Chapter 4 - Avery
1313 Words
Fluttering my eyes open, the lights feel too bright. As I try to cover my face, pain shoots through my left arm, and I don’t even realize I am the one to wince and hiss at first.
“Careful now, you are still healing.” Dr. Knix informs me as he readjusts my arm to how it was before. “Delta, can you please dim the lights while she adjusts?” I hear shuffling and then the hand is back on my cheek. I try opening my eyes again, and this time it is much easier.
“Th-thank you,” I croak out. I clear my throat, and Dr. Knix smiles sympathetically.
“It is my job to help you. No need to thank me.” He grabs a cup from a tray beside him and hands it to me. “Ice chips, to help with the dryness.” I smile weakly up at him as I take a couple. They melt in my mouth instantly, and I can already feel the cool, refreshing relief.
“Thank you,” I repeat. Despite what he says, everyone deserves to be thanked when they have done something kind, regardless of their position.
“I should be thanking you,” Delta cuts in, and I turn my attention to him. He has jet black, wavy hair that is shaved off a third of his head. His pale blue eyes stare into mine, and my memories flood me. I cannot help the tears welling up. “You risked your life for me out there.”
“Wh-what… Um, who are you?” I almost ask the question I really want to know, but realize how rude it sounds. They both chuckle.
“I am Bastan Dollo. And, to answer the question you were going to ask, I am a werewolf.” I feel as though my eyes are the size of saucers. I mean, I saw him, in the clearing. I believe him. But, how can werewolves be real? Maybe this is still all a dream. Maybe I tripped on the trail and hit my head real hard on a rock.
“I, um, Dr. Knix, he…” I stumble over my words, trying to reign in all my many thoughts, questions and fears.
“Take your time,” Dr. Knix speaks in his soothing voice. I nod in response as I work on collecting myself.
“I thought your name was, um, Delta?” My voice sounds so meek, I blush. They both chuckle again, and I find myself feeling both comfortable with them and annoyed at being the butt of their joke.
“Delta is my title,” Bastan explains as he brushes my hair from my face.
“I think we better leave any other explanations for another time,” Dr. Knix interjects just as it looks like Bastan is going to continue. They both stare at each other stoically from either side of my bed.
“B-but, um, can you tell me which hospital I’m at? Also,” I sit up, giving myself a head rush and what seems to be a heart attack to the Doctor and the Delta, “I need to get in touch with the police! They should be here, right? Anyone admitted with a gunshot wound is required to be notified to the police. So, where are they?” I glance back and forth between the two men who have essentially saved my life, but who are clearly holding more back.
“I need your name for my charts,” Dr. Knix finally speaks, but not in answer to any of my questions. “Right now, I just have you as Jane Doe, and I really don’t like giving people that name.” His smile is so warm and friendly, but I don’t get why he won’t tell me where we are or where the police are.
“I will give you my name after you answer my questions.” I look between both of them again. I know I’m being petulant, but I need a little more than what they are giving. Dr. Knix appears to be having some sort of internal struggle, while Bastan is smirking at me with a slight shake of his head.
“I told you. She was stubborn out there, so she is gonna be stubborn in here.” Bastan chuckles as he takes a seat in the chair by my bed. “Look, Tiny, I promise to tell you everything, answer any and all questions, but only after you let Dr. Knix do his job.” He gingerly takes my hand in his, not taking his eyes off mine. Why does he keep calling me Tiny? “Please, will you cooperate?” A deep breath, a heavy sigh and a small nod from me has Bastan beaming.
“My name is Avery Libita. Not Jane Doe, and certainly not Tiny,” I shoot a fierce look Bastan’s way, who just shrugs in return.
“Thank you for your cooperation, Avery. I have already checked your vitals, and everything seems on track there. Any allergies, medications or illnesses I should know about? Oh, but first,” Dr. Knix turns to Bastan, “Doctor-patient confidentiality requires you to leave now. I will retrieve you when we are done.” Bastan glances back at me, worry creasing his features. I offer a reassuring smile and nod, which seems to be enough for him to leave.
“I will be right outside these doors. Do not hesitate to call me here.” He stares at me with a fierce intensity, and all I can do is nod. The door closes behind him, and Dr. Knix laughs lightly.
“You would think with his behavior, you are his ma- well, never mind. Back to it then. Any allergies, medications or illnesses?” I shake my head no, and he marks stuff off on his clipboard. “Do you think your eyes have adjusted enough for me to put the lights back on their normal setting?” I nod, and he adjusts the lights. I squint at first, but I manage to relax under the harsh bulbs after a moment. “Very good.”
We sit in this harsh light for a while, answering more questions for his chart. My anxiety is bubbling though, and I feel antsy. Memories of the whole ordeal keep coming back in flashes. I explain, to the best of my abilities, what happened to Dr. Knix, who nods along. He has probably already been briefed about a lot of the details, but listens to everything I tell him without interruption anyway. I don’t think I have ever had such a patient doctor in my life.
“Well, I believe that is all the official questions I have. You should rest. I can tell the Delta to return tomorrow.” Dr. Knix says as he begins to leave.
“Wait, no, please,” I call out to him, making him pause at the door. “Please, I need at least some answers. I won’t rest, not well, if you leave me to my own thoughts and assumptions about the lot of you.” I add this last bit, hoping to end with a bit of humor, but also truly meaning what I say. With a heavy sigh, he nods.
Opening the door, he says, “You have twenty minutes, then she needs rest.”
Bastan rushes in, right back to the chair at my side, looking me over as if something more could have happened to me. I smile at his little worry lines between his brow as he locks his gaze back on me.
“You promised to tell me everything, answer all my questions.” I remind him, and the worry lines disappear.
“I did. Where should we start?”
- Writer
