Sleeping Roses

by RaShelle Workman

"Doctor, her heart rate is up to one hundred beats per minute."

  "That's too fast," a male voice responded.

  She tried to open her eyes, to tell them she was fine, but she was too tired. I'll tell them I'm all right in a while, she promised herself as she dreamily went back to sleep.

  #

  Opening her eyes, she looked around, examining her surroundings. It was stark, with nothing but a dry erase board on the wall. I must be in a hospital, she thought, lifting a hand to her pounding head.

  "Glad you've finally joined us," a woman gushed, walking crisply into the room.

  "I'm Glenda. Can I get you anything?"

  "W-Water," Sophie stammered hoarsely.

  "Of course. I'll be right back."

  Glenda left, quickly returning.

  "Here you go." Lifting her head, she brought the cup to her lips, allowing her to take a drink. When she’d had enough, Glenda put her head back against the pillows. "I'm going to check your pulse." She did, listened to her heart and checked the bag of fluid hanging from an IV stand. "The doctor will be in to talk to you in a few minutes. Also, there are a couple of detectives here to talk to you."

  "Okay," Sophie whispered, then thought of something. "How long have I been here?"

  "About twenty-six hours," the nurse answered, walking from the room. That long? She thought, tenderly rubbing her head. She gingerly closed her eyes, trying to remember everything that had happened.

  She remembered the man grabbing her. What was it he'd said, she pondered, trying to remember. Before long it came to her. He’d said, ‘I’m only doing what I was paid to do.’ Her gut told her David was involved; she knew it as sure as she knew she was alive. She also remembered her promise to get far, far away from David, if she made it out of the situation alive.

  Still massaging her head, her fingers found a lump. I must’ve got it when he let go of me. She couldn't believe she'd escaped, but knew it was because of Phillip. She didn't know how he'd done it, but he had. He'd helped her; saved her. To repay his kindness, she’d done what? The memory of their kiss flung itself into her consciousness.

  “Oh no,” she groaned, her cheeks burning at the memory. What must he think of me? How am I ever going to be able to face him again? She was, however, unable to think on it more because a man in a white coat walked in, followed by another man and a woman.

  "Hello, Mrs. Berkeley, I'm Doctor Rosen." His eyes were kind and full of sympathy.

  "Hello," she replied, shaking his outstretched hand.

  "You've had quite an ordeal. How are you feeling?"

  "My head is tender," she admitted, trying to sound brave, appear strong.

  "I'll have the nurse bring you in something for the pain. It's probably from the traces of chloroform we found in your system and the bump on your forehead."

  She nodded in agreement.

  "Does it hurt anywhere else?"

  "No," she answered.

  "Good." He turned to the people behind him, acknowledging them for the first time. "These detectives need to ask you a few questions. I'll leave you to them unless you have any other questions for me?"

  She shook her head no.

  "Fine. A nurse should be in with pain medication in a few minutes. If you need anything else, just push the button," he said, indicating the buttons on the bed, then was gone.

  She was nervous being alone with them. She didn't know what to say. She felt guilty, and didn't know why.

  The male strutted forward. His blond hair was short and spiked. He looked to be twenty-six. He had blue eyes and filled out his uniform perfectly. Big arms, slim waist, thick legs. He introduced himself and the woman.

  "I'm Detective Mallory and this is my partner Detective Oborn. We'd like to ask you a few questions, okay."

  She nodded.

  The female, Detective Oborn, was a lot smaller than her partner. She had blue eyes and blond hair, cut in a bob. She seemed feminine but tough. Although her hair was combed, it looked like she hadn’t done much else. She walked toward the bed, expressing her sympathies.

  "What a terrible thing to happen. It must’ve been quite a scary experience for you."

  "Yes," Sophie squeaked out.

  Detective Mallory came to her bed, standing next to his partner, "Did you know the man who did this to you?" he interrogated intently.

  "No," she replied.

  "Did you get a look at his face?" he continued.

  She tried to sit up, beginning to feel more uncomfortable under his gaze.

  "No, he wore a ski mask," she answered slowly.

