by Rey, Solomon
“Well, your Dad told me that you love banana baby food, so we got some,” Olivia smiled at hearing this.
“I felt it would be best if you ate something light,” he said. He grabbed his clipboard, “I have a few quick questions for you. Are you up to answering them?”
“I…I think so,” she said.
Donna and Derek moved to the side.
“Good…How do you feel?” He asked, pen in hand.
“Tired.”
“Can you move your head?”
She shifted it to the left, then right. Yeah! He thought. “That’s good, Honey,” he smiled, “Now…are you experiencing any type of pain?”
She took a moment—
“No…no real pain, but a kind of…dull throbbing.”
He jotted the information down, smiling. Chromosome ‘S’ was working, he thought. With the extent of her injuries, she should be in extreme pain—but there’s none.
“That’s all the questions I have for now,” he informed her,
“I want you to drink as much water as you can, and eat only enough to satisfy, okay?”
“Okay,” she was smiling.
She was getting better by the second, when she first woke she could barely smile or speak, within minutes she was more alert, more…alive!
“I’m going to be sleeping right next to you, just to make sure you are okay through the night. Donna and Derek will be sleeping over. Donna will be in my room and Derek in yours.”
“Okay,” she said somewhat confused.
“Derek can you get her a bottle of water from the fridge,” Richard asked.
Derek brought the bottle handing it to Richard.
“Can you lift your arm, Honey?” He asked.
“I…think so,” she said concentrating on the simple movement. Her face flushed, as she strained to raise her arm. Richard looked over at Donna and Derek, seeing looks of dread on their faces; he signaled them to smile. They tried to mask their grief. Her arm wouldn’t budge. “What’s wrong with it?” Olivia asked with fear in her voice, “Why can’t I move my arm?” She looked at her Dad.
“It’s nothing to worry about. You had a very traumatic injury, causing temporary paralysis. You’re still recuperating. I’m sure things will be much different tomorrow,” Richard said trying his best to ease her worries without having to mention the serum.
“Oh, you’re going to be just fine,” Donna chimed in, “Just give it time, okay.
Derek stood next to his mom silently, still wearing the fake smile. Olivia looked at him. Well, that’s a creepy smile, she thought. She gave him a puzzled expression, as her attention returned to her father.
“Just relax, we’re going to go upstairs. Derek will be back down with the bananas,” Richard said, “And I’m going to help Donna clean the kitchen.” He gave her a reassuring smile and a peck on the cheek.
She watched as the trio left the room, as she tried to recall what exactly happened. I remember climbing and telling Derek to man-up or something, then falling, she thought, I don’t remember anything else.
She tried to move her arms again, then her legs. She was unable to muster even a twitch. She was worried.
* * *
As they reached the top of the stairs, Donna turned toward Richard, “What’s wrong with her? Why can’t she move her arm?” She asked fearfully.
“She’s most likely paralyzed for now, but like I told her it’s a temporary, paralysis,” he said casually, as Derek listened to their exchange of words.
“How can you be so calm?”
“Because it’s too early to predict her outcome. The serum is definetly working. Her body is quickly repairing itself as we speak, and if I am right, by the morning, she will be able to move her arms and legs.”
“I pray you’re right,” she replied, turning to Derek,
“Get the bag of baby food and take it down to her. You’re going to have to feed her, I hope you don’t mind.”
“No…it should be very entertaining,” he said with a chuckle. He grabbed the bag and spoon, as he charged toward the stairs. Richard stopped him in his tracks.
“Derek, be sure you don’t mention anything about Chromosome ‘S’, okay,” he said gingerly, but firmly.
“Why not?”
“She’s had a traumatic experience, which she is recovering from. We don’t know how she will react to the news, so it’s best to wait until she’s recovered completely. Can I count on you not to say anything?”
“Not a word, promise!” He disappeared down the stairs.
Donna quickly glanced at the kitchen; surmising it to be a one person job.
“Why don’t you take a shower, get cleaned up while I take care of the kitchen,” she suggested.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure,” she said confidently, “I’ll have this place all cleaned up before you’re done in there.”
“Okay,” he said turning to go, stopping to face her, “Thanks for being here.”
He stepped close, pulling her in to his arms, hugging her tightly. They both enjoyed the closeness, the intimacy of this simple embrace. She tiptoed, giving him a loving kiss, a reassuring sign that she was there for him. She wanted it to be a passionate kiss, but the timing was wrong. He eased away continuing to his room.
Donna was still a bit emotional considering the harrowing events of the day. She paused for a second, shaking it off, as she began cleaning the kitchen.
* * *
Olivia heard the door open and the clanging of the glass jars banging against each other in rhythm with Derek’s stride. He walked in smiling.
“Are you ready to eat?”
“Yeah, can I have a drink first?”
“What’s the magic word?” He asked playing.
“Shut up!”
“That’s a very good guess,” he said laughing, as he opened the bottled water. He brought a smile to her face as usual.
He held it to her lips, tilting the bottle up. He listened to her gulp it down, finishing the entire bottle.
