Pointers
1231 Words
Alex:
She monitored Nicolle for few minutes. She checked her pulse, her temperature and then lifted her top to check abdomen. I had to turn away. After a couple of minutes she told me that Nicolle is just exhausted and stressed.
She also told me that her 3rd month has started and she needs extra care now. As per the doctor, Nicolle might require iron tablets along with calcium. She asked me if Nicolle is taking any multi-vitamins and I felt so ashamed. I was so busy in myself, my problems that I never asked her.
"You had a fight with your wife?"
"No, we didn't fight. We were watching a movie last night and she got scared. Other than that, I am not sure what's going on in her mind."
"Oh, don't worry about that. No one can predict what's going on inside a lady's mind. I am married for 45 years and still my husband cant guess what I am thinking."
She smiled. "But that doesn't mean you cant try to understand what she wants. For eg. lets say she is holding your hand barely, that means she is feeling insecure and wants your hand to feel secure. But at the same time she is not sure if you want to take care of her or not."
"If she is wearing something different, she wants you to compliment her. If she is cooking something for you, she wants you to tell her how it tastes. If it taste bad, help her next time. If she is not talking too much, she might be hurt. If she is fighting un-necessarily, she is mad at you for something you did few days back and you didn't realize what you did to upset her."
"And at the same time, if she comes and sit by your side, she needs you to touch her. And if she is siting far away from you, she wants you to come to her and talk if something is bothering her."
I was listening to her and I think I can relate. Nicolle is not angry, but she didn't say anything after the day she slapped me. She hardly spoke to me about it.
And then next day she asked me to go to California. I think she wanted to talk, but I am such a fool, that's why she said we should go by road, so that we could talk. But why?
I mean she thinks I raped her. Why is she talking to me. What changed?
"Son, I will not say that all the responsibility is of husband. A wife should also understand her husband and I will let that know to your wife once she is awake. But for now, why don't you bring these tablets and IV. I think saline drip should work. And I will write some multi vitamins. If she is already taking them, then don't use these. But if she is not, then she needs her vitamins. And, bring something for her. She will feel good. Like a rose, card, a gift. Today is valentine you know."
Valentine day? Do we even need to celebrate it. But its ok, I will bring something for her. After all I am thinking to start friendship.
Nicolle:
I am gaining consciousness and saw a lady doctor near me. She was reading a book on the chair.
"Aha, you are awake. Good morning sweetie. How are you feeling now?"
I looked at all the sides and as though she read mind she said "Your husband is out, bringing some medicines for you." I relaxed but was thinking about my dream.
"I think you fainted and he called for a doctor. I came to examine you. He is a shy person, looking here and there when I was checking you."
I didn't say anything. All those images were already coming back in front of me. And I was about to cry. I was not feeling comfortable alone in this room. I wanted Alex by my side. I know he wont let anything happen to me. My eyes were about to shed a tear.
"Don't cry dear. Here" She gave me some tissues. "I must say your husband is one handsome fella. If he was not married I would have asked him out."
I chuckled. "Yes, he is. I always see girls checking him out."
"Hmm, now don't let this beautiful smile go. Do you mind telling me if something happened. He just said you watched an action movie. I don't think that's true."
I nodded.
"I knew. Its ok, you don't need to share the details, but there should be someone in your life who can listen to all the bullshit in your mind and heart."
"You are right Mrs...."
"Mrs. Jones. My husband owns this place and I don't work anymore but this is a small place and I still find people at my door."
"You have a nice setup here. do you have any kids?" I don't know why I asked this.
"No, but we don't feel like we don't have kids. We got so many." She smiled and few seconds later she asked "Can I ask you something?"
"Yes."
"What happened? Don't get me wrong. I am asking because I sent him for medicines which I know are not available near by. He will have to go far. If there is something, you can let me know. Did he hit ..? She was about to complete her sentence but I cut her off.
"No, hell no. He would never. Its just, I am dying of guilt. Its not something he did. Its something I did." I gulped hard and with tears in my eyes, I poured everything out. Jack, Kevin, that day, my marriage, Mrs. Colton, everything.
"Oh, I see. A misunderstanding. And he still thinks you want revenge on him?"
"Hmm. I don't know what to do. I don't know how he will react. I cant tell him I heard him and Mrs. Colton, and that I love him. I am in deep mess. And on top of that all these memories. They are scratching me from inside." I sat on the bed, turned my knees and rested my head on knees.
"Well if you ask me, you need to take baby steps. Send him signals. Try to talk about his childhood. Now that he is away from home, talk about his brother, sister, his Dad. Ask about how he was. Involve yourself in his life. Make him feel that you want to be a part of his life."
She is making sense and I am definitely taking notes.
"Once you are in California, show him around. Take him with you. Go on long drives. Show him that you trust him. Go on beach and stay there till late night. I know you cant drink, but he can. Order something for him."
We were talking when I saw Alex and cleared my throat. The old lady is seriously smart. She understood within a second and changed the topic.
"And you should never skip your multi-vitamin. You should get a sonography as soon as you reach home. I am writing some blood tests, have them too. Other than that, take rest and no stress. Do as I say and you both will be alright." She winked at me and left the room.
- Writer
