* * *
When I got back from x-ray, Kraig, Mrs. Connor and a police officer were there waiting for me. The officer wanted to get my statement of what had happened to Patrick. He had already spoken to the others. I had a flashback of me speaking to detective from a hospital bed. I was physically and emotionally in a different place than before. Better? Yes and no. Worse? In a way. Different? Sorta.
I couldn’t look at Mrs. Connor as I gave the officer more details than I originally gave her. I knew the police needed to know everything. Things that I tried to spare his family. As I meticulously recounted the horror of the evening, what I saw, what I did, I remembered something. “I grabbed the cup I saw him drinking from. It’s still in the car.”
“Good. I’d like to collect that from you.” He looked up from his little notepad. Kraig left with him, to get him the cup.
Patrick’s mom lightly put her hand on my leg. I turned my head to face her, slowly bringing my gaze up. She gave me a gentle hug.
“Thank you, Liz. It hardly seems like enough. I am so grateful that you were there for him. I don’t want to think what would have happened to him if you weren’t.” Her voice broke.
I hugged her back. “I wish I could have done more. You should go back to the family.”
She should be with her husband and other kids, not in here sitting by my bedside. She politely disagreed, “You need me here. Lindsey will come if there’s any news. At least here I feel a little useful.”
“Thanks.” I smiled awkwardly. I was truly grateful.
The doctor walked in, Dr. Spencer. He put the x-rays up on the lighted board. Nothing was broken. Just as I thought. I just bruised the hell out of my ribs and my head. The doctor pulled up a stool next to me and started stitching up my face. I had four stitches just under my right eye, almost high on the cheekbone. My lip was split, but there wasn’t anything they could do about that except clean it. I had a bunch of other cuts and bruises, all cleaned and treated as best as possible and a medication for the pain.
The doctor also expressed his concern about my recent head injuries. Mrs. Connor looked so concerned. I had to admit, it felt nice. It was sweet that she was worried about me. I felt loved. I was ordered to take it easy and to come back if I experienced any dizziness, light-headedness, blurry vision or having any ringing in the ears. Fine, fine. Just let us leave already.
Falling (Bits and Pieces, Book 1) Page 85
