Page 56 of Unexpected Adventures

The doctor looks a bit perturbed, but Sylvia is not one to be dissuaded.

“Sylvia,” Millie started. “Maybe it’d be best to keep you overnight. One night for observation.”

“Absolutely not,” Sylvia stated. “This bed is uncomfortable and it smells in here. I want to go home.”

I whisper to Shaun, asking that he go schmooze Sylvia while Millie and I talk to the doctor. He gladly agrees. I motion to Millie that we step back, waving the doctor to follow.

“Doctor… Miller,” I say as I read his name tag. “I’m actually Sylvia’s caregiver, Abigail Carter. You said there were no other injuries other than a mild concussion.”

“That’s correct. We did an MRI and nothing else shows us any concerns. However…”

“However, the risks that any residual concerns may arise are a possibility.” I’m pleased with myself when I see his stunned expression.I’ll show you a caregiver, Mister, I say to myself.“I understand observation is a necessity, and I can assure you Sylvia will have someone with her twenty-four-seven. I can see to her needs. I can also assure you she is a stubborn woman, and you’ll be thanking me that I’m taking her off of your and your staff’s hands.”

“I heard that, young lady. There’s no need for you…”

“Sylvia,” I say, trying to sound stern while holding up my hand to halt any more words from her. Turning my attention back to the doctor, I continue. “Now, Dr. Miller, as you can see, Sylvia seems lucid enough to make up her mind. And believe me, once her mind’s made up, there’s no changing it. Why don’t I sign her release papers, stating my responsibility, and I’ll be sure to have myself, or Millie, checking in with the staff periodically. If there are any changes in her condition, she’ll be brought back in immediately. Let me give you my supervisor’s name and number if you’d like to verify my position.”

I reach into my bag for my wallet, pulling out one of Heather’s cards, and hand it to the doctor.

“Her son will be in from Sacramento this afternoon,” Millie states. “I’m sure he’ll agree with Abby. After all, she’s been seeing to Sylvia’s needs for some time now and knows her better than most.”

As the doctor mulls that over, looking from me to Millie to Sylvia, I look to Shaun, who smiles and gives me a wink.

“Fine,” the doctor sighs. “I’ll make a call and no doubt have the discharge nurse in shortly with my orders.”

“Thank you, Dr. Miller. We’ll get Sylvia ready and await the nurse.”

Once the doctor exits the room, Millie and I join Shaun and Sylvia at her bedside. Shaun slips an arm around my waist. “Good work there, Caregiver Carter.”

“Thank you, sir.” I can’t help but smile as I start to place an arm around Shaun in return but think better of it, considering the uncertainty of where we stand with one another. “While I have the utmost respect for him as a doctor and his profession, they really should listen more to the patient’s wants.”

“I must say, I like this take-charge Abby,” Sylvia says. “Now, Shaun, tell me all about yourself and what you have planned for my Abigail.”

Oh dear God, let the inquisition begin.

****

After successfully putting off Sylvia’s interrogation of Shaun—for now—Millie helps her change while Shaun and I deal with the discharge nurse. I receive written instructions on her care, and contact numbers should I have any further concerns. Of course, the ED is available day and night should that be necessary.

I pray to high Heaven it’s not.

Millie says her goodbyes, telling Sylvia she’ll check in with her later after giving their church friends an update. Especially one Mr. Jones, who I find out has been giving Sylvia the eye. Seems I’m not the only one with an inquisition in their future. Sylvia’s got some ‘splainin’ to do.

Per hospital regulations, and to Sylvia’s disgust, she’s brought down to the admitting area in a wheelchair. Shaun has gone ahead of us to bring the rental car around, and he meets us at the door. After I get Sylvia comfortable in the passenger side and close the door, we stare at one another, wondering what’s next.

Well, I’m wondering what’s next because I’m not sure if I say thank you and goodbye and let Shaun be on his way, or if I should somehow ask him if he’d like to join us, or if maybe there’s a chance that we could get together later…What are the rules?

“Would you like me to follow you to Sylvia’s? I’d be happy to help in any way I can.”

“Really?” I manage to squeak out, still shocked he’d want anything to do with me.

Shaun reaches out to gently stroke his knuckles down my cheek and it takes all my will power to keep from leaning into his caress.

“Really, Abby. I’m not ready to say goodbye to you.”

I close my eyes and sigh, and yes, lean into his caress, ever so grateful there may still be a chance with him. But before I can say a word, Sylvia opens the car door and smacks me in the legs, nearly taking me out in the process.

“Abby, why aren’t we moving? I want to get home. Shaun can follow us.” And with that, she slams the car door shut.

---