Chapter 7 – A Moment of Your Time

News had spread quickly that Mike Bowden, the younger brother of James Bowden, leader singer of Power Station had been involved in a massive car accident. James and his entourage had entered the main doors of the emergency department and security was trying to keep press and fans out. Mike was still in surgery and Jackson, who had minor injuries, was being transferred to a ward.

My head had still been spinning with the information overload I had just received. Jackson didn’t want to let go of my hand, the fear for his friend evident in his eyes.

“Time to go Jackson” Nurse Grace said curtly as she re-entered the room.

“Is it ok if Lexi comes too?” Jackson pleaded, not bothering to check if this suited me.

“Yes, that’s fine... we need to move you now though.” and with that, she wheeled him out of Emergency into the waiting elevator.

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I checked my caller ID to see it was Matt calling me. I let it go to voice mail; I didn’t want to upset Nurse Grace any further. I felt it buzz again, this time a text.

- R U OK??? CALL ME

It had been so long since someone had worried about me, it was touching. I discreetly messaged back as we walked out of the elevator and into the hallway.

- I’m fine! Met up with an old friend.... we’re “catching up”

I lied... it was easier than telling the truth and I knew that Matt wouldn’t question me further.

Nurse Grace got Jackson settled into a private room, Jackson letting go of my hand only when forced too as his IV was adjusted.

“Jackson, I should probably go. You are ok now... You should really get some rest.” I used my most soothing tone of voice as I tried to free my hand from his vice-like grip. He shook his head, but I could see that the effects of the pain medication and sedatives were slowly taking over and he was losing control of his will to stay awake. I patiently waited until his eyes were shut before placing his now relaxed hand on the bed.

“Are you Lexi?” a foreign voice asked from the doorway. I KNEW that voice, it had sung to me (or so I liked to imagine) so many times before and here it was calling my name, like some strange dream.

My voice nodded a little as I responded, “I am” not entirely sure what the protocol was when you were having an impromptu conversation with one of your idols.

“I’m James. I would like to speak to you if I can have few moments of your time.” Seriously? Did James Bowden just ask me for a few moments of MY time?? How tired was I?? Perhaps I’d started hallucinating.

“Sure” I mumbled and followed as he left the room.

He led me into the ICU waiting room. It was empty except for his security and with a nod of his head, they left too. He slumped into a tired looking hospital couch and motioned for me to sit. I perched nervously opposite him on one of the most uncomfortable arm chairs I’ve ever had the misfortune of sitting in. He said nothing for a minute, he just stared at me. He held his head in his hands, his eyes blood shot from lack of sleep or excessive worry (possibly both) his mouth trembled as he attempted to speak. I had been mistaken, this was not the James Bowden I had seen on stage, this was a man who was faced with a crisis and was in fear for the life of his younger brother.

I got up and walked over to the Coke machine. He studied me curiously as I moved around the room. I fumbled with change and the machine spat out two icy cold Cokes. I handed him a can and sat beside him. “Drink” I commanded.

His eyes searched mine for answers “Drink. When you go into shock your insulin drops. Trust me, you’ll feel better.” I cracked open mine and took a sip. As if given permission, he did the same, savouring the mouthful.

I took a deep breath, breaking the silence. “I know you must have a lot of questions, but I really don’t have a lot of answers... I’m sorry, but I will answer what I can.”

His eyes were tormented “You’re covered in blood, is it Mike’s?” he finally asked. I looked down at my blood splattered clothes, my jacket gaped open at the top to reveal my blood stained bra. I became self conscious about the fact I wasn’t wearing a shirt.

“Yes, he had a deep cut to his thigh. I used my t-shirt to stop the bleeding” It partly explained the blood and more importantly let him know that I wasn’t some lunatic who chose to drive around in a bra at 4 in the morning.

“What you did for him... what you did... saved his life.” The words jutted from his throat hoarsely. “I don’t know how to thank you. I don’t know what to say... I want to thank you… I’ll give you anything you want, just ask... I am just so grateful.” His eyes brimmed with tears.

“Hey, it’s okay.” I put my hand on his leg in reassurance, “I was just glad I could help, it’s been a while since I did first aid... I’m just glad I was there” He moved his arms around me and pulled me into an embrace. I silently absorbed the moment, fatigue washing over me as I smelt the rustiness of the blood emanating from my skin. “Have you seen him, is he out of surgery yet?” I asked as I pulled away.

“Yeah, he sustained a deep cut to his femoral artery, they have repaired it to stop the bleeding. He has concussion but the air bag saved his head so there’s no swelling in the brain. He has some broken ribs, and a break to his collar bone and his arm but he’ll live. They have him sedated in ICU for now” James indicated toward the door. “I was serious when I said I would give you anything” he whispered “I have...” he paused “...a lot of money” he hesitated.