“Thirsty?”
“That was good,” she said licking her lips, “Now the bananas,” she said hungrily. He stuck his hand in the bag, removing a small jar of baby food. He eased the lid open, waiting for the ‘pop’, as her mouth watered in anticipation.
He scooped up a heaping teaspoon of bananas, and held it a few inches from her mouth, “Is the widdle baby weddy for some nanas?” He asked teasingly.
“You’re lucky I can’t hit you right now!” She said.
“Oh…be nice or widdle baby will get a time out,” he laughed.
“Derek!” She shouted, with a smile. He fed her the bananas.
“Why do you like these so much? I’ve never gotten that.”
“You’ve never tried them?”
“No,” he replied. He considered giving the bananas a try. What the hell, he thought, He put a spoonful in his mouth. “Oh my God! That’s good!”
“I know that,” she said, rolling her eyes, as though he’d said the silliest thing, “Give me more!”
“What’s the magic word?”
“Shut up!” They laughed together.
CHAPTER XVI
Richard entered his bedroom, and noticed the subtle changes Donna had made. The crisp blankets and sheets, alarm clock and other subtle touches.
He opened the bottom drawer of his armoire to find her things. It was nice to see her things in his drawers. It had been awhile since he shared any kind of space with a woman, he wasn’t aware that he missed it—until now.
He found the clothes he wanted, then he headed to the bathroom. He turned the shower on, and stepped in. He noted her shampoo, conditioner and razor sitting on the shelf. He picked up the shampoo taking in the scent of vanilla—it was Donna. It was her essence. He was happy to have her stay with them. His mind focused on the reason for the shampoo being there—Olivia. All the emotions he’d pushed out of his mind came crashing in on him. He sat as the water beat down on him. His sobs were uninhibite
d…all the worry, stress and fear, along with the memory of Brenda’s murder broke down the psychological wall he’d built to protect himself.
Please let her be okay. She’s all I have, he thought. It was hard enough finding her mother dead, but today, when her heart stopped…he couldn’t…wouldn’t finish that thought. He recalled a happier, more blissful time.
“Daddy, can you catch me a lady bug,” Olivia asked. She was four years old with hair as white as snow, sitting atop her father’s shoulders, as he held her hands to keep her from falling. He would bounce around, making her giggle. He would do anything to hear his baby’s adorable laugh. She was and always had been the sunshine in his life.
“I think I can, but you’re going to have to get down.”
“Okay,” she said happily, as he set her down gently.
“Ready?” He asked offering his big hand to her. She slapped her tiny, delicate hand in his.
“Ready,” she said confidently. She knew he’d find a ladybug for her. He could do anything!
They carefully searched through the Sweet Home woods, behind her Grandmother’s house, lifting leaves of all different colors and sizes. When Olivia wasn’t paying attention, he would tickle her, then quickly turn away, pretending innocence.
“It was you, Daddy,” she said laughing, pointing at him.
“I don’t know what you are talking about?” He’d do it again and she would giggle with the same enthusiasm as before. She stopped and craned her neck to look up at her Daddy.
“Daddy, can I tell you a secret?”
“Of course,” he said kneeling beside her.
She moved in to whisper into his ear. Though they were all alone, Olivia believed that secrets should always be whispered. “I love you,” she said softly, smiling at him. It melted his heart. It was how she really felt.
“Can I tell you a secret?”
“Uh-huh,” She nodded as she leaned in. It was his turn to whisper.
“I love you too.”
“That’s not a secret!” she giggled uncontrollably. He held her tight.
Richard started to chuckle through his sobs. Soon the laughter over took them, extinguishing the sadness. His baby was going to be fine. He knew it.
* * *
Olivia continued to eat the mashed bananas, while Derek did his best to tease her. She would pretend annoyance, but she loved her best friend’s company.
“Derek what happened?” She asked with a serious tone, “Because all you guys were so emotional when I woke.”
“You fell, duh!” He answered, avoiding serious conversation.
“Please stop playing,” she pleaded, “Tell me what happened after.”
“Well, you were out cold, so I ran fast as I could for help. You were pretty bad. We got you into the car,” he said. He was fighting his emotions to keep in control, “Then your heart stopped,” he said fighting back tears. He took a second to compose himself, “Your Dad performed CPR on you. You should have seen him, he was amazing, he wouldn’t give up.” His voice was shakey, as his tears ran, but he didn’t look away from her. “You died Olivia! It was the worst moment of my life and I’m sure it was no day at Disneyland for you either.” They both chuckled. Seeing him cry, brought the water works to her own eyes. “Stop crying! You know you can’t wipe them away. You’re likely to drown yourself if you’re not careful.”
She didn’t want to know anything else about the accident, but she was curious about something. “Did someone change my clothes?”
“And bathed you too!” He said. He knew where this was going. He decided to have some fun.
“Oh my God, please don’t tell me my father did it,” she said, “That’s too embarrassing to even think about.”
“Ewwww!” He said seriously, “Don’t worry. You’ll be happy to know he didn’t do it. I volunteered.”
