The Hidden Ones: Resurrection - 7. The Man in Bed

---Teddy---

You know that feeling of fear and excitement? That feeling before you step on a rollercoaster, or go to that big event you’ve been waiting for all week? When your mind tells you no, but the rest of your body keeps pushing anyway? Well that’s how I always used to feel dating Ryder Sullivan, and now it’s as worse as ever.

I didn’t have time to visit again after surgery, the E.R. was just too crazy. Every now and then I’d run over just to pass by and see him, but other than that we didn’t have time to speak. Perhaps today is better that way. It’ll give us both time to think over what I said this morning, and know for sure if that’s what we both want.

“Hey.” My mom let out as I stepped through the front door. “I know there’s a small chance of you answering me, but I need you to pick up Oli after school tomorrow.”

“I was going to go into work, but I guess I can drop him off here.” I shrugged, walking past both her and Oli and opening the fridge. “He’ll have to stay home alone.”

“No!” He instantly let out.

My mom let out a short groan. “Aren’t Thursdays your days off? Do you really have to go in?”

“I have no choice. I even brought home some stuff tonight to work on.” I shook my head.

“Then take me with you.” Oli suggested, happily leaning forward.

“Oliver,” I began in a serious voice.

“No that’s a good idea.” My mom waived her hand. “It’s your day off so you probably won’t be called into surgery, and he needs to see how hard his older brother works.” My mom exhaled, grabbing her youngest son and forcing him to turn towards her. “You think Teddy got where he is by playing on his phone and getting in fights at school?” She asked but got no answer. “If you want to be successful you need to get your ass in gear and start taking school serious.”

‘Yeah.” Oli sighed, knowing enough to just let her yell.

“Okay, but what happens if I do get called into surgery?” I asked but could tell my mom had already made up her mind.

“Then text me or your father and have him wait in your office or the waiting room.” She shrugged, walking around the table and checking the oven. “Or better yet crack open his head and figure out why his brain isn’t working.”

I shook my head as my eyes shifted to Oli. “What did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything.” He grunted, jumping to his feet and walking over to the living room.

“Come on.” I continued, as mom signaled for me to keep pressuring him. “I won’t yell at you.”

“Nothing!” He insisted in a whiny voice. “It was all stupid Tommy Anderson. He couldn’t mind his own damn business.

“Yeah?” I asked, knowing it didn’t take much to get him to speak.

“Yeah.” He nodded his head. “He tried to take away my headphones during locker break.”

“What’d you do about it?” I asked, raising my eyebrow.

“I kicked his ass!” Oli proudly yelped.

“Keep bragging about it and I’ll kick your ass in front of your school tomorrow!” Mom scolded, overhearing the conversation.

“Good job buddy.” I whispered, reaching down and poking him a few times as he tried to push me away. “Cut him some slack.” I shrugged, getting up and walking back into the kitchen. “His stitches are still in place, and he doesn’t look like he took too many hits.”

“He beat up the other kid bad Teddy.” Mom sighed finally looking up at me. “Black eye, and bloody nose, it’s like Oliver doesn’t know when to stop.”

“He’s thirteen, none of them know.” I exhaled. “You should be glad he made an example out of someone. They touched his stuff so he stood up for himself. A hell of a lot better than just rolling over for them.”

“I’m glad you two are bonding, but I still need you to be a positive role model.” She let out as I walked back towards him.

“Sorry, I’m on his side on this.” I shrugged, lightly knocking his head as I walked towards the stairs.

He tried his hardest to hide a proud smile as he turned towards me. “Can we visit Ryder Sullivan tomorrow?”

Ryder! Oh shit! I can’t bring Oliver to see him, can I? “That’s why you wanted to come to the Hospital!” I shouted staring into his eyes.

“You’re taking him!” Mom yelped before I could say anything else.

“Fine, but he’s not visiting Ryder!” I shouted back, finally heading up the stairs again.

