Chapter 1
Paige Krause sighed as she sat on her bed in her room reading one of her books she had borrowed from the library. She had been hoping to get a headstart on getting ready for bed tonight but instead, she was reading. Her service dog Anakin was laying on the floor next to her bed.
Then she heard a knock on her bedroom door. “Come in” Paige called. The door opened and Keith Urban was standing there in the doorway a mischievous smile on his face. “Hi,” he said. “Hi What’s up?” she asked. “Do you want to go to the Ryman and the Opry with me like right now?” he asked. “Why?” she asked him.
“I don’t know just cuz,” he said casually. “I need a reason to go with you Urban and besides you should be in bed,” she told him. “So should you” he replied. “True!” Paige replied back. “Please pretty please?” he asked. He tilted his head to the side and gave her his best puppy eyes. “Fine but not too long,” she said. As she put a bookmark in her book before closing it and tossing it aside.
Then she grabbed her phone and her purse and got off her bed.
Then she put her phone into her purse and zipped it up. “Can Anakin come too?” Keith asked.
“Of course he can. He has too. He’s my service dog he goes everywhere with me.” Paige said smiling. “Come on Annie boy let’s get your harness on and get going,” Paige said as she looked down at the dog. The old dog immediately got up. “Yeah let’s go!” Anakin said excitedly. “That was fast,” Keith said. “Well, i’m always ready to go anywhere with my favorite people no matter what,” Anakin replied. “Let’s go,” Paige said. Then they left Paige’s room with Paige closing the door behind her.
They all headed downstairs so Paige could put on Anakin’s mobility harness and so she could get her coat and boots. Once she finished putting on Anakin’s harness and putting on her coat and boots. They headed out to Keith’s car. Keith opened the passenger side of the car so Paige and Anakin could get in. “Thank you such a gentleman,” Paige said smiling. As she and Anakin got into the car. “Your welcome” Keith said with a smile as he closed the door once Paige and Anakin were both inside the car. Then Keith went and got into the driver’s side of the car. Then once he closed the door he put the key into the ignition and started the car then drove away from Paige’s house then they teleported to Nashville.
As they drove through Nashville they started talking about things like how Keith’s young daughters Sunday and Faith were always jealous of how Paige got to ride shotgun and they didn’t. “They always complain about it every single time I’m with you guys and I get to ride shotgun. And the funny thing about it is I shouldn’t even be riding shotgun. I’m the right age but not tall enough and technically I should still be in a booster seat.” she said.
“Who cares? You're old enough and besides you stopped using the booster seat a long time ago.” Keith said. “It doesn’t matter at least not to me and Nic. when you're with us you can ride shotgun. Unless if Nic is here then you sit in the back with the girls.” Keith told her.
“Yeah I know thank you for that,” she said. They rode in silence for a few minutes until Paige broke it. “I got to know. Why did you bring me out tonight on a school night?” she asked him. “Well, I wanted to spend time with you and Anakin. Nic’s not here and i wanted to be with you and Anakin because we don’t each other that much,” he said.
Paige smiled at the thought it was nice to know Keith wanted to spend time with her when Nicole was out of town.
Sure it was nice to hang out with both Keith and Nicole and their girls. But at the same time, it was nice to spend time with just Keith. Paige sighed as she gazed out the window watching the buildings go by as Keith drove.
She sighed again.
Then said. “You’ve come a long way Keithy,” she said using a nickname she had started using for him when she heard the nickname from one of Keith’s other fans. “Oh Paige stop,” Keith said. He sounded upset as if he didn’t want her to bring up how far he had come.
“No seriously bud you’ve come a long way from that little boy from Australia. Think about it. I mean people dream to become as rich and as famous as you. Sure you went through shit. But everyone does at some point or another in their lifetime and you managed to get out of it. I mean look at you. You have like 3 houses, lots of cars a beautiful little family. People dream to have a lifestyle like yours. Me included.” she said. Keith sighed. He took his hand and wiped the tears from his eyes. “Look at everything you have achieved and look at great your wife is, in fact, she saved your life and I’m forever grateful because she saved you. Not only that she’s a wonderful actress. I love everything about both of you.” Paige said. “Don’t get emotional now Keithy I know it upsets you when I bring up how far you’ve come and whatever but there’s no need to be upset about it now,” Paige said gently. She reached her hand out and Keith took one of his hands off the wheel so he could take her hand in his. “I know can we just stop talking about it now?” he asked her. “Sure” she replied. They rode in silence again until Keith spoke up. “Why do you love me?” he asked her. Paige was taken aback by the question but she already knew the answer to it. “Well I love your hair and your eyes and your accent I think you have a great personality. I think you are an amazing person inside and out even when you aren’t at your best at times. I love how kind and gentle you are with Nic and the girls. I love your friendship with Harry Connick Jr. That’s friendship goals right there and it’s fun to watch those videos of when you were on idol and how close you two were together. I love your lyrics and how I can relate to them at times. I basically love everything about you.” she said smiling turning her head to look at him.
He smiled but kept his eyes on the road. “Thanks,” he said. Paige could see him blushing. Then she asked. “ Why are we going to both the Ryman And the Opry?” she asked. “We are going to the Ryman because I want to sing some songs with you. It’ll be just us and Anakin he said. “No Band?” Paige asked. Keith nodded. “Yep just you and me,” he said. “Are we practicing at the Opry too?” she asked. “No” he replied. “Then why are we going to the Opry if we aren’t going to be singing?” she asked. “I just want to hang out with you there,” he replied. “Why can’t we do it at your house?” she asked. “We can hang out at my house afterward. You can hang out with me in the studio for a bit. He told her. “Ok I’d love that,” she replied. Then Keith pulled into the Ryman parking lot. “Ok we are here,” he said. He let go of Paige’s hand before opening the door and getting out. Paige and Anakin got out too.
Then Keith went and got his guitar case from the trunk of his car. Then they all headed inside. Once inside Paige looked around it was the same way it had been the last time she had been there. She loved how pretty it was and she was happy she was there with Keith sure the Ryman was small but whenever Paige and Keith hung out there. They made it work. “It’s the same way it was the last time I was here. Beautiful,” she said. Keith smiled. “I have a surprise for you,” he said. “What is it?” she asked. “I’m letting you pick the songs we practice,” he said smiling. Paige smiled back. “I hope you have your list ready,” Keith said as he made his way over to the stage to start setting up his guitar. “Oh I already have a list,” Paige said as she walked over to him Anakin followed Paige and got up on stage. Then Paige joined him on stage then Keith. The microphone stands were already set up. One for Paige and one for Keith. “Ready for this?” Keith asks as he put on his guitar and went and stood behind his microphone.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Paige replied. Then they played the following songs. (in order)
Somebody like you
Somewhere in my car
We were us
A little bit of everything
You're my better half
The Fighter
Raise em up
Come back to me
Blue ain't your color
Parallel line
Female (Paige doing backup vocals Kind of not really.)
Gettin in the way
Boy gets a truck
Wasted time
Better life
Habit of you
Worry bout nothin
Who wouldn’t wanna be me
Long hot summer
Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)
Take me home country road
Forever country
John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16
Paige and Keith sang together trading lyrics of each song. Once they finished Paige was tired. She always was after singing because of her messed up vocal cords it was hard to sing. She could but she had to be careful but she didn’t care when she was with one of her favorite famous people.
She sang as best she could without needing to cough or clear her throat. Of course, after each performance with one of her beloved boys, she had to drink a lot of water to soothe her throat but it was worth it.
Anakin who had been laying next to Paige the whole time had also sung along. He loved singing as much as Paige and unlike her. He didn’t have messed up vocal cords. So he didn’t have to be as careful as Paige. “That was great guys ready to head to the Opry now?” he asked. “Yes,” Paige replied before coughing. “I’m going to get a drink of water be right back,” she said before she went to find the water fountain. Anakin smiled as he stood up and shook himself off making his harness and collar tags jingle. “She’s the best owner ever.” Anakin said smiling. “Yeah, she’s great. She’s always so hard on herself when she doesn’t need to be you know?” Keith said as he took of his guitar and went to put it in its case. “Yeah that’s true,” Anakin replied. “But she’s a great caretaker and is always so gentle with us. Sure she doesn’t like how she is. But she doesn’t understand how great of a person she truly is. I know we all get mad at each other and whatever but who cares? Everyone gets mad or mean every once in awhile she just goes a little overboard. But who cares? she's lovable and caring. And always wants to take care of us and protect us.” Anakin said. “True that” Keith replied. Then Paige walked back in. “Ok Guys let’s hit the road,” Paige said smiling. “Yee! We were just talking about you.” Anakin said with excitement. “Good things I hope,” Paige said. “Yes they were very good things,” Anakin replied. “Good Ok Anakin come” Paige called. Immediately the old dog ran down the stage steps and over to Paige. “Good boy. Ok right side, Good, sit. Good watch me. Yes Good.” Paige said as she pet Anakin between the ears. The old dog moaned with pleasure. Keith picked up his guitar case and walked down the stage steps and walked over to them. Then he coughed Paige immediately stopped petting Anakin to look at him. “You ok?” she asked her eyes full of concern. “Yes, I’m fine don’t worry about me. It’s just a cough,” he said.
