by Beers, B. A.
“Dr. Stevens, how is Sami tonight?” Jan asked.
“Out of it,” Mark answered, stepping back so he could see Sami in the other room.
“Not again!” Jan cried.
“No, not the same. She has broken her arm and is now on pain killers,” he explained.
“What? How did that happen?” Jan questioned him.
“It’s a long story. I’ll give an update in the morning.”
“Okay, but I can hardly wait. See you in the morning then.”
“It’s a date, and Jan, thanks again for all your time spent today on that project.”
“No problem, boss.”
After he hung up the phone, he scanned the piece of paper in his hand. He knew instinctively that all the players were now identified, but he hadn’t the slightest clue which part any of them were going to play in bringing Sami back in full bloom.
***
TEN
Mark rolled over and sat up on the side of the bed. Switching on the lamp, he reached for his watch. Reading the time, he shook his head wondering where the time had gone. It was already 5:30 AM, and he had not slept more than five minutes all night. Feeling exhausted and drained, he recalled that they had gotten Sami settled for the night around 11:00 PM. He had entered his room shortly after that, but sleep was not in the cards for him. He had tossed and turned the whole night away. Each time he would get himself settled, he closed his eyes to the vision of Sami. This is ridiculous, he thought. This woman has gotten under his skin.
“I give up,” he announced to the room, getting to his feet. He saw Ollie watching him through half-closed eyes from his position in the doorway. “Must be nice to sleep,” he said tartly as he stepped over him.
Mark made his way down the hall to Sami’s room. Standing in the doorway, he heard her whimper softly. Reaching behind him, he turned on the bathroom light. The light illuminated her room enough that he saw her turn her head in his direction. He could see her face. The left eye was almost totally swollen shut and the right eye was wide open and red-rimmed. The sight of her made the man-in-him cry out at the injustice, and the doctor surge forward to offer support.
Her words and tone matched her expression. “I hurt all over,” she cried softly.
“I’ll be right back,” he said as he did an about-face and raced out of the room.
He moved quickly to the kitchen, and turning on the light, located her pain pills, which he inserted into the pocket of his sweats. Stepping to the sink, he secured a glass of water. Knowing the potency of the pills, he opened the refrigerator door and grabbed a tub of yogurt along with a spoon from the drawer. Perhaps, he could get her to eat some spoonfuls before he gave her the pill, since he didn’t want to give her an upset stomach on top of the rest of her aches and pains.
Entering her room, he found her exactly as he had left her moments earlier. Setting the items in his hands on the bedside stand, he turned on the lamp. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he leaned over and gently helped her into a sitting position. He crammed the added pillows, which they had placed there earlier, around her for support. Opening the yogurt first, he spooned several bites into her willing mouth.
Placing the yogurt and spoon on the stand, he reached into his pocket and produced the prescription bottle. Opening the childproof cap, he withdrew a pill. He set the bottle on the stand. Sami opened her mouth, and Mark dropped the pill on her tongue. Grabbing the glass of water, he raised it to her lips, and she took several sips to wash down the pill. He set the glass back on the stand in front of the prescription bottle. Mark was able to get her to take a few more spoonfuls of yogurt before she shook her head declining any more, and she sat back onto the pile of pillows again.
“It will take awhile for the pill to give you relief,” he informed her. “You went too long between pills. I will remind Grandma Jo to keep ahead of the pain today,” he promised. “You don’t have to tough it out. Take advantage of the medication. Do you hear me?”
Sami nodded her head. “It’s hard for me to lose control. I have spent such a long time by myself that giving myself over to others is hard for me,” she explained as she reached over and took his hand. “Will you sit with me until it takes effect?” she asked, pleading with her pain-filled eyes.
Mark nodded his agreement, not taking his eyes from her face. Her features softened, and a faint smile appeared on her lips just before she closed her eyes. Wishing he could do more to ease her discomfort, he gently caressed her captured right hand with his thumb.
Viewing her tortured face, Mark was consumed with guilt. If he had not insisted that she be removed from her house, she would not be in this deplorable condition. He closed his eyes to block out her image. Suddenly, he had to squelch an overpowering desire to take her in his arms and beg her forgiveness. Reminding himself that it was an accident, he turned his thought to recovery instead of the cause. What’s done is done. Still, he surprised himself by voicing the words in his heart aloud. “I’m sorry, Sami.”
His eyes flew open at the sound of his own voice reaching his ears. Seeing her face, he was slightly disappointed that she had not heard his heartfelt words. The pain pill had taken control and she was back asleep. He sat there several more minutes watching her sleep before he released her hand and rose to his feet.
Switching off the lamp, he leaned over and placed his lips on her forehead in a light kiss, rationalizing to himself that he was only checking for a possible fever. He backed out of the room and turned into the bathroom, closing the door.
***
At 7:00 AM sharp, Jan entered Mark’s office to find him jotting notes onto a yellow legal pad. “Good morning, Doctor,” she said in a professional manner.
