“Good. Oh wait, do you have your inhaler?” She asked and I laughed while holding it up. Smiling, she asked, "Where do you want to go first?”
“There are so many places I want to visit, but I don’t know where to start, so you pick one.”
“How about we see the 911 memorial? That’s one place I don’t want to miss, so let’s go there first.”
“Sounds good.” We both grabbed our handbags and headed out to hail another cab. Arriving at the memorial, we purchased our tickets and viewed the sights. It felt surreal looking at all those names engraved on the side of the fountain. So many people lost. Like Graysen, they didn’t know that morning that it would be their last day on Earth. Shaking my head and wiping a stray tear from my eye, I continued to look and could now see past the devastation. There was beauty in the memorial, with trees and benches; this was a place of peace, of remembrance.
“That was amazing, and the fountains were genius.” Megan said with awe in her voice. Smiling, I thought so too. “Okay, where to next?”
“Statue of Liberty?” I asked as we walked down the street.
“Statue of Liberty it is.” She said as she hailed us another cab.
“This may get expensive; we might need to check on the cost of riding the subway.” I could see the hesitation in her eyes. “What?”
“I’m not sure that using the subway is a good idea.” Still not understanding, I quirked an eyebrow indicating for her to continue. “There are a lot of people in a closed area. You might get sick.” I laughed and gave her a hug. Megan felt more like a sister to me, and certainly worried about me more than my own sister did.
“I’ll be fine, I promise.” I linked my arm with hers as we continued walking. Three hours later, I wasn’t fine. Exhausted, and with labored breathing, I needed to rest. “I need to go back to the room.” I told her.
“Yeah, it’s almost 10 pm and it’s been a long day.” We headed back to the hotel.
Megan went to the bathroom while I plugged in my nebulizer. Sometimes I could get by without using it, but it was better if I did. Adding the medicine to the cup, I inhaled it for twenty-five minutes. Ever since the doctor added another medicine, it took a lot longer to use. I finished up about the time Megan emerged from the bathroom. Putting everything away, I took a quick shower before heading to bed. Smiling, Megan was already asleep.
Waking up the next morning, I rolled over and noticed it was 10:45. Wow, I slept for about twelve hours. Sitting up, I spotted Megan sitting at the little round table staring out the window. “Good morning.” I said as I got up.
“Good morning to you sleepy head. Feel better?” I noticed she was already dressed. I must have been in a deep sleep.
“Yeah, I actually do feel better. How long have you been up?” I walked over to start my medicine. I hated using it because it seemed to take so much time. In reality though, twenty-five minutes twice a day wasn’t much if it kept me healthy.
“I woke up at 8:30. I hope you don’t mind, but I went downstairs and had breakfast. I was starving.” I eyed her coffee as she took a sip.
“I don’t mind at all as long as you have another cup somewhere for me.” I said, grinning.
“Of course I do. I didn’t know how long you would sleep so you might have to warm it up a tad. It’s been sitting in the microwave for fifteen minutes.”
Walking over, I took it from the microwave. It was warm, but not hot so I heated it up and took a slow sip. “Mm.” I said after swallowing a sip. “I’ll try to hurry and get ready.”
“Take your time.” She said as she continued to drink her coffee and watch the city in full swing.
An hour and a half later, I was dressed and ready to go. We visited the Empire State Building, and then decided to go shopping. We continued this routine for a couple of days.
Three days later, everything changed. “Hello?” Megan’s face fell. “Slow down.” She had the phone to her hear listening intently. “Okay, I’ll be home.” My stomach dropped. What could be wrong? “I’ll see you soon. Thanks for letting me know.” Hanging up the phone, she turned to me and I wanted to cry. “My mom had a heart attack and she’s in the hospital.”
“Oh my God! We’ll go pack immediately.” I said as I gathered my things.
“You’re not going with me.” I looked at her with confusion. Of course I was.
“Yes, I am.”
“No, you’re not. I love you Lana, but your parents gave you this vacation as a present. I have to go home and be with mom, but you need to stay here. You only have three nights left. Please.”
