Jambo Rafiki ~ Part 5/5
Title: Jambo Rafiki - Part 5/5
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: adam/kris
Summary: AU: Kris Allen left his life behind in the States to follow the intriguing Sheikh Addi Baba (Adam) and work for his foundation. During a trip to Amsterdam, Kris made contact with a charity that brings water to those who don’t have it. Addi’s organization decided to invest and Kris and Addi (and bodyguard Amir) are heading off on the adventure of a lifetime to lead a hand.
Disclaimer: I do not own anyone involved. Entirely a figment of my imagination. Not intended to offend any group.
‘Jambo Rafiki’ is Swahili for ‘Hello Friend’.
So sorry friends for the long delay. Finally finished my college term so I have a month before I go back. Forgive me for jumping over the majority of their time building wells. I’m anxious to move this story forward as I want to fit a Christmas story with them in over the next few weeks.
This is the last part of their adventures in Africa. There’s some medical stuff coming up; my info is from the internet and may not be entirely accurate but it sounds good to me!
JamboPart 4 ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/89971.html
Jambo Part 3 ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/89819.html
Jambo Part 2 ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/89522.html
Jambo Part 1 ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/89321.html
Addi Baba Masterlist ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/88865.html
~*~*~*~
The sun was setting for the last time over the small village. Well, it was the last time for Kris. After weeks of back breaking, blister forming, intestinal discomfort causing labor, the time had come for Kris and Addi to leave. They’d helped many communities in the area but this small village in Ethiopia had been their home base and they’d developed an affection for the people here. It was going to be hard to say good-bye but Kris was looking forward to running water, flushing toilets and being able to touch his man without worrying about being caught.
Kris started laughing out loud, tears streaking his tanned face.
“What’s so funny Kristopher?”
The giggling man looked to his left as his lover reached the top of the hill and joined him. The reddish light of the sun cast an unearthly glow on the sheikh and Kris physically hurt not to be able to worship him with his lips. Instead, he concentrated on his memory.
“I was just remembering when those kids caught us fucking,” he snickered, recalling his shock at those beady eyes and chewing mouths watching them intently.
Addi laughed too. “Yes, I can honestly say my first time meeting goats was interesting. I look forward to the time when we don’t have to worry about wildlife watching us get wild.”
“Oh?” Kris asked slowly, “You plan on getting wild, do you?”
Addi looked around and when he was sure they were alone, he squeezed Kris’ hand and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
“It has been a long month Habibi … I miss you.”
“I miss you too.” Voices floated up on the warm evening towards them and Kris let go quickly. “I hope you’re going to keep your promise … that we get a vacation before we get back to work.”
Addi stepped closer and bumped his shoulder.
“Our plane is waiting the airport.”
Kris smiled, “I get wait to get back to Nairobi so we relax.”
“Our plane’s here … in Dire Dawa.”
“What about our things we left at the hotel in Kenya?”
“Already on the plane. As soon as we reach the airport in the morning, we can depart.”
“You think of everything.”
“Not exactly. This is aggravating,” the sheikh grumbled, scratching intensely against his chin.
Kris took in the full beard, burning the image into his brain because the moment they got on their plane, he knew it would be a matter of minutes before it was trimmed down to his elegant moustache and goatee. The mountain man look was kinda hot but Kris also didn’t want rug burn when they finally got together.
As for himself, he didn’t bother with shaving because he was concerned if he nicked himself, the little cut might get infected; he’d had enough possible infections to avoid as it was.
“Addi! Kris! Hurry up, the feast is ready!”
“Coming Tim!” Kris shouted back down the hill before turning to his lover. “In 24 hours, I’ll have you in my bed.”
“Why wait Habibi when we have a flying bed at our disposal?”
Kris blushed, Addi laughed, and they started the trek down the hill.
~*~*~*~
Saying farewell was as difficult as Kris had imagined. Everyone in the village gave them a hug or shook their hands and thanked them for their help. The village children made them parting gifts and the chief made them honorary citizens. Tim and the crew were moving onto another location so this was where they parted company. The men made a pact to keep in touch and Addi said anytime funds were needed for anything Tim was to let him and Kris know. The two caravans of jeeps left together, Kris and Addi turned in their seats waving goodbye until they rounded the hill and couldn’t see their friends anymore.