Mark glanced up from his notes and smiled at his very efficient employee. Removing his glasses, he indicated to a chair. “Good morning, Jan,” he replied. He watched her as she gingerly seated herself and opened her ever-present memo pad. Positioned on the edge of his chair with his arms resting on the desk, he waited for her to settle before instructing her to begin. “Okay, I’m ‘all ears’. What have you found?”
“First, please tell me about Sami,” Jan said. “I have been so worried all night.”
Mark remembered that he had not fully explained Sami’s accident, and as quickly as he could, gave Jan a brief summary of the prior day’s activities. Jan, of course, was genuinely concerned and offered her support if needed. Mark thanked her, but replied Grandma Jo and David were taking care of her. “Now, getting back to your problem, it seems to me that you have your hands full at the moment. Where do you want to begin?”
“I have two requests before I tell you about the basement files,” she began in a very serious tone, looking directly at him.
Caught off guard, Mark sat back in his chair. He had not expected nor was he prepared for this approach. Not trusting his voice, he nodded for her to continue.
Keeping her mannerisms severe, she stated her first request. “Number one – I want permission to buy a padlock for the basement door.”
Mark was confused, but hid it from his expression, “And?”
“I want you to fire everyone on the staff that doesn’t know the alphabet.” Her tone was serious, but Mark could see the merriment in her eyes.
“Explain,” Mark directed, adapting to her serious tone.
The merriment in her eyes died quickly as she turned to her notes. “In the hours that I spent yesterday, I hardly put a dent in the chaos that was in the basement.”
For the next half-hour, Jan reported, in detail, her findings to him. Explaining that each time she would get a handle on one area, she would find more files that needed to be intermixed. Then, there were the interruptions when she was pulled away for another assignment. “I have always prided myself on my organizational skills, and frankly, I was appalled at what I found. There is no way that this task can be completed with the present conditions,” she concluded making eye contact.
Mark sensed that she had a solution to the probl
em. “What do you have in mind?”
She briefly described the details of her plan, and Mark approved it, knowing that in her capable hands anything was possible. A smile spread across Mark’s face as he reinforced his opinion of her capabilities.
At 8:00 AM, Jan promptly left his office as his first patient was shown into the therapy room. Grabbing the open file in front of him, he bolted to his feet and started toward the door. Stopping at the doorway, he turned back to gaze at the painting of the elk on the wall. The signature crest confirmed it was one of Sami’s paintings, and the image of her battered face appeared before him. “You’re never far from my thoughts,” he said as he exited the office.
***
The telephone rang just as Mark closed Mr. Sharp’s file. He absently reached for the phone as he tossed the file in the out basket. “Dr. Stevens,” he answered.
“I think I got the wrong number,” the very familiar voice announced. “I’m searching for Dr. ‘Dumb-dumb’,” Grandma Jo concluded.
“What’s that for?” Mark quirked back.
“I read the explicit instructions you left for me this morning,” she continued, “but, I wasn’t able to locate her pills.” She paused to take a breath.
“They are…” Mark started to explain, but was interrupted by her.
“Sami’s frustrated cries detoured my search and I finally found them. They were in her hands as she struggled to take the childproof cap off. Thank you very much!” she hissed. “The wild look in her eyes frightened me at first. I almost believed she would take the whole bottle if she got the chance. Next time, do me a favor and either forewarn me or don’t leave the pills within her reach.”
Mark was speechless. He blamed himself for his stupidity, but he had felt so sure that Sami would not intentionally do any bodily harm.
“Thank God for the childproof cap and her broken arm which kept her from opening the bottle. I have to tell you one thing, and I am ashamed for even thinking of it, I came close to confronting David for taking them,” she confessed with all hint of anger gone from her voice.
“Grandma Jo,” Mark said, finding his voice, “forgive me for my neglect. I should have realized that she might be capable of such an act especially after our conversation about Molly. I thought I had reached her,” he said thoughtfully. “I am grateful that you were there, but then again, she did tell me she was not used to people having to care for her. As for your fears about David, do you feel that insecure with him there?” he asked concerned.
“No, not really. I just wanted to let you know what I thought. I do trust him and appreciate his help. I just feel terrible that I jumped to that conclusion.”
“Don’t fret. I probably would have had that thought myself in your place,” he comforted her. “How is Sami now?” he asked tentatively.
“Asleep when I left her just before calling you. I have the pills in my pocket now, and I will follow your instructions by keeping ahead of the pain,” she assured him.
“Good. Since you have things in hand, I will stay here this afternoon and will be there around dinner.” He said goodbye, and mentally made a note to himself to call later to check on her as he disconnected the line.
Picking up the next file on his desk, he headed to the door wondering how he would be able to concentrate on this patient when his thoughts were consumed with the activity inside Grandma Jo’s house.
