2. Chapter Two
Chapter Two
Kevin
“Mr. Brown, can you hear me?” Dr. Shepherd leaned closer on the table with his fingers intertwined, as he beckoned on me.
I was distracted. Truth is, I have been distracted since I stepped into his office the day before. Actually, since I crossed paths with Licia. But who could blame me?
Yesterday, I ran into the one lady who makes my heart skip a thousand beats, in the outpatient waiting area, when I least expected it. For starters, I didn’t even know she was a nurse. Probably, I would have come a little prepared, or not even come at all.
The shock on her face, that quickly turned to hate in a flash, was undeniably heart-wrenching for me. I knew she wasn’t my biggest fan at the moment, and she was well within her rights to detest me, but if only she could talk to me. I would give anything to have that audience. There was a lot I needed to say.
“Uhm, yes doc. I am following.” I nodded, still lost in my little world.
“Having gone over the risks and possible complications that might come up during your recovery period, I would like to propose home care.”
“Okay…” he had gotten my attention. “What changed?” I asked.
“From your test results, you don’t need to be checking into the hospital so often. No more surgeries for now. We can use a more conservative approach.
So, a nurse and a physiotherapist would be assigned to you.
They will see to your care and rehabilitation, and hopefully, you wouldn’t need the cane anymore in the distant future. Does that work for you?”
Dr. Shepherd beamed. He was confident his plan of care would work and it made me optimistic. His confidence was contagious . My dad was right about him.
“Wow, that’s great news. This is the best prognosis I have gotten in a long time. So, by all means, please.” I replied elatedly.
I would take my shot at a full recovery. In as much as I had to bid my football career goodbye after the accident, I was grateful for life and I looked forward to making the most of it.
“We will do all within our expertise to ensure that you get the best possible care. You have absolutely nothing to worry about.” He added reassuringly, holding my gaze like he was searching my face for something.
“So, when do I expect the team?”
He leaned into his seat thoughtfully, rolling his pen between his fingers. “About that… tomorrow or next. Shouldn’t be more than two days. Dr. Henshaw and Nurse Michaels are the best hands, trust me.”
“You mean Licia Michaels?” I enquired, suddenly feeling sweaty and unable to sit still. I didn’t care about their names, but then I would be thrilled if it was my own Licia Michaels.
He looked right into my eyes, his silver speckled brows creasing in concentration. “Yes, Licia Michaels. You know her?”
This was definitely fate working in my favor. What were the odds that Licia would be my home nurse? If this wasn't divine orchestration, then I didn't know what it was.
I nodded with a smile, “she’s an… old friend, doc.” I offered, for lack of better words. I was already picturing how everything would likely play out.
“Oh, that's good then. It’s settled. Expect her and the physiotherapist in two days. I just need to inform them by tomorrow, and discuss your care plan.” He smiled, revealing dimples on both cheeks.
“But for the time being, don’t forget your drugs and daily routine. You can’t afford to slack off.”
“I won’t. Thanks once again, doc. I am grateful.” I really was. He was handing me the opportunity to redeem myself, on a platter.
We shook hands as I stood to leave. I hoped to run into Licia again but didn't. It looked like she wasn't even in this part of the hospital all day. She wasn't at the OPD when I came in. I kept looking around, hoping to catch a glimpse of her, but didn’t.
I thought about asking the peppy nurse who attended to me about Licia's whereabouts, but decided against it. Licia was only going to get mad if she heard I've been asking about her.
I crossed my fingers and said a desperate prayer. I really doubted the possibility that she would consent to being my nurse, but I had to be hopeful.
***
All through the drive home, I was reminiscing about my life with Licia as teenagers. I missed her.
She was fierce, as she was beautiful. I loved running my fingers through her lush blonde hair, and staring into her honey brown eyes.
Loved the way her eyes lit up when she was excited. Her hearty chuckle at my dry jokes, and the way she effortlessly made me feel things I thought were only possible in movies.
One of the days, I had promised her forever with a branded bracelet. Call me a dreamer, but I wanted that again. All of it.
Thinking about the whole event made me very nostalgic, and I wished we had met under better circumstances.
I was definitely going to do right by her this time… if only she’d let me.
“Jackson...”
“Yes boss.” My driver responded immediately, looking into the rear-view mirror.
“Please, play ‘This Time' by John Legend.” I instructed him. I needed to distract my mind.
“Copy that, Sir.”
I leaned against the backrest, letting my mind be serenaded by the lyrics of the song.
This time, I want it all…
My kid sister, Lexie, was the only one in sight when I got into the living room. She was turning seventeen in a few days’ time, but she was still my little baby Sis.
I knew I was a tad overly protective of her, but I couldn’t help it. She was an adorable kid. Straight A's student, tall and pretty like our mom, a point guard for the Cougars team, loves painting and the icing on the cake was that she had a heart of gold… yet to see someone with a bigger heart.
My mom had struggled to get pregnant, years after my birth. After many failed trials and IVFs, when they had completely ruled out all chances of having another baby, Lexie finally came through.
Our joy knew no bounds. I was literally the happiest one, because being in that big house alone sucked. So yes, we dote on her.
“Hi Lexie.”
“Big bro,” She smiled animatedly, “Welcome.” She dropped the wireless controller on the couch and came to hug me. Did I forget to mention that she was obsessed with video games?
I wrapped her in a bear hug, thanks to my sturdy body frame, and released her with a peck to her forehead.
