Post by suzanne on Nov 21, 2008 9:45:38 GMT 10
Chapter 38
By the time Abby is wheeled back into the room Luka has returned to his seat and two bouquets of roses light up the windowsill.
“They’re beautiful.” Abby says after she is settled back in and gives Luka a kiss when he leans over. “Did you get the results?” He asks fiddling with her fingers.
“The bleeding is pretty much stopped so he’ll take the shunt out tomorrow. There is no physical damage to any nerves in my brain or spinal cord that he can see. He doesn’t think there are any blood clots in my spinal cavity. He wants to watch me overnight and see if it gets worse because that would be a sign of some kind of blood clot on my spine.” She pauses and takes in a shaky breath.
“It’s okay to be scared. One day everything is normal and the next…”
“I know, it’s just, what happens if tomorrow I still can’t feel my legs? They don’t see anything wrong. If they can’t find what’s wrong it can’t be fixed. At least if he said there was nerve damage I could say oh well, there’s the chance that it can be fixed. I don’t even know what’s wrong.”
“You’ll be fine.” Luka consoles. “You’re young and strong. Just give yourself time.”
“I know.” Luka sits on the edge of her bed and holds her hand.
“Your mom flew in earlier today. She stopped in to see you. Do you want me to call her so you can see her?”
“I don’t want her to see me like this. Not today.” Luka nods in understanding.
“What about the others? They’ve been in and out of the room all day. I doubt Albright has left the floor. Every time I peak outside she’s at the nurse’s station.” Abby agrees to see her friends and Luka goes out into the hall and tells Albright that Abby is ready to see everyone. Then he returns back to his spot on her bed and holds her hand while they wait for everyone to arrive.
When the knock comes at the door Luka calls for them to come in. Susan and Carter come in with some flowers while Neela holds a card and some chocolate.
“Every girl needs chocolate during times of crisis.” She says shrugging when Luka raises a brow at her choice. Albright follows them in and the four pull up chairs.
“How are you feeling?” Susan asks.
“Okay. I didn’t see what they have me on but my ribs and head don’t hurt that much. I guess that’s a plus right?”
“It is.” Carter agrees. “Just wait until you get out of here. We’ll have brownies and cakes baked at home for you.”
“She can’t go back with you guys.” Luka interrupts. Abby just turns and looks at him questioningly.
“Why not? It’s where I live.”
“I know, but I wanted you to stay with me until you got better.”
“Luka I’ll be fine at home.”
“Abby you sleep upstairs.”
“You said I’m going to be fine. Why would it matter?”
“Your leg Abby. You’re left leg is broken.” He whispers feeling guilty for not telling her earlier. “They didn’t put it in a cast yet, they figured with all the moving around it would be best just to splint it until after your surgery. They were going to set it later today. Two of your ribs are broken too.”
“So I guess sleeping on the second floor is out for awhile at least.” Abby says trying to lighten the mood. She looks around at the somber faces. She squeezes Luka’s hand.
“It’s fine. Everything will heal. It’ll just take longer than I’d like.”
The group sits together a little while longer before Abby cries. “My patients! How are they?” Luka opens his mouth to interrupt, but Susan grins as she hands Abby some files.
“They are all fine.” Abby scans through the files. Every so often she would mumble an ‘I knew it’ before continuing down the file.
“Thanks you guys.” She says handing the files back to Susan. Luka just shakes his head.
“You’re sitting here in a hospital bed with a shunt coming out of your head, a broken leg, broken ribs and some kind of phantom damage and you want to know about your patients.” He says with a bit of a laugh.