Princess

Jason grins at Jamie. “You’re a gem. Thanks.” He’s quick to go back to his work, dying to get the day over with.

….Jason looks at his watch and slaps his folder shut. It was two in the afternoon and he still hadn’t been able to pull out. But he was done. He’d made a commitment and he wasn’t going to mess it up.

On his way out, he grabs his phone, talking as he walks and pulls on his leather jacket. “Hey, it’s Jason. Yeah… I know, I’m running late. Listen, I talked to Mike about half an hour ago… uh-huh…” He pushes the door open. “Right. No, can you meet me there? Yeah, then I’ll follow. Okay. Great. See you in a few minutes.”


Con’s eyes drift open. He doesn’t know what time it is. He thought he maybe heard the phone ring once, but hadn’t had the energy to get up and answer it. He wants to get up…but his body just feels so heavy, and he’s so…tired….


The motorcycle’s engine echoes through the hospital parking lot as its revved. Jason parks in a familiar space, a pickup pulling up next to him and turning off.

As Jason dismounts his bike, Kyle emerges from the truck. He looks up to the hospital’s second floor and lets out a whoop. “Katie! Your ride is here!!!”

Jason’s eyes widen as he laughs. “Kyle! You’re gonna have the whole staff out here.”

Kyle’s grin widens as the throws his arms in the air, still yelling. “Come on out and take me to the loony bin! I belong there!”

“You lunatic.” Jason shakes his head and starts for the door. “Are you coming, or are you gonna stand out here all day and shout to the wind?”

“I’m not shouting to the wind,” Kyle defends. “I’m shouting to the princess who awaits her carriage.”

“Yeah, some carriage. I’d be afraid with someone like you driving it.”

“Hey now.” Kyle gives Jason’s arm a punch.

They make their way up to the second floor and as the elevator door opens, Kyle points. “Race ya.” He takes off running.

“Wha…” For some reason, all sense flees, and Jason can’t deny the challenge. Without even thinking, he takes off after Kyle, his long legs giving him the advantage to overtake him just as they pass the nurse at the desk, who gives a shriek before glaring at them.

Jason winds up skidding past Katie’s open door, while Kyle slams into the doorframe to catch himself, his face red, and breathing heavily. He stares into Katie’s room, wide-eyed. “Hey, princess! You ready to go or what? Jason and I have to make a quick escape or the guys in white coats are going to catch us. What say you come with us and come out to Mike’s for a barbeque before our powwow?”