The Woman Behind the Glass Wall

by DB Jones

  “Son, don’t second guess yourself now. I have faith in your abilities as a surgeon. You have to have that faith too.”

  Jacob smiled at his father, poured a cup of coffee for his dad and then one for himself. He leaned against the counter. “I do.”

  “Now, that’s what I want to hear. When is your patient arriving at the hospital?”

  “The hospital plans to admit her at 7:00 a.m., then do the final tests, with surgery scheduled at 9:00.”

  “How long do you think it will take?”

  “If all goes well, I should know within three hours.”

  “It will go well, Son.”

  “Yes, of course. Then the real work starts. My patient is going to need months of therapy to retrain and rebuild her muscles. However, this woman is strong willed. Her caregiver told me that she’s already been stretching her legs every day with the band I gave her. That tells me she’s determined.” Jacob looked down at his watch. “I’ve got to go, Dad. Have a good day.”

  “You, too, Son.”

  Jacob poured more coffee into his travel mug, grabbed his files and left.

  He arrived at the hospital and made arrangement to have Sydney admitted and last minute tests lined up to make sure nothing had changed.

  Sydney woke at 4:00 a.m., bathed, dressed and grabbed her overnight bag then quietly rolled into the kitchen

  Teddy smelled the coffee, jumped out of bed and raced down the hall to see his sister dressed and smiling at him. “Have you forgotten that you can’t have anything to eat or drink now?”

  Sydney raised one eyebrow. “You look like crap. How late did you two stay up?”

  “Syd, I’m serious.”

  “I am too. I made the coffee for you and Anna, but unless you want her to see you looking like that, I’d suggest you clean up and change.”

  Teddy looked down to see he was in his shorts. “He turned to run back to his room when Anna stepped out of her room. Teddy almost knocked her over. “Sorry,” he blurted as he pushed her aside and dashed back in his room.

  Anna continued down the hall. “What was all that about?”

  “Teddy thought I was drinking coffee.”

  “You’re not, are you?”

  “No. Like I told my brother, I made it for you two.”

  “Well, I need to get dressed first, but don’t you even take a sip.”

  “I have no intentions of drinking anything. Now get out of here before I pour this pot down the drain.”

  “You wouldn’t.”

  Sydney reached for the pot, and Anna turned toward her door. “Okay, I’m going.”

  Sydney sat alone in the quiet living room near the French doors leading to the balcony and whispered, “Soon.” She heard the water running in Teddy’s room and then Anna’s. “I wonder which one is going to get the cold water?” Then she heard Teddy holler.

  She laughed. “I guess it was my brother.”

  Her brother and Anna finally emerged from their rooms dressed for the day. Teddy entered first and stood in front of his sister. “Well, is this better?”

  Sydney chuckled. “Uh, yeah.”

  Anna came down the hall wearing Khaki capris and an oversized green plaid shirt, and black heels. Teddy jerked his head back. “You look great, Anna.”

  “You look better, too,” Anna snickered.

  “If you two are finished complimenting each other, fill your mugs and let's go.”

  Teddy walked over to Sydney’s chair and knelt beside her. “How are you feeling this morning?”

  “I’m feeling great. I’m ready to do this.”

  Teddy kissed her on the cheek. Anna handed him a travel mug then turned off the pot. “Okay, let's get this circus on the road.”

  Sydney squeezed Teddy’s hand as he took hold of her wheelchair. He hesitated for a moment while Anna opened the door. Sydney felt her heartbeat pounding in her chest, and her hands began to perspire. She looked up at Teddy and nodded her head. He wheeled her to the elevator, then onto the parking garage. He lifted her into the car while Anna put her chair in the trunk of Teddy’s silver Lexus. Her body started to shake until Teddy reached over and squeezed her hand. “You can do this, Sis.”

  Sydney forced a smile but gritted her teeth.

  They drove up to the front of the hospital. Teddy pulled her chair out from the back and lifted his sister out of the car. She had her eyes closed, but he could feel her body shaking. He leaned down and whispered. “We’re almost there. You’re going to be fine.”