Paige tilted her head to the side. “Are you sure your fine sweetie? You seemed tired after we played and…” Paige said before Keith cut her off. “I’m fine Paige really. There’s no need to worry. I’m fine I promise.” he said. “Ok but you know the rule,” Paige said.
“I know” Keith replied. “Ok let’s get the show on the road. To the Opry!” Paige said triumphantly. “Yay!” Anakin yelled before practically dragging Paige out the door of the Ryman. “Woah boy, slow down. Easy easy, slow walking remember?. We have to wait for Keith.” she told him. The old dog sighed but sat down to wait. Then Keith caught up to them. “Ok, Anakin Forward!” Paige said. The dog went and started walking ahead of Paige. While Paige held on to the pull strap on his mobility harness. She and Anakin led the way with Keith following close behind them. They all head out to Keith’s car. Keith went to put his guitar in the trunk of the car. While Paige and Anakin got into the passenger side of the car. Once Keith had put his guitar in the trunk he closed the trunk and went to get into the driver’s side and pulled out of the Ryman parking lot and started driving to the Opry.
15 mins later
Keith pulled into the Opry parking lot. Then he got out of the car closing the door behind him. Paige and Anakin got out too. They all headed inside and went over and got up on stage and sat down. Paige smiled as she looked around looking at how much bigger the Opry was compared to the Ryman.
She loved both places. But the Opry was her favorite.
She sighed as she moved closer to Keith put his arm around her smiling at her.
Anakin stood a few feet away but keeping a close eye on Paige like he always did. He liked seeing Paige which he and the other packmembers rarely saw from her anymore. So it was nice to see her happy snuggling up to Keith. She buried her head against his neck and nuzzled him. Then she kissed his neck before moving her head away. Then kissed his check. He smiled when she did this then he turned and kissed her head. Then she kissed his lips. She put her hands on his face caressing his checks. She kissed him passionately and he kissed her back. She groaned with pleasure. Kissing him like this made her feel good. She felt happy when she kissed her boys especially like the way she was kissing Keith now. Whenever one of her boys announced some new music or a tour she’d praise them and hug and kiss them until the excitement of the new stuff wore off. Then it was back to what was considered Paige’s “Normal” level of affection. But she’d pay special attention to the pack members who were working on new stuff and pay less attention to the ones who weren’t doing new stuff. Sometimes she’d even go on tour with the pack member that had released a new album.
Then Paige pulled away from him smiling she let her hands drop back to her sides. Keith smiled back at her Anakin was smiling too.
Sure Paige was 15 and almost every single one of her favorite famous boys were married but she still kissed them as long as their spouses weren’t around. Or if they were she made sure they weren’t looking. She loved her boys so much she couldn’t help kissing them. It was one of the ways she showed her affection for them. “Feel anything from that?” Paige asked breathlessly. Keith nodded. “Yeah I did,” he said smiling. They sat in silence for a few minutes catching their breath until Paige called out to Anakin.
“Anakin come here” Paige called to the dog. Anakin walked over to them and laid down in front of Paige. He looked up at her. Paige smiled and reached out and pet him between the ears. He sighed with pleasure.
They all acted as if the small make out session hadn’t happened. So they sat like that all 3 of them snuggled up together on the Opry stage. No one else was there expect for a few janitors who didn’t seem to care that they were there.
They talked about Keith’s upcoming tour and the new album and about dogs and how behaved Anakin was. They told jokes to each other and laughed about them. They did that for a while.
Until Paige decided it was time to go to Keith’s house for a while until she had to go home to get ready for bed. “Yeah, Good Idea!” Anakin said quickly getting up. “Ok, Annie. Line up Good Brace. Good” Paige said as she used the ridgid handle on Anakin’s harness to steady herself and to pull herself up from the floor. Keith got up too and went to stand next to Paige. “Ok, Annie forward!” Paige said as she took her hand off the ridgid handle to grab the pull strap on his harness. Anakin immediately got into forward momentum position and started walking toward the stage stairs. Paige followed Anakin and Keith followed Paige. They talked on the way out to the car. Once they reached the car. Paige went and opened the door to the passenger side of the car. “Ok Anakin load up,” she told the dog. Anakin obeyed jumping into the car and curling up into a small ball so Paige could get in hopefully without stepping on him. Which she succeed in doing. Then she closed the door. Then Keith got into the driver’s side and closed the door behind him. “To my house!” Keith said triumphantly. “Yes let’s go!” Paige said. Then Keith pulled out of the Opry parking lot and started driving toward the direction of his house.
20 mins later
Keith finally pulled up to the gates of his house. He had to get out to press the button to open the gates. Then he got back into the car and drove to get into the garage to park the car. Once the car was parked he got out of the car to grab his guitar. Paige and Anakin also got out and together they headed to the front to meet Maggie. Paige’s friend Maggie had been staying with Keith’s girls while Keith went to hang out with Paige. “Hey, guys did you have fun?” Maggie asked as she approached them. Paige smiled “Yeah we did.” she said. “Yes we had fun,” Keith said smiling. “It was great,” Anakin said. “That’s good The girls are both in bed and I fed the cats too and I cleaned the litter boxes as well,” Maggie said. “Good thank you so much, Maggie,” Keith said. “No problem I’m glad you get to spend time with Paige tonight. She deserves it.” Maggie said. “Well, goodnight guys,” Maggie said as she started walking down the driveway. “Bye Mags!” Paige called. Then Keith went to the front porch and opened the door. Maggie had left the front door unlocked for when they came back so they could go inside. Once they all head inside Keith goes and closes and locks the front door. “You want anything to eat Paige? I have chicken nuggets and ranch,” he said. “No thanks I had dinner already but thanks for asking,” she replied as she took off her purse for a minute to take her coat off. Then she put her purse back on and bent over to take her boots off.
Then she placed the boots next to each other by the door. Then she threw her coat on the stairs railing.
She then decided to keep Anakin’s harness and leash on for now because they weren’t staying at Keith’s house for very long. Keith lead the way down the main hall where they found one of Nic’s cats named Queen Snow. she hissed when she saw Anakin. “Queen Snow be nice you’ve met Anakin before,” Paige told the cat. She continued to hiss. “Annie Leave it!” Paige said to the dog. “Annie watch me. Good” Paige said to Anakin. Then they continued walking down the hall. Then they found Ginger standing on the dining room table unlike Queen Snow she liked Anakin she jumped off the table and went over to Anakin and rubbed up against him purring. Paige and Keith smiled happy that Ginger was being kind to Anakin. And Paige was glad Anakin was putting up with both Queen Snow and Ginger. “Ok, Annie Good Boy Leave it!” Paige told him. “Good Boy Focus,” Paige told him to get the dog to focus on her instead of the cat. Anakin obeyed and Keith started walking again then turned left towards his studio. Paige tugged Anakin’s leash and the dog moved closer to her side. He walked next to her as they walked towards Keith’s in-home studio.
Keith walked in and immediately headed over to his computer to start working on and mixing the new songs. Paige walked in with Anakin next to her. “There’s chairs right there next to the door for you.” he told her. “Thanks” Paige replied she walked over to the two chairs set up next to the open door. She sat down in one of them before leaning over Anakin to unclip his leash from his collar.
Once the leash was off she folded it and placed it on her lap. Then she sat up straight and leaned back against the chair. “Anakin tuck,” Paige said to the dog. The old dog obeyed crawling under the chair and tucking himself into a small ball. “You know he can lay down anywhere in the studio or around the house right?” Keith asked. “Yes I know but we aren’t staying for that long so I want him to stay under the chairs until we leave. So I can easily find him when we are leaving.” Paige told him. “Won’t his harness handle hit the bottom of the chair when he gets up?” Keith asked. “Yes but there’s no need to be concerned about that,” Paige said to him. Keith nodded before turning back to his work. Paige took out her phone and snapped a few photos and posted them to Instagram tagging both Keith and Anakin in it with the caption. Hanging out with Keith Urban tonight in his studio watching him work on GraffitU. So excited for the New album the songs are coming along very nicely. (Insert heart eye emojis and thumbs up and smiling emojis here.” @KeithUrban @AnakintheAutismservicedog #GraffitU #Funtimes #Funtimeswithfunpeople #Sneakpeak! #AnakintheAutismservicedog #KeithUrban #Keithurbanfan #Specialaccess #soproud #lovethem #lovehimsomuch #Autismservicedog #mobilityservicedog #Keithurbanfandom.
