Chapter 12
CHAPTER 12
R achel tried to push away the fog that pulsed inside her head. The ringing phone sounded in the distance.
Answer it.
The command was a soft nudge, but the effort to move flooded her with exhaustion.
Why couldn’t she answer it?
She flopped her hand to the nightstand, then felt around the top. When the ringing stopped, she collapsed into the pillow. How could looking for her phone be draining?
In the distance, a pounding sounded. Softly at first, it grew stronger and louder. If only she had the strength to drag a pillow over her head.
“Rachel?”
Levi?
She stilled.
His voice seemed to float over her. Where was he? Was she dreaming?
“Miss Bonneville? This is Sheriff Johnson,” came a voice almost as deep as Levi’s. “We’re here to do a wellness check.”
Rachel’s mouth worked. No words sounded.
The door opened. Footsteps crossed her living room’s wooden floor.
“Rachel …” Levi’s voice faded into the room.
Murmurs sounded. She understood nothing. They were talking to her and talking to each other.
“Don’t turn on the lights.” Levi’s voice was soft and firm, followed by a quick intake of breath. “She’s whiter than this sheet. Rachel, how long have you been like this?” The warm hand against her brow was the soothing touch that gave her the strength to open her eyes.
Through the haze, she made out the silhouette of his chiseled jaw.
“She doesn’t have the strength to speak.” Levi looked over his shoulder.
“The paramedics are coming up the stairs now,” came Sheriff Johnson’s voice.
She barely made out Levi’s slight smile but drank in the comforting squeeze he gave her hand. He moved from her view. A black emptinesss rose inside her. He wouldn’t leave—she felt his nearness, but she wanted to see him.
“How are you doing, Miss Bonneville?” a man asked.
She managed a laugh. She would have said fine but knew better than that. She tried to focus on the blurred image in front of her. Another face appeared next to the first. Someone touched her brow, then her arms. Beeps sounded.
“I’ll meet you at the hospital.” Levi’s voice hung nearby.
The hospital!
“Why?” She struggled to sit but sank back weakly.
“Because you’re sick.” Levi moved into her line of vision.
She could almost smile at the sight of him.
“Everything will be fine.” Again, Levi squeezed her hand, then moved away.
Voices drifted through the air. Some spoke to her. Some spoke about her. She winced as something stiff slid beneath her back and gasped when she was lifted. The dizziness spinning through her head made her tighten her throat.
“You’re almost there, Miss Bonneville … ”
Rachel went limp against the pain wracking her body. She didn’t hear the rest. Instead, she floated in a darkness that was pleasant compared to the pain she’d felt before.
Slowly light like the dawn spread over her. The darkness drew back into the corners.
She welcomed the light with a soft gasp, ready to end this journey through the shadows.
“Is she coming around?” Levi’s voice was tight with concern.
She wanted to tell him she was fine. Why was talking hard? Talking was her life. She was a teacher and, for now, a waitress.
“Finally, yes,” came a male voice she vaguely recognized.
She struggled against the weight pressing against her eyelids. Slowly, blurred light filled her vision. The relief at seeing something bright filled her with joy.
“There’s a smile,” the man said.
Rachel shifted her face to the gray shock of hair that surrounded a lined face creased into a smile.
“Dr. Roberts.” She breathed his name.
“Welcome back, Rachel.” The older man grinned. “Did you enjoy your snooze?”
Rachel thought back to the dark and cold that she’d tried to escape.
“No.” She snorted softly.
“Do you know how long you were out?” the doctor asked.
Through the fog, she searched her memory. She had felt lightheaded when she left the gymnastics center Saturday night. She had taught all week, then waitressed Friday night, before working at the center. She was trembling when she stepped into her apartment that evening—from exhaustion, she thought. Vaguely, she remembered calling Pastor Ben and telling him she couldn’t help at the children’s service Sunday morning.
“Maybe since Saturday night.” Her tongue swelled in her dry mouth.
“Can you drink this?” Levi’s well-shaped hand held a plastic cup to her lips. Strength at the back of her head lifted her slightly .
She closed her eyes against the spinning spreading through her head and assaulting her nerves.
“Too much?” Levi’s voice held the edge of concern.
“No,” she rasped. She’d never felt so thirsty. She had yearned for one small sip.
“Don’t worry, Rachel.” Dr. Roberts appeared behind Levi. “You’re recovering nicely. We have an IV going. You’ll be hydrated shortly.”
She could only nod. She wanted to talk. She wanted to thank Levi, Sheriff Johnson and the others for their help.
“I’ll explain more later,” Dr. Roberts continued. “But there’s a virus going around. It’s hitting some people harder than others. Apparently, you’re one of the unlucky ones.”
She managed a dry laugh. She welcomed the humor. She’d been floating through fog, and she’d been lonely. Seeing smiling faces filled her with delight. Levi’s bright eyes were like dipping into a well of joy.
“Looks like your old self is coming back.” Dr. Roberts stepped away. “I need to check on some other patients, but I’ll stop by before I leave.”
“Thank you,” Rachel managed. Just saying the words drained her of energy.
“Thanks, Doc.” Levi glanced at him before turning his gaze heavily on her.
“No need to thank me.” The doctor gave a dry laugh. “She’s a determined young lady—in her teaching, I hear, and in improving her health.”
“What have you heard?” Rachel murmured, surprised.
“Just that.” He laughed again. “Good news travels fast. I’ll be back later,” he said and stepped from the room.
Levi glanced at the counter that was filled with colorful bouquets, before turning back to her. “I’d say news does travel fast.”
Her gaze followed his. Blushing, she scraped her teeth over her lower lip. “I’m humbled by the outpouring. I had no idea …” She wasn’t sure what else to say.
“That people care?” His mouth curved. “Actions speak louder than words.” He gave Rachel a full look. “You had me worried. ”
“Sorry, I hadn’t realized …” The exhaustion moved in again.
“Don’t talk.” Levi laid a hand over hers. “Recuperate, then we can decide what to do next.”
“Next?” She blinked.
“Meaning you’re not going back to your place,” he said in a quiet, firm voice.
“Where else would I …” Her face came up. “With you?”
“At least until you’re better.” He tipped his chin. “You were by yourself when I came to your apartment. If something happened to you again, I’d never forgive myself.”
Her heart warmed at his concern. “Thank you.”
“I’ll call Doc Roberts in the morning and see how you’re doing.” His voice light, he slipped his hand from hers.
“Thank you for your help tonight.” Already, she missed his touch.
“I thank God I came when I did. Get some rest.” His eyes soft, he looked as if he’d say more. Instead, he turned away and strode out the door.