  She grabbed his arm and didn’t let go until they were inside. He went to the sliding glass window and announced they’re arrival to the nurse.

  The nurse called upstairs, and an orderly immediately came to the lobby to escorted Sydney, Teddy, and Anna to a room. “Doctor Thornhill has your room ready. How are you doing, Miss Parker?”

  Sydney bit her lower lip. “Fine.”

  The nurse asked Teddy and Anna to wait outside as they got Sydney undressed. “Miss Parker, you’re going to be in the best hands this hospital has to offer. If there is anything I can do for you, just ring this bell,” the nurse said as she instructed Sydney on the use of the call button.

  “Thank you. Can my brother and Anna come back in now?”

  “Of course. I’ll get them.”

  Anna sat down next to the bed while Teddy stood holding his sister’s hand. He looked down at her and smiled. “This is what you’ve been waiting for.”

  “I know, but I’m still nervous as hell. I can’t stop shaking.”

  “I think they’ll probably give you something to help you before you go into surgery.”

  “You think?”

  Teddy chuckled. “Yes, I do, now try and relax.”

  “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one that’s going to be cut up.”

  “Sis, you’re not going to be cut up.”

  Doctor Thornhill knocked then entered her room looking very doctor like in his surgical scrubs. “How are you doing this morning Sydney? I hope you slept well.”

  “I slept fine, but now I can’t stop shaking.”

  Jacob calmly took her hand in his and smiled. “You won’t be shaking for long, now let’s get you down to X-ray. As soon as I make sure there are no changes since the last time, we’ll start.”

  Sydney looked into Jacob’s gentle ice-blue eyes. “I’m ready, I think.”

  “Good. I’ll have the nurse wheel your bed down so we can get started.”

  Sydney looked around him to Teddy and Anna. “You’ll be here when I get back, won’t you?”

  Teddy took Anna’s hand. “We’ll be waiting right here.”

  Jacob turned to Teddy. “You might want to get something to eat. We should have her back here in a few hours.”

  Syd looked up at Teddy. “You’re not going to leave the hospital, are you?”

  “No, Sis. We’ll just grab something from the cafeteria then wait right here.”

  She smiled, and Teddy leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. Anna leaned down and kissed her too. “See you later.”

  Sydney kept her eyes on her brother and Anna as the nurse wheeled the bed out of the room.

  Jacob walked beside the bed until they reached the elevator. “Sydney, you’re doing fine. I’ll see you shortly.”

  Sydney reached over and took his hand. “Thank you, Doctor T.”

  Jacob smiled. “Don’t thank me yet.” Then the nurse wheeled Sydney’s bed into the elevator.

  Jacob waited as the nurse and the assistant wheeled the bed out of the room for her x-rays.

  “Doctor Thornhill, here’s the x-rays for Miss Parker.”

  “Thank you, Janet.”

  He slid the film into the lightbox and then turned to Janet. “Will your team prep Miss Parker now?”

  “Yes, Doctor.”

  Jacob scrubbed and gowned then greeted Sydney in the operating room. “Everything looks good. Do you have any questions before we begin?”

  “I can’t think of any right now. My brain
is in a fog.”

  “In a moment, you won’t be thinking of anything,” he said as he nodded to the Anesthesiologist.

  “If you say…” Sydney was out before she could finish her sentence.

  Anna and Teddy went down to the cafeteria, but Anna couldn’t eat. “I think I’m more nervous than Syd. I can’t eat a thing.”

  Teddy put his arm around her shoulder. “She’s going to be fine.”

  Her eyes welled up with tears. “What if something goes wrong?”

  “We have to believe that nothing will.”

  “I know you’re right. When I tried to question your sister on everything Doctor Thornhill told her, she’d skirt the question. It was as if she wasn’t telling us the whole story.”

  “Anna, Syd was just nervous. Like she said, she didn’t want to jinx this. We have to stay positive. Speaking of changing the subject…” He hesitated.

