You've Got To Hide Your Love Away

Keep Yourself Alive...Part 2

A/N - Brian was actually hospitalized at King's College Hospital.   In a 2014 interview, he credited the hospital with saving his life.  The picture above is a photo of the hospital.  Remember - no claim of medical knowledge.

Roger's POV

I had no idea what Mr. May wanted to talk about, but it worried me.  I wondered if I should say something first.  Try to counter whatever bad thing he was going to say to me.  But I didn't know what to say. 

"Alright...what do you want to talk about?"  I held my breath.  Mr. May got a serious look on his face and touched my arm.  I swallowed the breath I was holding and held a new one.

"Roger...I need to say something to you..."  he started.  I immediately felt this would be bad.  My nerves flared up and I had to do something.

"Mr. May...look...I know you aren't happy about Brian and mine's relationship...I"  I was cut off by him before I could finish.

"Roger..let me have my say..."  he told me as he interrupted the beginning of my plea to him.  I knew he was determined to unload whatever he wanted to say.  I gave in.

"Sorry...go ahead.."  I answered in a timid tone.  I figured I would hear him out and then tell him nothing was going to change between us and that I love Brian.

"I want to thank you Roger."  he stated and my heart fluttered.  What?  He gave me a sincere warm smile as he said this.  "First...thank you for helping me see that not speaking to Brian was a mistake.  I know I was unreasonable with him...and with you.  I'm sorry for that."  My mouth almost hung open but I clamped it shut.  

"And I need to thank you for helping my son in his time of need.  When I spoke to the doctor who arranged for Brian's hospital admission, I was told the doctor in Boston had been impressed with your care of Brian and your knowledge of disease.  You had already guessed what was making him sick.  He also commented about you being so calm under pressure.  Knowing Brian was in good hands on his journey home made things easier for Ruth to bear...and also myself."  I was floored at the praise from Mr. May.  Knowing of their gratitude about me helping them mend fences with Brian and then my care for him while we traveled home really lifted my spirits.  I gave Mr. May a genuine smile and reached to take his hand.  

"Thanks..that means a lot.  I can't take all the credit about you seeing Brian again.  You did meet me halfway on that.  As for Brian being ill, I would do anything for him.  He is everything to me Mr. May.  I want you to know that.."  I hoped my response was one he would welcome and understand.  He looked pleased with my words.

"Roger..it's nice to know your growing fame hasn't lessened your humility.  I am sure that is an occupational hazard in the music industry."  I almost laughed at his statement to me.  I know I am fully capable of having an oversized ego.  His words were sincere though.  

"I have my humble moments.  There are some great stories of gigantic egos I could tell you.." I answered. His face lit up and he smiled at me; looking curious.

"Well...do tell.."  he responded.  

"Okay...we have a promotions guy named Peter......

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We arrived at the hospital and I sobered up on making jokes.  Things felt really serious again as we exited the taxi and entered the building.  The information desk told us he was on the 2nd floor and my heart about stopped when she indicated he is in critical care.  Mr. May and I shared a concerned look and hurried up the stairs.  We found the wing he was in and got to his room.  There was a sign on the door marked 'Isolation.'  I wasn't sure what they meant by this and we knocked to enter the room.  A nurse came out in response.