I slowly open my eyes and see nothing but darkness. As I lift my hands and rub my eyes, I shudder in pain. Ouch! My shoulder really hurts. I forgot about it. I gently sit up, using one hand to shuffle myself back. Taking a deep breath, I look around, but I can’t seem to work out anything.



“Oh, you’re awake, Megan.” I hear a familiar voice in the background.

“Hi,” I say, looking around to see where the voice is coming from.

Suddenly, a little light comes on beside me.

“Oh, hey, Jake.” I pause. “What are you doing here?”

“Luke asked me to stay with you. Jenny is at his house with Warren. Luke is staying the night with Lucy in her room upstairs. She is in a private room and isn’t going to let anyone harm her. He didn’t want you to be alone.”

“What time is it?”

“Just after five in the morning.”

“What?” I exclaim.

“Hun, you fell asleep when they went to get some food. You have been out for the count since.”

“Oh, how is Lucy?”

“She is settled. They have moved her to the baby unit to keep a closer eye on her.”

I nod. “Thank you, Jake.”

“I think they took the tube out of her. At least, Luke said they were going to.”

“Oh, that’s great,” I say, smiling. “Do you think I can see her?”

“I’ll go and ask the nurse.”

I watch as Jake walks out of the room. I’m in a room now. When did this happen? I have walls, not curtains. I look around, seeing my bag on the floor on the other side. I swing my bare legs around. When did I get changed into one of these horrible backless hospital gowns? I dangle my legs off the bed, shuffle my bum forward, and reach my toes onto the floor. I lean forward, grabbing my bag and pulling it up.

“Hey, you be careful,” Jake says as he walks back into the room.

“I will.”

“They said you’ll have to wait to see Lucy. The doctor needs to see you first.”

“Oh, that’s crap.”

“I know. Can I get you anything?” he asks, standing beside the bed.

I shake my head. Going through my bag, I look for some underwear and clothes. I pull out a pair of leggings and a baggy green t-shirt. I can’t find any underwear, though. They must be in my other bag. This is really not my day. I push the bag towards the end of the bed.

“Do you know where the toilet is?”

“Yes, just outside your room.” He smiles, pointing at the door.

“Thank you.” I place my feet onto the floor and slowly stand, holding onto the little bedside table for support. My legs feel like jelly, but I don’t want to ask for help.

“Can I help you?” Jake asks, holding out his hand.

“Thank you.” I take hold of his farthest hand, letting his other hand wrap around my body to pull me closer to him for support.

“Take your time.”

“Hey, I have a kid. Time? You don’t have time when you need a wee.” I smile.

“So, I’ve heard, but I will get you there.”

He does what he says, helping me right into the bathroom.

“I’m just outside, Megan,” he says.

I quickly get dressed into the clothes I found. They will have to do. I swiftly brush my fingers through my hair. Trying to make myself look better, I reach over and grab a paper hand towel and wet it to give my face a quick wash.

“Is everything all right?” Jake asks.

“Yes, I’m nearly finished.” I flush the chain, slowly standing up and holding onto the handicap rail behind me.

“Ouch!” I cry as I fall onto my bum beside the toilet.

“Megan, are you okay?” Jake opens the door. I quickly pick up the hospital gown, pulling it over my legs.

“I’m fine, Jake.”

“You don’t look it,” he says, bending down beside me. “Do you need a hand?”

“Erm, no.” I glance down. “I haven’t covered my bits yet.”

Jake lets out a little titter. “I’ll turn around while you take care of everything. Then, I’ll help you up.”
Before I have a chance to say anything else, Jake is standing and facing the other way as he covers his face. I lift my bum and pull up my underwear.

“Thank you. I’m sorted.”

“Let’s get you up,” Jake says, helping me to my feet and back into the room.

“So, I need to know something about you. You’re here with me, and all I know is your name is Jake.”

“Jacob William Evans, but I prefer to be called Jake. I have worked with Luke for four years now.” He pauses. “I can’t think of anything else.”

“Anything at all? Favorite colour, car, anything. We have serious time to waste.”

We seem to spend hours just chatting and passing the time until Jake falls asleep in the chair. It gives me some time to myself. Time to relax and finally think.

“Good morning, Miss Madden,” a large man says as he walks into the room.

“Hi.”

“I’m Doctor Hugh. I have just come to check on you and discharge you. All your tests have come back fine, but you need to follow up with your doctor and have him keep an eye on you.”