“Deal.” She let out as he began to protest.

“I haven’t even asked you about him!” Oliver shouted as I began to tune him out. “I don’t even have to talk to him! I just want to see him! I swear I’ll be good the whole time if we,”

His words grew distant as I slammed my door, and turned on music. That little snake! I was so wrapped up in my own work that I forgot about his weird obsession with Ryder. No wonder mom insists he could be smart if he tried! He knows exactly how to get his way. Now only if he would use those powers for good for once!

***********************************************************************************

My off days are always nice. I get to sleep in as late as I want, and I nearly have the whole house to myself. It’s just me and my dad, but on days like today when we’re not exactly seeing eye to eye we easily avoid one another.

“I have to go, um, help your uncle Martin!” Dad called out as I entered the living room. I rolled my eyes knowing ‘help uncle Martin’ was code for Christmas shop. “Don’t forget to pick up Oli at three!” I nodded my head but stayed quiet. “You know I just want what’s best for you, right?”

“I know.” I finally spoke, as our eyes met.

“Alright.” He exhaled, not sure what else to say. “I love you.”

“Love you too.” I nodded as he quickly stepped out the door. It’s not like I’m still all that mad at him, it’s just, I know what his reaction will be when he finds out I’m seeing Ryder again. I know he’ll scream and shout, and I just, I don’t want to deal with that. For now it’s just best for me to keep him an arm’s length away. To keep our distance from one another.

When the clock finally turned to two-thirty I forced myself off the couch and out to my car. Pulling up to the old middle school I couldn’t help but get flashbacks to when I was a kid. It seemed like it was just yesterday, yet that was almost twenty years ago. This is where I met Mike, Blake and Liz. Where I found my family. I’ve been here to pick up Oli a fair share of times over the years, but today I guess I’m just in the right mood to reflect back. To think about all I’ve done, and all I could’ve done.

“Hello!” Oli yelped, already sitting in the car. “Earth to Teddy! Earth to Teddy!”

“Sorry.” I shook my head, waking up to the moment. “I was zoning out. I didn’t even notice you getting into the car.”

“Well I’m here, so can we go?” He asked in an irritated voice.

“Alright, don’t get your panties in a bunch.” I childishly teased but as I threw the car into drive I saw a teacher angrily stomping out of the school.

“Go! Go! Go!” Oli yelped, trying his hardest to hide behind the dashboard.

“Looking for Oliver Haner?” I groaned, lowering the window as the teacher approached.

“Yes, yes I am!” She let out in an angry tone. “He has been, wait a minute! Teddy?”

“It’s nice to see you again Mrs. W.” I smiled, looking at my old eighth grade teacher for the first time in years.

“Wow! Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes! I always tell Oliver about what a good student you were.” Oli let out a sigh as he heard her words. “He’s smart enough to be as good a student as you were! Maybe even better!

“That’s what my mom says.” I nodded, looking over at him seemingly shrinking in his seat. “So what’d he do that has you chasing him out of the school?”

“He was bragging about beating up that boy yesterday!” She sternly explained, joining me in on staring him down. “You would have never done that! Maybe it’s about time you spoke with him.”

“I can try Mrs. W.” I nodded once more. “But no promises.”

“I know you will.” She smiled, but put on another strict face as she looked back to Oli. “I’ll see you back here for detention tomorrow!”

“Oh, can’t I just talk to him?” I quickly asked. “Otherwise then I have to pick him up again tomorrow, and it’ll make me late in getting to the emergency room.”

“Oh that’s right! You’re a big surgeon now!” She happily exclaimed. “You always were the bench mark for other students.” She grew quiet and thought it over. “I’ll make an exception for you, but this is the only time it’ll happen! Listen to your brother Oliver!”

“Thank you Mrs. W.” I happily let out, before nudging my brother to do the same.

“Thanks.” He muttered, not even bothering to look up at her.

