Secrets

“Alright James all finished. That was the last stitch and you might be interested to know it took 257 stitches total. Now, I’m going to give you a sedative because the best thing for you right now is to rest. Trust me babe, I’m not going to leave you unattended but you need to sleep.” Kimber gave him a reassuring smile as she injected the sedative. She watched his eyes flutter and close before turning to her laptop to make notes on all she’d seen and done for him. With a sigh she sat thinking when she finished but quickly decided her best course of action. She knew no matter what she had decided she would have to betray someone but she realized now her priorities had changed and she wasn’t questioning why. She stood to check on James before leaving the room to speak with his parents.

“Mr. and Mrs. Wilkens? I’m Doctor Larson. I know we haven’t formally been introduced yet. James will be fine but he’s in a lot of pain and needs to stay for a few days of observation. I’ve gotten him cleaned up, given him 257 stitches, he needed some blood and antibiotics, I’ve also convinced him to allow pain killers. He’s sleeping right now but I do need to keep a close eye on him for infection. That’s really my biggest concern right now since those wounds were caused by the claws of a wild animal.” Kimber gave them a reassuring smile while analyzing everything about them. “I’m surprised you were able to get him to agree to the medications and blood. I wish we had that kind of knack to get him to change his mind. Please just keep us in the loop.” Steve sighed wondering how she had managed to convince his son. “I understand your concern sir and I will most certainly keep you updated. For now, you all might as well return to your cabin and get some rest. With the amount of sedative I’ve given him he’ll sleep for the next 8 to 10 hours. You might also want to spread the word that even when I release him he’ll need rest and some space. I know everyone is really curious about him now and they’ll mob him if they can.” She sighed knowing the days ahead of James were going to be a trial for him.

“Tiffany why don’t you and Jaime go on back to the cabin? I want to have a private word with the doctor.” Steve nodded slightly to his wife as she took Jaime’s hand and left the building. “Doctor Listen, you seem to have developed at least a working relationship with my stubborn son. I need to ask you for a huge favor, my son is determined he’s leaving the family rather than do what we ask. He’s been threatened with banishment if he doesn’t cooperate and he’s already got a bag packed. He’s only agreed to stay a couple of weeks to find out why he’s been brought here. I know you’re an outsider but if you can convince him to cooperate I know the family will compensate you accordingly.” Steve hoped she’d agree since she didn’t have any reason for James to suspect her. “I can’t make any promises Mr. Wilkens but I can promise I’ll speak to him and see if I can do as you ask.” She realized this opened the opportunity she needed to accomplish her goals.

Kimber watched Steve leave and went back into the exam room to check on James before picking up the phone and dialing a number. She spoke quietly for several long minutes before hanging up with a smile knowing her plan was off to a good start. She walked back over to James and placed her palm on his cheek with a tender expression. She stood looking down at him for several minutes before she heard the door opening. She pulled her hand away quickly before turning to find the nurse entering the room. “The elders want to speak with you doc. I’ll keep an eye on our patient while you’re gone.” The nurse gave her a predatory smirk. “No, you’ll stay out of this room and leave this patient alone while I’m gone. Don’t cross me on this or I can promise you’ll regret ever even waking up this morning.” She decided to lock the door while she was gone. She watched the nurse grimace as she walked out of the room. She smiled slightly as she left the room and locked the door on her way out.

Kimber walked into the main building and went straight to the meeting chamber. “Ah, Doctor Larson thank you for coming so quickly. What’s the status of the Wilkens boy?” Gavin McCain inquired as soon as she walked into the room. “He’ll survive. 257 stitches and four pints of blood got him onto the road to recovery. He’ll be hurting for a few weeks but he’ll be fine.” She was waiting for the next questions as she knew they had all of the buildings wired for audio. “That’s excellent news but we have a more pressing reason for calling you here! What the hell did you think you were doing promising that boy you’d go on a date with him? You know what this whole experiment is about and it doesn’t include him spending time with anyone not in the family!” Irene Wilson asked angrily. “My primary goal at that moment was to earn the young man’s trust enough to allow me to administer the proper medical care he needed. There are other reasons I’m not going into but I’m going to say this simply. This particular young man is very suspicious of everyone here.” She smiled knowing what would be coming very soon.

