Just a Jab Ch. 01

DAY 2 Tuesday

A long restless night did nothing to ease Linda's worries and concerns, and certainly did not make her feel any better. Come morning, out of habit she made her usual coffee and after a couple of cups actually felt a little awake. Carrying out activities of what could only be termed muscle-memory she cleaned the kitchen, made the bed and generally tidied the house. Not much really needed doing but it kept her occupied rather than sitting, thinking and moping. Mid morning she made a few phone calls to defer meetings scheduled for the remainder of this week. Linda knew that they will need to go ahead next week in order to keep her interior design business going. Linda was able to contact family and close friends, trying to convince everyone that he would get better and they do not need to rush over. The last thing needed at the moment is too many bodies around making her feel guilty for not pandering to their wants and needs. This kept her busy until late morning and she could go to the hospital. Janet rang to tell her that she would be at the office today to organise things in John's absence in case Linda needed her for anything.

***

Janet was having a funny day at work as everyone seemed to be putting on a polite manner. Apart from the initial queries to Janet about John, it was as though his name was like having an elephant in the room. Discussions would stop immediately and go off at a tangent if they even got close to mention of him. It was a really weird experience for her, and was getting her more irate at them all as the morning wore on. By late morning she had put up with enough and got everyone into the meeting room.

"OK everyone, what the hell is going on with you. Nobody is mentioning John as though he has become a pariah. Barry, Greg you have worked with him and myself for years. Paula and Bronwyn maybe not for as long but I thought we had all become as much friends as work mates. Why doesn't anyone even want to mention his name." stated Janet as she looked from one person to the other.

"Sorry Jan, didn't mean to, it is just funny without John here." said Greg.

"Yea, I think we are all in a bit of shock as John always seemed so fit and healthy. He was the last person we would expect to need emergency treatment. He has been the one who kept us going with his personality, it is a big loss not having him here." added Barry.

"I have to agree with that Barry, John does have a special way about him." responded Janet.

With a tear slipping down her cheek Bronwyn spoke quietly, "I just want John back here as I am really missing him. He was the first person to see any value in me when he hired me for this job. You guys have been great but John is a really special person to me."

Bronwyn crossed her forearms on the table top and rested her head on her arms, feeling very miserable. Paula, who was sitting next to her placed a hand on her shoulder in support.

"Yes Bronnie, I know what you mean. I think he has become special to all of us. Not just employing us but giving us his friendship as well. I know I would do anything I could to help him get better and return to us here." she added to the conversation.

"Thank you everyone, it is heartening to know that I am not the only one who considers him a special person and friend. I will be going over to see Linda at her home tonight so that Adriana can talk to her, as she is also pretty cut up about John. Do you want me to pass any messages to her for you? Just let me know before the end of today. Thanks for letting me know how you are feeling. I guess it is back to work time" asked Janet.

They all left the meeting room in a more relaxed state. Straight after lunchtime each person in the office dropped an envelope on Janet's desk addressed to John. Janet may not be the most senior person in the workplace, but she was the heart of the office.

***

Having a quick early lunch Linda packed a small bag of essentials for John's hospital stay, and put a novel she was reading into her shoulder bag. Deciding that if she made the effort she would feel better which should give good vibes for John she showered, brushed her hair, applied some make-up, and dressed in a comfortable outfit of slacks and blouse that also happened to be a favourite of his. With her looks and figure every outfit looks great and would be John's favourite, perhaps it was Linda herself that put them on a favourites' list. Giving the house and herself a last check she drove to the hospital to sit with John.

Before her arrival John had just been returned to his room from another test when Dr. Philipa Kendall arrived to have a talk with Linda. After introducing herself she explained that the preliminary results of the tests so far had discounted any major brain abnormalities or cancerous growths. John did have a lump and bruise on his head from the fall when he became unconscious, but this did not cause the problem and was just a result. They still have some tests to complete so there was still a very good outlook of a solution being found. The doctor left with what she thought were reassuring sounds. Linda was left a bit bemused as to whether she had just received good news or bad news.

Linda took a break from her bedside vigil to ring Janet and Sophia and let them know the status. Janet was planning to visit later but Linda assured her she was alright and unless John woke up there was little to be done. Sophia told Linda to come over for tea tonight when she came home. After the calls Linda did feel at a loose end and lonely, but knew that people had their own lives to lead and should not be pushed into having to look after her. She returned to sitting with her husband, reading her book and remembering all the wonderful times she and John have shared. Recalling all sorts of escapades including the fun times, serious moments and the sexy, sensual interludes. Her mind lingered on the sex that was at its worst good then ranging up through terrific, fantastic and mind boggling. As memories of their love life passed through her mind she could feel a familiar tingling in her lap which just made her miss John even more. One thing about him was that he was such a thoughtful and caring person in both normal life and during sex. With the exception of the last year they had enjoyed regular, energetic sex and John always made certain she received at least one orgasm each time.

