Page 97 of Bea's Book Wagon
‘I don’t know,’ said Nathan, ‘I haven’t checked.’ He didn’t want to leave Bea’s side.
‘I need you to take a look.’
‘Okay,’ said Nathan, using every ounce of strength he possessed to tear himself away from Bea. He jogged back down the lane towards the other car where a man was sat on the grass verge looking dazed and confused.
‘Are you hurt?’ Nathan yelled.
‘I—I don’t know. I don’t think so,’ the man whispered, shaking.
‘Is there anyone else inside?’
‘No, j—just me,’ he stammered.
‘Emergency services are on their way,’ Nathan explained. ‘The other guy’s okay,’ he said into the phone, rushing back towards Bea.
He ripped off his T-shirt and placed it gently between her head, which was gushing with blood, and the steering wheel. ‘You’re going to be fine, Bea, just fine. I’ve got you, okay?’ he whispered, sweeping the hair off her face. ‘Hang on, I can hear the fire engine,’ said Nathan, turning towards blue lights flashing in the distance. ‘They’re here,’ he said down the phone, ‘help’s here.’
‘Good. I’m going to leave you with the crew now, Nathan. You take care.’
‘Okay, thanks,’ said Nathan, hanging up. ‘We’re here!’ he shouted. ‘Over here! We need help!’
‘Nathan?’ a familiar voice cried.
‘Leo, thank God!’ said Nathan. ‘It’s Bea, she needs help. Now!’
‘Okay, we’ve got you, mate,’ said Leo, resting a comforting hand on his shoulder. He dropped to his knees and opened a medical bag. ‘Ambulance is right behind us. How long has she been out for?’
‘I don’t know, it feels like for ever – maybe ten minutes? I don’t know,’ said Nathan, running a blood-soaked hand through his hair.
‘Let’s get a neck brace on her and get her on a spinal board,’ said a female officer, crouching down to look through the side window.
‘Bea,’ said Leo, taking her hand gently, ‘Bea, we’re going to get you out, okay? I need you to wake up, though,’ he said, securing the neck brace and placing an oxygen mask over her face. ‘Come on, Bea, time to wake up,’ he continued.
Bea murmured softly.
‘You’ve been in accident, Bea, but we’re getting you out, okay? You’re doing great,’ Leo continued.
Bea emitted a long, loud groan, her head lifting slowly.
‘I need you to keep nice and still for me, okay, Bea? Nice and still,’ said Leo quickly.
‘Nathan?’ said Bea in weak voice.
‘Welcome back,’ said Leo, gripping her hand again tightly. ‘Nathan’s here, and we’re getting you out, okay? Just a few more minutes. Stay with us.’
‘Okay…’ Bea croaked, her breathing fast and shallow.
‘I need you to step back, Nathan,’ Leo said, ‘just while we get her out, okay?’
‘Okay,’ Nathan nodded, wringing his hands. He felt completely powerless. All he could do was watch as the fire crew took the car door off and gently moved Bea on to the spinal board.
‘The ambulance is here now,’ said Leo, nodding towards the two paramedics waiting patiently to transfer Bea onto a stretcher and whisk her off to hospital. ‘You going with her?’ he asked.
‘Yes,’ Nathan nodded, ‘I’m not leaving her.’
‘Okay. Give me your keys, I’ll get your truck moved out the way.’
‘Cheers, mate,’ said Nathan, climbing into the ambulance.