“I know who you are James. In fact... I’m actually a fan.” I smiled “I don’t want anything, I don’t need anything. Beside, you are just a guy whose brother was injured in a car accident. We are just having a normal conversation... I’m not going to try and take advantage of the situation.” I wanted him to believe me.

“Why?” He looked at me confused.

“Because that isn’t the sort of person I am,” I continued “I didn’t know Mike was your brother when I pulled him out the car, so it makes no difference now.”

He looked at me, pleading. “Surely there is something you want, something I can give you?”

“I want a shower, some clean clothes and a bed... Not necessarily in that order.” I sighed, running my hands through my hair. Until that exact moment, I hadn’t realised how exhausted I really was.

“I can give you my shirt,” he smiled.

“Ahh... thanks but no... I don’t want to be responsible for the riot that’s caused when you walk out of here shirtless.” I was almost too tired to grin at the thought.

“Oh yeah... them” he breathed, knowing there were hordes of screaming fans waiting outside for when he finally made his exit. I felt a bit sorry for him; he seemed so embarrassed about the attention.

“You can’t help the way people react to you, especially women... Don’t beat yourself up.” I tried to comfort him.

“Obviously not all women.” He eyed me curiously.

“HA!” I chuckled “Well don’t get me wrong James, you are super hot and you have an ass I could bounce coins off all day but no, I don’t want to sleep with you.” My lips twisted into a very tired smile. James looked at me and laughed.

“Wow, that is the strangest thing anyone has ever said to me... and trust me, I’ve heard some strange shit. You are certainly not like anyone I’ve ever met.” And clearly he liked that as he smiled his megawatt smile that most women in the world were familiar with.

“Lucky for you and the rest of the human race there is only one of me” I concluded. “I should really go, I’m supposed to be at work in ...” I paused and glanced at my watch “FUCK......30 minutes. Crap.... I need to go.”

James pulled me into a hug again and kissed me gently on my forehead. “You want me to call your boss? I can explain for you.” I shook my head. No, I would handle this. “Can I at least get you a ride? My driver is outside... he will take you anywhere you want to go.”

“I have my car. I’m fine, but thanks” I responded. I paused before continuing. “I don’t think it was Jackson’s fault you know...” I couldn’t help worrying about the fate of the man who had recently been clinging to my hand. James looked at me as if willing me to go on. “It was raining really heavily, the light changed red and they slid. He lost control of the car, it wasn’t ‘cause he was going fast... there was water on the road... there was no way he could have controlled it. He’s scared you know... his sole concern was your brother.” James looked at me slightly irritated.

“Jackson is the drummer of our support act, though I’m fairly sure we’ll have to re-evaluate that now seeing as he isn’t going to be able to play. They’ve been with us since the tour started up north in Brisbane. Mike helps me on tour, it’s nice to have family around and, you know, have someone I truly trust take care of things for me. Jacks and Mike hit it off; they are both the same age... single... Because Jacks is from Melbourne he want to show Mike around. I told them not to go out. I told them to rest up for the show.” Agitation bit into his voice.

“It was an accident James, no one is to blame... sometimes shit just happens” my voice was calm and level.

“Jacks is a good kid” he said after a moment, nodding as if satisfying himself about a former judgement being correct. “As is Mike... they just need to know they aren’t bullet proof.” Wasn’t that the truth.

“Well I think they’ve learnt that lesson, but now... I really have to go... Goodbye James.” I kissed him on the cheek.

“Bye Lexi, if there is ever anything I can do... just ask, I won’t ever forget this.” His eyes tried to convey his gratitude.

I felt my phone vibrate as I shut the door. I pulled it from my pocket; it was 9 am and I was almost out of battery.

- I assume you’ve slept in. Its fine- you deserve the day off. You pulled off a miracle! Client is ecstatic and I can’t thank you enough for taking the reins on this one. You are a superstar and yes you can have your bonus. See you Monday. Kate x

It seemed everyone was feeling thankful toward me today, which was a real turn of events! I pushed the phone back into my pocket and went to retrieve my car. No one noticed me leave the hospital; I was nobody to them. They were trying to catch a glimpse of James. I giggled as I walked to my Civic, clearly delirium had set in.

My car seemed to drive itself to my apartment. Matt was at work so I didn’t have to answer any questions. I stripped off my clothes and underwear at the door and walked to my bathroom, naked. I turned on the shower as hot as I could stand it and sat at the bottom of the stall, letting the water wash over me. Streams of red poured off my skin and down the drain. I washed my hair and body still sitting, unable to find the energy to stand and then I turned off the taps. I pulled a towel over me and crawled to my bedroom. I didn’t even bother drying my hair; I just crawled into bed, my still wet body sticking to the sheets. Sleep... that was all I could think of. I closed my eyes and everything faded to black.