  Detective Oborn glared sideways at her partner before asking,

  "What can you tell us about him? Was he tall? Fat? Thin?" Sophie focused on Detective Oborn, responding, "He was probably at least six feet tall. He didn't seem overweight, but he had on a jacket and, as I said, a ski mask, so I don't know for sure." She stopped, seeing the disappointment on the detective’s face.

  "Sorry, there wasn't a lot of light. I know he had on jeans and boots, work boots, I think. When I fell against him, I remember, he smelled like cigars and beer.”

  "Anything else, Mrs. Berkeley?" Detective Mallory asked, his impatience obvious.

  "Did he say anything to you?"

  "Only, he was doing what he was paid to do."

  Detective Mallory perked up.

  "Interesting? Do you know of anyone who would want to hurt you?"

  She looked from one face to the other, wondering how much she should tell them. She decided now was the time to tell them all of it. "My husband, David Berkeley," she responded hesitantly.

  Detective Mallory looked at her quizzically. “Why would you think your husband wants to hurt you, Mrs. Berkeley?"

  She quickly ran through the details of what had been going on over the past two years, finishing with the promiscuous way she'd found her husband, her decision to divorce him and then the strange phone call. She told them about David trying to rape her when she'd gone over to give him divorce papers. She told them about the man she'd seen following her from her hotel to school. Everything except the kiss she’d shared with Phillip.

  They'd listened intently, asking a question here or there when appropriate. When she was finished, Detective Oborn declared, “You've been through a lot. I wish you had reported everything you've told us. We would’ve protected you."

  "Really?” She tried not to sound surprised.

  "Of course," Detective Mallory replied fiercely, although the look on his face told her he was lying. Quickly changing the subject, he said, "We're glad Mr. Hansen was there to stop him or this might have had a different outcome."

  She sunk back in her pillows.

  “I know. I'm thankful he was there, too. He saved my life."

  "Absolutely," he concurred absently, entering something into his Blackberry. Looking up, he went on.

  “He corroborates the man wore a ski mask. He said when he found you the man dragged you down a hall. When Dr. Hansen yelled out, the man dropped you."

  Detective Mallory waited for her to agree.

  “I do remember him letting go of me." She shrugged helplessly.

  Detective Mallory stared at her a moment, as if waiting for more then went on,

  "Dr. Hansen and your assailant fought briefly before the man ran off.”

  She shrugged again.

  “Apparently, this is when Dr. Hansen called the police. We met him at the entrance to the school, where we took his statement. Once the paramedics checked you out, he rode with you in the ambulance to the hospital."

  Detective Oborn flashed a congenial smile.

  "You're lucky to have a friend like Dr. Hansen around."

  "Yes," she responded, trying not to blush as their kiss danced across her mind.

  Detective Mallory started to look irritated again asking huffily, “Is there anything else you want to tell us?”

  "No, I think I’ve told you everything."

  "Fine. Just a couple more questions and then you can rest,” D
etective Oborn said kindly.

  "Sure."

  "Do you want to press charges against your husband for the attempted rape?"

  Without thinking about it, Sophie shook her head no.

  “I don’t want to aggravate the issues between us.”

  "You know, you can't make this any worse. We're going to go to his work, question him about what happened to you the other night. We're going to tell him we know about the attempted rape, too. You might as well get what happened to you on record."

  Nervously, she agreed. Sophie gave them her statement.

  Once she was finished, Detective Mallory handed her his card.

  Leaving, they promised to be in touch.

  Relieved it was over, she closed her eyes, fatigue crushing her. Her head was still pounding terribly. Fumbling for the call button, she was about to push it when Glenda returned with her pain medicine.

  "This won't hurt the baby?” she asked.

  "No, dear, it won't. We were wondering if you knew you were pregnant."

  "Yes, I've known for a while. Do you know if it's okay? My baby, I mean?"

  "While you were still asleep, we did an ultrasound and everything seemed fine."

  "That's a relief." Sophie took a deep breath, her concern alleviated.

