Page 36 of Once Bitten

Chapter Fifteen

“Yes, Da-ad, I’ll make sure everything’s perfect before we go. How’s everything over there?” I asked Larry over the phone, trying to sound as light hearted as possible.

“Well, there was a miniscule bleed in Dean’s brain from the fall but it’s clotted for now, as to the long term effects, they’re not sure yet. He’s been acting kinda...um, weird.”

“Weird how?”

“Just, kinda, dull. Not really hungry. And then acting a little hyper sometimes as well.”

“Well, he’s been cooped up in bed for four days, he’s probably going stir crazy, a little like his Dad.”

“Wha? I am not,” Larry snapped defensively.

“Well, you might not be refusing your corn flakes, but how many time have you called me since I left yesterday morning?”

“That...is...out of concern for...yeah ok.” He admitted, defeated.

“Larry. Stop worrying about the company and just take care of your family. All this time at the hospital can’t be good for Mel.”

I could almost hear the shrug over the phone. “Well, either way she won’t leave.”

“Maybe get one of Dean’s friends to come visit, they’ll come with the Mom, give Mel a little breather.”

“Yeah. Anyway, how’s Finn?”

How? More like where.

“Um, Finn is er, fine.”

“You sick of him yet?”

Um, he makes me hot and feverish and my stomach constantly feels like it’s turning, but no not sick.

“Um, nah. He actually knows the company pretty well, and had read up on the acquisition of La Mer inc, so we’ll see how today’s meeting goes.”

“OK, well that’s actually a load off my mind.”

“Good. Now go away, I’m sick of YOU.”

“Fine. Go. Do good. Earn your money.”

“Take care, boss.” I wished him, uneasy that he wasn’t doing so well.

“How’s Larry?” I heard Finn call out from the other room, startling me.

“Um, he’s okay, bit worried about Dean.”

I heard his footsteps coming into the bedroom and I braced myself for seeing him.

“Let me know if you get any news.”

“I will.” I swallowed, trying to calm my voice, “So, um, where have you been?”

“Oh, I wasn’t really tired, so I went out for a walk while you were sleeping.”

“Oh.”

“Is something wrong?”