Page 5 of Wildflower Hearts
“Not exactly. According to his papers, a bullet entered the right shoulder between the collarbone bone and right lung. He was lucky because the heart is located near the left lung, so there are no worries of long-term trauma. However, Dr. Moore had to reconstruct parts of the lung. He will recover. The body’s internal organs are miraculous for rebuilding themselves quicker than your external organs given the right atmosphere and time.”
There was a knock on the door, and she shifted to see Reba had reappeared. “Sorry to interrupt, but we’ve got a UBI that needs your immediate attention.”
She chuckled at the family’s inquisitive expressions. “Unexplained beer injury,” she whispered. “Excuse me. Feel free to sit with him some more.” She followed Reba shortly down the hall, and she motioned her into a room. As soon as she stepped inside, she noticed the lights were out. “Are you sure you-”
Reba clicked the lights on.
“Surprise!”
Lyla covered her mouth with her hand, seeing all her friends and coworkers huddled together in the room. Dr. Stewart gave her a wave from the side. Her eyes watered at the sight of two nurses holding a decorated cake with glowing candles on it as the group began to sing.
Smiling, she blushed and leaned forward to blow out the candles. “I think I just had a heart attack.”
“Did you really think that we’d forget your birthday?” Dr. Stewart winked. “We may be busier than the day after Thanksgiving, but we don’t forget things like that.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it more than you know.”
“Our newest RN deserves nothing but the best.”
She stared at him wide-eyed, mouth slack in shock. “Your what?”
“Congratulations, you completed your state licensing examination and on-the-job training,” he smiled, slugging her gently on the shoulder on his way out the door. “Don’t be late anymore.”
“Does the one from today count since it’s my birthday?” Her colleagues chuckled; all of them congratulating and wishing her the best. She thanked each of them with a wide smile. “Would you guys mind putting my cake in the break room for everyone to split?”
“Sure thing, Darling,” Nurse Wyatt smiled. “We’ll save you the piece with your name on it.” She reached for the cake. “You also have a phone call at the desk; it’s your mother.”
“Thank you.” Lyla headed to the nurse’s station, biting nervously at her bottom lip. The last conversation with her mother had blown up into a huge argument. She wasn’t in the mood for it. She only called to berate her about her career choice or inform her of something fabulous her sister had done. She wondered why the woman even bothered.
She took the phone from Melissa, clearing her throat. “This is Lyla Hamilton.”
“I know who’s speaking,” Veronica snapped. “Who else do you think I’d be calling at that blasted hospital?”
She leaned against the desk and placed her forehead in the palm of her hand. “Hello, Mother.” She rubbed her face in frustration, already feeling a headache approaching. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your call?”
“Don’t be sassy, young lady. I suffered through hours of labor to bring you into this world. You should know better.”
She pinched her nose. “I’m sorry, Mother.”
“I’m sure you’re aware of what day it is.”
“Of course, it’s my-”
“It’s not every day your sister gets engaged.”
Lyla sucked in air, feeling like she had been sucker-punched in the gut. She squeezed her eyes shut. “No,” she choked, “I wasn’t aware of that.”
“Well, isn’t that typical of you? Once again, you’re too caught up in saving those street rats instead of paying attention to your own family.”
“How was I supposed to know? I haven’t spoken to Amelia in over a year.”
“And whose fault is that?”
“Certainly not mine. I tried numerous times to contact her, and she’s too busy chasing after your wants and needs to care.”
“Don’t you dare talk about your sister that way! Amelia knows her place, and you would do good to take a few pointers from her.” Veronica made a sound as if clearing her throat. “She’s engaged to a respectful man named Darren Landers; you might have heard of him.”
Lyla rolled her eyes. “He only donates money to the hospital and charities around Pittsburgh when he feels neglected by the papers.”
