613 V2 ch85 (1/2)

She led us to a small room and gave the medical table a pat. ”Take a seat, Jake. Jake's dad, you can sit over there.” She pointed towards a regular chair in the corner.

I got up on the table and started to get nervous.

The nurse started to go through the basics, taking my vitals like temperature, blood pressure, and pulse. She typed the numbers on a computer at the desk, sitting in a small rolling chair. She glanced at me when she was done. ”And what is the main reason for your visit today?”

I looked to Dad. He gave me a nod. I took a deep breath and told the nurse. ”I want...to get some scars removed.”

”Can I take a look?” She asked, scooting closer to me.

I froze, gripping the edges of my shirt.

”Jake's a little shy.” Dad spoke up. ”We'll wait for Dr. Griffiths to take a look first.”

”Alrighty then.” She stood up. ”He'll be in with you shortly.” She left the room, closing the door behind her.

I sighed with relief.

”I think it would be good if you saw Dr. Moore again. Maybe start going back once a week.” Dad suggested.

I looked to him, surprised. ”But, I'm better.”

He gave a small smile, looking a little sad. ”I know you are, kiddo. But, he can still help you. You're making progress. Significant progress. I just want what's best for you.” His smile drop from his face. ”The nurse is a professional, yet you were still scared and insecure to show her what's wrong. You're not letting others do their job. It's not a big deal, but I'm afraid for what that will look like in the future. Will you be afraid of all women nurses and doctors? Will you refuse treatment even though it could be a dangerous situation. I'm worried about you.”

”Okay.” I swallowed the lump in my throat.

We waited a couple of minutes in silence before there was a knock at the door. Then an older gentleman came in, wearing glasses and a friendly smile. ”Good morning everyone. I'm Dr. Griffiths. I understand that Jake is here for scar removal?” He closed the door and sat on the small chair that the nurse vacated. He rolled closed to the examination table and looked me in the eyes.

I nodded.

”Alright. I'll need to take a look.” He said calmly.

I took off my shirt and showed him the worst of it.

His expression didn't change in the slightest. He just nodded a little, squinted, and got up to look at my backside. He made eye contact with me. ”Do you mind if I touch a few of them?”

”Okay.” I sat up and tried to stay calm.

He ran his fingers across a few of the bigger ones, especially around my rib cage. ”Do any of them hurt?”

I shook my head. ”Not really. Sometimes I'll think that it's hurting, but then I'll remember that it's all healed.”

He nodded. ”That might be something psychological. Do any of them itch?”

I nodded once. ”Some of them, but not all the time.”