Naomi approached us. “The nurse is going to see if there have been any updates. does anyone want anything to drink in the meantime?”
“No thank you.”
We sat in the waiting room staring up at the TV. Not paying attention to anything, in particular, that was on. The sounds of nurses and doctors talking about their patients drifting in from behind the reception desk. Pictures of smiling children on the cork board on the east wall that advocated for one treatment or another. Visiting hours in a black frame on the west wall. What if he had to spend the night here alone? His mom would probably be the only one allowed to stay with him. My heart sank.
Naomi exhaled loudly and adjusted herself in her chair. “I’m so sorry. I should have been more forceful when it came to Boaz driving us home. If I had said no, and really put my foot down maybe he wouldn’t—”
Ms. Traugott rubbed her hands across her arms. “Nonsense,” she replied somberly.
I leaned forward and put my hands over my face. After what seemed like a lifetime of sobbing, I was finally able to put my feelings of sorrow to work. I shot Ms. Traugott a pleading look. “I’m the reason he had the accident. Tears rushed forward a mix of the hurts from the past and the present. I was asking him a question and he took his eyes off the road.”
“You’re both talking crazy. The only person to blame was the fools driving the other car.”
I wanted to believe her. It absolved me from all guilt. I could sleep at night. It sounded even better coming from the lips of his mother instead of the voice in my head. But I couldn’t help but push aside her response in favor of the truth. I was just a distraction.
Ms. Traugott placed her hand on my shoulder and squeezed it gently. “Boaz’s accident didn’t happen because of anything you two did. Two teenagers were behind the wheel when they shouldn’t have been. She paused, reached for a tissue from the table next to her chair and dabbed at the corner of her eyelids. And as much as I would like to hate them for their very bad decisions. That wouldn’t be the right thing to do either. They need guidance. And hopefully, his accident was the wake-up call they needed.”
Over the next hour, I paste the floor, waiting for the doctor to give us an update on Boaz. Periodically I glanced at Ms. Traugott, who spent most of this time in prayer. At least, that’s what it looks like she was doing. While Naomi rested her head in the palm of her hand and stared up at the news that was playing on the TV. Her elbow resting on the arm of the chair. Naomi really didn’t think that God listened. Maybe she was right. If he was listening, then we’d still have our family.
After some time Ms. Traugott looked up at me. “Do you want to pray for Boaz together?”
I bit my lip and hesitated. With my arms crossed I said, “I want to but I don’t know what I’m going to do if he doesn’t answer this one.” Pain filled my gut. Unanswered, like all the prayers I sent up to him about my family.
She stood and came towards where I was standing. It is times like these where he wants to see you hold onto your faith not juggle with them.
“That’s easier said than done,” my eyebrow arched.
“It’s the same as doubting that he loves you. That he wants the best for you, and he does, you’ll see.” She reached for my hand. “I know my prayers will be answered because Boaz still has so much to offer this world. He still has so much to offer you.”
Her hand was warm. I found comfort in her touch. But afraid of what might happen if I did pray, I pulled my hand from her grip. “Maybe this time you could pray for the both of us? And tell God that I want Boaz to survive too.”
She touched the top of my head as if she might pray for me, and I looked down.
“Excuse me. Dr. Cranston will be out to speak with you within the half-hour. And we apologize for the wait but we’re just getting him settled.”
“Thank you, nurse…Vicky.” I took a seat and released a heavy sigh. I needed to prepare myself for the worst. After everything I’ve gone through, what else would you expect?
* * *
Twenty minutes later, I spotted Dr. Cranston. His name tag visible on his white jacket. He looked younger than any doctor I had ever dealt with. A black version of Bruce Willis who looked like he should be working for the FBI, not at a small town hospital. Located a town over from German Village.
He paused and glanced at Ms. Traugott. “Is it okay for them to be here?”
“Oh yes, they are family. No secrets.”
