by Lexy Timms
Charity’s stomach growled in agreement. “The yard’s paradise since we got rid of all the debris from remodeling the house. It sat there forever looking horrible. I paid the boy next door to move it to the curb. He borrowed his friend’s truck to take it to the dump a few weeks ago. The grass has already grown and the yard looks huge. It’s great. Except the pile of rubble that still has to be removed. He’s doing that next weekend.”
“You could’ve just paid a service to haul it away. I would have paid for it. Got it done a lot quicker.”
“Nah,” Charity waved her hand. “The kid was looking to make a few extra bucks. I often hire him to do odd jobs because he volunteers instead of working while at college. He’s pre-med. Good kid. He’ll probably run the hospital one day. He’s a nice, smart kid.”
“Be sure to keep Jamie Lynn away from the rubble. It looks dangerous, which means it’s a fun magnet to her.” Margaret went in to perform magic in the kitchen while Charity lit the barbecue.
Charity and Jamie got the sidewalk chalk out and went ballistic drawing crazy shapes and figures on the concrete in the backyard. Charity’s drawings were not as advanced as Jamie’s were. She wondered where her daughter got her skills from because she was no Rembrandt and based on Elijah’s writing, he was way worse.
“Daddy! Mommy, it’s Papa too.” Jamie cheered the arrival of the remainder of her fan club VIP’s.
Elijah and her father had left the hospital together in Elijah’s Porsche Boxster. The car was leased as an early mid-life crisis toy. Elijah wasn’t showy. He would attract attention in a beat up pickup but it was on his bucket list. Charity never drove the thing because the sleek interior and small steering wheel were difficult to get used to. It sat in the garage most of the time because it didn’t work for a family of three.
Elijah threw Jamie in the air as if she were a stuffed doll. She giggled with joy. Jamie loved taking flight although it drove Charity mad. “How’s my princess?”
“Great!” Charity and Jamie responded at the same time.
“You’re right ladies,” he said smiling. “You’re both my princesses. I believe that makes me the luckiest king in the world.
“How was the hospital?” Charity asked as he set Jamie down on the grass to play.
“I was able to swap my on-call with Bailey. It usually doesn’t mean much because I get called in anyways, but at least it gives us a shot at a quiet evening.” Elijah pulled Charity in for a kiss, but it didn’t last long because Jamie Lynn was grabbing on his pant leg.
“I pooped today Daddy. Big girl toilet.” Jamie smiled as if she had just aced an exam.
“You did.” He dropped down so he was at her height. “I’m so proud of you, Peanut!”
“Gamma got video!” She leaned over his shoulder as Margaret came out of the house carrying a tray. “Right Gamma? You videoed me?”
Elijah looked horrified as he straightened and turned to help his mother with the tray of tall cool cocktails for everyone.
“She didn’t,” Charity whispered in his ear.
Elijah handed the frosted glasses out to everyone and raised a glass. “Cheers to family.”
“And poops.” Jamie raised her sippy cup.
The gin & tonics were tantalizing paired with the scrumptious and healthful crudité platter. They swarmed around the treats as if they’d never eaten. They didn’t notice Jamie sneak away and head for a mountain she wanted to be king of, like her daddy.
She climbed the pile of rotten rubble or timber with exposed nails and old sheet rock. It was about four feet high. Charity saw her and cried out as she raced toward Jamie, dropping her glass in the process.
Jamie nearly reached the top when her small pink Croc got stuck on a piece of twisted metal. She pulled and her other leg lost footing. She teetered before falling backwards.
Charity ran, as if in slow motion and horrified, watching her baby fall. Jamie hit the ground with a hard thud and her guttural scream caught everyone’s attention.
Chapter 11
“Jamie!” Charity dropped to her knees before her suddenly silent baby girl. She immediately checked her child’s pulse.
The other two doctors were instantly at Charity’s side. All three had each spent enough time in emergency to know that someone had to take the lead. Elijah took control and Charity let him. “She’s unresponsive.” He checked her vitals as Charity had just done, speaking at the same time. “Hit number one on my speed dial.” He tossed his phone to his mother. “Let them know I’m coming in with a two-year-old fall victim.”