“We are well aware of his distrust but we’ve been assured he would cooperate.” Gavin shook his head wondering why she was so calm. “I don’t think you understand at all Gavin. You see, this young man is determined to leave your precious family and with his distrust you can be sure he’s not going to willingly undergo the required medical tests. I had to promise him a date just to administer pain killers and antibiotics. Do you really think he’ll permit anyone to draw blood to check his genetic code? Or better yet, do you really think he won’t refuse to provide the required semen sample? Open your eyes people, this young man is outside of your experience to handle.” She laughed at the sour expressions they wore. “Doctor you need to watch yourself! You need to remember you’re not in charge here and you’ll follow orders or be replaced!” Irene nearly shouted since it was her authority being challenged. “I think you need to call the director Irene. I think you’ll find some changes have taken place recently especially since I called and updated the director on the exact situation with young Mr. Wilkens. I’ve also spoken with him and detailed my plans which I won’t be sharing with any of you. Now excuse me but I have a patient that needs to be observed.” She smiled sweetly before leaving the room. She thought about her plans all the way back to the medical center.

James smiled when Kimber brought the food in two days later. They had spent a lot of time talking and getting to know each other. He had refused all visitors and she had kept her promise of keeping everyone away from him. He had enjoyed the result of having her all to himself but knew he would be released the next morning. Kim smiled as she walked in with the tray laden with food and the special present she had gotten him. “Dinner for two!” she giggled as she set the tray down. “Thank you. Do I really have to return to that cabin tomorrow?” he sighed wishing things could be different. “I wish I could say no but you’re not quite 19 yet and they’re determined to see you.” She wished she could keep him longer. “Kim, I’ve really been enjoying your company. You’re not like the rest of those people and it’s been nice not having to worry all the time about someone’s motives.” He gave her a serious look that melted her heart even more but also made her feel guilty. “I’ve enjoyed the time too but remember, it doesn’t have to end. As long as we’re both here we’ll see each other often and you can always come talk to me about anything on your mind. Plus remember, we still have a date.” She smiled with a wink.

“Yes we do, now I just have to figure out what we can do for it.” He chuckled softly but had been wracking his brain already. “I have a few ideas but I have something for you.” She smiled as she slipped the cell phone into his hand with a note saying read immediately. He gave her a quizzical look but read the note quickly. He was surprised when all it said was to only use texts when talking to her about anything important during the summer. “It’s so you can call me anytime you want to talk and you won’t have to worry about where you are.” She smiled as she gently took his hand. “I’ll cherish the gift.” He couldn’t explain what he felt at the gesture. “Of course, it also means I can text you at will too.” She giggled as the thought registered in his head. “Remember now, eat the whole meal. It’s healthy for you and considering your still feeling the effects of the blood loss you need the nutrients.” She chuckled as she placed 2 pain pills on the tray and placed it in his lap.

“So I’ve been thinking about our date and I think for our first date we should take a walk down by the river. I’ve been hearing it’s really romantic.” She giggled softly knowing there were several places along the river where no one could see you. “You know Kim, I kind of get the feeling you like me!” he winced as he chuckled. “Really? Just a feeling? Well let me make it clear then!” she giggled but leaned forward to kiss him tenderly. James was surprised by the kiss but let himself sink into it when he felt her tongue at his lips. He parted his lips slightly and felt her take advantage of it by slipping her tongue into his mouth. He sighed softly as he put his arms around her awkwardly. She let out a soft moan as he started returning the kiss but she had to rein herself in when she felt her passion rising. She broke the kiss abruptly when she felt like she was losing control. “I thought you’d said you weren’t allowed to date.” She giggled as she felt her heart racing. “I wasn’t. Sorry if that was horrible for you.” He blushed and wished he had even a little experience. “Baby that was the complete opposite of horrible! That was probably the best kiss I’ve ever had!” she blushed but knew it was true.