This last year had seen a decline in this aspect of their marriage but it was good that their doctor had diagnosed the problem of low testosterone production in John and treatment is as simple as a regular injection. Linda could just hope the other symptoms would be reversed including his reduction in penis size. Although they did have fantastic sex with the smaller appendage, albeit less often, it was easier when at its normal size. Chastising herself now for lewd thoughts and becoming a size queen when her husband was lying here unconscious in the hospital bed. On the other hand if he had been awake she was certain they would be coupled together on the hospital bed at some time each day regardless of tubes and wires.

She would at times just sit there staring at him willing him to wake up, at least give a sign that there was someone still living in his body. At moments like this Linda needed to shake herself to jump out of the downward spiral of self pity. Pity would not help anyone and only lead to sadness and depression.

During this time where waiting was all she could do, Linda took moments to rest her eyes from reading and just observed the medical staff carry out their regular checks of John, the equipment connected to him then making notes on his medical chart. At one such visit the nurse had lifted the sheet then after noticing Linda watching she blushed and quickly explained she needed to check the catheter. Linda just thought the nurse's reaction strange even though the checking of a catheter seemed like a normal thing to do in a hospital.

Late afternoon Linda went home leaving John exactly as he had been when she had arrived. On the drive home she tried to convince herself that no change is better than a change for the worse. Today she had to battle peak traffic which at least had the benefit of giving her something to concentrate on instead of being left entirely alone to your thoughts.

Arriving home and before she could close the remote controlled garage door there was tapping at her car window. Looking out of the window she saw what could only be described as an absolutely gorgeous vision. There were two extremely beautiful faces peering in at her even though they were showing worry lines and that they were both wriggling slightly on the spot in their impatience. Linda was often taken aback at how two girls could be so much alike and be so compellingly beautiful. Then she always had to remind herself that Kim and Sally were no longer children but almost adults. They made her wish she was a young guy who could get away with drooling at the sight of them even if it wasn't a cool thing to do.

They made just enough space so that Linda could exit the car then crowded in to her giving her a large bear hug from both sides whilst asking how Uncle John was doing, when can they go in to visit him, when will he be home, what is the matter with him, what have the doctors said, is he awake yet, and can they use the hot tub tonight. Linda could only smile as the pair rattled off the questions in turn without a break. At that last question Linda broke into a laugh and hugged the twins back harder, it was a real relief to be able to have a light moment as the two imps knew that last part would get a good reaction. They had always been able to get a smile and laugh from people with their humour. Sophia came into the garage carrying a casserole dish, telling her offspring to slow down and allow Linda to get in the house before bombarding her. Linda looked at her seeing that the two girls resembled her completely. If not for a slight aging of Sophie they could be triplets. Sophia gave Linda a close look and could see how tired and worn out she was despite the smile remaining from the girls' comments, then took control.

"Sorry Linda, I could not keep them home waiting for you to come over. Kim, grab the keys and unlock the door to the house. Sal, get any bags out of the car and press the garage door control. Linda, follow Kim. Kim press the key control to lock the car after Sal is done. I will bring up the rear with dinner."

As they made their way into the house Linda was finally allowed to say something.

"Hi Sophia, Sally and Kim. John is the same, still unconscious. Doctors are carrying out their tests to find out what is wrong, he is getting good care in the hospital, no idea yet when he will awaken or when he can come home, soon hopefully you should be able to go into see him, you can always use the hot tub and that casserole smells really delicious."

They were setting out the dishes when the front door bell chimed. Linda went to the door and was surprised by Janet and Adriana complete with a casserole and bottle of wine. Letting them in and getting a half hug and kiss on the cheek around a dish from Janet, she welcomed them into the house.

"Hi Linda," said Janet, "I hope us coming over unannounced like this is OK. We had to see you to check how John and you are going. Just making a phone call did not seem enough and Addie was really wanting to see you. Thought you might be home by now, obviously, so we thought a little dinner might help with our intrusion."

Adriana was displaying the same anxiety as Sally and Kim were earlier. She held onto Linda for longer with tears forming and she could just whisper her questions about how John was going as she tried to stop herself blubbering too much. Linda just gave her a squeeze in her arms and with that little rocking motion that seems to be a reflex action she gave the younger woman some comfort. Sally came from the kitchen and seeing what was happening gave a little hand wave and a smile to the new arrivals and saved the bottle of wine from slipping out of Adriana's grasp. A moment later Adriana had gotten some control and Linda was able to welcome them

"Hi Jan, Addie come in and join us in the kitchen, you are always welcome. You are just in time as I just got home and Sophia and her girls are here as well with their own dinner to share. This dish smells divine, we can have a lovely dinner and make a party of it. Come into the kitchen, we were just starting to set up. Jan do you need to warm your dish in the microwave?"

As they got together there were many greetings complete with hugs, kisses and smiles. They had met before many times at the parties and gatherings at John and Linda's house. Jan zapped her dish while the meal preparations were completed and within minutes they were all seated eating dinner while Linda let them know the latest news about John between bites. Linda had a quiet chuckle to herself as it felt to her like she was the one giving comfort to the three younger women for their loss instead of it being for her husband. They were taking his illness very hard and even Sophia and Jan seemed to have trouble handling it. This thought made Linda fully realise just how much influence John had on all of their lives and that he had brought these people to be as close as any family could be just by him being his normal selfless, giving and compassionate person.