“An ambulance. Shouldn’t we get an ambulance?” Charity watched in horror at her little baby.
Elijah ignore her as he checked Jamie’s neck and his hands moved swiftly over his daughter’s body. “Shit!” he muttered. “Scott, you drive. I want Charity in the backseat of the sedan. I’ll hop in. We need to keep her head stabilized. She’s breathing, but shattered the hell out of her femur. I can’t tell if there’s any spinal damage until we get her to the hospital.” He pointed to the long wooden tray Margaret had brought the drinks out on. “Grab that for me, Charity.”
She did as instructed and grabbed Elijah’s and her father’s ties from the back of the chair they had taken off earlier. Working with Elijah they secured Jamie quickly onto the tray.
Elijah pointed at his mother. “Mom, get in the front seat and call Dr. Bailey. Get him on speaker stat and I don’t care if he’s fucking his wife. I want him prepping an ER.”
Charity was moving but she would never remember her steps. Her shooting, her mother’s death and her father’s heart attack did not compare. Jamie’s gossamer curls framed her peaceful face. She hoped Jamie would never remember this moment. She’ll make it through this. She’s going to be okay. She’s going to be okay.
Elijah looked into Charity’s eyes with fear that she had never seen before. The evening of perfection had suddenly turned into her worst nightmare.
It seemed to take forever to get to the hospital and yet they were there in the blink of an eye.
Dr. Thompson squealed up to the Emergency Department entrance.
“Shit, Elijah.” Charity noticed the seat of the car had blood on it. “I’m looking at Jamie’s femur. It’s a compound fracture. She needs blood. Get a peripheral drip going with some O neg. I’m worried about her bleeding out more than anything right now. It better not be anywhere near her femoral artery.”
Jamie was placed on a cart immediately and her head stabilized. Elijah and Charity rushed Jamie through the swinging doors and transferred to the table by a team of mostly residents. Jamie’s lips moved and grimaced her face. She moaned low and sad.
Charity burst into tears.
“She’s waking up.” Elijah barked out orders as Charity had never seen him do before. “I want acetaminophen, ampicillin, ketamine and NS started. Just have them all ready. Start with the acetaminophen. She’s two.” He glared at those around him. “Come on people! Move!”
Scott Thompson perked up. “You are trained professionals and anyone with anything on their damn minds other than this patient should get the hell out of here! Go flip burgers or whatever, just make room for people who give a shit.”
Elijah fixed his glare on Charity. “All non-essentials have to move outta here.”
Charity shook her head. There was no way she was going to leave the room while Jamie lay on the table. She had no license to be present but Elijah’s look was unchanging. She was clearly out of place in her blood soaked sundress.
Beyond angry, she stormed out of the exam room; making a clash with the swinging doors. Her eyes darted around the emergency department for a stray white coat. She ran into the hallway where she expected to find the closet where clean scrubs were kept so she could sneak in incognito. The hospital had cracked down on unauthorized personnel having access to scrubs, masks and other essential gear. The closet was locked and she didn’t have the necessary key card.
She spotted her key. “Hey, I know you!” She mov
ed toward the young man standing a few feet away from her. “You’re Conrad, from next door on Huntington Ave. It’s Dr. Thompson-Bennet. Get your ass into the restroom and take off your clothes.”
“P-Pardon?” He followed her into the private restroom. “Y-You’re a m-married woman and my n-neighbor. I can’t risk my career,” Conrad stammered. “Or m-my life. Doctor Bennet will kill me.”
“Shut up, Conrad. I’m not making a play for you. I just need your clothes. Start stripping.” Charity’s tone relaxed a little when she saw that poor Conrad was trembling.
“Yes Ma’am.” Conrad undressed down to his skivvies.
“Jamie’s had a terrible accident. I need to look like I belong so I can get into the treatment room. I’ll throw on your garb which will be perfect and I know where to stand in order to stay out of the way. I’ll take your hair net and beanie as well. You have a ponytail, which you hide nicely. I’ll stuff my hair up so no one will see. Give me your elastic band as well.” How she was thinking and speaking so coherently was beyond her grasp. Hopefully the young orderly wouldn’t argue.
