Almost Easy

Chapter Twenty-Six:

I thrashed when someone touched my face and shined a light in my eyes. I blinked furiously, trying to adjust my eyes against the brutal light. Something was pinning me down. I struggled against the grips on my arms. I ripped out the IVs and fought against the hands holding me to the bed. Where am I? How did I get here? I can hear an annoying beeping noise that keeps speeding up.

“Miss Wolf, you need to calm down.” Someone was telling me. I couldn’t pinpoint the voice. I can’t focus. Why can’t I focus?! Everything is so fuzzy.

“Don’t fucking touch me! Let me go!” I yelled.

“She’s hysterical. Should we get a sedative?” Another voice asked.

“I’m right here in the fucking room. I can hear you! I don’t want a fucking sedative. Stop touching me and maybe I’ll calm the fuck down!” I growled. Just like that, their hands left me. Finally, I was able to make faces out of the haze. Doctors? “Where am I?” I whimpered. The doctor that was talking to me earlier took a step towards me. I scrambled backward and tried to press myself into the bed.

“You’re in the hospital. You suffered quite an ordeal – I’m afraid. From what your medical records, I see that you were already suffering from a mild concussion. Falling made it significantly worse. I can’t prescribe you anything for the pain until I know what medications you’ve been taking.” He explained. I nodded, while my eyes scanned the room. To my relief, my mother was absent, as well as my father. Doug was leaning against the wall, speaking with a nurse. Oh, good. Thank God.

“All of my meds are in my purse.” I told him. I looked to the vacant chair next to me and saw the bag I was searching for. I gestured to my purse. I can’t remember the names right now. What happened? “What happened?” I asked him.

“You were in an altercation with your father.”

“How do you know about that?”

“There were witnesses at the scene and Mr. Baker was kind enough to fill us in on the rest. You have two cracked ribs and severe bruising to your abdomen and back. You’ve got one hell of a shiner and some welts. You’re lucky that the damage wasn’t more severe.”

“If I was so lucky, I wouldn’t have been in that situation in the first place.” I shot. He didn’t say anything. He took my silence as an opportunity to rummage through my purse for my pills. He jotted the names down and put them back.

“We do our best not to prescribe conflicting medications. However, sometimes, there are unpredictable side-effects. Do you understand?” He asked me. I nodded. “You’re a depressive, bipolar?” He asked me. I nodded, again. “I realize that things are extremely stressful for you right now. Are you medications often effective?” He asked me. I shrugged.

“They’re not always.” I told him. He nodded.

“I’ll prescribe you something stronger. It’ll help.” He explained. I nodded. “When you’re up to it, there are police officers outside that are waiting to speak with you. I understand that it’s intimidating, but if you report the assault, there is more of a chance that your father could get prosecuted for later charges. Does that make sense?” He asked me. I nodded. “You’re going to be dizzy and suffer from mild memory loss. Don’t push yourself too hard. I’d be more than happy to write you a note excusing you from classes. You need to let your body heal. Try to avoid known triggers.”

“Alright.” I agreed with him. It’s been a long fucking day and I just want to get out of here. I hate hospitals more than anything. I feel like I’m itching to get out of my skin. I can’t sit still. I’m fidgeting with anything I can get my hands on. I don’t feel safe here. I feel exposed. “When can I leave?” I asked him.

“We still need to run some tests. You should be able to be discharged by the morning.” He answered. I nodded.

“Can I… I just need a minute alone with Doug. Can I get that? I can’t be around all of you right now. It’s too much.” I whispered.

“Of course,” he told me. He placed a remote looking thing in my hand. “If you need anything, just press the red button.” I watched him leave the room. The nurses filed out behind him.

“Sweetheart, are you alright?” Doug asked me, before sitting down in the chair beside me. I shrugged.

“Lynn’s not here is she?” I asked him. He shook his head.

“No. She’s not. She’s not to come near you. I was able to get a protective order in your name against her and your father. I was granted temporary custody. I assure you, she will never be allowed in my home again, Love.”

“You didn’t have to do that.” I pressed. I placed a shaking hand to my forehead. Hot tears are threatening to spill over my face.

“Sweetheart, I gave you my word and that means something to me. I won’t see you harmed. I’m going to protect you. I know that I don’t have to. I want to. I promised you that I would show you how a father should act. I won’t go back on that promise.” He took my hand in his. That’s all it took for me to break down and shed all of my thread-bare composure. I hiccuped and sobbed. He was at my side before I could blink. My face was buried in his chest as he held me tightly. He rocked me, softly. I clutched his shirt with all my might, trying to keep him there with me. I can’t even begin to describe how grateful I am that he’s looking out for me. Things keep getting worse. I’m trying so hard to keep hold of the good things. They keep me alive. “Hush now, Sweetheart. It’s going to be alright.”

Notes

Doug really stepped up! Any thoughts about him as basically her father figure? Does it seem too forced? (I'm a tad out of it. So many meds in my sleep-deprived self.) New chapter up tomorrow! Oliver will be added to the mix soon. Her parents are away for now, but won't be forever. Comments would lovely.

Love,
Katie