Murdoch and his good friend Mark were rushing to their next class in Brentmore Hall. Ryan Spencer, the University football star quarterback, was hanging around the entrance to Brentmore Hall, along with his cronies. Ryan grinned as Murdoch and Mark approached, "Hey, Murdoch, you're late," Ryan said. "Aren't you afraid one of the other ass kissers, will knock you out of your number one spot?" Murdoch shook his head not responding to the remark, continuing on his way. "Hey, wait up, Murdoch," Ryan said. "I need to talk to you about the track meet on Saturday."
"Not now, Ryan, I'm late for class, let's talk after this class."
"I can't. I've got football practice after this class, how about after practice?"
"Sorry, that's too late for me, Ryan. I'll be home by that time," Murdoch said.
"Look, give me your number and I'll call you tonight," Ryan said, "we can talk then."
Murdoch gave him his telephone number, and continued into the building with Mark. "Why are you so nice to that cocky bastard, Murdoch?" Mark asked. "He treats you like dirt."
"He is his own worst enemy," Murdoch said. "I feel sorry for Ryan in a way; he always feels he must perform for his audience. He is enjoying the spot light now; let's see what happens after he loses a few games. I'll bet his popularity will drop with his so-called friends."
"Come on, Murdoch, I can't believe his taunting doesn't bother you," Mark said.
"Not even a little; I refuse to be drawn into his little games. Why give him that satisfaction? Actually, Ryan is really envious of me. Why do you think he goes out of his way to harass me?"
Mark laughed out loud, "You're something else. Where did you come up with that off-the-wall theory?" Mark asked.
"Because he doesn't take Finance this period; secondly, his next class is in the building across the quadrangle. And finally, he could have picked up the telephone and called me at home. I'm telling you, Ryan goes out of his way to attract my attention. He can't stand my indifference and it bothers him. Maybe you can give me a better reason?"
"For openers, let's assume he can't stand you, and he has never forgiven you for whipping his ass at track for the last two seasons. And secondly, he is smarting because your team won the debate last month. That, my friend, didn't endear you to him. Ryan hates to loose, and especially to a guy like you."
"Look, I have to drop off some books at the library after this class, and pick up a video for Mom. I'll swing by and pick you up at the pool after your work out," Murdoch said.
"Thanks, buddy, see you at four."
After dropping Mark off at his dorm, Murdoch stopped by the supermarket before heading home. After unloaded the groceries and put them away, he walked down to his mother's room. "Hi, Mom, ready to get up now?" Murdoch asked as he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.
"Yes, Sweetheart, how was your day?"
"Just fine; I picked up three videos for you," Murdoch said. He lifted his mother up and helped her into her electric wheelchair. "There you go, Mom. How does baked chicken with rice and mixed vegetables sound to you for dinner tonight?"
"Just fine, Dear."
"I have to work out for about an hour now," Murdoch said. "Is there anything you need before I head downstairs?"
"No, Dear, I'll be fine. I can call on the intercom if I need anything."
Murdoch finished his workout and went to the kitchen to pop the chicken into the oven for dinner. He headed to his room to shower, then he returned to the kitchen and finished preparing the rice and vegetables. While that was cooking, he set the table in the dining room.
He joined his mother in the den to watch the evening news on TV. He heard the timer go off in the kitchen and said as he left, "Dinner is ready, Mom, you go on into the dining room and I'll bring the plates in."
"Anything interesting happen today?" his mother asked, after they were seated in the dining room."
"I aced this quarter; I'm in the top 2-percent of my class according to my professors. That was welcome news. If I can just keep this up for the next six months, I should be able to graduate with a 3.85 GPA, which means, I should have my pick of the top jobs in Atlanta."
"You'll do just fine, Son. You've worked hard for the past four years for those high grades besides taking care of me and the house, I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks, Mom. Oh, by the way, I'm expecting a call from Ryan Spencer tonight."
"Is that the young man you were tutoring last year?"
"Yes, we're supposed to start working out together for that intercollegiate track meet next month. We'll start training together on Saturday. The coach paired us up thinking we could spur each other on to better things, but I seriously doubt that. I'm willing to give it the old school try, if it keeps the coach happy."
"I thought you got along with Ryan, Dear?"
