Cheryl hadn’t heard from Kevin, Kayla was barely talking to her and Matthew wouldn’t give her a straight answer as to what had happened to him a few nights ago. Her bed and breakfast was busier than usual. Summer was coming and people were either booking for their honeymoon or for a quick summer getaway.
Walking in, she saw her employee behind the counter and asked her if she had any calls. When Brittany told her that her husband had called, Cheryl quickly reminded her that he was her ex-husband and asked what he wanted.
“I am not sure. He said to call him at the hospital. He left his room number.”
She quickly took the message and went into her office and shut the door. She called the hospital and was put through to his room.
“Hello.”
“Uh, hi. Is this Kevin Goldman’s room?”
“Yes.”
“Can I speak with him?”
“Who’s calling?” the woman asked.
“Cheryl.”
“Yeah.”
“Kevin. What is wrong? Why are you in the hospital?” she said into the phone.
“Don’t act new. You knew damn well I was here.”
“No I didn’t. Is this from when you and Matthew…”
“It would take more than his dumb ass to put me here.”
“I’m on my way.” She said as she dropped the phone into the receiver and grabbed her purse on the way out of the door. She told Brittany that she would return later.
On her way to the elevators, she saw Rebecca holding hands with another woman. She pushed the button to head up to the second floor.
“Kevin. What happened?” she said as she walked into his room.
“Good afternoon. Are you Mrs. Goldman?” the nurse said as she finished wrapping the bandage around his mid-section.
Kevin and Cheryl answered simultaneously, “No.”
“I used to be.” Cheryl answered.
“I traded up.” He said with a roll of his eyes.
The nurse exchanged dirty looks with Kevin before turning her attention to Cheryl.
“Well. I was just telling Mr. Goldman that he needed to stay a couple more days because his ribs are healing nicely, but his lung still has us concerned.”
“His lung?”
“Yes, the bruise he has is taking a little longer to heal and we really need to monitor him closely in case his lung collapses. We are hoping it doesn’t happen but if it does we would rather for him to already be here in the hospital.”
“Like I told you before, if it hasn’t happened yet, it won’t.” Kevin said while sitting up.
Cheryl spoke up, “But it could happen. Why not just stay here for one more day…”
“I really don’t need you telling me shit!”
“I’ll leave you two alone and I’ll be back to check on you in another hour, then we can decide.”
“Kevin, why do you always have to be so mean? It’s for your own good, unless you want to be back in here longer if your lung collapses.”
“Look, why the fuck are you here? I don’t recall asking you to come here. If this is about Kayla’s swollen lip, it will heal.”
Another nurse walked in, “Don’t go upsetting my patient, you hear.” She said as she gave Kevin a wink.
“It’s ok Theresa it’s just my ex-wife.”
“Look I don’t care who it is, she better not upset you. You need your rest.” She said leaving as she pulled the door closed behind her.
“I swear, you think you would learn.” She said as she put her purse down and walked to the window.
“What the fuck did you say?” He said.
“Kevin, why would you hit her like that? You better be glad…”
“What? That bitch should be glad all I did was hit her in the mouth.”
“Then how did you end up here.” She asked while folding her arms across her chest.
“I was wondering when your dumb ass was going to ask me that. Kayla called Donnell…what the hell are you smiling about?” He said as he sat up in his bed.
“I’m not smiling.” she started to say.
“I will get the last laugh on his faggot ass. He is in jail because I pressed charges against him. Let’s see how he finishes school with a felony on his record.”
“You’re serious? You had my son arrested…and you’re pressing charges. After all I have done for you, you are going to press charges against my son?”
“You damn right! And what does that supposed to mean, all you have done for me?”
“I mean, I never pressed charges against you…”
“I didn’t tell you not too.” He said as he leaned back.
“Really, you have nerve.” She said while walking towards his bed. “All of the times you hit me, I never once called the police on you and now because Donnell hit you a couple…”
“What the fuck did you just say to me? You better be glad I’m still hooked up to this fucking IV or this bed would become yours.”
“I’m just saying that because Donnell got a couple of good shots in on you, now you want to ruin his chance of graduating, just because you are what…um, embarrassed. That seems about right. Is that it, you are embarrassed that your gay son kicked your ass, seems like it is poetic justice if you ask me. He used to watch you beat me all the time so I guess you actually taught him a few things. Ha, Ha, Ha, it’s sad really. Tell you what, I’ll pay for his school my damn self.”
“Good, and while you’re at it, start paying for Kayla’s private school. That bitch aint getting another dime out of me!”
“Oh no you don’t! It’s in the divorce that you will pay for it, don’t make me take you to court.”
“Get the fuck out of my room!”
“Ma’am, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” The nurse announced.
“Gladly.” Cheryl said while snatching up her purse.
“Don’t fucking come back either!” He yelled to her back.