Page 46 of The Vow We Made
“I’m sorry. Have you been together long?”
“Far from but…”How do I explain this? “She’s important to me.”
“Say no more, just bring me up to speed.”
I have an ETA of fifteen minutes before the next patient arrives so I give Aaron the run-down of Victoria’s injuries with an unspoken understanding that he’ll find me if there’s a problem.
As I’m about to head off to my next patient, Aaron’s hand falls on my shoulder. “I’ll take good care of her, you have my word.” I didn’t doubt him, but it’s good to hear.
I turn a corner in the direction of my stupidly busy department. I’m immediately drawn to the flurry of activity, topped by Steph’s perfect pronunciation which is unmistakable as she marches down the corridor, louder than necessary.
“I should be allowed to see her. She’s my sister in all but name.” Loud protests will not gain her any popularity with the nursing staff who are already under enough pressure.
A tall gentleman, greying with full a beard steps in. “Can we not make an exception? We are Victoria’s parents and Stephanie should be with us. Our daughter would be upset if she knew what was going on.”
I head towards the commotion where Victoria’s family stand waiting for news. As I reach them, Steph is told, “I’m sorry. You’re welcome to take a seat in the waiting area, but I can’t let you through. We don’t have space and I’m afraid we do have a ‘families only’ policy.”
Steph huffs out her frustration as I approach. “Aiden? What the hell? Who told you about Victoria’s accident?”
“Believe me, it was a total shock when they wheeled her in.” The simple rise of my brow is all I do to assist in the penny dropping.
“Sorry, that was stupid of me, but I didn’t realise this was your hospital.”
“It’s okay Steph, you’re in shock and I don’t expect you to register anything right now.” I turn to Victoria’s parents and offer my hand in her father’s direction. “Doctor Aiden James, hello sir.” Then I take her mother’s delicate hand. “It’s nice to meet you although I wish it were under better circumstances.
Steph blinks rapidly for a few seconds, but realises maybe she should have taken care of our initial introductions. “Oh Christ, sorry. This is Abigail and Dominic West, Victoria’s parents.”
“I gathered.” I half-heartedly smile as she continues.
“This is Victoria’s new man.”
I note this is news to them as well as me. I’ve taken Victoria out to dinner and maybe saved her from the odd prick in a club, but anything more permanent hasn’t been discussed. They appear vulnerable, so it can’t be easy getting an introduction like that while the only person who really matters is lying on a gurney in a hospital cubicle. Perhaps it was wrong of Steph to casually throw the ‘new man’ title around. She obviously isn’t thinking straight.
“Have we met before?” Dominic West asks after my awkward introduction.
“I don’t think so, sir.” Although I can’t deny his face is familiar, I put it down to Victoria looking so like him.
I force a smile. “In all honesty, I don’t know if it was a blessing or not that I happen to be on duty tonight. It was a total shock when she arrived in my department.” I wonder if my personal approach is the right thing to do but reconsider when I see the worry in their eyes. “I care for Victoria very much,” I reassure them as the corner of Dominic’s mouth turns up in response. “It’s also why I had to hand over Victoria’s care to another doctor. It wouldn’t be ethical of me to proceed with the treatment. I hope you understand.”
“It doesn’t matter if you were working or not. I have no problem with a man who feels compelled to be here for my daughter and wants only the best for her. She’s been through so much for one so young and Lady Luck doesn’t want to give her a break.”
I have no idea what he means and he’s talking to me as if I have a clue. Now is not the time to throw questions. “Anything I can do, please ask. I’d like to help.”
“Thank you.” He pats my shoulder with relief. “Do you have any idea what’s happening to Victoria now?”
“As I said, I’m not treating her, but I do know she’s stable and in radiology. They’ll know more after the CT scan.”
“Oh God.” Victoria’s mother gasps and her hand covers her mouth in shock.
“Please don’t be alarmed, Mrs West, her life is not in any danger. We suspect Victoria has a fracture to her leg or possibly her foot. We’ll get a clearer picture this way and also confirm if there are further injuries to treat. I can’t tell you too much more at this point until we get the results, but I’m confident she will make a full recovery.”
We’re interrupted by a student nurse who has obviously been asked to retrieve Victoria’s parents, although Steph is still hacked off she’s been denied access. I step in and do my best to defuse her building frustration.
“Mr and Mrs West, why don’t you go ahead and I’ll stay here with Steph. You need to be with your daughter.”
Dominic West doesn’t hesitate to take his wife’s hand as they walk away, but he stops for a moment and glances back over his shoulder. “Thank you again Aiden.” I nod in acknowledgement and while he leads his wife away, I hear him say, “She’s strong, Abi and if the past has taught us anything, we know she’s a fighter.” After a few steps, Dominic turns his head. “As soon as we know anything more, Stephanie, we’ll come and find you.”
“Thank you, Dominic, I’d appreciate it. Send hugs from me.”