"I do, Mom, with one exception, Ryan, is straight arrow and I don't have a chance with him. Mark thinks Ryan really has it in for me."
"Mark is a nice boy; and he means well," she said. "Have you told him you're gay?"
"No, I don't think I'll bother at this point. We'll both be graduating in a few months and moving on. Mark has accepted a job in Seattle with Microsoft, and I'll be working in Atlanta. I don't think our paths will cross that often. What would be the sense of telling him now? Probably the next time I'll see him will be at the next college reunion in ten years."
"Promise me you'll try to put Ryan out of your mind, I'm sure there's a young man out there for you. I do wish you had joined the gay support group at the University."
"I did join, three months ago. I meet some interesting guys, but unfortunately, most of the guys are either lower classmen or attached couples. The president of the group suggested I try the chapter in Atlanta after I relocate. Waiting another six months is not going to kill me. Well, I better get started cleaning up the kitchen. Do you need anything?"
"I'm fine, Dear, you go on with your chores."
Murdoch was in his room when the telephone rang around eleven o'clock. It was Ryan. Murdoch could tell he had been drinking. "Look, buddy, how about we meet at the athletic field Saturday morning at 6:00 am?"
"That's fine with me," Murdoch said, "and Ryan, unless it's an emergency, don't ever call me after 10:00 pm. The telephone could wake up my mother who needs her sleep."
"Well, excuse me," Ryan said. "Why don't you unplug the phone?"
"Not that it's any of your damn business, but my mom needs a telephone by her bed in case of an emergency. Let's leave it at that. I'll see you Saturday morning, good night."
"Wait, Murdoch! I apologize for calling so late, I couldn't call any sooner. My folks gave a surprise going away dinner at the club tonight. This was the first opportunity I had to call you. I'm leaving early tomorrow morning to drive them to Atlanta and won't be back until late Friday evening. Honestly, I didn't know your house rules."
"How long will they be away?"
"Maybe six months, maybe more; who knows with them?"
"You mean they won't be here for your graduation?"
"No! That is the reason for the surprise dinner party tonight, I'll be spending the day with them in Atlanta. I'm supposed to pick out a BMW as my graduation present. I'll be joining them in Madrid at end of June for two months of fun in the sun. It's a long story, I'll tell you about it someday. I'm zonked right now, see you Saturday."
Murdoch pulled into the campus parking lot at the sports complex. It was 5:45 am. He decided to do a few warm up laps while he was waiting for Ryan. He made it around the second turn when he saw Ryan jogging toward the track. He was around the final turn when he noticed Ryan sprawled on the ground between two overturned hurdles. He ran over to him to see what was wrong. Ryan was out cold. He had a bad gash on his head. Then he noticed that his knee was twisted in an odd angle. Murdoch quickly realized that Ryan was in bad shape and needed medical help right away. He ran to his car grabbed his cell phone and dialed 911. Then he called the campus security office to report the incident. He walked back to Ryan and removed his car keys and wallet from his sweat pants.
The ambulance and a security officer arrived a few minutes later. The EMTs examined Ryan, then loaded him into the ambulance and headed for the hospital. Murdoch followed in his car after completing a report for Campus Security. He pulled into the parking lot and headed to emergency room. The admissions secretary asked him to fill out the paperwork since Ryan was out cold. Twenty minutes later the resident came out and told him Ryan was conscious and wanted to talk to him. He followed the doctor into the cubicle where Ryan was waiting.
"How are you feeling?" Murdoch asked.
"Like hell," Ryan said. "Look, I'm sorry I have to drag you into this, but I need your help. They've x-rayed my knee and it doesn't look good. An orthopedic surgeon is on his way over here right now to take a look at the x-rays. The resident said my kneecap was shattered and that I may need a prosthetic knee joint. I know we haven't been the best of friends, but I trust you. Will you please stay with me until this is decided? The pain in my head and knee are killing me. They gave me a shot to block the pain in my leg so I'm not at my full powers mentally at the moment."
"Of course I'll stay with you," Murdoch said, "for as long as you need me. Look, I need to make a couple of calls, but I'll be right back." Murdoch was back in ten minutes to sit with Ryan. A few minutes later a nurse came in with some consent forms for Ryan to fill out and sign. Murdoch took the clip board and filled out the form for Ryan.
"Ryan, what name should I put down for your next of kin?"
