6. Hannah
6
Hannah
The day after her accident, Hannah showed up to PE class, ready to teach. As she took attendance, they stared at her hand, and they gasped as she showed them a part of her scarred skin.
“Doesn’t it hurt?”
“How can you still move it?”
Tiny inquiring minds wanted to know, but she assured them she was fine. Other than a few twinges of pain that she had started to feel that morning, it felt like a normal day.
Hannah eyed her students carefully, looking for any sign of mischievousness. But the two dozen third graders only looked back at her with eagerness and determination.
“Ready?” she called, raising the bouncy ball high above her head. “Go.”
They ran in a zillion different directions, trying to escape before she tossed a ball at them. She tightly gripped the rubber toy, one of her favorite textures in the world, then sent the ball flying through the air at Charlie. He was one of the tougher students who also had good aim. The ball hit its mark, and Charlie became the new leader. He picked up the ball, and kids scrambled in every direction, trying to escape.
The top of her hand started throbbing, so she stood back and watched the game unfold. She called out warnings to students who were standing by the wall or spinning in circles, completely oblivious to the game, and tried to push past the pain as it ebbed and flowed.
Pain was an interesting thing for Hannah. She hadn’t felt anything the previous day until after her shower. She had chosen a cold shower, loving the refreshing feel of the water and knowing her hand needed it. But as soon as she got out, applied ointment, and replaced the bandage, excruciating pain had ripped through her skin and kept her up most of the night. Nothing relieved the pain. But after a fitful night’s sleep, she woke up to a numbing sensation, only feeling pinpricks of pain. But it was starting again. The excruciating pain was back, and she had a full day ahead of her. Thursday was her tough day, with all three jobs to do. She was sure the office job would be fine, but she was also sure Ginger and Snaps would not make her dog-walking experience easy.
Thankfully, the class ended, and after cleaning up and stowing away her supplies in the PE closet, she hurried to change and soak her hand under cold water before applying more ointment and bandages. By the time she arrived at the medical office, the pain had subsided enough for her to fake a smile.
More surprising to her was the way Jason treated her the moment she arrived.
She moved to put her bag down, and in seconds, he was right there, assisting her. Still at a distance and careful not to touch her, but he was there.
“Are you feeling okay? I told you to take some time off.”
“I’m great,” she lied. The truth was, after her accident, she had been more shocked by Jason’s change in behavior, and she actually wanted to be at work. It was nice that he’d suddenly noticed her and didn’t flinch every time she moved.
“Well, I came in early and did most of your work for you. There’s only the scheduling issue, and since you’ve done it for the last few days, I don’t want to mess up anything.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
He escaped to his desk again and gazed at her hand. “Yes, I really did. If there’s anyone who knows about pain, it’s me, and you need to take it easy. Take a seat. Is there anything you need?”
She laughed to herself as she settled into the chair in front of her computer. “I’m fine. Really.”
He nodded and returned to his seat. “Okay, well let me know if I can do anything. I rescheduled my meetings for the day and am planning to work on financial issues in the office.”
“Thanks.” She turned on her computer and stared at its blank screen.
She wasn’t used to him being so attentive. Of course, he must feel guilty, but it wasn’t his fault she’d dropped coffee all over herself. It had been a slip of the wrist, but sadly, she’d had an audience there to witness it.
The schedule was half-finished when the pain twinges started again. She kept her face stoic, not wanting to worry Jason. He cast her glances every few minutes, and she refused to make a big deal out of it. But after staring at the screen for minutes on end, unable to move her hand, she knew she needed more of a break.
She stood and grabbed her purse, only wincing once as she bent to grab it with her good hand. Just having her fingers in a lowered position made them throb.
“Everything okay?” he asked, standing up.
She gestured with her bandaged hand for him to sit down as she bit back the pain. “Yes,” she managed to squeak out. “Just need a bathroom break.”
The pain had hit an unbearable level, and every second she stood there not doing something about it brought more tears to her eyes. She would not cry in front of him, not after showing such a brave front before.
She grabbed at the doorknob with her good hand and hurried out, not caring if the door swung shut or not. She chose a single-occupancy bathroom, quickly ripped off the bandages, and shoved her damaged hand under the cold water.
She sobbed as the pain electrified her fingers.
A knock sounded on the door, and she silenced herself, biting back the next round of pain.
“Hannah, can I come in? Please?”
It was Brandy, and her voice was soft and pleading.
She’d already heard—probably everyone on the floor had—and it was stupid to hide such an obvious injury.
Finally, the pain subsided for a moment, and she turned off the water and opened the door with her good hand. Then she moved back to the cool water again.
Brandy’s eyes turned into saucers as she took in Hannah’s tear-stained face.
“I’m okay,” Hannah said, half-laughing, half-crying-out. “Really. I guess the pain is just kicking in a little strong.”
“Oh, sweetie. Jason,” she called through the open bathroom door. “You were right. Come here.”
Hannah’s heart fell to her stomach. “Wh—”
Jason stood with Dr. Mendella from the previous day. Just seeing the medical professional sent more tears to her eyes.
“Why don’t we go back to my exam room?”
“Okay,” she mumbled.
“Thanks, Brandy,” Jason said, moving away from the entrance of the bathroom to give them space to exit. “We’ve got it from here.”
“Take care of her,” Brandy called.
Dr. Mendella gave Hannah a sympathetic look. “I’m guessing the pain delay is over.”
Tears swam in her vision, and she blinked them away. “It’s unbearable,” she whispered, not trusting her voice.
He nodded and grabbed a few paper towels. “I need to peel off some of the damaged skin, and then we’ll rebandage you up.”
“Peel?” Fear rose in her throat, choking her voice.
“I’ll stay with you,” Jason said, coming to her side. He didn’t touch her, but she still felt his warmth. The bathroom suddenly seemed very small with the three of them, and he seemed to notice. His Adam’s apple bobbed, and he looked to the doctor in desperation.
“Okay,” she said with as much courage as she could muster. “Let’s go.”
She followed the doctor, Jason followed her, and their single-file line attracted every available eye in the office. She tried not to whimper as the pain kicked in again. Her lip was quickly becoming a dog’s used chew toy and would soon be good for nothing.
The walk took forever, and by the time they reached the exam room, she was gasping in pain. The doctor frowned as he prepared a simple bath of cool water. “Let’s soak your hand for a little longer and then start.”
Hannah swallowed down the painful knot and nodded, knowing it had to be done. She caught Jason’s gaze. He was pressed against the door, a look of horror on his face. So much for holding back. She’d officially ruined whatever brave image he had of her. She was just as weak as the next person.