Charlie’s eyes remained closed. “Like what?”
“You won’t always be twelve which means . . .” Hopefully, after this accident, they’ll learn to put you first. Well, Sky knew that at least Remington was willing to do it. “One day, you’ll be able to move out on your own and live the kind of life you want. You can visit with your parents as much or as little as you like.”
Charlie’s eyes fluttered open. She had trouble focusing. Everything was really blurred.
Sky took out her light pen and shined it in her eyes for an examination. “So, how long have you been awake?”
“Since last night.”
“Hmm . . . You did a good job of convincing the nurses you were still asleep. Do you remember what happened that caused you to be here?” Sky asked the question as if it was no big deal.
Charlie tensed up and touched her neck with her hands. “My throat hurts, and I-I . . .” She hesitated. “I don’t remember.”
Sky didn’t believe her for a second. Her body language proved she remembered something unpleasant. The accident itself was unpleasant, so that could be it too. Sky wouldn’t push. But she had to admit, Charlie’s reaction only added fuel to her suspicions. “That’s okay. I’m sure everything will come back to you soon.” Sky quickly changed topics. “I can see that you have feelings in your arms. Can you lift them for me?”
Charlie did as she was asked. “I’m so hungry.”
Sky was happy to see she had mobility in her upper body and that she had an appetite. “No food for you yet, but maybe some chicken broth?”
“Whatever.” Charlie’s speech was good even though it was a bit slurred.
“Let’s finish this first. Can you follow my fingers?” Sky lifted her forefinger and slowly moved it from side to side. Charlie appeared to be following along.
“So, again, how’d you manage to pull off being unconscious?”
“I slowed my breathing when the nurses came in to check on me.”
“I see. You have the gift too, huh? Do you want to be an actress like your mom?” Sky pulled out her percussion hammer and went to the foot of Charlie’s bed.
They could still hear them arguing outside her door. Charlie’s voice was a barely-there whisper. “I don’t want to be anything like my mom.”
Sky hated that she felt that way about her mother, but hell, Sky sometimes still felt that way about her own. The difference was that Sky accepted the fact that her mother was flawed and loved her in spite of it. Charlie hadn’t reached that level of maturity. She lifted the covers and ran the edge of the little triangle up and down Charlie’s left foot. “Can you feel that?”
She whispered. “What?”
“Hmm . . .” Sky mimicked the same action on the other foot. “How about this?”
Charlie was beginning to freak out. “I don’t feel anything. Are you doing something?”
“It’s okay. Nothing to get worked up over.” Sky tried to soothe her. “Remember, your body has gone through a major trauma. It’s still trying to heal itself. Everything might not be working like it’s supposed to just yet, but that doesn’t mean it won’t.”
“But I can’t feel anything below my waist.” There was panic in her eyes.
Sky glanced up and gazed into the beautiful chocolate depths of a scared little girl. Sky wasn’t known for her bedside manner, but she smiled and tried to exude warmth. “That’s not unusual, and like I said sometimes it takes a while for everything to get back to normal.”
“You don’t have to sugarcoat it. Tell me the truth. I can’t feel anything? Does that mean I won’t ever walk again?” She spoke with much more wisdom than her age should allow.
“Do you want to? I mean, walk again?”
Charlie nodded vigorously. “Yes.”
“Then focus on that. The mind is very powerful.” Sky covered her legs back up with the blanket and lightly patted her thigh. “Now, should I go get your parents?”
Nervously, Charlie looked at the door. “Is it just my mom and dad? Is anyone else out there?”
“As far as I know, it’s just the two of them.” Alarm bells were ringing, and red flags were waving. Sky did her best to conceal her concern. She plastered on a smile. “According to the doctor/parent handbook, I’m required to get them.”
Charlie’s face relaxed as she exhaled. “Then I guess I have no choice.”
Chapter 15
Sky stood with Charlie’s most recent CT and MRI scans in her hands. “Damn.”
“Another late night?” Nia popped her head into Sky’s office carrying little white boxes of Thai food.
“Unfortunately, yes and another long day to go with it.” Sky sighed.
“Figured. I brought dinner to you and a six-pack of beer since you canceled.”
“Sorry. I’ve just been bogged down.” Sky was able to muster up a tired smile. “I knew there was a reason I love you. But you know I can’t have alcohol when I’m on the clock.”
“I figured, technically, you were off the clock since you’re never really on the clock.”
“That’s that lawyerly talk. Anyway, what brings you to the hospital