  "You know, physically the doctor says you’re well enough to be discharged, although you'll still need a few days of bed rest. What do you think? Would you like to stay another night?"

  Just as she was about to answer, Rina walked in.

  "Oh, sweetie, I'm glad you're awake. I was worried," she gushed.

  "Rina, I’m so happy to see you.”

  "You can release her. She's coming home with me." She looked from the nurse to Sophie and continued, "No arguments.” To the nurse, she promised, “Don't worry, I'll make sure she follows the doctors orders."

  Sophie laughed lightly.

  "True, she will."

  "Excellent. Being with loved ones will be good for you. I'll get the paperwork ready.”

  An hour later, feeling the wonderful effects of the pain medicine, the doctor released her into Rina's care.

  Chapter 10

  "Have you heard anything from Phillip?" Sophie asked, trying to sound nonchalant. She stared out the car window, watching the buildings and other cars whiz by, on their way to Rina’s house. The sun set, making the world around her glow red and orange.

  "Yes, he called me when you both arrived at the hospital. He didn't know any of your family. I was his only choice," Rina replied as coolly.

  "Did he sound okay?"

  "He sounded okay, but as the nurse took me back to see you right after it happened, I noticed him in the room next to yours getting stitches over his eyebrow."

  "Oh, no. What happened to him?"

  "Apparently, sweetie, when he went after the guy, they fought pretty hard. He's also got a black eye and two bruised ribs."

  "Oh, no." She gasped again, devastated. A part of her though, had a twinge of joy at knowing he'd protected her.

  To Rina, she went on, "I need to apologize to him, tell him how bad I feel."

  She couldn't believe Phillip, who barely knew her, would risk his life for her. He'd tried to protect her, and he'd paid dearly for it. "What should I do?"

  "Hon, more importantly than Phillip at the moment is what should you do about David? He should pay for what he did to you." She paused, realizing, Sophie guessed, he hadn’t physically done this particular incident to her, then continued, "For what he had done to you."

  "You think it was him, then. I didn't think you thought David . . ." Rina interrupted her, "Without a doubt, I think he's behind this. I just hope the police can tie him to it. Then, when he's in jail, he won't be able to hurt you anymore."

  Sophie looked at Rina. She adored her friend. The sun danced against Rina’s hair in such a way, she looked like she had a halo.

  "You truly are my angel on earth, aren't you, " Sophie asked, touching her arm. "Thanks for being here for me."

  "Hon, you know it's my pleasure," Rina returned, smiling.

  Sophie sighed deeply, saying out loud what she'd been thinking, "I just wonder if this is worth it? I'm already spent, and I'm sure it's only beginning for David."

  "Maybe, but you can’t be suggesting you'd rather be in a loveless, not to mention, dangerous marriage the rest of your life, are you?" Rina was obviously concerned.

  "No, of course not. I’d love to be with a man who treats me like an equal. Someone who’s fun and full of goodness." An image of Phillip sprang into her mind. She pushed it aside almost mournfully and continued, "It's only, I don't know if that kind of life is meant for me. I'm having David's baby; don't I owe him another chance?"

  "Sophia Rose Barton Berkeley!" Rina exclaimed. "I cannot believe those words came out of your mouth. What century are you living in? Of course, it’s meant for you. You deserve happiness, dear, more than most, and what you owe David, well, I won't say it out loud because it's against the law."

  Sophie knew Rina was right. Once again, it occurred to her she could run. She needed to contemplate the idea, but not now. "Thanks for talking some sense into me, Rina."

  "I mean it!"

  "I know you do; and I don't want my baby growing up in a bad environment either."

  "Good." Rina sighed, clearly relieved.

  She rested her head against the passenger seat in Rina's car and closed her eyes. The man in the ski mask was there, laughing at her, hurting her. Feeling her insides convulse with fear, she tried to think of something else.

  Anything else, she thought.

  Suddenly Phillip was there, smiling at her, talking softly; telling her she was safe.