On the way to the airport, they were stopping at the hospital once more. Leaving Amir in the jeep - the bodyguard was snoring louder than a lion with an empty belly - Kris and Addi made their way inside. Having spent nearly a month in Africa, Addi had grown accustomed to the culture and though it still saddens them both, Addi had assured Kris he wasn’t going to fall apart again. They tracked down the doctor they’d first met and made out a list of materials and equipment they needed.
Finally they reached the airport and the trio parted company. Though Amir protested, declaring his job was to be by the sheikh’s side, be his protector, Addi insisted Amir needed a vacation as much as they did. Amir was heading back to Dubai with the list of things the hospital needed. The sheikh instructed him on who to pass it onto and Addi would follow up with a call to make sure it was taken care of immediately.
After seeing Amir off, the two lovers made their way to the private jet. Kris was surprised … although at this point in their relationship he shouldn’t be surprised … to find a barber waiting for them. As the pilot did the pre-flight check, the beards disappeared for the most part. Kris was clean shaven once more and relished the sting of the spicy aftershave, while Addi had his growth trimmed and refined back into his elegant look. It would have been amazing to see him clean shaven but it wasn’t meant to be. Kris asked once and Addi explained that it was part of his “look”, that it made him appear more mature and garnered him more respect as a CEO and man of power and wealth.
Still, he could have shaved it for their vacation since it grew in so fast he’d have it back in no time.
Kris headed back to the sleeping area while Addi talked to the pilot. Slipping into the bathroom, he groaned indecently as he had his first hot shower in weeks. Though they tried their best to keep clean, the water at the bottom of the shower was brown and grit filled the gaps in the tiles. Using the moveable shower head, he rinsed the dirt away, praying it wouldn’t clog the plane’s system then toweled off, climbing into the bathrobe he kept there, so anxious to get into bed with Addi that he could barely stand it.
Opening the door, Kris expected to find Addi naked or in the process of getting there. Instead, his man was curled up on the super soft bed fast asleep. Hurt at first, Kris finally conceded that he was exhausted too and shouldn’t fault Addi. Leaning down, Kris planned on giving him a gentle kiss until his clean body invaded the space of a not-so-clean body and he just couldn’t do it. Rather, he kissed his fingertips, pressed them to Addi’s lips, then headed into the sitting area to take a nap on the couch.
~*~*~*~
A few hours later, the jet landed at Cape Town International Airport. Stepping off the plane was a pleasant assault on the senses after being surrounded by muted colors, heat, relatively empty landscapes and quiet (not counting the wildlife). Located on a bay, the Atlantic Ocean to its south and a mountain range to its north, kept the air cool and refreshing. Houses and nature were everywhere and the vibrancy of a city made Kris’ nerves tingle. They didn’t have much time to look around when a car and driver appeared, courtesy of the Ellerman House.
Ten minutes from the centre of Cape Town lay their retreat, the Ellerman House. Addi went all out in arranging their visit, finding a boutique hotel that was luxurious, exclusive, secluded and open to unusual and unique preferences. The structure itself was built in the early 1900s for a shipping magnate named Sir John Ellerman, in the Edwardian style, and it’s 10 rooms and suite stood proud on a bluff overlooking Bantry Bay and the city.
Once registered, they were led to their suite. Walking through the lobby, up the carved wooded staircase and down a narrow hall lined with lit artwork, Kris’ mind came off Addi long enough to imagine he’d stepped into a southern hemisphere version of Downton Abbey. The suite itself was beautiful … a marble bathroom, elegant sitting room and master bedroom with an oversized bed and a private balcony overlooking the bay. It was rather breathtaking but not as breathtaking as the rich ocean blue eyes of his lover gazing at him over the bellboy’s head or the smile that turned his insides to jelly on a daily basis.
The moment the bellboy left, Addi put out the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign and slowly clicked the lock. Kris just smiled, slowly walking backwards towards the bedroom and Addi followed like a puppy. With all the time in the world, they slowly undressed each other … first the jackets, then the shirts … then the belts and the zippers … the pants … there’s no romantic way to kick off the socks and shoes but they found a way … until they stood pressed against each other, only the thin fabric of their briefs between them.
“I’ve missed you Addi,” Kris sighed as large hands skimmed over his hot skin, pressure already building deep inside.
“And I you,” Addi replied, nestling his lips against his man’s neck and tenderly kissing the hot skin.