I couldn’t help but shake my head as I threw the car into drive. “You’re not going to tell mom are you?” He nervously asked.

“No.” I shook my head. “But you need to learn how to treat people. You can’t go into detention bragging about getting into a fight, you need to act like you’re sorry.” I exhaled, hoping to god he learns his lesson before he moves onto High School. “And you need to be nice to your teachers. If they’re on your side they’ll never yell at you.”

“Easy for you to say.” He grumbled. “You never did anything wrong!”

I couldn’t help but snicker at his words. “Why don’t you ask Blake about how good I was?”

“He’s just going to make stuff up to make you look cool.” He pouted, beginning to stare out the window.

I looked over at him and let out a deep sigh. I don’t understand why he’s always such a problem. I fully understand what he did yesterday, but why’d he have to brag about it? Doesn’t he know where the line is?

I watched his small hand reach over and click on the radio, desperate to fill the silence. He spent a minute or two scanning the different stations before finally deciding on the rock one. The second he heard Messiah he went to change it, but I swiped his hand away showing it was okay. I could tell he wanted to ask something, but was too scared to speak.

“McDonald’s?” He asked as we pulled into the rundown old drive through. “Can I get fries?”

“Nope.” I shook my head. “They only give fries to kids who stay out of detention.”

“Come on.” He whined in a loud voice. “You don’t even eat this stuff!”

“It’s not for me.” I grumbled. “It’s a gift you’re going to give one of my patients.”

“Why?” He complained beginning to stare me down.

“You’ll see.” I rolled my eyes as the disgusting grease odor reached the car. “You really want food from here?”

“I haven’t eaten since noon! Who knows how long you’ll keep me at the hospital!” He continued, starting to actually make good points.

“Fine. Fine.” I grumbled, caving into his wishes. “Just don’t make a mess.”

Alright fine. Mom and dad might not be the only one spoiling him! But what am I supposed to do? Let him starve? Or worse, give him hospital food?

“Do you know how bad that stuff is for you,” I began, giving him the normal anti-fast food lecture I give patients. They must lace that food with crack because I swear Oliver didn’t look up once the whole time I was speaking. He was too focused on enjoying every last bite of his food.

*************************************************************************************

I forced the extra bag into his hands as we walked into the large building, knowing it would look better if a kid was holding McDonald’s rather than a doctor.

“Dr. Haner!” A nurse let out as we walked through the E.R. “I was wondering if we were going to see you today!”

“Just here to finish up some paperwork.” I shrugged, stopping at the reception desk and grabbing a folder or two. “Pretend like I’m not even here.”

“But how can I do that when you brought such a cute friend.” She teased, reaching down and lightly pinching Oli’s cheeks. “Do you remember me? I’m nurse Wendy, I helped you when you broke your arm!” She asked, but only got a slight nod. “Oh! How’d you get those stitches?”

“Stupidity.” I responded, knowing Oli was too shy to speak to adults. “And don’t baby him, he just came from detention.”

“Oh, a bad boy.” She teased as we wandered towards the elevator. “Well he better behave himself here or we’ll stitch his mouth shut.”

“Oh, thanks for the idea.” I teased as Oli quickly slammed the close door button.

‘Thanks for the idea’ He mocked in a high pitched voice. “You’re such a nerd.”

“Do you want to spend the whole day in the waiting room?” I asked as he fell quiet. Is he mature enough to come to the psych ward? To see some of the things that go on up there? To see the reality of what life can be like? More importantly is he mature enough to meet who I want him to? I mean sure, he asked to, but the idea really grew on me. He’s been so torn on what everyone’s been telling him, maybe it is better that he just meets Ryder. But can he handle that? Can he take who his idol actually is?

“Alright.” I began crouching down slightly. “I’m going to take you to see one of my newer patients. He’s very moody, and he might not talk at all.” I explained, trying my hardest to describe Ryder. “It’s okay if he doesn’t speak, he can still hear you. He might seem a little angry or dramatic, but that’s fine, it’s just him fighting his own head.”