She was not only begging with her words, but with her eyes as well. It wouldn’t be long and then I would be back home. “Okay, let’s get back to the room. How are you going to get home?”
“I don’t know. I need to see how expensive it will be to change my plane ticket. If it cost too much, I may need to rent a car.”
Back at the hotel, I called the airline while she packed her bags. After explaining the situation, they changed her ticket free of charge. I offered to ride with her to the airport, but she insisted I stay here. She didn’t want me to pay for the cab ride back. “Please let me know how your mom is.”
Hugging me she said, “I promise. Please try to have a good time. I’ll see you in a few days.” She let me go, grabbed her bags and headed out the door as I just stood there looking at it, feeling lost.
*****
“Hey Matt, what’s up?” I asked after answering my phone. Five days had passed since Christmas and I was still trying to get rid of the memory. I had stayed home every day and worked from my office here. It had everything I needed.
“At least your greeting is better. Who the hell says speak when they answer?”
“Is there a point to your call?” I asked with an irritable tone.
“What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?”
“I’m supposed to go to some Gala with this fucking girl.” I said rubbing my forehead.
“When can you get away?”
“I don’t know, it’s starts at 8 so maybe by 9 or 9:30.”
“Good. Why don’t you meet David and me downtown? We’ll hit some bars and bring the New Year in right.”
“What about Carly?” I hadn’t seen them together much.
“Ah, she said she wanted to spend New Year’s with her family in Maryland. I think she’s pulling away from me.”
“I’m sorry man.” What else could I say? They had been together a long time, and I thought they were in love. Of course, what did I know about love?
“Okay, if I can get away I’ll meet you. I’m sure Cruella will be calling soon.”
“No shit! Her name’s Cruella?”
“No dumbass, that’s just what I call her. Her names Maria and she’s a younger version of my mother.” I shivered at the thought.
“Man, I don’t care if you end up poor. That’s much better than spending the rest of your life with someone like that.” I couldn’t agree more. Unfortunately, I liked having money and didn’t know how to live as a poor person.
“Listen, I need to go. I’ll give you a call tomorrow night when I break free.”
Laughing, he said, “okay” before hanging up. I decided to get a shower before heading out for dinner. I had held up here long enough.
An hour later as I started out the door my cell rang. Not recognizing the number I answered, “Speak.”
“Mr. Withers? Col…Colin?” The female answered back. Smiling, that was exactly why I answer the phone that way, it normally intimidated whoever called right from the start.
“Yes.”
“Hi, it’s Maria. Your mother gave me your number. I just wanted to know what time you will be picking me up tomorrow night.” Smooth, she had regained her composure and quickly I might add. I didn’t want to pick her up. If I did, I wouldn’t be able to ditch her and meet up with Matt and Dave.
“I’m sorry Maria, something’s come up and I’ll have to meet you there.” I heard her sharp intake bu
t didn’t know what the source, anger or something else.
“What do you mean you’ll meet me there? I can’t just show up by myself!” She seethed, okay anger it is.
“Well, that’s the best I can offer. You’re welcome to find another date if you wish.” Actually, I really hope she did.
After a few moments of calculating silence, she said, “No, I’ll meet you there. Maybe later you can take me home.” She said sweetly. I wouldn’t bet on it sweetheart.
“Fine, I’ll meet you at 8.” Cutting her off, I hung up and headed out the door.
Later that night I found myself at yet another bar. This one was in a better part of town. Of course, I limited myself to two drinks especially after the incident last time. After about an hour of sipping my whiskey and watching football on the TV, I decided I’d had enough. Walking outside, I needed to call Seth to come and pick me up. While looking down at my phone, I didn’t notice the three thugs coming up behind me. One grabbed an arm, and then someone else grabbed my other one. They dragged me down an alley and started punching and kicking me. “Look at what we have boys.” One of them said as he spit on me, then he grabbed for my watch. I fought back, I worked out regularly but they still got the better of me. They took turns holding me, and with one punch, I felt my lip split. With ever kick and punch I could feel the damage it was wrecking upon my body. I could even feel my eyes swelling even though I still struggled with them. What kind of muggers were they? When something hard hit my head, everything went dark.