He nodded, referring to the clipboard in his hand before looking up. “The test confirmed that he has a pinched Sciatica. Sciatica is a pain of the nerve. It originates in the spinal cord of the lower back but can travel down to the buttocks into the lower legs. Where he’s experiencing the pain.”
My gaze turned to Naomi’s. I shook my head. My bottom lip trembling. “This is my fault, Dr. Cranston,” I said.
The doctor looked at me quizzically and turned to Ms. Traugott for clarity before turning back to me. “What makes you think that? He informed me himself that he was in a car accident.”
I threw a look to Naomi. “Me and another guy pulled him from the car without any concern for his injuries.”
Dr. Cranston seemed to consider what I was saying. “It could possibly have been, but we’ll never know. Either way, you are a hero because you pulled him from the car before it blew. Even if a cop were there they would have had to do the same thing.”
“Dr. Cranston.” She tapped her foot impatiently. “You were saying, about Boaz condition?”
The doctor sat on the arm of one of the chairs and gestured for everyone to have a seat. Tapping the clipboard against his leg. “Thankfully it is treatable. And being his primary care physician for as long as I have, I know he’s not going to like this, but the treatment is rest.”
“Just rest?” I sprang from my chair and hugged Naomi and Ms. Traugott both. My arms wrapping around their shoulders. I turned and looked at Dr. Cranston with glistening eyes of joy. “Are you sure?”
He flipped through his papers. The watch on his wrist gleaming in the fluorescent lights. “I could offer him a more aggressive treatment like physical therapy, but I’m not sure he would actually go.”
Ms. Traugott shoulders slumped. “He wouldn’t. The animals and their owners are his first priority.”
It was obvious that she loved her son. I reached over and held her hand. “He’ll be okay. That’s what matters.”
“Is there anything else you can prescribe him besides rest?” Naomi asked.
“Oh yes, we’ve discussed the treatment plan and I’m describing him some anti-inflammatory. But he can tell you the rest once you visit him.”
“How long will he have to stay?” Ms. Traugott asked twisting the tissue in her hand.
“I’d like him to stay for the rest of the night, but he’s fighting me on that. So when you go in, maybe you can convince him to stay a little longer. Considering the trauma he went through, I don’t see why he can’t take at least a couple days off before hopping back into work. Bark village will just have to do without him for a few days.”
A knot formed in my stomach. With everything happening so fast, I hadn’t thought about the dog service or the hospital.
“I’ll make sure it’s running smoothly.” Ms. Traugott nodded.
An idea formed in my head. “We both will. I’ve worked at both locations. I’ll make sure that his transition back to work is a good one. My new duties will include, making sure that he doesn’t strain himself. Unless you don’t think I can handle it?”
Naomi’s laughter filled the room. “That’s a great idea. I’m sure with you two tag-teaming him he will have no choice, but to recover. Because you two will have drove him crazy.”
Ms. Traugott’s lips pursed at Naomi’s response. “That would be a wonderful idea, Ruthie?”
Yesterday had been my first full day at the veterinary hospital, and I hadn’t meant to imply that I already knew everything about it. But as his secretary, I was already his hands in the fie
ld. So I was sure that it wouldn’t be much different from now.
17
Boaz
My house was small in comparison to moms, but it was just enough house for me, resting on 1,000 sq ft. My mom had gone out first thing in the morning and picked me up a back brace along with my prescription. I was just glad to be home. Despite my mother’s fussing as she placed fresh flowers from her garden in a vase on the table. The white lilies were a perfect match for the white sheet and duvet that she had placed on my bed.
“It does my heart good knowing that you’re not fighting me on this and following doctor’s orders.” My mom beamed. Handing me two pills from my prescription and hurrying into the kitchen to grab me a glass of water.
I sat down on the couch. “Do you really think that all of this is necessary? My legs and arms do still work.”
“Of course it is.” She exclaimed carrying in a clear glass of water and handing it to me. “You just got out of the hospital.” Lifting my legs and placing it on a pillow on top of the coffee table. “Now tell me when was the last time you actually went grocery shopping?”