“This is for him?” Oli asked, trying to hand me the food.

“Yup.” I quickly nodded my head, but pushed it back into his hand. “It’s for you to give him.”

“Why?” He asked, as I nodded towards Mike and slowly opened the door. But the second Oli saw the figure in bed he grew quiet. I reached back and grabbed two chairs from the hall for us to sit in. “Is he okay?” Oli nervously whispered to me, not even realizing who he was talking about.

I quietly nodded my head and forced the two chairs next to his bed. “Hey.” I let out taking a seat. “How are you feeling today?”

“Tired.” He grumbled keeping his eyes focused on the wall behind him. “Nate said today was your off day, so you wouldn’t visit.”

“Never mind what Nate said.” I rolled my eyes. “I have paperwork I need to finish so I had to come in. My younger brother brought you something.”

“Oliver?” Ryder asked, no clue that he was in the room with me. “What is it?”

“Turn around and take a look.” I shrugged, cracking open one of the folders.

It took a few seconds for Ryder to gather the energy but when he turned around I noticed them both freeze up. Oli blinked his eyes a few times desperately trying to figure out if the moment was real or not. “W-we got this fo-for you.” Oli forced out. I watched as with a shaky hand he offered him the large brown bag.

“Thank you.” Ryder nodded, slowly taking the bag from him. A few more seconds passed until finally Ryder began to look at me.

“He got detention so I had to pick him up.” I shrugged, answering the unasked question. “And he’s too scared to stay home alone so it’s take your little brother to work day for me.”

“Teddy!” Oli tried to reprimand in a whisper.

“What?” I asked looking back at him. “Don’t get detentions if you’re embarrassed about them.”

“Not that!” He mumbled, too nervous to openly talk in front of Ryder. “I’m not scared to stay home alone!”

“Then why are you here and not home?” I sighed, focusing more on my paperwork than my words.

“It’s okay.” Ryder forced out as he began to eat. “I don’t like staying home alone either.”

“Don’t encourage him.” I groaned, looking up and staring at Ryder. “You know he almost got another detention while already in detention today? He had Mrs. W chasing him to my car.”

“Mrs. W is still alive?” Ryder asked, looking over at Oli. Oliver went to speak but all he could do was nod his head.

“She was only like twenty-eight when we had her.” I rolled my eyes as his attention went right back to me.

“That’s old.” Ryder shrugged, forcing more food into his face.

“What do you mean that’s old? We’re in our thirties!” I corrected fighting off a small smile. “And you need to slow down. I’m not cleaning up your vomit.”

“I don’t vomit.” I mimicked as we both said the same thing at the same time. “I don’t.” he insisted, surprised I was able to predict his words. “And she’s old and so are we.”

“We are not old, and you do too vomit.” I reprimanded looking over at Oli. “Are you going to vomit?” I asked, seeing the nervousness on his face.

“Yeah, what gives?” Ryder chimed in. “You were talking to me at the store.”

“This isn’t the same.” He finally let out as both our eyes fell on him.

“Because we’re in a hospital?” I asked, trying to get a good read on him. “Last night you asked to come visit him.”

“I know.” He nodded, turning towards me and trying to ignore Ryder. “But I didn’t think you’d do it, and no-now he knows my name.”

“He always knew your name.” I shrugged, looking back at the man in the bed. “Remember I told you he’s the one who suggested it.”

“I know, but now, now it’s like, it’s.” Oli searched trying his hardest to explain his feelings. “It’s like back then they were just stories. Even when I saw him at the store it didn’t feel real, but now you two are talking and, I don’t know.” A small blush formed on me and Ryder’s face as we heard his words.

“It’s cool.” Ryder shrugged, thrilled just to have outside food. “If he’s nervous he’s nervous.”