Conrad was standing nearly naked in the cold restroom.
“What do I do now?” Conrad asked as he attempted to cover his bulge with his hands.
Charity slipped on his pants before pulling her dress off. Thankfully she remembered she’d gone commando. “Sorry. I can’t help you with that.” She finished dressing and headed for the door. “This remains between you and me Conrad.”
With head covered, mask and eye protection, Charity was unrecognizable. She proceeded to quickly scrub up and walk into the treatment room with her head bowed.
“Ready for us in the operating room. I would like to assist. Unfortunately, ortho is not my specialty but I trust you Dr. Bailey,” Elijah said to the doctor beside him.
“Tell me what we’re looking at. I wish your wife was still here practicing. Jamie’s case is in her wheelhouse.”
“Jamie’s vitals are up to par but as you can see her femur got a greenstick fracture. There’s been blood loss so we’re pushing O neg and a NS drip.” Elijah squared his shoulders. “Save the leg and minimal scarring. It’s priority next to life of course.”
Dr. Bailey stepped forward to work.
Charity had positioned herself about two feet behind Elijah. No, you dimwit. We are dealing with Grade II nerve damage. We need to address possible long-term effects of axonotmesis. Charity took a step towards Elijah and whispered in his ear. “Don’t yell, it’s me.” She didn’t even give him a chance to reply. “Don’t turn around or even acknowledge I’m here. Be sure he checks the femoral head. I think there’s another crack if you look closely at the X-ray. It’s a hairline and easy to miss but it can cause the synovial fluid to leak. It won’t do any good if she can’t use her leg.” Charity stepped back.
Elijah barely nodded.
“Bailey, before we go in, I want to address the femoral head and possible nerve damage,” Elijah said.
“Got it. Sounds like something Dr. Thompson-Bennet would suggest. Now get out of here and check on your wife. She’s going to be beside herself. Your daughter’s in safe hands. Nothing will go wrong with me in charge. Then come back in to check on her.”
Jamie was wheeled into operating room one, which was as if she were checked into the penthouse suite. It didn’t hurt that she was the chief’s granddaughter.
Elijah tore off his gown. He would have to change and scrub up again before entering the OR. He stepped into the elevator and Charity quickly followed. Thankfully they were alone. “Nice move Charity. You can’t pull that in the OR.”
“I know.” She pulled her mask off, surprised at how calm she actually felt. “If I’m caught and lose my license for life because of what I just did, it’ll have been worth it. Especially if Jamie has a positive outcome.” Her voice caught as her throat tightened.
“She will, Charity.” The elevator slowed. “Head over to the waiting room. Your dad and my mom are probably already there.” He pulled her tight against him and hugged her with all his might. “She’s going to be fine. I promise.”
He sounded like a mama bear protecting her cubs. She believed him and knew he would do whatever it took to make sure Jamie Lynn would be okay.
Guilt washed over her. She should have been watching Jamie better. The pile of rubble should have been hauled away sooner. She should be a better mother.
The doors opened and Elijah stepped out to assist in the most important surgery of his career.
Chapter 12
All the times Charity had been in the waiting room of the hospital, she had never noticed the heinous shade of blue that covered the furniture. Maybe it had changed since her mother had been ill, but staring at the awful blue she had the sudden urge to redecorate. She had snuck up to the room where interns and other doctors were allowed to observe surgeries. Her father had made sure she had no problem getting in. Nobody said anything. He went down to sit with Margaret.
Charity decided it was safe to leave the observation room when Elijah and Dr. Bailey began the application of the Spica cast. It would begin on the abdomen and extend beyond the hip down the entire left leg. It was necessary to immobilize her hip so the thighbone could heal. They had thought it was just a greenstick fracture but the fracture near the top of her femur caused Dr. Bailey to argue for a bigger cast.
