Why Can't I See What He Does?
Chapter 4
On my way back to Nick’s room I saw a boy, around the age of 10 I would guess, looking around like he was lost. The poor boy looked like he was about to cry, so I walked over to him.
“Hi sweetie, is everything ok?” I tried to be as motherly as I could while kneeling down to his level; this always seemed to comfort the other kids around the hospital. He looked at me, and I could tell he was debating whether or not to talk to me. Finally, he opened up to me. “I was with one of my brothers, and I sort of wondered off,” he admitted to me like he was in trouble, “and now I can’t find him anywhere.” Hmm…
“Aw honey, that’s ok, we’ll find him together. My name is Alana and I work here, so I’ll take good care of you. What is your name?” I asked him as sweetly as I could. He looked down and whispered, “Frankie.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Frankie,” I smiled at him. “If you don’t mind me asking, what is your brother’s name?” He finally looked up at me, and smiled. “His name is Joe. I also have 2 more and they’re supposed to be here too. Do you know Nick or Kevin?” I laughed immediately, and put my hand on his back. “Yes honey, I know all of them. Come on and I’ll take you back to Nick’s room. They must be worried sick.” For the first time since our conversation started Frankie’s face lit up and he grabbed my hand so I could lead him to Nick’s room.
Frankie and I were outside Nick’s room and I could hear someone yelling at Joe.
“You LOST Frankie?! How could you?!” I heard a voice booming at Joe. “Uh, well…he wondered away from me!” Joe defended himself. “Why aren’t you out looking for him?!” I decided that was my cue.
I knocked quickly before opening the door. As soon as the door was open Frankie ran in and jumped up on Nick’s bed. I laughed as I walked in behind him. What I saw was an angry looking Kevin still fuming from the yelling he just gave his brother. Joe looked relieved when he saw Frankie run in, and poor Nick was just lying in bed still listening to my iPod.
“Hello boys!” I announced trying to break the awkwardness. “Alana! Did you find Frankie?” Kevin asked me. “She did! And she was very nice,” Frankie answered for me. Kevin came up to me and gave me the biggest hug. It felt amazing being in his arms. It was strange, I barely knew the guy but yet I just felt so safe in his arms. No…this is dumb, guys can’t protect you from the hurt that they cause. Despite the argument with myself I decided that I should hug Kevin back, so I didn’t seem rude.
“Thank you for finding my little brother,” he whispered into my ear, causing me shiver. He pulled back a little, “Are you alright?” he asked me. I nodded and smiled.
“Hey, first she takes care of Nick, and now Frankie. Who’s next, me or Kevin?” Joe asked trying to make light of the situation. I smiled a wicked smile at him. “Well I’m guessing it’s gonna be you if you lose Frankie again. Kevin looked like he wanted to kill you when I walked in.” I heard Nick snicker from his bed.
“Oh, I forgot! Nick, are you ok? Why did you buzz?” He took out the earplugs. “I’m fine, it’s just Cindy was in here earlier and she was telling me you get off soon. I wanted to see you before you left and give you back your iPod.” Aw, he’s the sweetest.
“Well if you want to you can keep it until I come back for my next shift.” I told him. “I hate when kids are stuck here without any entertainment, although, your brothers do make great entertainment.” I told him, while looking over at Joe who was starting an argument with Frankie. Poor Kevin just tried to ignore them, so he walked over next to me. Nick laughed a little and agreed with me.
“When is your next shift?” Nick asked. “Well, today is Monday so…the next time I should be back is Wednesday.”
“Wednesday?!” Kevin and Nick both asked. “Why not every day?” Kevin asked, looking me in the eyes. “Because I have a good amount of classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
“Oh,” Kevin noted in a disappointed tone. Aww, he’s gonna miss me. I smiled to myself. I placed my hand on his back and gently rubbed it, “I’ll be back in no time.” He blushed like there was no tomorrow. HA! Mhmm, I can do it too. I smiled feeling confident in myself.
“I can’t wait” I thought I heard him mumble. No, he wouldn’t have said that, especially not out loud. I just brushed it off, but I did glance over at him, and he had a smirk on his face. No! Anyways… “Are you going to be ok with someone else taking care of you on my off days?” I asked Nick. He sighed, “I guess it’ll just have to do.” I laughed at him. I’m so glad they enjoy having me here. These have to be the sweetest boys that I have ever met.
“Alana, before you go, I wanted to ask you something.” Nick piped up. “Yes?”
“Well,” he paused for a minute, “this is your iPod, right?” I looked at him confused. “Yes, why do you ask?”
“Umm…do you know every artist on here?” he asked looking a little nervous. I am totally lost. What is he talking about? “Yes, I think so. My friend Sherry borrows it sometimes and adds some new songs every now and then, but it’s cool cause we usually have the same taste in music.” Then it hit me. Cindy said Nick was a rock star. His band must be on my iPod. Ahhh, makes sense now.
“Before I leave to head home, can I see my iPod for a second?” I asked Nick. He handed me it and I began to scroll through it. Finally I saw it! “Jonas Brothers”.
I clicked into it, and listening to a song for a minute. I knew this music! Why had it not hit me before? Man, I feel dumb.
I handed Nick the iPod back while it was still playing the Jonas Brothers. I looked at Nick first, then Joe, finally Kevin. They all had worried looks on their faces, but Kevin seemed to be the worst. This concerned me. Did they think I was gonna freak out and start treating them differently? Psh, whatever. These guys were the most down to earth people that I think I’ve ever met. I suddenly laughed. They thought I was gonna attack them or something! They looked at me like I was crazy.
“Ok guys, just because you’re famous doesn’t mean I’m going to act any different around y’all.” I told them in all confidence. “Besides, my manager Cindy already told me Nick was in a band. I knew before I took the job…I just sort of…forgot.” I finished with a quiet laugh. They all smiled. I could tell they were grateful. “Is there anything else you need, Nick, before I leave?” He thought for a minute. “Nope, I think I’m good.” I smiled. “Good.”
I looked at Kevin, “Do you need anything?” He looked like he wanted something, but just shook his head no. “Joe, Frankie, y’all need anything?” They shook their heads as well. I could tell they were all getting tired. “I’ll be right back,” I told them all. I left then quickly returned with pillows and blankets.
“In case any of you want to take a nap, there you go,” I told them as I laid the blankets on one of the chairs. I finally told everyone goodbye. As soon as I was walking out the door I felt someone grab my hand. I turned to see Kevin, staring into my eyes.
“Alana…” he sounded so nervous. “May I have your phone number?” Oh no, this can’t be happening. I don’t do relationships anymore. I just can’t, but he just looks so cute. Maybe he just wants it to talk to someone, besides his family while he’s here. I smiled a little. Deep down inside, although I don’t want to admit it, I was sort of excited. “Of course.”
He smiled, and I gave him my phone number. Before I was about to leave again, he leaned in and kissed my cheek. “I’ll see you Wednesday, but I hope to talk to you before then,” he winked at me and walked back into his brother’s room.
….Oh boy….
