he went to sit next to George on the bed.

 It's safe to say that Kelly was the best thing that ever happened to George in a while. He wasn't related to George, yet he cared so much about him as though they were biological brothers. 

 A lot about George had changed. He wasn't the George Kelly knew from way back. Aside from looking so pale, George had lost weight as though he hadn't been feeding well for the past few days. 

The situation had completely overwhelmed George, hence snatching away his confidence. For once in his life, he forgot what it feels like to be a Father. He would pay to turn back the hands of time. 

"How do I feel? I doubt if that's even a question. Oh my goodness! How do I come in on this right now? Well, you you guess. I bet you would know better." George spoke without hitting the nail on the head. He was lost for words to explain his pathetic situation. He was speaking to Kelly, yet had his whole eyes focused on the wall as though he was having a conversation with an invisible being. 

"I understand how you feel right now, George. Trust me, I feel the same too. I just don't wanna be the one to say it out knowing it might hurt you. I guess I gotta seal my lips forever." Kelly said and paused. He knew how battered George looked and wouldn't wanna worsen his situation 

"Mr. Cooper, I have good news for you.lYou are gonna love it. It's gonna be more of a relief for you." Doctor Escobar Cleared his throat. He barely said a word since they walked inside the ward. He wanted to allow Kelly and George to have a moment to themselves. 

With a move too fast, George lifted his head to focus on Doctor Escobar. "What's the good news about? Please tell me. I can't wait to find out about it. Perhaps, it would be enough to take away the pain I feel inside of me right now,"

"Relax your nerves, George. I am sure it's no big deal. You shouldn't be panicking about this. I suggest we wait to hear from the doctor first before drawing any conclusion" Kelly implored the impatient George Cooper. 

"By tomorrow, you will be getting discharged from the hospital. I would recommend some drugs to help you get better," Doctor Escobar revealed what could have been good news. 

Rather than smiling, George frowned. It didn't seem like he was excited about the news. 

"George, didn't you hear what the doctor said? You are gonna be discharged soon. This calls for a celebration," Kelly whispered after seeing how down George looked. In normal circumstances, it would have been the best need ever but somehow, George isn't feeling it 

"Of course, I heard him. I wasn't deaf," George spoke harshly. 

Absolute stillness enclosed the atmosphere as everyone waited, allowing George to have his moment. 

They understood his situation and knew it would be a huge crime to engage in a heated argument with him. 

"What's the point of being excited? I still don't get it. It's not as though getting discharged is gonna guarantee my peace of mind." 

"Oh, shit. 

That's where Dexter comes in," Kelly chipped in. Without being told, they knew whom George was referring to. 

"Yes, it's Dexter. 

How do I solve that menace?" Bewildered, George sought their opinion. A lot of questions hoarding his head that needed urgent responses. Sadly, not even Kelly or Doctor Escobar could provide the answers George was yearning for. 

________

Dexter hasn't gotten over the embarrassment he received from Kelly, especially from Doctor Escobar who made him look like a piece of shit. The event still plays in his head like a movie. 

This act has caused Dexter to be clueless, hence restricting his movement. He was still stuck in the hospital after several attempts to exit. 

Leaning against the wall, Dexter tucked his arms to reminisce what had been happening in his life lately. Most importantly, the threat from his father about the heir apparent to his inheritance. 

"I can't believe my Father would say that to my face. Sometimes, I doubt if he's the biological Father. As long as I live, I would never let Derek take over what belongs to me. That's never gonna happen," Dexter vowed while hitting his chest. 

He was speaking to himself like some mentally derailed patient. 

This strange act from Dexter didn't go unnoticed. It got the attention of some nurses at the counter who had been watching him for a while. 

"Can you see what's happening over there?" One of the nurses asked her colleague after a close observation of Dexter 

"Nurse Elizabeth, what's it this time? Can't someone have a moment of quietness to himself anymore? Forget about it. It's just not worth it," Nurse Olivia waved it off as she focused on minding her business. She doesn't give a fuck what Dexter does with his life or if he was truly running mad. 

"No way I am gonna overlook that. 

He's been standing there for a while and you are just gonna pretend like it's nothing? Come on Olivia, I thought nurses were trained to be concerned about their patients?" Elizabeth cried. She has slowly grown interest in Dexter's situation as though her whole life depends on it 

"Can you just listen to yourself speak? You were making sense until you mentioned patients. Look at that handsome man minding the business that pays him. Does he look like one the patients in the ward to you? Does he even look sick? I think you need to have your eyes examined," Nurse Olivia smirked and walked away, exempted herself the situation.