"Put your name down, and get two people as witnesses for our signatures. Make sure you keep a copy for yourself. I would like you to call my lawyer, George Grant, at Grant, Moore & Ashland, and let him know what's happened. Also call Annie Gilchrist, my housekeeper. Ask her to make arrangements to have my car picked up from the school parking lot. The telephone numbers are in my wallet. And, Murdoch, please hold on to my wallet and keys until l need them."
"No problem," Murdoch said. "How do I get in touch with your parents?"
"They're on a private yacht off the Greek Islands by now, " Ryan said. "Let Annie handle that."
The resident returned along with Doctor Haslett. "Why, Murdoch, it's good to see you again, how is your mother?"
"She is doing just fine, thank you. My friend, Ryan, is the one that's not doing so well."
"Well, let's see what we can do to get you back on your feet again, Ryan," the doctor said shaking Ryan's hand. "I'm Doctor Haslett and I'm a specialist in Sports Medicine. I've examined your x-rays and I've made my diagnosis. You have two choices, Ryan. We can go in there and try to patch you up, or we can do a knee joint replacement. You shattered your knee when you fell down. If I go in there to do a patch up job, there is no guarantee that we'll restore it to the way it was before. There's a good chance you will be back again for a second operation in the future. You can expect a great deal of pain until the bones knit together again. The alternative is a knee replacement, which I heartily recommend in your case. You will be able to walk a lot sooner and even be back playing football again."
"Before you make your decision, I've asked Doctor Macy, our chief of surgery, to give you a second opinion. I've also contacted Doctor Goodson, your internist, and he should be here in a few minutes to help you make your decision. In either event, my team is on hand, and the nurses will be prepping you for surgery. See you upstairs in an hour, son," and he left the room.
"I'm going to have the knee replacement surgery, Murdoch. I've seen a few patch-up jobs, and those guys always had a lot of swelling and were in a lot pain. I don't plan to live with pain killers for months. I like this doctor; you seem to know him, is he good?"
"I think he is the best. He has been treating my mom for some time now. You're lucky he was on call this Saturday."
"Will you stay with me, Murdoch? I'm a little scared."
Murdoch patted his hand, "Don't worry, Tiger, I'll stay with you until the operation is over."
"Thanks, you know it all your fault, if you weren't such a jock, we wouldn't be out on that god forsaken track busting our butts for some silly meet."
Murdoch smiled; "Maybe if you weren't such a klutz to begin with, this all could have been avoided."
"Damn, there goes my football career."
"Ryan, knock it off, you'll be graduating in six months. Your football days were over anyway. You're lucky you landed on your knee, and not your skull."
Ryan chuckled, "Probably nothing would have happened, it's too damn thick."
Doctors Macy and Goodson, arrived together and spoke to Ryan and Murdoch. After they left, an orderly came in and prepped Ryan for surgery. The anesthesiologist came in and asked the usual questions and left. Finally two nurses dressed in surgical uniforms came and said, "We're taking you into surgery now, Ryan." One nurse said to Murdoch, "It's okay for you to come along to keep Ryan company. The surgical waiting room is outside the operating rooms. Dr. Haslett will come and talk to you after Ryan's surgery."
Murdoch followed the nurses down the long corridor that led to the operating rooms. They stopped just outside a large room which was the holding area for the surgery patients. The sliding doors at the other end led into operating rooms.
"You can stay with your friend if you like," the nurse said. Murdoch patted Ryan's hand, "Everything is going to be fine, Tiger, you'll be able to take that nap now." Ryan smiled and waved as they wheeled him beyond the doors. I saw Dr. Haslett coming down the corridor. "Dr. Haslett, how long should this operation take?"
"From the time they finish preparing him for surgery, until he's out of recovery, probably about five hours. Ryan is a healthy young man so I'm not anticipating any complications. You don't have to sit around here and wait. Why don't you take off and come back later."
"I think I'll run home and take care of a few things, I'll be back in four hours." Murdoch left the hospital and drove home.
He walked into the den, "Hi, Mom; hi, Cathy."
"How is Ryan?" his mother asked.
"He is in surgery right now," Murdoch said. "I have a few errands to run and I should be heading back to the hospital after lunch. Is there anything you need while I'm out?"
"We're running low on diapers and rubbing alcohol, can you pick some up at the supermarket?" Cathy asked.
