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“Bishop, can you please do my blood work?” Newt says quieter as they leave the waiting room. His hair is cut short, spiked the same way as Dwayne used to. His jean jacket has a heart on the left pocket.
“I’m sorry Newt.” Bishop will do it. He is finding a way. He has to.
“It’s not your fault.”
“Everything else is fine, he said my prescription will be ready today. But why did…they have to say that.”
Bishop opens the car door for Newt.
“Tell me about it if you’d like?”
-
Newt's name is called he enters another room this time with 2 doctors. He silently gives them his ticket.
“Why does he need estradiol tests?”
They say to each other as they gather empty vials.
“This must be some kind of mistake?”
One of them checks the computer.
“Why would the doctor order this?” The other one mumbles.
As if he wasn’t there. Newt looks away from his arm as he feels a pinch. He didn’t un-clench his fist until the doctor gently unfurled his hand.
-
Bishop understands that sometimes it’s easier to talk about difficult things with others before parental figures. He continually feels honored every time Newt trusts him with these conversations.
“Thank you for taking me.”
Bishop couldn’t help a small smile. “Of course.”
Newt sips a water. The coldness he feels in his fingers dissipates as they idly chat about a TV show they’ve been watching together. He peels open a granola bar.
“Hey kid. How’d it go?” Hicks usually goes with to all of Newt’s appointments. It’s only twice a year and they usually make a day out of it since it’s a bit of a trek to get there. He’d wait in a cafe near by, they’d find a new restaurant to try or a bookstore, maybe a store. Sometimes Bishop would tag along. He’d wander, neither of them questioned it but he’d always be back when they were ready to head home.
Hick’s had a work thing. No big deal.
“It was fine for the most part.”
Hicks looks to Bishop in search for answers but knows Newt will come to him when he’s ready.
Hicks knew Newt would feel tired after his appointment. Newt gladly accepts the blueberry muffin on the kitchen table.
“Thanks Dad.”
It’s been 12 years and that still puts a smile on Dwayne’s face.
The tension in Newt’s shoulders relaxes with each bite. His thoughts swimming from the previous 2 hours.
Disappointed that he was called Miss over the phone when he scheduled the appointment (a couple weeks ago).
Grateful that Hicks was there to lean on after, literally.
Happy he got to spend time with Bishop, Bishop took him to a bookstore beforehand (Newt didn’t end up buying anything but it filled Bishop with joy to watch Newt write down the titles of books he wanted to read after he finishes the ones he has).
This time he had a few questions during his appointment and is thankful for his doctor’s patience.
Angry that the doctors drawing his blood refused to mind their business.
Happy that he’s home.
Hoping that Ripley would be proud of him.
Newt didn't end up telling Hicks about the appointment that night. He wasn't ready. The three of them settle in for a movie later that night, Newt doses off between the two. Hick’s leans his head back against the couch cushion. He’ll go with Newt to pick up his hrt prescription tomorrow. Both him and Newt know that Newt is capable of going on his own, but Dwayne’s unconditional support feels so much better than going alone.
Dwayne is so very proud of his son. He knows Ellen would be too, wherever she is.