Once she posted that she went to Wattpad and continued working on her Keith urban sick imagines book.
The book that Keith and Nicole would never ever read. She couldn’t have them find out ever. It was her secret. Just like how almost no one but her really close friends and teachers knew she was friends with almost all of her favorite famous people. She sighed as she kept working on her Wattpad story for a while.
Then she watched some youtube videos. Then she put her phone away and watched Keith work. Then he started coughing. Paige looked at him with concern and Anakin lifted his head from his spot under the chairs. “Are you ok babe?” Paige asked her voice laced with concern.
“Yes don’t worry I’m not suffering,” he replied. “Are you sure?. You know the rule she said “Yes I’m fine don’t worry about it! And yes I know the rule I’ll tell you if I feel sick. Which I don’t.” Keith said firmly. “Ok,” Paige said before she started looking at her phone again and Keith resumed his work and Anakin laid his head down back down to sleep.
20 mins later
Paige was still looking at her phone and replying to comments on her Instagram post that she didn’t hear Sunday and Faith walk into the room. “Yay Paige is here and Anakin is too!” Sunday said excitedly. “Yay Daddy brought Paige and Anakin home!” Faith said happily. “What are you guys doing down here? You should both be in bed. Keith said to them. “I heard you talking to Paige so I went and got Faith up and we came down here,” Sunday replied. “Can we stay down here with you and Paige for a little bit? Please?” Faith asked. “Fine but not too long!” Keith told them. The girls both nodded and Faith rushed over to Paige and climbed up onto her lap. “Ok I guess I’m doing this now,” Paige said smiling as Faith sat on her lap. “Hey, no fair!” Sunday whined. “Hey, no fighting when Paige is over. Sunday you can sit on the chair next to Paige.” Keith said to her. Sunday pouted and crossed her arms but sat down on the chair next to Paige. She turned to look at Faith and stuck her tongue out at her. Faith did the same. “Hey, guys No fighting when I’m here. Stop that please!” Paige said. As she wrapped her arms around Faith. The girls immediately stopped sticking their tongues out at each other and were quiet for a while. Then they started talking with Paige. While Keith worked on music and Anakin slept under the chairs.
15 mins later
“Ok Girls you had time with Paige now it’s time for you guys to go back to bed,” Keith told them. The girls groaned in protest. Sunday got up first then waited for Faith then Paige let Faith get off her lap. and together they both gave Paige a hug. Then Anakin came out from under his spot to say goodnight to the girls too. Then after they said goodnight to Paige and Anakin and Keith they left the studio to go back to bed. Once they left the room Keith went and closed the door so the girls couldn’t come back in. Then he returned to his work again.
15 mins later
Paige had plugged in her phone to her portable charger that she had in her purse and was scrolling through Youtube when she heard Keith moan as if he were in pain. She looked up to see Keith sitting in his chair in front of his computer his hand on his forehead and his eyes closed as if he was pushing against a headache.
She knew something was wrong. But didn’t say anything in case he didn’t want her to know.
Then he said. “Paige?” “Yeah what’s up?” she asked him. “I don’t feel very good,” he said weakly. “What’s wrong?” she asked him. “My stomach hurts and my head hurts,” he said. “Do you want to go lay down? Do you feel like your gonna throw up?” she asked. He shook his head. “No I just feel really nauseous,” he said weakly. “Ok let’s have you go lay down on the couch then. You’ve been working for a while anyway so you need to rest,” she told him. Keith nodded then he took his hand off his head and opened his eyes and got up and went and opened the door and then left the room. Paige got up too and took off her purse and placed it on her chair. Thinking she wouldn't need it again until they left. “Anakin come,” Paige said.
The dog obeyed getting up slowly then backing up out from under the chairs and went to stand at Paige’s side. Together they left the studio and walked down the hall towards the living room. That’s where they found Keith sitting on the couch. Paige went over and grabbed a blanket from the blanket basket next to the couch and went over and sat down next to Keith. “You can lay down and I’ll put this blanket on you.” she said. Keith nodded and laid down and let his head rest on Paige’s lap. He laid on his side. Paige placed the blanket on him. “That better?” Paige asked as she ran a hand through his hair which was already soaked with sweat. She knew right away he had a fever if he was sweating. He nodded and closed his eyes and fell asleep. Paige sighed as she continued to stroke his hair while he slept. Anakin was watching Paige and Keith as he stood next to the couch waiting for a command. He always was and he knew Paige would need him sooner than later. He sighed and laid down next to the couch. Then he heard the words Paige always said when one of her boys (Anakin included) wasn’t feeling well. “My poor baby boy,” Paige said sadly. Anakin frowned he hated it when the boys were sick because that meant Paige and Anakin had to help take care of them sometimes. It was fine and it wasn’t that hard. It was just upsetting watching the boys suffer and feel miserable and the way Paige talked to them when they were sick was kinda annoying sometimes. “Out of all nights The night we hang out with him. He’s not feeling well.” Paige said. “I know” Anakin agreed. “We’ll have to call Maggie and tell her. We have to stay over tonight. I think he’s got a fever and we can’t leave him here alone.” she told him. Anakin nodded. “Shoot I just remembered I left my purse in the studio on the chair I was sitting on. Can you go get it Annie?. It’s got my phone in it and I have to call Mags to tell her we are staying here tonight.” she said. Anakin nodded and quickly got up and went to get her purse.
5 mins later
Anakin came back with the purse and went over to Paige. “Good boy. Give good boy.” Paige said. As she took the purse from the dog.
Then once she had taken the purse from him she set the purse next to her. Then unzipped it to grab her phone. Then once she had gotten her phone out she unlocked it then pulled up Maggie’s number and called her. Maggie picked up right away “Hey Mags,” she said. “Hey what’s up?” she asked.
“Well, I have some bad news,” Paige said. “What is it?” Maggie asked. “I think I’m gonna have to stay over at Keith’s house tonight because he’s sick with a fever,” Paige said. Then she used her shoulder to hold her phone against her ear.
So her other hand could be free to check Keith’s forehead to see if it was warm and sure enough it was. She frowned as she took her hand off his forehead and grabbed her phone again. “Yep it’s a fever he’s sweating bad and was coughing earlier. I can’t have him be here alone when he’s so sick. Anyway, I was wondering if you could cover for me and tell my parents I’m staying at your house?. I know it’s a school night but I have to stay with him tonight. Annie has to stay here too.” Paige told her. “Ok, what if your parents try to ask why or try to find where you really are?” Maggie asked. “Just tell them I can’t make it home because of a huge project that I have to get done at your house and that I won’t be able to make it home because it’s super important and we have to finish it at your house tonight.”
Paige told her. “Ok. How is Keith now?” Maggie asked. “Good now because he’s asleep next to me. Actually, his head’s on my lap.” Paige said. “Aww,” Maggie cooed. “I know right? He’s so cute.
Anyway please cover for me. I have to care for him because he’s really sick. Can you let Nic know too?” Paige asked. “Yes, I’ll tell her and make sure to let her know he’s in good hands with you and me,” Maggie said.
“Ok thank you so much. See you later bye.” “Bye,” Maggie said. Then Paige hung up and put her phone back into her purse and zipped her purse back up. Then she looked at Keith who was still asleep. “Poor thing,” Paige said as she continued to stroke his sweaty hair. “Anakin can you grab the first aid kit. It’s got the thermometer in it and I want to check Keith’s temperature when he wakes up.” Paige said. The old dog nodded and went to get it. He returned a few minutes later with just the thermometer. Paige smiled she was glad Anakin was able to get the one thing she needed. He came over and waited for her to take it from him. “Good Boy,” Paige said happily as she took the thermometer from him. She then took the cap off the thermometer. She frowned she didn’t want to wake Keith up because he really needed to rest but at the same time she had to check his temperature. She gently nudged him to wake him. Once he was awake. He looked at her. “What?” he asked weakly. He sounded terrible.