"No problem, how about a pizza for lunch?" Murdoch asked. They both nodded in agreement. "Mark may be joining us for lunch, but I'll let you know after I talk to him." He called Mark to ask for a ride so they could pick up Ryan's car.
Murdoch was waiting outside when Mark pulled into the driveway. "What the heck happened to Ryan?" Mark asked. Murdoch related the whole story. "Hey, that's a bummer, I wouldn't wish that on anyone. That is a tough break for Ryan, and the school. Too bad he couldn't have finished the season. Have you told anyone yet?"
"No, I thought I'd call the coach after Ryan's surgery. I'll ask Ryan if he wants me to release the story to the paper."
"Get real, Murdoch, of course he'll want it in the paper. This is his last hurrah. His fans will eat this stuff up. He'll end his career as the undefeated star quarterback."
"Where's your compassion, Mark? Ryan is really a lonely guy right now. He had a stupid accident that ruined his football career. He has no close family by his side to comfort him. His parents are off on some grand world tour and can't be reached. And according to Ryan, even if they could be reached, they wouldn't fly back. They won't even be back home to see him graduate! Give the guy a break."
"Look, Murdoch, who said life was fair? You're the perfect example of how life sucks. Sure Ryan was dealt a tough blow, but at least he has a golden parachute to cushion his fall. His folks may be out of town, but they'll see to it that Ryan has the best medical treatment money can buy. Ryan is lucky to have you in his corner, is spite of the way he treated you. Stop bending over backwards for him. People like Ryan are users; he'll drop you as soon as you've served your purpose. If he's smart, he'll keep you as a friend, because after the notoriety has run its course, he'll need a friend. All his so-called friends will drop him, trust me. The king is dead, long live the new king."
"It's not my nature to walk away from someone in need of my help. I feel obligated to see this through. It doesn't matter to me what Ryan does after he recovers. What matters is that I did the right thing. I would do the same thing for you or anyone else that needs my help." They turned into the parking lot and pulled up next to Ryan's convertible. "You go ahead and drive back to the house. I need to make a stop by the drug store on the way home. Would you like to join us for lunch?"
"Sure, I make it a rule never to pass up a free meal," Mark said with a grin.
"Good, here's twenty dollars, swing by the pizza place and pick up my order. Don't wait for me, you three go ahead and start eating."
"Sounds like a plan," Mark said.
Murdoch decided to do the weekend shopping and it took him longer than he planned. He loaded his groceries in the car and headed for home. Mark helped him unload the car after he returned. "Hey, buddy, we saved you half a pizza," Mark said. "If you don't need me for anything, I'm off to the pool for a work out. Call me later and let me know how Ryan's operation went."
"Thanks for your help, Mark. I'll keep you posted."
Murdoch put away the groceries and warmed up his pizza in the microwave. He finished up and went into his room to shower, shave and dress. He selected a text book and pad and walked down the hall to say goodbye to Cathy and his mother. "Cathy, I should be back around five, but will you stick around and put Mom in her wheel chair after her nap?"
"Sure, no problem. Let me know it you want me to stay longer?"
"Thank's Cathy, I'll call you around four to let you know if I want you to stick around." He kissed his mother and left for the hospital.
Murdoch was seated in the waiting room engrossed in his textbook. "Murdoch," Dr. Haslett said smiling, "that must be some book."
"Yes, sir, it sure is if you love the Law the way I do. So, how did Ryan do?"
"The operation was successful. Ryan should be out of recovery in an hour. He will be heavily sedated for the next few days. Luckily, he didn't have anything to eat this morning. As I said before, he is in excellent physical condition. He should be able to go home in a week. The social services people will sit down with both of you later. They'll explain his treatment program, both for his hospital stay, and his out-patient treatment plan. Usually the hospital provides a lecture with our knee and hip replacement patients prior to the operation. But, Ryan's case was an emergency. We'll have the physical therapist give Ryan and you a crash course on this tomorrow. The Surgical unit where Ryan is going is one of the best and they know their business. I will be monitoring Ryan every day. Well, Murdoch, I've worked up an appetite, it's time to grab a bite to eat, I'll talk to you later."