The briefs disappeared and they knelt on the bed, bodies and lips pressed together once more. Reaching between them, Addi took his own cock and Kris’ in his large hand and stroked them together. Both men groaned softly into each other’s mouths as pleasure danced through their bodies while the ocean breeze coming through the open balcony doors danced over them. Once hard, Kris turned and braced himself with his arms against the headboard. Addi reached for the lube that was beside him on the sheets and when ready, Addi slowly entered him before holding their bodies close. Despite the weeks they were forced to wait, they didn’t rush things … this wasn’t just sex, it was making love. Rocking together gently, Addi sat back on his heels and Kris sat back on his lap. With his head lulling on the sheikh’s shoulder, Kris braced his hands on either side of their hips and impaled himself with shallow, slow movements. Addi’s hand came around and stroked Kris’ cock. Kris sped up his ride and Addi his stroking. Kris came hard when Addi tugged at his earlobe with his teeth. Melting, Addi wrapped his arms around him tight and pounded into him until he too came, filling the smaller man.
Sated … for now … they quickly cleaned up then stretched out on the super soft mattress and spooned, a thin sheet over their legs and hips
“You’re amazing,” Kris whispered through his smile.
“No habibi, you are the …,” Addi started to say but a cough emerged.
“You okay?” Kris asked, turning to face his lover.
Addi coughed again before replying, “Yes, just an irritation.”
“Maybe we should order something … hot tea would help.”
“I’m not very hungry right now ….”
“Really?” Kris kissed his man’s chin. “I certainly worked up an appetite,” he sweetly teased.
Addi smiled back but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“Go ahead and eat Kristopher, the tea will suit me for now.”
The men sat up and slipped on robes. Kris picked up the room service literature and Addi headed to the bathroom. Before he entered the room, he braced his hands against his lower back, leaned and groaned.
“I guess I’m out of shape.”
“Don’t worry Addi, I’ll you back in shape soon.”
~*~*~*~
Twenty-four hours later, Addi’s sore back was the least of their worries.
Addi was curled up in the bed, shivering like he was blanketed in ice rather than the finest covers. Kris sat beside him, one hand on his hot brow, the other holding the phone to his ear and his eyes on the garbage can beside the bed that Addi had already thrown up in a few times that morning.
“Yes, concierge desk? … Hello, can you tell me where the nearest clinic or hospital is? … No, not an emergency but my partner has come down with the flu or something and I think he should get checked out … Really? You can do that? … Yes, of course … yes, that’s our room number … no, this is Mr. Allen … yes, he’s the one who’s ill … thank you, we’ll be waiting. Good bye.”
Kris hung up and rubbed Addi’s back.
“Good news, a doctor is making a house call and will be here soon. Do you want some tea? Water?”
Looking thoroughly miserable, Addi lifted heavy eyelids and replied softly through chattering teeth.
“No … can’t keep it down.”
Kris felt helpless, wishing he could do something. When he finally came up with an idea, Addi had fallen asleep.
Half an hour passed until the doctor arrived. Kris spent it on the balcony, calling home to catch up with his parents. He told them about Ethiopia and how fulfilling it was. He downplayed the hardships so they wouldn’t worry, even retroactively, and then shared how beautiful South Africa was. His mom asked after Addi and was sad to hear he wasn’t feeling well. She sent her love and her own prescription of tender-loving care and chicken, letting her son go when there was a knock on the door.
The doctor was a professional and kind older woman. She stuck a thermometer in Addi’s mouth than asked Kris questions about his condition. Each time Addi tried to talk and answer for himself he was quieted with a wag of the finger and a motherly shush. Kris filled her in and at first, she said it sounded like the flu until she commented on the calluses on the wealthy man’s hands. Upon hearing they’d come from Ethiopia, she dug into her medical bag to retrieve a needle and vial.
“What’s that for?” the patient asked nervously.
“I feel a blood test is in order. This may not be the flu at all; it could me a mild case of malaria.”
“Malaria?” Kris blurted out. “But how? We got our shots before we left and we were taking anti-malaria drugs the entire time.”
“There is no cure for malaria Mr. Allen, Sheikh Baba, merely preventatives.”
“So shouldn’t have that stuff prevented this?”
“No preventative is 100% proof. As is stands, this is a mild case; it could have been much worse.”
“How much worse?”
Addi raised his hand before the doctor could answer the other man’s question.