“But there’s no reason to be nervous.” I shook my head. “He’s not nervous when Blake or Liz come over.”

“This isn’t Blake or Liz though.” Oli squeaked out. “This is Ryder Sullivan!”

I let out a sigh as I realized we’d always be on different pages. He sees Ryder as a music god, while me, I just see him as Ryder. Sure he’s older, and I know what he’s accomplished, but to me he’ll always be that kid I saw in the hallways at school. “It’s fine.” Ryder tried to comfort as he saw me deep in thought. “I’ve met kids so nervous they nearly threw up on me.”

“Oliver,” I began once more, trying to find the right words. “What if you don’t think of Ryder as a musician? Just think of him as one of my old friends.”

I saw a smile crack Ryder’s face as he heard my words. “I can’t do that.” Oli shook his head. “I-I’ve seen too many videos of him.”

“Yeah?” Ryder asked seeing the opening. “Ever get to see us live?”

“No.” Oli grumbled, finally facing him again. “My stupid dad would never let me.”

“Harry!” Ryder exclaimed as though he had just remembered an old friend. “How’s he doing? Is he okay? Why doesn’t he take you to concerts?”

“He’s fine.” I shook my head. “And he takes Oliver to concerts at least once a month. He just never took him to Messiah concerts.”

“But he took,” Ryder cut himself off as he realized what he was saying. “Oh.” He let out in nod. “So then how did you become such a big Messiah fan?”

Oli shrugged his shoulders but I nodded my head, showing him it was okay to speak. “My dad always played rock music for me. Then one day I wanted to find a band for myself, and Messiah was the first that came up.” He admitted, looking more at the bed than at Ryder. “It was like all the music my dad showed me tied together with some new stuff.”

Ryder proudly sat back as he heard those words. “That’s what I aimed for.” I watched as Ryder’s gaze slowly shifted over to me. “What’s Harry think of my music?”

“He hates it.” I shrugged, being honest with him. “But I think that’s more because of you.”

“Oh.” Ryder exhaled, looking down in front of him.

“Teddy!” Oli protested in another piercing yelp. “Dad doesn’t hate him.”

“You sure about that?” I asked, forcing Oli to sink in his chair. “Lying to Ryder won’t help him. He needs to know everything that’s happened.”

Ryder nodded his head in support of what I was saying. “Why don’t you hate me?” He asked, looking towards Oli.

“I don’t know.” Oliver muttered, not sure how to react. “I just like your music too much I guess.” I watched him think it over a little bit more as he looked into Ryder’s eyes. “And besides, I’m supposed to let Teddy control what I like?”

“Don’t do that.” Ryder quickly shook his head. “You’ll be stuck looking like a rainbow threw up on you.”

“Brave words considering I just bought you food.” I sighed, trying to break up the anti-Teddy party.

“Oliver bought me food.” He teased with a childish grin. “And what do you want me to say? If you weren’t’ the most popular kid in school you would’ve gotten killed over what you used to wear.”

“He was the most popular kid in school?” Oliver asked, looking back over at me.

“Oh yeah.” Ryder quickly nodded his head. “Everybody loved Teddy. They did whatever he wanted.”

“Relax, it’s not like I was the king.” I corrected, trying to keep Ryder’s overactive mind from leaking into Oli’s immaturity. “People just liked me.”

“Until you started a civil war.” Ryder teased, looking over at Mike.

I rolled my eyes but silence filled the air as we both thought of our high school days. “Teddy still dresses like that!” Oli yelped unsure what to do.

“Does he really?” Ryder smirked. I hate to admit it, but this is the most I’ve seen Ryder smile since he got here. Maybe the therapies already working. Maybe it’s because of what I said yesterday. Or maybe it’s because of Oliver.

“What am I supposed to do? Dress the way you two do?” I asked, looking back down at the papers in my lap. “I’d come out looking like the damn crypt keeper.”