“Sorry to wake you bud but I have to check your temperature can you open your mouth for me?” Paige asked. He sighed and opened his mouth. Paige placed the thermometer under his tongue and waited. It beeped a few seconds later and Paige took it out and read the number. “It’s 102.7 That’s not good bud,” Paige said. “It’s a good thing me and Anakin are staying here tonight. How are you feeling now?” she asked. “I feel even worse,” Keith whined. “I’m sorry about that babe,” Paige said. “Why don’t you go back to sleep?. I’ll stay right here and Annie too.” Paige told him. Keith nodded and sighed before closing his eyes and falling back asleep.
Later that night.
Paige frowned as she watched Keith whimper in his sleep. “Shh calm down bud. Shh.” Paige said calmly. “He’s in pain that’s why he’s whimpering like that,” Anakin said. “I know but he needs to be quiet,” Paige said to him. Keith whined again. “Shh shh,” Paige whispered. “My poor baby” Paige said worriedly. “Paige don’t talk to him like that,” Anakin said from his spot on the floor next to the couch. “Hey I talk like this to you when you don’t feel good,” Paige told him.
It was true she did talk to him like that when he was sick. Sure it bothered him but she did it to all of her boys, not just him. He sighed. “True it’s just kind of annoying sometimes,” he said. “I know. I just feel so bad for them that I can’t help it,” she replied. “It happens like this almost all the time I’ll be hanging out with one of my boys for the day or something and the next thing you know they are vomiting and crying and yelping in pain. It comes on so suddenly like it did tonight with poor Keith.” Paige said sadly. “Yeah, he didn’t smell good like he usually does he had that sick smell to him,” Anakin said. “Sick smell? Ann, you could have told me,” she said to him. “I know but you were having so much fun with him and he was having so much fun with you and he wasn’t showing any symptoms that would cause me to be alarmed so I didn’t tell you. I wanted you to have fun.” Anakin said. Paige signed and thought for a second before saying. “Thank you I should probably scold you but how can I? when I know you wanted me to have fun with him. Thanks, Annie.” Paige said.
10 mins later
Keith whimpered in his sleep again Paige shushed him and tried to keep him quiet. Once he was quiet again. Paige sighed with relief. “Hopefully this fever won’t involve him vomiting,” Paige said. Anakin lifted his head from the floor. “Paige he has a high fever, of course, he’ll be vomiting sooner or later. Haven’t you seen him? He’s been sweating like crazy.” Anakin said. “I know I’m just hoping we’ll be lucky this time and he won’t need to throw up,” Paige replied.
30 mins later
Paige decided to lay down Keith had woken up 10 minutes earlier complaining of a sore throat. After Paige had given some water and medicine for his sore throat he had laid down on the couch again this time using a pillow against the armrest of the couch for his head instead of laying on Paige’s lap giving Paige the ability to lie down and go to sleep if she wanted which is exactly what she did. She made sure Keith was covered up by the blanket she had given him before going and grabbing a pillow and blanket for herself. She ended up laying on the other end of the couch curled up with the blanket over her and with her purse under her to keep it safe and so she knew where it was at all times. She finally fell asleep.
1 hour later
Paige felt someone nudging her. She opened her eyes and saw Keith standing over her. “Paige I don’t feel very good,” Keith said weakly.
“What’s wrong?” she asked. “I feel like I’m gonna throw up,” he said. As he coughed and gagged. Paige could tell he felt the need to throw up because of his panicked breathing and gagging and coughing.
Anakin was already up and alerting but it was too late now. “It’s ok you're ok. You know the drill,” she said calmly. He nodded and coughed again. Before placing a hand over his mouth and turning away from her then running out of the room. Anakin was about to follow him like he was supposed to when Paige stopped him. “Hold on Anakin!.” she said. Anakin sighed and he turned to face her. He already knew what was coming.
“Why did I train you to alert Before a pack member is going to throw up? Tell me why did I teach you that?” she asked him. “So that I could let the person know Hey Your gonna puke like right now!” Anakin replied. “Yes but why else?” she asked. “So I could alert the spouse or you or Maggie or whoever else is taking care of the sick person,” Anakin said.
“Exactly I didn’t train you to alert to the need to puke so you could alert late and alert right before the person starts puking. You could have woken both of us up before he started feeling the need to puke.” Paige told him. “But I was in a deep sleep and he didn’t have the smell of puke or nausea that I can normally smell before the need to vomit hits,” Anakin said. Paige sighed and shook her head. “You could have done it earlier and now thanks to your late alert he’s in the bathroom alone because I have to remind you to alert earlier we are wasting precious time where you could already in there waiting for me to go comfort him. Now Go!” Paige said angrily. Anakin didn’t move “I said Go Now you Damn Dog!” Paige snapped at him. Immediately the dog tore off towards the direction of the bathroom because when Paige put swear words into her sentences that meant she was mad. “I’ll be right there!” Paige called to the dog. As she threw the blanket off and made sure her phone was in her purse before zipping it up and leaving it on her spot on the couch. Before running to the bathroom. When she got there Keith was throwing up and crying. “Oh Keith,” Paige said worriedly as she ran to over to him and knelt down next to rub his back. She had done this so many times with almost every single one of her boys that she knew what to do each time.
Stay calm freaking out will only upset the sick person more
Don’t gag or cringe it will cause the sick person to gag more or puke again
Don’t panic when speaking to them. Use a calm voice even if you're worried
“It’s ok bud it’s ok I’m here it’s ok,” Paige said calmly.
Anakin sighed from his spot on the floor next to the toilet. After he’d alert to a sick pack member and alert their caretaker. There wasn’t much for him to do expect to lay on the floor of the bathroom. Listening to the sick pack member vomit. Sure it was gross but he was used to it. Another thing he had noticed was that Paige had calmed down after getting mad at him only a few minutes before. It depended on the situation. This time she seemed to have calmed down quicker than usual probably because Keith needed her and she didn’t want to freak him out. Once Keith finished puking he turned so he could sit back against the wall puke dripping from his chin. “Oh bud,” Paige said as she got up and grabbed toilet paper and went over to the sink to run the toilet paper under cold water. Before going and kneeling in front of him and using the toilet paper to wipe the puke off his face. He whined and coughed and gagged then leaned over the toilet again and threw up again. Paige managed to move her hand in time. Then tossed the toilet paper into the garbage can next to the toilet.
Then she started rubbing Keith’s back again and tried to calm him down he was sweating so bad with sweat dripping from his hair he looked so sick and weak. It made Paige sad seeing him like this.
Once he finished he moved to sit against the wall. Paige then grabbed more toilet paper to wipe his face again. Keith whimpered and cried. “I hate feeling like this.” Keith wailed. “Shh, Shh sweetheart you’ll wake the girls.” Paige said as she went to close the bathroom door and hoped the girls hadn’t heard their father’s cries. Then she went back over and knelt next to him to finish wiping his face.
Once she finished she threw the piece of toilet paper in the garbage can. “I want you to wash your face and brush your teeth ok?” Then we can go lay back down.” she told him. Keith nodded and whimpered as he stood up then went and did as he was told. Paige got up and flushed the toilet then went and washed her hands a few times with the unscented soap all pack members were required to have at their homes because of Paige’s sensitivity to smells. Once she finished she went and opened the bathroom door and looked up and down the halls to make sure the girls hadn’t come back downstairs. When the coast was clear. She left the room.
Then called Anakin to her side. Keith stumbled out after Anakin. He turned off the light then closed the door behind him. Then Paige and Anakin walked back to the living room with Keith following close behind. Once they reached the living room. Paige went back over to the couch and sat back down on her spot. Keith walked over and sat down next to her. He whined and moved closer to her. “You want cuddles? Is that why your moving so close to me?” she asked. He nodded and snuggled up against her. He cried and coughed again. Then he rested his head on her shoulder. Paige frowned as she reached for her purse and got out her phone and unlocked it then texted Maggie their conversation went like this.
Paige: He just threw up!
Maggie: Who?
Paige: Keith!
Maggie: That’s not good!
Paige I know! Now I have to stay tonight to keep a close eye on him.
Maggie: Ok
Paige: will you let Nic know what happened?
Maggie: Yes
Paige: Ok Also don’t forget to tell my parents I need to stay at your house tonight.
Maggie: I already did they were a bit suspicious but I told them it was a emergency thing that had just come up that I needed your help with and they believed me.
Paige: Good Thanks for doing that.
Maggie: No Prob. how’s Keith now?
Paige snuggled up against me very upset and crying a little but he’ll be ok.
Maggie Good. not the crying and feeling upset but you know what I mean
Paige: Yeah I know ;[ Hoping he won’t throw up again but if he does i’ll set up the puke bucket.