“Please Kristopher, I’d rather not be privy to that.” All were silent as she drew the blood sample and put a cotton ball and band aid over the prick. “How long until we know?”
“And what else should we expect?” Kris added.
“I’ll put a rush on this so we should know for sure in a few hours. As for what to expect, you’ve already discovered is very similar to influenza - headache, fever, muscle pain & fatigue, back pain, chills and sweating, dry cough, nausea, vomiting. I’ll send over oral medication, either way, and you should be right as rain in a week.” The doctor smiled and got up, shaking their hands. Kris walked her to the door, thanking her for the house call. Before she left, the doctor added, “A little tender-loving care and chicken soup wouldn’t hurt either.”
~*~*~*~
Addi felt miserable, and only half of it was the malaria. He apologized to Kris about ruining their vacation nearly every time Kris looked at him. Kris was patient with him and did his best to keep their spirits up. Once the nausea passed, the hotel’s chef cooked anything they wanted; even when Addi had a hankering for a traditional Saudi dish, the chef looked it up online and sent his staff out to find the ingredients. The doctor called each day to see how he was and a when they had two days left, Addi was feeling up to going outside.
“I wish I could take you out further than the balcony,” Addi lamented.
“Enough baby … I don’t need to go out sightseeing or on a safari or eating at every restaurant in the city or hitting the clubs. We both need rest and anywhere I am with you in a holiday to me.”
Addi took his hand and kissed his palm.
“I’ll make this up to you Habibi, I swear.”
Kris grinned and kissed Addi’s hand in return.
“Yes … you will.”
~*~*~*~
Ellerman house, Capetown
Exterior - http://cdn.africatravelresource.com/africa/southafrica/westerncape/cape/capetown/bantrybay/ellerman-house/0/stills/01intro/43SCBE-IM1043-ellerman-house-1475.JPG
Bedroom - http://www.classicafrica.com/JavascriptRotator/customer-images/elroom640.jpg
View from bedroom - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/incoming/article44812.ece/ALTERNATES/w620/Balcony+and+view.jpg
Sitting area - http://www.hotel-pictures.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sitting-Area-600x337.jpg
Bathroom - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/incoming/article44813.ece/ALTERNATES/w620/Bathroom.jpg
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: adam/kris
Summary: AU: Kris Allen left his life behind in the States to follow the intriguing Sheikh Addi Baba (Adam) and work for his foundation. During a trip to Amsterdam, Kris made contact with a charity that brings water to those who don’t have it. Addi’s organization decided to invest and Kris and Addi (and bodyguard Amir) are heading off on the adventure of a lifetime to lead a hand.
Disclaimer: I do not own anyone involved. Entirely a figment of my imagination. Not intended to offend any group.
‘Jambo Rafiki’ is Swahili for ‘Hello Friend’.
So sorry friends for the long delay. Finally finished my college term so I have a month before I go back. Forgive me for jumping over the majority of their time building wells. I’m anxious to move this story forward as I want to fit a Christmas story with them in over the next few weeks.
This is the last part of their adventures in Africa. There’s some medical stuff coming up; my info is from the internet and may not be entirely accurate but it sounds good to me!
JamboPart 4 ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/89971.html
Jambo Part 3 ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/89819.html
Jambo Part 2 ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/89522.html
Jambo Part 1 ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/89321.html
Addi Baba Masterlist ~ http://cunningdeb.livejournal.com/88865.html
~*~*~*~
The sun was setting for the last time over the small village. Well, it was the last time for Kris. After weeks of back breaking, blister forming, intestinal discomfort causing labor, the time had come for Kris and Addi to leave. They’d helped many communities in the area but this small village in Ethiopia had been their home base and they’d developed an affection for the people here. It was going to be hard to say good-bye but Kris was looking forward to running water, flushing toilets and being able to touch his man without worrying about being caught.
Kris started laughing out loud, tears streaking his tanned face.
“What’s so funny Kristopher?”
The giggling man looked to his left as his lover reached the top of the hill and joined him. The reddish light of the sun cast an unearthly glow on the sheikh and Kris physically hurt not to be able to worship him with his lips. Instead, he concentrated on his memory.
“I was just remembering when those kids caught us fucking,” he snickered, recalling his shock at those beady eyes and chewing mouths watching them intently.
Addi laughed too. “Yes, I can honestly say my first time meeting goats was interesting. I look forward to the time when we don’t have to worry about wildlife watching us get wild.”