“Better than looking like its Easter every day.” Ryder teased, getting a rise out of Oliver.

“You should see what he actually wears on Easter!” Oliver shouted through laughter. “He’s such a loser!”

Ryder let out a laugh but swayed his head. “I don’t know, I think he’s pretty cool.” He shrugged. “He dresses like a loser, and sometimes he can be a little too perfect, but I like him.”

“Ew.” Oliver let out, shooting him a confused look. “How in the world can you like Teddy?”

“He’s smart.” Ryder began, looking at me through the side of his eye. “He’s always been there for me when I needed him, and he’s funny. I don’t know. He’s Teddy. How can you not like him?” My heart nearly stopped all together as I heard his words. I quickly forced my head deeper into my work, desperate to hide my blush.

Oli shrugged his shoulders and looked over at me then right back to Ryder. “Because he’s mean.”

“Mean?” I repeated, looking up from the folder. “When am I mean to you? I picked you up from school, got you out of another detention, fed you and took you to meet Ryder. I should be your favorite person on earth right now.”

“You only took me to meet Ryder because you didn’t have any other options.” He pouted, trying to hide his face from me. “Besides you always yell at me. You tell me I’m immature and that I need to listen to better music. And sometimes you hit me.”

“I never hit you!” I defended, trying to look at him. “Sometimes I push you, or I accidently grab your hand too tight, but I’ve never actually hit you.”

“Pushing is close enough.” He muttered to himself.

“If it makes you feel better he tells me about you.” Ryder began, looking down at Oliver. “Like how you needed stitches.” Oli shrugged his shoulders and exhaled a deep breath. “Hey,” Ryder let out, using whatever strength he had to fully sit up and look at Oli. “I know it might not look like it, but you have the coolest older brother in the entire world.”

Oli hesitated but the second he looked up and their eyes met I saw Ryder capture all of his attention. “He cares more than he lets on. He’s always been that way. He keeps his cards as close to his chest as possible and only shows them when he has to.” Ryder explained, not daring to look away. “But if you think you’re not one of the most important things in his life.” He exhaled, reaching over and poking Oli in the chest. “You’re crazy. I still remember when he told me he was going to be an older brother, the light in his eyes, the way he looked when he said it. Whether he acts like it or not, you matter a lot to him.”

Once more I had to hide a blush as the accuracy of his words cut through my walls. After all these years, he can still read me like a book. So much is going wrong right now. I’m not supposed to be in the psych ward watching over him. He’s not supposed to be suicidal. He was never supposed to cheat on me. We, we’re supposed to be married. But even through all that, even through everything that’s gone wrong, he can still look at me and just know what’s going on. He can make my imperfections sound so, perfect.

“Is that true?” Oli forced out, not daring to look at me.

I hesitated for a second, unsure what to say. “Dr. Haner, they could really use you in surgery right now.” Cait interrupted, hurriedly pulling the door open. I’ve worked with her since the beginning, hell we even went to the same school! But I’ve never seen her this scared.

“But, I,”

“Like right now.” She interrupted fear sounding through her voice. “I’m sorry, I know it’s your off day but,”

“I’m on it.” I quickly nodded. “Come on Oli, you can wait in the waiting room until mom or dad can come.”

“No!” Oli pouted as I grabbed his arm.

“Oliver, I mean it,”

“It’s cool.” Ryder nodded, waiving for me to leave. “He can stay with me until your parents can come.”

I went to say something but before I could I felt Cait grab my arm. “I’ll make sure they’re both okay, and I’ll call your mom, just, go!”

“Yeah.” I let out rushing towards the door. “Oliver be good for Ryder okay?”

He shook his head and refused to turn around. I’m sorry Oliver, but someone needs me right now. You’ll understand when you’re older. You’ll see that this whole time I’ve just been trying to help people. And yes, maybe that meant I couldn’t hang out with you as much as you wanted but sacrifices need to be made. One day you’ll see. I swear you will.