I didn't sleep well, mostly due to the fact that I didn't sleep. I remember Noah coming in, turning off the lights before he went to sleep, and then I was surrounded by darkness. I was already keeping my eyes closed in hope that I was dreaming this whole thing, but I could still tell that lights were on. Now, there's nothing.
I shook under the sheets like it was still cold. I felt scared and helpless. Was that really my brother? Could he really be him? If it was…then why…why did he not come back for me? Baseball players had lots of money. Six figures at least. Was that not enough? Is he and Dad just having fun, being rich and forgetting about me?
I shook my head. No. I must be projecting. Projecting my memories on this man who only reminded me of my father. It's fake. It's not real. He's not my brother.
The only way I could tell that I fell asleep was when Noah was shaking me awake. He was yelling for his Mom and Dad and it scared me into opening my eyes. But I could hardly see. The lights were still off and it was still dark outside.
"Mom!! DAD! Come here!!" Noah went to our doorway to yell for them again. He flipped on the lights and it made me flinch.
"What is it?" Mrs. Atkins was first to run into the room.
Mr. Atkins was right behind her. "What happened? Are you two alright?"
"What's with all the racket?" Dave asked from the hall.
"Mom, Dad, something's wrong with Jake!" Noah pulled the two of them further in the room. "I could hear him tossing and turning when I was going to sleep, but I thought he just wasn't feeling well. But then I woke up to hear him screaming and just-Look at him!" Noah spoke too fast for me to process what he was saying.
Mrs. Atkins got close and leaned over me. "Oh my! You're sweating, Jake. Come here, let's take your temperature." She pulled my sheets back.
I started to shake. She was too close. "Go away!" I yelled in a raspy voice, scared.
Mrs. Atkins was stunned. She took a few steps back and covered her open mouth.
"Mom? Is Jake scared of you?" I heard Noah ask.
"Noah, how about you go back to sleep?" Mr. Atkins said in a soft tone. "We'll take care of Jake. You still have school tomorrow. Go bunk with Zeke and the twins. One of them will make room for you."
"No! I can't leave Jake like this! Something's wrong!" Noah argued, raising his voice. I flinched.
"Dave, since you're awake, take Noah to bed with you." Mr. Atkins spoke firmly in a calm tone. "Noah, don't worry about Jake. He probably had a night terror due to the cold. I'll help him. You just get some sleep."
"But Dad-"
"No buts." Mr. Atkins cut him off. "Bed. Now."
I heard a heavy sigh, and then retreating steps.
"Wayne?" Mrs. Atkins whispered. "What should we do? Call a doctor? Call Dr. Moore?"
"I'm not sure." Mr. Atkins got closer to my bed. "He's sweating a lot. Can you go get the thermometer and maybe some washcloths? One wet, one dry? I'll wash him down and maybe he'll feel better."
"Okay!" She left as well.
Mr. Atkins face came into view as he peered down at me. "Jake? Are you awake now? Do you know who I am?"
I shivered and pulled my covers back on. "I feel sick."
"Yes, you sound and look a little ill. Can I get you anything? Tylenol? Cold medicine? Water?"
"I need a bucket."
Mr. Atkins disappeared for a second before returning with the rooms small trashcan. He lifted it just in time for me to throw up and empty my stomach contents. My whole dinner came up.
"Sorry." I mumbled and laid back down, exhausted.
"No, it's okay. Everything's is going to be just fine." Mr. Atkins started to reassure me, but I tuned out. I was so tired. Really tired. My head hurts.
***
I woke up intermittently, seeing and hearing the Atkins. None of it really stuck with me. They were just images, like pictures from a book. None of it made sense.
I woke up, needing to pee. It must be late. I opened my eyes and found the room empty. The curtains were kept close to keep it somewhat dark, but everything was still visible. I pushed myself off the bed and forced my legs to work. Bathroom. I need to go pee. I slowly moved through the silent hall to the bathroom I share with Noah.
After completing my business, I realized the house wasn't as quiet as I thought. I exited the bathroom just in time to hear Mrs. Atkins yelling for Wayne. She came out of my room in a flurry and yelled for him again, then stopped as she saw me come out of the bathroom.
"Oh Jake." She sighed with relief. "I was scared that you-" She stopped mid sentence. Then restarted. "How are you feeling?"
"Mary? What is it?" Mr. Atkins came running up the stairs. He then spotted us both in the hall. "Jake. You're awake."
I nodded weakly.
"Let me help you back to bed." Mr. Atkins got closer. He slowly approached in a careful manner.
I looked at him funny.
He noticed and his lips twitched as he straightened up. "I was scared that you were still jumpy. You had a night terror last night, probably brought on from you being sick. Let's get you back to bed and Mary will bring you up some breakfast."
I nodded obediently, and followed Mr. Atkins back to my room. Mrs. Atkins didn't say a word, just quietly leaving us alone.
Mr. Atkins helped me into bed, propping up my pillows so I could sit up. He then came at me with a thermometer. He held it on the temple of my head for thirty seconds until it beeped with a result.
