Alex felt a hand settle on her left arm and looked up into Nikki’s smiling face. "Why don’t you get some rest now? There will be time enough to think about this tomorrow." She opened the drawer in the small table beside the bed and pulled out Alex’s cell phone. "I've kept this charged. If you’ll unlock it, I'll program in Dani’s number as well as my own. If you feel like talking, just give one of us a call." She handed the phone to Alex who quickly unlocked it and handed it back.
"I don’t know what will be happening here tomorrow, but I’d love to meet Rachel. Why don’t you give me a call before you head over?"
Dani gave her a brilliant smile that completely lit up her face. "I’ll do that." She helped Madison climb down from the chair and stood. She leaned down and gave Alex a brief hug. "Thank you," she whispered. After a quick kiss on the cheek, she pulled away. "We’ll see you tomorrow."
Nikki took a step back and paused. "Is it alright if I visit tomorrow as well?"
"I’d like that."
Nikki smiled. "All right then. I’ll see you later."
Alex closed her eyes and thought about everything she’d learned today and wondered just how much her life had changed. Within minutes she was sound asleep.
She woke to a shadow filled room and wondered what time it was. After a quick stretch, she pressed the call button to summon Alice. She was surprised when several minutes later a young woman walked in and introduced herself. "Hi, I’m Megan, the night nurse. It is good to finally see you awake. What can I help you with?"
"How long have I been here?"
Megan walked up and checked several of the monitors before looking down at her. There was understanding in her eyes. "I imagine you have a lot of questions." When Alex nodded she said, "We’ve been instructed to keep you calm and under-stimulated as much as possible. The doctors don’t want us to cause any setbacks in your recovery."
Alex grimaced. "I suppose that means you won’t answer any of my questions."
"I’m sorry." Megan rearranged the pillows, fluffing as she went. "You’ll get to see the doctor tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll answer some of your questions then. In the meantime, how about some broth?"
"Careful, Megan, you wouldn’t want to get me too excited." Alex couldn’t help but grin as the young woman laughed.
"Right you are. Let me see what I can find. I’ll be back in a jiffy." Megan smiled as she walked out the door.
As soon as she was gone, Alex pulled her phone out from under the thin cotton blanket. She quickly pulled up her calendar and realized that her appointment with Emily was nearly four and a half weeks ago. She knew she was going to have to call her, but wasn’t sure yet what to say. She slid the phone back under the blanket and waited for Megan to return.
Chapter Three
The sun was shining brightly, and there was still just a bit of a chill in the air, as she jogged towards the hospital. As she neared the park, she noticed a woman, a few years younger than herself with long, curly dark hair, playing with a young girl dressed in pink from head to toe. The girl’s hair matched that of her mother, and Alex couldn’t help but smile as the giggling child kept just out of reach. Suddenly she heard the roar of the engine of an approaching vehicle. She looked up in time to see a pink blur race out into the street in front of the speeding car and felt her heart skip a beat. She knew she wasn’t going to make it in time, but ran towards the child anyway. She screamed when she felt the car hit her, tossing her into the air. She woke up trembling just before she hit the pavement.
"You’re okay lass," Alice said as she stilled the squawking monitors. "It was just a dream." She placed a hand on her shoulder. Alex nodded as she took a deep breath. "Good. Now then, how about we get you cleaned up a bit? The doctor will be in to see you in about an hour or so. Then we’ll know what your next steps will be."
"Please tell me I’m not seeing Dr. Wright."
Alice chuckled. "No, dear. Dr. Wright is no longer handling your case. You’ll be seeing Dr. Jones today."
"Well, that’s a relief."
It was early afternoon before Alex was finally able to lay back and close her eyes. She’d had a busy morning, visiting with the doctor, and being poked and prodded through test after test. She groaned when she heard the door open. "Please, no more." She heard a sexy, low chuckle and quickly opened her eyes in time to see Nikki walk up beside the bed.
"Rough day?"
"You could say that." Alex gave her a weak smile and closed her eyes. "I’m exhausted. I think they tried every test they could possibly think of, then threw in one or two more for good measure."
Nikki reached out and brushed a strand of hair off Alex’s face. "I’ll leave you to your nap then."
She captured Nikki’s hand and looked up at her. "Please don’t go." She hated how needy she sounded, and embarrassed, she quickly looked away. "I mean, what’s your rush? Pull up a seat and stay awhile."
"Do you really want me to stay?"
"Yes, please."
Nikki smiled. "All right then." She walked around the bed and pulled the chair up close.
"Tell me about your day," Alex said as she watched Nikki get comfortable. She couldn’t help but smile as she watched Nikki’s humor and compassion begin to shine through while she discussed some of the events