  “What?”

  “Have you thought of what you’re going to do with your free time once Sydney starts running around?”

  “Of course not. All I think about is her.”

  “You ought to start thinking about you. Sydney isn’t going to rely on you to take care of her after this. I know you don’t have plans of moving, but your time will be your own.”

  “Teddy, I can’t think about the what ifs.”

  “I’m just saying.”

  She looked up at him. “I could ask you the same question.”

  “I’m not the one living under the same roof.”

  “No, but you come running whenever she needs you. Maybe that’s why you haven’t married.”

  He cocked his head. “I told you that I just hadn't found the right someone yet…but I might be getting close.”

  “What?”

  “I mean, I think I’m ready to investigate the possibilities with someone.”

  “Anyone in particular?”

  He leaned across the table, rested his head in his hands and looked up at her. “Maybe.”

  She quickly turned her gazed away. “You’re teasing me, Teddy Parker.”

  He chuckled. “Am I?”

  She stood up from the table. “I need something to drink.”

  “Sure, run away,” he hollered as she dashed toward the counter.

  They each bought a bottle of water and walked back to Sydney’s room. The elevator ride was silent as they avoided eye contact and sipped their water. Once inside the room, Anna began to pace. “It’s already been two hours, and we haven’t heard a word.”

  “Doctor Thornhill said it could be a few hours. I’m sure if anything were wrong, he’d tell us. Her surgery is a complicated and delicate operation. I’m sure he’s doing all he can to assure it goes as planned.”

  “I just hate not knowing.”

  A nurse entered the room, and Anna blurted out. “Is the surgery over?”

  “I have no idea. I was just sent in here to make sure the room is ready for the patient when she returns.”

  “When will that be?”

  The nurse approached Anna. “Is Miss Parker your sister?”

  “No, but I’ve known her all her life and lived with her the past twenty years. Mr. Parker is her brother.”

  The nurse looked over at Teddy then back at Anna. “Miss Parker is in the hands of the finest surgeon I’ve ever known.”

  “Thank you,” Anna whispered.

  The nurse finished cleaning the room then left. Teddy walked to the window where Anna was standing. “You know our girl is strong and determined. Between her and the doctor, it’s a winning combination.”

  Anna turned and then buried her face in his chest. He gently wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. She looked up at him. “I know you’ll find the perfect woman and she’ll be lucky to have you.” She pulled away. “Besides, if she doesn’t treat you right, she’ll have me to deal with.”

  Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Anna and Teddy turned to see Doctor Thornhill enter the room.

  It had been nearly a month since Doctor Thornhill operated on Sydney. Teddy stayed with Anna to deal with Sydney’s old room. They removed the hospital bed his sister had lived in for so long. As the bed they donated was removed, Anna squeezed Teddy’s arm. “That was so much of your sister’s life. It’s hard to see it go.”

  “I know, but the sooner we get rid of all that, the sooner we move forward.”

  Anna took in a deep breath. “I never thought I’d see this day happen.”

  Teddy hired a cleaning company to give the apartment a thorough cleaning. The crew finished up just before lunch. “Anna, let’s get out of here for a minute and grab a bite to eat. We can’t do any more now.”

  Anna grabbed her tote, turned and looked at the apartment, then closed the door and left. They crossed the street and stopped at one of the food trucks in the park. Anna wanted an Italian sub, and Teddy opted for Thai. They carried their meal to a table overlooking the lake. Anna started to bite into her sub when she spotted a couple sitting at the table next to them. She kicked Teddy under the table. “Ouch. What was that for?”

  Anna motioned her head toward the table. “Look who’s there,” she mumbled.

  Teddy slowly turned his head then back to Anna. He set his food down and whispered. “Don’t make a scene.”

  “But it’s that couple Sydney used to watch outside her window.”

  “I can see that. Please, don’t say anything.”

  “I’m not going to say anything. I just wish Sydney was here to see them. I’m sure she’d love to meet those two.”

