"I’m not getting rid of you am I?"
Nikki smiled in triumph. "No, but why would you want to?"
Alex glared playfully at her and said, "Make yourself useful, and pack up my things." Nikki grinned and silently went back to work. Before Alex could give Dani grief as well, Nikki began to chuckle as she packed up her clothes. "What, pray tell, is so funny?" Alex asked. Nikki turned with a pair of underwear with the Batman logo emblazoned across the front, her eyebrows raised, and a large smile on her face. The look she gave Alex made her heart skip a beat, and a pang of desire shoot through her. "Blame your sister-in-law," she said with a blush. Nikki just grinned and placed them in the bag at her feet.
Everyone looked up as the door squeaked, announcing another visitor. Alice walked into the room with a smile. "I hear you’re getting out of here today, lass. That’s good news, but I’ll miss your smiling face and sharp wit." She walked over and picked up the brace. "I’m here to help you into this one last time. Let’s see if we can do this without waking the wee one."
Minutes later, wearing her brace, Alex leaned against the bed and watched as Nikki gently woke Madison. She smiled as the little girl woke happy and excited to see her Aunt Nikki. "Does she always wake up in such a good mood?" she asked.
Dani smiled lovingly at her daughter. "Most days, yes. We are very fortunate that she takes after me in that respect." She looked over at Alex and rolled her eyes. "Unlike her Aunt who is a Grumpy Gus when she wakes up."
Alex looked over at Nikki through narrowed eyes. She was sitting in a chair with Madison on her lap, whispering secrets in her ear as the little girl laughed. "Thanks for the warning. Anything else I should know?" She looked back at Dani and saw the frown and flash of pain that she quickly hid.
Dani looked over at her sister then back at Alex. "I don’t know my sister as well as I used to I’m afraid. She’s lived with us for months, but she avoids spending time with us. We used to tell each other everything, but she keeps to herself these days. We're little more than strangers." She picked at some imaginary lint on her sleeve. "I’m hoping she’ll open up to you."
Alex reached out and captured her hand. "Dani, I’m not an angel, nor am I a superhero. I’m only human. Don’t expect miracles, please."
Dani squeezed her hand and looked down into her eyes. "I understand, but you will always be Madison’s guardian angel. There is something about you, Alex, a certain charisma, that attracts people to you. I’ve seen it with everyone you’ve come into contact with in this hospital. People are drawn to you, they confide in you. I’m hoping it is the same with Nikki."
"Just remember, I’m no Anne Sullivan."
Dani chuckled. "No, and my sister is no Helen Keller, but if you manage this I will start calling you the miracle worker."
They all turned toward the door when they heard it squeak. Dr. Jones walked into the room, her eyes seeking out Alex. Her lips curved up into a smile when she saw her laughing. She walked up to her and handed her a CD. "Your entire record of this visit as you requested. Are you sure I can’t convince you to transfer?"
Alex accepted the CD and placed it in the bag on the bed. She looked at Dr. Jones and realized that the doctor was just a few inches taller than her as she looked up into her dark brown eyes. "Thank you." She looked a little closer and decided the doctor was actually a very attractive woman. Ten years ago, she would have pursued this woman, but now all she felt was a fleeting moment of attraction followed by apathy. "I’m sorry, but no. I’ve made up my mind and am looking forward to being at home."
Dani walked over beside Nikki and scooped her daughter up into her arms. Dr. Jones took advantage of the recently vacated space by stepping closer to Alex. "I worry about you being alone. Something could happen to reinjure your leg."
Alex smiled politely. "No worries, Doctor. I won’t be alone."
"I see." She took a step back and held out her hand. When Alex placed hers into it, the Doctor raised it to her lips, placing a soft kiss on the knuckles. "She’s a lucky woman." She let go and, with a sad smile, turned for the door. As she opened it she paused. "If you change your mind, you have my number," she said, then was gone.
As the door swung shut Dani walked up and stood in front of Alex. "Wow, you handled that pretty well. Almost like you’re used to women hitting on you."
"Hitting on me makes them gay, not me. Keep trying, Danielle," Alex said. As Dani stood there with her mouth hanging open, Nikki chuckled. Alex maneuvered into the wheelchair and reached for her bag, placing it on her lap. "Can we go now, please?"
"Of course." Nikki handed Alex her crutches and stepped up behind the chair. Making sure the wheel locks were disengaged, she began to push her out of the room as Dani and Madison trailed behind. Several minutes later Nikki helped her into the car before climbing into the backseat with Madison.
Once everyone was situated, Dani turned to Alex and said, "Lead the way." She started the car and began to follow her directions.
Alex became more subdued the closer they got to her house, only