“Did you miss me?” I asked, ruffling her hair, playfully.
She scoffed in a sassy manner, “I barely noticed your absence”. She lied, smoothing her hair with her palms.
I smiled and handed her the little gift bag, dangling from my index finger.
“I missed you too, princess. Where is everyone?” I asked, limping towards the couch and grabbing the controller.
“I don’t remember saying I did, and stop calling me Princess, Kevin. I ain’t that little anymore. I am a lady.” She pouted in protest, coming to sit beside me.
Drama. “You see? This right here,” I moved my finger round her face like I was drawing a circle, “is why you will always be the cute little Brown princess, Lexie Brown. I think Sofia should come take notes from you.” I giggled, finally touching both her cheeks.
She knew better than to argue further. “You are insufferable. Thanks for the chocolates by the way.”
“Don't mention it.”
“Meanwhile, Dad and Mom are up in their room… they put up the ‘do not disturb’ sign on their door.” Lexie said, chuckling knowingly.
Our parents were way into their sixties, but they still behaved like teenagers in love. They enjoyed each other’s company, and displayed their affection anywhere and everywhere.
When I was much younger, it felt embarrassing and only made me want to barf every single time. But now… now I want something so deep and real with someone too… with Licia Michaels.
“I see…” I replied with a smile of my own.
“They’ll be down soon though. Lunch will be ready any moment.” She announced delightfully, “I already checked with the kitchen.”
“I'm quite famished.”
“Yeah, I heard the loud growl from your stomach some seconds ago.”
I knew she was teasing me. “Don’t you have anything better to do than be a thorn in my flesh?”
“Nope!”
I let out a cackle, “Fine, I have an idea. Wanna hear it?”
“Sure.”
“Let’s play NBA 2K24. No better way to return the favor, than beating you at your own game.”
“Wanna put your money where your mouth is?” Lexie challenged, already throwing me a controller.
***
My parents walked down the stairs, a few minutes into our game, arm in arm, like a couple attending a royal ball.
“I see you guys are enjoying yourselves…” My mom asserted, wearing her ever-radiant smile.
“Who’s winning?”
“Mom, Kevin is cheating. He is a fraud.” Lexie complained, tapping the buttons of the controller furiously.
“Easy, Lexie. I am gunning for a flawless victory.” I had won three rounds already, but she was still putting up a fight.
Mom tried being her advocate. “Son, go easy on her. You don’t need to prove a point.”
“I will, after I teach her a few lessons. Just to clip her wings a little bit.” I smiled mischievously.
“You two and your squabble. Kevin, when did you get back from the hospital?”
“Like thirty minutes ago, dad. I didn’t want to disrupt your… rest” I said. Lexie and I shared a mischievous look, stifling our laughter.
They took their seats and that was my cue to sign out of the game. They wanted to hear about the visit to the hospital.
“Lexie, I am done playing.” I dropped the controller and faced my parents.
“Agree that I won then?”
“Really? Or what will happen?”
“Or you play till the end.”
She knew I couldn’t play for longer, hence her insistence.
“If you quit, I win.”
I surrendered. “Fine, sore loser. You win. Whatever massages your ego.”
“I don’t care. I won.”
“Tell us then, how did your second appointment with Dr. Shepherd go?” My mom asked eagerly, relaxing into her husband’s arms.
“It went well. Apparently, I will be getting a nurse and a physiotherapist by Monday.” I explained calmly. I didn’t want to leave out any details.
“I’m not surprised. They are giving you extra care because you are a celebrity.” Lexie chipped in, not taking her eyes off the game.
“Lexie, that’s not how it works.” Mom countered, with a light laugh. “I have seen celebrities who were treated in the wards and normal people per se, who got home care. It just depends on the severity of one’s condition.”
“Exactly, Mom. He said I didn’t need to go to the hospital all the time. Being attended to by an individual nurse and physiotherapist would ensure continuity of care and help them track my progress faster… something like that, I don’t remember how he put it.”
“Well, whatever works, is okay with us. Even if the nurse has to come live here, it would not be a problem. I just need you to get well.”
My eyes lit up at that statement. Imagining Licia Michaels having to live under the same roof with me made my heart leap.
“Come to think of it, dad. Did you know Licia is a nurse at the hospital?” I readjusted my sitting position. I had strained my legs, so it was beginning to hurt.
“Licia? Licia?” He tried remembering. “Oh, Licia Michaels.”
“Your high school, love,” my mom teased.
“Yes. I ran into her yesterday.”
“I doubt it was a pleasant meeting.”
“You bet it wasn’t, but then guess the amazing part?” I wasn’t deterred by how my meeting with Licia had turned out.
Lexie was the one who got the gist, “she is the nurse assigned to you?” Her eyes glistened with excitement.
I snapped my fingers, “exactly.”
“Just like in the movies.”
“Wow, that’s quite something. So, she accepted to be your nurse?”
I knew why he was trying to double-check. It wasn't out of place to ask, given that Licia and I hadn’t said as much as a ‘hello’ in the last twelve years.
“Not yet, dad, but Dr. Shepherd will coordinate them. He’s the Chief.”
“I would love to see your girlfriend again.” Lexie cooed.
I let out a tired sigh. “Let’s see how it goes, Lexie. It’s one step at a time. She may already be married for all we know. Besides, she’s no longer my girlfriend… I don’t even know if we could ever even be friends again.”