“Can you stand a little so I can get your bottoms off?”
It took time to clean Jacob up as they had to keep stopping so he could be sick.
Fran washed and looked after Jacob, and checked on his stomach while Clairmont stripped and changed the bed. He was pleased he was a professional so he could do what was needed and not perv over his mate’s body.
“The bed is ready,” Clairmont announced. “Can I move the screen?”
“Please,” Jacob replied.
The screen was moved and Jacob sighed as he saw the new sheets. “I really am sorry about the mess.”
“It happens. I doubt it will be the last time the bed will have to be changed while the silver leaves your body,” the butler said matter-of-factly.
Jacob eyed the bed. “I’m not sure I have the energy to move again.”
“Then I shall help you,” Clairmont responded, walking to his side. “Just slowly stand and lean on me, I’ll help you get there.”
Jacob did as instructed and made it to the bed and sat down before making use of the bucket again. “So much liquid.”
“Just remember, this is helping you.”
“I know.”
Clairmont picked up a glass of water and handed it to Jacob. “Wash your mouth out then have small sips.”
Jacob did as instructed, and soon was lying back under the now clean covers. “Can you make Fran go and eat something?”
“I’m not leaving you alone,” Fran protested, frowning.
Just then the bedroom door opened and Christine walked in. She was dressed and looked wide awake.
“Christine, is something wrong?” Fran asked in concern.
She shook her head. “No, I’ve come to help look after Jacob. I thought you might need a break.”
“Thank you, Christine,” Jacob said. “Perfect timing as I’m trying to get Fran to go and eat something and have a rest. But to warn you, it’s not pleasant in here.” As if to prove the point, Jacob threw up into the bucket.
Christine sat on the side of the bed and rubbed Jacob’s back. “I can cope with this. Fran, go and have a break, it doesn’t have to be long, but eat something, have coffee, and take some time. And before you protest, you’d have breaks at the hospital.”
Fran looked torn for a moment, then sighed. “Okay, just a quick one, then I’m coming straight back.”
“There’s food waiting for you in the fridge, Francis. I’ll stay here and help Christine.”
“Thanks. I’ll be back shortly,” Fran said, dropping a kiss on Jacob’s head then leaving the room.
He sighed as he walked down the hall. The amount of pain Jacob must be in was mind blowing. Fran was sure if it was him going through the same thing, he would be a blubbering mess by now. He admired Jacob’s strength.
Walking into the kitchen, Fran went straight to the sink and gave his hands a good wash. After drying them he walked to the fridge and, opening it, saw two plates of food: one with rolls, the other little bites of various foods that had been taken away earlier.
Looking at the plates, he realised how hungry he was. He took them out, put them in the side and made himself a coffee.
He glanced at the time and saw it was just after three in the morning. Fran shook his head, it felt a lot later than that. He needed to make sure he didn’t have too long a break so Clairmont could get to bed.
CHAPTER 29
Christine gently wiped Jacob’s face, while Clairmont was cleaning the bucket.
“Thank you, Christine,” he said looking at her.