Chapter 6
Someone’s Hurt, What do I Do?
After watching a comedy show while eating dinner, I decided to walk for a while. About thirty minutes later, I was thinking of just hailing a cab. I didn’t really know how safe it was here and didn’t want to take any chances. About the time I started to throw my arm up to hail a cab, I heard a painful moan come from behind me. Slowly turning around, I heard it again. The alley was dim enough that I couldn’t see anything and no street lights reached the far corners. Again, I heard it again. I didn’t want to go down there, but my moral compass wouldn’t let me leave either. What if someone was really hurt? Easing my way down the alley, every horror movie I had ever seen popped in to my mind. It was like watching myself on TV and screaming, Are you stupid? Don’t go down there! But here I was slowly walking down the alley just waiting for someone to jump out at me.
Hearing the moan a little louder this time, I picked up my speed. Someone was definitely hurt. A little farther down, I saw him lying in his own blood. His short dark hair was matted with blood, his face so swollen he could barely get his eyes open, his lip was split, and that was just the obvious injuries. His khaki pants had dirt and blood splatters along with his dark button up shirt. “Oh God!” I rushed over to him. “Can you hear me? Please God hear me!” I said as I stroked his forehead, uncaring about getting his blood on me.
“Help me.” Did I hear him say something? He mumbled but I think he was trying to talk to me. “Help me.” Yep, I definitely heard that. I needed to get him out of here. What if whoever did this came back?” That thought gave me strength that I didn’t have.
“I know you’re hurt, but you have to help me. You’re a big man.” He certainly was. He would stand at about six-feet-two and I hadn’t missed all those muscles as I tried to help him. He obviously worked out... a lot. Leaning down to help him sit up, I put his arm over my shoulder while mine went under his arm. “You have to help me. I can’t lift you by myself.” Somehow, he made it to his feet. I was breathing as hard as he was. Slowly shuffling forward, we made our way out of the alley, and I hailed a cab. The cab driver was hesitant to let us in, but after some begging, he nodded.
“Where to?” He asked suspiciously.
“Can you take us to the nearest clinic?” I didn’t know anything about healthcare here, but I knew hospitals were expensive and he may not be able to afford an ER bill.
“Sure thing lady.” As he drove us, I kept rubbing his forehead as he slumped in the back seat, telling him he would be okay. I didn’t know him, didn’t even know his name, but I felt drawn to him, compelled to help him. Strange. Ten minutes later, the cabbie pulled up in front of a door that read ‘24 hour clinic.’ Perfect.
After paying the cabbie, I opened the door and helped my mystery man out of the car. Walking through the entrance, someone came rushing toward me. She grabbed a wheelchair, and he fell in to it. “What happened?” The nurse asked as she hurriedly rolled him down the hall.
“I don’t know, I found him like this.” She nodded as she rushed him in to a room. Helping him on to a stretcher, I stroked his forehead as she left to get the doctor. “Please be okay.” I whispered as I stroked his bruised and battered face.
The doctor came busting in with an urgency I hadn’t seen in a long time. I stood back but still kept contact with him. I knew firsthand what it felt like to need comfort but not have anyone around to give it. Austin would have been there for me, but I actually tried to hide things from him. “His heart and lungs sound good, but we need an x-ray to check for broken bones” The nurse unlocked the brake on the stretcher and started wheeling him out with me by his side.
“Excuse me miss, but I need you to fill out some paperwork.” A receptionist led me down another hallway to her desk.
“I don’t know how much I can help you.” I said as she pulled out some papers and handed me a pen.
Smiling, she said, “Well, we need someone to be responsible, and he doesn’t even have a wallet on him.” Not knowing what to do, I gave him a fake name and then filled out my name and address, telephone number and gave her a credit card.
