38. Gabby
38
Gabby
L ights flicker overhead as thunder roars like a hungry lion protecting its pride. My mom used to tell me that the sound of thunder was angels bowling. If that’s the case tonight, they’re having one hell of a party.
“Good thing the hospital upgraded their generator a few years ago.” Marissa looks up at the ceiling. “It sounds like it’s going to come right through the roof.”
I nod in agreement. I’m so grateful that Alex is at home tonight. I’d be worried sick thinking that he was working out in this weather. Not that I want anyone to risk their life out there, but I’m still coming to terms with the fact that my boyfriend has a dangerous job. If I’m being honest, I don’t think I’ll ever be fully okay with it.
Looking at my watch, I realize it’s just about time to check on one of my patients. The latest Taylor Swift song plays behind the curtain to Room 402. I peek in and smile. There lies a fourteen-year-old girl who has mysteriously started having seizures. Thankfully, all the tests we’ve run have come back normal, but there’s only so much we can do at our small community hospital. She’s going to have to see a pediatric specialist for her condition.
“Hi, Brianna. I have good news. There’s an opening up at Children’s. We’re working on getting you transported there now.” I look around the empty space by her bed. “Did you kick your parents out?”
“I told them to go get something to eat in the cafeteria,” she says with her eyes glued to her phone. Her honey-brown hair lies atop her head in a messy bun. A pink hoodie hides the hospital gown underneath. I wonder if she’s trying to make a fashion statement or needs another blanket.
“Are you cold?”
“No,” she says with all the defiance of a young teenager. Oh, I don’t miss those years.
“Well, I need to get your vitals, so can you put your phone down for a minute?”
My patient rolls her eyes but does as I ask. I grab my thermometer and place it near her forehead.
“Ninety-eight point six. Perfect.” I place the thermometer in the pocket of my scrubs.
“Then why am I still here?” Brianna whines. “There’s a school dance tonight. All my friends are there, and I’m stuck in this stupid hospital bed.”
“You know why,” I say gently. I remember all too well being her age. “Hopefully, this is just a temporary thing and you’ll be back hanging out with your friends soon.”
“My parents won’t leave me alone. They keep staring at me like I’m going to disappear or something.”
“They love you.” I have her remove the sleeve of her hoodie to take her blood pressure. “I know they seem to be hovering, but they’re worried. They want the best for you. Can you give them a little slack? ”
“Maybe,” she grumbles and looks away from me.
“You know, I was around your age when I lost my parents.”
“You were?” She turns her head to look at me with wide eyes. Thanks to the support of Alex and the rest of my friends, I’m strong enough to talk about my experience now. Maybe I can help others by sharing my story.
“Yes, and my little sister too.” I drag a chair next to her bedside. Thankfully, she’s my only patient for the night.
“What happened?”
“They passed away in a fire. I didn’t have any other family, so I had to live in a group home until I was old enough to leave. I know right now your parents seem like the lamest people in the world, but I’d give anything to have my mom yelling at my sister and me to clean our room.” I sit in the chair, reminiscing about my childhood. “Oh, and the dad jokes. My dad had the worst dad jokes ever.”
“Mine does too!” Brianna laughs. “I hate it whenever I say I’m hungry and he’s like, ‘Hi, Hungry. I’m Dad!’”
“Yup, mine said that one too.”
“I’m sorry about your family.” Brianna’s shoulders slump. “I guess I’ve been kinda mean to them.”
“It’s okay. I—” A commotion from the hallway has both of us turning our attention to the door.
“Sir, you need to leave!” I hear the panic in Marissa’s tone. Something crashes and scatters to the floor.
“I have a right to see my daughter!” a deep, angry voice bellows.
“Oh no!” Brianna gasps. “That’s my dad!”
“Your dad? But I thought—”
“Tim is my stepdad. Greg is my biological dad. He’s supposed to be in rehab.”
“Brianna!” Greg’s voice becomes louder. Another crash. He’s getting closer. Someone yells for security .
Scanning the room, I contemplate how to keep us safe. Patient rooms don’t lock from the inside and there’s not enough time to barricade us in.
“Brianna, I need you to go into the bathroom. Take the shower chair and try to barricade yourself inside.” I begin helping her out of the bed. “No matter what I say, do not come out until you hear a cop tell you it’s okay. Do you understand?”
Her face pales, but she agrees and stands. Her body trembles as I usher her into the bathroom. As soon as I hear the door click shut, I turn around to meet a set of angry gray eyes that are glassy and bloodshot. Brianna’s biological father towers over me. His dirty, ragged clothes hang off his slender frame, and greasy black hair droops in front of his face. He looks and smells like he hasn’t bathed in days.
“I just want to visit my daughter. I went to the house and some neighbor said they saw an ambulance take her.” His speech is barely comprehendible. “Nobody told me.”
He pushes me up against the door with such force, my head makes a loud thud when it connects with the steel frame. My ears begin to ring and I feel a warm trickle of blood down the back of my neck. At least I’m still standing upright when I look up to face my aggressor. If I can stall him for just a few more seconds, security will get here and everything will be okay.
“Hi. Your name is Greg, right?” My voice sounds like I’m in a tunnel. More yelling comes from down the hallway. Help will be here any moment. “Brianna had to use the bathroom. She’ll be right out.”
“I will see her now,” Greg growls.
“And you will. In just a—”
“I said now!”
A sharp pain sears through my abdomen and my vision blurs before everything fades to black.