Page 62 of Rejection and Redeemed

“I know. I’m lucky to have him at the hospital.”

“Pretty sure Ezzy is feeling lucky as well,” Jacob pointed out.

Robbie gave a quick laugh. “True.” He stood up. “If you need anything at all, phone me. If you go a long time without being sick, phone me. And by long time, I mean, like, fifteen minutes.”

“I will,” Fran promised again.

“I would say good night, but it won’t be that, so I’ll just say night.”

“Night Doc, sleep well,” Jacob said.

Fran hugged Robbie. “Night.”

Robbie returned the hug, and with a pat on Jacob’s leg, he walked around the screen and left the room.

“Pretty sure we can pull those screens back now,” Jacob said.

“I can do that. While I’m up, do you need anything?”

“I need a pee bottle please.”

Fran nodded and closed one of the screens up then went to the cupboard and collected a bottle.

“Let me help you move so it’s easier for you,” Fran offered, putting the bottle on the bed and helping Jacob sit on the side of the bed.

Once sorted, Fran unscrewed the top and handed the bottle to Jacob. “I’ll wash this bucket out while you pee. Here’s the clean one,” he said, putting it on the bed next to Jacob.

“Thanks,” Jacob replied, sighing as he did his business. He had just finished when he had to grab the bucket and throw up again, dropping the pee bottle and spilling the contents over himself and the bed. Once he stopped filling the bucket he realised he was wet and, looking down, he saw why. “Fran, I dropped the pee bottle all over myself and the bed,” Jacob said, sniffing.

Fran rushed out of the bathroom and picked up the bottle. “I’ll get you and the bed cleaned up, never fear. Did you pack any spare PJs?”

“Yeah, not sure where my clothes are though.”

Just then the door opened and Clairmont walked in.

“Hey, Clairmont, perfect timing. Do you know where Jacob’s clothes are? We need some clean PJs and some sheets.”

“I put Jacob’s pyjamas in the wardrobe here as I thought they might be needed. I also put extra sheets in there. Francis, if you can help Jacob onto the chair and get him changed and cleaned up, I can sort the bed out. I’ll move the screen to ensure your privacy,” the butler said gently. “I’ll just get your sleepwear and the sheets while you move Jacob.”

“Thanks, Clairmont,” Fran said. “Let me help you stand up, you don’t need to straighten if it hurts too much.”

Jacob gently moved. “I’m so sorry, Fran, Clairmont,” he whispered.

“Hey now, none of that. To be honest, I thought I would have been changing you and the bed sooner than this. I was sure you were gonna barf on the bed and yourself,” Fran told him with a smile, helping Jacob to move to the chair.

“I still might,” Jacob replied with a small grin. “Once everything is all cleaned up, will you go and have something to eat?”

“I’m fine,” Fran said.

“Here is the clean sleepwear. I’ll take this bucket and sort it out, and bring you a bowl of hot water and a sponge so you can clean Jacob up.”

“Thanks,” Fran said, handing a bucket to Clairmont, who took it and walked into the bathroom.

Fran gave Jacob the other bucket then moved one of the screens around, blocking the view to the bed, while Jacob made use of the bucket.

Clairmont was back a few moments later with the now clean bucket, a bowl of soapy water, a washcloth, and a towel.

Fran took them and put them on the floor, while Clairmont took the used bucket out of Jacob’s hands and carried that back to the bathroom to wash it out.