Maggie: You should set it up now just in case.
Paige: I know but I’m too lazy and Keith’s snuggling up to me and he seems fine now.
Maggie: Ok but don't say I didn’t warn you!
Paige: Don’t worry I won’t! And if I do feel free to punch me.
Maggie: Lol Ok!
Paige: JK DON’T!
Maggie: K
Paige: Gotta go I’m going to try and get Keith to go back to sleep and then I’m gonna try to sleep too.
Maggie: Ok Goodnight and don’t forget about what you’ll be telling the teachers tomorrow.
Paige: Don’t worry I won’t ;] Love you Night.
Maggie: Goodnight Love you too. :]
Paige smiled she was glad she had friends like Maggie who could make her parents believe she had a very important project THAT SHE HAD TO DO AT MAGGIE”S!!!
She was glad that she had teachers that were understanding when she couldn’t finish homework assignments because of her sick pack members like Mrs. Wilkerson her English 1 teacher she loved Keith as much as Paige did so Paige knew if she showed a pic of her and Anakin snuggled up with Keith and tell her what happened Mrs Wilkerson would feel bad that Keith was sick and would be happy Paige was taking care of him when Nicole couldn’t.
Mrs. Wilkerson was one of the few teachers that knew that Paige knew most of her favorite famous people.
Only some teachers were trusted with this secret. It was a big secret and thankfully every single person she told had kept it a secret. She sighed as she took her phone and put it back in her purse and zipping it up.
Then she placed her purse next to her. Keith whined again. Paige frowned then she hugged him. He whined again. “Shh shh it’s ok you're ok. Shh” Paige said gently trying to calm him down. “Everything hurts!” he wailed.
“I know bud I know. I’m so sorry you don’t feel good,” she said as she kissed his head not caring that he was sick.
Normally she would care because she had OCD and was an extreme germaphobe but for some reason, if her pack members were sick she didn’t care.
She sat on the couch hugging Keith close as he cried in pain. She tried to console him and keep him quiet for fear he would wake the girls who were asleep upstairs. After ten more minutes, he calmed down. “You need to go back to sleep bud. You need to rest.” Paige told him. He sighed and nodded. But didn’t move to lay down. “You can’t sleep snuggled up to me. I have to sleep too I have school tomorrow,” she said. “Why can’t you take off school tomorrow to be with me?” he asked. Before he started coughing “Because I need an education and even though I’d love to stay with you. I can’t.” she said. “Why can’t I sleep snuggled up against you?” he asked. Once he had finished coughing.
“You know why I need to sleep too,” she said. As she kissed his head again. “Just go lay down buddy please we both need to sleep. You especially because you're sick,” she said. Keith frowned but let Paige move away. “I know you want to be cuddled right now but we both need sleep. Wake me up if you feel nauseous again and hopefully Anakin will do a better job alerting.” Paige said as she looked down at the dog laying on the floor next to the couch.
Keith nodded and moved to his spot on the couch. And laid down then pulled the blanket up to his chin. Then Paige laid back down tucking her purse underneath her and pulled her blanket over her and falling asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
2 hours later
Paige was awoken by Anakin who was nudging her. “Keith feels sick again,” Anakin said. Paige sighed as she sat up and tossed her blanket aside. “Thank you for alerting me,” she said. Then she got up from the couch and Anakin turned then started running down the hall towards the bathroom. Paige ran after him. Once they reached the bathroom. Keith was throwing up and he was sweating too. He looked awful. “Oh Keith”
Paige said worriedly as she ran over and knelt beside him starting rubbing his back. Anakin went and laid down next to her. Once Keith finished puking. He gagged and coughed. “I hate throwing up” he wailed. “Shh shh, I know baby I know be quiet you’ll wake the girls!” Paige said as she got up and went to close the bathroom door. Once the door was closed she went and grabbed toilet paper then went and ran it under cold water from the sink. Then she went a knelt next to Keith again to wipe his face. Once she had wiped his face again.
Once she had finished wiping his face and had just moved her hand away. He coughed and gagged then threw up again but not as much as before. Then he sighed heavily. Then Paige wiped his face again.
Then she threw the piece of toilet paper into the garbage.
Keith whimpered and got up stumbling over to the sink to wash his face and his hands then he brushed his teeth. Then he went and threw his toothbrush away. “Good job cleaning yourself up. Let’s go back to sleep. I’ll have to set up the puke bucket. In case if you feel sick again OK? We can’t keep going back and forth and you can’t sleep in here. I need to be by you at all times so I can care for you.” she told him. He nodded and sighed again. Paige then went and opened the bathroom door before looking up and down the hall to make sure the girls hadn’t woken up and had come downstairs. Thankfully they hadn’t. Then Paige left the bathroom and Anakin got up to be at her side then they left the room. Then Keith staggered out after Anakin. He turned off the bathroom light and followed Paige and Anakin back to the living room.
Once there Keith went and sat down on his spot on the couch. He felt cold and was shivering. He grabbed his blanket and wrapped it around himself trying to warm up. Even though he already so warm he was sweating profusely. “I’ll get the puke bucket,” Paige said as she turned from the living room to go get the bucket. Then Anakin went and laid down on the floor in front of Paige’s spot on the couch then he fell asleep.
Once Paige came back she had a towel in one hand and a bucket in the other.
She approached the couch and placed the towel in the floor in front of Keith. Then she put the bucket on top of the towel. Keith looked at the bucket then looked at Paige. “I hate this everything hurts!” Keith whined. “Shh shh it’s ok baby I know everything hurts I know,” Paige said sympathetically as she went and sat down next to him then pulling him into a hug. She kissed his head. Then pulled away. “Let’s try to get some sleep ok? Wake me up if you need anything,” she said, he nodded before laying down and then falling asleep. Then Paige moved to her spot on the couch pulled her blanket up and partially over her head then she curled up underneath the blanket and fell asleep.
3 hours later
Paige woke up to the sound of Keith crying. She sat up and saw Keith sitting up with the blanket wrapped around him and he was leaning over the bucket. She frowned as she moved closer to him and starts rubbing his back. “Shh shh it’s ok bud it’s ok shh shh,” she said gently. Then Keith threw up into the bucket. Once he finished he gagged and coughed. Paige sighed. As she got up and went to grab tissues from the tissue box on the table next to the couch. Once she had one she went and sat down next to Keith to wipe his mouth. He whined and shivered pulling the blanket tighter around him. Paige sighed as she got up and went to throw away the tissue. Then she went and washed her hands. When she came back Keith was sitting on his spot on the couch, Paige frowned Keith looked so miserable all sweaty and pale. He was hot to the touch but Paige could see him shivering. She went and sat down next to him then she pulled him into a hug. He whimpered and moved until he was able to rest his head on her shoulder.
Paige kissed his head. Then he started crying. “What’s the matter? Why the tears bud?” she asked.
“Everything hurts!” Keith wailed. “I know I know shh shh,” she said. “Why can’t we give him medicine to help him?” Anakin asked. “I don’t want to give him medicine in case if he throws up again. I want to play it by ear to make sure he won’t puke again if we give him the medicine. Does your stomach still hurt?” Paige asked Keith. He nodded. “See?” she said. “His stomach still hurts so I don’t want to risk him throwing up the medicine he needs in order to get better because then it would be a waste you know?” she said. Anakin nodded “I get that,” he said. As he laid his head back down to sleep.
Keith winced in pain and grabbed his stomach and whined. Paige looked at him with a worried look on her face as she started rubbing his back. He whined again. “Shh shh,” Paige said. “Why don’t you try and go back to sleep? If you manage to get some more sleep and wake up without puking. I’ll give you some medicine because I can’t have you wasting any medicine I try to give you. If you puke it back up.” she told him. He nodded and sighed then moved away from her so he could lay back down.
Then Paige got up to get the puke bucket to go clean it out. Once the bucket was cleaned she came back to the living room and placed the bucket on top of the towel. Then she went to wash her hands. Once she finished doing that. She went back to the living room and went to lay down on her spot on the couch and then pulled her blanket over her then she fell asleep.
30 minutes later
Paige was awoken by Keith’s whimpers and cries. She sat up and found Keith holding his stomach like it hurt. He was leaning over the bucket. He was sweating and she could see his nose was running. “Oh, Keith,” Paige said sympathetically as she got up to find a tissue box to get a tissue. She found a tissue box on the dining room table. She grabbed a tissue from the box before returning to the living room. She went over and sat down next to Keith and used the tissue to wipe his nose. Once she did she went and to throw the tissue into the garbage then went to wash her hands.
