One Night Stand, Then My Mate

Six Months Later

It’s been six whole months since Miles’ accident. Just about two and a half months since i broke into Vintage Point. I haven’t done anything with the names, numbers or Miles’ address since I’ve found it.

I think I’m waiting for the perfect moment. I think, just maybe today will be the day that i finally call them. Both of them. But I refuse to do so with my own phone.

I’m working a twelve hour shift today. So maybe I can hide behind my degree and call them as a doctor and not as his girlfriend? I think that’s what I’ll do.

Hopping out of the shower, i grab my towel to my left and drag it across my body to dry it from the water dripping down me. After drying myself, I throw my hair up in the towel and reach for my robe. I hope they answer when i call. Thinking about my game plan for today.

I get into my scrubs and make sure to wear my white coat for today. I rush to dry my hair. My stomach is in knots thinking about what to say if they ask too many questions. I’m not his doctor, but I am a doctor.

I put on this most minimum makeup as possible, i want to look professional. I eat a slice of toast and a banana walking out of my apartment locking the door behind me.

I clamber into my car and I search for the perfect music to set the mood for the day. I select a song from The Weeknd. I think it’s only because I miss Miles so much that I go for this genre. I only have a ten minute drive to work, but I’m going to stop to get coffee for this long shift.

Not knowing what today will offer, i pull into the Starbucks drive-thru and order an iced coffee with three shots of espresso. One can only hope this will get me through today.

I’ve made plans to call them when i first arrive so I can get it over with. I don’t want to back out of doing it. His friends or whoever they are deserve to know about his condition.

Arriving at the hospital, i walk past the front deck behind the double doors and see Susan standing there talking to Charlene. She’s a nurse and a damn good one at that. “Hey, any updates on Miles?” I ask her as soon as she makes eye contact with me. “Nothing new, just the same as he’s been. I know you don’t want to hear this, but I’m thinking about getting a second look at his case to see if we should keep him or get him discharged over to a facility.” My eyes widen with the most utterly insane proposition. “You can’t be serious? He’s just had surgery. Brain surgery at that, just six months ago. We need to keep him.”

She sighs and i can tell she’s broken on whose side to choose. I can see it all over her face that she doesn’t want my feelings hurt. “I’m only looking out for his best interest Caroline. I know you want to keep him close, but he’s not getting any better or worse. He’s staying the same. You know that it’s the right call.” I let out a brief sigh because deep down, I know she’s right. I don’t want to see him move. We move patients there who have no chance of getting any better.

I tell her I’ll think about it, but I have to go see him and i have a few calls to make. She agrees, but she said she had to introduce me to someone new. A nurse named Ben Stevens. She says it with a twinkle in her eye, like she’s got the hots for him i scoff at her twinkling eyes and agree to meet him.

I arrive to his room and see him laying there. So peaceful. The nurses trimmed his beard and gave him a sponge bath. He smells clean, but not his usual self. I’m saddened by the fact that he smells like the sterile hospital, and not of lavender mixed with musk. I miss him. I miss him more than I did yesterday.

I give him a quick peck on the cheek without saying anything to him. I walk to the desk where i do my charting and pick up the landline phone. We’re really doing this.

Pulling out my phone, I open my notes and go to the numbers I stored in there. I stare at it momentarily contemplating my decision. I dial the phone number that belongs to Mack and it begins its ringing. On the third dial I start sweating. I swollen the lump in my throat when I hear a voice. “Hello?” I clear my throat once more. “Hi this is Doctor Smith at Skylight River Hospital, im calling regarding a patient by the name of Miles James” I hear him regain himself after soaking in my words for a brief moment.

He hesitated to reply. “Yes, this is Mack Jones, Miles is the closest thing I have to a brother. Is he okay?” Like a brother? But you haven’t noticed he’s missing??? “He’s actually, not doing well. He was in a car accident about six months ago and has been in a coma since then. He had to have brain surgery.” I pause because what do I say next. “Is there anyway you can come here now to discuss a plan for his care?” He seems completely taken by from the information I’ve just given him. “Yes ma’am, I’ll be there shortly. Thank you so much for calling me.”

The call ended and now on to the next number. I breathe out slowly because believe it or not this is a lot to handle. I begin dialing the next number, Nathanil Reeves. It’s starting to ring and by the second ring he answers “This is Nathanil..”

i repeat myself. The same why i did the mack, and he insured he’s on his way now. My stomach is in knots. I decided I would let Susan speak to them both when they get here to let them know of their next move to make for his care.

I will however introduce myself, but I think I want to wait until their visit is almost over. I don’t know how to face them. I don’t want to lie to them, but i also need to make myself known since I am the one who called them. I can hardly breathe. Everything that’s happened within the last six months has really taken a toll on me mental, emotional, and physical well being.

I try to breathe through all of this, but I’m making myself nauseous. They’re here, standing at the front desk asking for Miles James. The nurse asks them to fill out paperwork on him. Any information they might have that can help us.

Susan introduces herself and after they’re done filling out the clipboard she takes them to his room. When they walk past me it feels like they’re walking in slow motion. My sense heighten. I’m completely and utterly nervous.

I speed to the restroom, hovering my head over the sink. The feelings, the nerves, the thoughts all hitting me like a ton of bricks laying on my chest, throat, and head. I splash some cool water on my face, and let out a slow shaky breath. When the door opens. It’s a man. One I’ve never seen before.

He’s tall, very tall. He has blue eyes, and brown, almost black hair. His lips are full and kissable. I stop myself from my intrusive thoughts. When words begin to roll off his tongue, it’s almost as I’m deaf. I can’t hear them. My ears are ringing and all I can see is his lips moving, the fluorescent lights, and his strong body standing in front of me. “I’m sorry what?” I say to him. The sound of my voice is muffled.

He grabs me by my shoulders and looks me in my eyes. “Are you okay?” I can’t hear his voice, but i read his lips. “I’m okay, i just need a moment” and my eyes shut. Oh god, I’m having a panic attack.