“Can you talk to me, Cade?”
His eyes droop as he ignores my questions.
“Don’t close your eyes!” I yell.
He forces them open with a great effort.
With scissors in hand, I explain, “Cade. I have to get you warm. I’m going to cut your clothes off and get you in the tub.” I make the first cut through his shirt as he mumbles something. I’m working at the button on his jeans when he grabs my hand, preventing me from undressing him further.
“Nnnoooo.”
I smirk. “I’m not trying to rape you. I’m just trying to get you warmed up. Don’t worry, I’ve seen a small penis before if that’s what you’re concerned about.”
He starts to pass out, falling into my arms. What a shame, I’m sure he would’ve had a good comeback to my quip. Cradling Cade to my chest, I lower him down gently, doing the best I can with dead weight.
“Come on, Cade. Wake up, buddy.”
I get his button undone and slide his pants down his thighs, revealing skin that is ashen and blue.Oh fuck, Anniston. You should have taken him to the hospital.
I leave his boxers on because I am out of time.
“Cade. Come on, dude. Help me get you in the tub.”
He groans out something that sounds a lot likejust leave me,but I ignore it. I have a rule about people dying on my floor. I keep pulling, and eventually, he becomes more alert and helps me get him over the ledge and into the water, splashing me as his large body hits the water.
I reach in and lift his head out of the water. Readjusting him is much easier in the water. I keep encouraging him to stay with me as I pilfer through the vanity to find a thermometer. I coax him to place it under his tongue, which he does with some protest. A minute later it beeps with a reading of 93.3. Fuck!
Think, Anniston, think! This man is going to die in your tub. How the fuck are you going to explain it to the cops?Yes, officer, I picked up this homeless guy, brought him to my home, put him in the tub where he died.Not such a great idea, Ans.
I get up to dart into the kitchen for something hot when it occurs to me that he may drown if I leave him alone. I shake him once again. “Cade. I need to get you something warm to drink. Can you stay awake for me?”
He nods. I’m not convinced but I’ll just have to be quick.
I streak through the house, turning up the heat and grabbing a little space heater I stashed in the closet last spring. A quick peek at Cade confirms his head is above water, his eyes still closed. I’ll take what I can get. I dash into the kitchen, knocking shit over as I go. Plugging in the kettle, I rummage around, finding everything I need.
The kettle comes to a boil quickly and I take the whole thing, along with a tea bag and cup, into the bathroom. Once I have the heater plugged in, I pour the tea. Yes, in the bathroom. I know it’s gross, but he’s dying and a bum. He’s probably used to this sort of thing.
Letting the tea steep, I move back to the tub and splash a little water on Cade’s shoulders. His eyes open and I give him a small, pitiful smile. My heart aches for this man who doesn’t care if he lives or dies.
“Thank you.”
Shocked that he thanked me, I keep pouring water over his frozen body. “You’re welcome. Can you drink some tea for me?” His lips aren’t as blue anymore. The water is helping.
He nods slightly. “I think so.”
I reach for the tea and carefully place it in his hands, but they’re shaking. So instead of letting go of the cup, I wrap my hands around his and help him bring the cup to his mouth. “Small sips, okay? It’s hot.”
He takes a hesitant sip and hisses.
“I told you it was hot, dumbass.” Oops. That slipped out quickly. “Sorry. I have a mouth like a sailor. I make it a New Year’s resolution every year to be more ladylike, but as you can tell, it’s still a work in progress.”
The sight before me is like looking at the sun, bright and beautiful. Cade is smiling at me. Smiling, I tell you!
“You did tell me. My apologies ma’am.”
Holy fucking shit! I try not to let my mouth hang open more than it already is. He’s southern, really southern. Ma’am? Only good ole southerners still say ma’am, especially to younger women. Theo doesn’t even say ma’am, and he was born here. I’m excited that he’s talking to me. That’s a good sign.
“Let’s try again, shall we?” He nods, keeping that gorgeous smile trained on me. He sips again, this time not burning his tongue. “Good job. Can you get the rest down?”
