The Phantom of The Phantom of the Opera

Chapter 46: Josh Isn't Josh

Cath answered the door and greeted, "Hello, Jack. It's nice to see you again."

Jack smiled and removed his coat. "Good to see you too. All's well?"

"Matt's been slightly dramatic and won't open his eyes, but yes, he's fine," Catherine chuckled.

"I don't blame him," Jack sighed. "Last time he was hooked up to one of those things, he watched his wife die."

Catherine nodded. "Poor thing. I hate that he had to go through all that." She lead Jack into her bedroom and kissed Matt on the forehead. "Almost done, Baby," she whispered.

Matt gave a whimper and Jack set to work removing the small needle.

"You're all set," Jack smiled. "Keep him on the antibiotic. His fever should start declining now."

"I will. Thank you," Catherine smiled. "You can open your eyes now, Matt. It's out."

"Is it though?" He questioned distrustfully.

"I wouldn't lie to you," Cath said softly. "Come on, open."

Matt opened one eye slightly and then the other. "Thank God that's over."

"Be sure to give me a call whenever he needs anything. He really should be having a yearly checkup, especially with his condition," Jack stated.

"Condition?" Cath asked worriedly. "What condition?"

"His entire exposed skin on his side is at risk of infection and irritation," Jack scolded. "He shouldn't really be wearing anything other than cotton t-shirts, but does he listen to me? No!"

"I never have listened to that instruction either," Catherine chuckled. It occurred to her that he wouldn't understand what she meant, so she added, "I'm a burn victim too."

"A match made in heaven," Jack sighed, shaking his head. "These rules and recommendations are put in place for a reason, guys."

Catherine smiled and rubbed her side. "Yeah, well, I've never been one to follow the rules," she joked. "I'll try harder."

"No wonder Josh liked you," Jack chuckled.

"I pummeled him good for that," Matt mumbled, wrapping his hand around Cath's as if to claim his victory.

Cath kissed his cheek. "Now, Jack, I believe I promised you dinner." She smiled at her boyfriend before showing Jack to the kitchen. As soon as they entered, the smell of tomato sauce greeted them.

"Smells divine," Jack beamed.

"Thanks. Lasagna happens to be my specialty," Cath smiled, dishing up a plate. "So, aren't you a little young to be a doctor? I mean, how old are you?"

"Twenty," Jack beamed proudly.

Catherine laughed in astonishment. "How are you a doctor already?"

"I owe it all to Josh," Jack said humbly. "He's the one who got me through med school in one piece."

"That's sweet," Catherine smiled sadly. "It must be nice to have a sibling to lean on."

"Are you an only child?" Jack asked.

"In a way," Catherine shrugged. "My sister died nine and a half years ago. She was sixteen and I was fourteen."

"It's not in a way," Jack said with conviction. "Death doesn't change your birth identity. Not in me and Josh's book anyway. Once a sibling, always a sibling."

Catherine nodded. "That's a good way of thinking about it...How long do you think it will take Matt to recover?"

Jack thought for a moment. "About a week if he takes his antibiotic."