Healing (General's Daughter Book 5) (10 page)

“What happened?”

“I stood up, hugged him and cleaned the areas I was criticized in. I then went into the room where Scott was sitting and kissed his cheek, asking him to go check to see if I did better. He was pleased. The praise I received was genuine and deserved. Scott does not give praise away.”

“But you were only eleven!”

“In years. I was being trained as a soldier from the day I took my first step. They weren’t planning on this,” she swept her hand out, “but they knew it would be something. Especially since I followed Mike like a puppy dog and did everything he did.”

“Was he fun to grow up with?”

“He is the best big brother in the whole world. He took me everywhere and did everything with me. If I couldn’t be there, he wouldn’t go. I remember him trying to teach me to ride a bike. I was five. Daddy asked him to wait until he could help us, but Michael was insistent on doing it himself. Truthfully, he taught me more things than Daddy or Scott did. He liked to and they let him. Anyway, I guess my stubborn streak started early because I was going to do it without Mike helping. He showed me how to balance and brake, then instructed me to wait for him while he got my helmet. As soon as he was out of sight, I tried to go off on my own.”

“Oh no!” Jen laughed.

“Yeah, I ate it. He came back outside and I was on the asphalt covered with blood and grime. He gathered me in his arms to make it all better, but all I wanted was to show him I could do it. I wasn’t crying because I was hurt, but because I wanted him to be proud of me. He took me inside to clean me up, and then promised I could try again. I was riding that bike before Daddy got home. Mike was so proud of me.”

“He still feels that way. You are perfect to him.”

“I still don’t get why he thinks that. He knows my imperfections better than anyone. But then he’s perfect to me, too. He’s a good guy.”

“One of the best. Do you realize that we have four of the most amazing men in the world living in one house?”

“I’ve always known that with my family, and now we have Rich. We are some lucky gals,” Sam said, yawning again. “I’m beat. What time is it? Shit, only 1045?”

“We started at 0700 today. Maybe you can take a nap during chow?” Jen suggested.

“I think I will. Don’t tell Mike, but I really don’t feel that great. He worries too much.”

“I won’t say anything. Can I get you something?”

“Yeah, some tea if you don’t mind. Thanks, Jen.”

“My pleasure, Sam.”

Sam watched her walk out and put her head on the desk. It was starting to pound with pressure behind the eyes. She also felt achy. She picked up the phone, calling her father.

“Quimby.”

“Hey, Daddy. It’s me. I don’t feel well. Can I go to the BOQ and take a nap?”

“Sure, honey. What’s wrong?”

“Headache, bone ache, yucky… Maybe a bug.”

“Stop by here on the way so I can look at you, okay?”

“Yes, sir. I’ll have Rich take me. He’ll be less of a pain than Michael.”

“Why don’t you swing on over now? I’m here and it’s pretty quiet.”

“Okay. I’ll be there soon.” She ended the call. “Rich? Come into my office please.”

Rich walked in, standing respectfully in front of her desk. She gestured for him to sit. “Why do you do that? You know we are informal in the labs. And you are of equal rank with me now.”

“Habit. What’s up? You don’t look too good.”

“I don’t feel too good. Would you take me over to see Daddy? He said I could go to the BOQ and grab a nap.”

“Sure. When do you want to leave?”

“Now, but don’t tell Mike. He’s—”

“He’s what, little sister? You’re sick,” Michael announced, walking in and touching her forehead.

“I’m okay. Just tired.”

“No, it’s more. Rich, could you please take her to sickbay? I have to finish this report.”

“Actually, we—”

“Mike, please don’t mother me. I’m okay.”

“You are to go see Dad now. That’s an order. Rich, take her and then bring her to the BOQ to rest. I will check on you after work. Go, this instant!”

“I don’t want to. I’m too busy,” Sam argued.

“I’m not asking you. Don’t make me repeat myself,” Michael frowned, hands on his hips.

“Fine!” Sam huffed, standing.

Michael crossed his arms, looking down at her. “Is that how you answer your commander?”

“No, that’s how I answer my bossy big brother. Permission to leave, SIR!”

“Get out of here, brat. Rich, she’s a horrible patient. Obviously, she’s not too bad by how she’s mouthing off at me, but keep an eye on her, okay? I can sense her discomfort, whether she likes it or not.” He glared at his sister’s set chin.

“No problem, Mike. Come on, Sammi; mind your brother. Don’t forget your jacket, it’s cold out there,” Rich said. He led her outside and adjusted the canvas over the hopper as they got in, “What was that about? You could have told him you were already going.”

“You have so much to learn, my darling. If Michael knew I had already made an appointment to see Daddy, he would have started to worry. This way, he knows I feel bad, but am still well enough to fight with him. It eases his mind.”

“How do you really feel?”

“Like I’m going to drop. I think I have the flu.” She rubbed her neck with her eyes closed.

Rich kissed her forehead, discovering she was feverish. “You don’t need to be in the water?”

“Just a real hot bath. Shit, I don’t have time for this.”

***

“Well, my sweetness, it looks like you might have the flu,” Dr. Quimby said after looking into her throat and feeling her neck.

She swung her legs that dangled off the table, wrinkling her nose. “Make it go away. I don’t have time for this.”

“You have the next three days of nothing but rest, fluids and lots of loves. Sorry. We don’t need the entire base getting sick because you’re stubborn.”