“Oh?” Kris asked slowly, “You plan on getting wild, do you?”
Addi looked around and when he was sure they were alone, he squeezed Kris’ hand and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
“It has been a long month Habibi … I miss you.”
“I miss you too.” Voices floated up on the warm evening towards them and Kris let go quickly. “I hope you’re going to keep your promise … that we get a vacation before we get back to work.”
Addi stepped closer and bumped his shoulder.
“Our plane is waiting the airport.”
Kris smiled, “I get wait to get back to Nairobi so we relax.”
“Our plane’s here … in Dire Dawa.”
“What about our things we left at the hotel in Kenya?”
“Already on the plane. As soon as we reach the airport in the morning, we can depart.”
“You think of everything.”
“Not exactly. This is aggravating,” the sheikh grumbled, scratching intensely against his chin.
Kris took in the full beard, burning the image into his brain because the moment they got on their plane, he knew it would be a matter of minutes before it was trimmed down to his elegant moustache and goatee. The mountain man look was kinda hot but Kris also didn’t want rug burn when they finally got together.
As for himself, he didn’t bother with shaving because he was concerned if he nicked himself, the little cut might get infected; he’d had enough possible infections to avoid as it was.
“Addi! Kris! Hurry up, the feast is ready!”
“Coming Tim!” Kris shouted back down the hill before turning to his lover. “In 24 hours, I’ll have you in my bed.”
“Why wait Habibi when we have a flying bed at our disposal?”
Kris blushed, Addi laughed, and they started the trek down the hill.
~*~*~*~
Saying farewell was as difficult as Kris had imagined. Everyone in the village gave them a hug or shook their hands and thanked them for their help. The village children made them parting gifts and the chief made them honorary citizens. Tim and the crew were moving onto another location so this was where they parted company. The men made a pact to keep in touch and Addi said anytime funds were needed for anything Tim was to let him and Kris know. The two caravans of jeeps left together, Kris and Addi turned in their seats waving goodbye until they rounded the hill and couldn’t see their friends anymore.
On the way to the airport, they were stopping at the hospital once more. Leaving Amir in the jeep - the bodyguard was snoring louder than a lion with an empty belly - Kris and Addi made their way inside. Having spent nearly a month in Africa, Addi had grown accustomed to the culture and though it still saddens them both, Addi had assured Kris he wasn’t going to fall apart again. They tracked down the doctor they’d first met and made out a list of materials and equipment they needed.
Finally they reached the airport and the trio parted company. Though Amir protested, declaring his job was to be by the sheikh’s side, be his protector, Addi insisted Amir needed a vacation as much as they did. Amir was heading back to Dubai with the list of things the hospital needed. The sheikh instructed him on who to pass it onto and Addi would follow up with a call to make sure it was taken care of immediately.
After seeing Amir off, the two lovers made their way to the private jet. Kris was surprised … although at this point in their relationship he shouldn’t be surprised … to find a barber waiting for them. As the pilot did the pre-flight check, the beards disappeared for the most part. Kris was clean shaven once more and relished the sting of the spicy aftershave, while Addi had his growth trimmed and refined back into his elegant look. It would have been amazing to see him clean shaven but it wasn’t meant to be. Kris asked once and Addi explained that it was part of his “look”, that it made him appear more mature and garnered him more respect as a CEO and man of power and wealth.
Still, he could have shaved it for their vacation since it grew in so fast he’d have it back in no time.
Kris headed back to the sleeping area while Addi talked to the pilot. Slipping into the bathroom, he groaned indecently as he had his first hot shower in weeks. Though they tried their best to keep clean, the water at the bottom of the shower was brown and grit filled the gaps in the tiles. Using the moveable shower head, he rinsed the dirt away, praying it wouldn’t clog the plane’s system then toweled off, climbing into the bathrobe he kept there, so anxious to get into bed with Addi that he could barely stand it.
Opening the door, Kris expected to find Addi naked or in the process of getting there. Instead, his man was curled up on the super soft bed fast asleep. Hurt at first, Kris finally conceded that he was exhausted too and shouldn’t fault Addi. Leaning down, Kris planned on giving him a gentle kiss until his clean body invaded the space of a not-so-clean body and he just couldn’t do it. Rather, he kissed his fingertips, pressed them to Addi’s lips, then headed into the sitting area to take a nap on the couch.
