“You can’t begin to imagine.”
"You're paying for the drinks, right?" I teased Joey as we drove to the mall.
"Fine, but only because you begged me," she replied with a playful glare.
At the mall, Joey tried to pry about my day, but I shut her down. I wasn't ready to talk about Kevin. Not yet. As we shopped, I resolved to keep him in the past where he belonged. But deep down, I knew it wouldn't be that easy.
Chapter Two
Kevin
“Mr. Brown, can you hear me?” Dr. Shepherd leaned closer on the table with his fingers intertwined, as he beckoned on me.
I was distracted. Truth is, I have been distracted since I stepped into his office the day before. Actually, since I crossed paths with Licia. But who could blame me?
Yesterday, I ran into the one lady who makes my heart skip a thousand beats, in the outpatient waiting area, when I least expected it. For starters, I didn’t even know she was a nurse. Probably, I would have come a little prepared, or not even come at all.
The shock on her face, that quickly turned to hate in a flash, was undeniably heart-wrenching for me. I knew she wasn’t my biggest fan at the moment, and she was well within her rights to detest me, but if only she could talk to me. I would give anything to have that audience. There was a lot I needed to say.
“Uhm, yes doc. I am following.” I nodded, still lost in my little world.
“Having gone over the risks and possible complications that might come up during your recovery period, I would like to propose home care.”
“Okay…” he had gotten my attention. “What changed?” I asked.
“From your test results, you don’t need to be checking into the hospital so often. No more surgeries for now. We can use a more conservative approach.
So, a nurse and a physiotherapist would be assigned to you.
They will see to your care and rehabilitation, and hopefully, you wouldn’t need the cane anymore in the distant future. Does that work for you?”
Dr. Shepherd beamed. He was confident his plan of care would work and it made me optimistic.His confidence was contagious. My dad was right about him.
“Wow, that’s great news. This is the best prognosis I have gotten in a long time. So, by all means, please.” I replied elatedly.
I would take my shot at a full recovery. In as much as I had to bid my football career goodbye after the accident, I was grateful for life and I looked forward to making the most of it.
“We will do all within our expertise to ensure that you get the best possible care. You have absolutely nothing to worry about.” He added reassuringly, holding my gaze like he was searching my face for something.
“So, when do I expect the team?”
He leaned into his seat thoughtfully, rolling his pen between his fingers. “About that… tomorrow or next. Shouldn’t be more than two days. Dr. Henshaw and Nurse Michaels are the best hands, trust me.”
“You mean Licia Michaels?” I enquired, suddenly feeling sweaty and unable to sit still. I didn’t care about their names, but then I would be thrilled if it was my own Licia Michaels.
He looked right into my eyes, his silver speckled brows creasing in concentration. “Yes, Licia Michaels. You know her?”
This was definitely fate working in my favor. What were the odds that Licia would be my home nurse? If this wasn't divine orchestration, then I didn't know what it was.
I nodded with a smile, “she’s an… old friend, doc.” I offered, for lack of better words. I was already picturing how everything would likely play out.
“Oh, that's good then. It’s settled. Expect her and the physiotherapist in two days. I just need to inform them by tomorrow, and discuss your care plan.” He smiled, revealing dimples on both cheeks.
“But for the time being, don’t forget your drugs and daily routine. You can’t afford to slack off.”
“I won’t. Thanks once again, doc. I am grateful.” I really was. He was handing me the opportunity to redeem myself, on a platter.
We shook hands as I stood to leave. I hoped to run into Licia again but didn't. It looked like she wasn't even in this part of the hospital all day. She wasn't at the OPD when I came in. I kept looking around, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, but didn’t.