“With you,” I replied accepting the remote she handed to me.
“I meant for your fridge. It’s practically empty.”
“Well, I usually get takeout.” Pretending not to notice her look of disapproval.
She picked up the cordless phone. I thought it would be at least a couple of hours before she started to annoy me, but she was on the fast track.
“I’m going to call Ruthie, and send her a grocery list. Perhaps she can pick us up a few things after work.”
As much as Ruthie’s presence was growing on me. I’d have to decline the charity. Yes, I was hurting, but it wasn’t going to change how I operate. Which largely means doing things on my own. I stood up. “We can just go ourselves. After all, I need the exercise.” But my request was quickly squashed.
She dialed the number and tilted her arm away from my grasp so I couldn’t take the phone from her.
A knock came at the door, and I held out my hand for my mom to let me answer it. Since she was on the phone already, deciding my future. “Hello.”
“Boaz Traugott.” A man answered in a suit that looked one size too big with a receding hairline.
I leaned against the door jamb for support and looked at him wearily. “That is me, but who’s asking?”
“You’ve been served.” Handing me a thick yellow manila folder. I closed the door and turned around to face my mother staring at me curiously.
“Mara gave me Ruthie’s cell number and I’ll call her in like an hour with the list.” She nodded to the package in my hand. “What’s that?”
I went back over to the couch and put some pillows behind my back as I settled in. It was addressed to my dog walking business and I already had a good idea of what it was about. Jerry had sent me a message a couple of days ago that there was some important mail there that I needed to see. But with the accident, it had slipped my mind. Upon opening it, the first thing I realized was that I recognized the plaintiff’s name. “It’s bad news. I’m being sued for negligence from an incident stemming from a dog bite during my opening of the Bark Village Dog Walking Service.”
She came and sat on the table beside the pillow. “That little jerk. He knows it wasn’t your fault, and then to trick me at the grocery store. This is nothing more than a money grab.”
I stood up once more and she followed suit. Landing a kiss on the top of her head I said, “I’m going to take a much-needed nap. When I get up I’ll deal with this and anything else that needs to get done. You are going to go home.”
My mother gave me a pleading look. “Don’t be so headstrong. You need someone to take care of you. Especially since you will be out a few days.”
I grabbed the back brace from out of the bag and took it into my room. “You are my mother. Not my servant or maid. And I’ll probably heal quicker without a nurse. So go enjoy the rest of this beautiful day.” I sat on my bed, rubbing my spasming leg, trying not to cry out in front of my mother.
“Fine, but you sleep.” She called after me from the hallway.
After what seemed like an hour I finally managed to make it to sleep. Awakened some hours later by the sound of children playing outside my window. My room much darker as the sun disappeared for the evening. I knew the noises of laughter was coming from the neighbor’s yard next door. I rolled out of bed and grabbed the prescription that my mom must’ve left on the nightstand. Downing two more before heading back into the living room. My stomach growling indicating that I should probably order something to eat. Only to groan inwardly as I saw my mom still sitting on the couch. “Mom go home.” Leaning over the couch and smelling her Chanel no5 perfume.
“We have to talk about the business.”
I disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a bottle of water in my hand. Taking a long swig. “That letter wasn’t good news. But there’s nothing to worry about. I’ll fight for this company tooth and nail.”
She approached me her hands crossed in front of her. “I realize that, but is there anything you want me to do? Contact our old lawyer. Draft a few worst-case scenario plans so that we can be ready.”
I tried not to laugh. “What’s wrong with my lawyer? No, I don’t need some lawyer with false teeth in his mouth who looks like he’s breathing dust instead of air.”
She leaned over and pinched my shoulder. “Why Boaz Traugott that is not nice.”
I went back into the kitchen and pulled out some take out menus, keeping my gaze on her. “Okay, but this fight just started and before I even lifted a pen you’re already telling me what I should do.”