  She thought of their kiss, accidental but amazing. Sighing inwardly, she knew, even if things didn't go any further with Phillip, she was grateful for their kiss, because now she’d experienced passion and sincerity, and a whole lot of other feelings she'd never had with David. She wanted those kinds of feelings with someone; maybe Phillip, but it seemed too complicated.

  She opened her eyes, looking over at Rina, her dearest friend. She wanted to tell her about the kiss, but put it aside almost immediately. It was still too raw, and she wasn't ready.

  “When we get to my house, you’re going straight to bed. You heard the doctor’s orders.”

  “Sounds good, Rina.”

  Seemingly pleased, she continued, “You can sleep in my bed and I’ll take the couch.”

  “No, Rina. I can sleep on the couch.”

  “No arguments.”

  She didn’t have it in her to argue anyway.

  “Thank you.”

  #

  When they arrived, Rina sent her straight to bed. She’d changed into a pair of Rina’s pajamas, washed her face and tried unsuccessfully to sleep.

  Rina came in with a pill and some water.

  “Take this.”

  “No, I’m fine.”

  “Look, dear, I’m on doctors orders. You need your rest. Take it, and take it now.” Rina stood over her, tapping her foot, impatiently.

  Giving up, Sophie took the pill with the water, swallowing, then handed the glass back. “Happy?”

  “I’ll be happier when you’re asleep,” she replied, sounding miffed. Turning, she left the room and closed the door.

  #

  She knew she hovered over the burning car.

  Flames were engulfing it, and there was a woman inside. The woman screamed, as flames overtook her body.

  “Help! Help her,” She yelled, looking around for someone to come and save her. She saw a tall man, with black hair, being held back by four police officers. He pushed and kicked them. He obviously wanted to get the woman out.

  “Why won’t you let him save her?” She screamed.

  “Sir, you can’t go over there. You can’t. The car is going to explode.”

  At that moment, the explosion happened. Pieces of car and burning flesh were everywhere.

  “No,” the man yelled, running towar
d the car, finally free of their clutches. They didn’t chase him. The man fell to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably.

  “Hazel,” he screamed, reaching an arm toward the gutted, still burning vehicle.

  She smelled gasoline and something else. She realized it was the stink of burning flesh and was disgusted.

  “Where is the other woman?” The man yelled, on his feet again.

  “Where is she? Is she alive?”

  She followed the man’s gaze, seeing the other car, flipped upside down. There was also an ambulance nearby, with two EMT’s loading another body into the back.

  The man stood next to them, looking at the woman, shouting, “You bitch! If you live, you’ll pay for killing my sister! Do you hear me?”

  Two officers ran to him. Putting their hands on either one of his shoulders and pulling him away from the woman.

  “Who is she? What’s her name? I want to know.”

  “Calm down, sir,” an officer said.

  Crumbling, the man fell heavily against one of the officers.

  “She was the only family I had left.”

  “I’m sorry, sir. Come and sit down. We need to get you checked out.”

  She heard the sirens. Watched the fire truck pull up to the scene of the crash and hose down the burning car. Sophie observed the man watching them. He knelt on the ground, rocking back and forth, repeating the words, “You’ll pay for this,” over, and over.

  Poor man, she thought, looking down at herself. It finally dawned on her. She shouldn’t be hovering. In horror, she realized she wasn’t there, only a grayish-black mist, and she knew if she saw the eyes, they’d be yellow . . .

  “No! No! No! It can’t be. It can’t be me.”

  “Sophie, wake up. What’s wrong?”

  Opening her eyes, she saw Rina leaning over her, her face twisted with worry.

  “Rina,” she cried, “I’ve killed a woman.”

  #

  “Sophie, for the hundredth time, dear, you didn’t kill anyone. It was a dream, just a dream, sweetie.”

  “I don’t know, it seemed real. I was this grayish-black mist with yellow eyes . . . I see it, in my dreams, all the time.”

  She knew Rina tried to comfort her and appreciated it.

  The problem was the dream seemed real, as real as this moment, sitting on the couch, sipping herbal tea. She couldn’t explain it, but she somehow knew she was involved in the accident in her dream. Try as she might, though, she couldn’t remember how.