Page 19 of The Library on Plum Island
“What about the barbeque?’ Alex remembered they were supposed to be having a barbecue.
“That’s going to have to wait until your hand has healed, I’m afraid.” Daniella’s eyes and voice were stern, brooking no argument. “You were lucky that Harriet caught the infection in your hand and fever as quickly as she did, or you’d be in the hospital now.” Her eyes assessed Alex. “That’s where I would like you to be, but your guardians wouldn’t let me move you.” She smiled at Harriet and Dawn. “They thought you’d be more comfortable here.”
“I even got this cool heart monitoring machine,” Harriet said proudly. “Which Daniella rented to us.”
“I told you there was no need to do that.” Daniella sighed.
“Of course there was,” Dawn told her. “Harriet has told me that the clinic needs funding. You can’t just loan equipment out.”
“I know, but some of the elderly residents can’t afford to rent equipment,” Daniella told them.
Alex’s heart squeezed as he listened to how passionate Daniella was about helping people. And as he watched her, he felt himself falling for her more and more.
“They’re right,” Alex agreed with Harriet and Dawn. “Especially to someone like me who can afford it and maybe charge a little extra as a donation to help those who can’t afford it.”
“That’s actually not a bad idea,” Harriet said, looking at him amazed. “We could hold a few charity balls in the Library in one of its function halls. I’ve noticed that the library also needs new computers so it can be a joint fundraiser.”
“I didn’t even know there were still libraries,” Alex admitted. “But I have to say the Plum Island Library is impressive.”
“Now I’m impressed that you’ve actually been into a library.” Harriet laughed at the black look Alex shot at her.
“Knock, knock,” Harley called from the door. “Hey, bud.” He walked into the room. “It’s good to see you’re finally awake.”
“Hey,” Alex greeted him. “I believe I have you to thank for keeping me fresh and clean.”
“And Wally,” Harley told him. “How’re you feeling?”
“Okay,” Alex lied.
His head was starting to hurt again, his hand was on fire, and he felt drowsy. But he was also hungry and in need of a shower.
“Are you done?” Harriet asked him. He could see the concern and understanding in her eyes. She knew him so well.
“Yeah,” Alex nodded. “I can’t eat anymore. But it was delicious.”
“I’m glad you liked it because you’re going to eat it often over the next few days,” Harriet told him with a smug smile. She took the tray. “We’ll leave you with Harley so you can have a bath and get some more rest.”
Dawn and Harriet left the room.
“I’ll be back in the morning to check on you,” Daniella promised. “If you need me during the night, just call Dawn or Harriet.”
“Or me,” Ethan’s voice echoed from the doorway. “Hey, brother.”
“Hi, Ethan,” Alex greeted his brother.
“I was here twice earlier,” Ethan told him. “How are you feeling?”
“Okay,” Alex lied again.
“I best get going,” Daniella interrupted. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
She left the room, and Alex suddenly felt cold without her there.
“I’ll run a bath,” Harley offered.
“I think I’d like to shower,” Alex told him. “And you guys don’t have to stay here. I’ll be fine.”
“No way!” Harley and Ethan said in unison.
