“That’s what we’re going to find out,” Kyle said as he readied the materials to collect the blood sample and the throat swab.
“Should we be taking him to the hospital?” Ava asked,trying to keep the panic in her voice to a minimum, but failing.
“Not yet. We don’t know that this is the flu. And I don’t want him exposed to any of those patients if it’s not. What I do want is you to quarantine yourself. No contact outside, okay? No delivery people, no maids, no nothing.”
“I don’t think they have maids here,” Alex said with a weak chuckle. “And I don’t think I have the flu. I’m fine, Avs. I promise. I’m just a little tired.”
Ava offered him a fleeting smile, unable to make it look genuine with the upset that roiled inside her. “Yeah.”
“And at least we get a free pass from the hospital.” As he gave her a weak grin, she noticed the sweat beading on his brow.
“Did you take his temperature?” Ava asked.
“Not yet,” Kyle said as he finished collecting the blood sample. “I’ll grab it now before I get his throat culture.”
Ava pressed her lips together into a thin line as Kyle aimed the gun at Alex’s forehead and pressed the button. She groaned internally at the red light that appeared before she read the number. Close to one-oh-one.
Her heart sank. “That’s not good.”
“What is it?”
“Almost one-oh-one,” she answered. “This isn’t just being tired, babe.”
Alex shifted on the bed, trying to prop himself up on his elbow. “It’s not this flu, though, right? I couldn’t have gotten it this fast. It’s only been a few hours.”
“Incubation time is pretty quick on the regular flu…this could be even faster,” Kyle answered. “Open up and let me get that throat swab.”
“I’d rather you didn’t. I really didn’t want the needle in the arm either.”
“Come on, buddy, it’s only a few seconds. And if you’re good, I’ll give you a lollipop.”
“Very funny, Doc,” Alex answered with a grimace.
“Come on, babe, just let him get the sample.” Ava grabbed his hand and squeezed. “Plus, the lollipop sounds worth it.”
“Do you have grape?” Alex asked.
“Yep,” Kyle said with a nod.
“Seriously? You’ve been carrying lollipops in your doctor’s bag, and you’ve never offered to share them with us?” Ava asked.
“I use them for these occasions. If I shared them all the time, you wouldn’t let me get throat cultures,” Kyle answered as he pulled open the swab.
Alex grimaced before opening his mouth. Kyle stuck the swab into his throat, causing Alex to gag a little as he swiped.
“Good job.” Kyle slid it into a protective container before he dug into his bag and offered Alex a purple-colored lollipop.
Alex grabbed it from him with a smile. “Thanks, Doc. I bet I’ll be feeling better in no time with this type of medicine.”
“Well, you should have whatever medicine you want, Mav. Cheese balls, orange soda. You are under doctor’s orders to stay in bed, relax, and eat. I’m also going to give you some vitamins to help boost your immune system.”
Ava swallowed hard as Kyle dug a pack of immune-boosting vitamins from his bag and handed them over.
“Start with two of those right now. Try to get some food down, okay?”
“I really don’t feel like eating,” Alex said with a shake of his head.
“I’m going to get you something to eat,” Ava answered. “You’re eating no matter what.”