She showed me back down the hall to the room where I left him. He was there and looked as though he was resting, but I still went back to the head of the stretcher and started rubbing his forehead again. About an hour later, the doctor came in and told me that nothing was broken; he was just really bruised and swollen and he might have a concussion. He instructed me to keep ice on his face and gave me a prescription for pain pills. Standing there dumbfounded and holding a prescription, I felt confused and conflicted. I didn’t know this man, I found him in an alley.
They wheeled him out in a wheelchair, and I hailed another cab. With nowhere else to go, I gave the cabbie my hotel address. We certainly got many stares as I tried to get him upstairs. It wasn’t easy. When I finally got him in to bed, I started removing his clothes. They were covered in blood, and I couldn’t let him lay in that.
Unbuttoning his shirt, I moved the ends apart and tried not to notice how hard and muscular his chest felt as my hands accidently graced his body. I didn’t notice the fine layer of dark hair that you had to look hard to see, nor did I notice how tan and smooth his skin looked. As I removed one arm from his sleeve and then the other, I also tried not to notice how big his biceps were.
Moving down, I unbuttoned, then unzipped his pants and tried not to notice how my heart beat against my chest like it wanted to be free. As I slid them down, I really tried hard not to notice the bulge in his black boxer underwear, nor the perfect muscular thighs that lay right below that bulge. With shaking hands, I carried his bloody clothes to the bathroom so I could wash them out later.
Breathing hard, I berated myself. Get ahold of yourself! He’s injured and you’re staring at him like you’ve never seen a good looking man before. Okay, more like an Adonis. Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I found the empty ice bucket and made my way to the bathroom. Filling it with warm soapy water, I grabbed a washcloth and towel before heading back to the bed. Pulling up a chair, I gently wiped some of the blood from his face. Talking quietly, hoping to let him know he wasn’t alone. “What happened to you?” Although I felt sure that I knew. The clinic couldn’t find a wallet or anything personal and thought someone had robbed him. I wondered briefly, why they hadn’t called the police. Probably by accident because as soon as the doctor came in to talk to me, several other badly hurt victims came in.
After washing the blood
from his face, chest, and hands, I emptied my dirty water and ran some more clean. Trying to figure how to wash his hair, I grabbed several more towels and an empty trash bag from the wastebasket. Standing there looking at him and the bed, I came up with an idea to wash his hair. Sliding the trash bag under his head, and then laying some towels on top of that, I used a cup to pour as little water as possible over his hair. It seemed to be working well, so I lathered his hair and then rinsed. I almost squealed in delight when I removed the towels and trash bag and found the bed dry.
He hadn’t even moved, I guess the pain medicine the clinic gave him finally starting working. I went to the bathroom and changed in to a pair of sweats and a tee. No way would I put on my gown with a strange man here. Returning to the main room, I decided to use only my inhaler. I knew I would pay for it later, but I felt too exhausted to do anything else. Lying on the little sofa, I fell fast asleep.
After not near enough sleep, I woke to the sun shining through the window, and soft moaning. Alarmed, I sat straight up. Who was here? I had a moment of panic before it all came rushing back to me. The battered man, taking him to the clinic, the… my head whipped around only to find him lying there… moaning. Oh God, he must be in so much pain! Walking over to the bed, I was glad I decided to wear the tee and sweat pants. His eyes remained closed, but his swollen face twisted in pain. I sat down beside him and began to rub his forehead and hoping that I wasn’t hurting him more. “It’s okay. You’re going to be alright.”
As I tried to soothe him, my eyes darted to the nightstand that held his prescription for pain medicine. I needed to figure out a way to get it filled. Calling the front desk, I ordered room service and then asked if they had a service that could get it filled for me. To my relief they did and I wouldn’t have to leave him.
An hour later, not only had breakfast arrived, but so had his medicine. I had to pay for it but luckily, it was affordable. I never would have thought I would be spending the last three days of my vacation taking care of a man and paying his medical bill. I almost laughed aloud at the thought.
Trying to Survive (The Kiser #1) Page 5