So much for potty training and walking on her own. Charity would have to replenish the diaper supply and rely on the baby-jogger for a bit longer. A big-girl bed would have to wait, as Jamie would remain in her crib throughout her recovery. There was the possibility of some length discrepancy in her left leg but it was a minor inconvenience when compared to what might have happened. If Jamie had extensive nerve damage, she could have spent months and perhaps years enduring strenuous physical therapy. Never walking again was a real possibility. Charity closed her eyes and buried her head in her hands while she waited for Elijah to tell her when Jamie was moving to recovery.
“Hey, you.” Julie gently nudged her friend. “I came down as soon as I heard. I know Jamie’s in capable hands with Dr. Bailey and Elijah. How’re you?”
Charity forced a smile, happy to see her friend. They barely saw each other these days, now that Charity wasn’t at the hospital every day. “I’ve never been more scared in my life. I’m a doctor, Julie, and I’ve had patients die,” her voiced dropped down to a whisper. “I watched my mom die, I nearly lost my dad, but nothing comes close to this. It’s a gut check and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. The past twelve hours have been a blur and I don’t want to remember them.” She sniffed and wiped a tear that had slipped down her cheek. “I’m afraid to remember them, because I don’t want to think about the possibility of life without…without...” Charity raked her hands through her blonde hair and thought about what a mess she was.
“What can I do? Let me help you. Simon’s never around so I’m always at the hospital. I’ll dress up like a clown if you think it’ll put a smile of Jamie’s face. I can hang with her, check on her during my rounds, sleep with her at night. Anything.”
Charity smiled. “I appreciate it Juls. You’re a loyal friend. It’s too early to make plans, but when I figure things out I’ll let you know. My life’s been thrown off its axis and I need to assess the damage before I plan anything.”
“It doesn’t hurt to have people you can rely on. I’ll get some of the hospital staff to cook you guys some dinners. The less worry on food and things like that will make things easier. You don’t realize it now, but as Jamie’s healing, you’ll appreciate it. You can freeze the dinners and use ‘em as you need ‘em.” Julie made a note on her phone. “I won’t stop checking in and I promise not to take it personally if you tell me to go to hell. Elijah’s mom’s great help. It’ll be great having her here for the next while. She and Dr. Thompson must be a wreck.”
Charity looked around the waiting room with bloodshot eyes. “I have no idea where my dad and Margaret are. They drove us here to the hospital and
I saw my dad earlier in the observation room. I don’t know where they went after.” She tried to remember if her dad had told her if they were heading home. She couldn’t imagine it.
Julie looked around the near empty waiting room. “I’m surprised they’re not close by. You were so focused on Jamie that you probably just missed them.”
“I guess.” Charity reached for her phone and then realized she didn’t have it on her. “Would you let them know what’s happening and where I am. Maybe they’re resting in my dad’s office. Can you page my father.” Charity tilted her head in confusion. She should have gone to Elijah’s office and waited there for Elijah instead of here in the waiting room. What if Elijah was looking for her?
“I’m on it,” Julie said. “I’ll go check with Maxine, Dr. Thompson’s leading lady here at the hospital. She knows everything that’s going on here.”
“I’ll come with you.” Charity decided she might as well check her dad’s office and also Elijah’s across the hall. She could message Elijah from his computer and tell him she was waiting there.
Julie smiled at Maxine as the two of them headed to the main switchboard of the hospital. “Hello Maxine! Crazy evening, or should I say morning now? I imagine Dr. Thompson has been running around like a chicken with his head cut-off. I’m trying to locate him so his daughter, Doctor Charity Thompson-Bennet doesn’t have to track him down. Is he in his office?” Julie asked politely.
“No and no,” Maxine said flatly.
Julie frowned. “I’m sorry. Do you mean no, I can’t see Dr. Thompson, or no, he’s not in his office?”
“No to both. You can make an appointment to see Dr. Thompson next week, although it will probably have to be rescheduled under the circumstances.” Maxine’s brisk voice held a tone of authority. She obviously didn’t care she was talking to one of the doctors of the hospital.
Charity cleared her throat and threw her hands on her hips as she stepped forward. “Look Maxine, my daughter came in with a serious injury and her father, Dr. Elijah Bennet is operating on her right now. My father, Dr. Scott Thompson drove his granddaughter here. WHERE’S MY FREAKIN’ FATHER?”