It did not take very long for the meal to be finished and then some ice cream for dessert and coffee. The dishes were cleaned in the sink as with so many hands to help it seemed a waste to use the dishwasher. Linda was really appreciative of the help as she now did not even have to empty the machine of the crockery and cutlery tomorrow. The next day was a normal work and school day so all the visitors left early after more chatter, comfort hugs and well wishes. They had even each left a get well card for John, plus Janet had more cards from work, so that Linda could take them to the hospital tomorrow.

Now she was on her own Linda turned her attention to the home phone that had been flashing the message light all evening. As she listened to the messages from the many friends and family, she paused the machine and grabbed a pen and paper to make note of all the callers. By the time the last message was played and listed from the home phone, plus John's mobile and her own mobile phone, she had a very long list. John may not have had his own flesh and blood family but it seemed he had kept in contact with many of the other foster kids of his youth and word had quickly spread of his rush to hospital. Sitting at the table looking at the list of names made Linda feel melancholy, so with a big sigh to break her mood she got up to head off to bed.

In the shower as she soaped herself her mind wandered to her husband and lover, and while thinking of him her hands gently caressed her own body. She dreamed of John's hands touching her over her breasts feeling their size and weight, then gently squeezing her nipples until they were hard and poking out. Her hand then moved down to between her legs as he so often did, moving his fingers along her slit, fondling her clit and then probing her lips until inside her vagina. In her mind it was John touching her, loving her. Her emotions were so overwrought from the pressure of John's illness and absence that it took only a very short time for the sensual touching to increase to intimate need and the tingling to morph into sexual tension. This continued to build as Linda brain registered only her desire and need for her lover until spilling over into a full blown orgasm. She came with an intensity she had never before felt from masturbation alone, then dissolved into tears and holding her hands against the shower wall slid down to the floor.

When the water turned cold bringing her back to full awareness Linda felt so much better. Having such an intense experience had lifted a huge weight off her shoulders leaving her with a feeling of relief that she could now face her worries. Finishing up in the bathroom Linda went to bed and fell asleep quickly.

DAY 3 Wednesday

Wednesday arrived with Linda feeling more relaxed after a wonderful night sleep. She spent her morning doing a few chores in between answering the many phone calls and texts from well wishers. A quick check of their personal emails proved a long task as people asked for updates of John's progress. She took a few minutes to create a friends grouping and sent out a general email to the group with whatever details she could. This grouping would also help later as more information could be sent out to everyone at one time.

The afternoon arrived and Linda went into the hospital to find the doctor already in the room. Philipa told Linda that the only item they had found was some unusual blood results that they were analysing further, and the even more puzzling was the hard lump in John's groin. Linda looked puzzled and began to get worried as lumps normally meant some type of cancer. Seeing the fear develop on Linda's face the doctor gently pulled the sheet back to show John's hard lump. It was his erect penis which had simply never softened in all the time he had been in the hospital. It looked weird to her with the plastic catheter tube extending from the opening. The doctor also explained that they had taken some biopsies of the glands in that area to see if this was causing any difficulties. She left the room and Linda sat by the bed and just watched John lying there thinking he could just be asleep except for the tubes and cables running from him to various bits of electronics or the necessary bags either supplying or disposing liquids.

Linda talked to John explaining that she had received get well cards and who they were from as she placed them on a shelf. Getting out the list of names she let him know who had been in contact by phone, text or email. She also told him about setting up a group email to tell all their friends how he was progressing. Even her impromptu dinner party of last night was covered. Through all this one sided conversation Linda hoped he would hear her. Then telling him how much she loved him she settled into the visitor's chair to read her novel and give her voice a rest.

Later, putting her book down on the bedside cabinet, she went to the window to just look at the sky and let her mind try to relax. This happened to be behind a movable screen and Linda was not noticed by the two nurses when they entered the room giggling a little at something they had found funny, then one of nurses spoke quietly.

"Oh good, no one here yet. I told you Polly that I am sure of this," one whispered to the other.

"I'm not doubting your word Penny, it just sounds impossible," responded Polly.

"Well look at this," Penny quietly said and Linda heard material being moved. "See it is about eight inches, and yesterday it was almost an inch shorter. It is growing longer and thicker."

"Well then you should definitely make a note in his chart, and prescribe a new regular test to be done. So have fun giving him a sponge bath." added Polly as she left the room amidst quiet giggles from both.

Linda remained where she was for a few minutes not knowing whether to laugh, cry or get angry at the cavalier attitude that was shown toward her husband. She did not know if she should feel insulted or not for his sake, but one thing she did feel was curiosity. Earlier she had not really looked closely when the doctor was there, but now she just had to check it out for herself. The numbers they said were ridiculous as John had always just been just over six on a good day. Not that they ever had a bad day when sex was always such a great experience between them. Linda was about to return to the bedside when the sound of humming floated to her from the area of the bed, so she decided to remain hidden allowing herself to relax for a while longer.