Once she finished doing that she went back to the living room and went to sit next to Keith. She started rubbing his back again.
As he winced in pain. “You want some medicine?” she asked. He nodded. She moved her hand away from his back before getting up and going to get some medicine for him. She went and got fever reducer and anti-nausea medicine from the medicine cabinet in the hall bathroom.
Every pack member had to have these medications and a host of other different medicines in their medicine cabinets even if that certain medicine wasn’t needed. Paige always liked to be prepared for any illness/injury so she made sure that every pack member had lots of different kinds of medicines/medical equipment in their homes Like
Any Prescription Meds
Pedialyte
Miralax
Nasal Sprays/Decongestants
Pepto Bismol
Allergy Medicines for any allergy.
Cold medicines
Creams for itchy/dry skin
Fever reducers and anti-nausea meds
Painkillers of any kind. (Patches, ice packs, oral medicines, ETC.)
Medicines for kids (even if they didn’t have any kids)
Flu medicines mostly Tamiflu
Cough drops/ throat lozenges
Eye drops/Ocuvite (Eye medicines)
Vicks Humidifier and other Vicks medicines/products
Vaseline
Shower chair
Thermometer
Dexcom CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring)
Prevagen
Fingertip Pulse oximeter
Masks to cover mouth and nose and gloves
Immune system supplements
First Aid kit
Band-aids
Gauze
Unscented wipes
Medicine for digestive health
Bandages
Liquid bandage
Ice packs or hot packs
Epipens in case of allergic reactions of any pack member has allergies to things like bug stings, certain foods, ETC.
There was even more medicine at the wolf den. There was a full room dedicated to medical equipment. Including but not limited to.
IV Bags/poles
Oxygen masks/tanks
Any and all kinds of meds
BP/HR monitors/checkers (Blood Pressure and Heart Rate monitors/checkers)
Thermometers of any kind.
Neosporin
Liquid bandage
Ice packs
Surgical masks (to protect people from germs)
Gloves
Immune system supplements
Medicine for digestive health
Eye drops
Band-aids
Bandages
lotion/hand creams
Unscented wipes
Cold compresses/hot packs
Gauze
Vicks Humidifier and other Vicks medicines/products
Vaseline
Fingertip Pulse Oximeters
Masks to cover mouth and nose and gloves
Eye drops/Ocuvite (Eye medicines)
Immune system supplements
Syringes for meds taken by mouth or other uses
Stethoscope
Deliberator
AED
Epipens
Tamiflu both oral and liquid)
Blood sugar checkers/Dexcom's (Continuous Glucose Monitoring)
Epilepsy meds (For Maggie because she has epilepsy)
First Aid kits
Allergy medicines
Prevagen
Cough drops/ throat lozenges
All medicines mentioned above
Sedatives/ tranquilizers for crazy animals/humans
Sleep medicines
Shower chair
Heat lamp
Prescriptions meds for all pack members (Not Kept in the medical room)
File cabinets with files that contain every pack member's full medical history. (includes any disability/chronic illnesses, allergies History of any drug/alcohol abuse. ETC.)
There were more medical supplies at the den so then that way Paige and Maggie didn’t have to call the doctors every time a pack member was sick. Plus Paige wanted to have anything available in case of an emergency. The pack members didn’t need all the medical supplies at their homes. It was better if all the big medical equipment was at the den.
The pack members only needed the meds and First Aid kit at their homes.
Once Paige had the meds she needed she went and got a water bottle. Once she had that she went back to the living room. Where she found Keith leaning back against the couch eyes closed. She thought he was asleep but when she went over and sat down next to him. He opened his eyes then looked at her. “I thought you were asleep.,” she said. He shook his head. “No I’m not asleep.,” he said tiredly.
“Ok I have some medicine for you and I have a water bottle for you too because you need to drink something. It’s ok if you don’t eat right now but you have to drink some water,” she said. He nodded as she handed him the pills and water bottle. He took them from her hand and put the first pill in his mouth and swallowed it. Then took the cap of the water bottle and took a few small sips. Then he put the second pill in his mouth and swallowed that pill before taking more sips of water. Before putting the cap back on the water bottle and handing it back to Paige. “These meds should hopefully help reduce your fever and help you to not feel nauseous,” she told him. He nodded and sighed before closing his eyes and falling asleep. Paige sighed as she got up to get Keith’s blanket and put it over him before going to lay back down to sleep too.
Later the next day
Paige sighed as she began packing up for the day. Finally, school was over and she could go home. The rest of the night at Keith’s hadn’t been as smooth sailing as she thought it would have gone. The medicines only lasted an hour before the effects of both meds to wear off. Which meant that Keith woke up in pain or needing to vomit. That meant that she and Anakin staying up the rest of the night with Keith because of how sick he was.
Then finally morning had come and Maggie had arrived to watch and care for Keith for the day. Allowing Paige and Anakin to go to school.
Now the school day was over. She could go home and rush through her homework before heading back to Keith’s to care for him again. She was finishing putting the last of her folders into her backpack. When Mrs. Wilkerson walked over. “Hey, Paige how are you? You seemed tired today what’s going on?” Mrs. Wilkerson asked. “Did I seem tired today?” Paige asked. “Yes you did,” Mrs. Wilkerson said.
“Oh I didn’t notice sorry Mrs. Wilkerson I was up all night taking care of Keith Urban because he got really sick,” she told her. “Oh no really what happened? Is he ok?” Mrs. Wilkerson asked. “Yes, he’s doing a bit better now. It started last night. Me and Anakin were hanging out with him and he started to not feel well. Then it turned out he had a 102.7-degree fever and me and Anakin didn’t get much sleep because we had to take care of him because his wife Nicole’s out of town.” Paige said wearily. “That’s not good,” Mrs. Wilkerson said. “I know” Paige replied. “How about no homework from me tonight,” Mrs. Wilkerson said. “Really? You mean it?” Paige asked. “Yes, there’s no need for you to have homework from me if your busy taking care of him. I think you deserve it for being such a kind and caring person to willingly take care of someone as sick as he is.” Mrs. Wilkerson told her. “Thanks, Mrs. Wilkerson” Paige said happily. “No problem. Have a good night.” Mrs. Wilkerson said as she went over to her desk in the back of the room. “Thanks you too,” Paige replied as she quickly finished gathering her stuff and after putting everything away in her backpack.
She put her coat on and pulled Anakin’s leash from her coat pocket. Then she put her backpack on her back and then used her foot to nudge Anakin awake. He was lying underneath her desk.
The old dog groaned. “I don’t want to get up,” he said sleepily. “I know but we need to get home so I can start my homework then we can head back over to Keith’s,” Paige told him. “I thought Maggie was taking care of him the whole day and night.” Anakin said as he lifted his head. “ she’s watching him just for the day. Then later on in the night, we’ll switch off but she’ll go home first. Come on out.” she said. Anakin sighed but did as he was told. He went and stood at her side. “Good Boy,” Paige said as she clipped his leash to his collar. Then she reached out her hand and grabbed onto the pull strap on Anakin’s mobility harness. She commanded the dog to move forward and he did. He lead her out of the room and down the hall.
Then Paige’s phone started ringing. She sighed and moved to stand against the wall and dropped Anakin’s pull strap and leash. “ Anakin Stop! Good sit Good.” Paige said before She shook her backpack off and swung it out in front of her and let it hit the floor. Then she knelt down and opened the pocket that had her phone in it and pulled out her phone and looked at the caller ID. it was Maggie. She quickly hit answer call listening to it ring. While she zipped up her backpack and stood back up and then grabbed the backpack and put it back on. Then once she had her backpack on again she put her phone on her shoulder and used it to hold her phone against her ear while she walked down the hall. “Annie Heel!” she called. The dog quickly got up and went to her side. His leash dragged across the floor.
Then Paige used her hand to pick up the leash from the floor and then grabbed the pull strap. Then they started to walk down the hall again. Then finally Maggie picked up. “Hey,” Maggie said, “Hey what’s up?” Paige asked.
“Not much. Keith is doing a bit better. He threw up like six times but it’s fine it’s fine it’s no biggie. It’s all good it’s fine” Maggie said. Sarcastically “Yeah it’s fine no big deal it’s not like he’s very sick right now. And me and Anakin were up all night with him.” Paige said jokingly “Keith urban sick!? Nah he’s fine Nicole he’s not sick or anything. He’s fine. Ahahaha” Maggie said sarcastically. Laughing when she finished. Paige laughed too. “Ok but seriously though how is he?” Paige asked. “Well like I said before he threw up six times, not in a row but he puked a total of six times. Also, he kept asking for you and Nic and he was crying and whimpering. He’s suffering so bad! also, he’s crying and whimpering right now. He knows I’m talking to you and he keeps whimpering every time he hears your voice.” Maggie said. “Aww Poor baby! Put him on the phone. I want to talk to him.” Paige told her. She heard shuffling of Maggie handing the phone to Keith. She heard Maggie say. “Here you wanna talk to her? Yeah? Ok here you go” Maggie said gently.