She rolled her eyes. “What is a mother supposed to do?”
“Trust that I can work this out.” The doorbell rang. “And also accept that you’re being fired as my nurse,” I said leaving the kitchen to answer the door.
“You can’t fire me,” she barked.
“Especially when I never agreed to hire you. I specifically told the doctor I didn’t want a nurse and I don’t need my mom the babysitter either. And don’t try to fight me on this because I’m going back to work sooner than you think too.”
She sucked her teeth and stormed passed Ruthie who was carrying to brown bags full of groceries. “You try to talk some sense into this stubborn mule.”
* * *
Thanks to Ruthie bringing over groceries I offered to cook dinner to make up for the crazy display my mom and I put on. She tried to intervene and cook herself, but she realized quicker than my mom that I wasn’t going to sit back and be waited on. Eating dinner with a pretty lady wasn’t a bad way to spend the evening either. I had to admit this beat out smelly medicine and rushing back and forth between locations any day. And after an hour of filling our stomachs, my belly was full.
“So do I get to cook next time?” She picked up the plates from the table and smiled. “And yes I know I’m not washing dishes.”
Recalling all of the meals that I used to cook for Tracy jabbed at me a little, but I ignored it as she rejoined me at the table. “Sure why not. Come to think of it Naomi is your mother-in-law some of her greatness in the culinary field must’ve rubbed off on you. I’ll give your cooking a chance.” Sure that my tauntings were beginning to get under her skin.
“I’ll have you know that these days I’m the one cooking for Naomi,” she said a little somberly.
I frowned and looked at her sincerely. “Has she really changed that much?”
“Yes, and it’s really annoying when people just harken it to city living.” She glanced down at the black placemats my mom had placed on the table earlier. “I cook her favorites, sometimes three times a week. I’ve got green bean casserole coming out of my pores. Anything to make her smile.”
“Sis, would you like to go for a walk with me?” It was a physical therapy requirement, but maybe with her by my side, it would be less of a chore.
“Hey, maybe we could go get some ice cream from the l
ittle seasonal shop up the block.”
“Sounds like good enough motivation for me.”
As we strolled towards the front door, I grabbed my keys from off the rack on the wall. Placing my hand on the small of Ruthie’s back as I lead her out the door. We walked down the sidewalk, the sun disappearing behind the buildings that were no higher than three stories. Most of German Village was that way. I could see how she might get lost passing homes that all looked the same. Red buildings with black iron fencing along tree-lined, brick paved streets. “In the future, you can always find my house because its the one with the ugliest tree out front. The only tree that looks like it could rival the Leaning Tower of Pisa.”
She laughed. “You’ve got a pretty nice place. Inside and out.”
The small hike was tough on my legs and I found myself needing a rest, but didn’t want to ruin our evening by turning back. Just glad that I had put on my sneakers this morning because it could be much worse. But I was relieved when we reached the ice cream shop. A small two-room store, where people had to walk up to the window to order. “Two ice cream cones please.”
“What flavors?”
She glanced up at the menu on the outside of the building above the windows. “Chocolate with gummy worm’s on top.”
“Just Vanilla for me,” I laughed, pulling out my wallet.
It had been since forever since he spent this much alone time with a woman and it wasn’t about work. My businesses, even more so than before had become my go-to for anything social. After handing the cashier the cash, we walked over to the other window to pick it up.
“Gummy worms?”
“You’ve got to live a little sometimes.”
“Two cones,” another teen barked handing us the cones through a window. I took them from him and handed off one to Ruthie. Before turning back to grab the offered napkins.
“You ready to go back to the house?”
After walking for ten minutes his legs couldn’t move another inch. “You know what. Let’s just sit here a minute and enjoy them.” Pointing to three wooden tables and benches that were set up. Only one table appeared to be occupied by a family with five kids.
Miracle Walk (The Designed Love Series Book 2) Page 11