~*~*~*~
A few hours later, the jet landed at Cape Town International Airport. Stepping off the plane was a pleasant assault on the senses after being surrounded by muted colors, heat, relatively empty landscapes and quiet (not counting the wildlife). Located on a bay, the Atlantic Ocean to its south and a mountain range to its north, kept the air cool and refreshing. Houses and nature were everywhere and the vibrancy of a city made Kris’ nerves tingle. They didn’t have much time to look around when a car and driver appeared, courtesy of the Ellerman House.
Ten minutes from the centre of Cape Town lay their retreat, the Ellerman House. Addi went all out in arranging their visit, finding a boutique hotel that was luxurious, exclusive, secluded and open to unusual and unique preferences. The structure itself was built in the early 1900s for a shipping magnate named Sir John Ellerman, in the Edwardian style, and it’s 10 rooms and suite stood proud on a bluff overlooking Bantry Bay and the city.
Once registered, they were led to their suite. Walking through the lobby, up the carved wooded staircase and down a narrow hall lined with lit artwork, Kris’ mind came off Addi long enough to imagine he’d stepped into a southern hemisphere version of Downton Abbey. The suite itself was beautiful … a marble bathroom, elegant sitting room and master bedroom with an oversized bed and a private balcony overlooking the bay. It was rather breathtaking but not as breathtaking as the rich ocean blue eyes of his lover gazing at him over the bellboy’s head or the smile that turned his insides to jelly on a daily basis.
The moment the bellboy left, Addi put out the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign and slowly clicked the lock. Kris just smiled, slowly walking backwards towards the bedroom and Addi followed like a puppy. With all the time in the world, they slowly undressed each other … first the jackets, then the shirts … then the belts and the zippers … the pants … there’s no romantic way to kick off the socks and shoes but they found a way … until they stood pressed against each other, only the thin fabric of their briefs between them.
“I’ve missed you Addi,” Kris sighed as large hands skimmed over his hot skin, pressure already building deep inside.
“And I you,” Addi replied, nestling his lips against his man’s neck and tenderly kissing the hot skin.
The briefs disappeared and they knelt on the bed, bodies and lips pressed together once more. Reaching between them, Addi took his own cock and Kris’ in his large hand and stroked them together. Both men groaned softly into each other’s mouths as pleasure danced through their bodies while the ocean breeze coming through the open balcony doors danced over them. Once hard, Kris turned and braced himself with his arms against the headboard. Addi reached for the lube that was beside him on the sheets and when ready, Addi slowly entered him before holding their bodies close. Despite the weeks they were forced to wait, they didn’t rush things … this wasn’t just sex, it was making love. Rocking together gently, Addi sat back on his heels and Kris sat back on his lap. With his head lulling on the sheikh’s shoulder, Kris braced his hands on either side of their hips and impaled himself with shallow, slow movements. Addi’s hand came around and stroked Kris’ cock. Kris sped up his ride and Addi his stroking. Kris came hard when Addi tugged at his earlobe with his teeth. Melting, Addi wrapped his arms around him tight and pounded into him until he too came, filling the smaller man.
Sated … for now … they quickly cleaned up then stretched out on the super soft mattress and spooned, a thin sheet over their legs and hips
“You’re amazing,” Kris whispered through his smile.
“No habibi, you are the …,” Addi started to say but a cough emerged.
“You okay?” Kris asked, turning to face his lover.
Addi coughed again before replying, “Yes, just an irritation.”
“Maybe we should order something … hot tea would help.”
“I’m not very hungry right now ….”
“Really?” Kris kissed his man’s chin. “I certainly worked up an appetite,” he sweetly teased.
Addi smiled back but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“Go ahead and eat Kristopher, the tea will suit me for now.”
The men sat up and slipped on robes. Kris picked up the room service literature and Addi headed to the bathroom. Before he entered the room, he braced his hands against his lower back, leaned and groaned.
“I guess I’m out of shape.”
“Don’t worry Addi, I’ll you back in shape soon.”
~*~*~*~
Twenty-four hours later, Addi’s sore back was the least of their worries.
Addi was curled up in the bed, shivering like he was blanketed in ice rather than the finest covers. Kris sat beside him, one hand on his hot brow, the other holding the phone to his ear and his eyes on the garbage can beside the bed that Addi had already thrown up in a few times that morning.