***
Around 2:00 PM, Mark found himself back in his office with the phone in his hand. While the phone was ringing, he hoped for good news.
When Grandma Jo answered, she was breathless. “Hello.”
“What’s wrong?” Mark said alarmed.
“I had to run to answer the phone. I was getting Sami settled in the chair in the living room,” she explained, catching her breath.
“She’s better?” he asked, when he heard Grandma Jo refer to the chair.
“Yes, I must admit that keeping up with her pills seems to help. I moved her out here to make it easier to keep an eye on her,” she informed him.
“As long as she is comfortable, do whatever it takes to make it easier for you,” he agreed. “Just wanted you to know that I’m almost done here. I have a few calls to make first, then I will head in your direction,” he continued.
“Mark, will you please stop on your way and buy some milk?”
“Sure. See you soon.”
Mark smiled as he disconnected. How strange, he thought, suddenly realizing he liked the feeling of being attached to his new makeshift family.
***
One hour later, Mark had completed his two calls. The first was to Jon to update him on Sami’s condition, and schedule a meeting with him on Saturday at Grandma Jo’s place around 9:00 AM. The second call was to the Clark’s residence in Flagstaff. He had taken an instant liking to Stacy Clark the moment he heard her voice. Without breaking too many doctor/patient confidentialities, he had provided her with sketchy details of what had transpired over the past couple days. She had confided in him that she had been very taken by J.W. and Sami from the very first encounter, and had wanted several times over the past ten years to contact them. The rules of the arrangement, however, had forbidden contact. With the news of J.W.’s death and the impact of the package, she now regretted sending the package at all. Mark consoled her as best he could, but the impact of his news had disturbed Stacy greatly. Even without his asking, she volunteered to take an active role in Sami’s recovery if she or her husband, Bill, could help in any way. Mark thanked her, telling her that he was delighted at her offer to help. He would probably contact her once Sami was back on her feet.
Walking toward his truck, he now felt more in charge than ever. Things were finally falling into place, he thought, getting into his truck.
***
ELEVEN
Sitting at Grandma Jo’s kitchen table with a glass of milk and some homemade cookies in front of him, Mark was exhausted. Stretching to ease some of the discomfort in his body, he caught the microwave display panel out of the corner of his eye. In the three days since he had taken up residence in this house, he had not seen it before tonight. Turning slightly, he read the numbers displayed; three, zero, eight. That’s one clock we missed, Mark thought, resuming his position. “Three, zero, eight,” he said aloud quietly to himself.
It was already early Saturday morning. The two days since Sami’s accident had sped by in a blur. Of course, it hadn’t helped that he had not been able to sleep much, for his dreams were getting the better of him. He had heard somewhere that dreams are wishes your heart made. If this is true, he was going to have to fire the dream maker in his heart, for this one was creating perverse dreams. They were so real and detailed that he’d awakened feeling spent and unfulfilled.
Popping another cookie into his mouth, he chewed it slowly. Savoring the experience made him suddenly realize that he could now empathize with his patients regarding pent-up frustrations. Never, not even in his teenage years, had he experienced this type of reaction. Eyeing the cookie platter again, he had to acknowledge that sweets did settle the beast in him, but it did nothing to curb the burning. Reaching out, he wrapped his hand around the half-filled glass of milk instead of another cookie. Bringing the glass to his mouth, he downed the contents in one large gulp. He returned the now empty glass to the table with more force than he intended. It sounded to him like a bomb going off.
Turning quickly in his seat, Mark scanned the living room, hoping that the sound had not awakened David, who was sprawled out on the couch. Hearing David’s quiet snoring, Mark thanked his lucky stars, for he was not in the mood to talk to anyone. Muttering to himself, he got out of the chair, and picking up the empty glass, walked to the sink to rinse it out as he debated his next move. Back to bed was still out of the question for he still burned too deeply. He mulled over the idea of taking a cold shower to cool the heat, but vetoed this plan knowing that it would disturb the quiet of the house.
Turning, he spotted the back door, and knew hi
s answer. He hurried to the door, opening and closing it quietly. Inhaling deeply, he walked barefooted to the far end of the yard. The cool air hugged his body as he tried to clear his mind. Starting to relax, he knew that this decision was working, as he felt the edges of the desire retreating. He turned to face the rear of the house. Without moonlight to aid him, he had to use the glow of the light, filtering through the drapes of the kitchen and the nearby street lamps, to see.
Wiggling his toes, he was shocked to believe he had stormed all the way across the yard without stepping into any piles left by the two dogs. He wondered if his luck would hold out as he gingerly made his way back to the patio. Safely there, he scuffed his feet several steps across the cold concrete to ensure that they were free of any debris. Visibly checking his feet, he was satisfied that they were at least semi-cleaned. As he stood near the chair, he became aware of a low humming noise from the far end of the patio. Investigating the sound, he spotted the hot tub.