"Mr. McDonald?" Murdoch looked up from his book, "would you like to join us, we're taking Mr. Spencer to his room." The same two nurses were pushing Ryan in what appeared to be a regular hospital bed. Ryan was groggy, and his eyes were at half mast. "How's it going, Tiger?" Murdoch asked.
Ryan smiled when he recognized Murdoch, "A piece of cake," Ryan said. Murdoch followed the nurses into the elevator. They took Ryan to the sixth floor and wheeled him down to the end of a long corridor and into the last room at the end. "Ah, I see Ryan has the royal suite," the nurse said. "This is one of the largest rooms on this floor. The nice part is that it's quiet at this end of the floor." They pushed the bed against the wall and began hooking Ryan up to the wall connectors. As the surgical nurses left, two floor nurses arrived. One took Ryan's vital signs while the other attached two bootie type devices to his feet. "These are designed to stimulate the blood circulation in his feet to help prevent blood clots from forming," the nurse said as she plugged the machine into the wall outlet.
"Mr. Spencer, I'm Janet your charge nurse." She lifted both side rails into place. "All the controls for this bed, including the lighting switches, TV, call button and the telephone are in this small console. "As you can see they have a little drawing on each button, the blue button is the one you should remember. If you need me just push that button and we will respond. We have a very good intercom system. Finally, there is no reason why you should suffer from pain. This little round box is to help you eliminate any pain. If you experience any pain at all, you punch the button on this box and it will inject a dose of morphine into your arm. If you feel this is not doing the job let us know and we'll give you something that will take away your pain. I'll be back every hour to take your vital signs. You're on a liquid diet, so if you want anything let me know, we have a refrigerator stocked with every kind of juice you can think of, and if you'd like we can heat up some broth for you as well." The charge nurse left.
"Ryan, I hate to bother you now, but there are a couple of decisions that can't wait."
"What are they?"
"Do you want to go public with your accident?"
"God, I don't know, I certainly don't feel up to a lot of people calling me right now. What do you think?"
"I agree, but you're a celebrity and I feel that people should know about your accident. How about me calling the coach to get a reading from him first? I'm sure this is not the first time he's lost a star player. I'll call the hospital PR people to see what they suggest regarding the calls. I'm sure they can have your calls forwarded to your home until you're feeling better. You can use your cell phone for your personal calls."
"Sounds like a good plan."
"I moved your car to my house for now. I'll make arrangements to move it back to your house later."
"Thanks, I hate to ask this, but would you call the dean and explain my predicament to him. I need to keep up with my class work. See what can be worked out. I would like to graduate with my class."
"I'll take care of that on Monday. Doctor Haslett said your operation was a complete success and you should be out of here in a week. Social Services and the rehab people will stop by this afternoon to explain your treatment plan. I'll stick around until they leave. In the meantime I'll call your housekeeper and let her know what going on. Would you like me to call any of your friends to let them know what happened? "
"Not until after you talk to the coach and the hospital people. The coach will let the team manager know. Let him contact my teammates. Do you still have my wallet?"
Murdoch pulled it out of his pocket, "here, sorry, I almost forgot all about it."
"No, you hold on to it, just leave me twenty dollars in small bills and slip them under the liner in my drawer. If you don't mind, would you write down your telephone number in case I need to reach you?"
"Sure, look you can call me any time during the night; I'll turn off the ringer on my mom telephone for now."
While Ryan was asleep Murdoch made his calls. He was reading his book when the Social Services and rehab ladies came into the room. They ran through his treatment plan and left.
Ryan woke up. Murdoch said, "How do you feel now that you had a little nap?"
"Out of it man, I feel nothing."
"I talked to the coach. He said he and the PR department would take care of the media. He will drop by this evening for a short visit. His assistants will call your friends as soon as they release the statement to the media. It should be on the evening news. I'm having Mark record the six and eleven o'clock sports news. The hospital has taken care of forwarding your calls. You also have a private line that does not go through the board. If you don't need me, I think I run along. I'll be back tomorrow morning around nine. Would you like me to bring you anything from home?"
"Would you stop by my apartment and pick up my electric razor and a cotton bathrobe? I hate to ask this, but I left my laptop at the house, if it's not asking too much, would you drive by my house to pickup my laptop from Annie, my house keeper? You'll find the keys to my apartment on my key chain. And Murdoch, I'll make this up to you one day I promise. I can't thank you enough."