“I’m not stubborn. I’m dedicated.”

“She learned that from Scott. You’re stubborn. There are a few cases of this going around, so let’s try to arrest it. Be a good example of taking care of yourself. I’ll make you roast beast…” He smiled, holding her close.

“Bribing me with my favorite food is not going to change the fact that I hate being stuck inside. It’s boring.”

“I’ll make a deal with you. If you go straight to bed and stay there, I’ll let Rich take care of you.”

“Hey! What did I do to deserve that?” Rich protested. He had already gotten an earful of how bad of a patient she was.

Dr. Quimby laughed. “Look at it as an opportunity to show everyone how dedicated YOU are.”

Rich got the hint. “You want dedicated? Well… okay, General, I can show you dedicated.”

Sam watched the two of them. “I don’t know what you gentlemen are up to, but I’m not in the mood for any funny business. Can I please just go lay down for a while?”

“Go ahead, baby. Do you want to go home or just stay at the Q tonight?”

“Let’s see how I’m feeling. If it gets worse, I’m not moving. Plus the Q is quieter.”

“I’ll just take her to my place and settle her there. I have plenty of food, too.”

“Richard, you are to be her caregiver, NOT play doctor,” Dr. Quimby said firmly.

Rich grinned, thumbing towards Sam. “Look at that mug. Do you think I want to do anything with it other than put a bag over its head?” he teased. Sam’s mouth fell open as Dr. Quimby laughed.

“She is looking pretty hideous. Take her away before she scares off my other patients. Feel better, Sammi. I love you.”

“Humprf. Your bedside manner sucks,” Sam grunted, sliding off the table and marching away.

Dr. Quimby grabbed Rich’s arm. “Please take care of her. She’s not in a good place right now.”

“I will, Joe. Trust me.”

“I do. Oh, and Rich? Good luck. You’ll need it.”

Sam was leaning against the hallway wall when Rich came out. She was flushed and not very steady. He gently led her outside, put her inside his jeep and slowly pulled out towards the officer housing units.

“How are you doing?” he asked, coming around to the passenger side after parking the vehicle.

“I feel like shit. Feel me better.” She reached towards him, sounding like a little girl.

Rich pulled her out and carried her into the house. He frowned. “You’re lighter. How much have you lost?”

“I dunno. I fluctuate two-three pounds, depending on my activity. I’ve been swimming a lot lately and probably not eating enough. Ton says I look like a pike fish with chest bumps.” She forced a laugh.

Rich frowned, laying her on the couch. “I’m going to make you a hot bath then put you to bed. You will also eat. No arguing. It’s me taking care of you, not your brother or your father,” he said firmly, stroking her hair.

“Very well.”

Rich’s mind raced with scenarios as he filled the tub and added the bubbles and scented oil he had bought for her. He reprimanded himself; he was becoming like her brother, trying to understand every little change and solve the problem.
She just has the flu. Normal people get sick. Stop it, man, you’re over-reacting,
he told himself.

He brought the girl into the bathroom and slowly he undressed her, taking time to caress her soft skin. Her color seemed to improve as he did so. Rich frowned, holding her face. “That’s odd. Sam, can you swirl me?”

“Not right now, my head hurts.”

“Let’s get you into the bath, then if you feel up to it, I want to experiment with something.”

“And you call ME the scientist. I’m dying here and you want to run lab tests.” Sam chuckled, settling into the hot water. She moaned with pleasure, sinking deep under the bubbles. She stayed under for a long time before popping back up.

“You can still hold your breath for almost four minutes,” Rich commented, kneeling next to the tub.

“No problem there. This feels so good. You know, there’s room enough for both of us.” Sam smiled seductively.

Rich shook his head. “You heard your father. No playing doctor. Besides, I’m worse of a patient than you are. You don’t want me catching it.”

“You’ve already been exposed. Please? Just come in and hold me.”

“And what if your father comes by? Or Scott?”

“We could tell them you were ensuring my safety in the tub. Please?”

“No. I will, though, be happy to scrub your back. And other places if you like.” Rich lathered a washcloth. Sighing, she leaned back and lifted one long leg high in the air for him. He washed, then thoroughly massaged it, then went to the other leg. He repeated with her arms, shoulders and back. She flipped to her stomach, wiggling her bottom for him.

“Don’t forget these muscles,” she ordered. Rich couldn’t resist, smacking her wet backside sharply one time. “OW!”

“I told you we aren’t here to play. For someone who is sick, you sure have a lot of spunk.”

“I’m feeling better. Honest.”

Her color did look better. But why? He needed to see if his hypothesis had any credence.

“Let’s get you dried off and into bed. No more playing.” She reluctantly obeyed, allowing Rich to pull one of his tee shirts over her head and snuggle her into his large bed. He dried her hair as he fanned it over the pillows and she fell asleep in his arms shortly afterwards. He was watching TV when the family walked in unannounced.

“How’s she doing?” Dr. Quimby asked.

Rich tried to straighten up, gently lifting her off his chest. “She said she was feeling better after her bath. I could tell she’s lost weight, and she was in a mood, too.”

“She will try to con you into thinking she’s okay so you’ll let her escape her prison sentence,” Scott informed him quietly.

Michael agreed. “That’s the truth. She’s the worse patient in the world. Good luck, buddy, she’s yours.”