“What! Stop playing Derek! It’s not funny.”
“I’m not,” he said, “What’s the big deal? I’ve seen you without clothes on before.”
She began to panic, “That’s not the same as bathing someone!”
“I don’t see the problem. You’re my best friend.”
“Ewwwww!” she exclaimed.
“You know what the worst part was?” he asked, trying with all his might not to laugh.
“I don’t want to hear it! Shut up!”
“Oh man, you had a stinky booty!” He said seriously, but he couldn’t contain his laughter any longer. He chortled loudly.
She relaxed. It was obvious he’d been messing with her. “I will get even with you. You know I always do,” she said, leering at him.
“You should have seen the look on your face. I wish I had a camera. Priceless!” He continued to laugh.
“Hahaha,” she said sarcastically.
“Hey, what am I wearing?” She was covered with a sheet and was curious.
“I don’t know. Do you want me to check?”
“Yeah.”
He lifted her sheet, then quickly threw it down.
“Well?” she asked.
“Looks like one of my Mom’s t-shirts—“
“And…”
“And nothing else,” he said calmly.
“What? Are you sure?”
“I could check again, but I know what skin looks like.”
“Nevermind,” she said, “I guess she didn’t put any panties on me in case I had to use the restroom.”
“Easier that way,” he said, “I told them to put a diaper on you. Maybe some huggies,” he laughed.
She was about to respond, but stopped abruptly. “What’s wrong?” he asked eagerly.
“Run and tell my Dad, my fingers and toes are tingling!” She said urgently.
He gave no verbal response. He was gone in a flash, through the door and up the stairs before she knew it.
* * *
Richard was climbing out of the shower, reaching for his towel, when Donna rushed in to give him the good news. He didn’t have a chance to cover himself, before she got a good long look at his naked body. He wrapped the towel around him. He was embarrassed which was evident by his reddened face.
“Sorry,” he said.
“I’m not,” she said with a devilish grin. She cleared her throat, “I came to tell you, Olivia says her fingers and toes are tingling.” The image of Richard standing completely naked before her, lingered in her mind.
Richard hearing the news moved quickly to Donna, hugging her. He pulled away, “I better get dressed,” he said walking toward his armoire, grabbing a pair of black boxer briefs out of his top drawer.
“I’ll let you get dressed,” she said walking out the door.
Richard’s mind was elsewhere. He dropped the towel to get dressed. Before she cleared the threshold, she took a peek back. Oh my! She thought, Yummy! She walked down the hall wearing a satisfied grin and a skip in her step.
* * *
“I told my mom and she went to tell your Dad,” Derek said, walking through the door, “Are they still tingling?”
“Uh-huh, I hope it’s a good thing,” she said apprehensively.
“He’ll be down soon. You can ask the Doc.”
“Can I have some more water?”
“What’s the magic word?” He asked.
“The magic word is ‘NOW!’ She said laughing. He gave her a drink, which seemed to last forever. She drank it all, “More please.”
“Whoa…did you just say please or do my ears deceive,” he feigned surprise, “I must alert the media and all my ‘Youtube’ followers.”
“Shut up, dork…you don’t have any ‘Youtube’ followers! Now…give me a drink,” she laughed, “You are in so much trouble when I get better.”
“Don’t threaten me with a good time,” he said sarcastically.
They stared each other down till he surrendered and gave her more water.
“How’s the patient?” Richard asked, walking through the door with Donna close behind. He was smiling, as was Donna (but for an all together di
fferent reason).
“My toes and fingers are tingling. It just started…is that a good sign?”
“It’s an excellent sign,” she smiled in response. He moved close to her, “Can you wiggle your fingers?”
She focused on her hands, as her index finger twitched, then another.
“Yes!” Derek shouted.
“Shhh,” Donna said. Olivia, playfully, gave him a stern look.
“Now…let’s try the toes,” he moved to the front of the bed, pulling back the sheet to reveal tiny manicured digits, “Try to move them.” Her feet moved easily, without much concentration, bringing smiles to their faces. Richard pulled a ball point pen from his breast pocket. “Tell me if you feel this,” he said running it along the bottom of her left foot. She giggled. “Now this one.” She gave the same response. He recovered her feet. “You are doing great. I really believe we should see more improvement by the morning,” he said confidently.
“Did you eat, Honey?” Donna asked, reaching for her hand, setting it in hers.
“Yeah, ‘The incredible-lump’ over there fed me,” she said sticking her tongue out at him.
He laughed at her as Donna pretended annoyance.
“Well, I need to get another blood sample,” Richard said. While I still can, he thought.
“Can I get another drink, PLEASE,” Olivia said, emphasizing the word please, as she stared at Derek.
He held the water bottle up for her to drink. He watched Richard force the needle under her skin and the syringe fill with blood. Seeing Richard labor to penetrate Olivia’s skin reminded him of Minnie. He felt a pang of guilt for not telling her what was done to her. He knew the changes could be drastic. Richard glanced at Derek, who forced a smile.
“Can I have another? I’m really really thirsty.”
