“And the person that hit them?”
The doctor sighs, “A seventeen-year-old kid, both cars are totaled, but no one sustained any life-threatening injuries.”
She steps aside and lets the man pass but immediately looks to Jameson.
“I didn’t leave her until they made me. The CT didn’t show any head trauma. Her collarbone is broken. They said she’d need surgery to fix that. I gave them consent, and they immediately wheeled her back.”
Hanna looks to me and then back to Jameson, “If you’re okay, we’re going on up to see if we can find anything out?”
“Go,” He demands, “I’ll be there as soon as they give me those damn papers.”
She kisses him, and then we both walk in stride to the waiting room to see if we can find anything out.
It’s completely empty and sterile. Not a single grayish-blue chair was out of place. Nothing on the white walls but a single telephone near some brown double doors in the middle. I watch as Hanna practically runs to the phone for an update.
Sitting here, I feel so uncomfortable. Something I never thought I’d feel around Hanna. I don’t feel like I deserve to be here, let alone wanted.
Hanna slams the phone back on the receiver, and not three seconds later. Eric walks out, exhaustion has rimmed his eyes, and worry lines his brow.
“Eric,” Hanna sighs, relieved, “Is she okay?”
He nods, “She’s in recovery now. The orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Williams, will be out to talk with you shortly.”
Hanna’s tears spill, “Is she scared? Is she awake?”
Eric blows out a breath, looking around, “I shouldn’t have been in there, but when she looked up and recognized me, I couldn’t leave her.”
“Thank you,” Hanna swallows, “When can I see her?”
“She’s coming off the anesthesia, so I’ll come back and get you when she’s good and awake, but just a fair warning, she’s gonna be doped up and hella cranky.”
Eric’s eyes fall into mine and stall, only for a second, but long enough for Hanna to notice.
“You aren’t hurt, are you?” Eric throws the question at Hanna.
“No, I wasn’t with her,” She whispers.
“And Jameson?” Eric hesitates but finishes the question, “Is he okay?”
“Yes, a little banged up, but better than Ellie.”
The awkwardness is nearly suffocating between the three of us. Like a silent nod between us that we need to talk, but this isn’t the time or place.
“Okay, I’m going to go check on Ellie and try and convince them not to fire me for breaking the rules.”
Eric turns to leave, and Hanna grabs ahold of his arm fast, “Thanks for doing that.”
Eric looks at me, then back at Hanna, “I’d do anything for Ellie. You know that.”
Hanna nods, and we both watch as he walks back through the doors.
Jameson makes it up at the same time as the orthopedic doctor comes out to talk to the family. The seatbelt did a number on her, snapping her clavicle and a rib, but the doctor thinks, ultimately, the seatbelt saved her life. He said it could’ve been much worse had she not been wearing it.
“I’m going to head out,” I announce, walking to give Hanna a hug, “I don’t want to overwhelm her with visitors. You just call me when she’s up for it.”
“Okay,” Hanna agrees. “Thanks for driving me here.”
“I can come back and get you when you guys need a ride. Just call me.”