The next few days are much of the same. Mika has kept his promise and I have no idea how he did it, but there have been no cameras shoved into my face in days and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve fallen into a comfortable routine with Mr. King and the funny thing is, I think I talk more to him than I have ever spoken to any patient. It’s as if I feel that I need to fill up the silence with conversation. When I can’t think of anything to talk about I read to him. Yesterday, I started reading him The Great Gatsby and I think he liked it. Obviously, he still doesn’t speak or really move, and maybe it’s my imagination but when I read to him, he seems less rigid…almost relaxed. I have looked over his medical records and history repeatedly. One of the things that stands out to me is that Mr. King has been here for ten years, in the same state he’s currently in. No improvement, but also no digression. There is no way that I have seen him before but I still have that nagging feeling in the back of my head. I hate it when I can’t remember something and it has been festering for days now.
Another interesting thing is that, as far as I can tell, Mr. King doesn’t receive many visitors at all—none since he has been in my care. There is also no next of kin noted in his medical record. Someone must be footing the bill for his treatment. This place is where the mega-rich go to heal and a facility like this carries a pretty hefty price tag. I catch up with my charting and when I’m done I continue to read the notes in the chart for a bit. When I look up from my computer and over at Mr. King, who is being worked over by his physical therapist Jasper, I can’t help but wonder about this mysterious man. I snap out of my thoughts when my phone vibrates inside my pocket. I smile when I see Mika’s name.
Mika - Are you thinking about me?
Always—I think to myself. I decide to tease him some.
Raeva - New phone, who is this?
I laugh at his reply.
Mika - It’s your friendly neighborhood Captain Caveman.
Raeva - LMAO! What are you wearing, Captain?
Mika - I could be wearing nothing…if you play your cards right.
Raeva - Um…yes please!
Mika - Are we staying at your place or mine tonight?
I’ve never been to Mika’s place before. Mika has stayed with me the last few nights.
Raeva - A little presumptuous, aren’t we?
I laugh as I hit send. I love to get him riled up.
Mika - You will be in my arms when I go to bed, THAT is a fact. I am just letting you pick WHERE the location of said bed is.
I roll my eyes and try to tell myself that I don’t love what he just said.
Raeva - Captain Caaaaaaaaaaveeemaaaaaaaaaan
Mika - Keep it up, Sweet Pea. If you’d like me to show you just how much of a caveman I can be, all you have to do is ask.
Good God, why is that so hot?
Raeva - Your place.
I don’t have to see him to know that he will be grinning from ear to ear when he opens that text.
Mika - Good girl. Sean will pick you up from work. X
I don’t bother replying. He has already won and we both know it. It’s almost time for lunch so I decide to call and order lunch for Mr. King. I walk into the living room area.
“How is it going guys?” I inquire.
Jasper looks up at me and smiles.
“Hey Rae, it’s going. I feel like he’s working with me a little today.”
I return his smile.
“That’s wonderful.”
Jasper is beaming at me. He’s actually pretty good-looking, not my type but I know Jill would eat him up. I take a few steps closer.
“I’m going to order you some lunch, Mr. King. From the look of Jasper, you must have worked up an appetite from the workout you’ve given him,” I say as I wink at Jasper.
He smirks back at me.
“Oh totally.” He straightens up as he stands and stretches. “You wore me out, Sam my man.”
I chuckle.
“I’ll better get on it then. It is meatloaf day, Mr. King. I know that you like that!”
I order his food while Jasper finishes up. When they are done, I help Jasper change Mr. King’s clothes. He is such a nice guy. He always goes out of his way to say hello and to make me feel welcome here at Hillcrest. He also works with Mikaela, so I’ve known him since I started here. By the time he says goodbye the kitchen staff is delivering lunch. I start to set up the lunch tray when in the corner of my eye I see movement. Biting the inside of my cheek I turn, but the only person in the room with me is Mr. King and he is sitting rigidly in his wheelchair.
“Hello?” I call out.
Nothing. It must be my imagination working overtime. I frown and then shake it off. Raeva Ray, stop acting like an idiot, I think to myself. I walk over to Mr. King and wheel him to the dining table.
“Ready to eat?”
I start to bring the spoon to his mouth when I notice that his eyes are following my movement. I pull the spoon back a little and his eyes follow once more.
“Mr. King?” I prompt. “Would you like a bite?”
He actually looks up at me, a blank look in his eyes, and nods. I mean his head went up, then down, once. Oh, screw it, the man freaking nodded at me!
“Oh my God,” I breathe. “Mr. King, this is so awesome,” I beam.
His eyes shift to the spoon that I am still holding. I offer him the spoon and hand it over when he reaches for it. To my absolute elation, he starts eating and I watch in pure amazement. I try to downplay my reaction by hiding my face behind my hand.
“Is it good, Mr. King?”