Then Paige heard Keith’s voice. “Hi,” he said weakly. “Hey Bud you sound terrible,” P,Paige said gently. “I know,” Keith said sadly. “It’s ok I know your not feeling well right now. I just like pointing out whenever you don’t sound like yourself.” Paige said. “Aren’t I nice?” she asked. “ No That’s mean,” Keith replied. “I know I’m a mean person,” Paige said. “No your not. When are you coming back?” he asked suddenly changing the subject. “Not yet baby. I have to go home and do some homework. Then I’ll come back ok?. Maggie will take care of you.”
Paige said. “I want you to come now!” Keith wailed.
Paige sighed she knew Keith wanted to see her right away but she had work to do. She’d love to hang out with her sick pack members, in fact, she’d rather take care of her sick pack members then do her work but she had to get her work done. What concerned her was the fact that her pack members actually wanted her to come hang out with them instead of doing her work.
“I know honey I know but I have work to do. I’ll be as quick as I can. I promise ok? I love you.” Paige said. “Love you too,” Keith said sadly. “Put Maggie back on ok? I’ll see you later.” Paige told him. She heard the shuffling again then Maggie spoke. “He really misses you and wants you to come now,” Maggie said. “I know but I have homework. I’d love to come straight there but I don’t want my parents to get suspicious. Anyway, I don’t have any English homework.”
“Really? That’s good. How’d did you manage that?” Maggie asked. “Well remember our conversation yesterday about how like if I told Mrs. Wilkerson how sick Keith was and how she might let me off the hook from homework? Well, it worked! I didn’t have a chance to show her a picture of Anakin and me curled up with Keith but it was ok because she understands!.” Paige said happily. “That’s great! Hopefully, you won’t have much other work to do.” Maggie said. “Yeah it’s not so bad I’ll try to finish as quick as possible,” Paige told her. “Ok cool see you later?” Maggie asked. “Yep see you Bye.” Paige said before hanging up. Then she put her phone in her coat pocket and closed the pocket. Then she and Anakin left the school to go wait for the bus to take them home.
3 hours later
Once Paige had finally finished her homework. She put away her homework and went to grab her phone, purse, phone charger and plug for her phone charger and her headphones. If she wanted to watch a youtube video. Then she grabbed her mini bottle of gloves in a bottle lotion and put that in her purse too. Then after that, she went and smoothed her Keith Urban poster back against the wall so it would stick better to the poster tape that held it to the wall. Once she did that she went and turned off the light switch that controlled the light of the ceiling fan light.
Then she closed the door and headed downstairs to get her portable charger off the charger and go get Anakin ready to go.
Once she got the portable she went and got Anakin’s vest off the wall instead of his harness. The vest was more comfortable than the harness and the vest had a paracord pull strap if she needed mobility assistance. Then after she got Anakin’s vest and leash she went to the back room where she had left Anakin laying asleep under her desk. She went over and used her foot to nudge Anakin awake. “Come on sleepy head. Let’s go,” she said. The old dog groaned. “I don’t want to go if we will be up all night with Keith again,” Anakin complained. “Well too bad! You shouldn’t complain because Maggie will come to help us tonight,” she said. “Yeah, but she won’t come until late at night,” Anakin said.
“At least she’ll come to help us. I know your crabby but too bad we are going to come on.” Paige said. Anakin sighed but got up and went and stood next to her. “Good boy. Thank you I know you're tired but Keith needs us. We can’t have him be alone. Sure the girls are there but they can’t care for him and one of the wolf den rules is a sick pack member has to be taken care of someone whether it’s their spouse or you and me or Maggie. Or all three of us together when their spouse can’t take of them.” Paige said. Anakin sighed and nodded as Paige slipped the vest over his head and bent down to clip it on him. Once that was done she stood back up and took his leash and clipped it to his collar. Then she went and got her coat and boots on. Then she checked to make sure she had everything. Then she called goodbye to her other dogs Molly and Stella who were somewhere in the house. She was happy her parents were at work and her brother at a friend’s that meant she had enough time to leave two post-it notes one on the fridge and the other on dining room table letting her family know she was going to a friend’s for a while and that she had gotten all her homework done. Once she had finished doing that. She went and put the gate up on the stairs landing to make sure Molly and Stella didn’t go upstairs. Then she checked to make sure all the lights were off and her Chromebook was plugged in. then she went and got Anakin who was standing in the backroom waiting for her. “Annie come,” she said. The old dog ran to stand at her side. “Good boy let’s go,” she said.
Then they teleported to Keith’s house.
Once they got there. Paige went and rang the doorbell and Maggie opened. “Hey, guys how are you?” Maggie asked as she backed into the house allowing Paige and Anakin to come inside. “Good. How’s Keith?” Paige asked. As she took off her boots and coat. She tossed her coat on the stair railing. “Wow! Thanks for asking I’m doing great” Maggie said sarcastically. “Sorry, I’m just worried about my boy ok?” Paige said. “I know sorry. He’s doing ok.” Maggie said. “Come on he’s in the living room,” Maggie said. As she turned and walked down the hall to the living room. Paige and Anakin followed her down the hall to the living room where they found Keith sitting on the couch waiting for them. He got excited the second he saw Paige and Anakin and whined and whimpered as if he were a puppy on a leash waiting for his owner to let him go. “It’s ok bud it’s ok. I’m here me and Anakin are right here shh shh.” Paige said trying to quiet him. Keith whimpered again. Then he got up and tried to stumble towards them only to almost fall before Maggie ran over to him and pushed him back down onto the couch.
She reached out and placed her hands on his shoulders pushing him against the back of the couch. “Woah Buddy woah! Hold your horses! Calm down! Paige and Anakin will come to you. Stay here.” Maggie said.
Once it seemed Keith would stay put Maggie took her hands off Keith’s shoulders. Then backed away and turned around and walked over to Paige. “He’s dizzy every time he stands up so I had to push him down on the couch. Cuz knowing him. He’ll get all excited and when he stands up he might pass out so I had to get him under control.” Maggie said. Keith whined with impatience. “Ok ok hold on I’m talking with Maggie settle down.” Paige said. Anakin whined too but it wasn’t from excitement it was from being concerned. “Boyo is not ok! Must alert, must protect, much concern!” Anakin said. “Oh so now you care? Just because he’s dizzy and weak!” Paige said. “Whatever forget what I said earlier. Boyo needs to be protected and alerted to.” Anakin whined. “It’s ok Annie! He’s fine now.” Paige told him. “He’s sitting down now so he’s fine,” she said. But Anakin kept whining. He could smell the scent that a pack member gave off when they weren’t feeling well. But this was a more intense smell. The smell of dizziness. Even though Paige and Maggie couldn’t smell these things. Anakin could. The reason he was whining was that Keith still had the dizzy scent even though he was sitting down. Anakin kept whining until Paige knelt down to remove his vest and leash.
Once those were off he still had to wait for his release command. “Ok go say hi,” Paige said. Immediately the dog ran over to Keith and put his front paws on Keith’s lap. Then he licked Keith’s face and nuzzled him. Keith smiled and laughed. Then he hugged Anakin.
Paige smiled she loved when Anakin could make her boys happy when they didn’t feel well. Sometimes all they needed was a snuggle from Anakin to cheer them up. She quickly got out her phone and took a picture of Keith hugging Anakin. Then she put her phone back in her purse. She’d post it later and she’d send it to Nic too but she couldn’t do it now. She had to care for Keith which was a big responsibility and it was more important than posting to her Instagram. Besides she didn’t want to be distracted by her phone when she supposed to pay attention to Keith not be on her phone. Plus she didn’t want to waste battery life. So she put her phone away. Then went to take her coat and boots off and to put them by the front door. Then she went back to the living room where she found Keith still sitting down on the couch and Anakin at his feet. And Maggie standing next to Anakin. “Ok then guess I’ll see you later?” Paige asked Maggie. She nodded. “Yeah see you later,” Maggie said before leaving the room.