  “Well, she’s not. Let’s just eat and get back to the apartment.”

  “Okay, okay.” Anna kept glancing over at the couple until Teddy kicked her under the table. “Stop,” he grunted.

  They finished their lunch and returned to the apartment. Anna opened the French doors and set a vase of flowers on the balcony table. “I think it’s done,” she said as she stood and looked around the room.

  Teddy nodded. “I think so too. You’ve done a good job.”

  “I didn’t do this alone. I couldn’t have fixed this place up without you. I hope you know how much I appreciate you staying here and helping with all this.”

  He wrapped his arms around her. “I do. Thank you for everything.”

  Anna smiled up at him and kissed him on the cheek. “Are we ready?”

  “I think so.”

  There was a knock on the door. Anna looked at Teddy, grabbed his hand and opened the door. “Welcome home.”

  Jacob wheeled Sydney into the living room. She turned to him and smiled. “You didn’t have to bring me home.”

  “It was my pleasure.”

  Teddy extended his hand to Jacob. “We can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for Sydney.”

  “I’m just glad it all went so well. Your sister is quite the fighter. She has progressed more than any other patient I’ve ever operated on. She has a strong will. I expect to see her walking around that beautiful lake in no time, right Sydney?”

  “In no time

  Teddy started to lean down to kiss Syndey when Sydney locked the brakes of her wheelchair and stood up. She threw her arms around Teddy. Anna wrapped her arms around both of them. “You did it, girl!”

  Sydney turned to Jacob. “Can you stay and celebrate with us? After all, none of this would be possible if it weren’t for you.”

  “I’d love to, but..”

  “Ah, come on Jacob, one beer,” Teddy insisted.

  “Okay, just one beer.”

  Sydney reached for Jacob's hand and escorted him to the living room. “How can I ever repay you, Doctor T?”

  “Well, you can start by seeing your brother’s hypnotist. Let’s clean out all the old garbage and start fresh.”

  Teddy cringed waiting for Syd’s response.

  “Okay, but not today. Today we celebrate my new life.”

  Jacob nodded. “I’ll take that as a yes?”

  “Yes.”

  Jacob started to leav
e the apartment, and Sydney used her quad cane to follow him to the door. “I’m glad you stayed.”

  “It was good seeing you home again.”

  She stretched up and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll see you again soon.”

  “Don’t forget to keep up your therapy. You still have a way to go before the muscles in your legs are strong enough.”

  “You don’t have to worry about that. If I know my brother and Anna, they’ll still hover over me.” She leaned up closer to him and whispered, “I’m glad they do.”

  “You’re a lucky lady, Miss Parker. I’ll see you in two weeks.”

  She saluted him, “Yes, Sir.”

  Sydney watched Jacob walk to the elevator then closed the door.

  Jacob drove home to find his father in the den with a drink. “Hey, Dad,” he said as he looked at his watch. “You okay?”

  “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” Senior snapped.

  Jacob held his hands up in front of him. “No reason.” He walked in and sat down across from him on the couch. “How’s your day been?”

  “Just like every single day since I retired. Boring.”

  “I thought you were going to start working on a book?”

  “I can’t just sit in my room all day and write. I need to be active.”

  “What about joining the country club with the Danners? You like hanging out with them.”

  “It’s nice once in a while, but it’s not the same going out with married couples since your mother passed. I feel like a damn fifth wheel. And before you say it, I’m not going to join some old folks club.”

  “I’d never suggest that. Why don’t I change my clothes and let’s go over to Sal’s? I’d love some Italian food; then I can update you on my patient.”

  “That does sound good. I’d love to hear how she’s doing.”

  Jacob went upstairs to his new room and changed.

  The new addition was completed, and Senior moved into his master suite downstairs. Frank still had work to do on the patio and a few touch ups on the trim.

  Jacob returned, and the two of them headed out the front door. His father was quiet and didn’t say much on the way. Once inside of Sal’s he perked up when he saw Sal.

  “Good evening, David, Jacob.”