The spoon hovers in front of his mouth. He looks over at me and nods once. I search his eyes—still a blank stare. After a moment, he continues to eat. I watch him finish the whole plate, which is another first. He must have worked up an appetite this morning. It is a beautiful day today and it seems to me that a walk outside might be just what the doctor ordered. That reminds me to leave a message for Dr Samson, his attending. I place the call and then help him get properly dressed to go outside. I take him to the gorgeous backyard and we have strolled around for about twenty minutes when a nursing assistant comes running up the path. The poor thing is out of breath.
“Whoa Tammy, where is the fire?”
She is doubled over, trying to catch her breath.
“Hot…doctor…room…waiting…go,” she pants.
I chuckle at her description of Dr. Samson. She isn’t wrong, the man is gorgeous. Not Mika Kingsley gorgeous but let’s be honest, who is?
“I didn’t think he’d get here this soon.”
I smile at Tammy. She’s regained her composure and is trying to smooth out her unruly, but gorgeous, curly red hair.
“We will make our way back right away,” I assure her.
“Okay great.”
I walk back to Mr. King’s suite with a little pep in my step. When we get to the room Dr. Samson is pacing around the living room.
“Hello, Dr. Samson,” I say brightly.
He stops mid pace and looks at me.
“Oh.” He gives me a once-over. “Hello.”
I push the wheelchair further into the room.
“It is such a beautiful day out and I didn’t expect you here so soon. I apologize for not being here when you got here, Dr. Samson.”
He smiles.
“It’s not a big deal, I’ve only been here a few minutes. And you are right, it is a beautiful day for a walk. I can’t remember the last time someone has taken him to the garden.”
I pull the breaks on the wheelchair to secure it in place.
“Did your office tell you why I called?”
He nods.
“Yes, that is why I immediately came over. I would like to examine him.”
“Okay, I’ll be out there.” I point to where the computer is located. “If you need me I’ll be working on my charting and shift notes while you examine him.”
Dr. Samson wheels Mr. King into the bedroom and I walk over to the computer and fire up the computer so I can start my charting. When I finish all my charting and my shift notes Dr. Samson and Mr. King still haven’t emerged from the bedroom. I idly wonder what could possibly be taking this long. Dr. Samson must be very thorough. I check my phone and notice a text from Jill.
Jill - We NEED to talk.
I groan.
Raeva - About…?
Jill - Don’t play dumb with me. When will you be home?
I have no desire to hear her lecture me today.
Raeva - I’m not sure, maybe tomorrow. I will let you know.
Jill - K…and Rae? I FLOVE you.
That makes me smile.
Raeva - I FLOVE you too.
I have just pocketed my cell phone when the two of them emerge from the bedroom. I look expectantly at Dr. Samson.
“I can’t explain how this is happening after all these years but he seems to be improving rapidly. I will be back in a few days to check on his progress.”
My cheeks hurt from smiling so big.
“I am off the next couple days but I can’t wait to come back and see if any more progress has been made.”
He places his hand on my shoulder.
“Keep up the good work, Raeva.”
My eyes widen a bit. I had no idea that the man knew my name.
“Thank you, Dr. Samson,” I say with glee.
“I am going to check on some more of my patients,” he says as he strides out of the room.
He stops at the door.
“I’ll see you in a few days, Raeva.”
He winks and swaggers out of the room. If I didn’t know better, I would think Dr. Samson is flirting with me. I shake my head and scoff. I look at the clock and see that I better start getting ready for shift change.
* * *
I’m not even a little surprised when I find Sean already waiting for me in the lobby. I am happy to see him. I’ve grown attached to Sean and like him a lot. He seems to take really good care of Mika, and that endears him to me even more.
“Hello, Sean.”
Sean taps hit hat.
“Hello, Ms. Ray,” he says, smiling his pleasant smile.
He gestures for me to walk with him, which I do. He walks a few steps ahead and holds the door open for me.
“You don’t work for me, Sean. You don’t have to open doors for me and stuff.”
Sean wrinkles his nose.
“Ms. Ray, I work for Mr. Kingsley and thus I indirectly work for you. And even if that wasn’t the case, I would never let a lady open her own door.”
I can’t help but smile.
“Well Sean, let me thank you on behalf of the female population. Chivalry is not dead after all!” I say as I slap my hand on my chest for dramatic effect.
Sean smirks at me and shakes his head.
“We better get going, Ms. Ray. Mr. Kingsley is eager to see you.”
I feel a flush creep across my cheeks and I clear my throat. The car is parked right in front of the building, making our walk short and sweet. Sean opens the door for me yet again. Before he closes it he looks at me and smiles shyly.
“If you don’t mind me saying so, Ms. Ray, I am happy that Mr. Kingsley has found you. I’ve never seen him happy before and he’s a good man, he deserves to be happy.”
It is clear that he is a little choked up. I look at him and smile at him sincerely.
“Thank you, Sean. I am glad he has you around, too.”
That earns me a bright smile.
“Okay then,” he says as he tips his head.
“Okay then.”