Once Paige heard the sound of the front door close she went and locked it then returned to the living room. She went over and sat down next to Keith. He immediately moved closer to her. She sighed and pulled him into a hug. He whined “I don’t feel good.” he said sadly. “I know I know. Maybe later you can go upstairs and take a shower. If you don’t feel dizzy when you stand up.” she said. Keith nodded and sighed. “Every time when I stand up I feel like I’m gonna fall over,” he said weakly. “I’m sorry bud,” Paige said sympathetically. He whined in pain. “Shh shh,” Paige said gently. “Everything hurts.” he wailed. “I know bud I know I’m sorry,” she said. Keith coughed and moaned.
“That cough sounds like mine bud,” Paige said worriedly. Keith whined “I know”
Paige sighed and shook her head. Everytime a pack was sick with a bad cough Paige would joke that it sounded like her cough because everytime a pack member coughed she thought it sounded like hers. The pack members normally didn’t like that joke but sometimes they’d go along with it. Keith sighed he didn’t seem too happy about being reminded how his cough sounded like hers even if it was a joke. He whined “My throat hurts.” he said weakly. “You want some water?” she asked him. He nodded. “Good at least you want water.” Paige said. As she got up and went to retrieve a water bottle from the fridge. “Drinking is important when you have a fever,” she said. Keith nodded “My throat really hurts.” he whined. “I know bud the water should help.” she said as she handed him the water bottle.” he took the water bottle and opened it and took a few sips of water. Then he put the cap back on the water bottle and handed it back to Paige. She took it from him and went and put it away. Once she came back she went over and sat down next to Keith on the couch. Keith whined and moved closer to Paige. He rested his head on her shoulder. “You want to try to go to sleep?” Paige asked. Keith shook his head. “I’ve been sleeping all day.” he said, “Do you want to watch a movie?” Paige asked. Keith nodded. “Ok because I’m here visiting I get to pick the movie,” Paige said
Keith nodded his head too tired to protest. Paige picked up the remote laying next to her left side of the couch and turned on the tv selected Netflix logged into her account and chose a movie. Then she started watching the movie with Keith’s head resting on her shoulder and Anakin resting at her feet.
1 hour later
The movie finished and Paige picked up the remote and turned off the tv. She looked at Keith who had fallen asleep during the movie. “And he said he wasn’t tired,” Paige said. She kissed Keith’s head. Happy he was asleep.
Even though he’d said he wasn’t tired earlier the tiredness must have hit him like a ton of bricks during the movie. “Do you think he’ll feel ready to go upstairs and shower when he wakes up?” Anakin asked as he moved to a sitting position on his spot on the floor.
“Hopefully I’m also hoping he won’t be dizzy when he stands so he can take a shower.”
“Or there’s the shower chair if he can’t stand up for long,” Anakin said. “That’s true but I still don’t want him to shower if he can’t stand up. I know we have the shower chair but I don’t feel like using it right now. I’d prefer him being able to stand on his own than use a shower chair.” she said. “Yeah, I get that” Anakin said. “We’ll see how he feels when he wakes up,” Paige said.
1 hour later
Keith started to whimper in his sleep. Paige immediately stopped looking at her phone to try and calm him down. “Shh shh,” she whispered. Anakin lifted his head from his spot on the floor. “Is he ok?” Anakin asked. Paige sighed and shook her head. “I dunno Annie. He’s still really sick and is probably whimpering because he can’t sleep.” she said Anakin nodded and laid his head back down. It took a few minutes for Keith to stop whimpering. Paige sighed with relief happy he was quiet again she decided to look at her phone again.
10 minutes later.
Paige sighed as she put her phone down and reached for the tv remote. It was time for one of her favorite shows. NBC Nightly News With Lester Holt she watched the show every weeknight even on the weekends when Lester on weekend break and Kate snow did the weekend broadcast. Paige didn’t mind she loved the show so much. She loved it because Lester was a great news anchor and had a very soothing voice and he was very nice. Ever since Paige had met Lester and his family she had become good friends with him and his family. Just like with the rest of her pack members and their families. She loved being friends with Lester almost as much as she loved being friends with Paul McCartney or with Keith. Just as she had turned the tv on and got it on to watch Lester. Keith woke up. “Hey, good timing Lester’s on. Do you want to watch Lester with me?” she asked him. Keith nodded and sighed. Paige smiled and kissed his head before turning her attention back to the tv.
30 minutes later
“That is Nightly News on this Wednesday night I’m Lester Holt for all of us at NBC News Thank you for watching and Goodnight,” Lester said as Paige reached for the remote to turn the tv back off. “Bye Bye Lester” Paige said as she pressed the tv remote power button to turn the tv off. She placed the remote next to her and sighed. “Do you feel well enough to try to eat?” she asked Keith. He shook his head and coughed. “Maggie’s gonna take the girls to their friend's house then she’ll come here ok? Cuz we can’t have the girls here when you're sick. I know it’s a school night but me and Mags can’t take care of you and the girls.” Paige said. Keith nodded too tired to argue. “Do you want to try to go upstairs and take a shower?” she asked him. “In a few minutes,” he said weakly.
“In a few minutes? So maybe when Maggie comes back?” she asked. Keith nodded. “Ok,” Paige said.
10 minutes later
“I’m back” Maggie called as she entered the house.
“Hey Mags!” Paige called from the living room.
Maggie took her shoes and coat off before walking to the living room.
She walked over to Paige. “Hey Paige, Hey Keith, Hey Anakin” Maggie said.
“Hi” they replied. “How are you feeling Keith?” Maggie asked. Keith shrugged “ok” he mumbled. “That’s good. It’s better than earlier.” Maggie said. Keith just sighs. “Why don’t you head upstairs to take a shower now that Maggie’s back?” Paige asked Keith. He nodded and got up from the couch and started to head to the stairs. “Mags can you go with him to make sure he doesn’t fall while walking up the stairs?” Paige asked Maggie. Maggie nodded and turned on her heels and followed Keith. “Annie can you go too?” Paige asked Anakin. The old dog quickly got up and nodded before running off to catch up with Maggie and Keith. Paige sighed as she took out her phone to wait for them to come back down.
10 minutes later
Paige heard the sound of feet coming down the stairs. She quickly put her phone back in her purse. Anakin came back first followed by Maggie then Keith. Keith had changed in different clothes. A sweatshirt and jeans he looked a bit better than earlier but looked even more tired than before. He stumbled over to sit back down next to Paige. “Hey how are you feeling?” Paige asked. “I still don’t feel good.” Keith said sadly. “Did the shower help at all?” Paige asked. Keith nodded. “A little bit” he said. “Good” Paige said. She kissed Keith’s forehead. Keith sighed and coughed. “That cough sounds awful Keith.” Maggie said. Keith sighed “I know” he said weakly. Then he coughed and gagged. Maggie quickly grabbed the bucket and placed it in front of him just in time. Keith puked into the bucket twice. Paige quickly got up to get him a tissue.
She went and sat back down next to Keith and wiped his face. Keith whined. “Shh shh it’s ok. You're ok.” Paige said. Staying calm as she wiped the puke off his face. Keith sighed and moaned. “I hate this” Keith whined. “I know baby I know. Shh, shh” Paige said gently trying to calm him down. Keith coughed and sighed.
Then buried his head against Paige’s neck feeling embarrassed and disgusting. He whimpered. “It’s ok bud.” Paige said. “Keith it’s ok don’t worry. It’s ok to be sick and it’s ok to be upset.” Maggie said.
Keith sighed and looked at Paige. “You know what I always say.” Paige told him. “That you’d rather stay with us packmembers even if we are sick?” Keith asked. “Yes exactly.” Paige said. “I’d rather be hanging out with any of my pack members instead of doing homework or anything else I find unimportant. I know school is important but sometimes school for me is hard and I’d rather take a break with my favorite people.” she told him. Keith nodded. “Even when you guys are sick I still like hanging out with you guys to help you get better. Sure it hurts me to see you or any of my other pack members sick but I like helping you guys get better. Paige said to him. Keith smiled. “I like that” he said. “Yeah me too” Paige said smiling. Keith coughed and sighed.
“How are you feeling now?” Maggie asked. “I feel like shit” Keith said weakly. Paige laughed. “That’s not good” she said. “Don’t laugh it’s really how I feel.” Keith said.
“I know it’s just funny hearing you swear.” Paige said. “Hey you swear like a sailor when you think no one’s watching.” Keith replied. “Or when People are watching.” Maggie said. “Ok Ok True, True but I make sure to never do it around kids younger than me and I make sure to never swear around my parents.” Paige said. Maggie laughed “yeah that’s true I guess.’ She said