“Yes, concierge desk? … Hello, can you tell me where the nearest clinic or hospital is? … No, not an emergency but my partner has come down with the flu or something and I think he should get checked out … Really? You can do that? … Yes, of course … yes, that’s our room number … no, this is Mr. Allen … yes, he’s the one who’s ill … thank you, we’ll be waiting. Good bye.”
Kris hung up and rubbed Addi’s back.
“Good news, a doctor is making a house call and will be here soon. Do you want some tea? Water?”
Looking thoroughly miserable, Addi lifted heavy eyelids and replied softly through chattering teeth.
“No … can’t keep it down.”
Kris felt helpless, wishing he could do something. When he finally came up with an idea, Addi had fallen asleep.
Half an hour passed until the doctor arrived. Kris spent it on the balcony, calling home to catch up with his parents. He told them about Ethiopia and how fulfilling it was. He downplayed the hardships so they wouldn’t worry, even retroactively, and then shared how beautiful South Africa was. His mom asked after Addi and was sad to hear he wasn’t feeling well. She sent her love and her own prescription of tender-loving care and chicken, letting her son go when there was a knock on the door.
The doctor was a professional and kind older woman. She stuck a thermometer in Addi’s mouth than asked Kris questions about his condition. Each time Addi tried to talk and answer for himself he was quieted with a wag of the finger and a motherly shush. Kris filled her in and at first, she said it sounded like the flu until she commented on the calluses on the wealthy man’s hands. Upon hearing they’d come from Ethiopia, she dug into her medical bag to retrieve a needle and vial.
“What’s that for?” the patient asked nervously.
“I feel a blood test is in order. This may not be the flu at all; it could me a mild case of malaria.”
“Malaria?” Kris blurted out. “But how? We got our shots before we left and we were taking anti-malaria drugs the entire time.”
“There is no cure for malaria Mr. Allen, Sheikh Baba, merely preventatives.”
“So shouldn’t have that stuff prevented this?”
“No preventative is 100% proof. As is stands, this is a mild case; it could have been much worse.”
“How much worse?”
Addi raised his hand before the doctor could answer the other man’s question.
“Please Kristopher, I’d rather not be privy to that.” All were silent as she drew the blood sample and put a cotton ball and band aid over the prick. “How long until we know?”
“And what else should we expect?” Kris added.
“I’ll put a rush on this so we should know for sure in a few hours. As for what to expect, you’ve already discovered is very similar to influenza - headache, fever, muscle pain & fatigue, back pain, chills and sweating, dry cough, nausea, vomiting. I’ll send over oral medication, either way, and you should be right as rain in a week.” The doctor smiled and got up, shaking their hands. Kris walked her to the door, thanking her for the house call. Before she left, the doctor added, “A little tender-loving care and chicken soup wouldn’t hurt either.”
~*~*~*~
Addi felt miserable, and only half of it was the malaria. He apologized to Kris about ruining their vacation nearly every time Kris looked at him. Kris was patient with him and did his best to keep their spirits up. Once the nausea passed, the hotel’s chef cooked anything they wanted; even when Addi had a hankering for a traditional Saudi dish, the chef looked it up online and sent his staff out to find the ingredients. The doctor called each day to see how he was and a when they had two days left, Addi was feeling up to going outside.
“I wish I could take you out further than the balcony,” Addi lamented.
“Enough baby … I don’t need to go out sightseeing or on a safari or eating at every restaurant in the city or hitting the clubs. We both need rest and anywhere I am with you in a holiday to me.”
Addi took his hand and kissed his palm.
“I’ll make this up to you Habibi, I swear.”
Kris grinned and kissed Addi’s hand in return.
“Yes … you will.”
~*~*~*~
Ellerman house, Capetown
Exterior - http://cdn.africatravelresource.com/africa/southafrica/westerncape/cape/capetown/bantrybay/ellerman-house/0/stills/01intro/43SCBE-IM1043-ellerman-house-1475.JPG
Bedroom - http://www.classicafrica.com/JavascriptRotator/customer-images/elroom640.jpg
View from bedroom - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/incoming/article44812.ece/ALTERNATES/w620/Balcony+and+view.jpg
Sitting area - http://www.hotel-pictures.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Sitting-Area-600x337.jpg
Bathroom - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/incoming/article44813.ece/ALTERNATES/w620/Bathroom.jpg
