Superman

Chapter 17

      The hospital waiting room is completely empty. Rule tells me to sit down while he checks in with the front desk. I slump in a chair right next to the check in counter. Maverick and Cash sit down across from me. There's a few moments of silence and I'm left to my thoughts. I hope he's doing okay. I hope they put him under anesthesia so he doesn't feel any pain. I wonder about the severity of his injuries and if he felt his ribs break. I wonder if it was painless for him and he was immediately knocked unconscious. I wonder what he's thinking about. I want him to know I'm here.

"They're patching him up now." Rule explains and takes a seat beside me. "They don't know when we'll be able to go in there but we can stay here until they figure it out."

      We nod in response. I think everyone is worn out from the events of tonight. Rule stares at the television in the corner where old episodes of Friends play. I wonder what he's thinking about. Probably how he just lost his best fighter. Or maybe how his friend has been hospitalized over something he set up. I'm glad I'm not in his position. Halfway through the second episode of Friends a nurse comes through the door with a clipboard.

"For Marshall Mathers?" She asks.

      Rule springs out of his seat and meets her. She asks him to sign for his reasons of injury and to fill out his injury report.

"What's he gonna need for this?" Rule asks her.

"He's going to be on at least three antibiotics and a painkiller. We'll need to keep him a night or two to keep an eye out for infection to his cheek and temple." She explains to us.

"How much is that gonna cost me?" Rule persists. There's concern in his eyes. "I need a total so I can write the check."

"Oh no sir, Mr. Mathers' fees have already been paid." She cocks her head to one side.

"What? By who?"

"By a man named", she takes the clipboard back from Rule and looks at the name. "Jonathon Mathers."

"Oh. Thank you." Rule signs the injury report and reclaims his spot beside me.

"Did she say Jon paid for his medicine?" Cash raises a brow.

      Rule nods, biting his lower lip. There's worry in his eyes, Maverick's too.

"Who?" I ask already knowing the answer.

"Jon Mathers." Rule says. "His father."

"How did he get here before us? Do you think he was at the fight?" Maverick asks.

"I don't know." Rule shakes his head. "Not one word of this to Slim understand? If he asks, tell him I paid for it. We'll tell him the truth when he's better."

      We nod again. After that, our eyes train back on the television. Even though it's only been a few hours it has felt like an eternity. Cash has fallen asleep against the wall. Maverick struggles to keep his eyes open and Rule and I watch King of Queens. I hear my phone buzz in my back pocket and see that I have a text from Ren. It's been a while since I've heard from her.

Ren: I heard about Marshall! Tony works with Taylor Decko. We need to get together soon and talk about this.

Me: Yes for sure. I'm at the hospital right now. As soon as he's feeling better I'll call you

Ren: You better!!

"That Tony's Ren?" Rule asks, looking over my shoulder.

"Yes."

"You friends with her?"

"Yes."

"Good." He smiles. "She's good to have around."