Page 59 of Stroked
“We’ll take you for the CT scan. She can stay here or grab something from the waiting area. It may be a little while.”
Mãe asked, “If I leave, should I come back to this room? I may grab some coffee.”
“Sure. Oh, and only two visitors in here at a time, in case you were expecting anyone. But as long as this is clear, she’ll probably get to go home later, after we reduce the shoulder.”
“See, Mãe, it is all fine. We can bust out of this joint later.” I giggled again. I don’t recall having pain meds, ever. I had never been in any accidents or gotten hurt as a child.
After a long trippy ride and being sent into a loud tunnel for a very long time, I was wheeled back to the same small room. Mãe wasn’t there, so I let my eyes close to rest again while I waited. The man that wheeled me back to the room said the doctor would be back in once she’d reviewed the test results. If all were clear, I’d be discharged.
I thought I was in a deep sleep because I swore, I heard Amy calling my name. Everything was dark, so it was such an odd dream.
“Valentina, it’s me. I don’t know if she can hear me.”
Another voice came in. “Val, it’s Lucy. We have your bag. Your mom is in the waiting room.”
My eyes shot open, and Amy stood by the bed, tears in her eyes. I leaned up and grabbed her hand. “Hey, I am fine. Do not cry. I was just resting my eyes. They said I may get to leave soon.”
Lucy smiled. “Should we give this to your mom? We saw her, so she said to come on in and she’d be back once we left.”
A weird panic filled me, but I couldn’t figure out why. “Sure, I doubt I can drive home anyway, so I bet she will make me ride with her. Amy,” I said, stroking her hand, “it is so good to see you.”
Her brows raised, and she and Lucy exchanged fast glances.
“What? I cannot be happy to see you?”
“I’m glad you are. I just… never mind. It’s not important. Did they say what’s wrong?”
I moaned and squirmed into the firm mattress. “Um, shoulder, dislocated. Pretty sure everything else is just–fine. I amsoootired.”
Lucy laughed. “Amy, she’s on some good shit. Maybe we should go for now.”
“No, no, no! You do not have to go!” I wanted her to stay.
Amy leaned down. “Shh, shh, shh. Listen, your mom isn’t far away. But I’m just a call or text away. I can come to you when you get home. I’ll take care of you. Okay? But we can’t do this here.”
What the hell did she mean? We weren’t doing anything. But why did she have two heads? “If you say so. But you will come to my apartment, you promise?”
She nodded, tears in her eyes. “Yep. You just tell me when and I’ll be there. We’ll give your bag to your mom on the way out. Your phone is in there. Once you’re settled, let me know.” She looked over her shoulder, then leaned down and pressed her warm lips to mine. They tasted salty. Or was that mine?
“Okay, goodnight. Thank you, Lucy. Take care of our girl.” The words were slurred, so I knew I was ready for sleep.
Lucy laughed again and squeezed my hand before they walked out. That was strange. I just needed a nap. I was so tired. Thank God I saw Amy.
Chapter 31
Amy
“Let’s go to the bathroom really quick,” Lucy said as we navigated our way through the white corridors.
We found a bathroom; it smelled just like the rest of the hospital, like bleach and rubbing alcohol. Glancing into a mirror, I saw why she suggested we stop here before finding Maria. Puffy, red eyes would be very suspicious, considering we’re supposed to barely know each other.
I grabbed some paper towels, wet them, and then held them to my face.
“God, it must be nice to not worry about mascara running,” she said as she propped against the wall next to the counter.
“You don’thaveto wear makeup, youchooseto wear makeup,” I said dryly, eyes still covered.
She scoffed and shuffled her feet on the tile floor. “Well, I look like a Victorian sick child without it. Being blonde ain’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
